August 26, 2016 by Loyola Maroon

M THE GREAT Loyola University • New Orleans • Volume 95 • Issue 1

THE MAROON

AUGUST 26, 2016

Loyola student organizations provide relief to flood victims By R. Gage Counts rgcounts@loyno.edu @countsingsheep

Photo Courtesy of AP Exchange / Design by Naasha Dotiwala

This aerial image shows flooded areas in Denham Springs, Louisiana, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says more than 1,000 people in south Louisiana have been rescued from homes, vehicles and even clinging to trees as a slow-moving storm hammers the state with flooding.

By Haley Pegg hapegg@loyno.edu

Michele Ellis, nursing professor, awoke Sunday morning to the sound of helicopters and an airboat rescuing neighbors on her flooded street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ellis has been a nursing professor for 12 years, and will be starting her first semester teaching at Loyola this fall. The home she shares with her husband was covered in about eight inches of water in the floods. The subdivision in which Ellis lives had never flooded before. “People are holding up. There’s nothing more you can do,” Ellis said. In some of the most devastating flooding in Louisiana history, some civilians have lost everything. The floods killed at least 13 people and damaged at least 40,000 homes. Within 48 hours, up to two feet of rain had covered areas of southern Louisiana. 106,000 people have registered for federal disaster aid at this point. Warren Hebert, nursing profes-

sor, said he is also dealing with the yourself. Some are better at that aftermath of the flood. Hebert is also than others,” Hebert said. The Red Cross has launched a a new professor at Loyola, living in Lafayette. He hosts a radio program massive relief operation in Louisicalled Family Caregiving, focusing ana, estimated to cost at least $30 on the needs of people who care for million. Patrick Pannett, a Red Cross family members with disabilities, spokesperson, said aid from outside illnesses, injury and elderly parents. sources is crucial for mending the He dedicated a show last week to the disaster. According to Pannett, Red topic of flood preparedness in the Cross has sheltered between seven and 11 thousand people each night aftermath of his situation. Hebert said his home was not at 36 shelters since the flooding began. This badly damaged in number has the flood, but may “People are holding up. been declinstill require mainte- There's nothing more you ing. Pannett nance. Driving home said a main from New Orleans on can do.” reason the Saturday afternoon, floods have he said he found — Michele Ellis caused so himself trapped be- Flood victim and Loyola professor much damtween two bodies age is beof water on a rural highway. He planned to sleep in his cause the water is unusually dynamvehicle, but was rescued by first re- ic. As the water recedes, it moves to sponders in a National Guard truck. other areas. Pannett said this is why He left his vehicle on the highway, homes have continued to flood even spent the night at a friend’s house after the rain lightened up. According to him, people are unaware of and got home the next morning. “The first thing for recovery is the extent of the flood's damage betrying to collect your thoughts and cause there is not enough attention

from the national media. “The single most important job we can do is to bring the resources to the table and bring national attention to the area. We’re going to continue to tell the story and make sure the rest of the country knows,” Pannett said in a phone interview from Washington. Ellis said that regardless of the situation, she tries to remain positive. Friends and volunteers have been generous in helping her and her husband. She said in the midst of a situation where some have died and some have become homeless, she is grateful for what she has. “Sometimes you feel the hand of God really close to you. I’m feeling that love now because everything we need has been provided in some shape or form… I feel like we’re so blessed,” Ellis said. Anyone can donate to the flood relief effort by visiting RedCross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.

LOYOLAMAROON.COM • FB.COM/THELOYOLAMAROON • @LOYOLA_MAROON

While some students were moving into the dorms, others were cleaning debris out of the homes of flood victims in south Louisiana. As a result of the flood starting in mid-August, Louisianians have united together to support those affected by the flooding. Loyola's men's basketball team spent part of their day Aug. 20 in Denham Springs rebuilding areas affected by the flooding, according to the Loyola Wolf Pack Athletics Facebook page. Stacy Holloway, head coach, described the devastation the team saw as heartbreaking. “Our guys were definitely moved by the amount of destruction and went to work helping clean up,” he said on the page. WWL reported that 90 percent of homes in Denham Springs took on water during the flooding. Loyola's chapter of Chi Alpha, a Christian service organization, traveled to Baton Rouge to assist in the clean-up of the Faith A/G Worship Center on the same day. “It was really a pleasure to be able to serve the church. Having grown up in church, it's really unbelievable to see the devastation of losing everything, and it's unimaginable to know that the place you may have gone to worship is completely gone,” said Joshua Byrd, A'16 and member of Chi Alpha. Byrd and 10 others from Chi Alpha assisted in the clean-up. Loyola's Student Government Association is currently planning relief efforts with the Office of Mission and Ministry, according to Elisa Diaz, SGA president. A potentional option is for Loyola to become a Red Cross drop off location, Diaz said. The Office of Mission and Ministry is also helping out victims of the flooding by collecting donations outside the Ignatius Chapel. Those donations will be sent to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which will distribute the donations to bishops in affected areas, according to a letter circulated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond.

August 26, 2016

THE MAROON

AIB

CRIME MAP AV E ST LE VIL SH NA

WAY ST BROAD

LA LOYO

E TULAN

ST. CHARLES AVE

T NS SO FER

FRERET ST

JEF

S. CARROLLTON AVE

AV E

BON AUDURK PA

E ST

IN MAGAZ STAFF

Assistant Editor: Caleb Beck Design Assistant: Zoë Heimbrock Social Media Coordinator: Sidney Holmes Staff Writers and Photographers: Caleb Beck, Brian Wollitz, Caroline Gonzalez, Davis Walden, Kameron Hay, Cierra Johnson, Ellen McCusker, Talia Bowles, Gabriel Garza, Taylor Ford, Maya Pescatore, India Yarborough Sales Manager: Carrie Ledlow Business Manager: Emily McLaney Distribution Manager: Starlight Williams

Art Director: Naasha Dotiwala Sales Representatives: Mason Chang Adviser: Michael Giusti

CONTACT US Main Office (504) 865-3535 Business Office/Advertising (504) 865-3536 Adviser’s Office (504) 865-3295 Correspondence maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the editor letter@loyno.edu Advertising ads@loyno.edu Website www.loyolamaroon.com

Twitter @loyola_maroon Facebook The Maroon @loyola_maroon Instagram Our office is in the Communications/Music Complex, Room 328. Send mail to: The Maroon, Loyola University, Campus Box 64, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 The Maroon is published every Friday. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by The Maroon. All rights reserved. First copy free to students, faculty and staff. Every additional copy is

DUI Palmer Avenue/ S Prieur Street

Aug 17

2:04 a.m.

Sexual Battery 900 Block of Calhoun Street

Aug 17

4:24 p.m.

Vehicle Break-In 2200 Block of Nashville Street

Aug 18

8:47 a.m.

Armed Robbery 1000 Block of Lowerline Street

Aug 18

11:03 p.m.

Shoplifting 7100 Block of St. Charles Avenue

Aug 19

10:20 a.m.

Aggravated Rape 2800 Block of Calhoun Street

Aug 19

4:55 p.m.

Assault 7100 Block of Zimpel Street

Aug 20

12:25 p.m.

Auto Theft 7300 Block of Maple Street

Aug 21

3:23 p.m.

Drug Violation 4600 Block of Clara Street

Aug 22

9:13 p.m.

Aggravated Rape 6800 Block of Willow Street

Aug 23

11:20 a.m.

Aggravated Rape 900 Block of Calhoun Street

Aug 23

5:00 p.m.

$1.00. The Maroon is printed on 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

news

August 26, 2016 The Maroon

Orleans Room undergoes renovation

NICHOLAS MOREA / The Maroon

Loyola students eat in the newly renovated Orleans Room, now featuring six food stations, new seating options and a centrally located drinks and desserts bar. The cafeteria, located in the Danna Student Center, is open 7-10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

news brief New diversity office launches website In an effort to make sure all members of the Loyola community feel welcome, new diversity strategies and initiatives have been created to further promote the university’s mission. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is a new initiative that will create an inclusive learning and work environment through teaching, research, creative activities and service. It launched a website outlining its mission Aug. 8. Much like the university’s mission statement, the new office will further ensure that Loyola will be a place where all students, staff, faculty and guests feel welcome, inspired and included, the website said. Goals for the office include creating an inclusive learning and work environment as well as a more supportive retention strategy for students of color. The office will also serve as a safe space for students and other organizations to be supported and let their voices be heard.

Teachers become students again in new master’s degree program By India Yarborough iayarbor@loyno.edu @iayarbor

A new group of students joins the Loyola family this semester: those pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Teaching. Loyola University New Orleans debuted its new graduate degree program at the start of the semester, offering one course taught by Jane Chauvin, director of teacher certification. Upon completion of the program’s coursework, graduates will receive both a teaching certification at the secondary level and a master’s degree in teaching. “MAT is a graduate level degree. Teacher certification is a credential which allows you to teach. You get both with our program,” Chauvin

said. The new program will not affect the roughly 30 undergraduate students currently pursuing a teacher certification, as potential students may only apply for the master’s program if they lack teacher certification. About 40 percent of classes in the program will take place online, and students could earn a degree in four semesters by completing nine hours each semester. Loyola professors will teach most courses, but Chauvin said the school may hire adjunct professors depending on the course and a professor’s expertise. According to Maria Calzada, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, five teachers have enrolled in the program’s inaugural course. “Really the program will start in the spring semester,” Calzada said.

JANE CHAUVIN Director of teacher certification

MARIA CALZADA Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

“With very little PR, we already have five people listed, so I will not be surprised if we get 15 or 20 in January.” Ryan Burgess A’12 is one of the five students enrolled in the program’s first course. “Honestly, I am just excited to begin learning again,” Burgess said. “I have been getting plenty of job training as a teacher for the past

four years, but I’m excited to learn and ask questions from experienced educators.” Burgess applied for the master’s program in June, with hopes of enrolling in the fall 2016 semester and completing courses while teaching at the French immersion school Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle-Orleans. She heard of the program through her husband, who works in Monroe Library and as a Loyola instructor. “It’ll be a balancing act going back to school,” Burgess said. “But I feel so passionately about my decision to do so. The fact that many of the courses are online is a huge bonus. It allows me to work when I can, which is often late at night after my child is asleep and my grading is all done. “The courses that are in person

are all scheduled so that those of us with full-time jobs can attend without missing work,” she added. “It’s really beautiful how the program is set up to fit realistic schedules.” Calzada stressed the importance of Loyola’s implementation of the graduate program. “This program is deeply rooted in our mission as a Catholic, Jesuit institution in a way that extends to our community,” Calzada said. “We will be preparing high school teachers in grades 6-12 to go into the New Orleans community to prepare our future generations.” On-campus classes and Loyola’s ability to supervise internships limit the applicant pool, but Calzada expects the MAT program to thrive. “As the program grows and we have more students, we expect we will grow as needed,” Calzada said.

Krewe Leaders help first year students bond with the pack at New Student Orientation By Nicholas Morea nbmorea@loyno.edu @nick_morea

First year students won’t have much trouble adjusting to Loyola this year thanks to New Student Orientation. This summer, students were split into 13 different krewes, allowing for more individualized orientation sessions. Each summer, three orientation sessions take place throughout June and July, and in August, Loyola offers a special orientation catering to transfer and international students. However, new students can attended that orientation, as well. Each session lasts roughly three days. Krewe leaders run the show at orientation. The select group of students helps new students get acclimated to Loyola’s campus and college living. Benjamin Weil, a music industry junior, transfered to Loyola last year and this summer ran a krewe of his

own at the new student orientation sessions. “I see it from the perspective of the Krewe Leader side compared to what I saw as a transfer student last year. There were more krewes this year, which allowed for more individual interaction,” said Weil. Weil said new students are intimidated when they first arrive on campus and explained how Krewe Leaders helped the students adjust. “When we broke down the wall of fear, we presented ourselves [not] as Krewe Leaders, but as their peers. We come across as their classmates and friends rather than staff.” Weil also stated that he felt this year’s Krewe Leaders did best. “We showed up as the most hyped anyone has ever been. We’re on more than 110 percent. That energy lets the new students feel more comfortable with being social and having a good time.” Krewe Leader Coordinator and psychology senior Nydia Araya has

been involved with Loyola orientation for three years, and now has a new role managing the 2016 Krewe leaders. “I have participated as an orientation leader, or Krewe Leader, for three years now, and after each experience I am always in awe of how much the first years and new students transform in the short three days they attend orientation, Araya said. “They truly blossom and grow to love Loyola wholeheartedly. It makes it all worthwhile.” Araya explained that orientation coordinators this year opted to alter some of its more traditional policies. “We adjusted the education sessions so that new students could attend sessions that appeal to their special interests,” she said. “These special interest options included student involvement, Mission and Ministry and study abroad.” Araya pointed out other activities, including late night events, an ice cream and snowball social with

NICHOLAS MOREA / The Maroon

A freshman orientation group raises its Wolf Pack signs at Airline Skate Center during summer 2016. Nighttime outings are a main feature of Loyola’s orientation sessions.

the Student Government Association and a lunch with faculty, were also conducted. Araya said new students enjoyed the events. “The students absolutely loved the new outdoor, late night Cookout

on the Quad. They eagerly participated in several rounds of dodgeball and tug-of-war. They all seemed eager to get involved in the Loyola community and to study abroad.”

WORLDVIEW

August 26, 2016 The Maroon

Katrina commemorations fade out By Sidney Holmes smholmes@loyno.edu @sidneymajee

As the city of New Orleans comes up on the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it is not being met with as much attention as it was a year ago. When the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina happened, there were many events all over the city for people to acknowledge the milestone, but as another year passes, the Katrina commemorations have decreased significantly. Shawn Kelly, sociology senior, said this is because both the city of New Orleans and the people of New Orleans have changed. “New Orleans is so much different, and I’m so different,” Kelly said. Kelly said that the remains of Katrina can still be seen in the city, but the city has been able to rebuild and come back. Although the city has changed since Katrina, some still feel it is necessary to look back on the anniversary. One of the few events that continues to commemorate the anniversary is Katrina Artistically Revisited, which is an event that gives people a chance to remember the tragedy through art. Patty Lee and Armand St. Martin have been producing Katrina Artistically Revisited since the first anniversary of the hurricane. Lee said that they put on the event to let people tell their stories. Lee said that the event started as a small two hour event in 2006 with a handful of singers, but eventually grew into a major 12 hour event with many musicians, films and over 1,000 attendees. Lee said that she and St. Martin

are only able to continually put on this event because of support from the community. For the 10th Katrina Artistically Revisited, two full-length documentaries were featured. “The Big Uneasy” and “Big Charity” gave different takes on the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Lee said that both films will be shown again this year. “The Big Uneasy” follows two scientific investigation teams and a whistleblower as they try to discover what actually caused the flooding. Director Harry Shearer said that he made the documentary to show people how the events of Katrina unfolded. Shearer said that he still shows his film about Katrina wherever and whenever he can because people are still battling the turmoil of natural disasters like the floods in Baton Rouge and he wants people to know how they are actually affected. “I had to do more to get the information out as to what truly caused the near-drowning of a unique American city,” Shearer said. Shearer said he made this documentary differently from the mockumentaries that he is known for. He said he took himself out of it so that the story could be told by the people who knew it best. As for today, Shearer said that the people of New Orleans want to move past the events of Hurricane Katrina, like Kelly who said that he doesn’t really think about the storm anymore. Kelly said his experience during the storm was one of panic and frustration. He said the only time he tells his story is when the anniversary comes around. “I think I’ve told my story so much that it just ceases to hurt anymore and it just becomes words to me,” Kelly said.

The Maroon

Scenes of abandoned appliances, like this one featured on The Wolf cover in 2006, were commonplace in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

He said his family chose not to evacuate because they didn’t know what the storm would bring. “We honestly didn’t think or maybe we didn’t want to believe the storm was going to be that bad,” Kelly said. Despite their hopes, Kelly’s family lost their home in the storm, just like many other families around the city. Lee said that the people of New Orleans questioned whether the city would ever be the same. “Nobody was sure there would even be a City of New Orleans,”

Lee said. On the upcoming 11th anniversary, people are again reminded of the effects of flooding in Louisiana. “Seeing the images of people losing everything and having to be rescued brought back painful memories,” said Kelly. Kelly said that the Baton Rouge floods bring back more memories about Katrina than the anniversary itself. “Whenever the anniversary comes around, I just feel sad but reassured that I made it,” Kelly said.

Pikachu statue disappears overnight By Caleb Beck cmbeck@loyno.edu @eclecticprawn

A mysterious sculpture of an iconic Pokemon creature became a local sensation in the Garden District, only to be removed by its anonymous makers without warning two weeks later. Lower Garden District residents were confounded early July 31 after finding that an imposing statue of the franchise mascot Pikachu had appeared overnight in Coliseum Square near the intersection of Terpsichore and Prytania, fitting perfectly in a defunct fountain. The statue, which was made of a fiberglass that resembled bronze, arrived as an homage to the augmented reality phenomenon Pokemon Go, an app that peaked at over 25 million users in mid-July. Pikachu is one of the most sought-after creatures in the game, encouraging players to traverse outdoors to hunt Pokemon on their phone screens. The creators of the statue remain completely unknown, leaving behind nothing but the hashtag #pokemonument by the statue, which attracted fans from all over the city to the installation when the tag became a trending topic on social media.

Although the statue was not sanctioned for the park, the Coliseum Square Association was more than happy to have the “stealth sculpture” become a local attraction. Karon Reese, vice president of the association, noted the installation was a welcome addition to the community. “The neighborhood has been treated with the presence of a new, whimsical statue that has brought fans and families to visit our district from all over the country,” Reese said. While many fans and neighbors responded positively to the statue, posting pictures of themselves smiling with the defiant Pikachu, not everyone in the city responded warmly to the mascot’s presence. A day after its appearance (Aug. 1), an Instagram user captured video of a woman attacking the statue at night with what appeared to be a baseball bat. Structural damage was reported to Pikachu’s tail. On Aug. 5, graffiti was found on the statue’s body, which was promptly removed. Not due to the vandalism, however, was the statue’s disappearance from its stead. The Pikachu vanished from Coliseum Square Aug. 14, left with the hashtag #pokegone. A square barcode found by the statue linked to a statement from

the artists revealing that the statue was never meant to be a permanent installation. The statement announced that the statue will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be donated to The Coliseum Square Association to restore local green spaces and fountains in the Lower Garden District. Metairie resident Spencer Hogue visited the statue the day before it was taken down, and explained that he was sad to see Pikachu leave, but was even more impressed that the artists wanted to elevate their installation from a prank to a positive community donation. “Like everyone, I loved visiting and posing with the Pikachu while the Pokemon fever is at an all-time high. It’s a shame that the sculpture won’t be around anymore, but I think it’s remarkable that the artists had a real initiative and appreciation for the location they used. I’d love to see something similar take off within the city, but I don’t know if we will ever see something take off like that again,” Hogue said. The artists noted that they were stunned by the response the statue received, and hoped their work will make a tangible impact on the community. “Public sculpture, whether sanctioned or not, has the potential to transform and energize community

spaces. When we stuck a Pikachu statue into the middle of a dry fountain on Terpsichore Street, we could not have imagined that it would attract so much attention, that the momentum would carry its image around the world,” the artists said in a statement. The Neal Auction Company will auction the fiberglass Pikachu statue on Sept. 25 with all the proceeds benefitting the Lower Garden District Parks and Foundations Fund.

NICK REIMANN/ The Maroon

Children approach the Pikachu statue in the Lower Garden District. The statue disappeared two weeks after it mysteriously appeared.

worldview briefs Deadly earthquake strikes central Italy ROME (AP) — Rescue crews using bulldozers and their bare hands raced to dig out survivors from a strong earthquake that reduced three central Italian towns to rubble Wednesday. The death toll stood at 159, but the number of dead and missing was uncertain given the thousands of vacationers in the area for summer’s final days. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck central Italy early Wednesday, levelling buildings in several towns as residents slept. The mayor of hard-hit Amatrice said: “The town isn’t here anymore.” The quake struck just after 3:30 a.m. and was felt across a broad section of central Italy, including the capital Rome where people in homes in the historic center felt a long swaying followed by aftershocks. First images of damage showed debris in the street and some collapsed buildings in towns and villages that dot much of the Umbrian countryside. Among the victims of an earthquake in Italy was an 18-month-old girl whose mother survived the deadly earthquake of 2009 in nearby L’Aquila and moved away from there after that experience. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center put the magnitude at 6.1. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 6.2 with the epicenter at Norcia, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) northwest of Rome, and with a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The hardest-hit towns were reported as Amatrice, Accumoli and Norcia. The mayor of Amatrice near Rieti, Sergio Pirozzi, told state-run RAI radio and Sky TG24 that residents were buried under collapsed buildings, that the lights had gone out and that heavy equipment was needed to clear streets covered with debris. In 2009, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the same region and killed more than 300 people. The earlier earthquake struck L’Aquila in central Italy, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of the latest quake.

Tropics become more active as August arrives The National Hurricane Center is giving a tropical wave located east of Puerto Rico an 80 percent chance of developing over the next five days, as of Aug. 24. The disturbance, designated “Invest 99L,” is expected to strengthen as it moves to the west-northwest. Computer guidance models are split over where the system will go next, with about an even split as to whether it will curve to the north and impact Florida and the east coast or continue into the Gulf of Mexico. Another system currently active is Tropical Storm Gaston, located about midway across the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before curving out to sea, and looks highly unlikely to impact the United States directly. Thus far 2016 has only seen seven named storms. The most recent forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 12 to 17 named storms for this season. Invest 99L will be named Hermine if it develops.

THE MAROON

August 26, 2016

C R O S S W O R D

ACROSS

1. Actress Paquin 5.“Murder, __ Wrote” 8. “The __”; talk show for Whoopi 9. “Mea __”; admission of guilt 12. Bicyclist Armstrong 13. Popular prime-time soap opera 14. DEFG followers 15. Actor Harmon 16. Tamera Mowry’s twin 18. Ending for pay or Motor 19. Lion’s neck hair 20. Actor Neeson 21. “That Was the __ That Was”; David Frost political satire series 23. Boy on “The Partridge Family” 24. Up to the task 25. Silent film actress Theda 26. Gilbert and Rue 28. Actor Sandler 29. Like a bloody horror movie 30. Skillets 32. Paul’s cousin on “Mad About You” 35. Prefix for cycle or angle 36. Very dry 37. “The __ Campbell Goodtime Hour” 38. Leo G. Carroll series of early TV 40. “The Life of __”; William Bendix sitcom 41. Zodiac sign 42. “Rock of __”; Alec Baldwin movie 43. Suffix for heir or host 44. Grow weary

DOWN

1. To no __; ineffectively 2. “American __”; action game show 3. Least-popular piece of chicken

4. Feeling of wonderment 5. “Let’s __ Jessica to Death”; Zohra Lampert horror movie 6. “The Incredible __” 7. Perpendicular building wing 10. Actress on “Madam Secretary” 11. Thai or Japanese 12. JFK’s assassin 13. Role on “Roseanne” 15. “Let’s __ a Deal” 17. Mom on “Little People, Big World” 19. Diner where Alice worked 20. Dr. Zhivago’s love 22. Auction lover’s site 23. “My Two __” 25. “Making the __”; reality series 26. “__. Pepper’s Lonely

SUDOKU

Hearts Club Band” 27. Vital blood vessel 30. “Meet the __” 31. “Up in the __”; George Clooney movie 33. “Touched by an Angel” actress 34. “__ Given Sunday”; Pacino film 36. “Planet of the __” 37. Leslie Caron Oscarwinning film 39. “American __”; Jason Biggs film 40. Long-tailed rodent

For the weekly puzzle answers, download our app!

Are you... Teaching without certification? looking for a new career in education? seeking an affordable program to prepare for teacher certification and get a Masters degree at the same time? Look no further than

MASTER f o t r a the

g n i h c tea

Loyola Maroon ad 10.25x 7.indd 1

Uptown

s. New Orlean

Loyola’s NEW Master of Arts in Teaching is for working professionals to further their careers in education. Convenient. Affordable. Invaluable. Enroll Now!

loyno.edu/MAT (504) 864-3081 8/19/16 9:21 AM

Life &Times

August 26, 2016 The Maroon

Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife

Crescent City Comics hosts sidewalk sale and summer party

LIFE AND TIMES briefs Acclaimed documentary to kick-off First Year Common Experience To tie-in the First Year Experience theme of food justice and environmental activisim this year, Roussel Hall will be hosting a screening of the award-winning documentary “Can You Dig This.” Sunday Aug. 28. Executive produced by John Legend, the film follows the stories of four gardeners in South Los Angeles who restore their neighborhoods with fresh foliage. The event is open only to members of the Loyola community; a Loyola student ID is required for admission.

Krewe of OAK celebrates Mid-Summer Mardi Gras Courtesy of Derrick Wells

Michael Ho looks through some of the manga included in Crescent City Comics’ sidewalk sale for $3. The sidewalk sale began at the store’s opening at11 a.m. and lasted until 6 p.m., but Crescent City Comics left out some of their sidewalk sale material during their welcome back party for an employee. The party featured a sale on all items in the store.

By Caleb Beck cmbeck@loyno.edu @eclecticprawn

A Louisiana summer shower forced superhero t-shirt clad fans to continue their sidewalk sale inside Crescent City Comics, starting a rush that lasted well into the night. A dedicated pack of comic fanatics and close friends flocked to the flagship Crescent City Comics Calhoun store, located on 3135 Calhoun St., on Aug. 13 to partake in a day-long celebration sale and welcome back an old friend and employee, Zachary Evans. Crescent City Comics began the festivities by hosting a sale at 11 a.m. that offered some out-of-print and slightly damaged graphic novels at low prices, as well as discontinued and back-issue comics at fifty cents. In addition, the store offered 10 percent off everything in the store at 6

p.m. The sale helped to put a sizable dent in the store’s dense backlog of storage, and customers walked out with stacks of forgotten issues and rare finds. One customer showed his support by purchasing over six hundred back issues for himself and his children. Crescent City Comics owner Les Arceneaux said that the day sale was not difficult to organize and was very exciting to see come together. Former employee Zachary Evans used to manage the store’s Twitter page. “Zach told us he was coming back into town, and he joked that we should throw him a party, so we decided why not? We haven’t had an event like that in a while, so it made perfect sense and came at the right time,” he said. Upon entering the shop, it’s staggering to see how many different genres and stories are available un-

der the umbrella of comic books, encompassing far more than just Marvel and DC Comics’ latest. Superhero lore today shares equal shelf space in the store with a fandom that finds a crossroads between all manner of science fiction, serialized dramas, merchandise and licensed adaptations. Employee Richard O’Brien A’16 explained that the relatively new Calhoun Street location acts as a sister shop to the one found on Freret Street, and both storefronts offer different things to comic fans. “Moving to a new location has given us much more room to archive releases, so a dedicated, hardcore audience can come to Calhoun Street to find their latest issues and trade paperbacks, while still being able to find a range of collectibles and memorabilia at the Freret store,” O’Brien said. When explaining the objective of Crescent City Comics, Arcene-

aux noted that it’s essential for their employees to engage long-time fans and offer suggestions while being helpful and judgment-free when helping someone with maybe no interest in comics to find something suited for them. “We’re trying to cultivate a readership. We want our customers to feel like they can come back to us and find anything in our selection that interests them,” Arceneaux said. Arceneaux confirmed that comic books are in a very good place, nationally and locally. “I’m a child of the eighties, where reading comics was a very niche, male-driven pastime,” Arceneaux said. “Today, I might see a wife dragging her husband along to buy the newest X-Men. More artists are working harder than ever to write and illustrate compelling original stories; it is, by all means, a Golden Age for the medium.”

Owing their name to Uptown’s popular Oak Street, Krewe of OAK (Outrageous and Kinky) will be hosting the MidSummer Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Aug. 27 beginning at Maple Leaf Bar at 7:30 p.m. This will be the krewe’s 30th MidSummer Mardi Gras, the tradition dating back to the early ‘80’s. The parade route is unique from Mardi Gras parades in that floats are too big to traverse the narrow Uptown streets, so the Krewe of OAK and about 10,000 costumed marchers and musicians form an organized procession from Oak to Carrollton to Palmer Park and then back down Carrollton and Oak. The 30th anniversary theme is “Get Wet,” blending the Krewe’s snarky adult theme with nautical costumes. The Krewe has reminded paraders to bring extra water, as it will be a very hot late summer night.

Rapper Mike Hazel finds his musical footing and support in New Orleans By Jamal Melancon jmmelanc@loyno.edu @Jam_M_Mel

Hailing from Oxon Hill, Maryland, music industry senior Michael Duckworth came to New Orleans to further his education in music and visual art, but first and foremost to start his trek into becoming a successful rap artist in a new city. Duckworth is known as “Mike Hazel,” due to his eye color, and he originally came to New Orleans seeking a boom-bap, jazz and lounge sound to rap over. Duckworth prohibited cursing in his lyrics, and around 2012 he said he mainly sounded monotone. “Now, this is a little more active,” Duckworth said. “I’m actively involved in my lyrics.” He said there is distinction in being known in New Orleans as Mike Hazel first, even when he only had a few songs his freshman year. With the university providing Duck-

worth’s immediate peers and potential audience members, he said he knew that if the Loyola community started coming to his shows, he would know that he was gaining momentum. “They give me their endless support,” Duckworth said. In spring 2016, Duckworth said he felt a real change because an event he played at The Willow Bar, called Beshigh Fest, attracted a large crowd, stirred conversation afterwards and allowed him to further connections with others in the city. On Aug. 4, Duckworth oversaw the first event he organized at The Dragon’s Den downtown. The event featured a list of rap performances and art vendors, combining Duckworth’s two passions. He said he was able to make progress in 2016 by staying in New Orleans over the summer for the first time, capitalizing on connections with people he knew were staying in the city. The transition from Duckworth

roaming the Washington metropolitan area back home to venturing through the smaller pond that is New Orleans and Loyola’s campus helped teach him time management. He learned to devote more time to himself and to be weary of the large social groups that form on the university grounds, from what he calls “the Loyola linger.” “I learned that I had to stay in a lot to grow.” Inspired by the Jesuit spirit and devotion to help others, Duckworth explained that a summer back home with family in 2015 allowed him to realize that he needed more conviction in following his own path, especially if he wanted to help family and friends in his own way. “At the end of the day, you cannot do that if you’re not a man rooted for yourself first,” Duckworth reflected. Duckworth said this geographically smaller space to live in and work within has given him pressure to maintain relationships with others that he cares about, especially

because he might see people more often rather than not at all, like in Maryland. Music industry junior Ayotemi Adediwura, who Duckworth calls one of the first major supporters of his brand, said these potential encounters with people call for maintaining one’s reverence for others. “I’m always glad that I went through something,” Duckworth said. Since he was in the city for the summer, Duckworth feels more comfortable entering another semester on campus. His calendar continues to be filled with music performances in the fall, and showgoers can catch him next at an event he organized at The Dragon’s Den on Sept. 1 or at the Euphorbia Kava Bar to see him perform on Sept. 6. Most of Duckworth’s discography can be found on Soundcloud under “Mike Hazel,” and his next project is tentatively slated to be released in Nov.

Courtesy of Elijah LeNoir

Mike Hazel performs at We Are Fest at The Fly on May 26.

THE MAROON

Aug 28, 2016

CONTINUED: The Great Flood affects lives in Baton Rouge

Naasha Dotiwala and Michele Ellis/ The Maroon

Residents fill their yard with debris in front of their car after the flood (top left). Floodwaters inundate neighborhoods in Baton Rouge (bottom right). Houses face damage after the floods (bottom left). Interstate 10 is flooded across southeast Louisiana (right). Up to five feet of floodwaters occurred in neighborhoods across Baton Rouge after record rainfall.

STAY CONNECTED AT HAMPTON INN.

FREE WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

RELIGION John Sebastian Walks in the footsteps of St. Ignatius 8

By Chasity Pugh cmpugh@loyno.edu @chasitypugh_

This summer, Loyola University invited a group to embark on a ten day spiritual journey to Spain to follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius. Vice President of Mission and Ministry John Sebastian was one of many participants in the trip, led by the Rev. Ted Dziak, S.J. and the Rev. Robert Gerlich, S.J. From Bilbao to Barcelona, participants visited places vital to St. Ignatius’s upbringing. These included

August 26, 2016 THE MAROON

his home at Loyola and the cave in Manresa where he spent 11 months during his spiritual awakening. Participants also visited and explored the castle where St. Francis Xavier lived. “The goal of the trip was to explore the life of St. Ignatius and visit places of his spiritual development. Overall, the trip was extremely successful,” Sebastian said. Sebastian said that while he greatly admired St. Ignatius before taking the pilgrimage, the voyage helped him to further appreciate Ignatius’ thought process and spiritual journey.

“While I had read his autobiography and learned about him, this trip brought to life what I understood and gave it flesh and bone. It made everything real and helped me to appreciate all that St. Ignatius has done,” Sebastian said. Overall, Sebastian said that the experience was a charming one and impacted him greatly. “It was a great program and Loyola supported my participation to make this journey an important one. The experiences I earned are ones that I can take back to Mission and Ministry,” Sebastian said.

Courtesy of John Sebastian

Left: Sebastian stands next to an image of Ignatius in his apartments in Rome. Right: Sebastian stands in the cave at Manresa where St. Ignatius spent 11 months praying and beginning to compose what would become the Spiritual Exercises.

Walker church provides aid after flooding By Associated Press A rural Baptist church in Walker, Louisiana, has become a home away from home for those affected by flooding. As waters continued to rise in south Louisiana this month, South Walker Baptist Church became one of many locations that has served as shelter for victims of the flooding. The church is located in Livingston Parish on relatively high ground. Like many other locations nearby, it has continued providing sustenance for the body and soul. According to the Associated Press, the church sheltered 96 people in the days following the storm. With a congregation of about 100 members and help from the community, the church is offering hot meals, running a pantry stocked by donations from around the U.S. and conducting prayer services. Pastor Mark Carroll said the church also serves as a dormitory for more than 20 people who lost their homes, including a man who had been living in his car until Saturday. “It’s been this entire community,” Carroll told the Associated Press by phone on Sunday. “We couldn’t have done anything without everyone, and I mean just about everyone,

pitching in.” Locals such as Charles Craft, member of South Walker Baptist, told the Associated Press that he and his wife, Karen, lost their home about a mile from the church, but they’ve been able to salvage some irreplaceable items such as photos of their four children and 16 grandchildren. He said everyone in their family is safe, and that’s the most important thing. “My story is no different than anybody’s down the road,” Craft told the Associated Press, “Everybody’s life is out on the curb to be picked up by garbage.” While many are aware of the flooding that has occurred in south Louisiana, there are a great number of people who don’t realize how much damage it has caused Louisiana. The Baton Rouge area faced thunderstorms with at least two to three inches of rain Sunday, said the National Weather Service, which posted a flash flood warning for part of the day. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said Sunday that people around the U.S. are just starting to pay attention to the extent of flooding that killed at least 13 people in Louisiana. He told CNN’s “State of the Nation” the disaster has received less attention because it wasn’t a

Courtesy of AP Exchange

Members of the South Walker Baptist Church led by pastor Mark Carroll, center, pray at the conclusion of what is normally a time for Bible study, but which became an informal talk about experiences during the flood in Walker, La., Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016. The church was an island of high ground in a community flooded with 4-5 feet of water a week earlier. During and since the flood the church is serving as a shelter and food distribution point for the community.

hurricane or named storm. Edwards told the Associated Press if this were a storm he believes that the Red Cross would be accepting a lot more donations. He encourages that. “It would be very helpful if peo-

ple would donate to the Red Cross, to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and also to come in and volunteer to help people get back in their homes as quickly as possible.” Chasity Pugh contributed to this report.

RELIGION BRIEFS Mass welcomes new students Loyola University welcomed students old and new with the annual Welcome Mass on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. The Welcome Mass is always the first Mass of the academic year and wraps up the four-day Wolfpack Welcome program for new students. Ken Weber, associate chaplain of liturgy and music, said the Mass serves as an opportunity to socialize, re-connect and meet new people. “It is geared toward introducing the 9 p.m. Mass community and style of worship to new students, and to welcoming back returning students from their summer away from Loyola,” Weber said. Student groups affiliated with University Ministry were also present to introduce themselves, including Ignacio Volunteers, Christian Life Communities, Awakening and the First Year Retreat. “Students were also informed of opportunities to serve as readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, musicians and hospitality ministers,” Weber said.

SPORTS

August 26, 2016 The Maroon

Baseball player drafted to MLB

Former Loyola student, Luis Anguizola, bats for Loyola during his junior year in 2016. Anguizola was drafted to the MLB this year.

By Ryan Micklin rwmickli@loyno.edu @RyanMicklin61

Former Loyola baseball player Luis Anguizola is one stepping stone away from making his dream a reality. “Making it to the big leagues is a dream that every kid playing baseball has,” Anguizola said. The Panama native recorded one of the best individual seasons in Loyola baseball history as he led Loyola to its first ever Southern States Athletic Conference Championship game in May. “Once I finished high school, I wanted to continue my studies, and that’s why I came to the USA and played college baseball where I was going to get an education and also get a chance to play pro ball in the future,” Anguizola said. His 27 doubles in 2016 are the most doubles notched by a Loyola player in program history in a single season. Additionally, Anguizola recorded

80 hits, which ties for first in program history while also maintaining the second highest batting average in program history (.428). Due to an incredible junior season at Loyola, Anguizola was drafted in the 25th round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Anguizola said that it was hard deciding whether or not he’d come back to school for his senior year or chase his dream of making it to the big leagues. Anguizola is the second Loyola player to get drafted since 2000, and the 6th overall in school history. Loyola Baseball Head Coach, Doug Faust, raved about Anguizola’s “quiet leadership” and notes that Anguizola simply led by example. “Luis was a great teammate. He was a quiet leader, didn’t say much, but he led by example. He was always full of energy and worked hard at every practice and game,” Faust said. Faust also admits that while it is going to be hard to replace Anguizola, he knows that his team is

abundant with players who are capable of stepping up despite losing one of the best baseball players in program history. “Luis will be difficult to replace and we do not have another Luis on our roster. However, we have other guys that will be ready to step up and fill the void,” Faust said. Anguizola is currently playing for the Arizona League Padres. The Arizona League Padres are the rookie-level team affiliated with the San Diego Padres. Anguizola will have to perform at a high level and impress some scouts in order to get called to play for the San Diego Padres, the MLB team that drafted him. “He is now surrounded by players as good as he is or better than him, all with the same goal,” Faust said. “I think he has a legitimate chance to move up through the different levels but it is extremely difficult for any player to make the Major Leagues. We will continue to pull for him and hopefully he gets to the Big Leagues one day.” Anguizola said he’ll continue im-

THE MAROON

proving his game to reach that goal. “I’m working hard every day like I have been my entire life. I’ll work hard and put time and effort into this game and see what the game has in store for me in the future,” Anguizola said. Faust claims that Anguizola is one of the best players that he’s coached throughout his coaching career. “I’ve coached seven players, including Luis, that have been drafted into the MLB. One of my former players made it to the major leagues. At this point, I would put him top three. He is definitely the best pure hitter I have ever coached,” Faust said. After having one of the most successful seasons in program history, Faust is leading his young team into another season full of promise and high expectations; only this time without one of the program’s most accomplished players, Luis Anguizola.

Sports complex undergoes renovations By Caroline Gonzalez cbgonzal@loyno.edu @Carolinegonzo34

Thanks to First NBC Bank and its donation of $1.5 million, Loyola’s Sports Complex will be getting a makeover. The facility is undergoing multiple improvements, including new flooring, lighting, bleachers, painting and new furniture for the sports complex offices. Although the new floor and bleachers won’t be installed until summer of 2017, the changes so far have made a significant difference. Many of the Wolf Pack athletic teams, such as volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and competitive cheer and dance, will be using the sports complex in the future. The complex’s new flooring and lighting will create a better setting for practices, games and other university events. First NBC Bank President and CEO Ashton Ryan Jr. stated his appreciation for the dedicated work

that Loyola’s student athletes put forth in both their academics and their athletics. “Student athletes at Loyola University New Orleans work tirelessly and we are proud to recognize their successes and contribution to our community. Our entire banking team applauds the efforts these young people put forth in the classroom and on the courts,” Ryan said. Loyola Director of Athletics Brett Simpson said that they wanted to incorporate Loyola’s school colors throughout the building. Previously, there were recreational styled figures along the walls on the gym floor, which did not match the school’s color scheme. However, the colors accompanying the gym now include maroon, gold, black and grey, which can be seen immediately upon entrance to what was previously called The Den. The new name of the court will be the First NBC Court, which will include the First NBC logo on the court, scoreboard and scorers’ tables.

news briefs Volleyball drops 4 games in Colorado road trip Loyola’s volleyball team started the season off with a road trip to Colorado, featuring games against Embry-Riddle, Johnson & Wales University, Benedictine University at Mesa and University of Montana-Western. The Wolf Pack dropped their first two games of the season on the same day they lost a (3-0) match to Embry-Riddle and a (3-1) match to Johnson & Wales. Loyola finished up the road trip the following day with two more losses to Benedictine University at Mesa and University of Montana-Western. Both matches resulted in (3-0) defeats as Loyola failed to win a single set on the last day of competition. Psychology sophomore Maddie Huekels led the Wolf Pack in Colorado with a team-high 15 assists to go along with six kills and five digs. Additionally, Huekels recorded 51 assists throughout the road trip. The Wolf Pack will look to bounce back on Friday, Aug. 26 when they take on Huston-Tillotson University at First NBC Court.

Thomas highlights Saints preseason The New Orleans Saints are coming off of a loss to the Houston Texans. The Saints’ offense performed miserably throughout the game as they only managed to generate nine points and 260 yards of offense. One of the bright spots, however, has been Saints rookie receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas has caught five passes for 72 yards in the preseason so far. Additionally, Thomas has been receiving praise around the league before he’s even played his first regular season game. Texans pro bowl wide receiver Deandre Hopkins complimented Thomas last week as the Saints and Texans practiced together in preperation of their preseason game. “He (Michael Thomas) reminds me a lot of myself,” Hopkins told NOLA.com. The Saints return to the Superdome to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, Aug. 26 in their second to last preseason game before they begin regular season play on Sept. 11 against the Oakland Raiders.

Team USA wins 2016 Rio Olympics

Ryan Micklin/ The Maroon The former Den shows off its new colors on Aug. 17. The Loyola University Sports Complex received new flooring and other renovations thanks to First NBC’s $1.5 million donation.

Simpson also said that the renovations would transform the game day experience by transforming the University Sports Complex into a facility that greatly benefits the entire Loyola community and enrich student life. Psychology sophomore and Loyola basketball player Megan Worry expressed her enthusiasm for the improvements.

“It was a great surprise to come back to. I was expecting some changes, but it looks like a completely new gym. I love it,” Worry said. Not only will athletes enjoy the renovations, but students, faculty and Loyola Sports Complex members will be able to use the newly renovated facility as well.

The U.S. was unstoppable in the 2016 Summer Olympics as they amassed 121 total medals. China and Great Britain rounded out the top three with 70 and 67 medals, respectively. USA especially dominated in swimming this year as they took home 33 swimming medals. Australia finished in second with 10 medals. Michael Phelps medaled six times in Rio in six different events. He won gold in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay, 200 meter butterfly, 4x100 meter medley relay and the 4x100 meter freestyle relay. Phelps won silver in the 100 meter butterfly. Phelps ends his Olympic career with 28 medals and is now recognized as the most decorated Olympian of all time.

EDITORIAL

August 26, 2016 THE MAROON

OUR EDITORIAL

The majority opinion of our editorial board

FROM A SEASON OF

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to one more Foundation Free Friday at Tipitina’s GROWL to spending all our money on new textbooks HOWL to seeing all our friends back on campus GROWL to new dorm quiet hours HOWL to students, faculty and staff helping Baton Rouge flood victims

EDITORIAL BOARD Colleen Dulle

Editor-in-Chief

Lauren Saizan

Managing Editor for Print

R. Gage Counts

Managing Editor for Electronic Properties

Lester Duhé

Maroon Minute Executive Producer

Naasha Dotiwala

Design Chief

Molly Olwig

Photo Editor

Nicholas Morea

News Editor

Jamal Melancon

Life & Times Editor

Danielle Horton

The Works Editor

Starlight Williams Nick Reimann

Wolf Editor Worldview Editor

Ryan Micklin

Sports Editor

Chasity Pugh

Religion Editor

Emily Edwards

Opinion and Editorial Editor

Paulina Picciano

Copy Editor

Hayley Hynes

Copy Editor

Haley Pegg Alliciyia George Anna Dobrowolski

Senior Staff Writer Senior Staff Photographer Illustrator

EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board. The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff and/or faculty members of Loyola. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication. Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118. Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu. Submissions may also be made online at www.loyolamaroon.com.

DIVISION COMES A NEW BEGINNING In her essay, “Goodbye to All That,” included in the anthology Slouching Towards Bethlehem, writer Joan Didion mused that “It is easy to see the beginnings of things, and harder to see the ends.” On the verge of a new semester at Loyola University, it is easy to see the beginning of a new academic year with new facilities, new professors, and a new class of freshman. It is much harder to look back to the end of last semester. Back to school season is one of the easiest beginnings, it is a beginning we remember from childhood. As students and scholars at a university, beginnings have become more complex, more fraught with memories of messy endings. We return to campus heavy with the losses of classmates, friends and professors who have passed away. We return after listening to coverage of one of the most divisive and virulently xenophobic national elections in recent history. We return after witnessing the tragedy of the recent flooding in Louisiana. We return after many of us have been rocked by police

brutality in our communities. We return after viewing unprecedented violence and destruction in Syria and beyond. These events have tested us as individuals and as a community, and have breed feelings of fear, distrust, anger, and even despair. As we come together as a university to begin this semester, we return divided along racial, political, and religious lines. In a community that prides itself on diversity, we have allowed difference to become a flashpoint for controversy instead of a conduit of unity. It is easy to mark the beginning of the semester on a calendar, it is much harder to summon the spirit of hope and possibility that such a date should bring. The past few months have been a season of extremes, so as we return to campus together we urge the Loyola community to usher in this new beginning in a spirit of unity. To begin anew is not to wash away the difficulties, tragedies and challenges of the past endings but rather to see them clearly, to keep them in perspective and begin by fixing them. To truly begin as a communi-

ty we must lift one another up from these experiences and challenges, we must return to our common principles--empathy, tolerance, and respect--the values that we learned during our earliest beginnings in childhood. In going back to the beginnings of our values we can unify ourselves because of, not in spite of, our differences. This is the type of beginning we owe to each other this semester, and every semester. In this same collection of essays, Joan Didion quotes William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” to begin her book. The poem, beginning Didion’s work is defined by a sense of unraveling; Yeats writes: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.” At Loyola we have experienced this sense of unraveling, we have witnessed how despite our best intentions and efforts, sometimes things fall apart. At the start of this beginning, we hope that as a university community we can center ourselves along our shared values; we hope that this year we can hold ourselves together.

OPINION

August 26, 2016 The Maroon

ON THE RECORD

In My Opinion

Staff and faculty speaking on important topics

Students sharing their opinions on topics

Don’t Waste Your Vote- Go Third Party Instead Nick Reimann Politcal Science, Worldview Editor, 2018 nsreiman@loyno.edu

The Maroon

The Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, addresses faculty at a convocation. This year’s convocation was Aug. 15.

Wildes urges spirit of unity for new year Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J. University President pres@loyno.edu

The following text has been abridged. Watching the news the past few months, with the continuing coverage of our national election, we are reminded once again of how important colleges and universities are to our national life. In these instances, colleges and universities like Loyola are examples for the “real world” to emulate. Michael Waltzer titled one of his famous books “The Company of Critics,” and I have often thought that title is fitting for academic institutions. We listen. We question. We suggest. We argue. It is in our DNA. Who are we? What kind of university is Loyola? Our vision for Loyola

In My Opinion Students sharing their opinions on topics

Gage counts Economics, Managing Editor for Electronic Properties, 2018 rgcounts@loyno.edu

If you’ve ever said the words, “I’m not going to get involved yet, I need adjust to being in college first,” go to your overpriced dorm bathroom and wash your mouth out with soap right now. This will not be the first time you’re nannied and hectored in college, so take a deep breath and internalize the next sentence you read. Adjusting to college life will not be difficult. For most people, there will be a few new things to get used to. You now have to wake yourself up for your classes, do your own laundry

University New Orleans must always strive to be a dynamic and vibrant academic environment that provides a best-in-class, immersive education based on Jesuit values and that fosters enriching, hands-on experiences that develop intellectual curiosity, creativity and entrepreneurship. At Loyola, we work to create a vibrant, thriving community that strives to be a home where everyone feels respected. We strive to be people for others and to create an environment where everyone is inspired and feels included and where everyone thrives. But, we have more to do. This is the spirit of the “magis.” We can always improve. Just as important to me and to our campus are the day-to-day wins that happen in the classroom, as a struggling student finally “gets it” or figures out how to solve a problem, asks a question, raises a new perspective or learns to master a new instrument. Or when a student organization develops a solution to a

serious issue facing the community. Those wins are sometimes the most inspiring. They bring us together. They demand humility and patience and thought. They help our students to grow. They remind us why we work here. Last year we experienced four tragic losses on our campus, losses that brought pain and sorrow we will never forget. In those tragedies, we were reminded that we are a community. We care about one another. Together we are working to “Lift Up Loyola” by encouraging us all to look out for one another and to seek out the resources to help with mental health and substance abuse issues. Beyond our achievements and our successes in the classroom, we are all here to help one another grow and, when needed, to heal at the broken places. We are here to enjoy and explore all the world has to offer us – the sad times; the good times; moments of peace, love and joy. Time spent at a university – es-

pecially a university like Loyola – is meant to be a time of discovery that leads to action. It’s a time to consider your strengths and talents and develop them to the best of their abilities. It’s a time to create the life and world you envision, for your own benefit and for others. It’s a time of wonder, imagination, challenge and adventure. Some time ago, in one of my convocation talks, I spoke about the Jesuit use of the term “magis.” I pointed out that for St. Ignatius the term “magis” captured what today we would call “continual self-improvement.” The assumption in Ignatius’ use of the “magis” is that one can always do better, get better and improve. As a Jesuit university, we should always ask ourselves how can we improve, do better and serve better. We’ve got an exciting year ahead of us — and days filled with promise. Let’s work together this year to make the new and unimaginable happen.

Don’t wait to adjust, get involved on campus (pro tip: triple check the dryers for socks; I promise you didn’t get it all), walk the whole 50 yards to get dinner and look both ways before crossing the street. It’s a big jump from what you’ve already been doing, I know. I’ll reveal the secret to doing college the best way - and you can trust me on this; after all, I am the one that’s writing this. Build a network of people who care about you and will help you when you’re struggling, so you won’t have to face all of college’s problems alone. And no, I didn’t steal that from a Hallmark card. If getting too involved or having a robust social life will get in the way of forming good study habits, then by all means, stop reading this and pick up your textbook. I have nothing else to tell you, except that the most difficult parts of college are things you can’t prepare for, and what you need is a support system

to get you through it all. When I had to deal with the deaths of my classmates and a professor last semester, I didn’t get through it because I took the time to adjust to college my first semester freshman year. I got through it because I had a friend and colleague from The Maroon who was also going through the same thing and could keep pace with my drinking habits. Would I have had that relationship if I had joined The Maroon later than I did? Not likely. I was about to fail a class one semester because I forgot to print out an essay that was due before class was over. It wasn’t taking things slowly that printed my essay out and brought it to me in the middle of class--it was one of my pledge brothers in my fraternity. Had I waited longer to rush, we wouldn’t have been in the same pledge class, and there’s no telling who could’ve done that for me.

If you’re someone who isn’t convinced by anecdotes, look at it pragmatically. In several months, you’re going to have to make a new schedule. If you join Greek Life, the Awakening community or The Maroon--a few examples that I coincidentally happen to be involved with--you’ll have access to a group of people who can tell you who the better professors are or how heavy the workload is for a class. Are you having problems paying tuition? Good thing your fraternity has a scholarship, and your brothers know which financial aid counselors are actually helpful. Everyone should decide for themselves what their college experience should be like, and if you don’t want to jump right into everything Loyola has to offer, there’s nothing wrong with that; it’ll all be there waiting for you. Just don’t let “I’ll take it easy so I can adjust” turn into “I regret not getting involved sooner.”

Hillary and Trump: they’re terrible candidates, I get it. Bring up the 2016 election to anyone, and following a sigh and an eye roll, that’s what you’ll hear. Polling backs up these opinions, consistently showing Trump and Clinton as the least popular presidential candidates in recorded history. Perhaps the most telling poll was a recent NBC News/ Survey Monkey poll of over 15,000 registered voters that showed Donald Trump slightly ahead of Hillary Clinton in the “honest and trustworthy” category. And by “slightly ahead,” I mean a whole 16 percent of voters viewed Trump as “honest and trustworthy,” compared to Clinton’s 11 percent. These are generally qualities that one expects in the most powerful public office holder in the world. With voters having no trust in any candidate, many are choosing to base their decision off of which candidate they see as less bad. Voters feel like they are being boxed into a corner choosing Hillary or Trump. But at least you’re not wasting your vote, right? Wrong. Especially in a solid red or blue state. Last I checked, Louisiana is the former. In fact, Louisiana is so red that in a recent FiveThirtyEight projection that showed what the electoral map would look like in the ultimate Clinton landslide–a 16 point victory–Louisiana still went for Trump, even with Mississippi and Texas going blue in this scenario. Mississippi and Texas. Many people see casting a ballot for a third party candidate as at worst wasting a vote, or at best an example of political privilege. This argument is aggressive, shallow and lazy. Yes, voting for a third party is exercising privilege–the privilege that comes with living in a democracy, where we have the option to vote for whatever candidate we believe in. Or if we so choose, no candidate at all. If the approach we take is to sacrifice our true beliefs and unite under some flimsy coalition in a misguided attempt to save democracy, isn’t democracy already lost? That’s why it’s time to dispel this idea that voting for a third party is a wasted vote. Despise both candidates? Can’t stand how this campaign has been run? Feel like the system is rigged? The only way you’re going to see real change among the elites of both parties is if they feel threatened. A third party candidate getting 10, 15 percent of the vote will do just that. Now, if you agree with Trump or Clinton, vote for them, no doubt. But if you honestly feel like you’re picking between the lesser of two evils, don’t feel compelled to choose one because you feel your vote will be “wasted” if you don’t. If you really want your vote to count, maybe try voting for a candidate you actually think is a decent human being.

THE MAROON

August 26, 2016