April 26, 2012, edition of The Lorian

A weekly publication by Loras College students

Vol. 90, Issue 16

April 26, 2012

my lorian.com

Photo by rajendra thakurathi

The little college that could

For 7th year in a row, Dance Marathon increases its fundraising total by 20%

by NICK JOOS

co-executive editor

5-year-old Dubuque native Anna Weitz is a trooper. Since the age of 3, she has suffered from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscle tissue. She undergoes radiation treatment, causing painful sores all over one of her hands. But when asked how much her hand hurts, she holds up the other one.

“Yeah it hurts, but this one’s fine,” she says.

Optimism. Here’s to you, kid.

Loras College Dance Marathon, which benefits children like Anna, raised $155,806 last Friday night with her, and hundreds like her, in mind.

The event now has increased its fundraising total by 20 percent every year for seven consecutive years. When the initial goal of $135,000 was met two weeks prior to the actual dance, DM President Nicole Myers knew this was going to be a special year.

“When we brought in that much (money), getting us to the 20 percent increase for the seventh year, I knew we had even more to be proud of,” said Myers, “We had already broken so many records with Fourteen mini-marathons and corporate sponsors, our dancer fundraising realstudents ly stepped it up to get us to where we each raised ended up.” $2,000 or “When I realized we were going to break the goal, I was so excited and more. thrilled, and it took everything I had to hide my emotions,” said Miranda Hier, one of many who coordinated DM fundraising. “Once I found out the official number at about 4:30 Saturday morning, I dropped to the ground. DM is my life. It’s more than just an organization that I’m a part of.”

Dance Marathon’s record total of funds can be broken down into three categories: Campus fundraising, corporate fundraising, and community outreach, earning $11,204.57, $23,624.52 and $35,785.03, respectively. Then, the dancers’ money was added to the pile. Fourteen students each raised $2,000 or more, and the average amount raised for each of the 341 dancers was $256.68.

“It’s great to see so many people become invested in a cause and organization that they love,” said Eileen Torpy, DM recruiter and dancer relations coordinator. “All the work we’ve done this year connecting the Loras community to the Miracle Families was worth it.”

“It is one shining example of our students at their best,” said Dean of Students Art Sunleaf.

“I’m overjoyed with the efforts of all the individuals involved with making this a record-breaking success,” said 2012-2013 Student Union President-elect Daniel Thole. “Without expecting anything in return, they serve as an inspiration to the Loras community to show just how great an impact we can have.”

The night itself was filled with activities and speakers to liven up the crowd. DM’s website, lorasdm.org, has a video of one of the speakers, Zac Johnson, the head of the Iowa Children’s Miracle Network. He spoke of Loras’ superiority on a national scale.

“To me, this was quite the honor and eye-opening speech, especially for our first-time dancers who are just beginning to grasp the affect they have on the kiddos treated at the hospital.” Myers added.

College reaches deal on Cox Street project The first phase of construction for the multifaceted, multimillion-dollar project is expected to begin within a month

ment, while offering various functional outlets for the school. Proposals are in place for a welcome center/security center next to the stair tower, accompanying plans for While the contract has not been signed, the college has a potential bookstore, coffee shop, patio, fountain and outreached a tentative agreement with Horsfield Construction door movie screen. In addition, large events could be held Inc., based in Epworth, to construct the Cox St. project. on the street.

John McDermott, director of the physical plant, is workMcDermott said that one of the sticking points in the ing with the architects and the engineering staff. After design was the prospect of putting chairs on turf, as the about a five-year wait, he anticipates the initial chairs sometimes would sink into the ground. As work on Phase One of the project to begin witha result of some revisions, there will be a flat ceThe street in a matter of days. ment surface to put chairs and hold events. It McDermott said that part of the reason the plans were a will be a multi-purpose area and, according to process was slow — it was supposed to start collaborative McDermott, a “very attractive venue.” last winter — is a result of the Iowa DepartWith the first phase construction scheduled to effort with start ment of Transportation’s involvement. Howevsometime in May and a contract set for 75 er, because the DOT is assisting Loras finandays, Loras will be doing some preparatory work alumni, cially on the project, McDermott says it was week. Before the heavy work begins, college student life this worth the wait. crews will remove some old sewer pipes and waThe total cost for the multi-phase project is ter lines. McDermott said that it would not make and CAB. high, but Phase One, which involves the rensense to do the project and then have to tear up ovation of the street itself, will cost around the pipes and lines two years later. $650,000. The rest of the phases will be “in the millions McDermott said that phase one will not be completed of dollars,” said McDermott. by the early part of next semester. He expects there will be The street plans were a collaborative effort with alum- “substantial” progress by homecoming. ni, student life and CAB. The groups sat down to “(have) Kim Walsh, director of student life, said she is “excited a conversation about what they would like to see,” Mc- about the student space.” Currently, even with the athletic Dermott said. field, it is still difficult to find spaces to hold outdoor activThe project will satisfy students’ desire for entertain- ities, she said. The redesigned street will be that space.

by NICK SENTOVICH staff writer

Your one-and-only chance to ‘swing’ an election?

One person’s vote occasionally is a difference-maker. The first-round of voting for the 2012 “Person of the Year” suggests that the final, second-round vote will be incredibly close. And not just for two candidates duking it out. The number of nominees has been narrowed from 27 to 10, and all of them enjoy broad support, as we’ll explain on Page 4.

The 10 ‘finalists’ are introduced on Page 3.

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April 26, 2012

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my lorian.com

Free flicks for Duhawks The Julien International Film Festival had Dubuque buzzing this past weekend as the community flocked to see dozens of films from around the world

by JOEY RUDDY staff writer

Thanks to help of the Loras Student Union, Loras students were able to attend the Julien International Film Festival (JIFF) rolled through Dubuque last weekend.

JIFF was a festival celebrating all kinds of films from documentaries to dramas and comedies. The films were not only limited to Iowan filmmakers though; films like “The Duck Hunter,” came from as far away as Italy. This festival is designed to give aspiring filmmakers a chance to showcase their work to the public.

One film, It’s in the Blood, drew some student attention. The film was about a father and his estranged son, who are trapped in a forest after the father is severely wounded by a mysterious something.

The two are forced to not only survive the monsters lurking around them, but they must also face the terrible event that brings them to the forest in the first place.

Interesting as it was, I wanted to find out what other viewers had to say about the film and why they had decided to come to the festival.

Chris Higgins, a Loras junior, said that the reason he came to the festival was, “For one thing, it’s free. Also, these independent films are cool.”

Higgins explained that even if he didn’t know what any of the films were about, he would have still gone just to support the independent film industry and hopefully build the JIFF up to sponsor festivals such as this in the future.

Another Loras student, first-year Ryan Sheeran, said he also came to the JIFF because it was free and that he wanted to help out.

Out of the two films he saw that night, he said he liked “It’s in the Blood” best since it had a more coherent storyline.

“It was dark and a bit depressing, but there was better plot than the other film,” he said. “If that was the kind of film the director wanted to make, then he did a good job.”

All in all a great weekend was had by all who attended. The movies were interesting, and thanks to the Student Union, all Loras students were allowed in free. The next time the Julien International Film Festival comes to town, try and get yourself out to see the movies.

Pro-life Thought for the Week Umbert the Unborn by Gary Cangemi

— Advertisement from Duhawks for Life

photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI

First-year Andrew Morelan stands in uniform after returning from his ROTC classes at the University of Dubuque.

To protect and study

by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI co-executive editor

First-year Andrew Morelan has lifestyle and career goals unlike most other Duhawks.After graduation, he sees a bright future in the U.S. Army.

Morelan is International Studies major with a minor in criminal justice. In addition to that, he is a part of Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) that produces 75 percent of all Army officers in America.

Morelan takes his Army ROTC programs at University of Dubuque while taking classes at Loras.

Morelan takes these classes every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. He has been a part of the program for almost nine months now.

Army ROTC is a college elective one can try for up to two years with no obligation. Unlike traditional college programs, Army ROTC offers a wide range of experiences while working toward a degree.

Classroom time is combined with hands-on experience and learning skills.

Anyone can take a smart elective course in the Army ROTC. Studies include leadership development, military skills, and adventure training.

“Army ROTC courses teach us how to do well in any field,” said Morelan.

He recollects that he wanted to be in the army ever since he could remember, and now his dreams have wings.

The U.S. Army ROTC program’s primary purpose is to develop leaders through classroom study, hands-on-training, and team building exercises. Students gain the leadership skills necessary to succeed in both civilian careers and in the military. A valuebased program, ROTC focuses on integrity, personal courage, respect, and honor as the basic foundation upon which successful and competent leaders are built.

Morelan is involved in cross country, choir and

Loras Players at Loras.

Meanwhile, another first-year, Kenneth Voorhees, has a similar story. He is a part of the Iowa National Army Guard. He spends one weekend a month in training in an Iowa Army National Guard armory in Waterloo, IA. “I joined the Iowa Army National Guard in late March,” he said. “Over the summer, I am going to go to do basic training is going to basic training of ten weeks long.

Voorhees is pursuing criminal justice and a CIT major at Loras, and longs to be a police officer in the far future. He is also involved with cross country and track and field.

“This is something I wanted to do since my childhood,” Voorhees said, “but the favorite part of being in the Guard so far is the friends I have made.”

The Iowa Army National Guard is the army component of Iowa National Guard. The incredible versatility of the National Guard enables troops to respond to domestic emergencies, combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more — all with equal speed, strength and efficiency. National Guard units can get mobilized at any time by orders from the state governor or directly from the U.S. president of the U.S. in times of emergencies.

“Some of the benefits of being a part of this are job training, leadership training and tuition assistance,” Voorhees added. “Besides, you’re serving your country.”

If you are interested in joining the National Guard program, you can check out http://www.nationalguard.com/.

For more information in enrolling in Army ROTC, you can start by taking an Army ROTC basic elective course at University of Dubuque. Scholarships are provided. For more information, call Dan Kammiller, UD ROTC-Eagle company at 563.589.3804.

special

April 26, 2012

The Lorian’s

2012 ‘Person of the Year’ Top 10 Candidates Michelle Bechen has worked at Loras for 10 years. She has helped create a student driven Gay/Straight Alliance, has initiated the annual School of the Americas Watch (SOAW) social action trip and has gotten students involved in Special Olympics, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, among other things. Bechen’s main goal, in her own words, is “to get all students to realize the power they have to make changes that will benefit people, communities, and society in a non-violent way.”

This past year, under her guidance, students were involved in a community wide effort for anti-bullying education. Bechen started a nonMichelle Bechen profit called the Midwest Equality Coalition geared toward education professor of social work on LGBT issues. She also helped students coordinate events like the annual Legislative Day in Des Moines and Day of Silence.

Bechen claims that “getting (my) policy students involved in issues on a domestic and international level” was her biggest accomplishment this past year.

Next year, Bechen wants to focus on increasing Loras’ presence at the SOAW and perhaps visit a country that is impacted by the school. She hopes that this may turn into a JTerm or a sabbatical at some point.

Maria Kalb, known to many as the girl who lost her keys, made her most notable claim to fame last semester in the famous mass email chain credited with bringing the Loras community together in ways never seen before. As member of the cross-country team, Maria has helped the Dubuque community recover from the terrible floods last summer by participating in service projects to get the people affected back on their feet. She names her family as her inspiration, praising them for their support in her endeavors at Loras, both in the classroom and on the field.

Maria Kalb Next year, Maria plans on working as a product engineering intern junior at the branch of John Deere here in Dubuque. She hopes to continue her career there after graduating with degrees in electromechanical engineering and applied math. After her incident last semester, Maria hopes to see a computer chip implemented into your fingers someday, which would be able to unlock doors without keys in hopes of helping frantic college students in the middle of the night.

Andrew Kelchen, a junior and a business management and marketing double major with a minor in CIT, is grateful for his nomination, “I’m very excited and honored to get the nomination, and thrilled that I was recognized as a leader on campus out of 1,500 students and faculty and staff.”

Kelchen’s leadership roles include: Lead for Loras, in which he has reached the highest tier in the program; the Loras Student Alumni Council, where he speaks to alumni to keep them informed with campus life; Dance Marathon, as a corporate fundraising co-chair and helped raise Kelchen $23,000 of the total raised; Admissions office, as a student ambassador Andrew junior giving perspective students an image of the college; and finally, Launch into Loras, as an orientation leader.

When asked how he thinks he’s made an impact, he said his involvements have make him recognizable. He tries to be a friendly face students and staff can turn to and trust.

Kelchen believes his parents to be the biggest inspirations for him. Next year, Kelchen plans to continue in his leadership positions. After graduation, he plans to go back to the family business, while being as involved as possible with the Loras community.

You wanted Chicken Nugget Mondays, you got it. Dan McDermott helped make it happen.

When the Cedar Rapids native arrived on campus, nobody knew he would assume so many leadership positions. He quickly turned into a passionate Duhawk and a voice for the student body. He has risen all the way to Student Union president.

McDermott is a member of the cross-country team and was the team captain of the 2011 team that culminated with an Iowa Conference championship, the first such title for Loras since 1997.

Daniel McDermott senior McDermott’s future following his graduation looks bright. He plans on becoming an employee at Principal Financial in Des Moines, IA, where he intends to immediately join the Loras Club of Des Moines. It seems his passion for Loras will never die.

McDermott’s parents, who he says are is biggest heroes, have taught him many life lessons.

Sacrifice: Something a good leader must be able to understand and welcome.

Anna Wernimont is known to many as one of the happiest and most optimistic people on campus. Rarely seen without a smile on her face and always ready to help in any way she can. She credits much of the impact she’s had at Loras to the support of her friends, family, and community. Despite many of life’s challenges and the emotional struggles that come with it, she has managed to pull through thanks to the encouragement and never-ending love of the people around her.

A large part of her mission is to be a modeled example of how to live life with trust in God and her faith. Much of the inspiration for this comes from her parents, who she considers to be a remarkable example Anna Wernimont sophomore of living a life full of love not only for each other, but also for the people around her. The endless opportunities they have given her have led her to where she is, for which she is eternally grateful.

Next year, she plans on pursuing her degree in elementary education, play volleyball, travel to Greece during J-Term, and participate in campus activities and organizations.

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More details on Page 4

Although technically an associate professor of history and the director of the Honors program, Dr. John Eby has brought much more than his outstanding intellect to Loras. His passion and devotion to initiating interfaith dialogue not only within Loras but the entire Dubuque community has brought about significant changes. More specifically, through the interfaith dialogue, Children of Abraham, Dr. Eby has expressed his deeply rooted interest in the topics of religion, peace, and building relationships between people who are not often connected.

John Eby Dr. Eby credits many of his accomplishments to the results of group professor of history collaboration in many of his projects, specifically Children of Abraham, but also the Quran readings on campus, Paideia (or the Honors Program), and numerous service trips to Haiti.

Dr. Eby draws inspiration from two people he considers to be his “lifelong heroes:” Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Their outlook on life, perspective towards other people, and emphasis on human dignity and love for others have continued to inspire him.

He plans to continue to his interfaith dialogues and other projects next year, as well as begin new projects that involve new people and lead to a better community for all.

Katie Kasten has not only spent her sophomore year building relationships with her friends, but also been a major force in the formation of the DuBuddies program, an organization that fosters meaningful relationships between young adults with intellectual disabilities and students from Loras College.

DuBuddies, a new organization, has 45 students paired with 40 buddies from Hills and Dales and the community. Kasten, the president of DuBuddies, plans and organizes different events for the buddies, the Katie Kasten Loras students, and staff. Additionally, she participated and facilitated junior the End the R-Word Campaign, and STOP THE HATE WEEK. Kasten has made an impact on the local community by advocating that all people have an inherent value that deserves respect. She said the community has come together through friendship and care for each other.

Next year, Kasten hopes to strengthen the program and get more students involved. Her contribution to the school community is apparent in the moments these buddies spend together, whether singing to a Justin Bieber song or simply in a hug.

A very eligible candidate for Person of the Year, Colleen Kuhl continues to play a significant role in promoting the importance of diversity of faith and religion in the Loras community being involved with the Loras College Catholic Identity since 2003. She was involved in the decision to bring in Eboo Patel’s novel, Acts of Faith, as the common reading material, thus promoting awareness of the interfaith movement as well as diversity of religion not only on campus but throughout the world.

“We’re really excited about being Catholic, but we’re richer and fuller by the presence of other faith traditions,” Kuhl says. “We learn about our Colleen Kuhl own traditions by learning about others.” director of campus Kuhl is not only active in faith and community, she is actively inministry volved with the students. She claims that she is very lucky and that has the best job in the world, as the students give her hope every day. Her encouragement has helped students all across campus with her bright smile and bubbly nature. Her inspiration is the Gospel message of Jesus. “It makes it easy to love what I do,” she says.

This past year, professor of economics, Dr. Laddie Sula taught numerous classes and served in various committees. He also represented Loras through a presentation to a Chicago Alumni group, and opened numerous doors to faculty, students and staff.

Sula maintains that his biggest accomplishment this past year was “hearing from senior students who have been accepted to the graduate schools of their choice and from other students who grasped an idea or saw an interesting connection between theory, policy and institutions.”

Sula tries to be a supportive colleague, professor, and co-worker.

Laddie Sula Teaching, he said, “provided (me) with an opportunity to motivate stuprofessor of economics dents and share in the learning process. With relatively small classes, I have the opportunity to both get to know my students as well as to show them how much economics can enlighten them about the world,” he says.

Sula is retiring at the end of this semester. He plans to travel along with his wife. He plans to read and continue to contribute to the field of economics.

As a distinguished member of her class, senior Carolyn Windberg has accomplished a lot this year.

Her favorite activity this year was being on the executive board of Dance Marathon. She was also the head of the moral captains which meant she was in charge of getting people involved with the program, going to mini-marathons, and fundraisers. This was her first year on the executive board but she was morale captain her sophomore and junior years.

Windberg also co-coordinated the service trips this year. She Carolyn Windberg also lives at the Peace & Justice House and is a member of the senior Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program.

Windberg’s proudest involvement of the year, though, was her speech at the convocation. She said it was a “good reflection” on where she was three years ago and where she is now.

Her inspiration comes from the fact that she realizes her blessings. She said that “you are one accident from being out of work.” Next year she will be doing a year with Ameri-Corps helping with various disaster relief efforts.

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my lorian.com

Equal-opportunity campus We’re not experts, but it seems like an anomaly.

The seemingly uniform distribution of votes during the first round of voting for the 2012 “Person of the Year” award was uncanny. Like a 27-hand poker game in which everyone was taking turns receiving a vote (instead of a card). No nominee raced to the top with a clear lead, nor did anyone linger toward the bottom of the tally.

We were thinking along the lines of, say, six candidates — not 10. But there was virtually no separation between the top 10 candidates. After a slight drop-off, the pattern continues.

When we applied a point system, here’s what we found: There were 402 votes cast. Each voter wielded 9 points — two points each for each of their selections in each “group” (students, faculty, staff) and one point apiece for each “wild card.” Therefore, a total of 3,618 points were distributed among the 27 nominees.

So, check this out. The differential between the number of votes for the top vote-getter and the No. 10 vote-getter is a grand total of ... 32 points. So, each of the top 10 vote-getters are separated by an average of 3 points — out of 3,618. Keep in mind that each voter doled out nine points.

The dynamics change now, from 27 options to 10. But no one is going to run away with this thing.

We will be sending out an e-mail asking for your vote.

We received these write-ins for “honorable mention.”

Mary Agnoli

Kate McCarthy-Gilmore

Trav Ayers

Sam Mescher

Danny Badovinac

Jordan Metz

Ryan Baez

Ashley Miller

Nicholas Battalini

Elizabeth C. Miller

Bobby Bauch

Megan Moore

Peter Benson

Michele Nauman

Brittany Blaschak Fr. Scott Boone Christopher Budzisz Michael Burnett Dana Disteldorf Liam Doyle Caitlin Floro Debbie Gross Greg Gumbel Jessy Hart Joe Hughes

Kathrin Parks Daniel Poveda Chris Reed Wendy Romero Alejandra Ruales Sharon Rea Daniela Rivera Nick Satterlee Cindy Smith Jill Specht

Luisa Jimenez

Jan Troy

Nick Joos

Kevin Walsh

Aaron Junge

Charles Warren

Mark Kehren

Fr. Douglas Wathier

Tim Kelly

Andrew White

Roger Kerkenbush

Jessica Withey

Brian Kinney

Allison Zalesny

‘The Death Reel’

photo by LEAH CHAPMAN

Sophomore Michelle Dutton, senior Stephen Brandt and first-year Anne Spoden rehearse “The Death Reel,” a one-act written and directed by senior Alex McCarthy to be performed this weekend in the St. Joseph’s Auditorium. Two other one-acts, “The Universal Language” and “Portrait of a Madonna,” will be performed during a production entitled “Way Off Broadway at Loras 10,” which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

In Case of Emergency The grim reality behind the mysterious red bags

by CHRIS BUSKER

special to the Lorian

As I sat in Hoffmann working on homework after my night class, I noticed this red drawstring bag behind the door. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to look inside this seemingly forgotten bag. To my surprise, I saw a large amount of first aid supplies.

As a former Boy Scout, I understand the need to be prepared. However, I decided to put all the supplies back and email the contact info in this crisis kit. To my surprise, Patrice Lambert, the executive director at the Dubuque County Health Department emailed me back. We scheduled a meeting in the Health Center and I learned more about this project of hers.

Lambert received a grant from the Federal Government to put these bags together and to distribute them around the county. She worked with the Red Cross in Washington, DC, as well as local community members to develop a crisis kit with all the necessary supplies for the most common emergencies.

In this post-Columbine world, preparation for the worst is necessary as well as hoping for the best.

The grant allowed every elementary, middle and high school to have a bag in each classroom. Each

government building has a crisis kit as well as many local businesses. As we talked, we both agreed that optimally, these red crisis bags will collect dust and never have to be used. However, if the bags do have to be used, we have the necessary items ready in key locations across campus.

I urge you, ethical decision makers, to refrain from taking the contents in these bags. The fact is nobody can perfectly predict when and where a natural disaster or the next Chardon High will occur, but we can be prepared for these types of incidences.

The duct tape may be nice to have for your house or the convenient Band-Aids will save you a trip to the Health Center. However, Band-Aids and duct tape can make a bad situation a little bit better. No matter what career field you plan to pursue, it doesn’t hurt to learn first aid and CPR. Having a solid understanding of what to do in a crisis will help you remain calm if you ever find yourself in that situation.

“It is better to be prepared for a crisis before it happens,” said Lambert.

INVITATION FROM DIVERSITY COMMITTEE The Diversity Committee invites all Faculty, Staff and Students to the April Open Forum! Come discuss positives and negatives surrounding issues of diversity at Loras! In addition, the committee will highlight information from the recent Campus Climate Survey.

Thursday, May 3rd 8:00 am -9:00 am Keane 9 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm ACC Arizona Room

Monday, May 7th 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ACC Arizona Room 4:00 pm -5:00 pm Hoffman 112

Friday, May 4th 11:00 am -12:00 pm Science Hall 128 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ACC Kehl Room 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Wahlert 101

Tuesday, May 8th 9:00 am – 10:00 am ACC Arizona Room 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Hennessy 480 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Keane 9

April 26, 2012

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my lorian.com

Dems want to help you with student loan debt

Z L

April Nov.26,3,2012 2011

my lorian.com

— A little over the top — benefits of a Garage Sale ave me store ge books. k o o b o The 5 for thes these t only $1at, I’m taking . th Forget garage sale

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oras is proud to offer generous financial aid packages to a vast majority of its students. In fact, 97 percent of students benefit from at least some type of financial aid.

While it would be ideal if every bit of our aid came in the form of grants, the rising cost of higher education often leads to escalating student debt. ach ittle College seniors who graduated in 2010 carried an average of $25,250 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt. While college debt is not a new issue, there is a heightened sense of urgency, particularily because interest rates on some student loans are scheduled to double on July 1, 2012 if Congress does not act.

On the local level, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley said he is concerned about the issue.

“Iowa college graduates have the thirdhighest student debt load in the nation,” Braley said. “Piling more costs on Iowa students by letting this tax cut expire puts them even further behind at graduation.”

On Monday, Braley was on KDTH 1370AM. I had the opportunity to ask him what he is doing to protect student interest rates. H.R. 3865, or the “College Tax Cut Extension Act of 2012,” protects us now by extending the American Opportunity Tax Credit. But the credit is set to expire this year.

Additionally, as students who reap the benefits of a generous financial aid pool, we have a friend in the White House. Having recently paid off his own student loans, President Obama understands the desire to attain a higher education as well as the financial burden it places on students across the country.

In his weekly address Saturday, Obama said, “We should be doing everything we can to put higher education within reach for every American.”

Noting that interest rates are set to nearly double on July 1, he said: “Nearly 7.5 million students will end up owing more on their loan payments. That would be a tremendous blow.”

Obama has proposed new loan-repayment guidelins, which include three ideas: Pay As You Earn Recognition that recent college graduates might not be able to make large monthly payments. Monthly payments could be reduced by approximately $120.

Loan Forgiveness after 20 Years or Less After 20 years of responsible payments, the remainder of a federal loan will be forgiven under Obama’s new plan. Currently, remaining debts are forgiven after 25 years.

Some borrowers working in public-service and nonprofit jobs qualify for loan forgiveness after 10 years.

New Loan-Consolidation Offer Borrowers would be eligible to consolidate their Direct Loans with an older loan type known as the Federal Family Education Loans, or FFELs. A 0.25 percent interest credit is taken off borrowers’ consolidated loans who utilize this option and another 0.25 percent off their entire consolidated balance.

On Wednesday Obama visited the University of Iowa, where a handful of Duhawks went to hear him speak. His message was clear: “This is a question of values. We cannot let America become a country where a shrinking number of people do really well while a growing number of people struggle to get by.”

Little to the left

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opinion/politics

Instead of rhetoric, Lange offers solutions

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‘Garbage x Sale’ The Lorian staff is just full of ideas.

This time, we’re going to try to do a “garage sale.” It will take place Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Hoffmann Hall.

Every year, we see students discarding their furniture, books, bookshelves, etc., etc., at the end of the year. Either these items have become old and dysfunctional or they simply will not fit in mom’s van along with big flat-screen TV, nice leather couch, and boxes upon boxes of things that always take up more space than we anticipate.

It seems like a waste, especially if it ends up in the landfill.

The Lorian thought of a possible solution in . Why not sell those items and make some money? Who knows, perhaps you could go to a nice restaurant at the end of the year with the money you make.

The event is especially targeted to seniors who are leaving college “forever” and moving back home or a new destination. However, everyone is welcome to take part. Maybe some good will come of it.

We want the Loras community to benefit from this: potential sellers and buyers. Sell something you can’t bring with your or bargain over a price at the event while you can have some cash in your wallet.

The event is a fundraising activity for Lorian. We have a fee for reserving space to sell items. You could reserve a spot individually for $5 or in a group of no more than

three people for $10.

Spots are limited. So please hurry by sending an e-mail to lorian@ loras.edu.

Meanwhile, if you have something that you’d like to donate and for Lorian staff to sell, we welcome that as well.

Please contact us.

So, start rummaging through your old boxes to find things that you can’t take back home and register a spot with us today. See you at the garage sale.

Remember this event is open to Loras students, faculty and staff to sell and, of course, to buy.

Editorial staff co-executive editors Nick JOOs and rajendra thakurathi news editor MARY AGNOLI features editor SURYA PANDEY sports editor JACK METZ photo editor KeLSEY BERGAN illustrator AYUSH SUBEDI advertising manager Mike Broton assistant features editor

COLIN HALBMAIER copy editors Laura Hebbeln K.T. Heidorn MATT KOCH Hannah way moderator TIM MANNING

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ttractive, charismatic, conservative: these are the words that describe the next representative of Iowa’s first congressional district. These are the hallmarks of Ben Lange, the attorney and smallbusiness owner from Quasqueton, IA Lange narrowly lost atrick rady his 2010 contest against Democrat Bruce Braley, the incumbent in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.

Lange spoke to the Loras Republicans last week about his vision for America, the national debt and health care reform. Lange commanded the room for 45 minutes as he discussed the important issues facing Americans during the 2012 election cycle.

Chief among Lange’s issues is the national debt. “We are facing one of the greatest social injustices in our nation’s history. We are mortgaging our children’s future.” Lange finds the $15 trillion deficit disturbing and champions domestic policy built upon a firm foundation of fiscal conservatism — responsible spending patterns for a sustainable future.

On Obamacare, Lange is not one to criticize without providing solutions.

“Republicans lose when they just say ‘repeal Obamacare,’” says Lange. Instead, he is focused on “patient-centered care reform,” and market-based solutions for a market -ased problem. For Lange, the issue of health care boils down to “Who do you want to make your decisions? Who do you want to run your life, the federal government or yourself?”

Finally, Lange wants to promote a campaign of civility. He openly stated that any criticism leveled against Braley would be an attack on policy, not the person. Lange is a decent, honest politician interested in a civil exchange of ideas for the common good of Iowans.

Lange made an impact on many of the students in attendance.

“I was impressed with his desire to help us fully understand his position on a variety of issues,” says sophomore Mary McClure.

Sophomore Megan Horst was impressed

by Lange’s “commitment (to) protecting our generation in a way that will not lead to harmful consequences.”

“His emphasis on cutting the national deficit was most appealing to me,” says first-year Nathan Kapraun. “I wish more people like [Lange] would get the concept that this large national debt of over $15 trillion is not a good thing for this country.

This younger generation of senators and representatives generally seem to be more aware and more concerned about the direction our county is heading.”

Indeed, Ben Lange represents a new era of Republican leadership. This new generation of Republican leaders is committed to constitutional conservatism. They are principled leaders, ready to put constituents first and party second. Ben Lange is the right representative for responsible solutions to the issues facings the citizens of the Iowa 1st Congressional District.

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Letters from Abroad

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Beauty Abound Visions of Nepal

Brittany Seyller

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Ayush Subedi, a junior at Loras from Kahtmandu, Nepal, went back home this past winter break. While Subedi spent some time with his family after three years, he took some time off to see more of his motherland.

Subedi took his camera along. Here we present some snapshots of some of the natural and cultural beauties of Nepal.

Brittany Seyller (:

A divine lake: A Hindu temple along the Phewa lake of Pokhara. Phewa lake is the second largest lake in Nepal with an area of 1.7 sq. miles. Hinduism is the most popular religion of Nepal with 80% followers. Temples are often built along the banks of bodies of water like rivers or lakes.

Sky cruise: Paragliders enjoy the magnificent view of Pokhara valley from above. Adventures such as paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, parahawking, mountaineering, hiking, and biking are popular among the native people and tourists visiting from Europe, America and other places around the world.

Light of Asia: This picture captures the birthplace of Gautam Buddha in Lumbini. Buddha is known as the light of Asia and 11% of the nation’s population are Buddhists. Buddhist stupas and gumbas are seen all over the country. The birthplace of Lord Buddha is listed in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

A Buddha in making: A statue of Buddha is being sculpted. The picture could be read as a metaphor for the country’s transition to stability and properity.

A mountain house: A typical house in the mountains of Nepal are built with stones, mud, wood and bamboo. The roofs are either thatched with hay or tiled with slates.

Bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal with a population of a little over one million. The valley has an altitude of 4600ft. On the north side, a range of Himalayas like Jugal (26,397ft.) and Ganesh (25,353ft.) overlies the valley. The city is a hub for industry, business, education, and houses government entities.

GREETINGS FROM INDIA, LORAS FAMILY! You may have had a warm winter, but let me tell you, it’s nothing compared to the 90 degree weather and extreme humidity that’s considered winter in Chennai, India. They say India really only has two seasons: hot and hotter. So far, I’d have to say I agree. (: I never would have believed that two places on the same planet could be so very different from each other.

The moment I got off the plane my senses were overwhelmed—the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes of everything were unlike anything I have ever experienced, and of course, the number of people is unbelievable!

There are so many things I love about India that picking a favorite would be near to impossible—the food is delicious, the people are the kindest I’ve ever met, elephant rides are a blast, the natural beauty is breathtaking, the conversations about culture and religion have been phenomenal, my internship at SOS Children’s Village for Destitute Children has been incredible, and of course, sight-seeing temples, mosques and palaces is always uplifting. Everything is wonderful and beautiful, and I never want it to end!

Perhaps one of the most fun adjustments has been the wildlife I see on a daily basis. Cows walk the streets as plentiful as squirrels in Dubuque and you won’t know when a deer will walk right up to you and steal the food off your plate. Monkeys get into screaming matches with you and try to steal your backpacks. On campus, you see peacocks, mongooses, and stray dogs that have turned into residence hall pets. Lizards live in our rooms and have become our pets. Although I have been lucky enough to avoid them thus far, scorpions and snakes are common encouters.

It’s crazy for me to think about the fact that I will be back in the U.S. in just a few short weeks! How fast the time has flown by. As much as I love Indian food, I am looking forward to eating some mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, and salad when I return. I still have so much I plan to do before I leave.

I miss you Loras, and I will be seeing you again soon. Until then, I shall continue to explore the other side of the world and love every moment.

Happy thoughts from 10 ½ hours into the future!

Begnas Lake: This lake is located in Pokhara, a major city in the central Nepal, 125mi away from the capital. The lake is surrounded by green forests. Nepal is the second richest country in terms of water resources. Lakes, rivers, ponds, water falls are a frequent site alongside the road.

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U n r e a d M e s s ag e

Continued from last week...

Her parents eventually arrived at the hospital, and despite their love and concern for me, I felt that I should leave them with their daughter for a little bit. As much as I wish it would, the world did not stop for the accident. I still had commitments to fulfill and places to be, despite everything that was happening. Everyone was sympathetic and went easy on me, but still, time continued all the same.

My conversations with her continued, even after the day of the accident. I’d send her texts about how my day was going, to which she would respond with her own little comments or questions. She never talked about how she was feeling or what she was doing.

More often than not, we talked about our relationship; where we’d been, what we’d done, how we felt about things.

“Remember our first kiss? :)” she’d ask me out of the blue.

“How could I forget? It was in my car, after the big dance!” I replied, recalling the memory as clearly as if it had happened just the other day.

“You know, all the way home I was hoping that you would. You seemed so shy!” she revealed, timidly. As always, she knew me too well. I had been extremely shy that night, because I wanted that kiss as much as she did, and we both knew it.

I visited the hospital frequently, especially when her parents left to get something to eat or simply to get some fresh air. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them; I just felt that she shouldn’t be left alone. She wouldn’t have liked it if she knew, and maybe she did.

Every day it was the same thing. I would walk into the room, say hello, and give her a kiss on the forehead. I would then sit in the chair and text her, sometimes for hours, about anything. We recalled different adventures every day, talking about our feelings about each other and settling the few arguments we had.

Sometimes, when I left the hospital, I would go to her house, where I had spent the night on many an occasion. I knew where she hid the key under the doormat, and would let myself in. Sometimes I would tidy up the house as if she was coming back soon, and other times I simply sat down and remembered. I looked at the pictures of us she had displayed everywhere, and found every note I had ever written her hidden

by COLIN HALBMAIER

assistant features editor

away in a box in her desk drawer. It was comforting to sit in her room and simply take in her sweet smell; the medicine and hospital had overpowered the scent I had come to love so much. One morning, I woke up to find that I had fallen asleep in her bed.

The pillow was wet with tears.

The news was not unexpected, but it overcame me like a tidal wave and struck me to the core with emotion. Her mother called me a week after the accident, very early in the morning. Already fearing the worst, I picked up the phone. She was sobbing uncontrollably, gasping for breath as she tried to pronounce her words. I caught everything I needed to head: She’s gone.

The phone slipped from my hand, falling to the floor with a loud clatter. I stood there for a moment, frozen with grief.

There was no crying, just a sudden rush of unexplainable emotion as I dressed quickly, grabbed my keys, and was out the door.

As was expected, an atmosphere of mourning had engulfed the hospital room.

The hospital machines had been removed, worthless now, leaving only a deafening silence, accompanied only by the sounds of crying and comforting speeches. I was embraced by her parents, at which point we all began to cry. We separated, and I took a step closer to the bed.

She truly looked as if she was asleep now, without the machines to bring her down. I held her hand as I always did, which were unnaturally cold to the touch. I brushed her hair to the side, which fell as naturally as ever. Giving her hand a squeeze, I simply nodded, as if accepting that this had happened. She was gone now, and I was alone.

Funeral arrangements were planned over the next couple of days, as friends and family were notified and began making the journey to pay their respects. Her parents kept me well-informed about the events, often asking for my opinions or thoughts on various subjects. They reasoned that I was the one who knew her best.

At the wake, it was insisted upon that I stand with the family as if I was one of their own. Lines of people came through the funeral home, many of whom I had never met but had heard plenty about me. They always said my girlfriend had talked about me often and that they were sorry for my

loss. Members of my extended family came to show their support as well, supporting me with hugs and kisses and words of encouragement. It all felt so unreal, as if this wasn’t truly happening. Yet at the same time, I still accepted it.

Throughout this time, I never once touched her phone. It sat on my desk at home, sitting silently, never to be used again. With her passing, I didn’t have the heart to keep her spirit alive. As much as I never wanted to admit it, the voice in the back of my mind kept reminding me time and time again: she’s gone.

Yet when it came time to leave for the funeral, I found myself slipping my phone into my right pocket, and hers into my left.

The beginning of the funeral was much like the wake; I stood with the family as people came in and took their seats, receiving many compliments and sympathies. Across the room was the open coffin, so people could take one last look at her before it was closed forever. I had avoided looking at it, afraid of breaking down when there were still people to greet.

Eventually time passed, and it was time to say goodbye. I stood in front of the coffin alongside her parents, looking at her body.

She wore a white dress, with her hands folder over her stomach. Flowers lay over her, tributes to a young woman that many people had cared about, who was taken long before her time. Some left objects, small trinkets that had some kind of meaning to the relationships he had in life.

Memories flashed before my eyes as I ran my fingers down her arm and I leaned closer, kissing her once more on the lips for the last time. As I pulled back, tears filled my eyes, knowing that this was the end.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out her phone. The screen flashed “LOW BATTERY” before dying in my hands.

Lifting her hand, I slipped it in and closed her fingers around it, returning it to where I had taken it from in the first place.

I stepped back as her parents said their farewells to their daughter and closed the coffin forever.

“I’ll be right in,” I told them. They nodded and walked into the room where the service was being held. The coffin was to remain in the back until the time was ready. I walked up to it and ran my hand along its smooth wood, feeling the tears flowing from my eyes. She lived a

good life, I thought, as memories continued to come to mind. There was just one thing I never did.

I reached into my other pocket and pulled out my phone. I scrolled through our history once more, taking in everything that had happened between us; the late night talks, the cute little moments, and even not-sogood moments. This was who we were, but there was just one thing missing.

Slowly, I opened a new text. My thumbs crawled along the keyboard, typing each letter with the utmost care.

“I love you.”

In the next room, I could hear the service beginning. I waited another moment, taking one last look at the coffin. There was nothing left to say; wherever she was, I hoped she knew what I had done.

I was just about to enter the room when my phone began to vibrate. Confused, I reached into my pocket and pulled it out again.

“1 Unread Message” flashed across the screen.

It was from her.

I opened it.

“I love you too. <3”

activities

April 26, 2012

8

my lorian.com

Campus Dining 1. Despite their misleading name, blackeyed peas are not actually peas. What are they really considered?

2. The Duhawk Market recently received a new addition: the F’Real machine.

F’Real is a British company. True or false? e-mail your answers to Campus.Dining@loras.edu

by Sunday 9 p.m.

Congratulations to last week’s winner, Jerome Olp.

2 winners to receive prize from Loras College Campus Dining

.

Boydology

Dr. Mike Boyd, the director of the Counseling Center, answers student questions concerning anything that relates to keeping it together while doing this crazy thing called college.

To clean up, or not to clean up ...

Hey Mike: I am 22, and recently decided I had to clean up my life. I am surprised how many of my friends think I am weird for this. Compared to Protestant friends, a lot of the people I see at Mass do not practice chastity. I would like to be more chaste but it seems I am getting no support from people in my own religion. Do I have to switch faiths to be a better person?

—Chastity Mike Says: No, Chastity, you are not weird. You may be a bit ahead of your friends. Now this is an older guy talking, but most people seem to spend a lot of time during their late teens and early twenties exploring how to act. That can be good when it leads to a strong, healthy sense of self, but often involves a lot a behavior that some people condemn as wrong, and which may cause problems.

Too much use of drugs or alcohol can lead to additions. Too much sexual activity can lead to unwanted pregnancy or STDs. Most people begin to make changes and are more secure in leading a healthy life by their mid to late twenties.

You may have to change friends if they are overly critical of you, and especially if they push you into doing things you might regret, but you can find healthy people anywhere, so do not change religions yet.

A final comment: people are exactly that, people. Do not expect your friends to be flawless.

Good friends will accept your choices. For your part, you can model chastity without rejecting anyone. Good luck.

High Times

Hey Mike: Is marijuana really bad for you? Is it worse than alcohol?

— Snopo

Mike says: This is a very big question. You might hope for an “either-or” answer, but it is more involved.

I’ll let you decide after you read the following information. The following is focused on physical and emotional health, but first, one must consider the legal complications involved in marijuana use or underage use of alcohol. Beyond that, light to well controlled moderate use of either is probably not physically harmful as long as no one gets behind the wheel of a car. Be aware that if you were convicted of a drug violation it could make you ineligible for some college financial assistance.

The physical health dangers for either alcohol or marijuana are associated with frequent moderate use or heavy use, especially heavy, long-term use.

Regular, moderate use may lead to developing tolerance and a discomfort in social situations that do not involve alcohol or marijuana. Most people that have one or two drinks or one joint, once or twice a week, will have no problems. But some will gradually increase use to four or five times a week or more, and will not stop at one or two each time.

Heavy, long-term use of alcohol can lead to or worsen liver and heart disease, peptic ulcers, hepatitis, cancers, and physical dependence. Heavy, long-term use of marijuana may lead to smoking-related mouth, throat, and lung cancers; decreased sperm count; short-term memory loss; and, chronic, decreased motivation. Both drugs can alter relationships with friends, relatives, and roommates, while worsening existing depression, anxiety, and paranoia.

Finally, people who use either alcohol or marijuana frequently change their day-to-day behavior.

Much of their lives revolves around thinking about, or planning the next time the can get high.

E-mail questions to Michael.Boyd@loras.edu. The identities of the senders will be kept confidential.

Mr. Deed’s Pizza Delivery

by MIKE HARLOVIC

opinion

April 26, 2012

What do you think ...

my lorian.com

9

... was the best part of your year?

Andy Pape

Patrick O’Grady

senior

Breaking four school records at my senior swim meet.

junior

Taking econometrics class with Dr. Jennifer Smith.

Aimee Soukup

Abristi Khadka

senior

senior

Being able to hang out with my friends who are graduating, because I am not.

My semi-working senior project.

Robert Coe

Sara Franzen

junior

first-year

Being on the volleyball team and getting to know my teammates.

Dance Marathon.

Amrit Khadka senior

Receiving the Computer Science Award.

Darren Oaks junior

Going to Italy and Germany for J-term.

Megan Gross senior

Senior homecoming.

Religions versus cults ‘‘ I t’s not hard to predict that if I wrote this article simply bashing religion, branding religious people irrational, and calling for an overthrow of the religious foundations of humanity, I’d probably get burned at the stake on the campus lawn. Well, gently cradle your lighter fluid as I attempt to elaborate on my religious views. I’ve always been fascinated by the clear rett obbins distinction that our society makes between a cult and a religion. Cults are wackos to most of us. They are pagan faiths, bizarre people who practice bizarre rituals without any logical purpose, believe irrational and usually insane beliefs, and deviate from our just religions that coincidentally do that exact same thing.

So if it looks like a religion, acts like one, and is treated as one by its followers, then why are cults “cults” and religions “religions?” The answer is numerical and historical.

Cults and religions are the same thing, the only distinguishing factors are that religions are generally older and established, and they have a mainstream of followers. Everything else, from fantastical stories to illogical rituals, are the same. So logic then dictates, if we as humans are willing to label cults as damaging, irrational or outright dangerous, then why do we give religion a pass? True, our idea of cults is a bunch of deranged wackos drinking poison-laced KoolAid in a basement, but even if a cult is moderate in its beliefs, we still reject it.

I have the ability to start my own religion.

I can conjure up religious texts, idols, moral laws and teachings, and make myself a messiah. I can write a holy book with stories as unfounded as those in the Bible, and I can create my own church to dish out the faith.

The result is obvious, I’ll be declared a nut and Rockin’ RObbins

B

R

All I ask is that you apply some logic to your faith, and consider how much rational thinking you are actually suspending in the practice of worship.

,,

my religion will never take up off the ground.

It’s interesting though how faiths can become something over time. The Romans saw early Christians like people would see my faith, as complete lunacy. But, like the Christians, if I could indoctrinate an ever-increasing number of people into believing my stories, create a church and expand its authority, allow for centuries to pass so direct evidence against my faith disappears, and create generations of brainwashing and normalization, I’d have a mainstream religion on my hands.

It’s clear I’m not a religious person. I will say I’m an agnostic who doesn’t believe in the legitimacy of organized religion for the reasons I’ve detailed. Quite honestly, submitting myself into believing the manmade and completely unsupported tales of the Bible, one of the world’s most successful fantasy novels, is as rational as believing in magical unicorns.

Actually, believing in unicorns is probably more rational, since a pink horse with a horn on its head seems more possible than two nudists roaming in a garden, shooting the breeze with a talking snake, and then condemning all mankind via snacking on produce.

I’m not looking to start a war with religious people. All I ask is that you apply some logic to your faith, and consider how much rational thinking you are actually suspending in the practice of worship. Forget the Second Coming of Christ, analyzing your faith may be your ticket to personal salvation.

10 am - 2 pm on Saturday, May 5.

Hoffmann Hall parking lot.

Bring old books, cars, couches or whatever, and sell at your own price.

Reserve a spot today: just $5 (individual), $10 (small group) e-mail us at lorian@loras.edu.

Last day to register: May 1.

sports

April 26, 2012

10

Golf team tunes up for IIAC meet

duhawk.com

Fighting for a spot in tourney

Loras now heads to Pella for the first two rounds of the Iowa Conference Tournament

by JACK METZ

sports editor

The softball team will look to help their chances to secure a spot in the Iowa Conference tournament Thursday against Grinnell College, following splitting a double-header Tuesday versus University of Dubuque.

Prior to the UD match up, the Duhawks had a tough weekend being swept at the hands of the Cornell Rams, after a rain out cancelled a pair of games against Clarke University.

The toughest part of the losses to Cornell was the lack of offense as the Duhawks were shutout in each game, 10-0 and 1-0, respectively.

“They have a very good pitching staff.

Their pitcher who threw in game one was a senior and she was just able to keep us unbalanced,” said head coach Ashley Rogers.

“She was throwing her different pitches and we were not able to make the adjustments that we needed to throughout the game.”

On Tuesday, the Spartans from down the road came for a mid-day double-header where each team would earn a win, UD in the first game, 7-3, and the Duhawks in the second game, 2-1.

In the 2-1 victory by the Duhawks, pitching performance by junior Kellie Klein stood out as she pitched seven complete innings, allowing only five hits and one earned run while also fanning seven of the Spartan hitters.

The team’s two runs were manufactured in the first inning when junior Shelby Perkins led off with a single and would eventually score on a Katie Serpico single.

Senior Katelyn Jones followed up with a single of her own advancing Klein to third base who would score on junior Regan Thies sacrifice fly and that would be enough behind Klein’s pitching.

With their record at 17-15 overall, and 6-8 in the conference following the games against Dubuque, the Duhawks are flirting with the fifth position in the conference and coach Rogers knows every game at this point is important.

“These final three games against conference opponents are very important. We are still fighting for an opportunity to go to the conference tournament,” said Rogers. “So each game, each inning, and each pitch matters and we need to make sure we are bringing our focus and all of our efforts to ensure success.”

photo by LEAH SEDELLE CHAPMAN

Junior Shelby Perkins connects for a leadoff base hit against Coe.

by RYAN BINSFIELD sportswriter

photo by KYLE SCHAFFER

Junior Austin Steil completes in a decathlon event at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville meet two weeks ago.

Rector and Kawka lead host of Duhawks with personal bests

after week because it is critical that we continue to improve until our Conference meet which is coming up in three short weeks,” said Rector. “For many of us, it is the most important meet of

by JEFF SCHMIDT the season. It is the meet we have been sportswriter training for these past six months.”

The men’s and women’s track-andOn the men’s side sophomore Josh field team has continued to stay consis- Goerdt also had a standout performance tent in competition and has continued to on Saturday, finishing fifth in the 200show improvements on their season. meter dash clocking in at 22.18 seconds, After having very successful out- just four tenths off the first-place finishdoor meets early in the season, this past er. weekend at Augustana College was no He also found success with his teamdifferent. mates, sophomore John Kawka and seOnce again, Coach Bob Schultz had a niors Mike Roth and Ryan Seymour, finpile of personal records to report. Sever- ishing fourth in the 4x400 meter relay. al events are nationally ranked and Lo“Going into this weekend’s meet, we ras’ all-time top-10 as a team had high performance list is hopes. Prior to Satunder assault. urday we encounOn both the men’s tered rough weathand women’s side er that thankfulof the track, there is ly dispersed before much improvement our meet rolled being seen. Sopharound,” Goerdt omore standout said.

Mary Rector, who “The 4x400 mewon the 10K run ter relay proved to this past weekend, be our most sucwas proud of what cessful race of the her teammates were day,” Goerdt said. able to achieve.

“We all came out “The Loras and motivated one women had an outanother and finalstanding showing. ly ran a time we all Whether it was in knew we were cathe sprints, distance pable of, finishing events, throws, or with a combined jumps, there were a time of 3:16.13.” bunch of girls that The combined surpassed their pertime for the four sonal bests,” said photo by KYLE SCHAFFER runners set a fourRector. “I know on A Duhawk runner stays with the second PR for the the distance side, season, and the pack during the University of we had almost evfastest Loras has ery single one of Wisconsin-Platteville meet. run in five years. our girls run a PR “With a little which is always so exciting to see.”

After finishing seventh out of 10 team motivation and the support from teams at the UW-Platteville meet last the whole team anything is possible,” week, the women’s track team followed said Goerdt. “The whole team ran very up with a fifth-place finish among nine well Saturday and many found themteams, which was highlighted by the selves reaching PRs themselves.”

10,000-meter run first-place finish by This Saturday, the majority of the Rector who crossed the line at 38:28, Duhawks will be competing in the fifive seconds in front of the second-place nal home meet of the year, the Loras finisher.

Open. The 4x400, 4x100, and Dan “These results show that all of our McDermott (in the 10K) will all be hard work is paying off. It’s promising running in the prestigious Drake Reto see all of the girls improving week lays.

Track-and-field teams again assault the school’s all-time performance list.

The men’s golf team competed at Buena Vista’s Spring Invite this past weekend and left with a top-10 finish in their final tune-up for Iowa Conference Tournament this Friday.

The Duhawks finished the tournament with a total team score of 638, tying with Iowa Central Community College for 10th place in the 19-team invitational.

The team carded a first-round score of 318 and came in the next day with a score of 320.

Junior Sam Herrmann shot a team best 152, with rounds of 74 and 78 to place him 14th overall in the field. First-year Drew Massey shot identical rounds of 78, good enough to tie for 26th place overall as he continues to solidify his spot as the number two golfer for the Duhawks.

First-year Alex Beck shot a 161 bringing in a 79 in the second round tying for 52nd overall. “With the exception of myself, the other members of the team had little to no experience on that golf course,” said Herrmann. “The course has its tricks, and with no experience there, you can struggle. We were one score away from posting a respectable round on the final day.”

The next tournament for the Duhawks will be the 2012 Iowa Conference Men’s Golf Championship. Last season Loras finished third overall just two strokes behind second place. So far this season the men have recorded two fourth-place finishes in four meets and hope to carry their success into the conference tournament, but Herrmann believes the team still has a few kinks to work out.

“We have to get into a better mental state. We still have a few members who continue to have negative thoughts rolling through their mind while they play a round. In order to score well, in order to stay in the moment and allow yourself to focus on the present you have to be positive,” said Herrmann.

Herrmann finished third overall as an individual in the 2011 Conference tournament, and the team will look for him to continue his success this season and lead by example the rest of the way. The first two rounds of the tournament will be played at Bos Landen in Pella, IA, and the final two rounds will be played at Finkbine in Iowa City the following weekend.

Here’s a scoop We are always looking to add more writers to our team. Earn money and pad your resume by writing for The Lorian.

Show your interest now and be part of our “Senior Issue” that publishes on May 10th.

Don’t be shy; e-mail one of the staff members listed at the bottom of Page 5.

sports

April 26, 2011 duhawk.com

Tennis team ends year on a high note

Lacrosse ready to invade the Midwest

After starting the season 0-10, young team turn it around with 3 victories to round out the season

by RYAN BINSFIELD

by LEAH SEDELLE CHAPMAN

sportswriter

The men’s tennis team wrapped up their season last weekend, splitting the weekend series with a win over Ripon College and a loss to Wheaton College.

The Duhawks posted a strong finish early in the day winning every singles and doubles match against Ripon for a clean sweep. “Our 1 (John Moore), 2 (Brian Falvey), 5 (Justin Gonner), and 6 (Justin Steines) singles all won pretty easily,” said Coach Daniel Kurt.

“We had close matches at 3 and 4. John Keane won in a third-set tiebreaker, which was great to see. Then our other close one was Jeff Kasel at 4. He really played well down the stretch and played every point with intensity.

He ended up edging out both sets 7-5, 7-5. All in all it was great win. We had everyone play well, and it is hopefully something that will happen a lot more next year.”

The following match against a good Wheaton squad was an entirely different story as Loras dropped all matches. The doubles team of Brian Falvey and Jon Moore played the best match for Loras against Wheaton but lost in a 7-3 tiebreaker.

The young Duhawk squad finished the season with a 3-15 record overall, but were able to take away several positives this season as they turn their sights towards next year.

“We really improved at the top of the lineup. Our 1 doubles was playing lights out towards the end of the season. We have definitely made strides from the beginning of the season, and we definitely improved from last season,” said Kurt.

The Duhawks will graduate two seniors: John Keane and Justin Steines. “The last four years haven’t been great for the Loras tennis team, but Keane and Steines have played through that and never wavered in their commitment to the team. We will definitely miss them next year,” said Kurt.

Kurt added that next year will be “interesting” from a leadership standpoint. Justin Gonner and Garret Prusha will be the lone seniors, but only in their second year in the program.

First-years Jon Moore and Brian Falvey, on the other hand, were consistently No. 1 and No. 2, so the team can expect a strong leadership role from some of the younger guys.

photo by LEAH SEDELLE CHAPMAN

Junior Justin Gonner returns a volley during a meet this season.

11

sportswriter

photo by JIM NAPRSTEK

Sophomore infielder Mike Pudlo makes square contact during Loras’ doubleheader sweep of the University of Dubuque on Tuesday.

Loras sweeps Dubuque to tighten up race

by JULIAN GALLO sportswriter

The end of the season is approaching quickly and the baseball team is fixing anything that needs a tune-up so that the final decision for the conference tournament is tipped in Loras’ favor.

With the conference race being so close, every little detail matters.

Coach Tebon commented on how important it is to work as one solid unit as the team comes down to the last bit of training and any last-minute changes.

“The game of baseball can’t be won with only one strong aspect of the game,” said Tebon. “We need bats moving, solid pitching, and consistent play from our defense. We can never focus on one part of the game because once you do that you will lose focus on the other parts.”

One issue that the team is facing is that nasty stat line of runners left on base.

It’s not that the team is necessarily doing something wrong, but when they are leaving two or more runners out on the bases after each inning for two or three innings a game, the amount of runs you are going to score is going to be considerably less. The team had 4 or more left on base each game this past weekend against Wartburg.

“It is now coming down to timely hitting for us,” said Tebon. “We are getting guys on base, but then we need that hit when we have them on base to finish the job. There are more runners on base because it’s conference play and pitchers are playing better and more competitively now. The guys are also facing some post-season jitters. Everyone wants to be the one that gets the RBI’s or the sacrifice flies, but we just need to

keep our composure and everything will be fine.”

Things haven’t been all about the downs though.

During practice, the guys are put into real game time situations to make sure that when they arrive at game time they are prepared for the worst.

Following Tuesday’s sweep of the UD 1-0 in 10 innings and 2-1 in seven, the Duhawks are 18-15 overall, and 710 in the conference slotting them seventh in the standings.

The first game against the Spartans was a pitching duel between Loras firstyear Adam Schwoebel and UD senior Paul Krenger.

Schwoebel pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three hits, and senior Spencer Radabaugh relieved him for the final 3.2 innings until junior Billy Kass scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly off of his bat.

It really helps when you have people who know what they’re doing and know what it takes to get the job done.

The team has seven seniors that have that experience to make it happen.

“There are seven seniors who have a lot of experience and know how to make the big plays for us,” said Tebon. “They are the guys who make sure that stuff gets done on the days when everyone wants to take a break. We have those days, but we know that we can’t take a day off in order to make sure these guys get to the conference tournament.”

The team is in a tight race with the opposition to qualify for the conference tournament. As the regular season comes to a close, they are playing with a purpose and won’t stop till they get to their ultimate goal.

As many have heard, Loras is adding a new women’s sport for the next academic year, and we have the inside scoop.

Emily Goetz, who will be the new women’s lacrosse coach, described what the 22nd sport and 11th women’s sport on campus is all about.

Although the addition of lacrosse will even out the men’s and women’s sports numbers in accordance with the law of Title IX, written in 1972 which states that, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance,” it is not the only reason.

“Lacrosse is booming in the Midwest,” said Goetz.

She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Redland Southern California, where she played lacrosse all four years of under Catherine Soboti Sutette. She began her career as an attack wing, but during her junior and senior year she moved to the defensive side of things, so she has experience all over the field.

Before becoming a Duhawk, Goetz assisted Carthage’s lacrosse coach, Lauren Hume. Because of her connections, Goetz has already scheduled a game against her former athletes at Carthage.

A match has also been set up against the University of Dubuque who will be joining Loras in its first year as an NCAA recognized athletic team. In the past UD has had lacrosse solely as a club sport.

When asked how she felt about encountering Carthage as an opponent Goetz said, “It will be great to see Lauren, who is still a great friend, and all of the girls from the team.”

Goetz believes that the girls will be very respectful toward each other. The sport itself is refined and has a high respect level.

“It’s a different culture than other sports,” said Goetz as she talked about the tradition of girls wearing brightly colored spandex under their shorts.

This is the first time that Loras has added a new sport in seventeen years. The last addition to the athletic department was women’s soccer in 1995.

“The athletic staff has been very welcoming and went out of their way to make me feel as though I was already a part of their team.”

Robbie Stran, Athletic Director in the Office of Admission has also helped to keep Goetz in contact with prospective recruits, both on and off campus. Along with help from new co-workers, Goetz has received support and guidance from both coaches from her past.

“This is such a great time to join the sport.

Everything that we do next year will be making history. 20 years from now girls on the Loras lacrosse team will look back at the traditions that we start next year. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.”

The team is still looking for more women interested in becoming a part of Loras history. If interested in joining the team, or even learning more about the sport Goetz would like all students to feel free to contact her for more information at emily.goetz@loras.edu, or stop by her office in Graber, just before the San Jose Pool.

sports

April 26, 2012

12

my lorian.com

sports editorial

New NFL Draft format should be benched

To me, the mystery is gone — like the time I was told there was no Santa Claus

A

Jack’s Smack

s I sit here wondering which hockey team to lend my services of fandom to for the remainder of the playoffs, I’ll shift the focus to Thursday night’s prime-time event, the first round of the NFL Draft.

It is crazy how times change, even in the National Football League.

The first NFL Draft went nine rounds and lasted one day, with little fanfare. Nowadays, the 2012 NFL Draft will go seven rounds over three days and will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network.

In today’s world I can only ask one question.

Is there a correct way one gets ready for three days of straight draft coverage listening to Mel Kiper Jr.?

This is just one of the reasons the NFL Draft needs to return to its two-day format, this prime-time slot for the first round draft picks is getting out of control.

And better yet, each year the league keeps inviting more players to sit in the green room, I believe the number is at 26 this year, and possibly not get chosen in that first round, then you have to come back on Friday, and I only hope none of the players have a ‘just-in-case’ third suit if they happen to fall into the fourth round.

The NFL Draft used to be something sacred to me when I watched on its old-format, something I could compare to Christmas morning, and I would take pride in sticking out the two straight days of round-to-round action.

I would love to learn about those no-name players that no analyst on the television knew about, besides Kiper, but still have to give their meaningless analysis on why this player has that “high motor” that teams are looking for.

Today, it has been modernized, tarnished by Hollywood, and stretched out too thin to be enjoyed by most, and that is because the league and commissioner Roger Goodell jumped at the sight of dollar signs and did not look back.

When the draft was on a Saturday, people did two things.

The first NFL One, they showed that they, too, possessed a “high motor” Draft went as they rushed out of bed to nine rounds the comfiest position in front and lasted one of their television and did not move from there for 12 hours. day, while the And two, they made sure 2012 NFL Draft there was enough snacks and will go seven beverages of their choice.

Today, people have work rounds over on Friday, and have many three days and more options of television on Thursday night. will be televised viewing They also know that they are

by ESPN and the only missing one round and, NFL Network. in most cases, just one pick by their beloved team; a player that Mel Kiper Jr. has been telling us the team was going to pick for the past two months.

In some ways, I feel that the NFL moving their draft to this new format, in 2010, compared to me as a young lad being told there was no Santa Claus.

Surprising to no one, the Colts will start Thursday’s draft selecting quarterback Andrew Luck to begin the team’s new era, and the Redskins will then follow second with Heisman winner Robert Griffin III, giving Dan Snyder his first franchise quarterback, and then shortly after half of America will be watching something else.

The NFL is too blinded by the bright lights and dollar signs, but they need to bring back their version of Christmas.

Jack Metz

photo by SURYA PANDEY

Marc Williams, one of the top 10 college motivational speakers in the nation, according to CNN, shares how he morphed from a college dropout into a corporate executive for Champs Sports.

A Ph.D in inspiration Former dropout-turned-corporate superstar says nothing matches the power of desire

by JACK METZ

sports editor

Marc Williams was as good as advertised, delivering a powerful threehour speech that left nearly 100 students with the inspiration that anything is possible.

“I live everyday like it is my last; I put my heart and soul and passion into everything I do,” said the renowned motivational speaker. “And when talking to students, I think they see it because I am honest about my mistakes, so people can feel what I am saying.”

Loras is Williams’ 24th stop on a 25college tour. What is particularly interesting about him is that he left an immensely successful career in Corporate America because he thinks he has more to offer as an educator.

He now is the founder and CEO of the brand-management consulting firm Williams Communications, but it’s his resume that speaks volumes.

Williams has been named one of Sports Illustrated’s “Top 101 minorities in Sports” and Successguide Worldwide Publication’s “Top 30 Leaders of the Future.” He is listed among CNN’s top-10 college motivational speakers in the nation and the 2010 Black Men’s Magazine “Man of the Year.” That’s just for starters.

So, how did he take the world by storm? First, he failed ... miserably.

He said he was graced with an incredible family: a father, who was an educator, and two incredibly bright, ambitious siblings. His brother graduated from high school at the age of 15, and earned a master’s degree in engineering from Cornell at the age of 19, then continued on to earn a law degree at Virginia. His sister took a similar path, graduating from high school at the age of 16 and earning an engineering math degree.

Williams, on the other hand, was on the other end of the spectrum. He eventually had to drop out of college, courtesy of a 1.7 grade-point average.

“When you come from a family like that, it is embarrassing to have to tell your parents that you dropped out of school. I had to take a long, hard look at myself,” he said. “I went home and got on my knees and prayed, and decided to go back to school in 1994. I told my dad in an aisle at a grocery store (that I was going back to school), and told him I would never embarrass him again — and I have not.”

He received his bachelor of science The reason Loras could draw somedegree in sociology from William Pat- one as prestigious as Williams is the erson University and a master’s in sport result of his friendship to a Loras stumanagement from the prestigious Isen- dent. berg School of Management at the UniFranklin Griffin, a junior sport-manversity of Massachusetts at Amherst. agement major who attended Seton Williams has worked for three of Hall before transferring to Loras, saw the largest sports brands in the world: Williams speak during his first year at Champs Sports, Footaction and Ree- Seton Hall. bok. He said he is most proud of ne“I spoke at Seton Hall three years gotiating the deal for college football’s ago when (Griffin) was a first-year, Champs Sports Bowl. He said the ne- and he sent me the most powerful egotiations were such a contrast to what mail that I had ever gotten from a stuhe was accustomed to doing, which dent until recently,” Williams said. was working with hip-hop artists.

“He sent me a message about the imHe began his career in 1999 at Ree- pact that my speech had on him to the bok, where he coordinated grass- point where he ‘was at a loss of words,’ roots events for Major League Base- and — after reading what he said — it ball’s All-Star Fanfest and the McDon- gave me chills. He talked about how ald’s All-American Basketball Game. he played with Michael Jordan’s son in Williams later was named the senior high school, won a state championship manager of partnership marketing for with him, and met Michael Jordan. He Footaction, where he managed nation- said he never met someone, until me, al campaigns. He later served as glob- that inspired him more than Jordan. al brand director for Champs Sports, What do you say to that?” where he was instrumental in negotiGriffin, a member of the Loras basating the company’s first partnership ketball team, said he was proud that he with a record label. was able to share with his fellow classWhile at Champs Sports, Williams mates what inspired him three years was in charge of globago.

The reason Loras al marketing, a key “I was really glad cog in the company’s could draw someone that he was so transparrise to a billion-dollar ent with his speech,” as prestigious as powerhouse for footGriffin said. “It really wear and apparel. He showed me how hard Marc Williams is is widely regarded as he’s really had to work the result of his one of the nation’s to become so successfriendship to a foremost experts on ful. His story is always branding, sports marsomething I look forLoras student. keting, consumer beward to hearing behavior and hip-hop cause something alculture. ways strikes my mind each time.

However, Williams began to feel an “As a mentee of Marc Williams, I itch to leave Corporate America. He feel that this can have a positive effect felt a calling to tell his story to young on the Loras College campus because people. it’s all about having confidence, stay“When I became a serious student, ing spiritual and having the mental forI saw all the possibilities and oppor- titude to keep working, “Griffin contunities that were presented in front tinued. “We are of the best colleges in of me,” said Williams. “As a result of the nation and have an impeccable netthat, having a strong faith in God and work of professionals and with a carbeing passionate about my goals, I was ing administration.” able to get the things I wanted to hapAs for what Mr. Marc Williams has pen.” in mind for the future?

Today, he is a full-time doctoral stu“College president; I even talked to dent at West Virginia University in the Jim Collins, and after he heard my stoCollege of Human Resources and Edu- ry, he said, ‘You need to consider Location. He surprised the crowd by say- ras College once you graduate,’” Wiling he had a 25-page paper due by 5 liams said. “People think I will work at p.m. Wednesday, saying that he would a large college, but I think I am more start it after spending the majority of interested in working in a small school Tuesday night speaking at Loras. and learning as much as I can.”