The Maroon March 8, 2024 Issue

more than a gym

What the USC offerS

• Two full size basketball courts

• Indoor walking track

• Indoor pool

• Hot and cold tubs

• Ping pong table

• Extensive cardio equipment

• Full yoga room and classes

• Personal training

• Collegiate sporting events

• Group exercise classes

"Really to me it feels kind of like a second home. I usually come here every single day. The USC has really provided a space for me to feel safe and included with a great community of lifters."

- Ricardo BlundetOtero, business junior

"I feel like for people it's a place to hang out and work towards something. If I'm having a bad day I like to come to the gym - makes my day a thousand times better."

- Thomasita Gilbert, theatre arts major

"Winning a championship starts at practice."

- Bria McClure, sociology junior

"[The space] means a lot. It's neat, it's clean, they do a good job with it. I come here to weight-lift. I do my exercises, and I do cardiovascular and stretching and everything else." - Herbert Kiff, community member

"The basketball players here, they're nice. They're really competitive, and it's a good school to ball at, nice gym."

- Danion Little, Delgado Community College student

Danion Little Ricardo Blondet-Otero

Photos and reporting by Sophia Maxim

New study abroad program in Spain to be offered

By Matthew Richards mlricha2@my.loyno.edu

The Office of the Provost and the University Senate recently signed off on a Study Abroad program offeried by the College of Business and the Center for International Education that partners them with Universidad Loyola Andalucia in Spain.

The program allows students to take classes for three years at Loyola New Orleans, complete a fourth year at one of the ULA’s campuses in either Cordoba or Sevilla and finish with degrees from both universities.

“The inspiration for the program came from Universidad Loyola Andalucia,” Mariette Thomas, the director of the Center for International Education, said. “They had an existing dual degree program with another Jesuit university and were looking to expand its dual degree partnerships. "

Thomas went on to say, “They approached our dean in the College of Business and he was enthusiastic about it. "

See SPAIN, page 10

LUPD aims to build relationships with students

By Maria DiFelice mldifeli@my.loyno.edu

The Loyola Police Department said they are working hard to create community and friendships with the students by not only building their skills in their department but educating students.

Chief Todd Warren said that in the past he didn’t have the manpower to build his team up, but now with a stronger team, he is able to focus on the importance of student and police relationships.

One way LUPD said they are building community is through monthly newsletters sent out by LUPD’s lieutenant Patrick Martin. These newsletters teach safety tips while also relating with student issues, Martin said.

In the month of February, Martin sent a newsletter out about the safety of online dating because he said it’s relatable and informational.

“If you put something out in an email it doesn't matter if it's 3 o'clock in the morning or 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when that person is ready to look at an email, it's there and available,” Martin said.

Newsletters aren’t the only thing LUPD is doing to build relationships with the students, Martin said they are bringing back a program called “check your ride.” This is a program where LUPD officers teach students important things about their cars, like how to check their oil and how to change a tire.

Martin said a current student brought it to their attention that it should be brought back, adding the importance of not just policing but educating as well.

“It's also the education piece of teaching them how to do it as well,” Martin said.

Warren said he has also been meeting with the student government association every month to see exactly what students need from the department.

See POLICE, page 10

Students frustrated with refund processing

By Dajah Saul drsaul@my.loyno.edu

Every semester, students anticipate the arrival of their financial aid packages to secure their placement at Loyola. Whether used towards tuition payments or books, financial aid at Loyola is crucial for the student body, as 99% of students receive some form of financial assistance. With the rise in students going off-campus since 2021, refunds from students’ financial aid packages are essential.

For history senior and commuter Janel Blessing, the anticipation for her refund became a dreadful and long process for her within the financial aid office.

A non-traditional student, Blessing said that she relies on Loyola’s financial

aid and refunds to pay her bills as an older student.

“It’s put towards my expenses for school and books, travel as well,” she said.

While Blessing said that she has received one half of her refund from Financial Aid, she still has not received the other half for this spring semester.

Financial aid packages take awhile to confirm and allocate, and according to Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid Mary M. Musso, the verification for all Loyola students takes time due to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which introduced new changes to its 2024-2025 form for students.

“We are working with the state to post funds as soon as possible, but we don’t have an exact date yet,” Musso said.

Without the assistance and transpar-

ency of the financial aid office, Blessing said she would have to take out a more expensive private loan.

When determining the status of her financial aid package for the 2023-2024 school year, Blessing said that she experienced complications with communicating with Financial Aid, especially in regard to her aid appeal.

“I was told that because my situation was last on their [financial aid office] priority list, they would have my appeal back to me by May or June 2023,” Blessing said - despite reaching out as early as January of that year.

Blessing said she received confirmation of her appeal approval by previous Director of Financial Aid, Anna Daigle, in July 2023, which was later than expected.

Blessing said she deferred her enrollment twice due to previous job opportunities, which complicated her financial aid proceedings.

“I had to do an income adjustment to make changes, and it took about eight months to complete,” Blessing said.

See REFUND, page 10

16th annual Peace conference resumes after founder retires

By Lonniesha Carroll llcarrol@my.loyno.edu

The Loyola Peace Initiative is preparing for the 16th annual Peace Conference. The event, themed “Memory in Peace and Conflict,” will be held on campus from March 22-24 with an opening ceremony at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

This will be the first year that founder and former director of the Loyola Peace Conference, Behrooz Moazami, will not be present after his retirement from Loyola in fall 2023. Moazami is a former professor and director of the Middle East peace studies program as well as a journalist, political activist, and author.

“His presence and ethical guidance will be missed dearly,” Lance Longo, chairman of the Peace Conference and former student of Moazami, said. “We just weren’t ready to accept his departure.”

According to the political science junior, Moazami continues to call and check in with students and faculty to offer help when he can.

This year’s Peace Conference welcomes Benan Grams as the new director and advisor. Grams, a Middle Eastern studies professor, said she is excited to serve as conference director.

“Dr. Moazami left strong foundations over the past years as he was directing them,” she said. “This lays everything out and makes it so much easier to absorb and build upon.”

Longo said last year’s theme was “Complexities of Human Nature,” based on everyday life in an interconnected world. This year’s conference will focus on memory in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Memory is utilized and essential within conflicts and peace,” Grams said.

Longo said, to him, memory is an important part of being human that carries both positive and negative traditions.

Their biggest goal for this year’s conference is outreach, he said.

“We want to strategically reach our audiences from other universities all over the world,” Longo said. “I am confident that the conference will continue to excel in facilitating a diverse environment to tackle diversity spanning the globe.”

WRC director leaves impact on community

By Pharrell Every pjevery@my.loyno.edu

After nine years of work with the Loyola Women’s Resource Center, director Patricia Boyett is leaving. She currently serves as an associate professor of history with a focus in gender and racial studies.

During her tenure with the university, she has made a strong impact on both students and faculty at the university.

Psychology senior Morgan Love describes the passion that Boyett gives to the university. Love said, “On countless occasions, Dr. Boyett has given her speeches about the Women’s Resource Center and the work she does here at Loyola and each time her eyes sparkle with such passion and love.”

Love finds that Boyett has effectively cultivated a space for women to feel strengthened and empowered. Love

also hopes that creativity found in the Women’s Resource Center remains unchanged, and that in the future, it continues to serve as a safe space for women across campus.

Love said, “She has built a space that empowers women and strengthens them through numerous ways. She has touched everyone she has met, including me, and that will never change, even in her absence.”

Negina Khalili, a visiting professor from Afghanistan and associate director of the Women’s Resource Center has worked alongside Boyett in a variety of capacities. They have worked together on women’s issues on campus, queer visibility, and Take Back the Night programming.

See BOYETT, page 10

The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain. Oct. 27, 2023 Violet Bucaro/The Maroon

Patricia Boyett tells Audrey O'Connel about the Women's Resource Center at the Student Organization Fair on Sept. 2, 2015. Boyett is leaving the director position this year. Taylor Galmiche/The Maroon

Student Gov. Association Breakdown

2024 Candidates

President/Vice President

Juleea Berthelot

Carson Cruse

Diamond Dixon

Rowan Sawyer

Senators

Kalena Myers

Kaley Delker

Paris Hayes

Pharrell Every

Kruz Moss

Grayson Gustin

Emma Ridge

MaryKate Mintken

Senator-at-Large

Senator-at-Large Arts & Sciences

The

•

• Elected with the President by student body for a 1-year term

Chief of Sta

• The President’s right hand

• Complete any task the president needs and overseesmeets with other cabinet members to see how they are doing with their independent work

• Chair of the First Year Council

• Oversee all operations of the SGA Hub

Chief Justice

• Head of the Judicial branch

• Oversee the Court of Review and impeachment

• Handle interpretation and modification of the SGA constitution and by-laws and consequences for when the by-laws are

broken or discrepancies arise

*elected by student body As

• Oversees Iggy's Cupboard and advocates for social justice issues

Director of Finance

• Handles all the monetary aspects of SGA

• Create SGA’s budget with the President which decides where all the money is going for the semester

• Approve allocation requests from registered student organizations to provide them money they need to operate

Director of Communications

• Runs SGA’s communications committee

• Take photos at SGA events, make flyers, and manage SGA’s social media

• Aid in SGA image and branding with events such as the Merch Drop

• Manages all aspects of all SGA social media platforms

• Oversees the operation and updating of the SGA website

• Creates the SGA newsletter

Director of Programming

• Oversees the University Programming Board

• Coordinate traditional programming events on campus such as Third Fridays, Wolf Pack Wednesdays, Sneaux, Stu a Wolf, and more

• Discuss the execution and organization of these events with their E-Board where each member oversees a specific type of event

Director of Equity and Inclusion

• Identifies under-represented groups on campus and finds ways to better support those groups through programming and advocacy work

• Coordinate the Multicultural Leadership Council to better understand these issues and how they can help solve them

• Work with the Equity and Inclusion Committee

• Serve on the University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

• Communicates with upper administration regarding multicultural students needs

Homecoming Chair

• Seasonal position, start working at the end of September and end working following the execution of Homecoming Week

• Work with the Homecoming Committee to plan Homecoming in its entirety

Executive

The executive branch organizes internal

SGA a airs with the goal to “better benefit the students as well as to provide benefits for students in di erent areas of focus,” according to SGA.

The branch consists of the Executive Committees and First Year Council.

Cabinet members choose committee positions from applications on HowlConnect.

Equity and Inclusion Committee

• Work in events to promote equality and diversity

• Elect recipients of the Grace of Ignatius Award which is awarded each semester to multiple students

• Host focus groups, educational seminars, and community service events

University Programming Board

• In charge of putting on events for the student body

• Has the most direct contact with the student body so they can create events to increase school spirit and student engagement

Finance Committee

• Review and vote on allocation requests for events

• Approve allocations for graduate testing and graduate test prep software and books

• Plan and host financial wellness events twice a semester

Communications Committee

• Create a solid connection with student body through social media

• Report all SGA initiatives, events, and update through social media

• Responsible for almost all SGA merchandise

• Positions in this committee include: social media managers, publicists, photographers, and members-at-large

Homecoming Committee

• In charge of organizing and fulfilling the event requirements of Homecoming Week

• Work to serve the student body with a week of festivities to promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility to all students

• Positions included in the Homecoming

Committee are royalty chair, marketing chair, events chair, and War of the Wolves chair. The Homecoming Committee helps aid in ideas and execution of events

First Year Council

• Focus exclusively on first-year students

• Plan an event for the entire campus and make an o cial address to the Senate about issues they have experienced during their time on campus

• Members of this council get the opportunity to join a committee in the spring semester

Legislative

The Legislative Branch serves to “advocate and connect with the student body on a base level,” according to SGA.

This branch finds the issues students face and solve them either through legislation or through conversations with the Cabinet or upper administration. They serve as the direct liaisons between the student body and the rest of SGA.

Speaker of the Senate

• A senator-at-large elected by the Senate

• The right hand of the Vice President

• Sign all legislation

• In the line of succession for the VicePresidency

Senators-At-Large

• 4 senators-at-large in the Senate

• They chair the Senate Committees

• Aid in the writing of legislation

• Occasionally interact with upper administration

• Meet with the Vice President weekly

• Complete tasks assigned by the vice president

• Elected by the student body and serve a 1 year term Senators

• Elected according to college

• There are di erent numbers of seats for every college based on population

• Interact with the student body directly to identify and solve issues that directly a ect students

• Solve problems they find through writing legislation

• Vote on legislation at Senate sessions

• Elected by the student body and serve a 1 year term

Committees

• There are 6 standing committees in Senate: Student Involvement, Assembly for Sexual Assault Prevention, Advocacy and Outreach, Sustainability, Facilities, and Disability

• Committees are chaired by a senatorat-large and have a membership of SGA Senators

• Committees focus on and specialize in resolving di erent types of issues on campus

Judicial

• Analyze and interpret the governing documents of SGA

• Make sure that everyone in SGA follows their constitutional duties and responsibilities

• Decide punishments if duties aren’t fulfilled or broken

• Focus on social justice initiatives and national government based holidays

Clerk of the Court

• Serves as the right hand of the Chief Justice

• Meets weekly with the Chief Justice

• Aids the Chief Justice in whatever tasks are assigned to them

Court of Review

• Plan and execute events that are related to social justice and Iggy’s Cupboard

• Work to assist the other branch in interpreting the constitution and proposing amendments

• Responsible for reviewing applications for the Social Justice Grant and hosting community service events

Elections Commissioner

• Handles the execution of elections which includes upholding campaign rules, promoting elections, hosting electoral debates, and conducting voting

• Aided in this by their Elections Committee, who help execute all the events

• Selected by the Chief Justice and Court of Review

Reporting by Kloe Witt, graphic by Sophia Maxim

Briefs

Loyola changes Covid guidelines

Guidelines for common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, have recently been extended to include the Covid-19, as announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prior to this update, guidelines in recovering from the Covid-19 were different from common respiratory viruses, such as a five-day isolation period that isn’t recommended for the flu.

According to an email sent by Alicia Bourque, vice president of student affairs, this change has been made “to account for a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as influenza and RSV.”

In accordance with the CDC’s announcement and the university’s updated guidelines, rather than undergoing a five-day isolation period, an individual who tests positive for the Covid-19 should now remain in isolation until they have had no fever, have not been taking fever-reducing medication, and their symptoms have generally improved for at least 24 hours.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Loyola’s Women’s resource center is hosting a series of on campus events in celebration of Women’s History Month.

3/8 Empower Her: Lift as We Climb

• 3:30 - 6 p.m. – Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall

3/12 The Poor Clares and Art in early 17th century Macau, China

• 12:30 - 2 p.m. – Monroe Hall 251 or Zoom

3/19 Medicine and Partnership: Julia Rush and Early American Medicine

• 12:30 - 2 p.m. – Monroe Library Multimedia room 2 or Zoom

3/23 Remember Afghanistan Panel

• 2 - 4 p.m. – Monroe Library

Midwifery program tackles childbirth mortality

By Sydney Piglia snpiglia@my.loyno.edu

Loyola’s nurse-midwifery program is training nurse-midwives, which are advanced-practice registered nurses, to address maternal and infant mortality rates in our community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has seen a general growth in maternal mortality rates while Louisiana has the fifth highest infant mortality rate in the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The CDC shows these rates are even worse for women and children of color.

Nurse-midwives have a background in providing health care, but work in a specific area of care. Though nurse-midwives are mostly associated with birth, they are able to provide primary and gynecological care to women throughout their adult lives. They provide screenings for sexually transmitted infections, pap smears, contraceptive care, and abnormal reproductive care.

Jamie Palaez, director of the nurse-midwifery program at Loyola, is a doctor in nursing practice, but to her patients, she is “Jamie the midwife.”

She thinks that midwifery could be a solution to Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate.

“When you look at all of the states with the highest maternal mortality rates, they are the ones with the lowest rates of practicing nurse-midwives,” Palaez said.

Palaez believes many cases of maternal death result from communication errors that could be easily avoided. “Within the medical model there are so many patients, everything is rushed, there’s a lot of intervention,” she said.

“Our job as a midwife is to take the information, the knowledge that we have and translate it for our patient.”

— Jamie Palaez Director of the nurse-midwifery program

In her medical experience Palaez sees that caring for patients becomes boxes that must be ticked off. Pregnancy is treated as an opportunity for things to go wrong.

“We create harm when we treat every

patient like they are high-risk,” Palaez said. Comparatively, Palaez says the model of care for midwives is patient-centered and provides individualized care. It is rooted in respect for birth and patient autonomy. While nurse-midwives monitor for any complications, they recognize pregnancy and childbirth as a natural condition and something that women should have a say over.

“Our job as a midwife is to take the information, the knowledge that we have and translate it for our patients,” Palaez said.

The midwife model is centered on the belief that people have the right to make

health care decisions for themselves based on their values, needs, and as Palaez says, “not pretending that we know best.” Palaez said the job of a nurse-midwife is to “give [their patients] the information and give them the power to make a decision for themselves.”

She believes a lack of midwives and therefore a lack of knowledge of what they do has caused the Southeast to fall behind in maternal care. Though most of the world uses midwives, a large majority of the nation (particularly the South) struggles to recognize midwifery.

Palaez said that in early American history “midwives delivered all the babies, and it wasn’t until the profession of physicians became more organized and wanted more patients - it was fairly revenue driven - that they decided to push out the practice of midwifery deliberately.” She sees this as having a lasting effect on the rates of midwives across the country.

To Palaez midwifery is a possible solution to maternal deserts, rural areas where women cannot receive proper care due to a lack of providers, as midwives can provide at home care.

“The biggest challenge is legislation” she says, “the requirement [that midwives] be overseen by a physician is a burden to reaching rural communities.” This means that nurse-midwives are most common in metropolitan areas and usually work within large hospitals. In these hospital systems they can provide care alongside physicians and accept insurance.

The maternal mortality rate is a pressing issue in Louisiana and programs such as Loyola’s seek to provide care that will decrease this rate. Nurse-midwives protect patients by listening to and communicating with them.

“When we shift that power back to patients, they make the best decisions for themselves,” Palaez said.

Scientists propose adding Category 6 to the hurricane scale

Lone

Increasing hurricane winds cause scientists to propose adding another category to classifying hurricanes. Courtesy of NOAA

By Gabbee Bonura

gbonura@my.loyno.edu

Climate change and its effects have continued to worsen over the years, including the intensity of natural disasters.

Hurricanes have become so intense that experts are proposing adding another cat-

egory to the hurricane scale.

Climate scientists are pushing for a Category 6 to be added to the Saffir-Simpson scale, a more than 50-year-old scale that categorizes hurricanes. From Categories 1 to 5, the scale ranks hurricanes based on their wind speeds.

Each category has its own range before

going up or down in classification. The range for each category is from around 14 to 26 miles per hour. A Category 5 is currently marked as any storm that has 157 mph winds or greater. There is a 35 mph increase between a Category 5 at 157 mph and the new proposed Category 6 at 192 miles per hour.

Since 2013, there have been five storms recorded that had 192 mph winds or higher, all having occurred in the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific does not have enough land to weaken a storm, so storms are stronger and can intensify more quickly. As the global temperature continues to rise, there’s a possibility that high wind speeds will become a problem for the Atlantic Ocean as well.

As hurricane intensities have increased, some scientists believe there should be a Category 6 for hurricanes that reach over 192 mph winds, but this idea has created mixed opinions.

Bob Thomas, professor at Loyola and director of the center for environmental communication, explains the importance of this potential decision.

Thomas said that with the increasing water temperatures due to the global temperature rise, hurricanes are being fueled by the warmer waters, furthering the intensity of the storms.

He also said that the length of time the

hurricanes spend over waters also allows hurricanes to get bigger, which is why some scientists are wanting to add a new category.

“I think it's warranted, and I hope that they approve it. It makes sense. They have the data and they’re experts,” Thomas said.

Thomas explained there are many ways meteorologists and scientists have come up with ways to warn the public about hurricanes.

Scientists and meteorologists have begun color-coding hurricanes to catch the viewer’s attention if they need to evacuate and where the hurricane is hitting the hardest, Thomas said.

He also believes that adding a Category 6 will be another way to keep people safe by being more alert of what is going on.

Jim Schott, adjunct environmental professor and former Entergy employee, said he doesn’t feel this is necessary, but understands why it is being proposed as a new idea.

Schott believes it can be good to add this category for scientific purposes in order to categorize more intense hurricanes but thinks communicating this issue to the public is still an issue.

“There’s no point in another number because anything over five is catastrophic

and extensive damage,” Schott said.

Schott said people are expected to evacuate for a Category 4 and anything above to be safe, but a lot of people don’t evacuate.

He believes that if they add Category 6, then people will not take Categories like 4 and 5 as seriously even though they still cause catastrophic damage.

Schott highlighted how the scale does not take into account the damage that the hurricanes can cause but rather it focuses on wind speed.

“A lot of the damage, in fact most of the deaths and damage, occur on the coastal regions because of storm surge,” Schott said. Schott explained that there are many other factors that the Saffir-Simpson scale does not take into consideration.

Both Thomas and Schott expressed concerns about public safety and notifying the public that they need to evacuate at any hurricane that is rapidly intensifying.

As hurricanes are continuing to intensify over the years due to warming waters and climate issues, this is going to continue being a problem regardless if a Category 6 is added or not. It is important to stay alert in these situations to know how to stay safe.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Dean of the College of Nursing and Health, Michelle Collins, simulating a vaginal delivery with our Avkin wearable birth simulator at the Nursing Simulation Day Open House in spring, 2023. Loyola's midwifery program addresses a need within the community of high infant mortality rates. Courtesy of the College of Nursing and Health.

1.

4.

9.

12.

13.

14.

16.

17.

18.

19.

24.

39.

43.

44.

___ and Ruby, Ruby and ____”

69. College tests

70. First name of the man who shot JFK DOWN

1. What princess Yue became

2. To poke

3. Many of the royal family have this disease

4. Country singer _____ Eldredge

5. Mascara goes on this

6. Poker stake

7. Numerical derivative, abbr.

8. Some people have these when sleeping

9. “Barbie of ___ Lake”

10. Infant’s former home

11. Group of three

12. Big **** energy, abbr.

15. Tiktok trend that supposed to give you a better jawline

20. Synonym of enemy

21. This group attempted to bomb Margaret Thatcher

24. Coastal Engineering Design and Analysis System, abbr.

25. French actor _____ Delon

26. Bonnie’s partner

27. “They tried to make me go to _____ but I said no, no, no!”

28. Opposite of departure

29. Museum in Paris

31. Common accessory on brides

32. 16th of a pound

33. You put up Down 6 at Las _____

34. Nail polish brand

36. Good games, abbr.

37. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, abbr.

40. Pronoun for me

41. 22nd letter in the alphabet

46. Kenan & ___

48. Number two

50. Playfully make fun of

51. How pearls are formed

52. Some people have this if their mom drank while pregnant

53. City on Utah Lake

54. The mascot is the Bruins

55. Cooked mixture of equal parts flour and fat

56. Main character in “Wizards of Waverly Place”

57. “___ _ minute there, I thought…”

58. Plankton lives in the ____ Bucket

59. Latin 101 infinitive

60. Abnormal rattling sound in the chest

61. Take legal action against

For weekly puzzle answers, download The Loyola Maroon Mobile App

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Crosswords and Maroon Libs by: Max Schweikarth & Kira Phillips

Midterm Madness

Oh no! You have _____ (number) assignments due on _________ (day of the week) and you’ve been _________ (verb in past tense) all week. You ________ (verb) to the library and see that all the ___________ (verb) rooms have been taken! All the other _____ (plural noun) are occupied and everyone looks ________________ (adjective ending in -ed). You give up and head straight for __________ (fav study spot). Once you _________ (verb in past tense), you open your _________ (noun) and glance at all the “To-Dos” on your list seeing __________ (assignment name), __________ (assignment name), and ___________ (assignment name) making you __________ (adjective). Once your eyes open, you see you’re in ______ (room), the nurse ________ (verb) and says “You didn’t lock in hard enough.”

Aubrey Jane prioritizes passion over profit

By Mia Oliva mfoliva@loyno.edu

Artistically known as “Aubrey Jane,” English junior Aubrey McClaran has always had an affinity for music, particularly singing and songwriting.

As a child, McClaran would come up with melodic lines that would get stuck in her head on a loop. She’d write them all over her journals, hoping that the tune would stick, but as time passed, all that remained were sentimental lyrics.

It wasn’t until senior year of high school that McClaran really paid attention to her passion and put it to the test.

“Following a series of breakups, I dove into my voice memos and turned one of those silly lines into a full-length song for the first time, and I was actually proud of it,” McClaran said. “After that one song, it was like the flood gates had opened. I knew how to turn my feelings into music and I just kept going.”

For McClaran, there are no specific guidelines when it comes to creating a song. She does, however, prefer to create during the late hours of the night.

“Some songs start as a melody that gets stuck in my head, and some, my fa-

vorites, just pour out of me in one sitting, like they write themselves and I’m just there to witness it. For the most part, it’s like I’m translating what the song sounds like in my head into the real world,” McClaran said.

While the motive for making music varies among artists, McClaran prioritizes the process over the profit. Although she plans to graduate with her teaching license and hopes to teach elementary school art, making music is something she’ll do for the rest of her life.

“I’ve realized as I’ve gotten closer to having this ‘grown-up job’ that once I do, I’ll have much less time to spend on my creative passions, and I feel in many ways I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t give myself more time for them first,” McClaran said. “In a way, music is just a hobby for me, but it’s also the whole world.”

McClaran grew up on her dad’s taste in music with artists and bands like The Cranberries, Fiona Apple, and The Velvet Underground.

The first concert she ever attended was Patti Smith’s 50th anniversary tour of the acclaimed album “Horses.”

“She’s my hero, even though I know

she’d resent being referred to as such,” McClaran said.

In recent years, aside from childhood favorites, McClaran has drawn inspiration from Hope Sandoval, Alanis Morrissette, Liz Phair, Beach House, and The Cocteau Twins.

“During the production stage of my album, “Calamity,” I made a giant, meticulously curated playlist of all my inspirations,” McClaran said.

Self-taught, McClaran mainly plays guitar. She also has some skill in piano and bass as a result of taking lessons between the ages of eight and thirteen; this allows her to produce her own work.

McClaran knows just how intimidating it can be to pursue music, particularly in such a musical community like New Orleans. Her advice for those looking to begin is to believe in themselves and continue doing what they love.

“I know it’s pretty generic and nothing new, but impostor syndrome is truly our biggest enemy in an industry that hinges on self-promotion,” McClaran said. “If you love what you do and you treat it with care, people will see that and connect with it just as much as you do.”

Students host formal to raise funds for Palestine relief

By Ecoi Lewis ealewis@my.loyno.edu

Loyola students and friends Abigail Schmidt, Savannah Bergeron, Ty Johnson, Aiden O’Connor, and Sofia Christ saw a need to have events and house shows that weren’t just for the bands but for something meaningful, according to Bergeron.

The group hosted a spring formal house party on March 2 to raise money for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

There was a cover fee, and attendees were told to pay what they could. The

event raised over $500 for the relief fund.

“I’m so insanely proud of my friends and it came to fruition even better than we imagined it would,” journalism junior Abigail Schmidt said.

dressed, Mimi Ryall & Aidan Pilley.

“It came to fruition even better than we imagined.”

— Abigail Schmidt Event

The event was set up like a prom with decorations and a photo booth. It had performances by Juleser, Dami, Crave, with Ty Johnson as the event’s DJ. Two people were crowned best

coordinator

“We wanted to have an event to raise money for Palestinian medical aid and know that Loyola kids love any excuse to see live music and dress fun,” Schmidt said. “This was a perfect opportunity to combine all of those.” Bergeron said they plan on hosting more shows in the future with different themes.

Aubrey McClaran adjusts her earring. The singer-songwriter's album "Calamity" is available on streaming platforms. Ryan Talley/The Maroon

Aubrey McClaran is a self-taught guitarist. Ryan Talley/The Maroon

Savannah Bergeron and Mimi Ryall dance to DJ Ty Johnson and performer Dami at spring formal on March 2, 2024. Abigail Schmidt/The Maroon

Bringing Miami to New Orleans

Paloma Mar debuts single, "Un Amor"

By Sadie Meade smmeade@my.loyno.edu

Freshman Paloma Mariateigui is looking to bring Miami life to New Orleans through the release of her debut single, “Un Amor.”

“Un Amor,” is a fun electro dance song in “Spanglish,” as Mariateigui calls it. Mariateigui said that both languages have been impactful in her life, and music in English and Spanish is what interests her the most.

She said the song’s vibe is meant to encourage those that listen to have a good time and party.

“Sometimes you go through heartbreak, and you become so tired that you don’t even want to look for love. Like, I just want to go out with my friends, have a good time, and live my life,” Mariateigui said. is single is just one aspect of

Mariateigui’s musical journey. As a musical theater major, she also incorporates performance into her music. Mariateigui said that what led her to choose musical theater as her major is her upbringing and involvement in it from a young age.

“I’m really passionate about musical theater, and my parents told me it’s better to study something you are passionate about,” Mariateigui said.

“I just want to go out with my friends, have a good time,and live my life."

not just people from musical theater, it's people from the music industry, people who do hip hop and R&B, and so much more,” she said. “Being surrounded by all of that has de nitely made me more con dent in wanting to release music.”

— Paloma Mariateigui Musical theater freshman

Mariateigui believes that her time at Loyola has had a great impact on her music making process.

“I like having di erent in uences in such a musical community. It’s

As of right now, there are no plans set in stone, but Mariateigui has her sights set on releasing an EP in the future.

“Un Amor” is available now on all platforms under the name “Paloma Mar.”

Courtesy of Thatiana Guzman

BOYETT: Outgoing director to leave a legacy

Continued from page 2

Khalili affirms the importance of the Women’s Resource Center as a space for women to promote and advocate for their rights.

She said, “She is so kind, she is so strong and also so supportive with the students and all her colleagues.”

Khalili admires the work that Boyett has done in her time as a history professor and as director of the women’s resource center. Her work impacted Khalili before she even came to the U.S. as a professor and notes that she sees Boyett as a role model for both herself and other women.

Through Boyett’s experiences as a woman and working at Loyola, Khalili sees Boyett’s legacy as being one that will leave a lasting impact on the university.

Khalili said, “I’ve learned a lot of things from her. She also helped me to not feel alone and would talk with me and support me.”

POLICE: LUPD works to protect students' futures

Continued from page 2

He said this doesn’t just get a conversation going about their needs, but it also builds a relationship with the students.

“It gives me the voice from the students as to what is actually concerning them,” Warren said.

Rowan Sawyer, the speaker of the house for SGA and LUPD student liaison, said she has seen a difference in communication compared to prior

years. “It seems like Chief Todd and Lieutenant Martin really do care. And they do want to make things better, which I appreciate,” she said.

Both Warren and Martin said that policing a college campus is based more on friendships and relationships compared to a wider scale police base like New Orleans Police Department.

“You don't want to be overbearing to where students feel that they're in a police state,” Martin said, instead students

should “feel comfortable enough to approach any of the officers.”

Warren said that with the communication also comes new systems that improve his team. The new dispatch system is something Warren said he is excited to implement into the community because it ensures safety and response efficiency.

Warren emphasizes that it’s all about protecting students and “protecting our future.”

SPAIN: New abroad program starts

Continued from page 2

Once the curriculum was mapped out, our institutions realized it was a good match and this would be a great opportunity for both ULA and Loyola students.”

The program, which launches next fall, is a four-year project open to students majoring in business marketing and/or business management and breaks new ground for the university.

“It is Loyola's only program where students can spend three years at Loyola University New Orleans and one year abroad and earn degrees from both institutions,” Melissa Ridley, associate dean for Student Services in the College of Business, said.

The program will give Loyola stu-

dents the opportunity to experience a range of educational styles and perspectives. Students will develop skills and expand their networks in ways that will benefit them personally and professionally throughout their careers, according to Ridley.

“Marketing majors are especially being spoiled with this opportunity,” marketing sophomore Brady Cunningham said.

“Universidad Loyola Andalucía offers advanced courses in marketing management and innovative entrepreneurship. I feel very lucky and believe this will be immensely popular among students who have been considering studying abroad,” Cunningham said.

The priority deadline for applications for 2025-26 is Dec. 1, 2024.

REFUND: Students take issue with financial aid office

Continued from page 2

Musso said that refunds for Spring 2024 should be allocated to students soon if they have already submitted their requests the previous semester.

“That [refund requests] will still be valid once the funds are received,” Blessing said.

Digital filmmaking junior Adelind McGoldrick said she’s experienced communication issues with financial aid over the past three years, as a previous campus resident and current commuter.

When sending emails to financial aid, McGoldrick said that it would take nearly a week to hear a response back.

McGoldrick said that better communication is needed between the student body and the financial aid office.

“I’m either waiting by the phone or being transferred to different departments, all before returning back to financial aid,” McGoldrick said.

McGoldrick said that because she works two jobs, on and off-campus, and takes 18 credit hours, she only has the time and opportunity to meet with the office of financial aid over the phone or by email.

When McGoldrick first moved off-campus, she said that the communication with the office worsened once she moved out of the dorms.

“It took two to three months after I sent my forms letting them know that I wouldn’t need housing in 2023-2024 to get my refund,” she said.

Another student, who previously lived on campus and is now a commuter, is history senior Leila Jones. Jones said that she has always struggled to get in contact with the financial aid office, by phone or by email.

When studying in Australia in Spring 2023, Jones said that she had issues obtaining her refund from the financial aid office to assist her time abroad.

“I was told by a financial aid advisor that my refund may not apply for the expense of housing while studying abroad, which was shocking and anxiety-inducing,”Jones said.

Jones said that although she had less of a stressful experience while living on campus her first two years, her communication with the financial aid office was nonexistent.

“Whenever I have called, ever since freshman year, I have been sent to voicemail. I also don’t speak to my financial aid advisor because I am unclear if I have one,” Jones said.

Mass communication sophomore Gabriela Santos, who has always lived on campus, said she has also had little success with getting in contact with the financial aid office.

In between her schedule, Santos said that she tries to go to the office in-person, but she still remains confused by what she needs to do for her aid and refund towards financial help for her parents.

“I was told about what I could use [the refund] for, but I never got how to use it. The money is just there, waiting to be used,” Santos said.

Whether through in-person visits, phone calls, or emails, Santos said that the financial aid office needs to establish ways to efficiently communicate with the Loyola student body.

“There are things that the financial aid office should talk about to better educate students, rather than having to find out on your own,” Santos said.

Outgoing WRC director Patricia Boyett (right) chats in Ignatius Chapel Taylor Galmiche/The Maroon

Kat Kelsey/The Maroon

Barcelona, Spain Violet Bucaro/The Maroon Barcelona, Spain Violet Bucaro/The Maroon

Subway Sidekicks

The trio of treats are hit or miss

Subway churros are a disaster combo

By Tanesha Taylor tctaylor@my.loyno.edu

From churros you get from amusement parks to homemade churro bowls with ice cream in the middle, I have always been a big fan of the cinnamon-coated treat.

Another thing I have always been a big fan of is Subway, and I am ashamed to admit it, but my freshman year, I spent all my Wolfbucks there.

So, when Subway started selling foot-long churros, combining two of my longtime favorites, I was quite excited.

It took me a few days to get my hands on one, but when I nally did, I was a little disappointed.

When I took the churro out of the bag, I instantly noticed that a little less than half had cinnamon sugar on it, which could have just been a mistake. I proceeded to take a bite, and at rst, it was alright, but by my third bite, I realized it was very tough, I had trouble taking bites and felt like I was ghting this churro. is, paired with the little sugar given, made the churro unenjoyable.

I hope this was a one time thing and maybe I just got a bad one that day but I will not be buying another one to test it out.

Subway’s newest additions will have you pining for pretzels

By Maleigh Crespo macrespo@my.loyno.edu

Since the release of Subway's iconic footlong trio of treats, more often than I care to admit, I nd myself reminiscing on the warm, salty goodness that is the footlong pretzel.

e aky salt that rests atop the tender pretzel, which is perfect to pull apart for bite-size consumption or if you’re like me, to eat whole.

Admittedly, the pretzel is just bread with salt akes, but isn’t that what all pretzels are? And sure, there isn’t much variety in the pretzel avors if you’re a fan of Auntie Anne’s pepperoni nuggets or cinnamon-sugar pretzels, but that’s what the churros are for! And if you’re hankering for something more savory, try a sandwich because Subway is a sandwich joint after all.

But if you’ve got $3 in Wolf Bucks to spare, try the pretzel (but toss the sauce, trust me).

CFootlong cookies are Subway's nest

By Addison Laird allaird@my.loyno.edu

e question: is a foot too long for a cookie?

e short answer: yes! 12 inches of straight gooey cookie goodness is enough to send anyone into a food coma.

However, there is a much longer, preferred answer to this impossible

question. It all comes down to one irrefutable fact: Subway cookies are perfect in every form. ey are the underrated end-ofday sweet treat.

And the same remains true for Subway’s new footlong cookie.

Chock-full of the chunkiest chocolate chips, the footlong cookie is the average college student’s perfect weekend reward. It’s served hot! It tastes great! And it comes in its own little tray, already prepared to be saved for later. What else could you ask of a cookie?

e only downside: It’s not already served with ice cream! Subway footlong ice cream sandwich, anyone?

At only $5 a pop, the footlong cookie dwarfs Subway’s standard $1 cookie. Chocolate chip is the only type available, but I hope, as popularity grows, more variations of the footlong cookie will appear. e eventual takeover of the footlong cookie as the standard form of cookie is imminent.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to try them, get one! Your life will never be the same.

"Sirens and Muses": Lesbian literature at its finest

By Elinor Upham esupham@my.loyno.edu

I, like many other 20-somethings, was on Tumblr when the dark academia aesthetic rst went viral, and I fell in love instantly. It was everything that I loved all rolled up into one: slightly pretentious, ball of gloomy Gothic architecture and dusty stacks of classic literature. Not all good things last, and I got a bit sick of the whole thing, with my main source of dissatisfaction stemming from feeling too poor to a ord the aesthetic I so loved. By the time it was gaining popularity on TikTok, I was over it and moved on to di erent things.

One month ago I nished my annual reread of “ e Secret History”, and, as I was searching for a new book to start, I came across “Sirens & Muses: A Novel” by Antonia Angress. It had been a gift from my father for my birthday the previous year and I had never quite gotten around to reading it. I ipped open the cover and read the blurb on the dust jacket and immediately became entranced. “Sirens & Muses” is set in 2011, right in the heart of the recession and the Occupy Wall Street movement, at a ctional art school called Wrynn. It follows four characters (three students and one professor) as they become more and more deeply entwined in each other’s lives.

e setting alone is enough for me to classify this as a new form of dark academic literature. It re ects the well known vibe of “ e Secret History,” “Maurice,” and “Kill Your Darlings,” all of which are set with characters in university. e modern time period adds an updated element to the story that allows for more readily available cultural commentary on class, sexuality, politics, and gender to take place.

e rst thing that jumped out at me

as I began reading was that one of the primary focuses of the novel was on class, status, and money. Louisa, one of the novel’s protagonists, is a scholarship student from rural Louisiana who transfers in her second year to Wrynn and deals with nancial hardships as she tries to further herself as an artist.

Because one of my issues with dark academia as a whole was the often inaccessible nature of the aesthetic, this inclusion of discussions about class piqued my interest. As a student who also relies heavily on scholarships and grants to be able to a ord my college education I felt very connected to Louisa and empathized strongly with her character.

While many other dark academic works include lower class characters, the authenticity of Louisa’s struggles seemed to me much higher than those of Richard Papen in “ e Secret History” or Beth Harmon (initially) in “ e Queen’s Gambit.” In my opinion, the modern setting makes the nancial struggles feel more real. Louisa is a person dealing with the cost of an art education and living expenses in a heavily in ated economy, rather than the overly-romanticized decades before a college tuition was upwards of $50,000 a year.

Sexuality is another source for dark academic parallels. As most people have picked up in even limited exposure to dark academia, queer characters and relationships play a large, although mostly subtle, role in these works of literature and media.

Once again “ e Secret History” remains one of the most prominent examples of this. Richard Papen is (in my opinion) a clearly closeted gay man who pushes his attraction down and funnels it into unhealthy obsessions with his classmates. While it’s never overtly stated in the book that Richard

is gay, Francis and Charles are shown to be explicitly queer characters. “Sirens & Muses” brings a lesbian relationship to the dark academic table between Louisa and her wealthy roommate Karina. eir relationship is not hidden to the reader, it is “in your face” queerness that doesn’t apologize for its existence. is is a refreshing break from the subtextual or shameful gay relationships that populate so many other dark academic books and movies. It is also one of the few lesbian relationships, not only in dark academia, but in media generally that a) exists, and b) doesn’t fetishize women loving women relationships and queer women. As a queer woman myself, reading this didn’t leave me with my usual level of discomfort caused by creepy age gaps, lack of consent, or straight up lesbian porn for the obviously male consumer to enjoy that are typically seen in lesbian relationships.

“Sirens & Muses” is a breath of fresh air that furthers the dark academia aesthetic and sub-genre of literature. It brings the reader’s attention to real world issues in a way that feels easily digestible without being dumbed down or censored for the sake of making people comfortable. “Sirens & Muses” is a book that shows what dark academia could potentially transform itself into in the coming years: a radical look at society and its problems through the classic lens of the long su ering college student. I highly recommend this book to the recovering Tumblr girl, the art student, the dark academia obsessed, and the reader who is stuck in a book rut and desperately needs to get out.

Courtesy of Random House Publishing Group

Subway Trio: Tanesha Taylor, Addison Laird, and Maleigh Crespo show o Subway's sidekicks. Photo illustration by Taylor Falgout

Avanni Joseph/The Maroon

The USC offers personal trainers again

By Eve McFarland ecmcfarl@my.loyno.edu

If you are trying to get your summer body ready or find your inner peace, the University Sports Complex is the place to be. This spring semester, personal training and group fitness are offered for anyone seeking extracurriculars.

University Sports Complex coordinator Bryiana Richardson oversees the personal training program and started training clients in January. This program existed before the Covid pandemic, but was not brought back until now.

Richardson has a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and her interest in human movement promotes her goals

of longevity for this program. She plans on providing results for clients, fostering a healthy workout environment, and educating them about holistic living that will produce sustainable habits.

“I love helping people in that way when my clients accomplish their goals or over obstacles they didn’t think they could. It's super rewarding to me,” Richardson said.

Richardson is currently the only personal trainer but is working towards incorporating students who are certified trainers as the program grows. She wants to allow potential trainers to gain an opportunity to learn by getting experience to spread a positive impact on the community.

Personal training sessions can range

from two to three times a week and work around the client’s availability.

Richardson encourages clients to adopt consistent habits for a healthy lifestyle.

“Each client has their own specific goals that they want to work on, so part of my job is to hold them accountable to those commitments they’ve made to themselves,” Richardson said.

a quick fix.”

Being active, proper rest, hydration with water, mindful eating, and taking care of mental health are important steps that Richardson suggests to clients.

“I love helping people in that way when my clients accomplish their goals or over obstacles they didn’t think they could.”

— Bryiana Richardson Sports complex coordinator

“Also part of my philosophy is making health and fitness a lifestyle rather than

Personal training sessions are available to students, faculty, staff, USC patrons, and the surrounding Loyola community. While training is not free for Loyola students, free group classes are offered.

Final Scores

Men's Basketball vs. Tennessee Southern, March 02 W 51- 48

Baseball vs. Madonna University (Mich.), March 5

W 11- 0

Men's Swimming , NAIA National Championship March 6 11th of 15

Women's Swimming NAIA National Championship March 6 11th of 15

Beach Volleyball vs. Nicholls State University, March 6 L 0-5

Upcoming Games

Women's Tennis

March 7 vs. William Woods (Mo.) @ 12 p.m.

Men's Tennis

March 7 vs. William Woods (Mo.) @ 12 p.m.

Women's Golf

March 7 Lawrence

Technological University Spring Break Invitational ALL DAY

COLUMN: Loyola's rugby teams needs to make a return

ZACH CESARINI Design sophomore

zmcesari@my.loyno.edu

Rugby at Loyola has been a popular source of entertainment for players and passerby as they fought tooth and nail for, well, teeth, and bragging rights of course.

Originally established in 1996, Loyola’s club rugby team has experienced many ups and downs. With it being a club sport, organizing and funding were issues that were tough to tackle.

With funding, semi-regular coaching either from staff or senior players, the rugby club would begin to see its golden years. The rugby team took home the trophy in South Alabama 7’s Tournament in 2016 and later the Father Engh Bowl at the Jesuit Cup in 2017.

“I saw four guys throwing what looked like a large egg around the quad. A mere hour later, I was hooked.”

Luckily SGA’s efforts to get increased funding for club sports netted the rugby club plenty to work with.

“One day, I hope we might see those boys in their striped polos and short-shorts roughin’ it in the quad again.”

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic would bring all of this to a grinding halt, forcing the club to declare as a "dormant club’"for well over two years.

By the summer of 2022, I’m a freshman. In high school, I played every sport under the sun. One day, I saw four guys throwing what looked like a large egg around the quad. A mere hour later, I was hooked.

Unfortunately, the near 30 people we were expecting to build a team with were not. This resulted in my five teammates and myself having to show up to tournaments, asking, begging to hop in with another team with hopes that we would play, ideally on the same team.

As the semester progressed, our retention tore its metaphorical ACL, resulting in just a practice of my senior teammate, law student and genuine tough guy, Jake Licata. That was the last straw, then it started to rain.

Fast forward a year and a half later, and Loyola rugby is back to being dormant.

One day, I hope we might see those boys in their striped polos and shortshorts roughin’ it in the quad again, but for now, those hopes sit on the sidelines.

. The Loyola rugby team practices a scrum during a team drill in April 2016. The Loyola Rugby team no longer exists. Taylor Galmiche/The Maroon

Ricardo Blondet-Otero lifts weights in the University Sports Complex on March 6, 2024. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon

SPORTS

Women's Basketball makes history in overtime

By Hector Garcia hngarcia@my.loyno.edu

The Loyola Wolf Pack women’s basketball team secured the Southern States Athletic Conference RegularSeason and Championship titles by defeating the Mobile Rams 71-63 in the SSAC Championship final. This victory marks the second time in program history that Loyola has achieved this double title, which they previously accomplished during the 2021-22 season. This victory also marks the Wolf Pack's seventh SSAC title under coach

In a closely contested game, both teams exchanged leads in the early stages. Taylor Thomas and Caitlin Travis contributed crucial points for Loyola, but Mobile responded with back-toback scores. Despite efforts from Sandra Cannady and Alissa O’Dell, Mobile held an 18-14 lead after the first quarter. Mobile maintained their lead throughout the second quarter, matching Loyola’s shots. Jada Farrell and MG Lymon kept Loyola within reach, but the Rams led 31-26 at halftime.

Track and Field compete at nationals in Alabama

By B. Welch bawelch@my.loyno.edu

The Wolf Pack track and field team had a strong showing at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championships in Brookings, South Dakota.

Marcus Brown, Jordyn Minor, and Eleanor Sherman represented Loyola, competing against top athletes in the NAIA.

Brown competed in the 600-meter run, finishing 28th with a time of 1:26.04, which ranks among the top five times in Loyola's history.

Sherman finished 28th in the long jump with a jump of 4.86 meters.

Minor achieved a top-10 finish in long

jump with a jump of 5.47 meters, ranking fifth in Loyola's history. She also holds three of the top-five spots in the record book, including the program's best distance.

“For nationals, I truly wanted to just have fun and compete to the best of my ability. So mentally, I wanted to remove all the pressure that I often put myself under, and just enjoy the experience, especially as a freshman,” Minor said, “I really focused on just trusting my practice and preparation that got me there.”

With the indoor season wrapped up, the Wolf Pack is now looking ahead to the outdoor season. They will start the season at the South Alabama Invitational on Friday, March 15, in Mobile, Alabama.

Men's Basketball secures another championship

By Hector N. Garcia hngarcia@my.loyno.edu

The men's basketball team achieved a historic win on Saturday, taking down Tennessee Southern Firehawks with a score of 51 to 48 in the Southern States Athletic Conference Championship title game. Notably, this marks the third consecutive championship for the Loyola Wolf Pack. What truly sets this win apart is that the seventh-seed Wolf Pack team became the first team in tournament history to secure four wins in four days.

This triumph represents Loyola’s fourth SSAC tournament championship in the last six years, and the team's determination and resilience were on full display throughout the tournament.

Loyola started off strong in the title game taking an early 6-2 lead over the Firehawks. Key contributors Zachary Lee, Milan Mejia, and Alex Hammond pushed the team forward. Despite a fiery response from the Firehawks, Loyola’s 13-0 run that was complemented by dunks from Lee and three pointers from Mejia that brought the score to 26-21 at halftime

the

Mobile briefly pulled ahead by 11 points, but Loyola’s 16-5 run tied them up. In overtime, Loyola dominated, securing the SSAC Championship title. Thomas and Cannady led the charge, with Thomas scoring 28 points and Cannady contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds. This victory cements Loyola’s place in SSAC history, going back-to-back from their title achievement in the 2021-22 season.

Final Score 51-48

for the Wolf Pack.

The second half saw Loyola keep control of the game by extending the score by 10 points after four minutes of play. Braelee Albert’s plays helped keep the Firehawks at bay.

However, the Firehawks fought back, scoring nine straight. Following this, they sat at a one point lead, bringing the score to 42-41 with five minutes remaining in the half.

Mejia’s three-pointer ended the Firehawks momentum towards the end as Loyola held on defensively to secure the historic victory. The Wolf Pack's grit and teamwork was a prime example of the spirit of athletics of Loyola University.

Kellie Kennedy and 13th title in her career.

Loyola staged a comeback in the third quarter, tying the game 50-50 heading into

final 10 minutes.

Head women's basketball coach Kelliie Kennedy celebrating her 13th career title by removing the basketball net at the end of the Southern States Athletic Conference Championship game. Courtesy of Abigail Smith

Kinslie Badon prepares for a race. The Wolf Pack track and field team recently competed in the NAIA National championship. Photo by Heidi Herrera.

Sophomore basketball player Brody Adams twirls ball. Avanni Joseph /The Maroon

STAFF

Assistant Editors: Patrick Hamilton, Rodrigo Delgado Jr., Falyn Hardouin, Mabel RegaladoHernandez, Ruby Nieder, Chiara Faircloth, sam Guillotte, Chris Maldonado, Janssen Van De Yacht

Comics Editors: Greer Jines, Grace Knight

Authors Abroad: Callie Honeycutt, Athena Marks

Maroon Broadcast Producers: Francisco

Esteves, Hannah Darcey, James Hufnagel, Christopher Nesbit, Matthew Richards, Leonard Jackson III, Mabel Regalado-Hernandez, Maria

DiFelice, Grace Agostino, Sadie Meade, Ashlyn Bobb Collins, Cecilia Calderin

Digital Team: Addison Laird, Rin Andrews, Daniel Wong, Kennedy James, Lydia Hilt, Natalia Silva

The Wolf: Dajah Saul, Taylor Falgout, Sophia Renzi

Staff Writers & Photographers: Ava

Acharya, Shelby Perkins, Eve McFarland, Matthew Richards, Sadie Meade, Lonniesha

Carroll, Hector Garcia, Micaela Hood, Jacob

L’Hommedieu, Guelan Zaour, Alana Thompson, Avanni Joseph, Nadir Benslimane, Brice Gutter, Gabbee Bonura, Sydney Piglia, Aaron Covin, Liz Snow, Heidi Herrera, Ryan Talley, Abigail

Schmidt

Adviser: Michael Giusti

CONTACT US

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The Maroon is printed on 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

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THE WORKS

Submit to maroon@loyno.edu to be featured

Color Wheel

Tanesha Taylor

She is green

Green-like fresh-cut grass

On the first day of a summer full of plans

They are yellow

Yellow like the sun

Colored in by a child with the biggest dreams

He is purple

Purple like an onion

Sliced perfectly and sauteed beautifully

She is black

Black like the darkness

That puts on shadow plays right before bed

She is pink

Pink like a container of raspberries

Raspberries that are sweet with the perfect amount of sour

She is orange

Orange like fruit

That hangs over your fence from your neighbor's tree

She is red

Red like fire

From a candle on a birthday cake

She is white

White like a fresh artboard

Ready to accept all your creativity

They are colors

Colors of my life

A life that would be full of gray

If not for them.

Ser Mujer

Clarissa Hawit

For Women's History Month

En el lienzo de la vida, ser mujer es tejer un tapiz de gracia y valentía, donde cada hilo cuenta una historia de lucha y triunfo. Es ser una musa que danza en la brisa, es ser la que enciende sus propios sueños.

La belleza de la mujer no se limita a lo superficial, sino que emana desde lo más profundo de su ser. La mujer es la luz que irradia en la oscuridad, la sonrisa que puede iluminar un cuarto y la mirada que puede reflejar cualquier sentimiento. La mujer es un eco de divinidad, una obra maestra.

Cada paso que una mujer da está marcado por un esfuerzo invisible, una lucha silenciosa contra momentos huracanados y mareas llenas de corriente. Desde las montañas de responsabilidades hasta los abismos de la incertidumbre, las mujeres enfrentan desafíos con una determinación inquebrantable.

En un mundo de constante tumulto, las mujeres

son oasis de calma en medio de la tormenta. Una mujer acaricia un rostro cansado, susurra palabras de consuelo a oídos afligidos y sabe curar un corazón dolido con un simple abrazo cálido. La mujer es un beso suave, un “vámonos de fiesta”, una invitación a una aventura, un vaso de agua con hielo después de un maratón, es energía que impulsa.

Ser mujer es más que una identidad; es un estado de gracia, es un poema. Es ser capaz de transformar el mundo con tan solo un toque de gentileza, compasión, y determinación.

Una mujer es un universo entero contenido en un solo ser. Un océano de experiencias que fluye con la fuerza de mil ríos. Es la abuela, madre, amiga, jefa, musa, guerrera; es un faro de luz que sabe guiar cuando todo lo demás está oscuro.

En cada esfuerzo que te da una mujer, va contenida toda su historia.

Loyola doesn't uphold Jesuit values

Elinor Upham english sophmore esupham@my.loyno. edu

Loyola University claims to uphold Jesuit values, but they don’t stick to them when it really counts.

The administration has made no substantial statement to stand with Palestine against the Israeli Occupying Forces. In fact, the first mention of Gaza in a university email came on October 19, 2023 from President Cole, twelve days after Hamas launched an attack against the IOF in response to decades of illegal Israeli occupation, settlements, and violence.

The first time Palestine was mentioned was in another email from President Cole on January 16, 2024.

101 days and 24,000 dead later.

Now it’s been over 130 days of the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli government and the Loyola administration still has not choosen to stand on the side of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people.

In front of Monroe Library lies twelve stones that showcase the Jesuit values Loyola ‘upholds’.

Supposedly Loyola cares about “International and Global Perspective,” and right now nothing else has been dominating the international community like the genocide in Palestine has been. Where is that perspective now, when Palestinian people are being slaughtered for their land?

Loyola does not show “Special Concern for the Poor and Oppressed” in this case. The Palestinian people are being oppressed by the Israeli Zionist entity, forced to identify their friends and family by dismembered body parts.

How can Loyola claim to uphold this value when they make no stance?

Loyola is not “Linking Faith with Justice” for the Palestinian people. Justin Daffron, vice president for mission and identity, says that “the time is now, for us to challenge ourselves and our Loyola community to pursue a faith that does justice which elevates the human dignity of all people.” Nowhere in Loyola’s actions is this value or statement represented.

Loyola says it values “Effective Communication,” but where was that communication when Israel increased their violence toward Palestinians? The administration made little effort to reach out to Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab students to offer support to them during a time of grief and anger.

While Loyola has not explicitly said that they side with Israel and genocide, their actions continue to show who they truly care about.

Loyola hosted an event on Feb. 24 that centered around the Israeli national anthem and featured pictures of Israeli hostages.

The event took place in the Communications/Music complex and Student ID’s were disabled to prevent access to the building for the duration of the event. LUPD officers stood at each entrance and prevented anyone not registered for the event from entering the building. Students who had booked time in the studios were blocked from entering the building.

This is coming from the same school that prevented a vigil for Palestinians from being held for over three months due to alleged safety concerns.

Loyola needs to take a stance on the Palestinian genocide and stand with their Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and anti-Zionist Jewish students and community members.

To do anything less is standing on the side of murderers and racist nationalists.

Over 29,000 people have been murdered. How many more have to die until Loyola will stop being cowards and hiding behind false neutrality?

Blair Law english sophmore slaw@my.loyno.edu

What do you think of when you hear the word “consent?”

You probably think of sex, right?

Well, the first definition you can find on Google is “permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.” That is a very general explanation, though. If you’ve ever taken a Sex Education class, your definition might be a bit different. It would probably be something more along the lines of “permission that is freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.” While this definition is good for high school students who haven’t necessarily been introduced to the topic of consent yet, I think that older adults should have a more nuanced understanding of the matter.

For example, if a younger couple decides to have sex for the first time, the consent between the two should be enthusiastic, otherwise, miscommunications or a violation of each others’ boundaries might occur.

However, imagine an older couple that has been married for ten years. While the span of time that they have been together doesn’t impact the need for consent between the two, it might change the nature of that consent. After ten years of marriage, sex might become a more regular or mundane activity between the two. Hence, both might not be ecstatic at the mention of sex but they both still consent to it. Furthermore, this is not necessarily a bad thing! The novelty of sex is bound to wear off after a certain amount of time in a relationship and this can lead to a lack of enthusiasm to have sex. But this doesn’t make the sex any less consensual, it just means that the couple might need to have a talk about what they can do to make things more interesting.

But what about the phrase “consent is sexy”?

Most people have probably heard it by

now and assumed it to be true. While the sentiment behind the phrase is to destigmatize consent as awkward and work against sexual violence, it isn’t the powerful slogan it appears to be.

Consent relates to many situations, not just sex, and this implication that consent is inherently sexual in nature hurts many people’s efforts to teach consent in schools, especially to younger children.

It is essential for people to know about consent at all ages so that they can exercise their right to have control over their own bodies and confidently assert their boundaries to others.

For children, this may be something as simple as letting them know how to tell another child or adult that they don’t want to be touched at that moment. Of course, the complexities of consent can be added to their understanding of the word as they age.

Consent in a non-sexual context also applies to adults as well. Signing a waiver is a form of consent. Consent could also mean telling your boss that you can’t work on the weekends when you already established this fact with him and he is pushing you to work despite this fact.

However, the fact is that con-

sent, as a concept, is most crucial when it comes to sex. The phrase “consent is sexy” implies that there is sex without consent. After all, not all sex is sexy.

But the fact is, there is no such thing as sex without consent. If there is no consent, it is not sex but rape. Sex can take place without the added aspects of what makes it sexy but sex cannot happen without consent.

Consent isn’t an enhancement for sex, it is mandatory for sex to take place. And the fact is that not all initiations of consent are going to be sexy.

Sometimes asking for consent can be scary or uncomfortable and even though many would argue that it shouldn’t be, this doesn’t change the fact that for some people it can be. It’s completely possible that you will not find every aspect of sex to be sexy. Sex should be fun but it’s unrealistic to expect it to be perfect every time. Bad or unsatisfying sex happens, even between couples. Figuring out what your partner (or partners) likes or does not like is a process that takes time and, even then, their tastes are bound to change eventually.

It isn’t a formula to figure out but rather an ongoing conversation to be had.

Houthi opposition to Israeli trade should be a non-issue

Chris Maldonado envirnomental Studies sophmore cwmaldon@my.loyno. edu

It has been months since the Hamasled October 7 attack on Israel which in turn has led to the prolonged Israeli bombing campaign of Gaza. In response to the disproportionate violence being inflicted upon Palestine, numerous countries have taken a stance against Israel with one of the most notable opposition countries being the state of Yemen. A particularly militant group within Yemen called the Houthi Rebels have taken measures since November to effectively create a blockade against trade ships headed for Israel.

My main contention is that it seems utterly ridiculous to me the sheer uproar that people have expressed regarding the Houthi rebels’ initiative against the propagation of a colonialist state. My sense of bewilderment regarding this reaction is based on two things.

The first is that the tactics that the Houthi rebels are using to drive away or, if necessary, sink trade vessels are not entirely alien when one takes a look at the general way that other countries often sanction trade waters and try to discourage sanctioned trade vessels from passing through. The standard procedure is to issue a warning against sanctioned trade vessels from passing and then, again if necessary, sink the vessels if they refuse to leave sanctioned trade routes.

Secondly, the outrage people are expressing over the Houthi rebels’ strikes on Israel-bound trade ships could be much better served in condemning the ongoing displacement and destruction of the Palestinian people. If people are concerned about the “loss of life” and “barbarity” of

the Houthi response to Israeli trade, it would seem prescient that these same outraged people would be even more outraged about the horrific casualties and utter chaos that is currently being inflicted all over Palestine and would be pushing vehemently for an immediate ceasefire. Yet while much of the world seems to agree that a ceasefire is necessary and should be enacted as soon as possible, the United States vetoes a ceasefire plan brought forth by the United Nations.

All of this isn’t even taking into account the fact that the U.S. and the U.K. coordinated a retaliatory bombing attack on the Houthi rebels in Yemen just last January.

Now a fair complaint that can be leveled at my reasoning regarding the “non-issue” element of the Houthi attacks on trade vessels would be to say “Well, the Houthis don’t represent Yemen and besides there have been no agreed upon sanctions within the U.N. against trade vessels headed to Israel.”

My retort to that would be to remind everyone that repeated attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution have been vetoed consistently and that the inhumane bombardment, strategic starvation, and greater atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people are seemingly continuing without world leaders hear-

ing the pleas of the people who demand a ceasefire. When situations become so dire and things seem darkest it is only fair to expect people who have solidarity with the oppressed to take an initiative against oppressors and do all that they can to see to the restoration and resurgence of oppressed peoples. It’s always astonishing how the world powers love the idea of autonomy and autonomous action when it’s being utilized by national actors that align with their own political and economic agenda; but should an oppressed people try to express their autonomy?

You best run for cover.

Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the U.S. strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo, File)

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Students should take advantage of Loyola's resources

Do you know what Loyola has to offer?

Too often we criticize Loyola for what it lacks but don't fully take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to us on our campus.

Students go by their daily schedule and forget these resources made for them, but some of these resources are here even after graduation.

We must start using these resources!

ese resources are paid by our tuition and are readily available for us to use at no extra cost. We need to use what is here for us.

It's crucial that we recognize the immense value of these resources, which go beyond classroom instruction to encompass many support services designed to enrich our educational journey.

From the sports complex to career development to mental health services, the resources are vast. We must embrace these services.

By embracing these resources, students not only enhance their academics but also nurture their personal growth and well-being. It's a testament to the value that Loyola places on providing a holistic educational experience that goes beyond just classroom instruction.

Loyola incorporates these through

Want to say something? We are listening!

Write a letter to the editor letter@loyno.edu

Jesuit values, and we need to recognize that it’s for us. Understanding Jesuit values from, “Appreciation of ings Both Great and Small” to “Development of Personal Potential” will bring to light the importance of everything on our campus. It's about not only recognizing the opportunities present but engaging with them for the betterment of ourselves and the community as a whole.

Let's seize the chance to make the most of what our school has to o er, using these free resources for our success, during our time here and after.

Quote of the week

"I was told about what I could use [the refund] for, but I never got how to use it. The money is just there, waiting to be used."

- Gabriela Santos, mass communication sophomore on financial aid issues

HOWLS & GROWLS

HOWL to USC

GROWL to nancial issues

HOWL to consent

GROWL to hurricanes

HOWL to resources on campus GROWL to sleepiness

HOWL to Paul Atreides

GROWL to bald Austin Butler

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