2008-09 Issue 13 Loquitur

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

YOU SPEAK, WE LISTEN

Radnor, Pa.

CABRINI COLLEGE

Pacemaker Winner Vol L, Issue 13

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Joining together to ‘welcome the strangers’ christine graf deputy editor

acg724@cabrini.edu

Thanksgiving at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden, N.J., means more than celebrating a holiday with family as three Cabrini students and a faculty member found out. The organization recalled the tradition of “welcoming the strangers,” on which the American holiday is based, by inviting recent refugees and immigrants from troublefilled regions around the world who have arrived in the last year to come and share a meal with the community.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday about strangers coming to America – Catholic Charities is reenacting this idea all year long,” Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities in Camden, N.J., said. “Our thanksgiving celebration shows new arrivals that they are part of America now and welcome.”

Cabrini migration ambassadors for Catholic Relief Services and advisor Mary Laver, joined more than 60 people on Nov. 25 in the training room of Catholic Charities to share food from around the world and to celebrate their cultures as well as their new lives in America.

“I realized after this event that language has no barrier in kindness and that refugees are really no different than Americans,” Brittany Mitchell, senior communication major and CRS migration ambassador, said.

Refugees included people from Eritrea, Liberia and Burma, who have all been in Camden for a year or less, as well as current staff who were former refugees from Ghana, Liberia, Burma and Russia.

“I’m very happy to be here and feel very welcomed especially today to be a part of this,” Jawda, 27, a refugee from Burma, where citizens have lived under severe political oppression for years, said. “In Burma I was always running and hiding. We didn’t have events like this.”

John Marcantuono, director of the Catholic Charities refugee program in Camden, explained that refugees experience major trauma and fear for their lives in their homelands. Coming to America provides safety and freedom.

“I’ve seen refugees arrive in the States and kiss the ground because they are so happy for freedom,” Marcantuono said.

kerry english/staff writer

Burmese refugees listen to Cabrini students present their multimedia documentary on refugees at Catholic

REFUGEES, page 3 Charities in the Diocese of Camden, N.J.

Alumni suffer in job market

megan bernatavitz staff writer

mmb722@cabrini.edu meghan smith managing editor

mes733@cabrini.edu

Despite hard work and professional experience, college graduates are having difficulty finding steady work in the declining job market.

“I finally got my break and I only saw room for growth and never expected my job to be in jeopardy,” Alyssa Moore, who graduated just this past May, said.

After a summer of job-searching, in August 2008, Moore finally thought she found a job that put her communication major to good use. She began at a healthcare publishing company as a post-graduate intern, performing the tasks of an editorial assistant, and was assured she would later be hired after a two-month trial period.

INSIDE

this week’s edition

The internship was without pay but seemed to be leading to a great job.

“With that being promised, I worked for the company everyday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. without pay … for two months straight to prove to them that I was a dedicated employee,” Moore said.

After two months, Moore then applied for the position of production associate and was accepted.

The day she was to start as production associate, the company held a budget meeting, which resulted in downsizing—leaving Moore without a job.

So here she was, a victim of the world-wide economic downturn, just two months into her career.

Recent economic events have caused companies to lay off workers and not take on new employees. According to a re-

UNEMPLOYMENT, page 3

Home for the Holidays

Basketball

Page 7

Page 13

Women’s

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2 NEWS

EDITORIAL

How far have we come: 60th Anniversary of Declaration of Human Rights Freedom is what our country was founded on. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where all men and women are created equal. These may be the words used to describe America, but the truth is that our country is not always fair and injustice can still be found today.

Dec. 10 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document envisions what is required for a world with no prejudice, with equal rights for men and women, respect for those unlike ourselves and peace among all mankind. The declaration contains 30 articles that elaborate basic human rights and sets forth that all governments should allow citizens to obtain these rights.

The majority of the world has adopted the declaration but still allows their citizens to live without basic rights and respect each day. America is seen as a country of freedom.

However, we too are amoung the countries that violates human rights.

Human rights are not something we think about very much day to day and the topic itself can cause much disagreement and anger when we hear how others regard aspects of our own country.

Do you realize that most of the world regards the way we have imprisoned people in Guantanamo Bay a violation of human rights because we have not charged them with any crime?

Do you know that our use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” like waterboarding is considered torture by the rest of the world?

We, as Cabrini students, have the opportunity to help those who cannot help themselves. Just because we are unable to directly contribute to bringing justice on a larger scale, it doesn’t mean that we should completely disregard actions that we can do.

The United States is seen as a place of refuge, an area where everyone is accepted regardless of religion, race or gender. Although we have come a great way over the last 60 years, we have the ability to really put into practice Mother Cabrini’s care for refugees.

Article 14 states that everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. Then why does America limit and control the amount of refugees seeking sanction?

Right this minute, there are Iraqi students who are living as homeless refugees in Lebanon and Syria and have passed all the tests and security clearances to come to the United States to study here. The only thing they lack is an invitation from a college and a scholarship to support them because they have absolutely no money as a result of the war – the war America launched.

The Iraqi Student Project was created so that Iraqi students can safely receive an education in the United States, which they would use to help rebuild the country in which they were born.

We’re their last resort, at an education and being about to have access to their human rights.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

New president joins class for global solidarity network video conference andrew stettler staff writer

ads725@cabrini.edu

Less than one week after President Marie George announced a plan for Justice Matters, the new Cabrini core curriculum aimed to encourage students to work for a more “just world,” she joined ECG 100 “Our Interdependent World,” for a video conference reaching out to a Guatemalan Fair Trade cooperative.

Connecting to the GSN, a partnership between CRS and four Catholic colleges including Cabrini and Villanova University, students were able to ask questions to a Guatemalan farmer named Arnulfo Romas, who works on a Fair Trade cooperative that produces coffee.

CRS works with Romas’ cooperative and others like his around the world that are left out of mainstream markets in order to find consumers for these cooperatives to sell their products to.

Students have made Cabrini one of these consumers.

“Fair Trade is a way to alleviate global poverty, [while] paying attention to living wages, minimal ecological impact and social justice,” Drew Arata, a Media Fair Trade Committee member, said in an interview with The Loquitur.

Media is the first town in the

United States to officially be recognized as a “Fair Trade town.”

In September, “Our Independent World” class traveled to the town for their annual “Fair Trade Concert and ‘Fair’ Fair,” to learn first hand about the economic alternative.

Justice Matters will combine these types of first-hand learning opportunities with classroom education. The idea is to educate students of all majors on how to use their own knowledge and expertise to create change in the world, aimed toward the common good.

This conference was part of a two-week program created by the GSN to educate students on the issue and solutions to human migration. Each year, millions of people across the globe, migrate from their homes and face the punishments of illegal immigration in the United States, or the threat of human trafficking into slavery in other parts of the world like Asia and Africa.

The class was joined by Drew Neimann, general manager of Cabrini’s dining services. Niemann, pushed by a Cabrini student, Meghan Hurley, and the campus’ demand for fair trade products, began ordering a brand of Fair Trade coffee from Sodexo two years ago and has since began ordering fair trade bananas as well.

“What we’re still challenged

with is not everybody truly knows what fair trade is,” Niemann said during the conference. “You truly need to have multiple people getting the message out. The better the message gets out the more effective it is to have fair trade products on the campus.”

The college is not only getting the message out through classes like ECG 100 “Our Independent World.” Students have taken extra steps throughout campus to plan events aimed toward involving fair trade with the Cabrini lifestyle. On Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Global Gifts, a local gift shop in Wayne that sells fair trade gifts, held a sale in the campus coffee shop, Jazzmans, located in the Widener Center.

Please send your comments to Loquitur@googlegroups.com.

The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.

2008-2009 Loquitur Staff/Editorial Staff Editor in Chief Mallory Terrence Staff Writers Deputy Editor Christine Graf Christine Adolf Kirk Manion Managing Editor Meghan Smith Megan Bernatavitz Melissa Mariani News Editor

Liz Garrett Samantha Bokoski Morgan Miller News Editor Christopher R. Blake Justin Bostwick Erin Nollen A & E Editor Christina Michaluk Charles Bush Michael O’Hara A & E Editor Jake Verterano Amanda Carson Eric Povish Features Editor Britany Wright Gillian Davis Gianna Shikitino Perspectives Editor Jessie Holeva Kara Driver Andrew Stettler Sports Editor Danielle Feole Katharine Engell Matthew Stewart Sports Editor Nicholas Pitts Kerry English Tina Vitanza Copy Editor

Shannon Keough Jill Fries Jessica Wegelin Copy Editor Brittany McLeod Arielle Friscia Candice Wojnarowski Copy Editor Diana Trasatti Kristofer Genther Jen Wozniak Web Editor Megan Pellegrino Janene Gibbons Multimedia Editor Kara Schneider Sami Godowsky Multimedia Editor Brittany Mitchell Molly Kearney Graphic Designer Anna Scholl Megan Kutulis Adviser Dr. Jerome Zurek Brian Loschiavo

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The Loquitur is Cabrini’s College weekly, student-run, campus newspaper. It is widely respected as the voice of students, staff, faculty, alumni and many others outside the Cabrini community. The Loquitur has earned its position by advocating for self expression through freedom of speech, and by serving as an outlet for readers to affect change on campus and off.

Founded in 1959, the Loquitur has thrived and greatly expanded its readership. The paper now has over 2,000 online readers and 1,500 print readers on a weekly basis.

Our mission is to provide readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions freely, in an environment where their voices are effectively heard and respected.

The Loquitur: You Speak. We Listen Loquitur is a laboratory newspaper written, edited and produced by the students of COM 353, 352, 250 and 251. Subscription price is $25 per year and is included in the benefits secured by tuition and fees. Additional copies are $1 each. Loquitur welcomes letters to the editors. Letters to the editor are to be less than 500 words. These are usually in response to a current issue on campus or community area. Guest columns are longer pieces between 600 and 800 words and also are usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini College campus or community. Letters to the editor and guest columns are printed as space permits. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content. Name, phone number and address should be included for verification purposes. Personal attacks and anonymous submissions will not be printed. Letters to the editor and guest columns can be submitted to loquitur@googlegroups.com or to the newsroom mailboxes in Founders Hall 264.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

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NEWS 3

Students spend time with local refugees

REFUGEES, page 1 In addition to Catholic Charities, other participants included representatives from Camden Center for Law and Social Justice, a low-income law firm specializing in immigration assistance and domestic violence; Romero Ministries, a social justice education organization; and the Diocese of Camden.

“This celebration reminds the community that this idea of welcoming the strangers is a reoccurring event, that people are still coming to America for a better life,” Hickey said. “Americans don’t realize that people around the world are literally dying to come to America.”

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story.

Please send your comments to Loquitur@googlegroups.com.

The editors will review your comments and make corrctions if warranted. kerry english/staff writer

John Marcantuono, director of the Catholic Charities refugee program in Camden, speaks with Mary Laver, director of international partnership, at Cabrini, during Thanksgiving at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden, N.J.

Graduates struggle in economic recession UNEMPLOYMENT, page 1 port released by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University in November, hiring for graduates at all degree levels will decrease by 8 percent.

Moore was not the only recent grad to be smacked in the face by the layoffs across the country.

Brian Coary, Cabrini alumnus class of 2008, has found himself in the same position as Moore.

After working for Ace Mortgage Funding for three months as a residential loan officer, he is now without a job due to the company filing for bankruptcy.

“The banking division of Ace Mortgage had lost a large amount of money in 2008 and no longer had the resources to continue operations; so instead of trying to fix it they cut losses and said, we’re done,’” Coary said.

Ace Mortgage said it had between $1 million and $10 million of both assets and liabilities, and between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, according to published reports.

Both Moore and Coary are having difficulty adjusting to their current situations and have turned to their parents for assistance. Moore moved back home because she was unable to pay rent while Coary looks to his parents to help with rent so he can remain in the King of Prussia area.

“It has been an adjustment, but I have to keep reminding myself that it is not a permanent adjustment. The economy will gradually pick up and hopefully I will find myself working again soon,” Moore said.

Hoping to find new work, both

mallory terrence/editor-in-chief

An unemployment check from the state of New Jersey is pictured above. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent in October, and the number of unemployed persons increased to 10.1 million. have their applications on various job search engines and are slowly beginning to receive interview offers.

While Moore is working parttime during her job search, Coary is collecting unemployment.

Ace’s bankruptcy was filed in the third quarter, which means he will not receive unemployment based on his salary until Jan. 1.

Coary is currently collecting unemployment from his part-time job while he was at Cabrini.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent in October, and the number of unemployed persons increased to 10.1 million. Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons has increased by

2.8 million and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.7 percentage points.

Coary is skeptical about his next position. “With the way the economy is I don’t want to get involved with another mortgage company. The same thing could easily happen and I don’t want to put myself in that situation again,” Coary said.

“I have become a lot less picky about what I want to do,” Moore said. “I have come to the conclusion that I will not get my dream job right off the bat and that I just have to work towards it.”

4 NEWS

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

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Panel discusses Phila. environmental practices amanda carson staff writer

arc726@cabrini.edu

Through collaborative efforts, integration of resources and sharing ideas, Philadelphia and suburbs can ensure its goal of increasing its surrounding environment’s sustainability. Education of the city’s youth and teaching smart environmental practices within school curriculums, however, are vital.

These were the main views for “Inside Philadelphia’s Greenest Companies: Sustainability Strategies & ‘Green Collar’ Careers,” a Philadelphia University hosted panel discussion.

The panel discussion was a public event held at Philadelphia University’s Kanbar Performance Space at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Five panelists were featured and included Suzanne Biemiller, from the Managing Director’s Office for the City of Philadelphia; Marion Coker, from South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority; Kevin Gallagher, government liaison for the Department of Environmental Protection; Christine Knapp, director of Outreach, Citizens for the Future of Pennsylvania and The Next Great City Initiative;

Amanda Carson/Staff Writer

Kevin Gallagher and Christine Knapp were two of five speakers in a panel discussion titled: “Inside Philadelphia’s Greenest Companies: Sustainability Strategies & Green Collar Careers.” and Josh Nims, operations manager of Schuylkill River Development Corporation.

Each panelist discussed how their agencies are specifically

responding to environmental challenges that face Philadelphia.

They also talked about a growing interest in the “green collar” job market.

“Change is coming,” Gallagher said.

Biemiller, who works for the sustainability office of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, stressed that cities need to set environmental goals. “Actions we take today can help down the road,” Biemiller said.

Tom Schrand, co-moderator of the event and chair of bachelor of science program in environmental sustainability for Philadelphia University, provided a brief background on Philadelphia University’s newly implemented environmental science major.

Schrand said the program offers courses to students, such as in green design and engineering, so students can apply smart environment practices to their professional career.

The panel discussion was later opened to the audience. Audience members were very engaged and displayed an interest in Philadelphia’s sustainability. Audience members asked if the economy will affect Philadelphia’s sustainability and how students can get involved. Panelists answered, by discussing how agencies are using cost effective strategies and noting that networking and volunteering can provide involvement for students.

College campuses, specifically within the Philadelphia area, can help work towards optimal sustainability, according to the panelists. Ned Rauch-Mannino, co-moderator of the event and policy and program analyst for Urban Industry Initiative, discussed some environmental initiatives that Cabrini College could make and said, “a campus is a small city.”

Mannino said that as a small suburban campus, Cabrini should “first and foremost reach out to organizations.” He stressed the necessity to network with different organizations. Mannino said that offering question-andanswer forums on campus could get students involved. Recycling 100 percent was also a suggestion made for Cabrini.

According to Mannino, “once you want it,” sustainability can be achieved.

Attendees left the discussion more informed on environmental sustainable practices. Students, after being encouraged to take campus initiatives, realized that they would eventually be in charge of protecting the environment. “[We are] trying to prep for a green future for Philadelphia, nation and world,” Schrand said.

Scholar praises social justice curriculum

brian loschiavo staff writer

bl726@cabrini.edu

A formally homeless man, now a scholar at a famous university seminary, told Cabrini faculty that the curriculum in many schools is out of touch with what is going on in the real world and to see real change students cannot just see the world in black and white. They need to see the big picture.

Willie Baptist, scholar-in-residence for the Poverty Initiative at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, said that he feels very hopeful about that progress that Cabrini is making. He talked about how this school could start a movement which could last long after the current students are gone and that what is going on here at Cabrini can be a model for what other schools can do.

He provided Cabrini faculty with guidance for the new core curriculum, Justice Matters, at a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Wolfington Center.

“A question that needs to be asked is, ‘how can we give students across the country a better understanding of what social justice is?” Baptist said.

Baptist talked to members of the faculty about trying to bring new and different ideas to the table on how to integrate the concept of social justice into the Cabrini curriculum.

Cabrini is beginning to implement a new curriculum that involves all students in social justice issues throughout their college career. Every student

will work towards living for the common good of society with the ultimate goal being to transform Cabrini students to be life-long advocates for social justice.

“Social justice is giving every person what they need to have access to the best of human achievement,” Baptist said.

He talked about the many problems that our society is facing and how working towards social justice could change the world with time. Baptist stressed that people need to come together to solve problems and that most of the problems we see come down to intellectuality.

Baptist, who played baseball on a scholarship at Pepperdine

University, grew up in Watts, a poor section of Los Angeles.

He lived through the Watts riots which affected the way he views the world.

The Watts uprising was a fiveday stream of riots in the South Central section of Los Angeles.

It was one of the many riots in cities across the country occurring in the ‘60s. The uprising, which occurred in the summer of 1966, began with a confrontation between local police and an African-American motorist.

The altercation with police fueled the riots along with frustrations against discrimination and poverty in the city. Ten thousand people crowded the streets caus-

ing $200 million in damage.

Thirty-four people were killed with the uprising, representing the anger of the American poor population.

“Living through something like that really changes the way you look at what’s going on in the world,” Baptist said, “makes you want to take action.”

When Baptist was in the midst of his baseball career he idolized professional baseball player Jackie Robinson. One day when Baptist was watching an interview with him on television he heard a quote from Robinson that would be engrained in him forever and would encourage him to do the work he does every day. “A life is

Brian Loschiavo/staff writer

Willie Baptist, scholar-in-residence for the Poverty Initiative at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, provides Cabrini faculty with guidance on the new core curriculum, Justice Matters.

not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.”

Dr. Sharon Schwarze, a philosophy professor who has been teaching at Cabrini for 38 years, talked about how she found Baptist to be very interesting and inspirational. Schwarze agreed with his emphasis on theory and practice.

“I would love to have him here on our faculty at Cabrini,” Schwarze said. “He is someone who has been living through what we are trying to teach our students and he could pass a great deal of knowledge onto everyone in the Cabrini community.”

Baptist focused on the fact that society cannot be in agreement with the way things are happening. Every person needs to wake up and be aware of what is going on around them every day, he said.

“We can change things by not liking how they are and doing something about it,” Schwarze said.

Schwarze, who thinks the new initiatives for social justice are extremely positive steps that the college is taking, said that she is really grateful and excited about what is going on in this community.

Baptist said that education needs to give people a new way of looking at the world. “People need to start thinking in terms of us, us, we, instead of I, I, me,” Baptist said.

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Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

NEWS 5

Attacks end in Mumbai morgan miller staff writer

mlm737@cabrini.edu

Southern Mumbai, India, formerly Bombay, was under attack from groups of gunmen who targeted locations where Westerners and Israelis visit and spots that symbolize India’s prosperity.

Although government forces were attempting to control the chaos, a total of three days of fighting took 195 lives and injured over 300 people.

Government plans to help Americans with loans staff photographer

Cabrini students tutor Spanish-speaking students at Julia DeBurgos School of the School District of Philadelphia. The DeBurgos School population is 87 percent Hispanic. The photo is from 2005.

Local immigrants affected by language and cultural barriers

brian loschiavo staff writer

bl726@cabrini.edu

Immigrant students and families across the country, and here in the Philadelphia area are currently being affected by language and cultural barriers being held up in the educational system.

With many students, their lack of success boils down to poor communication and support. The parents of many immigrant students are not able to provide their children with a good support system when it comes to their education because of language differences.

“When everything is in English, it’s impossible in most situations for immigrant parents who do not speak the language to understand what is going on in their child’s education,” Zac Steele, of the Juntos Organization, said.

“When there is a lack of communications between the schools and parents everything breaks down.”

Juntos, which stands for “together” in Spanish, is a community based organization and one of many groups out of Philadelphia that works towards developing support for immigrants in many areas while working for their rights.

There are many different aspects that are affecting the immigrant students. It is not just the language barrier, it goes much deeper than that. Racism, discrimination and cultural differences are also part of the bigger issue that the students are facing.

Steele emphasized that racism and discrimination are definitely present. Treatment by teachers, other students and other students parents all factor into the problem.

“There is also a huge problem with cultural difference,” Steele said. “Regardless of what country you come from most immigrants have no idea how the American school system works.”

Philadelphia, which has one of the largest and fastest growing immigrant populations across the country, is home to over 500,000 immigrants which make up nine percent of the population, according to the Brookings Institute.

There is a very diverse mix of immigrants making up the population. Even though the students and families in the Philadelphia area are facing many education problems, they are doing very well compared to other immigrant populations across the country.

Jessica Jaxel, senior special, elementary and early childhood education major, talked about different programs that are in place to help immigrant students.

“There are many programs in areas heavily populated with immigrants and minorities, to enhance students’ learning of English. English as a Second Language is a popular program which takes students’ first language and then incorporates the English alphabet and phonetics, rather than taking on the “whole language” approach, which is more popular among English Language Learner programs.

These programs both have their benefits and drawbacks. Personally, I think they work best in a combination of the two methods,” Jaxel said.

The Philadelphia school district recently held a meeting in South Philadelphia, which has one of the highest immigrant populations in the city, to talk about improving bilingual services. Many immigrant parents and officials have been frustrated that the school district has not followed up to its legal agreement from 2001 that mandates translation services for non-Englishspeaking families. By the end of the meeting the school officials signed a contract vowing to improve the bilingual services.

“We are extremely happy that the school district agreed to work toward better services for the im-

migrant families,” Steele said.

“But it has only been a short time, so we have to wait to see if they follow through with the plan.”

Many students also suffer because of the hardships that come with learning two languages at once. Many immigrant students speak one language at home and another at school. This is hard on the students because they tend to lose some of their home language and parents in turn become very frustrated.

“When these people come to America it’s like walking into a different world, not understanding how things work, especially the education system,” Steele said.

Many schools in the Philadelphia area are currently trying to address the problems that are being seen in the education system.

A lot of schools are hiring more staff from the home countries of students that populate their school or area. The school districts are also trying to develop their faculty to be more linguistically and culturally sound.

“I feel that immersion is the best way to assimilate to a culture and learn that culture’s language, this is what I would practice if I have an English language learner in my future classroom,” Jaxel said.

Some schools are good in areas that other schools are bad in and some schools are bad at some of the areas that other schools are good at. Officials are saying that every school needs to work toward getting on the same page.

“All of the things that are happening to better the educational system for immigrant students and families are definitely small steps towards the larger picture,” Steele said.

Eight hundred billion dollars circulating into credit markets will be used by the government in order to help Americans get loans more easily. The Federal Reserve’s money will be primarily focused on residential mortgages. The concept creates a “central bank” that will aid in all aspects of American life.

Obama promises positive changes for poor economy President-elect Barack Obama announced that from the moment he is in the White House he will start correcting the poor economy. Obama plans to create 2.5 million jobs, while spending a lot of money on infrastructure and clean energy projects. Obama’s economic team is going to come up with a stimulus package that will aid in bettering the economy. President Bush noted that he will be working closely with Presidentelect Obama in the remaining weeks of his presidency.

Desperate shoppers crush Wal-Mart employee In a Long Island, N.Y. Wal-Mart, shoppers desperate for deals on Black Friday stampeded the doors, resulting in the crushing death of temporary worker, 34-year-old Jdimytai Damour. The crowd gathered as early as 9 p.m. Thursday night in order to form lines to shop once the store opened at 5 a.m. Friday morning. Police attempted to provide first aid; however, attempts were unsuccessful as the police were pushed around. Two other deaths relating to shopping, occurred on Black Friday in Palm Desert, Calif., when two men shot each other in a Toys “R” Us.

Consumers surprise businesses by shopping Businesses had a pleasant surprise when consumers proved the estimates wrong by bringing out the cash in order to spend for the holidays. About 173 million consumers spent on average $372.57 from Black Friday through Sunday. This season’s shopping spree had a 17 percent consumer increase and a 7.2 percent increase from last year.

Lead news anchors to be laid off Familiar faces from many news stations will be laid off due to consolidation as a result of the poor economic state. The country’s 1,300 television stations all have individuals that are well-known on their stations; however, the salaries given to news anchors are sky-high and seem impossible to fulfill as stations lower their revenue. No longer will an anchor “grow old” with the station’s viewers.

6 PERSPECTIVES

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Perspectives

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

Not feeling jolly? Beat holiday blues IN MY OPINION

GIANNA SHIKITINO staff writer

gls722@cabrini.edu

Now that the fall semester is coming to an end, Cabrini students will shortly be clearing out their dorms and heading home for winter break.

We should be happy about break, right?

For most, the holiday season is filled with happiness and excitement, but for others not so much. I have heard of people dreading the holiday season because they feel depressed during this time of year.

Why would anyone be depressed over the holidays? Well I have asked around and I have received many different answers.

One: The weather.

People become depressed during the winter season because most people tend to stay indoors, whereas during fall, spring or summer you are more likely to go outside.

Many people hate the cold, I can admit that I am not a big fan of the harsh bitter cold air myself, but I do not let the weather get the best of me.

There are places you can go to instead of hanging out at your house, sitting on the couch and watching

jake verterano/a&e editor

With holiday spending and chilly weather, even Santa and Rudolph can lose a little holiday cheer. However, there are ways to beat the winter blues. the TV. Sometimes, we just don’t think of places to go, so we tend to stay indoors at our house or at a friends house.

Over break, you can go snowboarding, tubing or skiing. And if you are not a big fan of those either, you can try an indoor go-karting center, plan a day trip with friends to a big city or go to a concert.

Two: Money. Since our economy is such a mess right now, many people are stressed about buying gifts, some families may experience cutting down holiday shopping, which can lead to depression.

Since most department stores are trying to come up with more ways to sell, they are advertising well

ahead of time.

Don’t let holiday shopping empty out your wallet.

Instead, try to save up now.

Planning ahead to save money before the holidays will not only be relieving, but you’ll feel good about not spending your money on unnecessary things.

Even if you save little by little, you’ll feel better about buying mom and dad a nice gift for the holidays.

Three: Loneliness. If you have recently broken up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the holiday season will make you feel alone, sad and lets not forget depressed!

Many people dread being alone during the holiday season, not just for Christmas, but for New

Year’s Eve as well.

If you are dreading the holidays because you’re single, spend time with those who matter most to you.

Family and friends can comfort you in times when you feel like there is no one who cares for you.

Surrounding yourself with those who love you will help you forget about past relationships.

Four: Change. Yes, that seems unusual, but it’s common. For those who live on campus, some have said to be anxious and/or nervous to go home since they have been here at Cabrini for a few months.

High school friends can change after the transition of college, which may re-

sult to falling-out friendships.

For those who have recently lost a family member, trying to come together with your family after an emotional loss can be tough. To eliminate depression from change occurring, try to keep contact with your friends who you haven’t spoken to over the semester due to distance and/or time. Plan ahead to hang out with those you have been away from for awhile, instead of fallingout friendships, make them stronger.

And if you have experienced the tragic loss at a family member, stay close to those who mean the most to you.

If reminiscing on old

family memories is too hard for you to do, try to think about how blessed you are to be experiencing the holidays this year, and that the ones you have lost are celebrating with you in spirit.

Five: Gaining weight.

Many of us are scared to put on extra pounds during the holiday season when we visit our families and eat home-cooked meals. And without the Dixon Center being a walk away, many of us do not work out like we should while we’re home.

Don’t get nervous about gaining weight. Instead, make a mini-workout plan of your own. Don’t cut out meals that your family prepared over the holidays just because you think you’ll gain weight. Try to do a daily or weekly work out plan, or join a gym near your house.

Working out over break will give you the endorphins you need to decrease depression and feel better about yourself over the holiday season.

So with that being said, eliminate depression during winter break. The holidays are supposed to be fun, so don’t dwell on the negative.

Beat the holiday blues by going out with friends and family to different places, save money to do some holiday gift shopping, eat what you want and feel good about it by staying active and most of all enjoy yourself!

Benefits of service after graduation IN M Y O P INION

CHRISTINE GRAF deputy editor

acg724@cabrini.edu

People go to college to get an education so that eventually they can get a good job which makes good money, to live a comfortable life, right?

So why would anyone

in his or her right mind graduate from college and volunteer for a year or two unpaid?

How could that possibly benefit them in anyway? Is it even supposed to benefit them, or is giving back just the right thing to do?

These are all questions that have crossed my mind throughout my college experience.

Sometimes I think that living in an exotic country in solidarity would be an experience of a lifetime, but then I think realistically: can I afford to commit a year or so of my life with the expenses of college loans creeping up upon

graduation? Will I even be marketable to employees once I decide to look for that dream job?

Graduating from college and committing yourself to others seems like a very nice thing to do but in reality, is it really a beneficial thing to do to?

Think about it. In times of economic uncertainty, finding a job upon graduation is not going to be an easy task. Especially when going up against all the other top-notch graduates from other schools in the Philadelphia area.

What makes you different? Why would an employer pick you over Joe

Schmo from the University of Pennsylvania?

Could your year of service in Guatemala helping troubled teens learn leadership skills be that difference that makes you stand out?

Think about what kind of character that shows in you as a person. Imagine the leadership, language and independence that you could acquire.

Most notably, think about the lives you would change, the people you would meet and all you would learn.

My point is service after graduation is not only something to do for the

common good of society but it might just be what is best for you to grow as a person.

There are numerous types of organizations that offer loan deferrals, grants, health care benefits and an opportunity to do things you never thought possible.

You can volunteer domestically in a different part of the country, internationally, for a faith-based organization, a no-faithbased organization a government-run program or doing all sorts of service jobs.

The opportunities are endless although not al-

ways so easy to decide which one is best for you.

So if a year of service after graduation ever crossed your mind, look into it.

Offices on campus can help you such as the Wolfington Center or Cabrini Mission Corps, which will be holding a discussion this Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m. in the Mansion. There will be former and current volunteers talking about the benefits of service and answering any questions one might have.

Again, it doesn’t hurt to investigate; it might be the best thing you ever did.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

PERSPECTIVES 7

www.theloquitur.com

jake verterano/a&e editor

Home for the holidays Stuck at school I N MY OPINIO N

JILL FRIES staff writer

vjf722@cabrini.edu

I cannot wait until Christmas vacation! Family, friends, sleeping in, holiday shopping, gifts, good food and of course, no school! Can it get any better? Not in my eyes.

And it’s just days away.

I go Christmas shopping almost every day before the actual holiday and the crowds never put me in a bad mood. I am downright cheesy when it comes to Christmas, if you couldn’t tell already.

From wrapping every gift in my house that no one else feels like wrapping, to decorating the entire Christmas tree and baking cookies if no one else wants to, no scrooge here!

I try to watch every good Christmas movie that comes on TV and Christmas music is all I play in my car. The entire season just puts me in a cheerful, energetic and romantic mood. I do not think of school or work or anything stressful, but enjoy every minute of being

home with everyone who cares about me.

Christmas vacation is a time that my family and I can truly bond. We are pretty traditional when it comes to the holidays.

My parents and I will spend a lot of time together shopping or watching movies, and then my brothers and I will unwrap our gifts Christmas day and reminisce on our adolescent days.

Of course that only lasts for so long until they gang up and embarrass me.

I see a lot of my extended family as well, which is always fun because I do not get to see them all the time. These times turn into memories and something to look forward to every year.

Not only do I enjoy spending time with my family, but I am a hopeless romantic! You have to be in love at Christmas time!

I know, cheesy again, but I love spending time with my boyfriend and making every day romantic, whether it is cuddling by the fire with hot chocolate or stopping to kiss under the mistletoe.

Christmas vacation is a time for us to show appreciation for each other and just have fun together with no stress. By the way, this is my fourth Christmas with the boyfriend.

Thumbs up, right?

What’s more beautiful than a white Christmas? I know that’s what I am hop-

ing for! The news a few days ago said we have a 30 percent chance of a white Christmas, but they’re always wrong so let’s be positive! Snow will make vacation even more exciting.

Christmas is not the only holiday over break.

Can’t forget about New Year’s! Who doesn’t love New Year’s?

It’s an excuse to party all day on the eve of the new year, then all night into the new year and then all day again New Year’s day. It’s an excuse to get a kiss at midnight too. It’s also known as the time to start over, or set goals for yourself.

I have to feel bad for the Scrooges and Grinches out there who don’t love the holidays and aren’t happy like they should be. My heart goes out to those of you.

Actually, I think you’re crazy but I’m sure you have a good explanation.

Sorry to all of you winter athletes and others with commitments over the holidays. I truly feel bad that I am rubbing my wonderful experience in your face.

Enjoy what you can!

So play in the snow, spend time with those who care about you, fall in love and get a kiss at midnight.

Happy holidays everyone and enjoy the holiday vacation.

for winter break IN MY OPINION

CHARLES BUSH staff writer

cab724@cabrini.edu

Home, family, friends and good food are all things that the average student gets to experience during the long college winter break.

However, my teammates and I only get to experience this in small amounts.

It is tough. I personally have not been back home since school started. It is fun to be at school with your friends and being able to be somewhat independent, but sometimes you need a little rest and home always cures whatever problem that this world brings.

We usually get the chance to go home for about a week over break and for me, with seven siblings, one dog, two cats, two crazy parents and a 98-year-old aunt who acts like the grandmother from the movie “Wedding Crashers,” a week is all I need.

I do enjoy the week back home for a chance to relax and see everyone. Being home gives me the time to eat good food which I can’t seem to stress enough.

When the week’s over it’s sad to leave again, but I’ve been playing basketball since I was 2 years old so I’m used to having to sacrifice to play all year round.

Thankfully, it’s not too bad staying on campus with no one else around.

In some cases, it’s actually pretty relaxing. It allows you to bond more with your teammates and for me I can bond more with my Playstation 3, my guitar, a.k.a. Lorili, and whatever the latest Nicholas Sparks book happens to be.

We practice twice a day over break at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., then it’s usually the mall, games, movies or music after that for the rest of the night. Since the cafeteria is closed, we get meal money so we can eat out every night, which is a glorious substitute for the cafeteria.

Most people always tell me, “It must suck being here all winter,” and, yes, in some cases it does, but for the most part it’s actually extremely comforting.

To be able to walk across campus in the morning with nothing but the sound of birds in the air, the thick

white blanket of snow covering the ground as if it was about to put it to sleep, and a campus surrounded by empty parking lots, it’s truly beautiful.

Imagine always being able to get a parking space, without having to circle Dixon or Founder’s for three hours hoping someone leaves to free up a space.

I also can’t stress enough that being a part of a team is a true honor and if you want to be a successful one you have to truly be a cohesive unit.

Now trust me when I say when you spend all day every day with the same 18 guys for a month and a half straight, you become a “cohesive unit.” I mean if we became any more cohesive we’d be crossing the line and that’s another article all together.

But the whole time is not bonding and entertainment. We all understand we are here for business.

We know that we are practicing hard so we can get better and get a step closer to accomplishing our goal and winning a championship. And I will be the first to admit it is hard to keep the same intensity everyday, but we only come out better for it.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

www.theloquitur.com

8 FEATURES

Students receive service award Service and dedication molly kearney staff writer

mwk723@cabrini.edu

sam bokoski/staff writer

Beth Briggs stands in front of the Wolfington Center where she has put in many hours planning community service projects.

Educating ourselves and others sam bokoski staff writer

scb728@cabrini.edu

Two Cabrini students were honored for their strong dedication to social justice through the service award honoring those who go above and beyond in academics and service.

As the primary focus of Dr. Marie Angelella George’s plan, these awards were held in high regards this year on Cabrini Day, Thursday, Nov. 13.

The strong emphasis on social justice this year can be seen in the recipients of the 2008 Charles A. Mastronardi Award for Service and Learning. This year, the junior who won received this award because of her passion she inputs into each project.

Junior psychology and sociology major Beth Briggs, lives a life based on her values here at Cabrini and at home.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to participate in social justice until I came to Cabrini. The reason why I had known so much though was through discussions at family dinners. I was the first person in my family to act upon them,” Briggs said.

Briggs has been an integral member of the Wolfington Center since her freshman year. In 2006, she became a part of the advisory committee for the partnership between Catholic Relief Services and the college.

The following year, she became co-chair of the Poverty Awareness Campaign where she spends her time generating awareness for those who are without a voice and the socioeconomically disadvantaged. In addition to her work at Cabrini, she worked at a homeless shelter in Norristown, Pa. from January to August this year.

“There’s no good reason not to get involved with social justice. You would want the same

thing in that situation. I think that we’re all one big family and that we have to take care of everybody,” Briggs said.

Lower income families are the ones being directly affected by the economic crisis. According to Dr. Mary Laver, director of international partnerships, these families are not able to afford the basic necessities, like beans and rice.

“Beth has been a part of the advisory committee since her first semester. In her freshman year, even though she was the youngest member she was always very involved,” Laver said.

This year Briggs, has held onto her position as a co-chair of the Poverty Awareness Campaign and she has been appointed as a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) ambassador for food security, the theme of this year’s Founder’s Day on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The focus of the food crisis is on the local and global aspects due to the economic crisis and rising gas prices affecting the food supply there is for the lower socioeconomic classes.

Briggs is an active advocate who creates interactive events that students can participate in creating an awareness of the social implications there are in an economic crisis like this one.

“I like working with awareness campaigns, because you can’t act without being educated about the needs of who you’re serving,” Briggs said.

When asked about the general success of the awareness campaigns on campus, Briggs said, “It’s difficult to get students involved. However, the hunger banquet makes people get really excited. I feel successful because when you see people come back, you know they’re getting something out of it.”

When asked how much time she spends planning the events

or inside the Wolfington Center, she said, “It really depends if there’s an event coming up, it could be anywhere from two to 10 hours. I’ll be there more next semester because of Project Appalachia.”

Briggs like many other students who work with the faculty of the Wolfington Center, has attended this trip at least one time.

These students aid people in declining rural areas mostly in home repairs for low-income families and limited home reconstruction. The slogan the project itself goes by is, “Making homes warmer, safer and drier.”

“I’m excited about doing it again to see what else I can get from it,” Briggs said.

“Beth walks the walk,” Laver joked. Laver explains that she remembers seeing Briggs wearing sneakers made of used tires representing the fact that we all share this world and should only use what we need.

Briggs tries to wear clothing that does not exploit workers.

“I’m pretty obsessive about my values. The one company I used to buy my shoes from is all sold out. My family tends to hate me around Christmas because I always want fair trade clothing or if I can’t get those, then clothes from thrift stores so that I’m not exploiting workers,” Briggs said.

Briggs is hoping to continue her education in graduate school and attain a doctorate in clinical psychology.

“I am curious and eager to be supportive of whatever Beth chooses in the future. I look forward to being surprised by her,” Laver said.

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.

Each year, an award that recognizes leadership, service and social justice is given out to two Cabrini students. The award is called the Charles A. Mastronardi Award for Service and Learning. This year the senior recipient embodies all of those qualities and more.

Christine Graf, senior English and communication major, is one of two recipients of the Charles A. Mastronardi Award for Service and Learning for 2008. This award recognizes service and involvement in college related activities. Last year’s award recipient was Krystal Layne, psychology major and class of 2008.

Dr. Mary Laver, director of international partnerships, spoke of Graf fondly. Laver said that Graf embodies the values and beliefs of St. Frances Cabrini. Those beliefs would be directness, compassion and a global vision. Laver feels that Graf’s immersion trip with the Wolfington Center to Rostro de Cristo in Ecuador created a spark of interest in social justice that allowed her to take off from there.

After her Rostro de Cristo experience, Graf continued her work in social justice by using her communication skills to reach many other people. Laver is glad that Graf will cap her years at Cabrini with the upcoming solidarity study tour in Guatemala, which will include President Marie George and members of the communication department.

Laver feels that Graf has expanded the word service to include awareness-raising and advocacy. It started with the direct contact she had with the community she visited with others in Ecuador, and has grown through her use of writing and video creation on humanitarian issues. “The way she is raising awareness about migration, poverty and other

global issues is a gift to Cabrini College,” Laver said.

Graf explained that she was always interested in the helping professions but was not exactly sure what her calling was.

After becoming involved with several trips through the Wolfington Center, she realized she wanted to bring a voice to others.

Graf said her views upon entering Cabrini were narrow minded. As a freshman, she was uninvolved and just went about her day-to-day life. Graf first got involved by going on the Ecuador trip through the Wolfington Center and then wanted to learn more about social justice and took Laver’s class. She got involved by doing what interested her and that was helping others.

Graf wishes to see everyone take initiative in helping others. She urges other to “just do something you feel is right.”

Being at Cabrini College and seeing how she can help others has changed her view on the world. Graf now knows that even the smallest bit of help can change the world. As long as one is trying, that is making the difference.

Graf has made her own difference in many ways during her time at Cabrini. She is Catholic Relief Services ambassador for migration.

She recently has contacted Iraqi refuges for The Loquitur, in which she is the deputy editor. Graf also volunteered at the Laurel House, a local shelter that helps women and children, and that helped her realize what kind of action she wanted to take in this world.

Dr. Jerry Zurek, Graf’s adviser and head of the communication department, explains Graf in the best light.

“She has a passion for doing what is right.” Graf took that passion and applied it to the world around her.

“She just said yes, and continues to say yes, which leads her to amazing opportunities,” Zurek said.

kerry english/staff writer

Christine Graf, senior English and communication major, attends a Thanksgiving celebration in Camden, N.J., that welcomed recent refugees celebrating the tradition that’s called “Welcoming the Strangers.”

FEATU

URES

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

www.theloquitur.com

FEATURES 9

Cabrini Spirit award honors public safety officer jen wozniak staff writer

jlw729@cabrini.edu

The Cabrini Spirit Award, awarded annually on Cabrini Day, honors someone who exceptionally demonstrates Cabrini’s core values of respect, vision, community and dedication to excellence. Last year the Cabrini Spirit Award was given to Joe Baker, Cabrini’s mailroom clerk.

This year, for the first time ever, a public safety officer won the Cabrini Spirit Award.

Michelle McCabe was presented with the award at a ceremony held on Cabrini Day, Nov. 13. “I didn’t expect to win,” McCabe said. “I went to support the nominees and represent the department.”

McCabe was surprised when her name was announced as this year’s winner. “I was shocked, thrilled and deeply honored,” McCabe said of receiving the award.

“I’m still so excited about it.”

Whoever meets McCabe can tell that she is a genuinely nice person who is enthusiastic about her love for Cabrini and her job.

It was three years this past June that McCabe has been working at Cabrini as the midnight shift supervisor.

She works from either 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. or 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and

visits all of the residence buildings on campus, allowing her to meet many students.

“She is always really nice and especially helpful when we have a situation to deal with,” Shannon Santangelo, senior math and accounting major and resident assistant, said.

“I really try to respect the students. I really care about them and their safety while they’re here getting their education,” McCabe said.

McCabe also said that she has a deep respect for co-workers and visitors as well. She enjoys when visitors and families come in the summer and she gets to meet them and tell them about Cabrini.

McCabe feels right at home at Cabrini and connected to the students and campus, demonstrating that sense of Cabrini community.

On Cabrini Day, President Marie A. George emphasized in her speech that McCabe’s popularity and respect from students and faculty is evident.

Public safety officer Tom McPhee said that he thinks McCabe won the Spirit Award because “she went above and beyond the realm of the job.”

“She goes through lots of training, classes and seminars.

She is very dedicated and works over time if needed,” McPhee said.

McCabe said that she is very happy to be a part of the public safety department at Cabrini.

“I really do love working here and working in the public safety department. Everyone from the director to captain to sergeants are supportive and have a high concern for the students while they’re here. We share the same vision and passion for safety, which makes the job easier.”

McPhee agrees. “We all get along and have a good shift, and she plays an important part in that. She’s great to work with.”

Since McCabe has been at Cabrini for three years, she feels exceptionally close to the graduating class this year.

They were freshmen when she started her job here, and the friendships she established with some of them throughout their time here will make this graduation ceremony more emotional than the others she attended.

“This graduating class is really important to me,” McCabe said.

She said that she already misses some of the seniors living off campus that she no longer gets to see all the time.

McCabe lives in Broomall, Pa. with her husband Ed, daughter Elizabeth and son James. In her spare time she likes to read, walk, pray and vacation with her

jen wozniak/staff writer

Michelle McCabe, winner of the Cabrini Spirit Award, meets with fellow public safety officer Randall Sampson. family in Longport and Atlantic City, N.J. McCabe said that she would like to do more volunteer work in the future, and that she is motivated by George and her theme of “Service Beyond One’s Self.”

McCabe’s enthusiasm and dedication for Cabrini have been

evident, and she strives every day to do her best to make sure things run smoothly on campus and that the students are safe.

She is greatly honored to receive the Cabrini Spirit Award, and looks forward to the years ahead under the leadership of George.

Troubled economy stirs necessity for bargain shopping sam bokoski staff writer

scb728@cabrini.edu

It is that time of year again, with never ending wish lists, coupons overflowing the mailbox and credit card bills soaring through the roof.

From wanting that namebrand electronic or most fashionable clothing line, it all adds up and for many turns into the most stressful time of year, the holiday season.

There are ways to relieve some of this tension during the

holiday season with bargain shopping. Bargain shopping has gradually taken a back seat to the obnoxiously expensive era.

Many shop at the following stores during the holiday season: Waterloo Gardens, Macy’s and Apple. Macy’s, many think is a department store which would mean it would be less expensive?

However, a simple plain-woven hat costs at least $38, a decorative tree skirt costs $49 and a beautiful 48’’ wreath costs $86.

If one can manage to stoop

down to bargain shopping, a great place is Wal-Mart.

It is known for having great prices for every item. A detailed 52’’ sequenced tree skirt costs a mere $32.87 and a pre-decorated 36’’ wreath would only costs $28. The difference is significant and can save people a lot of money in the end.

For the more adult crowd, Waterloo Gardens has items needed to make a household picture perfect.

However, if shoppers need that special wrapping paper to make a gift extra special, do

not look to Waterloo Gardens to provide you with a good deal.

You will pay $9 per roll.

Apple, is home to some of the sleekest and most up-to-date electronics today. A hot item on the list to iPod consumers is the iHome. It is the speakers for your iPod. Apple knows their brand is well recognized, which leads to their price of $100. It may not seem like too much but compared to Five Below, a great bargain store, charging only $5.

Might not give off the same quality but gets the job done.

Five Below definitely is very

overwhelming from barrels and buckets of deals throughout the store.

Looking for some stocking stuffers this season? This is the mother load.

You can purchase popular DVDs for $5, wrapping paper for $1, Wii accessories for $5 and little sweets 10 for $1.

This holiday season saves some stress and money, and shop bargains.

Nobody will ever know the difference between a product bought at a discount store and an expensive one.

Do students donate over the holidays?

jackie ozzimo

christina handley

joe cahill

sophomore

junior

sophomore

senior

history and political science major

political science major

communication major

english and communication major

“Yes I do, but unfortunately due to high gas prices and the economical situation, I won’t be able to give as much as I would like to.”

“Yes, I plan to serve in a homeless shelter over the holidays.”

“Probably not. Nothing against the charity. I just don’t see myself doing it.”

“I donate to Toys for Tots every year.”

jacqueline turchi

Candice Wojnarowski, staff writer, cmw726@cabrini.edu

10 A&E

www.theloquitur.com

Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

Art of poetry illustrated by local priest amanda carson staff writer

arc726@cabrini.edu

A local poet-priest shared a provocative mixture of personal life-defining moments and gentle humor during a recent visit to Cabrini College.

Reciting prose passages and poetry from three of his highly regarded books, the Rev. John McNamee engaged students, faculty and public attendees during an English department poetry reading Nov. 19 in the Grace Hall Board Room.

“I like to play around with words and get fire,” McNamee said.

With vision as his strongest suit, McNamee explained that he is very observant of his surroundings, prior to reading “Madonna.”

“Madonna” focuses on the vivid description of a less fortunate woman, whom he noticed in his rearview mirror.

Using creative license, McNamee explores an assumed lifestyle of the woman.

He then read “Paris: Églíse d”Auteuíl,” which also describes a woman, but from a contrasting

standpoint.

The poem illustrates the beauty noticed in a particular woman during Mass.

“Usually you think priests don’t notice pretty girls,” McNamee joked.

McNamee read from his works: “Diary of a City Priest,” “Endurance: The Rhythm of Faith” and “Clay Vessels and Other Poems.”

The variety of pieces read focused on specific time periods during his life.

McNamee provided attendees with necessary backgrounds to his readings.

The poetry reading was an extension of McNamee’s private reading and discussion with Dr. Marilyn Johnson’s students in the honors course, Poets and Priests, McNamee’s visit has and continues to allow students to interact with a contemporary poet they have been comprehensively studying.

This year, Johnson wanted his visit extended to the public.

“Dr. Romano previously suggested that the class study McNamee,” Johnson, English professor, said. “You can obviously see why I like his works, they are relatable.”

“I am out because Dr. Johnson suggested it. I have never been to a book reading before and I thought it would be interesting,” Amy Headly, English and secondary education graduate student, said.

Chris Vesci, Cabrini alumnus from 2001 who also took Johnson’s Poet and Priests course, said, “I always liked him for his wisdom of a priest but still down to earth. I thought it would be good to come back and listen to him read.”

Present were some of McNamee’s former parishioners.

“I have known him for 25 years. He married us. We were both widows,” Jack Connors, former parishioner and an adjunct Cabrini professor in 1997, said pointing to his wife.

For McNamee, however, his writings and Cabrini visits are meant for “enjoyment.”

He intends to provide both personal insight and entertainment through his works.

“If someone came up and said I have a burning passion to write poetry after reading mine, then I have done my job,” McNamee said.

Amanda Carson/staff writer

Rev. John McNamee reads excerpts from three of his highly regarded books.

Cabrini choir goes European jake verterano a&e editor

jcv722@cabrini.edu

The walls of the Widener Lecture Hall weren’t strong enough to contain the powerful stage presence of Cabrini College’s choir.

That’s why the talented group of singers traveled 4,306 miles to perform in Vienna, Austria.

“The trip was part of a Christmas tour,” Lindsay Buckley, junior elementary education major, said.

The tour was called International Advent Sing. With seven North American and 20 European choirs represented the tour guaranteed some unique sounds.

“It was really exciting to work with all of the other choirs,” Robert Stoop, sophomore biology major, said. “All of the choirs sang Mozart’s ‘Ode To Joy’ at one performance.”

Dr. Adeline Bethany, Cabrini’s choral director, chose some traditional Christmas tunes and some original music written in Vienna for the tour. The choir performed the traditional Christmas tune “Silent Night” in German.

While Cabrini was an all college student group at the event, some choirs contained members of much older ages.

“Some of the European choirs were in their 40’s and 50’s,” Buckley said. “It was pretty cool

because one older group complimented our singing abilities.

I didn’t think we did that great, but they told us we were the best they’ve ever heard. That was quite the compliment.”

The Cabrini choir certainly got to experience Vienna in full effect. The performers visited Vienna’s Christmas Market, the Shon Braun Palace, Vienna’s city hall and historical church Melk Abby as part of the four day tour.

The trip was not only open to members of the choir.

Nine friends and family members accompanied the 16 voicestrous singers on their journey through Austria.

“Having ancestors from the royal family in Austria, it was the coolest experience guessing whether or not my ancestors actually walked the same streets I was,” Stoop said.

Although the choir members are feeling the jet lag from their trip they are getting set for their next big performance.

The entire Cabrini choir, which consists of 50 plus members, will be performing on Sunday, Dec. 7, for their annual holiday concert. It will take place at 3 p.m. in Grace Hall’s atrium.

“Whether you like holiday music or just having a good time, come out and enjoy the concert,” Buckley said.

lindsay buckley/submitted photo

Dr. Adeline Bethany, Cabrini’s choral director, poses with members of the ensamble during their trip to Vienna, Austria.

A&E 11

www.theloquitur.com

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

From bookshelves to big screen jake verterano a&e editor

jcv722@cabrini.edu

“I’d never given much thought to how I would die – Surely, it was a good way to die, in the place of someone else, someone I loved.”

Audience’s leaned to the edge of their tiny padded chairs as “Twilight” character Bella Swan uttered these poetic words across theatre screens.

“Twilight” is the latest book phenomenon to grace the silver screen as of Nov. 19.

“I went to see the midnight showing and it was incredible,” Michaela Enriquez, junior human resources major, said. “I had always painted a picture in my head of how the scenes would play out and this movie completely changed it for the better.”

Enriquez was just one of many fans who attended midnight showings across the globe.

Fans showed their loyalty by adorning black t-shirts with their favorite quotes from the book labeled across them.

“I cannot wait to see Edward’s gorgeous face on the screen,” Michelle Oulett, a fan who attended the midnight showing of the flim, said. She proudly smiled as she wiped a few popcorn kernels off of her t-shirt that read “how long have you been seventeen,” one of the book’s most famous quotes.

The King of Prussia Regal Cinemas was packed on the eve-

ning of Nov. 19 as fans began showing up as early as 7 p.m.

“We had to open up extra theatres just for the midnight showing,” Mark Randolph, an employee at the theatre, said.

“It was so crowded. A few news crews even showed up to get in on the mayhem.”

As the credits finally rolled up the screen at the end of the movie, the vampire crazed audience headed out with smiles on their face.

“I’m so glad they made this movie,” Oulett said. “I had painted an image of Edward in my head, and my vision did not do Rob Pattison justice.”

Pattison starred in the film as Edward Cullen, a member of a family of vampires. Kristen Stewart played Bella Swan, the love interest of Edward.

The lovers’ foe, James, was played by Cam Gigandet.

The movie incorporated a large cast of young characters that would appeal to it’s audience.

“Twilight” opened to a satisfying $ 70 million first weekend.

Due to it’s success, the second novel in the vampire love saga will now be made into a movie.

“Eclipse” can be expected to debut within the next two to three years in movies.

“Twilight” is following in the path of other books gone to film such as the “Lord of the Rings” series and the “Harry Potter” novels.

“I think it’s great to see books I read become movies, but it kind

of ruins it for me,” Justin Sillner, freshman communication major, said. “It’s kind of like it destroys everything you’ve imagined the book to be like in your head.”

While Sillner makes a valid point, there is no denying that movies based on books draw a much larger audience. “Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” “The DaVinci Code” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” are all book series that have capitalized on the success of converting to film.

“It doesn’t matter what the film’s interpretation of the book is,” Daniel DiPasquale, junior human resources major, said. “If the movie is raking in numbers in the billions, then there is no need to complain.”

Movie studios certainly seem to agree with that logic. “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” the sixth installment of the series, will debut in theatres this summer.

Tom Hanks will also star in “Angels & Demons,” which is the sequel to his 2006 success, “The Da Vinci Code.”

“I guess it’s not too bad,” Sillner said. “At least more people are buying the books.”

“I can’t wait for another book to go the movie route,” Enriquez said. “It’s a little bit more enjoyable, plus you don’t have to turn the page.”

Sneak peek at ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ christina michaluk a&e editor

cmm736@ cabrini.edu

As the lights dim in the crowded theatre and the smell of fresh popcorn fills the air, the excitement of the screening of the holiday drama “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” mounted.

Moviegoers were able to attend a special holiday screening of the featured film. The crowd included various members of the film industry as well as family and friends.

The screenplay is based off of the acclaimed F. Scott Fitzgerald short story. Benjamin Button is

born on the night of excitement as the Cold War ends. The circumstances of his birth are quite unusual.

Benjamin is born with the appearance and medical history of an eighty-year old man. After his mother dies during childbirth, his father sees his new baby boy and is horrified by his appearance.

Mr. Button, played by Jason Flemyng, abandons his son on the steps of a retirement home where he is taken in by a housekeeper named Queenie, played by Taraji P. Henson.

Queenie takes care of Benjamin and loves him as her own.

The movie follows Benjamin as

he goes through life in reverse.

He knows that he is not like other boys his age. He is very curious about the world around him, but is not allowed to experience it as other children his age do.

Benjamin finally makes one of his first friends with a resident’s granddaughter, Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett. They know that they are different but still find similarities beyond their obvious appearances.

Benjamin befriends more fascinating people as the movie progresses on. Once he is old enough to live on his own, he finds himself venturing out into the world experiencing as much as he can

with as many people as possible because he never knows when his last moment may be. All Benjamin ever really knows is that he is not like everyone else around him.

As the movie goes on, Benjamin continues to grow younger and younger as he watches the world around him age. He struggles with the love and loss in his life. Unfortunately, nothing can stay the same forever.

Don’t let the running time of 167 minutes deter you from seeing the film. Despite its long length the movie moves along quickly keeping the viewers memorized by the storyline. Benjamin’s curi-

osity keeps you entranced wanting more as he ages.

Big stars such as Blancett and Pitt are sure to draw in a big crowd due to their star power. Blancett and Pitt do a fantastic job portraying both of the leading characters throughout the film.

The special effects and makeup to age the characters are astounding. The storyline is relatable to moviegoers at any age.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was very impressive and is sure to create a stir at the box office. Be sure to see it this holiday season. Award buzz is surrounding the movie even before its release on Christmas.

Official Screening TIcket submitted by Christina michaluk/A&e editor

12 A&E

www.theloquitur.com

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

People Poll

What was your worst Christmas gift?

“A skateboard and I don’t even skateboard.”

- Dan Reagan, freshman undeclared major

Upcoming Movies Punisher: War Zone - Dec. 5 The Day The Earth Stood Still - Dec. 12 Seven Pounds - Dec. 12 The Wrestler - Dec. 17 “A Winnie the Pooh hoodless sweatshirt.”

- Jessica Pacana, junior elementary education major

The Spirit - Dec. 25 The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons - Dec. 25 Bedtime Stories - Dec. 25 Marley & Me - Dec. 25 Valkyrie - Dec. 26 The Unborn - Jan. 9

“Pantyhose.”

- Marissa Licardo, junior elementary education major

“A bible.”

- Justin DiPasquale, junior human resources major

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

www.theloquitur.com

Sports

nicole duggan/submitted photo

The lady Cavaliers bring it in prior to their first game of the tournament on Saturday, Nov. 22.

SPORTS 13

cabrini athletic department

Junior Kate Walck looks up court during a game earlier last season.

Women’s basketball splits tournament nicole duggan staff writer

nld723@cabrini.edu

The Cabrini women’s basketball team opened up their season with a tournament at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. on the weekend of Nov. 22.

The team lost their first game against The University of Scranton Royals, but bounced back to win the consolation game and defeat The Washington & Lee University Generals.

On Saturday, Cabrini battled in their first game of the season against a nationally recognized Scranton team.

The Royals opened up the game with the first basket but were quickly answered by a three-pointer by junior guard Kate Walck for the Cavaliers.

Each team would never lead by more than three points. They entered halftime with the Royals up 29-27.

The Royals opened up the second half by making a 13-0 run on the Cavaliers.

Cabrini didn’t put a point on the board until five minutes and 19 seconds into the second half when senior center Kayleen Smith made a pair of free throws.

The rest of the second half, Cabrini never cut their deficit to less than eight points and finished with a final score of 6857 favoring the Royals.

Junior guard Deana DiAmico was the only Cav to hit doublefigures and led the team with 19 total points.

Smith and Walck both added nine points respectively. Smith also grabbed a team high 11 rebounds.

“Some positives were the way we played defense and rebounded,” DiAmico said. “It doesn’t show on the scoreboard because we lost but we really came together as a team in this game.”

“Our effort was there the whole game, we never gave up and that’s a sign of a strong team,” head coach Bernadette Laukaitis said. “If the effort is there I’m happy no matter what

the scoreboard says. Our team really showed we have heart and we won’t give up.”

Cabrini played Washington & Lee in the consolation game due to the Generals loss to Dickinson in the first round.

Again, the Lady Cavs were in a tight game. In the first half, there were six lead changes. Cabrini trailed 28-31 at halftime.

The Generals opened up the second half with the first basket, but with a pair of three-pointers

by Walck and DiAmico, the Cavaliers took the lead 36-35 four minutes into the half and would not trail again for the rest of the game.

Washington & Lee would only get as close to tying the game with six minutes remaining, but Cabrini’s forceful offense and stifling defense was just too much for the Generals.

The Cavaliers outscored the Generals 44-27 in the second half and went on to win the game 7258.

Senior forward Brittany McLeod finished the game with a

double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

DiAmico, who was named to the all-tournament team after the game, led the team once again with 26 points.

“In the first half it just seemed that we wanted it more than they did. In the second half, we had to come together and we needed to play with more heart and intensity. Once we did that, our offense and defense just fell into place,” DiAmico said.

DiAmico finished the weekend a perfect 11-11 from three-point range.

“We all definitely agreed in the locker room at halftime that we were playing down to their level. We needed to step it up,” Smith said. “We also just needed to finish. We were getting open shots; it just came down to us making them.”

The team looked at the tournament as a whole as a positive experience and a great way to start the season.

With almost the entire team back from last year, the defending

conference champions have high hopes and are expecting a lot from themselves this season.

“Our goal as a team is to get better everyday and I think that was the main goal going into the weekend. We wanted to get better from our first two scrimmages and we definitely achieved that,” Laukaitis said.

“I think it was a good tournament to open up with because it prepared us for our season and the tough games we have ahead of us. And I think that we realized that we can play with any team, we just have to play hard and know we can do it,” DiAmico said.

“Everyday we are growing more and really developing as a team. We are definitely ready for the season and to go into conference play with a strong attitude knowing that defense is our strong suit,” Laukaitis said.

“We have to come in ready to play defensively but learning how to play with each other will be the key for us to win the conference like last year.”

Sophomore Washington humble, confident janene gibbons staff writer

jmg727@cabrini.edu

It was his senior year at Radnor High School when people learned of his ability to dominate.

For the first time in 45 years, Glenn Washington and the Radnor High School men’s basketball team made it to the state playoffs where he broke the school record set in the ‘50s and scored an incredible 44 points in one game.

Washington, sophomore exercise science major, who says his major interests besides basketball are sleeping, lifting weights and doing a little rapping here and there, started playing basketball officially in

cabrini athletic department

fifth grade and has continued to play ever since then.

His position on Cabrini’s court is small forward but what he brings to the Cabrini men’s

basketball team, according to his coach Marcus Kahn, “Washington is so much more.”

Kahn said that Washington is not only a talented and smooth basketball player but is one of the best jump shooters that Kahn has ever coached.

“He does a very good job of creating his shots and scoring opportunities. I also believe that he can be our go-to guy in pressure situations, like at the Palestra,” Kahn said.

“The most important skill you have to have to succeed in basketball is the ability to stay focused,” Washington said.

Washington believes you have to keep up with your academics so you can stay eligible, practice and work hard.

Washington’s long term goal

is to play overseas some day.

But this season, his goals revolve around helping his team as much as he can by helping them to secure a spot at the playoffs and NCAA tournament.

Washington’s motto is called an idée fixe, which he explained is a fixed idea or obsession to make it to the playoffs or a championship.

“He is an explosive scorer, which is not at all like his personality. While he is one of the best that I’ve coached, he is also one of the quietest and most humble players I have coached.

You would never [guess] that he is the talented player that he is by the way he carries himself.

To his credit, Glenn is a quiet, humble, but confident basketball

player,” Kahn said.

Washington’s mother Wytina Satchell said the earliest memory of Washington playing basketball dates back earlier than the fifth grade.

“I mean he works hard, probably harder than anybody.

He is a good floor leader and a person to look to, to win the end of the game,” sophomore exercise science major Wes Toth said.

“I believe that if he continues to work hard and grow as a basketball player, that he could be our best player and potentially an all-conference stand out,” Kahn said. “We will rely on him to step up in situations and come through in the clutch for us.”

www.theloquitur.com

14 SPORTS

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

Lady Cavs host basketball fundraiser erin nollen staff writer

ekn722@cabrini.edu

The Cabrini women’s lacrosse team hosted a basketball tournament on Sunday, Nov. 23, in the Dixon Center.

Fifty-five students and friends came out to support the women’s lacrosse team by playing in three vs. three half court games.

Senior captain Anna Scholl organized the entire event.

“It was a lot of hard work, but in the end it was a great success; we were able to raise a lot of money for our team,” Scholl, senior English and communication major, said.

Teams had their choice of signing up for the competitive league or, if your basketball skills are lacking, the recreational league.

Games ran for 10 minutes and the winners moved on to the next round.

“We were a mini Globetrotters team but somehow couldn’t capitalize on our chances,” Jim Mattock, freshman business major, said.

Mattock’s team, “Team Bomb Squad,” made it far in the competitive league but just couldn’t finish on top.

More than friends came out and played; the women’s lacrosse team played on teams as well.

Dolores Weathers, Monica Souders, Lauren Magill, Jamie

O’Hanlon, Andrea Bialon, Anna Scholl and Michele Ferrise proved they can play more than just lacrosse by dominating on the courts.

“It was a different way to get people to come out and have fun; we appreciate all the support we got,” Weathers, sophomore exercise science major, said.

“Everyone always goes home on the weekends so this was a good way to keep people around,” Souders, junior biology major,

said.

At the end of the tournament it was team named “Foreigners” that took home the prize by defeating team McDevitt 8-7.

The Cabrini women’s lacrosse team thanked all those who showed their support.

The women’s lacrosse team has their home opener on March 6, against Stevens Institute of Technology.

eRIN NOLLEN/SUBMitted photo

The women’s lacrosse team hosted a three-on-three basketball tournament as a fundraiser in the Dixon Center on Sunday, Nov. 23. Fifty-five students participated in the event.

This week in sports

amanda carson staff writer

arc726@cabrini.edu

Upcoming Games

Allen fined by NFL for questionable hit Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for his hit on Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It was during the Nov. 9 game that Allen, seeing Rodgers unblocked, hit him and knocked him down. A roughing-thepasser penalty was then immediately issued to Allen. This is Allen’s second recent offense, as he was fined $50,000 for two low hits made on Texans Quarterback Matt Schaub. The NFL warned Allen that he could potentially face suspension if he has any more questionable hits. Allen has denied any allegations that his hits have been intentional and attributes them to the fact that he plays a violent sport.

Hayes is disqualified from tournament Golfer J.P. Hayes has been restricted from continuing on in the PGA Tour qualifying tournament. During the second stage, qualifying tournament in Texas, Hayes took two shots with an unapproved USGA golf ball. On his 12th hole, Hayes’ caddie threw him a ball, yet after two shots Hayes realized he had not been playing with a different ball. It was later that night that Hayes thought that his ball might not have been in accordance with protocol. Hayes turned himself in the next day believing that anyone else in the tour “would have done the same thing.”

Shooting both a 74 and 71, Hayes would have finished in the top 20 and advanced into the final qualifying stage.

Royals acquire center fielder from Red Sox The Kansas City Royals finally gained a leadoff hitter, Coco Crisp of the Boston Red Sox. Crisp will serve as the Royals’ new center fielder for reliever Ramon Ramirez. He will be the starter for center. By acquiring Crisp, the Royals will be adding speed in their top line up. Ramirez’s loss is said, however, to create a “hole in the middle of the bullpen.” Crisp’s deal will have him making $5.75 million during next season.

Thursday, Dec. 4 No games Friday, Dec. 5 No games Saturday, Dec. 6 Men’s basketball home vs. Lebanon Valley College @ 3 p.m.

Track & Field @ Ursinus College - TBA Women’s basketball home vs. Albright College @ 1 p.m.

Swimming @ Wesleyan Univ. Invitational - Middletown, Conn. - 11 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7 Swimming @ Wesleyan Univ. Invitational - Middletown, Conn. - 11 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 8 No games Tuesday, Dec. 9 No games Wednesday, Dec. 10 No games

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

Swimming takes 5th at Crimson

www.theloquitur.com

SPORTS 15

Invitational christine adolf staff writer

cna722@cabrini.edu

After day one at the Crimson Invitational, hosted by Indiana University of Pennsylvania the Cabrini men’s and women’s swimming teams placed fifth and sixth in the standings.

Combined, the Cavaliers finished the day in fifth place with 152 points.

The Cabrini women advanced to two final heats: the 200-yard freestyle relay and 400-yard medley relay.

Juniors Andrea Carabello, Shawnee Gehman, Katie Manning and freshman Lauren Sliva finished sixth in the 200yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:48.88. Carabello, Manning, Sliva and freshman Mackenzie Stewart placed fourth in the 400yard medley relay with a time of 4:28.24.

The Cavalier men also qualified for two final heats in the same events.

Sophomores Bill Boylan, Matt McGuriman and Kyle Teliszewski and freshman Philip Loeffler placed fourth with a time of 1:32.70 in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

The same team also finished fifth in the 400-yard medley posting a time of 4:02:16.

On day two of the event, the Cavalier women competed in three final heats Friday, including the 200-yard medley relay featuring Carabello, Stewart, Manning and Sliva. Cabrini finished third with a time of 1:59.24.

Stewart and sophomore Emily Yurick finished fifth and sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Carabello, Manning, Sliva and Gehman placed fourth in the 800- yard freestyle relay, posting a time of 8:47.25.

The Cabrini men raced in five final heats on day two. In the 200yard medley relay, McGuriman, Boylan, Loeffler and Teliszewski placed fifth with a time of 1:47.54.

The same foursome finished fourth in the 800-yard freestyle relay, clocking a time of 8:01.08.

Teliszewski finished fifth in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:52.79.

Boylan placed sixth in the 100yard breaststroke, posting a time of 1:07.22. McGuriman placed fifth in the 100-yard backstroke, touching the wall at 1:03.05.

The men and women’s swimming teams concluded the Crimson Hawk Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Stewart led the individual efforts, finishing fourth in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:40.39. Manning placed fifth in the 200-yard backstroke, touching at 2:19.47.

Manning joined Carabello, Gehman and Sliva in finishing fourth in the 400-yard freestyle relay, posting a time of 3:54.95.

On the men’s side, Boylan, Loeffler, McGuriman and Teliszewski placed fifth in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:28.01.

“Some of the strengths of the team were endurance. It was a long three days and we swam our best all three days,” Stewart said.

The host Crimson Hawks finished first in both the men’s and women’s standings.

West Virginia Wesleyan finished second in each ranking.

cabrini athletic department

Swimmers prepare to dive off the blocks during a swim meet at the Dixon Center earlier last season. The Lady Cavaliers finished sixth overall at the Crimson Invitational over the weekend of Nov. 22, 2008.

cabrini athletic department

Sophomore Bill Boylan practices his start during a swim meet in the Dixon Center earlier last season.

Boylan’s best finish at the Crimson Invitational was the fourth place 200-yard freestyle relay, along with teammates Matt McGuriman, Kyle Teliszewski and Philip Loeffler.

Lacrosse club offers second chances danielle feole sports editor

df727@cabrini.edu

It started out as a simple idea, a big “what if,” a joke among friends. However, slowly but surely, the idea became reality.

The men’s lacrosse club has become a part of the National College Lacrosse League.

The club was originally founded by juniors Ryan Kaysen and Tom Hayes earlier last year in order for their group of friends to continue playing the sport they love.

For Hayes, a former men’s lacrosse player, it is something like a second chance.

“I had been cut from the varsity team, he played in high school and always expressed that he wanted to play again,” junior history major Tom Hayes said.

“Neither of us wanted a full-time commitment.”

The team will play against schools in the Philadelphia region such as Villanova, West Chester and Saint Joe’s.

“Our first season, we weren’t in a league. We played in an organized men’s club to gauge how we were going to do and how much improvement we were going to need,” Hayes said.

The club goes through the varsity team to find out what players gets cut and start their own recruitment process.

For those who do get cut, the club offers a unique junior varsity-like experience.

“It gives the players a chance to keep their skills fresh and helps them to possibly try out for the varsity team next year. They are not locked into our league,” junior business administration and finance major Ryan Kaysen said.

Cabrini’s men’s lacrosse club gives students the opportunity

to be a part of a lacrosse team that is less tedious and timeconsuming.

“It’s a good thing for people who want to play lacrosse but don’t have enough time to devote to the NCAA team,” McMenamin said.

The club gives former NCAA lacrosse athletes who didn’t make the varsity team, didn’t have the eligibility or time, a chance to still be a part of lacrosse.

The club was started a few years ago but was unsuccessful due to lack of motivated players.

This year, there are 25 players on the league’s roster after the promise of 30.

“The roster always seems to be fluctuating,” Kaysen said.

Co-captains Bobby Thomas and Kris Genther have also been a big help in the success of this new league.

The club is required to fundraise and put in community

service hours as a team.

Though such a requirement could be taken as a burden, the team has thus far taken full advantage of the opportunities.

During the fall, a few members of the team helped load a truck for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Because of their quick response to the organization and their hard work, they were invited back to help with anything else that they could.

“I’m trying to have a good time and play lacrosse, the club is an easier way to do it,” senior marketing and finance major Kevin McMenamin said.

Looking ahead to the spring semester and beyond, team members proposed the idea of setting up a kid’s team in Norristown where they will coach and work with a local store to help supply equipment.

“I expect everyone to put in 100 percent effort. We are required to

raise so much money and put in a certain amount of community service hours,” Hayes said.

Although excited, Kaysen understands that there is a lot of work to be done in order to make this club successful.

“It’s a new experience, there’s not a lot of chemistry since we’re just starting off, just getting this off the ground is satisfying enough for me,” Kaysen said.

The club will have 16 games this spring and will have a schedule available some time this month.

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com.

The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.

www.theloquitur.com

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

SPORTS 16

nick pitts/sports editor

Net minder Chris Orlando makes a save on a close-range shot from a Rowan center during the game on Nov. 23. The Cavaliers won the game by a final score of 11-3, bringing their record to 5-0-1 for the season.

The silent push for post-season nick pitts sports editor

ndp722@cabrini.edu

They have yet to lose a game in regulation, currently lead the league in goals, feature the league-leading goal scorer and they are not men’s or women’s lacrosse.

Currently, the most successful team at Cabrini plays on skates and prior to their last game two weeks ago, did it without the luxury of matching jerseys.

The men’s roller hockey club, boasting a record of 5-0-1, has silently put together the best

season of their young history.

In just their fourth year as a team, the Cavaliers appear to be playoff-bound.

“We have a team that plays well together and we are building chemistry pretty quickly,” president and captain of the club Mike Macdonald said modestly.

“We lost a few guys that cost us some bad penalties a lot of the time and were left with guys that just want to play hard, which helps too.”

The fifth win of the season came on Sunday, Nov. 23, against Rowan University.

After a slow first period,

Cabrini tore the game open, scoring eight goals in the remaining two periods.

The final score was 113. Junior finance major Mike Holland led the way in scoring.

The alternate captain leads not only the team, but also the entire league in goals, 14, and points, with 31, yet he was very quick to accredit other teammates for his success.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had this much depth in our history,” Holland said. “We have great players on both sides of the puck.

Brian Bell can bury the puck on offense, Mike MacDonald is a

nick pitts/sports editor

Junior Bill Batista follows through on a shot that found its way into the net during the game against Rowan on Sunday, Nov. 23. His goal was one of eight scored in the second and third periods for the Cavaliers.

leader on defense and Bill Battista is always prepared to drop the gloves. The list goes on, but we really don’t have any weaknesses on this team.”

“This is the best that I have seen them play,” Traci Beltz, friend of several team members, said. “I think it has something to do with the fact that they all have matching uniforms now.”

The game against Rowan University was also the first that the team sported matching jerseys with the Cabrini Cavalier logo.

MacDonald and Holland collaborated on the design for the jerseys.

“Since my freshman year, no one sat down and took the time to put in the order and collect the money from everyone, so we all just wore similar blue jerseys,” MacDonald said. “The upperclassmen had matching jerseys and we just wore whatever blue we had laying around.”

The team’s only loss came in extra time to Penn StateBrandywine.

Holland reluctantly admitted that luck was not on their side in the high scoring 9-8 loss.

“I thought we played our best game of the season, though we came out on the losing end,” Holland said. “I hit the post with 30 seconds left, and they scored a fluke goal earlier in the game, but sometimes that’s the breaks of the game. The puck doesn’t always go your way but we just move on and play harder next game.”

Despite the high-powered offense the team possesses, just two Cabrini College hoodies could be spotted on the nearly empty bleachers at their game last Sunday, juniors Traci Beltz and Lizzie Williams.

“We have been friends with Pat Trencansky, Mike Holland and Mike MacDonald since freshmen year,” Beltz, exercise science major, said. “We have been going whenever we were free to watch them play since then.”

The attendance problem could be because the Philadelphia Collegiate Roller Hockey League games are all held at the Marple Sports Arena in Broomall, Pa. “I wish they played closer to Cabrini,” Beltz said. “I really think they should publicize their games more. The baseball team is always inviting people on Facebook and inviting people to come out. I think they would get more people out by asking friends to ask friends and carpool together.”

Holland, however, sees it a bit differently.

“Honestly, it’s not that far,” Holland said. “It’s only an exit south on I-476. “We are actually the closest school in the league to the rink, which is great.”

“We had a few people that steadily came to a lot of the games but no big crowds, which we would like to change,” MacDonald said.

The Cavs have 10 remaining regular season games. They will resume action on Dec. 7 versus Drexel University No. 2 at Marple at 4 p.m.

Upon asked about what is expected for the rest of the season, Holland smiled and said simply, “We think we’re the team to beat in this league, no question.”

For more statistics, schedules and other information about the the club team and the league, log onto pcrhl.org.