The Heights 12/3/2012

alcohol on campus

‘ignite’

features

ARTS & rEVIEW

sports

An investigation into how alcohol permeates BC student life, B10

The BC Dance Ensemble delivers a passionate performance in Robsham, A10

Series split with BU over the weekend puts Jerry York close to the all-time record, B1

one win away

Monday, December 3, 2012

Vol. XCIII, No. 46

BC professor recognized for urban education Lynch School of Education’s Barnett earns Massachusetts professor of the year award

By Gabby Tarini For The Heights

Boston College Lynch School of Education Associate Professor of Science Education and Technology Michael Barnett has been named the 2012 Massachusetts Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the Council for the Advancement of Teaching, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Barnett’s focus is on urban education.

Specifically, Barnett hopes to instill a lasting interest and passion for science

Lowell talks continue with Susan Choi

within young students, especially those from inner-city neighborhoods, with the hope that these students will go on to major in some kind of science during their college career.

One of the ways he does this is through teaching high school students from cities like Mattapan and Dorchester to grow fruits and vegetables in indoor hydroponic gardens and sell them to their community at farmer’s markets.

Barnett’s hydroponic gardens are located on Hammond Street, as an extension of the Connolly House.

The hydroponics equipment is unique in that it uses no soil and almost no water.

Rows of plants grow in individual slots of mineral-infused water. The rows are then stacked vertically in order to maximize the space in the greenhouse.

Everything in the greenhouse is almost completely reusable, including the water, which is continuously circulated through the system, reaching over 150 plants on each stack. The hydroponics system is also more efficient than regular soil.

“Raising food with hydroponics can be done a lot faster than with regular soil because the roots are constantly surrounded by the minerals in the water,” Barnett said.

“Hydroponics cuts the growing time of most plants in half.”

The high school students working on Barnett’s greenhouses are Boston Public School students who are part of a unique

See Barnett, A4

Gabby tarini / for the heights

Barnett’s students work in a greenhouse (above), growing plants with hydroponic technology.

BC HOSTS FIRST MODEL UN

CSOM classes take Teecil to the next level BC students compete in electronic marketing

By Sara Doyle For The Heights

On Thursday night, author Susan Choi gave a preview of her newest book, which will be published next summer. The event was sponsored by the Lowell Humanities Lecture Series, and gave students and the general community the chance to hear an esteemed author discuss her latest work and the process of writing.

Susan Choi is the author of The Foreign Student, which won the Asian-American Literary award for fiction, and American Woman, a finalist for the 2004 Pulitzer Prize. She has also published works of nonfiction in Vogue, Tin House, Allure, O, and The New York Times.

Choi read two passages from her book, entitled My Education. The story is about a graduate student named Regina, who goes to university in the early ’90s full of idealism.

She finds that everything that happens to her there is unexpected. Regina develops a strong relationship with her charismatic professor and holds a deep admiration for him. Her life takes a dramatically unexpected turn when she begins an affair with her professor’s wife, Martha, who is a sophisticated woman that recently had a baby. Choi read a scene describing the social interactions of Regina with Martha and her other friends, as well as the judgments that characters place on her.

The second reading Choi chose was from the second part of the book, a jump into the present times. “When she’s much, much older and her life has entirely changed, she runs into Martha’s now ex-husband in New York City,” Choi said. “She and her old professor are happy to see each other, and he tells her about what happened to Martha since.” The reading focused on the couple’s young son and his experiences at school, particularly describing his experience during the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

Members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions of Choi, and she discussed some of the writing process for My Education and her first novel, The Foreign Student. One of the topics included the process of creating the characters of Martha and Regina.

See Choi, A4

photo courtesy of Sigrid estrada

Author Susan Choi visited Boston College last Thursday to read excerpts from her new book.

By David Cote News Editor

emily fahey / heights staff

Saturday’s conference, which commenced in Gasson Hall’s Irish Room, included a session on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Local high school students gather for inaugural conference

By Connor Farley For The Heights

Boston College Model United Nations (BCMUN) hosted its inaugural meeting for regional high schools, EagleMUNC, on Dec. 1 in the Irish Room of Gasson Hall. The conference, which focused on promoting a high standard of both intellectual and enjoyable debate among high school Model United Nations delegations, was the first in BC’s history.

EagleMUNC provided opportu-

nities for its attendees to engage in the varying political and academic resources of the University, including training sessions and meetings with the BC Admissions Office for competitive college applicants, as well as access to discussion with professors and club leaders on global political issues.

The opening ceremony, led by B CMUN president Christopher Fitzpatrick, A&S ’13, launched the conference on a historic note, highlighting the simulation of solutions

to geopolitical tensions and the educational aspects of its intensive crisis integration committees.

Fitzpatrick , a member of the Honors Program and coordinator of the Clough Center Junior Fellows Program at BC, also introduced the keynote speaker, Kathleen O’Toole, BC ’76. O’Toole, who was also the first female police commissioner of Boston, is currently the Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate, the

See MUNC, A4

Mayer addresses reporting aspects of ‘New Yorker’

BC graduate awarded grant for study in UK

By Andrew Skaras Heights Staff

Following Sept. 11, she began to look at terrorism differently, which led her to choose the focus of her journalistic career. This time with the attacks occurring on American soil, a sense of religiosity entered the equation for Mayer as she was struck by the “sense of horror and devastation” in Washington.

See Mayer, A4

See Marshall Scholar, A4

For The Heights

eun hee kwon / heights staff

Journalist Jane Mayer spoke about her experiences researching the U.S.’s terrorism policies. ing ideals in relation to how the government works today, specifically when dealing with terrorism, have become central aspects of Mayer’s career. Before the Sept. 11 attacks, Mayer took terrorism seriously, she said. As a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, she had been in Beirut, Lebanon when American military barracks were bombed in 1983, seeing firsthand the horrors of terrorism.

See Teecil, A4

Every year, the Marshall Selection Committee chooses approximately 40 American students for two years of funded postgraduate study in the United Kingdom at the university of their choice. This year, Aditya Ashok, a history and biology major and BC ’12, has been selected as a recipient of the George Marshall Scholarship.

Established by the Parliament of the UK in 1953, the scholarship was created to recognize the efforts of the United States in the reconstruction of Europe post-World War II through the Marshall Plan. The objectives of the program are to enable intellectually accomplished Americans to study in the UK, to facilitate an understanding of Great Britain, and to inspire scholars to serve as ambassadors from the U.S. to the UK. The scholars are chosen based on their academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and leadership in their campus communities.

A recipient of the Harry S. Truman scholarship for public service in 2011, Ashok has been actively working on public health issues since the beginning of his college career. Rev. James F. Keenan, S.J., Founders Professor of Theology and Director of the Presidential

By Julie Orenstein It is a common misconception, according to journalist Jane Mayer, that writing for The New Yorker involves chatting at endless cocktail parties, attending fashion shows with Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, and essentially joining the Algonquin Round Table, the social circle of cultural taste-makers prominent in early 20th-century New York.

For Mayer, who spoke at Boston College Wednesday night as part of the Lowell Humanities Lecture Series, The New Yorker provides something more essential to her writing than those opportunities: a “haven for rigorous reporting.”

Since joining the magazine in 1995 as a staff writer after working for The Wall Street Journal for 12 years, Mayer has established herself as a leading political and investigative reporter in Washington. In her line of work, she consistently faces decisions with potential ethical and legal ramifications, many having to do with the special interest she has taken in examining the war on terror.

Exposing government shortcomings and critically thinking about this country’s found-

In recent weeks, Boston College has been subject to an electronic marketing onslaught for the Teecil, a combination golf tee and pencil designed by Providence College alumnus Stephen Squillante. Students in Edward Gonsalves’ three sections of Marketing Principles were pitted against each other this semester in a marketing competition to obtain the most views on online uploads, including images of the Teecil in unique places and YouTube videos.

Gonsalves, in his first year teaching at BC, was surprised to have opened a Pandora’s Box of intense competition among CSOM students that he said prompted changes to the curriculum.

“There is a breaking-in period at a new institution, where you learn the characteristics of the students and how they are wired,” Gonsalves said in an email. “I quickly learned a few lessons that have required real-time adjustments to our current project efforts and will necessitate changes

TopTHREE

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

things to do on campus this week

..

1

Christmas Tree Lighting Wednesday Time: 5 p.m.

Location: O’Neill Plaza

UGBC Cabinet presents the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Universtiy President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J. and several student a capella groups will be featured at the event. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served and Santa will be making a visit.

Men’s Basketball vs Harvard

2

Tuesday Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Conte Forum

The men’s basketball team looks to build off of momentum in its last win against Penn State as it faces crosstown-rival Harvard on Tuesday night.

St. Mary’s Christmas Concert

3

Tuesday Time: 4 p.m.

Location: St. Mary’s Chapel

A concert of traditional music featuring members of the University Chorale and conductor, John Finney.

the

University

In ws e N

House passes visa bill for foreign graduates by marginal vote

On Campus BC junior Joseph Manning attends U.N. climate change convention Joseph Manning, a Presidential Scholar from Oviedo, Fla. and A&S ’14, is attending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 18th annual Conference of the Parties in Doha, Qatar. The Framework Convention began Nov. 26 and will continue until Dec. 7. Attendees of the convention are working to achieve a binding international agreement that will include all nations that are considered major greenhouse gas emitters. This is the fourth year Manning has attended the event as a representative of the Sierra Club. During the convention, he will participate in daily negotiation sessions and meet with members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congress as well as State Department representatives to negotiate a treaty. Manning is the chair of the executive committe of the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC), the Sierra Club’s college and high school age chapter, and is pursuing a degree in political science and environmental studies.

The United States House of Representatives passed the STEM Jobs Acts, a legislation bill that would relocate up to 55,000 green cards to foreign graduates of American research universities who recieved advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The bill, which passed on Nov. 30, was approved by a 245-to-139 vote. The measure would eliminate a “diversity visa” program that currently provides 55,000 visas a year to students from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. and relocate the visas to highly educated graduates.

Man found shot to death in rental car in Brighton A man was found shot to death in a rental car Monday evening in Brighton, according to local news station WCVB. The shooting occured on Leicester Street next to St. Columbkille Catholic church.

Sources told News Center 5’s Mary Saladna that two men were seen running away from the scene.

Boston police processed the crime scene, saying to reporters that they are currently in the early stages of investigation.

By Andrew Millette Assoc. News Editor

alex gaynor / Heights staff

Student panelists spoke at the UGBC Student Formation’s Sophomore Self Check event on Tuesday night. experience is one of the most important things you learn while abroad.”

Sam Shriver, A&S ’14, a student who studied in Beijing, China during high school and then went back for a summer in a BC program, also reflected on his language acquisition experience.

“I just wanted to become fluent in Chinese,” he said. “I would learn new vocabulary words at class during the morning and then speak to

my host parents with the new vocabulary I had just learned during the afternoon. That is a great way to memorize a new language.”

Host families were another major topic of conversation for the panel. “Living with a host family had its pluses and minuses,” Kent said. “You get the cultural experience when you live with a family, and it helped me to learn Chilean Spanish. Conflicts came up. The family was very dramatic, they

would tell me their problems and try to pull me to their side. I was very much part of the family.”

Embracing the unexpected was another theme of the discussion. “The Chilean Student Movement cancelled half of my classes,” Kent said. “I got hosed down by water cannons just because I looked like a student and I was trying to see what was going on. I am very interested in social movements so the Student Movement fit my interests perfectly.”

Lizzie Jekanowski, A&S ’13, a student who studied in Morocco, believed that some of the best parts of her experience came from embracing the unexpected.

“A couple of my friends ended up delivering fruit with a couple of guys who owned a fruit delivery truck that they had just met at a restaurant,” she said. “In return, they offered us a ride, and we were able to get where we wanted to go with the six of us fitting into the back of a fruit delivery truck.”

Jekanowski also believed that these unexpected study abroad experiences taught lessons were applicable to all cultures. “A cab driver who picked us up ended up hanging out with us all day,” she said. “When we asked him why he did that, he responded, ‘The car was empty and I had nothing to do.’ I think that is just a beautiful statement about life.” n

Police Blotter

Voices from the Dustbowl

11/28/12 - 11/30/12

“What is your favorite holiday song?”

Wednesday, November 28 6:24 p.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a BC employee 7:06 p.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a BC student who was transported to a medical facility by police cruiser from Flynn Sports Complex.

9:27 p.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a BC student who was transported to a medical facility by cruiser from off-campus housing.

11:07 p.m. - A report was filed regarding larceny in Corcoran Commons.

1:53 a.m. - A report was filed regarding confiscated property in Gabelli Hall.

2:44 a.m. - A report was filed regarding found property in an off-campus housing location.

4:21 a.m. - A report was filed regarding a larceny from O’Neill Library.

12:03 p.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a guest of a BC student who was transported to a medical facility by ambulance outside of CLXF dormitory.

Thursday, November 29

1:05 p.m. - A report was filed on a fare evasion on Campanella Way.

11:49 p.m. - A report was filed regarding a suspicious circumstance on Shea Field.

“O’ Holy Night.”

—Erica Perry, A&S ’15

“Silent Night.”

—Marguerite Lally, A&S ’15

4:06 p.m. - A report was filed on a suspicious person in O’Neill Library.

4:33 p.m. - A non-BC affiliated party was placed under arrest for trespassing near the Lower parking lots.

—Source: The Boston College Police Department

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

—Robert Marks,

A&S ’14

33°

Tuesday

55° Mostly Cloudy 49°

Wednesday

50° Few Showers 28° 35° Mostly Sunny 28°

Source: the weather channel

A Guide to Your Newspaper The Heights Boston College – McElroy 113 140 Commonwealth Ave. Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467 Editor-in-Chief (617) 552-2223 Editorial General (617) 552-2221 Managing Editor (617) 552-4286 News Desk (617) 552-0172 Sports Desk (617) 552-0189 Metro Desk (617) 552-3548 Features Desk (617) 552-3548 Arts Desk (617) 552-0515 Photo (617) 552-1022 Fax (617) 552-4823 Business and Operations General Manager (617) 552-0169 Advertising (617) 552-2220 Business and Circulation (617) 552-0547 Classifieds and Collections (617) 552-0364 Fax (617) 552-1753 EDITORIAL RESOURCES News Tips Have a news tip or a good idea for a story? Call David Cote, News Editor, at (617) 552-0172, or e-mail news@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the News Desk.

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Clarifications / Corrections The Heights strives to provide its readers with complete, accurate, and balanced information. If you believe we have made a reporting error, have information that requires a clarification or correction, or questions about The Heights standards and practices, you may contact Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief, at (617) 552-2223, or e-mail editor@ bcheights.com.

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The Heights is produced by BC undergraduates and is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year by The Heights, Inc. (c) 2012. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 30

1:52 a.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a BC employee who was transported to a medical facility by police cruiser from Walsh Hall.

9:27 p.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a BC student who was transported to a medical facility by cruiser from off-campus housing.

“O’ Holy Night.”

—Eric Lee, A&S ’15

2:56 a.m. - A report was filed regarding medical assistance provided to a guest of a BC student who was transported to a medical facility by ambulance in CLXF dormitory.

5:31 a.m. - A report was filed on suspicious persons near Lyons Hall.

53° Partly Cloudy

Local News

Sophomores discuss study abroad experiences

found many aspects of their experiences to be relatable. Language acquisition was considered a major part of the study abroad experience for a number of students.

“Nothing compares to being fully immersed in a language,” said Robert Balint, A&S ’13, a student who studied in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “If you are getting on a bus, or if you need to find food, you’re going to need your foreign language. I think the language

Today

thursday

featured story

“Getting Chilean child services called on me, that was no bueno,” said Sam Kent, A&S ’13.

Kent, along with six other Boston College students and an advising assistant from the Office of International Programs (OIP), composed a panel that discussed the undergraduate study abroad experience as part of the UGBC Student Formation’s ‘Sophomore Self Check: Where in the World Do You Want to Go?’ event, which was hosted Tuesday night in Higgins 225.

After the students in attendance had a chance to enjoy refreshments provided by the UGBC, the event kicked off with Mary Posman, an advising assistant in OIP and GA&S ’17, discussing her undergraduate study abroad experience in Vietnam and Cambodia and welcoming students to ask her any questions they thought of throughout the night. The rest of the panelists then each took a turn describing their study abroad experience.

The students that composed the panel represented the diversity of study abroad options that BC offers, having studied in London, Chile, Argentina, Jordan, Italy, China, and Morocco. Despite the vast differences in the locations in which the students studied, they

Four Day Weather Forecast

CORRECTIONS Please send corrections to editor@bcheights.com with ‘correction’ in the subject line.

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

A3

Words to Panel condemns death penalty live by: we’ll do it live

By Gianni Matera For The Heights

Andrew Skaras For my last column, I would like to harken back to the immortal words of Bill O’Reilly, famously uttered to express his extreme frustration. I have given them much thought in the past few years, and I feel like they have come to encompass so much of what I have done and what I still do to this day.

In my high school days, this phrase encompassed my entire class’ approach to homework.

Whatever the assignment was, we did in the morning (or in the classes) right before it was due. Math homework? We did it live. English presentation? We did it live. Government debate?

We did not prepare notes—we came up with our points in class during the debates. Whatever the occasion was, we applied this philosophy to get us through the daily grind.

Luckily for me, I had enough foresight not to apply this philosophy to my work here. As I have gone through my year and a half here, however, I have found this sentiment is more applicable than ever before. While I do my homework more in advance than I ever did in high school (still usually the night before, but it is an improvement), the attitude is more all-encompassing of my college experience than it was of my high school one. In fact, I would describe the phrase as the call to arms of our generation.

In more ways than ever before, everything we do is done “live.”

Our actions and often ill-spoken words are liable to be tweeted at any moment. In an age when everyone’s phone has not only a still camera, but also a video camera, you never know when something you do will end up on Facebook.

If politicians today have to worry about some of their indiscretions from their college years being aired, I cannot imagine how much my generation will have to worry when we are running for public office.

While human indiscretion has not likely changed in the last 50 years, the way it can be disseminated has changed immensely.

Rather than shunning the changes as an invasion on the privacy of college student’s (sometimes) intoxicated shenanigans, my generation has used these newfound powers to achieve notoriety and their “15 minutes of fame.”

Perhaps today, in the age of the Internet, is the future that Andy Warhol was unknowingly speaking about when he said that we would all be famous for 15 minutes. Unscripted humor has always held a high place in people’s estimation of what is really funny. With YouTube, there is a place for everyone to post their successes and, often funnier, failures at humor. With smartphones, everyone has the ability to capture those unscripted moments of life.

In many ways, however, I don’t think there are substantial differences in how we approach life. Do we have a more casual approach to our academics than the students of the previous generation? Does this current generation B.S. more and do less legitimate work than the previous one? In speaking with relatives, teachers, mentors, and friends’ parents, it feels like we do, but this could just be because they are no longer college students and are now adult members of society. I am not sure that I can really answer these questions.

At the end of the day and the end of the column, I can only ever really speak for myself.

Sometimes I like to humor myself and I try to speak to movements that are larger than my own experiences. Moving into a new role with The Heights next semester, this is really my last chance to express my own view, so for the last time, I’m “doing it live.”

Andrew Skaras is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at news@bcheights.com.

On Thursday, the Pro-Life Club hosted a panel called “Voices from Death Row.” The panel consisted of Lawyer Johnson, a man wrongly convicted of murder and later released after 10 years in prison; Dale Recinella, a lay Catholic chaplain serving Florida’s death row; and Joshua Marmol, a lawyer and member of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic organization based in Italy.

In 1972, Johnson, then 19 years old, was convicted of killing 30-year-old James Christian in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. He was sentenced to death by electrocution and waited on Massachusetts’ death row for two years. Going through the appeals process, Johnson was eventually re-tried, convicted of second-degree murder, and taken off death row. In 1984, Johnson was released after new evidence emerged proving his innocence.

“Lawyer’s case is a sobering testimony,” David Sulewski, the panel moderator, said. “It reminds us that when there is capital punishment, innocent people do end up on death row. Lawyer speaks out [against the death penalty] because he doesn’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

Both Sulewski and Joshua Marmol write letters to inmates on death row around the world, throug h the Community of Sant’Egidio, to help them deal with their difficult ordeals.

Recinella is the Catholic chaplain to 407 men and two women on Florida’s death row. He is also responsible for the spiritual development of the approximately 2,500 men in long-term solitary confinement.

“Imagine going into the bathroom at your house at home, the

one that has a shower or a tub,” Recinella said. “Because that is about the same size as a death row cell. Shut the door. Sit down on the toilet lid over the seat, and imagine being in that space for 10 years … 20 years … 30 years.”

Recinella said that the living conditions on death row are inhumane, mostly because of inadequate living arrangements.

He said that the state budget allows only for disgusting, glowin-the dark meals to be served to inmates. The meals cost a mere $0.23 per meal. This is only one of many problems Recinella had with the system—however, he also claimed that capital punishment emotionally destroys prison workers and their families, who are put into a position of killing healthy human beings.

“One of the things I’ve witnessed in 15 years of walking these corridors is what the death penalty does to us as a society,” Recinella said. “It’s generally acknowledged that if you or I … locked a dog in a confined space with no air conditioning in the heat of summer in rural north Florida, and kept that dog in the same space during the winter when it gets below freezing, with only enough heat to prevent frostbite—because when I make communion rounds in December and January, frequently the men are breaking the ice off the water in their toilet to do their hygiene before they receive Communion—we would be brought up on charges for cruelty to animals.”

Earlier in his life, Recinella actually supported the death penalty.

“I was a hotshot lawyer in a big law firm with lots of people working for me and calling me ‘Sir,’” Recinella said. “I assumed everything was done right, surgically precise, taken care of by the book, only the guilty, only

the worst-of-the-worst. Now I know that is the Disneyland death penalty … There is no such death penalty. It doesn’t exist. What I was supporting was a myth, a fantasy like Tinker Bell and Peter Pan.” Recinella told several horror stories involving failed executions and innocent prisoners.

“Watching the execution of an innocent man will really mess up your sleep,” Recinella said. “I was the spiritual advisor for Angel Diaz and I witnessed Florida’s botched lethal injection. I had always thought I was lucky. The priest who did this for 15 years before me had witnessed four electrocutions and for two of them the men caught fire in the chair. As he turned this over to me, he told me it never left his dreams. I thought, ‘Wow, I’m lucky. Florida’s not going to use the electric chair. We’re going to lethal injection.’ And then I watched a man for over half an hour writhe and arch in agony and be tortured to death as he got burned to death chemically from the inside out. That’ll mess with your dreams too.”

Recinella ended by stating that there is no such thing as a death penalty that doesn’t mistakenly kill innocent people. He said that capital punishment degrades our culture because it changes how we, as a society, perceive the intrinsic worth of human life.

“Holding people in cages until we kill them does something to us,” Recinella said. “It does something to our society, to our culture. It does something to the way we think about people. And it’s very subtle, it’s very insidious, and when you’re right up in its face you can’t help but ask yourself: ‘How can we be doing this? What century is this? Isn’t this a modern first-world democracy?’” n

Bianca ardito / for the heights

Lawyer Johnson (left), a wrongly convicted felon, relates his experience on death row before being exonerated.

Benefit honors injured BC alum

By Devon Sanford Heights Editor

On Dec. 8, a comedy benefit will be held for Dale Ahn, BC ’12, who suffered a severe C5 cervical spinal cord injury in 2011. The Ahn family will be partnering with the nonprofit Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to present the benefit, Stand Up for a Cure. The benefit is in honor of individuals who face spinal cord injuries and paralysis, and features four comedians from the Gotham Comedy Club in New York and Caroline’s on Broadway.

Last year, Ahn underwent multiple surgeries after his accident.

Against staggering odds, the BC alum survived the injury and spent several months in extensive rehabilitation. The Ahn family hopes to raise money to assist Ahn’s rehabilitation fees.

“The first few weeks were pretty much a blur to me,” Ahn said in an email. “My mind and body were in a state of shock due to my injury, not to mention pneumonia too.

However, I do remember that my family was by my side day and night. Fortunately for me, that hasn’t changed. But because of the extent of my injury and some further complications, I stayed at the hospital in the intensive care unit for a month. And today, over a year later, I am happily living back home in Queens, N.Y. I am still rehabbing, but only twice a week for physical therapy, at the NYU Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.”

The Ahn family has committed to raise $10,000 on Saturday night to benefit both the Christopher Reeve Foundation for Spinal Cord

Injury and Paralysis and Ahn’s continued rehabilitation. Some of the money raised from the benefit will help purchase a wheelchairaccessible van for Ahn. Lisa Ahn, co-chair of Stand Up for a Cure and Dale Ahn’s sister, has been behind much of the planning.

“We are so very grateful for the Reeve Foundation’s support through Dale’s injury, and we find it very important to give back to the same community that advocates on Dale’s behalf every day,” Lisa Ahn said in an email. “When we first started thinking about the event, ‘Stand Up for a Cure,’ my good friend and comedian Joe Masse was integral in the planning. He was able to recruit the other very talented and funny comics, Zach McGovern, Amy Carlson, and Thomas Dale.”

The comedians have volunteered their time for the benefit. Lisa Ahn also worked with Stephen Maly, a friend and co-founder of Libation of NYC. Maly helped to organize the venue and event’s staff. He and several other volunteers have played an integral part in planning the benefit.

“So far, we have been so very lucky to have the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation work so very closely with us to make our event as successful as it possibly could be,” Lisa Ahn said. “In addition, the Columbia University Graduate School Advisory Counsel and e-commerce solution OpenSky so kindly provided us with our start-up funds - Dream Water, Krave Jerky and 4Imprint provided us with great items to fill our goodie bags. Finally, Berard,

Cuisipro, Water Taxi, Per Se, NYSC, Portofino, Kiehl’s, Club Quarters, and World Center Hotel provided some awesome items for raffle and giveaways.”

The Ahn family is expecting over 300 attendees, many of which include BC alums. They hope, with such a turnout, to reach their fundraising goal of $10,000.

“The attendees are wide and varied, and are comprised of BC alums, family, my sister’s coworkers and their network at PhotoShelter, my brother’s friends from his internship at OpenSky, my brother’s high school friends, my coworkers from Weill Cornell Medical College, friends and graduate students from Columbia University, individuals from the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and friends of friends,” Lisa Ahn said.

“The two things I’ve learned through this is that there are so many people and organizations that are happy to help support this wonderful cause and Dale, and that when you truly believe in making something happen, nothing can stop you—I learned this from Dale.

It has been both an incredible and humbling experience.”

The “Ahn-Tourage” hopes that Stand Up for a Cure will create some laughs while also raising awareness for those suffering from spinal cord injuries.

“We hope that everyone who attends will be able to see that even one individual can make a big difference,” Lisa Ahn said. “We want to share Dale’s story and raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and the individuals who lead slightly different, but fulfilling lives.” n

garnett lectures on religion

Matt liber / Heights staff

Richard Garnett, a Notre Dame law professor, spoke about the role of individuals, authorities, and religious institutions in the social order.

VFA matches college grads with start-ups

By Samantha Costanzo Asst. News Editor

Sean Lane, BC ’12, thought he was headed for a career in advertising. He envisioned himself working for Hill Holliday, one of the agencies he interned with during his time at Boston College. After searching through one of BC’s online job databases, however, Lane found something new in Venture for America (VFA).

VFA is based on the nationally recognized Teach for America organization. The non-profit, now in its second year, matches recent college graduates and graduate students with new start-up companies.

The graduates, known as fellows, go through a five-week training session in the summer. The fellows go to work with a start-up in Cincinnati, Detroit, Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Providence, for two years, learning fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

According to VFA’s website, these cities do not see a large influx of college graduates. The program plans to expand to cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, and New Haven, and expand its next class by about 100 fellows.

“I was intrigued by the whole start-up culture and all of the different stuff that goes with entrepreneurship,” Lane said. “That’s always kind of been something that’s interested me.”

He started a summer hockey clinic for middle school students in his hometown of Holden, Mass. after his freshman year at BC, and sees the clinic as his first foray into entrepreneurship.

After earning one of 40 spots in VFA’s inaugural class, Lane began a series of interviews with the program’s partner companies to find the best match for him. He chose to work with Swipely, a startup in Providence, R.I., that helps businesses better understand their customers, market to them, and increase revenue.

“It was a way for me to use the skills that I already have and also learn more,” Lane said. “They’ve been really great at showing me all the different aspects of the company and giving me a comprehensive

understanding of how the company works.”

Lane works with a small group of people as a partner success manager, acting as a liaison between Swipely and their clients.

Start-ups, by their very nature, have a much different working environment than larger companies.

This aspect of what Lane calls the “start-up culture” allows VFA fellows to make meaningful connections to their employers and the entrepreneurial field as a whole.

“It’s different if you work at a company with 500 people and you’re sitting in a cubicle all day, whereas in a startup environment you really need to be able to interact with people and get to know them, understand them on a level that’s going to make you successful,” Lane said.

In addition to the people at Swipely and VFA’s partner start-ups, Lane said that the organizers and other people involved in VFA make the program truly unique.

“At any point in time there are 39 other kids in the country that are doing the same thing as me,” Lane said. “Just having that network of people that not only are going through the same thing as you, the support network that we’re building is great.”

Lane encouraged graduates who are willing to work hard, hustle, and get things done to apply for VFA’s next class before this year’s February deadline.

Although Lane has been working at Swipely for just four months, he has already decided that he would like to continue working with startups or other entrepreneurial ventures after his fellowship is over.

At the end of a class’s two-year involvement with VFA, the organization offers $100,000 in seed investment money to the highest performing fellow. The money can be used to support the fellow’s host company, or to start a new company of his or her own.

“I think that once you get bitten by the start-up bug, it’s kind of a hard one to shake,” Lane said.

“The whole culture and the attitude and feel around start-ups is pretty contagious." n

A4

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

Scholarship awardee to study global health

Barnett focuses on technology

Marshall Scholar, from A1

Barnett, from A1 program that fuses BC’s science program with the College Bound program at the University—the LSOE and the National Science Foundation also fund the project.

“The kids noticed that the areas where they lived did not have access to any unprocessed food. In fact, the city of Mattapan has no full service super market at all,” Barnett said. “Part of the greenhouse project is to try and find a solution to that problem.”

Barnett explained that not only are students getting exposure to math, science, engineering, and economics through designing and experimenting with the hydroponic equipment, they are also social entrepreneurs working to solve social justice problems in their own community.”

Barnett’s students call themselves the “Urban Hydr-O Farmers.” They sell their fruits and vegetables at the market in Roxbury’s Egleston Square.

As of right now, they are the only group to have a year-round market in Boston.

“Right now, they are losing money,” Barnett said. “But we are going to continue to let them do that on purpose so that they can learn to perform a more thorough cost analysis and set the prices according to their costs.”

Barnett also has smaller greenhouse systems set up in elementary schools for younger students.

The Salvation Army’s Kroc Community Center in Dorchester funds this project.

Although the younger students do not design the sophisticated hydroponic systems like their high school counterparts, they get to pick out fruits and vegetables that they want to grow. They learn to take care of the plants as part of an after-school program.

The senior citizens at the community center can also get involved in the project.

“What is interesting about the community at the Kroc Center is that the senior citizens are primarily immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean,” Barnett said. “They were very likely immersed in an agricultural society in their native countries, so they are valuable tools in helping get these young kids excited about the greenhouses and science.”

Barnett deflected the praise he has received from the award.

“The ultimate goal here is to get folks excited about science,” Barnett said. “This project hopes to show the young adults that science is a real and tenable way to address the social justice issues that they are living today.” n

graham beck / heights editor

Students staged innovative photos, such as the one above, in order to market the Teecil to their peers effectively.

Class modernizes advertising Teecil, from A1 moving forward.”

Gonsalves, who came from teaching at Providence College, spoke highly of the effort BC students have put in on the project, but said it caught him by surprise.

“BC students are engaged in their education and take it seriously,” Gonsalves said. “They are not afraid to question anything, and are also not afraid to work very hard.

BC students are uber-competitive in everything they do. When you give them a project that has at its core a competitive component, they will respond competitively.”

Some of that competition took the Teecil to another level. Different student marketing groups uploaded photos of the Teecil of questionable appropriateness, including images of the Teecil between both a woman’s breasts and a man’s buttocks.

Although Gonsalves encouraged students to be aggressive and creative in marketing the product, he acknowledged that some students took the assignment too far.

“What happened with some student groups was an effort to push the envelope to drive traffic to their content without really thinking through the consequences on the brand,” Gonsalves said. “I take responsibility for not anticipating that their competiveness might cloud their judgment regarding the appropriateness of social media postings.”

In addition, Gonsalves said students learned an important lesson about real life marketing—not pushing the envelope too far.

“Teecil was clearly a brand that would not support some of the content that has been posted,” Gonsalves said. “When I was made aware of the content, I opened up my class the following day with clear guidance on what was appropriate and what was not. Whatever they posted in support of their efforts not only reflected on the Teecil brand, but also on them, the Carroll School of Management and BC.” Gonsalves took his first experi-

ence assigning a competitive group project to BC students as a learning one.

“My lesson learned is to be as detailed as possible to better channel the creative, engaged and competitive BC student,” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves, who spent 30 years in the high-technology industry before turning to teaching, had an integral role in the start of the Teecil. While a professor at Providence College, Gonsalves was approached by his student, Squillante, who had the idea of a combination golf tee and pencil. Gonsalves, who had experience in design, applications, sales, and marketing, mentored Squillante and assisted him in bringing the product from theory to market.

“Professor Gonsalves is an engineer and he helped me figure out how to actually build the product,” Squillante said in an email. “I did not even know who to contact about this type of thing and Professor Gonsalves was a big help in figuring out the design and the building of the product.”

As a result, Gonsalves’ name appears on the patent for the Teecil, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office website.

Gonsalves was quick to note, however, that he does not necessarily stand to benefit financially from sales of the product simply because his name appears on the patent.

“Stephen was nice enough to ask me to be co-inventor and I accepted,” Gonsalves said. “The patent is assigned to his company, so just like my other seven patents that I have secured over the course of my career, all the money goes to someone else. I have no financial interest in Teecil, and will not benefit by its promotion.”

Squillante agreed. “Professor Gonsalves will not have any financial gain if my business makes any money,” Squillante said. “He has been a big help but financially he is not involved and will not make money from this company.”

When choosing a product for his students to market, Gonsalves looked for an option that would

help out a former student starting up a business, and would relate well to current students.

“He liked the story about me being a young entrepreneur and thought it would be a good idea for his students to hear from someone young who was in their exact seat a year ago (literally) and who started their own business,” Squillante said.

Squillante said that the marketing from BC students has been a huge help to his business, increasing web traffic and even sales.

“I have already seen a huge increase in business from the results of the BC marketing,” Squillante said. “The BC students basically were able to get the Teecil name out to more people in a shorter period of time than I could ever imagine or have done myself. When I Google ‘Teecil’ now I see more stuff come up all because of the BC students.

“I appreciate all of their hard work, I cannot actually believe how many views some of their YouTube videos or pictures have. I am sure some of the BC community is sick of seeing Teecil stuff, but if they knew how big of a help it has been to me I hope that makes it a little bit better for them.”

Because the assignment is a student project, Gonsalves said that all of the content produced by students will be removed after the project is completed.

Although he admitted he ran into stumbling blocks he did not foresee, overall, Gonsalves said he hoped the project would give students a good introduction to what real-life marketing was like.

“There is no better way to lock in learning than through a practical learning experience,” Gonsalves said. “Given some basic guidance and goals, students need to learn and adapt quickly to the ebbs and flows of a live project. The lessons learned and skills obtained during the process make them more prepared, skilled and therefore more valuable and marketable to their future employers. They exit BC with a degree that has more rigor and is worth more in the marketplace.” n

Choi reflects on developing characters Choi, from A1

alex gaynor / heights staff

Barnett was recognized for educating students with new science technology.

“In the two years I spent writing it, I lost track of who she [Martha] was,” Choi said. “I had to really pull her back to the person I had meant her to be in the first place.”

Choi found a similar experience with the character of Regina, noting that others’ reactions to the character were not what she had originally expected. “There was another revision devoted to her,” Choi said.

Choi also discussed some of her more personal experiences with

writing, especially focusing on her first novel, The Foreign Student.

This novel was largely focused on the experiences of her father, who was from Korea. According to Choi, her father’s experiences were largely unknown to her before she wrote the novel.

“It became a gnawing problem for me. I felt like I couldn’t understand him,” Choi said. Choi described how she has a personal interest in each of the topics in her own stories, which also include the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. Choi describes how this event had a large impact on her as a young child. For Choi, the connec-

tion with the story is vital.

“It takes me a long time to read books,” Choi said. “I need to be motivated by a question.”

Choi also discussed the process of finding the best way to tell a story, and the way she also reworks things to make sure she is telling it the best way.

“With books, I feel as though they exist somewhere else and I have to excavate them,” Choi said.

The final event of the Lowell Humanities Lecture Series for the Fall 2012 semester will be held on Dec. 5 and will feature another author, Laurent Dubois. n

Scholars Program, guided Ashok, a Presidential Scholar, through the application process and saw his development over his four years at Boston College.

Commenting on Ashok’s work at BC, Keenan described “his uncanny capability of finding out where he can fit in and respond to people’s needs.”

Ashok served on an AIDS awareness committee and raised awareness of the issue by bringing together dance and choral groups to do a show. He worked in the Teen AIDS-Peer Corp. and served as director of international outreach.

“Whenever he visited his mother in New Hampshire, he spent the weekend as a volunteer in the emergency room, just working the entire weekend there,” Keenan said. “This is a person who has a hands-on approach to reality.”

His work in the field of HIV/ AIDS extended beyond intellectual pursuits, as Ashok also worked in the more personal aspects of the field. With Keenan, Ashok worked on a project to interview people who were HIV-positive in order to talk about the stigma that affected them. He is using these interviews to prepare an article for the Hastings Center, a prestigious bioethics research institute.

“On HIV alone, he developed his competency, his network, and

became personally connected to the issue,” Keenan said. “That led him to other questions, such as access to health care. That is his new project, trying to find new models for better universal access to health care.”

In addition to his work on HIV/ AIDS while at BC, Ashok also served as a columnist for The Heights, an editor of Elements, a student research journal, and a coordinator for the Mendel Society Mentoring Program.

He was active as a volunteer off campus, working at Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in the South End, the Laboure Center, a Catholic Charities center in South Boston, and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, N.H. Speaking about Ashok, Keenan emphasized his generosity and selflessness. After working with him inside and outside the classroom, Keenan underscored Ashok’s ability as a mentor to other students.

“I know that I can tell a student to talk to Adi and he will give them good pointers,” Keenan said. “He is willing to share his knowledge with anyone who wants to apply.”

Over the summer, Ashok served as a fellow at the White House as one of five people working on the president’s agenda on HIV/AIDS. He also won a prestigious fellowship with the National Institute of Health. With his Marshall scholarship, Ashok plans to study global health and the disparities in health between the U.S. and the UK at the University of Glasgow beginning in August of 2013. n

MUNC has Irish focus MUNC, from A1 police force of Ireland, and spoke mostly about her experiences with improving the effectiveness of militaristic and policing strategies in Northern Ireland.

“The police practices of the past in Belfast were really more those of a military than a community police service,” O’Toole said.

“We need to work with our community—to be there for people in need is more of a vocation than a job.” O’Toole’s opening reflection on her unique work with policing committees in Northern Ireland allowed EagleMUNC delegates to see how development within one’s own field of expertise can result in an improved system of governmental policy.

“Today, BCMUN will proudly play host to one of the most interactive, innovative, and educational new conferences on the circuit.”

- Braeden Lord, Secretary General of EagleMUNC and A&S ’15 Braeden Lord, Secretary General of EagleMUNC and A&S ’15, also addressed conference-goers during the event with a nod to the importance of the organization’s presence at BC. “Today, BCMUN will proudly play host to one of the most interactive, innovative, and educational new conferences on the circuit. We believe that [BCMUN] truly is a major addition to BC life and hope to be a major success,” Lord said.

The day’s events commenced promptly at 10 a.m. and lasted until 5:30 p.m.: a nearly eight-

hour schedule consisting of four different committees: UN Security Council (UN SC ), UN Environment Program (UNEP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Good Friday Agreement Negotiations in Northern Ireland committee.

Each committee was based on a specific background guide—a report of current issues regarding each individual committee’s global region distributed to delegates

by EagleMUNC officers—and aimed to promote explanatory discussion toward a solution for their chosen locale.

Three of the four committees examined the current environmental, political, and social state of affairs in the Asian Pacific, while the fourth simulated the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, connecting BC’s Jesuit principles and Irish heritage with a pivotal historical conflict.

Under the direction of a production team comprised of film studies majors, the conference also documented the events that unfolded through a “simulation documentar y,” a mock-documentary highlighting committee interactions and the impact of the creative solutions they arrived at.

The event’s positive outcome reflected the collaborative dedication of B CMUN and EagleMUNC, and places BC among a prestigious list of regional hosts for Model UN, including Boston University, Harvard University, and Yale University. BCMUN has also been ranked 22nd of all North American teams in 2011 by Bestdelegate.com, an education company and national online publication of all things Model UN. The success of the conference puts BC in the national spotlight of college level debate and ensures its contention as a serious player in the world of Model UN. n

Journalist emphasizes accountability in investigative reporting on terrorism Mayer, from A1 An Episcopal priest, oddly enough, according to Mayer, was among the first to suggest how to win the war on terror. “The coming challenge involves not losing our own souls as we try to vanquish a new enemy.”

After hearing this proposition, Mayer decided that the terrorism story she wanted to tell was “not so much about them, but about us.

“Can we as a country rise to the challenge of taking on evil without losing ourselves?” she asked.

“Would we have to compromise our own ideals?”

Within this crisis of conscience, Mayer has explored issues involving

state-sanctioned torture during the Bush administration and how apparent human rights violations are now coming as a result of deliberate, legally justified policy. In the postSept. 11 world, the United States has implemented among the most sophisticated torture programs the world has ever seen as a result of what Mayer calls “Twin Tower trauma.”

In her best-selling 2008 book The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals, she examined the implications of the Bush administration’s War on Terror and specific issues associated with it.

Among these topics is the CIA’s program of renditioning terror suspects to foreign countries for

holding and questioning, Mayer described specific examples of innocent detainees being tortured overseas for extended periods of time without justification. She felt the obligation to reveal the detainees’ stories, as none of them have been compensated or received their day in court. On this issue, Mayer emphasized the importance of accountability for questionable acts.

“Accountability is fundamental to democracy, but without transparency it’s almost impossible for people to know who is accountable for what,” she said. “It’s really important to have specific names and specific people in the accountability process. We are not the kind of country to have nameless people who are behind masks executing

people. We are about accountability.”

Furthering her search for accountability, Mayer has on several occasions defied the CIA and published names of officers despite the potential dangers of doing so, which she called “incredibly difficult legal and ethical decisions.” She noted, however, that she is proud of The New Yorker for covering issues such as if the CIA can legally kill unarmed prisoners, especially in the 2008 presidential election.

Mayer also discussed the differences between the policies of the Bush and Obama administrations with regard to terrorism, looking to counter critics who say the two presidents have acted in essentially the same manner.

Obama, Mayer said, has closed secret prisons, recommitted the United States to the Geneva Convention, and worked to make counter-terrorism actions more directed and specific, narrowly defining the enemy as those who support al-Qaeda against the U.S. and developing explicit written rules for drone strikes against terrorists.

The president has continued to treat terrorism as an act of war, like Bush, but has done so under a different legal rationale than his predecessor. Bush exercised more far-reaching executive privilege, while Obama has consciously tried to base his decisions on the limited power outlined by a key post-Sept.

11 resolution, the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Since Sept. 11, Mayer said it is hard to write in Washington, a place changed by an increasingly powerful national security establishment that involves more lawyers pushing for pro-CIA decisions and fewer pushing for civil liberties. Obama, she said, has been conflicted as he fights political opponents at home in order to successfully fight terrorists abroad. The government, heavily influenced by intelligence apparatuses and drone programs, is shaped differently now, and faces tough decisions so that something bad does not happen on its watch in this uncertain world of terrorism.

“I fear the war on terror will never end,” she said. “No one has been able to define what victory looks like.” n

CLASSIFIEDS

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

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A5

A6

The Heights

Editorials

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Bates makes right move in firing Spaziani

Monday, December 3, 2012

You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.

-Winston Churchill (1874-1965), former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

‘The Heights’ encourages the Athletic Department to look for a new football coach in same vein as York and Donahue A new era in Boston College football will begin in the coming weeks as new athletic director Brad Bates starts the search for former head coach Frank Spaziani’s replacement. After four seasons with progressively worse results under Spaziani and an end to BC’s 12-year bowl streak, Bates decided to take the program in another direction last week.

The Heights would like to commend Bates not only on firing Spaziani, but also on the way he handled a potentially chaotic situation during his first months on the job. A 2-10 season sealed Spaziani’s fate, but Bates remained calm and refused to make an emotional move in the middle of the season. Instead, he waited until the end of the year to conclude his evaluation of the program.

While plenty of fans demanded that Spaziani be fired the day Bates took over, we believe Bates made the best choice for the program and for the student athletes by immersing himself before making a sweeping change.

The Heights thanks Spaziani for his loyalty and dedication to BC during his 16 years with the University, and al-

though he cared deeply about his players, the results on the field ultimately pointed toward a necessary change.

While Bates should search for a new head coach who will make the team as successful as possible, we want to remind Bates that he will be hiring not only a head for the football program, but also a face for the athletic department and the University as a whole.

A new coach who can turn these losses into wins is the most important part of the search, but BC also has an impressive list of coaches who represent the University very well, and Bates’ new hire should fit that mold too. Men’s hockey coach Jerry York is the prototypical fit for a BC coach, and men’s basketball coach Steve Donahue along with new women’s basketball coach Erik Johnson have similar characteristics. Spaziani was known, even by his players, for his standoffish demeanor both on the practice field and on the sideline during games, and a new head coach with more energy and an ability to develop excitement for the program will be integral to the rebuilding process.

BCMUN’s conference points to promising future Boston College Model United Nations’ first conference establishes a strong presence for the growing club Boston College Model United Nations (BCMUN) held its inaugural conference for high school students this past Saturday. The event was a resounding success, with students from 13 high schools attending. The students explored the policy and procedure of the United Nations through engaging and relevant committee sessions.

Just last year, BCMUN had a membership of fewer than 20 students. This year, membership surpassed 100 students— massive growth for an organization in a single year. The Heights commends BCMUN for their impressive development in such a short period of time. This weekend’s conference is a testament to the hard work made by the members of BCMUN over the past year, and puts both their organization and BC on the map for college-level Model UN debate. Of particular interest was the Good Friday Agreement Negotiations in Northern Ireland committee, which focused on a pivotal, fascinating historical conflict,

combining BC’s interest and expertise in Irish history with the University’s participation in the Good Friday accords.

On a different note, The Heights is especially supportive of initiatives that bring talented and involved high school students to BC’s campus. Similar to BC Splash, this weekend’s Model UN conference gave students who might not necessarily be interested in BC a chance to see the school’s beautiful campus and be exposed to the many resources BC offers its students. Allowing these students access to BC not only increases the chances that they may apply, but also increases name recognition of the University on a regional and national level.

The Heights truly hopes that BCMUN will not rest on its laurels with the success of its first conference. We look forward to more engaging and successful Model UN conferences in the future, and are proud of the work our fellow students have done in bringing BC into the spotlight on such a positive note.

Education innovator joins science with service Michael Barnett of LSOE holds true to BC values and encourages entrepreneurship The Heights would like to commend Lynch School of Education (LSOE) associate professor of science education and technology Michael Barnett on being named the 2012 Massachusetts Professor of the Year. Barnett’s innovative work in urban education illustrates the kind of positive difference that Boston College encourages its students to make in their community. His work with indoor hydroponic gardens not only provides students with hands-on science education, but also gives them the opportunity to experience the application of math, engineering, and economics—academic fields in which American students generally lag behind other countries. The fact that the students can also sell the fruits and vegetables that they grow contributes to a sense of responsibility and accountability for their work, and also encourages them to interact with their own

communities. The Heights believes that Barnett’s project aligns perfectly with BC’s mission, and we congratulate him for successfully combining new technology with social entrepreneurship.

We also want to recognize that, along with the National Science Foundation, the LSOE sponsored Barnett’s work, and The Heights commends them for supporting such a worthwhile project.

The work that the LSOE community does consistently benefits students all around the Boston area. Numerous BC students go into Boston and other nearby cities every year, volunteering countless hours of their time to help students of all ages. We congratulate Barnett for his achievements with the hydroponics garden and recognize that his effort is one of many ways in which LSOE faculty and students endeavor to better their community.

The Heights The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919 Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief Daniel Ottaunick, General Manager Lindsay Grossman, Managing Editor

Suzanne severance / Heights Illustration

Letter to the Editor Students need to re-examine what academic freedom means Recently, University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J. and other Catholic college presidents joined in informing alumni of the importance of taking seriously the arguments that physician-assisted suicide should not be legalized in Massachusetts. The Heights editorialized against the action saying that it “infringe[d] upon freedom of choice and an unbiased education” and that rather than fostering “education, critical thinking, and the right to make up one’s own mind,” as Boston College so proudly does, the letter sounded “preachy.”

I would argue that The Heights got this one backwards, and that Leahy made even clearer BC’s commitment to the highest standards of education and critical thinking.

Allan Bloom, a man whose intellectual legacy cannot be labeled as either liberal nor conservative, in his book The Closing of the American Mind notes that there was a dramatic shift in education that took place last century, where students began to want professors to merely affirm their worldview instead of challenge it. This was done in the name of openness to what was new, but it led to a lack of critical thinking. Listen carefully on campus and from time to time this view of education is espoused.

There is a place in class where a professor must step back and present just the facts. If a professor does not actually teach what a philosopher has said but only why the philosopher is wrong, it does become impossible to make up one’s mind because one does not have the facts. However, once that has been done, professors must provoke debate where students think critically and take a position. Students should have the freedom to make up their mind, then, regarding the valid and invalid insights of a thinker. This position must be something reasonably defended, but if this never occurs, students do not learn to think critically. They

become historians of philosophy, not philosophers, historians of theology, not theologians, and the list continues. They are trapped in their own age and cannot escape it. It should go without saying that at a University, which aspires to be the world’s foremost Catholic intellectual center, students will be engaging in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

This does not mean that they must convert, that they must accept the Church’s teachings, for the Church proposes and cannot impose her views. It does mean, however, rigorous academic discussion and engagement of the Catholic worldview.

Leahy’s actions strengthen the academic reputation of BC in two ways. The first is that he has shown that the dialogue begun with the Catholic intellectual tradition on the Heights does not end when one leaves BC. We are expected to remain critical thinkers even after leaving and that alumni are part of the circle of scholars still. Furthermore, Leahy has shown that BC is not a values-neutral institution like other post-post-modern universities but one thoroughly committed to producing critical thinkers who can transcend the assumptions of one’s own age. Nor can he be criticized for having only given one side, since this was not a class on who thinks what but constituted actual intellectual discourse.

People may have differing motives for criticizing Leahy’s actions, and some probably do think that what he did gave the impression that BC is somehow close-minded. But I would ask, could it be that some are upset because they found in Leahy’s proposal that his ethical worldview has something to offer a challenging call to critical thinking that they were not expecting?

D onato I nfante BC ’09, ’11

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The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

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Opinions

If roles were reversed

Thumbs Up Ode to Stokes‘Twas two weeks before Winter break, And in front of Stokes Hall, The sod was completely lain, Bringing joy to all.

The path is now open For our feet to tread upon And the grass a beautiful green : A new era begun The removal of the fence Is a symbol to every eagle Of the studies to take place Within those halls so regal.

Many months we waited For this to take place We spread our arms wide To celebrate and embrace Winter Wonderland- We greatly appreciate the snowfall on Saturday. Not only was it entirely fitting that this particularly joyous form of precipitation came on the first of December, the month of winter solstice and Christmas (everyone’s two favorite days of the year), but it also produced hundreds of beautiful Instagrams of our beloved Gasson in the snow. A snowy Gasson might possibly be the best kind of Gasson there is, and so we Thumbs Up downward floating crystalline water ice, the always stunning campus of Boston College, and the average student’s obsession with Instagram.

The Winningest Coach Congratulations to Jerry York for tying the record for most collegiate hockey wins ever. An added thanks for doing it at home, against the nefarious Boston University, allowing us to even further assert our dominance over the Terriers. We’d place our bets on another win this weekend, too. So a heartfelt apology to Ron Mason.

Looks like 924 just wasn’t enough.

Thumbs Down The Lone Monday - We at Thumbs Up, Thumbs down are a little confused by BC’s finals schedule. Students have one week of classes, two study days, and a week of finals. Right? Wrong. We instead have one week of classes and then... class on Monday? Yep. That’s right, we have class on Monday.

And then study days and then finals. We find this day of classes to be both highly annoying and most likely inconsequential. And don’t even get us started on the short winter break.

Kardashian CommotionRiots broke out earlier this week in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the grand openings of a couple of Millions of Milkshakes outlets by none other than one Kim Kardashian. While we certainly cannot condemn the rioters for having the presence of mind – a presence of mind utterly lacking from much of the American people—to vehemently NOT revere the curvaceous pop culture icon from Calabasas, California, we can, however, award them a Thumbs Down for not accepting with open hands some of the tastiest milkshakes known to mankind. And perhaps also for overreacting a little.

Like Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down? Follow us @BCTUTD

Michael Auker For your consideration, an alternative version of U.S.-Iranian relations: Following rapid growth through industrialization, by the mid-20th century Iran found itself as the world’s pre-eminent superpower. Lacking the domestic resources to drive its ever-expanding economy and growing infrastructure, the military superpower was forced to look westward to satisfy its deficiencies. In particular, Iran focused on the smaller and highly religious United States, seeking to access the massive oil reserves that had been discovered there.

The problem was that, in 1951, Harry Truman was in power and drawing up plans to completely nationalize the American’s oil assets, as well as limit foreign interests in the country. As a result, in 1953, the Iranian Intelligence Agency successfully infiltrated and overthrew the Truman administration and installed a monarchical government attempting to bring communist reforms to the States, ensuring the Iranian’s access to the coveted oil reserves.

For years, authoritarian rule of the Iranian-backed government oppressed the American people. Yet, backlash was rising in the form of a highly conservative Christian fundamentalist movement led by the outspoken Billy Graham. Graham was known to the Iranian government as openly hostile to their interests and as a potential threat to the government they had installed, yet was very popular among the American people for his conservative values and antiIranian sentiments. He was forced into exile after demonstrations advocating for regime change turned violent, and for 15 years lived abroad as his opposition movement grew.

Finally, in 1979, the American Revolution successfully overthrew the tyrannical communist administration and celebrated

the triumphant return of Graham to Washington, D.C. Later that year, the oppressive dictator responsible for untold amounts of bloodshed throughout the U.S. was allowed into Iran to seek cancer treatment.

Naturally, the Americans were outraged, and demanded his extradition to stand trial for his crimes. Iran refused, and a protest outside their embassy in D.C. resulted in the ransacking of the building and hostages being taken. What was portrayed throughout the Iranian media as a group of wild terrorist thugs was seen by many throughout the rest of the world as at least partially legitimate retribution by a people who had been subject to the brutal rule of a tyrant.

The U.S. had been a democracy before the Iranians had gotten involved, and now the foreign superpower was protecting its puppet dictator from facing justice.

An agreement in 1981 seemed to turn things around, as the Iranian government pledged to abstain from interfering in the internal affairs of the U.S. Yet, over the following decades, Iran involved itself in political dealings throughout the North and Central American region on an almost continual basis. As the new millennium arrived, relations between the two countries would only deteriorate.

After a group of radical Christians that had grown and multiplied throughout Canada unleashed a vicious terrorist attack in Tehran on Sept. 11, relations between the Western world and the Middle East would never be the same. In the ensuing years the Iranian government would invade nearby countries and label the U.S. as part of an “axis of evil”, due in part to its dubious nuclear aspirations.

For years Iran had been the most dominant military power in the world, with a greater and more advanced nuclear arsenal than all other countries combined.

They argued, and many agreed, that it was solely for peacekeeping purposes-- that it was merely a deterrence strategy to prevent other countries from acting too aggressively.

But the fact remained that Iran had been the only country ever to actually use a nuclear weapon. So, when the Iranian government condemned the U.S. for its nuclear aspira-

tions, it was viewed within America as an extremely hypocritical position.

Nevertheless, Iran imposed heavy economic sanctions on the U.S. for its refusal to cooperate with international agreements regarding its nuclear program. It was emphasized that these were “smart” sanctions, that they wouldn’t hurt the American people. Yet, it soon became clear this would not be the case. The value of the American dollar plummeted, and food insecurity became increasingly widespread. The amount of human suffering in the U.S. caused by the Iranian sanctions was morally indefensible, yet went largely ignored by the Iranian media. Children died by the thousands as many fringe activists went so far as to call what was happening in America an informal genocide.

But in Iran, to express any sympathy for the dangerous American government was unpatriotic, especially since they were clearly the morally superior nation fighting the dangers of Christian terrorism.

Half a century of Iranian intervention in the affairs of American political functions had led to a complex relationship with little hope for a peaceful co-existence between the two. Most agreed that American nuclear capabilities would be extremely dangerous and only exacerbate an already chaotic situation in the region. Yet, an objective observer could hardly blame the Americans for feeling the need to build up their defenses against a country that had shown little hesitation to wreaking political havoc in their country in the past, and likely would again if it served their interests.

There is no single act by either country that can repair the fractured rapport that has built up, but the international community is in agreement that continued animosity can only lead to further suffering. The fundamental differences are many, but for the sake of the innocent civilian population of the U.S., as well as international stability, a measure of reconciliation must be attempted.

Michael Auker is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

Hipster mainstream Bud O’Hara I think you’re a hipster. I’m not being ironic. I think that we’re all hipsters. I don’t think hipster is a subculture. And, by no stretch of the imagination do I believe that “hipster” ever signified a counterculture—it is not the contemporary equivalent of “hippie” or “punk.”

Conversely, I think (and I’m running with an idea lifted from an article published in the opinion section of the New York Times website two weeks ago called “How To Live Without Irony” by Princeton French professor Christy Wampole) that hipster is in fact a defining, collective disposition of our Internet-raised generation. Before you stop reading because you refuse to be indicted for hipsterism because you like sports, mass consumerism, and do not lead a life tinged by irony, take into consideration that well-known and essential hipster paradigm – in the denial of the label is the affirmation of its designation.

In the repulsion that is built into that paradigm—the way in which people so vehemently refuse to accept the term and its vague meaning—there is something else we must consider. In Freud’s observation of the feeling of disgust, he noticed there tends to be a fundamental recognition of oneself in the objects by which we are repulsed. It’s usually some part of our selves that we see, and that consciously, or unconsciously, we do not like. It seems that repulsion towards the term hipster might function in that same way. In the hipster disposition, we see a worldview cultivated in a hyper-postmodern, self-aware, jaded, and ironic world. It’s the same world we’ve all grown up in, and is likely a product of the Internet—its openness, vastness, and its capacity to inundate us with more information than perhaps we are able to process. As current college students, we grew up with a seemingly

Party Time

BY BEN VADNAL

limitless universe of information accessible readily, and immanently. Ours was a world in which a group of 12-year-old boys could huddle around a basement desktop computer and at one moment listen to 50 Cent’s “Wangsta,” the next watch inane, but hilarious videos of people’s cats, and then a moment later watch a woman sodomize a horse.

The vastness, the speed, the overwhelming breadth of things to be known, seen, and heard has led us all to a certain jaded reality. It became difficult to understand things as holy, sacred, or innocent when, on the other side of a Google search, we had ready access to the darkest and most deviant productions of the human mind.

Wampole’s critique in her article is that there is an overwhelming irony that defines hipster dispositions, which is crippling in the way that it eliminates directness from our everyday speech and interaction. Irony creates distance. It diminishes the seriousness of situations and realities. It makes easier to stomach what are otherwise unpalatable perceptions of our world. Accordingly, hipsters say what they don’t mean, and like products exactly because they shouldn’t.

Their consumptive habits are based in the purchase of antiquated items, of clothing and decorations that are wittingly unattractive. Wampole suggests that this irony is the hipster’s defense to the world in which we live, and that the hipster has become an archetype of a jaded and insular worldview, which now pervades modern culture—or at least the culture that our generation is developing.

We need not look far to see the effects of Wampole’s claim. Think about the bro who goes out and buys some hideous t-shirt, or snapback because it has the words “Skoal Bandit” on it. It’s clearly an ironic gesture.

While bros do love dipping, part of the satisfaction of wearing the item is that it is in some way ugly, and not covetous by standards of modern production. Because of this ugliness, we are not to take the item seriously, and its nature as an overt celebration of chewing tobacco—the evils of which contemporary society never fails to remind us of—is playfully undermined. The hat is

worn exactly because it shouldn’t be worn, but can be without contempt because of its ironic character.

Or, take for example the way in which so many college students have become enthralled with the almost kitschy American patriotism that’s been embodied by the perversion of our nation’s name—“Amurrica.” We celebrate and party in outrageous red, white, and blue costumes, reveling in ostentatious displays of a patriotism the seriousness of which we’re not even sure of. Are we lampooning our nation in the drunken revelry that accompanies this sort of over the top patriotic display? Do we secretly adore cut off jean shorts, mullets, and rednecks? And perhaps more importantly, would a genuine patriot satirize his nation’s name, its symbols?

There’s a lot more to be said on this subject, and I think that this column is but the beginning to a larger conversation. But to make a final link between whatever our mainstream culture is, and what hipster represents, it’s this—the hipster is a new iteration of the consumptive creature.

Her identity is a construction of products, goods, and services as is the case with so many Americans. She uses irony as a way to distance herself from an American culture that hangs in a precarious balance on the threshold of a changing world. Her worldview is shaped in response to an overhanging fear—it’s an insular way to deal with what appears to be a world in which severity is compounding, in which tensions are conflating to a point at which systemic and sweeping change is inevitable. In truth, we’re all afraid and we’d all like to protect ourselves from grappling with real change.

There is comfort to be found in the selfdeprecating, acutely self-aware character that the hipster creates – it’s the comfort of distance from one’s self, distance from the most difficult parts of being human. Hipster is a character that’s easy to take on. It’s safe.

But, it’s also stagnant.

Bud O’Hara is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@ bcheights.com.

Forza Italia!

Monica Sanchez Last week, I attended my first ever, professional soccer game: Italy versus France, a longtime rival. The stadium was completely packed, the audience coated with Italian flags, large banners displaying more profanities than neither you nor I could ever imagine, and even spots of spray-painted green, white, and red Mohawks abound. The French section certainly made sure it wasn’t overlooked, sporting its own extra-large flags and banners, fans waving them around frantically at every opportunity they had to do so.

To my surprise, the soccer game itself was extremely similar to the football games at Boston College. For example, when the opposing team attempts for a field goal, we stick our hands out in front of us and shake them frenziedly, yelling, “oooOOHHHH!” until the kicker’s foot finally meets the base of the football. Whenever there’s a bad call made by the referees, we melodiously yell, “Bulls--t!

Bulls--t!” repeatedly. They do some of the exact same cheers, just in Italian. I felt strangely at home.

They also had a couple of different cheers meant to build up the morale of the team. Whenever Italy had a failed attempt at scoring, instead of getting frustrated with the team or leaving at halftime, like many of us BC students have been guilty of doing, the fans would clap for the players, giving them props for their effort and encouraging them to try, try again.

The fans have a strange sense for how the team as a whole is feeling. When they sense disappointment or maybe some disunity among the players, the fans cheer, “Forza Italia!” meaning, “Strength be with you Italy!” or “Hang in there!” They also cheer, “Tutto il stadio!” meaning, “We are all with you!” Rain or shine, they stand by their team until the very last second of the game.

I won’t pretend to be a soccer fanatic here, unlike those people who all of a sudden become experts and staunch supporters of a specific team during the celebrated World Cup. (Yeah, you know who you are.) I was never a fan of the sport, probably because I never understood the concept of not using my hands. I was born with more of a basketball mentality. During middle school, I had to play goalie … Enough said. I did, however, gain a great deal of respect for the sport and its die-hard fan base. What took me back was that,

Sports, while based on competition, serve as a tangible reminder that ultimately, we are all one people despite our differences. at the end of the game, even though Italy lost to France 2-1, there was no oppressive or pervading feeling of defeat hanging over the stadium. Italy gave it their best shot, and France had some undeniably good plays. While it wasn’t a win, seeing this dignity in defeat was almost just as good.

The game was truly a night to remember. This was not just because of the fact that it was my first time watching a professional soccer match, or the excitement of witnessing a match bent on a longtime rivalry, or throwing around more profanities than spectators our own age. What I loved the most about the game was the morale, support, and unity felt throughout the stadium. Even though I knew I wasn’t quite “one” with the locals—not much of a soccer fan, having only been in Italy for two month’s time, raised and molded in a different society with a different set of customs, certainly not efficient enough in the Italian language to call myself fluent just yet—I found myself connected to the rest of the stadium by a common thread. We were all one in support of one team. In my opinion, sports, while based on competition, serve as a tangible reminder that ultimately, we are all one people despite our differences. Every country is beset by both internal and external struggles and conflicts. By virtue of sport, these are all momentarily set aside and forgotten. If only we could apply that to our everyday lives and interactions with one another. That’s the ideal.

Monica Sanchez is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

The Heights

A8

Monday, December 3, 2012

‘Life of Pi’ is a visually stunning fable of faith and hope

By Maximillian Adagio For The Heights

Having read Yann Martel’s Life of Pi back in high school, I walked in to Ang Lee’s film adaptation of the book already primed with two particular questions. One, is film a successful medium for the story? And two, how would the director keep the audience engaged while followLife of Pi: ing the plot of a largely cereAng Lee Fox 2000 Studios bral book with little action? If you haven’t read Life of Pi, and are wondering at the roots of these questions, know that they stem from the idea that the plot, involving an Indian boy stranded at sea with a tiger for 277 days, would seem unfilmable. Lee’s beautiful and moving storytelling answers this logical skepticism and then some.

Piscine “Pi” Patel (Suraj Sharma) is a boy of belief. Raised in Pondicherry, India at his family’s zoo, Pi seeks a lens through which he can view and interpret life and finds one in religion, contrary to his father’s at times harsh scientific realism and empiricism. The first part of the movie is fun and fast paced, its

B+

novelty lying in its quirky story portrayal and vibrant color choices. The family zoo goes out of business, and Pi’s family—mother, father, and brother—book a spot on a cargo ship to Canada along with a few of their animals, most notably Richard Parker the Bengal Tiger, traveling to new homes in the Americas. The ship sinks, and Pi finds himself stranded at sea with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and Richard Parker for companions in a small lifeboat—his family gone, and all but Richard and Pi soon dispatched. What follows is a wonderfully captivating journey of survival and self-validation across the Pacific that shows the importance of belief in what some consider an unforgiving universe.

This principal theme of the work is conveyed mainly through depictions of nature’s persistent beauty, despite its ambivalence towards human will. In one scene, a massive whale breaches directly Pi’s boat and causes the loss of supplies and water. The whale and the event, however, are not presented as criminal or malicious. The water dances and glows with lugubrious jellyfish and fantastic phytoplankton, and the perpetrator seems to add stars to the sky with his splendid jump.

In fact, the whale’s breach has become a

hallmark image of the film with unforgettable aesthetic power. It reminded me of the beautiful mid-sea moon image in Joe vs. the Volcano.

The digital effects and artistic composition of this scene, and of the entire movie, are mesmerizing and potent in their depiction of the theme. Life of Pi preaches the belief that we must embrace and live in this fickle and destructive universe as if we are trapped on a boat with a tiger.

The universe of the Life of Pi is much like James Joyce’s God of creation: He “remains within or behind or beyond or above his handiwork, invisible, refined out of existence, indifferent, paring his fingernails.’’ The universe will always exist, but living within it, one can associate with two frames of mind: view it harshly like Pi’s father, as an ugly place of violent shipwrecks and animalistic killing that one is subjected to, or view it as a unified whole that is not right or wrong but simply is, and is beautiful, where one is a cog in the mechanism. By depicting unfortunate or devastating acts of nature with beautiful strokes of digital graphics, we come to believe in the latter view—the main theme of the movie.

The horrendous storms are beautiful; the tragic shipwreck is beautiful; the drowning

courtesy of allmoviephoto.com

Ang Lee’s ‘Life of Pi’ successfully adapts Yann Martel’s beloved novel to the silver screen. waves are beautiful.

I suppose then, that I have answered my questions. Is film a good vehicle for the story of Piscine Patel? Yes. Its principal messages and meanings—the truths of the work of fiction—are conveyed well and pleasingly by Lee. Was I engaged in the seemingly empty plot? Yes, the beautiful mise-en-scene, cinematography, and digital effects with their

heady and effective meanings easily held my attention for the duration, and were explored inventively by the director. Quizzically, these aesthetic elements of the film seemed, in a way, to drive the plot on their own, filling the role of the actors and acts that fill typical movies. Go see Life of Pi, and view it as you would an evening sunset or a stunning woman: for its beauty. n

‘Red Dawn’ remake explosively dreadful

1

Box office report title

weekend gross

weeks in release

1. Twilight: Breaking Dawn-Part 2

17.4

3

2. Skyfall

17.0

4

3. Lincoln

13.5

4

4. Rise of the Guardians

13.5

2

The ‘Red Dawn’ remake fails to bring a new spin to the 1984 classic, settling for tired action movie cliches and underdeveloped characters.

5. Life of Pi

12.0

2

By Carolina Del Busto

6. Wreck-It Ralph

7.0

5

7. Killing Them Softly

7.0

1

8. Red Dawn

6.6

2

9. Flight

4.5

5

10. The Collection

3.4

1

Courtesy of Allmoviephoto.com

For The Heights

The words “Heroes are made in America” appear underneath a picture of Chris Hemsworth holding a big gun and leading a group of rugged teens. With a teaser poster like that, who wouldn’t want to see such a pro-America Red Dawn: movie?

These Dan Bradley Contrafilm days, celebrities just don’t sell movies like they used to, and Hemsworth won’t be able to attract as big an audience as MGM would have wanted. The problem here most likely lies in the fact that Red Dawn is not quite an original idea, yet neither was it adapted closely from its predecessor.

In 1984, heartthrobs Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen starred in a movie about rebel teens fighting against a Soviet army that took over their small midwestern town. Back in 1984, America’s prime enemy was the Soviet Union, and there were countless flicks in that era that pinned Russians as bad-guys, from Rocky IV (1985) to Octopussy (1983). So in 1984, Red Dawn was most likely well received by the frizzy-haired and jean jacket-wearing generation.

Fast forward to 2012: though jean jackets are coming back in style, a remake of Red Dawn is nowhere near relevant to this generation, especially with North Korea set as the invading force. The creators of this

B+ D+

B

reboot decided to stick to the same formula as the original; insert new heartthrob, Chris Hemsworth, as the lead, and that guy from Drake & Josh – remember him? – Josh Peck as his younger brother.

The film opens at a high school football game. The crowd is wild, the cheerleaders are cheering, and the quarterback, Matt (Peck), won’t pass the ball. He runs to the left, slides to the right – boom! – and he gets tackled. To save you some time here, Matt loses the game for his team, the Wolverines, and gets into the passenger seat of his cheerleader girlfriend’s Mustang with a very sullen expression.

Since the premise of the film is highly, highly, unlikely (except for that football game), viewers really have to rely on their willing suspension of disbelief here. One morning, North Korean troops rain down from the sky and take over a midwestern city. Citizens are thrown into camps, others executed, and still others are lucky enough to get away. Clearly, what this town needs is a group of teens taught in combat by an ex-Marine soldier as its redeemer. The “Wolverines,” as they call themselves, are your basic underdogs who aren’t going to take this invasion lying down (unless they’re sleeping in underground tunnels and ditches).

Matt and his brother don’t get along too well, and it appears that Matt gets along well with his father – though the word “appears” is key, since there is hardly any character development. The relationships between characters are up to your imagination, since

no backstories or connections are fully explained.

It is hard to say that there were any good parts in this movie, especially since the acting was so overly dramatic and unrealistic.

The male leads, Hemsworth and Peck, were easily outstaged by two minor characters: the best friend duo of Robert and Daryl. Played

by The Hunger Games’ Josh Hutcherson and Tom Cruise’s son Connor Cruise, this pair added some much needed comic relief to the film.

Red Dawn lacks the elements that make a solid movie, such as compelling characters and a satisfying ending. Understandably, this is an action film, so it is fitting to be lacking in certain areas, but to call it an “action” movie puts it in the ranks of such greats as Die Hard and The Terminator, both of which were far from dull and unsatisfying.

Sure, Hemsworth is nice to look at for an hour and a half, but viewers would be better off watching their copy of Thor for that purpose. Sure, watching things get blown up and gun fighting scenes are exciting, but you’re left wanting more. And sure, the storyline is interesting, but it could have been executed better.

Red Dawn is another case of remakegone-bad. Rarely is a remake better, or even equal, to the original film, and in this case, it should have stayed back in 1984. Instead of seeing this flick in theaters, save yourself a trip and some cash and watch the original ` Red Dawn on Netflix. n

2

3 photos courtesy of Google

bestsellers of hardcover fiction 1. Nototorious nineteen Janet Evanocich 2. Agenda 21 Glenn Beck, Harriet Parke 3. forgotten David Baldacci 4. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross James Patterson 5. Racketeer John Grisham

6. Last Man Vince Flynn 7. Casual Vacancy J.K. Rowling 8. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn 9. Cross Roads William Paul Young 10. Poseidon’s Arrow Clive Cussler

SOURCE: Publisher’s Weekly

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

A9

Courtesy of google images

Daniel Lee / Heights Editor

Music and motion gracefully mingle in Dance Ensemble’s ‘Ignite’ ‘Ignite,’ from A10

Daniel Lee / Heights Editor

Boston College Dance Ensemble transcended genres in their unique celebration of female identity.

the entire number. No one seemed to break character in this flashy, Chicagoreminiscent performance. After this brilliant piece, audiences had high expectations for what was to come, but the D ance Ens emble ke pt on delivering.

Act I ended with a somewhat confusing but still entertaining piece choreographed by Christina Beachnau, LSOE ’13 and Julie Krieg, CSOM ’13, titled “Drive Me Crazy.” These two senior choreographers created a Britney Spears medley of songs which immediately transfixed the audience’s attention on the stage and caused spontaneous singalongs in the crowd. The use of ballet in this number was generally confusing.

Most people don’t think of pointe shoes and pirouettes when they reflect upon Britney—rather, they are immediately sent to the ’90s image of an extremely feminine international pop star. Even so, the girls were sharp and obviously enjoying their spotlight on stage. I caught some of the girls singing along to Britney’s lyrics and still gliding gracefully around the stage. The use of ballet eventually seemed intentional; it was comedic and amusing. I was ultimately pleased with the way in which BCDE closed Act One of Ignite.

“Accept Yourself ” was one of the most impressive contemporary pieces in BCDE’s program this Fall. Nicole Harris, A&S ’4 paired this piece in the program with a quote: “We all have things that we

do not like about ourselves that we wish we could change. A lot of the time these faults are things that most people don’t even see in us. The faults we see might be difficult to accept, but the sooner we do the happier we will be with ourselves.”

This quote was very fitting to the message the song aims to get across, and

I caught some of the girls singing along to Britney’s lyrics and still gliding gracefully around the stage.

The use of ballet eventually seemed intentional; it was comedic and amusing. one that the choreography and dancers successfully portrayed. In this piece, each dancer had a different word written in black across their bare stomachs that the audience was to assume is the thing that they individually wish they could change about themselves. During this emotive piece, every move the dancer makes is seemingly an attempt to rid themselves of this “fault.” As the lights dimmed on the talented group of six girls, I heard an audience member behind me say, “Wow,” and they were right to be so impressed.

The following piece, “High For This,” was another strong moving piece choreographed by Lauren Ritter, A&S ‘13.

“The inspiration for my dance was the music,” Ritter said. The mix of slower

contemporary sounds with beats and bass in the music was interesting for me as both a contemporary and hip hop dancer to choreograph to. I also wanted to tell a story with my piece, so I was inspired by the concept of someone trying to make a decision and being lost and pulled in different directions during the process.” The dance itself reflected this goal, linking images of contemporary and hip hop influence in one skillfully put together piece. I was personally captivated by the emotion in each dancer and believe that Ritter successfully portrayed someone trying to make a decision and being lost and pulled in different directions in this piece.

After seeing the performance, I was also fortunate enough to receive feedback from the group’s director, Hannah Camilleri, A&S ’13, and Ritter regarding their feelings about Ignite as compared to past shows they have been a part of. “I think Ignite is an excellent example of the kind of high quality and exciting performances Dance Ensemble produces every semester,” Camilleri said. “We have an exceptional group of dancers this year that work extremely well together, so the dynamic among the dancers is great!” Similarly, Ritter said, “The dynamic of Ignite is certainly diverse [in comparison to past shows], but it is the energy that brings the pieces together.” From what I saw last Friday night, I cannot agree with their feelings more. This group of girls is very talented. n

Directors Series gives seniors the pivotal role Directors Series, from A10 much more collaborative and communal.

That is, these student productions are made by filmmakers who operate on the very highest level of teamwork, which merits an incredible feeling of warmth when displayed on the silver screen.

Everyone works with each other on every film, whether it’s holding a boom pole to record sound, setting up lighting perfectly, or operating the camera under the direction of peers. The film medium itself is a collaborative art, and the BC film department is the very definition of this medium.

The Master of Ceremonies for this

With the Directors Series being a completely student-run operation, these four seniors have been responsible for organizing the event at the MFA, raising funds for free round-trip transportation, publicizing the event with the help of UGBC, and recruiting other film students to exhibit their skills and creative minds on screen. event is BC’s own Carter Long, who in addition to his responsibility as a respected faculty member of the BC film department, is also the MFA’s Program Curator—the youngest in the MFA’s history to be given this title, at the age of 29. The film department can attribute the professionalism and legitimacy of this event to Long, who allowed a small film department complete with 50 majors and minors to have a major screening at one of the most appreciated art institutions in the nation. The Boston MFA is also the 31st most visited art museum in the world and the 5th most visited in the United States.

The show r unners re sp onsible for this year’s event are members of BC’s current graduating class, student

filmmakers Joseph Baron A&S ’13, Stephen Dacey A&S ’13, Michael Dillon A&S ’13, and Sebastian Gilbert A&S ’13. With the Directors Series being a completely student-run operation, these four seniors have been responsible for organizing the event at the MFA, raising funds for free round-trip transportation, publicizing the event with the help of UGBC, and recruiting other film students to exhibit their skills and creative minds on screen. Fellow seniors Justine Burt, Ryan Brandenburg, Julia DeLorenzo, James Pettigrew – as well as the lone junior responsible for carrying the torch next year, Danny Zawodny – fill out the rest of playbill for this year’s premiere.

Patrons and filmgoers alike can look forward to this year’s films. Comedic shorts featuring stories of college students attempting to lavishly live out their last remaining days after getting expelled for a crime they didn’t commit, a man’s unfortunate zombie love story, and an unfortunate account involving a few buddies getting more than they bargained for after purchasing some pirated DVDs off the street, can all be expected.

The more dramatic short films contain a conceptual piece about life and the influence of love and attraction, a short narrative concerning the acceptance of love, one man’s attempt to understand the world around him after awaking from a coma, an encounter between one late-night radio DJ and his only listener, one man’s personal journey into learning how to live life with meaning, and others.

Rounding out the collection is a nonnarrative visual montage depiction of urbanity under the light of night, and a documentary short presented by Professor Gautam Chopra about his family.

This compilation of selected film shorts has been more than scrutinized by the auteurs themselves in order to present to the public pieces of work that embody more than just cinematic art, but also a part of themselves. The support from friends and family of the filmmakers, colleagues of the various faculty members involved, and anyone else in between, would be an incredible way to end what has been a completely hectic, very chaotic, but all worth while semester of filming with probably the most fun and eclectic group of people BC has to offer. n

Photo Courtesy Of Boston College Directors Series

Student directors take to the streets, working in a wide array of conditions to put together the Boston College Directors Series for the MFA.

A10

arts&review Monday, December 3, 2012

The Finer Things

Eye of the beholder Ariana Igneri With each and every review I’ve done for this section, I’ve been forced to question my preconceived notions of art. While wandering down the galleries of the Linde Family Contemporary Wing (LFCW), while sitting through the 2012 Fall Program by the Boston Ballet, and even, believe it or not, while listening to the sophomore album release from One Direction, the broadly vague and philosophically provocative question, “What is art?” inevitably resonated through my thoughts, compelling me to look a little closer, listen a little harder, and think a little deeper when I sat down to pen my reviews.

And though, at this point, I’ve written an immense number of articles on so many different things, I’m no closer to determining a concise definition of the question that incessantly plagues me. Now, I’m no expert in aesthetics, and I don’t claim to be some unequivocal master of the arts, but as an arts staff columnist, I’m undeniably in a position to have my artistic thoughts, ideas, and sentiments widely dispersed. So, I can’t help but feel pressured to offer my readers something of substance. How can I do so, though, if I don’t even know what art precisely is?

It was over a year ago now, but I remember the very first assignment that I picked up for The Heights, and I recall how it immediately challenged me with this problematic question about art’s definition. A firmly established believer in the beauty of the “Mona Lisa” smile, I really thought that classic, traditional art, such as Da Vinci’s, was the standard by which all art should be measured. My artistic perceptions, however, quickly changed the moment I came across a strange, silver sphere just resting on the floor of the Museum of Fine Arts’ LFCW. As I orbited around the cold, unwelcoming piece, I tried to discover its meaning—if it had one at all— but the harder I tried, the deeper I was pulled into its purposeless void. I walked away from it feeling universally dissatisfied.

How could a metallic globe, simply floating in its own oblivion, possess any form of artistic significance to me? I remember thinking of Andy Warhol, who was also featured in the exhibit, and how he once said, “Art is what you can get away with.” Was this work art, then, just because it “got away with” finding itself a home in one of the most prestigious fine arts museums in the country? Maybe. But who was I to judge?

Sure, I have the honored position of being an arts editor, but does that make my opinion on modern art, on music, on film, or even on dance, any more valuable or relevant than anyone else’s? Everyone’s heard the cliche: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” All art is relative. I recall my confusion upon seeing the avant-garde choreography of the Boston Ballet’s Fall Program.

As the group of ballerinas moved rigidly to a cacophony of discordant orchestral notes, I regarded each individual, decisive step they made, but I couldn’t comprehend the meaning of the performance as a whole. Perhaps, however, someone else did understand its beauty. After all, opinion neither negates nor creates art.

Opinion, rather, is a vital, inseparable aspect of art. Without it, Oscar Wilde would indeed be right in proclaiming, “All art is quite useless.” Art relies on its audience as well as their dissenting reactions.

Thus, while I thought that there was some degree of artfulness to be found in One Direction’s Take Me Home, someone else, obviously, may not have. But that’s what makes it, like the Contemporary Wing or the Fall Program, worthy of being called art.

I still can’t explicitly define art. Is it beauty? Truth? Abstraction? And I can’t provide a rubric by which to measure its worth either. All I can do is ensure its utility—so long as it inspires the writing and reading of this very column, it’ll never be useless. Hence, art, if nothing else, is a conversation: an open, inspired invitation into a worthwhile discussion. Maybe by the time my year on The Heights is through, I’ll be able to suggest an actual definition, but until then, the best I can do is to just revel in, and write about, the diversity and beauty of everything that could possibly be characterized as art.

Ariana Igneri is a staff columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.

Dance Ensemble shines in Robsham with ‘Ignite’

By Kira Mulshine For The Heights

The Boston College Dance Ensemble lit up the Robsham Theater stage with a passionate performance worthy of the title Ignite. This engaging group of talented dancers produces two seasonal shows every year, each with a full program that lasts up to two hours.

Their shows are performed three times, and I eagerly attended their second show last Friday night. The curtains parted as the music began, and immediately the lighting and clean beginning act, titled “You Give Me Fever,” gave me the impression that the Boston College Dance Ensemble is a group of practiced girls who love what they do, and do it well. The officers of BCDE choreographed “You Give Me Fever”, which definitely started off Ignite on a high note. It captivated the already cheering audience with fast-paced dancing that incorporated every dancer in the group. I know that it is difficult to integrate a large number of dancers into one routine while also keeping the dance looking clean and together. I was happy to see that BCDE looked sharp and trained, but still lively and fun.

One very memorable dance in the first act was a playful piece titled “Bring on the Men”, choreographed

by Taleen Shrikian, A&S ’15. It was vivacious and strong from the start. The animation in each dancer’s style was apparent, and you could tell each one of them was enjoying what they were doing throughout

See ‘Ignite,’ A9

Daniel Lee / Heights Editor

Directors Series comes to MFA

By Sebastian Gilbert For The Heights

Sitting back and vegging out while watching movies with your friends is probably the most effective way to prepare for studying for the always-dreaded finals week. It relaxes your nerves, enables you to mingle with others before you become anti-social and enter attack mode with your studies, and of course, allows you to rationalize your procrastination before hell week begins.

With this being said, it will be even more impressive to prep for finals week by attending an all-exclusive film premiere with works directed by fellow student filmmakers—this is exactly what is taking place next Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Ten directors, nine students and one

i nside Arts this issue

professor have prepared pieces of art they have been tirelessly hammering out to perfection for the past two months.

The Third Annual Boston College Directors Series, formerly known as “BC, I Love You,” will feature short films ranging anywhere from two to 10 minutes in length, and will encompass genres pertaining to comedy, drama, parody, experimental, and documentary films. Everyone in attendance will get a taste from the different aesthetic choices made by each director.

What sets apart the independent filmmakers of BC from other wellknown film schools in the area such as Emerson and Boston University is that the University film department on campus is more tight knit, and therefore

See Directors Series, A9

Life of Pi is magical cinematic journey

Ang Lee’s skillful direction guides a seemingly unfilmable novel to the big screen with grace and style..............A8

PHOTo Courtesy of Sebastian Gilbert

Boston College students worked in the midst of Hurriance Sandy to capture the perfect shot.

Hemsworth can’t enliven Red Dawn

The ’80’s action remake fails to inspire much excitement in tale of North Korean invasion.................A8

Bestsellers...............................A8 Box Office Report........................A8

SPORTS The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

B1

Monday, December 3, 2012

Closing in on a class of his own Eagles bounce back against Terriers in career night for York

Can the bowl drought end in 2013?

same old story

By DJ Adams

Heights Senior Staff

Strictly according to the box score, Saturday night’s 5-2 victory over No. 9 Boston University (8-5-0, 6-4-0 HEA) for the No. 1 Boston College men’s hockey team (11-2-0, 9-2-0 HEA) was a result of exceptional special teams performance by the Eagles and a two-goal night for junior forward Bill Arnold.

“I thought compared to last night’s efforts by us, just looking at our team, I thought we were just smarter and our effort was better,” said head coach Jerry York. “I thought last night was kind of a battle of wills, and last night BU had an edge on us in a lot of different categories. Tonight we were just that much better than we played last night.”

What the simple analysis doesn’t show, however, was the unique importance this game carried for one of the team’s most esteemed members: its head coach.

This win wasn’t just any regular beatdown of BC’s biggest rival. The victory also marked career win No. 924 for head coach Jerry York, tying him with Ron Mason for the all-time NCAA career mark. With one more win, York will be the most decorated collegiate head coach in history.

Despite the remarkable personal accolade, York downplayed its significance in his postgame remarks.

“It’s so hard to talk about, because of the emotions there are,” York said. “I think I’ve done a good job, players are never talking about it. We always tell our players if you put yourself above the team, good things are not going to happen. So whether it’s a coach thinking about personal records, or a player thinking about All-American or Hobey Baker, you

Austin Tedesco With a new coach and his new staff on the horizon, the usually dim outlook on next year’s Boston College football team is starting to transform into a little brighter shine on Chestnut Hill. Whether a MAC contender or a proven BCS veteran is hired, the mood around BC right now is that things are getting better. The only question, though, is how quickly?

Lost in the madness of pipe dream candidates for the Eagles like Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco or Miami head coach Al Golden, and the potential that either one gets poached from his current school for the BC job, is the reality that a lot will need to go right for this team to make it back to a bowl game next season after a two year drought.

Most notably, the offensive line is losing two solid seniors in left tackle Emmett Cleary and right tackle John Wetzel, as well as the talented Chris Pantale at tight end. The ground game struggled enough in 2012, but without those three players anchoring an already unsteady run block, it’s unlikely the halfbacks will make it to the second or third levels. Major improvements will need to be made by redshirt freshman Dan Lembke and sophomore Aaron Kramer, and someone else still needs to step up at the tight end position.

The ground game isn’t completely taking a step back, though, as Andre Williams and Tahj Kimble will be returning from injury at full strength and Deuce Finch should, in all likelihood, stay out of the doghouse of the new coach. This “three-headed monster” as Kimble called them never got a chance to breakout last year. They were almost never all available in the same game, but even when they were healthy, fumbles and a lack of open running lanes stunted their playmaking abilities.

If the offensive line doesn’t improve, quarterback Chase Rettig can’t be expected to make much improvement either. He couldn’t have done a better job considering how often he was faced

See Men’s Hockey, B4

Alex Trautwig / Heights Senior Staff

Shields pushes BC past Rutgers

See Column, B4

Spaziani out, coaching search begins

By Chris Grimaldi Heights Editor

Looking to bounce back from its loss to Northwestern last week, the Boston College women’s basketball team tipped off against Rutgers University yesterday afternoon at Conte Forum.

Thanks to a game-winning layup from senior Kerri Shields in the final seconds of play, the Eagles won a closely contested matchup by a final score of 58-56. The thrilling victory was BC’s fifth of the season, and a momentous step for ward for head coach Erik Johnson’s squad.

“This was a key, key game for our confidence to show we can compete with anybody,” Johnson said.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle, as BC and Rutgers had fought nearly to a statistical draw. Both squads notched 11 field goals, 10 points off of turnovers, and 14 points in the paint.

Though the Eagles built a 27-16 lead after a Boudreau 3-pointer opened up the scoring floodgates, poor ball control enabled the Scarlet Knights to fight their way back into the game.

A key 3-pointer from Rutgers’ Erica Wheeler and a subsequent jumper from her teammate Monique Oliver cut the Eagles’ lead to 31-27 heading into the second half.

See Women’s Basketball, B2

Graham Beck / Heights Editor

Skarupa and Trivigno both scored hat tricks in separate games against Maine over the weekend.

Eagles sweep Black Bears in weekend scoring flurry

By Alex Stanley Heights Staff

Daniel Lee / heights Editor

Frank Spaziani was fired from his position as head football coach last week, and athletic director Brad Bates is hard at work on the search for the new coach. See B4.

i nside S ports this issue

Basketball holds on at PSU

After a disappointing loss to Bryant, the Eagles rebounded against the Nittany Lions...........B2

After its 7-2 win against Maine on Friday, the No. 5 Boston College women’s hockey team (9-3-2, 6-2-1 WHEA) defeated the Black Bears (2-10-1, 1-8-0 WHEA) again on Saturday in a 10-0 contest, which is the most they have scored since 1999, when they defeated Colby College by the exact same score.

Freshman Dana Trivigno netted her first career hat trick and six other players marked the score sheet on the night. At the end of the first period, BC was up 4-0 on the Black Bears. Trivigno scored the first two goals, with the

Should Doug Martin return as OC? Point/Counterpoint on the offensive coordinator and his future with Boston College......................B5

second coming off of a power play, and sophomore forwards Emily Field and Kate Leary both lit the lamp to round out the first.

The second period started much the same, with Trivigno opening the scoring, and securing her hat trick after putting home a slap pass from Lexi Bender. After this, BC managed to pace their goals to three every period, all of which were at even strength.

Kristina Brown and Melissa Bizzari capped off the game with one goal a piece near the end of the third period to give the Eagles a record tying night.

See Women’s Hockey, B5

Hockey Wrap Up.........................B3 Hockey East Standings...................B2

The Heights

B2

Monday, December 3, 2012

BC’s backcourt tops Penn State

By Steven Principi Heights Staff In its first true road win since the spring of 2011, the Boston College men’s basketball team managed to get back on track after an ugly loss to Bryant with a 73-61 win over Penn State in the ACC/ Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday night in State College. The Eagles were led by freshmen guards Olivier Hanlan and Joe Rahon on the offensive end, and also received some solid bench play from Lonnie Jackson and Andrew Van Nest.

Both teams started off slow from the field in the first half, but BC managed to find its stroke first. A Jackson three and a dunk by Ryan Anderson opened up a 10-2 lead early on, before PSU began making shots. While neither team played at its best on offense, the first half turned into a back and forth affair. Van Nest made a late 3-pointer to give the Eagles a 10-point lead, but the Nittany Lions hit one of their own just before the buzzer, and BC went into the break leading 31-24. Head coach Steve Donahue was pleased with his team’s effort in the first half and spoke about the Eagles’ high level of intensity.

“I thought we came out with the right

mindset,” Donahue said. “We had the energy level that you need to compete, and I think that’s something that hasn’t been consistent with us this year. I thought we did a great job of really coming out and playing hard, playing physical, and playing with great passion.”

The Eagles came out hot in the second half and looked ready to bury PSU. Hanlan, Rahon, and Jackson led the offense for BC, which saw its lead grow as high as 20 points with just over five minutes to play.

The Eagles then fell victim to Penn State’s full court press and struggled to move the ball past half court. Several turnovers and some timely shooting from the Nittany Lions cut the lead to as little as three in just over two minutes. It was a concerning stretch for BC, which saw a number of games get out of hand last season due to similar struggles. Donahue said the late run was concerning, but he appreciated the way his team responded.

“I think that was a lot of crazy things that happened all at once,” Donahue said.

“Obviously we didn’t handle the pressure, but they made shots and got fouled a lot.

I was impressed because when they cut it to three, there were still three minutes

left in the game. We were able to regain our composure and go on another run.

Obviously we’re disappointed it got that way, but on the road when that happens with three minutes left, you’re concerned you’re not going to recover at all.”

Hanlan came to the rescue for BC. Time after time he managed to get to the basket, driving by Penn State’s defense with ease on consecutive possessions.

With the lead at three, Hanlan drove to the basket and made a layup while being fouled, pushing the lead back up to six.

On the next possession, he drew three defenders towards him and hit a wideopen Van Nest for an easy dunk. From there, he and Rahon managed to control the ball much better and hit their free throws to put the game away. Donahue was particularly impressed with the play of his two freshmen.

“I think they’re going to have to be the guys who have to do it,” Donahue said.

“I think they’ve shown already early in their career that they’re guys we can rely on to make good decisions and handle the ball. And they’ll keep getting better and their decision making isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty impressive what they’re doing early.” n

graham beck / heights editor

Freshman guard Olivier Hanlon scored a team-high 22 points in BC’s win against PSU.

Eagles outlast Rutgers Women’s Basketball, from B1

Graham beck / heights editor

Kirsten Doherty hit a last minute 3-pointer to draw BC closer, but it was not enough to keep up with Northwestern on Wednesday.

Turnovers stall Eagles in loss to Wildcats

By Marly Morgus Heights Staff

SPORTS in SHORT

ACC and Big Ten basketball squads have been pitted against each other in early-season matchups since 2007 when the ACC-Big Ten Women’s Challenge began. Each team takes the opportunity to play a tone-setting game against a competitor from the other conference, and on Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Eagles faced a powerful, undefeated Northwestern team in Conte Forum.

BC posted strong individual performances and outshot the Wildcats 45.8 to 38.2 percent from the field. Despite a strong effort, the Eagles committed 22 turnovers and suffered a 67-63 loss.

This was the third loss for the Eagles that was by fewer than six points, but head coach Erik Johnson was not discouraged.

“As soon as I walked into the locker room, they had already been talking about the things that they needed to do better,” Johnson said. “This team is really starting to get it. Now the question is: can we do that consistently enough to be able to beat high level teams consistently? Down the stretch of this game, we were able to identify it afterwards, but we didn’t quite do it in time to win the game, but that’s what practice tomorrow is for.”

Northwestern, a young but athletic

team, took the lead to start and, despite four free throws from junior forward Katie Zenevitch, who was 12-for-12 behind the line on Wednesday to set a new career high in free throws, held on to maintain a 9-8 lead. Then a strong push from the Eagle offense and strong defensive efforts opened up a 17-4 run over six minutes with seven separate players scoring for BC. The Wildcats quickly responded with a run of their own during which the Eagle lead was cut to three. With less than two minutes left in the half, BC was unable to gain a more comfortable margin and, as the half wound down, a Northwestern 3-pointer put the Wildcats ahead 34-32 to end the half.

It was an up and down half for the Eagles.

“That’s that consistent attack that often stalls early,” Johnson said. “Every time we make an adjustment, we’re not getting baskets the same way we were five minutes ago. It takes us a little while right now. We call a timeout and make an adjustment, but we need to be able to make those on the fly.”

Coming out of the break, the Eagles showed renewed energy and were once again able to put together a strong scoring run. Senior Kerri Shields and freshman Nicole Boudreau, both guards, contributed to the 10-2 run with a flurry

Hockey East Standings Team

Boston College

Conference

New Hampshire Boston University Providence Merrimack Massachusetts Vermont Northeastern UMass Lowell Maine

9-2-0 8-1-1 6-4-0 5-4-0 4-4-1 4-6-1 3-5-3 3-7-1 2-6-1 1-6-2

Overall 11-2-0 11-1-2 8-5-0 7-6-1 5-7-2 5-6-2 3-7-3 5-8-1 4-7-1 2-10-2

of 3-pointers. The run was consistent with both of their strong performances on the night as Shields scored 11 points and Boudreau scored 10. Two more free throws from Zenevitch gave the Eagles a 44-34 lead.

Yet consistent efforts from the Wildcat offense and a few turnovers committed by BC, however, allowed Northwestern to pull back into the game, slowly narrowing the margin over the next 11 minutes as the lead shrunk to one with just over four minutes of play remaining. Another push over the next two minutes gave Northwestern its first lead since early in the first half, taking advantage of the Eagle defense to slip ahead 60-58 with a strong three-point play.

From then on out, it was nearly all Wildcats, as they took a 66-60 lead. A moment of hope for BC came when Kirsten Doherty hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining, but a Northwestern free throw sealed the game as a 67-63 Wildcat win, bringing the Eagles to a 4-3 record and an all time 2-3 record in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

The Eagles face a tough season of ACC play ahead of them, and Johnson has his sights set forward.

“All we’re looking at is our next game —how we’re going to beat Rutgers, how we’re going to beat Arizona State,” he said. n

Despite its lapse in execution just prior to halftime, BC immediately responded using its arsenal from behind the arc. Shields, freshman Nicole Boudreau, and junior Shayra Brown worked together to knock down five straight 3-pointers and stretched the Eagles’ lead to 10 points midway through the second frame. After a 6-0 scoring run and a couple more costly BC turnovers, however, the Scarlet Knights tied the score at 52.

Offensive rebounding proved to be pivotal in the game’s closing minutes.

With the score tied at 54, BC’s Katie Zenevitch snatched a rebound off an unsuccessful 3-point attempt and gave her team the advantage with a clutch put-back. Moments later, Rutgers responded with a key offensive board of its own when Chelsey Lee snatched a rebound and sent it through the net with a half-hook, fighting to a 56-56 tie with under a minute to play.

After calling a timeout, BC took the game’s final possession. Although Johnson planned for junior Kristen Doherty to take the game’s final shot, Shields used her court vision skills to

graham beck / heights editor

Kerri Shields tallied her seventh double-digit scoring effort of the season against Rutgers.

Quote of the Week

Numbers to Know

1

The number of wins Coach Jerry York needs to break Ron Mason’s all-time win record.

4

The number of seconds left in regulation when Kerri Shields sunk a gamewinning lay-up against Rutgers.

13.9

take matters into her own hands. Finding an open lane, the senior drove to the net and knocked down a pivotal lay-up to give the Eagles a two-point advantage with under five seconds to play.

Solid defense from Zenevitch stifled a last-second attempt from RU’s Wheeler to force overtime. To Johnson, BC’s complete team performance on Sunday was indicative of the team’s recent play on the court.

“For us, ball movement, sharing the ball, creating shots for others—what we showed in these last few games is a toughness and an ability to play against bigger, more athletic teams,” Johnson said.

In the short-term, yesterday’s dramatic victory against a storied Rutgers program put BC back into the win column amidst a challenging stretch of games. Yet Johnson realizes that his team’s performance and determination to improve will be vital going forward.

“Even in a win, there’s a lot of things that we need to be able to tighten up,” Johnson said, “but I thought it was a huge statement that we do belong, that this group can compete, and now we just want to keep playing better and better teams.” n

The number of points per game averaged by freshman Olivier Hanlan this season.

“He deserves all the accolades. It’s hard for people to believe this ... but I still don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”

BU head coach Jack Parker on Jerry York tying the all-time wins record —

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

B3

Graham Beck / heights Editor

key stats

3 924 51

Alex Trautwig / heights senior Staff

quote of the Series

Assists by Kevin Hayes on Saturday night Total wins by Jerry York

“Coach York makes sure that everything that the team does is team first, and there’s no place for selfishness or a me-attitude at BC. It’s everything for the team and for this University.”

- Pat Mullane Men’s Ice Hockey Senior captain

Saves by BC goalie Parker Milner on the weekend

Standouts

Memorable Play Late in the second period on Friday night at BU, Johnny Gaudreau took a pass from Steven Whitney which he lost control of, but Pat Mullane collected it and flung it past BU goalie Matt O’Connor for the score.

Prime Performance Matt O’Connor

kevin Hayes Alex Trautwig / Heights Senior Staff

Graham Beck / Heights Editor

Kevin Hayes led the way for the Eagles on Saturday night with three assists, while freshman goalie Matt O’Connor shut down the BC attack on Friday night.

Hockey recap

Freshman Terrier goalie shuts down BC offense

By Greg Joyce Sports Editor

It was set up all too perfect—all No. 1 Boston College had to do was win on Friday night at Agganis Arena and then it would have a chance to get Jerry York’s record-breaking 925th win on Saturday night at Kelley Rink in a rematch against No. 9 Boston University.

Matt O’Connor and the Terriers had other plans.

The BU goalie had the hot hand and 35 saves, en route to a 4-2 win over the Eagles, snapping BC’s 10-game winning streak and denying York of tying the all-time win record in college hockey.

“I thought BU was better than we were tonight,” York said. “We had some excellent flurries where O’Connor made some very good saves. But for the most part, I thought BU had the territorial edge. Their transition game was very good tonight. They had a lot of odd-man rushes off turnovers. So hats off, they played better than we did tonight.

They deserved to win the game.”

After a competitive but scoreless first period, the Terriers came out in the second frame with a vengeance. They thoroughly outworked the Eagles in the neutral zone, and it paid off first with 10:56 left in the period. Garrett Noonan collected a rebound in midair with Parker Milner caught out of position, and he finished the puck into the back of the net to take the 1-0 lead.

“I thought we picked it up a little bit,” said BU head coach Jack Parker about his team’s second period effort. “Obviously, we outshot them a bit more in the second.

That had something to do with it. But I

didn’t notice any momentum swings, one way or the other.”

Seven minutes later, the Terriers struck again. Evan Rodrigues scored on a snipe that found its way over Milner’s shoulder and into the goal, making the score 2-0 and sending the Agganis crowd into a frenzy.

But the Eagles were quick to silence those cheers, as they finally got on the scoreboard less than a minute after Rodrigues’ tally. Steven Whitney skated down the right side of the ice and dished a pass over to Johnny Gaudreau, who was unable to get a great handle on it. Luckily for BC, Pat Mullane was right there to collect the puck and flung it on goal past O’Connor to cut the deficit in half.

Overall, the Eagles struggled in the second period, as they let BU control the possession for the majority of the 20 minutes.

“I don’t think we were as sharp as I would’ve liked to see passing the puck,” York said. “Part of that is BU played good defense—it prevented that sharpness. But I still thought we had some passes that we were bobbling. We weren’t as dynamic going through the neutral zone as I would have liked to had there.”

The third period didn’t start much better for BC, as it allowed the Terriers to stretch their lead to 3-1 only 1:46 into the frame.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk carried the puck down the left side of the ice into the zone, staying close to the boards. He sped behind the net and used a wrap-around to confuse Milner, sneaking the puck into the net for his second goal of the season.

For the next 17 minutes, the Eagles went 0 for 3 on the power play, unable to capitalize on the man advantage to get back

into the game.

“I thought we moved the puck well at times and created some pretty good scoring chances,” York said of his team’s power play unit. “But the bottom line is that you need some goals from power plays. More goals.”

One of those opportunities came with 1:58 left, when York called a timeout and pulled Milner to make it a 6 on 4 for BC. That plan backfired, as the Eagles turned the puck over coming out of the timeout, and Wade Megan scored an empty-netter for BU. After the Terriers were called for another penalty with 55 seconds remaining, BC finally capitalized on the power play with a 6 on 3 advantage on a goal from Johnny Gaudreau. The goal came with 24.7 seconds left on the clock, but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as time soon ran out in a 4-2 defeat for the Eagles.

BC finished with 37 shots on goal and some great opportunities to capitalize, but O’Connor shut the offense down time after time.

“We did have probably four or five grade-A chances to score there,” York said.

“We didn’t capitalize on those. But for the most part, BU had more chances than us during the game.”

York said he didn’t think his team was distracted by the possibility of clinching the record-tying win for him, and instead credited BU for outworking the Eagles.

“That’s not in our fabric as a team or myself as a coach,” York said. “We’re looking for two points. Let’s give BU credit—they just played better than we did tonight and they won the game.” n

Head coach Jerry York notched his 924th win against the Terriers on Saturday, which ties him with Ron Mason as the winningest coach in college hockey history.

Powerplays push BC past BU Men’s Hockey, from B1 don’t succeed very often, or at least you don’t win a lot. Everything was more pointed to this series.”

After a disappointing road loss to the Terriers the night prior, the Eagles repaired their woes in a complete team effort that gave them a welcomed split in the series.

“I think everyone watching, especially in our locker room knew that we didn’t play exactly how we wanted to, we didn’t come out as physical as we wanted to,” said senior captain Pat Mullane. “ [Saturday] morning we kind of said that’s unacceptable, and we came out tonight. I think that the physical part of our game was there, which made it a lot easier for us. I think we took away a lot of their defense’s time, which caused a lot of turnovers.”

That game plan involved taking advantage of special teams opportunities with an aggressive offensive onslaught. The Eagles registered as many shots as possible on Terrier goaltender Matt O’Connor and hoped for a little luck along the way rather than a more patient, drawn-up approach.

“Preparing during the week, we spent a lot of time on it,” Arnold said. “I don’t think we necessarily changed anything tonight.

We were just able to get pucks down to the net, which is something the coaches stressed, and crash the net and get dirty, gritty goals. It doesn’t have to be tic-tac-toe on the power play. We were able to do that tonight.”

BC’s first four goals were on the power play, and aside from a long strike by freshman blue-liner Michael Matheson in the second period none of them were too flashy. Teddy Doherty registered the first tally early in the first at 10:40 directly in front of the net, and Arnold was incredibly successful at playing clean-up duty all night. His second goal at 16:38 was an effective rebound score that

came just 50 seconds after Matheson gave BC a 3-1 lead.

“We had to generate more shots because BU, they cut down passing lanes,” York said.

“The hardest thing to defend is a shot and a rebound, because you aren’t programmed to know where the puck is going to go. If you can get a shot off, even a shot off the end boards, that’s huge for our team.”

Senior goaltender Parker Milner, who was tested on the road Friday night, was kept comfortable throughout. He faced just 23 shots all game, a testament to BC’s stout defensive play.

Production came from some of the usual suspects, as the multiple-goal performance was Arnold’s third of his career and Kevin Hayes aggregated three assists. But on a night where Johnny Gaudreau’s 12-game point streak came to an end, some new players found their way to the contents of the box score. Freshmen Brendan Silk and Doherty both scored the first goals of their young careers.

The unity in Saturday’s game was fitting when considering some of York’s finest work during his 41-season coaching career. York’s teams have always possessed good players, but he has championed a team-first mentality as instrumental for a program’s long-term success. That was on full display against BU. “There are a lot of guys on our team that play fourth or third line duty that could be playing first line duty at a lot of other schools,” Mullane said. “They come here because they are willing to put notoriety on the back burner and play for a championship team. Play for a team that’s main goal is team first, me second. Coach York makes sure that everything that the team does is team first, and there’s no place for selfishness or a me-attitude at BC. It’s everything for the team and for this University.” n

The Heights

B4

Monday, December 3, 2012

Football program’s struggles lead to firing of Spaziani

By Greg Joyce Sports Editor

This article originally appeared online on Sunday Nov. 25.

One chapter of Boston College football history was closed on Sunday, allowing a new one to begin with the hopes of reviving the fallen program.

In a meeting on Sunday between Frank Spaziani and athletic director Brad Bates, Spaziani was told that he was being relieved of his duties as head coach of the Eagles, effective immediately. Bates said that the decision was based on the season as a whole, which ended with a 2-10 record. “[The decision] was made at the conclusion of the season yesterday,” Bates said. “It’s been an assessment that’s been ongoing since my arrival here. It’s been an evaluation of a body of work, and not a game-to-game emotional decision.”

Bates lauded Spaziani for his integrity and passion for the program, but in the end, the firing came down to wins and losses.

“Ultimately, all of us are measured on our performance,” Bates said. “When you’re working in a profession of athletics, winning is a very big factor in that performance.

“Spaz clearly is a man of integrity. He genuinely cared about his students. And the performance obviously in the last couple of years has struggled.”

The announcement ended Spaziani’s 16-year career in Chestnut Hill, one that was marked by a highly regarded 10-year tenure as defensive coordinator before he took over for four years as head coach. He leaves with an overall record of 21-29 while at the helm.

“Obviously this is a sad day for my family and me,” Spaziani said in a statement. “Boston College has been my home for more than 16 years, and I have been fortunate to work with some amazing student-athletes.

I will always treasure my relationships with them and the BC staff. Boston College is a tremendous place, and I am extremely thankful for my time there. I wish the current and future Eagles nothing but the best.”

Bates’ conversation with Spaziani was a difficult one, but he said the coach handled it well.

“Just like you would expect him to—with complete class and dignity and professionalism,” Bates said. “He’s a special guy. Think about this—he gave a quarter of his life to Boston College.

“Frank’s fingerprints will be felt around this University for many years to come. He’s influenced people who will go out and influence others. The values that he taught those young men will continue to live on

daniel lee / heights editor

New athletic director Brad Bates announced last Monday that Frank Spaziani had been dismissed from the team.

for perpetuity.”

While he did not talk to any of the players to consider their opinions on the matter before making the decision, Bates was the first to tell them of the announcement. He gathered the team into a room in the Yawkey Center and notified them of the decision. Bates said that he and Spaziani felt that this was the best way to deliver the news, and that Spaziani would meet with players, likely on a one-on-one basis throughout the coming week.

Now, Bates will begin a search for Spaziani’s replacement, and he is looking for three main factors in the process while considering candidates.

“One is we want someone that oozes with integrity,” Bates said. “Secondly, we want somebody who genuinely and sincerely cares about the students, particularly their intellectual development and will engage in facilitating their maximum development as scholars, as athletes, as leaders, as servers. The third thing is we want someone who is going to win.”

While he won’t limit the list of candidates to coaches who have head coaching experience, Bates said that factor could play a role in the final decision.

“There are a lot of very talented coaches out there that have not had head coaching experience,” he said.

“Having said that, if all else is equal, that would clearly distinguish them.”

Bates does not have a specific timetable for the new hiring, but wants to move as quickly as possible while being sure to make the best decision.

“We’ll move as quickly as possible, but we will be very, very deliberate,” Bates said. “This is an incredibly significant hire, relative to the leadership of our department and our program. So we’ve got to make absolute sure we get the best fit for what this program needs right now.”

While many were concerned about BC falling behind in the head coach hiring race, with other schools making midseason firings, and now a solid list of schools with openings—Auburn, NC State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, California—Bates said an AD is always prepared, and he already has a list of candidates.

“Any athletic director in the country is prepared for any change that takes place,” Bates said. “Does it mean that people on the list will ultimately be the ones that are hired or interviewed? Of course not. But we’ve got to perpetually be prepared for any attrition that takes place.”

While there is plenty of competition out there for head coaches, Bates said that he thought BC would stand out to the right kind of candidate that he is looking for.

“There may be candidate competition, but I think you’ll see that BC is a very unique place,” Bates said.

“The types of people that will be very attracted to this situation, because of its uniqueness, will stand out.”

“There are a lot of great coaches out there, but not every great coach is a perfect fit for Boston College.

We’ve got to identify who that person is that brings those three characteristics and fits within our current context of needs for the program.”

No matter who takes over as head coach, there will be a certain adjustment that will need to take place among the entire team. The biggest thing will be the new mentality the coach will instill in his players, but the new coach also usually comes with a new staff.

The offense has been through four offensive coordinators in the past three years, and it could see its fifth in four years if current offensive coordinator Doug Martin is not retained by the incoming head coach. Bates said that was a concern, but that a good head coach could make up for that instability.

“It’s always a concern,” Bates said. “Whenever you have a lack of continuity, then that presents a challenge for the next staff to try and connect the dots on that inconsistency in terms of scheme vocabulary. At the same time, if you get the right coach, and they can connect the dots, you’ve been exposed to multiple ways of viewing that football field that not everyone gets a chance to experience. I think the potential can be a great opportunity in the hands of a very talented coach.”

Concerning the current coaching staff and all of the assistants, Bates said as of right now they will play out their full contracts, but a new coach could come in and change that.

“They’re still employed by Boston College and will be so until the end of their contracts,” Bates said. “The new staff will have autonomy on who they would want to retain beyond the contracts’ expiration dates. I suspect there will be some that will stay on and some that will move on.”

No current assistant coach will be considered for the head coaching job, Bates said.

As far as the details of working out Spaziani’s contract, which has three years remaining on it, Bates would not go into the details of what a possible buyout might be, but said he’d do what is in the best interest of the students, the program, and the team.

Though Bates has only been the AD at BC for just over a month, he knew this was a decision he had to make, though it wasn’t about making his stamp on the athletic department and University.

“It’s not really about me,” Bates said. “It’s not about my stamp. This is about a football program that has a storied history and tradition. It’s about the players that have come here in the past and the level of achievement and standards that they have set for us to live by daily, and it’s about our current and future students that are in this program. I’m really a caretaker of the great things that have happened in the past of this program and hopefully a catalyst to returning to the high standards.” n

Eagles thank Spaziani as they get ready for new era in BC football

By Austin Tedesco Asst. Sports Editor

This article originally appeared online on Sunday Nov. 25.

They didn’t have a clue what was going on.

The decision to fire head football coach Frank Spaziani came yesterday after Boston College fell to NC State, but the players were kept in the dark until a team meeting was called for 5:30 p.m. today.

Athletic director Brad Bates gathered the team in its regular meeting room at the Yawkey Center, the same spot where all of the players had listened to Spaziani during his tenure, and told them that their coach would not be coming back.

“I want to let you know that Coach Spaz will not be our coach next year,” Bates said, according to junior receiver Bobby Swigert.

He was direct and honest with the players.

“Brad was just very upfront with us and told us what was going on,” said junior linebacker Steele Divitto.

Bates informed the team that the coaching search had begun and that he would keep them updated on the progress.

“I thought that was really cool by him calling the team meeting,” Swigert said.

Although the returning team was told the news by Bates, the outgoing seniors were not at the meeting. Fifth-year linebacker Nick Clancy found out about the announcement through Twitter.

“Well personally, I think coach Spaz being fired is the first step in getting this program back to where it belongs,” Clancy told The Heights. “The only way a team can be different is to make changes and I trust coach Bates’ decision. Coach Spaz is an unbelievable football mind and is valuable to any team that he coaches for. But with the season we just had, it seems necessary. I partly

feel bad because he really did care, [he] just wasn’t able to articulate the message to every individual on the team. I wish him the best.”

Divitto and Swigert echoed Clancy’s message by thanking Spaziani while looking ahead to a new era for BC football. “[Spaziani] bleeds Boston College,” Divitto said. “He loves his school and he loves his players. He’s absolutely a team guy. He loves the team and he was always preaching family and that’s something we really liked about him. I know this place holds dear to his heart and Boston College holds him dear to our heart.

“Obviously it wasn’t just his fault and it wasn’t just the players’ fault. It was a combined effort. I think our recruiting class definitely is a great class and we’re definitely very excited about the future—and he recruited all of us. I just wish the best for him.”

Bates said that no players were consulted before the decision was made and that no players contacted him with their opinion of the coach.

“I had no problems with Spaz ,” Swigert said. “I thought he was a great guy and everything. I wish him the best.

I was always a supporter of him. Some people obviously aren’t, but you’ll have that with anybody.”

Both Swigert and Divitto said that even going into the game on Saturday that they weren’t focused on the coaching situation.

“As a player during the season, you don’t pay attention to that stuff,” Divitto said. “You are just concentrated on winning and getting better.”

Now that the 2012 season is behind them, though, both players are ready to lead their squad as rising seniors. Bates met specifically with the seniors for 40 minutes after speaking to the whole team and asked what they were looking for in a new coach.

“I think just a guy that just has a passion for us and for BC football,” Swigert said of what he wants from Spaziani’s

replacement. “[A guy that is] more into practice, more into the games. Just a passionate guy. He knows what’s going on at all times with the team, and when he addresses us everybody’s listening and everybody respects what he’s saying.

Just the type of guy that basically can get that from us and make us play to our full potential. I’m sure they’re going to find a guy that can do that.”

Spaziani became known for his standoff-ish demeanor during practices and games, often found on the sidelines away from his players and the other coaches. Swigert said more energy from a new head coach would be welcome.

“We want a guy that has got to be more energetic—I think that would be great for our team,” Swigert said. “More into the huddle. More individualized with guys in knowing what their tendencies are and what they like. A type of guy like that would be a lot different than what we’re used to and I think it would help us excel as players.”

Divitto expanded on the traits that Swigert mentioned.

“Energy, enthusiasm, I think integrity is a big one, and just consistency,” Divitto said. “A consistent attitude every day.

Just very straight forward. I think that’s what this team needs and hopefully that’s who we end up getting.”

Both Divitto and Swigert are taking it upon themselves as rising seniors to lead this team during all of the chaos.

“We’re faced with a lot of turmoil, especially right now,” Swigert said. “We’ve had Spaz there ever since we walked on campus here as a group. Without him or whatever else is going to happen with our assistants or any of that I think it definitely rides on leadership and it’s the seniors’ job to almost be like a head coach of our own and police the lower players and be leaders so the head coach doesn’t have to do that much.”

Leadership and accountability among the players wavered at times during the 2012 season, but Divitto is ready to change that heading into the future.

“I think last year that was something we couldn’t really get a great grasp on,” Divitto said. “Our leadership wasn’t all there and we didn’t have everyone in the boat, but that’s something we are going to put an emphasis on and hopefully get everyone on the same page. That’s an exciting opportunity for me and the other guys and hopefully we end up being successful with that.”

Swigert thinks the offensive players, especially, should be ready for the change given the four offensive coordinators they’ve had in the past three seasons under Spaziani.

“I guess it’s nothing new,” Swigert said with a laugh. “It’s almost like we expect every year to have some type of change and I think everybody on our team can deal with it—obviously we’ve shown that.

I have trust in Mr. Bates. I love the guy. I think he’s going to make a great decision.

He’s going to set us up in a way that we can be successful if we really want to.”

Even before a new leader is selected, these seniors won’t waste any time getting this team ready for the new era.

“Our class is excited about the future,” Divitto said, “and the 2013 season has already started for us.” n

daniel lee / heights editor

Steele Divitto (above) and Bobby Swigert are both excited to lead as seniors in the 2013 season.

Question marks abound for Eagles heading into the 2013 season Column, from B1 with pressure from the defense and how obvious it was the Eagles were throwing after running for almost no gain on first and second down. If those two aspects of the game don’t take a step forward, neither can the BC quarterback. He’ll be throwing to the same receivers next season, minus Colin Larmond, Jr. although he barely contributed this year because of his suspension, and they likely won’t be

playing in offensive coordinator Doug Martin’s scheme that Rettig loves so much.

There’s only a very small chance that the new coach holds on to Martin as the OC, but Rettig and the offense would greatly benefit from another year in the system. Rettig has said that he’s never had as much fun playing in a system than he did this season with the freedom that Martin gave him.

Forcing Rettig and the rest of the offense into a new system might be good

for the future of the program, but it won’t help the Eagles become bowl-eligible next season.

The defense is an even bigger question mark than the offense. Defensive tackle Bryan Murray and senior middle linebacker Nick Clancy are gone, but Al-Louis Jean is set to return in the secondary and Kaleb Ramsey might get a sixth season on the defensive line. If both guys return strong, and junior linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis stays healthy, the defense could easily

improve especially with the promising final games of young players like Mehdi Abdesmad, Malachi Moore, and Justin Simons. The team still needs to tackle better and needs to find a more effective way to put pressure on the quarterback, but if a big name like Diaco is hired and all of the players return at full-strength then improvement on the defensive side becomes likely.

Spaziani wasn’t fired so the Eagles could win next season. A rebuilding

process is starting in Chestnut Hill and it wouldn’t be reasonable to expect that change to happen overnight.

This roster is seeing turnover in some harmful spots without proven backups ready to step into bigger roles. No matter how good the new coach is, it may take a year or two before the new bowl streak can begin again.

Austin Tedesco is the Asst. Sports Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@bcheights.com.

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

Point / Counterpoint:

B5

Should football OC Doug Martin return next year?

Experience and stability bring success

An inconsistent record raises doubt

By Felicia Figueiredo

By Connor Mellas

Heights Staff

The downfall of the Boston College football team’s season could be blamed on a multitude of factors: a small senior class, injuries, disappointing player to coach communication, and, of course, the misdeeds of Frank Spaziani. Almost every aspect of the team was on a downward trend, bar for one extremely notable exception, the growth of Chase Rettig into a full blown ACC quarterback with an arm and precision that puts him on par with the other QBs of the conference.

Rettig threw for more than 3,000 yards this season, which was almost double what he threw last season. The progress he made over one season is incredible, and he was one of the only bright spots during a dismal season.

This improvement could be a result of experience, confidence, or just the fact that BC desperately needed a passing game in order to make up for the lack of running game, but it cannot be denied that this year’s quarterback coach and offensive coordinator, Doug Martin, was an integral part in Rettig’s improvement. Here are a few reasons why Martin deserves to stay with the Eagles and help develop the offense of the Eagles for next season.

One of the biggest and most basic facts in support of Martin’s employment with the Eagles is a desperate need for consistency on the team. Rettig has been faced with four different offensive coordinators in his years as an Eagle, meaning a whole new offensive system to learn almost every season.

The connection between an offensive coordinator and the team sets up the entire system for how a game is played, and since the quarterback is orchestrating the game on field, this relationship is vital to the success of a team. It seems as though Martin and Rettig have found a communication pattern that works for them, and it has obviously produced results. As the team is now in a major upheaval, it could be extremely comforting for Rettig to be able to depend on Martin to help with the new coaching transition.

Another important factor is that Martin came in and did his job. There are many moving parts of a football team that need to be aligned for the team to generate wins, but if you consider Martin purely from the angle of offensive coordinator, he was successful in his job. The offense this year was anemic in ways more influenced by the loss of offensive threats (remember that time Montel Harris ran for seven touchdowns over at Temple?) and poor execution more than anything. It is important to remember that when it came to fourth downs, it was the head coach who made the decision to have Nate Freese warming up on the sidelines. Martin was brought to BC to help improve Rettigs skills, which he succeeded in doing.

Finally, Martin has experience and a lot more to show. During his time as head coach for Kent State, Martin coached the Patriots player Julien Edelman into being one of the biggest and most multi-talented forces in the NFL, and Edelman credits Martin for helping him improve. With only one season under his belt, Martin has not had any time to truly show what he can do as a coordinator.

The first year is about establishing relationships, and next season will be when the effects of Martin’s teachings will truly make an appearance on the field. BC was willing to give Spaziani four years as head coach to prove himself, and it doesn’t seem quite fair to sack a coach who seems to be more equipped at his job than Spaz was after only one season.

This off-season for the Eagles will play out like a night at a poker tournament. There are a lot of players and extremely high stakes, and every decision Brad Bates makes from now on will be a huge gamble. Martin could stay and help rejuvenate the program back to a semblance of its former glory, or an entirely new staff could come in and make a huge difference for the better. But there is something to be said about respecting the connections and personal relationships that have been established, and from all reports it looks as though Martin has created a positive environment for the offensive line to grow in.

So either way, Bates has a huge choice in front of him, which he will surely make with the best intentions and after careful deliberations. Plus, at this point, what’s left to lose? n

Heights Staff

When it comes to breaking up, a clean split and a fresh start is the best policy. While dragging out a breakup only leads to more pain, a complete separation— albeit difficult at first— allows the injured parties to start fresh and look toward the future.

Just like a jilted lover who deletes his ex’s number to help forget about the past, Boston College athletic director Brad Bates needs to remove all associations with the Frank Spaziani era, and dismiss Doug Martin as offensive coordinator.

Although Martin has only guided BC’s offense for a year, the time for a change is now. Bates’ search for a new head coach continues to turn up exciting names of potential candidates, and it’s clear that Bates is looking toward the future.

In a radio interview with 98.5 ESPN, Bates described his vision of BC as, “A place that gives a coach every opportunity to have a high level of success and achieve that vision of excellence that we strive for in our football program.”

Bates could take major steps toward achieving this goal by removing Martin and allowing a new coach to bring in a new system and handpick the personnel he wants running it.

The easiest argument for retaining Martin is to keep the offense in a familiar system. Yes, keeping Martin would prevent junior quarterback Chase Rettig from working with his fifth coordinator in four years, and yes, Rettig improved under Martin’s watch. Although it would help Rettig, Bates can’t gamble BC’s long term future for the sake of the 2013

Daniel Lee / Heights Editor

season. Inconsistency has marked Martin’s career, and from year to year, Martin has had extremely mixed results.

From 2004 to 2010 as Kent State head coach, the success of Martin’s offenses fluctuated heavily, recording national rankings of: 46th, 110th, 73rd, 76th, 36th, 96th, and 102nd. His 2011 season as Offensive Coordinator at New Mexico State was solid, and his offense was ranked 47th. This past year with the Eagles, though, his offense recorded a pathetic 99th. While Martin has had three impressive offenses, his career offense averages a measly 76th in the country. Does Bates really want to put BC’s offense in these hands going forward?

Looking back on the past season, Martin’s offense with BC displayed a number of disturbing trends. First, the offense steadily regressed as the season developed. BC began the season with exciting play calling and high scoring battles. By the second half of the season, however, it appeared BC was incorporating more and more groan-inducing draws up the middle, and the Eagles failed to score more than 20 points in four of their last six games.

Second, BC’s passing offense was dangerously reliant on junior wide out Alex Amidon, who was fantastic all season, catching 7 touchdowns and wracking up an impressive 1210 yards. After Amidon, junior receiver Jonathan Coleman caught 4 touchdowns and recorded 489 yards. Beyond Amidon and Coleman, no receiver had more than two touchdowns, or 300 yards. Down the stretch, it became apparent that when teams were able to shut down Amidon, Rettig had great trouble finding the end zone.

Third, the complete stagnation of BC’s running game was completely unacceptable. The Eagle’s running backs combined for seven touchdowns and 1086 yards the entire year, and BC’s rushing offense now rots at the bottom of the rankings, a dreadful 117th out of 124 schools. Over the course of the season, Martin and Spaziani utilized a rotating stable of running backs. The lead rusher, Andre Williams, ran for four touchdowns and 584 yards, and an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Additionally, the mystery decision to limit junior running back Deuce Finch to four games on the year shrouds this offensive coaching staff in mystery. Even more disturbing, Amidon, with only four carries, was the fifth best rusher on the team. He accounted for one of the seven rushing touchdowns, and had only 56 fewer yards then the 3rd best rusher Obviously, it is unfair to attribute all of these failures to Martin. Spaziani was the one calling the final shots, and his shortcomings decimated the program. Some of those shortcoming fall on Martin, though, who must be held accountable, and his track record does not inspire. If Bates really wants to achieve his “vision of excellence,” now is the time to fire Martin, make a clean break from the Spaziani era, and look toward the future. n

Skapura rockets Eagles past Maine Women’s Hockey, from B1 Trivigno and Field led the team in points, both racking up five points.

The Black Bears forced seven saves out of Corinne Boyles (8-1-0) and two from freshman goaltender Taylor Blake, who played during the third period.

BC managed to outshoot Maine 41-9 throughout the game. Also, forward Alex Carpenter just managed to keep her point streak alive when she assisted Haley Skarupa. This gives her 13 straight games with a point.

This was the second game of the series, and the story the night before was not much different, but it was a different freshman, Haley Skarupa who managed the hat trick as she led the Eagles to a 7-2 victory over the Black Bears on Friday.

Despite the eventual five-goal lead, though, BC managed to go down by one during the first period.

Maine opened the scoring with Brittany Dougherty, when she placed one past goaltender Boyles at a little over five minutes in.

BC fought back though, bringing the game to a tie before the end of the period with a goal by Skapura. Despite outshooting the Black Bears 19-4 in the first periods, the Eagles went into the first intermission tied.

The Eagles came out with a strong start to the second period, with an early goal by Kate Leary, giving them their first lead of the night. A powerplay goal

by Skapura padded the Eagles lead, and continued offensive pressure that resulted in 22 shots on goal on the period stifled Maine’s efforts until late in the period when they pulled the Eagles’ lead to one with a powerplay goal of their own.

Skarupa bagged her hat trick in the third period, scoring two within eight minutes of the final period starting. Captain Blake Bolden put the final goal in, off of a power play, assisted by Skapura.

Putting together both games, BC won the series with a goal differential of 17-2 and outshot the Black Bears by 75. BC is now unbeaten in 11 straight games, and will look to continue this streak at New Hampshire on Wednesday, the last game before the holiday break. n

graham beck / heights editor

Although the offense blew away the Black Bears in both contests, defense was also a strength for the Eagles.

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The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

Editor’s Column

Tip O’Neill represents Jesuit ideals of service Tip O’Neill, from B10

Beginning at the end

Cathryn Woodruff It’s officially that time of the year when everyone dusts off the Christmas lights from last year, Instagrams their dorm room decorations, and unleashes the Christmas playlists. Winter in Boston is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing seasons in the city. Lamplit streets are adorned with Christmas lights, and the Boston Common is transformed into a bustling winter wonderland, teeming with ice skaters on Frog Pond and lovers strolling through the park. Yet, what do Boston College students get to experience of this majesty?

For most students, this awkward stage in between Thanksgiving and Christmas break is one of the most agitating and stressful periods of the school year. Thanksgiving is essentially a tease–a false taste of freedom. For students, there’s no time for exploration of the snow kissed Boston streets. Instead, it’s Merry Christmas, kids—the library is now open 24 hours.

The last week of classes and finals week are a frenzy of sleep deprivation and frustration. It’s the war before the peace, and we keep trucking, keeping our eyes fixed on the countdown calendar pinned to our wall. It’s impossible not to fixate on the future—to envision countless days on the couch at home, catching up with high school friends.

This time of the year is an end.

It’s not the end, but it’s the closing of a chapter. It’s a melting pot of emotions—excitement for break, stress of finals, and uncertainty of going abroad. For those anticipating departing to study across the pond in a matter of weeks, these last couple weeks are defined by those final snap shots taken of BC. It’s a time of lasts—the last Hillside panini until senior year, the last roommate dinner in your off campus house. The biting cold of the winter can leave a stinging sensation—a bittersweet farewell.

With so much wrapping up, there is also so much just beginning. This is my first column as the assistant features editor of The Heights. While trying to tread academic water just like every other student during this time of the year, I’ve also been preparing for my new position on the board.

With the new head features editor and friend of mine, Michelle Tomassi, I will be continuing the features section for the next two semesters. Although it is a daunting endeavor, it is one that I am extremely eager for. I will do my best to offer relevant and intriguing stories to the BC community. I can only hope that I can uphold and continue to improve upon the high standard of quality implemented by former features editor Therese Tully and assistant editor Lexi Schaeffer.

Working with them for the past couple months and learning the ropes of how a successful section is produced has taught me more than any class I have taken at BC. I’m frightened to jump into something that I am not fully comfortable with yet, but mostly I am brimming with new ideas for the section and excited to hear everyone else’s ideas.

As we run around like crazy people in these last couple weeks and pack up our rooms for the month off from school, or for the months abroad, it’s sometimes hard to find time to live in the moment.

It’s difficult to come to terms with the end, and it’s of course impossible to imagine and predict the future. I’ll definitely miss all my friends who are going abroad in the spring, and yearn for the comfort of knowing they are there when I need them. The void in the Heights office next semester will be tangible, but it will be filled with countless new and fresh faces, also excited for their new beginnings. Therese and Lexi’s presence in the features corner will be especially difficult to reconcile.

I’ve learned that change is never easy. But remember, every end is really a new beginning.

Cathryn Woodruff is an editor for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

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photo courtesy of google images

O’Neill, a Speaker of the House, focused on collaboration and compassion.

commented: “I think [O’Neill] is a great symbol of Boston College as well as a great statesman and a symbol of bipartisan cooperation.”

To many students, O’Neill stands out as a politician who was willing to work to build legislation with conservative Republicans. “By working with and not against Ronald Reagan, he believed that the collective good was more important than appeasing a small group, such as his political party,” said David Schwartz, A&S ’13. “And to me that’s very honorable, and it’s something we need more of in today’s political scene.”

On Oct. 14, 1984 O’Neill spoke to a crowd outside the new BC librar y dedicated in his name: “I don’t believe in naming any public building after an official after they leave office. But this time I made an exception. I am proud of Boston College.” O’Neill took great pride in his alma mater, in the roots that shaped him

into a compassionate politician.

His character and dedication to the American people remain an inspiration to all those who know about his life and about his story.

“Tip O’Neill was one of our country’s greatest Speakers, it’s a shame more people don’t frequent his exhibit. There is a lot to learn about the work he did,” said Allie Broas, A&S ’13.

If you do have the chance, take a walk into the room dedicated to his colorful life, since you will not be disappointed.

From the photos of him shaking the hands of his constituents to the ones where he converses with international diplomats, the kindness in his smile is always evident.

O’Neill embodied the Jesuit ideals of BC because he treated h i s n e i g h b o r, a R e p u b l i c a n legislator in Congress , even a foreign official with equal respect. He was one of those rare politicians who lived and served for others, and for that reason he will remain a central icon. n

Social media reshapes interpersonal relationships

By Therese Tully Features Editor

If you see someone holding their phone at an arm’s length and making a funny face at it, you may have once thought they were clinically insane, but not these days.

After capturing aforementioned image, scribbling a mustache on, and adding a layer of text, this picture may be sent along to another, but just for a short time. After a predetermined number of seconds, ranging from 1 to 10 the picture will forever disappear.

The technology that is responsible for this, is an app called Snapchat , and if you aren’t already a member, you may want to look into it further. The app allows you to snap a picture that you take, to someone else with a Snapchat account. By adding a text overlay, it can be one way to deliver a quick message to someone, and is one of the latest communications offered to users of phones with Internet capabilities, mainly iPhones.

Professor James Morrison, an adjunct faculty member in the communications department, who teaches “Interpersonal Communication” at Boston College, spoke highly of the differing technologies that allow humans to com-

municate in an efficient manner, “Both the printing press and the World Wide Web are enabling technologies that have created the grounds for all other technological changes succeeding them.” Morrison does not seem as enamored with smartphone technologies as many BC students who are Facebooking, FaceTiming, texting, and snapchatting their friends. “The greatest benefit of a smartphone is that it allows us to be constantly connected to the world. The greatest drawback of one is that it allows the world to be constantly connected to us,” Morrison said.

According to Katelyn DeSimone, CSON ’14, “The best part of having a smartphone, is that we have every form of communication we need. We can call, we can text, we Facebook, and check other social media sites.”

Though many, especially students, love the technology they carry in their pockets, Morrison has a much bleaker outlook on smart technologies: “They hinder communication by shrinking it to the size of a small screen and isolating us from the world around us while we serve its demands.

Sherry Turkle, at MIT, who was once a proponent of ‘life on the screen,’ which constituted the title

of one of her books, has recently published a book recanting much of her initial enthusiasm, seeing how much ‘smart’ phones separate us as we ‘connect.’ The title is Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.”

But is leaving someone a wall post really that different and disconnected from letter writing when it really comes down to it?

That is one of the great questions of our age. Letter writing was communication that was also not done face to face, and it took a lot longer to perform this correspondence. With texting, tweeting, and posting, we are able to communicate sentiments in a much faster manner.

Unfortunately, Morrison does not believe that people will use this technology as a supplement to face-to-face communication, but as a replacement for that very vital form of connecting. Face to face communication is an important component for relationship building, as Morrison is acutely aware as an interpersonal communication teacher, and his general outlook on the future of relationship building is bleak, “Is there such a thing as a ‘dating’ world any more? I doubt it. That’s the world of the landline

telephone, an eon ago,” he said.

Mary Kate O’Malley, CSON ’14, seems to agree to some extent with Morrison. “I think our generation has lost its ability to communicate face to face, so we fall back on technology,” O’Neill said. “I think it’s a problem for everyone.”

Rather, Morrison suggests that students “develop mindfulness in everything you do. There’s an ancient saying: ‘Quod facis bene fac.’

Rather than trying to multitask, and inevitably failing, turn off distractions and focus. To quote Warren Zevon, ‘Enjoy every sandwich,’” he said. In our busy world of Twitter notifications, Instagram updates, pokes, likes, messages, and Snapchats, communicating can overwhelm the average Smartphone user, leaving them craving some real face time, not the iPhone version.

But our communication preferences are just as fleeting as a snapchat photo, or our love of a new Taylor Swift album. Things get old fast, which is no surprise today when infinite options are at our fingertips instantaneously.

But at what point will we simply have too many options? Will we ever find ourselves resorting to the written letters of the past? Only time will tell. n

Last Lectures help promote diverse discussion Last Lecture, from B10 it to be like a brand,” Akerly said.

“I don’t think it’s at that point yet, because some seniors still don’t know about it, but it’s still a great event.”

While the L ast Lecture is certainly one of AID’s most anticipated events, the organization also facilitates several lectures, presentations, and panels to foster a wellinformed student population.

“Our goal is to start and promote discussions on campus, whether it be about politics or current events, or more philosophical in nature, like Tuesday’s lecture,” Akerly explained. “We also have international people, so we’re not just Americans for in-

formed democracy, we’re humans for informed democracy.”

AID has hosted several events this fall, centered on the political elections. “Earlier this fall, back in September, we did a panel evaluating Obama’s first term,” Akerly said. The panel featured professors who represented different ideologies, and attempted to showcase viewpoints and provide information that students may not be able to derive from the media.

In November, AID organized a day trip visit of 36 people to the UN in New York, where students had time to both explore the city and visit the UN building itself, including where the security council meets. AID reached out

to members of the political science department, the International Studies program, as well as other political groups on campus, which culminated in a successful and well-attended trip.

Looking ahead to next semester, Akerly described several panels and events that AID would like to host. Along with the Students for Education Reform, AID will be sponsoring a presentation

by Geoffrey Canada, a major figure in education reform. “We love suggestions—we love people taking an initiative,” Akerly said, encouraging anyone to come to the group with ideas for what they would like to see and what topics are of interest to them.

The emphasis on collaboration

is exactly in the spirit of Americans for Informed Democracy nationwide, which works to create a strong network of students dedicated to “creating a better tomorrow.” According to their website, members “educate, empower and mobilize our generation to take informed action around our individual and collective roles as global citizens.” While BC’s AID certainly gains its strength as an organization led by students, their Last Lecture series serves as an example of how we can truly create an informed population: through conversation with the adults that have experiences to share and valuable advice to impart to the younger generation. n

HUmor

One-song holiday Kevin Toomey I have a few confessions to make.

I’m the little brother who bought your Christmas present at the last minute and wrapped it up like a bad pre-school arts and crafts project.

Sophomore year, we had a Christmas tree in my Walsh eight-man and I broke it. I like Thanksgiving better than Christmas. There, I said it.

And I take particular offense to the intrusion of my third favorite holiday on my second favorite (the Fourth of July is clearly the best).

Whatever happened to “Black Friday” being for napping and leftovers?

Why blend the celebrations when you can have your stuffing and eat it too? There are, as clearly designated by the song, 12 days of Christmas. It seems to me like the holidays grow exponentially each year, wiping all other festivities out in their wake.

The other day I saw someone with a bag of Christmas-colored candy corn. You can’t change the color of candy corn. What’s next? Candy canes for trick-or-treaters? Secret Santa gifts for Labor Day barbecues?

All right, maybe I’m exaggerating.

But you get my point.

Worst of all, I’m that guy that complains about Christmas music. I just don’t see why my favorite classic rock stations have to be commandeered by such a shallow genre from Columbus Day to New Year’s every season. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few holiday tracks worthy of some serious airplay. Anyone with a pulse likes to listen to Nat King Cole serenading about roasting chestnuts.

The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” is a classic and Bruce Springsteen’s live version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is good to hear a couple times once December hits. But the nonstop holiday music everywhere you turn for the better part of two months? It can get a bit nauseating.

There are just not enough quality songs to last this extended holiday season. There is only so much Alvin and the Chipmunks that one man can take.

I know there are others out there like me—us angrily-shoveling, humbug-shouting Thanksgiving apologists. But before you accept the coal in your stockings and retreat to the cold dark caves above Whoville for the season, let me offer one piece of advice for the holidays. There is one Christmas song that transcends all holiday cynicism. The penultimate of jingle-belling, it is the musical embodiment of all that is merry.

It might even sneak onto a Fourth of July playlist after putting away enough American flag cans. This is the song that makes me forget the cold, forget the frantic shopping, and even forget Alvin’s falsetto. This is the song that makes me want to take back every angry voicemail I’ve ever left WROR’s program director (sorry, Ken). Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is this song. We can forget about the whole three ghosts visiting us during the night thing. Mariah’s got us covered.

Don’t just ask me. The song has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. It’s reached top-10 charts in a half a dozen different countries and its consistent holiday sales make it one of the top singles of all time.

As far as sales go, it’s in the same ballpark as “I Will Survive” and the “Macarena.” Incredible company.

Simply put, the song is a jam.

Just the bell chimes at the beginning can make the Grinch himself turn into a preteen at a One Direction concert. People lose their minds over this song. I don’t think anyone has ever listened to it just once. It’s like Christmas crack. Just look at the Mary Ann’s jukebox. The number of plays this song gets once November comes rolling around makes “Wagon Wheel” look like anything by Nickelback. I try to fight it, try to sip my beer stoically and complain loudly about NBA officiating. But deep down in places I don’t talk about at parties, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” makes me want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and make popcorn strings for my Christmas tree while watching Love Actually for probably the millionth time.

This year, I have decided that I’m done fighting it. I will stand proudly with the Mariah fans in my ugliest holiday sweater and embrace the agonizing anticipation of months of Christmas preparation. Pour me some eggnog because I’m going to sing that last long “you” from now until the 25th. And now all I want for Christmas is your nonjudgment.

Kevin Toomey is a contributor to The Heights. He welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

The Heights

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How-To

Embrace the holiday spirit

Professor Profile by Michelle tomassi

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Caroline Hopkins Entering into the tragic three weeks of final exams and papers, you may find it difficult to allow yourself the cheerful bliss of the holiday season fully. Without the aroma of pine coming from your living room Christmas tree and the taste of your mom’s homemade Christmas cookies, the first few weeks of December may seem a bit lacking in the spirit department. If you find yourself among the campus Grinches this season, don’t be ashamed to dig a little deeper beneath that finals-induced pessimism and follow these simple steps to revive that seasonal spirit.

1) Crank the carols. Whether you’re softly listening to the Nutcracker through your earphones as you struggle through chemistry problems in Bapst or blasting Taylor Swift’s “Last Christmas,” in your dorm room, there’s nothing like Christmas music to get you in the spirit.

And don’t be ashamed to belt out your own version of “Jingle Bell Rock” in the shower. Your fellow spiritless hall mates might actually appreciate it.

2) Count down the days. One of the very best ways to create holiday anticipation and excitement is to invest in an Advent calendar. The most effective Advent calendars are the big ones with elaborate Christmas scenes. Hang one up on the wall above your bed this December. Searching for the day number and opening up that little window of bliss will undoubtedly bring you one step closer to achieving that holiday cheer. (Stay away from the chocolate filled advent calendars, though. The temptation to open every window weeks before Christmas as you cram for an exam at midnight could ruin your countdown in a fit of anxiety).

3) Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!

Christmas lights around the perimeter of your dorm room are an absolute essential for the holiday season. Though it may seem like a tedious task to stand up on a chair and struggle to fasten Christmas tree lights to your cement dorm room wall, the pay off is completely worth it. If you feel like going a little further with the decorating, you may consider purchasing a miniature artificial Christmas tree to place atop your bureau (these can usually be found at CVS or Walmart - no need to search far). Decorating the outside of your room’s door can also go a long way as far as spirit-inducing goes. Red and green bows, a tinsel boarder, or maybe even a wrapping-paper covering will fill you with cheer when you come back to your room late at night and have all your hall mates smiling as they walk past.

4) Do some shopping. Don’t think your younger siblings are going to accept the “I was too busy with finals” excuse when you have nothing to hand them on Christmas morning. If you can’t find the time for a shopping trip, take a spare moment to surf through the all too accessible world of online shopping right at your fingertips. Although at first the task may cause you added stress, you’ll soon find that searching for gifts for your family and friends actually heightens your holiday cheer. And hey, if you come across something you admire yourself, don’t hesitate to copy and paste the link to the Microsoft Word Christmas list you’re planning to email your parents.

5) Indulge a little. Starbucks holiday beverages have been designed especially for your personal holiday enjoyment.

Treat yourself to an extra hot peppermint mocha or gingerbread snowman cookie.

If you can’t make it to Starbucks, word on campus is that the Rat has stocked its refrigerators with bottled eggnog. Don’t underestimate the importance of your taste buds in bringing on that holiday cheer.

6) Feel like procrastinating your studying? Tune into a favorite holiday movie.

Will Ferrel’s Elf is a definite mood lifter, and classics like The Grinch and Charlie Brown’s Christmas will bring back memories of home essential to holiday spirit.

7) Break out your ugliest Christmas sweaters. You know, those chunky beauties from the ’80s with the bedazzled Christmas trees sewed on? The tackier the sweater, the greater the holiday cheer.

Plus, the itchy wool will undoubtedly protect you against the bitter December wind. Win-win.

8) Last but not least, do some service.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a part of a community service club here at Boston College, the holidays offer countless opportunities to give back. Even if it means donating that $5 from your meal plan as you walk by a table in McElroy Commons, you’ll find a little service goes a long way as far as putting yourself in the spirit. The extra two minutes it takes to jot down your name on a donations list is worth the uplifting feeling of having given back to others. You may also get a free piece of candy if you’re lucky.

Score.

There you have it - eight simple ways to turn your Grinch-y outlook into a bounty of holiday cheer, despite the impending doom of final exams.

Caroline Hopkins is a contributor for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

Monday, December 3, 2012

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Specializes in: 20th century art and theory, specifically expressionism and abstract expressionism.

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Teaches courses on: Modern Art: 19th-20th Century, Vienna 1900, a methodology and research course, and Intro to Art History.

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Background: Cernuschi was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was raised in Paris, and later moved to New York. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. at New York University in 1988.

First notable experience: His father took him to the Louvre at age 5, and the pieces he saw sparked his love for art. “My being an art historian can be traced back to that experience,” he said.

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Teaching history: After receiving his degree, he taught at Duke University for eight years, and then came to Boston College in 1996. “I’m very happy here,” said Cernuschi.

Hobbies: He has a wide variety of interests, such as reading, literature, philosophy, history, psychology, and classical music. As for outside activities, he enjoys chess, swimming, squash, and roller hockey.

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Languages he speaks: Cernuschi speaks fluent French and can read Spanish, German, and Italian.

Publications and outside work: He has published several books, including texts about Jackson Pollock and one entitled Barnett Newman and Heideggerian Philosophy, released this year. He also helped with the Paul Klee exhibit currently in the McMullen Museum and is working on an exhibition for Gustave Courbet’s work.

Favorite museums: The Louvre, National Gallery in London, Musee d’Orsay, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Modern Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other cities he has traveled to include Vienna, Madrid, and St. Petersburg.

Claude Cernuschi Professor and Assistant Chair of Art History

Cernuschi strives to convey his love of art history with students who are both familiar with and new to the subject. “The questions that modern art raises interest me the most,” he explained. “I enjoy communicating my own passion of art to students and disseminating knowledge, as well as conveying the complexity and richness of art that they wouldn’t know otherwise.”

Graham Beck / Heights Editor

he said, she said I really like this guy, but I hate his friends. They are immature and annoying, and I really don’t like hanging out with them. What do I do?

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T

ow here’s something that will truly test how much you like the guy: Are you willing to hang out with his friends, who you don’t enjoy being around, if that’s what it takes to be with the guy you like? It’s important to make sure you give his friends a fair chance before you decide you don’t like them.

Sometimes you really need to get to know the Alex Manta personalities and dynamics of a group before you can get a feel for the type of people they truly are and understand their humor. Every group of new people that you go into is going to have its own unique vibe and style to it, so it may take some time to get used to.

However, maybe you’ve already given them their fair chance and found that you genuinely find them immature and uncomfortable to be around. What I would do first is talk to the guy about it. But be careful in how you approach the topic. Starting the conversation off with, “Your friends are so childish and I don’t see why you hang out with them,” is just going to piss him off. Instead, approach it with the mindset of trying to understand what he likes about them and why he chooses to have them as his friends. Maybe he can explain it in a way that you wouldn’t pick up on by yourself.

After that, the choice is yours. How much you like him, how much of his friends you are willing to put up with, and how much he’s going to want you to hang out with his friends are all elements that will be factored into this decision. If you truly like him, give it your best shot, and if it doesn’t work out, then walk away from it and you’re back where you started.

his is undoubtedly a difficult situation, however, when you love a guy, you in turn have to love his friends (love, of course, can be used literally or loosely here). One of the most important aspects of a relationship is being able to maintain your autonomy and individuality — once a couple becomes too dependent on one another, Taylor Cavallo things inevitably change for the worse, in the relationship or with their other friends. No one should really ever take someone away from or turn them against their friends or make them change who they are and who they’re friends with. That being said, in some ways, you’re stuck with them.

I know that trying to assimilate yourself into a new group, especially guys, can be difficult since they’re probably super close and you might feel left out in some ways, no matter how nice they are.

It’s a natural feeling. I’m a believer that there can be good found in (most) people, and if your boy likes these guys, there must be something good about them too. It might take time for you to realize, but it will happen. Strike up a conversation with them about things you might have in common. Everyone loves talking about themselves and also getting to know someone else, and I’m sure they’re just as interested in getting to know you since you’re spending so much time with their friend. I didn’t know my boyfriend’s friends at all before we started dating, but all it took was a few conversations and fun times for me to feel like they accepted me, and now I consider them my friends too. It’s definitely worth it to give them a shot.

Alex Manta is an editor for The Heights. He can be reached at features@bcheights.com.

Taylor Cavallo is an editor for The Heights. She can be reached at features@bcheights.com.

The Heights

Monday, December 3, 2012

Alcohol as a serious concern Alcohol, from B10

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THE HEIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE CENTURY Students of the past take initiative to improve campus life and appeal to the University with requests for change just in time for the holidays.

Another resource that the OHP offers is individual cards to help students monitor their blood alcohol content (BAC), depending on the important factors of weight and gender. These cards are meant to help one determine how many beverages will allow them to stay within a safe BAC (about .02.05). These cards also educate students on what constitutes one drink. Though many learned this information in high school drug and alcohol education programs, a refresher never hurt anyone (for those who have forgotten, one drink equals either 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or a 1.5 oz. shot of 80 proof alcohol). Though tracking these things can be tricky (who knows how many shots of what kind of alcohol is present in that sticky, red jungle juice you just drank, or how much beer you really consumed during that keg stand), it is important to know where you stand while consuming. At the same time, who thinks to bring this with them to a party? Or refer to it throughout the night? These BAC cards, though wellintentioned, don’t seem like a realistic tool to help students monitor their drinking.

It would seem more effective to have safe drinking education take place before one is out, and already beginning to drink in the first place, which will inevitably cloud their judgment.

Another big issue with BC’s drinking culture is getting help for a friend. They just like to drink right? Who doesn’t? She is your best friend, what will she say, think, or do?

The questions rushing through your head, or the massive amounts of pressure and worry are enough to keep someone quiet for sure. But, the OHP hopes you won’t stay quiet for long. A pamphlet produced by the Bacchus Network that is available in the OHP offices outlines a few signs that someone’s relationship with alcohol may be a problem—if you or someone you know is: drinking to get drunk, or until passing out, drinking at bad times (before class, before driving), becoming violent, yelling, or fighting, not doing well in school (missing class, not studying) because of drinking, starting to use other drugs, and a host of other signs. Other pamphlets outline steps to confronting a friend about a problem, and simply going into the OHP office to speak with someone is a good first step to seek intervention.

Unfortunately, many of the pamphlets feel outdated and irrelevant to students today. One such pamphlet offers responses to use when you don’t want to drink. Hopefully, by the time freshmen year is over, most students are comfortable enough to express their desires to either drink or not drink clearly. How often do we really witness peer pressure to drink on campuses? Or is the problem really the accessibility of alcohol on campuses coupled with the underage attitude so many students have towards alcohol consumption? For example, one pamphlet suggests that if someone says, “Help me finish this beer before we go,” one way to respond would be to say, “Sorry, but I have this phobia about backwash. I’m in therapy for it.” How is this less serious dialogue supposed to foster real conversations about the real issue that is alcohol abuse?

There seems to be a lot of miscommunication about drinking on college campuses, but at the end of the day, there are always facts that we can rely on. In an estimation made by Priest, out of about 9000 students, 2844, or 31.6 percent of students, meet the criteria of having a substance abuse problem. Additionally, out of the 540 students estimated to meet the criteria for a substance dependence disorder, 135 of those are seeking help for their problem. It seems that for BC, there are serious issues with both the student drinking culture and the resources available to students. n

By Kendra Kumor For The Heights

Christmas is a holiday based on traditions, and Boston College has no shortage of them. Even though there are a multitude of religious groups on campus, most students are always willing to get in the holiday spirit. There is certainly an activity for everyone on campus during the festive month of December. From the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in O’Neill Plaza to the various Chorale, a capella, and orchestra concerts, and even ginger bread decorating in the dining halls, the University has a wealth of holiday activities that are easy to overlook.

In 1948, University President Rev. William L. Keleher, S.J. wrote a Christmas message to the students that embodies the meaning of a BC Christmas: “My prayerful wish for you, our students and faculty, [is] that this Christmas time will find your hearts ready to welcome the newborn Babe with His graces and blessings, that He may bring to those near and dear to you, the peace and happiness which He alone can give.”

Although we hope that most students do not particularly believe in Santa Claus anymore, and the days of writing letters to the North Pole are unfortunately long gone, one BC student took it upon himself to write a letter to “the jolly old living monument to the holidays—Santa Claus.” In this letter, he took the time to ask for various holiday gifts for the students, faculty, and staff of the University. The letter was written and published in the last Heights issue of December 1993, but many of the gifts he names would still be useful to the campus community today. Here are a few of the most notable requests: “To the office of University Housing: a more user-friendly roommate selection process.” BC students know all to well the tortures of picking new roommates and living situations each year, and the process doesn’t seem to get any easier. Maybe Santa is still working out a new system—hopefully he will have come up with something by this spring before the rush begins to plan the perfect eight-man in the hopes of avoiding the fate of those unlucky sophomores living on College Road.

“To the O’Neill Computer Facility: more computers, and a faster printout system, and more games on the hard drives.” From what we know today, some things never change.

Even though the Printing Center has undoubtedly obtained more computers, the multitude of students requiring its services still makes this a valid request for the BC community.

The request for games, however, has been granted in the form of numerous video games systems and hand-held tablets thanks to the likes of Apple.

“To all of Lower Campus: A complete beauty make-over.” Santa really came through on this one, except for the Plex, of course. Since 1993, everything from dorms to dining halls to parking garages have been revamped and modernized. Lower Campus has gone from being the place to avoid to the place to be.

“To the students at BC: an end to

campus assaults and violence.” Although college campuses are never completely free of assaults and violence, the BC community has done an excellent job of creating awareness of this problem over the past few decades. From clubs and organizations on campus to mandatory programs for all incoming freshman regarding what to do in case of an emergency, this Christmas wish is well on its way to being granted.

“To the new Dining Facility: an opening sometime this century and a really big Taco Bell inside.” The dining facility opened the following spring, yet Santa never delivered the Taco Bell. Even in today’s day and age, a Taco Bell in Lyons would probably be toward the top of many BC students’ Christmas lists, along with the return of Hillside to the residential dining meal plan. Additionally, many students are eager to have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite treats from the Chocolate Bar, which will soon open in Stokes.

“To the non-existent BC advising system: some help for many confused students.” The holiday angels really delivered on this one. Almost 20 years later, the advising system here at BC is effective and efficient. A good adviser can be one of the most important factors in a student’s academic and career decisions. Now, if only Santa could bring BC an updated computer system to register for classes. No one can deny that the current UIS system is archaic and is in desperate need of a renovation.

“To that kid who jumped from the balcony at Breaking the Barriers: some common sense.” Most BC students are well endowed with this life skill, while others may still need some of Saint Nick’s help today. It may just be the case that some things will never change.

“To Tom Couglin and the Eagles: a Carquest victory, and a bigger stadium.” Couglin really got this wish.

Today he is the head coach of the New York Giants: Talk about a few victories and a bigger stadium. Now if Santa could only grant the current Eagles a few victories in the seasons ahead.

“To my family and my pals at The Heights: health and happiness.” This classic Christmas wish should be at the top of everyone’s list. The good health and happiness of the BC community will always remain above any other request one could ask for.

Some wishes were granted, while others remain in progress at the elves’ workshop in the North Pole.

Nonetheless, BC students are among a select group of people who always seem to be on Santa’s Nice List. As men and women for others, students are constantly striving to find ways to give back, and the spirit of volunteerism is especially fitting with the season of giving.

Before students return home for winter break after a muchneeded period of relaxation, they should keep the former University president’s Christmas message in mind. Members of the community should never let this holy season be shrouded with wanting what one does not have. Rather, they should remember to always be thankful for what one does. n

Considering the skyrocketing cost of tuition, plus the added expenses of books and housing, spending a significant amount of money on food was the last thing I wanted to do as I entered my first year of college. Unfortunately, I was not left with much choice but to eat in the cafeteria and watch money I might have saved be spent on things I didn’t really want or need. The first opportunity I had to cook on my own and opt out of the meal plan was one I jumped to take advantage of, and I have been satisfied with my decision since. The total semester cost of a first year meal plan is $2,409, which calculates out to be roughly $150.00 a week spent on food. I may eat whatever is cheapest, but I spend an average of $50 a week on food and have plenty of friends that have gotten creative enough to do the same. Plus, any extra money I can afford to spend will be used for some homemade pasta in the North End or a reasonable Boston restaurant that can certainly be more rewarding than forcing myself to use leftover dining bucks on whatever can be

that any grocery store is going to be cheaper when it is outside the Boston area. However, the Star Market is a much better option financially if you have a Shaw’s card, something that has given me surprisingly good discounts. Trader Joe’s is also a great place to shop with good deals, and one is located not far from BC at Coolidge Corner. Whatever you do, don’t step foot in Whole Foods if you want to avoid the temptation to buy food that can run your bank account dry.

So, what is there to buy that is actually convenient and tastes good? One thing I would note before buying anything at all is to make sure to check expiration dates and to think realistically about how much you can actually consume before food goes bad. Wanting to be healthy by buying fresh produce was a mistake I made at the beginning of the year as I watched myself throw out heads of lettuce or other vegetables that I barely used up. The best way to eat your vegetables is usually to buy them frozen so that you can eat them as you please. In fact, freezing food is probably the best way to keep food fresh. I will freeze my bread when the expiration date is right around the corner, and frozen items like a Lean Cuisine

Michelle Tomassi

stir-fry dish becomes a great dinner when extra vegetables, chicken, or tofu are added to them, making them a lot more filling and tasting surprisingly delicious. Similarly, you can buy frozen berries and then add them to yogurt to create a parfait for breakfast, or freeze chicken and cook several pieces at the beginning of the week to use for future meals.

Cooking instead of going to the dining halls can also be way more convenient when there is work to do and you don’t have a lot of time. No need to wait in lines, and my meals typically never take longer than five to 10 minutes to make. Not only does cooking save money and time, but it can be enjoyable and rewarding to think of new recipes or ways to eat healthily on your own.

After graduating from college there will be no more dining halls and cards to swipe in order to eat, so cooking on a budget is a good head start on deciding how to balance your time, money, and meals when no one is there to do it for you. n Kelly Sweeney is a contributor to The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

Michelle Tomassi is an editor for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

Smart shopping tips for the BC student chef found in the cafeteria. Opting out of a meal plan may not be for everyone, especially those who might not be able to resist splurging on eating out or budgeting their money each week. Yet there are many ways to make cooking and buying your own food a simple, quick and tasty task that those who are looking to save money could consider.

Before you make a trip to the grocery store and risk wandering around picking up anything that looks good in the moment, look at your schedule and plan out what meals you want to eat during the week. If you don’t have time to run back and forth to your dorm or apartment to cook you might want to think of some meals that could be carried with you throughout the day, such as sandwiches or leftovers that could be eaten the next day. I have realized how much better it is to make a list before going to the grocery store hungry, when everything looks good and I end up buying more items than I can afford.

Luckily, Boston College has a grocery shuttle that runs a few times each month to the Star Market on Beacon Street. Even better is to buy groceries at home if you live close enough to do so, because it is likely

Finding stability amidst life’s surprises

“Expect the unexpected.” It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard a million times, something a preteen girl is likely to write in fancy cursive handwriting on her notebook, or maybe even a quote you’ve pinned to your “inspiration” board on Pinterest.

Despite the lack of originality in this short message, I have come to realize now, during my second year at Boston College, that encountering unexpected situations will continue to be the reason why these will truly be the best four years of my life.

I didn’t expect to come to BC. It was a school I had visited my freshman year of high school with my older brother, and to be honest, I had put the school in the back of my mind. We happened to visit during an Arts Fest, and my first thought, without realizing it was only a yearly event, was that BC would be too “artsy” for someone like me. Four years later, when it came time to choosing the school where I would hopefully be able to call home, BC was there—a school I had applied to for its academic prestige and prime location, but soon became the only school out of my options that truly seemed like the right fit.

I didn’t expect to become as involved as I have when I first stepped onto our beautiful Chestnut Hill campus last fall.

Yes, I attended Student Activities Day, hoping to be slightly more dedicated to an extracurricular, which I regret to say I did not do in high school. I certainly didn’t expect that the one organization that would take up most of my time, the one I would devote so much heart and passion to, was one of the groups that I did not sign up for on that September afternoon.

I had learned about The Heights from one of my friends, who is now a fellow board member and one of my crazy-in-thebest-way roommates (didn’t expect that, either). I decided to check out the info session, and I ended up applying for the FLIP program, became acquainted with the staff, and eventually ran for a position as one of the copy editors. I definitely did not expect that reading endless amounts of articles while sitting on a filthy yet somewhat comfortable couch would eventually lead me to the position I am at today: as the features editor of The Heights.

The point is, I had become so accustomed to being the type of person who would plan every detail, know what I should and shouldn’t become involved in, and not branch out of my comfort zone. I can proudly say that this is no longer the case, as so much of my BC experience, especially The Heights, has become wonderfully unexpected.

Now, as I sit here writing my very first editor’s column, I hope to share with you the reason for why I have become so happy here at BC and why I am absolutely grateful to be here every day of my life: I have come to learn and expect that I have no idea what will happen next.

If I had stayed in my high school mentality, choosing what clubs to join and what friends to make solely based on what I thought I knew about myself, if I had listened to that voice in my head saying “That’s not for you” or “You wouldn’t like that,” I would not be where I am today. It is because I have learned to tell that voice to shut up and instead just do the things that may have scared or intimidated me, that I have gained more confidence and learned to love life’s surprises.

I’m not saying much that’s new here: everyone tells you to try new things when you come to college, meet new people, and fill your plate with so many things you barely have room for dessert (and that’s a shame, since those cookies in the dining hall are some of my best friends—don’t judge). What I’d like to add is that those new experiences don’t just come with being a freshman—they can continue through your second year and all the way to your final year as a senior, if you’re willing to seek them out. I know I’ll be having a plentitude of unexpected experiences, both the ones that will make me love this school even more (if that’s possible) and the ones that will make me curl up in my Snuggie and dramatically say, “Why me, God, oh why.” I know they will both be coming, but I don’t know when. What I do know is that this time next year, I will be doing something new, something that surprises myself, and I am definitely ready.

Okay, maybe not completely ready.

Let’s see how I do after a year of working on the features section—I’m sure every day will be like a surprise party. And that’s my favorite kind.

campus chronicles

Kelly Sweeney

Editor’s Column

features The Heights

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B10

Monday, February 7, 2011

Monday, December 3, 2012

AID informs one lecture at a time

Assessing

Student Drinking

ON

campus

By Therese Tully

By Michelle Tomassi Heights Editor

Features Editor

T

he rum is poured into shot glasses, those partaking grab one, and maybe a chaser too. Calls of “Cheers to the weekend!” are heard all around campus. It’s just a typical Friday night at Boston College, but maybe the night gets a little too rowdy. And maybe, you have to escort one of your friends home who has had too much to drink. Or, it’s a Saturday morning and you hear someone throwing up in the communal bathroom on your freshman year floor.

Sometimes, in extreme cases, someone is deemed no longer “okay” by a jury of their peers, often under the influence themselves, and Eagle EMS is called to escort the inebriated party to St. Elizabeth’s. We have all seen these things happen, and there are few students at BC who could say they don’t know someone who has had a negative experience with alcohol while in college. Have college students normalized risky drinking behaviors to the point where partying becomes a problem? Or is the general population’s view of collegiate drinking skewed to make it seem like more of a problem than it actually is?

Robyn Priest, associate director of the Office of Health Promotions (OHP) believes that there is truly a disconnect in the meaning of health for BC’s student body at large, “Some people think they are healthy, but then they are binge drinking on the weekends,” Priest said. It seems incongruous that students would behave this way on a college campus that is so health conscience, but the fact of the matter is, binge drinking is widespread. No amount of Plex time can cancel out the damage done to one’s body by alcohol.

Priest remarked that students shouldn’t have anything bad happen as the result of alcohol consumption, citing things like fights with friends, throwing up, and getting into arguments, all of which she concedes are pretty common on a college campus. These sorts of behaviors are classified as outside of the realm of healthy drinking practices. “Students normalize behavior that isn’t normal,” Priest said. Is an occasional Saturday hangover really a big issue to student health? Students must judge for themselves whether their weekend, and sometimes weeknight, behaviors fall outside the boundaries of what the OHP classifies as safe drinking.

Drinking is part of a culture that is, in fact, intrinsic to BC life.

Even non-drinkers are confronted with Saturday and Sunday morning Natty cans and red Solo cups littering their once pristine campus.

These non-drinkers and moderate drinkers are not merely unaffected bystanders, but must deal with what Priest referred to as, “second hand drinking.”

“People have to deal with loss of sleep, probably damages, vomit, and all of these things are a result of other students’ over consumption,” Priest said. No matter how much vomit needs to be cleaned up, how many hangovers ensue, or how much dorm room damage is caused, the cycle seems to continue. Priest chalked this attitude up to the fact that students are reluctant to hold each other accountable, because they have the attitude that next time, it could be them. This picture of campus makes BC seem like a campus full of those struggling with alcohol abuse, and their enablers. We must decide if this is really fair.

Sometimes it takes a major incident to occur before students realize that their drinking, or the drinking of one of their friends has moved into a problematic place. After such an incident, or if anyone was seeking help for themselves or a friend, the OHP has many different available courses of help to offer students with all different sorts of needs. The Alcohol Intervention Meeting program (AIM), the BASICS program, and the CHOICES program are just three of many different options that are available to students seeking help with an alcohol problem.

By coming into the OHP office in Gasson Hall 025, Priest or another member of the office can direct students to the best program for them, or speak with a student one on one about the different options available to them.

“Sometimes it takes a major incident to occur before students realize that their drinking, or the drinking of one of their friends, has moved into a problematic place.”

See Alcohol, B9 maggie burdge / heights graphic

“If you had the chance to give the last lecture of your life, what wisdom would you impart upon your students?” This is the question that has been tackled by several professors over the past four years, as part of the Last Lecture series sponsored by the Boston College chapter of the Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), a nonpartisan political organization. This year’s lecture will be held tomorrow afternoon.

The series began in response to a popular lecture given by Randy Pausch on Sept.

18, 2007. Pausch, a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the time and was informed a month before the lecture that it was terminal. His lecture was titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” and gained so much recognition that it eventually developed into The Last Lecture, a New York Times best-selling book coauthored

by Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow of The Wall Street Journal.

Colleges and universities across the nation began to host similar lectures, in which professors were tasked with expressing any life lessons, knowledge, advice, or general beliefs as if they were departing words, adding immense value to the concept. The first “Last Lecture” at BC was given by Rev. Michael Himes, on Nov. 18, 2008, and since then the biannual lecture series has served as an outlet for several other well-known professors to share their wisdom.

Some of the past speakers include Mary Joe Hughes, professor and assistant director of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program, and David McMenamin, director of the PULSE Program for Service Learning. The lectures are available to view online at BC’s website, allowing their words to reach everyone on campus as well as future generations of students to come.

On Tuesday, Amy LaCombe will speak to a crowd of students and faculty in the Murray Function Room as a continuation of this lecture series as a distinguished BC professor.

LaCombe is a senior lecturer in the Carroll School of Management (CSOM), and will actually be the first CSOM professor to be featured in the Last Lecture series.

“People really want to hear what she has to say,” said Colin Akerly, vice president of AID and CSOM ’13. LaCombe was one of Akerly’s professors during the first semester of his freshman year, and has been a vocal supporter since the beginning and is looking forward to hearing what she has to share with the rest of the BC community.

When describing the qualities that AID looks for in a professor to give a Last Lecture, Akerly used one word: beloved.

“We want a professor who has taught for years here, who has an audience,” he said. He described the extensive conversation and debates that members of AID have to choose the perfect individual—someone who is well known, has sparked inspiration in his or her students, and who would have a unique voice when addressing an eager audience. AID strives to find professors across all departments, and prides themselves on continuing this tradition at the end of every semester.

“We always do it right before finals—we think it puts people in the right mindset,” Akerly noted. Before the ensuing weeks of papers, exams, and presentations, students could certainly use some encouragement and “peace of mind,” he said.

AID has worked diligently through fliers to advertise for the event, but the student leaders hope that the series will gain more prominence in the future. “We’re wanting

See Last Lecture, B7

Tip O’Neill exhibit provides a look into the past of a political legend Exploring the legacy of a man who has left an indelible mark on the Boston College campus

By Kathryn Walsh For The Heights

On the second floor of the O’Neill Library, wedged between the Connors Family Learning and Media Centers, exists a small exhibit dedicated to a man with a big heart. The black and white photos transport viewers back in time to a much different era, the period of the Great Depression during which Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. attended Boston College. A graduate of the Class of 1936 and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987, the great man once walked the corridors of Gasson Hall and

weathered the New England elements to study at Bapst. Although BC differed greatly in the ’30s, lacking both a female population and dozens of the magnificent stone buildings it harbors today, the Jesuit tradition still lived. O’Neill, like many students of BC, graduated inspired to “set the world aflame.” He did that, and much more.

The exhibit in the library, decorated with pictures, insights, and even his collection of donkeys—the symbol of the Democratic Party, chronicles his inspirational rise to Speaker of the House. Born on Dec. 9, 1912 in North Cambridge, a largely Irish populated area, O’Neill grew up in a humble, reli-

i nside FE ATURES this issue

gious home. He was greatly influenced by his father, a skilled mason, who possessed an interest in politics as an elected member of the Cambridge City Council. The exhibit documents the nuns who also played an influential role in shaping O’Neill’s young adulthood at St. John’s High School. He received great encouragement from them: “Sister Agatha,” he admits, “was responsible for getting me into Boston College.”

In 1936 his classmates predicted his bright future of leadership, dubbing him “Class Politician” in the BC yearbook.

The exhibit quotes him as saying, “For a politician to be successful, he or she is going to have to meet a lot of people.

Connecting with them on an individual basis is crucial, I don’t care how many TV sound bits they get. There’s a line to everybody and you have to find it.”

O’Neill’s genuine care and respect for his constituents at home, for the average American, shined through in his politics. He is most remembered for his saying that “All politics is local,” expressing his understanding that the issues of each person matter.

O’Neill saw government as a means to improve the condition of people in his district: “There are some things about politics that never change: giving your words and keeping it is still the bedrock. Vote your conscience, your country, your district, the leadership, in that order.” Much of the legislation he crafted during his time in both the Massachusetts State House and United States House of Representatives focused on improving the lives of the less fortunate in society. He entered into politics to make a difference for the people he

Heights Through the Century An old issue of The Heights from 1993 reveals a reassessment of campus life during the holidays ...................................................... B9

knew. His big size and contagious personality made him a standout. One of his greatest accomplishments was his involvement in peace talks in Northern Ireland, an issue he felt personally connected to because of his Irish heritage.

He received the Freeman of Cork Award from Cork City, Ireland, in tribute for his hard work.

Although inspired by liberal programs like Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” O’Neill understood and respected the ideas of his fellow legislators on the other side of the political spectrum. For BC students O’Neill is not simply the honorary figure of The O’Neill Library, home to many of their late nights, but a representation of a different kind of politician. Melissa Moucka, A&S ’13,

See Tip O’Neill, B7

Humor Column.................................B7 He Said/She Said.........................B8