Los Angeles Loyolan May 1st, 2014

w w w. l a l o y o l a n . c o m

Los Angeles LOYOLAN The

Est. 1921

EL V

RTS +A FE

LI

E. OM .

H ICE UR YO R VO S. W U YO R NE U YO

TR A

Ma y

14 20 1,

Get in touch with your wild side this summer by visiting a national park.

Page 7

V o LU M E

Allison Croley adopted a primal diet and isn’t looking back.

Page 9

92

| ISSUE

44

Dean of Puppies lend a paw to stressed students anticipating finals students to leave LMU Linda McMurdock’s leadership in her 11 years at LMU leaves a lasting impact on the university.

Ali Swenson News Editor

@aliswenson

While many students may not be able to identify what role dean of students plays, Linda McMurdock, LMU’s dean of students of 9 years has left an enormous impact on their lives on campus.

“For dean of students, you really are supposed to provide … vision, leadership, programs, services, any kind of initiatives that intersect with co-curricular activities for students or programs, student support, retention and what we call quality assurance, so making sure that what we do meets best practice and is done well and is done in a way that assists the students,” McMurdock said.

The dean of students position is “very complex and requires multiple skills and competencies,” according to University President David Burcham. It involves working with a wide variety of student programs and cocurricular activities as well as overseeing and working with academic and judicial affairs.

McMurdock announced in March that she is moving on from LMU at the end of this semester, taking on a new position as vice president for student development at Marymount University in Virginia. As she prepares to leave LMU, the community See Dean of Students | Page 2

Caroline Burt | Loyolan

Junior communication studies major Jasmine Pringle cuddled with a furry friend at Tuesday’s convo hour on Lawton Plaza. A play area full of dogs was on campus for Mane Entertainment’s bi-annual event to help students cope with the stress of their final exams, projects and papers. More photos of the event can be found on Mane Entertainment’s Facebook page.

LMU Debate places Business fraternity second nationally celebrates 55th year Delta Sigma Pi’s on-campus celebration will honor highachieving business school seniors.

Carly Barnhill & Kelsey Mangan Asst. News Editor & News Intern @carlybarnhill @kmaaaan_

Emilia Shelton | Loyolan

LMU’s debate team placed second out of 220 teams at a national debate championship in the third week of April, for the second year in a row. To read about the team’s performance and the members it will lose this year, read Asst. Opinion Editor Devin Feldman’s article, “Debate team places second in national tournament” on laloyolan.com.

Delta Sigma Pi, Loyola Marymount University’s co-ed business fraternity, celebrates their 55th anniversary tonight at 7 p.m. with a Birthday Bash in Malone 112.

The guest list will consist of their current members, alumni and the fraternity advisor, Ralph Quiñones, professor of business law and marketing.

Delta Sigma Pi is structured upon the four pillars of “professionalism, community service, scholarship and brotherhood,” and the LMU chapter “offers driven men and women the opportunity for professional and career development, access to a large alumni and social network, undergraduate scholarships, faculty connections and much more,” according to the LMU College of Business Administration website.

From the time that Delta Sigma Pi was founded at LMU in 1959, it has greatly evolved as an organization while maintaining

its commitment to servicing its members.

Each year, Delta Sigma Pi members conduct mock interviews, attend various conferences and attend fraternity meetings. Each semester, the fraternity holds recruitment for new members to get involved.

“With each new member, the qualifications for obtaining a bid gets competitive,” said sophomore management major and Vice President of Public Relations Jessica Lee. “That shows that our members are trained to be the best, both personally and professionally.”

Lee added that all of the members of Delta Sigma Pi contribute something unique to the organization.

“The fact that I have been able to encounter so many intelligent, motivated and driven young minds that all contribute something great to the same organization is the most rewarding part of my experience,” Lee said.

Tonight’s event will include the presentation of the Delta Sigma Pi scholarship key, which is awarded to the two graduating seniors in the business school with the highest GPAs. One of the recipients will be senior marketing major Nadia Mokhtari.

See DSP | Page 2

.

ME .

HO UR OICE O V Y .

WS UR YO R NE U YO

laloyolan.com Page 2

DSP celebrates McMurdock’s presence on campus to be ‘sorely missed’ DSP from Page 1

Mokhtari is not a member of Delta Sigma Pi, but the fraternity found her accomplishments as a business major notable enough to formally recognize her.

“It is an honor to be recognized for my achievement, but even more of an honor to be recognized by an organization that I am not a part of,” said Mokhtari. “I truly believe that my receiving the award is a demonstration of humility and praise on part of

Delta Sigma Pi, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

The anniversary celebration will be meaningful for all who are involved, according to Lee. “Celebrating the anniversary serves as an important reminder to all members, alumni and faculty, of the unique opportunity of being a part of such a great organization,” she said. “It acts as a good conclusion to each member’s hard work and dedication.”

Dean of Students from Page 1

reflects on her contribution to the university and its students.

“Dr. McMurdock has truly put her personal stamp on the dean of students position during her tenure,” said Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Lane Bove. “Dr. McMurdock is a student’s dean of students.

She always wants to be sure that the student voice is heard and considered and not just the undergraduate voice.”

During her tenure as dean, McMurdock has made some big accomplishments, including supporting Graduate Students of Loyola Marymount University (GSLMU) in its formation, developing the Lion’s Code with faculty members as a guide for student conduct at LMU and shaping the Behavior Intervention Team and the Students of Concern Committee to prevent and respond to incidents within the University community.

A graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in clinical psychology, McMurdock originally came to LMU 11 years ago as the director of Student Psychological Services. After about two years in that role, she moved on to the dual position of vice president of student affairs and dean of students, which she holds today.

She explained that her experience working in Student Psychological Services has helped her immensely to be an effective dean of students. Beyond her role overseeing the LMU community, McMurdock often meets one-onone with students who represent student organizations or who are

in distress.

“I think having a good understanding about … the struggles that adults have in terms of their health and mental health … is really helpful in being able to do the work that I do,” McMurdock said.

McMurdock’s proudest accomplishment in her tenure, which also reflects the importance of understanding the profound struggles that some college students and the surrounding community face, was the creation of a student memorial on campus honoring students who have died while enrolled at LMU. Consisting of a sculpture by LMU assistant professor of art and art history William Pupa and called “Ad Astra per Aspera,” which translates to “Through Suffering, We Reach the Stars,” the memorial sits near the Bluff next to the clock tower.

“One of the things that was a big surprise for the [dean of students position] was having to deal with the notion that young adults die and that they die while they’re in college,” McMurdock said. “It’s very disconcerting, personally as a parent and also professionally. How do you help a community heal, how do you help the family heal and how do you bring these things together in a way that makes sense? So [the memorial] is probably the thing that is the most important to me on this campus. It’s a really great way of recognizing them.”

As the campus anticipates McMurdock’s departure from LMU, Burcham and Bove explained the ways in which the community will miss her presence.

“I would like to focus on three particular areas of excellence:

student advocacy, collaboration and risk management,” Burcham said. “She always kept the students as primary in her dealings with University issues, be it the new Core or a program like the Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative. Second, she was a great collaborator with all constituent groups within the University, especially with faculty and deans. And third, she understood the risks and liabilities involved in creating a vibrant, studentcentered university and worked diligently to be sure that LMU had the appropriate policies and procedures in place.”

Bove added, “Her presence will be sorely missed across campus, as she is omnipresent.

She attends so many campus events and activities-athletics, cultural, academic. She has really made all of LMU her community and she will be sorely missed throughout the University.”

According to Bove, the search committee for a new dean, headed by Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Rich Rocheleau, aims to have a new dean in place by the start of the Fall 2014 semester.

In reflecting on her decision to leave LMU, McMurdock described why she is leaving and what she will miss about LMU. “I often give advice to students that, when opportunities come by, take a look at them,” McMurdock said. “In this case, I had that happen, an opportunity presented itself, I took a look and it felt good. It felt like it was a place that I could be. I will definitely miss the students, and I will absolutely miss my colleagues. I’d just like to thank the LMU community for embracing me and for helping me get to the place I am.”

Kevin Halladay-Glynn | Loyolan

Vice president of student affairs and dean of students Linda McMurdock will be leaving LMU this semester after 11 years at the university. Next year, she will move on to a position as vice president for student development at Marymount University in Virginia. McMurdock hopes her replacement dean will “bring some fresh air” to the position and “perhaps jump into social media.”

news

7

laloyolan.com Page 3

Classifieds

BURNING QUESTIONS

This issue, Asst. News This issue, Managing Editor Amanda Lopez Editor Danwith Raffety sits down senior sits down with Head Michael Hanover Coach Max Good, to talk about his head coach of the accomplishments LMU’s andmen’s plansbasketball for after team to talk about the graduation. upcoming season.

Employment Summer Jobs: Fun & Friends! Get paid to spend your summer playing outdoors!

Enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable Day Camp Staff & Swim Instructors needed for summer 2014.

Visit www.pbcstaff.com FREE ROOM AND BOARD IN EXCHANGE FOR BABYSITTING/DRIVING. STARTING MID MAY. Need a fabulous, energetic, live-in babysitter/ driver for evenings and week-

1

ends. Great for students. Private beautiful room on Venice Canals. I’m a television producer and single mom with 13 year old awesome son. Must have car. Thizby@aol.com.

RESTAURANT JOBS NOW HIRING! Hostess, Server, Bartender, Executive Assistant positions at the following restaurants: Venice Ale House Bank of Venice Fork in the Road Email your resume and photo to info@venicealehouse.com Act quickly! Summer’s coming!

Services Campus Storage Leaving town for the summer?

Let Campus Storage help and take the stress out of moving. Our FREE movers will come pick-up your stuff, store it securely and deliver it back to your new apartment or dorm in the fall. Visit www.campusstorage.com to secure a reservation. (877) 992-2678

Crossword Puzzle: LMU Acronyms

What were you involved in during your time at LMU?

I was involved with Sigma Phi Epsilon as a past president, the men’s lacrosse team as a co-captain, ASLMU as the attorney general, Senior Leadership Council as a co-chair, the Interfraternal Values Society and Order of Omega.

2

What awards did you receive, and when were you given these awards?

On Thursday, April 23, at the Academic Awards Convocation, I received the Outstanding Scholar award for the Political Science Department, the College Scholar award for the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and the Presidential Citation.

On Friday the 24th, at the Student Service and Leadership Awards Convocation, I was awarded Greek Man of the Year and the Fr. Robert Graham, SJ. Distinguished Alumni award.

3

What did it mean to you to receive these awards?

It was an unbelievable feeling. I was asked to create an acceptance speech for the Graham Award, but other than that, they were mostly surprises. My entire family and many of my friends were there, which made it one of the most memorable periods of my life. Speaking in the chapel is going to be a memory that always gives me chills. I think the best part about these awards, especially the Graham, Greek Man of the Year and the Presidential Citation, is that they recognize a student for they way they treated other people at the University.

4

What will you miss the most about LMU?

I will definitely miss the sense of belonging found at LMU most. We spend four years dedicating ourselves to having a community experience; that’s what allows you to get the most out of LMU, really becoming a Lion.

Down 1. The “S” in CSA stands for ______ 3. The SLD (Student ______ and Development) Office is located in Malone 5. WOW, World of ______, is located in Founder’s Pavilion 6. Student ______ Services, SHS, is a full service medical office located in the Burns Recreational Center building 7. FYE (______ Year Experience) has resources and programs for those new to LMU

Check your answers at laloyolan.com/puzzles

Why settle when you can have the best? Help us decide who deserves the title of The Loyolan’s Best Of. Fill out our survey at laloyolan.com

Now delivering on and off campus from 11am-10pm Let us cater your next event! Call for details and discounts.

5

Need pizza for an on-campus event?

Watching a movie at home?

Busy studying?

What does it feel like to be graduating in 2 weeks?

It feels good actually, to keep it simple. I have loved every moment of my time here, but I am ready to go. When it’s time to move on, you can feel it, and that’s how I feel. By no means does graduation mean my relationship with LMU is over.

6

Across 2. The “C” in CDC stands for ______ 4. ASLMU is the Associated ______ of Loyola Marymount University 8. LMU competes in the NCAA (National ______ Athletic Association) Division I 9. St. ______ Hall is often abbreviated as STR 10. CLC stands for ______ Life Community

We Deliver!

What are your postgraduate plans?

I will be attending UCLA Law School immediately in the fall, in hopes of becoming a criminal prosecutor (D.A.). However, I am excited to explore all areas of the law and make sure this is really what I want to do.

If you weren’t going into law, what could you see yourself doing?

7

I wanted to be an investigator of some kind, like a detective. If I wasn’t doing that or law, I would have no idea!

Want to read more MORE questions with Michael? them out at QUESTIONS Check laloyolan.com.

For the Record In the April 24 edition of the Loyolan, Mother Teresa was incorrectly referenced as a canonized saint. Rather, Mother Teresa is a Blessed of the Church and her canonization process is still underway.

SPORTS

E

LION SPORTS

Zaneta Pereira Editor in Chief

Michael Busse

Digital Managing Editor

Allie Heck

Print Managing Editor

Tyler Barnett Design Director

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.

S

NT V IE

! &?

E

Page 4

Board Editorial

S

T

laloyolan.com

DE

TORIAL

DI

TORIAL

S

S

SPORTS

U

DI

W

LION

! &?

opinion

Affirmative action provides invaluable diversity at college LION

SPORTS

M

entioned in pamphlets, discussed on tours and emphasized throughout the application process, diversity is an important part of the college experience. Race, gender, ethnicity – these are all identifiers that a student can choose to emphasize when applying to colleges. Moreover, with affirmative action – the act of taking into special consideration or affording certain privileges to disadvantaged groups or those that face discrimination – these are all characteristics that can be considered during the application process.

On April 22, the Supreme Court ruled 6-2 in favor of upholding “a Michigan constitutional amendment that bans affirmative action in admissions to the state’s public universities,” as discussed in the New York Times article “Court Backs Michigan on Affirmative Action.”

Seven other states have instituted similar laws – including California – and “have seen a significant drop in the enrollment of black and Hispanic students in their most selective colleges and universities,” according to the article.

While California has a similar ban on affirmative action detailed in Proposition 209, the ban does not apply to LMU as a private institution, and we here at the Loyolan are thankful for that. We believe that affirmative action, or any action that helps bring in the most diverse and promising group of students, is an important part of the admissions process.

More importantly, we believe that the diversity that affirmative action provides benefits the entire student body.

Simply put, spending four years around people from outside of your town, city, country or even just your comfort zone can and will benefit you as a student. As LMU’s Director of Undergraduate Admissions Matthew Fissinger pointed out, “ [LMU is] a pretty cool place for

kids to come to school and rub elbows with students that have different talents, different aspirations, different backgrounds, different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.”

Additionally, there’s a whole big world out there full of different kinds of people. In this way, a diverse student body, one full of different sexual orientations, ethnicities, hobbies and quirks, is just part of the preparation process for life.

A student’s experience on our campus is unquestionably enhanced by the diversity of the student body, and without the ability to consider things like race, gender or ethnicity, that diversity might not have the same breadth or depth. More disturbingly, if we were unable to specially consider disadvantaged groups within our society, our school could not effectively give some people a fighting chance in the admissions process.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on average, minority groups in America have lower incomes and receive poorer primary and secondary education. Income distribution among races is not indicative of the actual racial population distribution, and the key to higher income seems to be higher education.

While our private institution allows for the consideration of race, sex and ethnicity throughout the admissions process, public schools in California don’t have that same ability, a truth that could make or break a hopeful student’s education. For Fissinger, it’s about equality and “wanting to make admission decisions that strike everybody as being equitable and not disproportionately advantaging or disadvantaging segments of the population that applies.”

For us, as students and leaders of the next generation, it’s about recognizing the problem and becoming part of the solution.

Can humans understand the divine?

Savor the Awkward

George Gerro Contributor

I

@LoyolanOpinion

believe in God and, considering LMU is a Jesuit institution, it’s reasonable to assume many of the students here do, too.

That being said, I don’t believe in a bearded man sending clouds to shoot thunder-bolts at wrongdoers. My God is a contingency of existence, meaning that if God does exist, then without its existence, nothing would exist.

Eckhart Tolle, author of “A New Earth,” tells us “the dreamer is the substratum in which the dream appears, that which makes the dream possible.” I find evidence for God in the structure of atoms, the laws of physics and the complexity of the universe. God is the dreamer, the capacity by which we exist.

The Abrahamic God is a personification of the formless entity of God. Some people have a negative association with God because they associate God with religion. This need not be the case. Religion is a set of beliefs and identifications held with faith. For example, the belief that only science can reveal anything of value is a religion. On the other hand, spirituality is seeing a deeper meaning, purpose or divinity to the superficial reality revealed to us by our five senses. Religion is organized spirituality.

I also believe the universe could have come from nothing. Objection! Nothing comes from nothing; 0 = 0. Nothing generally comes from nothing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t.

According to Stephen Hawking, we may have a “zero-energy universe” if matter is positive energy, and gravity is negative energy; 0 = 1 - 1.

Furthermore, the scientific method assumes that effects have causes; however, the laws of this universe (as we know them) don’t necessarily apply outside of this universe, in a black hole, or before the Big Bang. If God is a

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief Digital Managing Editor Print Managing Editor Design Director Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor News Intern News Intern Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Opinion Intern Opinion Intern Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Life+Arts Intern Life+Arts Intern Interim Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Designer Designer Designer Cartoon Editor Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Junior Staff Photographer Web Editor Asst. Web Editor Asst. Web Editor

Zaneta Pereira Michael Busse Allie Heck Tyler Barnett Kevin Cacabelos Christopher James Kevin O’Keeffe Kailey Strachan Ali Swenson Carly Barnhill Amanda Lopez Julia Sacco Kelsey Mangan Wendolyn Sims-Rucker Devin Feldman Sam Borsos Cruz Quinonez Russell Manjur Julia McQuade Chelsea Chenelle Ivetta Babadjanian Cameron Tagge Alexa Brueger Susannah Keane Jack Sullivan Karen Ruiz Kassia Stephenson Sasha Bechtler-Levin Erin Chiu Paige Fosnaugh Ryan Johnson Kellyn Kawaguchi Chanel Mucci Kaitlin Perata KiMi Robinson Lauren Slack Tom Young Sydney Franz Mo Haley Mercedes Pericas Georgia Henderson Kevin Halladay-Glynn Caroline Burt Talia Baugnon Josh Kuroda Emilia Shelton Emma Spiekerman Ian Lecklitner Janine Leano Nicholas Vera

BUSINESS STAFF

Business Director Asst. Business Manager Business Intern Ad Sales Representative Advertising Intern Advertising Intern HR Coordinator Office Assistant Distribution Manager Distributor

Charles Riley Rebecca Liaw Madeline Gali Sabrina Budhrani Zachary Calilung Chloe Garcia Sarah Kodama Katrina Liu Moriah Grant John Waggoner

Director of Student Media Tom Nelson

LOYOLAN EDITORIAL POLICY Loyolan Archive

sentient entity that transcends the universe, or the totality of existence itself, God is unfettered by the laws we must obey and needs no cause.

The multiverse thesis proposes that different universes, or portions of our universe, are possibly bound by different laws of physics; we just happened to live in a universe that allows life as we know it. There are different degrees of the multiverse interpretation, some proposing an infinity of universes. Throw infinity into any probability, and anything is possible.

How does the multiverse belief apply to God? Well, it’s a way of explaining our existence without God. Carbon-based life depends on seemingly fine-tuned cosmological constants. Our universe may seem perfect for carbon-based life because we wouldn’t exist in a universe that couldn’t support us.

Problem is, this non-scientific theory, like

God, is based in faith. In science, a hypothesis must be falsifiable, which the multiverse theory is likely not. If parallel universes exist, they may never intersect, like parallel lines.

If this universe was a random chance, I fail to see how its beauty is diminished. Snowflakes lack an artist. Does that make them less beautiful? If we lack a divine purpose, let’s seize the opportunity to make our own purpose.

For now, the belief in God is exactly that: a belief. We hint at the truth with words, analogies and speculations because humans are finite beings – limited by the neurons in our brains and imperfections of our tools. Just as rocks can never understand life, and flowers can never understand intelligence, humans This is the opinion of George Gerro, a sophomore economics major from Burbank, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinion, or email dfeldman@theloyolan.com.

The Los Angeles Loyolan, a student-run campus organization, publishes a twice weekly newspaper for the greater LMU community. The first copy is free of charge. Additional copies are $1 each. Paid, mailed subscriptions can be purchased through the Business department.

The Loyolan accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff and alumni, and press releases from on-campus and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication.

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 and reflect the opinions of the Executive Editorial Board. Guest editorials are by invitation of the Executive Editorial Board and reflect the views of the author.

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.

opinion

laloyolan.com Page 5

Restrain social media crusades Sam’s Slam Sam Borsos

Asst. Opinion Editor @sborsos13

A

ll it takes is one tweet, Facebook status or photo posted online to start a wildfire on. Whenever I see something go viral online, all I can think of is Ron Burgundy’s deep voice saying, “Well, that escalated quickly.” And unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days, you’ve heard about Donald Sterling, owner (although probably not for long) of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Obviously, this story is huge. Like, really huge. But how much coverage is too much coverage on an event like this? Sometimes, hot topic issues become overwhelming on social media. It seems like people on social media take scandals and milk them for all that they are worth.

A few weeks ago, for example, Stephen Colbert was criticized for a comment made on a Comedy Central Twitter account for his show about the Asian community, which were posted to mock the Washington Redskins owner for creating a foundation in support of Native Americans. The tweet read, “I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to

Photos: Flickr Creative Commons; Graphic: Mercedes Pericas | Loyolan

Orientals or Whatever.”

Shortly after the tweet was posted, the hashtag #CancelColbert began trending on Twitter, trying to get the show cancelled because people were offended by the comments.

And if you watched the Oscars this year, you saw John Travolta’s embarrassing moment of completely butchering Idina Menzel’s name on stage, calling her what sounded like “Adele Dazeem.” A few days after the mistake, someone made a website in which people could “Travoltify” their names. Mine, for example, is “Stewart Borfes.” Hilarious. Anyway,

the point is that if something bad or controversial happens and people take notice, it’s sure to be an Internet sensation soon after.

Now, take that sense of overwhelming media coverage, multiply it by a giant professional sports scandal during the NBA playoffs, and you get a headache.

When I saw a picture on the Internet of Chris Paul photoshopped into the “12 Years a Slave” movie poster with the title changed to “12 Years a Clipper,” for me, that was the line that didn’t need to be crossed on social media.

It’s true that these stories in this day and age are horrible, but the social media that follows is overwhelming.

It’s a selfperpetuating relationship: people love reading about scandals and mistakes that others made, and the media loves reporting on them.

Sensitive topics like racism, however, can blow up on the Internet way too fast. It’s great that people are talking about important issues, but people need to be less worried about responding as quickly as possible and more concerned with how they respond.

Creating a hashtag or a meme about the incident can create awareness of people’s wrongdoings, but it’s also important to look at sources other than social media for information. If people are going to be ignorant or racist or sexist, it’s obviously wrong and we should cover it in the media. But, at times, there’s so much commentary on big scandals that it can be hard to take a step back and take it all in.

This is the opinion of Sam Borsos a sophomore communication studies major from San Jose, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinion, or email dfeldman@theloyolan.com.

TRAVEL

laloyolan.com Page 7

America’s

N ationalP arks

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon; via Flickr Creative Commons

his summer, consider taking a trip to one of the United States’ 58 national parks. Since Yellowstone was T established as the first park in1872, the network has expanded to encompass a wide variety of natural wonders across the country, from awe-inspiring canyons to majestic mountain ranges. Get in touch with your wild side and check out these students’ recommendations for an adventurous summer break.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is another representation of the beauty found in the national parks of southern Utah. The immense rock formations truly block out erratic thoughts and worries and all that is left is the beauty of millions of years of erosion and the serenity of a landscape untouched by humans. Fairyland Loop was a great run through of the hoodoos – rock formations specific to Bryce Canyon – but the time spent off the trail was the most rewarding.

– Jacob Stuivenvolt Allen, sophomore environmental science major

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a place of beauty and wonder. Massive boulders piled upon one another surround narrow valleys of desert and Joshua trees. The stars that shine above there are unlike any I have seen before; they glisten and burst with radiant light, giving the rocks and dirt below a magical glow from dusk until dawn. I truly believe Joshua Tree is one of the most mysterious and inspiring places in the world.

– Sam Urban, sophomore finance major

Great Smoky Mountains

As both my parents are camping enthusiasts, I’ve been to 28 national parks across the country. Of course, the Badlands, the Grand Canyon and the Everglades are impressive, but the Great Smoky Mountains have always stuck with me in a different way. When I was younger, I had a particular love of reading adventure books that described the Appalachian Mountains. Seeing the mountains’ colors brought them to life, with the countless varieties of green and pops of yellow, red and orange. Waterfalls spill onto the roadways, and the air is heavy with humidity that envelopes you the second you step from the air-conditioned car.

– Tilly Rudolph, sophomore music major

Hawaii Volcanoes

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is absolutely stunning. You feel as if you have suddenly transported from paradise to a Martian landscape when you are hiking around the craters. And if you’re lucky, you may even be able to see some lava flow.

– Andrew Smith, senior political science major

Glacier

Glacier National Park in Montana is a stunning example of a national park that genuinely aspires to protect and preserve the wildlife, the ecosystem and the unique terrain that exist there. Visitors can enjoy surreal scenery from their vehicles on the Goingto-the-Sun Road or trek alongside mountain goats on cliffside trails with panoramic views. Highlights of my visits to Glacier included spotting bear cubs in wildflower fields, watching sunsets and shooting stars from Saint Mary’s Lake and sliding barefoot down snowy slopes on the hike to Iceberg Lake.

– Ali Swenson, News editor and sophomore psychology major

Yosemite

I can’t say enough good things about Yosemite, for both first-time campers and hard-core adventurers. The valley of Yosemite is extremely touristy with restaurants, bars, amphitheaters and museums but there are a lot of interesting history and sometimes it’s fun to be in the bustle. Once you get above the valley floor by hiking or rock climbing, it’s like a whole other world. There is no place like it, and you realize how expansive the wilderness is there. The two classic hikes are Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls.

If you’re up for an entire day excursion, hiking Half Dome was one of the most frightening and rewarding things I’ve ever done.

– Allison Croley, junior English major photos via Flickr Creative Commons

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 8

Students mix fashion and social issues Mo’s Style Session Mo Haley

Graphic Designer

F

@LALoyolan

ashion is a part of daily life – you wake up every morning and put on clothes.

Some people spend hundreds of dollars, some people wear whatever is clean, and now, some people are starting to wear clothes with a social justice purpose. Fashion for a cause is an admirable new trend featuring people who make their brand choices mean something.

“You can look good and do good,” said sophomore biology major Emiko Vasquez, a brand rep for the clothing company Serengetee.

Serengetee was founded in spring of 2012 by three college students while they were studying abroad with the Semester at Sea program and collecting fabrics from markets and people all over the world. When they returned to the U.S., they decided to use this fabric to give back and started making pocket tees out of their dorm room.

Now, according to Vasquez, they’ve grown out of the dorm and into a clothing company that supports 32 organizations in 28 countries through a variety of products including pocket tees, sweatshirts, crop tops, formal shirts, backpacks and shorts.

“Every fabric pattern that Serengetee offers is paired up with a different cause located in the same area of the globe,” Vasquez explained. “The patterns are designed and created by amazing fabric makers from all over the globe. That way, each time you purchase a Serengetee you are also supporting these local artisans.” Five percent of each purchase is donated, and the company has now donated more than $52 thousand since its start, according to Vasquez.

“We may not all have the opportunity to

via Jordan Younger

Demonstrating the power of fashion through their melding of social justice and internaitonal style. sophomores Alyssa Lilley (left) and Emiko Vasquez love looking good and doing good in their trendy Serengetee shirts, a brand that donates profits to causes across the globe. go abroad to other countries and do service there to help those in need, but we can all make a difference by purchasing items that donate to various causes,” Vasquez said. Be sure to check out serengetee.com.

Fashion supporting different causes doesn’t just have to be about charity. It can also mean wearing clothes to raise awareness. The Blonde Vegan, a brand that recently launched its first clothing line, is spreading the word about healthy living and veganism. “[Healthy living awareness] is important

because the poor nutrition and lifestyle habits of the standard American diet and way of life directly result in obesity, diabetes and heart disease,” said Jordan Younger, the brand’s founder and a 2013 LMU graduate.

“I want to show people that eating healthy should not be written off as boring, too expensive or too ‘out there,’” Younger said.

The Blonde Vegan started as a blog where Younger provided information on vegan recipes, healthy living and self-love to make the lifestyle accessible for everyone. She has since expanded to the Blonde Vegan Store, with the help of fellow LMU alumni Tynan Daniels and Morgan Oliver-Allen and a belief that clothes are a great way to spread the word.

“If you see someone rocking a shirt that says, ‘Health is the New Black’ as opposed to a shirt repping a fast food chain – I know your In-N-Out obsession, LMU, don’t try to hide it – you might be inspired to make healthier choices as well,” Younger explained.

The Blonde Vegan shirts have phrases on them like “Oh Kale Yes!” and “Is Vodka Vegan?” and are all available at theblondeveganstore.com. This summer, expand your wardrobe with clothes that look good and do good.

This is the opinion of Mo Haley, a freshman communication studies major from Salt Lake City, Utah. Tweet comments to @LoyolanArts, or email mhaley@theloyolan.com.

life+arts

laloyolan.com

Page 9

Clean food helps you lead ‘primal lifestyle’ Croley Moley Allison Croley Staff Writer @LoyolanArts

I

’ve always thought that if my stomach were flat I’d be happy, that if I could look at myself in a bathing suit and be pleased, I’d be satisfied. I have spent more than a decade of my life trying to eat foods and complete workouts that would help me trim down my already petite frame, failing to convince myself that my happiness was not dependent on what I looked like. Beyond appearance, I’ve recently realized that the food I put into my body and the level of activity I perform in my life helps with how I feel.

When I tell people I don’t eat grains, processed sugars or legumes, they usually ask one of two things: “What do you eat then?” or “Oh, that’s the paleo diet, right?” My response goes one of two ways. I say I eat real food that isn’t made in a lab like fruits, vegetables and meats, or I say I prefer to call it what my new favorite food author, Mark Sisson, calls it: a “primal lifestyle.”

I’m not into diets or fads – I don’t think they’re sustainable – and “paleo” has recently acquired that label. But I’m not on a diet.

Instead, I’ve begun to consider myself a lifelong Neanderthal.

It’s weird, I’ll admit, but getting in touch with my primal roots

has changed my life. And yes, it’s made me happier.

This primal lifestyle, as my buddy Sisson and I like to call it, isn’t just about food. It’s about living the way humans are made to live. There’s a plethora of science and anthropology that goes into this philosophy, but the basic principal is that in the last few centuries, the agriculture industry has advanced too quickly for human evolution. While we are able to mass-produce food to feed an overpopulated world, our genome is the same as it was 400 years ago and has not fully adapted to processing the chemicals used in modern food production. Moreover, most of us have succumbed to sedentary lifestyles because of the nature of most professions, for which our bodies are not made. We are made to hunt, gather, move and rest – all things that most of us don’t do anymore.

Now, I’m not a reactionary who thinks we should reverse the agricultural revolution and become a horticulture society where people live off their own land. But simply eating whole foods and moving around more frequently has made me feel healthier, smarter and happier.

I no longer crave mass amounts of ice cream; I no longer get frequent migraines; I no longer feel sluggish in the afternoon; and best yet, I no longer obsess over my weight or body image.

Clearing my body of processed

Flickr Creative Commons

Allison Croley believes making lifestyle changes is key to a happy and healthy life, not diet fads that come and go. junk and being more active has allowed me to see what really makes me happy – surfing, rock climbing, walking on the beach with a friend, doing yoga, cooking, reading memoirs and being enlightened by a really good professor. It has nothing to do with the way I look or that pesky number on the scale.

I know it’s shallow to think

body image has anything to do with happiness. And if you asked most of my friends, they’d probably be surprised to know that I’ve always had a deep-seeded urge to look “perfect” according to the media’s standards. But I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, and now I know there is hope.

I’ve found a way of living that

works for me and I’m not planning on turning back anytime soon. From now on I’m Neanderthal Allison, taking my health into my own hands and being perfectly content with the body God gave me.

This is the opinion of Allison Croley, a junior English major from Danville, Calif.

Tweet comments to @LoyolanArts, or email cchenelle@theloyolan.com.

Earn your Master of Professional Accountancy.

WWW

Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Professional Accountancy program is dedicated to training ethical and competent certified public accountants. The nation’s largest Christian accounting endowment makes this program affordable, and its requirements satisfy California’s new 150 Rule for CPA licensure. The Becker Exam Review fee is included in the cost of the program, and students with at least a 3.3 GPA are eligible for scholarship funds. Azusa Pacific is one of only two Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) schools nationally to offer an MPA.

Our goal is

Our goal is a

100%

100%

internship placement.

pass rate on the CPA exam.

Our goal is

100%

CPA firm placement by graduation.

Apply today at apu.edu/mpa/.

15456

Leung School of Accounting Equipping the Church to Master Money.

sports

laloyolan.com Page 10

Strum takes the pressure and runs Strum from Page 12

in any way it could be run, whether it’s leading from the very beginning, or waiting until the end.”

What’s the scoop on beating him in a race?

“If I know Weston the way I know him and know his weaknesses, I’d probably just take a crowbar and hit him as hard as possible,” Guerrero jokingly remarked.

Strum’s friends and family describe him as “quiet” and “introverted,” but insist his intense competitiveness is one of the main factors in his success as a runner.

“He is competitive internally and has a desire to continually better himself,” Michael Strum, Weston’s father said. “He’s not competitive around other people. He’s actually very easygoing. He does what has to be done to help other people.”

Outside of running, Strum excels in the classroom, earning First Team WCC All-Academic honors this past cross-country season. An accounting major, Strum has also been an accounting tutor for LMU’s Academic Resource Center since his sophomore year.

“He works harder in school and running than really anyone else that I know,” Joerger said.

Before Strum’s arrival on the Bluff, LMU’s men’s track and field and cross-country teams achieved limited success. In fact, Strum did not know about LMU until thenassistant coach Rick Weis sent him a Facebook message and told him the team was interested in him.

“I could just could picture myself here,” Strum said. “Everything kind of just worked out. It had the major I wanted, and it was in a good area.”

He has enjoyed the academic program the school has offered him, but is even more grateful for the community and his team. Strum lives off-campus with two of his teammates, junior Michael Vorgitch and senior Douglas Petree.

“Over the years, we’ve just gained this brotherhood with everybody,” said Strum. “It’s cool having all those people so close to me with all the same goals. I can trust them. ” Strum’s legacy Last year, Strum and Joerger became the first-ever LMU males to qualify for the NCAA Division I West Regional meet. Strum qualified for the 5,000m race, but finished 13th overall, just one spot shy of earning a berth to the NCAA Division I 2013 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

This track season, Strum’s 5,000m time is the tenth-best mark in the NCAA West Region, which will likely qualify him for the NCAA Track and Field Preliminary Round in Arkansas at the end of May. If Strum can finish in the top 12 in Arkansas, he will become the firstever male LMU runner to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

“We want to get an LMU jersey as deep into the season as we can,” Guerrero said. “When we can get those jerseys at regionals, nationals, people start to notice – it elevates our profile.”

Does he feel any pressure to become LMU’s first-ever male

qualifier for the championship?

“I don’t feel pressure,” Strum remarked. “Surprisingly not.”

The NCAA Division I West Regional meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas is set for the last weekend of May. Until then, Strum is focusing on his final set of classes at LMU while training through a

couple of meets until regionals.

Strum will graduate from LMU this May and then attend Northern Arizona University to pursue his Masters in Business Administration and use his last year of track eligibility. By achieving milestones such as competing in the NCAA Division I West Regional

Championships in both crosscountry and track, Strum has laid the foundation of success for future male runners at LMU. “He’s certainly going to go down as one of the best that’s ever gone through here,” Guerrero said. “It’s been a good run.”

LION SPORTS

laloyolan.com Page 11

Sterling deep Where are the fans at? in hot water Kassi’s Kolumn from Page 12

Sterling from Page 12

downright offensive; however he said them in private, not public.

I want to know what fining Sterling will do for the NBA. The combination of severe punishment for an opinion, regardless of truth, and also being heavily fined sets so many scary precedents. Even Bill Maher, a left-leaning comedian, commented on the harshness of this decision, tweeting, “Sterling def. a racist, but take away his team? Clippers shldn’t have played yesterday?

Calm down,being an asshole is still legal in America.” I’m not arguing that Sterling shouldn’t have been reprimanded, but this decision is extremely harsh, especially considering that the comments were made in a private phone conversation. Does the punishment fit the crime?

On November 19, 2004, the worst bench-clearing brawl in NBA history ever occurred between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. During the fight, Ron Artest, now known as Metta World Peace, jumped into the stands and repeatedly punched a fan in the face. He was suspended for the rest of the season. In 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked a cameraman in the groin during an NBA game and was suspended for 11 games and fined $25,000.

He was later sued and paid the cameraman $200,000. The point I’m trying to make is these men were punished based on their violent actions, and were given a lighter penalty than Sterling, who merely stated his opinion.

I have been theorizing different ways this should have been handled. Clearly Sterling should have stepped down from ownership. His comments ruined support for his team; and NBA fans were offended, and rightfully so. People definitely would have been outraged if he hadn’t put up the team for sale.

He could have passed the team on to his daughter, and start new change in the NBA, namely, a female-run operation.

Was the 2.5 million dollar fine justified? What happens to the next team owner that states a controversial opinion?

When did opinions become more punishable than violently attacking other human beings?

I feel strongly about this issue not only because I think this is an extreme course of action, but the precedent it sets is extremely unsettling and threatens our freedom of speech.

This is the opinion of Eliana Sheriff, a senior English major from Manhattan Beach, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email jsullivan@theloyolan.com.

standout athletes deserve to be recognized and supported by their fellow classmates.

For example, take senior Alexandra Honny and the women’s water polo team. Honny leads the league in goals and is the reigning Golden Coast Conference (GCC) Player of the Year, the 11th lady Lion in the program’s overall history to receive this award. This past weekend, the team won the GCC Championship, and Honny was named tournament MVP. Then there’s our men’s soccer team, winners of the West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship this past fall. Co-captain and redshirt junior defender Craig Nitti was named to the NSCAA Tire NCAA Division I Men’s All-Far West Region Second Team.

It takes a great deal of talent to receive such a commendable honor, as well as a great deal of talent to say the name of the award in one breath.

Of course, our men’s basketball team probably draws the most school spirit on campus.

Unfortunately, even turnouts for those games are lacking. Their record this season wasn’t their strongest in history, but there is no denying they had talented players.

Seniors Anthony Ireland and Alex Osborne gave some standout performances this past season. The two have played in more games than any other players in LMU history.

Ireland holds the all-time record of 132 games, with Osborne in second with 124. Ireland was even given

Caroline Burt | Loyolan

LMU’s lack of school spirit clearly does not slow down this fan in the stands. a roster spot at the 2014 Reese’s Division 1 College All-Star Game that was played in early April.

I could go on and on about the awards our school’s athletes have earned, the conferences these teams have won and the remarkable talent each individual player possesses.

But all of that wouldn’t matter much if in fact, an overall majority of LMU students don’t really care about having great school spirit.

I struggle to believe this is the case when most people I talk to wish there was more LMU pride.

A wise man once said that you must “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Maybe Gandhi wasn’t referring to our school’s spirit when he said that, but I think it still applies. If we want to have more

spirit, we should take individual responsibility to make it happen.

We attend this university that emphasizes an education of not just the mind, but of the whole person. I think a great portion of this education can be attained from broadening our horizons, as well as supporting our peers.

So grab some friends when you’re free one Friday evening and go see our men’s baseball team kill it at Page Stadium. Go soak up the warm SoCal sun while watching our men’s water polo team battle their opponents in the pool. Have a good time and show your LMU pride.

This is the opinion of Kassia Stephenson, a freshman communications studies major from San Francisco, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email jsullivan@theloyolan.com.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT 4. What’s your favorite event?

Grace Graham-zAmudio

Probably the 1500.

5. What goes on in your head during a race?

Depends on which race. We have the 10k race which is six miles where you kind of have to zone out, but for most races you just have to focus on who’s ahead and just powering through to the finish.

6. Favorite activity aside from running?

I love hiking.

Sport: Cross Country and Track Major: Sociology

Class: Junior Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA

7. Favorite professional athlete?

It’s a tie between Brendan Martinez and Kobe Bryant.

8. Any special plans for the summer?

Moving back home and trying to find a job somewhere. And of course, running.

1. How did you get into running and when didi you realize you wanted to continue in college?

I got into running when I was ten and a friend invited me to run with her through a youth program.

9.What’s the best advice someone has given you?

It was more for a social aspect to make friends and stuff and then deciding to run in college

Probably not to worry because worrying doesn’t solve any problems.

happened at my junior college. I chose to run, and then I got better and then I got recruited by LMU which is why I’m here.

10. What’s the best running-themed pick-up line you know or have heard of?

Yikes, I’m not sure. Probably: “Are your legs tired? Cause you’ve been running through my

2. What was the transition like for you as a transfer student?

mind all day.”

It was very different. It’s like moving from one family to the next, but everyone here was super welcoming and friendly so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

11. What’s your weekly mileage?

Probably like 50-70.

3. Which do you prefer—cross-country or track?

I love track just because the events are more fun, but in cross-country there’s a team aspect. I like a

12. What running shoes do you wear?

little bit of both.

I’m usually wearing Nikes.

Information Compiled by Karen Ruiz, Asst. Sports Editor; Graphic: Sydney Franz | Loyolan

sports LIONBITES ROWING LMU’s men rowing won the Grand varsity four and the varsity pair over the past weekend at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships. The championships were held at Lake Natoma in Sacramento. The team won the first preliminary heat with a time of 6:47 and beat that in the Grand varsity four by five seconds.

It was a close race, with Santa Clara University behind by only three seconds. LMU took Gold in the Grand Final on Sunday April 27.

The next event is the West Coast Conference Championships on May 17.

For daily LION BITES, like Loyolan Sports on Facebook and visit laloyolan.com/sports.

LMU lacks strong school spirit Kassi’s Kolumn Kassi Stephenson Asst. Sports Editor @ksteph17

S

aying LMU has great school spirit is like saying that the Kardashian family deserves to be famous: It’s a flat-out lie.

When most people think of college sports, they think of big tailgates leading up to the rival match. They picture the roaring student sections hurling derogatory chants toward their opposition, throwing up spirit fingers and yelling “SCOREBOARD” when their team is up by one point.

At our very first basketball game this year, the student section consisted of a group of 20 or so individuals. Many were naïve, “want to experience everything” freshmen, who had entered the gym all excited about their first college sporting event and, realizing the reality of it, had left by half time. The remaining majority were the die-hard, loyal parents.

And yes, if you looked into coming to LMU, you most likely didn’t come here for the stereotypical college experience. A private, Jesuit institution without a football team for over 40 years doesn’t really translate into getting hammered with crowds of rabid fans at sports games.

Even before attending the school, you can look online at College Prowler to see that spirit is not what this campus is known for.

On the school’s “Worst Of” list, the college rating website placed the lack of school spirit at number 6.

Despite the reputation, our student body continues to talk negatively about our dearth of school spirit in hopes of improvement. So why has nothing changed? Why does our school accept this lackluster spirit?

It seems to be that students believe the athletic programs here aren’t any good. That these sporting events aren’t worth going to, if we aren’t going to see the team we want win.

If that is your reasoning, I advise you to put a little faith in our Lions. No one likes a Negative Nancy!

However, if it’s the first part that you agree with, I would argue that reasoning to be false.

The Division I athletes that come to this See Kassi’s Kolumn | Page 11

SCORES UPDATE W. WPOLO

LION SPORTS

M. TENNIS

10-9 W

BASEBALL

7-1 W

at SDSU

vs SDSU

4-1 L

SOFTBALL Cancelled

vs. USF

at BYU

Follow us on Twitter @loyolansports for up-to-date scores.

Page 12

LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | May 1, 2014 | laloyolan.com

Let the running do the talking Senior Weston Strum is ending a long and decorated cross-country and track career.

Kevin Cacabelos Senior Editor

@Kevin Cacabelos

Weston Strum shares few words to describe his recipe for success, but he gives his teammates simple advice when solicited: “Just never have a bad race.”

In his four years of running for LMU’s men’s cross country and track team, Strum’s own bad races are few and far between.

The senior cross-country and track runner is in the midst of his final season competing for LMU. He is considered by some to be the most successful male runner in LMU history.

In cross-country, he’s earned All-WCC first team honors the past two years. In track, he owns school records in the 800-meter, 1,500m and 5,000m.

“The fact of the matter is [that] when you put him in there, he just rises to the level of competition,” said Head Coach Scott Guerrero. “This guy is an enormous talent.

Hands down, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with that much talent.”

Brotherly love Strum’s competitiveness can be rooted back all the way to his middle school PE class at Castillero Middle School in his hometown of San Jose, Calif. In sixth grade, Weston’s twin brother, Nathan, broke the school’s mile record in PE. A year later in seventh grade, Weston got the best of his brother and broke his brother’s record.

“I had first period PE, he had second period PE. In the first period, I break the school record in the mile,” Weston said. “It’s pretty cool because you get your name on the board outside of the cafeteria. I’m going to everyone and bragging and stuff, saying, ‘I got the school record.’ And then of course [my brother] beats my time in second period literally an hour later.”

Nathan adds, “I used to be better than him,

but towards the end of high school he started beating me.”

In the pair’s last high school cross-country race in the CIF Division III Championships, Weston finished in 6th place with a time of 15:24, while Nathan finished in 17th place with a time of 15:46.

The brothers continued running together throughout their time at Pioneer HS, until they went their separate ways in college. At UC Davis, Nathan focuses on middle distances and is his team’s top runner in the 800-meter run and 1,500m.

The Strums have competed in several of the same meets, but have yet to compete headto-head in an official collegiate race.

The brothers are naturally busy as full-time student-athletes, but will occasionally text message each other bits and pieces of advice or updates on how their respective seasons are progressing.

“They are so supportive of each other. They never fought,” said Strum’s mother Wendy.

“They are just two boys with a mutual love for running.”

‘Actions do the talking’ Despite his success in high school and in college, Strum maintains a quiet confidence while avoiding complacency.

“He’s not cocky, even though he’s had so much success,” Nathan said. “He’s let his actions do the talking.”

In early April, Strum finished ninth in the top heat of the 5,000m run at the Stanford Invitational with a time of 13:47.28. Strum’s time broke his previous school record of 13:57 set during his junior year, and also placed him at the No. 1 spot on the NCAA Division I West Region Outdoor Qualifying List.

“13:47, I didn’t really picture ever running that fast,” Strum said. “It’s over my head.”

The success may be a surprise to Strum, but his times have steadily improved since his freshman year in both cross-country and track. In cross-country he improved his freshman time of 25:04 to a 23:49 mark in the West Coast Conference (WCC) championships this past fall. In track, in his signature race, the 5,000m, his freshman time

LMU Athletics

Senior Weston Strum has been a strong runner for LMU. Strum does not want to run a bad race and lets his “actions do the talking.” of 14:19.03 has dropped all the way down to 13:47.28.

“Weston is a racer,” Guerrero said. “He’s evolved over time, and there’s a means to an end in practicing and working hard in workouts.”

After four years of competitive racing, Strum has harnessed his raw talent and become a more experienced and strategic racer.

“It’s developed over the years,” senior teammate Kevin Joerger said. “Freshman year, he would sit back and be conservative, and at the end of the race he’d have a huge sprint, pass the whole field and take the win. Now that we’re seniors, I’ve seen him run a race in See Strum| Page 10

Sterling suffers hefty fine Emilia Sheriff Contributor @LoyolanSports

N

ational Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver announced on Tuesday, April 29 that Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, would be fined the NBA maximum of 2.5 million dollars and banned from the NBA for life because of his recent racist remarks.

The scandal was exposed by TMZ on Saturday, April 26, when Sterling’s mistress, V. Stiviano, leaked an audio recording of Sterling’s racially charged comments regarding African Americans.

My initial opinion on this was how ironic it was for Sterling to dislike African Americans: NBA profits come from a predominantly African American league, and he is romantically involved with a woman of mixed race. At 80 years of age, he obviously grew up in a different era than our more progressive society that we live in today.

Though I don’t defend Sterling, the NBA’s harsh punishment sets a dangerous precedent. The private thoughts he relayed to Stiviano were indeed wrong, but these comments were unlawfully recorded without his knowledge. California Law currently states that all parties must consent to a telephone recording. Does banning and fining Sterling set a scary

Associated Press

Clippers Owner Donald Sterling suffered tremendous backlash after the release of audio recordings of his saying racially charged remarks. Sterling was fined 2.5 million for his remarks. precedent for those who exercise their First Amendment rights?

The whole concept of America as the “land of the free” is our right to freedom of speech. Of course, we all hope everyone has positive things to say, but even the negative statements are protected. With

that being said, Sterling is undoubtedly an idiot for discriminating against African Americans. But the precedent that this kind of reprimand is setting reminds me of the “Thought Police” in George Orwells “1984”. Sterling’s comments were See Sterling | Page 11