No. 25 April 14 2011

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

unewsonline.com

Vol. XC No. 25

Which SLU Graduate directed Rainn Wilson?

Meet our very own “Super” star >> ARTS

Thursday, April 14, 2011

New coach takes over program Miller talks about his career, expectations for Volleyball >> SPORTS

Confusion clouds SGA funding process wraps up Una’s proposals SGA slashes program funds

By ANDREA ROYALS Managing Editor

Last fall, Una Core Team member Lauren Araujo began planning to have renowned feminist Jessica Valenti visit at Saint Louis University suggesting that Valenti be a keynote speaker during April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month. A miscommunication left Una without a speaker and with a substantial cut in funding for 2011-2012.

The miscommunication between Una and the administration occurred after the request to invite Valenti was denied. Due to Una’s inability to follow the protocol of the policy, as well as oversight when admitting students to “The Vagina Monologues” and “The SLU Monologues,” funding for Una’s student activities by the Student Government Association fell short of what had been expected.

According to the Performance, Presentation and Speaker Policy, CSOs are required to submit a request 20 days prior to the date of the

event through the Program Planning Form. Araujo said Una confirmed with Valenti a date which she discovered had a conflict with programs already scheduled. Araujo said she still hoped that the Department of Student Life would still consider Una’s request, although a set date had not been determined.

Una and Valenti agreed upon April 13 as the date for the keynote, and Araujo submitted Valenti’s biography and reasons to invite her to SLU to LaTanya Buck, the program director in the Cross Cultural Center, on April 5. “[Valenti] allows insight into rape culture that we may not be able to distinguish. We at Una also hope that she will bring in a number of students who may not attend such an event,” Araujo said to Buck.

Buck said that because Una submitted the request approximately one week before Valenti’s scheduled date, there was not enough time to prepare for her visit.

See “Una” on Page 3

Kristen Miano / News Editor

Una members go before SGA as part of the annual funding appeals process on April 9. Una was denied funding for their production of “The Vagina Monologues.”

SLU students augment prison project, program

By SEAN WORLEY Staff Writer

Think “VIP” and images of red carpets, limos and very important people, as the acronym suggests, come to mind.

What does not come to mind are images of barbed wire, metal bars, hardened wardens and inmates. To a few students, however, prisoners are VIPs. Having formed its name on the philosophy that incarcerated persons are important people, the Video In Prison (VIP) project is a new student-led initiative that will work harmoniously with the on-going College In Prison Program (CIPP).

The VIP project encourages students to record events such as professor lectures and guest presentations.

“It’s easy for students to get involved,” Amelia Blanton, co-founder of the VIP project, said. “Simply attend an event you are already planning on attending, record the event and then return the camera.”

The video recordings will then be edited and sent off to the Bonne Terre prison, in Bonne Terre, Mo., the prison at which Saint Louis University’s CIPP is taking place.

In addition to the CIPP, the VIP project will offer the prisoners opportunities to further their knowledge, some of whom are working toward college degrees.

“Part of the college experience is, yes, going to classes, which a group of the incarcerated men are able to do, but you also think of the lectures you have to go to,” Blanton said.

Not only will the VIP recordings offer the incarcerated persons in Bonne Terre prison an opportunity to further their knowledge, but it will also provide an aid to fill

the growing void between education in the classroom and out said William Otto, another co-founder of the project.

“The goal is to fill that void and provide them with some academic stimulation that we get inside of the classroom so that they can get that out of the classroom,” Blanton said.

Mary Gould, Ph.D., professor in the communication department and faculty mentor to the VIP project, said that this project will not only bring material to the prison, but it will also bring dialogue to the SLU campus.

“We talk about education in the prison system, but education has to take place here as well,” Gould said. “We must educate ourselves about the prison system to fully understand the situation.”

Through dialogue, the VIP project and those involved hope to form a connection.

“We wanted to be able to bring what was happening on (SLU’s) campus to the Bonne Terre campus in a sense of solidarity between the two campuses,” Blanton said.

Though the VIP and CIPP

Curtis Wang / Photographer

Student Government Association senators voted on funding appeals at an 11-hour meeting on Saturday, April 9.

Activity fee: Distribution explained According to SGA Financial Vice President Tim Janczewski, this year’s funding process began on Feb. 8 and 10 with This year students had a new way to funding meetings with all CSOs. During keep up with Student Government Asso- these meetings, the SGA finance commitciation’s annual funding appeals meeting: tee described the funding process and Twitter. Throughout the day on Saturday, set up deadlines for turning in budgets.

April 9, 28 Chartered Student Organiza- CSOs had over a month to organize a tions (CSOs) presented appeals to senate budget and submit it to an online finance as part of the annual funding process, panel system by March 14. and students were able to follow the alWhen submitting a budget, CSOs had locations given to each group through to include a list of requested items, a deTwitter. scription of each item, cost of the items College of Arts & Sciences Senator and the amount the group is asking to be Jimmy Meiners said usallocated from the Stuing Twitter to provide dent Activity Fee. updates allowed SGA to “[Groups] have to interact with more stucover the whole year dents during the fundwith their budget,” ing process.

Janczewski said.

“I’m a big believer in CSOs then have At the core of the transparency; we should the option to meet show [funding is] a pro- Fee, the one thing to with members of the cess, it’s not just rancommittee remember is it’s not finance dom,” Meiners said. to go over their budAlong with the us- a limitless amount. gets. Members of the age of social media upfinance committee dates, this year’s annual spent more than 70 funding appeals meet- -Tim Janczewski hours over two weeking differed from years ends in hearings repast because it was held viewing the budgets on a Saturday instead of 120 CSOs. of Wednesday after the regular senate “We would go through every single meeting. item, look at what is the money going to “Last year, groups were staying until and ask, ‘can you give us a cost break3:00 in the morning, and I don’t think it’s down to the dollar amount to what your fair to ask that,” SGA President Courtney request represents,’” Janczewski saiAnAnvender said. vender said the finance committee uses The annual funding appeals meeting these hearings to bring up CSOs’ previsignals the end of the annual funding pro- ous budgets and go over past events to cess SGA goes through each year. Under- see how past allocations were used. graduate students pay a $45 per semester Finance committee then decides on a Student Activity Fee, and the funds are al- recommended budget for each group, located to student organizations by SGA through the funding process.

See “Funding” on Page 3

By ERIKA MILLER Enterprise Editor

“

”

By PARISA ROUIE Staff Writer

It is hard to determine exactly which part of the Student Government Association meeting on Wednesday, April 13, sent President Courtney Anvender storming out of the Senate Chambers, approximately 30 minutes before the adjournment of the meeting. It might have been the overwhelming pelt of fists knocking on the senate tables in favor of opinions for and against six budget appeals, in a meeting that took over

Total amount allocated during annual funding to CSOs:

$831,198.59

Total amount requested by CSOs during the annual funding process:

$1,218,385.00

Total appeals allocated to CSOs:

April 9: $16,146.25 April 13: $13,124.00 Which groups received the largest budgets?

Student Activities Board:

$254,200

Great Issues Committee:

$

$146,000

Black Student Alliance:

$24,150

Student Government Association:

$21,486

Muslim Students’ Association:

$17,846

Source: Student Government Association

four hours to complete. Whatever the case, decisions were made, even if the decision was to postpone the making of a decision.

The decision to amend the Diversity and Social Justice Vice President position and make other changes to accommodate it has been tabled for one week and will be revisited next week for further discussion.

The issue was brought up by Oscar Vazquez, the Diversity and Social Justice VP, who felt as though the position was given overwhelming responsibilities.

This position was added last year and Vazquez, who is the first person to be elected for the position, felt as though the concepts of Diversity and Social Justice were two very independent and overwhelming positions each in and of themselves, and by combining them both into one position, justice could not be done to either.

“When [students] think of social justice, they think community service,” Vazquez said, adding that the See “SGA” on Page 2

Griesedieck Hall electrical glitch scattered residents Building reopens; temporary housing furnished for 900 during night of closure

By KRISTEN MIANO

Money! Money! Money!

Freshman Sara Rosso did not suspect anything drastic when the fire alarm first went off in Griesedieck Hall on Sunday, April 10.

“The fire alarm goes off frequently, so we just assumed it was not a big deal,” Rosso said. “We went to Grand Market and ate dinner until one of my friends called asking whether I was okay because there were fire trucks around Gries.”

According to Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Department of Public Safety and Services Connie Tillman, an issue with the

The University News prints on partially recycled paper.

Student Activity Fee: $45 per semester

5 of 8 organizations appeal successfully in senate

See “VIP” on Page 3

Read and Recycle

$

Breaking Down the Funding Process

News Editor

electrical system set off the alarm. An electrical part had died, causing the system to start smoking. The entire Griesedieck Complex, containing more than 900 students, had to be evacuated.

“The fire department was called and they declared the building unsafe to occupy overnight,” Tillman said.

Dean of Students Scott Smith said the building was declared unsafe by the fire department due to a default in the fire panel. “When we reset the building, it is my understanding that in some places, the power didn’t come back See “Gries” on Page 3

Noah Berman / Photo Editor

Freshman Samantha Franks (middle) talks on the phone after leaving Griesedieck Hall following a power outage.

News

2

unewsonline.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Let Us Introduce You

Janelle Densberger

SLU alumna loves working with students, fears clock tower fountains

By PATRICIA SCHAFER Staff Writer

Before the fountains around the clock tower turned on for spring last week, many students asked themselves if they should risk walking on them, or walk around them and play it safe, lest the jets of water turn on suddenly.

Janelle Densberger, Coordinator of the Student Involvement Center and alumna of Saint Louis University, would probably tell students that it is much better to be safe than sorry.

When she came as a freshman to SLU 101, Densberger made the innocent mistake of walking over the clock tower fountains, just as they turned on.

“I was totally soaked! I called my boyfriend and just said, ‘Help me!’ He brought some clothes, but I haven’t forgotten that experience,” Densberger said.

Thankfully, Densberger conquered this initial incident and remained at SLU as a communications and marketing major. Soon after graduating, she began working at SLU. Now, not only is Densberger extremely involved in everyday student life, such as overseeing the Great Issues Committee, Student Activity Board and many other CSOs, but she also helps with planning of SLU 101, the very experience during which she was soaked only a few years ago.

In her position as coordinator of Student Involvement Center, Densberger says that she loves taking her energy and using it to help her favorite aspect of the job: The students.

“It may seem tacky, but my favorite part of this job is absolutely the students. I get so motivated and energized when a student comes in to my office and has a great idea.”

Densberger guides the various inspirations of student groups into becoming reality and is a major force behind most social events at SLU. For instance, with Spring Fever

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

Friday, April 8

3:34 a.m. - INFORMATIONAL A officer discovered two vehicles to have windows damaged. Owners of both vehicles contacted and responded to the scene. One vehicle had $60 taken from the center dash area. The other vehicle just had damage to the window.

Monday, April 11

9:00 a.m. - ATTEMPTED STEALING UNDER $500 DPSSS observed a member of Chartwells Catering in the Barnes and Noble bookstore prior to regular business hours. An investigation determined the employee was attempting to remove an AT&T Minutes card. The employee was interviewed and released.

Tuesday, April 12

4:07 p.m. - STEALING UNDER $500 Steven Goodwin, Manager Chartwell’s Catering advised that person(s) unknown had removed $150 from the Chartwell’s safe

11:28 p.m. - STEALING UNDER $500 A officer discovered several pieces of downspout and downspout connectors missing. Maintenance responded and it could not be determined when the downspout and connectors were last intact.

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

SGA: Vice President of Diversity role evaluated Continued from Page 1 Erin Twiehaus / Photographer

coming up, she worked with the student leaders to find a solution to when the preferred band said they could not come.

“A student walked into my office and said, ‘What about a SLU Price is Right instead?’

At first, I thought it was a little bit crazy, but now we’ve worked out all the details, and it will be a unique and really fun experience,” Densberger said.

In addition to serving at SLU, Densberger has many other hobbies that keep her busy.

She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, scrapbooking and hanging out with her friends, both from SLU and outside her work. Also, Densberger just finished her Ph.D. in higher education and is now taking some time to explore St. Lou-

is more.

“There are so many things for people to take advantage of in St. Louis. The Summer Concert Series at the Riverfront, movies at Grand Center,and the list goes on.

Many of them are even free,” Densberger said.

For students who want to become more involved in St. Louis or SLU, Densberger has some advice.

“Take the risk. Try something different. “ “Join the organization you’ve always wondered about. Run for the leadership position even when you might be scared.”

“Take on the new initiative, and do it with gusto. You can never succeed if you are too scared to fail,” Densberger said.”

“Do what you love, and love what you do.”

overwhelming additional responsibilities of the position “really limit student voice on social justice.” In order to truly implement the social justice aspects of the Jesuit Mission, he suggested the two parts of his position be separated.

To replace the position of Diversity and Social Justice VP, Vazquez, along with Kripa Sreepada, senator for Doisy College of Health Sciences, proposed the new position of Diversity and Inclusion VP, combining with it the position of the International Vice President, Adam Jin. To include and expand the involvement of social justice within SGA, they proposed the establishment of a Service Leadership Committee.

According to Sreepada, the SGA definition of a social justice organization differs from the definition of the organizations themselves.

“I guarantee all of us will

have a different definition of social justice,” Vazquez said.

By having a Committee to take over, this would create a more diverse image of social justice on campus.

Senate also addressed issues with the Diversity Leadership Cabinet. The concept behind the Cabinet is to better represent the student body, by having representatives from different organizations. The problem, as Sreepada explained, has been the unofficial nature of DLC, and its failure to adhere to its own constitution. By including DLC in the SGA constitution, Sreepada believes the representation of the students’ voices could be better achieved.

As debate on the proposed changes was cut by majority vote, however, a decision has not yet been made on the bill, and so the meeting geared toward budget appeals.

Six organizations appealed for an increase of budgets, five of which received some,

if not all they asked for. A debated $10,000 was allocated to Rainbow Alliance for a transsexual bisexual speaker, Julia Serano, whose influence Rainbow Alliance felt was imperative to educate and draw the attention of campus. The bill passed and the money was allocated to Rainbow Alliance, creating a hubbub of “inconsistency” and the need for objective allocation of funds as more groups appealed.

Other announcements included a presentation by Mary Marshall of the Saint Louis University Museum of Art, who invited students to come to both SLUMA and the Samuel Cupples House.

The meeting concluded as a representative of HAVEN, SLU’s Violence Prevention Response and Advocacy Center, called for students to speak against abuse to women as well as men on campus, pushing for an on-campus office to meet the needs of affected and concerned students.

Organized by the

NOW OPEN AT THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER Upcoming fREE events: Wild Bird Sanctuary Learn about threatened bird species and see wild birds up close.

Saturday, April 23, 11am – 1:30pm

Save the frogs Day Learn about international amphibian conservation efforts through hands-on activities.

Friday, April 29, 9:30am – 4:30pm Examine one of the most urgent scientific and social issues of the 21st century.

Admission to this exhibition is fREE.

slsc.org

LUMI_3428_StadiumSportsBar_UN_AD.indd 1

3/11/11 11:20:56 AM

News

3 Group provides space Showers of Service continues to grow unewsonline.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

for ‘racial Hybrids’

By SEAN WORLEY Staff Writer

Black Student Alliance, Filipino Student Association, Indian Student Association and the list of groups oriented around race goes on. Although these student groups have a noticeable presence on campus, for some students, they just are not enough.

“I constantly feel different,” freshman Rebecca Glasgow said. “I relate to things but I always feel different.”

Glasgow identifies as an Arab-American with her father being from the United States and her mother from Syria, she often wonders where her chartered student organization is on campus.

Hybrid Identities is such a student organization for students who identify with no one particular race. In other words they are mixed race, or hybrid.

This CSO is currently in its probationary status but is already starting to gain interest and support.

“Oh my gosh. Story of my life,” Glasgow said, explaining her thoughts when first finding out about this group.

Carrie Brown and Sucheta Thekkedam, both graduate students and both recognizing as bi-racial, have been spearheading this organization.

“There’s currently not a place for people who sort of blur the lines of categorization,” Brown said.

Brown said the mission of Hybrid Identities is to “bring people together who are biracial, multi-racial or transracial adopted.”

Trans-racial adopted is a term used for those individuals

of a certain race adopted into a family of a different race.

Though the group will be a place for those individuals themselves who recognize as hybrid, the organization will also serve those who may be in an inter-racial relationship, for those with friends of a lot of different issues or even for those simply interested in the issue, Brown said.

Right now, the group is simply gathering interest and informing the Saint Louis University community about this new opportunity.

Nonetheless, Brown has set goals for Hybrid Identities.

Such aspirations would be to bring guest speakers who can speak to hybrid races, promote awareness and of course to create a safe place for those who may face difficulties because of their mixed race identity.

“Often I think people with hybrid identities appreciate the struggle and realize it’s a process, but I think really the outside world gives them the problem,” Brown said.

Though this group is oriented around those who are hybrid races or are directly affected by a hybrid races, Brown said that students who do not recognize with such an identity should still care because it is becoming more common to interact with people of hybrid identities.

“I think [these interactions] are in their immediate presence, but they just may not know,” Brown said.

For those students who would like more information about Hybrid Identities, Brown encourages them to email either her through cbrown53@slu.edu, or Thekkedam, sthekked@slu. edu.

APO event celebrates 9th year teaching leadership, friendship, service

By PARISA ROUIE Staff Writer

As students donned their blue shirts featuring a picture of a man taking a shower, Alpha Phi Omega geared up to begin its ninth annual spring service event, Showers of Service this past Saturday, April 9.

Showers of Service, the spring counterpart of Make a Difference Day, is sponsored by the co-ed service fraternity and is a spring event that many students look forward to. “[Showers of Service] lets other members see what APO does,” Maddie Ripa, co-chair of the event said.

According to Ripa, APO is a nation-wide, co-ed service fraternity “founded on the principles of scouting with the values of leadership, friendship and service.” The Saint Louis University’s Delta Delta chapter is one of the largest in the nation with 343

current members. It is also one of the oldest campus organizations, founded in 1944.

Last year, SLU students dedicated over one million hours of service to the community.

That is equivalent to about 41,667 days, which is equivalent to 114 years, approximately the time since the Gold Rush took the population westward to mine wealth—and also around the time Bayer first started producing the painkiller Aspirin.

Of those million hours, APO alone contributed 8,006 hours of service.

This year, the service hours are yet to be counted.

But as announced on the day of Showers of Service, 910 students signed up to serve at 57 service sites, breaking last year’s record, as APO does almost every year. This year, however, the record was broken by close to 400 more

participants.

“One of the biggest problems we ran into was that we had about 550 participants last year, and we had sort of planned on that, but were overwhelmed, calling for more sites at the last minute,” Ripa said.

According to Ripa, when Showers of Service was held first in 2003, only about 300 people had signed up to participate.

Before students drove off to their service sites, Michael Rozier, S.J., Director of Undergraduate admissions, left the students with some food for thought on the values of service. In light of the Jesuit mission, he quoted St. Ignatius. “‘Love ought to manifest itself in deeds more than in words,’” Rozier said.

He invited students to do just that and show the people at the service sites their love for humanity in their actions and willingness to serve.

After challenging students’ motivations and expectations of what might happen and goals of what should happen at the service sites, Rozier left students with another piece to reflect on.

“We gain as much as we’re able to give,” he said.

“The person allowing [us] to serve them is welcoming [our service].”

Students were given a few minutes to reflect on the service they were about to give to a community, and the connection and relationship they would build with the people welcoming their service before going off to their sites.

“I think [Showers of Service] really embodies the SLU mission of being men and women for others,” Ripa said.

“I hope volunteers gained as much as the people at the [service] sites and understood a little about the needs of the community.”

Malfunctioning elevator evacuates Demattias Hall

Gries: Hall reopens Continued from Page 1

on and the fire panel didn’t come back on. Without that emergency information that the fire panels provides, it puts the community at risk.”

Resident advisors and staff members took the evacuated students floor by floor into the building and gave them five minutes to gather things for overnight.

Residents were encouraged then to call friends and family in the area to find a place to stay.

Rosso said she thought the experience was as organized as it could have been, given the circumstances.

“Luckily, my floor still had power, and we were one of the first people to get our stuff,” Rosso said. “They brought us into the dorm, we counted off, and then we had five minutes to get as much stuff as we could. However, the process was probably much easier for me than for the people on the higher floors who had no power and had to climb up steps.”

Students who were unable to find a place were asked to congregate in DuBourg Hall 157.

Transport was provided for them to the Watertower Inn, the Drury Inn on Washington Avenue and the Manresa Center.

“As it turned out, only seven students needed placement,” Tillman said.

The building reopened at 7:00 the next morning, and students were allowed back inside.

Maintenance continued throughout the day on the electrical system.

The power was shut down again at 2:00 p.m. to ensure everything was in working order.

“I think everyone did a fantastic job,” Tillman said. “Everything went smoothly, and it gave us some good insight as to some things that might need fixing.”

Some students thought more could have been done with the situation.

“I feel like this entire situation has to do with SLU not keeping up with code and not renovating Gries, not making it a priority,” Griesedieck resident freshman Connor Blanquart said.

The incident went smoothly for many students, including Rosso, as the remainder of her night continued without a hitch.

“I live close by, so some of my friends who live out of town came home with me and spent the night,” Rosso said. “We set up air mattresses in my room, and it was not too bad. The worst part was getting up early to come back to school the next day.”

Ledia Riley / Photographer

An elevator malfunction spurred an evacuation of DeMattias Hall on Sunday, April 10th. According to Department of Public Saftey and Services, the elevator was stuck at the sixth floor when the motor burned out, causing smoke to enter the floor.

Students were evacuated and the St. Louis Fire Department responded. No injuries were reported.

VIP: Videos teach inmates UNA: Cuts limit activities Continued from Page 1

initiatives aim to help bring education to the incarcerated persons, some may wonder: Why should students care about education individuals who committed a crime?

“We have a collective responsibility to each other,” Kenneth Parker,Ph.D., director of SLU CIPP, said. “For us as a Jesuit, Catholic university, it is impossible to ignore [the incarcerated persons].”

Blanton and Otto both agree that the dedication and the thirst for knowledge the men of Bonne Terre prison express is astounding.

“Those guys, they’re brilliant,” Blanton said.

Otto said that the VIP project is important because too often do people simply disregard the humanity of those in the prison system.

“It’s very easy to say they’ve made a poor decision, they’ve done something wrong, but you also need to ask how did society fail them,” Otto

said. “Not everyone grows up wanting to be a drug dealer, but sometimes that is the only choice. We’ve failed them once. It’s not fair to condemn them because they haven’t received the same opportunities everyone else has.”

Blanton said she does not know what any of the men did to be involved with the prison system, and she does not want to know. To her, that factor is not important; instead Blanton said it crucial for SLU students to truly think about their privilege to be here.

“Not only can you make a difference for someone by simply recording a video, but it’s also about coming to realize our privilege as SLU students, taking that privilege and saying ‘How can I use it to help someone?’,” Blanton said.

“You can make a difference in a real simple way by doing twenty seconds of work,” Otto said. “Thirty seconds, if you have trouble with the camera.”

Continued from Page 1

Buck said that she told Una the CCC did not have enough time to research content, review and plan for a national speaker like Valenti in a week’s notice.

“I also communicated that the contractual process takes time and needs approval beyond our staff, and without ample notice, we were unable to accommodate the group,” Buck said. Therefore, Buck said she decided not to submit Una’s request.

Una is responsible for holding “The Vagina Monologues and “SLU Monologues.”

During SGA Annual Funding, the Finance Committee denied Una funds for the Monologues, alledging that Una charged students admission for the performances.

“We felt they had broken their word,” Senator Jimmy Meiners said on behalf of the Finance Committee, although he individually had voted in favor of Una. “It was supposed

to be a free show.”

SGA decided in the 20092010 fiscal year that funds for the Monologues could be granted to Una through Student Activity Fees only if students were not charged for admission. Meiners said Una did not abide by this rule during the past two years when given funds for them.

This past year, Una distributed tickets to the Monologues, charging suggested donations for admittance. All proceeds were given to charity. However, some students said they did not know the donation was not required.

The Finance Committee determined that Una’s request for $11,175 could not be given during the 2011-2012 fiscal year given the organization’s past record. Instead, Una was allocated a total of $682.

For the past two years, Una was granted approximately $12,000 in funding. Programs like the Monologues will be cut this upcoming year, unless Una can fund them.

Funding: CSOs given money based on guidelines Continued from Page 1

Noah Berman / Photo Editor

Griesedieck Hall stands dark on the night of Sunday, April 10.

An electrical issue cause smoke to enter the building, setting off the fire alarm and spurring an evacuation of all residendents and staff.

based on their past budgets and the information gathered during the hearings. Groups can view their budgets online, and if they disagree with finance committee’s recommendation, they can submit an appeal budget. These appeals are then heard by the entire senate.

In appeals, the group has to convince the entire senate that their budget item deserves the money and also that the recommendation of finance committee is wrong.

“It’s tougher to go through appeals than hearings, but at least that opportunity is there,” Janczewski said.

This year, 28 CSOs presented appeals, and 14 of the groups were allocated appeals totaling $16,146.25.

Some groups also had the opportunity to present additional appeals during the April 13 SGA meeting. Janczewski said this process is an appeal of the decision senate made during the appeals meeting on April 9. The bill must be brought up for reconsideration by a senator who voted in

the majority and can only be passed with a two-thirds vote.

Senate allocated five CSOs a total of $13,124 during the appeals process on April 13, for a total allocation of $29,269.59, according to Janczewski.

According to Janczewski, the Student Activity Fee was established to fund CSOs, and they can spend every penny of it, but not more. “At the core of the Fee, the one thing to remember is it’s not a limitless amount,” he said.

This year, the requests from CSOs were totaled $1.2 million, and Janczewski said SGA could only allocate around $800,000.

“In the larger sense, [cuts are] nothing personal to any group; it’s the need to not spend more than we’re given,” Janczewski said.

Cuts made by the finance committee are determined by the annual funding guidelines.

The guidelines are available on SGA’s website and include lists of non-funded items and additional directives for the funding process. During this year’s appeals meeting, many groups appealed for money

to cover conference costs. Finance committee is charged with deciding if a budget request is a due or undue burden on the Activity Fee and applying these guidelines to all CSOs. Conferences and other activities are deemed an individual expense. Janczewski said these activities are less likely to be funded than activites more available to all students.

“We were looking for groups to show us there is a benefit they’re bringing back and that the benefit wasn’t just staying with those members going to the conference,” Janczewski said.

Janczewski said around $200,000 of the Student Activity Fee is allocated to CSO conferences and retreats and more than $400,000 is allocated to programming and other events. “Those are the events that really do have the ability to impact the most students at once,” he said.

Money from the Student Activity Fee is not only allocated to annual funding. A portion is set aside for spot funding, which allows groups

to make requests for items that were unforeseeable during annual funding. Anvender said groups can also request new charter funding, which is a start-up fund for a new group that funds the group until they are able to submit an annual budget.

Meiners, who is member of the finance committee, said many students do not realize how much work SGA puts into these funding procedures. To get more students involved in the process, Anvender said she would like to see CSOs take part in the debate about funding guidelines. “There’s not much constructive dialogue about how we can make this a better system,” she said.

Janczewski said he recommends CSOs get more of their members involved in the budget process. This will allow more group members to have a better understanding of the process.

Anvender hopes an increase in dialog between SGA and CSOs would promote a smoother funding process in the future.

The University News

Opinion

Talk to us: Daniela Mondragon 314.977.2812 oped.unews@gmail.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

unewsonline.com

“Freedom of the press—print, online and broadcast—is a basic right in a democratic society and is valuable in promoting the development of students as socially responsible persons ...

The University News is a student voice, not the student voice.

The views of The University News are the expressions of the students involved ... If [The University News] can represent a point of view around which discussion may develop, it serves a legitimate and needed purpose.”

From The University News’ Charter

Quotes of the week

“

What I love about actors is bringing something out of them that the audience hasn’t seen before.

Contact us: Busch Student Center Suite 354 20 N. Grand Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63103 Newsroom: (314) 977-2812 unews.slu@gmail.com Advertising: (314) 977-2813 ads.unews@gmail.com unewsonline.com facebook.com/theunews twitter.com/theunews editor-in-chief Jonathan Ernst (314) 977-1590 eic.unews@gmail.com general manager JOE Mckeon ads.unews@gmail.com Managing Editor Andrea Royals unewsme@gmail.com News Editor Kristen Miano slunews@gmail.com Enterprise Editor ERIKA MILLER enterprise.unews@gmail.com op/ed editor DANIELA MONDRAGON oped.unews@gmail.com Arts editor Ashley Jones arts.unews@gmail.com Sports editor BRIAN BOYD Assoc. Sports editor DERRICK NEUNER sports.unews@gmail.com photo editor Noah Berman Assoc. PHOTO editorS SHAH (YUQING XIA) KATI CUNDARI photo.unews@gmail.com Design Director Brianna Radici design.unews@gmail.com Chief copy editor SARAH MAREK copydesk.unews@gmail.com Account executive madalyn guy ads.unews@gmail.com Account executive RACHEL CAMPBELL ads.unews@gmail.com Account executive CONNOR BERRY ads.unews@gmail.com Adviser Jason L. Young jyoung42@slu.edu 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.

Check out our blogs!

-The Conservative Billiken SLU’s conservative voice -The Progressive Billiken SLU’s liberal voice -Foreign Affairs Students studying abroad -Going into OT On and off the court - 24/7 Blogs, additional commentaries and activities such as our web poll are all available on our website: unewsonline.com.

- James Gunn is a SLU alumnus and movie director.

Peony Lee / Chief Illustrator

Editorials

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.

Lack of efficiency degrades SGA funding system hindering CSOs Student Government Association proved this weekend during the appeals process for Chartered Student Organization funding that the structure of appealing for funds needs changing.

Key problems include the lack of objectivity, the lack of understanding of funding rules from senators not involved on Finance Committee and the timeline of the appeals process.

First, senators who are part of student organizations in the appeals process need to exempt their vote. Fair voting is all but thrown out the window when a senator gets up during the appeals meeting to speak on behalf of their organization and then is allowed to cast their ballot on the issue. This breaks standards of objectivity and destroys fairness.

Second, senators outside of Finance Committee need to have a full and thorough understanding of their budget before the process begins. Discussions on whether or not certain types of organizations should be allowed funding wastes time during the appeals process—this should have been worked out a long time ago. Make it clear and inviolable from the outset that these are the rules you need to abide by. Otherwise, it seems that the rules are invented and new to the CSOs and other senators, OR senators are arguing about motions and issues that waste time because they are irrelevant or non-pertinent problems.

Third, the nearly day-long meeting for appeals ruins chances for CSO’s who have

to present at the end of the meeting when senators are just exhausted. Also, funding is determined on the spot.

Without having the full budget laid out in front of each senator and without fully knowing much money they can in fact give out defeats any chances SGA has of allocating funds intelligently. They need to hear the CSO appeals and take thorough notes. After that, there needs to be a separate meeting later to discuss the appeals in regards to the funding rules and the total SGA budget. Deciding funds on the spot could leave SGA dr y of funds, and this realization comes too late.

While CSOs do have the responsibility of understanding finance rules, too many CSOs are still appealing for funding without knowing the rules. Finance Committee, though they provide several outlets for CSOs to inform themselves, could perhaps prepare an example budget that would incorporate all the rules of finance.

With CSOs being able to access this, many of them would not appeal for money they are likely not going to receive. Additionally, CSOs who do understand the rules need to being explaining why their events will benefit the larger SLU community and improve campus; they need to come prepared with unique reasons, and the appeal should not be a reiteration of funding meetings. SGA works hard to be fair to student organizations, but the system is not perfect, and it clearly needs reworking and restructuring.

Fire allows SLU to embody Jesuit mission Men and women for others – Saint Louis our community.

University’s Jesuit mission was put to the test Although these students are fortunate this Sunday, April 10, when more than 900 enough that SLU’s Jesuit mission shone students were evacuated from SLU’s largest through in the midst of uncertainty, word residence hall, the Griesedieck Complex, of mouth ran unchecked further adding to due to an electrical fire in the building. confusion. The campus has not received any Action and reaction was immediate. On a communication from the University about Sunday evening, usually dedicated to family the cause of this incident. The SLU comand friends, SLU administrators rushed to munity has yet to understand what exactly campus, teaming caused this probup with the Departlem, a problem ment of Housing that displaced 900 and Residence Life students. We must and demonstrating be informed of fuWe became men and women their devotion to ture precautions their students and and aware that the for others, committed to sertheir community. administration and Res Life, in an Res Life alike have vice, empowering our commuact of solidarity learned from this and commitment experience, and nity through our mission. to their fellow how to prepare for students, worked future emergenhard to evacuate cies. everyone as swiftly Though we and efficiently as possible while administra- know accidents happen, as the community tion set up alternative housing through the that we proved to be this Sunday, we expect Watertower Inn, the Manresa Center and answers. While information about the cause Drury Inn. However, as proof of true com- of the problem is still missing, the way such munity camaraderie, only seven students a large emergency was immediately handled were in need of this temporary housing, as is commendable to all those involved. students found refuge among their fellow Students took in students, friends took in students and family. friends, even friends of friends if was necesIn the same way that campus confusion sary. We became men and women for othclosed one set of doors, compassion and ers, committed to service, empowering our sympathy opened another all throughout community through our mission.

“

”

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

Students share where they are living next year.

(102 votes total) Where are you living next year?

36%

Off-campus

32%

On-campus

23%

Pineapple under the sea

9%

Boxcar

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

“

”

See Page 7.

The fire department was called, and they declared the building unsafe to occupy over night.

- Connie Tillman is the Coordinator of Emergency Preparedness.

“

”

See Page 3.

The only things I can control is working hard, staying focused and staying healthy.

If it happens, I’d love the opportunity and make the most of it.

- Alex Alemann is a sophomore in the John Cook School of Business.

“

”

See Page 11.

We will have to beat some top -25 programs in order to win the A-10 championship. I’m excited for the challenge.

- Kent Miller is the head volleyball coach.

“

”

See Page 10.

I’m a big believer in transparency; we should show [funding is] a process. It’s not random.

- Jimmy Meiners is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

”

See Page 7.

Opinion

unewsonline.com

5

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Experiment gives insight to struggles of the hearing impaired OMG is no big deal, LOL

I awake to the simple vibrations of my phone to a silent room. I stretch and peer out my bedroom window and see birds flying by, Commentary but not a sound.

As I walk down the stairs of my building, I hear nothing but feel my footsteps in my ears.

The automatic doors open before me Wilson Fulk in pure silence.

I take a deep breath, readjust my earplugs and head into the security of fice.

When I enter the small room, a man stands behind a counter cluttered with papers and announcements. He begins to speak, but I don’t. When we make eye contact, I smile and begin to sign.

His eager-to-help smile begins to fade, and his brow becomes furrowed. He’s at a loss for words, as they clearly will not work. I try again. He eventually responds in a broken voice, “Sorry, but I don’t sign,” as he shakes his head.

On the inside, I let out a sigh of relief. I was able to become a deaf person who is asking for help and interacting with society.

I mimic a group of individuals that struggle to communicate with the rest of the world, attempting to envision and feel what it is they go through ever y day.

Sacrificing one of my senses to make others aware of the struggles faced by the deaf community, I put my earplugs in and devote a day to deafness.

As I walk through campus, I notice new cracks in the paint, different smells near plants and the actual concentration it takes to climb the stairs. At the roundabout, I finger-spell to a pair of women “bus” and one mouths “bus stop” in reply.

When my new acquaintance approaches to ask where I’m going, I respond by showing her my notebook that says “Robina Town

would allow more local and independent grocers, like Straub’s, to bombard Google users.

It seems minute in nature, but in a society in which time truly is fleeting, ever y saved second seems like something worth seizing.

In another way, this could be just the boost needed to help local companies prosper and sur vive.

It may seem like this, a small shift in how information arrives, could not really have an effect on the way that companies function but for some small organizations, this could be all they need.

The fact that a local result will be the first option a person could see could be just enough to make them use the company or, at the ver y least, consider it.

And that may be all these smallto medium-sized need to keep from being swallowed whole by the major organizations that were other wise able to monopolize Google results.

Ever y student knows that Google has the answer, no matter the question, so, when researching papers, memorizing information or clearing up ambiguities, Google is often a student’s best friend. By placing local results at the forefront of ever y search, however, it will make it more difficult, although not impossible, to obtain certain information.

If any of the needed information is in regards to international or national matters, extra steps must be taken in order to reach the appropriate sources. This small bump in the road is not enough to bog the system down, though.

And while it may prove to be a problem for the researchers that rely on Google for their matters of detailed or international proportions, ever yone else should take this change into stride and appreciate the possibility of its effects.

The chance for economic prosperity and overall convenience is a superior benefit to any information limit that could be claimed, however miniscule.

A recent issue published in The University News addressed the recent addition of various internetacronyms to the Oxford English Commentary Dictionar y.

I quote: “We need to see a difference between what real words are, and what are simply phrases and contractions that deserve to remain in the noah berman informal world of text messages and Facebook – not in the official documentation of our language.”

Balderdash, for so many reasons: language evolves, dictionaries are records of language not arbitrators of proper usage, only a ninny would worry about this kind of thing, etc.

I see where the ninnies are coming from. I used to be one of them, worrying about misplaced apostrophes or the usage of “less” or “fewer” in supermarkets. But then something changed: I won a regional vocabulary competition.

My sophomore year of high school, I stood on stage and correctly identified the usage of a number of words, which won me an amount of money, a crystal clear trophy and a horrible misquotation in the Riverfront Times. I would go on to the final round of the competition in New York, where I met my defeat at the hands of a (I swear) defective buzzer.

The thing is, at this New York meet, I came across for the first time a group of people who loved language. Some loved to memorize words, definitions, parts of speech, the little curly things that denote pronunciation; some (like myself) loved to read and write with these glorious little units of language, some would combine both talents and go on to become linguistics majors. What brought us all together - unless I am very much mistaken - was/is a love of language. A clever turn of phrase, artistic punctuation, terrible puns - we loved it all.

Probably a third or so of that past paragraph was as near to lies or misrememberings as makes no difference, but I left New York thinking that language could be art. I have since had that belief confirmed: look no further than a P.G. Wodehouse novel or any random page of “Kafka on the Shore” to see words doing beautiful things.

Words form into shapes, into sentences, provide metaphor and imagery, take us to places we could not dream of before but now fill our subconscious (if we have such a thing). Words are the ultimate form of expression, of art, of love, of hate, of passion, even of shear bloody nonsense.

With that in mind, I would like to defend the addition of terms such as “OMG” to the OED. I think it is an act of arrogance to denote one word as unusable while some -- “metonymical discontinuity” -- are shown as beacons of linguistic respectability. I challenge anyone to end a first date with “so, you are both pulchritudinous as well as ingenious; let us now engage in osculation.” Not that “so, you are beautiful and smart, let’s make out” is any better, but there is a certain something that means we would pick one over the other.

We would rather use the language as we speak it, rather than the language as some people would prefer we write with. I understand, of course, the value of certain formalities in an academic setting, but I can dismiss as irrelevant the possibility that some kid is going to come across “OMG” in the dictionary and assume it to be cleared for use in his or her next research paper.

I remember well that day in the 4th grade, the day in which we discovered the word “constipation” in the dictionary. It was hilarious -- “it says bowels! hah! bowels!” -- but that did not mean our next round of book reports went on at length about Arthur Dent’s constipated companion, (although we might have had a point) or about how our independent variable just had to involve bowel problems. The point, I guess, is that language is beautiful. We can use it to do just about everything. So why limit it because something sounds informal? OMG and LOL are, IMHO, just as useful a set of terms as “elucidate” or “numismatist.”

In New York I learned that just because a word is defined, does not mean that it should be used or that it should even be used in the way it is defined. Language changes, language evolves, and the way we understand one another will change too. There will always be a place for the beautifully long-winded writing of days of yore, and while I would like to get back the week I spent on “Gravity’s Rainbow,” there is a place, too, for modern linguistic experimentation. People said Van Gogh was crazy, and if accepting the advance of language makes me crazy too, at least I am in good company.

Stephanie Mueller is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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

Shah Yuqing Xia / Illustrator

Center.” “Oh. You. Can. Follow. Me.” Is she talking slowly for me, or is my new ‘disorder’ really setting in? She turns back to me, staring at me reassuringly and says the one thing I never expected anyone to say to me today. “I’m deaf too.”

WHAT?!?! I fake a meager smile and try to hide my nervousness, while rethinking all of the movements, sounds and signs I have just made. I’m done for. She knows. She is going to call me out. Tell her why you are doing this. My palms begin to sweat and my muscles start to clinch.

I step onto the bus, smile at the driver and sit alone, hoping she will keep her distance.

Phew, my second encounter with society as a deaf person, my second success as a deaf person.

With wandering eyes to see people’s reactions, I walk towards the information desk at the mall to practice asking someone questions who

is solely there for helping others.

A woman, who looks less than happy to be there, sighs, “How can I help you?” I smile and start to sign. Her fake smile quickly fades, and she mouths “No, no, no…I don’t speak sign,” and attempts to brush me off. I take out my notebook, and write down “Big W.” She hurriedly starts to explain how I get to my destination, as if I understand her. With rolling eyes, she takes my pen from my hand and begins to write down my directions.

With a smile, I begin to walk away.

When I enter a store, I immediately start asking questions.

The woman with the small child shakes her head and walks away.

The employee restocking shelves sighs and points after reading my notebook. The old man shakes his head, grunts and points, never forming a single word to help me.

Onlookers stare. I feel the eyes staring at me. Only awkward, sym-

pathetic smiles exist. When I look up, it seems everyone is instantly interested in inanimate objects.

When I return to campus, I walk unnoticed. I see mouths move but hear no sounds. I walk behind strangers and don’t know what they say.

Safely back in my room, I turn and look at myself in the mirror, and as I begin to remove my earplugs, nothing changes. No epic revolution. No rush of accomplishment.

The air conditioner churns, construction work outside my window echoes as my hearing is returned.

The cloak of silence I held all day long has been tossed aside. I can now hear things I cannot see.

Sounds I didn’t know existed in my room come to life. For one day, I embodied another person’s hardships, but as that day ends I return to normal.

Wilson Fulk is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Elevator etiquette: We go up as social norms go down Urban living requires humans to construct tall buildings. In college, expanding vertically allows us more room for apartments and Commentary dorms.

In order to reach the great heights of our accommodations, we take advantage of mechanical marvels called elevators.

Doug Anstoetter To someone unacquainted with the elevator, these tiny, level-leaping rooms would seem magical. Imagine your first time in a big city.

You step through a pair of automated metal doors, they close behind you, and when they open you are in a whole new place: Astounding.

However, to those of us who have grown up with elevators, they are merely a convenience and a way to avoid the exhaustion that comes with climbing stairs.

As elevators are such a regular part of our lives, it is important to establish a certain set of guidelines for riding them, an elevator etiquette, if you will.

First, consider those around you. If you board an elevator, and you are alone, that’s great. Enjoy your ride in peace and do whatever you want (some restrictions may apply if there are security cameras present).

If you are not alone, think of the other people on the elevator as traveling companions. You are on a shared journey.

At Saint Louis University, chances are pretty good you have a lot in common with the other passengers.

You are likely both students; you live in, know people who live in or have some connection to the building containing the elevator, and you both prefer automatic elevation to stairs.

These are just a few possible topics. The point is that it is okay to talk to strangers on the elevator.

I am not sure when a screen two inches wide became more interesting than an actual human, but somewhere down the line it did.

College students step onto elevators and immediately take out either a phone or an mp3 player.

They spend the entire journey (somewhere between 30 seconds and five minutes) texting,

“

Facebooking, choosing a song or exploring a wide variety of smartphone applications.

Rarely does a word pass between two people who are standing inches apart. I don’t think that is acceptable.

As elevators become more crowded, we have to critique our behavior further. For those of you who live on the second or third floor of a much taller building, do you ever get that sneaking suspicion that everyone else on the elevator hates you?

If you do, don’t feel you are being paranoid. Ever yone really does hate you.

Residents of the 14th and 15th floors will curse you inwardly if they see you press that circular “2” button.

If they can pull themselves away from their phone, they may even glare. I detest physical exertion as much as the next person, but two or three flights of stairs is hardly a workout. If you have a load of groceries or are extremely intoxicated, that’s one thing.

Other wise, take the stairs.

And speaking of intoxication, it is never, ever acceptable to vomit on the elevator.

Ever y residence hall or apartment complex that contains an elevator also contains a boatload of other residents.

A total of zero of these residents wants to ride an elevator that has been puked in. If your constitution feels questionable, avoid the elevator or at least carry a waste receptacle.

Similarly, farting is an elevator faux pas. While not as substantial as the contents of someone’s stomach, intestinal gas can make a journey from floors one to 10 just as unpleasant. Be strong, and those around you will have a much better experience.

By no means is this an exhaustive list of elevator rules, just a few guidelines that are particularly applicable to college students.

Keep bodily fluids, semi-digested food and bad smells to yourself.

Do not use the elevator if you live near the ground floor. And most importantly, talk to each other.

Talk about the weather, about SLU, about your mutual love for all things that elevate or even about this article.

Elevators can be pretty groovy places if we are polite, respectful and a little bit friendlier to one another.

And speaking of intoxication, it is never, ever acceptable to vomit on the elevator.

”

Doug is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Starla Salazar / Illustrator

Local Google searches limit global reach It is a household word. It has the answer to all of your questions.

It somehow has the capability to simultaneously be a noun, verb Commentary and adjective.

And, soon enough, it may completely change the way you find information.

Welcome to the age of Google where, if Stephanie Mueller you do not know it, you can surely find it with a click of your mouse and a few strokes of your keyboard.

It is a phenomenon that began to sweep the world in 1998 as a new, surprisingly lucrative era of information transformed the way we see the world and continues to encompass almost all aspects of society today.

Google has recently put an emphasis on placing local results above national and international results for various searches. This means that, as a St. Louisan, when you search for “pizza,” Imo’s will likely come up before Domino’s.

In this particular case, the superior product is promoted, which is obviously beside the point, but this might not always be the desired results for searchers, raising concerns for Google users.

For information purposes, this local-above-all-else system is lacking, but for conventional and economical purposes, it could be just another welcomed step in simplifying life even further, as impossible as that may sound.

Realistically, Google is used for its practicality and accessibility, reaching millions of hits ever yday and simple in interface and usability. If someone is searching for a place to go get groceries, odds are they will not be too particular as to what company name that place possesses.

In the past, the first results would likely be littered with national chains like Hyvee and Albertson’s, but this new local search capability

Games

The University News Advertise with us ads.unews@gmail.com (314)-977-2813

Thursday, April 14, 2011

unewsonline.com

Comics/Student Art

Last Week’s Solutions:

By Shah (Yuqing Xia)

Sudoku

Figger It

Crossword

Word Search

The University News

Arts OUT on the

TOWN Arts Editor’s Picks

Thursday, April 14, 2011

unewsonline.com

Motion City Soundtrack excited to release new album to fans

By GINA CASSARO Staff Writer

MUSIC Thursday, April 14 9 p.m.

Zola Jesus with Cult of Youth The Billiken Club Admission is free Saturday, April 15 6 p.m.

Introducing: Decadence Carlo Auditorium in Tegeler Hall Admission is free, $5 donations are suggested Tuesday, April 19 9 p.m.

The Fresh & Onlys with Crocodiles The Billiken Club Admission is free

Motion City Soundtrack bass player Matt Taylor reminds his fans to never take things too serious in this world. This is the approach he takes whenever it comes to performing.

“The whole idea is [to] take yourself seriously, but never take yourself too seriously because that’s just gross,” Taylor said.

The band will be performing at Saint Louis University’s Spring Fever concert, which is set to take

place on Wednesday, April 27.

Motion City Soundtrack appreciates performances in front of college audiences because, Taylor said, students study diligently throughout the week and are ready to have a good time.

“The more the audience gives us, the more we give to them,” Taylor said.

The group has busy recording their next album. It will likely be finished in two to three weeks, but the band is unsure when the new material will be released to the public.

According to Taylor, the band has more songs than they

know what to do with right now, which he considers to be a good problem to have. He said that the songs are in the process of being revisited and refined.

The band’s previous albums include “My Dinosaur Life” (2010), “Even If it Kills Me” (2007), “Commit This to Memory” (2005) and “I Am the Movie” (2003).

Taylor expressed excitement about getting the newly recorded material to his fans. However, the band will not be playing any of their See “Motion City” on Page 8

‘Scooby-Doo’ Arts Editor

Photo courtesy of IFC Films

Ellen Page (Left) and Rainn Wilson star in James Gunn’s latest dark comedy “Super.” Wilson and Page play Frank and Libby, vigilante superheros who set out to save Frank’s wife from a drug dealer (Kevin Bacon). Gunn will introduce the film at the Tivoli on Friday, April 15.

Friday, April 15

Friday, April 15 2, 4:30, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Super Director James Gunn will be holdng a question and answer session after the 7 p.m. showing and introducing the 9:30 p.m. showing The Tivoli Theatre For ticket prices visit landmarktheatres.com

film industry, he was involved with both acting and filmmaking.

“Little by little, I got more Director James Gunn began making movies at an ear- into the film-making side of ly age. When he was 12, he things…I like having control,” created his first movie, which Gunn said.

Since then, Gunn has writfeatured his brother being atten the screenplay for movies tacked by zombies.

The Saint Louis University such as “Scooby-Doo” (2002), alumnus has come a long way “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unsince these days and is now leashed” (2004) and “Dawn of known for his work in movies the Dead” (2004).

He explained that, when such as “Dawn of the Dead,” developing the screenplay for “Slither” and “Scooby-Doo.” Gunn explained that he “Scooby-Doo,” he had to reinwas interested in studying vent the already well-known film at the beginning of his characters.

“I had to play with them in college career.

However, he got distracted a way that they hadn’t been and became involved with before,” Gunn said.

“Scooby-Doo” was the first various other activities, such as music, creative writing and studio movie for Gunn. Durdrawing comic strips for pub- ing the process, he said that lications including The Uni- he had to deal with a lot of different people. versity News.

“Ever yLater, body chimes Gunn atin with their t e n d e d opinion on graduate things…It is school at to have Colombia What I love about ac- hard complete University in New tors is bringing some- f r e e d o m , ” York where thing out of them that Gunn said.

He dehe studied audience hasn’t scribed that w r i t i n g . the working on H o w e v e r, seen before.

“Dawn of his interThe Dead” est in film -James Gunn as being the would soon opposite of be revived.

“ScoobyWhile in Doo,” in that New York, he applied for a position at he had more freedom.

“The studio was always Troma Entertainment filing papers, but he ended up writ- worried about bigger projing screenplay for “Tromeo ects,” Gunn said.

Gunn, who explained that and Juliet,” which became a he has always liked horror hit in 1997.

“Something pulled me into movies, released horror-film “Slither” in 2006. it,” Gunn said.

The film was named “The Gunn would later leave Troma to write and act in “The Best Horror film of 2006” by Specials,” which is about a Rue Morgue Magazine.

His most recent endeavor group of superheroes on their is the dark comedy, “Super.” day off.

The film tells the story of He worked along with Rob Lowe, Thomas Haden- cook-turned-vigilante Frank Church, Jamie Kennedy and D’Arbo (Rainn Wilson) whose wife (Liv Tyler) leaves him for his brother, Sean Gunn.

“The Specials” was not a drug dealer (Kevin Bacon).

He later meets Libby (Ellen Gunn’s first experience with Page) in a comic book store, acting.

He said that he did per- and they team up to save his formance monologues while wife. living in St. Louis and New York.

See “Super” on Page 9 When he first entered the

By ASHLEY JONES

Thursday, April 14

MOVIES

Motion City Soundtrack was recently announced as Saint Louis University’s Spring Fever main act on April 27.

Wilson takes on challenging role, Gunn known for his proves diverse talents in ‘Super’ comedy, horror and

THEATER

8 p.m.

Rainbow Alliance Presetns: The Laramie Project The University Studio Theatre: Xavier Hall Admission is free, donations are accepted.

Photo Courtesy of Stunt Company Media, Inc.

SLU alumnus directs dark comedy

Wednesday, April 20 8 p.m.

Reggae Wednesdays 2720 Cherokee 21 and over tickets are $7

8 p.m.

Rainbow Alliance Presetns: The Laramie Project The University Studio Theatre: Xavier Hall Admission is free, donations are accepted.

Talk to us: Ashley Jones 314.977.2812 arts.unews@gmail.com

Director and Saint Louis University graduate James Gunn, who is known for his writing Movie Review (“Scooby D o o , ” “Dawn of the Dead”), brings us this dark superhero comedy.

T h e premise of Brent Lang the film is of a lifelong l o s e r , Frank D’Arbo (Rainn Wilson), loses his ex-addict wife (Liv Tyler) to a drug-dealer (Kevin Bacon) and fights to get her back.

While wallowing in his selfpity, he sees a program on a Christian television network that inspires him to become a superhero and fight crime.

After an initial failed attempt to save his wife, Frank decides to visit a comic book store to research superheroes without super powers. There he meets Libby (Ellen Page), who takes a deep interest in his pursuit and eventually becomes his side-kick.

The acting and dialogue in the film were great and are

3/5 The Good: Surprising and interesting climax and resolution.

The Bad: Violence is a bit extreme at times The Verdict: If you can stand the violence, nudity, and profanity, you will enjoy what the rest of the film has to offer.

the main reasons that anyone should see it. Wilson takes on his challenging role with ease and demonstrates that his talents extend beyond the slapstick humor of “The Office.”

Bacon delivers an amazing performance as well, as Jacques, the sinister drug dealer that lures Frank’s wife away with heroin.

Finally, Page is allowed to put a different spin on the role that she typically plays, and her performance definitely deviates from the audience’s expectations.

Although this film has obvious elements of parody and is overall a comedy, there is a definite dark tone throughout.

Photo courtesy of IFC Film

That being said, do not expect a superhero parody similar to “Kick-Ass,” but rather a commentary about the dangers of ruthless vengeance.

In addition, the film tries to embrace some aspects of the comic world but does so very limitedly. While its lack of strict adherence to genre guidelines may be seen as a downside, it ultimately reveals the multiple themes that the film tries to address.

At times, the extreme violence, profanity and explicit sexual scenes depicted in the film seem gratuitous.

While it may not be for the faint of heart, this film is still considerably funny and is worth a watch.

“

”

Monday, April 18 8 p.m.

Shrek 2 Cafe Ventana Admission is free

OTHER Tuesday, April 19 9 p.m.

Tenacious Trivia Cafe Ventana Admission is free Comic by SLU alumnus James Gunn, director of ‘Super,’ published in the Sept. 9, 1988 issue of The University News

Arts

8

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Queens of the Stone Age rock Pageant with overzealous show The Pageant’s recent show featuring Queens of the Stone Age was a retrospective concert, as the Concert Review band stuck entirely to their first album for the main part of the show.

The music from their 1998 Wolf Howard album has not lost any of its violent force.

As soon as they hit the stage the band punched out their first song, Regular John, taking no time for introductions.

Loud and powerful, the crunching guitars and deep bass made their point quickly – that there would be no rest until they left the building – with drummer Joey Castillo looking something like a maniac ready to kill you with a pair of drum sticks.

Lead singer and guitarist Josh Homme commanded the stage, both in performance and size.

His melodic voice was a sharp contrast to the full frontal assault of the guitars, giving the band the vicious but enticing sound they maintained throughout the night.

Every song had something that drew you into it. However, never let you get comfortable, mostly because it was busy pounding the inside of your skull with pure rock force.

The dark and heavy sound was maintained throughout most of the night, with guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen adding crunch and power, and occassionally maracas to the mix.

Homme’s power was evident as his guitar wailed, ripped and tore through everything it could.

Bassist Michael Shuman rocked his head back and forth, sending his hair flying back and forth, barely maintaining its grip on his skull.

The band finished “Walkin’ on the Sidewalks,” their fourth song of the night, off with a long, loud and powerful jam, assailing the crowd with the sonic force of a jet-powered bulldozer.

The University News

Then things got weird on “You Would Know,” opening with eerie techno-telephonic noises from Dean Fertita’s keyboards and a relentless riff that made it feel like something in the noise was coming out to get you.

After taking a moment to comment on the audience’s stillness – the crowd did not rock nearly as hard as the music, though that would be asking a lot – Homme and crew got even louder and more furious, with their power going out of control on “Hispanic Impression.”

They maintained their power high until a smoke break just before the chilled-out and nearly up-beat “I Was a Teenage Hand Model,” as Homme delivered his version of a croon and a near sing-along chorus and a solo that added more emotion to the song than his vocals ever could.

Having cooled down a bit, Homme chucked his cigarette over his shoulder while stepping back up to the microphone to deliver the closer, “You Can’t Quit Me Baby,” a fitting song to end the set on.

The finale was loud and seemingly never-ending, picking up in power and speed, the bassist and drummer flipping out, while Homme’s fingers flew across his fret board, choosing whether or not to strum at his leisure, until the entire band came together in a crash of pure, unbridled sound, like semi-trucks colliding at full speed.

The encore saw five of Queens’ better-known songs.

“Long Slow Goodbye” was the opening song for the encore set, followed by the pulsing, stomping “Burn the Witch.”

For the first time that night the majority of the crowd was able to sing along, and did so happily.

The radio friendly trend continued with “Little Sister,” and Homme dedicated “Make It Wit Chu” “to the ladies.”

The band closed out the set with a rendition of “Go With the Flow” that was far too intense to ever be accurately committed to record.

It is a wonder the Pageant was still standing once they left the stage.

unewsonline.com

Laramie Project tells tale of grief Eight SLU thespians to take on more than 60 characters

By T.J. KEELEY Staff Writer

Oct. 7, 1998 started out as a normal day for Laramie, Wyoming native Aaron Kreifels. He went for his morning bicycle ride; however his day became anything but normal when he found 21-year-old University of Wyoming student, Matthew Wayne Shepard, in a coma.

Russell Arthur Henderson and Aaron James McKinney had pistol-whipped, tortured and tied Shepard to the fence 18 hours earlier because of his homosexuality. After being rushed to a hospital, Shepard died on Oct. 12 from severe head injuries.

In the following months, the Laramie community faced grief, strong opinions and a trial in the wake of the tragedy. Henderson and McKinney pleaded guilty in 1999 and were sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for felony murder.

The incident was nationally an unfortunate sign of how rampant homophobia can result in hate crimes.

The Laramie incident has become the subject of much art, including songs by Sir Elton John and Melissa Ethridge. In 2000, the Tectonic Theater Project, under the leadership of Moses Kaufman, dramatized the events based on a series of interviews they conducted with the citizens of Laramie. The play was a success, garnering the commissioning of an HBO film and performances from scores of famous thespians.

On Thursday and Friday night, April 14 and 15, Saint Louis University’s Rainbow Alliance will become the next group to perform the play.

Directed by Christopher Lyons, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, eight thespians will take on more than 60 roles. These actors vary in acting experience.

Some are members of Rainbow Alliance and others expressed interest by showing up to the casting call. Opinions about the message of “The Laramie Project” and gay rights issues differ among the cast and crew.

Lyons thinks it is

Leda Riley / Photographer

Members of “The Laramie Project” cast prepare for their Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15 performances. The play will take place in the Black Box studio theatre located in Xavier Hall, and it was organized by Rainbow Alliance and directed by senior Chris Lyons. “important to include these voices because that is basically what the play is about.”

He said that “The Laramie Project” uses a minimal cast, setting and costumes in order to “strip away all precedents and listen to the truth of the matter.”

When approached with the opportunity to direct “The Laramie Project,” Lyons gladly took the helm, looking forward to revisiting a play he worked on in high school.

He hopes that the Rainbow Alliance’s production of the

play will highlight the “focus of decency in humanity” and portray the importance of “diversity in a small setting.”

The play will open Thursday night at 8 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in the day of silence that follows on Friday. The vigil will end at sundown with another performance Friday night at 8 p.m. Lyons hopes to organize a question and answer session or discussion between the audience, cast and crew following the Friday night performance.

Lyons emphasizes that the Rainbow Alliance does not mean to “impose ideas but to offer stories and see what kind of deliberations will come from it.” With this being the Rainbow Alliance’s first theatrical production, Lyons hopes that they can make it an annual affair.

The Rainbow Alliance’s production of “The Laramie Project” will be performed in the Black Box studio theatre in Xavier Hall on Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but

Art show opening illustrates ‘The Beauty of Human Life’

Kati Cundari / Associate Photo Editor

Juniors Samantha Huff-Schweter, Maureen Irish and Danielle Maxwell (Top) and seniors Alberto De Campos Kusak, Laura Childs and Rachel Rath discuss artwork at the April 12 Student’s for Life “The Beauty of Human Life” opening. This is the first art show put on by the organization.

Arts

unewsonline.com

9

Thursday, April 14, 2011

‘Hanna’ is all style, little substance Assasin-film lacks character arc, development

Motion City Soundtrack: Bassist nervous to play Spring Fever Show after month-and-half break Continued from Page 7

new material at the Spring Fever concert. He said that this would be incentive for audiences to come see the band play again.

“I guarantee I will be nervous as hell [when performing at SLU] because it has been well over a month since we performed live,” Taylor said. However, he explained that these nerves are “good nerves.”

This year the band played a few shows, including a performance in Brazil in January and a few college shows, but has spent most

of their time recording in the studio.

The members of Motion City Soundtrack are looking forward to playing live again because while they are in the recording process, they practice individually, but not as a group.

He said that it had been a month and a half since the band last practiced.

“It’s okay. We don’t really need to practice,” Taylor said.

Taylor explained that Motion City Soundtrack is ready for their April 27 show at Chaifetz Arena to affirm that live music is one of the most incredible things in the world.

“Music is fun. I just go up there, go crazy, let the music move me, and see what happens,” Taylor said.

Taylor invites students to come to the show, to have fun and to stick around after the show to chat with the band members. The band usually tries to mingle with students after the shows.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and is expected to end around 10:45 p.m.

Cartel will be serve as the opening act for the evening.

For more information on Motion City Soundtrack, their upcoming album and their upcoming shows visit motioncitysoundtrack.com.

Astha serenades audience at spring concert, prepares for upcoming performances Photo Courtesy of Focus Features

Saoirse Ronan (Right) plays a young assasin trained by her father, played by Eric Bana (Left), in “Hanna.” The two are involved in a cross-country journey to flee their pursuers.

“Hanna” is the type of movie that always makes me ask the same question as I leave the theatre: Movie Review “Why was this film made?”

I cannot imagine it is incredibly marketable, starring Saoirse T.J. Keeley R o n a n (“Atonement”), Eric Bana (“Funny People,” “Munich”) and Cate Blanchett (“I’m Not There,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) and directed by Joe Wright (“Atonement”).

“Hanna” plays like an art house crime-thriller, but that is a precise juxtaposition of two strange bedfellows.

It is never clear exactly what “Hanna” wants to be: An art film or an action film.

It struggles to find a consistent tone, asking the audience to laugh at situational comedy caused by violence but suggesting that this violence might have greater implications…or not.

Is “Hanna” celebrating violence? I am not sure.

The film tries too hard to, as they say, have it is cake and eat it too.

The protagonist of the film is raised in the forest by her father. She is trained to be a killing machine, with little regard for morality.

“Adapt or die” is the most consistent advice given by Hanna’s father.

A globetrotting affair en-

2/5 The Good: The soundtrack was pretty boss.

The Bad: Hanna shoots first and asks questions... never.

The Verdict: Save your money.

sues after Cate Blanchett starts to chase the protagonist and her father.

If this brief plot synopsis sounds a lot like “Kick-Ass,” you are not alone in recognizing the similarity.

And that is my major beef with “Hanna:” What is the appeal of watching children become desensitized killing machines? What is “cool” about it being young girls?

To avoid further devolving into moralizing, I will just say that “Hanna” is all style with little substance.

As much as I tried, I could not like the film; I could not hate it either because it is a well-made film, and I will watch anything with Cate Blanchett.

Even if the film is well made, featuring some quick editing and inspired set design, there are no characters that inspire any level of interest. Hanna is our protagonist, but it is never clear what she wants.

We know what her father wants. We know what Blanchett wants, but what does Hanna want? This leaves her character with little conviction and

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

makes her trials and tribulations meaningless.

At the end of the film, Wright chooses to have his final shots and lines mirror those of the beginning of the film.

Aside from this being flashy, what does it serve?

Placing it in a film with a weak protagonist does no service to the fact that there was no character arc and development.

In the third act, “Hanna” scrambles to become relevant, throwing in a twist in attempt to undermine the previous hour of violence extravaganza.

However, it is too little too late and never deals with the fact that this film is being marketed as “the girl assassin movie.”

If you are an action film aficionado, “Hanna” might hit your target.

But, if you are like me and want more than entertainment at the cinema, save your $9 and wait for the offering of a director more worthy than Wright’s pandering effort, should it ever come. Adapt or die, indeed.

Victor Liou / Photographer

Fusion a cappella group, Astha performed their spring concert on Saturday, April 9 in Tegeler Auditorium. The group will also perform April 14 at the Japan Benefit Concert in Busch Student Center St. Louis Room and April 15 at the Decadence Concert in Tegeler Auditorium. For more information about their upcoming performances visit astha.slu.edu.

Super: Gunn to return to St. Louis for Tivoli showing

if you like it fast & fresh, call jj’s, they’re the best!

Continued from Page 7

leslie p. - columbus, oh

A 2000 YEAR OLD FAITH, A 21st CENTURY APPROACH...

Come explore the possibilities of graduate education at the

Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley

• Engage with world-renowned faculty • Study with students from over 40 different countries

jimmyjohns.com

• Deepen your understanding of spirituality, ministry and theology

TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM

AMERICA’S FAVorite sandwich delivery guys! ©2011 jimmy john’s franchise, llc all rights reserved.

• Live and learn in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area ™

1735 LeRoy Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709 • (800) 824-0122

admissions@jstb.edu • www.scu.edu/jst/slu

A member of the Graduate Theological Union

Gunn explained that he and Wilson had been friends for a long time and that he was his prime partner on the film.

“What I love about actors is bringing something out of them that the audience hasn’t seen before,” Gunn said.

He used Wilson as an example and explained that as Dwight in “The Office,” Wilson plays a character that is not very vulnerable.

However, in “Super” the audience is able to see a much more vulnerable side of the actor.

Gunn will return to his native St. Louis on April 15 to introduce “Super” at the Tivoli.

“I love going back to the Tivoli because I saw a lot of movies there as a kid,” Gunn said.

Gunn said that he is excited to come back to St. Louis and see his family. He plans on going to Imo’s and Ted Drewes’ while in town.

“It’s been an arduous couple of months. I have been presenting the movie all around the world. I am excited to be back in St. Louis and celebrate with the people I love,” Gunn said.

Gunn will be doing a question and answer session after the 7 p.m. showing and will be introducing the 9:30 p.m. showing.

Sports Tra

The University News Talk to us: Brian Boyd 314.977.2812 sports.unews@gmail.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

unewsonline.com

Men’s Soccer

Billiken Briefs Track & Field

Defense leads to draw against local rival

By BRIAN BOYD Sports Editor

Freshman Margo Richardson was named the Atlantic 10 track and field Rookie of the Week on April 11, her fifth time earning the honor this year.

She received the award on three separate occasions during the cross-country season, and once during the indoor track and field season.

Richardson finished second in the 1,500-meter race at the Ole Miss Invitational on April 8-9 with a time of 4:36.78, qualifying for the USA Junior Track and Field Championships in the process.

She also qualified for the Championships in the 5,000 meters and 3,000 meters earlier in the year.

In the first ever “Kicks for Kids” game, the Billikens played long-time rival Southern Illinois-Edwardsville to a raw in 90 minutes of exhibition play. I Instead of a 10 minute overtime period, the teams went to a shootout, with SIUE winning by a score of 5-3.

The game was designed as an event to help raise money for the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.

Most of the proceeds will go specifically towards the Mary McDermott Cardiac Catheterization Suite.

The suite is named after SLU soccer PA announcer Bill McDermott’s daughter, who

passed away due to cardiac related problems.

Head coach Mike McGinty was effusive in his thanks for those who attended the game in support of the McDermott family.

“I want to thank everyone for coming to the game and helping support Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and Bill McDermott. It was a great way to get the word out about a very positive cause,” said McGinty.

SLU was in control after sophomore Alex Sweetin netted a goal in the 60th minute, but the Cougars equalized 15 minutes later to ensure at least a stalemate.

The Billikens continue their spring exhibition slate against Creighton.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Associate Photo Editor

Freshman John Roeckle fights for possession of the ball against an SIUE defender. Roeckle started 16 games last season and tallied five assists, a team high.

Women’s Volleyball

The new face of Billiken volleyball

Softball On April 9, the Billikens split a doubleheader with the Dayton Flyers, picking up an 8-0 six-inning victory in the first game, while dropping the second by a score of 4-0.

Junior Kelcie Matesa picked up her ninth victory of the season in the first contest, allowing only five hits in her sixth shutout performance of the year, a team high.

Junior Kerri Dockins notched two hits and drove in a run in a balanced offensive effort.

BILLIKEN SCOREBOARD

R

Softball

W 8-0 vs. Dayton

L 4-0 vs. Dayton

W 3-2 vs. Evansville

L 5-1

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Associate Photo Editor

Kent Miller replaces Anne Kordes, who took the program to the NCAA tournament three times, an unprecedented feat.

The new head coach of the SLU volleyball team comes from a tradition of success. He sat down with The University News’ Associate Sports Editor Derrick Neuner for his inaugural interview.

How did you end up here?

I’ve always been aware of the Billikens and the program here, and my wife is from St. Louis.

From the standpoint of schools that I would be interested in coaching at, there really isn’t that many that interest me, especially with the last two years at Illinois.

I wasn’t expecting or looking to leave there (or at least not so soon).

But from the standpoint of looking at schools, one of the things I was looking at was schools that I could be at and could win at and they have support that would help do that.

I think that the thing that was most interesting to me was that this institution offers not just a great athletic experience but also a great student experience.

Sports Editor

7-1 6-2

@ Rhode Island

4-2

@ Rhode Island

W 7-5 vs. SEMO

L @ Evansville

Absolutely. It’s a really nice group of competitive players. The recruiting profile of this institution really fits the recruiting of our sport and of our region.

By BRIAN BOYD

@ Rhode Island

L

Is this a school where you think you can win?

Program reaches new heights

Baseball

L

First, I think that the teams at the top of the conference are very competitive. They have a lot of support from their administrations.

There have been some coaching changes that make the league even more competitive. We will have to beat some top-25 ranked teams to win championships. I’m looking forward to that challenge.

Women’s Tennis

vs. Evansville

W

What are your thoughts on the Atlantic 10?

6-4

do things very different and are very successful. That really opened my eyes to the idea that I would say that the you shouldn’t get stuck most significant similar- in a system. There are a ity will be the work ethic number of different ways and competitiveness of to be successful. the individuals. I think that’s what’s great about Do you believe coming into this job. there’s excitement in They did a great job of the St. Louis commurecruiting student ath- nity that you can tap into to make SLU a letes that really want to premiere program? work hard and are competitive, and continuing Clearly, SLU wants to to build on that. That will win and wants to combe the same.

I am going to both look pete. It’s exciting to be for that when recruiting, at a program where they and we are going to have have that commitment.

Coming from Illinois, I high standards for those spent a lot of time in the things.

St. Louis community and Talk about working am very excited to be with the United States working in this commuteam at the Olympics. nity. I have a lot of connections with coaches There’s an aspect that around here and in some is a lot different than col- of the top volleyball prolege. It’s at the highest grams in the nation. level. You get to work We can bring in qualwith our country’s best ity opponents, and that’s players, and there’s a lot something we absolutely to learn from them. Vol- must do. This is a great leyball is played in dif- place to build on the traferent styles around the dition of bringing the top world. Other countries programs to our place.

What kind of transition is this going to be?

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Hailee Elmore, a graduate student, returns a shot .

Despite a historic run in the Atlantic 10 tournament, the Billikens storybook season slammed close on April 10 when they fell to perennial tennis power Richmond in the conference finals. The Saint Louis University women’s tennis team’s second place finish in the conference tournament was the highest in the program history. Up to this point, they had never even reached the semifinals.

“I’m so proud. We had the best finish at any team ever in school history. We know what we can do, and we’re not satisfied. We have to accept [second place],” head coach Jonathan Zych said.

Coming off of a stellar spring season in which the teams lost only four times total, the Billikens knew they had a chance to make some noise in the A-10 tournament.

Their regular season perfor-

mance earned them a No. 3 seed, the highest in program history. Battle-tested against the likes of Missouri, Tulsa and Memphis, the team was ready to go in conference.

The Billikens steamrolled through their first opponent La Salle by a score of 5-0, not dropping a match. Sisters Hailee and Mia Elmore, a senior and a sophomore respectively, both blanked their opponents in their respective singles matches by scores of 6-0 and 6-0. When all was said and done, the team had not surrendered a point in the entire match.

Next up was No. 6 seed Duquesne in the quarterfinals. Things came off to an auspicious start when doubles partners Stephanie Hollis and Mia Elmore were blanked 8-0 in the first match. Hollis, a freshman, led the team See ”Women’s tennis” on Page 11

Soccer Commentary

Nothing like European football The question has always been asked, “Why don’t Americans like Soccer?” It is a question with Commentary a two-part a n s w e r.

Socceris easily the world’s favorite sport with the highest fan base and Patrick Hitchins number of teams.

The most common answer to the soccer question is that Americans already have enough sports, and there is no room for soccer to grow.

The U.S. is already home to baseball, basketball and football with massive fan bases.

These sports regularly draw large crowds and millions of dollars in advertisements and endorsements and massive million-dollar paydays for the players.

Soccer in Europe draws the same sizes of crowds and also brings in millions of dollars in advertisements as well as million- dollar superstars, so why can that not be true in the U.S.? This is where the second part comes in.

Looking at the structure of American sports, games are fast-paced and high-scoring with a lot of in-your-face plays, hits and excitement. Conversely, soccer matches seem much longer, low-scoring and hard contact is strictly penalized. It is not unusual for soccer matches to end with a 0-0 score. Many Americans agree that soccer is boring. Both sides play furiously to get... nowhere. However, the Europeans have a certain method of energizing things.

The atmosphere around soccer in Europe is completely different from that of soccer in the U.S.. The best way to describe it is “electric.”

European soccer fans rival the energy and excitement of American football fans. Fans are diehards, and the atmosphere of a stadium on a game day is incredible.

When you walk into the stands, the wall of sound hits you like a hammer. Everyone is in home colors, wearing the traditional team scarves— everyone wears a scarf in Europe—faces painted, and team songs!

Each soccer team has special songs that are sung by its fans and are very different depending on who the game is against. Perhaps the most famous team song hails from the fans of West Ham United, in the eastern side of London, with their song “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.”

Team songs are often based on rhymes with lyrics aimed at insulting rival teams and their players.

Soccer in the U.S. does not have the fanatical following that energizes its teams like other sports. If you want an incredible soccer experience like those found in news reports and even Hollywood films, your best bet is this: head to Europe, grab a pint of beer and enjoy a great game.

Men’s Tennis

Freshmen lead the way

By BRIAN BOYD Sports Editor

For the first time in program history, the Saint Louis University men’s tennis team will be able to enjoy the comfort of their own homes during the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. Weather permitting, the Championships will be held at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park on April 15-17.

The Billikens drew a No.10 seed and will take on the Richmond Spiders in the first round. The winner will advance to play Xavier in the quarterfinals. Head coach Jonathan Zych has had to make do with a young cast of players this season after losing key players from last year’s team, such as Jake Hendrie, P.J. Hendrie, James McArthur and Ken Nordheim. Together, the quartet combined for 42 of the Billikens’ singles wins and saw action in 25 doubles victories.

In order to survive, freshmen needed to step up and carry the team. They did, and the Billikens are still standing.

Freshman Patrick Kella, a St. Louis area native, led the team in wins and posted the best record in doubles play.

Nishaad Balachandran, a fellow freshman, put up a solid win-loss record as well, with a 9-13 record. He also teamed up with junior Dave Welkener to lead the team in doubles victories. Joe Flanagan, a freshman from Australia, picked up eight singles victories as well.

It has not been all freshmen who have led the Billikens this season. Junior Dave Welkener, the most experienced player on the team, earned a solid seven victories to complement his winning doubles record. Bobby Kidera, a sophomore, performed well in limited action, posting See ”Men’s” on Page 11

unewsonline.com

Sports

11

Thursday, April 14, 2011 Baseball

Baseball

Meet the SLU Skipper Alemann removes all doubt

By DERRICK NEUNER Associate Sports Editor

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Associate Photo Editor

Head coach Darin Hendrickson cheers on his team against SEMO on Wednesday, April 13, at the Billiken Sports Complex. Hendrickson is in his fourth year as skipper of the Billikens.

By CHAD CARSON Staff Writer

In his four-year reign as head coach of Saint Louis University men’s baseball team, Coach Darin Hendrickson has led the program into one of its most successful eras in school history. Leading the team to a school-record 33 wins last year and the Atlantic 10 Title, Hendrickson has already posted an impressive 20-13 record before heading into the game last night.

“It’s not our record or how many wins that define our success but how hard we play each day,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson has led the team to back-to-back 30-win seasons and increased the total wins each year. Before this season, he had already notched 87 wins and led four players to the MLB Draft. He and his staff have worked to transform the program into the best in the A-10, and he has found success. Not only did the team claim the A-10 Championship in 2010 but also qualified for the 2010 NCAA Baseball Louisville Regional.

“That was a once in a lifetime experience, and I was lucky to be able to coach a team that made the Regional this early in my career. Hopefully we can live up to expectations and continue that success this year,”

Hendrickson said.

Before his tenure as head coach, the baseball team had found success but not to the extent that it has recently.

Under his leadership, the team has defeated nationally ranked opponents such as Ohio State and Kansas in major tournaments. Hendrickson credits his players for the team’s recent success while his players credit him.

“He’s intense every day, but he’s got that fire in him to go out there and lead us to win games,” senior infielder Jon Myers said.

“It’s a lot more intense playing college ball, but playing for him is always interesting. He’s fun to be with and a funny guy but serious about his job and serious about what he does . . . I’ve learned a lot from him,” freshman Pat McGlynn said.

Hendrickson finds it difficult on both his staff and his players to play a 56 game schedule while traveling across the country. “I’m proud of our team and proud of our kids and the way they compete each and every day and still maintain great GPAs,” Hendrickson said.

Prior to SLU, Hendrickson had coached at Central Missouri, Forest Park Community College and Fontbonne University, earning a career record of 577-257 before this season. He graduated from SIU Edwardsville in 1992 with a Bachelor’s

Degree in Political Science before earning a Master’s Degree in Sociology in 1995, but since then has followed his passion for baseball.

“Ironically, I actually planned on attending SLU Law School, but my LSAT score wasn’t good enough, so I decided to pursue coaching, my real passion,” Hendrickson said.

“I love the competiveness and watching players at this stage try to get the most out of their years here. I don’t think there’s a better experience a person can have than experiencing college athletics at the D-1 level,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson started his SLU career on a very strong note leading the team to 24 victories and sending two players to the 2008 MLB Draft. In the same year, Hendrickson notched his 500th career victory against Fordham.

“It’s been tough given our lack of facilities and resources, but my staff has done an amazing job recruiting guys.

When it comes down to it, it’s not my staff and I who hit our spots, make the plays, hit the ball; it’s the players,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson and his team hope the team can live up to the high expectations set last season. “We want to win the A-10, and I think we’re on track to have a realistic shot of doing that again,” Myers said.

Very few people were willing to give Alex Alemann a chance. He was cut from his freshmen baseball team at Cyprus Bay in Weston, Fla. (he was going through a growth spurt, an awkward time for any young man); he was not a strong enough competitor to join the varsity soccer team, the best in the state; and no college from his state even passed a glance at his 3.07 ERA, 5-2 record.

One person who did was Saint Louis University head coach Darin Hendrickson.

Alemann was one of the last recruits to visit in 2008.

Though another school in the Northeast was in talks to offer Alemann a chance to play for them, the opportunity was slim.

So Alemann, a right-handed pitcher, headed to St. Louis, looking for a home and a future.

“I came up here for a visit, and I was sold,” Alemann said. “I was sold on the campus, which is beautiful, the coaches and the vision and direction of the program.”

After three years of playing high school ball as a “year-round job” in Florida, Alemann came here ready to play.

But Hendrickson and his staff made the decision to sit the 18-year-old for his first year, redshirting him to let him grow both physically and mentally.

“He got here and didn’t know a lot about the game, instincts, how to pitch, preparation,” Hendrickson said.

All that has changed.

After what Alemann describes as “great experience,” the redshirt freshman was ready to take to the mound.

What he delivered shocked everyone. The Florida-native posted a 9-6 record with 72 strikeouts and a 4.71 ERA, hurled six complete games and in conference games, went 6-2 with a 2.93 ERA. For his standout year, the Atlantic 10 named him Freshman of the Year.

“I was very surprised by my freshman success … I honestly just went with it,” Alemann said. “My redshirt year was a great experience.

It really helped me transition to the college sports because it really is a faster game. It’s

easy to say that, but until you play against guys that are older than you, you don’t get acclimated to the type of game I’d be playing.”

Hendrickson echoed that sentiment: “I think we’d all say we were shocked; Al was a freshman All-Conference. He gave us everything he had.

Al’s been the same guy for us, minus a few starts, since he’s been here. The hard part of this game is repeating it, and we’re looking for him to do that.”

And his is.

On April 8, as the Billikens downed Rhode Island 7-1, the right-hander gave up just eight hits, all singles, to keep the Rams’ offense in check.

He retired 14 straight hitters at one point in the game and only surrendered one hit after the fourth inning.

It was his third victory of the season, and he lowered his ERA to 2.61, eighth in the A-10.

“It was one of those games where it all came together,” Alemann said about his outing. “I wish I could say it’s going to happen again next week. But it’s one of those things where if you stay focused and work hard on the days you’re not pitching…

you can go out with the right mind set. You put it all out on the field.”

Alemann’s efforts and mindset is not lost on senior, and team leader, Jon Meyers.

“Al goes out and competes every day, and we love when he gets on the mound. His fire makes us play at a higher level, too.”

For inspiration, Alemann looks to a MLB pitcher who has done his best to put himself in position to win, a lot.

That pitcher is Cy Young Award winner and St. Louis Cardinal Chris Carpenter.

“He’s an excellent guy to look up to,” Alemann said.

“He’s gone through a lot of surgeries but is still ... on top.”

Though he still has two years before his eligibility will run out at SLU, Alemann has already given thought to a future in the professional leagues, something that he says will happen “if God’s willing.”

“The only things I can control is working hard, staying focused and staying healthy,” Alemann said. “If it happens, I’d love to jump at the chance and make the most of it. All I can do is put myself in the position to succeed.”

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Alemann, a sophomore, was cut from his high school baseball team. This year with the Billikens, he owns a 2.61 ERA.

Women’s tennis: Best in SLU history Men’s: Led by youth

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Junior Jenny Nalepa has put together a strong season for the Billikens, who have relied on many upperclassmen to reach their best A-10 finish in school history.

Continued from Page 10

wins this season and has been described by her coach as a player who can “be amazing.”

In the singles matches came around, and the momentum swung permanently. It was four up and four down for SLU, with Hollis, Nalepa, senior Casey Miller and Tomalak all winning in straight sets to propel them into the semifinals.

The Billikens squared off against the No. 2 seed Temple Owls for the right to advance to the A-10 finals. The Owls came into the match red-hot, having won seven in a row and 12 of their last 13 matches.

SLU again dropped the doubles point but stormed back

with three straight victories to take the lead, setting up a dramatic showdown between Hailee Elmore and Temple’s number one player Theresa Stangl.

Hailee Elmore has been a cornerstone of the program and can be argued as one of the greatest women’s tennis player in the history of the school. She owns the school record in both doubles and singles wins and is currently the reigning A-10 conference Player of the Year. Last season, Elmore amassed an unheard of 55 collective victories last year en route to winning the award. She became the first SLU student-athlete to be named as Player of the Year in any conference.

“She leads by example, work ethic and results. She has a very, very strong willpower,” Zych said. “No tennis ball will ever get past her, and she knows that going into every match. You’d have to hit unbelievable winners to beat her. Her focus and energy are probably the best in SLU history.”

In all, Elmore has been named to the A-10 first team All-Conference squad twice, second team once and the A-10 All-Academic team twice.

The conference awards have yet to be released for this season.

It was fitting that the most decorated player in the history of the program was given this opportunity.

Elmore fell behind to her opponent early, dropping the first set 6-3, but persisted in a hard-fought second set, pulling through with a 6-4 win.

With the opportunity to play for an A-10 championship for the first time in SLU history hanging in the balance, Elmore did what she had been doing for the length of her career: Dominated. She blew away Stangl in the final set by a score of 6-1, propelling the Billikens to previously unreached heights.

After the dramatic semifinals, SLU met two-time defending A-10 champion Richmond with a chance to play in the NCAA tournament hanging in the balance. Hollis and Mia Elmore picked up an 8-6 victory to get SLU off on the right foot.

However, the Billikens surrender the doubles point when they dropped the next two matches, falling behind 1-0 heading into singles play.

Richmond came out strong in singles play, winning three out of four to ensure their third consecutive league championship. By a final score of 4-1, the Billikens were denied their first ever A-10 championship.

“We took second, but I feel like we had the best preparation, best schedule and hardest training—a lot of really good things going for us.

There are no excuses. They won on this day,” Zych said.

Not only did the Billikens make history on the court, but they did it in the classroom as well.

The women’s tennis team has had the highest team GPA at SLU for five years in a row, an accomplishment that their coach takes just as much pride in as their athletic achievements.

“What these girls have done, that is what college sports are all about,” Zych said. “It has been a pure humbling honor to coach them.”

Continued from Page 10

a 4-4 singles record.

What is not reflected in the standings is the passion, commitment and energy that the players bring to the court every time they compete or practice.

“These guys are very excited to play every practice and every match. They have fun, but they have been giving it all and hanging in there this year,” head coach Zych said.

The Billikens will face some stiff competition on their home court this weekend. The 2010 A-10 Championship runner up George Washington, owner of the No. 1 seed in the tournament, has been favored all year. GW and SLU would both need to advance to the championships

to face off.

Before the Billikens can be thinking championship round, they need to get past No. 2 seed Xavier. The Musketeers and the Billikens met earlier this season, with Xavier pulling out a dominating win. The Musketeers shut out SLU, winning by a margin of 7-0.

Regardless of the outcome, the Billikens have put together a strong season given their youth, compiling a 6-9 record.

The benefits and excitement of having an event such as the A-10 Championships here in St. Louis brings positive attention to the program.

“St. Louis is beautiful, so is Forest Park. We have a great school and great students. I love to show it off, show the A-10 how great St. Louis is,” Zych said.

Courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Freshman Patrick Kella led the team in wins this season.

Advertisements from Student Development

12

Thursday, April 14, 2011

unewsonline.com

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

  

 

  





  



 

       Why is a 401K important?

Do you know about insurance?

Ready to payback student loans?

SLU students spend thousands of hours researching topics affecting the world today.

Stop by and see the legacy that the 2011 Senior Class will leave at SLU.

FREE PIZZA!

To view the schedule visit: www.slu.edu/senior





WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Sponsored by the offices of the Vice President, Frost Campus; Vice President, Health Sciences; and the Division of Student Development

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

  

  

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

 

Pizza & Money: Financial Survival 101

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

  



WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS



This reception gives you the opportunity to celebrate your matriculation and successes at Saint Louis University with the Jesuits and the faculty/staff member that has made the largest impact on you while at Saint Louis University.

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

RSVP only event For more information and to RSVP visit: www.slu.edu/senior Reception includes appetizers and a champagne toast

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

