thespringhillian_issue10_spring14

THE

SPRINGHILLIAN

April 17, 2014

Volume 98 Issue 10

LANGAN HALL: CLOSED

Photo by KivaTALTY

By AbbyMASSENGALE Reporter This past Monday, April 14, began the housing selection process for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. The juniors, soon to be seniors, are the first class to participate in the lottery.

The housing selection taking place this year is different from the housing process of past years. Students have been assigned time slots rather than the tedious number selection used previously. This new housing lottery is designed to make the housing process efficient not just for students, but for Residence Life as well.

The juniors began their participation in the housing lottery on April 14, with some lucky seniors possessing the coveted 8 a.m. time slot (the earliest possible time for scheduling). As the chance to finally live in the Fairway Apartments presents itself, Res Life sent out an e-mail informing students that Langan Hall would

remain closed another school year. SGA president Ricardo Pita comments, “We are all disappointed with the progress of Langan Hall repairs. It’s a problem that went undetected for too long and has remained unsolved for even longer.”

Junior Michael Anderson echoed Pita’s remark: “It is a shame that after living on campus for four years I will not have the opportunity to live in the Fairway Apartments.”

This news of Langan Hall being closed left many rising seniors disheartened, not so much because the building itself is closed, but because questions as to why Langan will not be opened remain unanswered. However, Dan Roberts shed light on this situa-

SEE FROM THE COVER PG. 4

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

WHAT’S INSIDE:

ADMISSIONS NUMBERS FOR FALL 2014 | PG. 3

‘LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE’ A SUCCESS | PG. 8

TRACK TEAM FINISHES STRONG | PG. 11

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

THIS WEEK

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WEEKLY FORECAST Thursday - 72/59 - Cloudy Friday - 72/57 - Showers

Saturday - 75/57 Partly Cloudy

Sunday - 75/61 - Cloudy

HILLIAN STAFF Editors: Matthew LaBorde Chelsea Wallace Advisor: Stuart Babington Photo Editor: Kiva Talty

Design Editor: Bre Vaughn Reporters: Jacquelyn Saunée Gaillard Teague Abby Massengale Sports: MJ Connell Eric Thomas

HILLIAN CONTACT The Hillian Newswire

April 17, 2014

EVENTS OF THE WEEK Free Screening of “Inequality for All” “Inequality for All” is a one-hour award-winning documentary by famed economist Robert Reich about our nation’s widening economic gap between rich and poor.

Event Date: Wed, April 23 from 7-8 p.m. in Byrne Hall.

Contact Edward B. Arroyo, SJ at earroyo@shc.edu.

Holy Week Liturgy Schedule No daily Masses on Thursday, Friday or Easter Monday Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 5 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel Good Friday: Service at 3 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel Easter Sunday: Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel; No 9 p.m. on Easter

Last R.A.D. Class of the Year The last R.A.D. classes of the school year will take place Monday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. through Wednesday, April 23 at 9:30 p.m. in Gautrelet. Contact Laury Rowland at lrowland@shc.edu or 251-380-4082.

@HillianNewswire Hillian Newswire hillian _ newswire Letters to the Editors newswire@shc.edu Read the Hillian Newswire online at newswire.shc.edu

Honors Convocation Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 25 from 2:30 to 3:45 in St. Joseph’s Chapel. Faculty, staff, parents, and students are invited to attend this significant event for our students. There will be a reception following the Convocation in the LeBlanc Ballroom. Contact kirkland@shc.edu.

THE SPRINGHILLIAN April 17, 2014

Seniors Finishing Up Seminar, Looking Forward to Future

By EricTHOMAS Reporter Seniors across campus are finishing up their seminar assignments and learning the skills necessary to enter the workforce.

Whether you are majoring in English, rarely going a week without writing a paper of some sort, or digital video production, producing and directing your own film for your final project, stressed out seniors can be seen everywhere, most of them working on senior projects.

College years are notorious for being filled with many restless nights due to an overload of activities. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, an average college student typically gets between six and seven hours of sleep compared to nine to 10 hours in middle and high school.

When you pile senior seminar on top of that miniscule amount of sleep, the result can be extreme tiredness and irritability. This powder keg of stress and irritation is something that all seniors have to learn to handle when they take their seminar.

Senior Bradley Headrick, who recently finished up her senior seminar project for PR and Advertising, spoke about her experiences during her seminar and the effort required in putting it together. “I think the most important thing that I can use from my seminar is the preparation and knowing that I am ready to take on a real world project using everything that I have learned here at Spring Hill. It was hard, but it made me feel ready to become a working professional,” says Headrick.

Taking senior seminar is also one of the heaviest factors to be taken into account when one is scheduling for classes, sometimes as early as sophomore year. Senior Brian Kampen, who did his senior seminar in the fall 2013, discussed that while seminar is stressful, it can also be enjoyable. “It was a lot of work, but it was so much fun at the same time. I went home several weekends throughout the semester for filming and spent countless hours working on my paper. But the thing is,

3 NEWS Admissions Numbers Available for Fall 2014

By MatthewLABORDE Editor-in-Chief

this is your senior project. It’s about showing everyone what you have learned and applying it in one big project to be proud of,” says Kampen.

In some cases, seminars contain the work of two classes all in one. Senior Meg Devereaux talked about how seminar has affected her time and the workload that she has had to juggle while taking the class. “I purposely only took 13 credit hours this semester because I knew I would be taking seminar, but even so I’ve had to manage my time pretty closely.

I haven’t had as much time to spend with my friends,” says Devereaux.

Devereaux also talked about how she believes that her seminar will help her in the near future. “As a biopsychology major, my seminar involves developing a theoretical research project and justifying it, just like I would have to do in grad school. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to carry out my project and go into autism research,” says Devereaux.

Senior seminar projects, combined with the liberal arts education that students receive at Spring Hill, are meant to prepare students for the trials and tribulations that they will face when attempting to break into the real world. Senior Marcianne White spoke about how she has coped with the amount of obstacles faced when dealing with her seminar. White says, “Managing my workload is a matter of scheduling my time, drinking loads of coffee, and living off naps. I am repeatedly told that I stretch myself too thin, but I do that knowingly because the film industry waits for no one.”

While senior seminar can seem completely overwhelming at times, it is impossible to overlook the fact that the skills that one is required to put into his or her work and presentation will benefit them greatly in the long run. “At the end of the day, the film industry will require me to work for long hours and weeks, so I see this as good practice,” says White.

As of Saturday, April 12, the Admissions Office of Spring Hill College reports that around 200 students are currently committed to attending SHC in the fall of 2014.

That number was finalized after Saturday’s “Accepted Students’ Visitor Day,” where accepted students were invited on campus to participate in a community service project alongside current students and faculty.

Spring Hill enrolled 434 students last year, making it one of the most successful recruitment seasons in school history.

However, the benchmark set last year is proving to be a difficult one to reach, according to Bob Stewart, vice president of admissions and financial aid. Stewart says that although the school won’t enroll as many students, the current applicant pool is up a tenth of a point on grade point averages and up over half a point for ACT scores. “So while it’s not great news we’re behind, there’s always a silver lining,” says Stewart.

In November of last year, Spring Hill was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article for offering $1000 “visitor grants” to students who registered to take a tour of campus. The article described the low enrollment issues currently plaguing small, private schools like Spring Hill. According to the article, “from 2010 through 2012, freshman enrollment at more than a quarter of U.S. private four-year schools declined 10% or more.” Stewart says that the coverage in the WSJ didn’t seem to affect recruitment, and he was happy to share the success of the big class with a popular media outlet.

So far, Spring Hill seems to be an

exception to the trend. Looking at the current applicant pool, Stewart predicts we will end up with around 415 students.

Quality, not quantity, is the strategy.

“We’ve put some processes in place that allow us to admit students who have the best chance to retain and succeed, not just show up” says Stewart.

Keeping students at Spring Hill has always been a serious problem. Last year’s freshman class had a fall to spring retention of 88.5 percent. Spring Hill typically has a retention rate of about 91.5 percent. “A large class like that can have some growing pains,” says Stewart, “but I think we’re on a good path.”

Nick Grant, a senior who transferred out but later came back to Spring Hill, says that people leave mostly because of the cost, the student body size and the academic difficulty. Grant left to be in a more competitive environment with access to more career opportunities.

The Admissions Office employs students – volunteers and paid employees – to help in recruiting. The SpringHillian tour guides lead prospective students through campus while student telerecruiters spend two hours a night calling high school juniors and seniors to encourage them to visit and apply.

Meeri Kangas is a rising senior who works as both a telerecruiter and a SpringHillian tour guide. “I tell prospective students who are on the fence to visit and watch the way the students, faculty, and staff interact with one another,” says Kangas, “It is so evident that the people here really care about one another and have found a home on the Hill.”

Incoming Badgers throw up their claws. Photo courtesy of the SHC Admissions Office.

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THE SPRINGHILLIAN

April 17, 2014

FROM THE COVER

By AbbyMASSENGALE Reporter this situation: “The process to renovate Langan Hall is moving forward with acquiring detailed construction plans and sending the work out for bid to contractors. The timeline requires the building to be off line for the next academic year.”

Even though Langan Hall will remain closed for another school year, Roberts assures the juniors that there are places on campus available to them. “We can easily accommodate those seniors in our other halls on campus,” Roberts says. Mobile Hall will become a predominately senior hall unlike in past years where there has been a mixture of both junior and senior residents. However, this news of other housing options besides the Fairway apartments does not make the situation easier for some rising seniors. Junior Astrid Torres says, “Getting an apartment is one of the traditions I’ve been looking forward to since my freshman year. It’s one that eases the transition from dorm life to living on your own.”

Out of the 24 apartments available, four were set aside for students who applied for special accommodations. Special accommodations are given to those students who possess a medical condition that calls for them to have a living space that suits their medical needs. An issue that presented itself was that these students who applied for special accommodations were not placed in an apartment together and were all given separate 8 a.m. time slots for April 14. These four

Photo by KivaTALTY apartments immediately became unavailable at 8:05 a.m. on April 14 to students who did not apply for special accommodations.

This Fairway Apartment situation has even begun to trickle down to the lowerclassmen with concerns that some halls will see changes to accommodate students.

Rumors involve O’Leary Hall, which in past years has had both single and double rooms, would becoming three-person rooms.

Economy vs. Environment: Preservation Priorities and Earth Day Awareness

By ChelseaWALLACE Assistant Editor

A Gallup Poll shows that more and more people are valuing the health of the economy over the wellbeing of the environment.

In April 2013, the Gallup Poll asked Americans which should be given priority: economy or environment. Until 2009, the public had always sided with the environment.

However, starting six years ago, people began to choose the economy over the earth.

Both systems are so fragile, so how do people choose which takes precedence?

In the end, choosing one over the other may not be the best approach, as the systems can be

Roberts put this rumor to rest: “Based on current projections we do not foresee needing to make triple rooms in O’Leary Hall. In all cases, until Residence Life officially communicates with residents about housing changes, rumors should not be given much weight.”

As the housing process continues throughout the week, students will have the chance to select their living situations as well as

delicately and intricately linked.

Junior Ashleigh Boutwell is taking a class about international political economy and believes that by putting environmental health on the back burner, the economy will suffer as a result. She says, “I’d pick the environment because if we don’t prioritize it, the effects of global warming will cause the GDP to go down, which will effect our economy and other countries’ economies.”

Boutwell adds that neglecting the environment leads to insurance troubles. She says, “Storms are getting worse, which means insurance prices go up, food prices go up.”

Junior Greg Overbeek agrees, arguing that the environment comes first. He says, “Harming the environment would cause more long term damage. It would affect not only the people of our generation but future generations as well.

For example, if we deplete our natural resoucse or harm our environment in an irreparable way, then having hte viable economy becomes extremely difficult if not impossible.”

According to WKRG.com, Alabamians produce twice the waste as the average American and recycle much less than that.

their roommates for next year.

Although the devastating news that Langan will not reopen saddens some Badgers, the comforting aspect of being amongst friends in another hall relieves others. With this school year coming to a close, the chance to see a different living situation presents itself to everyone here on Spring Hill’s campus.

WKRG reports that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management says only 17.6 percent of Alabama municipalities have access to recycling programs, and that only 8.3 percent of solid waste gets recycled in Alabama.

With Earth Day approaching on April 22, the nation will, at least for a day, focus on the good of Mother Earth. In Fairhope, Ala., an Earth Day celebration will be taking place on the pier on Saturday, April 19, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will include with a film festival, live music and vendors of Earth-friendly technology like hybrid cars and efficient heating and cooling systems, according to EarthDayMobileBay.org.

There are some who still believe each person can make a difference. Junior Renee Cherry says, “It’s possible to get a positive outcome from individual efforts, and we need the environment more than we need a better economy.”

This Earth Day, make your way to Fairhope for Earth-friendly festivities and consider throwing your aluminum cans and bottles in the recycling bins to help our Mother Earth.

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April 17, 2014

T h e S t a t e of t h e H i l l

As the co-editors and the only seniors on the Hillian staff, Matt Laborde and Chelsea Wallace sat down for a chat about the paper, the school and the future. The conversation was edited for space. For a podcast of the full conversation, visit newswire.shc.edu.

M: So, let’s just start with the paper.

C: As far as student respect of campus and faculty and even vice versa, where do you think we’re at, as far as general level of people respecting things and other people?

C: You’re the visionary behind the redesign, so how do you think it all came out?

M: Well, we’re actually the oldest collegiate newspaper in the South, and the design made it look like we were still the oldest college newspaper in the South. The design was really behind the other newspapers around. The plan was to change all of that. The design wasn’t consistent, and it wasn’t eye catching. We wanted to make students pick up a copy. So, more pictures on the cover, better font selection, and better photography.

I think it got a lot of students looking, and we got a lot of good feedback, it got students looking and it was easy to promote on social media.

C: I was very happy with both the content and the editing this year. I remember freshman year my friends and I would play ‘find the typo’ - we would try to make the most tally marks on the articles because there were so many errors. Also, I don’t even remember reading the paper in past years, because there was no relevance. I wanted to find interesting stories that students were talking about and answer those questions, but also answer 10 more questions. Delving into and thinking about things differently.

M: The whole idea was that students would learn something new every time they picked up an issue.

C: Exactly, one of the big problems I had, coming in, our newspapers were so focused on SHC and that’s great, but I wanted to bring in stories from outside campus.

We’re in a bubble, and I feel like we could stand to know what’s happening in our community, and our world. Sometimes we lose track of what’s happening outside of the bubble. We know what’s happening here, but not what’s going on outside of the community.

C: So, looking forward, we have one issue left. What do we hope gets better, or what do we hope for the future of the paper?

M: I hope it stays consistent, but

Editors Chelsea and Matt discuss Spring Hill’s future. gets better. I hope the next editors keep the look, but get better content, somehow engage the students more. I still feel like there were no suggestions, no dialogue, only one letter to the editor. I want to see more response from the students.

At big schools, student-journalists are held to an extremely high standard and are responsible for delivering true information. There’s padding here, we’re not held to much scrutiny. I hope the writers next year spark debate while covering events and issues factually and unbiased.

C: Yeah, and that’s the issue with newspapers in general. We’re unique in that we’re small. If there is something that students read and they want to write a letter to the editor about it, I feel like we’re small enough where students should feel comfortable doing that, and most people know us personally, so I feel like it should be easier for students to do that. Maybe they just need motivation to follow through with it. Maybe they don’t know how, or school gets in the way.

Photo by KivaTALTY

follow through with things. But I feel like it’s more than that. I feel like it’s a general thing that people will complain about things but won’t do anything about it or offer solutions.

M: I remember coming here three years ago, in 2010, and there was a marketing campaign they did on campus whose tagline was “Spring Hill is not a spectator experience,” and that’s very true, but it doesn’t reflect our campus. I feel like the only people who participate on campus are the people who have to participate, like Greeks, who are required to attend things. And people only go to things if there is some serious incentive. This apathy attributes to our retetention rates, because new students come here and see the lack of participation and they don’t like it and want to leave.

C: We do have people that don’t want to be here or didn’t necessarily want to be here in the first place. Spring Hill is a very different experience. I knew I would find my place much M: Should we segue this into the idea more easily here. Just like LSU wasn’t that maybe the students are too lazy to do for me, Spring Hill isn’t for everyone. things like this?

I do think Admissions may work on bringing in people, but not look at C: Yes, great! I think that’s a huge issue bringing in people who are actually on our campus in general: there is a going to stay. They work on getting the pervasive apathy. Students don’t want 400 or 450 member incoming classes. to sign up for extra events. They might Instead of looking for consistency. I read the paper, but even if they want to think it’s about embracing what Spring respond, they won’t necessarily take the Hill’s about, and even if it wasn’t your initiave to respond. I understand, people first choice, there’s something really get busy - I get busy and sometimes don’t special here and it could be for you.

M: I don’t think we respect the faculty and the campus as much as we should. It really just takes going out to Rydex commons and doing a full 360 degree turn and realizing how lucky we all are.

We also have some really special faculty members who devote their lives to building relationships with their students and helping their students, and not only being mentors in the classroom, but being mentors outside the classroom. which is a big Jesuit philosophy. “Magis,” as they call it - which basically means “do more” and to do the most you possibly can and a lot of our faculty members embody this principle of the Jesuit tradition.

C: I challenge everyone to do what you said - stand in Rydex and take five minutes and just look around at where you are. We are one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever seen. And trashing dorms and just leaving your trash outside everywhere is just taking that for granted.

M: So what do we think about the future of Spring Hill?

C: When I come back in 10 years, I hope that people continue to care.

Despite everything we’ve said about the apathy and the disrespect that happens on campus, I think for the most part people care about Spring Hill and I think underneath it all, they know it’s a really great place to be. So I really hope to see that.

M: I think 10 years from now when I walk onto campus, I hope there’s something new, a new building, more space. And I hope that this place is just buzzing with activity. All the problems we’ve talked about - this campus is really good about coming together when it needs to, when there’s a really big issue. I hope to see more academically rigorous things happening here.

C: Alright, Matt and Chelsea peacing out.

Top Left:: Seniors Dave Simpson, Andres Garcia, Nick Link, Liam Bave, Brennan Gaffney, Ryan Schweppe, Patrick Culotta.

Bottom Left: “This picture was taken in Walsh our freshman year before Halloween. You can see the happiness in our faces, (besides Matt LaBorde, who is wearing the mask) but looking back, it’s not suprising that the people in that photo are still my closest friends on campus.”

GOODBYE & GOODLUCK CLASS OF

I REMEMBER ...

MID FALL OF FRESHMAN YEAR..

“One night, if i remember correctly, Stephanie and I had a test for international relations but we ended up at steak N’ shake instead. #timemanagement” - Eric Francisco

“None of us had a car that could get us to the beach on a beautiful day. So naturally, we improvised with “Imitation Beach” on the sand volleyball courts. Jenna, Gabriella, Rachel and myself, grabbed our towels and a boombox and laid out on the sand volleyball courts right outside of Walsh (our freshman dorm) and just tried to imagine the sound of waves crashing on our own private beach.”

- Brian Kampen

Bottom Left: “This is our sophomore year while studying abroad in Italy. Belle Morrison, Rachel Cochran, Gabriella DelGandio, Catherine Woodyard, and myself. We climbed 463 steps to the top of the Duomo in Florence, Italy.”

- Ally Sloan

Stories and photos compiled by Editorin-Chief Matthew LaBorde.

THE WE TELL D Story by Liz Neal

id you know? Rules for freshman were determined on whether they beat the sophomore class in tug-of-war on October 1 every year, according to a 1960 handbook.

Did you know that? The clock in the administration building dates back to 1851. If you view it from the Dauphin entrance side, the 11 is written incorrectly as nine in Roman Numerals.

Did you know that? Where the tennis courts are, there used to be a small park with live deer. Billy, the Spring Hill deer, had lost its mother and was allowed to run the campus freely. A beagle wandered campus and, after becoming friends with the deer, they were often found running together.

During Homecoming on the Hill for the last four years, I have attended the Golden Badger Dinner, the fiftieth reunion dinner. These alumni love to talk and share their stories. Here are some of their stories of Badger shenanigans over the years:

2014

“My roommate and I had been collecting samples for our insect class at Mirror Lake when we heard something in the trees. We discovered it was a flying bat, so we set a trap and caught it. We brought it back to Mobile hall, and it would fly in figure-eights in our room all day. We were waiting for a friend to come over and said come in when we heard a knock on our door. Little did we know, it was the disciplinarian walking in wearing his long robe. The bat flew into his robe and continued to do circles around him. I looked over at my roommate (who was an RA) and said I’m going to miss you, thinking we were about to be in big trouble. The disciplinarian started cracking up laughing which made our worry even worse. He then told us that we could keep the flying bat as long as he could come play with him in the afternoons, which he did for the rest of the semester.”

“Some friends and I drove down Old Shell road in my old 1950s Ford and decided to steal the ‘moving cow’ sign from the ice cream shop. We put it in the trunk (which couldn’t close) and drove back to campus. We decided to sneak it into Mobile hall from the side doors, but it got stuck. We snuck off to bed hoping no one would notice, I guess. At 5 a.m., the disciplinarian banged on our doors and made all of Mobile hall stand outside demanding that we tell the police who stole the sign or face no dessert and detention for a month. Well, Badgers stand together, and the administration never did find out it was us.”

Immediate Left: “So the photo with all the senior guys was taken at The Shed one afternoon when we decided to go on a whim. It was just guys as I remember. But the funniest part of it was when Eric tried the ribs, he literally ran out the front door, hopped in the car, and sped away to Spring Hill because his stomach went crazy due to him not having eaten meat in forever.”

- Severin Chambers See the back page (Hill Yea!) for more memories of the Senior Class.

“A friend had set me up on a blind date with this girl named Mary. Back then, boys weren’t allowed in the dorms and a hall monitor called her room telling her someone was here to take her on a date. This hall monitor was new and didn’t know there were two girls named Mary living there. We went on our date downtown and at the end of the evening I said that I was so happy my friend had set us up.

She had no idea what I was talking about! She had just been flattered I asked her on a date - I had been on a date with the wrong Mary.

We’ve been married for 45 years, now.”

I have loved hearing these stories over the years, and I hope they have helped me share a piece of Spring Hill’s history with you.

Photo courtesy of Tom Quain

FEATURE

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April 17, 2014

Making it Count: Badger Bucket Lists

By JacquelynSAUNEE Reporter

Danny Blastowski: “I really wanna go out downtown with the biology faculty, especially Dr. “If you had one day left to Kohnen.” live, what would you do?” This Shelley Husband: question never ceases to elicit a “One thing I want to do slight, or not so slight, amount of before I graduate is visit anxiety as the pressure to craft Fairhope, and go on the the most epic of all days begins pier.” to set in.

Alicia Candela: Attempting to encompass “Spend some time in the everything you’ve ever wanted Sodality Chapel praying.” to do into the span of twentyAinsley Messina: four hours seems to be an “Go to the tunnels. My impossible task. Even when friends have never let just posed with this hypothetime go. They always said cal question, the innate desire I wasn’t ‘physically fit to make the most of your time enough’ for it.” strikes a chord.

Several seniors even For the graduating class of have “Spring Hill bucket 2014, this is no longer a hylists” in order to encourpothetical situation. Granted, age themselves to take seniors have a few weeks left on action. the Hill, not just a mere twenty“My friends and I four hours. However, the presA board in downtown Mobile encourages passers-by to embrace their dreams and live life. have a bucket list up on our sure to make the most of the Photo by JacquelynSAUNEE. fridge of random things we remaining time is still tangible. want to do like drink a fifth every opportunity that is presented. Taylor Beth McGinty explains, “I definitely feel on the fifth hole, go to the tunnels, and find mirror Hardenstein shares, “Every time I think like pressure to make the most of the time I have lake,” shares McGinty.

‘Oh I’ll sit tonight out,’ I realize I don’t have left. I want to enjoy this last month and get as Alyssa Tawil shares her extensive Spring Hill much time.” much out of it as I can.” bucket list: “Explore Fairhope, go the tunnels, visit So, seniors… What do you want to do here Andrew Prince agrees that as the days all the cute coffee shops in Mobile (Satori, Cream at Spring Hill before you graduate? start to dwindle, the pressure starts to grow. “I and Sugar, etc.), go to morning Mass in Sodality When asked this question, many needed feel pressured to make the most of each moChapel, eat at Dew Drop Inn, crash a wedding, go some time to think. Once again, the burden of ment left here because who will know when to the Art Walk in downtown Mobile, watch the crafting the perfect response sets in; no one I will see these Badgers again after May 10th. sunset and drink wine on the golf course, visit all wants to respond immediately for fear of not And I feel pressured to enjoy the freedoms of my old rooms with my group of best friends, photo having the absolute best answer. Yes, everyundergrad that will be non-existent in med shoot with my best friends under the avenue.” one wants to spend as much time as possible school,” Prince says.

Tawil, like many seniors, is not ready to leave with friends and just enjoy their last days on For many, like Eric Francisco, this presthe infamous “Spring Hill bubble,” which explains this beautiful campus. sure results in sacrificing sleep for time with her desire to enjoy every moment she has left But what else? What is it that you’ve friends. He says, “I think many seniors are here. “If I had the chance to slow down time and always wanted to do? What memories do you like me in the way that they’re ready for the stay here longer, I absolutely would.” want to make? What stories do you want to next part of their life, yet they still want to Whether graduation or another summer be able to tell years from now? make the most out of their last few weeks break is on the horizon for you, now is the time Luke Hayes: “I want to have a slip and at Spring Hill. I’m happy to give up hours of to check items off your bucket list, and finally do slide in my hallway.” sleep simply to spend them with my fellow whatever it is you’ve always envisioned yourself Liz Neal: “I want to watch the sunrise Badgers.” doing while at Spring Hill. over the golf course.”

For others, this pressure means seizing

‘Nightingale’ Addresses Injustice and Abuse Beautifully

By KivaTALTY Photo Editor

Set the stage in the Arlene Mitchell Theater: minimal props, a scattered crowd of about 20 people, arranged by age group. Parents and grandparents take the center of the seats to watch and, of course, record their college students perform “The Love of the Nightingale,” while friends and students look on from the side stands.

Unlike the multiple displays of athleticism and academics on campus, the theater program is

absolutely underappreciated, especially after their performance that was put on Thursday, April 11 until Sunday, April 13.

The casual student walking around campus that I may or may not have passed hurriedly on the way to class has transformed from an anonymous bystander into an outstanding performer. Over the course of four days, the cast of “The Love of the Nightingale” created a grand production of art and theater, but also a showcase of social

themes raNging from injustice to sexual abuse, all from a quasi-feminist point of view.

“The Love of the Nightingale” is an adaptation of the ancient Greek legend of the rape of Philomena by her brother-in-law Tereus, and the revenge in which the sisters Philomena and Procne, her sister, partake.

SEE PLAY PG. 9

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THE SPRINGHILLIAN

April 17, 2014

PLAY contd. from pg. 8

While performances generally aim to trigger sentiments and reactions from the audience, the play had effects on the performers as well due to the strong, aggressive scenes present in this production. In one major scene in the play, Tereus, played by Seth Polansky, cut out the tongue of Philomela, Karrie Quirin, to prevent her from telling anyone about her rape, stripping of her of the ability to seek justice.

“I had to show vulnerability and regret while still keeping my stubborn, powerful king act up,” says Polansky about his challenging act of violence during the play. The intense scenes and emotionally-fueled performances led many of the actors to have a personal connection to the play as well as to the characters. Quirin, who played the lead of Philomela, revealed that she was strongly affected by her role.

“Personally, I have had similar issues in my past as the character I portrayed,” she mentioned. “When I found out I had gotten this part, I was happy as well as concerned with how I could get myself to do this.”

Quirin said that this play not only had a positive effect on her acting experience, but also on her personal life. “When the time came, I used my role as a way to express myself through my character. Through this play, I have become a much stronger woman.”

While the play is set in ancient Greece, the theme of sexual abuse is prevalent and extremely applicable to modern times. “This play was very dark and intense,” says Quirin. “I feel this topic is important and needs to be spoken about.”

The play not only challenged the stigma of sexual abuse and injustice in a creative and outgoing form, but also called attention to the quality and creativity of the underrated arts program, a pairing that is unique and quite poetic, that leaves a strong message for the Spring Hill community.

The SHC theater students put on the play “Love of the Nightingale” April 11-13.

Photos by KivaTALTY

Identifying SHC’s Catholic Identity

By GaillardTEAGUE Reporter Many of us are familiar with Carpe Diem’s generous multitude of shamelessly loud talkers whose conversations most often reign triumphant over the average person’s thought process. One such conversation unfolded as: “Spring Hill is a Catholic college, right?” “No… I’m pretty sure it’s Jesuit.”

(Insert -__- face here) At this moment my naturally outspoken inclinations were bursting at the seams to approach this severely misinformed individual, but my no-you’re-three-tables-awaythat-would-be-creepy rationale ultimately won over. However, despite my frustration, the conversation did not surprise me. Being from the area, this is a very common misconception. Many people within Spring Hill’s neighborhood do not know, or do not associate Spring Hill College with Catholicism.

We are all probably familiar with the accusations made against the Catholicity of Spring Hill, but are they justified? Does this outstanding institution many of us hold so dear to our hearts lack the truly Catholic identity it claims?

Pope Francis spoke on the role of Catholic universities to his general audience on February 12 of this year. He first acknowledges that many Catholic schools are colored by people of many different beliefs and religions. He said, “Effectively, Catholic schools and universities are attended by many students who are not Christian or do not believe.”

With this being said, Francis does not diminish these institutions’ role of challenging its students in holiness. He states that Catholic schools and universities are “called upon to offer, with full respect for the freedom of each person and using the methods appropriate to the scholastic

environment, the Christian belief, that is, to present Jesus Christ as the meaning of life, the cosmos and history.”

Alumna Nancy Dalton ‘64 believes that SHC has the resources present for its students to exercise the true meaning of life, “SHC, as a Catholic institution, can aid the growth of the mission of Christ - to know, love, and serve God with the many opportunities afforded at SHC. For instance, the peacefulness and beauty of the campus, plus the relationships between teachers and students all reflect the image of God. The presence of St. Joseph’s Chapel on campus and the opportunities for frequent reception of the sacraments are constant reminders of our Catholic faith.”

Although the resources are undeniable, the question still must be asked: do we, as a student body, feel Spring Hill is calling us to recognize Jesus Christ as the meaning of life?

Despite whether you follow the call to holiness, Pope Francis lucidly states that initiating this invitation is ultimately the primary role of Catholic schools, such as Spring Hill College.

Senior Christie Alonso believes that Spring Hill successfully achieves its role as a Catholic institution: “I think SHC does a great job through its dedication to cura personalis (care of the entire person) not only through its dedication to the theology classes but the retreats, service immersion trips and the overall loving environment that exists at Spring Hill.”

She states that although there are many opportunities for spiritual growth on our campus, “It’s up to you to embrace the Catholicity the way that it suits you.”

Freshman Gabrielle Smith agrees that opportunities for spiri-

tual growth are available, “It (Spring Hill) provides the tools for an authentic experience and yet leaves a lot of responsibility to us to experience it for ourselves.”

However, she suggests that perhaps leaving full responsibility to the students may not be the most effective method in light of achieving a truly Catholic identity. “This independence is representative of our individual relationships with the Father, but it would be nice to feel more encouragement from the roots of our school to engage with Christ more deeply- in order to experience more fruitful relationships with The Lord,” Smith shares.

Alumna Stephanie Morris ‘69 shares Smith’s perspective on the Catholic identity within Spring Hill.

“Spring Hill College has many beautiful (spiritually enhancing) things to offer a student… but I have always felt that they could do more to enhance the environment on campus so it could be more supportive of a Catholic lifestyle,” says Morris.

As Morris states, Catholicism is not a just a tool to be provided, or even simply a classification. Catholicism is a lifestyle and should be implemented as such.

Mark Brumley, CEO of Ignatius Press, states, “Notice the principal purpose of Catholic education is to form disciples — people who know Christ, follow Christ and make him known. Not excellence in education, as important as that is; not equipping students to have successful careers, however valuable that may be. But forming disciples.”

Spring Hill has helped aid in the fostering of many wonderful professionals, many confident leaders, many selfless servants. However, its primary purpose is to form disciples.

Do you feel you have been challenged?

SPORTS

10

SHC Softball Sets Eyes on the Prize as Season Wraps Up

By MjCONNELL REPORTER As the Badgers’ softball season comes to a close, the ladies set their sights on reaching the national championship game for the second year in a row.

The Badgers, ranked tenth nationally, are looking to take care of business in their conference and make another run at the national championship, but this time walking away with the hardware. The team started the season as the second-ranked team in the nation, but despite falling eight spots, the team still thinks they can win it all.

Head Coach Allison Sellers-Cook knows how her girls play and thinks they can do just as well as last year’s squad.

“I think we definitely had some ups and downs, but I think we have the best defense in the nation we are very solid and were doing great with our pitching… I would just like to see us be more consistent with our hitting,” says Cook. To the team’s dismay, they have left a fair number of runners on base in the past few games but are looking look to get the bats rolling behind their stellar defense.

Sophomore Taylor Lahasky agrees with her coach and thinks the team needs to score some more runs. “I feel like we do have to get the bats rolling, we have been making solid contact but they just haven’t been falling for us, in some cases,” says Lahasky. Although she sees the lacking offense, she still thinks her team can make it to the national tournament. “I’m confident in my team, we had some bumps and bruises in the road, but when it matters I think we’ll come up big,” says Lahasky. “I expect to be exactly where we were last year.”

Junior Shea Blanchard also thinks the ladies can make some noise in conference and at the national level. “Our team is overflowing with potential,” say Blanchard.

“I truly believe that if we put all of our talent together and support each other, our season will end exactly how we want it to.”

Blanchard also believes that the Badgers will be the NAIA’s champions this year.

The team does have a few tough games ahead before conference playing sixthranked William-Carey twice. In a conference which Coach Cook says is the “SEC of the NAIA in terms of softball,” the Badgers hope to continue a very successful season and win a conference championship. “It’s a battle every time we come out and play somebody,” says Cook. “But I think we can definitely win conference.”

Cook’s players agree with her when thinking about the conference tournament.

“I think we’ll get a conference championship this year - no doubt in my mind,” says a confident Lahasky.

The SSAC Conference Tournament will take place in Gulf Shores, Ala. and goes on during finals week. If the Badgers are successful and take home first or second in conference, they will move on to the opening rounds of the NAIA National Tournament, which takes place May 12 through 14.

If the ladies continue to play great softball through then, they will advance to final round of 10 teams which takes places in Columbus, Ga. Be sure to support your Badgers as they look to make another run at making history.

Upcoming Games April 25 | 2 p.m. | vs William Carey Game 2 | vs William Carey April 26 | 2 p.m. | vs Bellhaven University Game 2 | vs Belhaven University

Visit SHCBadgers.com for more game info.

April 17, 2014

April 17, 2014

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

11

Track and Field Teams Hole in Closes Out Season Strong Won

By RachelFAILLA Contributor Spring Hill’s women’s golf team performed well at the previous SHC golf tournament and is looking to end the season on a high note.

Leading the first day by eight strokes, the women felt confident about their chances to close the tournament with a win. Turning in scores for the women on the first day were Avery Kyle (80), Alex Ryals (83), Katie Callahan (85) and Audrey Dombrowski (86).

With a low score of 80, Kyle was a top contender for individually winning the tournament.

Coming back the next day, the women came at the competition strong. They sealed the win with teammates Kyle (78), Callahan (79), Ryals (85) and Rachel Failla (88) turning in scores to give the team a 17 stroke lead.

Kyle, who is also the team captain, individually won the tournament. Shooting +14, she said, “Our team did a great job and worked really hard. It’s exciting for our team to win our own tournament. Although I’m slightly disappointed with my finishing holes, I’m glad I pulled it together to win my final Badger tournament.” She was proud of herself and her team for winning what is the last Badger Invitational for seniors Kyle, Callahan and Dombrowski.

The women will travel to Montgomery for their conference tournament taking place on April 21 to 22. The team is optimistic, with Kyle noting, “It’s a big confidence booster going into conference, and I think our chances look great.”

The team is hopeful that they can follow up this win with another at conference.

While many of you will be coming back to campus next week with Easter Bunny treats, the women’s golf team hopes to come back with a conference title.

By EricTHOMAS Reporter

The Spring Hill College Track and Field team is looking to wrap up a productive second season by continuing their string of good performances.

With the semester drawing to a close, the SHC track and field teams of SHC will be seeking to end their respective seasons with strong performances.

Both the men’s and women’s teams continued to push hard toward a strong finish during their meet on April 7 in Birmingham. The event was hosted by Birmingham-Southern College at Panther Stadium. The strongest scores for the women during the meet belonged to freshman Jennifer Medlock in the 200-meter dash, where she finished fourth out of a pool of 16 competitors. Senior Anna DeWine also performed well in the 5000-meter dash, where she finished fifth in a pool of 12 competitors.

The men also competed admirably in the meet with the best scores going to sophomore Jordan Travis, who finished first in the 1,500-meter run and second in the 800-meter, out of a pool of 12 competitors each. Sophomore Phillip Travis also put in a strong performance, finishing second in the 200-meter dash and fourth in the 400-meter dash, in pools of 14 and 10 respectively.

Both teams have had great seasons, and one reason for this is the amazing leadership of the seniors on both squads.

DeWine has been on the team since its inaugural season and is preparing for the end of her career as a member of the team. “The toughest part of being a senior on the team is having the end of my collegiate running career in sight. Every other season I knew that I had more seasons to improve and reach my potential, but now this is it,” says DeWine.

Photo Courtesy AnnaDEWINE The definiteness of anything important coming to an end would be hard for anyone, team to close out the year with a victory. “‘Finish but it also allows people the opportunity to show strong’ is the motto I live by because it defines who exactly what they are capable of. “This is my last I am. This team is my family and we are individuals chance, and I hate accepting that. I am finally who simply just ‘Live It!’” says McNabb. getting the hang of racing and steadily improving While the seniors are getting ready to move on to with every race, but in two more meets I’ll be other facets of life, the runners who will be returning crossing the finish line in my Spring Hill jersey are looking to better themselves in order to make the for the last time. It seems unbelievable, almost SHC track and field program as dominant as it can sickening,” says DeWine. be. Freshman Amie Gilbert had this to say about her Senior Harrison McNabb also weighed in experiences on the team: “Being on the track team has on what being a part of the team this year has been an interesting experience; I think I’ve learned a meant to him. “This track season has been an lot from it so far. The workouts have been tough, but outstanding one, and I am truly proud to be a they’ve also been very rewarding.” part of it. Our conference meet is right around The team has only two meets left: April 19 at Misthe corner, and I am going to push myself to the sissippi College, and then the SSAC conference meet best of my abilities for it,” says McNabb. that will take place at Gulf Shores from April 25 to 26, McNabb also discussed his hopes for the 2014.

12

HILL YEAH!

April 17, 2014

cont. from page 6 & 7

TOP LEFT: “This was freshman year at the Aquarium in New Orleans. We all got together for Spencer’s birthday. Andrew posed with the animal statues all day.” - Christie Domangue BOTTOM LEFT: “Claire and I created the official “tag team” title our freshman year on Cinco de Mayo! We were crashing on a few seniors couches during graduation weekend and decided to channel our inner Mexican. After dinner at a sketchy Mexican restaurant these beautiful mustaches made their way to the apts!” - Lauren Luckie CENTER: Seniors Ainsley Messina and Bridget Oswald ABOVE: “This picture was taken August 23, freshman year in Shelley Husband and Syndey Joffray’s room. We packed as many people as we could for a hall movie night.” -Elizabeth Neal