The Beacon - April 21 - Issue 24

The

Senior submissions Living, pages 10-11

Vol. 112, Issue 24

Celebrating senior memories Living, page 7-11

P. 7: Four years in review P. 10: Get a ‘Jump Start’ P. 11: Department traditions

BEACON The University of Portland’s student newspaper

Thursday April 21, 2011 www.upbeacon.net

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M r i o f c hael Pollan The botany of desire . .

“This little mantra: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. And that’s really all you need to know.”

Photo by Alissa White | THE BEACON

Will Lyons Staff Writer lyons14@up.edu Armed with two bags of groceries from Fred Meyer, Michael Pollan took the stage to give the keynote address at the Food for Thought conference in the Chiles Center to more than 4,500 students, faculty and community members Saturday night.

He laid out a variety of what he called “food-like substances” such as an Eggo Real Fruit Pizza, Oreo sippers and Splenda with fiber, and then, for contrast, an apple to illustrate the rising prominence of processed foods in America and the industrial world.

Reiterating the mantra from one of his best-selling books, “In Defense of Food,” Pollan ultimately left the crowd with a simple, practical message.

“I’ve boiled down everything I’ve learned about nutrition down to seven words,” Pollan said.

“This little mantra: Eat food.

Not too much. Mostly plants.

And that’s really all you need to know.”

Pollan had harsh words for

what he called “nutritionism,” or marketing ploys based on sketchy science that deceive consumers with bogus health claims.

“We have gotten to the point in food where we need a priesthood of experts, whether in industry, or medicine, or the nutrition establishment or government to mediate our relationship to food,” Pollan said. “I submit that that is a very peculiar idea when you look at the long history of eating in our species.”

Despite his criticism of the state of American health and the industrial food system, Pollan ended on a positive note, asserting that it’s possible to improve the environment and personal health at the same time.

“Here is the missing – and I think marvelous – link. It turns out that what’s best for our health is best for our agriculture too,” Pollan said. “There’s no tradeoff between healthy eating and a healthy agriculture.”

Pollan left a deep impression on faculty and students.

“I thought it was inspiring after reading his books to see him in person,” English professor Cara Hersh said. “I loved his simple rules that anyone can

follow.”

“I really liked how he had just an apple on stage after pulling out a bag of processed foods,” sophomore Hannah Fink said.

“I liked the bit about the priests of nutritionism being the ones to tell us how to eat,” sophomore Ian Clark added.

Conference organizers were

pleased with the turnout.

“I was thrilled to see how many people came on Saturday,” See Pollan, page 5

Kevin Kadooka | THE BEACON

Students congregated in The Bauccio Commons Friday evening to enjoy local milk and chocolate. The Food for Thought conference began Thursday and ended Saturday evening with the closing keynote address by Michael Pollan, the New York Times best-selling author.

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April 21, 2011

NEWS

On On Campus Campus

Five seniors say ‘hallo’ to Fulbrights

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EQUIPMENT SALE

Tomorrow Pilot Audio and Lighting (formerly CPB sound), will sell its outdated equipment in the Villa Maria Hall lobby from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For sale: Technics SL-PG440 CD player, stage lighting equipment, road case, Yamaha MG16/4 mixer, Alesis 3630 compressor (two channel), Alesis microverb 3, Alesis M-EQ 230 (two channel), Technics RSTR373 stereo cassette deck (dual deck), Preavey EQ-215 (two channel) and JBL speakers.

END-OF-THE-YEAR RUMMAGE SALE The End-of-the-Year Rummage Sale, hosted by the Nicaragua Immersion, needs your unused items to sell. Desired items include: furniture, small appliances, jewelry, cookware and bikes. If you wish to donate or have any questions, please contact Drew at mclauchl12@ up.edu or Joe at starzl12@ up.edu.

EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday, the Student Alumni Association will host its third annual Easter Egg Hunt at noon. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families. It will include separate egg hunts for different ages. Student prizes include gift cards to Fred Meyer, Starbucks and Amazaon.com. Meet on the east quad in front of the Shipstad and Kenna halls.

CORRECTIONS In the April 14 issue, The Beacon erroneously reported room and board rates were increasing by almost 7 percent.

In fact, while double occupancy rates for rooms are going up 7 percent, combined room and board rate increases range from 2.8 percent to slightly less than 4.5 percent.

In the April 14 issue, the “Return of Pilotpalooza: CPB strikes back” article said the event was paid by last semester’s Capital Improvement Fund (CIF).

In fact, the funding was a special request in CPB’s spring budget.

In the April 14 “Conference to address meaty topics” article, Fedele Bauccio’s name was misspelled.

The Beacon regrets the errors.

Accuracy in The Beacon

The Beacon strives to be fair and accurate.

The newspaper corrects any significant errors of fact brought to the attention of the editors.

If you think an error has been made, contact us at beacon@up.edu. Corrections will be printed above.

Photos by Scott Chia | THE BEACON

Students receive English Teaching Assistantships to Germany Corey Fawcett Staff Writer fawcett13@up.edu UP has gained international acclaim for annually producing high numbers of Fulbright recipients, and this year is no exception.

Five seniors – Nick Balthrop, Lisa McMahan, Annemarie Medrzycki, Jeni Mussio and Erika O’Sullivan – earned Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships this year to teach in Germany.

They will be placed in middle schools or high schools in the land of lederhosen, leberwurst and Ludwig van Beethoven to assist native teachers with English instruction.

They have yet to receive information on where and what grade they will be teaching.

All five recipients are German studies majors (most with additional majors) and spent their sophomore year abroad in Salzburg, Austria.

“I’ve been dreaming about going back (to Europe) since I got back from Salzburg,” Mussio said.

Balthrop has been feeling a similar nostalgia for Europe.

“I got an itch to go back,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being in that culture again.”

The recipients put months of effort into making a return possible.

The Fulbright application process started at the beginning of fall semester and ended in mid-February. Applicants spent many hours with professors Laura McLary, Alexandra Hill and Director of Fellowships and Grants John Orr, writing essays and, in the second round of the application process, translating

them into German.

“I probably met with Dr. McLary like 10 times,” McMahan said.

Writing the personal statement and statement of purpose in which the applicant states why he or she is applying for a Fulbright was insightful, according to Mussio.

“I felt it was an extremely valuable learning process,” she said. “It forced me to be introspective about my life and what I want to do.”

The last of the recipients heard back last week after two months of waiting.

“I heard back this Monday (April 11),” Mussio said. “All my friends had heard back the previous Tuesday so it was a high stress situation. It was quite a relief.”

McMahan agreed.

“It was really scary not knowing,” she said.

Although the recipients have different reasons for applying for the scholarship, they all cite improving their German as a primary one.

“The year abroad in Salzburg is an amazing, life-changing opportunity, but it is not an immersion program,” O’Sullivan said in an email.

This time, Balthrop, McMahan, Medrzycki, Mussio and O’Sullivan will be immersed in German culture and surrounded

by German speakers every day.

“I like the language,” McMahan said. “It’s really practical and there are lots of rules about word order. It’s actually helped me a lot with English grammar.”

In a country where many speak fluent English, Mussio hopes she will be given enough chances to practice her language

skills.

“I’m hoping they’ll accommodate me and let me speak German,” she said.

Language, however, is just one of the many reasons the recipients were interested in the Fulbright scholarship. McMahan, Medrzycki and Mussio cite an interest in teaching as a primary reason for applying.

“I want to stick my toe in the water and see if teaching’s right for me,” Mussio said.

Balthrop, who is also a political science major and plans on attending law school at Pepperdine University after his time in Germany, is excited to learn about German politics.

“I’m also looking forward to interacting with the kids, and just being in that culture again,” he said.

Medrzycki wants to volunteer during her spare time, working for people with developmental disabilities.

“I really just need an adventure,” she said. “After four years in college I feel like I’ve been cycled and want to break free. I need to spread my wings.”

Wings will be spread, but friends will be close by. The recipients are all well-acquainted with each other.

“It’s really unreal that we’re all going to be there together,” Mussio said.

The Fulbrighters have already begun making plans to meet up with each other throughout the year.

“We can discuss lesson plans and go to Oktoberfest,” McMahan said. “Maybe not in that order.”

Annemarie Medrzycki

Jeni Mussio

Lisa McMahan

Erika O’Sullivan

Nick Balthrop

ROTC student named valedictorian

Sarah Hansell Staff Writer hansell14@up.edu

From the moment he sits down and starts talking, you can tell senior Sean Frederick is not the type to brag or boast. It is difficult to even make him list his many accomplishments, the latest being named class valedictorian.

“I don’t usually seek attention at all,” Frederick said.

Frederick has a 4.0 GPA and is not just double majoring, but receiving two degrees, in mechanical engineering and Spanish studies.

“He is a renaissance man,” Spanish professor Kathleen Regan, who is currently abroad in Spain, said in an email interview.

To receive two separate degrees, rather than double majoring, Frederick had to take all the classes to satisfy each school’s requirements, and is graduating with 212 credits in five years.

“I did that because I actually enjoyed Spanish and I enjoyed learning things that aren’t

technical,” Frederick said.

“Everything about engineering is technical and it’s cool to go read about Asian philosophy.”

Frederick is also a vice wing commander in Air Force ROTC, in the Honors Program, studied abroad twice, a member of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, is a grader for the mechanical engineering department and plays intramural soccer.

“It just takes a lot of time more than anything,” Frederick said. “I wanted to do the best I could do and to see how far I could go.”

Last semester, Frederick wrote a guide for engineers who want to learn how to speak basic Spanish, and his professor encouraged to him to publish it.

“As far as I know, this is one of the first guides of its kind,” Regan said.

As for Frederick’s future, he was awarded a Fulbright research grant, so next year he will be studying the engineering application of lasers at the University of Liverpool.

At some point after that, he will serve five years at the Air Force

Research Laboratory.

He hopes to serve as a technological ambassador for a foreign government.

His ultimate plan is to become a professor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. If he does this, the Air Force will pay for him to get his doctorate.

“I’m ready to move on and see what’s next,” Frederick said.

“But UP is a great place. It’s been my home for years.”

Regan said she is impressed by Kevin Kadooka | THE BEACON Frederick’s abilities Sean Frederick, and has faith in his Class of 2011 valedictorian future.

“I have no doubt for giving speeches, he has some that he will go on and be an important leader in advice for current students that this global world environment,” he has clearly taken to heart.

“Always pushing your limits Regan said. is the only way you’re going to On May 8 at 2 p.m. Frederick find out who you really are,” will give the commencement Frederick said. “And that’s in speech in the Chiles Center. everything, not just academic.”

Although he said he is not one

NEWS

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  3

Catching up with the headlines

PHE program wins unexpected award

Philippe Boutros Staff Writer boutros14@up.edu

On April 9, the Peer Health Educator (PHE) program at the University of Portland won the Outstanding PHE Program of the Year award at a conference in Cheney, Wash. at Eastern Washington University.

“Funny story, we actually had no idea we were going to be receiving an award, or even that we were nominated,” Elizabeth Sykes, junior and University of Portland PHE, said in an email.

“It came as a complete shock.

We were all sitting together at a table, and then they announced ‘The University of Portland’ and Carly Parish, Bessie D’AmeliaBidleman and I all looked at each other with confused faces.”

“We were so shocked we barely knew what to say,” Sykes said.

The award is given to the Peer Health Educators who enact the best campus-wide program, according to Fr. Pat Hannon, C.S.C., adviser to the Peer Health Educators.

“They came in first place

because of a program they organized that had to do with cancer awareness,” Hannon said.

“The competition included Peer Health Educator programs from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We went up against schools like Gonzaga, the University of Washington, Seattle University and the University of Oregon.”

At the University of Portland, Peer Health Educators live together in the same building in Tyson Hall, but are each assigned to a different dorm. They assist hall staff, particularly in programming to advance a sense of health awareness. They work together as a team to identify particular issues and topics that generate campus-wide attention.

“I think the reason why they won definitely has to do with the Peer Health Educators as a group that’s highly motivated, work together well as a team, highly organized,” Hannon said. “I think that they were able to pinpoint a particular issue that they thought would attract a good number of students who would be interested in attending the program and organized it in incredible detail, and they did their homework.”

The bald and the beautiful Senior Mikel Johnson shaves her head for cancer awareness

Amanda Blas Staff Writer blas13@up.edu Senior Mikel Johnson said goodbye to a full head of hair and the chance of bad hair days and hello to supporting a good cause to help raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Johnson shaved her head on the steps of Franz Hall during UP’s seventh Annual Relay For Life which was last Saturday through Sunday morning on the academic quad.

“Everyone was cheering on,” sophomore Hannah Crosby, who was part of the Relay For Life’s luminaria committee, said. “It was meaningful for the whole event.”

Johnson said she got the idea to shave her head from a UP student who did it a couple of years ago. As co-captain of Mehling’s Relay For Life team “Breast Friends,” Johnson was motivated to shave her head to help raise money for the team.

Johnson and her team managed to raise more than $1,200 in donations from the event alone.

“We did it as a voting system, with each dollar that was donated counting as one vote on whether I should shave my head or not,” Johnson said. “A significant number of people voted that I should shave it.”

Johnson also earned her team the award for “Most Spirited” from the Relay For Life.

“I think it was very courageous of her, and I don’t think many people in her position would do it,” Hilary Elgin, UP’s staff partner from the American Cancer Society, said.

Johnson’s decision to shave her head was motivated by personal reasons, as well.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I wanted to get involved,” Johnson said.

“I wanted to do something that brought in lots of donations, but I also wanted to do something that would make the biggest statement possible.”

Johnson wanted to contribute

to the effort to increase cancer awareness.

“People need to understand the fact that it does affect so many of us,” Johnson said. “People think that you if you do this or that you’ll get cancer, but it’s not like that. They need to recognize the extent in which it affects our society.”

Johnson believes she has been successful with her statement so far.

“A lot of people who didn’t even know anything about the Relay For Life ask why I did it,” Johnson said. “Even if they didn’t donate, they still know more about cancer awareness than they did before.”

With all the support Johnson has, it makes one wonder if she would ever do it again.

“I definitely would,” Johnson said. “It was fun and effective, and I’m sure there are other aspects I would add if I ever did it again.”

Student media leaders announced Philippe Boutros Staff Writer boutros14@up.edu UP President Fr. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., has appointed the three student media leaders for the 2011-2012 school year.

Beauchamp appointed Lauren Seynhaeve as editor in chief of The Log, Salvatore Liotta as general manager of KDUP and re-appointed Rosemary Peters as editor in chief of The Beacon.

Appointments were made based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Student Media and its subcommittees, which are made up of faculty members, UP staff and representatives from the student body.

“I’m very excited to work with everyone on the yearbook staff to make a book that everyone

at UP can enjoy,” Seynhaeve, a sophomore, said in an email.

“I can’t wait to make a good book.”

Liotta, a junior, hopes to further engage the student body.

“I hope to facilitate some collaborations with the other organizations on campus and work toward cultivating cooperation within the community,” Liotta said. “I am also excited to work with the great staff over at KDUP to help improve the station’s ability to engage and serve the University’s student population.”

Peters wants to continue improving The Beacon’s web presence.

“Next year we’re planning on trying to do more videos and we’re hiring a staff member to try to do a broadcast,” Peters said. “I want The Beacon to be more of a one-stop shop of campus news.”

Kevin Kadooka | THE BEACON

Both senior Ryan Alice and junior Beverly Scott help shave senior Mikel Johnson’s head to help raise money for last weekend’s Relay For Life.

Johnson raised about $1,200.

ASCE’s concrete canoe places at conference

Photos courtesy of Jason Weeks

UP’s American Society of Engineers placed eighth and ninth in races with its concrete canoe at ASCE’s Pacific Northwest Regional Conference last Saturday at Horseshoe Lake in Woodland, Wash.

“Our canoe did very well in the competition and achieved all the goals that we set out at the beginning of the semester,” senior Jason Weeks said.

ASCE is currently looking into whether or not the canoe can be used as a planter in the SLUG garden.

-Corey Fawcett

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NEWS

April 21, 2011

P4: Taking care of business Jocelyne LaFortune Staff Writer lafortun12@up.edu Graduates of all majors agree: Finding a job after graduation can be difficult, especially in an increasingly competitive job market.

But the Pamplin School of Business school is trying to give its students an edge with the Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4), now in its third year. Next year’s seniors will be the first class to complete the program.

“We were hearing feedback

from companies saying that our graduates were academically good but lacking in some areas of professional development,” Gwynn Klobes, director of Professional Development, said.

The program seeks to help students begin to identify their goals early and then use their own

Freshman year: Developing goals

of the program.

“The program is coupled closely with Career Services,” Klobes said. “And students also complete program requirements as part of their business classes.”

Sophomore year: Planning for success During their sophomore year, business students begin to plan how they will reach their career goals. They must complete a four-year graduation plan with a member of the dean’s office staff.

“During their sophomore year, students must complete a job shadow with a professional in their potential career,” Klobes said.

Sophomores also begin practicing for job interviews. During their sophomore year, students participate in a group mock interview with UP alumni.

“The group mock interview was a good first step,” sophomore Kacia Hicks said. “It was really nerve wracking, but it was definitely good to be able to hear what your peers were saying.”

Students also begin developing their “personal brand” during their sophomore year.

“Your personal brand is everything that makes you you — it’s your skills and values, your strengths,” junior Ariana Sewell said. “It is what you want people to think of when they think of you.”

An important part of each student’s personal brand is a 45-second “elevator pitch” during which each student must convey what they believe sets them apart from others who may be applying for the same jobs, according to Klobes.

The freshman year curriculum is designed to help students discover their strengths and begin to define their goals, according to Klobes.

Freshmen students complete a Gallup based strength analysis to help them clearly identify their individual strengths. They must also complete a Vocational Interest Assessment in their Business 100 class. Together, these two tests help students identify potential career goals.

“So far, we haven’t done much to capitalize on the results (of the strengths assessment),” freshman Sam Schelfhout said. “I’m sure they’ll be used more later, though.”

Freshmen in the Business School also participate in a daylong ropes course challenge. This experience is meant to help students build teamwork skills.

Senior year: Learning to navigate the professional world

Junior year: Gaining experience

The class of 2012 will be the first class to complete the P4 program.

For juniors, next year’s curriculum will include seminars and workshops based mostly on negotiating job offers and what to expect for the first 90 days of a job, according to Klobes.

“It can be a rude awakening,” Klobes said.

“Even for students who seem well prepared.”

The business school has been in contact with alumni and local professionals who will be presenting next year, according to Klobes.

“We will be bringing in speakers for seminars,” Klobes said. “I’ve spoken with some alums, and they are really excited to get involved and help us out.”

Service Projects

strengths to help them achieve those goals, according to Klobes.

“The P4 program is a holistic program,” Klobes said. “It is designed to help students discern who they are as people.”

Over their four years at UP, business students must complete a number of requirements as part

Students in the Business School participate in a daylong service project each year.

“The goal of the service projects is to teach students to be leaders and to connect with the community in which they live,” Gwynn Klobes, director of Professional Development, said.

Service projects in the past have included painting at Holy Cross Catholic School and pulling ivy in Forest Park.

“The service projects were really fun,” sophomore Kacia Hicks said. “It was good to do something you can see, since a lot of the things we do in business aren’t necessarily visible.”

During their junior year, students must update their résumés with help from Career Services.

Juniors complete individual mock interviews with UP alumni.

“I thought the individual mock interviews were more helpful than the group interviews because they are more realistic,” junior Brendan Ermish said.

Between their junior and senior years, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours in an internship by July 25 in order to graduate in the spring.

“The internship requirement does put a lot of pressure on us now,” Ermish said. “But I think it’s a good thing in the long run, because a lot of internships turn into job offers.”

To help students make connections and find internships, the business school provided networking opportunities for students, according to Klobes.

“The Operations and Technology Management program has done speed networking events before, but this was the first year we’d done something like this as a whole school,” Klobes said.

One of the most valuable parts of the program is the opportunity to make connections in the business world, according to Hicks.

“The program does give us the opportunity to meet people we otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to,” Hicks said.

Juniors also attend workshops, such as an etiquette dinner, that aim to prepare them for the professional world.

The UP Public Safety Report

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1. April 14, 10:33 p.m. - Public Safety officers responded to a medical call at the Pruzynski Pitch. A student had injured his knee and was provided with an ice pack.

2. April 15, 11:32 a.m. - A student came to Public Safety to report the theft of his bike from outside of the Chiles Center. The bike was registered, and a report was taken.

3. April 15, 11:58 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a party complaint at the 6700 block of N. Yale. Officers made contact with the residents, and the party was shut down.

4. April 16, 1:18 p.m. - A student came to Public Safety to report being harassed via Facebook. A report was taken, and the investigation continues.

5. April 17, 6:25 a.m. - Public Safety received a noise complaint about loud music coming from campus. The music was found to be for an event, and organizers were asked to turn the music down.

NEWS

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  5

Retiring professor continues role at UP

Senior Rosie Cullen is the first recipient of the Joseph S. Gallegos Leadership and Social Work award with an award that showed his influence – just to show how much we respect him and something to allow him to live on Social work professor Joseph through the university, even in a Gallegos is retiring in May and small way,” said senior Sydney to commemorate his service, UP Syverson, who is a part of the established the Joseph S. Gallegos group organizing his retirement Leadership in Social Work award party. “It is great that he will have in his honor. Senior social work something in his name that will and French studies major Rosie live on and keep him here at the Cullen is the first recipient of the university.”

When Gallegos first came to award.

The award was established UP in 1988, there was no social this year to recognize a work program. He was the only graduating social work major faculty member in his department who demonstrated outstanding for 10 years. Gallegos has been a leadership in the social work major contributor to the growth and success of the program. professional community.

“Dr. Gallegos has held The social work faculty picked from the 18 graduating seniors many leadership positions in who exemplified social service the community, including with Catholic Charities and the and leadership.

“We wanted to come up National Association of Social Workers, and has been instrumental in shaping programs, policies and services around Portland and other areas,” Rogers said.

According to Gallegos, he will continue his legacy at the University through his emeritus status which allows him to continue to write grant proposals and possibly work toward his goal of establishing a Master’s of Alissa White| THE BEACON Social Work Rachel McIntosh Staff Writer mcintosh14@up.edu

program.

“There is a possibility of a collaborative program with Pacific University.

There are only five programs in the state, so we have a great need for a good program in terms of social work.”

Even though he will no longer teach at the university, Gallegos will still stay connected with UP while spending more time with his family.

“People ask me how long I have been planning this retirement … for 22 years, and I have been here 23,” Gallegos said.

“When I got here and my Photo courtesy of Joseph Gallegos daughter was born, I was thinking about retiring.”

Social work Professor Joseph Gallegos with his Originally, the social work department wanted daughter at International Night in 1992. to split the Dorothy Day Outstanding Student award in order to give deserved this award.” establish a fund that could bring it to two students, Gallegos has truly been a social justice events to campus to but Department Chair of the great influence on Cullen as he inspire others to get involved,” Social and Behavioral Sciences encourages his students to always Rogers said. professor Anissa Rogers came up do more for their community.

Upon retirement, Gallegos with the idea of creating an award “He wants students to do plans to travel in Europe after he in Gallegos’s honor. things that are bigger and better teaches his last course in Salzburg “When she told me about it, than just being a student,” Cullen this summer.

I thought, ‘Don’t you have to be “It has really been an honor dead to do that?’” Gallegos said. said. “Because he is so connected, he makes it easy for us to find and a privilege to do what you “So we pondered that and then those connections as well.” enjoy doing,” Gallegos said. “I we talked to the special events The Joseph S. Gallegos really like working with students director Bill Reed, and he gave Social Justice Fund is also being and teaching, so I will miss those us the OK.” established in Gallegos’s honor. things but I will still find way to Cullen is the president of the The fund will support social connect with students.”

Social Work Club and is on the board of directors for the National justice events on campus in honor If you would like to of him.

Board of Social Work Leaders. contribute to the fund, you “His passion for and “Rosie is a really good can donate online by going leader,” Syverson said. “She commitment to social justice is to https://webster.up.edu/ is motivated and has a strong, reflective of the mission of the giveonline/. Be sure to caring personality. She has a social work program at UP and type in “Gallegos Fund” social worker heart, so she really the field of social work in general, under the “other” category. so we thought it only fitting to

POLLAN: Conference is a call to action Continued from page 1 environmental sciences Professor and chief organizer of Food for Thought Steve Kolmes said. “It brought together all the themes that matter to us: social justice, ecological development and a deeper understanding of world issues to name a few.”

A theme throughout the weekend conference was keeping a positive outlook while facing the daunting task of reforming the food system, according to communication studies professor Renee Heath, whose Teaching our Leaders Civil Discourse (TOLCS) club hosted a community engagement session Saturday afternoon.

“People came up with some very good action items,” Heath said. “The most important topics that came up were political change, community action and education about healthy eating.”

The engagement session allowed TOLCS students to test their facilitating skills and come up with real world solutions related to food sustainability.

“It was well-structured, and

we had good input,” said TOLCS secretary Megan Brown, a junior.

“I hope we can continue this trend in conferences to engage in civil discussion.”

Presenters throughout the weekend included Kevin Concannon and Br. Dave Andrews, C.S.C., of Food and Water Watch, Congressman Earl Blumenauer and author of “Food Fray” Lisa Weasel.

The Food for Thought Conference’s first speaker was UP alumnus Fedele Bauccio, CEO and co-founder of Bon Appétite and a member of the U.S. Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Products.

“I want UP to be a model for sustainable food service,” Bauccio said during his presentation Thursday night. “And I want to make sure that students leave here with an environmental attachment. Our students get it more than most people.”

Bauccio focused on the harmful effects of antibiotics used in the meat industry in America and Canada. After a showing of “Frankensteer,” a documentary highlighting the problems associated with hormone-treated

beef, Bauccio hosted a meat tasting. Tasters sampled cagefree chicken tacos, free-range lamb kabobs, all natural pork and antibiotic-free, grass-fed steak.

“There was so much to sample,” freshman Parker Mildenhall said. “I just grabbed about five plates of food and

started to savor the flavor!”

The Food for Thought conference brought up many of the issues and deep-seated problems related to health in America and challenged participants to return to their roots and redefine what health means to them.

“Real health consists of a set of

relationships between people and between our bodies and the plants and animals and soil that finally sustains us,” Pollan said. “Food is not a product, we shouldn’t think about it that way. It is less a thing, a pile of nutrients than a relationship between species and between people in a food chain.”

FAITH & FELLOWSHIP

6  April 21, 2011

Campus Ministry and beyond Tera Jannusch Guest Commentary As I come to the conclusion at my time at UP, I have hit a bittersweet ending. There have been many meaningful experiences that made my college experience unique and special, and it’s difficult to think about leaving such a life-giving community I see as my home.

Campus Ministry has helped me build a solid foundation for my faith — and I feel I will bring my UP experiences into my work as a nurse in the future. In one of my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to hold hands and pray with a dying Christian woman hours before her death.

Instead of becoming anxious, I just allowed the Holy Spirit to work through my words and this experience really affirmed that my role as a nurse can be a healer and minister, by me serving Christ through patient care. I have learned to integrate my faith into my work as a student nurse and Peer Health Educator in that I hold a holistic health perspec-

tive for patient care — caring for mind, body and spirit. We can’t underestimate the importance of spiritual health in a patient’s overall wellness and healing. I feel so much more comfortable talking about spirituality, faith, resilience and hope with my patients as I finish nursing school — but I did not come to this on my own.

A big part of my growth and formation is due to my involvement in Campus Ministry over the last three years. Campus Ministry has provided me with many opportunities to grow in my Catholic faith, and to find a community of supportive, fun, faith-filled people who share similar values. I have learned what it means to be a leader, an advocate and how to work within a team.

Being involved in Encounter leadership teams enabled me to really grow closer to God and others through service, sharing, and prayer. I have had the privilege of joining God Centered Community and coordinating Coffee and Catholicism, in which a group of students hear and discuss a topic of the Catholic faith over a cup of coffee. I am involved in Voice for Life, the pro-life group on campus, and I have become comfortable and eager to engage in activities that defend the dig-

Photo submitted by Tera Jannusch

Senior Tera Jannusch with freshman Jordan Mattson, sophomore Vivien Pham, senior Erin Newton, sophomore Kyanne Mayfield and sophomore Grant Lim on the Spring Encounter with Christ retreat several weeks ago. nity of all human life. These op- students, and a great way to conI thank the University of Portportunities have helped me in my clude my busy day. I am going to land, especially Campus Minisindividual formation as a believer miss the opportunities for prayer try, for making my experience of Christ. Additionally, the rela- and spiritual direction that are so one I will never forget, but more tionships I’ve built through these readily available. I am going to importantly, for allowing me to communities have brought me so miss working and learning from grow and integrate my vocations much happiness. I feel supported, my supervisors Josh and Stacey of nursing and Christian ministry built u, and blessed by a strong Noem in the Pilot House Cam- in the future. I am deeply grateand loving community. pus Ministry Office, along with ful, and the University of PortI am going to miss the wonder- meeting new faces as they drop land Community will always be ful music and relatable homilies into the office. I feel so blessed to in my prayers. God bless! at the Sunday Masses at Chapel have built personal relationships of Christ the Teacher. I’m going with Holy Cross priests who have Tera Jannusch is a senior to miss the opportunity to attend been remarkable, relatable, fun nursing major at UP. She can be Hall Mass at 10 o’clock at night, people who helped me grow in contacted at jannusch12@up.edu such a convenient time for college many ways.

LIVING

Four years in review...

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  7

It’s true what they say about time flying. Many seniors might find it hard to believe it was only four years ago that they walked onto campus for the first time with hopes in their hearts and “undeclared” on their transcripts. Even if it feels like yesterday you met your freshman roommate, a lot has happened in four years. When seniors began their UP careers, The Bauccio Commons was half the size and just “The Commons.” Shiley Hall was simply called the engineering building and Corrado Hall was the new dorm. Take a walk down memory lane with The Beacon and see just how much can happen in four years.

-Elizabeth Vogel Freshman year: Making waves

As freshmen we were young and looking ahead to bright futures. We were finding our place in the UP community and helping improve life on The Bluff.

Fall 2007 • UP’s acting club becomes an improv group called Act UP. • The Little Red Bike Cafe moves into NoPo. • The seventh and last “Harry Potter” book is released.

• A new group is created to promote sustainability.

THE BEACON archives

Spring 2008 • UP approves the Gay Straight Partnership.

• Headline: “Recession Threat Fails to Faze Students.” (Oh, how young and naïve we were.)

• Profile on student athlete and musician Jasonn Hannibal.

• ASUP passes a smoking resolution to enforce designated smoking areas.

THE BEACON archives

Sophomore year: Under construction

Sophomore year was defined by change. New buildings popped up all over campus. Vampire craze swept the nation. Obama was elected president on a campaign of change. Some students adjusted to the changes more easily than others.

Spring 2009 • Howard Hall is temporarily closed due to MRSA. • Men’s lacrosse begins its first season.

• Sexual assault policy is changed to include an immunity clause for victims.

• Lights to be added to crosswalk.

Fall 2008 • Construction begins on new dorm.

• Plans for a bell tower.

• Women’s soccer team sponsors a room at the Ronald McDonald House.

• Students protest trees that are cut down.

THE BEACON archives

THE BEACON archives

Junior Year: Global awareness

THE BEACON archives

Two big events in the 2009-2010 school year woke us up the to the world beyond UP. Tragedy hit home when Molly Hightower was one of the victims of the Haiti earthquake. On campus, UP stepped up its sustainability efforts by banning bottled water.

Fall 2009 • Swine Flu scare.

• Wally returns as the mascot.

• ASUP discusses the possibility of a smoking ban, which stirs discussion on campus.

• Shiley Hall is dedicated.

Spring 2010 • UP mourns loss of alumna Molly Hightower in Haiti earthquake.

• UP bans the sale of bottled water.

• Basketball fans fall for Quinn.

• The Anchor opens.

THE BEACON archives

Senior year: All grown up

As we began our senior year, the newly renamed Bauccio Commons revealed its new beauty and we mourned the fact that we’d only experience one year of improved dining. The first installment of the final Harry Potter movie came out, marking the end of an era and possibly our childhoods. Still, we were able to have fun, maybe too much fun, at the Dance of the Decades. Now as the year wraps up, seniors say goodbye to their home for the past four years, and go forth to change the world.

Fall 2010 • Record freshman class size.

• New Bauccio Commons opens.

• UP begins serving Starbucks Coffee.

• 4-Loko is banned.

Spring 2011 • Dance of the Decades sends three students to the hospital for alcohol poisoning.

• ASUP contributes to RISE Campaign.

• Matt Roloff speaks at UP. • Food for Thought conference.

THE BEACON archives

THE BEACON archives

8  April 21, 2011

Career Services offers seniors a ‘Jump Start’ Luke Riela Staff Writer riela14@up.edu Senior Brittany Cannon is uncertain about the career she will pursue after graduating.

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m not quite sure what I want to do yet,” she said. “On paper, I might look good to employers. But in reality, I don’t feel prepared.”

She plans to attend the Job Search Jump Start program, which focuses on directing seniors in their job search.

“We’re going to do an exercise that helps people identify their skills, interests and values,” Office of Career Services Director Amy Cavanaugh said.

The Job Search Jump Start program is taking place at the Office of Career Services in Orrico Hall on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must register at the Office of Career Services by May 6 for $10, which will be refunded upon attendance.

The program will feature activities and presentations by Career Services staff, alumni and employers.

“We are going to cover the nuts and bolts of the job search and giving an opportunity to interact with employers and alumni,” Cavanaugh said.

Students will get a sense for what they should do next in their job search.

“We’re going to start with an overview and end with an action plan,” she said.

One of the presentations will give senior students a glance at the first three months of the job.

“We are going to bring some recent alumni here to talk about

tions,” she said.

Senior Matt Resman, who has been offered a job from a local mechanical contractor, pointed out that it’s tough to find the job you want.

“There are a lot of opportunities and it’s difficult to know if

“We are going to cover the nuts and bolts of the job search and giving an opportunity to interact with employers and alumni.”

Amy Cavanaugh Office of Career Services Director

what it’s like and how to develop relationships with co-workers and managers,” Cavanaugh said.

According to Cavanaugh, searching for jobs online is common among senior students, but not very effective.

“I think there are a lot of students who are starting their job search, but many are applying for jobs online,” Cavanaugh said.

Job Search Jump Start will give senior students other ways to find jobs.

“This will hopefully provide people with other methods and motivate them to make connections,” Cavanaugh said.

Senior Jennifer Pesut, who will be working as a project administrator at UTi Worldwide, agrees.

“It’s all about making connec-

you’re getting the right (job) or not,” he said.

Other graduates, however, are competing for the same opportunities.

“It’s been hard because there are a lot of college students looking for jobs,” Cannon said.

Despite the difficulties of the job search, Cavanaugh is confident the program will prepare seniors for the tough job market.

“They will leave with takeaways that will really help them in their job search,” Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh mentioned attending the presentations will also help seniors adjust to life after college.

“Working nine to five is a lot different than going to school,” Cavanaugh said.

According to Cavanaugh, this will be the third year Career Services has hosted Job Search Jump Start. However, only 10 to 15 students attended last year.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have as many students as we would have liked,” Cavanaugh said. “We want to at least double the attendance this year.”

She said the program has proven useful for the senior students who attended.

“They have given us good feedback and also wished more people knew about it,” Cavanaugh said.

Pesut said seniors could benefit from making use of Career

Services.

“There are a lot of resources on campus that students aren’t taking advantage of,” she said.

Resman is optimistic UP seniors will be successful in their job searches.

“It’s stressful, but in the end, you’ll find the right fit and it will all work out,” he said.

According to Cavanaugh, the purpose of the Job Search Jump Start program is to encourage senior students to actively seek out a good career, no matter how far behind they are.

“It’s not too late to be applying for jobs and internships,” she said. “We are here and we’re open all summer.”

Job Search Jump Start May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Office of Career Services in Orrico Hall

Register now at the Office of Career Services! $10 for a spot in the program.

Fee will be refunded upon attendance.

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  9

Department traditions for graduating seniors Caitlin Yilek Staff Writer yilek12@up.edu

Graduation celebrates the transition into the real world. For many, it is the culmination of four years of hard work: four years of papers, exams, presentations, research and lectures. Time on The Bluff is challenging and fun, but it’s also fleeting. To celebrate graduates’ transition into the real world, the University of Portland marks this transition with commencement and some other special traditions.

School of Nursing Each year, graduating nursing students attend a pinning ceremony, a tradition that dates back to the time of the Crusades. The first nursing pins were awarded in the U.S. in 1880. To date, over 3,800 UP students have received their nursing pin.

According to the Assistant Dean for Operations in the School of Nursing, Barbara Bodine, the pinning ceremony celebrates the accomplishment of completing the nursing program.

“All graduates receive a pin, which marks the transition of being a student to a

professional,” Bodine said.

The pinning ceremony includes a keynote speaker address, the announcement of senior award recipients, the presentation of the pins and closing remarks from students.

“The student speeches are usually a reflection of their experience as a nursing student, their emotions as they transition from student to professional and their gratitude for their support group,” Bodine said.

“You can count on a few tears during this portion of the ceremony.”

Senior Katie Yochim said she is looking forward to the ceremony.

“It’s a really good way to end this ex-

Social and Behavioral Sciences Department The Social and Behavioral Sciences department feasts on pizza with its students.

“This tradition is about four or five years old,” sociology Professor Robert Duff said. “Recently we caravanned to Mississippi Pizza.”

Duff says the faculty members enjoy this tradition.

“We have always had full attendance,” Duff said.

“My impression is that the students also enjoy this opportunity to casually socialize with the faculty.”

Senior Brianna Hodge enjoys this experience because it allows her to further her relationships with professors.

“It’s fun to hang out with your professors outside of the classroom,” Hodge said. “It allows for some awesome discussions.”

citing journey of all the hard work we’ve put in,” Yochim said.

According to Bodine, graduates designate a friend, family or faculty member to give them their pin. This allows graduates to honor a person who has been supportive of their success.

Yochim plans to have a family member give her the nursing pin.

“They have given me so much support over these last few years and I know they will continue to support me,” Yochim said.

This year’s pinning ceremony takes place May 7 in the Chiles Center at 8:30 a.m.

ROTC Graduating students involved in the ROTC program look forward to their commissioning ceremony at the end of the year.

“The commissioning ceremony is swearing them in and awarding them their rank,” Lt. Col. Lewis Doyle said.

According to Doyle, the cadets take an oath of office in which they swear to support and defend the Constitution. Next, they receive their commissioning certificate, which states they are appointed as officers in the U.S. Army at the rank of second lieutenant. They receive two golden bars to pin on their shoulder and hat.

Pin submitted by Barbara Bodine

The golden bars are normally pinned on their uniform by a loved one or family member.

“Finally the graduates are saluted by their non-commissioned officers,” Doyle said.

“The students also give the noncommissioned officer a silver dollar to acknowledge the debt the officers have to the noncommissioned officers who provide mentorship and training.”

This ritual dates back to the Civil War, according to senior Casey Ripp.

“Non-commissioned officers were paid one extra dollar per month for training new officers,” Ripp said.

Photo submitted by Lt. Col. Lewis Doyle

English Department The Department of English gives graduating students the option of not taking their final exams in their upper division English courses, according to Geneviève Brassard, assistant professor in the English department. Faculty also invites students to a Senior English Major Beer-Fest.

“During finals week, the faculty take us out to a bar or restaurant and we get together and drink and eat – I’m sure someone eats,” Clare Shreve, an English and French studies major, said.

Brassard said she enjoys getting to

know students outside of a professional setting.

“I really enjoy getting to sit down with students and talk about things other than school stuff,” Brassard said.

Brassard said she thinks students also enjoy being in a casual setting with their professors after four years of being in a classroom setting with them.

“It’s always nice to see professors outside of an academic setting,” Shreve said.

“They seem more like real people.”

Photo submitted by Professor Geneviève Brassard

Professor Louis Masson with two graduating seniors from the English Department in 2009.

Ten things to do before you graduate...

Roya Ghorbani-Elizeh Living Editor ghorbani11@up.edu

1. Have a date night at The Cove à la freshman year.

2. Make the walk to Nicola’s and order the large calzone.

3. Have a theme party – how many times can you dress up like it’s Halloween?

4. Play Frisbee in the quad, even if it’s raining.

5. Drink as many mochas as you can at Espresso UP – coffee won’t always be free.

6. Buy a piece of purple swag, this time with the word ‘alumni’ on it.

7. Meet up with your freshman roommate and visit your old dorm room.

8. Tell your favorite professor what you learned from him or her.

9. Utilize the student discount at movie theaters before your I.D. expires.

10. Re-enact a photo from your freshman year.

10  April 21, 2011

Senior Memories:

For the last issue of the 20 ating class of 2011 to subm

Photo submitted by Roya Ghorb

Photo submitted by Sydney Syverson

The thing I will miss most about college is spending time with my Salzburgers. To people who are not Salzburgers we often come across as an exclusive, frightening clique, and I won’t deny that there is some truth to this. My reply to this so-often-heard critique is this: We spent nine months together in a foreign country. We took every class together and traveled with each other every weekend. We spent three weeks straight in a bus together for crying out loud! We have seen each other at our ultimate best and our embarrassing worst. They will forever be my 39 best friends ... and that’s just the way it is ... so get over it!

-Sydney Syverson

This tiny house on Yale Street was my home for the past tw The Cottage was a place where laughs were always present an love and true friendship existed. It was not just a house to m place for friends to meet up, where Rocky Horror lived on and made my closest friends here at UP. When I think of my time in I will always look back to this house and to the extraordinary with whom I lived.

-Roya Ghorbani-Elizeh

Empowering Community

This past school year, I have had the privilege of serving as ASUP vice president. While in this role, I have learned so much about the student body, the professors, the administration, the strategic planning process for our University’s future and the RISE campaign. Yet none of this will define my four years on The Bluff. What will is what I have been taught about service and leadership.

UP ranks high in the number of students that go on to the Peace Corps, Teach for America, PACE, the Jesuit Volunteer Corp and Americorp. This is a testament to the ethic and can-do attitude UP has instilled in us. I think every student would agree with me when I say UP is generating the future’s leaders.

What I have learned through student government is how well a community functions when all of its members are accounted for and involved in the democratic process, and the goodness that comes with collaboration, consensus building and different points of view. This has proved a community functions best when there are leaders to push for change, ignite this process and generate a healthy debate.

For instance, freshman year we debated the student

conduct policy, sophomore year we were engrossed in a debate over a “green fund” to meet sustainability goals, junior year we debated a campus-wide smoking ban and this year we were immersed in the cost and benefits of Resolution 11-03. It should not matter so much whether these issues passed or failed, but what should be the focal point is that we had these discussions with one another, about our university, about what we wanted to see happen. All because someone thought this was a good idea and, like any healthy democracy, we argued.

This is what I will remember about UP. Not the debates or which argument I agreed with, but how leadership is about empowerment. Empowering a community to make decisions together, to thoughtfully analyze all the options, compromise if necessary and make decisions that benefitthe most people. The world needs leaders and we will all be there to answer that call, but a leader can only accomplish so much on his or her own. We need to remember what UP taught us and lead not for ourselves, but to empower and mobilize our community.

-Katie Scally

It didn’t really hit me that I was graduating so soon until after I passed my big nursing exam on Monday, April 11. The exam is required for all senior nursing students to pass in order to graduate. I know many people who have been counting the days until graduation, but I was not one of them.

Reflecting on my time at UP, I remember how homesick I was for three years. I said many times that I was leaving and moving home. I put up walls around me, which ultimately kept me from moving forward. Slowly I moved ahead, especially around junior year.

That was the year I really made an effort and discovered how much indeed I had changed in college. Going on the Encounter with Christ retreat really opened my entire self to discover what I was supposed to be doing at UP. I knew at the end of that year that I had great supportive friends, something for which I’d been looking for a long time.

In my experience, it takes time getting used to things but I think that some level of comfort will always come. I believe the University of Portland has something to offer every student who comes here.

That something may not come immediately, as it did not for me, but everyone will find a new “family.” I’m definitely going to miss mine but I know I will find another one just as loving in the future days and years ahead.

-Danielle Sheehy Photo submitted by Danielle Sheehy

Photo submitted by Erik

Shea (Chappel) and I were in Rajisthan on a Post-Salzburg tr iting family friends. It was an epic adventure in and of itself to o tourist visa to India as American citizens living in Austria and w so excited to fulfill our lifelong goal of riding a camel.

-Erika O’Sullivan

Photo submitted by Gaona Yang

When I daydream, I myself in a sailboat out at s my love and my Pilot ha sweet it is! This year ha filled with changes, trials a complishments. I am proud that for the past four years been my home and will c to be my home as I journe through mysterious year community of people and th pus is always filled with so beauty and wisdom, and th carry on with me. And no we’re out of here, I’d ra back on my sailboat with t gree on the sails. Hello, wo -Gaona Yang

Photo submitted by Ju

Senior nursing students Katie Yochim, Erin Malmgren, Cass Lyndsey Arnoldy, Julia Marsh and Lauren Kamitsuka take a from studying to enjoy the snow at Mt. Hood.

-Julia Marsh

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  11

010-2011 Beacon, we asked some members of the gradumit their “best memory” of their UP years.

Submissions from UP seniors Design by Andrea Jackle | THE BEACON

bani-Elizeh

wo years. nd where me, but a d where I college, y women

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picture sea with at! How as been and acd to say UP has continue ey forth rs. The he camo much hat will ow that ather be that deorld!

Photo submitted by Nathan Banet

All About the People Recently, it has come to my attention that I will be graduating from this lovely institution I call home. As is usually the case, it is difficult to fathom that four years have whizzed past, leaving me with this fancy sheet of paper, legitimizing and summarizing four years of blood, sweat, 30-page Bib Trad papers, soccer games, late night excursions to Taco Bell, basketball games, laughs, hall sports and more. It is impossible to begin to enumerate all that I have learned and gained from this experience at UP. Yes, I majored in French studies and decided to throw in minors in music and political science, but college is much more than that. In the last few weeks, I have realized how incredible our university is. Aside from all the academic resources at our disposal, there is something much greater that enriches my life every day: the people of UP. I am going to miss everyone who makes UP my home. All of my professors who have taken the time to get to know me and guide me through my studies; all the staff who love coming to their job and chatting with students. Most of all, I will miss the students, my friends. I will miss being around all the knowledge and passion you bring to this campus as well as the intelligent, trusting, welcoming and loving community that is created with you here. Thank you UP, and thank you to each and every one of you students.

-Jenny Gresham

ulia Marsh

sie Lee, a break

Leading Outdoor Pursuits trips for UP students will be something I will miss the most. This photo at the summit of Mount Adams in Washington epitomizes the great times I shared with hundreds of people who went on trips with me the past four years. I really have them to thank for making these adventures some of my best memories at UP. We weathered freezing rain, camped under two feet of snow at Mount Hood, waded into bonechilling water in Oneonta Gorge, ran into the Pacific Ocean in February, hiked to Tunnel Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, backpacked to Paradise Park on Mount Hood and the list continues.

Reflecting on these trips makes me want to relive all the great times I was fortunate to share with so many awesome people.

Summit of Mount Adams in Washington Front Row: Galen McVey Back Row (Left to right): Evan Mackall ‘14, Jacob Lampe ‘12, Aaron Morris ‘12, Max Lyon ‘14, Gabe Martin ‘13, Nathan Banet ‘11, and Jayme Schroeder ‘11 -Nathan Banet

Photo submitted by Gwen Swift

Getting our “study” on, as usual.

-Gwen Swift

Photo submitted by Aundréa Roberts

One of my favorite memories from UP is the entire year I spent abroad. Not only did I get to travel all over Europe, but I got to live in Salzburg, one of the most beautiful cities with a fantastic group of 40 friends. They will always have a place in my heart (and team Poland was definitely better at capture the flag). :) -Aundréa Roberts

Photo submitted by Renata Fusso

Senior Renata Fusso and junior Rosemary Peters “riding” the back to school bus in Shipstad Hall last year.

-Renata Fusso

OPINIONS

12  April 21, 2011

Take time to stop and smell the blossoms Portland weather has a cruel way of finishing up the school year.

Just when we’re almost freed from from the shackles of academia, Portland becomes one of the most beautiful places to go to school in the whole of the United States.

The cherry blossoms are blooming, the birds are chirping, the bunnies are much easier to spot.

All of a sudden, your morning trudge to class, usually buffeted by a rain slicker, transforms into a scene from a Disney movie.

Buried in mid-semester

work, we lift our heads for just an instant one day to see to our disbelief the sun is shining.

And suddenly it seems like the student population doubles, with so many people out to soak up the vitamin D into their now translucent skin. Wardrobes change overnight from flannel and beanies to shorts and sundresses in bright summer colors, because hey, it’s 60 freaking degrees out right now!

Professors are getting sick of their own lesson plans and might even lighten the workload a little with just the right amount of complaining from students.

Things are just starting to get a little more fun around here … And then we have to get up and go, moving away from our friends and our beautiful campus.

The people who are most incredulous that summer is around the corner are the seniors, of course. It’s not just the end of the school year for them, it’s the end of an era. It’s not just summer that’s setting in, it’s the rest of their lives. And they hope their best days aren’t swiftly disappearing behind them, but we haven’t really seen enough of the “real world” to be sure. And so a

mood of bittersweet anxiety sets in.

The summer, senior year, they creep up on us all and we wonder where the days or years have gone.

We will miss our seniors who will go on to new and wonderful things. It may be things that they’ve planned for, but probably the best things will end up being the ones they didn’t plan. We only hope they will remember us when they’re off on their adventures. Although our seniors may be scattering, we can count on the fact that we will always have this place in common.

The guy down the hall might someday be your best man.

Maybe your professor or adviser will help you score an interview for your dream job. Housemates might become friends with whom you stay in touch across the country or even across an ocean. The connections made on The Bluff extend much further than we can imagine.

So instead of waiting for it all to come to an end, cherish the little time we have. The cherry blossoms make everything, even finals and dead week, seem a little more sentimental.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The editorial reflects the majority view of The Beacon Editorial Board. The editorial does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the collective staff or the Administration of the University of Portland. Other submissions in this section are signed commentaries that reflect the opinion of the individual writer. The Student Media Committee, providing recommendation to the publisher, oversees the general operation of the newspaper. Policy set by the committee and publisher dictates that the responsibility for the newspaper’s editorial and advertising content lies solely in the hands of its student employees.

The Health Center needs a helping hand Jessie Hethcoat Guest Commentary I love the Health Center.

I love Cathie Gurgel, Tim Crump, Tami Magnett, the counseling staff and everyone else I’ve encountered in my three years at UP in the Health Center.

I would like to sing their names from mountaintops, and I will praise them for as long as people will listen.

Our Health Center is a luxury.

We pay nothing for our visits and many prescription medications are available in the office. It’s something I’ve come not to expect, but rely on.

Like many students, I work 20-hour weeks and take a full load of classes, I also maintain a very fine GPA (if I do say so myself). Free time, especially mid-week, is in short supply. So is money.

Our Health Center is one of the reasons I feel comfortable filling up my week’s schedule.

For the most part, I feel like I’m covered at UP. I feel like I can

take that extra course or join that extra club because if I just work hard, my school will help me take care of the rest. I love that about our campus.

Last week, I called into the Health Center and found that they were booked for from that Wednesday morning until Tuesday. With a cough that sounded like I’d been hit by the bubonic plague, I took the referral to an off-campus clinic. I ended up at ZoomCare, our local doc-in-abox, to be seen for my lungs that, with a deep breath, sounded like a fourth grade music class’s rendition of “Freres Jacques.”

This trip to ZoomCare added two hours to my day. Luckily for me, I have a car, and I was able to get to the Hawthorne location (the North Portland one, of course, was booked). Note that for a student without car, this would have taken over twice as long. Not only did it take away some mid-day time that I didn’t have to spare, but the visit also ended up costing me $114 before paying for prescriptions.

These types of services are meant for people who are either out of town, without health insurance or for whatever reason without a primary care provider. For

Submission Policy

Letters and commentaries from readers are encouraged.

All contributions must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. The Beacon does not accept submissions written by a group, although pieces written by an individual on behalf of a group are acceptable.

Letters to the editor must not exceed 250 words. Those with longer opinions are encouraged to submit guest columns. The Beacon reserves the right to edit any contributions for length and style, and/or reject them without notification. University students must include their major and year in school. Nonstudents must include their affiliation to the University, if any.

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UP students, the Health Center is our primary health care facility.

We shouldn’t have to go see the folks at ZoomCare because our health care should be there when we need it.

It’s time and money that I don’t have to spend. And my cough sounded like that of a woman who had been smoking for 40 years.

I’m sure there are plenty of

others who may have had to take even further measures in order to get antibiotics or some other form of necessary medication.

I’ve been saying this all year: The Health Center is understaffed. It’s time to face the facts and give them some more funding. I’m wondering whether this is one of the problems arising as result of our swelling campus.

So please, let’s RISE and hire

another excellent nurse practitioner, or at least find a way to prevent this problem from happening. For me personally, it is not the first time.

For my lungs. I beg of you.

Jessie Hethcoat is a junior English major. She can be contacted at hethcoat12@ up.edu.

Samantha Heathcote | THE BEACON

THE BEACON Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief. . . . . . . ����� Rosemary Peters News Editor . . . . . . . . . . ��������� Hannah Gray Opinions Editor . . . . . . �������� Megan Osborn Living EditoR �������������� Roya Ghorbani-Elizeh Sports Editor . . . . . . . . �����Aaron O’Connell Copy Editor. . . . . . . . . . . �������� Lisa McMahan

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OPINIONS

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  13

The Beacon Abroad Beacon reporters write about their experiences overseas

photo courtesy of Elizabeth Tertadian

Photo provided by Elizabeth Tertadian| THE BEACON

Sophomore Elizabeth Tertadian and Collin Morgan, one of the guides on her outback excursion in Broome, Australia.

Elizabeth Tertadian Guest Commentary G’day mate! Do you want some Milo in your billy? I’ve got a story for you! I just got back from a week in the bush. I didn’t have a jumbuck, but I had some crab, met some mates, and had a jolly good time hearing stories from Aboriginal people.

Hi friend! That is Australian talk for you. I’ve been studying abroad in Australia for two months now, and it’s been great.

I just got back from a week trip to Broome, which is the outback and also Aboriginal land. We went up there and camped for a week to learn about their culture and hear their stories.

Unfortunately, we were chased out of camp by a cyclone (hurricane) and had to make our way back into Broome to stay in a hostel, but we still went about the outback early each morning and had a great time.

I learned how to make and throw spears, ate freshly caught crab and fish, talked to our guide Collin each day about Aboriginal life and beliefs, learned to paint and met the most famous didgeridoo player in the world. We had no idea who he was, but he played for us and one evening ate with us and sang in his language with the guitar.

It was good to get away from the stress of life for those six days, let myself unplug from technology and reflect upon my time in Australia in the outback.

Most of Australia is a lot like the States – they speak the same language (more or less), have mostly the same food, and listen to the same music. In Broome, it was a different world.

The colors are stunning. The sand is a deep, rich red color, the trees green and the sky bright blue.

There is a saying, “we are on Broome time,” that our leader from uni would say, meaning we are on no time schedule and to just go with it. We woke up every

Photo provided by Elizabeth Tertadian| THE BEACON

Sophomore Elizabeth Tertadian at Gantheaume Point in Broome, Australia.

morning not knowing what we were going to spend the day doing. Our Aboriginal guides took a look at the day and we went from there. This was completely different from what we are used to with schedules and time, and made me stop and realize that my life really runs by the clock.

I also realized how dependent I am on others to live. We met a boy who was only 8 years old, and he knew how to make a spear, catch fish and crab in the ocean, make a fire and cook it

and then find his way back home through the bush with no roads.

If I was alone in the outback, I could do none of those things.

Now I am back in Fremantle, back to Facebook and Skype – oh yeah, and class too. But the outback is never far away and my experience there is something I’ll never forget. I’ve been in Australia for two months as a student and a tourist. Going to Broome, I immersed myself in the Aboriginal culture and learned more than I ever have in class or a

guide book. If you get the chance to travel, do it, but don’t just be a tourist. Let yourself experience that culture through the eyes of locals. The stories you will hear, the people you will meet and the things you will experience will enrich your life, and that’s what you take from your travels.

Elizabeth Tertadian is a sophomore organizational communication major. She can be contacted at tertadia13@ up.edu.

OPINIONS

14  April 21, 2011

Soccer team helps kids with cancer Faces on The Bluff Alex Kraus

By SCOTT CHIA Photographer

Guest Commentary A child’s life is probably the most precious thing in the world.

That is why we are doing our part to help out. You might see Mayor Sam Adams or Timber Joey with some new haircuts in the next few weeks, but you will also see your Portland Pilots men’s soccer player walking around with buzz cuts during finals.

Why, you ask? For St. Baldrick’s of course! For the third year in a row, we are helping raise money to fund children’s cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Over the last few months, we have been accepting donations and our efforts will culminate in May, when we shave our heads in solidarity with the children who have lost their hair during their various treatments.

We raised over $14,000 over the last few years and hope to raise another $7,000 this year, but the impact of our efforts was not tangible until we met two little individuals named Ramsey and Bransen. During our head shaving last year, two 4-year olds came to school to hang out with us. To see them smile and

We asked: What are your summer plans?

Photo taken by Steve Gibbons

From left to right in the foreground Justin Baarts, Vlastimir Davidovic and Ryan Kawulok are getting their heads shaved in support of St. Baldrick’s cancer research organization. From left to right in the back ground, watching, Jarad vanSchaik, Ryan Luke, Mike Nielsen and Austin Guerrero. have fun was incredibly awe-inspiring given everything they go through.

Many of us worry about finals coming up, what we are going to do over the summer, what kind of job we can find, or maybe if the Blazers are going to win the NBA title, but all of that pales in comparison to these kids’ struggles. In the U.S., more children die from cancer every year than any other disease, so there are individuals out there who may not

even make it to college like us.

It is amazing what communities can do. You students, professors and staff are incredible in your support of us on those Friday nights and Sunday afternoons at Merlo Field. I implore you to help us again, but instead of beating our WCC foes, we need to beat children’s cancer.

Log on to www.stbaldricks. org, search for the University of Portland men’s soccer team in the search bar and make a donation.

“Wakeboarding.”

Sarah Croy, freshman, biology

Or go the front desk of the athletic office and drop off a donation there. Even if you don’t have much to give, every little bit adds up. Just think, making a sacrifice of $5 may not get that cup of Starbucks one morning, but it will help to save a child’s life and it certainly won’t be bad for your karma.

Alex Kraus is a UP alumnus from the class of 2010.

A simple act of kindness: Say thank you

“Sleep.”

JP Galvin, freshman, business administration

“Going to Africa.”

Max Lilly, sophomore, nursing

Photo courtesy of Edith Guerrero | THE BEACON

Edith Guerrero, Corey Trujillo, Jessica Eldrige, Jason Weeks, Daniel Morantte and Ngoc Pham, members of the Faith and Fellowship house. way. remind you of all those people you have done.

Daniel Tom: All I can do is study, eat who fix our lighting, clean our So, say thank you to someone Morantte and sleep. I hope I can make it bathrooms, cook the food we eat, today. A simple act of gratitude trough. clean our dorms, and those who and recognition can make someGuest Have you been in Tom and work to make our campus beau- one’s day brighter. This article Commentary Sarah’s conversation lately? We tiful. Join the Faith and Leader- will only be out for a week, but know how you feel: stressed, ship house in thanking all those you don’t have to stop after a Tom: School is getting so ready for summer and need a who work so hard to keep this week. Make this part of your much more stressful right now. break. Well, we just would like campus picturesque and supply daily life.

Finals are coming up; I have proj- to remind everyone that by be- us with the yummy food we eat. ects to do before dead week. Can ing stressed, we all focus on There are many workers behind Daniel Morantte is a junior life just get simpler? our schoolwork and don’t really the scenes we rarely get to see. If elementary education major.

Sarah: I don’t think it will have time to think about oth- you see one of these fantastic inHe can be contacted at until finals are over, but I totally ers. School runs our life for the dividuals, introduce yourself and morantte12@up.edu understand. I am feeling the same next few weeks. We are here to say thank you for all the work In considering increases to tuition and room and board, the University tries hard

Letter to the Editor under 4.50 percent. The 7.0 per-

to balance students’ costs with the economic realities of running our institution. Thus, I wanted to note an error in the finance article in the April 14, 2011 Beacon. The article states that “room and board rates are increasing by almost 7 percent.” In actuality, the percentage increase in the combined room and board rates ranges from 2.79 percent to just

cent refers only to the change in the room price. Next year room rates will be equalized across campus; room charges will be the same no matter what residence hall you choose. Board charges vary depending on which plan you pick, and those percentage changes range from -2.73 percent to +1.07 percent. The com-

bination of the room and the meal plan determines the total percentage increase. In 2011-12, there will be an increase in room and board rates, but in no case will the combined rate increase be greater than 4.5 percent.

-Rowena Bramlette, Director of Budgets.

“The sun.”

Taylor Farris, freshman, nursing

“Eating tacos every day.”

Abraham Barajas, sophomore, business administration

OPinions

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 

Three years and seventy-two Beacons

Aaron O’Connell Staff Commentary Three years. Three years of lateral movement, from sports editor, to sports editor … to sports editor. Three years of working tirelessly to bring the best sports coverage of the Portland Pilots, probably the best coverage ever (in my modest estimate).

Three years of being continually annoyed with people who actually bother to email their critiques (always in the most gracious way possible) about how they actually like NASCAR, or how they happen to know for a fact that I took part in the shock-

ing display of foul language at a basketball game (a bold-faced lie, of course).

And being that this is my last piece, I have decided to bequeath upon the readers of this fair Beacon my final opinions on several issues of the utmost importance.

You may ask, how much do you have to pay for these pearls of wisdom (borne on the muscular shoulders of three years of tireless sports experience)? Will there be a charge?

Oh — don’t worry — they’re free.

On Howard Hall still being just a terrible, awful, deplorable excuse for a workout center Yes, I’m well aware that the University has plans for new workout facilities, I know how awesome they plans look, how this piece will do less than noth-

Standing for something Will Lyons Staff Commentary If any series of events could encapsulate the spirit of the University of Portland in a nutshell, it was this past weekend. Between Relay for Life, the Food for Thought conference and Christie Hall’s 100th birthday, UP strutted its stuff and left little room for wondering what is important to our students and community.

UP stands for very simple themes really: Allow people to live, educate people about real world obstacles and have fun with friends while you’re doing it.

On Saturday, I kept walking past the academic quad expecting the Relay for Life to be over and for people to just stop walking. But no, late into the night there were still students walking around and around and around, underscoring the notion that cancer doesn’t give up easily and neither will we.

What is it that allows us to keep on going, to keep making endless laps in a somewhat dull surrounding? Friends.

The walkers were grouped in packs when I walked past them at 10 p.m. Saturday. They were happy, joking and still smiling after hours of walking. With this in mind, I walked over to the east quad where Christie Hall was beginning its 100-year birthday celebration. One hundred years of friendship have happened in Christie. One hundred years of random people from all over the world meeting each other, awkwardly picking beds and closets space and hanging out playing ping pong. UP stands for friendship.

A few hours earlier, we heard Michael Pollan speak in the Chiles Center. One of Pollan’s major goals is to keep people healthy.

Who knows, maybe if Americans were able to “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants,” cancer would not be the killer it is to-

day. UP stands for simply staying alive to the best of your ability.

A lot of people didn’t know who Pollan was before this event, and indeed could care less about his message and the goals of food sustainability that have been a major theme this year since the opening of the Bauccio Commons. Students talk smack about The Commons prices, long lines and unnecessarily fancy food.

Sometimes these criticisms are well founded, but you’ve got to give UP credit for standing for something and following through on its messages. Obviously eating healthy was an ideological goal for this year. But even if I’m not changed by anything that’s happened over the past eight months, I appreciate the effort to make a statement. UP stands for you standing up.

If I took anything away from this week’s Food for Thought conference and Pollan’s speech it was this: In many ways it doesn’t matter what you stand for as long as you stand for something.

Pollan got the ball rolling on reform of the industrial food complex and he was fairly outspoken at the outset of his project. As a journalist, he could’ve picked a topic like warfare as his personal wedge issue. He would have been well supported, but his voice would have been drowned out by the masses of others calling for similar change. Pollan stands for something not as many people find noteworthy and made food rights an issue by putting it to public scrutiny in a way that everyone can understand.

Isn’t that one of the reasons we’re all at college to begin with?

Maybe the real goal of these years is to find what it is you want to stand for and figure out whom you want to stand with you. Pollan’s passion is food, and if we all had that much enthusiasm for whatever issue grinds our gears ,we would put the world into total chaos. It’s that chaos that makes being here inspiring. All that remains is letting it loose.

Will Lyons is a freshman English major. He can be contacted at lyons14@up.edu.

ing to expedite the process, and that all I’m doing right now is suiting up, grabbing my favorite stick and beating the hell out of that dead horse.

Well, Howard Hall is just that bad. There’s still a population here of about 3,500. There’s still a capacity in the workout area the size of a school bus. There’s still only one indoor, decrepit, embarrassing regulation court for our University. The University is still getting bigger. I still keep expecting to see American History X’s Edward Norton in the locker room showers (to date, he hasn’t shown). We still pay 40 grand a year to go here.

The building just looks like its’ hanging on to the last vestiges of its cold and bitter life, its existence an unfortunate anomaly.

If everyone on campus jumped at the same time, I would expect it to simply squelch its way back into the Earth, waiting to haunt the next University of Portland student foolish enough to stop by to try and work out.

Has this hyperbole been extended far enough that it seems ridiculous that all we have are tentative plans for new facilities?

On checking drinks before athletic events Earlier this year, reports filtered in from several people alleging that they were being made to empty their drinks before they could be admitted to soccer

games at Merlo Field. Students were even told to pour out drinks purchased at other University locations such as The Cove (as students don’t have access to concessions in Merlo).

Associate Athletic Director Buzz Stroud assured me in an interview this wasn’t a new policy, but students would come to accept it with consistent enforcement.

For a while, this was cause for concern as this looked to be another paternalistic move by the University to curb alcohol use instead of treating students as adults (the newest example is mandatory breathalyzers at a dance, even for those of legal age).

I was glad to see that by basketball season, the University had come to its senses, and students were let in with open beverages of all kinds.

Hooray for inconsistent enforcement.

On banning intramural teams Actually, I think this only applies to the Colossal Squids.

The Beacon reported last week that the Colossal Squids were banned due to reports of intoxication and rough play. The Director of Recreational Services, Brian Dezzani, reportedly reached his conclusion after speaking with a few people who were involved.

This strikes me as being a serious miscarriage of justice. Not only was the entirety of the information considered (if the reports

15

were true) simply hearsay, but it seems to me that the descriptions of the Colossal Squids merely indicated they were having an excellent time.

I’m certain the Colossal Squids were intoxicated — they were drunk on the good vibes and fun of intramural competition.

Banning an intramural team because there were reports of drinking and raucous play is like kicking out a NASCAR fan because he is from the south, or banning a wrestler from the WWE because it was reported he took steroids.

It’s like kicking a basketball player off the team because he had sex (sorry, Davies).

C’mon, seriously?

On UP still not being BYU I didn’t really have anything to say about this one, but I find when criticizing the school, it’s good to find a comparison that really makes you value the not-soawful policies of the University of Portland.

Really, things here are quite fantastic, and it’s refreshing that nitpicking is really (usually) the only way to find something to critique.

I’m basically just glad this one is still true.

Go Pilots.

Aaron O’Connell is a senior political science major. He can be contacted at oconnel11@ up.edu.

16  April 21, 2011

Luke Riela Staff Commentary “I can’t wait until summer.”

“Why can’t it be Friday already?”

“I just want this week to be over.”

You probably read posts like this on Facebook or hear it during small talk.

Often, we zone out and think about the good times to come. I think about the summer, when I can go back home to see friends after months away. Or I picture the weekend – maybe I’ll walk through the Taco Bell drive thru, and I’ll be allowed to order this time. Whatever there is to look forward to, it seems better than now.

Finals are on the horizon and teachers have begun to pile on assignments to make sure we’re still paying attention. Having to balance the increasing workload with a job can make the typical school week a complete drag. I wish I could just jump over all the work.

Anticipation is great, but what do we miss while daydreaming?

Opinions

Live in the moment

Should three exams and two essays waste an entire week of our lives? And here I begin perhaps the most clichéd argument of all time: Live in the moment.

It’s been said in thousands of proverbs. I’ll be enlightened by one of those “live like it’s your last day quotes” and then continue sleeping through class. All of us can enjoy time off, but it’s much tougher to fully appreciate the days in between.

College is often remembered by our elders as their best days.

Friday and Saturday only make up a fraction of that college experience. So many great memories are created during the week, but only the weekends get credit for being fun.

When you take a break from studying to have dinner with friends, don’t worry about that big test tomorrow. Even if it’s hard to delight in the food at times, enjoy the company. Although you may be stressed out of your mind, relish in the perks of college.

This advice isn’t anything new, but a reminder never hurts.

It is just so easy to get tangled up in waiting.

We napped and recessed our way through preschool in preparation for kindergarten.

Then we went to kindergarten for grade school to get ready for middle school in order to attend

high school. Then we struggled through AP courses, SATs and senior theses to receive that acceptance letter from UP. It is natural to continue the process. Students go to UP so they can be employed afterward or so they can pursue a master’s degree. This all builds up to getting that perfect job someday that pays enough so you can afford that dream house and car.

Maybe that day will come,

thanks to a college education.

However, that’s not all college is good for. Looking ahead is essential, but so is standing in the present.

There will be a time when we’ve got a full-time job (hopefully) and a million things to worry about other than the present. For now, let’s enjoy our days in college, however busy they may be.

UP students have no lack of

John McCarty Staff Commentary My few memories of freshman year are really just a continuous beer ... I mean blur. I remember moving all my belongings into Villa to the tune of “Don’t Stop Believing” and awkwardly meeting my peers and their parents. I remember going to my first soccer game in a toga and yelling until I could no longer speak, and I remember former hall directorturned-police officer Tommy Stoffel giving a rousing welcome speech to the new residents of Villa.

Stoffel touched on the usual topics of brotherhood and chivalry and explained some of the ground rules for on-campus living. I only remember bits and pieces of Stoffel’s speech that night, but my most vivid recollection is of his description of UP’s policy toward illicit drugs.

The speech went from funny to serious in an instant and Tommy said something like: “Portland is a very ‘green’ city. However, this is not a ‘green’ campus.”

The first of 24 states to decriminalize the possession of under an ounce of marijuana, Oregon continues to play an exemplary role in progressive drug law reformation; however, here at UP “pot” is still taboo.

Other schools around the country are open to pro-legalization discussions and organizations like Safer Alternative for

fun, but weekdays have a way of getting to all of us. The next time you want to just teleport to the weekend, think of all the awesome stuff you’d be missing.

Yeah, it’s totally corny, yet it just might help.

Have a great Thursday!

Luke Riela is a freshman philosophy major. He can be contacted at riela14@up.edu.

Ann Truong | THE BEACON

UP poy penalty too harsh

Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), while UP holds tight to Reaganera drug policies.

Let me begin, however, by applauding the aims of the University’s policy regarding substance abuse. The policy it is based on a respect for oneself and the community. Arguably, the most crucial part of becoming an adult is responsibility, and UP’s substance abuse policy recognizes this. The policy allows students to enjoy themselves responsibly while still holding them accountable for the effects they have on themselves and the surrounding community.

That said, I feel the punishment for marijuana possession doesn’t quite fit the crime, especially in consideration of the comparatively harmless punishment for alcohol violations.

First, let’s get the facts straight.

If you still think marijuana is a gateway drug, I urge you to take down your Nancy Reagan “Just Say No” poster and make use of your Google search bar.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire investigated marijuana’s role as a gateway drug only to find that the stresses in an individual’s life are more often the root cause of progression to other, sometimes harder, drugs.

They aren’t the only ones to debunk the popular gateway drug myth, and furthermore, anyone could frame alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, fast food or even sugar as a gateway drug.

In terms of harm to the surrounding community, who do you think does more damage to themselves and their peers: the belligerently drunk student who

OPinions

vomits all over his dorm room and passes out or the pot smoker who buys as much Commons food as he can carry?

All kidding aside, a variety of independent research groups have worked to rank marijuana, alcohol and other drugs with potential for abuse in terms of risk for dependency, physical harm and social repercussions. Though there is an inherent variability in rankings between studies, marijuana never fails to rank well below alcohol and tobacco. In many cases, alcohol is ranked as more dangerous than tobacco.

Should a member of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) find you in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, you will be charged with a violation (read: glorified parking ticket) and face fines between $100 and $1,000 dollars which sometimes be waived with community service.

Should the University find you in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana … Well that’s really up to the judiciary com-

mittee that oversees your fate on a case-by-case basis, but you are immediately sent to a suspension hearing even though you may or may not actually be suspended. I would argue that being expelled is not unlike being fined for all tuition paid up to that point, not to mention that expulsion significantly inhibits your chances of being accepted at another school.

If you are trying to sell weed it’s a different (read: criminal) ballgame with corresponding punishments, and, in most cases, expulsion from UP is going to be much better than what PPB will charge you with.

The city treats alcohol-related crimes quite harshly. A Minor in Possession of Alcohol violation in Oregon carries a minimum $320 fine and can include probation, jail time, community service and classes about alcohol abuse. For the sake of brevity I’ll avoid discussing the penalties for DUIs or providing a minor with alcohol and/or a place to drink.

But the University’s response is

different; it suffices to say if you are found to be under the influence or in possession of alcohol, or both, by a member of Public Safety your punishment is dependent on your cooperation.

You’ll appear before a judiciary board and can face fines, probation, classes, writing papers and even – Oh God! – being moved to a different residence hall.

I understand the University has obligations to the Federal Government under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and that alcohol is legal while marijuana is not. However, it is important to consider what kind of message the University is sending its students when use of a comparatively harmless drug is punished severely while students can violate the alcohol policy up to three times before any meaningful punishment is enforced.

John McCarty is a junior English major. He can be contacted at mccarty12@up.edu.

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 

17

From senior to alumnus: It’s your time to get connected Andy Sherwood Guest Commentary That day in May will come.

And it will be sunny. Your time as a student at the University of Portland will finally be complete. Whether that day is in a few weeks or a few years, there are a few things you should know about being an alumnus of the university.

This isn’t a pitch for money.

Trust me, when I want your money I will ask for it in a very specific way. This is more about what we can do for you once you walk out of here with your diploma.

This is about utilizing the greater University of Portland alumni network. In 2011, it has become easier than ever to network.

A decade ago, when I graduated, networking was much more difficult. We did not have Facebook or Twitter. Our cell phones did not even have the ability to send or receive text messages.

I never knew when my friends were going to Yorgo’s so I was forced to go there every night.

That is where my network started and where your network will start and probably already has started. And although Yorgo’s is still a quality establish-

ment, I suspect that your current network goes further than the dude you are about to embarrass on the pool table tonight.

The way I see it your network is three pronged at this point. It includes (in no specific order): your classmates/friends, your professors and the greater alumni network.

Professors: Have you ever had a conversation with a professor?

Do you know where they went to undergrad? Do you know the name of their cat? Or the model of Subaru they drive? Use your professors as a sounding board.

Ask them their opinions on various career paths. Tell them about what you are passionate about.

Have a real conversation with them that doesn’t end with you asking them for a letter of recommendation.

Classmates/Friends: I kind of went over this a couple of paragraphs above. That guy you worked in billiards at the Sundown, the girl in your marketing class, your RA from freshman year, the Rollerblade guy. All of those people are in your network.

They may not seem useful now but sooner than you think they will be in position or you will be in a position to set them up with a paying gig. I know many people who have launched and sustained successful careers simply by staying connected with their friends from UP. Greater Alumni Network:

A reasoned argument for war with our northern neighbor Braden Behan Guest Commentary My fellow Americans, recently our great nation has been faced with a new and emerging threat. This threat has been silently looming over the United States like a giant hat. What do hats have lurking underneath them? You might be tempted to answer hair, but when one thinks carefully one realizes the obvious answer is rabbits.

Now what do rabbits do, aside from multiply very quickly (which is another facet of their plan)? They eat carrots! And where do carrots come from?

‘Merica. Thus, the hat metaphor fits.

For a substantial period of time our northern neighbors have plotted and schemed. Since our failed attempts to liberate them from the Crown, they have bided their time, waiting for a moment of weakness. We must strike before that time comes.

The reasons for war are multifarious.

1. To keep the rabbit from eating the carrot.

2. To control the rampant bea-

ver and moose infestation.

3. They are just too polite.

(Does this not seem suspicious?

What are they hiding from us?)

4. Under the Bird Law principle of jus ad aves, their birds continue to fly into our air space on a seasonal basis. What is it for? Reconnaissance, possibly?

To find our weaknesses? We simply do not know, but be wary, for our top scientists and military analysts have concluded this is highly probable.

We must engage our neighbor to the north, not only to stop its egregious trampling upon our nationhood and liberty. We must also do this for national glory.

We must avenge their dastardly refusal to join the United States during the Revolutionary War and beyond. Imagine our brave boys over the border, marching across the frozen tundra, routing the cowardly foe and liberating the people from the yoke of their foolish insistence upon the Parliamentary system.

Join us now! Rise up and defeat the Northern Menace! As comrades in arms we will triumph over the tyrannical, mapleleafed aggressors!

Braden Behan is a senior mechanical engineering major. He can be contacted at behan11@up.edu.

You are probably wondering, who are these alumni that you speak of? They are not much different than you. In fact, 27, 60 or 2 years ago, they were you. Now, they are captains of industry, doctors, accountants and world travelers and because they were sitting right where you are now they are interested in helping you out. You can contact with them through our office as well as through your class-

mates and professors. Become a fan of the University of Portland Alumni page on the Facebook (facebook.com/upalumni), and we will be sure to invite you to alumni events where you can begin expand your network. Join our alumni group on LinkedIn as well to make great professional connections.

And more importantly, our door at the Office of Alumni Re-

lations (6625 N Portsmouth) is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We would love to help you get connected.

Andy Sherwood is the associate director of Alumni Relations and graduated from UP in 2001. He can be contacted at sherwood@ up.edu.

Alicia Gaghan | THE BEACON

SPORTS

18  April 21, 2011

Athletes show their talents off the field

John McCarty Staff Writer mccarty12@up.edu

Bernies, Dougies and Stanky Leggs were all part of the agenda at the Pilots Got Talent studentathlete talent show. The men’s basketball team proved to be the lords of the dance, impressing the judges to secure the coveted Pilots Got Talent trophy.

Last Sunday, student-athletes from every University sport, except crew and golf, donned their dancing shoes in front of a packed BC Auditorium to perform music and dance numbers for the benefit of the St. Baldricks Foundation.

ASUP President Colin Dorwart, Professor Deana Julka and Professor Jeff Kerssen-Griep judged each of the acts “American Idol” style, providing both praise and criticism, despite the fact that Julka claimed she has a hard time saying negative things.

The last act of the night, the men’s basketball team’s song and dance medley began with senior Luke Sikma singing Marvin Gaye’s “Lets Get it On,” for the ladies before junior Nem Mitrovic interrupted him, pointing out the song’s suggestive nature.

After a more family oriented, sing-a-long rendition of “Hakuna Matata,” members of the basketball team did the Dougie and the Jerk.

The combination of song and dance, along with the involve-

The men’s cross country team dances for the audience during Sunday’s Pilots Got Talent student athlete talent show. ment of the whole team propelled the men’s basketball team past the women’s soccer team, which won the trophy last year.

“We practiced today for 20 minutes and that’s about all,” freshman forward Ryan Nicholas said. “We went into the bathroom (in BC Aud.) and rehearsed be-

fore the show; we were just having fun so there was really no need to over think it.”

Dressed in anything from cowboy boots and 10 gallon hats to brightly colored jumpsuits and headbands, the women’s soccer team performed their take on the evolution of dance. The

whole team was broken up into four person lines that took turns dancing to “Thriller,” “Cotton Eyed Joe” and “Jump Around,” to name a few.

“I think since we won last year people put a lot of expectations on us,” freshman midfielder Ellen Parker said. “Though overall this year all the teams did better.”

Though dance numbers dominated the evening, the studentathletes also demonstrated their musical talent with cover songs and spoofs. Members of the men’s tennis team covered “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Bras were even thrown on stage, and Julka had to explain that proper rock concert protocol required playing with a bra hanging from the guitar. The volleyball team played “Wednesday,” a video spoof of Rebecca Black’s song “Friday” featuring lyrics like “It’s Wednesday, Wednesday gotta get down on hump day.”

Sophomore pitcher J.R. Bunda and junior outfielder Garrett Queen were the only two participating members of the baseball team. They covered “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson with Queen on the keyboard and Bunda alternately singing, playing the ukulele and saxophone.

The women’s tennis team also performed their version of “I Love my Ducks,” entitled “I Love my Pilots,” by senior Stephanie Fuchs. The song detailed the tennis team’s love of UP and included the crowd chanting “Go Pilots!” with the beat.

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“Women’s basketball and men’s cross country were my favorites, but as far as real talent goes I would say men’s tennis and baseball were the best,” Parker said.

The women’s basketball team garnered a lot of laughs with its dance contest hosted by junior guard ReZina TecleMariam (a.k.a Z. Diddy) which featured the cha-cha, interpretive dance, and “the Pilot stroke.”

The men’s cross country team mobbed the stage with over team members in uniform showing the crowd some legs during a coordinated dance number that included the Dougie, Bernie and the Stanky Legg.

The only co-ed act of the night, the track team gyrated to the tune of Rhianna’s “S&M” though the judges noticed that some of the men were having difficulty dancing in time with the group.

The women’s cross country team gave Kerssen-Griep “flashbacks” to the eighties with their glowstick lightshow during Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” Finally, members of the men’s soccer team sang an a cappella version of Guns ‘N Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” but failed to impress the judges.

“Men’s tennis was my favorite and I’ve got to say women’s soccer was legit,” Nicholas said.

“But our goal was to get it (the trophy) from them and I’m glad we could win tonight.”

SPORTS

The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net  19

Featured Pilot of the Week: Chris Johnson

Joanna Goodwin Staff Writer goodwin12@up.edu

A lot has changed since Portland’s starting pitcher, sophomore Chris Johnson, played T-Ball “I started playing baseball in second grade, which is even before the Little League division,” Johnson said.

As he grew up in Edmonds, Wash., he received constant support from his parents.

“My parents didn’t play baseball, but they played basketball and tennis, which I also did in high school,” Johnson said.

“They always promoted staying active and doing sports so I always knew I had their support.”

Once Johnson was in high school, he started to look to playing in college at nearby universities, such as Seattle University and University of Portland. “(Junior and teammate) Owen Jones is from my hometown and he helped get me interested in the school,” Johnson said. “I also went to a prospect camp where coaches could watch us.”

From there it was up to the coaches to decide if they wanted him.

“I got called saying that they

had watched me play and so I visited in October and signed in November, the earliest date that athletes could commit to a school,” Johnson said.

When Johnson signed to the team, he was immediately chosen as a pitcher.

“I am a lot better at pitching and because I am doing it a lot more now than in high school, I have gotten a lot better at throwing,” Johnson said.

Senior pitcher Brent Miller, agrees that Johnson has what it takes to make a real impression on the university.

“He is really agreeable, competitive and powerful. With time, he can work on throwing harder,” Miller said.

As a business major with an interest in finance, Johnson knows he has to focus on more than just baseball.

“The balance of schoolwork and sports was hard as a freshman. You have to get used to the workload, and you need to study a lot more than in high school,” Johnson said. “It can be especially hard during traveling, but I think I have the balance figured out now.”

In traveling to Hawaii over

spring break the team experienced some of the repercussions of the Japan earthquake.

“Honolulu had a mandatory evacuation so we drove a half an hour to (sophomore) J.R. Bunda’s house,” Johnson said. “Our parents all stayed at his house for the night and the team slept on the floor of a church just 100 yards away from his house.”

According to Johnson, experiences like this make the team closer than ever.

“We all get along and hang out off the field. The upperclassmen help the new teammates adjust to all of the new faces and new experiences,” Johnson said.

Johnson has now thrown 12.0 scoreless innings at home, 10 strike outs and walked two on 10 hits. His earned run average (ERA) is at 3.16.

As conference play continues, Johnson and the team have simple goals.

“We really want to play well and play hard,” Johnson said. “If we beat people, that will put us in the chance to win the conference.”

Scott Chia | THE BEACON

SOCCER: Looking to new recruits Continued from page 20 lege level any team can win on any given day,” Evans said. “It would be cool to get a chance to beat a big team like Akron or UCLA.” The men will continue to work toward that goal of being a top tier program in the country. They are beginning to build a reputation and bring in top recruits, such as Mitchell Lurie who was just named to the USA U-18 roster, and Steven Evans, who was the 2010 WCC Freshman of the Year.

“We’re not to the level of the women’s program but we’re working toward that,” Evans said. “All of our players are really good even without the accolades.

We just want to continue to have a better season than the one before, and to be the top program in Oregon.”

Women’s Soccer Women’s soccer starts 3-0 in spring games, following a 2-0 win over Washington State Saturday with goals from juniors Danielle Foxhoven and Halley Kreminski.

The spring schedule has allowed the team to try out some new positions for players as well as giving some younger players some time out on the pitch.

“This spring we’ve been trying some people at some new positions, which is a process,” junior defender Kassi McCluskie said. “We’re on the right track though. Team chemistry is the best it’s been in a long time.”

So far the position changes and building up of young players has fared well for the team, which has won all three of its spring games against the University of Washington, Trinity and Washington State.

“This is helpful for the young players because the seniors don’t play, so it’s a smaller roster,” junior defender Emma Nelson said. “It builds confidence for the younger players and gets them used to college games without as much pressure.”

The Pilots relish the opportunity to play these spring games after months of training and working out without outside competition.

“The spring is hard, so when we finally get a chance to play, we get pretty giddy and excited to

be on the field,” McCluskie said.

The team is excited about the young prospects and the opportunity to build off of the success from last season.

“It feels awesome to be part of a program where we can bring in players that can play with the team almost immediately,” McCluskie said. “A big reason for that is the team bringing in our pre-frosh on visits together so they are already familiar with the team and we are friends before they are really even at the school.”

The team is losing seven seniors this year, including team leaders Elli Reed, Keelin Winters, Jessica Tsao and Sophie Schmidt.

They have their work cut out for them in the rebuilding process, but they are confident they have the players to step up.

“We’re losing some irreplaceable seniors, but our upcoming players have their own unique strengths to bring to the team,” Nelson said. “They know that they have to step up and use their own talents instead of being the players that are leaving.”

One thing that the women will not be losing is the strongest fan support in the country at Merlo Field.

Photo courtesy UPSportsInfo

Junior Danielle Foxhoven plays for the Pilots in 2011.

“We have the best fans in the country, which gives us a huge home field advantage,” Nelson said. “Teams are scared to come here and we like to give our fans their money’s worth.”

The Pilots will play one more game this spring at Merlo Field against Oregon State on Saturday at 1 p.m.

just Trevor Dunbar.

The Alaskan native has propelled to the top of American running and has made a name for himself internationally as well.

Last September, Dunbar placed 11th in the 5,000 meters at the World Championships and was named the West Coast Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country

Coaches Association.

After finishing at 25th in the National Championship, Dunbar was named an All-American and led the Pilots to a 13th place finish.

Did I mention he is just a sophomore? I am sure we will be seeing many more moments from Dunbar in the years to come.

LOOKING BACK: Top plays and top athletes

Continued from page 20

Pilots history for many years to come.

4. It is every athlete’s dream to be on Sportscenter’s Top 10.

After an off-handed, electrifying put-back, senior Kramer Knutson made that dream come true.

“It was really cool,” Knutson said after his first cameo. “We

always watch it in The Cove and talk about being on it. Especially beating out Blake Griffin.”

In fact, Knutson did beat Griffin, grabbing the number four spot with the Los Angeles Clippers star landing at number five.

The play came in an 85-70 route over conference rival and then No. 24 ranked St. Mary’s making it that much more memo-

rable.

With Knutson being ranked fourth in SportsCenter’s Top 10 it only seemed appropriate that he be given the number four spot in my top five.

5. Ok I know I said this was my top five moments, but this guy gave me too many to choose from. Rounding out my top five is sophomore Trevor Dunbar. Yes,

Check out The Beacon’s Pilots Got Talent video on our multimedia page!

Sports

INSIDE:

P. 18: Athletes Got Talent P. 19: Pilot of the Week

The Beacon

20  April 21, 2011

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Catching UP with soccer

Freshman Micaela Capelle at Merlo Field in the Pilots’ 2010 season.

PJ Marcello Staff Writer marcello13@up.edu Men’s soccer beat Oregon State 2-0 on Saturday in this week’s spring game led by scorers, freshman Thomas Iwasaki and sophomore Ricardo Carrillo.

So far the men are (1-1-1) in their three spring games against the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific and Oregon State.

The spring games primarily give coaches and players a chance to experiment.

Photo couresy UpSportsInfo

“This is a good chance to practice new systems,” sophomore forward Ben Hemphill said.

“We’ve been implementing a different midfield strategy and getting used to it now is helpful. It would go disastrously if we tried to start practicing it in the fall.”

The men struggled in the first two games against UW and SPU in which they had a 2-2 draw and a 2-1 loss respectively. However, the team has made a lot of progress since and is getting more comfortable playing as a team following the win over Oregon

Junior Ryan Kawulok plays for the Pilots during the 2010 season.

State.

“Against Washington we had a little trouble, but we did much better against OSU,” freshman midfielder Steven Evans said.

“The spring season is used to see where we’re at, and it’s cool to see how much we have improved over the last two weeks.”

The spring games are especially helpful to young players who are not used to the pace of a college game.

“It’s a good opportunity for freshmen who didn’t get a chance to play in the fall to get playing

time and learn in the spring,” Hemphill said. “A lot of young players like Matt Dally are doing well and learning the new systems.”

The team gets to play some top talent over the course of the year and even in the preseason.

They will play against the USA U-18 team Saturday at the Nike Campus in Beaverton.

“Being able to play the U-18 team will be really neat. It’s great that we get to see other big programs, like playing Virginia last year, who has won a National

Photo couresy UpSportsInfo

Championship,” Hemphill said.

“Playing bigger schools and programs gives us motivation and a chance to learn by going against players touted as future first round MLS picks.”

The Pilots like their chances against these big programs too.

They believe they can be competitive versus any team in the country.

“The big schools are pretty darn impressive, but at the colSee Soccer, page 19

The year in rewind for Pilot sports Bruce Garlinghouse

Staff Commentary It is spring in Portland. The sun begins to show his face and people begin to leave their houses for more than the walk to school.

It also signifies the end of another school year and unfortunately your last chance to read all that is sports on The Bluff. So as we bid adieu, we offer you a look back on some of the most memorable moments of this year in the wacky world of sports.

1. The No. 1 moment was a bittersweet one. In October, the University of Portland announced

it would discontinue men and women’s golf and would be adding varsity women’s crew team in order to remain in compliance with Title IX. The decision came during the best season the men’s team had seen in years and left many students at a crossroads: transfer or give up the chance to play competitively at the university level.

“We’ve changed things over the last four to five years, and we’re just looking to end it on a high point,” senior Justin Smithhisler said.

In the program’s last hoorah, Smithheisler’s seventh place 219 led the Pilots to a sixth place finish in the WCC Championships.

Congratulations to the team that brushed off the inevitable and continued to strive for excellence, and good luck to those that

will be leaving us after this year.

2. After an emotional win against rival St. Mary’s, the UP basketball community lost its biggest fan, Mauro Potestio.

Potestio, class of ’50 (undergraduate) and ’54 (master’s), passed away in February, leaving a huge hole in the heart of Pilots basketball that will surely not be replaced, as well as a legacy that epitomized a sports fan.

Known for his dapper attire, which always included his signature bow-tie, Potestio attended 898 consecutive home games, the first a 53-48 win over Pacific Lutheran on Dec. 8, 1949 and the last that emotional 85-70 victory over No. 24 St. Mary’s.

Over the years, he was very involved in the Pilots sports community, serving as the basketball scorekeeper, sports information

director and was the head coach for the Pilots golf team from 1988 to 2001. He was named WCC coach of the year in 1994.

This year, Potestio was awarded the “Ultimate Fan Award” at the 2011 Oregon Sports Awards because of his commitment to Pilot basketball.

In an article in the Portland Tribune, Potestio said, “I’ve had a lifelong investment in the University of Portland. I wouldn’t call it a hobby, but a true devotion to the Pilots.”

That devotion was surely noticed and will be missed greatly in the years to come.

3. Basketball on The Bluff has made leaps and bounds over the past four years, and a lot of it is thanks to senior Luke Sikma.

He played a vital role on last year’s team, which saw its first

20-win season since 1994-95.

With the departure of Robin Smeulders, T.J. Campbell and Nick Raivio, many questioned if this year’s team could see the same success.

But Sikma silenced the critics and jumped to the top of the record books on Feb. 10 when he grabbed his 911th rebound of his career, passing Rick Raivio’s 910 as the all-time rebounder in Pilots history.

There was no doubt that Sikma will be considered one of the best Pilots in history after all he has done in his four years at UP. He ended his career with 987 rebounds. With no one in even shouting distance of the record, Sikma has solidified a position in See Looking Back, page 19