Los Angeles LOYOLAN The
Youtube star David Dobrick made a surprise appearance on campus during a Mane Entertainment event. Page 11
March 4, 2020
W W W. L A L O Y O L A N . C O M
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
Your Home. Your Voice. Your News. EST. 1921 V O LU M E
98
| ISSUE 22
Men's basketball honors Hank
Photo: JJ Doerksen | Loyolan
Junior guard/forward Eli Scott (0) posterizes San Francisco junior guard Jamaree Bouyea (1) on Saturday, Feb. 29 in Gersten Pavilion. LMU lost to USF 6967. The team wore throwback jerseys in recognition of LMU basketball legend Hank Gathers as part of a weekend full of tributes for the 30th anniversary of Gathers' death. See full coverage on pages 14-16.
Bernie Sanders projected to win in California Presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Sanders fought for primary votes on Super Tuesday. Aidan Buzo
Election 2020 Reporter @LALoyolan
Photo: Cristobal Spielmann | Loyolan
Bernie Sanders speaks at a rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 1, 2020. At the time of publication, Sanders was leading the polls in California.
At the time of publication, the official California winner has not yet been reported, but Sen. Bernie Sanders is the presumptive winner. Many Californian votes will not be reported for a number of days, but as of Tuesday night, former Vice President Joe Biden was in second place and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg in third. In earlier Super Tuesday races, Biden won southern states like Virginia and North Carolina in addition to scoring a win in Massachusetts that largely came as a surprise. Biden’s Super Tuesday success in other state's earlier elections signify a potential turning point in his campaign. Based on Super Tuesday results, the race seems to have narrowed to two candidates: Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. However, there are still a number of delegates to be awarded
after Super Tuesday. This elections season, in an attempt to modernize the voting process, Los Angeles County introduced a new voting system and additional technology, according to the Washington Post. The system received mixed reviews from voters on Super Tuesday. In an election day canvas of voting centers across the city conducted by the University’s Center for the Study of Los Angeles, more than 90% of L.A. County voters surveyed rated their overall experience at their vote center as excellent or good. Approximately 80% of those surveyed reported that the new technology made voting easier. However, at the Westchester YMCA a few miles from campus, long lines and operational errors slowed voting to a standstill, according to the Los Angeles Times. “This is absurd,” Jefferson Stewart, who was attempting to vote at the Westchester YMCA, told the Times. “If the idea is to make this simpler, it’s gotten much worse.” This article was contributed to by Molly Jean Box, editor-in-chief, and Maddie Cindrich, managing editor.
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Page 2
Students abroad return home amid coronavirus Multiple LMU study abroad programs have been canceled in response to the coronavirus. Kennedi Hewitt and Grace Adams Asst. News Editor and News Intern @LALoyolan
As the coronavirus spreads to a growing number of countries, LMU students are being sent home from several study abroad locations. Programs in Italy, as well as a program in South Korea that was scheduled to begin in March, have been canceled, according to Executive Vice President and Provost Thomas Poon in a statement sent out to students. In the statement, Poon emphasized that students’ well-being is a priority and included information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the virus. As of March 3, all Global Immersion trips that were supposed to take place in spring 2020 have also been canceled, according to an email from the BCLA Dean’s Office that was sent to students expected to participate in the Germany, Ghana and Greece programs. According to the World Health Organization, “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases … Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.”
via Kelly Sidney
A group of LMU sudents that were enrolled in the Gonzaga program pose for a photo in Florence, Italy. These students, among others, will return to LMU due to coronavirus.
In response to an uptick in coronavirus cases, the CDC has posted Level 3 health travel notices for both Italy and South Korea, strongly discouraging all “nonessential travel.” In Italy, the total number of recorded cases has reached over 2,500, and in South Korea the number is greater than 5,000, according to The New York Times. Lisa Loberg, the director of LMU’s study abroad office, said, “We canceled our spring 2020 semester program at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, which had not yet started,
and Gonzaga University closed their Florence program, where we have 15 LMU students.” According to Loberg, the program cancellation in Seoul will impact two students. “We are closely monitoring the situation related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). LMU Study Abroad is in communication with our on-site partners and receiving updates from government agencies,” said Loberg. LMU does not directly operate the affected programs in Italy, but in addition to the 15 LMU students
studying in Florence through Gonzaga University, one was studying in Bologna with the Spring Hill College Italy Center, according to Loberg. Kelly Sidney, a junior studio arts major, is one of the 15 students currently enrolled in the Gonzaga-Florence program. She said, “I got an email from the school, but a couple days prior I started to notice that NYU and USC had pulled their kids back … I understand why the University did it. I know it would be awful for a student to not be able to get back into the states, to get sick or to even be quarantined,” said Sidney about her program’s cancellation. Sidney continued, “I’m not overly happy about it because, as a junior, I don’t really have another opportunity to study abroad. Any other circumstance where I could or would return to Europe would be completely different. I probably wouldn’t feel as embedded in the community. It wouldn’t be for as long of a time … There’s not really a price tag that can be put on the experience.” According to Sidney, both LMU and Gonzaga have requested student flight itineraries and for students to move out of their homestays by March 6. Loberg said, “We know that the disruption of study abroad plans is certainly not ideal, but it became a necessary step due to growing health and safety concerns in the region.” According to Loberg, summer and fall 2020 study abroad programs are currently planned to run according to schedule. However, LMU is prepared to make any necessary changes to the programs.
Dance Marathon raises $53,264 Annual event marks the end of yearlong fundraiser for pediatric cancer. Haley LaHa and Accalia Rositani Asst. News Editor and News Intern @LALoyolan
The second annual Dance Marathon was held on March 1, hosted by LMU Dance Marathon (LMUDM), the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL). Supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, students gathered in Burns Back Court to dance and enjoy festivities, all while raising money for and bringing awareness to pediatric cancer. Joe McDonough, the founder of the B+ Foundation, began the foundation after the passing of his 14-year-old son, Andrew, due to leukemia. McDonough’s organization provides financial assistance to families affected by pediatric cancer, funds research and raises awareness for childhood cancers. They are now the largest provider of financial assistance to families of children with cancer in the United States, according to their website. The B+ Foundation partners with over 80 colleges and universities which hold various events including the Dance Marathon, a Spina-thon and various 5K runs. “My favorite part, if I had to choose one, is seeing the different parts of the LMU community helping such a great cause,” said Luca Basilone, a senior entrepreneurship and economics double major. “That’s the most amazing part about what they’re doing here; it’s only the second year and we’ve seen how much they’ve grown so far, so I think it’s great.”
This year’s total eclipsed the $44,349 sum from last year. There will be one last event the week after spring break in partnership with LMU Athletics, which will raise additional funds for the B+ foundation, according to junior health and human sciences major Mike Martinez, the co-executive director of LMUDM. The six-hour event included speakers senior marketing major Claire Nakaki and junior biology major Catherine Dauw, who spoke about their experiences with cancer and their journeys to recovery. Also featured were various DJs, a hypnotist, LMU dance groups Radix Dance Crew and Kuumba Beatz, a raffle and awards to the organizations who raised the most money for the B+ Foundation. Lambda Chi Alpha raised the most money of all of the participating organizations, with $11,469 in donations. “I feel like LMU is such a strong community and the sense of the community gets stronger because they have so many events leading up to the main event,” said Sammy Lent, a senior marketing major. “You see it on everyone’s Instagram stories about raising money and it’s for a cause, but it’s also getting everyone to participate.” Co-executive directors DeAnna Berar and Mike Martinez coordinated with an executive team of 18 students to create the year-long fundraising program. The team worked with various LMU organizations including athletics, service organizations and SFL to spread the word about the B+ Foundation and its mission. “Our overall goal, when Michael and I sat down [was] ‘We want this to be like a communitywide event. We want service orgs involved, we want athletics involved and SFL,” said Berar, a senior sociology major. See Dance Marathon | Page 3
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
Page 3
laloyolan.com
Dance Marathon supports B+ Foundation Dance Marathon from Page 2
“We just want this to be something where everybody can come together and experience it, fundraise together and find different ways to connect with people,” said Berar. LMUDM hopes that the Dance Marathon will continue to grow to become a major event on campus for students to participate in as a whole community. “Regarding the future [of the dance marathon], we’ve already been pretty
successful with raising a lot of money, I feel like people are very generous and people get what we’re doing and how good of a cause all of this is going towards,” said Martinez. Martinez hopes that people will be more proactive by attending events or helping with planning. “I think that’s something that could happen in the future, and that just takes people getting involved and it being more of an established event,” Martinez said.
Photo: Annie Kapila | Loyolan
Participants dance to student musicians. The event lasted six hours and raised $53,264 for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, an orgaization which raises money to families affected by childhood cancer.
Photo: Annie Kapila | Loyolan
Catherine Dauw, an event speaker, poses with her dog. At the event, Dauw explained her own experiences with cancer and recovery.
. . . S T N E D U T S G ASKiN
? 0 2 0 2 N i E T O V WHY
"46'.2-#*'4&5'23*0/7&(1&E-0/1&F-E-8&-%%#;&4/9%&/7*#'.A& G.-3,*5H&I/%%*5-&G0-%%(/.:&J&F'1'0-4
!"#$%&'()*'+%&#,-#&*#$%&./-001& *23'.#-4#&(/5-+%/&*6&1'+&5-./& -('+#&#,/&3'0*#*5-0&50*2-#/&-47& #,/&%#-#/&'6&'+.&4-#*'48&#,/4&1'+& %,'+07&)'*5/&1'+.&'3*4*'4&*6&1'+& 9-4#&5,-4:/;&<47&"&6//0&0*=/& /)/.1'4/&%,'+07&9-4#&5,-4:/8& /%3/5*-001&-6#/.&#,/%/&0-%#&6/9& 1/-.%8&(+#&#,-#$%&>+%#&21&'3*4*'4;& ?+#&"&6//0&0*=/&/)/.1'4/&-#&0/-%#& ,-%&%'2/&'3*4*'4&-('+#&,'9&#,/& 5'+4#.1$%&(//4&.+48&-47&#,/1& 4//7&#'&)'#/;@ &!"#$%%&'(")&'*$+%,-."%$-&,+" /0$(/+$"(+/%"1(2,+
!"&#,*4=&*#$%&*23'.#-4#&/%3/5*-001& 6'.&1'+4:&3/'30/&(/5-+%/&-&0'#&'6& 3'0*#*5*-4%&-./&5'+4#*4:&+%&'+#A& #,/1$./&5'+4#*4:&'4&1'+4:&3/'30/& 4'#&)'#*4:;&B'&"&#,*4=&*#$%& /%3/5*-001&*23'.#-4#&6'.&1'+4:& 3/'30/&-#&#,*%&+4*)/.%*#1&-47&-41& +4*)/.%*#1&#'&)'#/;@& !"3&'0,4(%"5,2/$+."6+$%01(-" $',-,1&'%"1(2,+
!"&#,*4=&)'#*4:&*4&:/4/.-0&*%&-& 3.*)*0/:/&#,-#&-&0'#&'6&3/'30/& ,-)/&6'+:,#&#'&-5,*/)/8&-47&"& #,*4=&%'2/&3/'30/&#-=/&*#&6'.& :.-4#/7;&B'&"&#,*4=&*#$%&%+3/.& *23'.#-4#&#'&)'#/&*4&#,*%&/0/5#*'4& *4&3-.#*5+0-.&(/5-+%/&9/&-./&>+%#& )/.1&7*)*7/7&-%&-&5'+4#.18&-47&"& #,*4=&*#$%&#*2/&#'&(.*4:&*#&(-5=&#'& %'2/9,/./&9/&5-4&-00&-:.//&'4& -47&:/#&%'2/&%#+C&7'4/;@& !"7(1(-/0("7$894:$;(." %$-&,+"&-/$+-(/&,-(4"+$4(/&,-%" 1(2,+
!"&#,*4=&*#$%&*23'.#-4#&(/5-+%/& *#$%&21&6*.%#&#*2/&)'#*4:8&9,*5,&*%& ./-001&/D5*#*4:8&-47&7+/&#'&#,/& 0-%#&/0/5#*'4&9*#,&-00&'6&#,/& 5'4#.')/.%1&-47&*%%+/%&#,-#& -.'%/&(/5-+%/&'6&#,/&3./%*7/4#8& "&#,*4=&#,-#&*#$%&)/.1&5.+5*-0&6'.& #,/&1'+#,&4'9-7-1%&#'& +47/.%#-47&9,1&9/$./&)'#*4:& -47&9,-#&9/$./&)'#*4:&6'.;@ &!"7,6&("<9'&,."6+$%01(-" 0$(4/0"(-;"091(-"%'&$-'$%" 1(2,+
=0,/,%>"##"),$+*%$-
OPINION
Page 4
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Stop coronavirus misinformation
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor News Intern News Intern Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Opinion Intern Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Life+Arts Intern Life+Arts Intern Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Sports Intern Bluff Editor Asst. Bluff Editor Bluff Intern Bluff Intern Copy Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Design Editor Asst. Design Editor Design Intern Design Intern Cartoon Editor Cartoonist Cartoonist Cartoonist Cartoonist Cartoonist Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Photo Intern Photo Intern Photo Intern Video Producer Video Producer Video Freelancer Video Freelancer Video Intern Video Intern
Molly Jean Box Maddie Cindrich Miles Thomas Grace McCauley Sofia Hathorn Kennedi Hewitt Haley LaHa Accalia Rositani Grace Adams Alyssa Story Cristobal Spielmann Veronica Backer-Peral Caroline Thoms Sammi Su Francesca Bermudez Bird Cooley Riley Hetherington Alex Hutton Nicholas Rossi Ellie Kinney Dean Anagnostopoulos Gabriella Jeakle Connor Rose Erik VonSosen Daniel Silvera Megan Leberknight Lucie Bolzan Carrick Mahoney Antonia Abramowitz Brynn Shaffer Tate Shuttlesworth Spencer Miller Alexis SooHoo Anastasia Glushneva Adrian Leung Gigi Toma Allie King Kate Leahy Michaela Galeski Alexandra Christophilis Joseph Capestany Gabrielle Ouellette Sarah Cheung Camille Bautista Bobby Sutton Joseph Capestany Christina Oyebade Maeve Sullivan Owen Markham Annie Kapila Jacob Doerksen Meghan Quadracci Jarred Falero Declan Tomlinson Joe Harrison Kayla Austefjord Brooks Lalley Melanie An Owen Tait
With the increasing occurrence of coronavirus around the globe, fear has escalated. The New York Times reported that as of March 2, more than 90,000 cases of the virus have been reported worldwide, resulting in 3,000 deaths. However, some of the fear that has arisen has been entirely displaced; American xenophobia has increased alongside fears of the virus itself. On March 26, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus penned a letter to their congressional peers in which they asked them to “help us prevent hysteria, ignorant attacks, and racist assaults that have been fueled by misinformation pertaining to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19),” as reported by NBC. The letter reflects the concerns not only of our congressional leaders but also of our fellow citizens as well. Recently, people of Asian heritage have been targeted, avoided and discriminated against due to the origin of the virus, according to the LA Times. The news about the virus itself has also become prone to offer misinformation. In California especially, one of the ways that this has been felt is ridesharing, which has seen an increase in the number of canceled trips for Asian rideshare drivers, according to the LA Times. Other rumors have circulated in Los Angeles, resulting in a loss of business for at least one restaurant in Koreatown due to the false rumors of people with coronavirus eating at the establishment, according to the New York Times. With so much information about the coronavirus coming out daily and numbers
frequently changing, it is important to focus only on the facts. It is news events like this that attract sensationalism, panic and even false information. Recently, FOX news host Jesse Watters claimed that the virus spread because the people of Wuhan, the city where the first cases of the virus broke out, were were eating “raw bats and snakes.” According to the CDC, the virus is suspected to be connected to a local Wuhan market. However, at this time the CDC cannot confirm it spread because of the diet of Wuhan citizens. Claims such as Watters’ that do more to highlight racist tropes than telling factual news are what need to be avoided. Using our platforms to receive and spread news needs to be done responsibly; although we are entitled to free speech, we must use it responsibly to avoid spreading more misinformation and uninformed perceptions. As consumers of news, it is important for us to reflect upon the information we read. With new information constantly being released, knowing how to find reliable information is an increasingly important skill. The CDC is releases up-to-date information and guidance on their website. Currently, only six people in the United States have died and only 60 cases have been reported, according to the CDC. In a 24-hour news cycle where news events like the coronavirus are especially prone to sensationalization, it is important we maintain perspective and continue to keep ourselves informed. Currently the CDC reccomends washing your hands frequently and not touching your face.
“With so much information about the coronavirus coming out daily...it is important to focus only on the facts.”
Board Editorial Molly Jean Box Editor-in-Chief
Maddie Cindrich Managing Editor
Grace McCauley
Asst. Managing Editor
Miles Thomas
Asst. Managing Editor
Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.
Bloomberg should have stayed home V for Vendetta Veronica Backer-Peral
BUSINESS STAFF Business Manager Business Intern Advertising Manager Ad Intern Senior Consultant Senior Consultant
Anika Hanson Daniel Zonni Jenna Nicotra Amaya Lorick Gia Lee Hayden Regalado
Distribution Manager Petros Hadjikyracou Distribution Intern Mirabella Efstratis Distribution Intern Rory Ahern Distribution Intern Zoe Cannon Student Media Coordinator Veronica Manz Director of Student Media Tom Nelson
LOYOLAN EDITORIAL POLICY The Los Angeles Loyolan, a student-run campus organization, publishes a weekly newspaper for the greater LMU community. mailed subscriptions can be purchased through the Business department. The Loyolan accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, The Loyolan reserves the right to edit or reject all submissions, including advertisements, articles or other contributions it deems objectionable. The Loyolan does not print consecutive articles by the same author that repeat/refute the initial arguments. Opinions and ideas expressed in the Loyolan are those of individual authors, artists and student editors and are not those of Loyola Marymount University, its Board of Trustees, its student body or of newspaper advertisers. Board Editorials are unsigned editorials are by invitation of the Executive Editorial Board and All advertisements are subject to the current rates and policies in the most recent Advertising Rates and Information materials.
The Los Angeles Loyolan is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.
Y
Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan
ou’ve seen him on TV. And Instagram. And Snapchat. And during the Superbowl. New York mayor Mike Bloomberg is everywhere. He’s spent almost half a billion dollars to make sure of it. But there’s one place that the presidential candidate should have avoided: stepping on the Democratic debate stage in Las Vegas on Feb. 19 was the worst decision Mr. Bloomberg and his campaign could have made. Six days later, on a new debate stage in South Carolina, Bloomberg chuckled as he told the audience, with a clumsy stutter. “I’m surprised they show up because I would’ve thought after I did such a good job in beating them last week that they’d be a little afraid to do that.” That was not the first time one of the New York mayor’s jokes have fallen flat. Minutes into the Las Vegas debate, Senator Elizabeth Warren launched a targeted attack against Bloomberg by bringing up a series of allegations leveled by women who worked for the CEO of Bloomberg L.P. She demanded that he release these women from their non-disclosure agreements and allow them to tell their stories. Bloomberg responded that the worst he has done is tell a couple of “jokes” — a defense that
Cartoon: Camille Bautista | Loyolan
Mike Bloomberg was torn to shreds by far-left presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on Nevada’s debate stage in Feb.
did not resonate well with myself or the audience, who went on to boo the former mayor. From there, Bloomberg’s performance only went downhill. When other candidates like Senator Bernie Sanders attacked him for putting in place an inherently racist “stopand-frisk” policy in New York City, he failed to defend himself. Although it is important for politicians to be able to apologize for past mistakes,
Bloomberg’s awkward apology was weak in light of his opponent’s eloquent and well-planned attacks. The worst part for the mayor, though, wasn’t just his performance, but who was watching. The Nevada debate drew in a record near 20 million viewers — more than some major awards shows. See Bloomberg | Page 5
EDQ
Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
OPINION
Page 5
Bloomberg should have sat out the debate Bloomberg from Page 4
The only feasible explanation for this increase in viewership is that people wanted to see Mayor Bloomberg in action for his first-ever presidential debate, likely seeking a bit of clarity in this turbulent primary season. The debate was certainly enlightening, but not in Bloomberg’s favor. “I definitely think that the debate revealed his flaws to
the public,” junior AIMS and Spanish double major, Theo Hargis, explained, “It made me realize that the hundreds of millions of dollars he has put into quick advertisement isn’t going to work on everyone. You can’t just spend that much money in that short of a period and expect it to work out. There’s more to being president than that.” After watching the debate,
I had one big question. It was no secret that every other candidate was out to destroy Bloomberg – so shouldn’t he have prepared for these attacks? It turns out that he did. In fact, Bloomberg held mock debates before the Nevada debate in which he had campaign advisers play the roles of the other candidates to prepare. Clearly, however, these
mock debates weren’t enough. Bloomberg came into the debate as an elusive and powerful unknown but left as a ridiculed failure. To make matters worse, this was his one chance. Yes, if you look at his second debate, it’s clear that Bloomberg improved considerably. He was still no Abe Lincoln, but at least he was able to respond to criticism and attack his
opponents with some degree of conviction. However, not only had viewership dropped for this debate, but the image of the mayor as just another Donald Trump was already set in stone.
This is the opinion of Veronica BackerPeral, sophomore film and television production, computer science and history triple major from Pasadena, California. Tweet comments @LALoyolan or email astory@theloyolan.com.
EDQ
Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Page 6
Photography banned on the Bluff indefinitely The Bluff: disappearing from an instagram feed near you very soon. Erik VonSosen
Doesn’t Believe in Cameras
If you were to ask LMU students what their favorite location to take photos on campus is, you would be met with a variety of answers: in front of the chapel, the first floor of St. Rob’s, maybe even the Lair salad bar. However, the vast majority of students would agree that the Bluff is LMU’s prime location for every student’s inner photographer. On Sunday, Feb. 30, LMU announced that photography would be banned campus-wide along the Bluff, effective immediately. The ban applies to all students, faculty and visitors on campus grounds. Department of Public Safety officers will be stationed along the Bluff 24 hours a day, with extra security during golden hour. A safety team will also conduct surveillance online, patrolling Instagram and Snapchat stories to report students who may have snuck in a photo or two at the Bluff. Large signs were also posted overnight warning students of the restrictions of the ban, including possible fines. If a student is found snapping a quick story of the Bluff, they will be met with an automatic withdrawal of $50 from their meal plan and a 24-hour WiFi ban. The only websites accessible during this
Photo: Annie Kapila | Loyolan
Pesky students take the last photo ever documented on the Bluff. They were arrested shortly after and detained in Public Safety. They have declined to comment, but they want you to like their photo.
ban are Brightspace, MyLMU, and Cool Math Games (For Kids). A university representative Aghatha Tronchbulle II explained the reasoning behind the spontaneous ban: “In partnership with Google, we want to reduce the amount of clutter and repetition that plagues our students’ stories and encourage them to take pictures of the other sights on campus.” Following the announcement, some students were distraught by the sudden news. Freshman Remus Smith expressed his ample disappointment at the new campus-wide rule. “What am I supposed to send to my Snapchat streaks? A photo of myself?” He has since created the Instagram account @FreeTheBluff, and is organizing a mass letter writing campaign titled: “#Make the Bluff Great Again.” Other students have taken the news better, and have discovered new locations to snap photos. Sophomore Myrtle Thompson has taken on a variety of new subjects for her Instagram stories around campus: “There are so many amazing locations here that students are missing out on! The University Hall architecture, the steps at Lawton Plaza — I even did a photo series on a family of rats I found in St. Rob’s!” Although the Bluff is no longer a hotspot for the photographically inclined, students can relax knowing they’ll never have to see a sunset photo captioned, “I can’t believe I go to school here <3” on their feeds again.
Local bro disappointed by Christmas light lack of effect Lights on. Garbage out. Bed unmade. Mood set. Daniel Silvera Didn’t get a byline last time
A normally pretty easy-going guy, member of Delta Pretzel Epsilon Chad Bradley recently told reporters he was “big-time pissed” that his Christmas lights weren’t helping his dorm decor as much as he thought they would. “I thought it would be all cute and stuff,” he said, giving the reporters a tour of what one might call a total pig sty, “but it really didn’t help as much as it was supposed to.” When asked about the heap of garbage occupying a large part of the floor and the potato chips crushed into the mottled gray carpeting, Bradley’s only comment was “I high-key expected you to say ‘Wow, it’s so cozy in here! Not that.” Bluff reporters at the site noted a distinct musty smell of unwashed gym clothing emanating from the unwashed gym clothing strewn about the room.
“When he invited me back to his place and told me about the remote he uses to adjustthe lights, I thought, ‘Finally, a boy with interior decorating skills’ – but I was gravely mistaken,” remarked a young woman Bradley was interested in romantically, who has chosen to remain anonymous. “When I arrived, I for real thought he had taken me to some kind of a post-modern art exhibit full of empty boxes of breakfast cereal and spent e-cigarette pods.” Bradley will be taking legal action against the manufacturers of the lights, remarking that he had spent upwards of $400 on lights to make his room a “chill zone to like vibe or whatever,” but did not realize it wouldn’t fix the absolute primordial chaos of the rest of the room. “I thought I’d be getting all the chicks to be all like ‘Ugh, I just want to curl up in here on a rainy day with a good book’ – but the lights didn’t help disguise my lifestyle, habits or personality at all.”
Cartoon: Joey Capestany | Loyolan
With a roll of tape and some money spent at Joanne Fabrics, a string of Christmas lights can turn your dump of a room into a social hot spot. It’s still a dump, but now the trash is well lit.
The Bluff is a humorous and satirical section published in the Loyolan. All quotes attributed to real figures are completely fabricated; persons otherwise mentioned are completely fictional.
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
Page 8
laloyolan.com
Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it Ironic
Sheesh
By Sarah Cheung, cartoonist
By Bobby Sutton, cartoon intern
RAT GANG
By Christina Oyebade, cartoon intern
2017 Classic! UNNECESSARY JAPES
Check out more Loyolan cartoons online now! Visit LALoyolan.com/cartoons and catch up on your favorites!
By Cameron Woodard, former cartoonist
Social Justice Q&A with a Special Games co-director EDQ
Find us @LALoyolan
Page 9
laloyolan.com
Photo: Maeve Sullivan | Loyolan
via Lily Catrone
Lily Catrone, co-director of Special Games, started working CSA as a freshman.
Members of the Special Games committee visit members of The Arc living community for those with special needs. Many members of The Arc participate as athletes for Special Games at LMU.
Co-director talks about her most memorable experiences at the event.
[from previous years], they all have their activities that they want to play, they all love the DJ who comes and the balloons … [I would explain it as] two weekends of non-competitive fun for people of varying abilities. G.M.: How did you get involved in Special Games? LC: I worked for Leslie, who is the Special Games moderator … so I just worked for her in [the Center for Service and Action] my freshman year and that’s how I knew about Special Games. I think because I worked there I got an email for their application to join the committee, which has 12 people on it and then Leslie our moderator. I started as an events and equipment coordinator, did that for two years and then this past year became one of the co-directors. G.M.: What does Special Games mean to you? L.C.: I love it because in middle school and high school, I was a TA for the special needs classes, so it’s something that I’m really passionate about it.
Grace McCauley
Asst. Managing Editor @LALoyolan
Lily Catrone, senior marketing major and one of two co-directors of Special Games, spoke with Grace McCauley, assistant managing editor, about her experience getting involved with the studentrun organization and how it has impacted her. Grace McCauley (GM): What are Special Games? Lily Catrone (LC): Special Games is only two weekends long, it’s all non-competitive games, which I think is what makes us so special. It’s something that the athletes look forward to every year. They have certain students and coaches who they’re excited to see, they bring pictures back
via Lily Catrone
The members of the Special Games committee pose together. Catrone says the team’s diversity in involvement on campus is what makes them so successful.
It’s not a career that I want to pursue, but it’s my hobby and my passion and something that makes me feel super fulfilled on the side of academics and my career. G.M.: What memorable experience or experiences have you had at Special Games? L.C.: There’s so many … Just really bonding with the committee. We get there at 5:30 [a.m.], 4:30 [a.m.] to start setting up and I feel like that’s definitely where we all come together and problem solve and that just feels like where we all get really close … There’s so many [memorable experiences] involving the athletes. There’s one boy who comes back every year and he will not leave the basketball court. I think last year he actually got injured because he [was] just doing basketball for four hours. G.M.: Who are some of the other people who make Special Games happen? L.C.: I feel like we bring a really diverse group to the table. We’re all involved in other things … We’re all tied to this cause from different ways and are able to bring our different perspectives through that. G.M.: Is there anyone in your life that inspired you? L.C.: I volunteered [at] Hoof Prints on the Heart, which is therapeutic horseback riding for special needs kids and veterans with PTSD ... I was passionate about [the cause] through that but I feel like I never really understood the education training behind how you act with people of varying abilities … So, I learned that a little bit more through being a TA in the special education class. It’s great to see the athletes every year and it keeps me coming back. G.M.: How can LMU students get involved? L.C.: We have a sign-up link in our Instagram bio and also on the LMU Special Games Facebook page. We definitely encourage everyone to either sign up to volunteer or coach. If you’re a volunteer you’re there more as a floater facilitating the mood of the environment, keeping the energy going, making sure the games are running smoothly and all the ground is covered. Being a coach is this super rewarding experience because you’re paired with an athlete who you’re with for the rest of the day and you are their person and you get to experience the whole day with them. We really encourage everyone to do that … I feel like it brings LMU students together in a different way than Greek life does or ASLMU does, it’s kind of like everyone has that passion or that desire in wanting to explore helping people with special needs. Special Games practice day is March 21 and the big day is March 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
life+arts
Page 10
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Theatre program brings Washington Heights to L.A. “In the Heights” ended its impressive sold-out run this past Saturday, Feb. 29. Francesca Bermudez Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan
For the past two weekends, LMU students involved in the production of “In the Heights” aimed to leave audience members with hearts full of hope and compassion. The musical, featuring music and lyrics by LinManuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, takes place over the course of three days in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City. The story follows main character Usnavi, a bodega owner, as he illuminates the pleasures and pains experienced by residents of the predominantly Latinx neighborhood. LMU’s production of this awardwinning musical was directed by Daphnie Sicre, an assistant professor in the theatre arts program. “‘In the Heights’ goes over topics of immigration, gentrification and cultural erasure, but it’s also a story about community, heritage and hope,” said Juan Sebastian Bernal, a senior theatre arts major who portrayed Usnavi. “I want people to recognize that this story is ultimately a celebration of culture — a moment to tell the stories about our own people with joy and laughter and pride onstage.” “In the Heights” was created by Miranda during his time at Wesleyan University, and Hudes joined the project by writing the book a few years after its conception. The musical officially opened on Broadway in March 2008 and ran in the Richard Rodgers Theatre until January 2011. It took home the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008.
“Even though [‘In the Heights’] was written in the early 2000s, it is still relevant today,” said Isabella Johnson, a sophomore English and theatre arts double major who portrayed Nina, one of Usnavi’s childhood friends. Johnson explained how the musical poses the question of whether home is a place or a person. “As college students, I am sure we have all struggled with identifying where our home is since we are beginning our adult lives and moving out of our physical childhood homes.” Nina Rosario had always been a dream role for Johnson. She was able to relate deeply to the character because of her own relationship with her family. “[Nina’s] relationship to Abuela Claudia is very similar to my relationship with my own grandma,” explained Johnson. “I actually [wore] a necklace my grandma gave me as a child in the show.” Bernal also drew inspiration from his grandmother for his role as Usnavi. “There’s a lot I feel connected to: the bonds between him and every other person in the Heights, his practical attitude with work, his dreams for more,” described Bernal. “But what really draws me close is his relationship to Abuela. My own grandmother, my Lola, played an enormous role in my upbringing.” “[‘In the Heights’] is unlike any other production that LMU has put on,” expressed Ann Warque, a senior dance major who played the role of Vanessa. “Its themes are incredibly relevant [and] the music has the power to resonate [with] our lives in a special, personal way.”
For more life+arts stories, head to laloyolan.com, or find us on social media @LALoyolan.
via Raven Watson
The company of "In the Heights" performs in the Strub Theatre, including Isabella Johnson as Nina and Juan Sebastian Bernal as Usnavi. The show was sold-out both weekends.
life+arts
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Page 11
The Minority Report promotes diversity in film industry Junior Mallom Liggon helps create competition for underrepresented students. Bird Cooley
Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan
via Mallom Liggon
Mallom Liggon created the Minority Report to help students from underrepresented backgrounds break into the film industry.
The Minority Report chose its first two winners this February. The Minority Report is a screenwriting competition for underrepresented writers, including "American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Latino/a, LGBTQ, women and writers with disabilities," according to their website. Winners reap an array of benefits, ranging from getting their scripts distributed across Hollywood to getting consultations with writers and agents. This week, Life+Arts intern Bird Cooley sat down with Mallom Liggon, a junior screenwriting and African American Studies double major who helped found the Minority Report. Bird Cooley (B.C.): The Minority Report is the first effort of your organization Diverso. Can you tell me about Diverso? Mallom Liggon (M.L.): Diverso is a non-profit collective made up of the students [who created the Minority Report]: Franki Lee [who attends Harvard], Matt Zhang [who attends Vanderbilt], and Shailha Alam [who attends Columbia]. This is our first initiative and we want to do more ... The reason we chose to focus on students is because in Hollywood the infrastructure is set up in a way that usually people don't get where they need to until they are a lot older, and I think it's a lot harder on diverse people especially. So we wanted to
create something that allows us to lift up younger voices so that things can happen faster for them and also so that agents and production companies can find younger talent to work with. B.C.: Why is the Minority Report important? M.L.: I think it's to make sure that diversity isn't just a trend, to ensure that inclusion isn't just something that happens this year or for the next two or three years. I think that allowing students to connect and to lift other people up is how you keep the cycle going. If you don't have that, then diversity becomes more of an anomaly than a commonality. I think that finding a way to create opportunities for younger people is always [beneficial for] any industry. [Especially] when it comes to the arts, your economic or financial situation can have a big influence on your opportunities. So the more we eliminate that barrier, the more talent gets to shine through and it's better for everyone. B.C.: It’s five years from now. What does the Minority Report look like? M.L.: More submissions. More schools are involved, and we are able to offer more benefits ... I don't want to put a cap on what we can do. B.C.: What advice would you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps? M.L.: I think the biggest thing I learned through this process is that all it takes is the initiative and courage to do it. You need to know what you want to do and let go of the myth that you have to wait to do them. And to just ask. One thing I've learned is how helpful
people can be when you open yourself up to allowing them to help you. B.C.: What originally got you interested in film? M.L.: I've always been interested in stories. I read a lot as a kid, which transitioned into [a love of] watching movies. At one point I just realized that I wanted to be in a field where I can express myself truthfully. I also love helping others to have the chance to do the same. I feel like that's what I'm here to do: to tell my story in an honest, truthful way and to help others to have the opportunity to do the same. B.C.: What do you like to write about in your films? M.L.: What I write usually focuses on characters like me, put in positions where the world is a little too big for them. They have a good heart and they're trying to navigate things but they're also trying to find themselves particularly in a situation where maybe for whatever reason they believe that being authentic isn't going to be the right path. I just co-wrote and acted in a film called "2003." It basically follows me, three years from now, if everything didn't go as planned. [Essentially] it’s about a struggling writer in Los Angeles whose world comes crashing down when he takes a job with a shady company and gets involved doing a lot of illegal stuff for the Hollywood elite. The Minority Report chose its first two fellows, and the winners were "Narcobruja" by Alessandro Pederzoli from the American Film Institute Conservatory and "When a Flower Falls" by Zoe Cheng from the University of Southern California.
Vlog Squad makes surprise appearance David Dobrik crashes Jason Nash's stand-up comedy show. Riley Hetherington Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan
Last Wednesday, students gathered outside of the Living Room, some waiting in line for as long as seven hours, to see popular YouTuber Jason Nash's stand-up comedy performance. However, the event took a surprising twist when Nash's friend and YouTuber David
Dobrik, along with fellow Vlog Squad members Natalie Mariduena, Mike Sheffer, Zane Hijazi and Carly Incontro, surprised Nash at his comedy show, sending the audience screaming. The Vlog Squad is best known for their daily adventures, pranks and skits, and have gained millions of subscribers over time. While eardrums recovered, the group took over the Q&A by asking Nash a series of audience questions. Nash has been in the industry for many years but recently gained immense
popularity on YouTube through his comedic videos and skits. Hosted by Mane Entertainment, the show included his stand-up comedy set and ended with a Q&A. As Nash joked about his kids, famous friends and life as a 46-year-old vlogger, the packed room laughed along, some members of the audience even shouting out jokes and questions from their seats. Senior communication studies major Gaia Shoham held one of the first places in line, dedicating multiple hours to secure a front-row seat. “I waited for a while because I’ve been watching his videos for a while and value him as a creator. I want to go into film myself and he’s done so much not only on YouTube but in films as well,” said Shoham. “He was such a kind person and you can tell how genuine he is! I’m really glad I went. The wait was worth it.” While many students lined up solely for Nash’s comedy show, some hoped that other members of the Vlog Squad would make an appearance. As the group is known for their spontaneity and surprises, many students in the audience thought at least one member would be at the show. “I’m a big fan of Jason and David [Dobrik's] vlogs and I’m really hoping David shows up," said freshman marketing major Jordan Kelleher as she waited in line for the show.
Since the Living Room has a more intimate feel, many audience members stated that it felt as if they were just hanging out with Nash and his friends, as they casually chatted with the audience and asked questions about the school. After the show finished, some students gathered outside the Living Room doors waiting to snap a picture or video of Nash and Dobrik. Others located Dobrik’s iconic white Tesla X, crowding around it, with their cameras ready for Instagram stories. Officers
from the Department of Public Safety and Mane Entertainment employees escorted the squad to the car, having to shield the creators from the students that surrounded it. Dobrik’s surprise visit brought the energy on campus to an alltime high this past Wednesday. Mane Entertainment plans to host popular YouTube star, beauty and fashion blogger Lauren Elizabeth, for a Q&A tonight, March 4 in the Living Room.
via Mane Entertainment
Jason Nash (left) and David Dobrik (right) entertain the audience. The Vlog Squad surprised Nash last Wednesday.
editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick Lions conclude regular season EDQ
Find us @LALoyolan
Page 12
laloyolan.com
Photos: JJ Doerksen | Loyolan
Top: Junior forward Jordan Bell takes a shot during the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last regular season home game. He finished with a game high of 25 points. Bottom: Freshman guard Seikou Sisoho Jawara handles the ball during the 69-67 loss to San Francisco. The Lions finished the regular season with a 10-20 overall record.
Want to read more about the game? See page 14
SPORTS
Page 14
Eric "Hank" Gathers was born on Feb. 11, 1967 in Philadelphia. Gathers played one season at USC before transferring to LMU. Gathers became the second player to lead NCAA Division I in rebounding and scoring in the same season, averaging 32.7 points and 13.7 rebounds as a junior in the 1988-89 season. Gathers is LMU's all-time leading scorer with 2,490 points in three seasons. Gathers led LMU to two consecutive West Coast Conference (WCC) championships where he was named tournament MVP both times.
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Hank Gathers: life, career, legacy
Gathers died during a WCC Tournament game on March 4, 1990, due to a heart-muscle disorder called cardiomyopathy.
Graphic: Kate Leahy | Loyolan Information compiled by Dean Anagnostopoulos, sports intern
Photo via LMU
On Saturday, LMU unveiled a statue of Gathers, and the men's basketball team honored him with throwback uniforms.
Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball wears 90s jerseys Photo: JJ Doerksen | Loyolan
Freshman guard Lazar Zivanovic drives to the basket in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest with San Francisco. Zivanovic and the rest of the Lions wore uniforms that paid tribute to the Hank Gathers era of LMU basketball.
SPORTS
EDQ Find us @LALoyolan
laloyolan.com
Page 15
Lion alumni recount memories of Gathers Stories from those who were at Gersten 30 years ago today. Nick Rossi and Ellie Kinney Asst. Sports Editors @LALoyolan
Hank Gathers may have passed away in Gersten Pavilion on that fateful day in 1990, but his image will now forever stand outside it for every Lion who passes by. Gathers, who led the NCAA Division I in scoring and rebounding in the the 198889 season, was dominant on the court and appeared to have a bright future in the NBA ahead of him. He and the entire 1989-90 men’s basketball team drew huge crowds to Gersten Pavilion for every game with their unbelievable athleticism and determination to win. “I don’t think I ever met anyone who hated to lose more than Hank,” said Patrick Meyer, one of Gathers’ teammates. “He was a special guy.” Exactly 30 years ago today, the LMU community witnessed the shocking death of the University’s greatest star. Gathers collapsed on the court due to a heart condition in front of a packed arena of students, parents, faculty, alumni and fans. “I remember when he dunked the ball just before
via LMU website
Hank Gathers dunks in an expression of the forward’s well-known power and athleticism. The Lion tragically passed mid-game during his senior season but continues to inspire the University.
he passed away,” said Dennis Lane (‘91), who was at the game the day Gathers died. “It was the loudest I’ve ever heard Gersten ... and then he went to half court and had a heart attack. It went from the loudest to the quietest I could ever imagine.” Tony Kmetty, clinical assistant professor of career management in the College of
Business Administration, was also in attendance. A student at the time, Kmetty can still vividly describe the emotions of that game. “When [Gathers] fainted against Santa Barbara, he hit the ground and almost immediately bounced back up. But this time it was much more of a thud, it was a bigger fall and the place went silent,” said Kmetty.
Gathers had just slam dunked a pass from teammate Terrell Lowery. As Gathers ran back to take up his position in the Lions’ full court press, the forward lost consciousness and fell to the floor. He briefly came to and insisted that he did not want to lay down but once again collapsed. Gathers was transported to
a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kmetty recounted the upsetting scene in Gersten Pavilion as the Lions star suddenly passed. “The place went silent,” he recalled. “Except for Hank’s mother and Bo [Kimble’s] mother who were both here for the first time to watch him play for LMU live in person. You could only hear them, and they were crying, and they were calling out [for] somebody [to] do something. It was eerie to have a building full of thousands of people and only hear two. It was complete silence, we didn’t know how to react.” Gathers’ untimely death shocked LMU and the nation alike. However, his team would refuse to give in without him. Determined to play to honor his memory, the Lions made it to the Elite Eight of that year’s NCAA tournament — the program’s best ever finish in the postseason. Gathers was a star unlike any other LMU had ever seen and will be remembered as someone who truly embodied the spirit of a Lion. “It’s really really special to be able to remember him and now be able to come by and remember him on a daily basis,” said Meyer.
Gathers statue celebrates a legend Hut Hut Hutton Alex Hutton
Sports Editor @AlexHutton35
I
f there is ever a Hollywood film about Hank Gathers’ life and legacy, it would open on the crowd of people standing right next to Sullivan Field as they count down from four and a giant white curtain drops to the ground. The scene, cinemative and inspiring, would prove to spectators just how incredible the LMU legend was. In person, to witness such a moment was astounding. The curtain drop was the closing moment of the ceremony to unveil a statue of Gathers on Saturday, Feb. 29. The statue was made in recognition of the 30th anniversary of his tragic death, after which his LMU team made a magical run in the NCAA Tournament. The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes. Just from looking at who was in attendance, it was clear that this was a monumental occasion. The space was packed, with crowds extending several rows deep. Everyone from Hank’s teammates, to other former LMU players, to the highest-ranking faculty of the University, both within and outside of the Athletics department, was in attendance. Television cameras and photographers lined the area directly in front of the statue. The ceremony featured speeches from Athletic Director Craig Pintens, President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
Photo: JJ Doerksen | Loyolan
The statue of Hank Gathers is revealed outside of Gersten Pavilion. The ceremony surrounding the unveiling included speakers who shared memories of Gathers.
and Gathers’ coach while playing at LMU, Paul Westhead, all of whom touched on different aspects of Gathers’ life, career and legacy. Pintens spoke directly about the people who had made the day possible. Snyder discussed his own experience as a basketball fan of idolizing Gathers and the fast-paced offense that defined the Lions teams that Gathers played for. Westhead brought laughter and poignancy by telling humorous anecdotes about Gathers, quoting Shakespeare and remembering
him as a great athlete and a better person. Before long, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for. The countdown completed, the cover fell and the statue was revealed: Hank Gathers, immortalized in his No. 44 jersey, ball in his right hand, getting ready to score yet another basket. The applause from the crowd expressed awe at the finished product. More than anything else, the ceremony left an impression of who Gathers was and what defined him.
I have long heard about who he was and the story of him and his team. His legacy has been well-documented in the national media, and on the LMU campus, memorials abound. Gersten Pavilion is “Hank’s House.” He is the first name on the sculpture behind the chapel honoring students who died while attending LMU. The presence of the number 44 is hard to miss in the University’s athletics. There are still a number of people working on campus who knew him and can speak about him and his character. But on Saturday, for the first time, I was able to begin to understand the impact he had. Seeing the number of people who attended the tribute made me comprehend just how many lives he touched. Listening to Pintens, Snyder and Westhead speak allowed me to learn more about who Gathers was — a brilliant basketball player who worked harder than anybody on the court and lived every second of his life to the fullest. Shortly after that curtain came down and the full statue was revealed, a hush fell over the crowd and the only audible sound was the crying of his mother, Lucille. At that instant, I was able to feel how, even 30 years later, all those vivid and beloved memories of Hank Gathers still resonate with not only his family but the entire LMU community. This new statue adds a visual component to his legacy, and it assures that his spirit of hard work and larger-than-life personality is captured forever. This is the opinion of Alex Hutton, a junior journalism major from Oakland, California. Tweet comments @AlexHutton35 or email comments to ahutton@theloyolan.com.
LION SPORTS