“Education for Service”
Volume 85, Issue 1
August 23, 2006
THE
Reflector
Photo by Megan Komlanc
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Things to do if you are under 21
Legal fun under 21. See Page 2.
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Abolohom, Hove remembered
Ghamdan Abolohom b. June, 13, 1982 d. May 14, 2006
Ghamdan Abolohom was known as a devout Muslim and Lauren Hove as an avid dancer. The two students came to the University of Indianapolis from separate countries but touched many lives. As the two are mourned, their friends and family reflect on two lives lived with passion and drive. See Page 3 for their stories.
Lauren Hove b. May 5, 1987 d. July 2, 2006
n MAR ELIAS
Mar Elias students endure Lebanese, Israeli conflict while at UIndy Shelly Grimes Managing Editor
Editor’s note: During the Israeli and Lebanese five-week conflict, 47 students from UIndy’s extension campus in Northern Israel studied on UIndy’s main campus while some of their homes became potential war zones. The students left UIndy with no cease-fire in effect. Here are their thoughts and feelings during the fighting. As war erupted in Israel this summer, Areeje Saidy, an Arab-Israeli student studying at UIndy, found herself with mixed feelings. During one day of conflict, Saidy heard on television about the bombings near her home city of Nazareth, Israel, but had not yet been able to contact her family and find out if her hometown and loved ones were okay. Saidy was one of 47 students taking summer classes on the Indianapolis campus to fulfill degree requirements at UIndy’s extension site, Mar Elias. Mar Elias is located in Northern Israel, where the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, was firing rockets. “What is happening right now in Israel is not our normal,” Saidy said just hours after the bombing. “We [Mar Elias students] are very afraid. We are safe here in America, but back in Israel, we will have to listen, hear, watch the bombs coming in.” The Mar Elias Campus is located in Ibillin, Galilee. Rev. Elias Chacour, newly appointed archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church for Galilee, developed the program. Chacour’s dream was to open a university that would draw Christians, Muslims, Druze and Jews together for study and dialogue. With the help of UIndy, the campus opened in the fall of 2003 and is the first and only Arab university in Israel. The first group of students came to Indianapolis in the summer of 2005. This year’s Mar Elias students arrived in the United States June 20 for six weeks of classes before leaving Aug. 4, ten days before the cease-fire. War between
Israel and the Islamic group Hezbollah environmental science and computer culture. Alaa Shibly, who lived in the began mid-July after Hezbollah militants science—as well as many activities. United States for several years as a child abducted two Israeli soldiers at the North Hannah Cartwright, UIndy’s Mar Elias before moving to Jerusalem, said that he Israel/South Lebanese border, leaving the program coordinator, said the activities encountered several Americans with misstudents feeling helpless, Saidy said. were designed to give students a view construed perceptions about Israel. “[It was a] show of support for Pal- of American culture. Activities included “One guy asked if we had cars in estinians whose own militant movement, a weekend trip to Chicago, volunteering Israel,” Shibly said with a laugh. “I said, Hamas, had carried out a similar abduc- with Habitat for Humanity, trips to down- ‘No, we have camels.’” tion,” said Dr. Milind Thakar, assistant town attractions and attending Christian, Mark Ghattis, who also lived in the professor of history and political science. Jewish and Muslim worship services. United States for several years before “Israel’s response was to start mass bom- Cartwright said the activities served as moving to Jerusalem, said that while he bardment of Lebanon including civilian a sort of “new student experience” that doesn’t know what the current conflict in areas. It then proceeded to invade south- brought the group closer together. Israel will bring, he feels that the Amerern Lebanon ican media while the are one reaHezbollah son that these responded mispercepback by firtions occur. ing rocket “The meshells into dia ...makes Israeli terriIsrael sound tory.” like a hell While hole, like the conwar is broken flict raged out and you at home, can’t even Saidy said walk down that she was the street,” simply tryGhattis said. ing to keep “People say, up with the ‘You live in demands of Jerusalem; college life you must until she have school could get canceled all more inforthe time bemation. cause there “There are so many are no news bombings reports this and stuff.’ Photo contributed by Hannah Cartwright week [from I’m like, ‘No home]. The Mar Elias students in front of the Habitat for Humanity house they there aren’t. I newspapers go clubbing closed be- worked on this summer. every night!’ cause many It’s stereoof them were in Haifa where there were “The students are a great support typed as a war zone, and we hear stuff many bombs,” Saidy said. “We all want system for each other,” Cartwright said. on television that is over-exaggerated.” to go back home and see it. We can’t do “There’s only so much we [as staff] can Thakar agreed that there are many anything in the day. We can’t think about provide them, and only so much we can misconceptions about people who live anything else.” do other than worry.” in that part of the world, especially ArWhile studying at Indianapolis, the While learning about the American abs. Cartwright said that these students group had a full course load—the stu- culture, Mar Elias students were more consider themselves to be Arab-Israelis, dents’ majors include communication, than happy to educate others about their and all have differing political views and
n NINGBO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Chinese students to study at UIndy Elyse Kaiser Entertainment Editor Ben Reed Online Editor
A group of 31 Chinese students will study at the University of Indianapolis during the school year. The students are a part of a newly formed partnership between UIndy and the Ningbo Institute of Technology (NIT), a branch of Zhejiang University in China. This partnership provides NIT students the opportunity to earn a UIndy bachelor’s degree in finance, international business or English. These are all degrees that are not normally available for students at NIT.
All students involved in the program must pass an English proficiency exam and meet UIndy admission requirements for transfer students. After being accepted into the program, every student will have the option of staying at NIT or traveling to UIndy to finish studies. There are a total of 200 students involved in the program this year. The students who choose to stay at NIT will take courses similar to those at UIndy. John Langdon, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, visited the NIT campus this summer to discuss how the courses would be taught. “The primary purpose of my visit was to discuss the content and design of courses to be taught
Photo contributed by Phylis Lan Lin
Phylis Lan Lin lectures students at NIT during her visit.
in China by NIT faculty that would satisfy our general education core for those NIT students who will not be coming to Indianapolis,” he said. A major concern of both schools was that not every NIT student who applied to study at UIndy would be able to obtain a United States visa. Everyone involved in the partnership was surprised to learn that all 31 students who applied were granted visas. “This may be considered a vote of confidence in our program by the U.S. embassy and is the result of careful preparation and negotiation by UIndy and NIT faculty, especially Dr. Phylis Lin and Ms. Zhao Ping of NIT,” Langdon said. Lin is the presidential international ambassador and director of Asian programs. Another concern is how well the students will adjust to life at UIndy. “U.S.-Chinese relations have been very amicable in the recent years, so there is no fear for the safety of the students. There are, however, many cultural differences between the two countries that may make the transition for the Chinese students at UIndy difficult,” said Jyotika Saksena, assistant professor of international relations. According to Lin, these differences will be centered mostly around differences in food and language. “Most of the students traveling to UIndy are coming from metropolitan areas in China,” said Lin. “The American pop culture is already very familiar to them.”
religious backgrounds. “An Arab is someone who speaks the Arabic language. It is a cultural, not political, definition,” Thakar said. “Arabs are mostly Muslim by religion, both Sunni and Shia, but some are Christian [including] Catholic, Orthodox, Nestorian, Protestant.” Shibly and Ghattis said that they feel the news on television is often embellished, so they get reports on the situation from family members whenever possible instead. “My family has another house in Haifa, and it was almost bombed,” Shibly said. “My brother walked outside and saw a rocket fly over his head and bash into a train station.” Ghattis said that the violence was indirectly affecting many of his family members, although he knew of no attacks near his home. “My mom’s family lives in the West Bank, and the check points are closed. So I can’t go see my family anymore,” Ghattis said. “The people in the West Bank can’t get jobs. They’re barely living on bread. [The government] won’t let them out because of suicide bombings or something, but a lot of them just want to get out and make some money, get some food for the family.” Despite the problems in Israel, the students said they were trying to have fun while in America and that they were enjoying their stay. Saidy, who declared bowling as her favorite thing about America, said that she had enjoyed several new freedoms. “It’s been wonderful. It was my dream to travel to America, to get to know the culture. I am very happy here,” Saidy said. “The Israeli girl is sometimes limited. She can’t go outside after 10 at night. Here, the girl has no limits... My family gives me free time, and I can do pretty much what I want, but my culture doesn’t like that.” While in the United States, Mar Elias students kept a blog detailing their experiences, thoughts and emotions, which can be found at http://www.Marelias. Blogspot.com.
n SHOOTINGS
White, Rai face charges Abby Adragna News Editor
After two University of Indianapolis students were accidentally shot and killed in separate incidents over the summer, the two students charged in connection with the shootings have been scheduled for trial dates and face potential fines and jail time if convicted. According to the Marion County’s Prosecutor’s office, UIndy senior Subash Chandra Rai, 22, is charged with reckless homicide and pointing a firearm. Sophomore Christopher White, 20, is charged with reckless homicide and criminal recklessness. Rai was charged in connection with the shooting of UIndy senior Ghamdan Mohammed Abolohom, 23, of Yemen, on May 14, and White was charged in connection with the shooting of UIndy sophomore Lauren Hove, 19, of Zimbabwe, on July 2. Reckless homicide and criminal recklessness are both Class C Felonies, and pointing a firearm is a Class D Felony. Conviction of a Class C Felony involves a prison term of two to eight years and a fine of up to $10,000. Conviction of a Class D Felony involves a prison term of six months to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. Rai is scheduled for a jury trial at 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 11 in criminal court 3. White is scheduled for a jury trial at 9 a.m, Monday Sept. 11 in criminal court 3.
Their trials will be separate. Abolohom was killed at a residence located about a mile from the university. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8 p.m. According to an Indianapolis Star report of the incident, Abolohom was pronounced dead later that night at Wishard Memorial Hospital. According to police reports, Hove was shot at a Southside residence located a few blocks from campus. The reports said that police were dispatched to the residence around 6:20 p.m. According to the affidavit for probable cause, Hove was found dead at the scene. A campus memorial service for Abolohom was held May 16 in the university chapel. Another service was held later that day at a local mosque. A memorial service for Hove was held July 14 at Christ Church in Nashville, Tennessee. A memorial fund also was set up for Hove through Bank of America. The fund is called the “Lauren Hove Memorial Fund.” A campus memorial service for Hove is being planned for the beginning of the fall semester. University President Beverley Pitts said she is saddened by the two incidents and knows that these tragedies have had an impact on the entire campus. “They’re obviously two horrible tragedies,” she said. “I think just the affect on
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Page 2 The reflector
Mini Issue
August 23, 2006
n 7 LIST
Legal fun, under 21 Elyse Kaiser Entertainment Editor
One of the most common mistakes freshmen make at school is thinking there is nothing to do in Indianapolis for the under 21 crowd. It’s not until you actually turn 21 that you realize all the things you missed out on while you were in your dorm on Friday night watching “Friends” re-runs with the guys next door. Indy has a lot to offer the college student, and more than just bars and nightclubs. 7. The Indiana State Fair. The fair is really pretty much over by the time people get to school. So, it should probably not be on the list. That being said, next year, you may want to move down to Indy early just so that you can go to the fair. If the daily concerts and livestock aren’t your thing, you should just go to watch the people. The State Fair attracts all kinds of people, and usually that’s the most fun anyway. 6. The Canal and White River State Park. This area is the perfect place to be on a sunny day. During the warm months, there are concerts at noon by local artists and more well-known bands in the evenings. In the summer, you can also catch a movie in the park or rent a paddle boat on the canal. Also, the canal runs right beside the Indianapolis Zoo and Gardens, which have new exhibits coming in all the time and are open all year round. 5. The Museums. Indianapolis has a great selection of museums with one for just about every taste. There’s the Colonial Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located under Monument Square, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Children’s Museum and The National Museum of Sport. 4. Broad Ripple. Even if you aren’t 21 yet, there is still plenty to do in Broad Ripple. There are great shops ranging from high-end shopping to cheap vintage. Indy CD & Vinyl is located there and is always having in-house live music shows for all ages. Crackers is also a great place to go if you aren’t of age yet. The comedy club has college nights every Thursday, when the cover is only $5 with your school I.D. 3. Theatre. There are lots of great opportunities to see good theatre in the city. Between local theatres and Broadway shows on tour, there’s usually a choice of mainstream, more popular theatre or something a little different. This month you can check out “Cabaret” at Beef and Boards or “The Marijuana-logues” at The Phoenix Theatre. 2. Movie Theaters. If you are looking for something more like the traditional night out, Indianapolis has a surprising number and variety of different kinds of theaters available. If you’re in a cheap mood, Cinemark 8 in Greenwood shows movies that just came out of the major theaters for 50¢ on Tuesday nights. If you like independent and foreign films Key Cinemas is within walking distance of campus, and the ticket price is relatively low compared to other major theaters. Keystone Art Cinema on the north side is a nice place to go as well; and they have a Starbucks café in the theater, so you can take your drink in with you. If you’re looking for dinner with your movie, there is Hollywood Bar and Filmworks. Or try Tibbs Drive-In if you want to watch a movie from your car. 1. Sporting Teams and Events. Indianapolis has something for everyone sportswise, with tickets in all price ranges. Indianapolis Ice tickets and Indianapolis Indians tickets are just about the easiest thing to come by, and both events can be a lot of fun. If your tastes are more expensive and you love NASCAR and football, then there is really no better place to be than the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and The Colts.
n CHICKEN-FRIENDLY UINDY
What Freshmen can expect from UIndy Shelly Grimes Managing Editor
Dear Freshmen, Welcome to the University of Indianapolis. I hope you like chicken. I know that greeting may not be exactly what you expect. You probably think I’m going to tell you how to make the most of your four years, how great UIndy is, how much fun you’re going to have, how many lifelong friends you’ll meet and how college is the stepping stone to real life so you’ve got to make the most of it. But I’m not going to do any of that. I’m sure you’ve had every adult you’ve come into contact with in the past six months tell you all that stuff, and most of you are probably still reeling from high school graduation speeches filled with clichés about how grown up you are now. So I’m going to spare you. While I don’t profess to have much “senior wisdom,” I do have some tidbits that might help you survive your first few weeks here. For example, if you don’t like chicken, your meal plan is pretty worthless. Our cafeteria possesses the unique ability to serve chicken approximately 52 different ways in one week. (I’m not exaggerating.) Luckily, you can cash in all your meal plans at the end of the semester. Hello, 100 bottles of water during finals week! The biggest challenge for freshmen, undoubtedly, is moving away from home into a strange place filled with strange people. Dorm life is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll experience the joys of 3 a.m. fire alarms in the middle of winter, cry tears of joy when you get a shower with hot water and eat lots and lots of Ramen. But the biggest freshman stressor
THE
REFLECTOR University of Indianapolis 1400 East Hanna Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 reflector@uindy.edu
The Reflector is a student publication, and the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the University of Indianapolis. It is dedicated to providing news to the university community in a fair and accurate manner.
comes from having to live with someone you’ve never even met. Remember all those forms you filled out in which you described your taste in music, how much of a neat freak you are and your interests? No one reads those. No one cares if you and your roommate get along. You may become best friends, but you may not. You probably have a closet at home that is bigger than your dorm room; and there will be two people living, eating, sleeping, studying and socializing in this minuscule space. There will be issues. But life will go on. Speaking of “socializing” in your dorm rooms, freshmen get busted. A lot. This is not because freshmen “socialize” more than upperclassmen. This is because freshmen do not know how to pull it off. Here’s a hint: If you’re going to blast loud music, consume certain types of beverages and pack half the student population into your bedroom, then you’ve essentially painted a giant bull’s eye on your door for your RA. Your friends at IU and Ball State may be able to get away with it, but chances are you won’t be able to get away with it here. Oh, and RAs really do search the dorm rooms over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks... really. Aside from dorm dilemmas, college life presents several unique health issues. The need for shower shoes is NOT a myth— there are olive-colored creatures growing in some of the bathroom stalls. And if by chance you do get sick (which you will), then be sure to get sick Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (which you won’t), as you must schedule your sickness around student health center hours. Oh, and if you take summer classes, don’t get sick at all— no nurses are provided during the summer, even though many students stay on campus. If you’re serious about staying healthy, here’s a tip: Don’t swim in the canal. It may look sparkly and clean now, but give it about two weeks and you’ll think differently. If you haven’t
Letters to the editor, suggestions, corrections, story ideas, and other correspondence should be addressed to The Reflector, Esch Hall, Room 322 or sent via electronic mail to reflector@uindy.edu. Anonymous letters will not be printed. To be considered for publication, letters must include a valid name and telephone number, which will be verified. Letters are subject to condensation and editing to remove profanity. Submission of a letter gives The Reflector permission to publish it in print or online. The Reflector welcomes advertisers from both on and off campus. Advertising rates vary according to the patron’s specifications. Interested advertisers should call 317-788-2517 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 317-788-3269 after hours or fax 317-788-3490.
noticed, geese pretty much rule the campus. You’ll find their lovely campus contributions everywhere, especially around the canal. They’re not overly friendly creatures, so please do not provoke them. No one wants to see a student being attacked by a honking, stinking, flapping gaggle of geese. And here’s another helpful hint for staying out of the nurses’ office: Look both ways before crossing Hanna Avenue. It may sound like common sense, but just because pedestrians have the right of way doesn’t mean cars will stop. College is mostly about taking classes— contrary to what you’ve seen in “Animal House”, “Van Wilder”, “Old School” and numerous other flicks. If you want to stay on professors’ good sides, remember to turn your cell phone off during class. I’ve seen students answer their cell phones in class. Professors don’t seem to like that too much. And always bring your books to class—the one day you forget your textbook will be the day that the professor has an open-book pop quiz. Trust me. At UIndy, you’ll learn that timing is everything when it comes to computers. For example, say you have a paper due in a 10 a.m. class. You want to try to print the paper before class? BUZZ! Wrong answer! Computer labs will be full. The printers will have no paper. And if you do by chance get a computer, there’s only a 50/50 shot that it will work. Moral of the story: Get to a lab at least half an hour before class if you need to print something. Also, don’t count on using UIndy Intranet or your e-mail account Wednesday nights because servers undergo maintenance then. This makes for many panicked students on Thursday mornings. You’ll probably be one of them. If you see a sign that says “30 Minute Parking” and you park there for 35 minutes, expect a ticket. UIndy cops have a reputation for itchy ticket
Editor-in-Chief.......................Katy Yeiser Managing Editor....................Shelly Grimes News Editor...........................Abby Adragna Sports Editor..........................Katy Yeiser Photo Editor...........................Megan Komlanc Opinion Editor........................Kim Hopper Feature Editor.........................Ruth Shirley Entertainment Editor.............Elyse Kaiser Online Editor..........................Ben Reed Business Manager..................Emily Scott Distribution Manager............Alison Hernandez Adviser.................................Jeanne Criswell
fingers. And while we’re on the subject of parking, just because you don’t get to park right in front of the doorway to your building doesn’t mean parking sucks here. The next time you feel the need to complain about our parking, take a drive downtown to IUPUI and try to find a spot there. You’ll come back with an appreciation for our lovely little lots. Of course, some things on campus will always be a mystery, such as why Good Hall smells or what the sculpture in front of the library is supposed to mean. The biggest mystery of all, though, is what happens to L/P credit slips. In case you haven’t heard, L/P stands for Lecture and Performance. When you go to an L/P event, you have to fill out a slip and turn it back in. You’re required to attend 20 L/P events in order to graduate. Which really isn’t so difficult because many of the L/P events are pretty interesting and worth your time. The problem with L/P credit is that somehow the L/P slips never end up processing. I’d estimate that I’ve been to 40 bajillion L/P events on campus, yet I have credit for 11 of them. Is this fair? No. Will anyone acknowledge that the system is flawed and therefore get rid of this pointless requirement? No. But most L/P events offer free food, so they aren’t a complete bust. Now that you’ve read up on all this, you can consider yourself a UINDY expert and sleep through those Welcome Week meetings. Enjoy your four years here, because before you know it, you, too, could be a senior teetering on the edge of censorship....
Shootings continued from p. 1
people’s lives that losses like these have is something we need to be dealing with all year. There are lots of students who were affected by this—lots of students who were friends in class, lots of students who were very close, personal friends—and we need to consider that.” According to the most recent mortality report conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional shooting deaths account for about 2 percent of all gun deaths each year. The deaths of Abolohom and Hove have brought the issue of gun safety closer to the campus community. “I think the whole world is concerned about gun safety, and we all should be,” Pitts said. “If anything, this is a tragic reminder to us how easily something could go wrong. Hopefully it will cause people to have a second thought about care and safety.”
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August
MINI ISSUE
23, 2006
The reflector Page 3
Reflections in the wake of tragedy
Friends, faith dear to Abolohom n GHAMDAN ABOLOHOM
her about Islam, asking where she went for prayers. She introduced him to Al-Taqwa where she attended, and In the spring of 2006, Ghamdan they also both became members of the Abolohom completed his Introduction UIndy Muslim Students Union at its to Old Testament Life and Literature first meeting in 2005. final, one of the few classes remaining Shortly after his death, Abolohom’s before he walked in his graduation cer- friend Lisa Cummins converted to emony. But before Islam. Cummins he handed in his and Abolohom blue book, he wrote met when his a personal note to close friend Sherif the class’s professor, Hamdy married her Dr. Austin Ritterssister Becky. After pach, thanking him the couple moved for his class and his to Iowa, Cummins views on religious and Abolohom differences. He kept in touch and wrote, “After learnremained good ing what I have friends. Cummins learned I hope I can was born a Chrisbring communities tian but said Islam together, because makes sense to her all what we need and is the way she is some acceptance wants to live and and understanding.” raise her daughters. Abolohom was “I feel like accidentally shot Ghamdan came and killed on May into my life for a 14, 2006, outside a reason besides the home in the 3000 fact that my sister block of Carson AvPhoto contributed by Abolohom Family and Sherif got marenue, minutes from ried,” Cummins the UIndy campus. Abolohom as a child. said. “Allah put He was 23. him in my life for Subash Rai has been charged with a reason, and I think that it was to show reckless homicide and pointing a me Islam. I will always be thankful to firearm. him for that.” Born on June 13, 1982 in Sana’a, Along with his dedication to God, Yemen, Abolohom was the fourth of Abolohom also had a strong dedication five children of Mohammad Abdallah to his education. Mamasidikov said Abolohom and Najla Hussein Alahmar. Abolohom was “a very social person He was enrolled in the Azal School in and at the same time very focused on Sana’a until his family moved to Paris school.” in 1991. Abolohom took fourth grade at According to Gerri Watson, inthe Iraqi School in Paris, and then his ternational student advisor, although family moved back to Sana’a, where Abolohom at first struggled in school, he studied fifth through seventh grade after his break in 2003, he seemed more at the American School. In 1995, the focused and did much better academifamily moved back to Paris. cally. Abolohom moved back to Yemen Elyazidi recalled seeing him in for the final time in 1996, where he the Krannert Memorial Library open lab into the early hours of the morning trying to complete projects for “Thank you, finals. According I have injoed this to Ritterspach, class alot. and I Abolohom was apprieciat’s your an outgoing oppness to other person in class, religions and to regularly particimajor Issues In pating in class the world that could be caused discussion. Abolohom by differances In was also a very religions. After learning what I social person have learned I and had friends hope I can bring on and off-camcommunities pus. “Soccer was together. because his passion,” all what we Mamsidikov need is some said. Abolohom acceptance and understanding.” played soccer every Friday -Ghamdan with a group of Letter contributed by Dr. Austin Ritterspach friends. Diego Maradona was his favorgraduated high school in 2000. Septem- ite professional soccer player. ber of that year, he enrolled full time at Mamta Ghale, a UIndy student who UIndy. Abolohom was enrolled at the roomed with Subash Rai, remembered university for five semesters. Then, in Rai and Abolohom being very close the aftermath of the Sept. 11 tragedy, friends. They were together almost Abolohom left because he felt it was every evening, she said, playing video unsafe to live in America at the time, games or watching movies, eating according to Mimi Chase, director of and wrestling over the remote control. the International Division. “They loved to act like kids,” Ghale After being home for two semesters, said. “I was like, ‘Don’t run! Don’t he again enrolled at UIndy and worked run! You make so much noise, I can not almost year round to fulfill the credits stand [it]!’ All the time they would beat he needed to graduate on time. At the each other … over small, small things time of his death, he had just graduated like the TV channel. They were good with a Bachelor of Arts degree in ecofriends.” nomics and international business, but His friends remembered Abolohom was planning to finish a few remaining as having a great sense of humor as credits during the summer session. well as being generous and courteous. Abolohom planned to return home When Ghale first moved into the house to Yemen after he finished his remainshe shared with Rai, she planned to ing courses. A close friend, Mirzohid walk back and forth from her campus Mamasidikov, who also graduated last job in the library. But every day, it spring with a master’s degree, said that rained. Rai told her not to worry, his Abolohom planned to return home as friend Abolohom would take her to soon as possible to find a job and poswork. She told Abolohom she was sibly get married and start a family. sorry to bother him, but he said it was Islam was a very important part of okay because when he first came to the Abolohom’s life. While in Indianapolis, university so many people helped him. he attended prayers each week at AlNow it was his turn to pay it back. Taqwa mosque on Thompson Road and The Abolohom family has created Al-Fajr mosque on Cold Springs Road. a Web site in both English and Arabic Mounia Elyazidi, a UIndy student, dedicated to the memory of Ghamdan, met Abolohom when he approached http://www.GhamdanAbolohom.com Ruth Shirley Feature Editor
Photo contributed by Abolohom family
Abolohom in his home country of Yemen.
Hove remembered by all as caring, vibrant person n LAUREN HOVE
four. “She has always been ahead for her age. She’s always excelled in school,” Tembi Hove said. Before coming to UIndy, Hove Walking through a shopping moved with her mother from Zimmall will always remind Brittani babwe to Nashville where she went Whitmore of her best friend Lauren to junior high school. The two then Hove. moved to St. Louis, where she graduWindow displays of sunglasses, ated from Soldan International Studies a Zimbabwe flag, jewelry or a new High School in 2004. outfit are the things Whitmore Hove then made her final move to knows Hove would love to have. UIndy and developed lifelong friend“I see things I want to buy her, ships with students who now have to and I can’t. Times like that make it adapt to life without her. so real,” said the 20-year-old WhitRodriguez keeps a screen saver more, who met Hove in 2004 during of pictures with Hove and wants the Welcome Week of their freshman university to grow a garden in Hove’s year. name, where students can sit and One of Whitmore’s last memories remember her. Whitmore is making of Hove was a three-hour shopping a scrapbook of herself and Hove and trip they took to buy outfits for their thinks UIndy should develop a scholarvacation to Houston, Texas. They ship in her friend’s name planned to travel for African students. to Houston with Several of Hove’s other Hove’s boyfriend, friends simply check her Chris White, 20, Facebook page to read and other friends to about the people Hove see White’s family touched. and celebrate the “She truly was one Independence Day of God’s angels that Holiday. walked this earth and On July 2, Hove blessed a lot of people spent the day with around her,” White said. White at her house Hove’s friends also where she was acnow have to come to cidentally shot and grips with the circumkilled in the early stances of her passing. evening hours. “It’s surreal. In She was 19. elementary school they White has been tell you not to play charged with reckwith guns, and they’ll less homicide and show you a video about criminal recklessfriends who accidentally ness. Photo contributed by Brittani Whitmore kill other friends. It’s “I have great still like a bad dream, remorse,” White Hove was known for her bubbly personality and like it’s not real,” Little said. “It’s really hard ability to easily make friends. said. to explain the feelings Hove’s mother said she hopes that this situation has brought on. She business major Jacquie Rodriguez, was students can now have a better undermeant everything to me.” convinced by Hove to return to UIndy standing of life and death. Her friends said Hove’s relationafter taking a semester off the fall of “There needs to be an awareness of ship with White was a strong one, 2005. life and how valuable and precious life and White described their relation“One of the biggest reasons I is and how final death is,” Tembi Hove ship as “pure.” decided to come back was because of “People ask me, ‘If she could Lauren,” said Rodriguez, “She was pas- said. However UIndy responds to Hove’s do it again would she not be Chris’s sionate about doing what she needed death, Whitmore knows that Hove lived girlfriend?’ I can say, without a to do to get ahead. I need to get on the a memorable life— whether through doubt,’ No, not at all. That made ball, and I need to do what Lauren was her sunglass-accessorized outfits, Zimher happy… She loved him uncondoing to get ahead.” babwean pride, dance moves or ability ditionally,” Whitmore said. “I don’t Lauren Hove spent her childhood in to reach people. think she had any regrets.” Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, living with her “She was too good of a person to be Hove’s friends said she lived her grandparents while attending private on this earth anyway,” Whitmore said. life to the fullest and would not have and boarding schools starting at age “She’s where she belongs.” changed anything about it. “I don’t think she would have lived anything over,” said another of Hove’s close friends, junior and information systems major Jessica Jackson, 19. Hove loved to dance to reggae music and Sean Paul, talk about her Zimbabwean heritage and make her friends laugh. “If there ever was a Sean Paul song or video on around her, she was right there dancing to it,” said senior, Aaryn Lynch. Hove also was known as someone who never had trouble making new friends. “Her first impression is a lasting impression,” said Elisha Smith, 20, a junior communication major who met Hove her freshman year. “She always introduced herself to you instead of the other way around.” Whitmore said when she was goPhoto contributed by Brittani Whitmore ing through Hove’s personal things with Hove’s mother, she had trouble Best friends Lauren Hove, Brittani Whitmore, and Jessica identifying Hove’s friends in all her Jackson all met during their freshmen year at UIndy. pictures, because she had so many. “She’d be anybody’s friend,” Front page Abolohom photo contributed by Lisa Cummins Whitmore said. Front page Hove photo contributed by Julie Van Zee Katy Yeiser Editor-in-Chief
Whitmore said Hove had the unique ability to teach her [Whitmore] to “accept people the way they are and be friends with everyone.” “She was a caring spirit,” said her mother, Tembi, about her only child. “She’s just vibrant, just enjoys people. She’s a unique person, truly an angel.” On Hove’s Facebook.com “wall,” throngs of students from UIndy and different universities, those who knew Hove for three days or three years, leave her messages explaining how she touched their lives. “That page is part of her life,” said Willie Little, 20, a junior communication major and friend of Hove. “I guess it’s an attachment or connection we can still keep with her without actually having her physically be here.” One frequent visitor to her Facebook.com page, junior international
MINI ISSUE
August 23, 2006
The reflector Page 4
n SPORTS PREVIEW
No more two-a-days: ‘Hounds round up practices, gear up for season Katy Yeiser Editor-in-Chief Here is a preview for some of UIndy’s fall sports teams: Men’s Soccer Head Coach John Griffin hopes this season’s team proves to be the best. “This has got to be the best [team] that has stepped on the field for UIndy men’s soccer,” Griffin said. The ‘Hounds return a laundry list of sophomores and juniors who helped the ‘Hounds blaze to a record 8-1-2 start in 2005 before fading in the last half of the season to finish 10-6-2, falling short of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. “They’re very aware of what we went through last year. It’s in their mind;” Griffin said. “Their minds are now focused on doing well in the conference.” He said that the coaching staff and team feel they can contend for a spot in the national championship tournament. Only the top four teams from the Great Lakes Region get to compete in the national tournament. Griffin said the ‘Hounds’ results in the spring season helped them mature and prepare for a bid in the national tournament. The ‘Hounds lost to Butler
University, tied with Xavier University and defeated Valparaiso University, all Division I teams, in the spring season. Griffin said junior John Higgins and sophomore forward Jon Walker had a good spring season on the offensive end. He said he will look to those two and the new recruits to beef up the ‘Hounds offensive attack. Last season the ‘Hounds’ outscored opponents, 1.78 to 1.08. The ‘Hounds’ graduated veteran cocaptains Eric Nance and Dusty Shannon last season, and Griffin said Higgins, junior defenders Justin Sullivan, and Ben Reed, and junior goalkeeper Matt Spaulding should fill the leadership roles in 2006. Women’s Golf Ken Piepenbrink, coach of UIndy women’s golf team, wants to turn his daughter’s participation in the 2006 Division II Women’s Golf National Tournament into a team affair in 2007. Last season, red-shirt sophomore Kristi Piepenbrink finished 19th overall in the nationals and was named Division II Freshman of the Year. Ken Piepenbrink said his team is ready for a run at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament and Great Lakes Region title, and a spot in the national tournament. “We should be competing with
Drury, our toughest competition, trying to get a regional and national bid,” Ken Piepenbrink said. The ‘Hounds’ first match will be Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Tri-State Invitational. The ‘Hounds will then play several matches in the fall and spring before potentially competing in the regional tournament. Up to the regional tournament, the ‘Hounds will accumulate team statistics throughout each match, and the top six statistical GLVC teams will move on to the regional tourney. The top two teams finishing in the regional tournament will then move on to the national tournament. Over the summer, Kristi Piepenbrink competed for Team USA in the first ever USA-China Friendship Cup. The Team USA roster considered of the top freshman collegiate golfers across the country. The team defeated China in late July. Ken Piepenbrink said the mixture of new recruits and veterans Kristi Piepenbrink and senior Jenna Brown should make them a national tournament contending team. “I’ve known most of the recruits a long time from junior golf. Once they get over their jitters, they’ll be fine,” Ken Piepenbrink said. “It will take a little bit of time for us to gel together.”
Photo by Megan Komlanc
Junior goalkeeper Hank Stebbins saves a goal in a recent practice. Women’s Soccer Head Coach Drew Roff thinks his squad of veteran players and new recruits will result in a better GLVC tournament seeding and outcome. Last season, the ‘Hounds were seeded seventh in the tournament and lost 1-0 to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) in the first round. “We had a nice year last year, but we think we have a better team this year,” Roff said. Roff said his new players bring speed and an on-goal attacking attitude to the team, which is intensifying practice sessions and putting those freshmen in the mix for starting positions. “We can use that speed and be more dangerous with more chances to score,” Roff said. On the defensive side, the ‘Hounds return three of their four defensive starters. Roff said his top returning players will be seniors Jenny Beerbower, defensive back, and Jenny Joerger, midfielder, along with sophomore midfielder Natalie Franklin Volleyball The women’s volleyball team hopes to be one game better than last year. The ‘Hounds lost in the GLVC Championship game to SIUE and have made their goal this year to win the conference title. Head Coach Judy Butera said that the ‘Hounds’ experienced roster, new players and co-captain Lynne Ross, senior middle back, will make a GLVC
title more attainable. “We have a lot of new members on the team, but we have a lot of leadership,” Butera said. The ‘Hounds have already been preparing for the season through scrimmages with conference rivals Northern Kentucky University and St. Joseph’s. Butera said she expects Rockhurst, Southern Indiana, Northern Kentucky University and SIUE to be their toughest competition. The ‘Hounds will open their season on Friday, Aug. 25-26, with the Christian Brothers Fall Classic. Football Head Coach Joe Polizzi hopes a quick defense and balanced offensive attack will result in a 2006 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. “We have made some real good improvements,” Polizzi said. The ‘Hounds return junior starting quarterback Casey Gillin and senior quarter back Mitch Brown. Gillin is currently working as the first string quarterback in practices. However, Polizzi said he’s not yet decided on his starter. He plans to name a starter for the opening game on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Northern Michigan. Polizzi said the major difference between this and last season’s teams is the explosiveness on defense. “I think we’ll have the type of football team that can overwhelm people with speed.”