Loyola University • New Orleans • Volume 93 • Issue 6 • Sept. 26, 2014
THE MAROON FOR A GREATER LOYOLA
Funding the future Loyola prepares to launch “Faith in the Future” campaign By Colleen Dulle mcdulle@loyno.edu @Colleen_Maroon
Loyola’s $100 million Faith in the Future campaign will launch on Oct. 9, although it has raised over $43 million already in its quiet phase. “Faith in the Future: The Campaign for Loyola University New Orleans” is the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, according to Bill Bishop, vice president for institutional advancement. The money raised will go toward enriching Loyola’s academic programs, campus facilities, scholarships and mission. Bishop said that these fundraising priorities stem from the university’s new strategic plan. The results of the fundraising are already visible on campus with the renovations to Monroe Hall, which houses the graphic design, chemistry and biology departments. “The teaching spaces, including lecture rooms, computer labs and laboratories, are quite spectacular,” Rosalie Anderson, associate professor of biology, said. Anderson said that the faculty who work in these areas designed
the facilities to stimulate student and faculty engagement. One way this occurs, she said, is in the gathering spaces where students and faculty can relax between classes. Anderson believes the renovated space will increase the value of a Loyola education. “They will offer the hands-on experience of working on real-world problems in our research laboratories and reproducing professional work environments in our art and design spaces,” Anderson said. The renovations and added funding will also “attract outstanding new faculty members and provide support for their research,” according to an online announcement of the campaign. “There is some excitement for the faculty who are in the know,” Anderson said. Rachel Dufour, chemistry and psychology sophomore, said she enjoys the Monroe Hall renovations. “They are absolutely wonderful and state-of-the-art,” Dufour said. “They’re overall a solid choice and a good decision on Loyola’s part.” The funding from the campaign will also go toward financial aid and scholarships, thanks to
Max Messmer, A’67, and Marcia Messmer. The Messmers donated $250,000 for the establishment of the Messmer Ignatian Endowed Scholarship Fund, according to the campus-wide email Bishop released last week. The Messmers’ fund is the first privately-endowed fund for Ignatian Scholarships, which are the highest academic scholarships available at Loyola. Other significant gifts to the campaign include a $158,000 scholarship fund for Christian women from the Southeast, given by the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, and the Myler Family Foundation’s $50,000 gift to the College of Business, according to Bishop’s email. In addition to the $43 million the Faith in the Future campaign has raised, the university’s Loyola Fund donations have skyrocketed, raising $1 million in the past year, the largest amount it has received since 2007, before the stock market recession. The total for the Loyola Fund campaign is now $4.4 million, over half of its $7 million goal, Bishop said.
For more about the campaign, see BREAKING DOWN “FAITH IN THE FUTURE”, PAGE 3 and also see PLANS FOR THE TOM BENSON JESUIT CENTER, PAGE 12
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Graphic by Emily Andras / Design chief
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Assistant Editors: Mary Colleen Dulle, Gabriel Garza, Mary Graci, Whitney Woods Staff Writers: Zayn Ali Abidin, Emily Alleman, Raquel Derganz Baker, Emily Branan, Faelynn Carroll, Laura Cordell, Trent Dardar, Nick Ducote, Marley Duet, Lester Duhe, Austin Erwin, Rachael Espaillat, Rachael Falls, Kevin Fox, Marc Goudeau, Erin Hidlebrand, Liz Johnston, Cayla Kelton, Victoria Nachman, Anthony Olanji, Francisco Pazo, Lauren Saizan, Kerritt Saintal, Mary Staes, Rebecca Trejo, Skyllarr Trusty, Jack
Vanchiere, Davis Walden, Marcus Chapa Wilson, Anthony Zaleski Sales Manager: Alisha Bell Business Manager: Stephen Cooper Distribution Manager: Emily Andras Art Director: Enjoli Gilbert Sales Representatives: Scott Gonzalez, Zinsule Bonner, Alliciyia George, Cami Thomas Adviser: Michael Giusti Associate Adviser: Tom Thoren
CONTACT US Main Office (504) 865-3535 Business Office/Advertising (504) 865-3536 Adviser’s Office (504) 865-3295 Fax (504) 865-3534 Correspondence maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the editor letter@loyno.edu Advertising ads@loyno.edu Web site www.loyolamaroon.com Twitter @loyola_maroon Facebook The Maroon @loyola_maroon Instagram
Vehicle Break-In/Theft Palmer Ave, 2700 block
Sept. 19
8:20 a.m.
Theft St. Charles Ave, 7800 block
Sept. 19
2:38 p.m.
Vandalism Calhoun Street, 900 block
Sept. 19
4:54 p.m.
Vandalism St. Charles Ave, 7700 block
Sept. 19
11:29 p.m.
Theft Biever Hall
Sept. 20
9:05 a.m.
Theft St. Charles Ave, 6800 block
Sept. 20
12:01 p.m.
Robbery Newcomb Blvd, 00 block
Sept. 20
10:32 p.m.
Vehicle Break-In/Theft Oak Street, 7700 block
Sept. 21
8:24 a.m.
Vehicle Break-In/Theft Audubon Street, 800 block
Sept. 21
10:26 a.m.
Motor Vehicle Theft St. Charles Ave, 6300 block
Sept. 22
12:21 p.m.
Burglary Palmer Ave, 2600 block
Sept. 23
9:06 a.m.
Theft St. Charles Ave, 6300 block
Sept. 23
3:11 p.m.
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 $1.00. The Maroon is printed on 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.
NEWS
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
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ONE FOR THE BOOKS
DJ SEVERAN/Staff Photographer
Anastasia Sion, music therapy junior, buys a raffle ticket from Jade Stewart, English writing junior and a member of Sigma Tau Delta, for the chance to win 11 books that have been frequently challenged or banned from schools, libraries and associations across the country. Banned Books Week is a national event that celebrates books that have been and are banned in certain institutions.
Loyola students come together to celebrate books that have frequently been banned across the U.S. By Nia Porter naporter@loyno.edu @NiaPorter
Students gathered this past week to celebrate the freedom to read books that are frequently censored or challenged for their content. Loyola’s English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta, sponsored a Banned Books Week event in the Danna Center from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. The event was a part of a countrywide effort to highlight the importance of having open access to information — specifically, through
NEWS BRIEF President JFK’s nephew to speak at Loyola
books. Lauren Smith, English writing senior and the vice president of Sigma Tau Delta, said that Banned Books Week happens every year toward the end of September across the country. “It’s all about supporting the freedom to read and express, regardless of many people’s ideas of censorship and what’s appropriate,” Smith said. According to Banned Books Weeks’ official website, books that are continuously banned or challenged in libraries and schools across the country are often ones that contain offensive language, sexual content, homosexuality and religious viewpoints. Smith, whose favorite banned book is Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” said that Sigma Tau Delta wanted to bring the event to Loyola
this year to remind students of their freedom to read and write. “I think a lot of people think of banned books as books that were banned for ridiculous reasons decades ago, but books are still being challenged and banned pretty often,” Smith said. “There’s such an extensive list of important works that have been banned or challenged. It’s important for us to remember them and know about them.” Hillary Eklund, English professor and advisor for Sigma Tau Delta, said that the group worked hard to put the event together by gathering inflammatory reviews of some of the banned books and displaying them at their booth in the Danna Center. “They did all of the research and coordinated with other members to get a few blurbs about each book,”
BREAKING DOWN “FAITH IN THE FUTURE” Loyola’s $100 million “Faith in the Future” fundraising effort will benefit all areas of the university. The money will be split between several programs and departments.
Eklund said. “They’re also using this opportunity to fundraise for Sigma Tau Delta.” Haley Hampton, history junior, was so excited to see the event she took a picture and urged her followers on Instagram to celebrate Banned Books Week by picking up a book and reading. “I think it’s so important to recognize Banned Books Week and celebrate having access to information that in previous decades or in other cities and countries, would have been censored from us,” Hampton said. Hampton said that the number of books that end up on the frequently challenged list often surprises people. “I hope seeing that around this week will inspire people to read more,” Hampton said.
UNDERGRAD RESEARCH ENDOWMENTS $4.5 million MUSIC AND FINE ARTS MULTIMEDIA CENTER $7 million $2.5 million
Mark K. Shriver, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, will be delivering a speech at Loyola. The event, which is a part of the Presidential Guest Series, will be held on Sept. 30 in Roussel Hall at 7 p.m. Shriver will speak about his late father, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Peace Corps and Special Olympics, and how he strives to apply his father’s principles of faith, hope and love in his own career.
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM $1.2 million
Career Expo to be held at Mercedes-Benz Superdome The annual fall Career Expo is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is designed to allow students to network with potential employers.
SCHOLARSHIPS $20 million
ATHLETIC FACILITIES $17 million
TOM BENSON JESUIT CENTER $16 million
MONROE HALL RENOVATION $16 million
THE LOYOLA FUND $7 million
CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP $3 million
MONROE LIBRARY $2.5 million
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WORLDVIEW
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
Calling in reinforcements Mayor’s office proposes method to improve security in the French Quarter By Mary Staes mary.staes@gmail.com @Mstaes
The mayor’s office has created a new proposal to combat safety concerns in the French Quarter. NOLA Patrols is meant to alleviate pressures on 8th District officers by handling quality of life issues that affect Quarter residents. NOLA Patrol officers will also have different uniforms than sworn officers and will receive training to handle certain situations from the New Orleans Police Department. Tyler Gamble, communications director for the NOPD, said civilian officers will report minor problems like illegal parking and traffic concerns, allowing NOPD officers to respond to larger issues such as shootings and robberies. “There are real benefits to the NOLA Patrol proposal that impact public safety and quality of life enforcement,” Gamble said. “We expect that the additional support to the NOPD 8th District will free up officers to focus on more serious crimes and emergency needs in the French Quarter.” The French Quarter area is twofold to the city of New Orleans. It is a significant tourist attraction, as well as a residential area. According to the University of New Orleans Area Visitor Profile,
9.28 million people visited the city in 2013. 95.1 percent of those people visited the French Quarter. The Quarter was also home to almost 4,000 people, according to the 2010 census. Glenn Vesh, a resident of the Quarter for over 20 years, said the proposal is a sign that the city cares about the residents as well as the tourists who populate the area. “I think the mayor is making a great movement to increase the fact that people that live in the Quarter need to have their safety taken care of and their life quality taken care of,” Vesh said. College students often frequent the French Quarter, but students like music industries freshman Ymarii Gatson avoid it because of safety concerns. “I haven’t been down there yet,” Gatson said. “I would think about my safety if I went down there, just because of what I’ve heard.” Even students who have been to the Quarter said the recent proposal for increased police presence doesn’t help settle their minds. “I don’t necessarily feel safe with the police around,” Megan Chambers, English writing senior, said. “If something happened on the next street and I needed help, I don’t think they could get there fast enough.” Financial support for the proposal would come from the tourist industry. In a press release from the mayor’s office, NOPD Interim Superintendent Michael Harrison said that
ANDREW LEACH/ Staff Photographer
An NOPD officer returns to his vehicle on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s office proposed a plan to increase security in the French Quarter with a supplimental security force.
a voluntary tax would generate revenue to provide the funding. A voluntary hotel and motel tax would be added to guests’ bills. This tax increase would translate to $200,000 a month to fund city services, according to the press release.
Right now the program is only a proposal and will have to be brought before the City Council in order for it to be put into effect. If implemented, the program will be used as a pipeline to determine possible recruits for the police de-
Protesters demand results from world leaders at climate-change summit SUMMARY OF SUMMIT
Compiled from official summary
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Commitment to finalize a new universal agreement under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change
CUTTING EMISSIONS Advocation for a peak in greenhouse gas emissions before 2020, dramatically reduced emissions subsequently, and climate neutrality in the second half of the century
ECONOMIC FUNDING The International Development Finance Club announced that it is on track to increase direct climate financing to $100 billion a year by the end of 2015
PRICING CARBON Leaders representing 52 percent of the gross domestic product showed support for putting a price on carbon
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE Innovation resilience initiatives were announced
NEW COALITIONS The creation of new coalitions to meet the full scope of climate challenge was announced
THOMAS PADILLA/ Associated Press
Protesters walk in the People’s Climate March Paris on Sunday, Sept. 21. Protesters around the world gathered on Sept. 21 in preparation of the United Nations Climate Summit, where world leaders discussed global climate issues on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
partment. “The program is still in the design phase,” Gamble said. “We expect to have a proposal for the City Council to review and approve later this year.”
WORLDVIEW BRIEFS Court rules Angola’s heating conditions unconstitutional BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State officials are asking a federal appellate court to reverse the judge’s finding that hot conditions at the Louisiana State Penitentiary’s death row are unconstitutional. In a filing with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, attorneys for the state Department of Corrections argue that there is no basis in law for Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson’s order that heat indexes on death row not top 88 degrees from April through October. The attorneys say inmates don’t have a constitutional right to mechanical cooling. While the Eighth Amendment doesn’t permit inhumane conditions, they say, it also doesn’t mandate comfortable prisons. Jackson toured the Angola prison last summer and ruled in December that high heat indexes on death row amounted to a violation of the inmates’ constitutional rights. During a court-ordered monitoring period last summer, the state’s attorneys say the heat index on the death-row tiers frequently ranged between 86 and 97 degrees, and rarely exceeded 99 degrees.
THE W RKS
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
FICTION
The Maroon's section of student art. Contribute at letter@loyno.edu
Estome
Samuel experiences an unsettling hallucination
“Estome” Evan Michael Daigle, mass communication sophomore / oil canvas, April 2014
Mark K.
shriver PRESIDENT, SAVE THE CHILDREN ACTION NETWORK
A GOOD MAN:
FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE IN ACTION
Mark K. Shriver, son of Sargent Shriver, the founder of the Peace Corps, and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, will share the guiding principles of his legendary father’s life and how he strives to apply the same principles—faith, hope, and love—in his own career fighting for social justice and advancing the right of every child to a safe and vibrant childhood. For more information contact the Office of Public Affairs at (504) 861-5888 or publaff@loyno.edu
SEPTEMBER 30
guest series Presents
PRESIDENTIAL
dom to maddening fear and paranoia. I had the distinct feeling that if I didn’t do something soon, I’d pass a point of no return and become permanently insane. I wasn’t sure if it worked like that, but the feeling itself was enough to scare me. There was another part of me that was frustrated by my irrational fears. When did things become so unbearable? I tried to distract myself by starting my hours-long process of attempting to sleep. I made my bed as comfortable as PART SIX possible, closed my blinds and started By Adam Albaari a hot shower. I went to the bathroom akalbaar@loyno.edu and turned on the lights. I saw a flash of When I got home from Michael’s, my something behind me in the mirror and apartment felt as if a window had been turned around, startled. Nothing. left open in the middle of winter. The I ignored it and began brushing my chilled air seemed to be creeping in from teeth. As I applied the toothpaste onto an undisclosed source. The apartment looked as it always my brush, I heard what sounded like a did: cramped, cluttered and poorly lit, low-pitched growl. I slowly turned around to face the but there was this unmistakable stillness in the air. It felt as if all the oxygen and running shower behind me. I felt my sound had been sucked out, like airlocks hands go numb with fear, so that my toothbrush slipped from my fingers onto being opened up in a spaceship. I walked down the corridor into my the bathroom floor. Behind the opaque shower curtain room. I saw the dark outline of something in the corner of my eye and imme- was something very tall and large, staring at me. The thing had horns like a ram’s, so diately pivoted over to the left. long that they twisted and curled above Nothing. I turned on the bedroom light, terri- the curtain rod. I heard the deep exhales of something entirely inhuman. fied by what might be illuminated. “Samuel,” a demonic voice said in Nothing. I sat on my bed, totally exhausted. My what sounded like an Oxford-English acsleepless nights ad_Layout had turned1from bore-4:38cent. Shriver Maroon 9/18/14 PM “You Pagereally 1 need to see someone.”
L O YO L A U N I V E R S I T Y N E W O R L E A N S
5
7 P.M. ROUSSEL
HALL FREE AND
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
loyno.edu/guestlecture
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Life &Times
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife
By Jack Vanchiere
88 keys and a summer breeze
jtvanchi@loyno.edu @jackvanchiere
This semester, concertgoers will be gathering in Audubon Park to enjoy smooth jazz and a summer breeze. The reason for this gathering is the Loyola Alumni Jazz Jam, the second of four jazz concerts in the Music Under the Oaks showcase. The series, sponsored by Bellwether Technology and presented by the Loyola College of Music and Fine Arts along with WWNO, a local radio outlet, consists of Loyola alumni and professors performing on the Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park. Some Loyola Alumni Association members were present and were “thrilled to support its alumni whenever possible and proud to support the university, especially the College of Music and Fine Arts.” The concert series is the first regular performance on Newman Bandstand in 50 years. The structure, raised in the early 1920s, is a popular wedding spot and has been included in a few films in New Orleans’ growing movie industry. The series kicked off Sept. 5 with The John Mahoney Big Band, and will continue on Oct. 3 and 14 with the Loyola Faculty Chamber Concert and the Loyola Jazz Band. Assistant Professor at Loyola University and member of The John Mahoney Big Band, Nic Volz, said he hopes the series will become a long term program, with regular performances. The next show, Loyola Faculty Chamber Concert, is scheduled for Oct. 3. All photos by ZACH BRIEN / Photo editor
(LEFT) Rob Moore, a Loyola alumni, plays saxophone in the Loyola alumni jazz band in the Music Under the Oaks series at the Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park. (TOP RIGHT) Wayne Maureau, Loyola percussion instructor, plays drums in the Loyola alumni jazz band. (BOTTOM RIGHT) The Loyola alumni jazz band at the Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park.
Lolita Fashion allows for unique form of expression on campus By Lester Duhe laduhe@loyno.edu @LesterDuhe5
You may recognize them on campus by their brightly-colored hair and frilly garments, but while their clothing choices may not be traditional, wearers of Lolita fashion prove the adage “Never judge a book by its cover” to be quite appropriate. Thomas Lin, A’14, describes Lolita fashion as “a Japanese street fashion that can range from the Victorian era, Elizabethan era and old European fashion.” Blair Ajubita, English writing senior, wears Lolita fashion regularly. She said the fashion choice is a form of expression meant to go above the dramatic. “The types of dresses reflect you personally, and it is a way to express myself,” Ajubita said. Dresses in Lolita style can cost up to $300, so although Ajubita was interested in dressing up since she was young, she waited until she finally had a credit card to start mak-
ing her own fashion statement. She said that talking with Lin made her feel confident about the unique form of expression. Lin wears both men’s and women’s styles when he practices Lolita fashion. He said he “feels at home” when he’s wearing the outfits. He said that Lolita fashion allows him to dress up and express his style in a way that he does not do daily, although he said there are some who dress up daily and whose lifestyles revolve around Lolita fashion. Lin said he finds the aesthetics of the fashion brand intriguing. He said that the men’s style is a lot easier for him to wear, but that he still loves the intricate styles in the outfits that one simply “does not see in t-shirts and jeans.” Some people make their own clothing, but there is also an option in New Orleans for those who wish to purchase their garments. KAWAII NOLA, located on Magazine Street, sells Japanese culture items and clothing. Lin said that the shop has been helpful in creating an atmosphere of acceptance.
“The owners are all extremely nice to the Lolita community,” he said. Ajubita and Lin both said they believe this is the right store to visit if you are interested in the fashion statement. Although there seems to be a lot of interest at Loyola regarding the trend, there is still not a “Lolita Fashion” club. However, there is a Facebook group called Nola Lolitas for anyone who is interested in the culture. There are roughly 300 members in the Facebook group as of now. Every month, the group holds meetings and events, based on holidays or whenever people want to meet and hang out. “We have a lot of fun while admiring the culture present at the meet-ups,” Lin said. As Lolita fashion grows larger in the city of New Orleans, there is certainly potential for the trend to expand at Loyola as well. “We are not alone here on campus,” Ajubita said.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Lin
This shot was taken at Mechacon’s first ever Lolita tea party, which was held at this year’s convention. Lin wore this outfit during the first ever J-Fashion Show at Mechacon, which is an anime convention.
SUDOKU
ACROSS
1. Loop in old Westerns 6. Kind of purpose 10. Future J.D.’s exam 14. Putting green border 15. Welding sparks 16. Sicilian smoker 17. *Arm, to an ace pitcher 19. Turkey or fox follower 20. Opposite of ecto21.“Moonstruck” Oscar winner 22. Valerie Harper role 23. Statement of agreement 24. *Issue that halts negotiations 26. Sluggish 28. What a goldbrick does 29. Cooking aids 30. Cry of surrender 33. *Monetary love, in Timothy 38. French wine region 39. “Hands off!” 40. Deck crew boss 43. Full of spunk 45. *One in the infantry 49. __-Aztecan languages 50. Finish by 51. Bird along the coast 52. Beat it 53. Pinball goof 54. Unswerving, and a hint to the starts of the answers to starred clues 56. Fit to __ 57. “Come Back, Little Sheba” playwright 58. Asian vine leaf 59. Stockholder’s concern 60. Former OTC watchdog 61. Bobrun runners
DOWN
1. “You’ve got carte blanche” 2. Nondiscriminating immigration policy 3. Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” for one
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THE MAROON
September 26, 2014
4. Unaided 5. Tolkien giant 6. Russian country home 7. “Family Matters” nerd 8. Biting 9. WWII carrier 10. Deadly 11. Butterfly, e.g. 12. Voltaic cell terminals 13. Golden Horde member 18. Treated, as a sprain 22. Christ the __: statue in Rio 24. Have little faith in 25. Little stream 27. Gaza Strip gp. 30. Sci-fi vehicle 31. One of the Bobbsey twins 32. A.L. Central team, on scoreboards 34. Cry of woe
35. Sundial number 36. Protect against heat loss, say 37. Made it big, as in school athletics 40. Mackerel relative 41. Truckloads 42. Conditions 43. Charges for services 44. Alpine airs 45. Like a curled-up position 46. Soprano Mitchell 47. Pharmacy inventory 48. How a 59-Across is typically shown 52. Pumped product 54. Five smackers 55. Ones taking hikes: Abbr.
Puzzle answers for September 19, 2014
RELIGION
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September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
Soka Gakkai encourages self-reflection LINDA HEXTER/ The Maroon
A Buddhist mask on a temple wall welcomes self-reflection and contemplative prayer. Nichiren Buddhism is practiced at Soka Gakkai, which holds weekly services Sundays at 10 a.m. and introductory sessions on Monday at 7 p.m.
MARC GOUDEAU Sociology Senior cmgodeau@loyno. edu
When someone unfamiliar with Buddhism thinks about this ancient tradition, perhaps they envision a hermetic monk, meditating on top of a mountain under a tree, seeking inner enlightenment and peace, far removed from the mundane worldly events unfolding everyday below them. I cannot speak for any other Buddhist tradition, but I can write with confidence that such an image could not less accurately describe the Nichiren Buddhism practiced at Soka Gakkai International New Orleans. “This practice is based on much more than just a religion; it’s actually based on daily life. It’s not separate or something outside of ourselves. Our practice is based on everything
we do in our life,” Kevin Poser, a member of Soka Gakkai, said. Catherine Wessinger, professor of the history of religions, noted the more relaxed nature of Soka Gakkai in New Orleans compared to the institutionalized form present in Japan. “In Japan, Soka Gakkai have their own political party, but here they’re much more low-key. If they have a visitor, they’ll be very nice and explain to you what they practice, their history and their beliefs are, but I don’t think its high pressure,” Wessinger said. Poser said that his practice,, Nichiren Buddhism, was founded in 13th century Japan by a Buddhist monk named Nichiren Daishonin. He said the practice is based on the law of cause and effect and how the causes we have made in our past have brought us to the place we are today; if we want to have insight into our future, we must focus on the causes we are making today. “The practice is a wonderful way that we look at ourselves in the mirror everyday. We learn about our-
selves and grow all the time,” Poser said. During the introductory session I attended, the members demonstrated their main spiritual practice. We chanted the daimoku for 20 minutes while facing the gohonzon, a spiritual diagram written on white paper that serves as a mirror to the higher inner self — the inner Buddha — that followers are trying to access while chanting. Chanting the daimoku daily helps Soka Gakkai’s members face the the inevitable hardships in their lives. “The obstacles ahead of my life, they don’t disappear, but you grow as a person to be able to handle them much better and that’s a key part of this practice,” Poser said. This idea of accepting the unavoidable, everyday challenges of life and working to overcome them in order to become a stronger person, capable of ultimately helping our fellow man in the same pursuit, is the core of the Lotus Sutra, which Nichiren Buddhists consider to be Siddhartha Gautama’s highest teaching.
For members of Soka Gakkai, the lotus flower acts as a central symbol and metaphor in illustrating the principles of the Lotus Sutra. The lotus flower represents cause and effect, or karma, as it blooms and seeds simultaneously. Shawn Lewis, another member, discussed karma by drawing a parallel with Jesus’s famous teaching “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” expressing his sincere belief that our actions, no matter how insignificant they may seem to us, affect our environment, in ways seen and unseen. The lotus flower also symbolizes buddhahood, the state of absolute happiness and inner peace that arises out of our ordinary, and at times, hostile lives, just as the lotus flower grows out of a swamp and is unaffected by the murk surrounding it. After introducing me to his faith, Kevin Poser kindly warned that although Soka Gakkai practice is easy to accept, it is difficult to implement. “This practice makes you look in the mirror, and sometimes when we look in the mirror, we don’t like what
we see,” Poser said. Poser continued to say that whether or not I eventually joined the faith after speaking with him was not important. He emphasized the fact that he had introduced me to his practice and imagined the possibility that I might be affected by these principles enough to tell others about them, thereby continuing the ripple effect that is central to the Soka Gakkai practice. This ripple effect relates back to the notion of not living as a monk on top of a mountain, but rather coming down to earth and touching the lives of others in a positive way. “This practice is based on being part of the world, part of New Orleans, and part of all the obstacles that arise within our life and helping other people to see that and grow as a person as well. It’s one of those things you have to try. I could tell you anecdotes and stories about the great things that have happened to me, but it’s basically up to you to try,” Poser said.
Homeless community finds compassion at St. Jude’s By Faelyn Carroll fecarrol@loyno.edu
A man played improvised jazz piano as early risers shuffled through the long line in the kitchen to receive a meal. It was breakfast time at St. Jude Community Center, a space that serves as a food bank, resource center and kitchen to New Orleans’ homeless and food insecure. The pianist was a homeless adult, who identified himself only as Kenn. He was visiting St. Jude for breakfast that morning and said that he learned to play piano and other instruments to mentally escape his experiences as a child slave. “I was tortured, and the only thing that would make sense to me was the sound of instruments. I would play any instrument there is,” Kenn said. St. Jude is a ministry of Our Sister of Guadeloupe church, located across the street from the community center. The community center
provides two meals on weekdays and lunch on Saturdays. The community center also manages a food bank, houses working homeless women, runs an adult basic-education program and offers religious education. Sister Beth Much, M.S.C, director of St. Jude Community Center, said that St. Jude’s main ministry is to feed people who are not able to provide food for themselves. “Our job here is really not to assess or judge, but just to accept anybody who walks in where they are and give them one of our basic needs. We feed people and invite them back,” Much said. Joe Deegan, university minister for service and justice programs and advisor to Loyola University Community Action Program, said that this act of kindness is one that could be instrumental in an individual’s journey to achieve stability. “Having basic needs met in a way that’s humane and compassionate
improves their own chances of rejoining society or just surviving and thriving as a person,” Deegan said. Through partnerships with other community organizations, St. Jude partners with other community organizations and thus refers clients to services such as rehabilitation programs and job matching. There are volunteer opportunities at St. Jude to help run each of their programs. School groups, visiting nuns and individuals come from around the country to volunteer their time, and local, community and corporate partners also help to assist in St. Jude’s operation. “People say, ‘The city that care forgot.’ I wouldn’t say that at all. I would say that absolutely, care is right here,” Much said. She said she encourages interested students to volunteer and to be creative by initiating their own programs. Working with the homeless population provides a window into the
lives of a stigmatized group, Much said. She herself has dedicated her life to the service of others. “It allows you to see how another segment of our society lives or doesn’t live,” she said. “Of course it will deepen your own spirituality and make you become more grateful. Once people become more grateful, they will understand the importance of giving back. That’s why we were created: to give back to God what we can.” Deegan outlined reasons for volunteering as gaining greater self-efficacy and learning outcomes while broadening awareness of social problems. LUCAP does not currently partner with St. Jude, but student-led projects can be started at any time. Similar LUCAP service initiatives include the Hunger Relief project, led by Alexa Bilich and the Harry Thompson center. “I think it is important to help the homeless because they are just you
and I, but at a time of struggle in their lives and just need a little help to get back on their feet,” said Bilich. Students can contact Deegan to propose new projects, or contact project leaders for more information on existing projects. “Putting yourself out there, experiencing, being mindful and understanding the context of your environment is going to push you toward asking the right questions,” Deegan said. In the context of homelessness in New Orleans, there are many questions that beg asking. Those questions may lead in diverse directions, but whether regarding volunteers or clients of services at St. Jude, the community center has the same basic mission. “We want to be a place that helps people in the process of transformation, whatever that means to them,” Much said.
SPORTS
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
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LOYOLA
SETS SAIL After two inactive years, a number of students have reformed Loyola’s sailing team. Their president, Sam Murray, political science junior, has regathered the group in hopes to create a successful team that will compete against other sailing teams in the area. They practice every weekend at the Southern Yacht Club in Lakeview, La. Their instructor, Paul Barnes, works for the club but is hired by Loyola to help coach the students given his prolific sailing career. They are just starting out their season and have held three trial practices where students can decide if sailing is for them. Starting next week, Murray said she plans on compiling a roster that they will use when they compete in regattas this coming season. (All photos by Sarah Szigeti)
(LEFT) Rose Dicks, classics senior and Jae Yun Choi, music industry junior (TOP RIGHT) Stuart Cranner, philosophy junior and Kyle Micera, psychology freshman (BOTTOM RIGHT) Stuart Cranner
Basketball star returns to court in suit and tie By Nick Ducote naducote@loyno.edu @naducote Local basketball legend Ryan Brock has returned to Loyola as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Coach Brock’s journey since Loyola has taken him from the playground in New Orleans East to playing professional ball in Qatar. The young coach brings his wisdom back to the team from which he graduated only five years ago. Ryan Brock began his basketball career in New Orleans East at Marian Central Catholic School, and as is tradition in New Orleans, had a variety of top-notch high schools to choose from. “Most of us chose to go down the street to Brother Martin, where we won two state championships and brought a national recognition to our school,” said Brock. Brock started off at the University of New Orleans, allowing him to stay close to home. He said that while part of it was for security, the most important part was that he was able to play football. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans during Brock’s freshman year at UNO. He and the team were relocated to Tyler, Texas until they were allowed to come back to the city. He said the administration and athletic department
Ryan Brock assistant men’s basketball coach
at UNO did not know what to do with all their players. “There was a lot of uncertainty in the program. They didn’t know if they were going to go over to Division 2 or become an independent school,”
Brock said. Brock sustained a few injuries that kept him off the front lines and left him playing a handful of games during his time at UNO. Brock said that the team never really regained balance after Katrina, going through two head coaches in three years. It was then that Brock made the decision to transfer to Loyola. “I didn’t want to go to another big division school and sit another semester out. I knew talking to my friend Josh and Torrey that this was a no-brainer. They told me about Loyola’s program and I knew that I wanted to be here,” Brock said. Brock said that while basketball was his passion, he wanted a school with a strong academic presence. After meeting then-coach Michael Giorlando, he knew that Loyola was the right school.
Brock’s first season was one for the books. The team won 19 games that season, marking the most wins at Loyola since the reinstatement of the basketball program. During the pre-season, the team was projected to finish no better than eighth place. The basketball team ended up third in conference play, with Brock averaging over 19.9 points per game. He led the team in steals and was third in rebounds during that first season with the Pack. That same year he was voted as Louisiana’s Small College Player of the Year. In his three-year career, he led Southern States Athletic Conference in scoring with 22.2 points per game, 56 steals, 79 assists and was second on Loyola’s All-Time Scoring List with 1,706 points. Brock was also the first player in Loyola’s history to be named an All-American in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In the middle of his senior season, they had a six game losing streak, but still made it to the playoffs. There, the team knocked out Lee University, one of the best teams in the nation. The semifinal game was Brock’s last game as a member of the Loyola team. “I never cried so much after losing a basketball game. I felt like I was losing my family. I knew that this was the last time I was going to play for Loyola,” Brock said.
After graduation, Brock signed with Al-Ahli Sports Club, a professional basketball team in Qatar. There, he averaged 19.6 points a game, again being one of the leading scorers on his team. After one season in Qatar, Brock decided to come back to New Orleans. A friend of his recently started a program in Slidell called Fundamental Athletic Sports Training and Brock came on to help the organization by coaching, training and mentoring young athletes. He was then contacted by newly-appointed Loyola Head Coach Stacy Hollowell. Loyola needed a new assistant coach, and Hollowell knew that Brock would be a qualified candidate. “Win or lose, he knows what to bring in practice, at a game and in life. He’s someone I wanted to have here for this team,” Hollowell said. It has only been three years since Brock graduated, a relatively brief period of separation from the court. Brock said that was a key piece, he believes, in his hiring. “I can relate to the guys on the team from a coach’s and player’s perspective. Stacy thought that this could be a great advantage for both of us,” Brock said. Hollowell was in complete agreeance with Brock. “He can relate to they guys on the team. He’s been there,” Hollowell said. Loyola’s current players, while they
were not here for Brock’s Loyola career, still know his name. Benjamin Fields, accounting freshman, believes in Brock because of the advantage the dual-perspective gives him. “I have full confidence in Coach Brock. He knows what it takes to win at this level of basketball,” Fields said. Hollowell has been a part of the Loyola community since Brock was a student here. In fact, Hollowell was one of Brock’s biggest mentors and one of his biggest motivators to try out for the Qatar team, as Hollowell had coach there years prior. He was once Brock’s coach, and now, he said that he couldn’t be more excited to be on the same side of the court as Brock — the sideline. “Ryan was a great example of a student athlete. He’s been a great addition to the program now, as a coach, and I look forward to winning more games with him,” Hollowell said. The A’11 graduate said that he likes being back on the court with the guys. Even the early morning conditioning and long practices feel like home, Brock said. “Going through the practices and getting here early with the guys has been fun. I felt like I’ve come back home to my basketball family,” Brock said.
OPINION
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September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
IN MY OPINION Students share their opinions on various topics
Campus-wide smoking bans: whose rights are at stake? Smoking bans promote our right to clean air STEPHANIE BENITEZ Stephanie is a psychology junior. sabenite@loyno.edu
By the beginning of the 2015 Fall semester, Loyola will implement a campus-wide smoking ban. Though it is a private instution, Loyola University is following in the footsteps of public universities throughout the state, who are acting in accordance with Act 211. Just this past August, one of the largest colleges in the state, Louisiana State University began implementing the smoke-free policy, making them the campus to watch in how universities should approach their compliance to the bill. Thus far, LSU’s experiences indicate difficulty with enforcing the policy. Loyola will only face the same issue of policy enforcement next fall, but think about it — is the policy really that bad? In my discussions with friends and peers, many have mentioned that the idea of not being able to smoke between classes is stressful. That is a completely understandable remark, but the idea that smoking is a relaxing activity is an absolute myth. Studies of long-time smokers have actually shown that smokers tend to experience higher levels of stress and tension all throughout their addiction and experience significantly lower levels of stress overall after they quit. The fact of the matter is that even with designated smoking areas, the effects of smoking on campus are an issue that involves the entire student population. Secondhand smoke is an issue to other people’s health and general comfort around campus. At the very least, maybe the policy will teach smokers to be more considerate about where they blow their smoke. The bottom line is that the smoke-free ban is coming to campus whether you are ready or not, and it does not seem to ask much to put off your cigarette break for a few hours and just go to class. The time you dedicate to being on campus is just a small portion of your day, which gives you free reign over all the smoking you want to do outside of class time. The ban should not be perceived as the school being some villainous character telling you how to live.
Smoking bans inhibit our personal freedom This letter is a response to Mary Staes’ Aug. 29 arRICHARD FAST ticle “Legislature Richard is an requires public economics junior. campuses to enforce smoke-free policies staterfast@loyno.edu wide.” I would like to respond with a rebuttal of the smoking ban with two main points. First, the article does not cite any empirical data among the universities of Louisiana, both public and private, about whether or not the students themselves would support such a ban. “Not much opposition” to Act 211 is a vague statement and the article could specify who and exactly what opposition argument was given. That said, concern for students and university associates who suffer from asthma and other respiration-related illnesses is indeed valid, but it would be interesting to see the ratio of smokers to asthma-sufferers on a state level and then campus by campus to really understand the numbers and the situation. Second, and the point I would like to emphasize the most, is the tremendous loss of individual liberty that Act 211 means for the population of every campus in the state. The decision to smoke or not, like any other peaceful personal decision, lies with the individual and ought not to be dictated by a governing body such as the governor or the state legislature. Common smokers’ etiquette, which I have observed for the most part at Loyola, takes into account the effect one might have on passersby, especially those with a glaring look on their face. True liberty would show private universities setting their own policies seeing as they are private institutions. To give full disclosure, I am an occasional smoker. I will light up after a few drinks, or when I’m experiencing stress. Surely, it’s not the best stress-reliever, but it’s my body, my decision. Those who would advocate the same about reproductive rights would certainly agree with me on principle. To do otherwise would be hypocritical and inconsistent with principle. This letter is more than an advocacy of smokers’ rights; it is a rebuttal against an unjust law inhibiting personal freedom and a civil liberty.
Image courtesy of ThinkStock
EDITORIAL
September 26, 2014 THE MAROON
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OUR EDITORIAL
The majority opinion of our editorial board
From 2003–12, persons ages 18 to 24 had the highest rates of intimate partner violence HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Banned Books Week. GROWL to the bendy iPhone 6. HOWL to Friday happy hours. GROWL to buckling down before midterms start. HOWL to breezy weather and the beginning of Fall. GROWL to forgetting to go to class. HOWL to Faith in the Future. GROWL to unseemly nose pimples. HOWL to Music Under the Oaks.
EDITORIAL BOARD Topher Balfer
Editor-in-Chief
Nia Porter
News Editor
Karla Daniela Rosas Kat O’ Toole Melanie Potter
Editorial Editor Managing Editor
Wolf Editor Life and Times Editor
Linda Hexter
Senior Staff Photographer
Daniela Garcia Schulz Maroon Minute Coordinator Asia Alvarado
Copy Editor
Emily Andras
Design Chief
Katherine Collier
Religion Editor
Lauren Stroh
Copy Editor
Whitney Woods
Social Media Coordinator
Alexandra Kennon
Senior Staff Writer
Sarah Szigeti Devinn Adams
Sports Editor Worldview Editor
Zach Brien Burke Bischoff
Photo Editor The Works Editor
Hannah Gomez Farias Katie Richard
Karla Rosas / The Maroon
Web Master
Resident Cartoonist
EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and do 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.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS?
S
ince the release of the now-famous Ray Rice video, the subject of intimate partner violence has figured prominently in the media. Currently, the discussion seems to revolve around the NFL, Rice and Janay Palmer. Many people are justifiably angry with the NFL for its lack of action in addressing this and previous incidents of players who commit violence against someone. They’re also angry with Ray Rice for doing what he did to his wife. While it may satisfy us on one level to see the NFL change its policies toward handling intimate partner violence and have Ray Rice brought to justice, we must also be honest with ourselves. Anyone, regardless of who they are or what status they have, is capable of being the victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. As college students, this issue directly impacts us. According to an April 2014 report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, persons between the ages of 18 to 24 have the highest rates of intimate partner violence. That same report states that women make up 82 percent of the overall victims of intimate partner violence. A 2011 study sponsored by Break the Cycle, reports that nearly one in three female college students say they have been in an abusive dating relationship. More than half the women interviewed also reported knowing a friend who has experienced dating violence. We need to take these statistics into consideration when we debate the issue of intimate partner violence. This is something that affects us, regardless of whether we ourselves are victims or attackers. Is Loyola fostering the type of
environment in which victims of violence feel supported and empowered? Are we promoting a culture of respect and dignity for both men and women? Too often, victims remain silent about their abuse out of fear or the belief that they won’t receive help. It is unacceptable that any one among us should feel the same. If so, then we are not living up to who we are as a Jesuit community. Here at Loyola, there are a number of resources available to individuals who seek help: the Women’s Resource Center and the University Counseling Center, for example. Of course, seeking help isn’t solely the responsibility of the person who is the victim of intimate partner violence; anyone who recognizes abusive tendencies within themselves should use these resources to learn how to deal with and control those tendencies in a way that doesn’t harm anybody. As an overall community, however, we can help by continuing to bring the issue of intimate partner violence to public attention, even after the Ray Rice incident fades from the media spotlight. The NFL and Ray Rice are not isolated incidents. What happened in that elevator isn’t merely part of a high-profile drama. Intimate partner violence — and the sub-par lack of attention it receives — is an everyday evil. It’s something that affects a large amount of people in our country, and maybe even in our own community. If we truly feel compelled to act against intimate partner violence, we can’t satisfy ourselves with using the NFL and Ray Rice as strawmen. We must focus our efforts on our community, our culture, and ourselves.
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THE MAROON
SGA hosts first Third Friday of semester
ANDREW LEACH/Staff Photographer
Ellen McCusker, vocal performance freshman, and Abigail Justice, mass communication freshman, help serve students food at SGA’s Third Friday celebration. This was SGA’s first Third Friday of the school year.
September 26, 2014
Plans for the Tom Benson Jesuit Center
Courtesy of the Office of Institutional Advancement
The blueprint for the the future Tom Benson Jesuit Center is constructed to serve the Loyola community for generations to come, according to Office of Institutional Advancement’s Faith in the Future campaign. Tom Benson has already pledged a leadership gift of $8 million to establish the center.