No. 13 Dec 1 2011

The University News Celebrating 90 Years as a Student Voice of Saint Louis University Vol. XCI No. 13

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BILLIKENS’ LUCKY NO. 23 A big weekend in Cali skyrocked SLU into the top 25>> SPORTS

Thursday, December 1, 2011

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Dickens’ classic holiday tale takes center stage >> ARTS

Pevely: Pressure to preserve

Former dean, athlete passes away at 66

By PATRICK OLDS

SLU faces opposition in effort to demolish South Grand complex

Associate News Editor

By JAMES MEINERS Managing Editor

Saint Louis University hit a snag in their work to make the former Pevely Dairy site into an ambulatory care center for SLUCare, the practice used by SLU physicians.

A preservation group, the Pevely Preservation Coalition, recently started to urge the University and St. Louis City to maintain the historic structure near the corner of Grand Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue. The group formed in response to the University’s application for a permit to demolish the complex.

The Pevely Preservation Coalition said it wants the University to maintain the corner building and smokestack.

“The Pevely corner building and Pevely smokestack are iconic parts of the South City skyline, and the last historic anchors of the busy intersection of Grand and Chouteau,” Lindsey Derrington, a member of the coalition, said.

“With the new Grand Boulevard Bridge opening next year, their preservation and reuse is essential to maintaining a dense, walkable stretch of Grand to effectively link South City to Midtown.”

The building complex is on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to Derrington, under the ordinance these buildings may not be demolished if rehabilitation is possible and if they are structurally sound. She said that the Pevely complex matches both characteristics, as several plans have been made to redesign the buildings for student housing using tax credits before the University purchased the building earlier this year.

Mayor Slay tweeted on Nov. 15 that the demolition application for Pevely was denied by the city’s Cultural Resources Office, which grants official approval to demolish certain historic buildings.

SLU then appealed the denial to the office’s preservation board. The University has See “Pevely” on Page 2

MASS CHANGES within the community,” Ideker said.

“When they changed the Profession of Faith to ‘I’ instead of ‘we,’ we lose that When William O’Brien, S.J., sense of community. I feel the meaning celebrated Mass on Monday, Nov. 28, isn’t the same without the community.” he said he found the experience to be According to Braun, the new a bit awkward. changes come from the updated third “It was clumsy,” O’Brien said. edition of the Roman Missal, the “People laughed, not disrespectfully, book of prayers and responses used but this will take some getting used in the Mass. This is the third edition to.” published in Latin, and since some of The reason for the laughter was no the Latin has been updated, it will also fault of O’Brien’s, shift what is said but the result of in English. the changes and “ W i t h new translation of Vatican II, the Catholic Mass the Mass was that were officially published in - The response “And also with you” has changed to “And instated in Saint Latin,” Braun also with your spirit.”

Francis Xavier said.

“After College Church Vatican II, it on Sunday, Nov. was translated - The Profession of Faith has changed “we” to “I” 27. into English, In the old Missal, parishioners recited the creed to proclaim The changes to encourage to the Mass are that Jesus Christ is “God from God, Light from Light, true people to a part of a larger participate in God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with movement within the Mass and the Father.” With the new translation, Catholics profess the Catholic understand Christ “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”

Church to bring what they are the language and doing more.” meaning used in Braun said the Mass closer that some of the to the original Latin translation. One “I like the changes. I like that they more dramatic changes come from a example includes the response to the unite us linguistically,” Dieselmier document created by a committee in peace offering. The old response, “And said. “I like that it is a closer, more Rome that addressed the process of also with you,” has now been changed precise translation of the Latin because translation. to “And with your spirit,” to reflect the it gives us a better picture of what “At the time of Vatican II, the original Latin phrase of “Et cum spiritu we’re saying.” primary translation principle they used tuo.”

Freshman James Ideker, on the was called dynamic equivalence, or Liturgical Coordinator and Campus other hand, said he thinks the new trying to capture the spirit of the text,” Minister Abigail Braun said she has diction of the Mass takes something Braun said. “This committee said that heard a variety of perspectives from away from the liturgy. the students on the changes, but does “The point of the Mass is to have not believe they will hurt the strength that personal experience with God See “Mass” on Page 3

By KRISTEN MIANO Associate News Editor

of a student’s faith.

“I think a lot of people will have opinions, good or bad,” Braun said, “But it wont have a real drastic effect on the prayer life of students.”

The changes have been meet with mixed reviews from students who have attended Mass since the switch to the new translation.

Senior Megan Dieselmier said she likes how the language has changed and thinks it is for the better.

REVISIONS

Donald Brennan, former Saint Louis University student, instructor and dean, passed away Thursday, Nov. 24, due to complications with lung cancer. He was 66 years old.

Brennan will be long rem e m bered for his 35year presence on campus, where he covered almost every facet of the UniBrennan versity in 1945-2011 athletics, education, research, faith and school spirit.

As a SLU student, Brennan was a star soccer player on the 1965 National Championship team as well as the 1964 team that finished third in the country.

He concluded his soccer tenure at SLU as a co-captain in 1966. In 1998, Brennan was elected into SLU’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Brennan graduated from SLU, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1967 and his master’s degree in 1969 in communication disorders.

He received his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in 1974 before joining SLU’s faculty in 1975 in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

In between his educational degrees, Brennan enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1968 through 1971, and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Brennan became a fulltime faculty member and department chair, and eventually accepted the position of dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for research in 1988.

He held on to the position of associate provest for nearly 20 years, which happens to be the longest in SLU history, before being stepping down to serve as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2008. He held the position until 2010.

Brennan took the position and had a goal in mind.

According to an article

See “Brennan” on Page 3

19 CSOs under review Appeals take place this week

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

Candra Johnson / Staff Photographer

SLU’s plans for the Pevely complex face resistance.

Nationally known

Read and Recycle The University News prints on partially recycled paper.

During the Student Government Association senate meeting on Nov. 30, the committee for student organizations said that 19 chartered student organizations are facing the possibility of losing their charters. To maintain them, the CSOs must make an appeal to the committee before next week’s SGA meeting.

If a charter is revoked, the CSO will lose the rights to request funds from SGA, to post about the organization on campus and to reserve space on campus.

The committee prompted the recommendations to review charters after the CSOs failed to respond to a series of emails from the committee, neglected to update their contact information and failed to meet with SGA about the activity of their organizations.

According to the recommendations from the committee, there are five options that the senate

can take when reviewing the charters of the CSOs: Take no action, administer a disciplinary sanction at the discretion of the senate, instill a three-month probation period, suspend the charter for one year or a revoke the charter, losing recognition and privileges permanently.

In May of 2011, Vice President of Student Organizations Tyler Sondag sent an email to the CSOs, asking them to update their contact information. Many of the students who held positions in their executive boards would be changing the following year.

Sondag said that the majority of his inquiries were either sent back to him or sent to email accounts of executive boards who were no longer in service.

In August, Sondag spoke with representatives of the Division of Student Development about the issue, searching for a way to contact CSOs and determining which of them were currently active.

By September, he presented See “SGA” on Page 3

Hotel Ignacio earns city distinction

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

After seven months of operation, Hotel Ignacio has settled into the Saint Louis University Community, and was recently named “Development of the Year” by St. Louis City.

“We’re thrilled that the City of St. Louis recognized Hotel Ignacio as one of its developments of the year,” Clayton Berry, assistant vice president of communications said. “It’s always great to be honored for our efforts to improve community.”

Previously Interiors Unlimited, the Midtown building was constructed in 1910 and first housed the Morgens Brothers Cleaning and Dyeing Company. It has been a historic landmark for more than a century. After multiple extended periods of vacancy, the University decided to buy the structure, located near campus at 3411 Olive St. In April of 2010, the University partnered with Steve Smith, CEO of the Lawrence Group and owner of the adjacent Triumph Grill and Moto Museum, to make the building into a boutique-style hotel as part of a Midtown redevelopment project. Renovations

Kelly Hinderberger/ Associate Photo Editor

Hotel Ignacio was recently named “Development of the Year” by the City of St. Louis. to transform the structure began the following month in May, employing four architects, 10 interior designers and 65 different subcontractors.

“A lot of planning and hard work went into transforming the 100-year-old building into a modern boutique hotel,” Berry said.

The structure’s façade, as well as its former showroom and warehouse, were also maintained. The restoration contributed to the hotel’s

most recent honor from the city.

“We have a deep commitment to revitalizing St. Louis, so it’s rewarding to work with an institution so connected to our city and with Father Biondi, whose leadership and vision have been essential to Midtown’s resurgence,” Steve Smith, president and CEO of the Lawrence Group said in a press release from the University.

See “Hotel” on Page 3

News

2

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Let Us Introduce You

Greg Corner

Physics professor studies neutron stars, plays in bluegrass band

By MARTINA BOYTER Staff Writer

Saint Louis University physics professor, Greg Comer, has some advice for “geeks” everywhere.

“When you are in science and engineering, you are, by default, a geek,” Comer said, admittedly. “So, if you want to do at all well with the girls, you have to play guitar—in bars. Otherwise, you will grow old and unmarried.”

Comer, the lead guitarist of his band Chop Shop, exhibits the connection between two seemingly distinct fields: science and art.

Comer said that engineering involves “moments when you have a real act of creation.”

“You put several things together and have this new thing that comes out,” Comer said. “I think there is a level of creativity that goes along with the rigid mathematics and structure.”

Comer said he first realized his passion for science at age 6 when a visit to his grandparents provided the opportunity to witness the launch of the Apollo 8 space shuttle, an experience which he said left a lasting impression.

In addition, Comer said he had always been interested in science and science fiction.

Comer said he took a Physics class during his senior year of high school, and that it was then that he fell in love with the subject.

Upon receiving his doctorate, Comer spent two years in Jerusalem for postdoctoral research and another year in Paris. In 1993, he moved to St. Louis and joined the SLU community.

Comer currently teaches Introduction to Physics, a course for freshmen physics majors, and Einstein’s Universe, a physics course for non-science majors.

In addition to teaching, Comer said that researching also occupies much of his time.

He mainly studies neutron stars, the aftermath of dying stars, a form of matter that cannot be created on Earth.

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Security Services

Monday, Nov. 28

5:04 a.m. - Peace Disturbance A male student reported that his roommate began yelling at him and his girlfriend for waking him. The student at the time was holding a steak knife in a threatening manner pointing the knife at the victims and yelling for them to get out of the apartment. SLMPD was contacted and the student was detained.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

11:15 p.m. - Stolen Auto DPSSS officers responded to a report of a stolen automobile. The vehicle, belonging to a SLU student, was a 2000, green Jeep Cherokee.

SLMPD was contacted and a report was taken.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

1:05 a.m. - Harrassment A student who resides off campus reported receiving text messages and other forms of communication of a disturbing nature from another student who resides off campus.

SLMPD responded and the student

was provided instructions for obtaining a restraining order. The matter will be referred to Student Conduct.

9:03 p.m. - Sick Case A student notified DPSSS and advised he was not feeling well and had been vomiting, having a fluctuating temperature and feeling dizzy.

Pro staff and res life were notified.

EMS was contacted, and the student was conveyed to SLU-ER.

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

Pevely: Demolition opposition Continued from Page 1

Minghao Gao / Staff Photographer

Paralleling his progressing interest in science is Comer’s relationship with his music.

From early childhood, Comer said he was exposed to music and that everyone on his mother’s side of the family played an instrument.

He grew up in Bristol, Va., located in the heart of Appalachia and the birthplace of the first country music recordings.

Comer said he picked up his first guitar at age 10. He took lessons, but most of his skill can be attributed to selfteaching.

By age 15, Comer was practicing up to eight hours daily and had added the banjo to his repertoire.

“I convinced myself that if you work really hard, then you can do things that are hard,” Comer said. “So the music built up my confidence and let me know that if I am

patient, stick with it, work hard, I could probably do this.”

Throughout college and graduate school, Comer said he played with whatever musicians he met along the way, expanding from bluegrass to the rock and folk genres.

In St. Louis, Comer met other bluegrass musicians, and some became future band mates.

Along with Comer’s electric guitar, which he nicknamed “Earl” after the legendary banjo player Earl Scruggs, he established the band Chop Shop.

For Comer, music is just as formulaic as science.

“Music has some nice rules, and if you are mathematically-minded, there’s something very appealing about that,” Comer said.

since deferred their appeal to a later date.

“We still plan to appeal, and our intention to build a stateof-the-art ambulatory care center at that location has not changed,” Clayton Berry, assistant vice president for communications, said.

According to Berry, the project is important, and the University needs more time to give the Preservation Board “the most comprehensive plan possible.”

On Nov. 19, the Pevely Preservation Coalition held a rally in front of the complex and a charrette, a planning session open to citizens, designers and architects, to find alternatives to SLU’s demolition proposal.

Berry also said that, in regard to the recent rally against the demolition, SLU has considered deferring the appeal hearing since its meeting with the Cultural Resources Office.

The Pevely Preservation Coalition has brought forth sustainability concerns,

prompted by the proposed construction of the site.

“Demolishing buildings of this size wastes an incredible amount of fossil fuels and materials, turning viable, reusable buildings into landfill waste,” Derrington said.

“

Demolishing buildings of this size wastes an incredible amount of fossil fuels and materials, turning viable, reusable buildings into landfill waste.

”

-Lindsey Derrington

She said that SLU’s demolition goes against the University’s commitment to sustainability, which is stated on the SLU Center for Sustainability’s website: “Saint Louis University is committed

to advancing sustainability on campus and throughout the St. Louis community; it is a noble and worthy pursuit that aligns perfectly with SLU’s Jesuit mission and identity.”

SLU said it is still exploring possibilities for maintaining parts of the site. According to a University statement, “As part of its planning process, the University is exploring which site features, including the smokestack, could possibly be preserved.”

SLU said, however, that there are limited possibilities of rehabilitation at the Pevely site.

The statement continues: “This project is absolutely essential for SLUCare, SLU’s physicians’ practice, to continue to care for patients in the heart of the city.”

As evidence of their commitment to preservation of historic buildings, the statement names Hotel Ignacio, Samuel Cupples House, Queen’s Daughters Hall, Pruellage Hall and the Biomedical Engineering Building as historical buildings the University has preserved.

News

3 Public forum sets stage for development Library renovation Grand Center ‘Framework Plan’ seeks to improve visitor experience moves forward unewsonline.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

ture. He played a role in the development of the Gateway Arch grounds plans in 2010.

The Grand Center, St. Several important instiLouis’ premier district for arts tutions in St. Louis call the and entertainment, has been Grand Center district their a hot topic for development home, including the Fox Thein the city since this summer. atre, the Contemporary Art On June 23, members of the Museum St. Louis and the St. Louis community gath- Sheldon Concert Hall. Saint ered to discuss plans for the Louis University institutions development of the district. such as Chaifetz Arena, the On Nov. 17, the vision for SLU Museum of Art and the the Grand Center district Historic Samuel Cupples gained furHouse all fall ther clarwithin the arity. Donald ea’s borders.

S t a s t n y, One of the This has an oppor- areas of focus the architect and tunity to become not for Stastny u r b a n was improvd e s i g n e r only a unique place in ing the act a s k e d St. Louis, but a unique cessibility of with dethe area and s i g n i n g place in the countr y. creating a and implemore visitormenting friendly enthe Grand -Donald Stastny vironment.

Center disAccording to trict plans, Stastny, this presented his Grand Center can be achieved through imFramework Plan at the Scot- proved and increased parking tish Rite Auditorium. Stastny accommodations, one of the said he visualizes the area as primary concerns of the June one with high potential.

23 open forum. Stastny said “This has an opportunity that the framework will “reorito become not only a unique ent arrival and approach” and place in St. Louis, but a “provide flexibility for exiting unique place in the country,” and entering.”

Stastny said. “If we can move “We realized that at some the paradigm from a place point, there’s going to have that you come to and leave to to be a serious parking devela place that you hang out in, it opment,” Stastny said. “They is going to be a different type [the parking development of community.” task force team] also realized Stastny has previous ex- that, for the most part, to fully perience in St. Louis architec- utilize the Grand Center’s

By BRIAN BOYD

By MARK CAMPOS

News Editor

“

”

Staff Writer

Shah (Yuqing Xia)/ Photo Editor

Architect Donald Stastny presented his Grand Center Framework Plan at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Nov. 17. potential, parking is going to have to be factored into the situation.”

Stastny said he hopes to improve the pedestrian experience by widening sidewalks along Theresa St., Washington Ave., Spring St., and Grand Blvd., while narrowing the roads. Additional improvements suggested by Stastny include the implementation of garden walks, the reconfiguring of alleyways as unique pedestrian ways and the addition of more trees along pedestrian walkways.

One of the pillars of the framework is the develop-

ment of the Grand Center district as a community through what Stastny called the “front porch” initiative. Stastny said that area leaders said they were not familiar with the business or institution located next-door to them. The front porch idea maintains that every business should have a front porch, or an area on their property where they can interact with other members of the community.

“We also want to create and build upon ideas where our community and our neighborhood can really come together,” Stastny said.

Student Government Association President Matt Ryan updated the student body on the proposed renovations to Pius XII Memorial Library, much to the relief of some students who use it.

“I’m glad they are making changes because the heating and cooling really needed to be looked at,” Junior Grace Karcher said. “And the furniture is getting quite shabby.”

Karcher’s opinions echoe issues students raised in surveys SGA conducted in May and September of 2010.

Along with improved heating and cooling systems, the survey results called for “a significant increase in total seat count, more outlets, increased wireless bandwidth, additional group study rooms and better lighting,” Ryan said.

Students also expressed interest in a new entrance into the library from West Pine Mall, Design and Construction Manager David Florek of Facilities Services said.

Ryan said that SGA’s goals for library renovation are centered around increasing the amount and quality of student

study space.

In addition to an email to the student body from SGA regarding the renovations, samples of potential new furniture were set on display on the third floor of the library.

Students were encouraged to vote on which pieces they enjoyed best via a page on Facebook.

The planned renovations are scheduled to begin in early May and will be completed by early August of 2012, Library Director David Cassens said.

Along with the library, renovations to the heating and cooling are expected to improve the environments of DuBourg Hall and the Samuel Cupples House.

Florek said that funding for the renovations has not been decided, and that design and construction is still in the process of deciding a cost for the scope of the work involved.

Ryan said students are responding positively to the selections.

“I thought it was cool. The library was getting really outdated, so I’m excited to see the new renovations,” junior Fallon Lott said. “I’m hoping for a quiet relaxing place to do my papers and projects.”

SGA: CSOs risk loss of charter next week

Shah (Yuqing Xia)/ Photo Editor

Vice President for Internal Affairs Scott Hessel (left) does role call at the Nov. 30 SGA meeting.

Continued from Page 1

a list of CSOs who had not responded to him to the committee. He informed the CSOs that their charter would be up for review by SGA. This time, more than 100 CSOs responded to him, providing

their updated contact information.

“After this, we were able to create a series of funnels to determine what organizations have not responded to us and sent some focused emails to these organizations,” Sondag said.

In November, Sondag said he emailed approximately 45 CSOs, informing them that the committee believed they “might not currently meet the qualifications of a Chartered Student Organization,” and that the committee “would like to meet with your CSO’s leadership to discuss the future of your Chartered Student Organization.”

Of the 45 who were notified, 26 met with the committee to update their contact information and provide SGA with a report of the CSO’s activities.

The 19 CSOs that did not arrange to meet with the committee or respond to the email received notices that they would have a chance to appeal the potential of losing the charter.

The CSOs must give a presentation to SGA next week, Dec. 7, to appeal the committee’s decision.

At the meeting on Nov. 30, SGA also heard internal recommendations over spotfunding from Vice President

of Internal Affairs Scott Hessel and Financial Vice President Jonathan Serpas.

In regard to senators who expressed concern about the decreasing spot-funding pool, the internal affairs and finance committees decided to display the amount of available funds during SGA meetings. The decision was met with resistance from some senators who did not want the information to be displayed in front of CSOs during the meeting. Some senators were concerned because they did not receive consultation on the matter.

SGA also awarded five students with the Upperclassmen Scholarship.

The recipients were Chelsea Jaeger, Rachel Grimmer, Jimmy Meiners, Grant Podolski and Tyler Sondag.

Meiners, Podolski and Sondag currently serve on SGA. SGA also seated and confirmed the 2012 election commission for the SGA elections next spring.

SLU Madrid hosts end-of-semester dance

Noah Berman / Foreign Desk Chief

Students on the Saint Louis University- Madrid Campus have a dance performance to celebrate the end of the semester. Both domestic students and students from the main SLU campus in St. Louis participated.

Hotel: Award winner Brennan: SLU icon Continued from Page 1

In June, the Landmarks Association of St. Louis honored the structure as one of the year’s “Most Enhanced Buildings.” According to its website, the Landmarks Association said that Hotel Ignacio has had a positive impact on the surrounding Grand Center and Locust Business District neighborhoods.

The building also fits into developing the University community.

“Hotel Ignacio not only meets an identified community need, it fits perfectly with our vision to see our campus encompassed by a neighborhood that’s both vibrant and dynamic,” University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., said in a press release from the University.

Continued from Page 1

published by The University News in 2008, Brennan expressed his motivation for taking the position.

“I plan to make the College of Arts and Sciences the best it can be, so it can be a prime part of helping [University President Lawrence] Biondi achieve his vision of making SLU the finest Catholic university in the country,” Bren-

nan said.

He stepped down from the position of dean in 2010 to return to teaching.

“I entered the academy because of my love for teaching and learning with and from my students and I look forward to ending my career doing this very thing,” Brennan said to The University News.

Brennan displayed his love for SLU throughout his entire adult life.

Submitted photo courtesy of SGA

A sample set of furniture displayed on the third floor of the Pius XII Memorial Library.

Mass: Liturgy language more literal, from Latin Continued from Page 1

when we are translating from Latin, we need to adhere more strictly to the Latin so it’s a more literal translation.”

It is because of the switch to a more literal translation that some of the old responses used in the Mass have been updated to better fit their meaning in Latin.

To prepare for the changes, O’Brien and Braun gave two presentations at Saint Louis University, which outlined what could be expected from the new Mass.

Braun said that while she understands there will be conflicting opinions on the new translations, she believes having a dialogue about it is important.

“We’re in a university setting, where we encourage students to think critically and engage all parts of their lives, including faith, using their intellect to ask questions,” Braun said. “The Magisterium in Rome says we need to adhere more to the Latin, and that’s the reality we have.”

John Kavanaugh, S.J., a philosophy professor, said that while the changes may be challenging to some, he does not believe the new parts of the Mass will change what the central purpose of what the service is about.

“It’s really a celebration of something that God does for us, and that’s why we can celebrate in any country of the world, regardless of language,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s the action that’s important.”

Kavanaugh said that he believes the bishops wanted the mass to have a more formal translation so that Catholics would not forget to believe in the transcendent reality of God. He also said that the changes will be difficult for some people who have grown up with the old Mass, but he thinks the actual difference will be small.

“Most people realize this is a secondary thing,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s understandable that they think of the liturgy as a central thing that unifies us, but especially in a parish like ours, the difference will be minimal because we are already deeply committed to the transcendent. We have a

sense of celebration of God.” While both Kavanugh and Braun said that they do not believe the changes will impact the role of the Mass, Braun said students are still divided in their opinions on the changes. “Some students are excited about it,” Braun said. “They think it will encourage them to pay more attention, to think more deeply and reflect more deeply on the words they say during mass.”

Braun also said that a lot of students are pleased with the universality of the new language. Since the new English translation is closer to Latin, the Mass in different languages and countries will be similar in meaning.

While the language is unifying, Braun said that other students are frustrated that the language has not become more inclusive.

“Part of the concern is that this new translation is actually a step backwards,” Braun said. “There is still exclusive language in the mass. Most of the language we use to refer to God and humanity is still masculine.”

Another concern students have is that the new translation values the literal meaning of the text rather than the spiritual context. Some students said they feel the language used is loftier and more poetic than the old Mass, and therefore moves the mass further from our lives.

“It’s a fine line we walk between saying the mass is a place where we encounter God, who we can never comprehend,” Braun said. “And yet it is also where we encounter God who is one of us, who became flesh and walked with people in their everyday lives. Some people think the loftier language will bring us deeper into the mystery, but others think Mass should be an encounter with God in the midst of our lives.”

While views on the changes vary on SLU’s campus, O’Brien said he believes that though the changes will take some getting used to, they will add a new dimension to the liturgy.

“I find it awkward, but the more formal prayer language distinguishes liturgical action from normal action,” O’Brien said. “The new translation has

Opinion

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

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

The editorials printed in this space represent the opinion of The University News.

Commentaries and Letters to the Editor represent the opinions of the signed authors but do not necessarily represent the opinions of The University News.

Speaker policy misses student input in practice, but pretends otherwise The Performance, Presentation and Speaker Policy currently under use by the administration began two years ago as a result of student support for a change in the speaker-approval process. The proposed title for this was “Speaker Policy” when it was first introduced by Student Government Association. The title, among other things, has since been revised by the administration, failing to include student feedback.

This is an unseemly gesture from the administration that claims that “the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to critically analyze and express different viewpoints is essential to the University’s mission” but has failed to accommodate an “exchange of ideas” before it revises its speaker policy.

Student leaders are aware of the daunting process they must go through in order to get speakers approved. This process has become so time-consuming that often, instead of providing encouragement, faculty advisers have discouraged the pursuit of many speakers and programs, presuming they would not get approved. This is not exactly the best way to encourage scholarship and the pursuit of truth by students, and it gives the organization advisors too much decision-making power.

While there is no question that the University should have a speaker policy to pre-

ser ve not only its mission, but also the order and peace of the campus environment, the process through which this policy was implemented has become the main focus of criticism.

The speaker policy was originally put forth as a proposal from SGA, including input from student leaders that were – directly or indirectly – elected by the student body. The administration made changes to the policy over the summer, in the absence of the student assembly. This put the students’ input at a great disadvantage to give feedback on how the policy should be implemented.

Lack of transparency in the changes made to the speaker policy and the administration’s failure to include effective student input severely damage the bridge of trust. What is worse, however, is that this policy creates the illusion that students’ voices are important to the administration, while, in reality, they were never taken into account in the revision of the policy.

Ultimately, it is only with transparency and honesty that such issues can be prevented. The administration’s respect for student voices and input reflects how much it expects students to become responsible and powerful individuals in their future. At this point, this expectation does not appear to be ver y high.

Hotel Ignacio should bring more life to Midtown Naming Hotel Ignacio one of St. Louis’ “Developments of the Year” adds greatly to the pride Saint Louis University has in its role in the city. Since its addition to the University, the hotel has been a lively addition to the Midtown area and has made excellent use of an alley that used to be dark, vacant and largely unattractive.

The addition of lights to that alley has brought the surrounding Locust neighborhood to life and has attracted business, such as Flying Cow Frozen Yogurt. In general, it is nice to have a hotel on the north side of campus. It can be a comfortable place to accommodate University guest performers and speakers, despite its high price. Its unique style creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests, which can include donors and sponsors.

However, it still remains to be seen exactly how this expensive hotel can be of direct use to students.

Hotel Ignacio will rarely be used by the families of students, because most of them will likely not be able to afford it and would rather go to the Water Tower Inn. Student

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groups also do not often use Hotel Ignacio to host their guest speakers because it is so expensive, although comfortable and luxurious.

At $217 a night (including tax), it is nearly triple the rate of the Water Tower Inn, which charges $75 a night including tax. The service qualities of the two, however, do not match the same proportion, and customers often end up sacrificing their basic comfort for mere affordability at Water Tower Inn, for lack of a better choice.

Students would like to remind the administration to ensure that students’ interests are the foremost concern when it comes to large investments around the area. For these investments to be effective, they should be of direct benefit to students and attract people to the University who matter to students. These goals could be achieved by lowering the hotel rate for student-sponsored speakers and guest performers, which would not only ensure utmost comfort of University guests, but it would also present a better image of the University than would Water Tower Inn.

It still remains to be seen exactly how this expensive hotel can be of direct use to students.

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Posted below are the results from our web poll on The University News’ website.

(40 votes total) What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

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

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

-First copy, free. Each additional copy, $1.00.

Mauriel Blakeley / Chief Illustrator

57%

Spending time with family

26%

Black Friday

12%

Mashed potatoes and gravy

0% 0

Giving thanks

10

20

30

40

50

60

Lack of depth in reporting disappoints I am writing to say that I was deeply disappointed with the reporting found in the November 10th issue of The University News in the article “The Comeback Kid.” Let’s not forget the very large scandal Kwamain Mitchell was involved in last year. To gloss over his much talked about scandal in which he was accused, along with fellow Billiken Basketball player Willie Reed, of sexually assaulting a female student on campus, is poor journalism.

This scandal was the subject of many stories (including a frontpage spread, and letters to the editor in The University News, The Riverfront Times and many other St. Louis news outlets.

With this in mind, I must question the journalism involved in summarizing this year-long conflict with the sentence, “Mitchell returned to SLU in the spring 2011 semester after being suspended for the fall 2010 semester for violation of a school policy.”

Such a vague statement makes no distinction as to whether the school policy which Mitchell had violated was being accused of sexual misconduct or merely having too many books overdue at the library.

On ethical grounds, I take issue with the article’s glorification of such a controversial figure. On journalistic grounds, I take issue with its ignoring such a huge story that had already garnered such attention in the St. Louis community. Surely it deserves more of a reference than simply stating that Mitchell had “violated a school policy.”

While I regret that the young female involved in the incident won’t have her own chance at being a “comeback kid,” considering she has long since transferred from the University, I regret even more that a writer of The University News has overlooked and, indeed, ignored a story which deserves far more investigative journalism than it was given, whether Mitchell is guilty or innocent.

- Vinnie Schneider is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Website comments This is a fine reason why colleges need to stop offering ‘undecided/undeclared majors’, there is no such thing. When you begin your college education it may be difficult, but you need to know what you’re interested in. This is why students take career and college entrance exams in high school in the first place.

However it also comes down to program demand.

There are a lot of nursing students at this school, and every university needs to ensure they’re not flooding the market with new graduates. I’m actually from Chicago and nursing is not doing very well up there ... (read more online) - Andrew Sova on “Letter to the Editor: The nursing college shows unprofessionalism in handling new students”

@SassyGayBilliken, though we are both sassy, unfortunately I don’t always agree with your views.

The athletic fee referendum did not poll “roughly the same amount of people.” It in fact pooled much more than double the people that this chartwells poll surveyed.

In addition, the athletic fee survey was made by students and was well advertised ... (read more online) - Sassy Straight Billiken on “SGA debates student dining options.”

How can you say that Paterno had all the power when he was fired in the most dis-organized and disrespectful way?

I’m not saying what Joe-Pa did was okay. Not even close. But the way he was dismissed was incredibly disrespectful, and had more to do with media outcry than anything. If he really did have all the power, he wouldn’t have been asked to resign, then less than 24 hours later, told he was fired.

Let’s be honest – the real power lies with ESPN (who, instead of publishing factual articles about the subject, instead published TWO DIFFERENT front page articles saying Joe-Pa must be fired. Less than a day later, he was.)

- Peter Castens on “Say it ‘aint Joe-Pa.”

Opinion

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Israel-Palestine partition reaches its 64th year Part of our culture as the current generation of Americans will always be influenced by the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Though it Commentary may seem like a strange, far-away region for many of us, it is undeniable that this conflict has played a very important part in the lives of us all.

From the role Vinnie Schneider of our government and military in the Middle East, to Islamic extremists who have targeted Americans at home and abroad, conflicts and military actions in this region reverberate throughout the entire world.

This week, on Nov. 29, we mark the 64th anniversary of the historic day on which the United Nations voted to partition Palestine.

Under this resolution, Palestine was divided, rather haphazardly, into a Jewish state—Israel—and an Arab state—Palestine. While the land area of both was relatively equal, the partition was anything but fair.

To begin with, Israel was granted a solid chunk of land that connected the Red Sea with the important trade route of the Mediterranean Sea and access to a majority of the coasts, which are important sources of water.

Naturally, the Arabs were less than pleased, and civil war broke out. While the war was eventually resolved, the borders in the Holy Land are unfortunately a complete mess, even today.

Look at a map and find Israel, which would be perfectly cohesive if not for a large chunk missing from its eastern side, dubbed the “West Bank,” and a small sliver on its western side, the “Gaza Strip.” Both of these areas have been regions with constant fighting for decades. So, what should be done?

When taken at face value, it seems clear that the Palestinians had their land stolen from them with the U.N. resolution. However, it theoretically is true that the Jews were in the region first, until they were forcefully

have to experience, and they have come out smiling.

The energy throughout the 12 hours was contagious and never faded throughout the night. The students who participated truly took this mission to heart. From organized games to costume changes every hour, the activities never slowed, and the music never stopped.

“Hearing the stories of the children was inspirational, but seeing the joy on their faces as we stood all night for those who can’t was truly amazing,” student participant Kerry Murphy said.

Events like the Dance Marathon impact the lives not only of the people in need, but also of the students who participate. It was not only a great cause, but as a participant it was important to see where the fundraising proceeds were donated and how many children would be helped by the donations we raised.

Hearing all of the young patients and former patients share their personal stories with hundreds of strangers was not just a moving experience, but raised our awareness of this special need, which otherwise might have never been brought to the attention of the SLU campus.

These types of service projects are exactly what is meant by SLU students living the motto of “men and women for others.”

It is a great thing to be involved in service, and many of us are, but for students to think outside of the box and create their own University-wide service opportunities raises service to an even higher level.

As students at a Jesuit university, this mission of service should be taken seriously, and my challenge to you in this season of giving is to take the initiative.

There are so many needs in our neighborhoods, communities and country. Do not wait for them to be addressed by someone else. Lead by example and begin to bring new service opportunities to our campus.

Completion of 120 credit hours?

Check. Cap and gown? Check.

Healthy dose of fear of entering the “Real World?”

Check. Job? .....

Commentary This is the checklist that every graduating senior is facing, and sooner than some might think.

What some people do not realize is that Kaylin Ielase on Friday, Dec. 16 a portion of the Class of 2012 will be graduating. That is in–count them–15 days.

Fifteen days, and these seniors will enter the “Real World”.

Jobs are not abounding, and the class of 2012 will scramble along with the rest of the remaining members of the class of 2011 who have not found a job to compete for the same positions. I am among these job-thirsty people.

It is a scary position in which to be. Six months down the road we envision our bank accounts depleting, as our student loans kick in. All we can hope is that we have nailed down a job by then and have more money coming in than we have going out. We hope.

So what can we do in the meantime?

Panicking is always a favored option. Undoubtedly, there will be a certain amount of anxiety-driven panic attacks.

Crying is typically the other option before, during or after the panic attacks take place. Certainly, there will be a few tears shed while our parents listen to us whining, “I’m never going to find a job.”

Screaming and yelling are the last major possibility. In fact, it will probably occur right around the time our parents (with whom we moved home to live rent-free) get sick of us lounging around the house, cramping their style. The sounds of “When are you going to find a job and a place of your own?” will be heard, followed shortly before: “As soon as someone is willing to hire a newly graduated English major with no experience.”

In all seriousness, though, the process of graduating, finding a job, moving out of our parents’ home (hopefully for good), being responsible for our own grocery shopping and bills, which now include student loans and car payments, is completely intimidating.

The key is to push forward, to be aggressive and pound the pavement, if you will, to find a job before graduation.

Let’s face it, not all of us have managed–or will have managed–to do this within the next 15 days, or even by May, when the rest of our compadres join us in the search for the dream job. That is, the one that pays the bills.

It is not easy, and probably no one is going to present us with a goodpaying job with full benefits, a 401-K and a company car neatly wrapped in a big red bow on Graduation Day. Sad, but true.

No. Instead, our full-time job becomes pursuing every open position on the face of the earth, or in our hometown or the desired place of residence, and going at it with a vengeance.

This is all easier said than done, of course. And as we sit at our desks writing those last research papers, as we prepare to take our last finals of our college undergraduate careers, we wonder, “What in the world was I thinking graduating a semester early?!”

And then we remember all the money we are going to save on that last semester void of tuition and student loans accruing and our panic ebbs–until we remember we still have not found that thing we like to call employment, and the whole thing starts all over.

Yet we need to remember that things will not always be this way.

We will find a job. We will be able to pay our bills and, more importantly, be able to afford to eat. We will not fail. We will not disappoint everyone we have ever loved or met.

We will be successful. We just have to believe that we can do it and that whatever job we find we will be good at. We do not have to keep our first job forever. That is why it is called a “first job”–because it comes with the assumption that there will be another job or five that come after it.

Graduation is the ceremony that celebrates all of our hard work finally paying off. It is the stepping stone that leads us down the path to a world that is opening up for us, full of opportunity just waiting for us to tap into.

All we have to do is embrace it. Perhaps the world is not such a scary place to enter. We will just have to see.

Maeve Donahue is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Kaylin Ielase is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

removed from the region in the Jewish Diaspora of the 6th century.

So, Palestine should be established. This makes sense theoretically, but in practice it is something the western world cannot support. If Palestine were to be established, it would be governed by the Palestinian Liberation Organization, which is widely regarded by much of the world, even many Palestinians, to be corrupt.

Furthermore, it was considered a terrorist organization by the United States due to its extreme use of military force, as recently as 1993.

Also, a member party within the PLO is Hamas, a Palestinian separatist group that has been widely criticized for its violence against civilians and children.

That being said, however, a twostate solution is certainly the best solution. Most rational thinkers believe that both Jews and Arabs deserve a home in the region, and indeed a majority of both Jews and Palestinians polled in a 2007 survey were found to favor a two-party agreement.

However, politics and religion have forced many to take extreme

positions on the issue, calling for the elimination of either Israel or Palestine entirely.

While the long-term resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be long off, a positive change that could be made now would be better borders, which are more fair and cohesive in nature than those established by the U.N. 64 years ago.

By defining the borders, even if some of the more controversial areas, like the city of Jerusalem, are left unresolved for now, at least the inhabitants of each region could, at the very least, have some sense of a homeland.

Indeed, President Barack Obama recently encouraged Israel to alter its borders. Perhaps Obama recognizes the need for more defined Israeli borders in the region, but his suggestion that these haphazard borders should be standardized only demonstrates his ignorance on the issue.

The bottom line is that the land must be distributed in a way which is fair for both parties and the borders must be agreed upon. The sooner the two parties can agree on this issue, the sooner an agreement

will be reached on the more controversial areas and topics which make up this conflict.

Our role, however, is tricky. As Americans, we maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, counting them as one of our strongest allies. This puts us in a delicate balance, in which behaving too “pro-Palestine” affects the good will between our countries, which depend on each other greatly.

On the other hand, behaving too “pro-Israel” only deepens the anger of other Arab nations, with which we also have delicate relations. For the good of all Americans, Israelis, Jews, Palestinians and Muslims, we must tread lightly.

The place of America should be primarily an encourager, not an enforcer. The Jews and Arabs must solve this one on their own because clearly the intervening of other nations, or the U.N., only results in more trouble. But with a little diplomacy on all sides and realistic objectives, the goal of peace in the Holy Land can one day be reached.

Vinnie Schneider is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

This secular humanist does not need saving, thank you very much I don’t know what the statistics on evangelical encounters per person in Europe are, but I am beginning to suspect I would be a bit of Commentary an outlier.

The number of people who have asked me since I arrived to study abroad in Europe what I happened to know about Jesus, or if I would Noah Berman like to be a good Jew, in the past month or so number exactly four.

That does not seem like a lot, but back in the States I have never even had a Jehovah’s Witness knock on my door.

My first encounter was when I went to Ireland and decided to check out the Occupy Galway rally.

As I wandered toward the campground, a guy walked up to me and asked if I thought I was Christian. I did not, and I said so, and he informed me that I might, at some point in my life, want to reconsider.

He suggested this with the attitude of someone conveying a great secret.

Alrighty then, thought I, and then I wandered off toward the tent – well, hamlet – to convey my regards to the good people occupying the center of Galway.

My next three encounters occurred within a spread of 48 hours (is that a record?) and all in Paris.

Encounter No. One was a very religious young Jewish guy who pulled my friend and me into an alley and asked how religious we were feeling.

I was raised Jewish, but I consider myself to be a secular humanist, and so I could only reply “not very,” but we went along with it and participated in a quick ritual before moving on.

Later that day, I was taking the Metro to meet some friends elsewhere in the city, and the power went out. I followed my usual routine in a country where I don’t speak the language, and waited until the other people started panicking before getting worried. Nobody panicked, so I didn’t.

I know exactly four phrases in French: “My name is Claude,” “I’m sorry,” “Do you speak English?” and “How much is the apple?” So when the woman next to me started ask-

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ing me questions, I freaked out a bit.

It turned out she spoke excellent English. She was from Sweden and wanted me to know about how Jesus guided her to where she is today. As she exited the train, she instructed me to “be brave,” which I decided was a wonderfully poetic way to exit a subway car.

And good advice, really.

Later that weekend, I spent a tired eight hours in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, and I stumbled across a dad and his kid from somewhere in the northern United States.

We had a several-hours-long conversation in which it was revealed that, while the dad was not much a fan of organized religion, he was a big fan of God. Surprisingly for the hours between 1 and 5 a.m., we had a pretty coherent conversation about whether or not the universe is designed or created randomly through chance– I’m in the latter camp–but we parted amicably.

I don’t mind religion, as long as it does not hurt anybody. It just is not my cup of tea.

The closest I get to a religious experience is the glory that was the St. Vincent concert I witnessed in Dublin.

I cannot describe to you how amazing that experience was, other than to say just listening to her studio albums is not quite enough for me anymore. That is about as close to religious awe as I get, and I am okay with that.

I have been trying to figure out what it is about me that makes people want to help me find my spiritual way.

Do I look lost? In Paris, definitely.

But do I project some sort of general sense of “in need of direction” that people can easily pick up? Is that why I’m writing this oddly-navelgazing commentary instead of my usual quasi-comical-outage-aboutpolitics op-eds? Sheesh. What a selfcentered prick.

But I do not think that’s it. I don’t know if I am any more or less ‘lost’ than anyone else - than you, than the person sitting next to you, than your professors, whatever. A cheery thought for the holiday season. Seriously, though... Have a good winter break, and I’ll see you on the flipside.

Be brave.

I don’t mind religion, as long as it does not hurt anybody.

”

Noah Berman is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Emily Cavaliere / Enterprise Editor

Dance revisits mission of service “Men and women for others.” As we all learned as incoming freshmen, it is our motto as students at Saint Louis University to live Commentary out the Jesuit mission, a lesson about the importance of service both on and off campus.

There are so many service oppor tunities that pop up all Maeve Donahue over campus, but do students ever think about where these ideas come from?

It takes a lot of preparation and planning to start up a new service project, as students Rachel Grimmer and Kristen Bartheld learned this year when they officially brought the Dance Marathon to SLU. “For the kids! For the kids! For the kids!”

These words were chanted hundreds of times throughout all 12 hours of SLU’s first Dance Marathon that took place on Nov. 19.

Marathon participants “stood for those who can’t,” and learned a six-minute choreographed dance taught by members of the marathon committee, which had grown in size from two members to 49.

Participants listened to and were inspired by the stories of 12 miracle children and their families who visited SLU and shared their medical experiences with the crowd.

One boy in particular, Zach Schmidt, spoke of how he had already beaten cancer three times– and he is only 13 years old.

The hope, bravery, energy and strength of these children was truly inspiring.

To hear them explain how lucky they felt just to be alive, and to hear them say that it was now their responsibility to give back and fight for those who are still suffering was amazing.

These children have suffered through things that no child should

The graduating class of 2012 has a valid reason to panic

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Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ rings in holidays

on the

TOWN Arts Editors’ Picks

The 10 days of student ensemble performances

By KATHRYN GRUNDY Staff Writer

MUSIC Friday, Dec. 2 7 to 10 p.m.

Beyond All Reason presents: Love Aca-tually BSC Wool Ballrooms Sunday, Dec. 4 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

SLU Guitar Ensemble Saint Francis Xavier College Church

Photo courtesy of the Fox Theatre

“A Christmas Carol” is Charles Dickens’ tale of the Cratchit family, including Bob Cratchit and his son, Tiny Tim (center).

Sunday, Dec. 4 4 to 5:30 p.m.

SLU Piano Ensemble Saint Francis Xavier College Church Sunday, Dec. 4 Doors at 6 p.m.

The Ready Set The Firebird

THEATER Thursday, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol The Fabulous Fox Theatre Runs through Dec. 4 Thursday, Dec. 1 8 p.m.

The Sondheim Project Black Box Theatre Admission is free Friday, Dec. 2 6 to 7 p.m.

We Do It for the LOLs Black Box Theatre Performance by SLU’s improv comedy group, The League of Laughter Wednesday, Dec. 7 7 p.m.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Peabody Opera House Runs through Dec. 10

Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts to visit Fox Theatre he possesses, a side often overlooked in the portrayal of the character.

The 9 percent unemployIn an age of reality shows ment rate rings of Cratchit that are anything but real, family Christmases. Modern spinning this classic tale into day retail workers know the a truly “real” light is exactly plight of Bob Cratchit, work- the facelift that it needs in ing on Thanksgiving just as order to continue down the he worked through Christmas same path of success that has Eve, and those suffering from almost worn thin. diseases such as cancer can “I tried to find those mosympathize with Tiny Tim. ments where he is kind,” It has been told hundreds of Horst said. “Playing him as a times, but that does not make straight-up mean guy doesn’t it any less real. serve anybody.”

The ageMyriad old story of producthe binding tions of “A power of Christmas the Christhave Even though it’s a Carol” mas spirit, fulfilled C h a r l e s time of celebration, s o c i e t y ’ s Dickens’ “A desire for a C h r i s t m a s life does not stop good laugh, Carol,” will often takhit the Fox for the holidays. ing on a Theatre cartoonish, from Dec. humor ous 1 through d i m e n 4, linking -Jeff Horst sion. This moder n production struggles to a beloved holiday promises an emphasis on tale. each individual character’s The plot, ingrained in the human side, beyond the scope hearts and minds of society of what is seen on stage. since its creation, revolves Freshman Chris Ruiz said around Ebenezer Scrooge, he is familiar with both the an old man whose stubborn cartoon and humanistic verignorance surfaces with the sions that have embodied this help of three ghosts. The story, with Ruiz’s allegiance Christmas spirits of the past, leaning toward the former. present and future come to “I saw the Muppet version Scrooge in the middle of the before any other version, and night, in an attempt to rid him I like it the most,” Ruiz said. of his greedy ways. “‘A Christmas Carol’ was the Jeff Horst, an Ohio native, first Christmas movie I replays Scrooge in this Nebras- member seeing when I was ka Theater Caravan’s produc- young.” tion. Compared to other proIn contrast, Horst said he ductions of the classic story, thinks the humane version Horst is one of the youngest will have wider appeal, conactors to take on the role of necting the audience to the the aged Scrooge. cast in unseen commonalities, “It’s the 33rd anniversary which are rooted in Dickens’ of this stage production, own life. which is about as long as I’ve “Yes, this is a story that been alive,” Horst said. came out of Charles DickHorst’s ultimate motiva- ens’ mind, but who says that tion in playing Scrooge is less he didn’t know people like dependent on his age than on this and base the story on the humanistic qualities that that? These are real characBy STEPHANIE MUELLER Staff Writer

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Photo courtesy of the Fox Theatre

Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Jeff Horst, is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past on the night of Christmas Eve. ters,” Horst said. “They have hearts.”

By creating an alternate dimension to the previously established characters, a new environment is created with which the audience can identify, a much-needed shift from the mold of past productions.

“A Christmas Carol” is a time-honored tradition at the Fox Theatre, according to sophomore Kendra Kerner.

“I watched ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Fox last year, and I absolutely loved it,” Kerner said. “It really got me in the Christmas spirit. It reflects the true meaning of Christmas, and reminded me of all that I have to be thankful for.”

While the Christmas sea-

son is, for the most part, uplifting, Scrooge’s journey of revelation does not necessarily fall into that category, with the struggles of his past and the bleakness of his future becoming sadly tangible. The cast said it hopes that similar audience struggles will further the production’s goal of bringing humanity to the stage.

“Even though it’s a time of celebration, life does not stop for the holidays,” Horst said.

“We want the audience to be entertained and to be relieved of whatever burdens they may be going through and feel a little lighter.”

Maybe this worn-out story is not so worn out after all.

‘Into the Abyss’ confronts capital punishment MOVIES Sunday, Dec. 4 7:30 p.m.

Film Socialisme Winifred Moore Auditorium at Webster University Tickets are $5 for students

OTHER Friday, Dec. 2 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Student Foundations Art Exhibit Opening Studio Art Center in Xavier Hall Courtesy of Sundance Selects

Werner Herzog’s “Into the Abyss” is playing in select cities.

Convicted murderer Michael Perry is scheduled to be executed in eight days when director We r n e r Movie Review Herzog interviews him.

“How are you doing?”

Herzog asks the man accused of T.J. Keeley killing or murdering a woman during a burglary in 2001.

Herzog’s inquiry is such a courteous way to start the interview, demonstrating his goal with his newest documentary “Into the Abyss”– to show that the killers our society elects to kill are not monsters, just humans.

However, Herzog’s film never pontificates. Early on, Herzog states his own opposition to capital punishment.

He then tells Perry that what he did was unacceptable.

“I don’t have to like you, but I respect you as a human being.”

Nothing is simple in “Into the Abyss.” Nothing is merely black or white. In fact, “Into the Abyss” completely avoids the trajectory of a typical investigation film, like Errol Morris’s “The Thin Blue Line” or Andrew Jarecki’s “Capturing the Freidmans.”

A Texan sergeant leads the audience through the crime, step by step. But, the film never shows the trial and never asks about innocence or guilt. Those do not matter.

What matters here are life and death.

Herzog interviews Jason Burkett, a convicted accomplice to Perry, Burkett’s father, incarcerated for multiple offenses of narcotics crimes, Burkett’s new wife, a family member of one of the victims, a death-row chaplain and an executioner, among others.

Placed together, these subjects craft a full look at the See “Incarcerated” on Page 8

This holiday season will be a musical one for the Saint Louis University community when the Department of Fine and Performing Arts will present seven concerts spanning a full 10 days in December.

The music-filled week begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Saint Francis Xavier College Church with the University String Orchestra.

The orchestra program will include pieces ranging from Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No.10 to the music of Coldplay. Soprano Jessica Goodenough-Heuser will be guest-featured, singing excerpts from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

“I want to encourage the university community to attend some of these concerts and find out the quality of the talent in our student body,” John Lamb, publicity and promotion director for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, said.

Marc Thayer, the conductor for the String Orchestra, has invited three guest musicians from Morocco to perform Moroccan and Arabic music. The concert will feature guests Abdullah El Miry on the violin, Nasser Houari on the oud, a Moroccan string instrument, and Abdallah Akachour on percussion. Thayer, who serves as the Director of Education at American Voices, has taught and performed extensively throughout Iraq.

The Guitar and the String ensembles will team up for a dual ensemble concert at noon on Dec. 4 in the College Church. The ensembles’ repertoire includes music from the Renaissance to contemporary and jazz styles, and incorporates pieces by composers such as Handel, Boccherini, Handel, Politi and Brubeck.

“We have some really cool pieces that we’ve been working on, so it should sound pretty good, and we have a lot more pieces than we had last year,” Andy Patrick, a junior music major and member of the Guitar Ensemble, said.

The Guitar Ensemble plans to conjure up the Christmas spirit in a fun and original way, featuring three Christmas songs that were specially arranged by director William Hopkins.

“We’re doing a couple of cool things with the Christmas songs,” Ben MindenBirkenmaier, who will perform solos on two modern pieces by William Wallace during the Guitar Ensemble, said. “For example, we’re playing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ with a Caribbean beat; ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ we did as a round; and we’re doing Christmas carols that have been changed a bit to make them more interesting.”

Piano music lovers should not miss the Piano Ensemble performance at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at in the College Church.

The eight-member group will perform solo and duet arrangements of Christmascarol favorites, as well as duets from composers Grieg, Brahms and Rachmaninoff.

The fourth performance in the music concert series will be the Concert Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the University Theatre at Xavier Hall. The following day, Dec. 9, features the student recital at 3 p.m. in College Church.

Music concerts wrap-up the second week of December with the University Choir concert at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the College Church, and the Jazz Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the University Theatre at Xavier Hall.

Several of the ensembles are shaking up audiences’ expectations with creative twists on the concert experience.

Audiences can expect both timeless holiday standards, as well as original arrangements.

In addition, the programs will embrace contemporary and classical music from several cultural traditions.

“It’s a lot of fun to hang out and play together, a lot of cool music and, in general, a good experience,” Patrick said.

All concerts are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Program Assistant Julia Sewell at (314) 977-2410.

Arts

8

The University News

unewsonline.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

How soon is too soon for Christmas music?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year— and what would this momentous period be withCommentary out its own evergratifying b a c k ground music?

They are the people you hate: The one STEPHANIE w h o MUELLER l i v e s above your apartment and has “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” playing from noon to midnight, starting that fateful November day. They are the ones who forgot to shut down Pandora before bringing their laptop to class, only to blast “O Christmas Tree” for the whole room to hear.

They have the earlier-thanearly Christmas music disease.

They regret nothing.

Nov. 1 and Dec. 25 mark the beginning and the end, respectively, of the most blissful time of the year: The twomonth epoch when it is (almost) acceptable to listen to Christmas music from morning ‘til night.

This oft-hated group of people is an elite class of individuals who band together with the simple, unadulterated love for the catchy jingles and upbeat rhymes of the seasonally exclusive genre. They begin listening early and will likely hold on to that rope of musical hope for as long as possible, post-Dec. 25.

Christmas is the one time of the year when people come together for a common cause, second-guessing the negativities in the world for just a moment. They replace their fears, doubts and burdens with the hope that something better is on its way– just because it is Christmas time.

Maybe it makes those early listeners juvenile or naïve, or maybe they are more than willing to embrace that idea of hope than those stalwarts who refuse to turn up “The 12 Days of Christmas” until Dec. 23.

Thus, Nov. 1 moseys in as a beacon of light for these well-wishers, a chance for the Christmas spirit to peek over the edges of the abyss that has become modern society, and shed some much-needed positivity on a world that has become increasingly focused on the negative. How can a person possibly be unhappy with lyrics about having a cup of cheer? Bottom line– they can’t.

It has been argued that

Never too soon for caroling this early Christmas trend has undermined the integrity of the Christian roots of the holiday. The birth of Jesus is a celebration, though, so elongating that celebration should be embraced instead of shunned.

“

How can a person possibly be unhappy with lyrics about having a cup of cheer?

”

While songs like “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” do not quite have a recognizable tie-in to the religious roots, “Oh, Holy Night”’ or “We Three Kings” more than compensate for that commercialization. The point, then, becomes moot.

To those who claim that the Christmas music invasion on radio stations is preventing the musical consumption of the regular radio tunes, 10 months out of the year is devoted to that. Sacrificing two months for the joy that is Christmas music is something that can be handled. So, in the Christmas spirit, suck it up.

If Christmas music truly were such a scar on society, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby probably would not have partaken in such childish escapades. But they did. And they would have wished for the world to hear their hear t-warming tunes as often as possible. Wish granted.

In light of such greats, it seems inconceivable to even mention *NSync, but, when it comes to Christmas music, they hold their own. Eleven years after its release, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” can still be heard on radios everywhere, blissful visions of dancing boy bands in awful sweaters conjured in memories.

Now that everyone is thinking about that, you can admit that you smiled a little bit, as was the goal.

That happiness is not only condoned but encouraged, because it is Christmastime, and if people can’t be happy for the other 10 months out of the year, November and December should be allowed their little pleasures.

Christmas music just makes everything okay.

Call me Scrooge: I don’t like Christmas music. I borderline hate Christmas music, to be honest.

Commentary T h i s nearhatred is a new experience for me. It’s a direct effect of my time in WOLF HOWARD college, where suddenly the entire world loved everything Christmas music, and I couldn’t go into a room without hearing about someone dreaming of a white Christmas.

I was subtly inundated with the average tunes when I was young, American childhood being what it is. By the age of 8, the majority of American children will know the Beatles, Bar ney and

Dragon fighters complete tour in St. Louis

Finals playlist is holiday-free Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

But I was never dragged into the Christmas music bonanza.

My family doesn’t play the “Top 20 Christmas Pop Hits” on Christmas day; we listen to Beethoven’s 9th. I discovered really good music in high school, and ever since then any song focused on snow and presents drove me nuts.

We all know good music, yes? Songs with meaning?

Depth? A message, a connection, a magic that just can’t be explained and can’t be denied -- what a wonderful thing music is! And the “joyful jams” that are Christmas music accomplish none of this.

I don’t want a hippopotamus for Christmas, nor do I want to hear an obnoxious voice blather on about it to a cheery tuba melody. The vapidity inherent in nearly every holiday hit is mindboggling. Not a single song has anything to say beyond “what I want for Christmas” and “I hope you have a merry Christmas too.” There’s no connection to be made, no thought to be had; just be happy, because it’s Baby Jesus day, and no one likes a Scrooge.

What’s substance when you can talk about the snow outside? I can’t wait until Santa comes either, if it means the end of this noise.

And boy is it catchy.

You can dance to it while you string up popcorn and lights! And while you’re shopping!

And walking to school!

A n d sleeping!

And you can keep o n dancing to it as it stalks y o u throughout your life for a month and a half, finding its way into every inch of airspace.

What sort of madness is it to have the same set of songs repeating by a hundred different artists for hours on end? How can anyone take all of that inflated

Chicago band I Fight Dragons made a stop at The Firebird on Sunday, Nov. 20 on the final night of touring, after the release of their first full-length studio album “KABOOM!” which dropped on Oct. 24.

“

An entire ‘genre’ of music that consists of less than 100 original songs is not music.

It’s a cash cow.

”

But the music that goes with it is the exact opposite of what the holiday is meant to be. It’s empty, self-interested, and all about the flash.

Nothing is important to an artist making a Christmas song except the number of units it can move.

It’s a lot like a politician: charming and clean on the outside, but soulless inside, every syllable out if his mouth said with the intention of robbing you blind.

Happy doesn’t have to be mindless, and Christmas doesn’t have to be a sales pitch.

If Justin Timberlake wishing you “Happy Holidays” is what brings you back to your childhood and your family and all the things you love, then I’m sorry they caught you so early.

I’ll take Beethoven’s 9th any day.

Incarcerated: Herzog documentary investigates one man’s life behind bars Continued from Page 7

Minghao Gao / Staff Photographer

cheer?

An entire “genre” of music that consists of less than 100 original songs is not real music. It’s a cash cow.

Nearly every song ever made for the month of December is a complete sellout. Everyone loves it. They gobble up *NSync’s Christmas album and croon with Mariah Carey, as they repeat the same lines to an infectious melody.

There’s no reason to it. Its blind “holiday spirit,” despite the fact that the songs were specifically made to sell like Apple products.

Do you really want this music to be the thing that reminds you of family and closeness?

Some Christmas songs are meaningful and poignant and tell beautiful stories about love or heartbreak or anything that has something to do with the actual human experience.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” for instance, tells a pretty touching story.

And I don’t hate the holiday. I love the things it represents: family, selflessness, memories.

situations and circumstances surrounding crime and punishment. It is easy to see how the victims’ family wanted to attend the execution. Yet, it is equally easy to understand Mr. Burkett when he mourns the example he set for his sons, both of whom have done time in prison.

“Into the Abyss” captures both sides of the experience, chronicling the emotions of the people involved, not to debating the issue. Here, the death penalty is removed from the discourse of politics and religion and placed squarely in the context of how it affects humans. The result is sad, sympathetic and contemplative in a way characteristic to Herzog.

Throughout his 40-year career, Herzog has crafted a complex and beautiful epic poem about humankind’s place in the cosmos. His work is often mystical and metaphysical, contemplating the eccentric and transcendental in equal measure with reverence and wit. From “Grizzly Man” and “Encounters at the End of the World,” to “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” Herzog always seems to know which questions to ask and where to let his camera linger.

Much of “Into the Abyss” is slow and deliberate. Add that to the heavy and somber subject matter, and “Into the Abyss” can be an emotionally taxing experience.

This film is a part of a larger whole. Herzog planned

a documentary television series titled “Death Row,” in which he will cast a larger, longer gaze at capital punishment in Texas. So, “Into the Abyss,” which Herzog considers the choicest cut of the interviews he conducted for “Death Row,” feels a little like a brief, dark glance through a glass, or a chapter of a greater magnum opus.

“Into the Abyss” is well worth the watch not only because it is the work of one of the great, underrated directors currently working, but also because it is a confident display of his curiosity, enthusiasm and empathy.

Into the Abyss

B+ THE GOOD Herzog delivers a sympathetic documentary with his trademark curiosity.

THE BAD The film feels a bit like a summary or an intro to a larger, upcoming project.

THE VERDICT An insightful documentary that looks and listens where lesser films preach.

Sports

The University News Talk to us: Michael Johnson 314.977.2812 sports@unewsonline.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

unewsonline.com

Tra

>> Men’s Basketball

Billiken Briefs

TWENTY-THIRD IN THE NATION

Women’s

SLU breaks the AP Top 25 for the first time in 18 years, wins 76 Classic

basketball returns to winning ways

Desirae Ball led three Saint Louis University double-figure scorers with 12 points, tying her season high, and the Billikens took command with a 23-5 secondhalf run in a 59-49 victory over Murray State Saturday afternoon at Chaifetz Arena.

The Billikens stifled the Racers while holding a 61-49 advantage on the glass and limiting the Racers to shooting a barren 22.1 percent from the field.

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Stocking Stuffer?

Saint Louis Univeristy Head Baseball Coach Darin Hendrickson and his staff will conduct a winter baseball camp Dec. 26 - 27 at the Turn 2 indoor facility in Collinsville, Ill. The camp is intended for baseball players ages 8 to 18.

The camp will feature mechanical breakdowns of all aspects of baseball by the SLU coaching staff, current players and SLU baseball alumni. The staff will also have access to RightView Pro Analysis equipment to further break down hitting and pitching approaches.

A registration form for the camp can be found at SLUBillikens. com on the baseball page, under “Winter Camp.”

BILLIKEN SCOREBOARD

Teammates Brian Conklin (left) and Jake Barnett celebrate in an aerial fashion after the Billikens’ 83-63 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in Anaheim, Calif. The victory, along with wins over Boston College and Villanova, propelled SLU to both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ polls.

By AUSTIN PENCE Staff Writer

Maybe the horses should have been held back.

After a simply dominating weekend in Anaheim, Calif. at the 76 Classic, the No. 23 Saint Louis University men’s basketball team was nationally ranked by the Associated Press for the first time since the 1993-94 season.

The then-undefeated Billikens responded to their new-found national fame by turning in an uninspiring, losing performance against Loyola Marymount University on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Whether the No. 23 will remain in front of the 6-1 Saint Louis Billikens is yet to be seen.

Regardless of national plaudits, SLU has shown that it has the depth and experience to finally compete for the Atlantic 10 Conference title.

In its six victories, it has won by double digits, and, even with the 68-75 loss to LMU, opponents are shooting just 39.5 percent against a stifling Billiken defense.

They also have racked up wins against four major BCS conferences – Pac-12 (Washington), ACC (Boston College), Big 12 (Oklahoma) and Big East (Villanova).

The upperclassmen are also excelling like never before.

Senior Brian Conklin has become an absolute force in the post. He averaged a team-best 17.3 ppg in the three-day 76 Classic tourney.

He tied his career high with 25 points in the championship game against Oklahoma and was named MVP, along with A-10 co-Player of the Week.

He has collected 33 rebounds,

tied for best on the team with sophomore Dwayne Evans, 11 of which are offensive rebounds. Conklin is also getting it done from the line.

He has taken a team-high 44 shots, knocking down 37 for an 84.1 percent shooting rate.

Right behind Conklin is redshirtjunior Kwamain Mitchell. Though he got off to a slow start, Mitchell is back to his sophomore season form.

He currently leads the team in assists (29) and is second on the team -- behind Conklin -- in scoring (12.6 ppg).

He also gives Head Coach Rick Majerus the most minutes, 31.7, per game, allowing the coaching staff to mix match-ups around their prolific point guard.

And perhaps the biggest surprise of the season so far has been the resurgence of junior Cody Ellis.

After finishing last season averaging just 6.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg, Ellis has returned re-energized and refocused. He’s currently averaging 12.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg, but most importantly, he is shooting 48.5 percent from the arc, a near 20 percent improvement over his sophomore season.

What makes the LMU loss so disheartening for SLU is the December awaiting them. The Billikens do not leave Chaifetz Arena until Dec. 31, to visit New Mexico.

Six opponents – none currently receiving votes in the AP poll – visit St. Louis; and while no game should be taken for granted, it is possible the Billikens could have finished the year moving up the polls instead of likely fighting to get back in.

A win at New Mexico, no easy task, would certainly help their cause before A-10 play begins Jan. 4 at Dayton.

>> Commentary

R

Men’s Basketball

W 77-64 vs. Washington

W 62-51 vs. Boston

W 80-68 vs. Villanova

W 83-63 Vs. Oklahoma

L 75-68 vs. Loyola Marymount

Women’s Basketball

L 60-68 @ UIC

L 55-70 vs. UT Martin

W 59-49 vs. Murray State

How exactly did the Billikens find themselves in the national spotlight?

The last time Saint Louis University was ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll, it was March 1994.

Jimmy Remke was barely 10 months old.

But when the AP released their latest poll Monday morning, SLU found themselves in an unfamiliar spot.

Chris Ackels For the first time in nearly two decades, SLU was ranked. Jimmy Remke was on the team.

Monday’s AP Poll had the Billikens ranked No. 23 in the country, their first ranking in 17 years. After a 6-0 start, and three key wins over Boston College, Villanova and Oklahoma in the 76 Classic, the sportswriters of American finally took notice.

A week prior, after beating Washington by double digits at home, SLU received six points in the AP Poll when four voters – including ESPN’s Dick Vitale – ranked them in their own personal top 25. And though they were still well outside the national top 25, the Billikens were being recognized by voters for the first time during the Rick Majerus era.

The AP Poll ranks the top 25 teams in the country each week.

The poll is released every Monday, and it reflects the opinions of 65 voting members across the country.

The voting members include sportswriters and journalists for local papers, websites and national media outlets.

Steve Walentik is a writer for the Columbia Tribune in Columbia, Mo. He has covered University of Missouri basketball for seven seasons,

and now is a voter in the AP Poll.

“I certainly try to be more conscious and pay attention to what’s going on around the country,” Walentik says. He was asked to participate in the poll by a friend who works for the Associated Press.

Walentik, like the other 64 voters, turns in his ballot each week either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The Associated Press tallies the ballots and gives teams a point value for each vote they receive. A first place vote is worth 25 points, a second place vote is worth 24 points and the pattern continues so that a 25th place vote is worth 1 point. After all 65 ballots are received, each team is given their appropriate points, and the resulting point values determine the AP Top 25 rankings.

SLU received 149 points in the most recent poll, and 37 of the 65 voters had SLU ranked in their personal top 25. Kevin McNamara, a basketball writer for The Providence Journal in Providence, R.I., had them ranked highest, at number 17. Walentik had them ranked 25th. Vitale had the Billikens ranked number 23 this week.

The ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll is very similar, except that its voters are 31 coaches from NCAA Division I basketball programs.

According to Rick Leddy of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the 31 coaches are a good representation of college basketball as a whole.

“We try to represent every conference in Division I,” Leddy says.

“We also try to represent every region around the country.”

The 31 voters may change from See “Polls” on Page 11

The Daly Diary Hey everyone, it’s Brian Daly. Most of you probably have no idea who I am, but I’m the kid on the basketball team who rarely EVER plays. I’m the rowdy one on the end of the bench who tirelessly waves a towel around when we’re playing well. Well, this year, my shoulder has been getting a great amount of work because we are now 6-1 after the trip to Cali.

Not many people know what goes on “behind the scenes” with our team while on trips, so I am writing this to inform all you avid fans about how the trip went.

We “hopped off the plane at LAX” with one goal in mind -- to come back to St. Louis with a championship and an undefeated record. Wednesday was the first full day in the beautiful state of California. Practice went for the usual two hours; then we had film. In the evening, each team was invited to a dinner hosted by ESPN. You probably don’t care, but it was a Thanksgiving-themed meal. Turkey, potatoes, green beans, ham and pumpkin cheesecake were all in attendance. After the meal, my teammates, along with everyone else, were exposed to the wacky world of hypnosis. Your one and only, the Brian Daly, and Femi John, were chosen to take a wild journey deep within the subconscious (“Inception”-style). First, we were put into a deep state of mind and learned that even while doing embarrassing things, we will follow all instructions and not care what others think about it. For example, I was told that the first teammate I noticed had the best smell in the world on top of his head. I then ran to Brian Conklin and grabbed his ears as instructed and never stopped sniffing his head until the location of the smell moved.

The next two days consisted of downtime, walk-throughs and two victories over ACC’s Boston College and the Big East’s Villanova, which placed us in the Sunday championship game against Oklahoma. Well, Saturday was an off day from games, so we treated it as one. After a quick walk through, we were told that we would be heading to ESPN Zone and Disneyland. Yes, college basketball players enjoy arcade games and Disneyland like you wouldn’t believe. The competition got pretty crazy at ESPN Zone, and fears were conquered at Disneyland on the rides. Cory Remekun conquered his fear of riding the Tower of Terror, but John Manning was “too scared of heights.” No one understands how this is...he stands at 6 foot 11. An ESPN camera crew followed us around for a bit at Disneyland, which also was pretty cool to experience.

Well, I could go on for hours, but I do not want to bore you with strategic talk about how we try to win our games. I also do not want to give away any secrets of towel swinging. Yes, the moves I use are somewhat spontaneous, but I am always looking for new and better ideas to make the game more enjoyable for you fans. Thanks again for all of the support you have given.

Romar roams sideline at SLU; on the wrong side this time

By CHRIS ACKELS Staff Writer

On Nov. 20, the Billikens played host to the University of Washington Huskies in their third basketball game of the season at Chaifetz Arena.

SLU ended up winning the game 7764 after a red-hot first half from Brian Conklin, building an insurmountable 25-point lead at the half.

But the game meant more than just a big win over a big conference opponent. For Washington Head Coach Lorenzo Romar, it was a homecoming.

Romar spent three seasons as head coach at SLU, from 1999-2002.

His first season, the 1999-2000 campaign, the Billikens won the Conference USA title and made a trip to the NCAA Tournament. That was the last time SLU has won a conference title or played in March Madness.

“It’s exciting to get to go back,” Romar said in a press conference days

before the game. He scheduled the matchup to allow Scott Suggs, a senior at Washington from the St. Louis area, to return to his hometown and play in front of his family.

Ironically, Suggs is from Washington, Mo., and attended Washington High School. He now plays 1,600 miles away at the university that bears the same name.

Slightly less ironic is the fact that Suggs was injured early this season and was not able to play in the game at Chaifetz.

And despite living a life worthy of an Alanis Morissette song, Suggs is one of the most feared 3-point shooters in the Pac-12.

But the homecoming was still sweet for Romar. It gave him a chance to look back fondly on the memories he made during his three years at SLU. See “Romar” on Page 11

Courtesy of the Washington Huskies

The University of Washington’s Lorenzo Romar (right) was once the head man at SLU. His former school put on a show against the Huskies Nov. 11.

Sports

10

The University News

unewsonline.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011 >> Club Sports

Who to

CJF CHEER

Crew cruises through competition in Chattanooga

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Billiken Media Relations

Brian Conklin The Billikens’ big man has surprised the nation with his impressive record of 17 points per game, including a 25-point performance to claim the 76 Classic championship. In other news, for some strange reason, students all around campus can be heard saying, “Willie who?”

Who to

JEER

The popular paddling song, “Row, row, row your boat/ Gently down the stream/ Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily/Life is but a dream,” is hardly the mantra for Saint Louis University’s club crew team. The 30 active members of the squad take their sport seriously.

“We’re here to have fun, but we also take it seriously and look to be as competitive as we can be,” Club President Joe Hess said.

Last month, the co-ed club hit the midpoint of one of its most productive seasons in the 10-year history of the team. This success is thanks, in large part, to a balanced blend of experienced, dedicated leaders and willing, freshfaced talent.

SLU’s fall slate was capped with a dominating performance at the Head of the Hooch Regatta, held in Chattanooga, Tenn., from Nov. 5-6.

More than 50 colleges fielded teams for the regatta, the second largest of its kind in the world.

The Billikens of the boats placed third amongst club teams, racking up 202 total points.

They crossed the finish line first in both the Mixed 4 and Mixed 8 races. Those boats were made up of a combination of both men and women rowers.

SLU shared the water with the likes of Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame.

Now, the focus has shifted

Photo Courtesy of Senior Hannah Beaty

Members of Saint Louis University’s club crew team celebrate their victorious outing at the Head of the Hooch Regatta, held annually on the mighty Tennessee River. from the fall season’s longer races to preparing for the springtime’s sprint-style competitions.

Hess credits a disciplined training regimen and a strong influx of novice rowers for the recent surge of the club.

“Our performance at the Hooch was truly a testament to the hard work we’ve all put in over the past few months,” Hess said.

“It’s rewarding to see that kind of performance in such a prestigious race.”

Considering that the club had only nine members to begin the season, their performance at the Hooch was

truly a monumental accomplishment. Club membership is now at an all-time high level, and the future is bright for the program.

A practice schedule that has the team out on the water of nearby Lake Creve Coeur at sunrise five days a week did not intimidate 24 novices from trying their hand at the unconventional sport this year.

Hess credits the team leaders’ inclusive and welcoming nature for the high turnout of new rowers. In fact, only one of the team members had any previous rowing experience before arriving at SLU.

“The 4:45 am wakeup calls can scare people off, initially,” said Hannah Beaty, the club’s vice president. “But if we can get them out there on the water just once, that’s when we can hook them.”

Beaty prefers to look on the bright side of the early morning practices.

“It’s early, but it’s nice that you get out of the school zone for those couple hours,” Beaty said. “Plus, the sunrises you see over Creve Coeur are just unbelievable.”

Their fall 2011 “recruiting class” had a varied makeup. It included students from every year in school and two study-

abroad students -- one from Belize and another a native of Holland.

“We have a really diverse group,” Hess said. “Not only do we have a couple of international students, but it’s cool that we have business students, poly-sci majors and kids studying pre-med.

It makes for an interesting group.”

Volunteer Head Coach Scott Allison lends his expertise to help ease the transition for the large group of novice rowers. Allison rowed for MIT during his college career and has served as the head honcho since the club’s inception.

For the time being, the club’s boats have been docked due to the lack of daylight and frigid water temperatures.

Meanwhile, they will be urging, rowing on a machine, to train for the shorter races of the springtime.

The team will return from their cold-weather hiatus for their annual training trip to the coastline of Cocoa Beach, Fla., over spring break.

“It’s a really fun trip,” Hess said. “It allows us to get back onto the water and allows us to get back onto the same page for the spring race season.” .

Because the team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, they are always looking for new members to join the club and keep the momentum going.

Hess and Beaty encourage all students with any interest to consider giving crew a shot.

>> Recruiting

Six commits seek to suit up for Billiken softball next fall Buffalo Bills

Stevie Johnson The Buffalo Bills receiver was penalized on Sunday against the New York Jets for mimicking a shooting motion with his hands and then pretending to shoot himself in the leg in an attempt to mock a legal incident involving Jets receiver Plaxico Burress from a few years ago. The Bills’ PR department is just glad Johnson was not facing Michael Vick.

Who to

FEAR

Overconfidence

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Women’s Softball Head Coach Christy Connoyer announced the signing of six student-athletes, on Monday, Nov. 28. The sextet penned their signatures on the dotted line on their National Letters of Intent to attend Saint Louis University and will be eligible to hit the diamond sporting Billiken uniforms beginning next fall.

Connoyer solidified her recruiting pipeline with this recruiting haul. All six players come from Missouri or Missouri-bordering states.

The class is composed of outfielder Madeline Brungardt (Baldwin City, Kan./ Baldwin City), infielder Elizabeth Everingham (St. Joseph, Ill./St. Joseph-Ogden), catcher/outfielder Ellie Huffman (St. Albans, Mo./Westminster Christian Academy), pitcher/ infielder Laney Kneib (Webb City, Mo./Webb City), pitcher/first baseman Brianna Lore (Sullivan, Mo./Sullivan) and middle infielder Olivia Roback (Elk Grove Village, Ill./Elk Grove/Kankakee Community College).

“We are excited to have six quality student-athletes join the Billiken softball program,” Connoyer said. “A combination of experience, power, versatility and overall athletic ability makes this a great recruiting class.”

Brungardt is a total-package player. The outfielder batted a team-high .514, which

ranks fourth in school history, as a junior last season and also led Baldwin City in on-base percentage, walks, stolen bases and runs.

Brungardt is an involved individual off the field, as well.

She is a President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient and has performed more than 150 hours of volunteer service at Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City.

“Madeline is a solid performer who will bring consistency to our lineup,” Connoyer said. “Her skills put pressure on a defense and will allow us to create options on offense.”

Everingham garnered Illinois Coaches Association and Chicago Tribune firstteam All-State plaudits last season in addition to being named Player of the Year by the Champaign News-Gazette and the Ogden Leader.

Everingham broke Illinois’ 29-year-old single-season home run state record last season after swatting 19 fourbaggers.

She was third in the state in RBIs (77) and doubles (25) to complement a .598 batting average, a 1.393 slugging percentage and eight triples. In the circle, she posted a 21-6 record and froze batters regularly en route to 247 strikeouts.

“Elizabeth is a talented athlete who brings great experience to our squad,” Connoyer said. “She has ‘game sense’ and is a true student of the game.”

The Billiken softball team re-charged with the addition of six new players. which it was 36-0 in conference and district play. The left-hander went 24-5 with a 0.84 ERA and 188 strikeouts in the circle in 2011.

Lore concluded her career third in Missouri history in RBIs (139) and eighth in home runs (15).

“Brianna is a powerful athlete in the circle and at the plate,” Connoyer said. “She throws hard, swings the bat hard and plays the game hard.”

Roback registered a .454 batting average as a freshman at Kankakee C.C., helping lead the team to third place at the 2011 NJCAA Division II national tournament.

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Billiken Media Relations

Staff Writer

File Photo

At Elk Grove High School, Roback was an All-Area and All-Conference shortstop who was named 2010 Female Athlete of the Year by the Daily Herald.

“Olivia has championship experience at the junior college level,” Connoyer said.

All six players are expected to make a great contribution to the team and campus community over their tenure at SLU. After rolling through an unbeaten fall campaign (6-0), the current cast of Billikens are set to return to the field Friday, Feb. 10 for a series of games to be played in Jacksonville, Fla.

Tennis lands two coveted recruits, bolsters burgeoning program

Despite being ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in 17 years, it is important that the Billikens and their fans do not get too confident.

We still have tough matchups coming up against Portland, Vermont, Alabama State, Arkansas State, Texas Southern…On second thought maybe we should be pretty confident.

By JONATHAN AUPING

Huffman was a secondteam All-State selection who led Westminster Christian to its first sectional championship and finish fourth in the state. She batted a level .441 with two home runs and 45 RBIs. “Ellie is a versatile athlete who has a strong arm and a strong bat,” Connoyer said.

“She loves to play the game and has an exceptional work ethic. She has a tremendous attitude and is a positive force on the field. Complement those qualities with her overall athletic ability, and the sky is the limit for Ellie.”

Kneib was conference coPlayer of the Year. She helped Webb City finish third in the state for a third time in her four-year career by posting a 0.91 ERA, 1.56 strikeouts per inning, a .389 batting average, a .477 on-base percentage and six triples.

Kneib is an Honor Roll student and a National Honor Society member.

“Laney is an energetic player who will bring more versatility to our program,” Connoyer said. “Laney enjoys every minute of being on the field. She is a competitor with a great desire to win.”

Lore earned first-team AllState plaudits as a sophomore and senior and was a firstteam All-Conference, All-District and All-Region choice all four years at Sullivan.

Lore helped lead Sullivan to third place in the state this season, and the team capped off a four-year stretch during

Tennis recruits Madison Cook and Natalia Yacaman will join freshman Maria Toro Moreno (above) on the roster.

Tennis Head Coach Jonathan Zych continued to build on his team’s recent success with the announcement of the signing of two new players, Madison Cook and Natalia Yacaman, on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Cook and Yacaman join a Billiken team that posted a 14-6 record last season and was runner-up at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship, the best finish in program history.

The pair filed their National Letters of Intent to attend Saint Louis University and compete for the Billikens beginning next fall. Both players will have four years of eligibility.

Cook, an Edgewood, Ky. native, is a TennisRecruiting.net 4-star recruit and is rated the website’s top senior prospect from Kentucky.

In doubles play, she placed third at a USTA National Open Tournament and at the Midwest Open Championships in the 16s division, and she also finished third at the 2010 Kentucky State Tournament. Cook received the Sportsmanship Award at the 2009 USTA Zonals.

“Madison’s senior recruiting RPI of 120, plus her recent win over the nation’s No. 55 sophomore, indicate that she has the potential to make a powerful impact on our program,” Zych said. “She has demonstrated her doubles prowess by placing third in a National Open

event. We have high expectations for Madison.”

Yacaman calls Cartagena, Colombia, home, and she will join freshman and fellow Colombian Maria Toro Moreno on the roster.

A winner of 15 national junior titles, Yacaman has been ranked among the top three junior players in Colombia for three consecutive years. She represented her country in the Junior Fed Cup South America tournament and competed in the Orange Bowl International Championships, one of the world’s most prestigious junior tournaments.

Despite coming from a non-native speaking land, Yacaman should thrive in the academic environment at SLU. She is a National Honor Society member and has earned awards in Spanish, philosophy, physics and biology at her high school. Yacaman also received her school’s Citizenship Award, given to one student from each course in recognition of community service and civic engagement.

“Natalia has experience in winning international matches,” Zych said. “She is regarded as one of the top players in Colombia, and we expect her to make an immediate impact at SLU.” The current squad returns to action on Friday, Jan. 20 to take on Wright State at 1:45 p.m. on their home courts at the Sunset Tennis Center.

unewsonline.com

11

Sports

Thursday, December 1, 2011

>> Men’s Basketball

Billikens sizzle at 76 Classic, fizzle down the road at LMU A look back at one of the more memorable runs in recent history of SLU’s program

Loyola Mar ymount 75 SLU 68 No. 23 Saint Louis University fell 75-68 to Loyola Marymount University Tuesday, Nov. 29 in non-conference men’s basketball action at the Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles.

The loss was the first of the season for the 6-1 Billikens. Loyola Marymount won its third in a row and second this year against a ranked opponent, as it opened with a victory over No. 17 UCLA. Junior forward Cody Ellis led the Billikens in scoring with 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor and 4-of-6 from 3-point range.

Senior forward Brian Conklin and junior point guard Kwamain Mitchell had 13 points apiece. Sophomore guard Jordair Jett scored eight points and pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

SLU led for the majority of the first half and built a 10-point lead at 26-16 with 4:56 remaining in the frame when Mitchell drained a trey.

A pair of Conklin free throws followed to put the Billikens up 12, but then Loyola Marymount went on a 10-0 run to pull within two of the lead. Jett hit a jumper in the final minute of the half to send the teams to the locker rooms with the Billikens leading 3026.

A back-and-forth second half saw the game tied on five occasions, and the lead change hands six times. LMU used an 8-2 rally to go on top 36-34.

After Ellis put the Billikens ahead by one at 52-51 with 8:58 to go in the game, LMU again went on a scoring spurt, this time scoring seven in a row to stretch its lead to 58-52 with 6:19 to play.

LaRon Armstead (gamehigh 22 points), Anthony Ireland (17 points) and Jared DuBois (16 points) took over from that point on, and the Billikens never threatened again.

SLU 83 Oklahoma 63 Behind a career-high-tying 25 points by tournament MVP

Brian Conklin, the Saint Louis Billikens topped Oklahoma 83-63 Sunday to claim the 76 Classic championship on Sunday, Nov. 27 in Anaheim, Calif.

The victory improved the Billikens’ record to 6-0, a ledger that includes wins against teams from the Pac-12 (Washington), ACC (Boston College), Big East (Villanova) and Big XII (Oklahoma).

Conklin’s 25 points, which matched his scoring output against Washington earlier in the year, came on 9-of-11 shooting from the floor. He also hit all seven of his freethrow attempts.

Cody Ellis wrapped up a strong tournament with a 16-point effort on 6-of-8 shooting. He was 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Kwamain Mitchell, who was named to the AllTournament team, scored 10 points.

The Billikens shot 60.4 percent from the floor, 53 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the line.

Saint Louis never trailed against the Sooners. Consecutive 3-pointers from Ellis and Mitchell stretched the Billiken lead to seven, at 3528. Mitchell nailed another trey, and Jordair Jett hit a free throw as the Billikens led 3930 at halftime.

Conklin scored two baskets in a row to start the second half to put the Billikens on top by 13. An Ellis trey put SLU up 55-40 with 13:31 left.

The Billikens were in control the rest of the way. A 10-0 run, which was started and capped by 3-pointers by Kyle Cassity, had the Billikens up by 22 late in the game, and SLU cruised to the 20-point victory.

SLU 80 Villanova 68 Billiken sophomore guard Jordair Jett scored 19 points off the bench, and Saint Louis drained 14 3-pointers to top Villanova 80-68 on Friday, Nov. 25 in the semifinals of the 76 Classic.

Jett was 7-of-8 from the floor and nailed a pair of treys. He also collected six rebounds. Cody Ellis turned in 14 points, including three

treys, while Kyle Cassity had four 3-pointers. SLU’s 14 3-pointers was a 76 Classic record and one off the school record.

“Jordair gave us a great defensive lift and he hit a couple shots, but what he did was he was ball-safe, and he was ball-strong and he hit some shots,” SLU head coach Rick Majerus said. “He’s really been working on his shooting, but he did a great job defensively.

“I thought our guys withstood the adversity of their lead and them hitting some shots and us missing some good shots. I thought they hit a lot of contested shots, and I thought that we missed some and stayed with it.”

Villanova (4-1) led for the majority of the first half before the Billikens manufactured a 20-2 run to give SLU an eight-point lead with 1:33 remaining in the first half.

Cassity sparked the rally with a trey, Mitchell drained a pair of 3s and Ellis hit two in a row as the Billikens led 36-28.

Saint Louis had nine 3-pointers in the opening half and led 38-34 at halftime.

The Wildcats opened the second half with a trey to pull within one, but the Billikens’ Rob Loe answered with a 3-pointer on the other end.

Dwayne Evans got into the mix with a 3-pointer to make it 52-41 with 14:59 remaining.

Brian Conklin’s layup gave the Billikens their largest lead, at 58-44, with 12:05 to play.

The Billikens kept a comfortable lead for the remainder of the game, and Ellis scored the Billikens’ final seven points of the game for the 80-62 final.

SLU 62 Boston College 51 Junior point guard Kwamain Mitchell scored a season-high 20 points and junior forward Brian Conklin added 18 to power Saint Louis to a 62-51 victory against Boston College Thursday, Nov. 24 in the opening game of the 76 Classic at Anaheim Arena.

Mitchell’s 20 points came on 6-of-14 shooting from the

Curits Wang / Multimedia Director

Senior Kyle Cassity drained four 3-pointers in the Billikens rout of Villanova on Friday, Nov. 25 in the semifinals of the 76 Classic. floor and 3-7 from long range.

He was a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe, recorded four assists and did not commit a turnover.

Conklin was 7-of-11 from the floor and tied for teamhigh honors with four rebounds. He also tied a careerhigh with three steals.

Junior forward Cody Ellis recorded eight points, while senior guard Kyle Cassity chipped in seven. Ellis and junior forward Cory Remekun totaled four rebounds apiece.

The Billikens turned the ball over just seven times ,while forcing 20 Boston College turnovers.

Saint Louis came out of the gates a bit sluggish, hitting just two of its first eight shots to trail 13-5 early on.

But the Billikens would score the next six points, capped by an Ellis 3-pointer, to pull within two at 15-13 with 10 minutes to go in the first half.

The lead would change hands over the next several minutes. A Mitchell trey put the Billikens up by two at 2220, and Conklin made it 24-22 with 2:05 to go.

From that point, the Billikens would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way and took a 29-23 lead into half-

time, thanks in part to a trey

by Mitchell in the Bills’ final possession of the half.

Conklin, who had just two points in the first half, got things started in the second half by scoring four of his 16 second-half points in the first two minutes.

Mitchell, Cassity and sophomore guard Mike McCall Jr. hit consecutive 3-pointers as the Billikens stretched out to a 14-point lead at 42-28 with 15:55 to play.

The Billiken advantage got as high as 15 points with 8:02 to go, when Conklin converted a bucket in the lane, but the Eagles did not go down quietly. A pair of treys

by BC’s Ryan Anderson and Matt Humphrey cut the Billiken lead to nine with 5:25 to go. Humphrey hit two field goals, as BC trailed by seven with less than three minutes remaining.

Mitchell put the game away when he hit a pair of free throws and a jumper, and the Billiken defense held the Eagles scoreless down the stretch for the 62-51 SLU victory.

SLU 77 Washington 64 Brian Conklin scored 25 points, and Saint Louis spoiled Washington head coach and

former Billiken mentor Lorenzo Romar’s homecoming with a convincing 77-64 victory over the Huskies Sunday at Chaifetz Arena.

Conklin was 9-of-15 from the floor and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line in eclipsing the previous career best of 24 points that he tallied at Xavier last season.

Kwamain Mitchell registered a season-high 18 points on a 7-of-13 shooting performance that included a 4-of-9 effort from 3-point range.

Dwayne Evans and Cody Ellis tied for team-high rebounding honors with five boards apiece. Mitchell and Kyle Cassity recorded game highs of four steals and seven assists, respectively, with Cassity’s total tying his career high.

Washington (3-1) got 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds from Terrence Ross, 14 points from Tony Wroten and 11 points from Aziz N’Diaye. The Huskies shot 42.4 percent for the game but were just 9-of-28 (32.1 percent) in the first half as the Billikens built a 25-point halftime lead.In addition, SLU earned a 40-26 advantage on the boards and committed only eight turnovers, to 16 miscues by Washington.

Polls: Billikens sit tight at No. 23 Continued from Page 9

year to year, while some coaches may vote for consecutive seasons. Leddy says there is no established pattern for tenure or experience, and no favor is given to any school or conference over another.

SLU is ranked No. 25 in the latest Coaches’ Poll, two spots lower than its AP ranking. Among the 31 coaches who vote, two are on SLU’s schedule this season: Boston College’s Steve Donahue and Saint Joseph’s Phil Martelli.

Coaches also submit their ballots late Sunday or early Monday, and USA Today uses their polling system to tabulate a national top 25 based on a point system similar to the AP system.

“I think coaches have a good idea of what’s going on, especially in their region,” Leddy says. “You know which opponents are tough, which ones are not, and they know who the best teams in the country really are.”

But he was quick to state that neither poll has any bearing on NCAA Tournament seeding. “They have absolutely no bearing on the NCAA tournament,” Leddy says.

“Our poll is really just showing what the coaches’ opinion is.”

Walentik says the same about the AP Poll. “Unlike football, the basketball polls never really mean anything.

They are just our opinion,” he says. “To be honest, this early in the season, they’re more like projections.”

For SLU, those projections maybe were a bit overhyped.

One day after being ranked for the first time in 17 years, the Billikens dropped their first game of the season to Loyola Marymount. Tuesday’s loss will almost certainly drop them out of the top 25 rankings for next week.

And with few big-name opponents on the horizon, it may be awhile before they can earn their ranking back.

But in the grand scheme of things, it is not the ranking that matters.

“The only number that matters is our seed in March Madness,” says Adam Corrado, a junior Health Management major at SLU. “I don’t care if we’re ranked. I just want to go to the tournament.”

Romar: Fond memories of time spent at SLU, thankful for chance to return THURSDAY DEC. 8 THURSDAY DEC. 15 THURSDAY DEC. 30

Continued from Page 9

“The people there in the Billiken community were very supportive of that team,” Romar said. “It’s a fun sports town, and it was such a fun time to be a part of it.”

Romar came to SLU after spending three seasons as head coach at Pepperdine University in southern California. He said SLU’s athletic director at the time, Doug Willard, was a close friend and was “relentless” in convincing Romar to take the Billikens job.

During his three seasons at the helm, SLU posted a 51-44 record. His first season was the most successful, going 19-14 en route to a Conference USA title and a trip to the

NCAA Tournament.

He said his decision to leave SLU was “one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do in my life.” He ultimately took the job at Washington, his alma matter, and has completely turned around their program during his nine years in Seattle.

He also knows that SLU’s program is on the rise. Before playing the Billikens, he said, “I don’t know if we will play a defensive team as good as them all year.

“They really know what they are doing out there,” he said. “Even this early in the season.”

Romar credits that to Head Coach Rick Majerus. And while he joked about Majerus’ state-of-the-art facilities

in comparison to his run down office at SLU 10 years ago, he continuously complimented the coach of the Billikens. “[Majerus] is the Einstein of basketball coaches. He’s brilliant. He understands every facet of the game, backwards and forwards,” Romar said.

“He’s an unbelievable teacher. I just haven’t seen too many with as good of a basketball mind as Coach Majerus.”

And when he matched up against Majerus, things did not go his way.

Romar’s Huskies fell short to the Billikens, registering their first loss of the season.

Washington is now 4-1 and is projected to finish in the upper half of the Pac-12.

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

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WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Fall 2012 Room Selection Important Dates: Applications Available: December 16, 2011 @ noon Deadline for Learning Community and Specialty Housing Applications: February 15, 2012 Priority Application Deadline: February 29, 2012 Lottery Results Posted: March 9, 2012 Online SelectRoom Access Dates: Juniors and Seniors: March 20-22, 2012 Sophomores: March 26-29, 2012

Sell the books you don't need, now thru Dec. 20th @ your SLU Bookstore in the BSC

Fall 2012 Room Selection Information Sessions: December 6 at 11am, BSC 352/353 December 12 at 5:30pm, BSC 352/353 December 19 at 11am, BSC 352/353 January 18 at 5:30pm, BSC 251 January 26 at 11am, BSC 251

Scan for details!

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Information tables @ the BSC Main Lobby, across from the Information Desk.

December 9, 2-4pm January 20, 2-4pm January 27, 2-4pm

Don't forget to rent spring books early & save. Visit slu.bncollege.com today, or scan here to visit our website:

All questions should be directed to the Department of Housing and Residence Life at 314-977-2811 or reslife@slu.edu

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Thank You to SLU’s Fall 2011 FIG Instructors

This fall 2011, first year students are participating in twenty-one First-Year Interest Groups. FIGs are a co-enrollment option designed especially for first-time students. A FIG is a small group of students taking two to three courses together and living together in a residential Learning Community. Course sizes within the FIGs range from small, just the FIG students, to larger courses that involve other students. A residential learning community houses a group of students on one or more floors of a residence hall with an academic unit tie such as health sciences, honors, life sciences, or a common interest such as social justice, the arts, or major/career exploration.

We would like to thank the instructors that have been involved in teaching the FIG courses this fall semester. Their involvement is critical to the success of the program. If any FIG instructor name was inadvertently left off, then please accept our deepest regrets and feel free to contact Susan Fanale, Director for Student Involvement Center, at sfanale@slu.edu.

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Martha Allen Nevin Aspinwall Matthew Bardowell Lauren Bolland James Bowen Robert Boyle Stefan M. Bradley David Crossley Lindsay Dencker Timothy Dooley Mary Dunn Michael Elam Susan Fanale Michael Farley Leanna Fenneberg Thomas J. Finan Cathleen Fleck Patricia Gregory

Anna Hanavan Kami Handcock Michael Hardwick Kelly Herbolich Chad Huddleston David Jackson Jonathan Jacobs Christine Keller Monica Kempland Virginia Kettenbach Bruce Kowert Susan Krieg Kathryn Kuhn Belden Lane Michael McClymond Evelyn Meyer David Miros Elizabeth Niebruegge

Donna Nonnenkamp Michelle Parrinello-Cason Jean-Louis Pautrot Emmanuel Pretila Richard Quirk Clyde Ragland Donna Hawk Reinhard Brian Robinette Irma Ruebling Laurie Russell Shelly Sawalich Alexa Serfis Elena Bray Speth Derrick Veasey Nina Westhus Bonnie Wilson Amy E. Wright Grigoriy Yablonsky

Beginning fall 2007, SLU expanded the number of learning communities and implemented the FIG program. FIGs tend to be a fall only experience while learning communities are for the full academic year. This year 772 students are participating in LCs and from that number 340 students are participating in FIGs. You can learn more about SLU’s learning communities program by visiting www.slu.edu/lc.

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Fall 2011 FIG Instructors

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Fall 2012 Room Selection Information Tables:

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