SAE president found dead “This week, the university and Greek community lost one of its own, a tragedy that is any chapter’s biggest nightmare.”
MONDAY April 23, 2012 Volume 97, Issue 108 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M
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SDSU’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT N E W S PA P E R SINCE 1913
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Corey Polant, IFC Scholarship Chair
Barzanji was found unresponsive in the Phi Kappa Theta house.|DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Elisse Miller staff writer San Diego State tragically lost an important member of its community last Friday. At 8:30 a.m. on April 20, Barzeen Barzanji, president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, passed away. SDSU Police responded to a 911 call from a student who found Barzanji unconscious in a bed in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was performed the following day, however the cause of death will not be released until a full
toxicology report is performed. No foul play is suspected at this point. The 20-year-old Santee resident was a junior majoring in criminal justice. “This week, the university and Greek community lost one of its own, a tragedy that is any chapter’s biggest nightmare,” Scholarship Chair for SDSU’s Interfraternity Council Corey Polant said. “This is a time for all Greeks to pay their respects to Barzeen’s family and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as I cannot imagine how painful this may be to them.” In a statement to the SDSU community, SDSU President Elliot Hirshman offered his condolences by saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news of
the death of one of our students this morning. SDSU Police are investigating the circumstances. Any loss of life in our community is tragic and I encourage each of you to support each other during this difficult time.” As described by SDSU IFC’s Facebook page, Barzanji was “the type of guy who would literally give you the shirt off his back,” “Barzeen was an excellent student, often bringing insightful questions to the table,” and “Barzeen has left a legacy which will not be forgotten.” “We offer our prayers and thoughts for the family and friends of the young man who passed away this morning,” the spokesman for Phi Kappa Theta, Kevin Lampe, said. “Phi Kappa Theta is working closely with SDSU administration and police during the investigation.”
Students have honored Barzanji by posting meaningful sentiments and memories on his Facebook page. A candlelit vigil was organized Friday night for friends to come together as one family and pay their respects. “To be at the candlelit vigil was something I never thought I would have to experience as a college student,” Polant said. “In the wake of this tragedy, to see such unity and support within the Greek community represents what we’re really about. No matter what letters you wear on your jacket, we are one, and a loss to one chapter is a loss to all of us.” Students affected by this loss are encouraged to seek free counseling offered through SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services at 619-5945220. A memorial fund for Barzanji has been set up through Wells Fargo with more information at cbs8.com.
NEWS
The Dalai Lama ended his two-day San Diego visit at SDSU.
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Cyclist killed on Montezuma Road Last Wednesday at 3:52 p.m., an SUV driver struck 63-year-old bicyclist Charles Raymond Gilbreth on the 4500 block of Montezuma Road. According to the County of San Diego’s press release, Gilbreth was thrown off his bicycle into the grass. Although Advanced Cardiac Life Support was started when the paramedics arrived after a 911 call was placed, it was too late.
DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
unmoved and unwilling to take action to address this deadly problem,” Ollinger said. San Diego State student Melanie Martinez said the San Diego Police Department could work to improve the safety on Montezuma Road. “Many drivers speed not realizing it is a university area where people are always walking or bicycling,” Martinez said. “It would be helpful to have officers watch the streets during the day.” SDPD is investigating the accident to determine the cause of the collision. For inquiries or information about the case, contact the SDPD.
SPORTS SDSU battled UCSD in the 11th-annual battle for the Harper Cup.
Dalai Lama talks compassion, self VOTE
Kevin Smead assistant news editor His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama concluded his two-day tour of San Diego on Thursday morning at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena. Speaking to a soldout crowd, the Dalai Lama touched on many different topics, focusing mainly on universal compassion in an increasingly changing world.
The event began with a traditional Native American song and dance performed by Soaring Eagles, a local cultural organization. After a brief Spanish guitar performance, the main event began. SDSU President Elliot Hirshman took the stage first to express his gratitude toward His Holiness for visiting San Diego. “Despite the many changes in our modern world, many fundamental questions remain the same … My fer-
“Throughout his teachings, (he) encourages all of us to strive for a better future, with peace and compassion for others.” Jerry Sanders, Mayor of San Diego
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KO ALA
staff writer
The reasons why the SUV collided with Gilbreth are unknown and pending investigation. According to Bike San Diego writer Sam Ollinger’s blog, one witness claimed the SUV driver became impatient and used the bike lane to go around the bus in front of him. Gilbreth was a Caucasian male who resided with his wife in San Diego. Ollinger said five years ago, KPBS’ Morning Edition Anchor, Tom Fudge , was struck in the same location. Luckily, he survived. “It strikes me as unbelievably callous that the leaders in the city are
SM ITH
Alejandra Paz
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OPINION
RuPaul doesn’t claim to solve world peace ... by making his queens dress as dogs for his ... “Bitch Ball.” He simply promises big smiles. B A C K PA G E
The Dalai Lama bows before a sold-out crowd of nearly 12,000. | COURTESY OF TIM MANTOANI
vent hope is that we all gain a measure of insight from his remarks,” Hirshman said. Following Hirshman’s opening remarks, Mayor Jerry Sanders presented His Holiness with the key to the
city, noting the importance of the visit. “Throughout his teachings, His Holiness encourages all of us to strive for a better future, with peace and compassion for others. I’m glad with
see Dalai Lama on page 2
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W E AT H E R : PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 62 LOW: 55 SUNSET: 7:25PM