Associate Director of Ministry and Resident Minister Ken Webber envisions an invitation to “find God in all things” within the chapel of St. Ignatius and Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center.
Art installations and construction of the chapel are still in progress, but the intention is to have a minimalistic space for visitors to peacefully and spiritually reflect, according to Weber.
The chapel is a place for students to acknowledge their own central source of energy and to live within that center, Weber said.
Statues, ordered from Europe, are hand-made and intentionally designed for the space to reflect a relatable connection for students.
Additional statues and art pieces are currently being made.
“The statuary has been selected
See UNEXPECTED, p.4
to reflect the student population in its youth, curiosity, and desire for wholeness,” Weber said.
The statue of Mother Mary by Italian sculpture artist Bruno Walpoth is placed in an off-shoot room by herself. Her right palm is offered forward, her feet are crossed, and her left hand lays on top of her rounded belly.
The intention was to depict her as a young pregnant woman who is in contemplation about her, often interpreted as “unplanned,” pregnancy. This representation is intended to relate to unexpected events in the lives of students, according to Weber.
“What we experience as troubling oftentimes can be God leading us through a frightening situation to an outcome that brings us closer to God, just as Mary's divine pregnancy has,” he said, “Many events in the lives of students are unplanned. Like Mary's, our invitation is to find God in all things, in all situations.”
Protesters leave two student ambassadors unemployed
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BACROSS 1. “Make me lose my breath, make me ____” song by Tyla
6. The world’s largest lake; The Caspian
9. Say this after seeing a cute puppy
11. Noble
12. Largest species in of dolphins
13. Our lovely Loyno government association abbr.
14. The Latin word for “flower in bloom”
16. Carpool Lanes abbr.
17. “__ Revoir”
18. A ligature used to represent a diphthong in some Latin words
19. Word after Clue #49 Down
21. The theatrical version of Stardom
26. A pledge
27. Alcoholic “Iced tea”
30. Exclamation of annoyance
31. 1999 Belgian post-metal band from Kortrijk
32. Feminine Irish name for “broken-hearted”
35. Where China, Mongolia, and 40. Ali___
43. Lisa Vanderpump and Bethenny Frankel are these famous…
46. Old Testament verses
47. Stink
48. Uno…
50. Harmonized Tariff Sheriff abbr.
51. Years, abbr.
52. King George the __ of Britain
53. Grow or cut milk teeth
56. Alcoholics Anonymous
57. No Longer in School abbr.
58. Gooner activity
59. Indigenous people of Brazil
62. A famous investment bank in Lower Manhattan abbr.
63. What you ditch after Down
45-Across 19
64. “Muy ___”
DOWN
1. ___ffle House
2. Capital of Georgia
3. An idea in your mind
4. Poetic “always”
5. Run Length Encoding, abbr.
6. ___ Lanka
7. Presidential el___ion
8. Call these people when you have a flat tire
9. That was a long time ___!
10. Across 1 in motion
12. Largest body of water
13. Healer or witchdoctor
15. Russia is not apart of this international organization
19. Someone throws a punch at you, avoid it by doing this
20. Item for rowing a boat
21. Student loan, abbr.
22. Typed in game chat after a winning round
23. European Interactive Advertising Association, abbr.
24. Manual of mental disorders
25. “___ Miss!”
28. Not rated on cd covers
29. Variety of rose
32. Department of State Health Services, abbr.
33. Environmental Input Output Analysis, abbr.
34. “You imprinted on my _______?” says Bella from Twilight
36. Initials of Argentina
37. Bacterial infection that is life-threatening
38. Trade Adjustment Assistance, abbr.
39. Thickening of tissue of the spinal cord
40. Indian dish made with highly seasoned rice and meat
41. Not good but not bad
42. Who make honey
44. Canadian actor ____ Rogan
45. County in England
48. ____-Across 19 ditch
49. Painting materials
53. Main protagonist of How I Met Your Mother
54. Tokyo name before 55. Self
60. Program for advanced studies in highschool
61. United Nations, abbr.
Crossword by Max Schweikarth and Kira Phillips
CAMPUS
Campus faith leaders excited for new chapel
By Dominique Campbell ddcampbe@my.loyno.edu
The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center is expected to bring a deeper sense of spirituality for the Loyola community.
Robbie Eleazer, lead architect on the chapel project, said planning for the chapel began before his two children were born.
“[The chapel] provides a spiritual anchor in the heart of the campus that will connect the diverse community together,” Eleazer said.
Theology professor Thomas Ryan said he believes the chapel will be a nice complement to the “lovely and more ornate Holy Name of Jesus Church on campus.”
Ryan also said the new chapel will allow for a more intimate setting for worship. When the chapel is completed, he said, it will offer more time for quiet prayer and meditation.
Student Nicole Bittner said she appreciates that the chapel stands out on campus.
“I like the fact that the chapel is separate from all the other buildings,” Bittner said. “It is easier to spot, and it shows students there is a community on campus and that they are happy you are here.”
Michael Chandler, Twomey student leader for the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies, said he’s glad there’s a dedicated worship space for Catholic students on campus.
Dr. Mark Mossa said he had mixed feelings about the chapel, in particular its utility for confessions.
“I’m very excited about having the chapel, because we've been waiting a long time for it,” Mossa said. “However, as a priest, I can see that there are some things that could have been better thought out from a Church perspective.”
He said, for example, the space designated for confessions is not well suited for confessions. Hearing confessions have been and continue to be held elsewhere. But, overall, he is pleased and hopes people will temper their negative judgments until all the pieces are in place.
Despite some concerns, Mossa said he believes the chapel was a necessary addition to campus.
“Loyola has needed a dedicated
Catholic chapel for a long time,” Mossa said. “It is an important statement of our Catholic identity, and its central location makes it a place that Loyola students can appreciate and enjoy every day and for years to come.”
Eleazer described the purpose of each room in the chapel:
“The centerpiece of the Chapel is the Sanctuary – it provides a dedicated home to the Chapel community for use in daily and weekend mass.
Complementing the Sanctuary, students will find the Community Gathering Space which can be flexibly used for lectures, events, and interfaith events.
The Multipurpose Room provides an
intimate space for meeting, working, and quiet reflection.
The Prayer Room offers a space for students to come and enjoy a space designed for individual reflection and interfaith uses.
Lastly, we are very proud of the quality of the art and furnishings in the Chapel which we hope will support students through inspiration and beauty,” Eleazer said.
Eleazer said the architecture was “inspired by the cave that St. Ignatius meditated in during his transformative time at Manresa – the Chapel is constructed
of interlocking circular rooms that evoke that sublime, natural, and introspective time of St. Ignatius,” he said. “The circular intersecting rooms create distinctive thresholds linking each space, a reference to the ‘vesica piscis’ symbol and the fundamental interface between the spiritual and physical worlds.”
Eleazer said he thinks the new chapel benefits the student body and student ministry. He said the chapel will gain some new features that elevate the worship experience.
“I hope the new chapel provides inspiring and practical spaces for students
that feel like a welcoming addition to the campus,” Eleazer said. “We included a gradient of spaces that range from individual reflection, intimate meetings, medium sized community gatherings, and large scale worship.”
Upon its completion, students and faculty alike are looking forward to a new and complete worship space on campus to worship and fellowship together.
Women’s resource center sheds light on domestic violence, gender inequality
New leader steps in to run center and carry out its mission
By Phoebe Swetish prswetis@my.loyno.edu
Negina Khalili, director of the women’s resource center, aims to bring gender equality both to campus and to the broader public. Khalili’s passion lies in connecting women globally through gender empowerment, and advocacy, she said, which she has strived to execute since filling the position in August.
“Our students and our community should know what is going on in other parts of the world,” Khalili said. “This can
help everyone [connect] and have ideas about freedom and education.”
She said she has sourced feminist panelists from outside the New Orleans area to speak to the Loyola student body to bring about a larger awareness of gender inequality. If students are aware of feminist issues beyond their own environment, they are more likely to become involved on a larger scale, she said.
“We should talk about any issues relating to human rights,” Khalili said. Along with addressing global issues, Khalili said she intends to cultivate a healthy relationship between faculty and students. As the new director of women’s resources, she said she hopes for Loyola to have an approachable outlet where students seeking help may find resources.
She said increasing student interactions with the resource center will help maintain a healthy stream of communication. In order to bring awareness to campus and increase student engagement, Khalili has several events planned ahead this semester for anyone interested to attend.
Panelists will discuss topics or work pertaining to women’s rights at monthly “Feminist Fridays.” The first panel will be held Sept. 27. Khalili aims to bring attention to mental and physical abuse through the lens of domestic violence. She said she hopes openly discussing these situations will urge those who are struggling to seek assistance.
In October, the women’s resource center will recognize survivors of domestic violence through a series of
events. On October 4th, those interested can plan to meet in Miller Hall from 3:30 pm-6:00 pm to hear a select group of panelists speak about this topic. Khalili encourages speakers who are willing to speak about their personal encounters with domestic violence in order to bring proper awareness to the issue. The most significant event organized by the women’s resource center will be held on Oct. 22. “Take Back the Night” will honor those who have endured domestic violence of any kind. From 5 pm-7 pm, speakers from Loyola, UNO, Tulane, and Southern University will gather on campus for this occasion.
“No one is free unless everyone is free,” Khalili said.
Negina Khalili, new director of the women’s resource center speaks at meet and greet event
Sophia Renzi/The Maroon
Construction worker stands next to satue Mother Mary in the new chapel. Violet Bucaro/The Maroon
Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews
By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu
public attention in comparison to Vice President Kamala Harris’s September interview in Philadelphia.
Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews
Harris answered by stating that she is working hard to earn the vote of everyone, not just black men.
Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews
By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu
Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews
Student ambassadors dismissed following protest participation
By Lily Bordelon lmbordel@my.loyno.edu
The National Association of Black Journalists individually interviewed presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris leading up to the election. These interviews led to public discourse, with criticism of Trump’s misleading statements about Harris’ racial identity.
Protests leave two student ambassadors unemployed
summer semester as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and working the front desk before they were called into Assistant Director of Campus Visits & Events, Paula Atchley’s office.
publicly bad-mouth the university.
Student ambassadors dismissed following protest participation
By Lily Bordelon lmbordel@my.loyno.edu
Last week, the Office of Admissions let their second student ambassador go following pro-Palestine protests on the claim that they violated handbook policy. Both former ambassadors said the process was unjustifiable.
Gregory Lee, former NABJ national president and chapter faculty advisor of the chapter, offered this response to both Trump's interview and Harris’s interview.
public attention in comparison to Vice President Kamala Harris’s September interview in Philadelphia.
The National Association of Black Journalists individually interviewed presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris leading up to the election. These interviews led to public discourse, with criticism of Trump’s misleading statements about Harris’ racial identity.
After Trump’s “Black jobs” comment in his debate with President Biden, some suspect he agreed to the interview to “clean up” his comment that may have upset potential Black voters. On the other hand, Harris, who identifies as Black and Indian, opens up more about her identity and talks about how that shouldn’t affect anyone’s decision in regards to where they cast their vote.
Harris answered by stating that she is working hard to earn the vote of everyone, not just black men.
“She said that she really valued me as an employee and that I was really good at giving tours and I was really good at my job,” Berthelot said. “However, my participation in the protest made it to where she could no longer have me on the team.”
publicly bad-mouth the university.
“I can understand where they're coming from. I don't think it's an unreasonable policy that as a tour guide, you shouldn't be talking bad about the university. I understand, but you should be able to tell the truth,” Berthelot said.
“Being a part of the NABJ, they invite the presidential candidates every election year to answer questions from esteemed journalists to address issues that aren’t commonly asked as well as general questions,” Lee said.
After Trump’s “Black jobs” comment in his debate with President Biden, some suspect he agreed to the interview to “clean up” his comment that may have upset potential Black voters. On the other hand, Harris, who identifies as Black and Indian, opens up more about her identity and talks about how that shouldn’t affect anyone’s decision in gards to where they cast their vote.
Gregory Lee, former NABJ national president and chapter faculty advisor of the chapter, offered this response to both Trump's interview and Harris’s interview.
However, in most of Harris’s recent interviews, including the debate on Sept.10, she has redirected questions that journalists have about Trump’s racial comments to instead put focus on her plan for America. In her interview with NABJ, Harris says that she understands the power of the platform the debate gave her.
“I have often been asked this question in a way where I have had to respond by first saying that I think it is very important to not operate from the assumption that black men are just in anybody’s pocket,” she said. “Black men are like any other voting group, you’ve got to earn their vote, so I’m working to earn the vote, not assuming I have it because I am black.”
Harris said that she wants people to recognize that her policy and her perspective understand what they must do to recognize the needs of communities and that she intends to be a president for every American.
“I have often been asked this question in a way where I have had to respond by first saying that I think it is very important to not operate from the assumption that black men are just in anybody’s pocket,” she said. “Black men are like any other voting group, you’ve got to earn their vote, so I’m working to earn the vote, not assuming I have it because I am black.”
Student pro-Palestine protests led to Loyola having two fewer student ambassadors. The students contend they were forced out. The university says they resigned. The one thing that’s clear is they no longer work for Loyola.
Last week, the Office of Admissions let their second student ambassador go following pro-Palestine protests on the claim that they violated handbook policy. Both former ambassadors said the process was unjustifiable.
Student Ambassadors are Loyola students who work within the Office of Admissions, giving tours to prospective students and families, as well as working the front desk in Thomas Hall.
Student Ambassadors are Loyola students who work within the Office of Admissions, giving tours to prospective students and families, as well as working the front desk in Thomas Hall.
Student Ambassadors are Loyola students who work within the Office of Admissions, giving tours to prospective students and families, as well as working the front desk in Thomas Hall.
Simon Bunkers, a sophomore and criminology and sociology double major, resigned from the Student Ambassador program on Sept. 19, the day after he participated in the march to university President Xavier Cole’s home. Bunkers said he believes the resignation was forced. Bunkers received an email explaining that he broke policy.
“They didn't say what policy I broke,” Bunkers explained. “Then they said that I need to come in for a meeting.”
Simon Bunkers, a sophomore and criminology and sociology double major, resigned from the Student Ambassador program on Sept. 19, the day after he participated in the march to university President Xavier Cole’s home. Bunkers said he believes the resignation was forced. Bunkers received an email explaining that he broke policy.
Simon Bunkers, a sophomore and criminology and sociology double major, resigned from the Student Ambassador program on Sept. 19, the day after he participated in the march to university President Xavier Cole’s home. Bunkers said he believes the resignation was forced. Bunkers received an email explaining that he broke policy.
“They didn't say what policy I broke,” Bunkers explained. “Then they said that I need to come in for a meeting.”
“They didn't say what policy I broke,” Bunkers explained. “Then they said that I need to come in for a meeting.”
Juleea Berthelot, a third year sociology and psychology double major and former president of Loyola’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, was fired on July 29th after participating in the encampment on Tulane’s campus back in early May, where they were arrested.
“I thought I was kind of in the clear,” Berthelot said, referencing the nearly three month gap between the arrest until their termination.
Juleea Berthelot, a third year sociology and psychology double major and former president of Loyola’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, was fired on July 29th after participating in the encampment on Tulane’s campus back in early May, where they were arrested.
Juleea Berthelot, a third year sociology and psychology double major and former president of Loyola’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, said they were fired on July 29th after participating in the encampment on Tulane’s campus back in early May, where they were arrested.
“I thought I was kind of in the clear,” Berthelot said, referencing the nearly three month gap between the arrest until their termination.
“I thought I was kind of in the clear,” Berthelot said, referencing the nearly three month gap between the arrest until their termination.
Berthelot worked throughout the summer semester as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and working the front desk before they were called into Assistant Director of Campus Visits & Events, Paula Atchley’s office.
The university and the Office of Admissions disputes Berthelot’s interpretation of the way their employment ended.
“She said that she really valued me as an employee and that I was really good at giving tours and I was really good at my job,” Berthelot said. “However, my participation in the protest made it to where she could no longer have me on the team.”
Berthelot worked throughout the summer semester as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and working the front desk before they were called into Assistant Director of Campus Visits & Events, Paula Atchley’s office.
“I can confirm that two of our ambassadors that you may be referring to did submit their voluntary resignations to us. Any statement that may claim they were fired would be incorrect and untrue,” Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Harvey Werner, said.
The former ambassadors said they believe they were dismissed based on a policy that student ambassadors cannot
Berthelot worked throughout the
“She said that she really valued me as an employee and that I was really good at giving tours and I was really good at my job,” Berthelot said. “However, my participation in the protest made it to where she could no longer have me on the team.”
Berthelot expressed feeling confused as to why they were fired following their participation in the encampment. According to Berthelot, the Office of Admissions kept track of which ambassadors had the highest retention rates of given tours.
The former ambassadors said they believe the trouble stems from a policy that student ambassadors cannot publicly bad-mouth the university.
“I can understand where they're coming from. I don't think it's an unreasonable policy that as a tour guide, you shouldn't be talking bad about the university. I understand, but you should be able to tell the truth,” Berthelot said.
“I can understand where they're coming from. I don't think it's an unreasonable policy that as a tour guide, you shouldn't be talking bad about the university. I understand, but you should be able to tell the truth,” Berthelot said.
“I had a really good success rate, like students that had tours with me were most likely going to come to the school,” Berthelot said.
Berthelot said they were confused as to why they were in trouble following their participation in the encampment.
Berthelot expressed feeling confused as to why they were fired following their participation in the encampment. According to Berthelot, the Office of Admissions kept track of which ambassadors had the highest retention rates of given tours.
Based on what happened to Berthelot, Bunkers opted to resign before his meeting.
“I had a really good success rate, like students that had tours with me were most likely going to come to the school,” Berthelot said.
According to Berthelot, the Office of Admissions kept track of which ambassadors had the highest retention rates of given tours.
“It's either you quit or we fire you, so you either go out with your tail between your legs or you go out with no tail at all,” Bunkers said, “and I wanted to keep my tail.”
“I had a really good success rate, like students that had tours with me were most likely going to come to the school,” Berthelot said.
Based on what happened to Berthelot, Bunkers opted to resign before his meeting.
Like Berthelot, Bunkers believes his forced resignation was unreasonable and unjustified in conflict with Loyola’s social justice values, he said.
Based on what happened to Berthelot, Bunkers opted to resign before his meeting.
“It's either you quit or we fire you, so you either go out with your tail between your legs or you go out with no tail at all,” Bunkers said, “and I wanted to keep my tail.”
“It's either you quit or we fire you, so you either go out with your tail between your legs or you go out with no tail at all,” Bunkers said. “And I wanted to keep my tail.”
Like Berthelot, Bunkers believes his forced resignation was unreasonable and unjustified in conflict with Loyola’s social justice values, he said.
“They very much want us to advocate Norman C. Francis, the first black graduate of Loyola, in our tours,” Bunkers said. “And these people were known for protesting and standing for what's right. How can we as a university oppress students who do the exact same thing?”
“Being a part of the NABJ, they invite the presidential candidates every election year to answer questions from esteemed journalists to address issues that aren’t commonly asked as well as general questions,” Lee said.
The organization uses the interview to get involved in the election conversation, especially as it pertains to the Black community and reaching Black voters, he said. Lee said he believes both events were a testament to that and brought a lot of attention to NABJ’s organization.
Trump’s July interview in Chicago at the National NABJ Convention received
However, in most of Harris’s recent interviews, including the debate on Sept.10, she has redirected questions that journalists have about Trump’s racial comments to instead put focus on her plan for America. In her interview with NABJ, Harris says that she understands the power of the platform the debate gave her.
“When you have that kind of microphone in front of you, you really ought to understand how much your words have meaning,” Harris said.
In the NABJ interview, Harris answers a lot of major questions that many Black voters have about the upcoming election.
“When you have that kind of microphone in front of you, you really ought to understand how much your words have meaning,” Harris said.
NABJ Journalist Garren Keith Gaynor asked Harris her response to some Black men endorsing former president Trump.
In the NABJ interview, Harris answers a lot of major questions that many Black voters have about the upcoming election.
Harris said that she wants people to recognize that her policy and her perspective understand what they must do to recognize the needs of communities and that she intends to be a president for every American.
In Harris’ interview with NABJ, she addressed Black voters and said not to assume Black voters will vote for her because she is Black.
Alyssa Jones, sophomore and member of Loyola NABJ, responded by saying that you shouldn’t assume that Black people will vote for Vice President Harris just because she is Black. Jones said she is voting for the candidate whose values align with her.
In Harris’ interview with NABJ, she addressed Black voters and said not to assume Black voters will vote for her because she is Black.
The organization uses the interview to get involved in the election conversation, especially as it pertains to the Black community and reaching Black voters, he said. Lee said he believes both events were a testament to that and brought a lot of attention to NABJ’s organization.
“I am voting for Kamala because of her views and her morals and what connects to me,” Jones said.
Arrested student protesters found not guilty
Alyssa Jones, sophomore and member of Loyola NABJ, responded by saying that you shouldn’t assume that Black people will vote for Vice President Harris just because she is Black. Jones said she is voting for the candidate whose values align with her.
Trump’s July interview in Chicago at the National NABJ Convention received
By Alana Frank anfrankl@my.loyno.edu
NABJ Journalist Garren Keith Gaynor asked Harris her response to some Black men endorsing former president Trump.
location, away from private university property. SWAT arrested protesters who remained on Tulane’s property.
“I am voting for Kamala because of her views and her morals and what connects to me,” Jones said.
Loyola and Tulane students arrested at the pro-Palestine encampment were found not guilty in criminal court.
By Alana Frank anfrankl@my.loyno.edu
Arrested student protesters found not guilty
Five Loyola students and two Tulane students were among 14 people arrested during the protests on Tulane’s front lawn in May. The students were charged with misdemeanor and trespassing at the New Orleans Criminal District Court.
Loyola and Tulane students arrested at the pro-Palestine encampment were found not guilty in criminal court.
At the encampment, New Orleans police asked protesters to move to a neutral
Five Loyola students arrested on trespassing charges also faced conduct charges from Loyola University. In a letter, Tulane University said it took disciplinary action against seven students involved in the protest and disbanded Tulane SDS.
sity on April 22, that resulted in 200 arrests. There have been several universities, like Loyola and Tulane University, that have penalized students because of their involvement during the protests and the events that took place during and afterward.
location, away from private university property. SWAT arrested protesters who remained on Tulane’s property.
Five Loyola students arrested on trespassing charges also faced conduct charges from Loyola University. In a letter, Tulane University said it took disciplinary action against seven students involved in the protest and disbanded Tulane SDS.
These protests were two of many nationwide protests happening on college campuses. Such as the pro-Palestine protest at George Washington Univer-
The not-guilty verdict was reached, and this verdict is one of many nationwide cases resulting from encampments, but the status of these students is still in question. Now, the decision lies in the hands of the universities.
sity on April 22, that resulted in 200 arrests. There have been several universities, like Loyola and Tulane University, that have penalized students because of their involvement during the protests and the events that took place during and afterward.
Like Berthelot, Bunkers believes what he describes as his forced resignation was unreasonable and unjustified in conflict with Loyola’s social justice values, he said.
Five Loyola students and two Tulane students were among 14 people arrested during the protests on Tulane’s front lawn in May. The students were charged with misdemeanor and trespassing at the New Orleans Criminal District Court.
Bunkers pointed to a statement from JSRI to prove his point.
“They very much want us to advocate Norman C. Francis, the first black graduate of Loyola, in our tours,” Bunkers said. “And these people were known for protesting and standing for what's right. How can we as a university oppress students who do the exact same thing?”
At the encampment, New Orleans police asked protesters to move to a neutral
These protests were two of many nationwide protests happening on college campuses. Such as the pro-Palestine protest at George Washington Univer-
The not-guilty verdict was reached, and this verdict is one of many nationwide cases resulting from encampments, but the status of these students is still in question. Now, the decision lies in the hands of the universities.
“The JSRI put out a statement about like the whole issue with Palestine and Israel and they're like this is genocide. So if the Jesuit Research Institute is saying that it is, why are we saying something different?”
“They very much want us to advocate Norman C. Francis, the first black graduate of Loyola, in our tours,” Bunkers said. “And these people were known for protesting and standing for what's right. How can we as a university oppress students who do the exact same thing?”
Chapel helps students find spiritual center
Bunkers pointed to a statement from JSRI to prove his point.
Both students have stated that they were not specifically given what policy they violated when asked why they were fired.
Both students have stated that they were not specifically given what policy they violated.
“The JSRI put out a statement about like the whole issue with Palestine and Israel and they're like this is genocide. So if the Jesuit Research Institute is saying that it is, why are we saying something different?”
“Every seat and every place in the chapel suggests being included in the community and embraced by each other and the Holy Spirit.” he said.
Chapel helps students find spiritual center
Continued from p.1
closer they are to god, he said.
“When we are more at peace in ourselves, our community is more at peace.”
“No student was fired due to protests. However, I did accept their resignations,” Atchley said after being contacted for comment.
“No student was fired due to protests. However, I did accept their resignations,”
Atchley stated, concurring with the information provided by Werner.
Both students have stated that they were not specifically given what policy they violated when asked why they were fired.
“No student was fired due to protests. However, I did accept their resignations,”
He said the circle suggests continual movement, symbolizing the nature of life. The spherical element is not a perfect circle, for it is an oval-like shape in order to illustrate life’s unevenness and imperfection.
“Every seat and every place in the chapel suggests being included in the community and embraced by each other and the Holy Spirit.” he said. He said the circle suggests continual movement, symbolizing the nature of life. The spherical element is not a perfect circle, for it is an oval-like shape in
“We are always moving, always changing, and the circle acknowledges, embraces, and celebrates our movement, hopefully always toward fuller life in God.” The chapel was made to be a place for students to meditate and relax in a spiritual environment, he said. In Loyola's Catholic, Jesuit worldview, the closer people can get to a peaceful center the
“We are always moving, always changing, and the circle acknowledges, embraces, and celebrates our movement, hopefully always toward fuller life in God.”
The chapel was made to be a place for students to meditate and relax in a spir-
itual environment, he said. In Loyola's
Continued from p.1
closer they are to god, he said.
“When we are more at peace in ourselves, our community is more at peace.”
Students may request to reserve the chapel for an event or meeting that includes a spiritual or faith component by emailing ilchapel@loyno.edu. Until construction is complete, the chapel is unavailable in-between scheduled events.
Students may request to reserve the chapel for an event or meeting that includes a spiritual or faith component by emailing ilchapel@loyno.edu. Until construction is complete, the chapel is un-
Simon Bunkers (left) and Juleea Bertholot (right) stand outside of Thomas Hall on Sep. 25, 2024. Eloise Pickering/The Maroon
Members of NABJ Loyno. Photo courtesy of Gregory Lee
Simon Bunkers (left) and Juleea Bertholot (right) stand outside of Thomas Hall on Sep. 25, 2024. Eloise Pickering/The Maroon
Members of NABJ Loyno. Photo courtesy of Gregory Lee
Business owners and students express frustration with construction
By Daniela Martínez dcmartin@my.loyno.edu
Students, business owners, and residents in the Uptown area are frustrated and tired of having to change their schedules to avoid construction.
Chris Lawson, the owner of Liberty Barbers on Maple Street, said he’s noticed a change in revenue because of nearby construction.
According to Lawson, the construction also led to constant debris in the area, nails in his tires, limited time to get lunch during his break, and feeling like
he is “trapped in a loop” trying to find a way out of detours.
“It has impacted traffic and parking, causing a lot of customers to be late for appointments because of the challenges navigating around the area,” Lawson said. “One person being late impacts my entire day.”
According to the Roadwork NOLA website, around 41 areas across the city are under construction. Some projects began in 2020, while others are more recent. In Uptown, around 45 roads are under construction for different reasons.
Many students are tired of the dis-
ruption around campus and near their homes. Some have adjusted to the disruptions by leaving extra early, asking for rides from other people, or parking farther away from campus to make sure they make it to class on time.
“I have been frustrated about the construction,” said senior Alana Thompson. “It gets aggravating when I am making sure that I leave early to try to account for potential traffic, but it doesn't seem to make any difference.’
Before the construction Thompson’s commute usually took 20 minutes, but has turned into an hour of waiting in traf-
AI offers educational opportunities
By Eleanor Boucher-Ferry eabouche@my.loyno.edu
In 1950, English computer scientist Alan Turing raised the question, “Can machines think?” His question launched the idea of artificial intelligence.
Turing created the “Turing Test,” which tested a computers’ ability to copy human responses as a measure of their intelligence. In the test, a human “interrogator” tried to differentiate responses between a computer and a human.
Soon after Turing released his test, Dartmouth College ran a summer workshop exploring the idea of thinking machines, where Dartmouth professor John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence.”.
The development and use of artificial intelligence have grown quickly in subsequent years, bringing both excitement and worry. The term “AI anxiety” ties together the feelings of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence.
Expanding AI use has posed ethical questions in academic settings. At Loyola, the academic integrity policy states, “AI should only be used with permission of an instructor as it pertains to the specific teaching pedagogy of a course. In all cases, the use of AI should be disclosed and acknowledged.”
Michael Ferry, associate provost at Spring Hill College, said there is growing uncertainty regarding the authenticity of student work because of AI usage.
“It’s increasingly obvious that artificial intelligence is going to be part of the world that students enter post-graduation,” Ferry said. “We want to make sure that students are prepared to take advantage of AI as a tool in the appropriate settings, but we also want to make sure that students are doing their coursework and that they are learning to write and to develop their ideas, rather than being dependent on AI.”
"It’s increasingly obvious that artificial intelligence is going to be part of the world that students enter post-graduation."
Michael Ferry, Spring Hill College associate provost
Plagiarism detection tools help teachers differentiate original student work from AI.
However, these tools aren’t foolproof.
A 2023 study on AI tools found that GPT detectors commonly mistake non-English work as AI. The study concluded that AI detection tools can only detect AI with 28% accuracy.
Some scholars believe AI can enhance creativity. A 2024 study wrote that students can broaden their ideas using generative AI. The study used qualitative
and quantitative data and found that ChatGPT “enhanced divergent thinking, increasing the diversity of ideas. AI also provided more detailed and informative answers, aiding students in the elaboration process.”
While AI produces some distinct ideas, it pulls from existing knowledge and data. Early this year, ChatGPT beat the Turing Test. In a recent study, researchers had 500 participants speak with four respondents: one human respondent, AI program ELIZA, GPT-3.5, and GPT-4. Fifty-four percent of participants believed that GPT-4 was human.
AI presents new personalized learning opportunities. For example, AI can identify student mistakes, allowing teachers to cater their classes to fit individual student needs.
While concerns over academic honesty remain, some educators have embraced AI as a collaborative tool that could transform education.
and GPT-4. Fifty-four percent of participants believed that GPT-4 was human.
AI presents new personalized learning opportunities. For example, AI can identify student mistakes, allowing teachers to cater their classes to fit individual student needs.
While concerns over academic honesty remain, some educators have embraced AI as a collaborative tool that could transform education.
fic, taking different routes to avoid construction, and struggling to find parking near school.
Local business owners have also experienced their fair share of frustration. Leah Vidrine, owner of Uptown Charm, a beauty studio on Maple Street, reported similar challenges.
“We have been established for over a decade, so our returning clients are still coming in, but they are really unhappy about having to park blocks away and arriving frustrated and not in a calm state that we would prefer as this is time for themselves to enjoy,” Vidrine said.
Vidrine said she has resorted to social media to update clients and make sure they know what routes to take and where to park.
Like other civilians, Vidrine is frustrated by the lack of communication about construction interference.
“We have only been notified, about half the time, that the water will be off for one to four hours. Thankfully, we can do most of our services without water and use bottled or filtered water when needed,” Vidrine said.
Residents suggested different forms of communications from the city might ease their struggle. These included a mobile map of construction, a map of detours, a master schedule, and post signs.
Environmental protests spread across Europe
By Sydney Piglia snpiglia@my.loyno.edu
For the past year, environmental protest has sparked controversy across Europe. A recent crackdown on environmental protest in the UK has led to a five year prison sentence for protest organizer Roger Hallam who works for Stop Oil, an organization best known for its direct action and public-eye drawing tactics.
From throwing tomato soup on Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and gluing themselves to the frame of John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” Stop Oil has gained attention across the globe. Though, recent arrests has sparked a debate over freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.
Plant ecologist and Loyola professor Paul Barnes said what we’re seeing play out right now can get worse, with the amount of human emissions contributing to the warming of the planet.
He said the more we can limit warming the better, but there's no indication that lowering carbon emissions to zero will be happening any time soon.
Barnes acknowledged that it is extremely frustrating when the public sees predictions about where we're going on the one hand and on the other hand there's no indication that any action is actually happening. Though, he said, that
is not entirely true with some actions being taken to repair damages to the planet such as positive trends in renewable energy use.
“As a scientist I get frustrated too,” said Barnes.
On the topic of environmental protests Barnes said that protests have been going on for 60 years and the message has not changed.
Barnes said those unaware of climate change are living under a rock. Barnes acknowledged that activism plays an important role in reversing climate change. What he wants to see is more climate action groups.
People will not change their behavior and consumption powers for something that will happen in the future Barnes says.
Loyola professor of Environmental Communications and Director of the Loyola Center for Environmental Communication Bob Thomas sees the climate change issue as a matter of science and public policy. He says no country should try to limit peaceful demonstrations, and he hopes America won’t follow this European trend.
Both he and Barnes stress the importance of voting and voter education in making sure that those elected work on environmental policy instead of arresting environmental protestors.
Construction on the corner of Maple and Adams street. Sept. 3, 2024.
Daniela Martinez/The Maroon
LIFE & TIMES
Art as Resistance
Community comes together for Palestine
By Victoria Marino vgmarino@my.loyno.edu
Through prayers, music, and spoken word, people showed support for the people of Palestine at “The New Orleans Palestinian Resistance Fair: A Celebration of Mass Movements, Popular Struggles and the Cultures that Created Them” which took place on the evening of Sunday, September 22 at Art Conscious Gallery and Zeitgeist Theatre in St. Claude.
The fair featured live music from local bands, vendors from local artists, local food stands, speakers, film screenings, and sign up sheets for workshops. The space offered a vibrant and communal atmosphere. Families gathered while
their children danced to the music, couples persued different tables, and several circles of local communities came together to support a global cause.
This event was put on by @nola. artists4palestine; when looking for volunteers via Instagram, they proudly noted that “as culture workers, our art is our weapon!” The purpose of this event was to use the hope and community that art creates as a form of resistance, according to the initiative.
Lana Murad, a young Palestinian artist and a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement helped organize the event. The idea for this event emerged last October, according to Murad. It was worked by volunteers after solidifying ideas early this year. The event’s execution
was a collaborative effort between different art circles according to Murad, who used her heritage from Palestine’s West Bank to impulse her work.
Murad said she knew this event needed to be a crossover between curation and personal lived experience. She collaborated with a curator who reached out to her.
“She actually has experience in curating,” Murad said. “We tag teamed it. She filled in where I wasn’t too experienced, and I filled in the cultural norms, and what this means, if this is appropriate, the theme, stuff like that. I am an artist. I’m Palestinian, so I brought in more of a Palestinian perspective on things.”
To Murad, local ways of contributing to a global pro-Palestine cause came from taking inspiration.
“I hold inspiration from what other people are doing, and what I wanted to represent from New Orleans because all of these [artists] are from here,” Murad said. “They’re local. They have such a strong community that’s so proPalestinian.”
In terms of continuing to grow these spaces and communities, she mentioned feelings of fatigue and burnout. She admitted that although people in her community are still very active, “everybody’s kind of stretched thin.”
“We’re almost a year into the genocide,” Murad said. “Everyone that has been an activist since the beginning
is still using a lot of their efforts.” Burnout is common within active members of the community, according to Murad.
“A lot of my family members are pretty active, and they’ve experienced burnout,” Murad said. “You have to meet people were they’re at.”
The perseverance is strong in terms of both community and artistry turnout, she said.
“We’re reaching more people, and seeing more people that I haven’t seen before,” Murad said. “I’m noticing how big the community is growing.”
“It’s amazing to see how much humanity people have and how willing people are to want to help, so I think that’s beautiful,” Murad said.
Photos by Isabella Castillo Toro
Children at the event gathered around stands to look at art.
Within the gallery, viewers were able to connect with the art intimately.
Musician Sari Jordan was one of the local artists at the event.
A henna artist delicately placing her design on one of the attendees hands.
A couple embrace as one of the organizers lead a prayer for the people of Palestine.
A couple purchasing an engraved cutting board from one of the Palestinian vendors.
"Life With Oscar" brings dark comedy to Marquette
By Heidi Herrera-Wanke writeremail@my.loyno.edu
Comedian Nick Cohen performed his comedy show in Marquette Theatre on Tuesday evening. During his piece, titled "Life With Oscar", Cohen embraced the story of a rollercoaster that takes you on a dark comedic confessional ride through Hollywood.
Places to visit
Pêche Seafood Grill
Nick Cohen performs his one man show, "Life With Oscar."
Cohen played over 30 different characters in his show.
Photos by Heidi Herrera-Wanke
REVIEWS
FLACKO FOREVER
RCA
By Wesly Gabriel wagabrie@my.loyno.edu
Harlem-born rapper A$AP Rocky used fashion and music to escape from the harsh realities of his upbringing. As a child, his family moved between homeless shelters, he lost his brother to a shooting, and his father went to jail for drug dealing. Despite all this, Rocky said in a 2012 interview, these difficulties made him who he is.
As a music producer and hip-hop fan, I naturally got excited when A$AP Rocky announced he would be dropping his first mixtape on streaming platforms. I’ve been combing through his discography for years ever since hearing “F*****
A look back at his debut album "LIVE.LOVE.A$AP"
its release.
With Rocky about to drop, I thought it'd be a good time to go back to his first mixtape: “Live.Love.A$AP,” released when he was 23 years old. This album has an amateur charm that pairs well with the creative decisions in each track. It’s a psychedelic experience, covering topics like drugs, women, and a euphoric lifestyle. It stands out from Rocky’s other albums with the distinct boom-bap/trap vibes throughout. This is a more personal project, with lots of tracks having features from people close to Rocky’s circle. Clams Casino was the bulk producer in this project, shaping it with his unique style of production. I scavenged through an old Reddit page where Clams answered questions from fans about his career and production. He uses a lot of samples as well as the manipulation of sounds to create trippy instrumentals.
Problems” on the radio. When he dropped Testing, I was a sophomore in high school. This was the first time I sat waiting for Rocky to drop an album and where my appreciation grew for him as an artist. As I began listening to his older albums, his style imprinted on me drastically and I quickly became a huge fan. You can hear the evolution of his artistry throughout all his music, and as someone who believes in artistic diversity, I was impressed. His song “F***** Problems” featuring 2 Chainz, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar was his first Billboard Hot 100 hit and peaked at No. 8 in 2012. Rocky is preparing to release his latest album “Don't Be Dumb,” and recently dropped three singles ahead of
"A postcard from
outlaw country
By James Wyrtzen jawyrtze@my.loyno.edu
While I waited for the doors to open at The Fillmore, and a guy walks up to several people around me and asks if they’d be willing to give an interview about what they love about country music. Most decline, but the prompt makes me wonder what I love about country music. Lonesome slide guitar, engaging storytelling, and distinct, stylized showmanship come to mind. Country music is difficult to pull off without paying homage to legends who came before, and Mr. Charley Crockett seems like he could be one of the genre's forefathers.
The already-packed crowd kicked into high gear when Early James put his capo on his fourth fret and began picking out one of his higher-tempo songs, “Mama Can Be My Valentine”. Shuffling feet and hands waved as James yearningly crooned out to the audience. The set culminated in a new song coming out later in September, the release of which
"
I anticipate as it was one of the band's better songs. Around 9:15, Early James left the stage and Charley Crockett’s crew began taking covers off of equipment and setting up a stage reminiscent of a late 60s country bandstand.
The lights went down and Crockett’s band walked on stage to “Il Texicano”, the theme of a 60s spaghetti western. The band was outfitted in a uniform of black dress shirts and red pants. All the instruments were white, and they instantly kicked in the descending blues organ intro of “$10 Cowboy”, the title track and lead single of his album that came out this past April.
Crockett danced across the stage and peered out to the mid-level of the audience. The microphone sat on the tip of his chin as he crooned out the lines of “Visions of Dallas”, the title track of his most recent release. Most of the first hour of Crockett’s set was encompassed by cuts off “Visions of Dallas” and “$10 Cowboy”. As the set went on, his deeper catalog reigned supreme.
“Run Horse Run”, off of 2020’s
Among the features on Live.Love. A$AP are ScHoolboy Q and members of the A$AP Mob: Nast and Twelvyy. With ScHoolboy Q still fairly new to the hip-hop game at the time and later becoming one of Top Dawg’s best rappers, the song “Brand New Guy" is a special moment in history with the two rising artists. The A$AP Mob track “Trilla” is a fun song where the Mob talks about getting money and being “trilla,” which is slang for keeping it real. The song “Acid Drip” is about craving drugs and describes a drug dealer/womanizer character who hangs on the corner of a street selling acid and lean. “Leaf” is a more personal record where Rocky shouts out his kin and expresses being exhausted from the struggle, resorting
“Welcome To Hard Times”, was the band’s 6th song of the evening, and arguably the highlight. The country outfit started into the up-tempo country shuffle with slide guitar swells, drums booming with train beats, and quick strums of acoustic guitar. “Can’t stop until my work is done/ Run horse, run horse run.” Crockett often shouted the hook to cheers from the audience as he galloped across the stage, evoking images of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and other great country showmen.
Crockett traded his acoustic guitar for a butterscotch Fender telecaster and strummed on some of the more rocking tracks in his catalog. “I’m Just A Clown”, off of his 2022 breakthrough effort, “The Man From Waco”, was a standout of the evening. The song combines quasidisco drums and soulful guitar stabs, culminating in a dramatic trumpet solo. The steel guitar is epochal to most country music, but Crockett combines the lap steel with New Orleansinfluenced trumpet and organ playing, enabling him to achieve a unique sound.
As the evening progressed, Crockett made sure to let the audience know how appreciative he was to be playing for them, as he spent his formative years between San Benito, Texas, and visiting his uncle who lived in the French Quarter. He cut his teeth in the industry busking on street corners all
to drugs for a sense of relief. “Keep it G” and “Wassup” have a slower tempo and make you feel like you're chilling with the homies and partaking in ritualistic herb activities. Then you have “Peso,” a more upbeat vibe with a nostalgic sample, where Rocky flaunts his robust rapping techniques. This paired with the reverbed-out boom-bap drums gave Rocky a unique style; mixing old and new flavors of hip-hop. He is no stranger to using pitched-down vocals like a chopped and screwed record. It created a new appeal for trap and boombap fans and shows that A$AP Rocky is one of the most unique rappers of the 2010s. Peso was one of the lead singles off the album and is largely responsible for Rocky’s fame.
Live.Love.A$AP was the blueprint for what has now evolved into a special type of artist. Rocky has translated his signature Pretty Boy Flacko aura into many other forms of hip-hop. He developed his style to fit different genres and branch out from his signature cloud rap routes. Tyler the Creator’s “Who Dat Boy” is a wildly different kind of sound, but is one of Rocky’s best features. We can't forget his wildly popular song Sundress, where he steps into the indie genre with the instrumental while still managing to put a verse down. Live. Love.A$AP started a domino effect that gave birth to many other projects and stayed one of the most relevant projects out of the 2010’s.
Since releasing Testing in 2018, A$AP Rocky’s gone through a lot. In 2019 after he was released from jail in Sweden for assault, he dropped a single titled “Babushka Boi” accompanied by
James Wyrtzen/The Maroon
around town, and Charlie Mills Jr. often accompanied him on trumpet. Crockett brought Mills out for “Trinity River”, a bluesy track ripe with opportunity for improvisation. Mills stayed on stage for the remainder of the set, often adding tasteful trumpet lines and bringing some New Orleans sound.
While some try and categorize Crockett’s music as country, he believes something completely different. In banter with the audience, Crockett divulged that “When they first wrote me up in Austin, Texas, they called me a genre chameleon. But standing right
a wacky music video. He did not release any new music for a while after, but in 2022 was featured in three songs as well as releasing his own single “DMB (Das My B****).” DMB was about his soulmate and now wife Rhianna, who in the time since “Testing” was busy creating a family with Rocky. With that being said, it makes me think about what we can expect from “Don’t Be Dumb”. In his recent interviews, Rocky seems confident it’s his best album to date. He revealed that a song with Fatman Scoop, Slick Rick, Flava Flav, Morrissey, and Busta Rhymes would be on the project. His recently released singles “Highjack” and “Tailor Swif” are two electric concert-ready tracks with catchy hooks and fast rhythms. Rocky's most recent single is a rainy-day vibe produced by Alchemist and featuring J-Cole. It’s speculated that other legends like Pharrell, Metro Boomin, Tyler, the Creator, and Mike Dean all have a part in this project. This brings me back to what I said about artistic diversity. It seems that Rocky is taking more leaps forward by working with producers he has yet to collaborate with. At the same time, he’s creating full circle moments by including artists he’s worked with in the past and ones that have influenced him as a child. On paper, it sounds like we are about to hear Rocky’s most ambitious album to date. The album was initially slated for release on August, 30th 2024. However, due to sample clearance issues and leaks, he decided to push it back to the fall. There's no new release date yet, but we can expect nothing less than greatness from our friend A$AP Rocky.
here, where I got it all together, this right here ain’t nothing but the blues.” On these lines, he broke into a T. Bone Burnett cover. Crockett’s cover selection was particularly extraordinary, as he played songs from artists such as Link Wray, T. Bone Walker, James Hand, Vincent Neil Emerson, and Tanya Tucker. Most of these artists seem obscure, but within the pantheon of Crockett’s artistry, they make perfect sense to emulate.
Crockett wrapped up the evening with an encore of Tanya Tucker’s “Jamestown Ferry” and another “$10 Cowboy” track, “America”. On the concluding notes of the last song of the evening, he offered these words to the audience, “Thank y’all, I’m Charley Crockett. That’s Charley with an -ey like Charley Pride and Crockett with two t’s like Davy.” He set his guitar on a stand and walked into the arms of his wife, who was waiting side stage.
Crockett’s act borders on novelty while still maintaining an uncommon authenticity. To most, it may seem hokey that the Valley native waltzes around the stage with one of the tallest cowboy hats around. However, to purists of American music, Crockett should represent a breath of fresh air. I stepped out into the thick humidity of nighttime New Orleans and automatically was desperate to send my outlaw postcard to the next person who could see Charley Crockett.
Courtesy of Polo Grounds
SPORTS
Loyola's first decathlete in 12 years can do it all
By Maleigh Crespo macrespo@my.loyno.edu
Biology freshman Nicholas Martin’s athletic journey began in high school, where he played eight different sports: football, baseball, basketball, swim, tennis, cross country, and track and field. Of them all, it was track and field that earned him an invitation to join the Wolf Pack as the first decathlete on the team in 12 years.
A decathlete is a track and field competitor who competes in 10 different events: the 100 meters, 400 meters, 1500 meters, 110 meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, pole vault, discus throw, javelin throw, and shotput.
Before coming to Loyola, Martin said he didn’t know what a decathlete was, despite being signed as one. In high school, Martin said, unbeknownst to him, his coach had him compete in several different track and field events each summer, gradually increasing the number of events he did. Martin showed success in eight different events, including the javelin throw and the triple jump — his highest performing events.
“I’ve always been an athlete that's willing to try anything,” he said.
It was this eagerness that caught the attention of track and field assistant coach, Ron Holden, who recruited Martin for the position after he’d already been accepted to Loyola.
“I called him up and started chatting with him, and he did a diverse set of
Upcoming matches and games
Friday, Sep. 27 | Pensacola, Fla
vs. University of West Florida and Thomas University (Ga.)
events that you don't normally mix together, so I thought he’d have a very good chance as a decathlete,” Holden said.
Although Martin is a natural athlete, he said he grew up in a musical family, so he started singing and playing several different instruments at an early age. From the start, he said he had a passion for artistry and performance. When he found sports, he saw it as another art form and another opportunity to express himself.
“ I've always been an athlete that's willing to try anything.”
There’s no pain. There’s nothing. It’s just clarity.”
Even with all of the hard work that comes with being a student athlete, Martin said he is able to maintain balance in his life by operating on a tight schedule, which allows him to “handle business.”
Martin said all of the sports he played in high school, along with his involvement in student leadership, helped him build the stamina to be a college athlete and pursue a degree in the medical field.
“It’s allowing me to take ownership of opportunities that come to me,” he said.
Along with sports and music, Martin also has a passion for medicine. Upon graduation, he wants to pursue a career in physical therapy or psychiatry.
“Because I do love athletics so much, and I know competing won't last forever,” he said. “[My] body's gonna give out eventually, so I know that with my competitiveness, I'm not gonna wanna give up sports like that. So with my deep desire for medicine, I want to be able to help athletes.”
“When I look at track and field, when I look at the people that compete within the sport, I see them as artists expressing their art,” Martin said.
As for himself, he describes his ability to push forward as an athlete as a switch that flips.
“Whenever I get to practice, no matter how much pain I'm in, how sore I am, as soon as I hit the court, all the pain goes away,” he said. “Everything just switches.
Martin said he was an athletic training intern in high school, where he was able to wrap and assist athletes with minor sports injuries. With his own knowledge of sports, Martin said he was better able to help them and offer advice that he would use himself.
While Martin’s journey at Loyola has just begun, he knows that he doesn’t want to limit himself.
“I can do anything,” he said. “I can do everything.”
Saturday, Sep. 28 | Thibodeaux, La.
New women's futbol club seeks to leave legacy on campus
By Anna Therapondos atherapo@my.loyno.edu
In recent history, Loyola has lacked a women’s futbol team. This semester, however, a few students have decided to take it upon themselves to create an additional space for female athletics.
Sophia Santos is the president of the women’s futbol team at Loyola. She, along with two other students, Luciana Marziano and Darlenis Vargas, first decided to create a team when they were approached by Hector Garcia, cofounder of the men’s futbol club.
According to Santos, Garcia was very interested in creating a women’s team, and encouraged the women to take initiative and form the team themselves.
“Futbol is for everyone to enjoy and I firmly believe that Loyola is the best place to have a Women’s Futbol team,” Garcia said.
Luciana Marziano, one of the students who were approached by Garcia, has had a passion for soccer as long as she can remember.
“I grew up in Spain, where soccer is most developed,” Marziano said. “So my memories from a very young age are sitting at the table with my dad and his friends and watching soccer games, or breaking my school shoes because I was in the playgrounds playing soccer.”
“ I want this project to be able to be carried out for centuries.”
Darlenis Vargas Criminology sophomore and club cofounder
The students were given the option to operate under Loyola FC, the men’s futbol team, or to form their own team. Flying under the men’s team would mean having a separate team under the official name of Loyola FC. But the women didn’t want to do this, so they opted to form their own team.
“As a collective, we chose to pursue our passion for soccer and strive for an
environment where the women have their own space,” Santos commented. “It's important to shine a light on women's sports and female athletics.”
While still being established, the team is growing. The girls have currently recruited 16 players and are looking to recruit more as tryouts continue and they plan to start conditioning this season. Garcia expresses his excitement for this new team on Loyola’s campus.
“It means the world to me. Futbol is a universal sport and having that startup on campus is a big joy for me. I’ve always wanted to have both a men’s and women’s team and to see the club coming together is just wonderful,” Garcia said.
As tryouts continue, the team is open to young women with little experience, as well as those who have established skill with the sport.
“My main goal is to be able to have fun and show that the girls do it too,” Marziano said.
The women are also enjoying being leaders and breaking new ground, and they are utilizing past experiences to
create the women’s futbol club. The girls have long had a love for soccer, and they are looking forward to seeing their passion and hardwork materialized in this new project.
“I have always loved being a part of new beginnings,” Vargas said. “I was a founder and creator of my middle school soccer team, so this is not my first time creating and founding a new team.”
As president, Santos is responsible for looking for field space and finding a coach, so they can begin as soon as possible. Most importantly, she is responsible for signing her team up for a league, so they can start playing competitively. The team plans to start playing in a league next semester after dedicating this semester to training.
“I want this project to be able to be carried out for centuries,” Vargas said.
Saturday, Sep. 21
vs. University of Moblie (Ala.) L, 3 sets to zero
@ Dunning Invitational 12th out of 14
Tuesday, Sep. 24
vs. Florida Tech University (Overwatch 2) W, 3 games to 1
Biology freshman Nicholas Martin sits in the Residential Quad. Martin honed his skills during meets all through his high school career. Maleigh Crespo/The Maroon
Nicholas Martin Biology freshman, Track and field athlete
EDITORIAL & OPINION
Audrey Casas/
Penn State University abruptly removed its student-run newspaper, The Daily Collegian, from newsstands across campus, citing a violation of its advertising policy. The ads in question were innocuous by most standards: one promoted a Kamala Harris rally, and the other encouraged voter registration. Yet the university's decision, made swiftly and without warning, raises troubling questions about free speech, the autonomy of student media, and the creeping influence of administrative authority over platforms designed for student expression.
But the implications are far more significant. When a public university, ostensibly committed to fostering a robust environment for debate, unilaterally de-
A warning for free expression GUEST SERMON: CHRIST COLUMN
cides to pull its student newspaper from circulation, it sends a clear message: the boundaries of acceptable expression are not up to the students but the administration. This is a question of whether institutions of higher learning will uphold their duty to nurture free expression, even when that expression may be politically charged or controversial.
Student newspapers like The Daily Collegian exist to report on campus life and to hold institutions accountable. They are a vital component of any academic ecosystem, ensuring transparency, surfacing uncomfortable truths, and amplifying the voices of students who might otherwise go unheard. These papers are, in many ways, the heart of student expression. To remove them from
Forgiveness
What exactly is forgiveness? Forgiveness is the deliberate decision to abort feelings of hate or resentment to a person who has harmed you and guess what? Jesus was and is the master of forgiveness. When the Pharisees questioned Him or when people hurled in-
campus without proper justification undermines the very principles that universities claim to uphold.
What is especially concerning about Penn State’s decision is the lack of due process. The removal of The Daily Collegian came without warning and with no opportunity for the newspaper’s staff to address or even understand the specific nature of the alleged violation. This lack of transparency only deepens the sense of unease. If a university can simply sweep a student publication off newsstands for running ads that touch on political activity—ads, it should be noted, that are entirely consistent with the democratic engagement many universities encourage—what message does this send to students? It tells them that their
platforms, their voices, and their work can be shut down without recourse. It suggests that their autonomy is contingent upon the approval of administrators rather than being a protected right. This issue speaks to a broader tension within higher education today, not just at Penn State. Universities are increasingly caught between their commitment to fostering open dialogue and their desire to avoid controversy. In this balance, many institutions have taken steps that prioritize administrative control over student freedom, which is deeply troubling. Higher education should be a place where students are encouraged to ask hard questions, report difficult truths, and hold power to account. When universities themselves become the ar-
biters of what speech is permissible, they erode the intellectual freedoms they are meant to champion. In an era where the free press is under attack from authoritarian regimes, corporate influence, and social media disinformation, it is all the more important that universities—supposedly bastions of knowledge, inquiry, and freedom—stand firmly on the side of free expression. To do otherwise is to betray their core mission and the students they serve. The removal of The Daily Collegian is a warning signal. If universities begin to treat student media as something that can be controlled and censored, the future of free inquiry on campus becomes increasingly fragile.
sults at them, He didn’t hurl insults back, He forgave them for their sins to show how graceful He is and the way of the Father. Now, I understand as humans we find it incredibly complicated to forgive those who have harmed us verbally or physically, but trust God when He says to love our enemies and in Leviticus 19:18.
He says “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your peo-
ple but love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord.” I know it doesn’t seem like the most logical solution to forgive someone who has hurt us, but in the grand scheme of things, as a human, you have more energy to forgive than to get back at those who you want revenge from. It’s something that we all struggle with, even I do. I would start with just going up to that person and just saying
“I forgive you.” If they’ve done something wrong towards you, and you either want revenge or don’t know how to process it just take a deep breath and be the bigger person. Merely saying “I forgive you” to someone is a stepping stone to being a calm and graceful person, and it even makes God happy to see it. Remember that He loves you so much even when we don’t deserve it!!
