No. 8 Oct. 13 2011

The University News Celebrating 90 Years as a Student Voice of Saint Louis University

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Vol. XCI No. 8

Thursday, October 13, 2011

SLU GRAD MAKES HIS BIG BREAK John Donovan releases album with independent record label >> ARTS

New SLU Librarian gives a hoot D.C. native’s interest in wildlife drives unique hobby

BALANCED BILLIKENS Find out how SLU student athletes succeed >> SPORTS

University gears up for reaccreditation Higher Learning Commission to visit

By HANNAH WILEY Staff Writer

ated and accredited. According to Sanchez, the HLC acts on behalf of all members of With a review from the higher education and the FedHigher Learning Commission eral government. of the North Central Associa“The Federal Department tion of Colleges and Schools of Education is the ultimate looming in April of 2012, Saint boss in this sense. They think Louis University has been colleges and schools ought to working to ensure its status be more accountable and prois accredited through to the vide more direct evidence of 2021-22 academic year. their quality and the return on The HLC evaluates uni- investment that taxpayers put versities and colleges on five into this institution,” Sanchez criteria: Mission and integ- said. rity, preparing for the future, To ensure that colleges student learning and effective and universities demonstrate teaching, acquisition, discov- their quality and accountery and apability, the plication of HLC has knowledge, imposed inand engagecreased rigment and orous criteservice. ria that call Accordfor deming to Vice onstration President of how the for Academcriteria are ic Chairs met at each and Liaison par ticular to the HLC institution.

Steve San- -Steve Sanchez “Of late, chez, being the whole evaluated landscape is changing,” Sanon the accreditation criteria is chez said. “The assessment like a student being graded in and accreditation expectaa classroom. tions and rigor of criteria and “Like any class that you the number of things we need have, you have a rubric in to be accountable for through your class and the professor accreditation up to the Desays ‘I’m going to judge your partment of Education is defiessay and I expect to see the nitely increasing.” following things in your esRelative to SLU’s last acsay,” Sanchez said. “HLC ex- creditation in 2002, the curpects to see certain things in rent criteria call for the quality of [SLU’s] work.

“The old criteria would It’s the same premise.” have asked us to describe Although receiving accred- our organizational structure,” itation is optional, universities Sanchez said. “This one asks and colleges that wish to re- us to describe, but describe ceive funding from the Fed- and explain why this struceral government for financial aid, Pell grants, federal loans See “Accreditation” on Page 3 and research must be evaluBy BRIAN BOYD

Some avid library attendees may have noticed a new addition to Pius XII Memorial Library recently.

Saint Louis University has welcomed Washington, D.C. native Mark Glenshaw to school this year. Glenshaw has joined the Billikens on campus this year as manager of shelving materials at Pius Library and as manager of student workers at the Circulation Unit.

Glenshaw comes to SLU from Washington University in St. Louis, where he worked in audiovisual and technical support for the Brown School of Social Work and as supervisor of the Office of Student Workers.

Glenshaw said that his experience as “the new guy” has actually been quite enjoyable due to the welcoming staff atmosphere and emphasis on SLU’s mission statement. Working at the library allows Glenshaw to satisfy his diverse array of interests.

“I have a host of interests, and I pursue them all at libraries and have done so since I was a kid,” Glenshaw said. “I like working at them because the mission of libraries aligns with my own: Learning, growth, and research.”Glenshaw’s “host” of interests includes something extremely unique: Great Horned Owls. Since the age of five, he has had a strong interest in wildlife.

His frequent interaction with libraries allowed him to acquire knowledge on different wildlife animals that interested him, especially owls.

Before his interest in owls took full flight, Glenshaw said his mission was to interact more with the beautiful Forest Park, spend more time in nature and learn more about the wildlife that inhabits the St. Louis area.

His brisk walks around the park held more than just an opportunity to appreciate scenic walk paths. On one of these walks, Glenshaw spotted his first pair of owls in the park.

“I had heard there were owls in the park. I didn’t know a lot about owls but I knew they were going to be challenging to find. They are active when we are not. They move very quickly and completely silently, and they are very well camouflaged. Other than that, it’s a breeze to spot an owl,” Glenshaw joked.

After his first owl run-in, Glenshaw began researching owls and embarking on what he refers to as “owl prowls” nearly every night in the same area where he had first seen the owls.

His sightings were inconsistent at first, but with some extra help from friends and his determination to witness the owl again, Glenshaw rediscovered the same pair of owls on Dec. 29, 2005, a date he dubs his “owliversery.”

“I saw what turned out to be the male of a mated pair of Great Horned Owls fly into a See “Owls” on Page 3

News Editor

“

HLC expects to see certain things in the quality of [SLU’s] work.

”

Photos by: Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

Great Horned Owls “Charles” (upper left) and “Sarah” (upper right) were the first owls that Mark Glenshaw (bottom) sighted. He has continued to follow the owls in Forest Park for more than five years.

Professor petitions against captial punishment

By PATRICK OLDS Associate News Editor

Following the executions of two death row inmates last month, capital punishment has recently been the subject of much controversy, and Catholic theologians from Saint Louis University have initiated a petition to help end the policy of state-sanctioned executions. “[The petition] has been a catalyst for a possible new movement,” Tobias Winright, co-author of the petition and associate professor of theological ethics, said.

According to the petition, which has already gathered more than 360 signatures, the two state-sanctioned executions of Lawrence Brew-

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er and Troy Anthony Davis prompted the petitioners to call for an abolition of the death penalty.

“We urge our nation to abolish capital punishment, and we also implore our churches to work unwaveringly to end it as well as all other threats to human life and dignity,” the petition states.

Brewer, a white supremacist in Texas, was put to death for allegedly participating in a hate crime that resulted in the murder of James Byrd in 1998. Davis, a black man, was executed after being found guilty of murdering a white police officer, Mark MacPhail, in Georgia in 1989.

The petition states that the evidence presented to the jury in the Davis case was not

sufficient for execution, and that serious doubts remain about Davis’ guilt.

“I was deeply troubled by [the Davis execution] and when Tobias contacted me to sign this petition, I was more than happy to oblige,” Kenneth Parker, an associate professor of historical theology, said.

Winright said that the Davis case brought forth the question of whether or not innocent persons or minorities are ever wrongly executed, and if there are alternatives to the death penalty, such as life in prison without parole.

According to Parker, the fact that executions are sanctioned by the state in particular cases does not necessarily mean it is ethically the right

thing to do.Under Catholic doctrine, murderers still possess dignity as an “image of God,” Winright said.

Parker said he is proud of the drafters of the petition for including Brewer as a life that ought to be protected.

“We have to be consistent across the board,” Parker said. “How can I care about an unborn child’s life, if I cannot care for someone like him?”

Winright said that national and world religious leaders, especially within the Catholic church, have protested the death penalty as an inhumane punishment.

On the other hand, Winright said the Catholic church See “Petition” on Page 3

Cross country: Innocent remembered in cemetery

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

Students for Life’s annual Cemetery of the Innocents is the group’s cornerstone event of Respect Life Week. The display this year is meant to represent the daily impact of abortion in various countries around the world. Each cross is decorated with a colored ribbion to represent an abortion in a specific country.

Accreditation Criteria 1. Mission and Integrity 2. Preparing for the Future 3. Student Learning and Effective Teaching 4. Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge 5. Engagement and Service

New program opens link to Oxford University

By MARTINA BOYTER Staff Writer

The latest addition to Saint Louis University’s study abroad program puts the “study” back in “study abroad.” Unlike the usual connotation of a semester-long experience that may focus on cultural adventures more than academia, students now have the opportunity to spend an entire year of study and research at the world-renowned Oxford University.

The formal agreement allows one exemplary student to study in Blackfriars Hall, an Oxford private hall which focuses on academic work in subjects such as theology, philosophy, politics and the social sciences. The aim is to send the first SLU student to Oxford in the Fall of 2012.

Fr. Richard Finn, O.P., the head of house at Blackfirars Hall, visited the Dominican house of studies in St. Louis and met with several SLU administrators. At that meeting, Finn proposed that an agreement with Oxford be made to send students from SLU to study at the prestigious English university.

Since May of 2010, Thomas Finan, assistant professor of history and director for the Center for International Studies and International Outreach Coordinator Bert Barry have spearheaded the effort to finalize an agreement with Oxford. They said that real-

izing the breadth of the opportunity prompted them to make the launching of this program a central goal.

Finan said that Oxford has always encouraged the idea of exchanging students and professors in order to share knowledge and believes that it creates a better, more globalized campus. In recent years, Oxford has particularly welcomed visiting students from Catholic universities in the United States.

According to Finan, SLU and Oxford discussed the possibility for two years.

“The approval process and agreements were a laborious process, but both parties wanted to make sure that everything in the contract was laid out perfectly and there would be no surprises,” Finan said.

Finan’s simultaneous teaching duties at SLU and planning with Blackfriars led him to visit the hall this past January. Finan said that residents at Blackfriars “rolled out the red carpet” for Finan and made his visit an impressive one.

“It’s a great academic environment and people are drawn to places like that,” Finan said.

The program of study offered to SLU students will target top students in any area of study to spend their See “Oxford” on Page 3

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Let Us Introduce You

Frances McMillian

Chartwells employee retiring after 43 years of serving SLU students

By PAIGE QUIRIN Staff Writer

Over the past 43 years, the world has seen man reach the moon, and the United States has seen nine different presidents.

In the same time span, Saint Louis University began its program in Madrid, Fr. Lawrence Biondi was inaugurated as Unviersity President, and SLU landmarks such as Griesdieck Hall and Chaiefz Arena were erected.

In a world and university that seems to be in constant motion, Ms. Frances McMillan has remained a constant here at SLU. It’s Monday night, and you know what that means: It’s meal swipe night at Grand Market. Every week, thousands of students go through the lines at the marketplace in the Busch Student Center. After Oct. 14, 2011, part of the heart and soul of Grand Market will be gone. Ms. Frances McMillan, a Saint Louis University employee for over 43 years, will retire.

McMillan got her start at SLU working in the Griesedieck Cafeteria, long before it took the form of the cafeteria we see today.

“There used to be a jukebox in Gries,” McMillan said. Clearly, things have changed a bit since then.

When she began working for SLU, McMillan was the youngest of seven new hires and performed a variety of duties in the cafeteria.

“There were seven women that started the same time I did. I was the youngest, and I always thought to myself I could be one of them one day,” McMillan said. “I worked in the back room and helped break eggs on Saturdays and Sundays. We also set tables on steak night.”

Then, about three years ago, McMillan started working at the more fastpaced and interactive Grand Market on the deli line.

“I like being around people and talking to

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

Saturday, Oct. 8 10:55 a.m. - Water Leak The occupants of Reinert room 815 left the shower on all night. Reinert Rooms 715 and 615 received water damage as a result of the overflow.

Photos were taken.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 6:00 p.m. - Forgery DPSSS Investigator initiated an investigation at Reinert Hall regarding a male student who is alleged to be manufacturing ficticious State ID cards for underage students.

SLMPD 9th District Detective Bureau and FBI Campus Liaison Initiative are also involved in the investigation.

Chief Warrant Officer at Circuit Attorney’s Office advised the charge against the student will be forgery.

The investigation continues.

9:46 p.m. - Accidental Injury A SLU student was playing basketball, and while running down court, accidently twisted his left ankle.

EMS treatment was refused. The request for mobile transportation to SLU-ER was granted.

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

SGA discusses spot-funding guidelines

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

people,” McMillan said. She applied her work ethic from Griesedieck Cafeteria to her

“

There used to be a jukebox in Gries. That is how long I have been working at SLU. -Frances McMillian

”

new post in the BSC. In the mornings, Ms. McMillian slices. For the rest of the day, she is surrounded by friendly the faces of SLU students.

McMillan said that SLU allows her to feed the students and be with the students, and she enjoys being a part of the community.

McMillan’s best memories at SLU are with her managers and assistant managers, who told her to “always smile.” She took the message to heart, always wearing a smiley-face pin on her apron to remind her to keep a positive and upbeat attitude.

McMillan said that her retirement is bittersweet.

While she is excited to be able to enjoy her free time, she is sad to part ways with the SLU community.

After 43 years of hard work, what’s next for McMillan?

“I am going to rest a little,” she said.

Tighter and more restrictive spot-funding guidelines were approved by the Student Government Association.

Senators voted on the new spot-funding guidelines for Chartered Student Organizations. The new guidelines added amendments and modifications to make them more fiscally responsible and to have tighter allocation of spot funds to CSOs. “These guidelines were not changed last year, and the finance committee and SGA wanted to find a way allocate spot funds more responsibly,” Financial Vice President Jonathan Serpas said The new spot-funding guidelines were tightened after funds were at their lowest in the past few years. Serpas said that spot-funds were “around $80,000” currently.

The new guidelines in-

clude spot-funding definitions for conferences, internal social events, non-fundable social events and tournaments for CSOs. Also, the new spotfunding guidelines add some general items that fall under non-funding items like direct donations to charity and indirect donations to charity, except for organizations whose primary purpose is charitable.

An amendment was made to include spot-funding provisions for regional and national travel. The amendment was proposed by Flats senator Krishi Peddada in order to include spot-funding guidelines for club sports teams and other CSOs that travel outside of St. Louis for events.

According to the new amendment, SGA could use up to $180 per person in spotfunding for groups traveling over 350 miles and could use up to $30 per person in spotfunding for groups that are traveling 51-350 miles (re-

gional travel). Groups still have to fund at least 40 percent of their travel costs.

Graduate School senator Andrew Sova proposed an amendment to remove graduate organizations from the guidelines. Other senators questioned whether the proposed amendment was legal

by SGA constitutional procedure. Some senators were afraid this proposed amendment would impede finances for the current year and the work of the finance committee. The proposed amendment was rejected, but the new guidelines were passed.

Four new senators were appointed and nine senators officially took their oath of office. SGA also passed new governing rules and parliamentary procedures. SGA also amended their bylaws on having a senator serve as a representative on the University’s Board of Trustees for Mission and Ministry.

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Petition: Professors pick peace Continued from Page 1

will accept the death penalty in extremely rare circumstances to protect society, such as on an island where citizens have no prison in which to keep alleged murderers.

Similar petitions to the one drafted by SLU theologians have arisen in Protestant and other religious communities.

Winright said that several theologians, who may or may not always agree with one another on various issues, have come together to sign the petition.

A total of 17 professors at SLU have signed the petition, 16 of whom are from the theology department.

Julie Rubio, an associate professor of theology, said that she signed the petition because she has strongly opposed the death penalty since she was a teenager. “Why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?” Rubio said she asked herself when she was growing up.

Rubio said her father, a civil rights attorney, and a high school teacher who frequently visited death row inmates influenced her to have a consistent ethic that upholds the dignity of life in issues regarding abortion, capital punishment and war.

“I believe all persons are created in the image of God and have dignity, no matter what they do,” Rubio said.

Currently, capital punishment is prohibited in 16 states in the U.S., while 34 states, including Missouri, as well as the Federal Government and the military, continue to uphold it.

Parker, who said he believes the death penalty does not defer crime, said that it is crucial Americans speak out against capital punishment.

Others are in agreement.

“As hard as it is to show mercy to a murderer, I believe that we are called to do

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Accreditation: Self-study encourages improvement Owls: each HLC-designated crite“Summative asks whether attending open fora through- Librarian rion and a sub-committee we won or lost, but the for- out the year and provide their devoted to the SLU’s Madrid mative evaluation asks ‘what input on the self-study draft. seeks campus. The committees con- did you learn by playing the Joseph said that when a team structure is effective in en- sist of administration, faculty game?’,” Sanchez said. Upon of HLC representatives come abling you to meet your and students from all compo- releasing the draft, Sanchez to campus, they will want to wildlife goals.” nents of the University, en- said the SLU community is meet with groups of students.

Continued from Page 1

According to Miriam Joseph, Pius XII Memorial Library reference librarian and steering committee chairwoman, the criteria provided by the HLC are malleable to a certain college or university’s mission.

“These criteria are rather vague and amorphous because HLC accredits more than 1,000 institutions of various types, so you can’t have your own criteria,” Joseph said. “They’re not here to look at whether or not they like your mission, but how well you live up to your mission and fulfill it.”

SLU has been preparing for the accreditation process through a rigorous self-study.

The self-study has been lead by a steering committee, five sub-committees assigned to

compassing the institution as a whole.

“All units across the institution are there to support our underlying mission,” Sanchez said. “This whole accreditation thing is fundamentally mission focused.”

SLU plans on releasing a working first draft of its selfstudy in November. The draft is a 150 to 200 page document responding to the five required criteria.

Sanchez said that the selfstudy is meant not only to demonstrate how SLU meets the prescribed criteria, but that it also acts as a means of growth and education about the SLU community and where it needs to improve.

Sanchez said the self-study is both an summative and formative evaluation.

welcome to give their response and provide input toward the self-study. The document will continue to be refined until February, then it will be finalized and sent to the HLC. The HLC will assign a committee of eight to 12 people to read SLU’s self-study and then come to campus from Apr. 2325, 2012 to meet with faculty, staff, students, administrators and the board of trustees.

The committee will also verify the reports of the selfstudy and offer their own recommendations.

According to Sanchez, the University will hope to hear back from the HLC regarding its accreditation status during the summer of 2012.

Students can contribute to the accreditation process by

Sanchez said that students have incentive to participate due to the investment they make in their college education.

“Whatever you’re paying to come to SLU, you should want to know what we understand our level of quality to be, how we assess ourselves, how others assess us and how we respond to those assessments,” Sanchez said.

Beyond accreditation, a self-study provides benefits to the University as a whole.

“I think it has encouraged us all to think more broadly and more inclusively about what we do and how we think about ourselves in the context of what these criteria mean to us all,” Joseph said. “And that’s developmental for all of us.”

The “99 percent” occupy St. Louis

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

Nikki Vickrey (right), said to Ron Whela (left) “It’s going to be okay,” at the Occupy St. Louis protest on Monday, Oct. 10. Occupy St. Louis is a sister movement to the inital Occupy Wall Street movement taking place New York City. Participants in Occupy St. Louis have taken up residence in Kiener Plaza to protest the precieved corruption and greed that allegedly exists in the richest 1 percent of the population, and to raise awareness of the supposed strife and hardships that exist for the remaining 99 percent.

Continued from Page 1

hollowed part of the tree, hoot and then fly off,” Glenshaw said.

Glenshaw’s research helped him realize that these owls most likely resided there and called the hollow their home. Glenshaw knew where to return every night during his owl prowls.

Five and a half years later, Glenshaw still follows the same pair. Whenever Glenshaw goes on an “owl prowl,” he finds at least one of his beloved owls.

Glenshaw has named them Sarah and Charles, and he refers to them as the “Angelina Jolie” and “Brad Pitt” of owls because of their exquisite beauty. Glenshaw said he actually finds it difficult to leave them when vacationing.

Glenshaw now leads public owl prowls in Forest Park, and gives lectures on his owl knowledge.

Glenshaw has also gained recognition from the St. Louis scientific community. He received the Academy of Science-St. Louis Citizen Science Award in 2006 for his work on St. Louis Bio Blitz, a day-long exploration and documentation of bio-diverse natural areas.

Glenshaw has also established a presence on the Internet. He maintains a blog titled ‘Forest Park Owls’ which documents his pair of Great Horned Owls and other wildlife in Forest Park. He also documents his owl exploits on YouTube and has received nearly 11,000 views.

Glenshaw encourages everyone to explore nature and immerse themselves in the experience.

“Nature is all around us.

You don’t have to be interested in owls or anything, just find something that catches your eye and dig into it. But, you have to hit the books and do the fieldwork,” Glenshaw said.

To view his blog, visit forestparkowls.blogspot.com.

Oxford:Top students seek challenge Continued from Page 1

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES EXCELLENCE AWARDS Arts & Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Awards Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Mentoring Awards Excellence in Adjunct Teaching Award Arts & Sciences Staff Excellence Award Faculty from the College of Arts & Sciences as well as undergraduates with majors in the College and graduate students pursuing an advanced degree are encouraged to submit nominations for the College's Annual Excellence Awards. One full-time professor in each of the College divisions (humanities, sciences, social sciences) will be chosen for an Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. An Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring Award will be given to one full-time faculty member from the College.

junior year at Blackfriars. Ideally, 6 to 10 students will be selected each year, although that number remains subjective depending on the pool of candidates. The selection process has not been finalized, but students will be nominated by department chairs in the spring of their sophomore year.

Logistically, the program will function like current study abroad programs. Courses and credit will be brought to SLU and will appear on the student’s transcript. Students will remain registered at SLU and retain their financial aid package.

Students will live in Blackfriars Hall during their stay.

It is a community with more than 20 Dominican friars, undergraduates from a wealth of majors and graduate students.

The selected students will partake in the Oxford-style of university study. A significant amount of time is dedicated to tutorials, one-on-one tutoring and small, focused seminars.

“Academic experience at Oxford is very different from SLU. Instead of taking courses in a classroom, students at Blackfriars study by means of tutorials. It is an intensive kind of academic experience,” Finan said.

Blackfriars Hall sets up tutorials for students based on individual needs. Each student’s course of study will be planned before they arrive.

One of the greatest advantages of this opportunity is the expanse of resources available for research. In addition to the Blackfriars’ specialty library, students also will have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library and other faculty libraries.

Oxford has the largest university library system in the U.K., with more than 100 libraries. The Bodleian Library, Oxford’s main research library, was built in 1602. It since has been recognized as one of the greatest libraries in the world.

“It’s like sending some of our best students to partake of a tradition that is one of the

oldest academic traditions in the world and the idea is we would hope that they come back to SLU their senior year having experienced that, and then that they can enrich our campus here,” Finan said.

Finan said that a hope for the future is to send graduate students and faculty to Oxford.

“The idea in the future is that we will be sending graduate students to do research there, and that we will be able to send faculty there on sabbaticals to do visiting faculty experiences there,” Finan said. “It is a pretty complete program in a lot of ways.”

During sabbatical, faculty could spend a semester at Oxford as a visiting research faculty member. The full libraries and research materials will be available to faculty to further their own individual research.

“If you think of it as an academic community that brings some of the best minds in the world together, that kind of experience is a very unique thing,” Finan said.

An Excellence in Graduate Teaching and an Excellence in Graduate Mentoring will be awarded to a faculty member in Graduate Education. An Excellence in Adjunct Teaching Award and a Staff Excellence Award are also being offered this year. Staff are encouraged to submit nominations for the Staff Excellence Award.

Pick up your nomination form at an A&S department office, Student Records or Student Advising in Verhaegen Hall or access at http://www.slu.edu/x12648.xml. Submit your nomination by dropping it off or mailing it to Verhaegen Hall, Room 321, Linda Thien or send it by email to thienlr@slu.edu.

FM with IQ

Deadline to submit is: Monday, December 19, 2011.

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Petition prompts reflection on death penalty, justice system In protest of the death penalty, 16 Saint Louis University theology professors and one law professor exercise their constitutional right to raise hell.

Seventeen professors in St. Louis may not be able to spur the creation of a new act or amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but the formation of these protests proves that this is no longer a simple disgruntlement with the injustices of society. It is a movement to change it.

Whether you agree with the death penalty or not, the recent news around the execution of Troy Davis makes us reflect on our stance on capital punishment. Following his execution, race and innocence came to the forefront of the argument. It not only questioned the complete objectivity of the Georgia judicial system, but also shed light on the potential dangers of executing innocent individuals. The controversy about the soundness of the Troy Davis death sentence has caused many to question the soundness of the U.S. legal system itself, and perhaps more specifically the ver y morality of capital punishment.

While the response at this time is valid, the death sentence is a policy that has been forever questioned and protested. As of 2010, more than two thirds of the countries in the world have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, per statistics published

by Amnesty International. The remaining

Model U.N. fosters diplomacy and debate After a hiatus, Model U.N., under the su- finesse in their arguments. pervision of Jean Leguey-Feilleux, is back up Unlike other student organizations of the and running this semester. same nature, such as SLU Political RoundIn accordance with its mission statement, table or Mock Trial, where students learn Saint Louis University provides ample op- some of the same skills, Model U.N. will portunities for students to engage in service. train students to develop a stance on interHaving organizations such as Model U.N. national issues, keeping in mind real-world will build on a dimensituations and the posion in education that tential consequences is often glossed over of their standpoints, as in importance. well as ways to advocate We love to let the for them diplomatically. the media define administraHaving organizations The things for us. We look tion and student body up to our esteemed such as Model U.N. will should celebrate and political leaders to embrace the return of defend or attack inter- build on a dimension in this group and applaud national policies and the students’ passionate education that is often urge to bring it back to decisions.

Model U.N. will be SLU. a good opportunity glossed over in importance.

This push for refor students to exerestablishing the Model cise and experience U.N. group not only ilthis sort of advocacy lustrates their passion and argument for about diversity and inthemselves through political debate and ad- ternational topics, but it also shows that stuvocacy for other countries. dents are the blood and muscle of the quality Besides acquiring public speaking skills of their university education. Students alone and a well-rounded worldview, students will determine the routes they take to acquire learn to negotiate compromises and develop the best scholarship.

“

”

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

(44 votes total) What is your favorite fictional owl?

-First copy, free. Each additional

Blogs, additional commentaries and activities such as our web poll are all available on our website: unewsonline.com.

third of the world includes countries such as China and the United States, and 21 other countries who carr y out the death penalty, sometimes for non-lethal crimes.

Arguments against the death penalty comprise a variety of stances: Economic, ethical, as well as constitutional.

Because of the extra trials and appeal rights given to criminals on death row, carr ying out a death penalty is actually more costly than life imprisonment and other penal alternatives. While a factual argument, this reason for abolishing the death penalty claims that we should be economically focused within our justice system. It puts a price on justice.

Other arguments question whether or not the death penalty actually accomplishes any of the goals for which it stands. Does it really deter violent crimes? Is it the best retribution? And, more importantly, do the potential harms of death penalty outweigh its alleged benefits?

While there is great care that ideally goes into determining the guilt of a criminal on death row, more than 360 theologians across the nation, including those from SLU, are shaking the ver y foundations of the gallows. Their efforts, which have been recognized around the world, are admirable and make us reflect upon SLU’s Jesuit mission to uphold social justice within the legal system.

0

48%

Hedwig

20%

Owl (Winnie-the-Pooh)

18%

Archimedes

14%

Big Mama

10

20

30

40

50

60

Crosses placed by Students for Life create shame In “celebration” of Respect Life Month, SLU Students for Life has kindly turned our quad in to a graveyard. The Cemetery of the Innocents is a yearly display of wooden crosses, each of which signify a certain number of abortions performed daily. This year the crosses are decorated with colored ribbons which represent the country in which the abortions are performed and proportionally represent pregnancy terminations by nationality. The cemetery, however, is an intentionally misleading display and an incomplete homage to Respect Life Month.

The question of terminating a pregnancy has never been, and never will be, simple enough to carve out of wood. When a woman finds it necessary to make a decision that will profoundly affect her future, she is confronted with more complicated questions than whether she wants children. Resources, timing, those she is dependent upon and those dependent upon her are all substantial and emotional variables that affect her choice. Simplifying this heartbreaking process into a morbid display of loss is ignorant and cruel. Instead of enlightening SLU students on the reality of abortions, the cemetery serves to shame those who have made a very difficult decision.

Similarly, the cemetery is an inadequate tribute to what Respect Life Month should represent. By focusing only on abortion and ignoring the millions of people that die for unjust reasons, Students for Life has created a hierarchy of worthiness. Those who claim to fight for life should be concerned with the causalities of war, capital punishment, starvation and disease, among other things. The cemetery promotes the belief that life is only worth protecting in the womb. Post birth, death begins to lose its sadness.

Next year, Students for Life should hold themselves to a higher standard, one that respects the lives of the women that were forced to make these decisions and one that encompasses the varied and complex instances of loss.

- Written by B*llikens for Choice.

Website comments Well written. I am happy SLU has someone like you leading them. Keep up the great work!

And “no one cares,” Mr. Mcgee? That’s bold words for someone who won’t even write their real name. Two years ago 3 hate crimes occurred on our campus, but hey, you wouldn’t know that right? No one cares right???

As for The University News, shame on you. We all know you are just trying to impress whatever journalism agency will take you after graduation by trying to spin something good. You should embrace this because you know what happened a few years ago when diversity was looked at negatively. Don’t try to look for a story and spin good intentions. Work in the interest of students for once.

- Anonymous on “Letter to the Editor: The Oath of Inclusion is an opportunity to better our community.”

That’s 4 officers that could be preventing car break-ins, robberies, etc. Ridiculous.

- Anonymous on “DPSSS, city to share drinking vigilance.”

The U.S. is not opposed to the Palestinian state.

They are opposed to the Palestinian state being achieved in this unilateral manner. The U.S., and Israel, has long been in favor of a “two state solution.”

However, a peaceful two state solution cannot be achieved by any means except negotiations between the two sides. Any state that is created without both sides’ consent would lead to further unnecessary conflict.

The borders the Palestinians currently seek are completely indefensible for the Israeli people. They leave Israel, in its center, just a few miles wide,easily vulnerable to being split in two and destroyed by its enemies.

Your essay seems to grant credence to the Palestinian bid for statehood because they are engaging in non-violent means. However, at its core, this move simply stokes more tensions between the two sides, when what they need to be doing is negotiating with each-other.

- Anonymous on “Abroad: U.S. must support Palestine; Kenya manages pipeline disaster.”

Opinion

unewsonline.com

5

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Democracy and freedom for the world? Think again.

As the battle for Libya winds down and rebel forces close in on Qaddafi’s hometown of Sirte and the 2012 presidential campaign Commentary revs up, now is as good a time to reflect on the past, present and future of presidential power and military interventionism.

Since the end of WWII, our Ben Eldredge leaders have seen it fit to get involved in conflict after conflict, most of them dubious under the Constitution.

In March of 2011, the U.S. entered another war (or “kinetic military action”), with the oft-repeated refrain of “humanitarian aid” and “democracy promotion,” the same reasons given for our interventions in Korea, Haiti, Vietnam, El Salvador, Nicaragua, East Timor, Serbia, Afghanistan and Iraq. One would think that after such an abysmal record, the American people would stop supporting these “interventions” in favor of domestic programs that actually help the affected country. And, for the most part, they have dropped their support.

The majority of the American people do not want war. They don’t want their children to die on foreign sands for reasons they don’t understand. Most Americans understand the U.S. is not and never has been in the business of democracy promotion, but acts as a rational actor pursuant to its own interests, or rather to the interests of the ruling elite. And since the U.S. has been one of two superpowers since 1945, and the sole superpower since 1990, those interests include the retention of power, unlimited access to global markets and geographic dominion over the world’s resources.

This is not necessarily a criticism against our country. Put in our situation, I don’t think any other country would act differently, if it were to rationally pursue its own interests. However, combine this overwhelming power with the

WAR

PEACE

no evidence of WMDs was produced, the administration reversed course and claimed that their motive from the start had been the liberation of the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship and the installation of a liberal democracy.

While everyone should question the veracity of their assertions based on the fact that there was no mention of these goals prior to the invasion, students of U.S. interventionism history will recognize that the U.S. has a less than stellar track record of creating liberal democracies.

Instead of producing a true free state, the modus operandi is either to install a client state under the guise of democracy (South Vietnam) or simply prop up a dictator (Egypt).

When these options do not prove viable, the U.S. resorts to statesponsored terrorism, funding far right-wing guerrilla groups in an effort to overthrow the democratically elected government and build a regime more pliant to U.S. interests in its place (Nicaragua).

Given our unfortunate record in the field of democracy promotion abroad, I feel entirely justified being

to music, hear their mother’s voice over the phone or watch a movie on demand.

Another thing that people argue is that Steve Jobs’ life didn’t make a difference philanthropically, and they usually compare Jobs to Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. First, you can never determine how important someone’s life is by comparing them to others in the world. If I compared how much I donated to charity compared to Gates or Buffet, I too would be looked down upon.

Jobs may not be widely known for his involvement in philanthropic causes, but he said he did charitable acts privately. People often criticize him for eliminating all corporate philanthropy programs, after resuming control of Apple in 1997.

However, later, under Jobs, Apple signed to participate in the Product Red program, producing red versions of devices to give profits from sales to charity. Since then, Apple has become the single largest contributor. One great thing about creating products that benefit charity is that Jobs, although he personally didn’t donate his money to charity, gave power to the people to make a conscious decision to buy a Red product and have the profits go to charity.

Jobs’ life, although short, touched millions of lives worldwide through his philanthropic efforts, his creation of animated films with his company Pixar and through the numerous Apple products.

Jobs did do something wonderful with his life—he gave millions happiness. His life should never be compared to others, because every person has the ability to make a positive change in the world. It just matters how they decide to do it.

As you finish reading this, ask yourself, “Have I done something wonderful today?”

Dustin Paluch is a junior in the John Cook School of Business.

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

skeptical when assured that NATO’s current action in Libya is purely humanitarian. I don’t know the real reasons behind the military action, but I have a feeling that there is a little more to it than compassion.

With the 2012 election fast approaching, the American people have an important decision to make.

Will we stick with the old elite, who drag us into war after war? Or will we place responsible statesmen in positions of power, who will exhaust every possible avenue before resorting to violence?

In this time of constant conflict, the words of Hermann Goering seem particularly relevant: “Naturally the common people don’t want war...

But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along…All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country.”

Ben Eldredge is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

St. Louis: An underrated American city has festivals year-round for everyone We live in a city known as the Gateway to the West, the home of toasted ravioli and the birthplace of the respected and beloved Commentary rapper Nelly.

Beyond these labels, St. Louis actually has plenty more to offer.

Oktober fest, anyone? There is no better excuse to dress in German garb, Stephanie Woods drink excessive amounts of beer and learn a few phrases in Deutsch. “Prost!” Soulard’s event landed on the list of top 10 places in America to celebrate this fall festivity.

In theory, the three-day celebration opens our eyes to the true customs of Germany. It allows us to temporarily escape American norms and enter into a world of all things German. More realistically, it is a mockery and a chance for us sheltered Americans to pretend to be cultured for the evening, while simultaneously over-indulging in bratwursts and beer.

The $5 entrance fee is waived if you show up in German attire, so grab your lederhosen or dirndl and that’s five more dollars to be spent on Jagermeister. You’ll even find that the lederhosenclad crowd tends to be friendlier, although generally not more German.

Regret not buying a Bavarian hat?

Don’t worry, that lonely drunk guy will likely trade you his for a pint of Optimator beer, a favorite at the festival due to its higher percentage of alcohol. After a few hours of doing the polka to the authentic German band and polishing off a few Optimators (while avoiding the overflowing port-a-potties), the night will likely end up where it always does: Laclede’s. Isn’t that French? It’s fine, they’re neighbors anyways.

Sarcasm aside, St. Louis does in fact have an impressive list of yearround festivities. I think we have all experienced the joy of Mardi Gras.

Who needs New Orleans when Soulard is just a cab ride away?

Not only does it allow SLU students to flee the campus bubble for the day, but it also provides an opportunity to be drunk before 9 a.m.

Girls, keep your shirts on.

Although St. Louis is the self-proclaimed “second best” Mardi Gras in the U.S., you can save that degrading indecency for New Orleans.

“

Down south, you probably won’t run into that kid from Spanish class who would forever remember you as the girl who flashed the funnel cake guy. Here, you might not be so lucky.

There are easier ways to acquire beads. I’ve found that a simple “pretty please” does the trick most of the time. However, if you want the drunk guy’s giant “Pardi Gras” necklace with the flashing lights, you will likely have to trade him a Hurricane (the infamous drink of New Orleans).

So what about those citizens who simply want to have an enriching experience without being surrounded by intoxicated buffoons? Don’t worry, there is a festival for you. And it’s not the St. Louis Pirate Festival.

St. Louis has put on the Great Forest Park Balloon Race for the past 39 years.

The sky glows orange while astonished children dream of their future in racing. There are no vendors selling shots of Jagermeister or throwing beads to overly enthusiastic girls; instead, it has a pack-apicnic, dog-friendly, family-oriented sort of atmosphere.

Still not for you? Try the Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park. If spring rolls or beef stroganoff don’t excite you, then trying traditional Ethiopian food for the first time probably will.

Eating cheesestuffed pierogis while watching flamenco dancing is my idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon. Of all the cultural events St. Louis offers, the Festival of Nations seems to be the most authentic. Its website details the 81 ethnicities represented through food, art and performances. Entrance is free, so there’s no need to wear an embarrassingly large sombrero.

Of the hundreds of events this melting pot of a city has to offer, these are the most fascinating and worth attending.

Honorable mentions go to the Shakespeare Festival, Greek Festival, Storytelling Festival and the Annual Moonlight Ramble. It is through each and every one of these festivals that St. Louis makes a name for itself in America as an underrated and culturally-rich city. We find several of these celebrations on country-wide top 10 lists, so I am curious—why is it that our city keeps making appearances on these “lists” but can’t climb to that number one spot?

Personally, I blame Nelly.

Don’t worr y, that lonely drunk guy will likely trade you his [hat] for a pint of Optimator beer.

”

Stephanie Woods is a junior in the John Cook School of Business.

Starla Salazar / Illustrator

Steve Jobs is gone, changed the lives of millions before leaving Steve Jobs once said, “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me…Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something Commentary wonderful… that’s what matters to me.” Some would argue that Steve Jobs’ life was not significant in the betterment of society (referring to the apparent lack Dustin Paluch of his charitable efforts), while others would say he was a visionary genius who redefined generations.

To discuss the importance of Jobs’ life to other people would not be fair, because everyone’s life is important. Each person’s life is just more important to certain people.

So, how important is Jobs’ life to the world?

His passing was announced on Wednesday, Oct. 5 by Apple Inc., the company he co-founded with Steve Wozniak. Jobs died at about 3 p.m. that day. The coroner listed respiratory arrest as the immediate cause of death, with pancreatic cancer as the underlying cause. His life will mostly be remembered for his creation of Pixar and as the driving force behind Apple Inc. Being the entrepreneur who created those products gives new meaning to communication, which, in turn, positively affects the lives of others.

By using an iPhone, for example, the user can call for help, look up and share documents, pictures, and texts to help someone get through their rough day. They can give joy to the person using it through any of the various apps that can be downloaded.

Steve Jobs has helped millions through the creation of his Apple products by allowing them to listen

Editor’s note: This is a response to last week’s commentary titled “School system job-oriented, not enough focus on education quality.”

Commentary When I first heard about merit pay, I thought I was hearing a present-day version of “A Modest Proposal.”

Instead of suggesting we feed Noah Berman poor children to the rich, this new satire suggested we turn education into a game: If a teacher’s students score high enough, they would earn more money. It would be like football, or horseracing.

I have no problems paying teachers more, and I look forward to the day in which “I’m going to be a teacher” becomes a claim with the same financial implications as “I’m going to be a doctor.” But until that day comes, merit pay is just another quick fix that’s doomed to fail.

Merit pay is the idea that we can improve teaching performance by getting rid of tenure and tying financial incentives to the pupils’ performances on standardized tests.

This will—in theory—encourage a sort of “survival of the fittest,” where only those teachers who can get their kids to meet certain benchmarks make enough money.

You’ll notice that nowhere in these calculations does it matter if students actually learn anything.

They might be able to pass tests, but that doesn’t logically lead to the result that students will be able to use the things they’ve been taught outside of a fill in the bubble environment.

Furthermore, teachers will not be able to provide individual attention to students, or really do any teaching at all besides that which leads to the tests. The competition that will result from this method will drain the life from classroom, as teachers become consumed with meeting and exceeding the merit pay code.

By limiting what teachers can do, merit pay will hurt students far more than will allowing “bad” teachers to maintain tenure. It is only natural that you will have a bad school experience when you’ve got 30-40 kids in a classroom or your teachers have to follow some arbitrary mandated guidelines. I’ve read that schools in Detroit are planning to allow up to 60 kids in a classroom.

UTTER MADNESS. That’s not a school, that’s a factory.

The solution is simple.

Smaller. Class. Sizes.

The best classes I’ve taken at SLU (or anywhere else) have been those with 18 or fewer students. Teachers could spend time one-on-one with pupils, addressing individual needs and helping to make sure that everyone understands and could apply the material.

My high school continually ranks as one of the best schools in the state because smaller class sizes mean teachers can really teach, and even if they don’t stick 100% to the state-provided guidelines, our mastery of concepts allows us to perform well on state/national tests.

Unsurprisingly, the classes with over 18 or so students were the ones in which people tended to have lower grades. Even with this hard data, our superintendent is trying to cram even more people into the already tiny building. In a moment of painful irony, the man’s graduate school thesis included a section about the need to keep groups of learners (in this case, teachers) to 20 or below.

Still, smaller class size means more classes. Which means more classrooms, more school supplies and of course, more teachers.

This will take a serious level of investment—much more than anything the current administration or any branches of congress are putting on the table. But it’ll be worth it.

The quality of education will go up. Test scores will improve. More importantly, kids will really learn.

A better-educated people will go on to perform at higher levels in their jobs, no matter what they end up doing. If we combine this investment with a renewed commitment to making college easier to afford, we could well have the incredibly well educated populace America deserves. A populace that can understand, process and analyze big issues in more complex ways than ever before. This will pay further dividends that will change our country for the better in ways we can’t even imagine. Merit pay, on the other hand, will serve to make education even less imaginative and even more useless to the average student. Both paths are expensive and difficult, but only smaller class sizes will lead to the kind of positive change we want to see in our country.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

virulent strain of hubris called “American exceptionalism,” and it’s no longer hard to imagine why the majority of the world views the U.S. as the greatest threat to world peace.

This hubris, found on both sides of American politics, is the idea that the U.S. “is qualitatively different from other states” in that its “ideology [is] based on liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism and laissezfaire” (Wikipedia).

While our Founding Fathers designed our country to be based on these goals, their Socratic vision of an ideal “city on a hill” faded quickly.

Our alleged exceptionalism has been invoked time and time again to justify intervention in the name of democracy, though the documentary record almost always produces evidence that the aggression was not driven by altruism, but self-interest.

The most blatant example of this in recent times is the justification for the 2003 war in Iraq. Initially, the Bush administration made no mention of democracy promotion or altruistic goals, but instead stuck to their assertions that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. When

Smaller class sizes, not merit pay, will increase education quality

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

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SLU grad to release album with Blueberry Hill Records

on the

TOWN Arts Editor’s Picks

MUSIC Friday, Oct. 14 3 p.m.

Student Music Recital Saint Francis Xavier College Church Saturday, Oct. 15 Doors: 7 p.m.

Concert: 8 p.m.

Brett Dennen with Blind Pilot The Pageant Tickets are $20 Saturday, Oct. 15 Doors: 8 p.m.

Concert 9 p.m.

The Felice Brothers with Gil Landry of the Old Crow Medicine Show The Billiken Club Free and open to the public of all ages Tuesday, Oct. 18 Doors: 7 p.m.

Concert: 8 p.m.

Matt Nathanson with ScarsOn45 The Pageant Tickets are $20 Thursday, Oct. 20 7:30 p.m.

Celtic Thunder The Heritage Tour The Fabulous Fox Theatre Saturday, Oct. 22 8 p.m.

Straight No Chaser The Fabulous Fox Theatre

OTHER Wednesday, Oct. 19 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Lecture by Buzz Spector, Dean of Wash U School of Art MOCRA

MOVIES Friday, Oct. 14 & Saturday, Oct. 15 Midnight Jaws and The Human Centipede II: Full Sequence The Tivoli Tickets are $7; No one under 18 admitted to “Human Centipede” Friday, Oct. 21 & Saturday, Oct. 22 Midnight The Rocky Horror Picture Show The Tivoli

Fangyu Wu / Staff Photographer

Americana artist John Donovan, 23, will release his first album with Blueberry Hill Records on Oct. 15. The album was written and recorded in St. Louis.

John Donovan tests the waters of the music industry with ‘Wet Shoes’

By MATT EMODI Staff Writer

The name Blueberry Hill may strike a chord in the minds of St. Louisans as the beloved Delmar Loop eatery and concert venue, but for Saint Louis University graduate and Americana artist John Donovan, the name means something more.

On Oct. 15, Donovan will release “Wet Shoes,” his first album with Blueberry Hill Records. Blueberry Hill Records is an independent label based in Salem, Ore., who reached out to Donovan through his Bandcamp page after the release of his debut album “Bells Will Ring” in September of 2010.

Donovan had to adjust some of his creative methods after inking the deal with Blueberry Hill Records. While his first album was driven by the acoustic guitar and completely self-recorded in Donovan’s bedroom in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, parts of “Wet Shoes” were written in student housing at The Flats. Other parts of the album were recorded at R & R Music Labs and Utopia Studios in St. Louis.

For this album, Donovan said that he added a drummer, a bass player and a keyboardist because he wanted more rhythm.

“Wet Shoes” is largely an exploration of the Americana genre. Americana is a fusion of roots and folk-style music that reflects upon tradition.

While folk music aims to pass traditions along, Americana is more abstract.

“The mindset in general for most of the songs on [“Wet Shoes”] is kind of about loss of love and longing, but there are also shots of happiness and hope,” Donovan said.

The album artwork also reflects

Donovan’s careful attention to detail.

His grandfather gave him a number of his grandmother’s paintings shortly after she passed away, and her artwork was used to create the cover.

Donovan’s album also features the talents of six other musicians, all of whom have graduated from or are pursuing a degree at SLU. A number of contributors were involved in the University’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Artists such as Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens have inspired Donovan’s love and affinity for music. Donovan mentioned Bob Dylan in particular among his musical influences, and said that a tour with Dylan would be “a dream come true.”

“I’ve tried to listen to everything he’s put out, but I’m still working on it,” Donovan said.

Donovan graduated from SLU in May of 2011, majoring in music studies and minoring in theology. He kept himself busy with his involvement in on-campus groups, such as performing in Jazz and Classical Guitar ensembles. He was also one of the founding members of the Music Honors Society.

Donovan credits Aaron Johnson, an assistant professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, for teaching him music theory courses throughout his undergraduate studies.

First picking up the saxophone in fourth grade, Donovan started writing his own music in his early college days. He said he has become fluent in various instruments, including the guitar, the mandolin, the banjo and the bass clarinet.

“Ideally, I would like for my music to get big enough so I could to use it to support myself,” Donovan said. “That

is tough for anyone to do, especially with the music industry in such shambles.”

As he spoke, his dedication to the art of music shone through, particularly as he spoke about his desire to teach music to others.

Donovan said the means in which the music industry functions today, though, upsets him. In the current digital era, CD sales have deteriorated as a main source of income for musicians. Musicians have initiated new marketing and promotional campaigns to attract more publicity and revenue.

As an example, Donovan said he appreciated how Radiohead allowed their fans to buy the album “In Rainbows” for free or name their own price when the CD went on sale.

“That’s the future of the music industry,” Donovan said. “It’s just a matter of how long the rest of the industry takes to tank.”

Donovan said he is optimistic about his involvement in the local music scene. He met a fellow musician of the same energy named Andy Berkhout, who has so far introduced him to a number of local promoters and booking managers.

Berkhout and Donovan are also members of a local folk band known as Trotting Bear.

A CD release party for “Wet Shoes” has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 at The Tavern of Fine Arts in the Central West End. The venue books primarily classical artists, and Donovan said he was grateful for the venue to make a special exception.

Donovan has already reached his pre-order sales goal for his new album through Kickstarter, an online pledge system for financially supporting creative ventures or projects.

Fangyu Wu / Staff Photographer

First playing saxophone in fourth grade, Donovan also plays guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass clarinet.

“I’m already thinking about my next couple albums,” Donovan said.

He already has 12 songs on the table for production, and Donovan plans to soon revisit the heavy guitar influences that underlined his first album “Bells Will Ring.”

Ideas for new material are always in the works because for some of them, Donovan is reluctant to have a pen and paper handy.

University theater production: ‘Not a secret anymore’ It’s not a secret anymore— the Saint Louis University theater department’s production of “The SeIn The Theater Review cret Wings” was an impressive success.

T h e play was simply fantastic, and a Mary ZimmerT.K. Smith man piece was the best way to open up a new season. Zimmerman has the ability to recreate stories everyone knows and make them fresh.

The story line follows a naïve little girl named Heidi (freshman Elizabeth Meinders) as she listens to fairy tales told by an ogre, Mr. Fitzpatrick (senior Paul Lewellyn). The stories come to life before her- and they twist and intertwine around the framework of the beloved Disney classic “Beauty and

the Beast.”

The blending of comedy and macabre in the piece allows it to appeal to many viewers, while also revealing the genius in the performance.

The most impressive aspects of the University’s production were the performances of the ensemble as a whole.

Great care was given to synchronization, timing and stage chemistry. The three comedic princes (junior Joseph Denk, and freshmen Kevin Lusk and Joey Sminchak), for example, had perfect timing not just with their line delivery, but also with their physical acting.

The visuals were also very interesting to watch. There was a lot of miming and symbolic use of props. The beheading of the princess who would not laugh by the suitors was creative, using balls and dunce caps to symbolize decapitation, as was the wicked infants being eaten by the blind queens and the haunting bucket of sand and bones.

Another great part of the

show was the impressive vocals of the entire cast.

The show spotlighted the blind queens, who sang a very heavy and chilling melody. At times in the play, as in the story told about the swan sons, things seemed to move very slowly, but that was overshadowed by the expert use of voice-over vocals to add to the desperate mood of the tale.

The tech work in “The Secret In The Wings” was phenomenal. The stage, designed by faculty member Mark Wilson, was expertly crafted to provide a blank slate upon which the fairy tales were to be painted, while still maintaining the cold and dank basement we know it to be.

The television on stage right even showed the classic 1946 film “La Belle et La Bête,” a personal touch that, for those who are “in the know,” is an amazing surprise.

The costumes had to be made to easily throw on and off because of the nature of the show. This usually causes

Shah (Yuging Xia) / Photo Editor

Sophomore Sarah Griffith (left) played a princess who offers her hand in marriage to any man who can make her laugh. costumes to look incomplete or bland, but costume designer Lou Bird successfully made each costume look unique and complete, breaking the audiences’ connection of one actor to several different characters.

Overall, the production of Zimmerman’s “The Secret In The Wings” was an event not to be missed. Though the subject matter may have left viewers questioning Zimmerman’s sanity, it will leave a lasting effect.

Arts

8

The University News

Thursday, October 13, 2011

unewsonline.com

Julianne Hough talks ‘Footloose’ “I didn’t watch the [original] movie when I booked the job because I already knew it,” Starting this Friday, au- Hough said. “I really wanted it diences will be able to “cut to be my own and I have to tell loose” once again. you, when we were shooting Last fall, director Craig this movie, we really felt like Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”), it was our own movie.” mega-stars Julianne Hough Hough said that Brewer’s and Dennis Quaid, and new- direction added a depth to the comer Kenny Wormald un- characters that was missing dertook the job of remaking in the 1984 original. the beloved 1984 film “Foot“One thing that I felt like loose.”

I missed from Ariel back in The original, starring the original was that I felt like Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer, she was just kind of a bad girl evokes a retro vibe similar and she was a troublemaker,” to “Grease” and “Saturday Hough said. “When I saw this Night Fever,” and, according version and saw that Craig to Hough, remaking such an had rewritten her to . . . show iconic film was no easy task. the depth that she has, and “I thought the same thing, the relationship that [she] like, ‘Ugh, remakes, they and her father have, then you suck,’” Hough said. “I think see why [they] act like [they that [Brewer] did justice with do.]” giving the same heart that Hough’s role as Ariel you felt when you were watch- Moore is her first major acting it in 1984 as I think you do ing debut, though she cites a today . . . I think that the peo- small role in the 2010 movie ple that saw the original are “Burlesque” for teaching her going to be impressed.” the “logistics of filmmaking.”

The original “Footloose” As The Academy of Country centered itself on the small Music’s Top New Female Vofictional town of Bomont, calist and Top New Artist in Utah. When Ren McCormack 2009, and a two-time winner (Bacon) moves to Bomont of “Dancing With The Stars,” from urban Chicago and dis- Hough is no stranger to the covers that rock ‘n roll and spotlight. dancing are illegal, he and his The road to the 2011 “Footnew friends are determined loose” changed direction to make a b r u p t l y. a change.

C o n s e With the q u e n t l y, help of ArHough’s I ended up basically i n v o l v e iel Moore (Singer), the fighting for my role. I ment with local high the projtwice for ect was, s c h o o l e r s auditioned start a revo- this movie, and I’m so at times, lution. uncer tain.

The 2011 glad I did. I’m so proud Originally “Footloose” of this movie. slated to appeals to direct the viewers of -Julianne Hough remake a whole was Kenny new demoOrtega, of graphic. This time around, the Disney Channel’s infaBomont is set in Georgia, true mous “High School Musical” to Brewer’s flair for Southern trilogy. drama. Hough dons a pair Zac Efron, also of “Musiof cowboy boots for most of cal,” and Chace Crawford of the film’s duration, and even “Gossip Girl” were both ruthe soundtrack’s essential mored to be filling Bacon’s component, “Footloose,” was dancing shoes before the role covered by country crooner ultimately became Wormald’s.

Blake Shelton.

“I ended up basically fightBy ERIN EVERETT Arts Editor

Hidden Treasures

By CASSIE ROHLIK and LINDSAY NOESEN Columnists

Opa! Now that Greek Fest has come and gone, we have been desperately searching for some delicious Greek food to satisfy our appetites.

Spiro’s, located on Watson Road near The Hill, will cure any craving. We tried out this restaurant after receiving a great Groupon, which is still available online.

Spiro’s menu is vast and changes often, depending on the time of the day. Their lunch menu runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and showcases a variety of inexpensive dishes. Since the menu is different each day, call ahead of time if you are looking for a specific dish.

Their dinner menu, on the other hand, is fixed and contains many classic Greek dishes, including Avgolemono Yiayia’s, a soup made of chicken, rice, egg and lemon.

Cassie During our trip to Spiro’s, I indulged in a dish called Spanakopita and Tiropita.

Both of these items are vegetarian-friendly.

Spanakopita is a layered pastry dish consisting of butter, spinach and cheese, while tiropita is a pastry filled with a cheese and egg mixture, much like a quiche.

Spanakopita is a fairly common dish, most often referred to as spinach pie.

I did not find anything overly spectacular about this dish that would set it apart from other spinach pies I’ve had. The pastry portion of the dish was delicious, but otherwise, it did not have much flavor. It isn’t something I would make an effort

to eat again.

The Tiropita, on the other hand, was phenomenal.

Again, the pastry portion of this dish was fantastic, and the cheese-egg filling was creamy and light. I wished that I had ordered two sides of Tiropita, instead.

Though we had a delightful dinner, the best part of the experience had to be dessert. We were so full from dinner that we decided to order some Baklava to go, so we could enjoy it later.

They brought it out neatly wrapped in a box for us to take home, but we made the mistake of taking a sneak peak before leaving the restaurant.

The layers of pastry, walnuts and honey were far too inviting for us to wait. The sweet smells of our dessert wafted up to our noses, and we fell victim to its deliciousness. Without hesitation, we picked up our forks and dove in.

The crisp, yet delicate pastry mixed with the crunch of the walnuts was absolutely perfect. Its sweetness was a great compliment to the mellow flavors of our dinner.

As we got ready to leave, slightly embarrassed by the Baklava episode, we thanked the wait staff and paid our bill.

Tips: -Check www.groupon. com before you head out -Call ahead of time if you plan on eating out for lunch -Spiro’s would be a great place to go on a date -Don’t wear jeans, or you’ll stick out, in a bad way -Fall victim to the Baklava… go ahead, indulge.

“

”

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald star in a remake of the 1984 cult classic “Footloose,” in theaters on Oct. 14. ing for my role,” Hough said.

“I auditioned twice for this movie, and I’m so glad I did.

I’m so proud of this movie.”

Acting alongside Quaid, who has perfected the paternal role in films such as 1998’s “The Parent Trap,” Hough has a surprisingly commanding on-screen presence.

In a tense scene after being physically abused by her exboyfriend, the black-eyed and tear-stained Ariel reams her father for being overly protective, challenging him with: “What are you gonna do, pass another law?”

“A lot of the scenes that I loved were the ones that really challenged my acting,”

Hough said. “Some of my favorite scenes were the Dennis Quaid scenes.’”

Most important to the film’s adaptation is that the message behind an ‘80s “Footloose” is still relevant in modern society.

“I think that . . . we kind of need a movie like this,” Hough said. “I think in this moment, in this time, we need to fight for what we believe in. I think this [movie] really shows the heart and the drive that these kids have. And hopefully it motivates people to do the same.”

“Footloose” will be playing in theaters everywhere starting Friday, Oct. 14.

Solo project brings Patrick Stump From Galway to the Gateway City new life apart from ‘Fall Out Boy’ Male vocal ensemble Celtic Thunder to bring sounds of Irish culture to Fox Theatre

By MADDIE GUY Staff Writer

Halfway through his Aug. 4 set at Fubar, a voice rang out from the back of the crowded room: “All hail Patrick Stump!”

Stump reacted with a nervously bashful smile and continued his journey to the keyboard across the stage.

A teen boy in the front row reached out his hand to proclaim Stump has been his idol since he was 8 years old.

“Wow, that makes me feel old,” Stump said into the microphone.

His humble nature may not be what one would expect from the former front man of Fall Out Boy, a band that has topped the international charts and played sold out shows on almost every continent (poor weather kept an attempted concert in Antarctica at bay).

Somehow Stump has managed to keep the fame from going to his head.

“I honestly give a lot of credit to my dad,” Stump said, chuckling. “He’s just the most grounded dude I’ve ever met, and I’m constantly watching him for cues.”

Stump’s homeboy mentality is ultimately what led to the final version of his first full length solo album, “Soul Punk.”

“I recorded a version of ‘Soul Punk’ and had pretty much completed it. And then last minute, 11th hour, I recorded ‘This City,’” Stump said.

The song is inspired by his undying love for his hometown of Chicago, as well as the immense loyalty shown by citizens of cities undergoing traumatic times, such as Detroit and New Orleans.

Stump said he liked the song so much that he decided to rewrite the album and conceptualize it around that track. Later, fellow Chicagoan Lupe Fiasco added vocals, and the first single on “Soul Punk” was born.

The wide instrumentation heard in “This City” is a trademark of Stump’s composing, and is present throughout

By ERIN EVERETT Arts Editor

Maddie Guy / The University News

Patrick Stump’s debut solo album, “Soul Punk,” will be released on Oct. 18, including a track with Lupe Fiasco.

“Soul Punk.” He recorded everything himself (often on his laptop), which forced him to learn new instruments, such as the saxophone. As a result, Stump said he feels that he has created a true solo album.

Backed by a full band for his live show, he still manages to play the guitar, trumpet, drums and keyboard. While the switching of instruments shows his true musicianship, his high energy, cant-be-contained dancing and explosive vocals that rival the growls of Michael Jackson and low coos of Ne-Yo showcase Stump’s natural ability and newly found comfort as a solo performer.

Stump reflected on his transition from Fall Out Boy member to solo artist.

“I was really just scared of [fame]. I was really uncomfortable,” Stump said. “I wasn’t very confident. I was just a musician. I didn’t really plan on being anyone’s hero or idol.”

Ditching the hoodies, jeans and hats that adorned him as Fall Out Boy’s insecure front man, the now dapper Stump took the stage at Fubar dressed in a vest, tie, freshly pressed pants and penny loafers. Two days later at Lollapalooza, he could be seen wearing a similar out-

fit playing for thousands of screaming fans.

For Stump, any show, no matter the size, is a haven.

“I’m more comfortable as a musician than I am anything else. I’m more comfortable on the stage than I am anywhere,” Stump said.

After his set at Fubar, he could be found outside on the sidewalk surrounded by his fans. Even with family and friends waiting on his tour bus, he spent more than an hour individually thanking each person for their support, posing for pictures, signing posters and making jokes until the line was gone. However, for each “thank you” he gives, many are received.

From the teens who credit him for their original interest in music, to the parents who show him gratitude for providing their children a role model, and every attendee leaving the venue with a big smile on their face, it is evident that Stump has touched the lives of many, just by being himself.

His 6-track EP, “Truant Wave,” is currently available, and “Soul Punk” will drop Oct. 18.

Stump will be playing in St. Louis at Pop’s on Nov. 10 with Foxy Shazam in support of Panic! At The Disco.

Nothing is more charming than an Irishman, and Celtic Thunder has six of them.

Celtic Thunder, a male vocal ensemble, is supported by a loyal fan base. Named the Top World Album Artist in 2009 by Billboard magazine, the performers received special attention when their own Damian McGinty was crowned a winner of Oxygen’s popular summer series “The Glee Project.”

Now, stepping out sans McGinty, Celtic Thunder’s Heritage tour has an opportunity to delight fans, both new and old.

Celtic Thunder consists of Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and Daniel Furlong— all of whom are Irish, with the exception of Donaldson, a Scotsman.

Ranging in age from 13 to 42, the group performs both solo and ensemble pieces in an effort to convey the rich musical traditions native to the Emerald Isle.

According to Byrne, Heritage has been the most enjoyable tour for the group so far.

“There aren’t many shows like this in Ireland,” Byrne said. “It’s such a small place— four hours in a bus covers all

of Ireland. Being in places like New York . . . it feels like the center of the universe.”

The Heritage tour, which began in early September, will include a two week hiatus in November, after which Celtic Thunder will performing a Heritage and Christmas tour.

All together, the ensemble will give 61 performances, spanning 45 cities from New York to California.

When packing for this tour, Byrne admitted to bringing his own Irish tea.

“I always get homesick in the second month for some reason, but thank God for Skype,” Byrne said. “Really, though, we just love being here.”

Heritage, which will hit The Fabulous Fox Theatre on Oct. 20, includes many different genres of songs, including prayerful and mystic tunes, Irish “trad” (traditional) and a few American hits.

Traditional songs are essential pub fare. Tunes like Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar,” include such light, heartfelt lyrics as, “Now there’s some take delight in the carriages a rolling/ and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling/ but I take delight in the juice of the barley/ and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early.”

True to the pub atmosphere, Byrne doubles as a vocalist and instrumentalist, and Celtic Thunder’s rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar” includes Byrne and Harkin in a dueling guitar battle.

Among other crowd favorites, Byrne cites Steve Earle’s “Galway Girl,” made popular to Americans in the 2007 blockbuster “P.S. I Love You.” Though Byrne said that Celtic Thunder “feels like a full-time job,” he spent much of the past summer in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, putting the finishing touches on his new album “Faces,” to be released within the next two weeks.

“I’m really excited about this album,” Byrne said. “It’s got kind of an AmericanSteely Dan vibe to it.”

While a flight to Dublin and some of the world’s best pub music requires at least six hours’ duration, Byrne and the men of Celtic Thunder bring the energy and sound of Ireland to the center stage.

Tickets for the Oct. 20 performance at the Fox are available through the box office at (314) 534-1111, or through MetroTix at www. fabulousfox.com.

For more information about Neil Byrne and his upcoming album “Faces,” visit neilbyrnemusic.com.

Courtesy of Celtic Thunder

Neil Byrne (far left) and the men of Celtic Thunder will visit the Fox Theatre on Oct. 20.

unewsonline.com

Arts

9

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Exclusive coverage from the first-ever Lola STL Music Fest

Brett Dennen: Musician and social activist to visit The Pageant Oct. 15

By STEPHANIE MUELLER Staff Writer

Curtis Wang / Multimedia Director

A preview of the Lola STL Music Fest in the Riverfront Times told me to expect “butt s h a k ing, head Music Review banging, slow dancing and Hennessy sipping that won’t quit.”

Needless to say, Tim Janczewski I still was not sure what to expect, but with acts including Dam Funk, Master Blazter and Fatlip of Pharcyde, I knew the experience would be something else.

The fest was stationed at Lola, a restaurant in the Washington Avenue district.

Its stage (and bar) provided a venue for the three-day-long festival, running Oct. 6-8.

I attended the Friday night

line-up of Sound Clash featuring 18 and Counting with Nappy DJ Needles, and Black Spade and Dam Funk (pronounced Dame) with Master Blazter.

The focus of the crowd when I arrived was on the Cardinals game against the Philadelphia Phillies for the right to play in the next round of the MLB Postseason. It is a good thing that Sound Clash had not yet started performing, because I do not think they could have stolen away the attention of the crowd.

Sound Clash began shortly after the Cardinals’ victory, as a three-piece turntable set.

On stage, the three disc jockeys were busy masterminding the swirling rhythms and synthesized sounds with mashedin clips of tracks of other rap and hip-hop artists. On the floor, the crowd was busy grooving to the beats and having a good time with friends.

While the sound was predominantly instrumental, the DJs were focusing intently on their laptops and soundboards, instead of providing visual entertainment for the crowd. The spectators were more intent on dancing and enjoying the modern hip-hop and funk mixes, anyway.

I have been to other DJ sets, but I have never seen three DJs collaborating and mixing tracks at the same time. Their transitions were smooth, and their melodies built off each other. The energy seemed to be passed from one DJ to the next, and the crowd was in tune with the shifting sounds coming from the mixing boards.

The final act of Dam Funk with Master Blazter drew more from the crowd than the previous act, as the excitement increased with Dam’s stage presence.

The main difference be-

tween Dam Funk and Master Blazter and the previous DJ line-up of Sound Clash was the soulful sound provided.

Master Blazter provided the mellow, yet exciting bass lines, while Dam went to work on his synths and keyboards.

The combo had a backup drummer who brought some instrumental reality to the otherwise digital sound produced by the duo.

It was only when Dam Funk decided to sing that I was slightly turned off by the music he was producing. His loud and raspy voice did not gel with the smooth tone set by the background music.

Overall, the scene at the inaugural Lola STL Music Fest was fun and upbeat. The crowd was feeling good after the Cardinals’ win and the music was light and loose – perfect for dancing. It was a groove fest of funk and soul for all who attended.

Shaggy red hair and a resurrected hippie wardrobe hardly fulfill the rock star persona, but Brett Dennen holds his own among tenants of the fame-wrecked world of music.

On Oct. 15, the sociallycharged artist will take the stage at The Pageant as part of a worldwide tour, spreading his message of love and hope in classic singer-songwriter fashion.

“You listen to pop music, and a lot of it is pretty forced and strategic,” Dennen said.

“People want to hear music that has chemistry in it.”

It is that chemistry which has driven Dennen into his recent notoriety, with his bestknown song, “Ain’t No Reason,” playing on shows like “Scrubs” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” With the inception of the song, though, Dennen said he had no idea of the popularity it would reach.

“I didn’t really have a goal in writing it,” Dennen said. “I didn’t want to come off as a protest song or angry. I wanted to suggest the possibility of love.”

That possibility is echoed throughout Dennen’s music, stretching from his first release, a self-titled album in 2004, to his most recent album, “Loverboy,” which was released this year.

While not filled with the same gusto of 60s-era hits, Dennen’s songs are shockingly reminiscent of the turbulent period.

Dennen’s disagreement is not solely with the violence of war or the tragedy of genocide, although both are prevalent throughout his works. In, “I Asked When,” from his second album, “So Much More,” Dennen repeatedly questions the necessity of a revolution.

While he addresses many issues worthy of a revolution, he notes a focus on locality as a plausible and pertinent change.

“I want people to rely on their communities more, their own businesses, their own jobs, their own local food.

They can’t rely on the national government as much,” Dennen said.

Though his lyrics border the controversial- blatantly disapproving of government actions- Dennen abhors violence as a form of protest. He cites one moment in particular– a moment he looks back on, terrified and saddened.

“I’ve seen someone get shot at a concert before. I’m an easygoing musician, and I can’t imagine violence at one of my shows,” Dennen said.

The 31-year-old sees youth as the answer to the problems that he hopes to combat with his music. He said he is doubtful as to the older generation’s willingness to allow that youth revolution, though.

“Everybody relies on the youth to take over the world someday, but when the chance to take over the world comes, nobody lets the youth do it,” Dennen said. “One day, the older people will say, ‘Okay, here’s all our problems.’ It’s the job of the youth to not settle for that.”

As a student of the University of California at Santa Cruz, Dennen studied Community Studies and Social Change, graduating in 2004 with a newfound zest for revolution.

“In 10 years, I’ll still be making albums,” Dennen said. “I want a big piece of land with a retreat center for artists and musicians . . . to cultivate positive thinking.”

His final piece of advice for the fans is subtle, and telling of his character: “Don’t worry too much, just trust in love.”

Courtesy of Ben Moon

Sports Billiken Briefs

Back

home,

sweet

home for volleyball

Following four consecutive road matches, the Saint Louis volleyball team (8-8, 4-2 Atlantic 10) returns to Chaifetz Pavilion for two A-10 matches this weekend. The Billikens host Temple (6-12, 2-3) Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., then welcome La Salle (5-17, 1-4) Sunday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m.

Andrea Beaty is heading up the squad and was named the Atlantic 10 Conference’s coOffensive Player of the Week for Oct. 3-9.

Beaty helped lead the Billikens to A-10 victories at Fordham (3-1) Oct. 7 and at Rhode Island (3-2) Oct. 9. She topped SLU in kills (42) and kills per set (4.67).

Field

hockey

hits

rough patch

Junior goalkeeper and St. Louis native Megan Ambrose made 12 saves for Saint Louis Monday, Oct. 10 in the Billiken field hockey team’s 4-0 loss to Longwood.

Longwood (8-7) scored three times in the first half, but Ambrose and the Billiken defense allowed the Lancers to tally just once in the second period.

The Billikens (3-11) begin a three-game home stand Sunday, Oct. 16, hosting Atlantic 10 Conference foe Massachusetts.

BILLIKEN SCOREBOARD

R

Volleyball

W 3-1 @ Fordham

W 3-2 @ Rhode Island Woman’s Soccer

W 1-0 vs. Rhode Island

T 1-1 vs. Massachusetts Men’s Soccer

L 0-1 @ Rhode Island

L 0-1 @ Massachusetts Field Hockey

L 1-4 @ Davidson

L 0-4 @ Longwood

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

Thursday, October 13, 2011

unewsonline.com

>> Women’s Soccer

>> Commentary

Billikens have handle on A-10 competition Redbird

By ANDRIA LAMPE Staff Writer

The Saint Louis University Billikens women’s soccer team had a successful past weekend with a victory over Rhode Island on Friday and a tie against the University of Massachusetts on Sunday.

The defeat over Rhode Island marked the first 2-0 start of conference play for the Billikens since 2007.

With a cross from sophomore Jenny Hummert, freshman Abbey Stock headed the ball into the back of the net only two minutes into the match on Friday. That proved to be enough for the Billikens, who kept the score at 1-0 against the Lady Rams.

Sunday’s match against the Minutewomen of Massachusetts ended in a 1-1 draw. After an early goal from sophomore Jessie Jarrett, her first of the year, the Billikens were off to good start. Stock contributed with the assist.

At 71 minutes, a yellow card on the Billikens’ end gave the Minutewomen a direct kick at the goal. Lauren Skesavage scored her first goal of the year—the first of the match for UMass—off the kick.

Junior goalkeeper Katie Walsh had a well-played match, racking up eight more saves to tie her season high.

Emily Cota tallied up six saves for UMass. Offense attempts were spread evenly among the Billikens: Jarrett,

Hummert and Stock each put up two while Tori Belgeri, Mary Wright and Alli Reimer contributed one apiece.

The Billikens struggled with off-sides throughout the game, with a total of nine calls to the Minutewomen’s one call. Each team took numerous corner kicks as well— four for SLU and nine for UMass—but none of them produced goals. The Billikens committed 11 fouls total, while UMass had nine.

Overtime brought many more goal attempts for each team. Walsh saved numerous solid shots and deflected corner kicks from all sides of the box. Moa Mattsson took six shots, and Skesavage added five as well.

The victory and the tie improved the Billikens’ record to 2-0-1 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. With 15 points, they are now fourth place in the A-10 behind La Salle (Philadelphia, PA), Richmond (Virginia) and Massachusetts.

This successful weekend does not mean the road to championships is any smoother. “We’re in a very wellbalanced conference,” Head Coach Tim Champion said about upcoming challenges.

“It’s going to be tough. We have to bring a lot of energy to each match, especially on the road.”

However, SLU will have advantages over others as well.

Champion believes that they are a technical team, and they can move the ball well.

for life?

Curtis Wang / Multimedia Director

Sophomore forward Jessie Jarrett (1) handles the ball en route to her first goal of the season against Massachsetts.

“We would like to combine that with game tactics. That would help us a lot,” he said.

The team is pretty young this season and must continue to work hard against their older, more experienced rivals. Being in fourth place is a good sign that their hard

work is paying off.

This weekend, the Billikens will travel to the East Coast to take on Duquesne (Pittsburgh, PA) on Friday, Oct. 14 and St. Bonaventure (Olean, NY) on Sunday, Oct. 16 to continue conference play.

>> Feature

SLU athletes prioritize to earn W’s and A’s Players balance time between Chaifetz, classrooms and dorms

By TONY TRAINA Staff Writer

Wake up!

It’s 7:30 a.m., time for your morning workout.

Welcome to the life of a Division I student-athlete. Early morning workouts, weekends away from St. Louis and hours of practice to keep skills sharp are all understood as part of the commitment.

It is delicate work trying to find a balance between studies, sport and relaxation. This is the case especially during midterms week. For freshmen athletes, there’s the added pressure of adjusting to a completely new lifestyle while still maintaining good grades and a steady work ethic.

“I have a lot less free time in college since I am putting in more hours for practice and workouts. Also, college classes require more studying than in high school, so I’m much more crunched on studying time,” freshman tennis player Brooke Urzendowski said. It’s the same lessons all college students learn as they go through their freshman year, except multiplied by two. Athlete by morning, student by afternoon, athlete by evening.

For sophomore tennis player Nishaad Balachandran, it’s all about “being more professional when it comes to academics or tennis.” Every minute is valuable, and time wasted is time falling behind.

However, Balachandran mentioned that finding a balance

Curtis Wang/ Multimedia Director

Sophomore men’s basketball guard Mike McCall takes advantage of the extra academic resources available to athletes during his study hall hours. between school and tennis has become a bit more manageable. “I have been balancing tennis and my work for my entire life now, and it has just become routine to me,” he said.

“A technique that I have perfected over the years is the use of my athletic planner.

Without a doubt, it is the most helpful thing that has got me to organize my time,” senior basketball team player Brian Conklin said. Conklin’s words carry much weight, as he managed to earn his undergraduate degree in just three

years, and is now well on his way to earning his M.B.A. from the John Cook School of Business.

After these early morning workouts, it is time to hit the showers and go to class with other college students.

It’s 2 p.m. now.

Time to kick back and relax after class, right? Wrong.

Get ready for a couple hours of practice before relaxing and getting started on homework for the next day.

Conklin has adopted a study first attitude, admitting, “Basketball sometimes gets

put on the backburner.”

“I find myself having to burn the midnight oil at certain points during the season to make sure I get things done that need to be done. To some extent, this affects how I perform in practice and may even translate to the game.

It is something I have had to manage over the years,” Conklin said.

Balanchandran has taken a much different approach to staying motivated.

“I have always maintained See “Balancing act” on Page 11

>> Men’s Basketball

Assistant coach bolts to pursue coaching pros Alex Jensen jumps from SLU program to join NBDL staff in Ohio

By DERRICK NEUNER Associate Sports Editor

A staple of the Saint Louis University Men’s Basketball program has graduated to the next level.

Assistant Coach Alex Jensen has accepted the head coaching position for a start-up development team for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team and SLU announced on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

“Al indicated to me that he wanted to go in a different direction with his career and pursue this NBA opportunity presented by the Cleveland Cavaliers to coach for Canton,” SLU Head Coach Rick Majerus said in a statment released

by SLU. “He is an outstanding coach and will certainly be missed, but you have to seize the opportunity when it’s available.

The team, the Billiken basketball community and I wish him success and thank him for the fantastic job he did for us.”

Jensen’s departure from SLU will end a long relationship with Majerus.

Photo courtesy of Billiken Media Relations

Assistant coach Alex Jensen has chosen to coach for an NBDL franchise.

He formally played for Majerus at the University of Utah for four years, helping to lead the Utes to the NCAA Championship in 1998 before playing professional

ball overseas.

Jensen came to SLU in 2006 as a graduate assistant for the Billikens. He was promoted to a full time assistant a year later, focusing on post play and defense.

A search for his successor is underway and is expected to conclude shortly.

“I would like to thank Saint Louis and especially Coach Rick Majerus, who has taught me so much, first as a player and later as a coach on his staff. He is one of the best in basketball, and I will always be very grateful for the many, many things I have learned from him,” Jensen said in a statement released by the Cavaliers. “This is a rare and unique opportunity to be part of a great organization. I’m honored to be selected as the first coach in Canton franchise history and excited to get to work.”

Jensen will be formally introduced next week, according to Canton General Manager Wes Wilcox.

Per team and league policy, terms of the contract were not released.

The next time The University News publishes, Oct. 27, the major league baseball season will either be over or just a few hours from ending.

But with the end of the season comes a DERRICK NEUNER new season for the St. Louis Cardinals. Whether or not they make the World Series is yet to be seen, but one thing is for certain–regardless of the outcome, by Oct. 28, everyone will be wondering, “Where will Albert go?”

Of course, I am referring to Albert Pujols, the first baseman for the Cardinals. In case you are blissfully unaware, Pujols becomes a free agent on Oct. 28 after spending 10 years with St. Louis. For Cardinals fans around the nation, it will be a more trying time than the prospect of Halladay, Hamels and Lee in the National League Division Series.

I do not know if the Cardinals will be playing for the World Series championship this year. But something tells me the last month of baseball ensures that Pujols will forever be a part of the team.

Look, I’m not going to pretend that El Hombre doesn’t deserve a fat paycheck. I don’t like reading stats, but there’s no denying Pujols has been the best baseball player in our generation. In his 10 years in the majors, Pujols is batting .328 with 445 homeruns and 1,329 RBIs. Only once–this year–has he not hit in 100 runs and swung a .300 clip.

He finished with 99 RBIs and a .299 average for the 2011 season. Close enough.

The only other batter that even compares to the collection of accolades that Fat Albert has collected is Alex Rodriguez. I was born and bred in St. Louis, and when I die, I’ll be a St. Louis dead. I do not like the New York Yankees. But you cannot dispute what A-Rod has done. He’s also had seven more years in the majors. For his 17 year career, he is batting .302 with 629 HRs and 1,893 RBIs. In short, he’s a helluva player.

And he’s paid like one. In December 2007, Rodriguez and the Yankees agreed to a 10-year, $275 million contract.

That’s the biggest bank in baseball, folks.

Let’s compare it to Sir Albert–he has only made $89 million in the last 11 years.

Chump change compared to Rodriguez. The Cardinals rightfully should offer him a 10 year, $200 million deal.

Sure, it still falls short of the biggest in the game, but it’s a big pay raise over the $14.5 million he made this year, and it puts him on the level of Ryan Howard and Mark Teixara. If the Cards do not make a lucrative offer, then Pujols has every right to move on.

But if the Birds are willing to go the distance, Pujols better be ready to play ball.

Since Albert Pujols has worn the Cardinals uniform, the Birds have won over 950 games with seven trips to the post-season, including two trips to the World Series–in 2004 and 2006–and the championship in 2006. They have advanced to the National League Central Championship five times. Who else with the money to pay Pujols can match that? Chicago? Los Angeles? Please, spare me.

In the last 10 years, Pujols has played along MVPs, Cy Young Award winners, Gold Glove recipients and, oh by the way, the second-most winningest manager in the game, Tony La Russa. St. Louis is also consistently called the best baseball city in the world, with the greatest fans on the planet.

The only reason for Pujols to leave is his wallet.

We’ve been spoiled here in St. Louis. We have gotten to see a first-ballot Hall of Famer take every swing of his career with the Birds on the Bat on the front of his jersey. Imagine the Cardinals without him.

In just two weeks, the Cardinals and Pujols will start a brand new game.

Hopefully the price will be right, and both sides will make a deal.

unewsonline.com

11

Sports

Thursday, October 13, 2011

>> Men’s Soccer

Bills come up empty, drop opening pair of conference tilts

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

The Billikens lost both of their road games at the open of the conference season.

The Saint Louis University men’s soccer team dropped their contests to No. 4 Rhode Island and No. 7 Massachusetts, both 1-0, and fell to 2-7-1 for the season and 0-2 for the Atlantic 10 conference season.

This was their third straight loss.

On Friday, Rhode Island’s Reece Markman scored in the 64th minute to lift URI to the 1-0 victory. SLU keeper Nick Shackelford made a diving save on the initial shot into the box, but Markman was there to pounce on the rebound for the game winner.

The Bills applied pressure late in the game, but they could not manage to score, as Rhode Island’s goalkeeper had five saves. Jon Roeckle fired a team-leading three shots, while Kingsley Bryce got off a pair of chances.

The Bills then took on the

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

Senior defender Chad Vandegriffe and his teammates have struggled to a 2-7-1 record this fall.

Minutemen of UMass Sunday.

The Bills nearly scored at the beginning of the first half when Michael Robson hit a header off a corner kick, but the chance was cleared off the line.

SLU got into trouble when they were whistled for a hand ball in the box at 49:27, giving UMass the penalty kick at-

tempt. UMass’ Brett Canepa fired to the right, and the ball caromed off the goal post and into the net for the first and only point of the game.

Freshman Kingsley Bryce had an opportunity to tie the game in the second half.

Bryce, in the 65th minute, drew the UMass goalkeeper off the line, but his shot sailed

wide.

The Bills return to Hermann Stadium for a twogame homestand, playing Duquesne on Friday, Oct.14 at 7 p.m. They then play St. Bonaventure on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1p.m.

Duquesne (3-5-2) comes in having lost every road game this year. The Dukes are led

by sophomore forward Simon Gomez, junior defender Adam Clement and junior forward Joshua Patterson.

Gomez is currently tied for fourth in the A-10 with 11 points (4G, 3A). Clement has 9 points (3G, 2A) and Patterson is fifth in the A-10 with 29 shots attempted. Duquesne has drawn 124 fouls this season, compared to opponents’ 97 fouls.

St. Bonaventure (4-5-2) brings some serious talent to Hermann Stadium on Sunday.

James Reed is tied for fourth in points and second in goals (5G, 1A) in the A-10. Emmett O’Connor is tied for the lead (1G, 5A), while James Iannacito is tied for third (1G, 4A)., for assists in the A-10 Bonaventure has tied in their only A-10 match this season against Duquesne. Bonaventure will play on Friday, Oct. 14 at nationally ranked Charlotte before playing the Bills.

These next two contests will give them a chance to get back on the right—winning— track.

>> Feature

Staff Writer

It’s been talked about throughout the Greek community for weeks. Some say it’s almost as exciting as Christmas day.

For the past 17 years, sorority sisters have been donning uniforms, putting on face paint and sharpening their football skills as they prepare to participate in SLUper Bowl, a powder puff flag football tournament hosted by the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Much preparation went into SLUper Bowl, which took place last Saturday, Oct. 8. According to Vice President of Programming Michael Sneed, measures were taken long in advance to reserve the fields, work out logistics for transportation and ensure both players and coaches were well fed and well equipped.

The event supports SigEp’s philanthropy, the T.A.K.E. Foundation, which promotes

women’s self-defense. The brothers of the fraternity take on roles as coaches, referees and event planners.

However, the brunt of the work did not fall solely on the shoulders of SigEp. “In terms of the girls, they usually start practicing rather early, usually right after recruitment’s over,” Sneed said. “They learn plays, learn routes, learn defenses and get all the technical side of how to play football.”

Freshman Zeta Tau Alpha Jessica Kittler felt her first SLUper Bowl experience helped her get to know her fellow sisters better.

“SLUper Bowl was…probably one of my favorite experiences at SLU so far,” Kittler said. “I am not a huge football person, but I was surprised that I got so into it. It was a great opportunity for sorority bonding.”

Saturday morning was met with many determined players and supportive coaches

gathering to start the showdown. The final match pitted the Kappa Delta actives against the Delta Gamma actives. Ultimately, it was the KDs who claimed the title of 2011 SLUper Bowl champions.

Senior KD active and quarterback Devyn Moore attributed dedication, preparation and having fun to her team’s win. While this was her last SLUper Bowl appearance, Moore will always hold the event in high regards.

“I will remember the anticipation and excitement starting with the first practice in early September and growing each week until game day,” Moore said. “Over the four SLUper Bowls I’ve attended, the SigEps have done a great job making the day less rough by enforcing the rules and officiating fair games.”

If playing in the game did not appeal to the girls, they could also participate in cheering squads to root on

their team.

Sneed attributed the positive camaraderie and competition to the success.

“I’ve never known people that just come in for a flag football game that they’ve been preparing for the whole semester…the competition is just really awesome,” Sneed said. “You hear it talked about around campus, like who’s playing who or people saying ‘We need our title back.’ It’s something that’s looked forward to year round.”

that my education is important but not as important as my tennis. I live and breathe tennis,” Balanchardan said.

While every day demands the most of each athlete, few have any regrets.

“While I value my education, I never look at tennis as an obligation or something that takes up a lot of my time,” Balachandran said. “I have never regretted picking up a racket at any point of time. College tennis has given me the continuing chance to spend time on a court and I will never regret that choice in my life.”

This doesn’t even take into account an athlete’s “offseason,” in which they still work out and train daily. Over the summer, athletes from many sports take classes to lighten their load during the fall and spring semesters.

“When the summer rolled around, I would take a total of nine credit hours instead of just six to gain another advantage,” Conklin said. In addition, this summer, the basketball team was allowed 10 practices to prepare for their five-game tour of Canada in the middle of August. These extra practices will no doubt be seen as invaluable as the basketball season approaches.

There is no summer break for the athlete; it is a yearround commitment to become the best student and athlete possible.

In a culture that increasingly values athletic achievement over academic excellence, it can be hard for athletes to stay grounded.

“I was brought up being taught the value of an education will pay more dividends in life than a life in sports could ever provide,” Conklin said. “I always worked hard to better myself as a student and throughout my years was able to build good study habits that translated nicely to my

Courtesy of Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers

Despite trailing the Atlanta Falcons by 14 points, the Green Bay QB led the Packers back to win the game last Sunday night.

Rogers had 396 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Apparently Brett Favre knew Rogers would lead the Packers to a comeback--he was just surprised Rogers didn’t do it sooner.

JEER

Courtesy of Jninja

Natalie Grasso / The University News

Sorority girls battled out on the SLUperbowl fields.

Balancing act: Quizzes, wind sprints and relaxation Continued from Page 10

CHEER CJF

Who to

Popular event unites sorority sisters with... a football?

By EMILY McDERMOTT

Who to

future educational endeavors.

For me, it was family values that I was brought up in that really helped keep education a priority.”

“I am one of the lucky people in this world who knows what they want from life and has the opportunity to continue doing it,” Balachandran said of his ability to play college tennis.

When Urzendowksi or Balachandran step up to the base line, the last thing on their mind is the exam they took the previous week or the research paper due the next week.

When Conklin lines up a three-pointer from deep, he’s not thinking about his next group meeting to finish a mock business proposal. But when these athletes are done focusing on the court, they must find the mental focus to stay up-to-date with their schoolwork.

Many people in the general student body still do not fully comprehend the commitment being a Division I athlete takes. Many grew up playing sports their entire adolescent life and do not think college sports are much different.

“It may look like there are a lot of perks,” Urzendowksi said, “but it is very time consuming and stressful.”

Being a student-athlete is an experience unlike any other college experience that few are lucky enough to experience. Then again, “[SLUper Bowl and SLU tennis] are pretty similar when it comes to school spirit,” Urzendowksi said. “My teammates constantly cheer each other on during workouts or matches and the sororities exhibit that same type of loyalty to their sorority during SLUper Bowl.”

Some days, after a long practice, the last thing an athlete wants to do is crack open a book and study.

Tired?

Hit the sack, you’ll have to do it all again tomorrow.

Zack Greinke The Milwaukee Brewers’ ace called out Chris Carpenter the day after Carp threw a shutout to eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies, claiming that he has a “phony attitude.” Considering Greinke’s team consists of a player who has a made up alter ego and two hitters who stage a fake boxing match with each other after they score, it seems odd that Carpenter is the “phony” one. Greinke pitches game five Friday night against the Cardinals.

Who to

FEAR

Courtesy of Duquesne Media Relations

Adam Clement The Billikens men’s soccer team will host Duquesne and their junior forward Adam Clement on Friday, October 14th. Clement has two game-winning goals this season, impressive considering the Dukes have only won three games.

However, Clement’s shot percentage is only .125, which coincidentally is the same as the percentage of soccer fans who know how to pronounce Duquesne.

By JONATHAN AUPING Staff Writer

Entertain Your Brain A Service of The University of Missouri – St. Louis

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unewsonline.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

October 28th - 9pm

Carve a Pumpkin with Student Government Association

Kick back with Kettle Corn during

Grab a Caramel Apple from

Bust a Move at Reinert Hall Council’s

Monster Mashup Pose for a picture with

“Hocus Pocus”

Costume Contest

Take a spin on the haunted hayride

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

#SLUCARNIFALL

“Black/Brown Relations: Conflict or Coalitions?”

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Thursday, October 13, 2011 BSC, Wool Ballroom 170 Doors open at 6:00pm.

Keynote at 7:00pm.

Open to the public.

For more information, contact Andre’ Benson. abenson4@slu.edu

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Hispanic Heritage Month Lecture

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Compete in

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

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Check in at the BLUEOUT Soccer Game 7:00 PM

University Quad

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Carni -fall