april 22nd issue

The University News A Student Voice of Saint Louis University Since 1921

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Vol. LXXXIX No. 25

So they’re movin’ on up?

New green 15 VP candidates currently under Former provost is up program for Loyola Chicago job underway review, including Patankar

By JONATHAN ERNST News Editor

The Vice President for Frost Campus Search Committee is currently reviewing 15 candidates, including current Interim Vice President for the Frost Campus Manoj Patankar, for the permanent position. The committee’s task is narrowing the pool to three or four candidates, at which point Saint Louis University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., will review and appoint a candidate based on the committee’s recommendation.

“I am a candidate, I have applied and right now I am taking it one day at a time,” Patankar said.

The vice president for Frost Campus is responsible for nine academic colleges, enrollment management, University Libraries, faculty grievances, and appointment, rank and tenure. The goal of the committee is to have

the next vice president in place by the start of the fiscal year 2011.

The search committee is looking for candidates from the SLU community, as well as from the national level. Interested applicants are being directed to the committee’s website, which gives information on the position and general information about the University.

According to the position’s description, a candidate for this position must have a solid record of administrative leadership and experience in higher education, and hold the highest academic degree appropriate to his or her discipline. The candidate must also have a strong commitment to service and diversity, as well as the ability to work effectively with administrators, faculty, students, staff and outside constituencies.

“We want strong applicants and [Biondi] See “Frost Campus” on Page 3

By JONATHAN ERNST News Editor

Former Saint Louis University Provost Joe Weixlmann is one of three finalists for the provost position at Loyola University in Chicago. Weixlmann said that he is not a candidate for vice president for the SLU Frost Campus position.

“I served longer in the position of provost than most people do, and I was able to do a lot of good things,” Weixlmann said. “It is time for them to bring in a fresh vision and a new perspective to the position.”

For the past seven years, Weixlmann served as provost

until he stepped down in August for personal and professional reasons. He is currently teaching in the Department of English and researching ways to improve the quality of the Honors Program.

According to Weixlmann, Loyola contacted him about applying for the position in December and the head of the provost search committee further contacted him in February.

Weixlmann visited the Loyola campus on April 8-9, and after reviewing the University and talking with students, faculty and administrators, he said he is “enthusiastic for the

Noah Berman / Photo Editor

Third year Uduak Ifon works on a will for class in SLU’s law school library. Last year, SLU ranked 94th.

By KELLEY DUNN News Editor

For the first time in six years, Saint Louis University Law School has dropped out of the U.S. News and World Report top 100 schools of law, falling from a Tier 2 university to a Tier 3. Once a school falls out of the top 100, it is not given a numerical ranking.

Last year, the University was

ranked number 94.

“Honestly, I think we’re as shocked as everyone else,” Assistant Professor of Law Anders Walker said. “I was expecting us to go up this year.”

Outgoing Dean Jeffery Lewis—who announced his resignation at the most recent Student Bar Association after 11 years in the position—said that the rankings were not a good indicator of the value of

ary is a problem that all schools face, regardless of its rankings.

“Our graduates tend to stay in the metro area,” he said, citing Missouri, Illinois, Chicago and Washington, D.C. as areas with strong alumni bases.

Walker did said that, though the rankings likely would not have a big impact on the faculty over the shortterm, they could have repercussions later down the line.

“If there’s a drop over the long term, then it can affect the faculty’s ability to publish articles,” he said. “It can [also] affect the peer review score from other law school faculties.”

At the April 21 SBA meeting, Lewis said that some of the information sent to U.S. News by other universities

chair beginning July 1. He will serve for the year while the department searches for a new chairperson.

“My interest is to see our department going forward and to continue providing a great education to the students,” Krizek said. “Which is why I accepted the appointment to chair.”

Krizek said that he had no administrative aspirations prior to his appointment, but he took the job out of duty and concern for the Communication Department.

“I’m a schoolteacher, and I See “Farrell” on Page 2

See “Green” on Page 2

See “Weixlmann” on Page 3

is “not always accurate,” and that the rankings, to a certain extent, have to be taken “with a grain of salt.”

Walker echoed similar sentiments.

“Other schools, independent of anything we’re doing, may be doing things like dramatically cutting class size, buying big name faculty, doing a lot of fundraising … and those schools are simply turning their numbers around faster,” he said. “The tragedy is that SLU is a great school, we’re getting stronger, but the environment is so Darwinian. … Schools are now focusing exclusively on these rankings.”

At the SBA meeting, many students asked questions See “SLU Law” on Page 2

2010 U.S. News Law School Rankings Rank

School

Tuition*

1 2 3 19 28 34 56 78 93

Yale University Harvard University Stanford University Wash. U. Boston College Fordham University Loyola Marymount Loyola Chicago University of Missouri

N/A N/A N/A

Loyola New Orleans Marquette University Saint Louis University

*Full-time, per year, 2009-2010 **Full-time

$48,340 $43,900 $44,121 $42,330 $39,490 $44,996 $40,530 $36,770 $16,017 (in) $30,519 (out) $34,166 $32,410 $34,362

Enrollment** 613 1,771 557 851 814 1,160 1,002 652 441 726 563 771

Source: U.S. News and World Report

Farrell asked to resign as chair of Comm. Department

By KRISTEN MIANO Associate News Editor

Kathleen Farrell, chairwoman of Saint Louis University’s Communication Department, was removed from her position this month.

“On March 2, [College of Arts & Sciences] Dean [Donald] Brennan called me to the office,” Farrell said. “Interim [Vice President for Frost Campus] Manoj Patankar was asking for my resignation.”

Brennan and Patankar both declined to comment on the matter.

When a faculty member is appointed to a department chair position, his or her term

lasts for three years. Farrell The letter did not detail why still had another year left in she was being removed. her term when she was asked “I was given no reasons in to resign. writing,” Farrell said. “And I “I thought have nothabout it,” Faring in writrell said. “And ing from inrespectfully terim [Vice told Brennan President I was given no I would not for the Frost reason in writing. give him my Campus] resignation.”

Patankar.”

—Kathleen Farrell On April The let21, Farrell ter, howevreceived an er, went on official letter from Brennan to say that she had done a fine informing her that her ap- job in her position during the pointment had not been re- years she served. Farrell was newed, and that she was be- the chairwoman during the ing removed as chair of the reconstruction of the ComCommunication Department. munication Department and

“

”

during the restructuring of the curriculum. She oversaw the installation of new media equipment, as well as a video studio and the Xavier Hall Collaboration Center.

Farrell noted that, once appointed, administrators could be removed at any time. She is a tenured professor, however, and therefore can stay in the Communication Department to teach.

“My plan so far [is that] I assume I will stay.”

Farrell is being replaced

by Robert Krizek, another senior faculty member in the Communication Department.

Krizek was appointed by Brennan to fill in as interim-

News Editor

Saint Louis University will establish a new Center for Sustainability after receiving a $5 million grant from the Alberici Foundation. The center will focus on environmental education, research and community outreach, along with operating a new master’s degree in sustainability that will begin fall 2010.

“I am really glad the University is looking for ways to be relevant with what we can teach students,” Vice President for Research Ray Tait said.

SLU is the first of 28 Jesuit Institutions in the nation to incorporate a Center for Sustainability. The Alberici Foundation is a supporting foundation of the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation, and it makes grants reflecting the charitable interests of the Alberici family and corporation.

“This [Center for Sustainability] puts SLU on the map,” Manoj Patankar, interim vice president for Frost Campus, said. “The Alberici Foundation was excited that this was an opportunity to strengthen our efforts and that it was aligned with their efforts to promote sustainability.”

The $5 million grant will go toward funding personnel for the center and research, and $1.5 million will go to the University’s endowment to support the center’s operations in the future. A national search will be conducted for an expert in the field of sustainability to direct the new center.

An advisory board consisting of sustainable professional leaders from the University, local businesses and the community will be formed to offer insight and expertise for the center.

“This center is a very applied opportunity for SLU to stand out and answer some questions regarding sustainability,” Tim Keane, assistant professor of Management and Director of Emerson Ethics Center, said. “It connects very directly to our mission to others, and we believe we need to take a leadership role with sustainability. We can’t be passive anymore.”

According to a University press release, the mission of the center will be “to develop creative, collaborative solutions to pressing environmental challenges facing society today.”

Jimmy Meiners, president of the Environmental Task Force, is very hopeful for the mission set forth for the center and hopes that it will play a bigger role once the University acquires more sustainable resources.

“It will help us promote resources, which we don’t have right now,” Meiners said. “It would be cool if SLU was a leader in sustainability, and now with this new center, hopefully it will be a place where we can take our ideas.”

The center will be collaborating with the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Public Service, John Cook School of Business and Parks College of Engineering, Aviation & Technol-

Law school drops to 3rd tier in rankings the SLU Law program, calling the top 100 rankings “goofy.”

“In my opinion, we’re easily in the top 100,” he said.

Despite falling out of the top 100 overall rankings, the Health Law program still ranks first in the nation. In addition, Lewis said SLU came in 50th according to lawyers and judges, and 71st as voted by deans and law professors.

“I’m more impressed by that than by all of the formula stuff that the U.S. News does,” Lewis said. “There is a certain disharmony there.”

Though SLU still ranks in certain areas, some students expressed concern about the fallen ranks.

“I’m concerned about how the drop in rankings affects the value of a SLU law degree,” third-year law student Robert Seefeldt said. “In this tough atmosphere for employment, this makes students’ job search even more difficult, especially if someone is looking for work outside of the St. Louis area.”

Walker said that the rankings could have an effect on people applying for jobs outside of the St. Louis area, particularly if a firm is not familiar with SLU. “Luckily, we have a big network in Missouri and Illinois,” he said. “Our reputation is very strong with lawyers and judges … and that helps us remain strong, regardless of the U.S. News rankings.”

Lewis said that students applying for jobs outside of a school’s geographic bound-

By JONATHAN ERNST

This week in The University News »

News »

2

SLU professor teaches theology to prison inmates.

Opinion »

4

This week, the ed-board dissects the latenight SGA allocation meeting.

Arts »

Ben Folds and a piano rocked Chaifetz Arena last week.

7

Sports »

See how one of SLU’s lead baseball players is doing this season.

10

2

News

The University News

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Let Us Introduce You

Kenneth Parker

Professor teaches prison inmates, swims and wakes up at 2:30 a.m.

By SEAN WORLEY Associate News Editor

Upon walking into Saint Louis University theology professor Kenneth Parker’s office, one can gather that this man is interested in learning and academics. Books upon books line his walls, a physical representation of how he views the academic world.

“My life really was in academia,” Parker said after telling his story of leaving his life as a Benedictine monk.

Before venturing into the world of theology, Parker studied writing and history; however, after a realization during his undergraduate years, Parker chose to pursue theological studies.

“My initial interest in theology really stemmed from my questions regarding my faith.”

Parker received his first degree in divinity, and then went on to study at the University of Cambridge in England. It was there that Parker received his Ph.D. and went on to spend the next five years in a monastery.

“It taught me a lot about prayer, but also [about] finding pleasure in the ordinary,” Parker said. “I learned to love learning for the sake of learning.”

He also took away with him a tendency to wake up early.

“I still wake up around 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning,” Parker said, who explained that he uses this time for prayer and reflection.

Not only does Parker enjoy teaching students within the traditional University walls, but he also has ventured into a very different academic environment. This new setting involves more iron bars and a strict curfew.

Parker developed a pilot program at Missouri’s Bonne Terre Prison that provided interested inmates the opportunity to study theology while serving their sentences.

More than 300 applications were received for the 15 spots available.

“The applications were compelling, and you could see this tremendous hunger present for higher level edu-

SGA heeds annual funding appeals

By BRIAN BOYD Staff Writer

Noah Berman/Associate Photo Editor

SLU professor Kenneth Parker looks on as he teaches a class in his Adorjan Hall. Parker teaches theology and will be giving a “Last Lecture” on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Saint Louis Room. cation,” Parker said.

The program finished its pilot certificate course work, and Parker expressed that the results were incredibly encouraging.

“We actually have to create much harder courses for prison students than we have for University students.”

An Associate of Arts program is also in the works, and it is Parker’s dedication to the learning process that inspired the prison initiative.

“I’ve always been concerned [and] interested in social justice issues, but I’ve never really been able to connect what I’m doing here at the University to those who are marginalized in society,” Parker said. “To teach in a prison setting is really one of

the most dynamic experiences a professor can have, and we’re looking to transform the lives of these people.”

Besides classrooms and prison cells, Parker also spends his time in other learning environments.

“I’m a swimmer, and I actually attend master swim classes at [Simon Recreational Center].”

Parker will be the featured speaker at the Last Lecture series on Tuesday, April 27.

There, he will present his hypothetical last lecture.

“The one thing that I would love to communicate is my hope that the experience a student has at SLU will be the formation of a love of learning, not only [for] now, but for a lifetime.”

Haiti event canceled due to rain

By MADELINE ROTH Staff Writer

The Saint Louis University Haiti Task Force’s Campout for Haiti, originally scheduled to take place this Friday, April 23, has been canceled due to thunderstorm warnings.

Junior Lauren Hashiguchi, co-chair of the Task Force, said the decision was a judgment call based on concerns for students’ safety, as the event would have included the use of sound systems.

“I was very disappointed to have to cancel [the campout], but it just would have been too dangerous for everyone,” Hashiguchi said.

Though the campout will be postponed until this fall, Hashiguchi said an advocacy event for students will

instead take place this weekend. Tents will be set up in the Quad, featuring advocacy information about Haiti and a T-shirt sale.

The event was scheduled to feature public health speakers discussing disaster relief, as well as activities to learn about water transport and food rationing. Hashiguchi said she hoped the campout would be “a mixture of learning, fun and community.”

“I don’t want it to be comfortable,” she said. “We’re going to really learn together about disaster relief to try to draw a stronger connection with the victims.”

Hashiguchi said that the group’s goal is to help people network with each other, and to be “a centralizing body for SLU’s efforts to raise money

for Haiti.”

The Task Force has already staged other successful events this past year.

Operation Haiti collection boxes, which students were encouraged to keep throughout Lent, are being collected this week. Hashiguchi said the collections have raised $600 so far. The Task Force also raised about $1,200 at its Hoops for Haiti basketball tournament. Most recently, the group worked with the Atlas Week committee to bring Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph to speak at SLU. Hashiguchi said the campout will be, by far, the largest event the Task Force will engineer, and, if successful, she hopes to export it to other campuses.

After the 10-hour marathon last week, Student Government Association welcomed special guest Dean of Students Scott Smith.

Smith made a brief presentation on the new bias incident protocol, which was presented to address the recent upswing in bias-related incidents.

The new protocol hopes to differentiate between different types of prejudicial actions, with three types being mentioned: harassment, hate crimes and bias-related incidents. This new strategy in handling the incidents would define the different terms and create different sanctions for each type of offense.

After Smith’s presentation, two new organizations were chartered. The first, the League of Laughter, is a campus comedy improv group, led by President Chris Lyons. The group used an improv skit and some welltimed humor to woo the Senate, and mentioned the benefits of a group such as theirs.

Next up was Active Minds, a group concentrated on educating students about mental health and ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The next issue addressed was the allocation of funding toward two student groups, Unite for Sight and Ultimate Frisbee Club. Unite for Sight had not received funding at the previous SGA meeting due to its failure to submit a budget. It was given an additional chance to receive funding through a private meeting, but failed to attend that as well.

John Cook School of Business Senator Samantha Morr rose to the defense of Unite for Sight. She stated “It’s clear that there was

some miscommunication with this being Unite for Sight’s first time through the funding process. With the changeover of the financial vice president, it was a confusing process,” Morr said.

The bill was passed for the $1,240.39 allocation to Unite for Sight, and an amendment to increase the funding to $1,516.83 was denied.

The next bill voted upon was a request for spot-funding by the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Both the men’s and women’s team qualified for the regional tournament, and requested $3,254 to cover registration, travel and hotel accommodations. The bill was passed unanimously.

The next topic discussed was a Senate resolution to create an ad-hoc task force to coordinate and provide leadership concerning socioeconomic diversity efforts. The socioeconomic initiative would be known as SLU/FUSED, (SLU For Undergraduate Socioeconomic Diversity).

Vice President of Diversity and Social Justice Jamie James was presented with financial questions regarding the initiative.

“We’re looking to redistribute funds and place an emphasis on a family emergency fund,” she said.

The Senate passed the resolution to create the ad hoc task force. Next in line was the reconsideration of appeals for annual funding.

In one of the most discussed topics of the night, Black Student Alliance made an appeal for an additional $4,530 to support its yearly trip. The money would go to cover 40 percent of the trip. The question posed to PresidentElect Charles Turner, who is also a senator, was how the trip would benefit the SLU community as a whole.

“We recognize the tradition, but being in the habit of

basing things for next year in the tradition of something happening isn’t a practice.

We wanted to continue we wanted to look at each event individually,” Financial Vice President Tim Janczewsk said.

The initial request for $4,530 was rejected, but an amendment to allocate $2,500 to BSA was passed.

Additional funding for SLU TV was considered next, with the organization requesting $1,350 to purchase more cameras.

SLU TV allows other student organizations to borrow its cameras and also helps with film production.

The amendment was passed, and SLU TV’s budget was increased to $8,140.08.

The next order of business was to amend SGA Constitution. The first amendment, which would have the ASSLU SGA represent the entire student body in order to promote more student involvement within SGA, was tabled until the next meeting.

The second reform to the constitution regarded SGA’s election process, and sought to increase participation in the elections. The amendment was passed.

To wrap up the meeting, the SGA budget was also considered. An amendment to lower the SGA budget by $2,000 was ultimately rejected. If the budget were to be cut, the yearly SGA retreat and other internal conferences would be cut with it.

President Michael Harriss attested to the effectiveness of such retreats and conferences.

“Without this retreat, I would have no idea what’s going on with parliamentary procedure,” Harriss said.

“This is where we prepare ourselves. This is crucial to having a successful organization.”

Relay for Life raises $147,275.63

SLU Law: School drops from ranks Continued from Page 1

about what is being done to improve the rankings.

One suggestion offered

by SBA President Phil Eckelkamp was for students to compete in various national teams in order for SLU to gain national recognition.

“Help us help ourselves,” Eckelkamp said. “We’re doing things that engage us on a national level.”

Another concern, which was brought up in the meeting, dealt with the increasing admission. Lewis said that, though the entering class sizes had increased, the administration had hired new

professors, and the student to teacher ratio would improve 15.5 to 1 next year. Lewis also said the administration has a limit on admissions, which is equivalent to 240 full-time and 90 part-time students. There is not, however, a minimum GPA or LSAT requirement.

“We look at LSAT, undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, the quality of the undergraduate school, what kind of major they had, … their involvement in college life, and so on. … This is why we have an admissions committee,” he said.

Lewis said that, despite the increase in admission, GPA and LSAT scores have

remained on par with years past.

Despite improvements in individual class size and other plans for improvement, concern for the school is still apparent.

“I think it’s important, and all of the students I’ve spoke with agree, that fast action be taken to regain our stature, and that’s a message that the administration at the Law School and at the University need to hear,” Seefeldt said.

“If this doesn’t sting enough yet, it will in the long run.”

University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., was out of town, and could not be reached for comment.

Farrell: Communication chair asked to resign Continued from Page 1

hope that comes across in my enthusiasm in the classroom, but since I am a senior faculty member, I felt it was important for me to do my part to help the department.”

Krizek was a part of a group of senior Communication faculty who went to speak to Patankar about the next step for the department.

“The conversation was

mostly about the direction of the department,” Krizek said.

“We were interested in how he saw the future of the department, and wanted to clarify how he wanted us to move forward following [Farrell’s] departure.”

Patankar did not discuss his reasons for calling for her resignation in the meeting.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Farrell said about her remov-

al. “I’ve been a clear vocal opponent, which may not be the reason, but it still does not surprise me.”

Krizek, on the other hand, admitted he was surprised by Farrell’s removal.

“In my experience with Farrell, her leadership has been spectacular,” Krizek said. “She’s served with integrity and has been great to work with.”

Maddie Blecha/Photographer

Students gathered together this past weekend in order to show their support for friends, family members and many others affected by cancer. With over 1,600 participants, SLU Relay for Life raised more than $140,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Green: SLU starts sustainable master’s Continued from Page 1

ogy to provide further education on sustainability.

“The center will cross traditional boundaries, uniting a multidisciplinary team of researchers, professors and students in a singular mission: making the world a better, more sustainable place,” SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., said in a University press release.

The new master’s in sus-

tainability will require a minimum of 35 credit hours and will incorporate core courses from across the colleges that will cover general sustainability topics.

In the second year of the program, students pick a specific track within the individual disciplines, including business, engineering/technology and public policy/ social work.

Potential candidates for the program will be graduate and

qualified upper-level undergraduate students and professionals from various industry sectors interested in ways to incorporate sustainability in their specific fields.

Tuition for the sustainability program will be $895 per credit hour.

“With millions of new sustainability-related jobs on the horizon, our innovative degree program couldn’t come at a more opportune time,” Patankar said in a

News

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Students rally against hate

The University News

Social networking sites pose problems for student subscribers

By KELLEY DUNN News Editor

Social networking websites can be many things: places to connect with friends, post photographs, follow the happenings of celebrities, vent one’s feelings, etc. They can also, however, become something much more negative.

Two weeks ago, three student leaders resigned from their positions on campus as a result of two Facebook photographs surfacing. These social forums can also have a life of their own outside of the scholastic level. “[Employers checking Facebook] is not as widespread as you think, but there are employers that do,” Director of Career Services Kim Reitter said.

Reitter said that, though not every employer checks social networks, students should still be careful about the information they put out on the Internet.

Victor Liou/The University News

Approximately100 students, faculty and administrators gathered on April 19 to reflect on the pain felt by members of the University in light of recent racial and diversity events, and to plan for a brighter future. In a rally organized by Students for Social Justice, those in attendance acknowledged that, while the “struggle to be treated with dignity” is not over, the time has come to move forward and be a part of the solution. President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., above, who was in attendance, said: “This is a great opportunity for students and faculty to get together for a serious cause. Through cooperation, we will heal this terrible issue.”

Junior awarded Truman Scholarship

By JOE KLINKER Contributor

For the first time ever, a Saint Louis University student is a recipient of the Truman Scholarship. Lauren Hashiguchi, a junior, was awarded the scholarship this year out of a field of 507+ applicants.

The Truman Scholarship provides $30,000 to students pursuing graduate school, as well as the opportunity to spend a year in Washington D.C., working with the government agency of the student’s choice.

To apply for the scholarship, students must be endorsed by their university and must undergo an interview in their home region. “[The interview] is very intense, very aggressive, but

very good,” Hashiguchi said.

In the end, out of the approximate 570 candidates allowed to apply for the actual scholarship, 60 recipients are selected.

One of the main things that the selection committee looks for in an applicant is an extensive background in leadership. Hashiguchi is the leading force behind OneWorld magazine.

Furthermore, with a bond formed through in-country laboratory work, Hashiguchi began the Task Force for Haiti almost immediately after the impoverished nation was struck by a devastating earthquake in January.

Hashiguchi, an Investigative Medical Sciences major at SLU, plans to utilize the privileges that

come with the scholarship.

After graduating from SLU, she plans to acquire an internship in Washington DC, working with the government in the area of global health.

After that, she plans to attend graduate school, and aims to eventually work with global governments in healthcare.

Hashiguchi has devoted her college experience to social justice and advocacy. Though the scholarship committees of the Truman Scholarship and other prestigious graduatelevel scholarships look at academic records, Hashiguchi also stresses the scholarship’s emphasis on leadership.

“Go into something and expect to be a leader at some point...you have to go into [organizations] and try to find the big stuff,” she said.

Frost Campus: Panel reviews options Continued from Page 1

wants to make sure we choose the best candidate for the position,” Teri Murray, chair of the vice president for Frost Campus Search Committee, said. “It is the president’s decision in the end.”

The search committee consists of eight faculty members from various schools and departments, one staff member and Student Government Association President Michael Harriss.

“Each committee member has an equal voice as they are developing interview ques-

tions and reviewing applications,” Murray said.

This committee will accept applications and nominations until the vice president position is filled.

Those in contention can either apply or be nominated for the position, as the committee currently has 10 applicants and five nominations for the position.

Applicants are asked to include a statement of interest, current curriculum vitae and the contact information of five references.

In a Jan. 21 message to the SLU community at large,

Biondi eliminated the title of “Provost,” thus splitting the position into three senior vice president positions including vice president for Frost Campus, vice president for Health Sciences and vice president and Rector for the Madrid Campus.

“The new structure will ensure that every academic unit is equally represented in decision making,” Biondi said in the January message.

“This will enhance academic collaboration across the campuses.”

Additional reporting by Mike Indergaard.

Weixlmann: Loyola seeks out former provost Continued from Page 1

Loyola job if it emerges.”

“I wasn’t interested at first, but they made a strong case for applying for the position,” Weixlmann said.

The provost at Loyola is the chief academic officer of the University, in charge of academic and curriculum affairs and research opportunities.

The other two candidates for the position are Gail Baker, University of Nebraska at

Omaha’s dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, and John Pelissero, Loyola’s current interim-provost. The search committee will announce its selection in early May. Michael Garanzini, S.J., president of Loyola and a former SLU administrator, is incorporating a new strategic plan that will emphasize tying together student affairs and academic affairs. Weixlmann said that he was drawn to this plan because that was one

of his main focuses while at SLU. “There are a lot of similarities between the two universities,” Weixlmann said. “It will be easy to transition my experiences into the job.”

If appointed, Weixlmann plans on combining students and academic affairs at Loyola through emphasizing learning communities for incoming students, diversity of the student body and by increasing undergraduate research opportunities.

3

“A lot of students have a false sense that it’s private,” she said. “There can be ways for some of that stuff to become more public. …

What goes on the Internet is really truly never erased.”

One tip Reitter had was for students to search their names online, and to be prepared to discuss anything— positive or negative—that came up.

“That’s really common, that an employer will Google someone’s name, so at least be able to explain that,” she said.

Reitter said she had never heard of someone being asked to show his or her profile during a job interview, or someone who had a job offer retracted due to online content, but she did say it was possible.

“I’m not saying that can’t happen,” she said. “An employer can rescind a job offer at any time. … I do know folks who have been fired if

they lied on their resume.”

Reitter said that some of the more common things that would cause a company to rescind a job offer would be lying about one’s job history or level of education.

Dean of Students Scott Smith said that the University does not actively search Facebook or Myspace profiles, but would that he would react if something were brought to him.

“If a student, or anybody, presents us with information that’s on a site that potentially could be a violation of the code of conduct, we have a duty to at least investigate those pictures, and the circumstances surrounding that,” Smith said.

From there, Smith said that a decision is made about whether or not to refer someone to Student Conduct Board.

“I’m put on notice,” he said.

“I can’t ignore it, I have to at least look into it.”

Opinion

4 Thursday April 22, 2010

Talk to us: call Roberta Singer 314.977.2812, or e-mail oped.unews@gmail.com UNEWSONLINE.COM

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of the week

“

I don’t want it to be comfortable... We’re going to really learn together about disaster relief to tr y to draw a stronger connection with the victims.

Letters to the editor

-- Lauren Hashiguchi, junior, on the camp out for Haiti.

Students were rude at Ben Folds concert A few months ago, I got a Facebook invite: BEN FOLDS COMING TO CHAIFETZ. Instant giddiness. I’ve been listening to Sir Folds for years. The man takes to a piano like Liberace, sans sparkly jump suits. His lyrics - hilarious, touching and intense.

I’ve never seen him live before. So, imagine how I felt when he began and I could barely hear a word he was saying. Did the crowd acknowledge that there was someone on stage, under lights, singing? Nope.

The airheads around me didn’t break stride from their numbingly droll conversations.

I was near some shrieking harpies yelling over his performance, discussing which bar they were going to later.

I was embarrassed to be in this audience.

Yes, audience – this was a performance, not a basketball rally. It’s as bad as students who come to Saint Louis University Theatre and text, or laugh at drama because they’re too dense to understand Shakespeare or Greek tragedy.

Still, I got butterflies when Ben played each genius piece, and joined in the communal yelling of lyrics, but it was difficult to enjoy. The evidence of de-evolution around me was staggering. I was shoved by either some plastic cup-toting meathead, or a Bumpit-hair styled leggings-as-pants girl spilling Bud Light on me as she barreled past. I shared a moment with some of the real fans, collectively glaring at the harpies.

I’m not “Anti-Billiken,” but I’m about to graduate and have kept my mouth shut long enough. The lack of respect for the arts at SLU is vile. Live performance is ridiculously hard. It takes time, discipline and overcoming stage fright to put yourself on display.

So, next time you are at any performance, show respect. Don’t like it? Leave. You don’t deserve to watch.

--Marcy Wiegert, senior, College of Arts and Sciences

Web Poll:

Posted below are the results from the last web poll on The University News’ website. Be sure to check our website this week for our next poll: There has been a recent slew of gun advocacy. What do you think about our second amendment rights? www.unewsonline.com

What alternative form of transportation will you be using to get around St. Louis this spring?

8 percent: Pogo stick

42 percent: Hover boards, a la “Back to the Future II” 20

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Editorials Editorials are opinion pieces written by the Editorial Board of The University News.

The unsigned editorials printed in this space represent the opinion of The University News. Commentaries and Letters to the Editor represent the opinions of the signed authors but do not necessarily represent the opinions of The University News.

Student Government Association needs to revamp allocation process There wasn’t enough coffee in the world to make people want to stay at last week’s Student Government Association meeting past 10 p.m., but they all had to. SGA was allocating money to all the groups that appealed their previous budget allocation; with 15 organizations vying for more money, the night got pretty dicey, and pretty long.

There are several problems with the way this year’s, and years past, supplementary allocations meeting were handled. We would never dispute allowing each group the time to present its case, but the meeting ran way too late. This is more than simply a problem of inconvenience.

As the night wore on, senators began to filter out, and when 23 senators are needed to pass allocations, the later groups risk not being fulfilled since fewer senators are present. How is it fair that groups at the end of the night need a nearly unanimous vote to get their appeal passed, when groups at 6 p.m. need only a two-thirds or so vote?

In addition, it’s common sense that both those who present at 9 p.m. as well as the 9 p.m. version of the Senate are bound to be far fresher and on the ball, and less crabby, than those at 2 a.m.

50

percent of the vote

“Freedom of the press—print, online and broadcast—is a basic right in a democratic society and is valuable in promoting the development of students as socially responsible persons ... The University News is a student voice, not the student voice. The views of The University News are the expressions of the students involved ... If [The University News] can represent a point of view around which discussion may develop, it serves a legitimate and needed purpose.”

From The University News’ Charter

An easy solution to this would be to split the meeting into two separate sessions, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday.

Inconvenient? Perhaps. But necessary so long as there are that many groups who need a chance to make their feelings on their budget known.

But the entire process of listening to appeals seems to beg for tweaking. SGA began the budget appeal process with $4,000 dollars to allocate, and as each group presented the Senate would decide right then whether or not to fund their additional requested amounts. This is clearly unfair to groups presenting last, who are facing a panel with far less money to hand out. SGA should have heard all the groups make their cases, and then met separately to arrive at a decision about who gets what portion of the money.

It was a messy night, and several groups left feeling like they’d been short changed.

But the solutions are easy: Split the meeting into two parts, decide on allocations after all the groups present, and make sure all the senators stick around to vote.

Or invent a super drug to get it all done in three hours. Whichever.

Thank you, Student Activities Board, for Louis community. rocking our socks this past weekend with the It is events like that that bring the city Ben Folds concert. and the school together, and achieve exactWe’ve criticized you ly what universities before. We railed on are meant to achieve: your choice of Eric the coalescing of peoHutchinson for the last ple around music and fall concert. We said Ben Folds was a good act, art.Now we have somewe wanted more glamour, more pizzazz; we and what’s more, he managed thing to be proud said we wanted Kanye also. Chaifetz is to draw an audience not just of, West or Lady Gaga. our Excalibur, and That might have you, SAB, you have from the student body, but been setting our sights wielded its awesome from the entire St. Louis too high, like a kid power well. You have who asks for a pony for brought us a solid community.

Hanukkah. Either way, per formance, one you deserve congratthat we as students ulations for this one. can claim as our own, Ben Folds was a good act, and what’s more, for it was not delivered by the hands of he managed to draw an audience not just administrative corporatedom. from the student body, but from the entire St. Good show, SAB. Good show.

The University News is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, the Student Press Law Center, the College Media Advisers and the Missouri College Media Association, a division of the Missouri Press Association.

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I ser ved longer in the position of provost than most people do and I was able to do a lot of good things. It is time for them to bring in a fresh vision and new perspectives to the position.

-- Joe Weixlmann, Provost, on his position.

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29 percent: Cat sled

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Rachel Mezinis/Illustrator

SAB delivers a good spring show

21 percent: Clydesdales

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editor-in-chief KAT PATKE eic.unews@gmail.com News Editors KELLEY DUNN Jonathan Ernst Assoc. News Editors Sean Worley Kristen Miano slunews@gmail.com op/ed editor ROBERTA SINGER oped.unews@gmail.com

Arts editor Will Holston Assoc. Arts editor Ashley Jones arts.unews@gmail.com Sports editor BOBBY SCHINDLER sports.unews@gmail.com photo editor Noah Berman photo.unews@gmail.com

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[Living in a monaster y] taught me a lot about prayer but also finding pleasure in the ordinar y.

I learned to love learning for the sake of learning.

-- Dr. Kenneth Parker, theologian and professor.

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See Page 2.

If there’s a drop [in law school ranking] over the long term, then it can af fect the faculty’s ability to publish articles and [also] af fect the peer review score from other law school faculties.

-- Anders Walker, Assistant Professor of Law, on the recent drop in ranking for SLU Law.

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[The loss of my job] doesn’t surprise me....

I’ve been a clear vocal opponent [of the administration], which may not be the reason, but it still does not surprise me.

-- Dr. Kathleen Farrell, the outgoing chair of the Communication Department, on why she was asked to resign.

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The Editorial Board of The University News recognizes Avis Meyer, Ph.D., as the newspaper’s faculty mentor.

Opinion

Thursday, April 22 2010

The University News

5

Learning to lose is an important part of growing up Americans “It takes a real winner to be a good loser.” That was one of Jack Buck’s favorite adages. Buck, a legendary St. Louis Commentary broadcaster, valued sportsmanship and understood that life is often composed of more defeats than victories; thus, one of the most important lessons a person Madeline Roth can learn is how to lose.

Over the years, however, this concept has become more and more obsolete as kids are increasingly becoming shielded from losing.

Kids today are being raised so that they have not had to experience real loss, which is evidenced by the popular practice of giving all participants a trophy, regardless of whether they win or not. The idea behind this is that no one goes home empty-handed, so everyone is happy.

But what happens when everyone is a winner? Certainly, the routine of awarding every participant ends at a certain age, but the expectations of it do not. Kids who receive a trophy for everything they ever participate in will continue to expect that kind of treatment, which will only harm them later in life. The earlier kids learn how to lose, and the earlier they realize that loss is inevitable, the more well-rounded they will be.

If you consider the NCAA March Madness tournament and calculate how many players went home as losers, the numbers are huge.

Twenty guys won, while already 2,000 guys lost. But part of being an athlete is learning how to lose.

Sportsmanship ought to be the first lesson young athletes are taught, before they learn how to punt a ball or do a lay-up. The responsibility for teaching this lesson rests with coaches and parents, who often abuse it by excessively coddling their kids.

need a new mythology

Rachel Mezinis/Illustrator

However, no matter how much parents try to shield their kids, the fact is that not everyone wins.

Parents are not doing their kids any favors by not teaching them how to lose. It is okay for kids to experience disappointment. So give the trophies to the winners, and pat the other kids on the back for trying. This will teach them to keep working for a prize and will not disillusion them later in life when

they realize they are not going to receive a gold star for every little thing they do.

No parent wants to drive home from a soccer game with kids in the backseat who is upset because they did not receive a shiny new piece of hardware. But that is the prime opportunity for teaching children to develop their own personal gratification from participating, and it gives them a goal to work toward.

We can sometimes learn more from the people who lose than the people who win. Losing is a better test of humanity and integrity. Kids ought to be able to prove that they are capable of exuding this integrity by experiencing defeat and learning that the most valuable trophies are the ones you win.

Madeline Roth is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.

U.S. fails to give the best maternal health care What do Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kuwait and New Zealand have in common?

The fact that it’s much safer Commentary for women to give bir th in these countries than in the United States.

According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. maternal mor tality Allison Reilly ratio in 2006 was 13.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. This ranks the U.S. 41st in the world in lifetime risk of maternal death. Back in 1987, the ratio was 6.6 deaths per 100,000 live births.

A goal was set in 1998 that in 2010, maternal deaths would be reduced to 4.3 deaths. Only five states achieved this goal: Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Vermont. Maternal care is not uniform across all 50 states. In Georgia it is 20.5 and in Washington, D.C it is 34.9. This is almost 30 times higher than the state of Maine.

Why are the rates so high, and why have they been increasing over the past 20 years?

One reason is a variable quality of care among states in the union. The U.S. has no nationally implemented guidelines for maternal health care, and improving care could prevent up to half of maternal deaths. This is because many women are dying from complications such as hemorrhaging, blood clots, infections and eclampsia, seizures that occur during the birthing process. These are not new complications. These are problems that the medical profession knows how to fix and how to monitor dur-

Rachel Mezinis/Illustrator

ing the labor.

The risk for these complications increases with the use of Caesarian sections. C-sections are performed in almost a third of all deliveries in the U.S. and this is more than twice the recommendation of the World Health Organization. C-sections are also performed on women who don’t necessarily need them, needlessly increasing their risk for death and complications.

The scariest aspect to this is

that there are no federal requirements to report maternal deaths, and authorities concede that the number of deaths could be twice as high as the statistic presented.

Reporting of pregnancy-related deaths as a distinct categor y is mandatory in only six states.

With so many students at Saint Louis University studying medicine and the health sciences, I would hope that this is a problem in the health system that we won’t stand

for. I would hope that we wouldn’t want to practice medicine or to admit our loved ones into a system with such an egregious shortcoming. I would hope that we would want to be part of the solution.

So what can we do? One thing is to go to http://www.amnestyusa. org/dignity/petition.php. This is a link to a letter addressed to Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Ser vices.

This letter is to urge her and President Barack Obama to establish an Office of Maternal Health within the Department of Health and Human Services that would perform comprehensive data collection on maternal deaths and complications, ensure access to pre-natal and post-natal care, and recommend legislative changes to ensure that all women receive quality maternal care.

People can also go to their state health departments and petition to improve maternal health data collection and review, such as mandating the reporting of maternal deaths and establishing a maternal mortality review board. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.htm in order to find the contact information of your state health department.

Another thing we can do is make our family, friends and colleagues aware. Read “Deadly Deliver y” and encourage others to read it as well. Journalists are imprisoned all over the world in order to threaten silence into them and others.

Television personalities ranging from Glenn Beck to Oprah to Larry King to Keith Olbermann are well known because they talk. Never underestimate the power of talking and opening up dialogue.

Allison Reilly is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

In life, columnist reminds us to remain forever young This is my last article, which I regret because I love writing this column. This was not a typical opinion editorial column. I Commentary suppose I could have talked about politics, current events, current movies, books, a million things. I chose not to.

Instead, I chose a bit Dorotea Lechkova more of a literar y route—little stories about interesting events that have happened or curious particularities I have noticed. I think literature and poetic language have been grossly pushed outside the realms of ever yday life. Therefore, I will conclude this semester in the same

fashion.

Oscar Wilde once said, “I am not young enough to know everything.”

After three tough years of school, countless essays and exams and dozens of books, I would be proud to tell Wilde that I am not either.

This may seem silly coming from a 21 year old, but with every passing year, with every additional responsibility, I am getting younger—for age is not a physical concept.

And now, at the end of my university career, as I stand before a crossroad wondering what to do next, I feel younger, sillier, livelier and happier than ever. Being young is something that we forget very often. We forget it because we can afford to forget it; age is not yet beating at our doors.

Before I go, I want to leave you with a few words. If you have gotten caught up in trying to finish all of those papers before their due

dates, stop. Go buy yourself a nice iced mocha, sit on a bench and for just a moment remember that you

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At the end of my university career, as I stand before a crossroad wondering what to do next, I feel younger, sillier, livelier and happier than ever.

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are young, that it’s warm outside and that very soon it will be summer.

Even though I have decided to

end on a light note, I leave you with my favorite “Don Quixote” quote.

Hopefully you will read it more than once. Hopefully it will make you think. You might even write it on your notebook cover: “One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars and the world will be better for this.”

Go for ward no matter what.

There will always be tough moments and hard times, but tough times shouldn’t keep you from those incredible stars.

Lastly, be young. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. I can’t say it enough. Good luck with your studies, and safe (and exciting) travels into the stormy, beautiful seas of life.

Dorotea Lechkova is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences

I don’t know where I am. I’m not sure what I’m doing in life, in relationships, in school, in America or in the world.

And I don’t think Commentary I’m the only one: I think that our generation is not merely a fan of “Lost,” we are lost.

Soon I will graduate, presumably into a world filled Roberta Singer with wonder and opportunity.

Ultimately, though, I can’t help but feel a vacuum of aimlessness; I have interests, but I’m distracted, disconnected from any common thread. My life is a staccato collection of vignettes, blow-by-blow events, years and experiences that fire in quick succession with no real stream connecting them all together.

I think this is a trademark of our generation. We lack a common mythos. We have trouble feeling connected to the world and fail to have any conception of where our lives are going because our culture doesn’t tell us coherent stories about how to live or what it means to be human.

In “The Power of Myth,” Joseph Campbell describes how traditional myths and stories gave people direction. In reading and hearing them, the people could connect the themes in their lives and the experiences they were having to the archetypical themes that appeared in their mythology, and this taught them how to handle something as big as coming of age. Their myths were cultural truths that were told in symbols, stories and actions.

And when one takes a step back, when one looks at all the stories all the various people tell, it is easy to see how the arch of a person’s life is remarkably similar across cultures. We are all human, all go through birth, maturity, death, coming together and falling apart.

Campbell writes, “It’s as though the same play were taken from one place to another, and at each place the local players put on local

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When one takes a step back and looks at all the stories all the various people tell, it is easy to see how the arch of a person’s life is similar across cultures.

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costumes and enact the same old play.”

But we young Americans have few common stories that transcend our own experiences that we can look to for guidance. YouTube lets us spend our free time browsing for five-minute clips of life, with nothing binding them together.

And the longer images that we do see in our media are meant to entertain—television shows aren’t allegorical, but amusing; songs are good solely based on their rhythm and melody, and are not required to be lyrically meaningful; many of the books we read are pure pulp, light filler for waiting rooms and airports.

Without transcendental narratives, it is hard to make sense of all the information we receive about the world. Without them, we are left only to guess.

I don’t know what the solution is, but I think it involves reading more and breaking ourselves from our distractions. I think it involves taking the time to understand myths that resonate with us, so that we can learn how to be better, more responsible and incorporated human beings.

Roberta Singer is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Photo by Noah Berman/Photo Editor

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6 Thursday April 22, 2010

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7 Thursday April 22, 2010

The University News

Popping the SLU bubble

By OLIVIA COOPER Staff Writer

Saint Louis University is a close-knit community. Many students, especially those who are not native to the city, live on campus. Talking to these students, I realized that they do not know all that this city has to offer them. I have asked around, and most students know about places within walking distance of campus, places like the Fox Theatre, Forest Park or the resident sports bar, Humphrey’s, located just across the street from campus. A lot of students also know a little of what Soulard has to offer, since it’s a frequent stop for sorority and fraternity parties.

However, never exploring much outside of the campus, many students are missing out on the diverse culture that thrives throughout St. Louis’ unique neighborhoods.

If we live in these streets, why not explore them? The SLU community is great, but the St. Louis community offers entertainment for every walk of life and is worth examining. I will highlight a few notable establishments and provide a tour of the nearby neighborhoods, each unique and fantastic in its own right, all accessible by bus, metro or car and not more than a five to 10 minute trip away.

Midtown’s Center

Grand

Art

Right next door is one of the fastest growing centers for arts and entertainment.

St. Louis is working on revamping this once downtrodden area and revitalizing it with new attractions, theaters and concert halls.

Jazz at the Bistro-- Jazz at the Bistro is arguably the best jazz club in all of St. Louis. The restaurant/bar houses a concert series put on by St. Louis’ non-profit organizations, Jazz St. Louis.

A cool area to relax and listen to the best of today’s jazz musicians that come in from all over the country, Jazz at the Bistro is located at 3547 Olive St. The Fabulous Fox Theatre-- Established in 1929 as the city’s grand movie plaza, this ornate theater hosts national tours of popular musicals and plays, as well as today’s popular music acts and comedians. Just a short walk from campus, The Fox provides an affordable theater experience by offering student prices just minutes before each show. It’s located in the middle of the Art Center, at 527 N. Grand Blvd.

Powell Hall-- St. Louis’ very own world-class symphony is housed in Powell Hall. Just a walk down the street from SLU sits one of the most beautiful concert halls in the city. It’s located at 718 N. Grand Blvd.

The Black Repertory Theater-The Grandel Theatre is home to the city’s Black Repertory theater, which provides platforms for the interpretation of the African-American experience that draws social and cultural attention and awareness. With performances by local and nationally acclaimed actors, The Black Rep deserves more attention, as it is one of St. Louis’ premier theater companies. It is located at 3610 Grandel Square.

The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts-- Located in St. Louis’ Grand Center district, the Pulitzer presents changing exhibits, while running programs that get the community involved in visual and performance arts. It is located at 3716 Washington Blvd.

The Fountain on Locust-Just a walk down from the Art Center’s main hub is this quirky dessert bar. The Fountain offers a full menu of delicious creative desserts

See “St. Louis” on Page 9

Maddie Blecha/Photographer

Ben Folds performs a set at Chaifetz Arena on April 16 as a part of Saint Louis University’s Spring Fling week. Matt Pond PA was the opening act.

Ben Folds and a piano at SLU

By BEN ELDREDGE Contributor

Reaching levels of excitement previously exhibited only for such landmark events as Eric Hutchinson, Relay for Life and that-time-your-theology-classwas-cancelled, the student body of Saint Louis University poured into Chaifetz Arena on the night of April 16, intending to attend the most face-melting, awe-inspiring, suburb-rocking concert of

their young lives, and they were not disappointed.

Unfortunately, due to some obvious mix-up with the press passes, this reporter did not have floor seats, and thus did not get the full Folds experience.

He did, however, attempt to gain access to the floor several times, but the wily security lady saw through his mustache, his fireman hat and his Buzz Lightyear costume.

Thus, he was relegated to one

of the bleacher sections of Chaifetz, but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise because he did not have to stand for hours on end like everyone else—the fools.

Finally, after an interminable opening act by Matt Pond PA, Ben Folds took his rightful place behind the piano, and there was much rejoicing.

His setlist included classics like “Zak and Sara,” “Brick” and “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” but he also included some

new numbers like “Levi Johnston’s Blues.”

The righteous indignation of Sarah Palin supporters was almost palpable.

After a good many songs that everyone but this reporter seemed to know by heart, Folds exited stage right, with absolutely no intention of returning, but was brought back by the thunderous applause and pleading screams from the audience.

He jogged back on stage and launched into a rendition of “Bitches Ain’t Shit,”calling up a student to the stage to help him sing for the second verse.

The student, whose name this reporter attempted to catch before a crowd of adoring fans swept him off, threw down the verse like it was his job.

It was an extraordinary end to an even more epic concert at SLU.

Touré rocks out Bill Club It was a wild night at The Billiken Club. The opening act, NOMO, was vibrant and fun. NOMO’s five band members wailed Commentary on their instr uments for over an hour, and played a variety of songs.

The songs were mostMatt Bommarito ly upbeat rock tunes, with a saxophone and trumpet instead of a guitar. Refreshing music washed over the crowd as everyone danced and jived.

The band’s synthesizer and saxophone player, Elliot Bergman, skillfully switched between his saxophone and the synthesizer, creating rhythms that infected the listeners with a dance virus. He also made use of an interesting instrument called a kalimba, which creates a deep,

bell-like, mesmerizing hum.

For the final song, Bergman pulled out an electronic mbira, an African instrument that resembles a miniature percussion piano played with one’s thumbs. The incorporation of such an instrument provided an excellent transition to the opening act of the night.

Vieux Farka Touré and his band members hail from the small West African nation of Mali, except for his drummer who comes from Brooklyn.

Farka Touré, son of legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, descended upon The Billiken Club with seemingly one goal: melt faces.

And melt faces, he most certainly did.

Farka Touré’s band consists of a drummer, rhythm guitar player, bassist and a percussionist, who alternated between a djembe and an upside down mound drum.

Farka Touré’s guitar skills are nearly unmatched. One

concertgoer hypothesized that perhaps it is impossible for Farka Touré to touch a guitar without playing beautiful music, as if he lacked the knowledge to play badly.

Surely his performance proved this esoteric belief.

Music poured out of his guitar with seemingly no effort on the guitar player’s part.

He was alive, a new organism made of the fusion between man and guitar, feeding off the energy of the crowd and creating beautiful music.

In addition to playing excellent music, all of the band members appeared to be excellent people, as well.

Before even stepping foot onstage, Farka Touré and other band members mingled with the crowd and danced with people. They really like to have a good time. There were repeated calls and chants to the audience from the band, encouraging them to dance. Many audience members obliged. During

Claudia Corzine/Photographer

Malian guitarist and singer Vieux Farka Touré performs. one of the last few songs, the percussionist motioned for a dancing audience member to join him onstage. Almost as soon as she did, about eight others jumped on stage and continued to dance while the band played electrifying music. This only seemed to increase the good vibes and raise the energy of show. It was a true party, thrown by musicians from the other side

of the globe.

Both bands played with such soul and truly rocked The Billiken Club.

After the show, Farka Touré relaxed outside with a cigarette and said that his next stop was Memphis, and that he was very excited to play there.You can catch him on TV during the opening for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Tony-winning musical brings foul-mouthed puppets to The Fox

By KRISTIN McGUIRE Staff Writer

“Avenue Q”: different street, same neighborhood “Sesame Street” was a fundamental component of our childhoods. They taught us arithmetic, basic social skills and that cookies are as addictive as any illegal drug.

“Avenue Q,” both a spoof of and homage to “Sesame Street,” stars seven puppets that tell the story of life in their New York City neighborhood. There’s the Cookie Monster-inspired “Trekkie Monster,” his addiction being porn, instead of cookies. The two roommates, Rod and Nicky, a grown-up Bert and Ernie, deal with sexual-

ity issues, rather than shapes and numbers. These raucous, cursing characters employ sarcasm, clever humor and some brief puppet nudity to keep the audience in cahoots for the entirety of the show.

From searching for a steady job to singing about not wearing underwear, they never fail to entertain. “Avenue Q,” the Tony award-winning musical, is not one to miss.

The University News had the opportunity to chat with Brent Michael DiRoma, who plays the roles of Princeton and Rod- through two $6,000 puppets. Fresh out of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, DiRoma was fortunate enough to land this job just four months out

of college.

“I was born into the theatre… [My grandma] had me on stage, singing in a flounder costume, when I was four,” he said.

DiRoma’s main character, Princeton, is a bright-eyed, optimistic college grad whose mission is to find his purpose in life, as well as what the heck to do with his BA in English.

“When I got the job, I was definitely Princeton,” DiRoma said.

This 21-year-old actor describes the audition process as “very different.”

“For our final callback, we were asked to work with the puppets,” he said.

When he was finally hired,

John Daughtry

Jacqueline Grabois and Brent Michael DiRoma on stage.

DiRoma, who had no prior puppeteering experience, underwent “intensive puppet training,” where he learned the art of controlling and acting alongside puppets.

DiRoma describes this new art as “really freakin’ hard.”

“It’s definitely a toll on See “Avenue Q” on Page 8

8

Arts

The University News

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Listening Room: The buzz on two new albums a different approach on this Congratulations by MGMT: album.

Rather than getting the fre- My first exposure to quent high notes that If you’re a fan of Coheed MGMT was three distinguish Sanchez’s Commentary and Cambria, you were no years ago when the voice from any other doubt anxiously awaiting the group opened for of singer’s, listeners release of the group’s fifth Montreal at a show get to hear his voice album, Year of the Black at The Pageant. brought down just a Rainbow. On April 13, the Oracular Spectacular few notches, and kept highly anticipated album finalhad been released at a more even level. ly dropped in stores and hit about a month ear It would be impossiiTunes. Of course, if you’ve lier, but there were ble to completely overbeen looking forward to the still only murmurhaul Sanchez’s charalbum, you already knew that. ings about this band acteristic vocals, but Carly Doenges What you’re really waiting that was bringing a there is a change that, for is some idea of what to ‘60s-psychedelic feel while subtle, is still notice- back to music. Having seen of expect when you get around able. to buying (or downloading) Montreal before, I knew how While it’s clear that Coheed brilliant of a live show the the album. and Cambria tried to take group put on, and knew that Year of the Black Rainbow things in a new direction with whoever opened the show is an interesting album, parYear of the Black Rainbow, would have to be pretty outticularly for those who have it does feel as though the standing to compare. already established a fangroup played it safe and didn’t When ship, due to the fact that it’s MGMT took push the envelope as far as it the stage, I was absolutely sort of an in-between album. could have, which is unfortu- blown away. Members Ben What do I mean by that? Well, nate because the album ends Goldwasser and Andrew the album isn’t entirely what up being left in a mild state VanWyngarden brought a we’ve come to expect from of limbo between the older fresh sound and stellar stage Coheed and Cambria, but at material and something really presence, and genuinely the same time, Year of the different.

Black Rainbow doesn’t go in seemed like they were hav All told, though, Year of ing fun while they performed. an entirely different direction the Black Rainbow is a solid from what fans are used to. album, especially when you In case you didn’t know (or start to feel more familiar never realized), Coheed and with the newer sound.

Cambria’s first four albums Coheed and Cambria defiwere highly story-based, with nitely deserves credit for tryeach one being a concept ing to change things up, and album that connected to the Continued from Page 7 Year of the Black Rainbow is stories of the other albums. definitely worth the listen.

Year of the Black Rainbow your body… it never stops hurting,” he said.

But while most people might see acting through puppets as an intimidating roadblock, DiRoma describes it as a great instrument.

“The naivety of the puppets balances out the raunchy lyrics of the songs… I don’t think an actor singing about racism would be accepted quite as well,” he said.

DiRoma, who has been on the tour since September, does not expect “Avenue Q” to finish any time soon.

Although touring is hectic, DiRoma is enjoying the experience.

By WILL HOLSTON and “The show carries itself Arts Editor because, through all the vulASHLEY JONES garity and humor, it has a big Associate Arts Editor heart,” he said.

DiRoma describes the target as “college kids or recent grads.”

“It’s uplifting-- it doesn’t seniors, and, according to Halicks, they are scare you into real life,” he Students will have a chance to revisit their said. “It’s a good way to forget excited about the choice of theme. younger years at Beyond All Reason’s spring “We want to send them off the right way,” all of your college and class concert on April 23. troubles for a little while.”

Halicks said.

The theme for the concert is “BAR loves Attendees can also expect to hear an “Avenue Q” will be playing the ‘90s.” Attendees will hear everything from improved show. Halicks explained that the at The Fabulous Fox Theatre television theme songs to pop songs from the group members have gotten increasingly bet- from April 30 - May 2. decade.

For more information, ter over the last several concerts. They are “They can expect to hear every genre currently polishing and putting the finishing visit www.fabulousfox.com. from the ‘90s…There will be something for touches on their spring concert. everybody,” Rachel Halicks, grad student and BAR will be selling tickets on April 23 in BAR’s president, said. the Quad and in Busch Student Center Room The theme was formed when the group 107. Tickets will cost five dollars. realized that a lot of the songs that had been For more information about the concert or suggested were from the ‘90s. about the group, visit the group’s Facebook “Everyone loves the ‘90s,” Halicks said. event page.

This will be the last concert for the group’s Year of the Black Rainbow

by Coheed and Cambria:

was made as a prequel to the series of stories, yet it doesn’t maintain the same storytelling feel of its predecessors.

Instead, this album is more of a stand-alone, which isn’t a bad thing, just different from what fans would expect.

Musically, Year of the Black Rainbow is very much the same Coheed and Cambria we’ve known for years, but with a few tweaks made here and there.

The group has always had a sound that is distinctly its own—due both to the instrumental styling and singer Claudio Sanchez’s easily recognizable voice—and that sound remains in Year of the Black Rainbow. However, there is a much heavier feel to this album than previous ones.

Where the group’s prior albums had a definite catchiness factor to them, with some songs being on the verge of peppy, Year of the Black Rainbow keeps things a little darker. The extra edge actually works pretty well, except for the fact that, if listened to straight through, the songs tend to blur together. It’s as if the group’s members found a new sound that they liked, but didn’t quite know how to proceed further with it.

Even Sanchez’s voice takes

I was hooked instantly.

Needless to say, I was more than a little excited when I heard MGMT was working on a new album.

Well, the new record, Congratulations, was released on Tuesday and, honestly, it’s a little disappointing.

What shot MGMT to fame with Oracular Spectacular was the musical style. While reminiscent of music from the ‘60s, it still felt completely new; it was catchy, it was fun, it was different from most other stuff out there. With Congratulations, something got lost.

The sophomore effort from any band is always the most challenging, especially if the band started out with a strong debut. On Congratulations, it’s fairly evident that MGMT was well aware that it had to make a good follow-up to Oracular Spectacular—maybe too aware of the fact.

Congratulations has a more mature vibe to it than Oracular Spectacular, and one can

understand how a band that gained its popularity thanks to catchy, danceable songs would want to make an album that portrays them as more serious musicians. However, with Congratulations, it seems that the guys of MGMT were taking themselves too seriously when they were making the album.

There are a few standout songs, such as “Flash Delirium” and “Song for Dan Treacy,” but as a whole, Congratulations falls short of the expectation listeners would have from Oracular Spectacular. There’s no doubt that MGMT consists of talented musicians, but Congratulations just feels like they were trying too hard to make sure their listeners realized what they already knew.

Congratulations isn’t a terrible album, but it’s not great either.

Sit down, have a listen and appreciate the fact that MGMT is trying to move forward as artists.

Avenue Q: Puppets gone wild arrive

Arts Briefs

Want to know events to look out for over this weekend?

BAR goes back to the ‘90s

SLU puts on Haydn concert The Saint Louis University Department of Fine and Performing Arts - Music will present a choral concert of combined University choruses on April 25 at 6:30 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier College Church. The featured work of the concert is Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Missa In Angustiis, A Mass in Troubled Times,” also known as “The Lord Nelson’s Mass.”

The concert will begin with a newly discovered work for women’s voices and two soprano soloists titled “Joan of Arc” by Arthur Somervell composed in 1903.

This is thought to be the first performance of this work in the United States.

The concert is free and open to all students and the public.

Student art exhibit to open The 40th Annual Student Art Exhibition kicks off with a preview from 9 a.m. to noon on April 22 in Boileau Hall. The preview includes the selection of one work to be purchased for display in the Department of Fine Arts as well as prize and merit award winners.

A special opening event will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. on April 23, with an awards ceremony planned for 6 p.m.

The exhibit will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

on April 23, 24 and 30, as well as May 1 and 4 in Boileau Hall.

The Annual Student Exhibition is a juried show of ceramic/sculpture, prints, drawings, paintings, photographs, fibers, metals, digital artworks and graphic designs from Saint Louis U students.

The show includes several culminating works from graduating art majors from the Fine and Performing Arts Department.

Master class in music available The Saint Louis University Department of Fine and Performing Arts-Music, in partnership with the Saint Louis Symphony, will present a music Master Class conducted by a “master” musician.

A master class with Pinchas Zukerman, internationally renowned violinist and violist, and members of the Saint Louis University

String Orchestra, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 24 at the Community Music School Auditorium on the Webster University Campus.

Both master classes are open to all members of the SLU community and the public interested in becoming involved with the program.

University Theatre goes ‘Machinal’ The University Theatre Department at Saint Louis University is presenting the last show of its 2009-2010 season, Machinal, a play by Sophie Treadwell that is loosely based on a 1920s criminal trial.

The show will play April 23, 24 and 30, as

well as May 1 at 8 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on May 2.

Tickets are available in the Xavier Hall box office.

For more information, visit www.slu.edu/ theatre.

Mu Beta Psi to play movie music Mu Beta Psi, the National Honorary Musical Fraternity at Saint Louis University, will be presenting “Let’s Go To The Movies: A Showcase of Movie Music,” featuring music from movies like The Wizard of Oz and Titanic

on April 24 at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

The event will be held in the studio theater in Xavier Hall.

It is free and open to the public, though donations are accepted.

John Daughtry

Brent Michael DiRoma plays the roles of Princeton and Rod in the tour of the Tony-winning musical Avenue Q.

Arts

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The University News

9

St. Louis: Local neighborhoods offer students chance to explore city, take in some culture, grab a bite to eat Continued from Page 7

and inventive dessert martinis, as well as entertainment in the form of open-mic nights, where anyone can get up at any time and let the creative juices flow. A delicious treat for your taste buds as well as your eyes, when you first step in through the doors you are struck with the artsy décor that covers the walls; these were painted by the owner herself. The Fountain is located at 3037 Locust Blvd.

The U-City Loop The Loop is a hipster’s heaven, a six-block stretch of coffee houses, bars, restaurants, tattoo shops and more. Take a stroll down St. Louis’ own Walk of Fame, which stretches down the main strip that commemorates extraordinary men and women associated with St. Louis. An energizing shopping and entertainment district, it is one of St. Louis’ biggest hot spots.

Pi-- Relatively new to the area, this Chicagostyle pizzeria is as trendy as it is delicious. Pi has a vibrant, friendly staff and an irresistible deep-dish, and it is a great stop to close out a day of shopping. It is located at 6144 Delmar.

Meshuggah Cafe-- Looking for a low-key coffee shop that keeps it real? Meshuggah Cafe has some of St. Louis’ best coffee, with a calm and cozy atmosphere. Meshuggah Cafe has that hometown feeling of community mixed with culture, and always has the walls decked with the latest from local St. Louis artists. It is located at 6269 Delmar.

Blueberry Hill-This nationally acclaimed restaurant and music venue is home to Chuck Berry, where the Rock-and-Roll legend comes to perform once a month. A must for anyone who is living or visiting St. Louis, Blueberry Hill is a truly St. Louis experience. It

is located at 6504 Delmar.

Tivoli-A Landmark Theatre, the Tivoli is the premier spot for viewing independent films, classic cinema and foreign language films. The theater gives viewers a special treat during the summer and fall months with a series of midnight movies, showing cult classics and classic films that you don’t often get the chance to see on the big screen. It is located at 6350 Delmar.

Benton Park Home to Cherokee Street and Antique Row, Benton Park is a great area to come hang out with the locals, where almost every shop owner can be found mingling with faithful patrons.

Foam-- Coffee and BeerRelatively new to St. Louis’ eclectic Cherokee Street, Foam is a new coffee house, where if you don’t want an espresso, you can choose from St. Louis’ finest beers.

“It’s a great space. We get all walks of life artists, musicians, teachers, businessmen and businesswomen. The energy is so friendly and comfortable,” manager and barista Tawaine Noah said.

More than just a delicious French-press, Foam occasionally offers live musical performances. Open late, Foam is located at 3359 S Jefferson Ave. Cranky Yellow-- A delightful spin on your typical shops, galleries and venues, Cranky Yellow is a getaway for artists, musicians, hipsters, nerds and collectors. This store buys and sells from independent artists. Everything in the store is handmade and crafted to be one of a kind. Cranky occasionally even hosts traveling and local musicians looking for a spot to perform.

It is located at 2874 Cherokee St. The Grove Sitting on the edge of Midtown and South City, The

Grove’s mantra is that it is at the center of everything, running the slogan: “from everywhere.” Summertime is packed with events happening from Tower Grove Park, to the Botanical Gardens, to the streets where they occasionally block off a few streets for various Blues, Jazz and Funk festivals.

Atomic Cowboy- Situated amidst a plethora of bars and restaurants on Manchester, Atomic Cowboy has deals that are nearly impossible to beat.

With different specials every night, drinks start as low as 50 cents. You can enjoy a night with your friends and make new ones, without emptying out your wallet.

Atomic Cowboy is located at 4140 Manchester Ave. Novak’s Bar and Grill-- The town’s most popular LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) bar also sits right in the middle Manchester’s popular bar and nightclub district. All are welcome to drink, dance, play darts and play pool. There is never a dull moment at Novak’s, where they keep the dance music pumping through the speakers all night long. It is located at 4121 Manchester Ave. Tower Grove Park-- When the weather is warm, there is no place better to pass the day away than in Tower Grove Park. Located south of Grand, the park plans a jam-packed event calendar that will never leave you with nothing to do.

From live concerts, to various city festivals, to familyfriendly movie showings, the park is always alive with entertainment. The best part is that it’s all free.

Trying to claim back its big city status and reputation as the Midwest’s most happening metropolitan area, St. Louis is revitalizing the city. Each neighborhood has its own atmosphere. The only way to fully experience all that St. Louis has to offer is to get out.

Go and see for yourself.

File photo

The Fabulous Fox Theatre, located close to the Saint Louis University campus, hosts a number of touring musicals and musical acts.. Visit www.fabulousfox.com for more information.

Sports

10 Thursday April 22, 2010

Talk to us: call Bobby Schindler 314.977.2812, or e-mail sports.unews@gmail.com UNEWSONLINE.COM

The University News

Senior first baseman swings a big bat Danny Brock is on top of Atlantic 10 leaderboards

Rams fans, the few that remain at least, have a lot of questions for their favorite football franchise.

Commentary Some of the more p r e s s ing ones include:

By DERRICK NEUNER Senior Staff Writer

Danny Brock has always loved the game of baseball.

The senior first baseman for the Saint Louis University Billikens dabbled in other spor ts, like basFirst Base ketball ( “ I ’ m not tall enough”) a n d golf, but somehow found his way back to the Danny Brock diamond e a c h spring. For Brock, baseball was more than just a game; it’s part of the family legacy.

In 1982, Greg Brock made his Major League debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a first baseman. He would play that position for 10 years at the Major League level, five for the Dodgers and five for the Milwaukee Brewers.

He finished his career batting .310; with 110 home runs and 462 RBIs. “I grew up around the game,” Brock said. “I chose baseball because it’s what I wanted to do more than anything.”

And in his second year with the Billikens (19-19, 7-5), Brock is doing it well. He’s batting .378 and has 53 RBIs; his RBI total leads the Atlantic 10 Conference and his homerun total, 13, is good for second.

That’s a stark contrast to last season when he hit just two balls over the wall and drove in a measly 38 runs.

“I’m seeing the ball well … I started the season well, and it’s still rolling over,” Brock said. “I’m trying to win games. I’ve gotten smarter, understand the pitching better. I went to a tough summer league, and that helped me a lot.”

It has also caught the eye of Major League scouts.

The Loveland, Colo. native came to SLU after playing

Bobby Schindler

Terrence Murphy / Photographer

two years for Northeastern Colorado Community College.

His role there was similar to the one here: rebuild a struggling ballclub into a perennial contender. Though NECC is still in the building process, Brock did his part. The first baseman was a two-time AllRegion and All-Conference selection and led the team in batting average. He came to SLU for all the right reasons.

“I liked the situation, wanted to get away from home a little bit, and it’s worked out well for me,” Brock said. “I knew when I came here that it was a building program. I came here with the idea that when I left here, the program would be better off.”

It’s well on its way.

He also wins praise from his coach, Darin Hendrickson.

“He has a great baseball IQ and has instincts that you can’t teach. College athletics needs to get more kids like

Above: Senior Danny Brock (No. 9) steps up to the plate in the 9-6 Billiken loss to Missouri State University on April 20. Brock leads the team in RBIs and is second in homers.

He is the son of former majorleaguer Greg Brock.

Leftt: Brock’s stats have been among the league leaders all season long.

He is also in the top 10 in batting average, hits, walks, total bases, runs scored and on-base percentage.

See “Brock” on Page 11

Bobby Schindler / Sports Editor

Bill Barrett / Saint Louis University

Billikens to run with the best-of-’em Sports Editor

Nearly ever y athlete dreams of squaring off against the best competition in the world – it’s why they do what they do. After all, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Most college athletes don’t get a taste of

W h o will own the team when the 2010 season kicks

off?

Will the team remain in St. Louis?

What will the team do with the first overall pick in the draft?

What does it feel like to win more than three games?

Sophomore Dahmar Smiles leaps over a hurdle during a meet at Washington University. Smiles is one of six Billikens that will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for the presitgious Drake Relays.

By BOBBY SCHINDLER

St. Louis Rams are on the clock

this elite level while still in school. That usually comes after their collegiate careers, in professional leagues.

However, a small group of Billikens will get a shot at these dreams this weekend at the Drake Relays.

The Drake Relays is an annual track and field event held in Des Moines, Iowa.

The event brings in some of the best athletes in the world, both collegiate and professional. “[The event] is on a whole different level from regular collegiate events. The competition, … the amount of spectators, it’s all on a much higher scale,” sophomore Dahmar Smiles said. “It’s definitely a

different experience.”

Smiles, the only male representative from Saint Louis University, will be joined by five female Billikens at the competition, which begins on April 22. Junior Tiffany Alexander, sophomores Brittney Cloudy and Mallory Dugger and freshmen Kalie Kirk and Ashley Roche complete the group of Billikens that will compete.

Drake University will serve as the host of the event that expects more than 7,200 athletes to compete over four days in front of more than 10,000 fans. This will be the 101st running of the Drake Relays. Athletes from 58 foreign countries will compete at the meet, offering the Billikens a look at the cream of the world’s crop.

“The amount of competition is the biggest difference for me. It really helps me. I know that I run better when the competition is better,” Smiles said.

The competition will even include athletes from traditional track and field powerhouses like Jamaica and Kenya. Smiles isn’t daunted by this step up in competition, though.

“I’m excited. A little nervous I guess, but I know that I belong here. I’ve had the chance to run in big events like this before, so I know what to expect … I qualified for the meet and I expect to compete,” Smiles said.

Smiles will compete in the men’s 110- and 400-meter hurdles events. He competed for SLU in the same events last year at the Drake Relays.

Kirk, Alexander, Cloudy and Roche will compete in the women’s 4x100-meter relay.

Kirk, Alexander, Roche and Dugger will run the 4x400meter relay. Cloudy is also competing in the women’s triple jump.

The rest of the Billiken track and field squad will head to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for the SIUE

Twilight on April 24.

Smiles was a standout performer on a high school team that won the Maryland state title during his sophomore, junior and senior years. “[Running at the Drake Relays] feels good. It really helps my confidence knowing that I am another step closer to achieving my goals,” Smiles said.

These goals include running for the United States in the 2012 Olympics in London.

“By the end of my high school career I realized I could maybe [compete] professionally. Since then I’ve just been trying to take all of the appropriate steps to get there.”

Hopefully for Smiles, this weekend might prove to be another one of these steps.

All jokes aside, the team can do little to answer these first two questions for now, as it appears that current minority and potential full owner Stan Kroenke seems headed toward an extended power struggle with both NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and potential buyer Shahid Khan. The answer to that third question will come tonight. Whether or not the Rams are ready to give the correct answer is yet to be determined.

The answer to the final question will depend a lot on how the Rams tackle that oh-so important third one.

The Rams abysmal 2009 campaign, which witnessed the team go an NFL-worst 1-15, has granted them the top pick in this year’s draft. This is the third straight season that the Rams will have one of the first three picks (the Rams are a NFL-worst 6-42 since 2006). A team should only be in the rebuilding phase for so long, so the team needs to make the most out of this opportunity.

The Rams decision is an especially intriguing one because this is the first time in the last four years that the team with the No. 1 pick has not reached a deal with its selection prior to the draft.

There is some real mystery here – albeit, only a little.

It is common knowledge that the No. 1 pick will either be Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford or Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh. The Sooner QB and the Husker DT are the obvious top talents. Draft experts across the gamut have these two at the top of their boards in some order. The Rams reportedly love Bradford, but there are several reasons to doubt that scenario will play out.

For starters, there is the aforementioned fact that the Rams chose not to attempt to sign Bradford before the draft. If they knew he was their guy, why not at least try to sign him? But there is also a more recent development: Ben Roethlisberger.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly shopping the troubled, two-time Super Bowl Champion for a top-10 pick.

Certainly, Roethlisberger raises some alarms. The See “Rams” on Page 11

Sports

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Sports Shorts:Billiken Briefs Baseball The comeback was too late and too little for the Billikens on Tuesday, April 20, as they fell 9-6 to Missouri State University at The Billiken Sports Center.

The Billikens fell behind early, 8-0, but refused to throw in the towel. The team chipped away at the lead throughout the game, and even got within two runs after third baseman Jon Myers’ conference-leading 15th homerun in the bottom of the seventh inning.

However, the early MSU surge proved to be too much.

The Bears forced SLU starter, Mike Schrader out of the game after only 1/3 of an inning.

MSU also received a strong effort out of relief pitcher, Grant Gordon, who did not allow a hit in the Billikens final 2 and 2/3 innings.

The Billikens travel to Amherst, Mass., to take on UMass in a three-game set beginning on Friday, April 23.

Men’s Soccer Freshman Alex Sweetin provided the offense in SLU’s 3-2 victory over Washington University in St. Louis on April 18 at Robert Hermann Stadium. The freshman scored two goals, including the game winner in the 70th minute in the win.

Mike Roach fed Sweetin the assist on his first goal, the first of the game, and Alex Johnston scored for SLU to make it 2-0. Wash. U. scored the next two goals before Sweetin sealed the deal with a free kick with roughly 20 minutes to go.

The victory brought the

Billikens to 2-1-1 during the spring exhibition season that will conclude on April 24, as the Billikens visit Peoria, Ill., to take on Bradley University at Shea Stadium at 2 p.m.

Softball The Billikens tied a school record with 17 hits in Tuesday, April 20’s 12-4 victory over the University of Loyola Chicago. That victory was the second game of a doubleheader against the Ramblers. The Billikens split the match up, losing 14-6 in the first game.

The first game saw both teams trade the lead several times before a three-run fourth inning and six-run fifth inning catapulted the Ramblers into an automatic victory via the run rule.

SLU grabbed the lead early in the nightcap and never relinquished it. Alyson Brand hit her first of two two-run homeruns in the top of the second to start it off for the Bills. The lead was extended to 5-0 when Brand launched her second two-run blast in the top of the fourth.

Hannah Huebbe would walk the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh before getting a strikeout and a line drive out to finish the game at 12-4.

Brand’s two homers tied the school record for homers in a single game and Rachel Faletto collected a schoolrecord-tying four hits in the effort.

Tennis As predicted by the Atlantic 10 league office, SLU’s men’s tennis team finished in fifth

place at this year’s A-10 Conference Championship tournament. A 4-1 victory over St. Bonaventure in the consolation bracket on April 18 sealed the Billikens final place.

The Billikens entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed and first faced off against No. 12 Fordham. The Bills cruised through that opening round match up, 4-0, before losing a tough 4-3 decision to the No. 4 Temple Owls in the quarterfinals. The loss sent the Billikens to the consolation bracket to meet No. 8 Richmond.

The Billikens found themselves on the winning side of a 4-3 decision after the Richmond match-up. This victory led to the showdown against the Bonnies on Sunday.

The Bills captured the doubles point in three of the four tournament matches.

The women’s team enters the women’s A-10 Conference Championship tournament as the No. 7 seed. The No. 7 Bills will host the tournament this season at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park.

The action kicks off Friday, April 23, at 8 a.m. when the Billikens take on the No. 10 Dayton Flyers. A win against the Flyers will put the Billikens in a quarterfinal match against No. 2 Richmond, the defending champions.

Sunset Tennis Center in south St. Louis County and Kings Point Sports Club in Belleville, Ill., will serve as the indoor play sites in the case of inclement weather. ~Bobby Schindler

NHL Playoffs: Ice is heating up

By CHRIS ACKELS Senior Staff Writer

Western Conference (1) San Jose Sharks vs.

(8) Colorado Avalanche Series tied 2-2 Three of the first four games in this series went to overtime, including game two that the Avalanche won on a San Jose “own goal” after 65 minutes of scoreless hockey.

But this series isn’t really as close as it looks: San Jose recorded 52, 51 and 45 shots on goal in the last three games.

Though Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson has been stellar, he needs more help from his offense to keep the Avs alive.

(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs.

(7) Nashville Predators Predators lead 2-1 Despite being down 2-1 in the series, expect Chicago’s high-powered offense to tie the series this evening and take back home ice advantage going into game five. Although goaltending has been the Blackhawks weakness all year, Antti Niemi played well inside the United Center in games 1 and 2. Chicago will need contributions from their big players to win three of the next four games.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs.

(6) Los Angeles Kings Series tied 2-2 Last night, with 2:52 on the clock in the third period, Vancouver's Daniel Sedin passed the puck to his identical twin brother Hendrik Sedin, who buried it in the net and gave

the Canucks a much-needed win to tie this series at 2-2.

Vancouver has suffered from less-than-stellar play from the usually incredible Roberto Luongo in goal, but the Canucks have made up for it with timely offense. This series returns to Canada this weekend where Vancouver will try to take charge.

(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs.

(5) Detroit Red Wings Series tied 2-2 Detroit looked like a different team in games two and four than they did in games one and three. The Wings put seven on the board in Phoenix for game two, and shut out the Coyotes at home in game four. It will completely depend on which team shows up in Hockeytown, as this has been narrowed to a best of three series against Phoenix.

Eastern Conference (1) Washington Capitals vs.

(8) Montreal Canadians Capitals lead 3-1 Washington struggled at home, losing game one and winning game two in overtime. But, the best team in the NHL marched into Montreal with a completely different attitude, and played like the powerhouse that they are in games three and four, winning those matchups 5-1 and 6-3. Alex Ovechkin has tallied five points: two goals and one assist. The rest of the Capitals have played like the 121-point team that they were in the regular season.

(2) New Jersey Devils vs.

(7) Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers lead 3-1 From the very beginning, this series has been labeled a battle of goaltending. Two veterans – Philadelphia’s 33year-old Brian Boucher and New Jersey’s 37-year-old Martin Brodeur – stand in net for these squads, both having represented their countries in the 2010 Olympics. Brodeur began with a weak showing in game one, making only 12 saves in the Devils’ 2-1 loss.

Thanks to that poor opening slate, the Devils have their backs against the wall going into game five.

(3) Buffalo Sabres vs.

(6) Boston Bruins Bruins lead 3-1 Miroslov Satan, a former favorite among Sabres fans, scored in the second overtime last night to crush his former team and give his new Boston Bruins a commanding 3-1 lead in this series. Buffalo won game one, but Boston bounced back with three victories in a row in a series where three of the four games have been decided by just one goal. The Sabres, divisional champs and No. 3 seed in the East, will have to win three straight to advance.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs.

(5) Ottowa Senators Penguins lead 3-1 Sidney Crosby is at it again.

In four games, Crosby has tallied four goals along with seven assists, and those 11 points lead the entire NHL playoffs.

Despite squeaking out a game 1 win on the road, don’t expect Ottawa to stop Crosby and the Penguins from finishing this series at home tonight.

Check out Chris Ackels’ look at the NBA Playoffs online at www.unewsonline.com

The University News

11

Brock: Senior is key building block Continued from Page 10

him, tough guys, who play the game every inning.

“He has been instrumental in turning our club around and being a cornerstone of that turnaround by leading on the field and putting up numbers like only a few others in SLU history,” the skipper said.

In the last two years, SLU baseball posted a 30-win season, just the fourth time since 1972 that the Billikens finished above .500. Included in that 30-win season was a marquee win over then-No.11 Ole Miss. This season, they have two wins against the then-No.

2 Kansas Jayhawks. Wins like those, Brock says, makes it fun to be a Billiken.

“We go into those games with a lot of anticipation, you know, we want to see those types of teams. And when you beat them, you know you’re building in the right direction.

“You see guys are growing and our team is growing with them. I think if we can get into the A-10 tournament, we have a shot at going somewhere.”

Playing first base, being both a defensive and offensive threat, and playing in St. Louis brings a quick comparison. Yes, Brock often gets

asked about St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols.

“He’s an idol; it’s tough to compare to that,” Brock said.

“He changes the way everybody plays. You can learn a lot by watching him.”

But Brock can do one thing Pujols doesn’t: throw from the mound. While at NECC, he did not allow an earned run in 11-2/3 innings and went 2-0 while picking up four saves.

So, what if the Billikens were to log 20 innings like the Cardinals did on Saturday, April 17?

“If we get to that 20th inning, I’ll be there,” Brock said.

Rams: Franchise has big decision Continued from Page 10

28-year-old QB was suspended six games of the 2010 season on April 21 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after he was involved in an alleged sexual assault case. However, “Big Ben” is a proven winner. His two Super Bowl rings speak for themselves. In a league dominated by passers, the addition of someone like Roethlisberger could be a franchise changer.

And since the Rams own the top pick, and not just a top-10 one, they could maybe coerce the Steelers into throwing in a second or third round pick to sweeten the deal.

And of course there is Suh. Anyone who watched the Big12 Championship game can attest to the fact that he is a game changer. Suh is one of the most freakishly gifted prospects to come around in a long time.

However, my hope is that the Rams go with their alleged instincts on this one and take Bradford. While Suh may not necessarily be the wrong answer, he isn’t the most correct one. The Rams are in a rut and have been for years. They need a spark, a new identity, something to breathe life into the franchise, and no other position in sports can offer that spark the same

way a quarterback can. This is where Roethlisberger loses out. He now carries such a negative stigma around him that he has lost that glimmer of hope that usually accompanies a new franchise quarterback.

This leaves Bradford easily as the best possible answer, which is fine by me. The Sooner passer leaves little to be desired.

Bradford has an excellent resume and all of the physical tools you’d expect from a perennial Pro-Bowler.

Bradford may not be the answer to all of the Rams questions, but he is certainly the answer tonight.

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The University News

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Thursday, April 22, 2010