August 30, 2012 (No. 1)

U University News Thursday, August 30, 2012

the

Vol. XCII No. 1

unewsonline.com

A student voice of SLU since 1919

Law School Dean Resigns

By KRISTEN MIANO News Editor

In the wake of Annette Clark’s resignation as dean of the SLU law school, President Lawrence Biondi announced in his August message that Vice President of Academic Affairs, Manoj Patankar, will begin a search for a new dean this fall. In the interim, however, Biondi appointed Thomas Keefe, a personal injury lawyer from Illinois and Saint Louis University alum.

“I felt we needed a fresh perspective in the leadership role at our School of Law. We need a dean who is positive minded, a team builder, and who understands the bigger picture,” Biondi said in an email to The University News, “Tom Keefe brings all of these qualities to the role.”

On Aug. 8, 2012, former Dean Clark announced her resignation from the role in a letter to both Biondi and Patankar. In the letter, she cited several reasons as to why she felt she could not longer fulfill the role, many of which pertained to her dissatisfaction with decisions made by the president in regards to the law school.

“You have not consulted me on important matters involving the law school’s interests, you have failed to honor commitments that I had assured the faculty you would keep,” Clark said in her letter, “and you have accused me of being uncooperative and not being a team player when I have objected to these actions.”

Among her reasons cited for resigning were the apparent transferring of funds from both the Law School Building fund and faculty research stipends, poor communication regarding the acquisition of the new law school building downtown and Biondi›s failure to meet with the ABA accreditation team when they came to the law school.

“I strongly disagree with her interpretations of the facts,” Biondi said in his email, “I have addressed her assertions in my August 2012 message to the SLU community.”

In response to Clark›s grievances, Biondi assured the SLU community that his support for the law school had not wavered. In regards to the transfer of funds, he insisted that any funds that had been donated to the Law School were not redirected from their intended purposes. He did say, however, that a total of $815,490 was used to pay for compensation expenses within the law school, including the dean›s salary.

In his email to The University News, Biondi stated that he feels the move to the Scott Law Center is at step forward for the law school.

“We announced our plans to expand our current Law School facilities more than five years ago. Unfortunately, fundraising had slowed, and the project was becoming less of a possibility. The unexpected donation of the downtown building at 100 N. Tucker Boulevard will allow us to move forward right now,” Biondi said, “It will provide the amenities our Law School has wanted for years.

This move is critical to ensure that we continue to provide our students with the highest

INSIDE:

See “Keefe” on Page 3

Photo Credit: Michael Johnson

SLU basketball head coach, Rick Majerus, directs player Kwaimain Mitchell during a game at Chaifetz Arena on Nov. 5, 2011.

Time Out: Majerus on leave Coach sidelined for the year due to health concerns

By DERRICK NEUNER Senior Staff Writer

Perhaps in passing, in answering a question from Sports Illustrated’s Ann Killion, after his Saint Louis University Billikens stunned Memphis and nearly toppled the No.1 seeded Michigan State in Columbus, Ohio, Rick Majerus said he was “burnt out. You know, it’s like, can’t I get a day off?”

Killion followed up, asking, “You just said you’re burnt out. Please forgive me if this is bad timing, but you’ve made some references to being old...w” Majerus cut her off and said, “Well, I am old. Listen. My AAPR card says I’m old and my senior discount…” The surrounding media all laughed. Rick Majerus sat exhausted, but like a king returned to his throne, addressing the media about SLU’s historic season, his outgoing seniors, and his future.

The head coach said that he made a commitment to his team and his recruits, and that he wouldn’t walk out on them, like Urban Meyer walked out on his team at Utah. “I really plan to be [back at SLU]. I wouldn’t do that to the kids. I made com-

mitments to kids … I just want to take some time off,” he said.

While it may have been humor at the time, the joke turned serious this summer as Majerus, who has had seven heart bypasses and a stint installed, began suffering a serious compromise of his cardiac health. The joke ended completely on Aug. 24 when SLU announced that Majerus would take a leave of absence for the 2012-13 basketball season.

Majerus leaves SLU with a 95-69 record in five seasons, with a 517-216 record overall.

Assistant coach Jim Crews has been immediately named interim head coach for the season.

“I appreciate what Rick has done to return SLU men’s basketball to national prominence,” University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. said in a statement released by the school. “I know that he would like to be here with his players and coaches this season, and all of us at SLU will keep Rick in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

It is unlikely that Majerus will return to the Billikens’ sidelines. His current contract is in its final years, and according to sources close to the coach,

SLU has not begun negotiations on its extension.

According to SLU athletic director Chris May, Majerus is currently hospitalized in California; the University has been in contact with Majerus but did not release specifics on his condition or his status past the 2012-13 season.

The school learned Majerus would not be returning the day before the announcement was made. SLU also has made no decision on whether Crew will be promoted to head coach or other candidates would be interviewed for the position, assuming Majerus does not return.

“Crews is a longtime professional and is all-in with the task of leading the program this year,” May said. “He has led teams to numerous NCAA Tournaments, which is our goal. [We] continue to prepare for what promises to be an exciting basketball season.”

According to Crews, the players are “very emotional” about losing their coach but “they’re See “Majerus” on Page 3

Two held in Boken case; alumna random victim

Boken

By DERRICK NEUNER Senior Staff Writer

Two teenagers have been formally charged by the Circuit Attorney of St. Louis in the murder of Saint Louis University alumna and volleyball star Megan Boken on Aug. 18.

Prosecutors have charged Keith Esters, 18, of St. Louis,

NEWS

>> Meet Mr. President

with first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and first-degree robbery; his co-defendant, Johnathan Perkins, 18, of Overland, with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action.

They are being held without bail in a St. Louis jail.

St. Louis police say that Esters and Perkins made plans to drive to the Central West End and commit a robbery. According to statements obtained from a witness — Esters’ girlfriend — Perkins agreed to drive Esters.

They spotted Boken, 23, talking to her mother on a cell phone and decided she would be the target of the robbery.

Esters exited Perkins’ vehicle around 2:20 p.m., approached Boken, and tried to rob her of her purse and cell phone.

When Boken resisted, Esters pulled a hand gun and fired it twice at Boken, striking her in the neck and chest.

She was found dead minutes later by STLPD in her car.

2 OPINION

>> Behind the curtain

Eyewitnesses told investigators they observed Esters running from the scene and entering a vehicle immediately after Boken was shot. A witness positively identified Esters.

“This was a disturbing case for a lot of people because it was so random and in a part of town we normally don’t associate with crime,” Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce said in announcing the charges.

“But this murder was handled the same way with this police department as every other homicide. They stayed up for hours on end following every lead.”

Joyce would not comment if she would seek the death penalty, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Among the leads in the case were a cell phone left behind at the scene. Police traced the phone to a 32-yearold woman who claimed she had been robbed the week before in the Brentwood neighborhood.

According to the victim, she was approached between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. by two

armed young men who then forced her to drive to an ATM at a local bank, withdraw all her balance, and then return to the parking lot outside Whole Foods at Brentwood Square, where she had been eating lunch.

On Aug. 29, both Esters and Perkins were charged with first-degree robbery, felonious restraint, and two counts of armed criminal action in the Brentwood case.

Police notes from the Boken case were used to identify Esters and Perkins as suspects in the Aug. 12 robbery.

A memorial fund at SLU has been set up in Boken’s memory.

“Megan tragically lost her life … in a senseless crime,” University president Lawrence Biondi said.

“Megan truly exemplified SLU at its best.”

4 ARTS

>> A rainy Loufest

Parks dean named

By WOLF HOWARD Associate News Editor

Saint Louis University has named Theodosios Alexander as the dean of Parks College of Engineering Aviation and Technology.

Alexander’s apAlexander pointment concludes the college’s two-year search for a permanent dean. Krishnaswamy Ravindra, now the college’s associate dean, has served as Parks interim dean since 2010 following Manoj Patankar’s appointment as the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The process of selecting a new dean involved a 10 to 12 person committee made up of students, alumni, faculty and staff.

“All the university, past and present, weighed in,” Ravindra said.

See “Parks” on Page 3

7 SPORTS

>> New face on bench

9

2 NEWS

AUGUST 30, 2012

unewsonline.com

Let Us Introduce You: Blake Exline SGA President enjoys singing and playing basketball

By KRISTEN MIANO News Editor

Junior Blake Exline says that if he had to pick one thing, his favorite part of Saint Louis University is the sense of community.

“With as many students as we have, I still feel like this is a tight knit community,” Exline said. “It’s rare that you’ll walk down West Pine and not have someone smile at you and say hi.”

This year, Exline is giving back to the community he loves by serving as the President of the Student Government Association.

Exline, a Health Management major from Indianapolis, joined SGA last year as the Griesedieck Complex senator. He also participated as a member of the Food Services Concerns Committee and the co-chair of the Residential Affairs Committee.

Exline discovered his passion for senate in December of last year when a change in Housing and Residence Life security policy sparked concern among students.The new policy stated that the university would no longer contract with the security company that had manned the desks of the dorms at night. Instead, desks were to go unmanaged during the day, and students would work the desks at night. Students were upset not only about the late hours for the desk workers, but also over what they felt was a downgrade in campus security.

“I worked closely with last year’s president, Matt Ryan, meeting with administrators to make sure student concerns were addressed,” Exline said, “I took away that with SGA, you learn to take the energy students have and feed that into making change.”

After his experience working with the security policy, Exline knew he wanted to do more with SGA than just be a senator.

He set his sights on an executive board position.

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Friday, August 24

7:35 a.m. - PROPERTY DAMAGE Person(s) unknown knocked a statue from its base. Grounds crew was notified.

Saturday, August 25

11:29 p.m. - BURGLAR ALARM DPSEP Communications received a burglar alarm originating from Olive Compton Garage. DPSEP Of-

ficers responded and noticed someone had broken the glass casing that housed a fire extinguisher and the fire extinguisher was missing.

Tuesday, August 28

2:32 p.m. - INFORMATIONAL A female student reported that she obtained an “Ex Parte Order of Protection” from St. Louis County in reference to issues she is having with a female subject. The subject has been served.

8:24 p.m. - AUTO ACCIDENT A male student walking against a “red” electric signal was struck by a vehicle traveling north on Grand

11:45 p.m. - ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT A report was received by DPSEP Communications stating a non-SLU affiliated female was a victim of an attempted sexual assault. DPSEP and SLMPD officers responded.

EMS treatment was refused.

Be a Responsible Billiken STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu dps.slu.edu

Kristen Miano / News Editor

“My interests didn’t necessarily lie in one of the vice presidential positions entirely, so I thought, ‘Why not?’” Exline said.

Exline stressed that having the support of six qualified vice presidents was essential to his campaign.

“I think what makes us unique as an executive board is that we weren’t all necessarily friends who had been talking about doing this,” Exline said. “I put together a ticket with the interests of SGA in mind.”

He hopes to see the success of his campaign continue as he and the VPs begin to tackle some of the goals presented in their platforms. Their plans include improving mail services on campus and working with Chartwells to improve the quality of meal plans.

Outside SGA, Exline was also part of Decadence, a SLU a cappella group.

“I’ve been singing since I was little,” Exline said.

“That’s the only thing I feel I’m missing by taking a position like this. Not just the singing aspect, but the friends I made through singing with Decadence.”

When he’s not singing or passing senate bills, Exline enjoys running and biking in Forest Park. He also enjoys pickup basketball games. Though he claims to be terrible, he insists that he is still better than previous SGA president Ryan.

“One-on-one basketball was something we did during the transition period over the summer. It would give us a chance to talk and play a bit,” Exline said. “I would always win.”

While even Exline admits his claims of basketball skill could be questionable, his dedication to his role as president is clear.

“I like that I get to be a catalyst for change. The best part is seeing the little changes that students get fired up about.”

Biondi greets Class of 2016

Kristen Miano / News Editor

President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. gives his annual address at the Academic Convocation on Friday, Aug. 24 at Chaifetz Arena. Biondi shared his top 10 tips for success with an audience of new students, parents and Saint Louis University faculty members.

unewsonline.com

August 30, 2012

“Del Taco” to join caffeine club

Saucer building renovation makes progress

By PATRICK OLDS Senior Staff Writer

The unidentified flying object that was the Del Taco residence is no longer unidentified. The process of overhauling the original structure and property is almost halfway complete at this point, according to Hany Abonary, developer at Union Square Enterprises.

When the The University News previously reported on this story, leases for two potential tenants had not been finalized.

Those leases are now complete and the new tenants are expected to be Chipotle Mexican Grill, a national restaurant chain, and Starbucks Coffee Company. These two chains have become highly popular around the country, especially among collegeaged students.

“I’m so excited about Chipotle,” Amelia Arnold, senior at Saint Louis University’s College of Arts and Sciences, said. “They are all over in Chicago, so it’s nice that there will be a closer option than Qdoba.”

Abonary said the priorities they established for the property were safety, convenience and the addi-

tion of an amenity for SLU students. Although the building project has proven more expensive than their original estimates, Abonary was not discouraged.

“Our goal throughout this process was to create an addition to the area that was unlike any other,” said Abonary. “It is not earthshattering, but through working with SLU, we hoped to provide an additional amenity for students and other members of the community.”

Starbucks is supposed to be completed by the end of September, while Chipotle is scheduled for completion sometime in October.

The Starbucks will include a drive-thru, and both new tenants will provide easier access to students than the previous tenant, Del Taco.

“I am so excited for a close option to become available, especially for it to be a restaurant like Chipotle. I couldn’t be happier,” said Brendan McDermott, a junior in SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Abonary said it has been a pleasure to work with SLU, and this new complex will seek to create a more pedestrian-friendly area near campus. In addition to the physical and

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Parks: Two-year dean search ends land, where he served as chair and a professor of energy engineering since Alexander was chosen from 2006. However he is not a pool of more than 30 applinew to the St. Louis area, cations. Of those applicants, having served as a faculty three or four were brought member in the Mechanical to the campus to be interEngineering Department viewed by the committee, at Washington University and the top two candidates from 1988 to 2001. were chosen.

Alexander graduated in There was also a stu1981 with a B.S. in Marine dent-led interview in which Engineering from the UniParks students were able to versity of Newcastle Upon speak personally with AlexTyne, England. He went on ander and voice their worto obtain three Master of ries. Patankar had the final Science degrees and a Docsay on the appointment of torate from Massachusetts the new dean.

Institute of Technology.

“When interviewed by His recent research is foParks students, many hot cused on engine design and topics were posed to Dr. Alenergy efficiency. He also exander,” said publishes Parks College under the Senator Parry surname I also inquired about KorakianiDraper. “Dr. A l e x a n d e r how the candidate sees tis. Alexanr e s p o n d e d the role of students’ voic- der decided to each issue es in the dean position, to change with pragmat- and Dr. Alexander wel- his legal ic solutions comed the idea of collab- name in the and an eager- oration with students summer of ness to tackle 2001 due to each individpeople havual issue with -Parry Draper ing issues the help of saying his students, facborn name. ulty and alumni.”

In an August press reSome of the major conlease from Parks College, cerns of Parks students inAlexander is quoted saying cluded improving relationhe wants to “advance our ships with industry corporeputation as an institution rations, maintaining underwhere research-led educagraduate research opportution provides sought-after nities, balancing the various and marketable degrees to needs of the college’s disour graduates.” ciplines and improving the One of Ravindra’s focusranking of Parks College. es as interim dean was to “I also inquired about foster an intercollegiate vihow the candidate sees the sion of Parks College, workrole of students’ voices in ing with students and faculthe dean position, and Dr. ty from other disciplines to Alexander welcomed the strengthen their program. idea of collaboration with He hopes to see Parks constudents,” Draper said. tinue to build and nurture Alexander was also notits relationship with other ed as being very personable colleges under Alexander’s and relatable to the student lead. body.

“The students from According to Draper he Parks College present for even pointed out the bags the interview put their faith under his eyes, which he in Dr. Alexander when they attributed to staying up well unanimously recommended past midnight as he was him to the administration,” busy wrapping up a prosaid Draper, who is greatly posal, which many college looking forward to working students are undoubtedly with Alexander. “Overall, he familiar with. just fit the ticket.”

Alexander is coming “All of Parks College is to SLU from Queen Mary very excited to have him University of London, Enghere,” Ravindra said.

Continued from Page 1

Kristen Miano / News Editor

Construction continues on the old Del Taco Building on Grand Blvd. as of Aug. 29. asthetic benefits of the new complex, Abonary said they specifically looked for sustainable and environmentally-conscious tenants who sought to promote ideals that students of higher education would appreciate. Abonary said that Starbucks and Chipotle fit that bill.

Besides the new complex that is being constructed at the old Del Taco building, a possible new restaurant is in the process of becoming a reality within the Flats building. Abonary said the process has taken longer than expected, but they

were trying to be selective.

“We looked at possibly putting venues such as bars within the building, but did not feel it was right to put late-night venues that served hard alcohol below student housing,” Abonary said. “We were trying to wait for a good tenant to come along that would not disrupt student living, and we believe we may have found at least one exciting concept.”

Abonary could not go into detail, but did say that talks were “ongoing.” He hopes to have something finalized soon.

Activities Fair gets students involved

Kristen Miano / News Editor

Students grab some ice cream before checking out the tables at the SLU Activities Fair on Aug. 29 in the Saint Louis University Quad. The fair gives new students a chance to learn more about the numerous student groups and organizations on SLU’s campus and to find activities they may want to get involved in.

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Majerus: Coach’s health uncertain Continued from Page 1

Keefe: Dean search to begin in fall Continued from Page 1

quality legal education possible.”

According to the August message, law school administration were effectively notified about the change in building plans and had agreed that the Scott Law Center would be an important addition to the law school before the donation was officially finalized.

Biondi went on to say that he could not meet with the accreditation team because he was out of the country at the time, a fact the team was made aware of prior to their visit.

He said that the team met with Patankar instead and that he intended to converse with them over Skype, but spotty internet availability made this juncture impossible.

Finally, Biondi addressed the assertion that he transferred funds from the law school’s faculty research stipends.

“The reality is that we did review the Law School’s summer stipend program because we are committed to operating in a fiscally responsible manner,” Biondi said in his message, “After this review and a meeting with the faculty, it was agreed that we would proceed with awarding more than $260,000 in summer stipends to the Law faculty.

The stipends were awarded, and the source of this funding came from the School of

Law’s budgets.” education, and it’s too hard In light of the changes to find a job to pay for that occurring at the law school, education. I get that,” he Biondi said in his email said, “I wish I could hire evto The University News that ery one of you. We cannot he would like to see the guarantee jobs but we can school move forward. work hard to make each of “We must always keep you employable and martrying to advance and to imketable.” prove the education we proAccording to reports advide, not only for our curdressing his appointment, it rent students but also for was announced that Keefe our future was doones.” nating Keefe the salary echoed he would I pledge to help out stu- h a v e this sentiment in dents get a fair shot at good been paid his letter as dean of greet- jobs by reminding people in back to ing to the the world I come from that the Unistudent versity. and fac- our law school trains law“ M y ulty of yers, people who are ready, wife Rita the law is my willing and able to represent m o s t school. “ I clients. trusted pledge to adviser. It help our was her students -Thomas Keefe recomget a fair mendashot at tion, and good jobs it didn’t by reminding the people take much convincing,” in the world I come from Keefe said in an email to that our law school trains The University News, “I have lawyers – people who are been blessed to have a sucready, willing, able and eacessful practice for many ger to represent clients,” years, and this is simply Keefe said. another way that I can pay Keefe went on to anSLU back for the great edunounce that he welcomed cation it gave me.” the opportunity to work at Keefe said his goal is to his alma mater and that he fight for the success of the understood the challenges law school, something he that go along with being a plans to do by listening inlaw student. tently to faculty, staff and “Being a lawyer is fun, students. but it isn’t perfect. It’s too “Right now, I am doing expensive to get a legal a lot of listening. I have

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been meeting with students, faculty and alumni, and members of the St. Louis community. I want to know what they want for our School and our future.”

Keefe said.

He hopes that he will be able to bring a different perspective to the law school, as he has had no previous experience as a college administrator or in academia.

Instead, he intends to use his 35 years of law experience to ensure that he doing the best job possible during his tenure.

“We have a great school, and I want people to know it. I need to be strong advocate in terms of seeking the necessary resources to move us forward. At the same time I recognize that this one great big university, and the needs of the many really do outweigh the needs of the few,” Keefe said.

Above all, he maintains that he is strongly committed to the success of the students enrolled in the law school.

“For the next year I work for you. Please understand I did not ask for this job, and I am not running for reelection. I am not here to please the administration, the faculty, law school bloggers, and least of all U.S. News and World Report,” he said, “I am unorthodox and irreverent, but I take lawyering very seriously. It has been my life; it is a good life, and working together it can be a good life for you too.”

absorbing it. We’re going to just take it one step at a time.” Majerus’ playing system will stay largely in tact, Crews said, except for a few added “wrinkles and new counters.”

Majerus came to SLU in 2007 promising to bring NCAA basketball to the then uncompleted Chaifetz Arena and propel the program to heights yet unseen by Billiken basketball.

The 64-year-old coach had previously taken Utah to the NCAA championship game before leaving Utah for health reasons in 2004.

He subsequently became a commentator for ESPN. Majerus’ and therefore, SLU’s, road to Columbus was at times beautiful and at times, disastrous; the result of a sweeping overhaul, a crippling scandal and controversies resulting from Majerus’ notorious disobedience.

On April 30, 2007, Biondi replaced Brad Soderberg with Majerus, who had no time to assemble a team of his own. The team struggled to stay over .500. In 2008, Majerus released four players and added his first recruiting class, one that included Kwamain Mitchell, Willie Reed, Kyle Cassity, and Brian Conklin.

That core would lead SLU to 18 wins in 2008-09 and 23 wins and a CBI berth in 2009-10. Pundits around the country pegged the Billikens as a “team to watch” and probable NCAA participant for 2010. They would have to wait a year.

Mitchell and Reed were dismissed a week before the season started by the University for violation of student conduct for the fall semester. Both accepted

their penalties; Mitchell opted to return to SLU in the spring and redshirt; Reed never returned to the court for Majerus.

The 2010-11 season, once so promising, was a bust. The team won only 12 games, and Majerus missed four games due to health reasons. The team finished tenth in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was quickly ousted of the conference tournament.

Majerus returned to form in 2011-12 as Conklin and Cassidy, now seniors, guided a new core of Cody Ellis, Dwayne Evans, and Mike McCall to a 25-7 record, which included a 12-4 A-10 Conference record that placed the Billikens second in the league. In Columbus, the Billikens stunned Conference USA regular season and tournament champion Memphis 61-54 and nearly upended Michigan State, losing 6561 to the Tom Izzo-coached Spartans.

The last five years also brought their share of controversies. In 2008, Majerus publicly stated he was “prochoice,” prompting then-St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke to call for his ouster.

In 2009, he raised eyebrows across the country by suggesting SLU belonged in the Missouri Valley Conference and not the A-10. That position caused rifts with both the league offices and Biondi.

The 2012-13 season is expected to be the season Biondi envisioned when Majerus was hired five years ago, perhaps the best in the history of the school.

While that may yet come to pass, the architect of the Midtown rebuild has been sidelined by an enemy he could never master—his health.

U OPINION

AUGUST 30, 2012

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Coming to terms with tragedy

Erika Klotz / Chief Illustrator and Matt Shelly / Contributor

When students see behind the curtain, our community gains cohesiveness Many of the decisions made by Father Lawrence Biondi over his 25-year tenure as president of Saint Louis University have drawn equal parts support and criticism from the SLU and Saint Louis communities.

Regardless of whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny the immense positive impact he has had on the university and the city.

Likewise, whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny that his methods in achieving these successes have, in some cases, been unorthodox and, in others, downright shady.

With the harsh words of former School of Law dean Annette Clark still ringing throughout campus, you might think now is the time to once again implore Father Biondi to increase or establish transparency in his administration, especially when it comes to questions concerning the movement and use of funds.

However, Father Biondi is a step ahead though maybe a little late. In the president’s August message, sent Aug. 28, Father Biondi responded to the accusations of Clark’s resignation letter sequentially and satisfactorily, explaining the actions he took and dispelling the former dean’s allegations. Main among these allegations was the accusation of the movement of funds away from their intended source, something SLU has been

criticized for in the past.

This is exactly the kind of communication the SLU community has been hoping for over the course of Father Biondi’s tenure. We might not have the right to demand complete financial reports on ever y move the university makes, but providing the student body with at least some information on how the various projects around SLU are being funded goes a long way in securing honest and lasting support and is definitely a move in the right direction.

There is a huge group of students on campus who want nothing more than to be proud of the decisions SLU’s president and administration are making, and it is more than a little unfortunate that many of the past successful moves at SLU were marred by bad press concerning the processes taken to get there.

But now, with such a simple statement, Father Biondi may see a marked change for the better in his standing among community members.

Of course, the administration has a long way to go before we start throwing parades to celebrate their open disclosure of information, but this just might be the first step in creating a new image, one that students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members can be proud of and sure to support.

Choose your news carefully to become an informed consumer The recently publicized controversy concerning Dan Cathy—Chick-fil-A’s president—and his opposition to same-sex marriages was kindled and fueled mainly by posts, comments and virtual shouting matches on social media site Facebook.

While Facebook can be a good informational medium, social media-driven movements like the boycott/appreciation of Chick-fil-A do raise a legitimate concern about the future of the informed consumer.

They raise questions like: How many people would know about Cathy’s stance if there hadn’t been a series of memes and events streaming to their laptops or iPhones?

Being an informed consumer does not mean reading a friend’s status update and then taking a side in an argument based on the number of likes each following comment has.

You should not make the assumption that all that you consume has been produced in an ethical fashion or that the morality of the people producing it aligns with your own. And Facebook should not be the only method you have of learning of this discrepancy.

Being an informed consumer does mean taking a proactive stance on your consumption of goods and ser vices, and actively researching the

U news

Founded by Claude Heithaus, S.J.

companies you support. Companies like Walmart, Nike, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hanes, Ikea, and Kohl’s are all notorious for their business practices, but have lost media attention over time.

We may be upset about Chick-fil-A now, but were we a year, or even six months ago? They had the same opinions and donated to the same organizations then that they do now.

We cannot let important movements like this become social media fads like ‘memes’ or ‘lolcats’ that we can move on from once the next one comes around.

Already the posts and comments have slowed down to almost nothing and the fires that started this summer both on the side of appreciation and indignation have nearly fizzled out completely.

The next time you want to go out for dinner or hit the mall for some shopping, take a few minutes to research the companies you will be endorsing.

The Internet is a wonderful tool, and a quick Google search can give you an over view of the controversies attached to just about any business. Do not let being an informed consumer become something passive. Know that ever y purchase you make affects the lives of many more people than yourself.

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—And from Emily Dickinson: After great pain a formal feeling comes -The nerves sit ceremonious, like tombs; The stiff Heart questions -- was it He that bore?

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This is the hour of lead Remembered if outlived, As freezing persons recollect the snow – First chill, then stupor, then the letting go.

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“I like that I get to be a catalyst for change. The best part is seeing the little changes that students get fired up about. I think that’s exciting.”

2012-13 EDITORIAL BOARD

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St. Louis, MO 63103

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College is a cluster of daily, disparate moments: pizza for breakfast; biology at 10; marketing at noon; snack crackers; rec center; Shakespeare at 3; volunteer; Humphrey’s, Nadoz, Jimmy John’s.

But it is also a time of promise and change, in headlong lives, a mingling of prospects clarified, paths pursued and horizons brought into focus.

And Megan Boken, 23 — forever, embraced all of these moments fully, reveled in them and forged an abundant life filled with family, friends, volleyball nets and great expectations. And she did so with grace, vivacity and spirit.

She made more than just the most of her time on our campus; she transcended the moment — just as she had before coming to SLU (at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Ill.) and after her 2011 graduation (as a financial adviser for Edward Jones, also in Wheaton).

She was a competitive dynamo on the volleyball court, a bright presence in her classes and a convivial companion to teammates and friends, far and near. She was the athletic celebrity of her devoted family, the essence of her parents’ pride, and dearly beloved by the siblings and companions who populated her energetic realm.

She was joyfully alive.

And now: The knowledge, the dreadful knowledge, that her beautiful, smiling countenance — peering out from news stories about that Saturday, Aug. 18 incident that took her so suddenly from our midst —is gone, wrenches our collective hearts.

For most students, even those reading these somber words who did not know her, the shock that this could befall “one of us … one of our best and brightest” leaves us numb with disbelief. Her abrupt absence has stunned us into silence. And we cast about for something to help explain the bewildering world: solace, reason, understanding.

Of solace: A glimmer might be found, perhaps, in the full life that Megan lived, the loved ones who surrounded her, and the phalanxes of friends and comrades-in-volleyball with whom she shared her delight in living. But there seems to be no apt reply to … why.

Of reason: The mere process seems overwhelmed by irrationality, grief and lamentations — for the innocence lost and the light of potential extinguished.

(Even sunshine afternoons seem forlorn.)

And of understanding: For her family, especially, and her far-flung legions of friends and admirers — perhaps there is only the approaching balm of time, through which we may, someday, find peace. We shall abide.

— From all who reach out and share in her family’s grief: Megan, we shall always remember.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY NEWS RECOGNIZES AVIS MEYER, PH.D. AS THE NEWSPAPER’S FACULTY MENTOR.

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OPINION

Sprawling spaces leave empty places If you want to go from one place to another, the process is fairly simple. You hop on a thing - be it your Commentary feet, a bike, a car, a boat, a train or a plane - and you point yourself in the direction that you want to go.

There will be detours along the way, sidestreets to turn Noah Berman down, stopovers, delays, etc., but you’ll get there.

When you hop on a plane in one country, all it takes is several thousand miles and about eight hours, and you simply wind up where you wanted to go.

There are side effects - thanks to time zone changes, an eight-hour flight appears to take two hours, and jet-lag can muck you up for days or weeks to come. Still, the idea here is that you take off in one place and land in another.

A traveler who decides to fly from England to America will immediately notice a difference between the two countries as he or she comes in over the coast. Space.

America is endless - flying over Chicago, a crowded and bustling metropolis, the traveler will notice that as soon as the tall buildings end, the urban sprawl begins. The country spills out below the traveler and, depending on how much experience they have with it, he or she will feel either shock or a certain sense of dismay – Aha! they might think. It’s endless again.

And if a traveler is moving in the opposite direction, they will notice something quite different: dense concentrations of people situated in the midst of green fields.

Pick an English or European city and you can see that while sprawl may know no national boundaries, it can contain itself. That is to say, a big difference between Europe and the United States is that it seems

Priya Sirohi / Illustrator

(at least, from above) that sprawl involves many small houses close together, as opposed to many huge houses spread apart.

A traveler who picks up on this notion will also notice that this represents a big difference between cultures: the “American dream” idea is, no surprise, unique to America.

Oh, there’s a feeling of entitlement all over the world, but only, or at least mostly, in America, it manifests itself in the very fabric of the national character. We have not abandoned the idea of American exceptionalism and it shows. Our streets are wider, our spaces - at least in some parts of the country - less cleverly used. This is partially because we have the option to utilize our space, and I don’t think that’s a fault. We are a young and massive country, but there’s a difference between “we can” and “just because we can.” It seems we do not build large out of necessity, but because the space is available.

A traveler to St. Louis might well

notice the sheer size of our roads and think that they are always full, always packed with vehicles whizzing this way and that. Though from my observation, the roads might as well be a desert any time other than rush hour.

I returned to America exactly four weeks ago, and despite having lived in St. Louis for twenty years, I was utterly amazed by this phenomenon.

Streets I had driven on almost daily took on a whole new form. Clayton Road had always been just another road to me, but now it appears huge and alone.

There is more space but fewer people to fill that space. This is true even of downtown St. Louis, unless there’s a baseball game that day, which probably says more about the city than our local government would like to have said.

I - or another traveler, also from America - might never notice just how incredibly weird these streets seem to an outsider. It’s a normal

condition to us. We are used to separation and big distances.

I was reading the news the other day, trying to figure out why it is we seem so totally insane - a subject I could talk about at length, but perhaps just this once that particular dead horse should be left alone - and I think it’s because we’ve gotten used to the idea that we’re all apart from each other.

This isn’t an attempt to generalize - not everyone falls under this banner - and I like to think that for the most part, we all understand that we’re all totally interconnected and closer together than it might otherwise seem.

I understand that the same disconnects happen in countries of much smaller size. I think, though, that especially with elections coming up, we might do well to try to make ourselves feel just a little bit weird about how apart from other people we are - geographically, if nothing else.

Advice for the freshmen, nostalgia for everyone else Freshmen are full of questions. Friday nights we hear a lot of “Where is Vandy?” On SatCommentary urday, the girls want to know when the fraternity party bus is picking up. Sunday Griesedieck brunch consists of recognizing people because they are wearStephanie Woods ing the same clothes as they had on the night before—but you still have to ask your roommate what that guy’s name was again.

Do not fear, freshmen, you will quickly learn the answers to all of your questions. I wish there was a strict guide to success that directed all of us through freshman year that we could pass on to you, but that is, unfortunately, not the case.

Learning the hard way is always more interesting and makes for the best stories anyway. Despite my advice being far from professional, I am putting it out there; take it with a grain of salt.

Most upper classmen remember that the year started with signing up for at least nine clubs and by the end of the year being involved in two (neither of which were one of the original nine). And of course there is the looming question of whether or not to rush a fraternity or sorority.

My first piece of advice is to go for it! All of it. There’s no need to hesitate to join any group. Really, we all just want to belong somewhere— to make friends, create memories, and find ourselves.

With over 150 student organizations on campus, there is bound to be at least one to suit everybody. For the Chaco-wearing tree climbers there is the Wilderness Adventure Club. For the men out there who can melt a crowd with their voices, the Bare Naked Statues a cappella group is calling. If fundraising and building homes for those without is your thing, Habitat for Humanity needs you.

Freshman year also revolves around figuring out what to do with this newfound freedom. No more curfew, no more sister stealing from your closet, no more nagging mom telling you to do your homework.

The overwhelming sensation of being thrust into the unfamiliar world of college can put a dangerous amount of stress on some and it can mold you into being the person you always wanted to be.

“

Figure out how to deal with the stress in a healthy way, though. This suggestion is crucial for your sanity. Whether it’s signing up for yoga classes at the rec center, volunteering off campus or joining an intermural team, figure it out and fast.

That first exam might be a wakeup call in the worst way.

Third, letting go of high school is key. What happened there cannot be changed, but what happens here doesn’t have to be the same. Reputations are formed rather quickly, so plan accordingly on what you want your first impression to be. Unlike high school, though, they can also be altered, or at least your group of friends can.

With more than 8,100 undergraduates running around campus, the odds are favorable that you will stumble upon somebody willing to be your best friend, and more than likely that you will have more to do than you could ever fit in.

One piece of advice I wish somebody had given me freshman year is get to know the international students. Give them a chance. Whether they’re Asian, Spanish, German or Brazilian, they have something interesting to teach you so don’t be afraid.

Not only should you mingle with the international students here, but also take advantage of the study a b r o a d programs SLU has to offer. There is a country to suit the majority of travelers’ desires and I have yet to meet a student who regrets studying abroad. Experience life in another country for at least a semester because this may be your only chance.

Keep in touch with all these intriguing people you meet, too; it’s easy to lose touch with new friends without trying to.

However, my parting advice is that I strongly urge everybody to set your Facebook to private. Freshmen encounter upwards of a million new people every week and you can bet they are going to try to stalk you just as much as you are going to try to stalk them. Having a private page forces them to actually friend request you to gather any creepy information, so at least you can build up your social network.

In addition, clean out those embarrassing photos because you really don’t look as cool as you think in that picture with the beer bong.

Employers agree. Remember, everything that goes viral stays viral, so beware of that camera happy girl trying to document every moment of her first party. Oh, and don’t be that girl.

One piece of advice I wish somebody had given me during my freshman year is get to know the international students.

”

Priya Sirohi / Illustrator

Radios slighted by iPod society, passed over for visual media Ours is a visual culture, primarily.

Even when we make active efforts to pay attention to our surroundCommentary ings, our endeavors usually involve spying minutia not often noticed upon first glance. Look up from your iPhone, we’re told. Watch out for traffic; look TJ Keeley both ways.

But how often does being more mindful of our surroundings include listening? Silence is socially awkward. However, it is not the sounds of silence I write to advocate for today. It’s the sounds vibrating over the radio waves that deserve a bent ear.

Students can seldom go a day without reading. Most of the rest of our information is consumed visually, a close inspection of images.

Once upon a time, though, we had the radio.

Like television, radio is in such disarray now that many programs leave the listener longing for the vivacity of dead air. Yet, radio was once the cornerstone of American culture and an essential means for taking in information.

Radio is boring, though. Why listen to the news when you can watch it? Why listen to sports when the action comes through your television set in reds and blues and yellows, all in high definition.

Radio is special because it is, by nature, a collaborative process. Like a novel, it involves a contract between the creator and the audience to together create the text. Visual media does not require such participation. Everything is predetermined and spoon-fed. Watching television is a spectator sport, but listening to the radio involves the listen in the creative process on the ground level.

Furthermore, there is an excitement and vivacity to the spoken word. When a woman or man possesses the power to convey significant meaning through commanding diction and vocal inflection, their very act of speaking autographs the

event.

Take for instance, Mike Shannon (Harry Caray, for you Cubbie fans).

While baseball fans prefer to watch the game than listen to it, a gifted raconteur adds a flavor that television cannot. Television commentators are left echoing your internal monologues (“I know that was a groundball to second.”), but words are as immortal as the events they accompany. Listen to the BBC call of the David Freese homerun in Game 6 of the World Series.

Let’s not underestimate the great storytellers who come in across the waves. Recently, I tuned in to NPR for the first time. Three of my favorite hosts include Diane Rehm, Terry Gross and Ira Glass. Rehm and Gross, in hosting their own shows, develop a distinctive pattern, structure and interviewing style. They are two of the sharpest minds in news, but they are often overlooked because no images accompany them.

And Glass and his cohorts over at “This American Life” document nonfiction stories that are stranger than fiction with elegance and style. “This American Life” showcases in-depth journalism and presents each story with a careful and sensitive creative voice.

When one joins the loyal listening-base of a radio personality, they become like an old friend. I wonder if there is something about the sound of the disembodied voice that is affectively calming. Artists like Glass and Shannon can manipulate their voice so affectively that their works take on an identity of their own much like innovative filmmakers or wordsmith writers.

Jim Gaffigan once joked about the tranquility of the radio. Talking about a picture he saw in which a family is congregated around an old radio, he remarked that they stared at the radio, as if waiting for it to turn into a television. Funny, yes, and I do not want to imagine a world without moving pictures. Radio, though, creates a community we cannot be members of and events we cannot experience when plugged into our iPods.

So tune in sometime and let your mind craft pictures of what you hear.

Thanks for listening.

5

Undergrad is not a time to be undecided When children begin to go to school, their parents regard each milestone passionately - a Commentary tearful eye as they ride the bus to school for the first time or bring home their first homework assignment. Children learn the ABCs and then pi and Parisa Rouie delta, and parents’ hearts flutter like wings all along the way.

Then, children graduate from high school and the joy felt by parents is like “being blessed with a new child” all over again, according to one mother I know.

All of a sudden, everyone wants to tell the poor new college students how to live their lives.

Education is stressful at every stage. Beginning college is especially stressful because, for the first time, you have to make serious decisions that will affect the rest of your life.

It feels like you’re deciding every detail of how you will live forever after: what sort of place you will inhabit, what sort of people you will hang out with, what sort of food you will eat, even how the generation after you will live, and all seem to come down to this one decision: your major.

This is the most deciding of all deciding factors, and when do we have to make this decision? Coming out from the sheltered shell of high school, suddenly overwhelmed with the freedom and independence of college, having just become old enough to vote and buy cigarettes, utterly overwhelmed by the idea of creating a new identity that will likely last until the moment of death.

This is when you make the most important decision of your life, and, as is customary with all most important decisions, like deciding what should be your first word or when to take your first steps, everyone wants to meddle.

The lawyer in the family wants you to be a lawyer; the pharmacist wants you to be a pharmacist; the journalist doesn’t want you to be a journalist because she can’t pay the bills. “I always wanted to be a doctor, but I never could. Why don’t you become a doctor instead?”

Being a doctor sounds fine and almost every parent insists on it, so about half of freshmen start out premed, an eighth or so choose something else they like, and the rest are “undecided.” As if knowing you can be “undecided” for a while is any comfort to a poor soul. The only time it might provide some comfort is if you’re either way too stressed about choosing a major and find relief in postponing it or you just forgot to think about it over the summer.

Meh, whatever.

Undecided.

They should rename it the “I DON’T REALLY WANNA DECIDE RIGHT NOW. IS THAT OK WITH YOU?” major.

Choosing a major is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. Most often, the only person who cares what your major during your undergraduate studies is the person who will print your bachelor’s degree and needs to know what department name to put on it.

To everyone else in the world, the undergraduate major is that one decision you changed way too many times before you realized you were tired of the paperwork.

Your major now does not, by any means, determine how you will live far into the future. So study something you enjoy and have a passion for, but take classes from a variety of departments and disciplines with a variety people.

College is the most important moment in your life for one reason: undergraduate education, more than any other stage in education, is the one chance to open your eyes to the world around you.

It is a time to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can meet. It is a time to learn about yourself, not a time to spend in an identity crisis, confused and overwhelmed.

Your time as an undergraduate student is the in-between sweetness. It’s the engagement stage you don’t have any responsibilities yet, but you get all the fun.

Meanwhile, life takes you where it will.

These years are not a time to be stressed about the future or so overwhelmed with newfound independence that you lose yourself.

Undergraduate is where you meet students from all over the globe; it is where you taste the variations in culture and the diversity in the human race.

Undergraduate is where you make the most valuable friendships and learn the most necessary life lessons. If undergraduate is the most important stage of one’s life, that is the reason.

U GAMES

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TOWN Arts Editor’s Picks

Music August 30 Bo and the Locomotive The Firebird 9 p.m. $8

August 31 Brian Owens Album Release Old Rock House 8 p.m. $15-20

September 1-2 Bid Muddy Blues Festival Laclede’s Landing 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. $10/day

September 4 Alan Evans Trio Old Rock House 9 p.m. $10-12

Theatre Until September 2 The Lion King The Fox Theatre evenings at 8 p.m. matinees at 1 p.m. tickets from $33

Other September 1 Poetry Reading with Lisa Ampleman & Andrew Grace Left Bank Books (CWE) 7 p.m. free

September 1 Chalk Festival Delmar Loop 9 a.m. $4-10

Until September 2 Girls Gone Wild: Contemporary Women’s Graffiti Exposed Phantom Thursday 11-7 Friday and Saturday 11-10 free

Until September 16 Urban Wanderers SLUMA Wed-Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. free

Until September 16 Kevin Carroll: The Art of Sport and Play COCA Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m. free

Until October 7 Contemporary Women Artists SLUMA Wed-Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. free

AUGUST 30, 2012

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LouFest ‘12: Great for music, great for city

The Flaming Lips headline festival’s successful third year

By DAVID MOONEY Staff Writer

Despite some slow acts and rain, LouFest 2012 proves a successful tradition that continues to be a presence in the music world and within the city of St. Louis.

The end of August means something different for everyone: seeing old friends again, getting back into the grind of classes, enjoying the last good meals until Thanksgiving. But for the city of St. Louis, it also means one last hurrah at the annual LouFest Music Festival in Forest Park.

To celebrate LouFest’s third birthday thousands of festival goers converged at Forest Park last Saturday and Sunday.

The festival featured two main stages for the 16 major artists of the indie and alternative music genres, as well as a smaller stage for local bands. The size of the festival—no longer than a football field— and the several local restaurant and retail tents that were present at the festival gave the weekend a more intimate, “street fest” feel.

Saturday’s stages hosted eight bands, many of which haven’t yet attained large commercial attraction. However, all were guaranteed to rock and roll. Though the sun was intense, so were the tunes, led by the eardrum bursting set of alternative rock legends, Dinosaur Jr. and the night’s main event, Girl Talk. It was a satisfying Saturday for committed fans, but others who have never heard of the featured bands may have found it difficult to appreciate the eclectic music mix.

Whatever Saturday may have lacked in name power and raw ‘rockability,’ Sunday made up for, giving the eagerly awaiting crowd a day to remember. Bands kicked off the day at 1 p.m. and didn’t stop until 11 p.m.

THEESatisfaction, a hip-hop, soul duo highlighted the start to the afternoon, taking the stage at 2 p.m. Missouri natives Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin took the stage next and delivered one of the weekend’s best sets. Following was Wild Nothing, an indie pop band with a serious ‘80s sound, who played along to the crowd’s singing.

At 5 p.m., 2011 hit makers and acclaimed artists Cults took listeners on a ride through a world of doo-wop mixed

Photos by: David Mooney/ Staff Photographer

(top) Dawes performs at LouFest shortly before the rain cut their set list short, much to the disappointment of the crowd. (bottom) A crowd gathers around the mainstage to listen to indie and alternative bands perform.

See “LouFest” on Page 8

“Enrique’s Journey” tells immmigrant’s story Freshman summer reading shows Honduran boy’s trek north

By MAGGIE NEEDHAM Associate Arts Editor

The longest some SLU students are ever separated from their mothers is when they are at school between breaks.

Every few months, they take the Megabus, Amtrak or Southwest flight home, returning to where they have lived their entire lives.

It is the story of many.

Yet there are others who share a story more similar to Enrique’s, the

protagonist of Sonia Nazario’s “Enrique’s Journey,” this year’s required reading for incoming freshmen.

“Enrique’s Journey” is the true story of a Honduran boy’s odyssey to reunite with his mother.

When Enrique was only five, she left him with his father’s family in Honduras and moved to the U.S. Nazario writes of Enrique’s childhood spent missing and wanting his mother.

Enrique decides to

travel to the U.S. to be with her. Nazario details the challenges that Enrique faces, including seven deportations to Guatemala, months of travel atop freight trains in Mexico and evading gangsters, bandits and corrupt law enforcement officers, dangers that most SLU students do not have to face on a regular basis.

Immigrants make up a growing percentage of the U.S. population. Nazario states in the epilogue

of “Enrique’s Journey” that around 1.7 million immigrant children live illegally in the U.S. That these immigrants exist is no secret, but rarely does one think backwards to the story of their journey. Many of these children come to the U.S. in ways similar to that depicted in Enrique’s Journey.

“Enrique’s Journey” gives insight into a unique demographic and the issue of immigration.

Nazario achieves the

result of “giving a voice to the voiceless.”

The book was chosen for this year’s freshman due to its correlation to the Jesuit mission’s emphasis of social justice and awareness. Immigration is a prevalent issue right now, but cannot be faced without listening to those experiencing this issue.

“Enrique’s Journey” gives the reader some sense of unease in conSee “Enrique” on Page 8

AUGUST 30, 2012

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ARTS

8

“Lion King” delights audiences of all ages A Disney favorite is brought to life at the Fabulous Fox Theatre

Photos by: Joan Marcus / Disney

Photos by: Joan Marcus / Disney

Jelani Remi (Simba) and the ensemble perform “He Lives in You” from “The Lion King” national tour at the Fox Theatre.

By ALANAH NANTELL Arts Editor

Since August 15, audiences have been flocking to the Fox Theater to view a live adaptation of the movie “The Lion King.”

With talented performers, breathtaking costuming and great special effects, this family favorite production continues to capture audiences.

The story follows the lion king of the Pride Lands, Mufasa, as he prepares his son, Simba to one day take over the kingdom.

However, before Simba is fully trained, Mufasa’s brother Scar kills Mufasa and convinces

Simba that it is Simba’s fault his father died.

Ridden with guilt, Simba flees and Scar is left to take control of the land.

Simba is eventually forced to come face to face with his past and his father’s murderer in order to restore order to the kingdom.

Dionne Randolph (Mufasa), Jelani Remy (Simba), Sophia N. Stephens (Nala) and Brent Harris (Scar) make up the talented cast of lions, leading the show with powerful voices and charming wit.

Buyi Zama plays an enchanting Rafiki. Her humor and charisma resulted in resounding laughs throughout the audience.

Altogether, the cast’s be even more compelling performances leave the than the main characters. audience dancing in their Though minimal, the seats and singing along. setting and background This adaptation inwork well with the intric l u d e s cate cossongs and tumes interpretaa n d tions of difmakeup ferent comThe cast’s per- of the ponents of a s t . formances left the cThe the story dethat vary audience dancing tails are from the in their seats and striking film. Danc- singing along. e v e n ers bring from the ever ything balcoto life from ny. The patches of per forgrass to a rotating stairmance exhibits cultural case. dress and dance. These This style lends itself components of African well to the live perfortradition are displayed in mance. At times, the a whirlwind of colors and dancing ensemble can patterns.

“

”

Buyi Zama performs as “Rafiki” in “The Circle of Life.”

In the moment when Mufasa’s spirit speaks to Simba from the stars, audience members watch constellations rearrange to form the deceased king’s facial features then turn seamlessly into a “floating” wooden puzzle.

Gasps from the audience can be heard from the top of the theatre.

The distinctive special effects continue as a manipulation of shadows, fabric and lighting enable the audience to see everything from flowing rivers to Mufasa lost in a stampede of wild boars. The costume construction of the animals, though manipulated by humans, allowe for the convincing performance

of animal-like mannerisms and posture.

Throughout the show, the actors keep up an amusing and engaging interaction with the audience with little quips of humor.

Laughter resounds throughout the entire theater during the 2 ½ hour performance, even in darker moments. Audiences both young and young at heart continue to get lost in the Serengeti for a few hours of production.

“The Lion King” is showing until September 2. Tickets can be purchased at the Fox Theater Box Office or by inquiring online.

Welcome to the mild, mild West

By T.J. KEELEY Managing Editor

Photos by: Richard Foreman, Jr. / SMPSP

Shia LaBoeuf as Jack wooes Mia Wasikowska as Bertha in John Hillcoat’s new “Lawless.”

LouFest: Shines in the rain Continued from Page 7

artists Cults took listeners on a ride through a world of doo-wop mixed with indie rock. Dawes, one of Sunday’s “big 3,” played next, with a set list of songs inspired by Neil Young and featuring storytelling comparable to Bob Dylan.

Unfortunately, looming rain decided to strike 20 minutes into Dawes’ set, just as the band reached a comfortable level with the crowd.

Dawes’ set was canceled due to the downpour and the rest of the night’s lineup was postponed.

Despite the rain, the spirit of the festival was recaptured by alternative rockers Dr. Dog’s enlivening set. Then, soaked, sunburned and exhausted, the crowd geared up for this year’s headliners, The Flaming Lips.

Wayne Coyne, lead singer of The Flaming

Lips, grabbed the microphone and began the night’s celebration.

The band played for two hours full of imagination and color, with confetti cannons, a human hamster ball and even a giant dancing catfish on stage.

Reawakened and reenergized, LouFest closed with The Flaming Lips’ farewell song “Do You Realize?”

In the past, LouFest has included a similar league of extraordinary artists. Founded in St. Louis in 2010 as an answer to the demand for a stronger music scene in the city, the festival has featured acts such as Broken Social Scene, She & Him, TV on the Radio, Cat Power, Surfer Blood, and Questlove.

Festival attendees hope to see the strong presence of LouFest for years to come.

Westerns are few and far between at the cinema these days. As many a grandfather is wont to say, “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to.”

Director John Hillcoat continues to try his hand at the genre with his latest film, “Lawless.” Based on the book “The Wettest County in the World,” “Lawless” tells the story of the three Bondurant brothers (Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke) who bootleg moonshine in Franklin County, Virginia during the days of Prohibition.But when the law cracks down on the racket, Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) arrives from Chicago with an eye for destroying the Bondurant brothers by any means necessary.

“Lawless” fails to live up the promise of its title, which refers to the freewheeling nature of the moonshine racket and to

narrative lacks a comthe corruption of the law pelling thrust to compleenforcement. The reputament its content. tion of Hillcoat’s previous Perhaps most disapfilms – “The Proposition” pointing is that the inand “The Road” – sugtriguing characters and gest that “Lawless” might actors are sidelined. take the rules of the LaBeouf as Jack hogs a genre into its own hands. majority of the screen He doesn’t. time in “Lawless,” but it is Instead, the film is lifeJessica Chastain as Magless; it is bland. Much of gie Beauford who steals the lifelessness can be atever y tributed to scene, LaBeouf, a l e a v sub-par acthe tor whose “Lawless” fails ing v i e w er wide-eyed to live up to the wanting stares betray a vapid promise of its title... more. In soul. Har- Instead, the film is addition, w h i l e dy, too, is lifeless; it is bland.

G a r y disappointOldman ing.

He appears plays Forin the rest who marketing for this film, as a hulking, animalistic his role as Floyd Banner physicality, but is overis basically a glorified reliant on grunting and cameo. His presence and brooding, evidencing a influence loom over the thin written character. film and over Jack, but As violence escalates his screentime is delegatin “Lawless,” the gore ed to three thrilling yet and grusome details inirrelevant scenes. crease as well, but the “Lawless” is aimless. film lacks a sense of urA great number of films gency and threat. The

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have forged compelling narratives by asking the audience to empathize with anti-heroes.

These films, like “Goodfellas,” succeed by crafting multi-layered characters and sending them into scenarios in which they must prove to the audience just how badly they desire their goal.

But in “Lawless,” Hillcoat and writer Nick Cave give us only outlaws to empathize with because the law is even worse. This leaves Pearce overacting to cartoonish heights. With no one to empathize with, no cause to root for,there is no emotional payoff at the ending.

Westerns need personality, even if it’s rugged and world-worn, like John Wayne in “The Searchers.” But in the hands of LaBeouf, whose career peaked with “Even Stevens,” “Lawless” remains simply lifeless.

Enrique: Summer reading by Sonia Nazario Continued from Page 7

sense of unease in contemplating the issue of immigration, however, in the end the reader comes to understand the fellow human person.

Reading is a practice in empathy, which is necessary to the sort of service and social justice that SLU focuses on a Jesuit

university.

Nazario researched the immigration experience and Enrique’s Journey by undertaking her own version of his travels. Over the course of five years, Nazario spent six months in locations from Enrique’s story, including Central America and North Carolina, interviewing those he met

along the way and investigating the conditions in which he travelled.

The initial research Nazario gathered was originally published as a series in the Los Angeles Times in 2002. Nazario’s work was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2003.

Nazario will speak at SLU on November 6 at 7 p.m. in the BSC Wool

Ballroom. Additionally, first year students can continue to participate in the freshman year experience in the summer reading essay contest.

Winners will receive free use of textbooks for the spring semester and an invitation to attend dinner with Sonia Nazario on November 6.

U SPORTS

AUGUST 30, 2012

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NEW HEAD COACH: JIM CREWS Can new Head Coach ‘Crews’ the Billikens to victory?

BILLIKEN BRIEFS

Women’s Basketball

Dying to get back on the hardwood?

Contact Brittney Murphy (bmarsha8@ slu.edu) if you are a female interested in playing for the women’s basketball team or a male interested in practicing with the team. Tryouts will be Thursday, Sept. 6 at 4:30pm.

Field Hockey

Photo by: Curtis Wang/ The University News

The Billiken women’s field hockey team opened the season with three straight losses on the road.

They have two more games on the road before their home opener Sept. 7 against Missouri State.

BILLIKEN SCOREBOARD

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Men’s Soccer

L 1-2 W 1-0 Women’s Soccer

L 1-3 T 0-0 W 2-0 Volleyball

L 0-3 L 0-3 L 0-3

Jim Crews during a Billiken exhibition game last season. Crews takes over on the bench after Rick Majerus took a medical leave of absence. Several questions surround the program, including whether or not they can repeat at the NCAA Tournament without Majerus guiding the way.

By CHARLES BOWLES Sports Editor

Who is Jim Crews?

That’s a question many people around campus are asking after the school announced that Rick Majerus was taking a medical leave for the 2012-2013 season.

Crews, an assistant coach hired by Majerus last year, has 24 years of Division I head coaching experience due to previous head coaching jobs at Evansville and Army.

He also played on the last

team to go undefeated in D-I basketball, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers.

After his playing career was over, he remained at Indiana as an assistant coach under Bob Knight. His last head coaching stent ended in 2009 at the United States Military Acadamy.

Crews is ready to be the interim head coach for this season’s team and is focused on the team element of this season.

“It’s really about the team; it’s about the kids.

That is what college bas-

Boken left a legacy on and off the court

By CHARLES BOWLES Sports Editor

Megan Boken, a former Saint Louis University volleyball player from 2007-2010, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18. Boken was 23.

Boken was originally from Wheaton, Ill. At the time of her death, she ranked 4th in matches played (127), 5th in digs (1,212), 13th in points (1,143.5) and 14th in service aces (102) on SLU’s all-time lists.

“The news of her death has been heartwrenching for her family, friends and former teammates at SLU,” former volleyball head coach Anne Kordes said. “I had the great honor of recruiting and coaching Megan for four years and she was the most competitive player in the gym as well, as the funniest.

She had a deep, boisterous laugh that was contagious and her infectious personality allowed her to establish strong personal connections with all of her teammates in all of her four years. She was popular and loved by so many and she will be deeply missed. Megan left us too soon, but she left us with incredible memories that will be

shared between family and friends to keep her close in our heart.”

Boken became a wellknown volleyball player in her home of Wheaton, Ill. where she was a part of two state championship volleyball teams at Wheaton St. Francis High School. Boken also received all-state honors while in high school.

She joined the Billiken volleyball team in 2007 and quickly found success on the court. She played on teams that won two Atlantic 10 regular season titles in 2008 and 2009, one conference title in 2008, and two NCAA Championship appearances in 2008 and 2009.

Aside from her success with her volleyball team, Boken also achieved academic success as she earned a place on the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for academic excellence.

Boken graduated in 2011 from the John Cook School of Business with a degree in marketing.

“Megan was a vibrant young woman and a wonderful representative of Saint Louis University and Billiken athletics.

In addition to being a great student, she was See “Boken” on Page 11

ketball should be about and that’s what we want people to focus on this season,” Interim Head Coach Jim Crews said.

Crews played under Bob Knight from 19721976 and then became an assistant coach under Knight from 1977-1985.

“It was a great experience, I went there a long time ago, that was before ‘Bob Knight’ was Bob Knight,” Crews said. “He was a great teacher, a really loving guy, and has been a life-long friend of mine, and I really treasure that and treasure

the friendships that I made at Indiana.”

After the 1985 season, Crews would go on to coach the University of Evansville Purple Aces for 17 seasons. At Evansville, Crews made 4 NCAA tournament appearances and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament during the 1988-1989 season. Crews collected a 294-209 record while at Evansville. Crews departed from Evansville after the 2001-2002 season. However, he quickly became the Head Coach

at the U.S. Military Academy.

Crews was the head coach of the Army Golden Knights from 20022009. Crews struggled at Army only collecting 59140 overall record before be terminated.

Crews joined the Billiken basketball staff in 2011, after former assistant coaches Porter Moser and Alex Jensen left their positions to begin head coaching positions at Loyola Chicago and the NBA D-League CanSee “Crews” on Page 11

Despite loss, Billikens soccer off to strong start in 2012

By CHARLES BOWLES Sports Editor

After a tough loss against Indiana in their season opener, the Saint Louis University Billikens men’s soccer team rebounded against the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday to win their first game of the season, 1-0.

The Bills (1-1) had to quickly put the loss to Indiana behind them last Friday to face Drake.

“It was a good effort it was not easy, Drake made it a very difficult second game in 48 hours.” Head Coach Mike McGinty said. “There were a lot of reasons why it was a tough game for us, we spent a lot of energy Friday night and to come out here and show some mental toughness was good.”

In a sea of blue over 5,000 strong, the Billikens sought to open their season with a win in front of the raucous crowd.

However, the Bills did not deliver with a 2-1 loss at Hermann Stadium “I thought the guys played their socks off,” McGinty said. “I thought they gave everything they had and did everything that we asked of them. The team showed a lot of fight and a lot spir-

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Kingsley Bryce attempts to knock the ball away from the Indiana goal keeper. SLU lost 2-1 on an own goal. it and I hope the fans got their money’s worth.”

The Bills started off the match well, controlling the ball for most of the first 20 minutes of the match. The Bills Kingsley Bryce made a beautiful cross from the left to Jon Roeckle in the top of the box in minute 22 for the Bills’ first goal of the season. However, Indiana responded in the minute 34 with a goal by their star player and Hermann Trophy Watchlist player Eriq Zavaleta.

The game was tied at halftime and then control began to shift into Indi-

ana’s favor. Indiana controlled the ball for most of the first 15 minutes in the second half. In the 67th minute, an Indiana player crossed a ball toward the Bills goalkeeper Nick Shackelford, but Jon Roeckle attempting to defend the incoming pass accidently headed into his own goal. The Bills had a few close opportunities on goal in the second half, but could not score a goal. Alex Sweetin nearly sneaked a ball past Indiana goalkeeper, but he recovered and See “Men’s Soccer” on Page 10

10 SPORTS

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Invited: Bulldogs and Rams

AUGUST 30, 2012

Women’s soccer propel into new year

By TONY TRAINA Associate Sports Editor

+ *

*

=

THE NEW

*= leaving in 2013 Design by Briana Radici / Design Director

By DERRICK NEUNER Senior Staff Writer

During the summer of 2010—June 11, specifically—Kansas City, Mo., Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe watched helplessly as his conference was subjected to the butcher’s table.

The University of Nebraska had announced that it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big 10 Conference; the University of Colorado had just previously left for the Pacific 10 Conference and four other schools were threatening to leave.

While stalwarts Texas and Oklahoma ultimately stayed, A&M did eventually leave along with Missouri in November of 2011.

Beebe lost his job Sept. 23, 2011, due to his inability to stabilize the conference. His firing, and the rapid conference realignment centered on BCS-level football, was an alarm for the Atlantic 10 Conference and its commissioner, Berna-

dette McGlade. wealth University beThe Big East, reeling came full members of the from the loss of West VirAtlantic 10 Conference. ginia, Pittsburgh and SyrWith 16 teams, the acuse, was feasting. For A-10 is the largest conferthe A-10, it was eat or be ence in the nation; it will eaten. So McGlade asked revert back to 14 teams the conference presiin 2013-14 with the depardents in November 2010 ture of Temple and Charfor somelotte. thing bold “Add– make exi n g Adding these institu- t h e s e pansion the No. 1 prior- tions took an extensive i n s t i t u ity of the amount of analyzing t i o n s conference. t o o k The bold and decision making an exmove paid tensive off. a mount A f t e r -Bernadette McGlade of anaTemple lyzing made the and destrategic decision to cision-making,” McGlade return to the Big East, said. “You don’t make starting in 2013, to boldecisions like this quickster its fledgling football ly. I give a lot of credit program, and Charlotte to the presidents who followed Temple’s leave, were forward thinking moving back to Conferand allowed me to work ence USA, McGlade diligently as we saw the pulled perhaps the bigshifts in the conference gest coupe of the Great dynamics across the Conference Realigncountry.” ment: starting on July 1, For Saint Louis Uni2012 Butler University versity, it means the Biland Virginia Commonlikens will add another

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regional conference rival – the Butler Bulldogs, in addition to Xavier and Dayton – and consistently see teams considered for NCAA bids across the sporting spectrum.

Butler, which sponsors 19 sports, nine for men and 10 for women, has had recent Olympic sports success in multiple trips to the NCAA men’s soccer sweet 16, NCAA appearances by the Bulldog baseball team and a national championship caliber cross country team.

One of the most successful programs in college athletics, VCU’s men’s tennis team has made 16 NCAA tournament appearances, and finished in the Top 25 rankings for 17 years.

The women’s tennis team has 12 NCAA appearances and seven other VCU Olympic Sports have made multiple NCAA Championship appearances in recent

See “Women’s Soccer” on Page 11

See “A-10” on Page 11

Tough weekend for Billiken Volleyball

By NATE CREECH Staff Writer

After learning about the devastating death of former Saint Louis University volleyball player Megan Boken, the volleyball team went out with a unified spirit in Nebraska’s Husker Classic in Lincoln, Neb. last Friday and Saturday. The team faced the powerhouse Nebraska CornHuskers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Nebraska came into the game on Friday ranked No. 4 in the nation. Even with freshmen Megan Gilbert’s eight kills and six digs, and Lindsey Dinkelacker’s six digs, SLU fell to the Huskers in three sets; 25-13, 25-17, 25-18. Senior Cassie Clarke put on a show with 11 digs and 19 assists while Junior Grace Bonoma finished the game with nine digs.

Saturday featured a defensive showcase by Grace Bonoma who led all players with 13 digs.

Rallying behind this effort SLU tied with the Fighting Irish eight times throughout the three sets, losing 2519, 25-20, 25-17. Cassie Clarke added 21 assists and five kills with Senior Carly Marcum, Sophomore Lauren Baumet,

Only a round of storms could halt the women’s soccer team as they kicked off play with a busy first week. Their home opener against Marquette will go down as a no-contest as storms came down on Hermann Stadium, providing a much-needed respite after three games on the road.

The Billikens recorded their first victory of the year at Evansville; they scored twice in 21 seconds, late in the second half, to top the University of Evansville 2-0. The Billikens dominated possession the entire game, especially in the second half, led by forward Jenny Hummert’s one goal on four shots. The win came as a welcome breakthrough since the Bills lost to Ole Miss and battled to a hard-fought tie with Southeast Missouri State after a second-half offensive onslaught similar to that of Friday night.

Kat Mertz, the head women’s soccer coach, is certainly happy with the way the team has grown after the first full week of competition; the team has positive experiences to draw from be-

fore they return to action this Friday at Hermann Stadium against Denver.

When she began her first year as coach, Mertz expected a large contribution from veterans at the beginning of the season and has seen it, but some new faces have also surprised her. At the top of the list is midfielder Jamei Borges, who helped lead the Billikens to their road win at Evansville with the first goal. While not finding the back of the net yet, sophomore forward Abbey Stock, fresh off her Atlantic-10 All-Rookie season last year, has given defenses trouble thus far trying to stop her, leading the Bills in shots taken.

Stock and Borges are just a couple bright spots of the Billiken attack that Coach Mertz will try to build on, as the offense scored just 16 goals in 18 games last season. A former goalie herself, Coach Mertz has emphasized defense this summer, implementing a new system the team is still getting used to.

Mertz is certainly no stranger to success, leading the UNLV women’s soccer team to two NCAA tournament experiences

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Carly Marcum attempting spike the ball against the Santa Clara defender.

Men’s Soccer: Split the Billiken Classic Continued from Page 10

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Carly Marcum spikes the ball against the Santa Clara defender. Three losses and the death of former teammate Megan Boken hampered what could still be an exciting season. and Freshman Megan Gilbert combining for eight blocks, out blocking the Irish 8-5.

With an enthusiastic fan base and a unique student-led national anthem, the team opened up the home season with a match Monday night against the Santa Clara Broncos in the Chaifetz Arena. The three-set match featured a season

high 22 assists by Clarke and six kills each for Dinkelacker and Baumet.

Even with these individual efforts, SLU slid to their third straight loss of the season. Nevertheless, standout matches

by Dinkelacker and Bonoma, each with 12 digs, helped the Billikens stay in the contest throughout with a season high 13 ties. Santa Clara,

however, put away the Bills with 25-20, 25-23 and 25-20 sets.

The Bills, looking for their first win of the season, will be hosting the Active Ankle Challenge, featuring Valparaiso, Southern Illinois and South Alabama, this weekend. SLU hosts Valparaiso on Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Chafietz Arena.

grabbed the ball before it crossed the line.

“Tonight was upsetting, we had been training for three and a half months, we were trying as hard as we could, we came out here with a great game plan and there just an unfortunate own goal at the end,” Goalkeeper Nicholas Shackelford said.

However, the Billikens rebounded 48 hours later with a 1-0 victory over the Drake Bulldogs. The Bills controlled the ball

much of the first half, but could not put a tally on the board and they went into halftime 0-0. The Bills finally got on the board after Donte Brangman sent a cross into the box and Adnan Gabeljic fought off a defender settled the ball and powered it into the goal.

The Bills have two upcoming games at Hermann Stadium. On Saturday, the Bills play University of Missouri at Kansas City and next Tuesday, Sept. 4 they will play the nationally-ranked University of Louisville.

2012 Men’s Soccer Team:

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Head Coach: Mike McGinty Last Season’s Record: 6-10-1 First goal of this season: Jon Roeckle First assist of this season: Kingsley Bryce

AUGUST 30, 2012

SPORTS 11

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Boken: Remembered for laugh, spirit was last Thursday at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton. There was great student, she was also a prayer service an outstanding athlete held at St. Francis Xavier and an important part of (College) Church during our championship volleyBoken’s funeral. ball teams,” Director of Boken’s family asked Athletics for her Chris May friends said. across “ S h e She contributed as the counc o n t r i b - much in the classroom try to uted as lift up a much in and in the community p r a y e r the class- as she did on the court. for Meroom and gan last in the Saturday. c o m m u - -Chris May, SLU AD The famnity as she ily made did on the this recourt. Our thoughts and quest on a Facebook prayers are with her fampage commemorating ily and friends.”

Megan.

Boken was in town The family has asked from the Chicago area that in lieu of flowers, looking for a job and to donations may be made play in the annual alumni to the Megan Boken Mevolleyball game. morial Fund at Saint LouVisitation was held for is University and/or to Megan last Wednesday St. Francis High School and her funeral service in Wheaton, Ill. Continued from Page 9

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Megan Boken, 23, was remembered by hundreds of family and friends at her memorial service in Wheaton, Ill. A memorial fund in her honor has been established at SLU. Those wishing to donate can call 314-977-7777.

Crews: Filling in for ailing Majerus

Crews Continued from Page 9

ton Charge, respectively.

Crews said that the team was “very emotional” when they found out that Coach Majerus was not going to return for this season.

“I did not know not know what we were going to do; I knew Coach (Majerus) wasn’t going to coach, there’s really not a blueprint for how to deal with this situation,” Crews said.

Crews said that it was “disjointed” telling the team the news about

Coach Majerus’ leave of absence because six members of the team were in St. Louis, but six other members of the team were not in town because they had a two week break before school started. However, they were able to tell the team before the news became public.

“It has been a difficult time, but I think the leadership throughout the team has been very, very good and these guys have really invested in each other and Coach Majerus has always told them, at least 100 times last year that, ‘It’s your team’,” Crews said.

Dwayne Evans and Cody Ellis admitted that is they were stunned by the news of Coach Majerus’ leave of absence.

However, they were excited with the prospect of Crews becoming the head coach for this season.

“It was good to know, Coach Crews knows his stuff.” Ellis said, “We had some team meeting and talked about sticking together and remembering that this is still our team.”

Evans said that the news about Coach Majerus made the team “refocus” on this upcoming season.

“We knew that coach [Majerus] was an instrumental part of our program, but I know that Coach Crews will do a great job this season,” Evans said.

Coach Crews is not going to change much from Majerus’ offense or defense, but said he is adding new “wrinkles” to the offense, but that it is not out of the norm for the team.

“It’s going to be the same offense, but you will have different counters to it, different options, and can change personnel to it,” Crews

A-10: Butler, VCU join SLU Continued from Page 10

years. This includes the Rams’ golf, men’s soccer and baseball teams, which have combined for 23 NCAA appearances.

Of course, the Bulldogs and Rams are in the A-10 is because of men’s basketball.

VCU went to the Final Four in 2011, Butler in 2009 and 2010.

VCU has made 11 total trips to the NCAA Tournament with four of those coming in the last six years. The Bulldogs have been to the NCAA Tournament in five of the past six years and have advanced past the first weekend in three of those years. Butler has 11 trips to the NCAA Tournament in all, and in five of those the Bulldogs have advanced to the Sweet 16 or beyond. Eight of those

11 trips have come since 2000.

That has led some, including McGlade, to call the A-10 the premiere non-BCS conference in America, rivaled only by the Mountain West.

“It’s not a new pitch. It’s a consistent pitch,” McGlade said. “The history of our success in men’s basketball programs in the regular season and the post season invited in at-large numbers in the NCAA and NIT and being successful in those tournaments is striking.

The academic successes of these schools on national ranking scales is also, to me, very impressive.”

ESPN senior basketball writer Andy Katz notes that the losses of Charlotte and Temple are minor in comparison to the additions of Butler

and VCU. “The loss of Charlotte means little,” Katz said.

“Temple is a major hit because the Owls had been an elite member of the league for so long. But the league doesn’t lose Philadelphia with Saint Joseph’s and La Salle still in play. “[But], the league picked up the two best non-football playing basketball schools on the market. The pickup of Butler and VCU rivals the Big East’s scoop of Memphis and Temple.”

And so, the A-10 moves forward in 2012-13 as the largest and perhaps most promising league in the nation.

The conference tournament moves to Brooklyn, New York in March, and the conference may send a historic number of teams to the NCAA Tour-

said.

Crews will be placed in a difficult position, with many high pre-season expectations placed on the team. However, Dr. Richard Chaifetz, the man for whom Chaifetz Arena is named, believes that Crews will be able to handle the situation.

“Jim is capable of handling this team. He has coached with Rick and has a very positive attitude,” Chaifetz said.

Crews will be taking Rick Majerus’ team, a team with high expectation placed on it for this season. His experiences at Indiana, Evansville, and Army have prepared for this moment, but he kept emphasizing that it is about the team this year.

“We have a whole locker room full of good teammates. That’s what makes it a very special and unique situation,” Crews said.

Women’s Soccer: New coach, new vibe Continued from Page 10

prior to her most recent stint as an assistant at the University of Texas.

Coach Mertz will look to use this experience as she begins rebuilding a team that went just 5-10-3 last season.

The team is off to a fast start, and after taking an early beating from Ole Miss, seems well on the way to becoming a squad that lives up to the Billiken soccer tradition.

SLU hosts Denver (2-11) of the Western Athletic Conference Friday, Aug. 31. The game is at 7 p.m. at Hermann Stadium.

Putting sports in the proper perspective “[T]he finish line is Majerus is a beloved sometimes merely the figure at SLU, he always symbol of victory. All acknowledges the stusorts of dents, and when students personfound out about his leave al triof absence the reactions umphs varied from utter disbet a k e lief to some students sobplace bing. He always acknowlbefore edges the students at t h a t every press conference p o i n t , and they love him in reCharles Bowles and the turn. o u t At this point, sports come of the race may acdon’t matter; the health tually be decided long beof Coach Majerus is fore the end.” – Laurence what matters. What this Malone means for this season Sports; they are a and beyond is irrelevant vibrant and entertainat this point. ing part of campus life.

We are speaking about Sports have the power a human being and his to make us cheer, curse, health; remember it is cry and celebrate. It can just a game. be very entertaining Something that hits and can sometimes be closer to home for SLU wrongly placed on a pedathletes is the death of estal. Sports give us rags Megan Boken. It was truto riches stories, stories ly a shock to everyone at of sacrifice and other the campus. human-interest pieces.

Yes, Megan was a However, at the end of great volleyball player. the day, all of us have to However, her life will not recognize while a sport be defined by the records has entertainment and that she set at SLU, but human-interest value, it by the teammates, roomis just a game. mates, coaches and other There are a few expeople that she aided and ceptions to this such as impacted on and off the the 1966 NCAA National court. Volleyball is just Championship game, one part of her story. between Texas Western I spoke with her coach and Kentucky, where Anne Kordes, who is Coach Dom Haskins now at the University of started five black players Louisville. She described against Adolph Rupp all Megan as having a deep white team; Jessie Owens and boisterous laugh and winning four gold medals an infectious personality in the 1936 Olympics in which allowed her to deNazi Germany; and Mike velop deep personal conPiazza hitting the first nections with her teamhome run in a sporting mates. event since 9/11. What This is how her coach is special about these remembers Megan—not events is by her that they actions were so on the These athletes are c o u r t , m u c h more than rarely going to remem- but the s i m p l y ber individual games, beautiful athletic but will remember the p e r s o n events. that she T h e y people, the coaches, was to transcend- the friends they made. her teamed sports, mates, broke barfriends riers and and famsought to heal a broken ily, not by the amount of nation. digs or aces that she had However, these events at SLU. come once in a blue moon Sports are just a part and are not immediately of someone’s life. The recognize for their social, game is part just a small political, and other relsection of all the preparaevant implications. tion that these athletes Two sadder examples put into the game. that I can think of which These athletes are prove my point are: the rarely going to rememdeparture of Rick Majeber individual games, rus for this season and but will remember the the murder of former people, the coaches, and SLU volleyball player friends that they made Megan Boken. along the way.

Rick Majerus has takWe also cannot let en SLU to great heights sports become too powand after last season, this erful in our lives because year was supposed to our it can blind to more imnational coming-out parportant things in life like ty. However, at 5:00 p.m., your friends, your famon Friday August 24th, ily, and this place that Bob Ramsey made the you call “home” for four announced that Majerus years. was taking a leave of abAll sports can be brosence for the 2012-2013 ken, what cannot be broseason. And everything ken are the memories then changed. that you have with your The dreams of “what teammates, coaches and could be” for this basfriends. ketball program came to Remember it is just a a halt and were replaced game, take it or leave it, by concerns for Majerus’ and don’t make it more health and what happens important than it should now. be.

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