Print Edition of The Observer for April 29, 2019

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Volume 54, Issue 126 | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

University prepares for ND Day Notre Dame community comes together for events on annual day of giving

By CLAIRE RAFFORD News Editor

At 6:42 p.m. Sunday, the sixth annual Notre Dame Day commenced, kicking off a 29hour broadcast and a host of events — including performances from “Hamilton” cast members, a scavenger hunt and more. The day of giving allows for Notre Dame community members to financially contribute to almost every aspect of student life at the University through a votingbased donation system.

“Notre Dame Day is a global celebration of all things Notre Dame,” Jim Small, associate vice president for development, said in an email. “It’s

a day when the Notre Dame community comes together around the world to tell stories, to be entertained and to raise money for more than 900 organizations on campus.”

Notre Dame Day donations allow a person to make an initial contribution of a minimum of $10, which will earn them five votes to one of over 900 organizations participating in the fundraising day.

Donors can allocate all five votes to the group they gave to originally, or they can spread their votes among several different organizations. For any subsequent gifts, a person will receive one vote. The votes will be see ND DAY PAGE 4

By MARIROSE OSBORNE News Writer

ANNA MASON| The Observer

Duncan Hall RAs accept a $500 check for winning the ND Day Lip Sync Battle in the Duncan Student Center on Sunday night.

Students use Instagram to discuss class options

By MARIAH RUSH Associate News Editor

Notre Dame students who use Instagram may have received a follow on the photo-sharing app from an account with the username of “Whichprofessornd.”

With the goal of sharing course recommendations and the tagline of “Why aren’t CIFs public information?” the page has amassed over 700 followers, with their first post being uploaded April 9.

Students are encouraged to fill out CIFs (course instructor feedback) at the end of each semester with the incentive of receiving final grades about one week early. Students can leave detailed reviews of instructors and their courses through a comment section after filling out a survey for each.

Whichprofessornd contains categories like “Uni Requirements,” “Arts & Letters,” “Menbroza,” and “Science.” The

account specializes in giving recommendations of professors and classes to register for, as well as occasionally professors and courses to steer clear of.

Until now, the account’s owner has maintained anonymity, save for a few close friends.

Although reluctant to reveal her identity, Leilani Tiara, a junior majoring in Science Business,

see INSTAGRAM PAGE 3

Documentary examines life of Father Hesburgh

By THOMAS MURPHY Associate News Editor

Presidents, popes, protests and probit y f ill many scenes depicted in t he recent documentar y f ilm examining t he life and work of former Universit y President Fr. Theodore Hesburgh.

Directed by Notre Dame a lumnus Patrick Creadon

NEWS PAGE 2

’89 and entit led “Hesburgh,” t he mov ie debuted in Sout h Bend and Chicago t his past weekend and is set for its nationw ide release beginning Thursday.

Hesburgh — k now n to many as “Fr. Ted” — ser ved t he Universit y as president for 35 years, transforming t he sma ll Cat holic school w it h a good footba ll team

SCENE PAGE 5

Japan option opened

into a Universit y internationa lly recognized for its academics and leadership.

Creadon said Hesburgh and t he character of t he Universit y in t he modern era are intimately intert w ined.

“Fr. Ted rea lly is t he fat her of Notre Dame in t he see HESBURGH PAGE 4

VIEWPOINT PAGE 7

Saint Mary’s has teamed up with Ochanomizu University (OU) to provide students new opportunities in Japan.

The program was first proposed two years ago by Dr. Alice Yang, associate director for international education at the College. “[The Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership] has been trying to offer more study abroad opportunities for our students,” see JAPAN PAGE 4

Cervelli responds to College’s claims Observer Staff Report

The College filed a counterclaim response March 22 to former College President Jan Cervelli’s March 12 lawsuit.

Cervelli filed a response to their counterclaims April 4.

The College’s response to the initial complaint addresses each of the points made by Cervelli and her legal team. In a statement provided by assistant director of integrated communications Haleigh Ehmsen, the College discussed its filing and philosophy going forward with the case. (Editor’s note: Ehmsen is a former Saint Mary’s Editor of The Observer.)

“We strongly believe that our legal filing speaks for itself,” Ehmsen said. “This case is about tenure, and as is Saint Mary’s policy and practice, we are working with Ms. Cervelli to get her classes approved so that she can teach. We will abide by our commitment to maintaining the confidentiality surrounding the contract and her employment with the College, as is required by her contract.”

In the March 12 complaint filed in the St. Joseph Superior

NFL DRAFT PAGE 12

Court, Cervelli sued the College on counts of breach of contract, declaration of rights and injunction, violation of Indiana’s Wage Payment Statute and breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing. The Observer reported the initial complaint in a staff report March 14.

The following summarizes the major points of the College’s counterclaim and Cervelli’s response to the counterclaim.

In legal proceedings, counterclaims and responses often present some clarification to the matter at hand but contain a large number of denials. In an effort to maintain clarity, each individual denial is not included below. However, the documents can be accessed in full online.

Cervelli claims Saint Mary’s did not honor the Employment Agreement the pair entered into Feb. 17, 2016.

While Saint Mary’s admits to the factual information included regarding entering the Employment Agreement, see CERVELLI PAGE 3

Bookstore Bball PAGE 12

2

TODAY

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

Question of the Day: ndsmcobserver.com

Have a question you want answered?

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What’s something on your bucket list?

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Editor-in-Chief Kelli Smith Managing Editor Charlotte Edmonds

Asst. Managing Editor: Maria Leontaras Asst. Managing Editor: Mary Steurer Asst. Managing Editor: Natalie Weber News Editor: Claire Rafford Viewpoint Editor: Evelyn Stein Sports Editor: Ellen Geyer Scene Editor: Mike Donovan Saint Mary’s Editor: Colleen Fischer Photo Editor: Anna Mason Graphics Editor: Diane Park Advertising Manager: Landry Kempf Ad Design Manager: Ruby Le Systems Administrator: Mike Dugan

Office Manager & General Info

Noah Pleiman

Jacob Carpentier

sophomore Dillon Hall

junior Alumni Hall

“To fully restore an old Porsche.”

“Golf at Wolf Creek.”

Natalie Casal

Dylan Jaskowski

sophomore Welsh Family Hall

senior Dillion Hall

“To become fluent in Latin.”

“Visit the Vatican.”

Michael Kenney

Anna Fischer

senior Alumni Hall

freshman Howard Hall

“Go paragliding.”

“Visit Paris.”

Ph: (574) 631-7471 Fax: (574) 631-6927 Advertising

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webmaster@ndsmcobserver.com Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of either institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content.

The news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Assistant Managing Editors and department editors.

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Today’s Staff News

Sports

Max Lander Marirose Osborne Rebecca Stella

Hayden Adams Stephen Hannon Max Lander

Graphics

Scene

Joseph Han

Hanna Kennedy

Photo

Viewpoint

Anna Mason

Maggie Feighery

Corrections The Observer regards itself as a professional publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize that we will make mistakes. If we have made a mistake, please contact us at (574) 631-4541 so we can correct our error.

The next Five days:

Want your event included here?

Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Conference: IslamicByzantine Border 100-104 McKenna Hall all day Islam’s rise to Constantinople’s fall.

Lecture: “Children and Terrorism” 1030 Jenkins Nanovic 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Mia Bloom to present on terrorism.

Last Notre Dame Class Day campus wide all day Reading days in preparation for exams.

Study Days at Snite Museum of Art Snite Museum of Art 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Quiet study option in Musuem galleries.

Last Saint Mary’s Class Day campus wide all day Reading days in preparation for exams.

Workshop: “Risk Taking” Hesburgh Library Auditorium 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Caitie Whelan to lead.

Concert: Notre Dame Jazz Band Leighton Concert Hall 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

End-of-year concert for jazz bands.

Collegium Musicum Reyes Organ and Choral Hall 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Concert of “A Musical Mirror.”

Documentary: “Hesburgh” DeBartolo Performing Arts Center 7 p.m.

Screening of new film.

Joint-ERG Tango Break Eck Visitors Center 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Free dance lesson by Notre Dame staff.

Duncan wins Men’s Hall of Year

By KAY BONTEMPO News Writer

Founded in 2008, Duncan Hall occupies West Quad near McGlinn, Keough and Ryan Halls. Home to 232 Highlanders, Duncan is one of the newest dorms on campus and is known to some for its large rooms and pleasant accommodations. The hall recently distinguished itself by winning 2019 Men’s Hall of the Year, something many Highlanders amount to its strong sense of community.

This year is not the first time Duncan has been recognized with an award.

“In 2016, [the Hall Presidents Council] recognized Duncan Hall as the ‘Men’s Hall 7% Award for Inclusion,’” rector Nhat Nguyen said. “It was not the Men’s Hall of the Year … but for me, the most inclusive dorm award is one of the greatest accomplishments we could receive.”

Junior and outgoing hall vice president Chris Florimonte agreed that inclusivity has always been important in the dorm.

“We made it our priority to build programming that would promote inclusivity and organically build a community,” Florimonte said.

Duncan residents can be spotted around campus by their bright green blazers, a custom begun in 2013 to combat the misconception that Duncan — as a brand-new

dorm — lacked traditions or community, Nguyen said. The men of Duncan often wear the blazers Fridays or for hall events, as well as during the Duncan Classic, a campus-wide golf competition taking place every April. All proceeds from the Classic go to St. Baldrick’s, the same cancer research charity which sponsors The Bald and the Beautiful head-shaving events.

“The infamous Duncan Hall green blazer is obviously something that Duncan has and the other halls do not,” Nguyen said. “Nonetheless, we are not exclusive; University Ushers wear green blazers on home football weekend. As for who wears it better, I’ll let the readers decide.”

Duncan Hall is also known for its signature formal dance, the Highlander Highrise.

The men of Duncan share the annual experience of a formal dance in Chicago’s elegant Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower), something many residents cite as a special event which distinguishes the dorm from other halls. Duncan rents out the 103rd floor SkyDeck for the night, allowing guests to dance above the Chicago skyline.

To top off the night, the formal includes the Dunkies, a series of humorous awards in the style of the Dundies from TV series “The Office” which are given to outstanding hall residents.

Overall, Nguyen cited the hall motto of “Community, Brotherhood and Respect”

as a driving force behind his work with Duncan Hall residents.

“It is the people in the hall that makes it a great place to live and serve,” Nguyen said.

“Sharing life with the men of Duncan is the reason and purpose of my ministry here at Notre Dame. The guys are kind, generous, energetic, creative, service-oriented [and] smart.”

The Men’s Hall of the Year 2019 award came as a surprise, Florimonte said.

“We realized we were definitely in the running, but it was never expected,” Florimonte said. “Our hall government didn’t go out of its way to make events to increase our chances of Hall of the Year.”

Instead, Florimonte said they focused on making the dorm a pleasant and welcoming place for all its residents.

“Duncan wouldn’t be Duncan without all 232 residents,” he said. “This award is something our entire dorm can take pride in.”

Nguyen said he recognizes the value of the awards and the role the the hall staff and council played in earning them.

“To be recognized for our efforts in the way we build community in Duncan Hall is a great honor and privilege,” Nguyen said. “The staff and hall council deserve all the credit.”

Contact Kay Bontempo at Kay.M.Bontempo.4@nd.edu

News

ndsmcobserver.com | monday, april 29, 2019 | The Observer

Mendoza adds new position Observer Staff Report

A new position of associate dean for undergraduate studies has been added to the Mendoza College of Business’ leadership team, the University announced in a press release Friday. Jim Leady, an associate teaching professor of finance, will begin the position July 1.

Leady will oversee the existing undergraduate curriculum, as well as develop new initiatives for business students. As the new associate dean, Leady will work with Mendoza’s academic departments and with Notre Dame’s other colleges to create opportunities for undergraduates.

Martijn Cremers, the Bernard J. Hank Professor of Finance, who served as Mendoza’s interim dean, said the position was a crucial addition because there are new academic developments occurring in the college.

“Undergraduate studies at Mendoza is undergoing major changes, including transitioning from basically a three-year curriculum to a four-year curriculum, the addition of four minors open to non-business majors and organizational changes to our Office of Undergraduate Advising, which will mean adding four additional student advisers to the office,” Cremers said in the press release. “We also plan to explore further significant innovations and enhancements of our undergraduate curriculum, and thus hope to strengthen the college’s administration of our undergraduate studies by adding

an associate dean.”

Leady said in the release he is looking forward to beginning preparing students to be leaders in their eventual business fields.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to lead the transformation of undergraduate business education at the University,” Leady said. “We want to leverage Mendoza’s unsurpassed excellence in preparing young women and men to be leaders in business and the community to broaden opportunities for current Mendoza students and expand programs for non-business majors.”

Leady has been a faculty member of Mendoza since 2006 and teaches economic courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. He also served as the assistant chair and director of undergraduate studies for Mendoza’s Department of Finance and advises the Corporate Finance Club.

Throughout his career, Leady has taught courses in public finance, labor economics, game theory, intermediate microeconomics and principles of economics at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the U.S. Military Academy and his master’s and Ph.D. in economics at the University of Michigan. Leady continues to serve as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve in the 766th Transportation Battalion, w ith his most recent deployment to Kuwait in 2015-2016.

Cervelli Continued from page 1

Saint Mary’s denies that it breached any provision of the agreement.

Cervelli asserts she received positive performance evaluations, leaving no indication of dissatisfaction with her performance.

In its counterclaim, Saint Mary’s admits to giving performance reviews that showed “degradation over a two year period of time and that these reviews speak for themselves” as well as “denies that the performance of Ms. Cervelli was satisfactory.”

Cervelli alleges she was pressured into resigning by members of the Board of Trustees.

The College argues that Cervelli “agreed to resign in lieu of termination,” and therefore was not pressured into resigning. They also claim that by attempting to enforce the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Cervelli is admitting to its validity. The Saint Mary’s counterclaim also denies the assertion that the chair of the Board of Trustees, Mary Burke, encouraged Cervelli to lie about the reason behind the resignation.

Cervelli asserts Saint Mary’s used the confidentiality agreement in her Settlement Agreement to silence her, subsequently confusing the College community.

Saint Mary’s denies this, claiming that the confidentiality aspect of the Settlement Agreement was created with the purpose of “protect[ing] Ms. Cervelli from public reputational harm.” The College also argues its statements to

the media were made in an effort to prevent reputational harm to Cervelli.

Cervelli claims Saint Mary’s has failed to pay her the salary owed for her work as a tenured member of the College faculty.

In response to this claim, Saint Mary’s defends its payment of her severance and other benefits. In the counterclaim, Saint Mary’s argues that “Cervelli seeks payment of a salary she has not earned.

Saint Mary’s denies that Ms. Cervelli is due salary in addition to severance benefits … [because she] has failed to secure approval to teach the requisite number of classes in order for her to be entitled to a salary as a tenured professor.”

Saint Mary’s also said the institution is not treating Cervelli in a way that is inconsistent with their Settlement Agreement.Cervelli responded to this claim by arguing the College failed to inform her of this requirement in their drafting of the Settlement Agreement, saying in her response that she would not have signed the Settlement Agreement if she was aware of the need for a teaching contract and a certain number of approved courses.

In her answer to the counterclaim, Cervelli affirms she was fraudulently induced to enter into the Settlement Agreement, whereas the College failed to disclose that a “teaching contract” was required for Cervelli to receive the salary of a tenured professor as of Jan. 1, 2019.

Cervelli also asserts in her answer to the counterclaim that failure to pay her the salary of a tenured, full professor violates Indiana’s Wage Payment Statute, which entitles her to “enhanced damages.”

Cervelli alleges she is

3

not being treated in the manner that other tenured faculty members are treated, including the lack of an office and being banned from campus events, among other complaints.

Saint Mary’s said they do not offer office space to professors who are not currently teaching classes, which is their reasoning for not providing an office to Cervelli. Saint Mary’s also denies that Cervelli is banned from all campus events, arguing that she was only not allowed to attend faculty training day due to its purpose of informing only faculty teaching in the spring semester. Cervelli was not teaching in the spring semester.

Cervelli claims teaching positions for which she was qualified were hired, while she was left without courses to teach.

While the College admits it has hired faculty, it “denies that Ms. Cervelli had the academic credentials to teach any of the classes for which those positions were filled.”

The College also argues that it believes it has been treating Cervelli the same way that it does other “similarly situated” professors.

In her answer to the counterclaim, Cervelli admits she filed the lawsuit after first attempting to resolve her claims with the College.

On April 4, Cervelli filed a Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information, which sought to limit the public’s access to confidential information. On April 17, an order was issued denying Cervelli’s request.

The lawsuit is currently ongoing. The two parties have a hearing scheduled for May 31 at 2 p.m. in the St. Joseph Superior Court.

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Instagram Continued from page 1

said she believes it is frustrating the CIFs are not available to younger students.

“I feel like I always get screwed over by people saying, ‘Oh, that class is easy,’ but then I don’t know what the workload is like,” Tiara said. “Or, you know what the workload is like but you don’t know what the professor is like … the information is just so vague.

I used to fill out CIF’s religiously, like every semester. But the past two years, after freshman year, I never filled out a CIF again. I was like, ‘What’s the point, the information isn’t even going to even be available for the younger kids.”

Tiara was prompted to begin the account after asking friends through her personal Instagram about which course to take for her major.

“I actually didn’t expect a lot,” she said. “I was having trouble deciding on a management

class, and I put a poll on my own Instagram. I got so many responses, and I thought, ‘Why not just put this onto a dedicated account?’ I guess I didn’t expect it to get big. … I think opening it up during DARTing season really helped a lot. … I felt like starting the Instagram could reach a lot more people.”

Through Instagram’s directmessaging feature, Tiara receives comments and recommendations on courses she posts on her public Instagram story. She said she receives around 30 to 40 responses for posts asking about courses that are University requirements.

“It get so confusing. … It depends on the class,” Tiara said. “If i put recommendations for like, theology one — something everyone has to take — I get like 30, 40 responses. A lot of people give pretty good descriptions.”

Tiara said she thinks CIFs are not public information because of the negative comments.

“I think they aren’t public

because, at least for me, I only fill out CIFs if I really didn’t like the professor … so it might be negative, and I think the University would have to filter out the comments and it would be too much work for them,” she said.

Tiara hopes to continue the account into next year and beyond.

“I want to give it to someone else as long as there is still a need,” she said.

Tiara said she thinks that as of now, there is a great need for the information in CIFs to be public.

“I think CIFs should be public because there is no animosity between the students, everyone here is willing to help,” she said. “That’s the spirit of Notre Dame, so if you need a class, I will tell you honestly how I felt about it. I’m not trying to tell you fake information to screw you over. Since we are a top university in the nation, I can’t believe we still don’t have a proper system for [CIFs] that’s honest.

Contact Mariah Rush at mrush@nd.edu

4

NEWS

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

ND Day

Japan

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

tallied at the end of the day, and groups will receive a percentage of a $1.2 million challenge fund proportional to their percentage of the votes.

“The reason we’ve devised it that way is to try to create more equity with the votes, [as] opposed to just having a person who makes one large donation and then all of a sudden are getting all these votes,” Matt Gelchion, director of volunteer leadership and participation, said. “For the first gift, no matter if someone makes a $10 gift or a $100 gift, it’s going to be five votes.”

Lou Nanni, vice president for University relations, emphasized the importance of Notre Dame Day. “With the matching money that we have — $1.2 million this year — we are able to drive a lot of resources to especially Notre Dame student groups and causes,” Nanni said. “I think we’re at a point right now where Notre Dame Day is contributing roughly half of the funding for all the student groups and organizations.”

Nanni added that even though some feel their contributions are not significant, even the smallest of donations can make a big difference for Notre Dame students.

“Last year, in just gifts of under $200, we were able to fully scholarship 37 students,” he said. “Thirtyseven students got full rides to Notre Dame just with gifts.”

Notre Dame Day’s 29-hour broadcast will include Notre Dame community members sharing their stories, in addition to other interviews, performances from both campus and professional artists and streaming of live events.

“We were asked nearly seven years ago now, ‘How would Notre Dame do a day of giving?’” Small said. “Our response was to create a storytelling platform unlike any other in higher education — and for that matter, anywhere else in the world. That’s our big distinction — no one is telling stories and producing this much [live] content over a 29 hour period anywhere.”

There will be a host of events happening concurrently during the broadcast. These include a live concert with members of the cast of “Hamilton,” Chloe Agnew — formerly of Celtic Woman — Notre Dame’s Gold and Blue Company, Fighting Irish 40 — a 40 yard dash competition — and a scavenger hunt with a cash prize, among more events.

Gelchion said the main purpose of Notre Dame Day is to support student groups, but also to help Notre Dame alumni connect to their alma mater.

“At its core, it’s about enhancing the Notre Dame student experience through this day,” Gelchion said. “That’s first and foremost, the ability to help clubs or other student organizations be able to help reach their goals. The other part of it is, this is a way to reconnect people to Notre Dame and what they love most at this place.”

Yang said in an email. “Some students expressed interest in Japan and the Japanese language in the past.”

Yang said the process Saint Mary’s went through to set up its partnership with OU included a fair amount of communication with representatives from Japan.

“I attended the Generation Study Abroad Summit of the Institute of International Education (IIE) in November 2016 and met Mr. Hideki Yonekawa, the [vice president] of JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) at the conference,” Yang said. “I consulted with him and asked him to recommend a Japanese partner to us. I received an email from Ms. Noriko Watanabe, the Exchange Program Coordinator of Ochanomizu University in January 2017 telling me that Mr. Yonekawa recommended Saint Mary’s College to them.”

The process to bring the schools together continued over the next couple months.

“Ms. Watanabe and Dr. Yasuko Sasaki, [vice president] for International Relations of Ochanomizu University visited Saint Mary’s College in March 2017,” Yang said. “They met with the president and were impressed by our beautiful campus. They sent us their sample [Memorandum of Understanding] right after their visit and would like to sign an exchange agreement with Saint Mary’s College. After a couple of years, the agreement has been officially signed by both parties.”

OU has historical significance that makes it appealing to Saint Mary’s, Yang said.

“OU is located in Tokyo [the] capital of Japan. It was Japan’s first institution of higher education [for] women and is one of the top 10 national universities in Japan,” she said.

There was a period of time when representatives from both OU and Saint Mary’s met to iron out details.

“The CWIL director, Dr. Mana Derakhshani, and I attended the 2018 [National Association of Foreign Student Advisers] Conference in Philadelphia and met with OU’s [vice president] for International Affairs again and her two staff members,” Yang said. “I visited OU for the site visit in October 2018, and Mr. Derek Matsuda, OU’s exchange program coordinator visited SMC in November 2018.

The Global Education Advisory Committee discussed and approved it. President Nekvasil signed the agreement in January 2019.”

Yang said the exact specifications of the agreement involve the number of students that can be sent by schools and what they’re doing.

“The agreement allows Saint Mary’s to send up to four students to attend OU’s summer program while OU can send

Contact Claire Rafford at crafford@nd.edu

one student to study for a year at Saint Mary’s or two students study abroad at Saint Mary’s for one semester per year,” Yang said.

OU has already sent several students to Saint Mary’s.

“We hosted five [of] OU’s STEM students in March this year,” Yang said. “They stayed at Saint Mary’s for nine days, audited some science and math classes and attended some academic and cultural events. This was our first time to offer the International Women in STEM Program per the request of OU. The students had a great experience at Saint Mary’s College and had made friends with some Saint Mary’s Peace Belles. OU plans to send more students to study at Saint Mary’s College next year and extend the shortterm program to two-weeks long.”

The Japan program is open to all majors and class years.

There are no Japanese language requirements, but students are welcome to take classes in Japanese, Yang said.

“Four courses are offered over the summer,” Yang said.

“Students can earn three credits by taking the Intensive Japanese course or one of the three English courses: Gender Equality and Leadership, Life Style in Japan and Evolution in Natural Science: From Being to Becoming. The English courses can fulfill some Sophia requirements [like] historical perspectives, intercultural competence A or B.” Student reactions to the Japan program have been positive, like that of Emily Tobias, first year math and computer science major.

“I think it’s probably very useful for people who are interested in Japanese culture,” Tobias said.

Some students, like first year environmental studies major Hannah Toepp, are also excited for the learning opportunities in Asia.

“I think that’s a great opportunity to learn about a culture so different from our own, experience traditions that would seem out of the ordinary here and to learn about the advancements in technology that Japan is constantly developing,” Toepp said.

Yang placed her own emphasis on the importance of studying in Japan.

“Asia is one of the non-traditional study abroad destinations.

The Japan summer program helps diversify our study abroad offerings,” Yang said.

Yang also said her main hope for students studying abroad in Japan is they make friendships and contribute to the sharing experiences.

“I encourage them to make friends with Japanese students and international students from other countries and serve as cultural ambassadors by sharing the U.S. cultures with local students,” Yang said.

Contact Marirose Osborne at mosborne01@saintmarys.edu

Hesburgh Continued from page 1

modern era. Obv iously, Fr. [Edward] Sorin founded the school in 1842; Fr. Ted is really our second founder,” Creadon said. “It’s hard to really understand it and its mission until you really understand who Fr. Ted was.”

Though the production crew of “Hesburgh” was confident in the importance of the stor y they set out to share, Creadon said there were doubts about how large the film’s reception would be.

In summer of 2018, the film premiered in Washington, D.C., to a sold-out crowd, putting the crew’s worries to rest and expanding the scope of the debut to a national run set to begin Friday.

“The reception has been w ildly receptive, people have been w ildly enthusiastic,” he said. “Our big fear was that we were going to spend t wo and a half years making a mov ie that nobody outside of Notre Dame cared to see, and that’s definitely not what the case has been.”

“Hesburgh” is not Creadon’s first Notre Dame-centric film, as he directed “Catholics vs Conv icts” for ESPN’s “30 for 30” sports-documentar y series. Creadon said that despite the many recent darker documentaries revolv ing around scandals and fraud such as “Sur v iv ing R. Kelly” and “Fy re,” he is attracted to the more hopeful aspects of humanit y.

“I like to tell stories that make life worth liv ing, that celebrate the humor and the decency and the aspirational dreams of us as a societ y,” he said. “I’ve always been draw n towards stories that give you hope and inspire you, and in that sense, [“Hesburgh”] is probably the crow ning achievement of the work we’ve done so far.”

But to undertake the life of Hesburgh — the life of a man who holds 150 honorar y degrees and received 16 presidential appointments — was no small task. Members of the “Hesburgh” production crew sifted through countless newspaper articles, personal letters and hours of film to gain insight to the life and work of Hesburgh, Creadon said.

“Part of our job was to introduce who he is and start from square one, but then the other part of the job was to take this ver y big ver y powerful stor y and condense it into a 100-minute film,” he said. “He was

this heroic figure that was asked to do all of these different things all around the world, and quite honestly ever y time he was asked to do something he delivered, which is why people kept calling.”

Framing Hesburgh in a way that did justice to his dy namic character required a thorough knowledge of both his public and private life, Creadon said. Despite this, Creadon said he decided not to read Hesburgh’s autobiography, “God, Countr y, Notre Dame,” prior to making the film.

“I didn’t want to get a very specific narrative into my head when we were starting, I didn’t want that,” he said. “Otherwise it’s hard to get that out of your head if you take that approach, so I was looking elsewhere for the stories.”

In order to discover Hesburgh the man — not just Hesburgh the University President and advisor to positions of great authority — Creadon said that the production crew spent significant time speaking with his close friends, caretakers and family.

“Those are some of the best interviews in the movie because you realize that despite the fact that he was dealing with so many weighty and lofty issues and dealing with so many famous and powerful people, he had such a nice way with the people within his inner circle,” Creadon said. “You want to walk away not just understanding the dates and the factual information — you want to understand what made him tick. That part of the story was every bit as important as the conversations he had in the W hite House and the times that he spent with Martin Luther King.”

From these interviews with those close to Hesburgh emerged a man of confidence, kindness and integrity. Creadon said Hesburgh’s strong leadership provides a model for a society and culture experiencing what he calls a “crisis of leadership.”

“Anyone who’s looking to vote in 2020 and is tr y ing to imagine or reimagine what really good leadership looks like, this film is a great starting point,” he said. “I would love for people to walk out of the theaters being conv inced that there’s a better way to lead, there’s a better way to move the countr y for ward than just sort of shouting at each other and not t r u s t i n g each other and not taking the time to get to know our adversaries.”

Contact Thomas Murphy at tmurphy7@nd.edu

5

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

By RYAN ISRAEL Associate Scene Editor

At the 2018 Radiofest, a crowd of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s students gathered to celebrate and partake in our universities’ small yet authentic music scene. With red solo cups in hand, the crowd huddled around a garage to watch the usual suspects perform, like current campus rockstars Felix Rabito and The Shifties. Act after act provided ample entertainment, but there was little variety, that is, until Ladibree picked up the mic. With unbridled enthusiasm and serious confidence, she delivered a dose of hip-hop to the crowd, getting everyone involved in the performance.

Her show stood out, and not just because she was the only rapper there.

When Ladibree, whose real name is Brianna Connor, performed at Radiofest, she was a sophomore with a 17-track mixtape on Soundcloud and a passion for music. That mixtape, titled “Ambitions & All-Nighters,” was a necessary first step, a loosely connected collection of songs that proved Ladibree had talent. Now, she’s a junior with a debut EP on major streaming services and her own record label. That EP, titled “Only Everything,” is a huge step for Ladibree, a statement of purpose that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone at Notre Dame.

“Only Everything” does what any good EP should do — it introduces the artist and puts their talents and their brand

By JIM MOSTER Scene Writer

The accomplishments of Marvel Studios rival those of its own heroes. Through the 20 films that followed “Iron Man” in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe single-handedly defined the superhero genre and earned the reverence of a burgeoning fan base. Audiences of all ages have reveled in a franchise that continues to innovate with its origin stories and crossovers. Each of these box-office blockbusters culminates in the end of the “Avengers” saga — that is, the “Endgame.”

The remainder of the review will contain spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

The victory of Thanos (Josh Brolin) at the end of “Infinity War” left fans baffled as to how their favorite heroes would recover from their failure to protect half of all life in the universe. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), adrift in outer space with Thanos’ robot daughter Nebula (Karen Gillan), joins the surviving Avengers on Earth following a rescue from Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). Captain America (Chris Evans), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and War Machine (Don Cheadle) set off with Captain Marvel and Nebula to seize the Infinity Gauntlet and reverse Thanos’ snap.

Our heroes arrive on Thanos’ quaint farm to discover that the Mad Titan destroyed the Infinity Stones after the completion of his plan. Only 15 minutes into the movie, Thor instigates the boldest twist of “Endgame” by beheading Thanos in a fit of rage. The audience was granted a year since “Infinity War” to cope with the snap, but this surprise forces our attitude to parallel that of the grieving Avengers.

What happens now?

An ambitious five-year time skip provides the answer — Cap joins an emotional support group, Tony finds fulfillment in his new daughter, Banner transforms himself into a

on display. For Ladibree, those talents are rapping and lyricism, and that brand is a no-nonsense, motivated person with plenty of cockiness and swagger. Over the EP’s six tracks, she flexes her lyrical skills, leaving no doubt that she’s the best rapper on campus and shows an ability to deliver both uptempo, banging tracks and mellow, relaxed songs.

“Only Everything” kicks off with a prototypical intro track titled “Liftoff,” which does its job setting the stage. However, on the following two tracks, “Bruce Wayne” and “Chosen,” the energy is amped up, and Ladibree comes in full force.

“Bruce Wayne” uses a heavy bass and quick drums to create a captivating atmosphere into which Ladibree brings her talents as a hype rapper. Her verses are quick and biting, and her lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and hoops references. “Wait, how you gon’ front on me? / Kyrie with the moves, you a bum on D / Erybody got you gas but you still on E,” she spits before returning to the track’s catchy chorus.

The energy stays high on the succeeding track “Chosen.”

Over a bouncy, melodic beat, Ladibree raps in a confident flow, delivering boastful, cocky verses with unflinching conviction and dropping exuberant ad-libs throughout.

“They sleepin’ on me, sleepin’ on me, where the Folgers at?

(Catch some Zs),” she asks with enthusiasm. Her confidence is infectious, just listening will make you feel like you too are “chosen.”

On the short and simple “Thursday Night Waves Interlude,” a trap-R&B beat slows the tempo down and

Ladibree unveils her chill. She delivers a lengthy opening verse with ease before transitioning into a laid back chorus which features some of the best singing on the EP. While Notre Dame mini-celebrity Brandon Hardy and fellow student musician Alpharo are both credited on the track, it’s Ladibree who dominates the short track from start to finish.

As the most prominent hip-hop artist in the Notre Dame music scene, Ladibree carries the weight of the genre; on “Only Everything,” she proves that she’s up to the task. With serious talent as a rapper and the confidence of someone who knows it, she controls all six tracks on the EP, never allowing a dull moment to set in. As the closing track “Still Praying” nears its end, Ladibree shouts out those who have helped her along the way — her family, her fans and God, all of whom will eagerly await her next release.

Hulk-human hybrid, Thor becomes an overweight drunkard and Hawkeye takes to eradicating common criminals.

These transformations accurately reflect the established insecurities of the heroes and set a poignant tone that fits the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) serendipitously returns from the quantum realm, where he was trapped at the end of “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” A plan materializes involving the use of a limited supply of Pym particles to time travel through the quantum realm and retrieve the Infinity Stones from alternate timelines. In the events that follow, Black Widow exchanges her life for the Soul Stone, the so-called “time heist” succeeds, Banner uses the stones to revive the fallen and an alternate Thanos travels with an army to the present.

A grandiose battle ensues at Avengers HQ. The final battle fully capitalizes on the creative potential of the reunited heroes’ powers, building the audience’s sense of triumph through a seamless flow of shots across the battlefield.

Finally deemed worthy, Cap wields Thor’s hammer in an epic moment as the assembled Avengers attempt to secure the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos. Tony sacrifices himself by using the radioactive Gauntlet to snap away the baddies, and his death serves as the perfect closure for a hero whose arc progresses through selfishness, doubt and guilt.

In contrast, Captain America’s conclusion feels entirely unbefitting of his character. Cap encourages everyone to move on from the devastation caused by Thanos, but he succumbs to his own grief and travels to the past to live until old age with his lost love. He abandons his duty as a protector of Earth and commits perhaps the only selfish act of his existence.

Despite Cap’s controversial ending, “Endgame” presents an abundance of marvelous reasons to sit through its three-hour runtime. The Avengers’ journey through their past movies provides a hefty dose of fan service with plenty of clever encounters that showcase the franchise’s trademark antics. Like previous Marvel films, “Endgame” favors

character development over spectacle without neglecting the inclusion of engaging action scenes.

Unfortunately, several distracting weaknesses pollute an otherwise spectacular film. The Avengers plan to ensure the integrity of each timeline by returning the Infinity Stones, but the Soul Stone’s guardian promises that its bestowal cannot be reversed. Captain Marvel, a predictably shameless deus ex machina, finds Tony in the endless void of space and tunnels through a spaceship until the writers deem her inconvenient.

Also, why didn’t Earth’s brightest minds immediately realize they could send one person to retrieve a large supply of Pym particles from another timeline? The introduction of time travel inevitably invites confusion, but the movie even contradicts its own rules by having Cap travel to the past of his own timeline instead of an alternate one.

Nonetheless, ambitious plot threads require ambitious conclusions — perhaps plot holes were inevitable in a movie predicated on time travel and an infinitely powerful weapon. Either way, the sobs and laughter that filled the theater during “Endgame” prove that the film nearly eclipses its messy flaws. Excluding the surprise death of our timeline’s Thanos, “Endgame” plays it safe by recognizing the evident desires of fans and consistently fulfilling them.

As Tony Stark notes, “part of the journey is the end.” And the end was glorious.

Contact Ryan Israel at risrael1@nd.edu

“On Everything” Ladibree Label: Plan A Records Favorite Tracks: “Bruce Wayne,” “Chosen” If You Like: City Girls, Leikeli 47, Molly Brazy

Contact Jim Moster at jmoster@nd.edu

“Avengers: Endgame” Marvel Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo Genre: Action, Science Fiction

JOSEPH HAN | The Observer

6 Inside Column

Hospitality abroad Erin Grimes News Writer

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of hospitality is “hospitable treatment, reception or disposition.” That doesn’t really explain anything, so I turned to the definition of hospitable which is “given to generous and cordial reception of guests” and “offering a pleasant or sustaining environment.”

Before my year studying in Innsbruck, I knew what the terms meant in a theoretical sense.

However, my former German host family has shown me what those two terms mean in reality.

In high school, I participated in an exchange program. My high school has a sister school in Germany. I was paired up with an exchange partner, and we each visited the other in our home countries. It was a great experience, and I continued to stay in touch with both my exchange partner and her mom.

When I told them I was coming to study abroad in Innsbruck, Austria, which is only a two-and-a-half hour train ride away from where they lived in Germany, there was no hesitation. I felt immediately that I was going to be taken care of and have a family to go to while abroad. Which was and is really wonderful, as they were under no obligation to be so generous. I hadn’t physically seen my host family since I had left their house two years ago. Sure, I still texted with my exchange partner/host sister and my host mom once or twice a month with general updates and pictures. We even went as far as sending holiday packages to one another. But we had still only met just two years before, spending only one month together back then.

Their hospitality began with them picking me up from the airport with hugs and small gifts. My host mom and sister drove me to Innsbruck and helped me settle into my new room. Hospitality is the fact that I have an open invitation to their home, and that every time I stay in my room at their house, they make sure to leave me a jar of water along with various sweet treats. And if I bring laundry from school, my host mom will wash it for me.

I celebrated their Christmas traditions with them, and as a gift, they got me a ticket to see their annual Christmas musical. I’ve gotten to know their larger extended family and been included in larger family celebrations as well.

There are many things that I am going to take away from this year abroad, some yet to be discovered I am sure, but a greater appreciation for the act of hospitality will be one of the big ones. My host family’s hospitality towards me has made this year away from home a little less difficult. I am going to try to take what they have shown me and cultivate a greater sense hospitality in my life back in the States.

So, I guess what I would say is go that extra mile for people. Buy f lowers. Send that card.

Leave out food when someone is visiting you.

Invite someone home for break if they can’t go home themselves. These little things — they may not seem like much, but they truly are.

Contact Erin Grimes at egrimes01@saintmarys.edu The views expressed in this Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

LETTERs TO THE EDITOR

An open letter to the entire campus Last August, 15 of us walked onto this beautiful campus as a part of a new program called the Inspired Leadership Initiative. “Many” years have passed since we were undergraduate students ourselves, and we were unsure of what to expect as we attended classes with you all. Some of us had never stepped foot at Notre Dame. Some of us return as nostalgic “olden” Domers. Some of us came from abroad. Some of us have children or grandchildren here on campus. All of us, like you, are searching for how to be a “force for good” in the next phase of our lives.

Everyone (students, faculty, staff) we have met this year has made our experience so special, but please allow us to be more specific in our gratitude.

• For treating me to lunch at South Dining Hall and sharing your plans for the future. -Maureen • For letting me sit in on your Idea Center meetings as you searched for great ideas. -Pat • For the kind and compassionate students who patiently helped me navigate Sakai. -John G. • For inviting me to join in your study group before the first exam. -Cindy • For being curious about why we’re here. -Marty • For welcoming me and inviting me to join your activities. -Jeff • For all professors and teachers (including you, Eric) willing to take a risk on having a “retiree” attend your classes. -Tuck • For making this a truly rewarding and memorable

year for me. -Dave • For embracing us as members of the University of Notre Dame community. -Camille • For welcoming me into your life and becoming such a gratifying part of my life. -Lou • For this fabulous year learning with incredible students and professors and helping me pivot in my future plans. -Terry • For your patience and good humor as you directed me to where I needed to be, for confirming my faith in the younger generation and for your amazing kindness to the “old guy” in class. -Kevin • For being an institution that’s about being a force for good and walking the walk about it. -Ida • For the undergraduates who made me feel welcome in your classrooms. -John M. • For welcoming us with open minds and open hearts and showing what being a force for good really means. -Walter With our heartfelt appreciation.

With our awe of your intellect, talents, character and faith.

With our best wishes for your continued success.

We, the Inaugural Cohort of the Inspired Leadership Initiative, humbly thank you!

GO IRISH! Cindy Sescleifer Inspired Leadership Initiative April 24

A reflection, with (about) 20 days left When my younger sister applied to colleges last year, she worked hard and saw a lot of success. She was admitted to several great universities, one of them being Notre Dame. During her spring visit here, her enthusiasm for the school was visible — wide-eyed with excitement from the organized activities, it was evident that this place was one of her top choices. The fact that I go here only further influenced her interest in ND, as the two of us have been close for as long as I can remember.

By the end of her senior year, she narrowed down her choices to two places: Notre Dame and the school she attends now. I talked to her a lot during this time, as she was conflicted in her decision.

However, I could never manage to tell her to come to Notre Dame. I thought about why this was for a long time; after all, this school has made me grow intellectually, allowed me to make great friends and helped me get a job that I’m excited for next year.

But, with a few weeks left at Notre Dame, I think I finally have an answer as to why I felt that way.

It was being excited to be welcomed into your dorm community but not getting invited to the offcampus party when every other freshman in your section was.

It was wanting to share your experiences with religion but then being questioned and asked if you wanted to become a Catholic.

It was talking about your experiences in a highpoverty, rural area of the country in your freshman seminar and then hearing someone in your class claim that food stamps and the social safety net are useless.

It was seeing other DACA students protest after the presidential election and then seeing their own peers at Notre Dame call for them to be deported on social media.

It was building confidence and becoming outgoing to make new friends but then being subject to subtle racism and stereotyping.

It was believing that your peers were okay with you being a DACA student and then reading “The Statistics on Dreamers are a nightmare” in The Observer, and knowing that while the author was never specific, he was talking about you because you are a dreamer.

It was building friendships with your housekeepers and believing that they were part of the Notre Dame family and then seeing the University do nothing to honor your freshman and sophomore year housekeeper when he died in the parking lot on his way to work.

It was finally being invited to the party and then realizing that you were the only brown person there.

It was coming to the realization that alcohol wasn’t for you — and that was OK — then being called “lame” for not wanting to drink.

It was being the designated driver because you like hanging out with your friends but then unironically being called an Uber driver by people who would say hello to you when they’re sober but forget who you are when you go out.

It was being so excited and happy for your sister and then realizing that you couldn’t tell her to come here because you yourself wonder how much happier you would have been somewhere else.

I know why I didn’t tell her to come here now.

Every time I’ve felt like I belong, there’s something else that reminds me that I don’t. And I didn’t want her to feel the same.

Rathin Kacham senior April 24

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

7

Doctor, I can’t afford this Jin Kim Shower Thoughts

If you’ve ever had a loved one lying in a hospital bed, clinging to their dear life, you know that the last thing on your mind is the medical bill.

Because when you see them lying lifeless and unconscious, wrapped in tubes and bandages, surrounded by buzzing machines and frantic nurses, the only thing on your mind is wishing for their full recovery — not worrying about how much that recovery might cost.

So when the nurse comes over to tell you that there is a surgery that might just save their life, that if you sign these payment slips they might just get better, you don’t question it. You don’t ask how much it is or if there is a “cheaper” option or if you can have some time to “think” about it. No, you sign those waivers without question, without hesitation, because life is priceless.

But one day, you come home from work and look in your mailbox and find that life does have a price. And it’s ridiculously expensive. As you open and begin to read the medical bill, trying to make sense of all the cryptic numbers and nonsense fees, you’re surprised by how much you’re being charged: The monthly premium to the insurance company is much higher than what you expected, the out-of-pocket deductible is out of this world and, of course, minimum payment is due by the end of the week. The question is no longer, “Will your loved one survive?” but rather, “Can you pay for it?”

For many of us, seeing a bill like that in the mail may not be a big deal. After all, if your family can afford to send you to a school like Notre Dame, a school that costs over 70 grand a year to attend, what’s a few extra hundred dollars a month?

But imagine, for a second, if you were from a slightly different family. Imagine if both adults in your family worked full-time, minimum-wage jobs, and their paychecks barely keep the lights on, pay the bills and put food on the table. Imagine if you were from a family that has no savings to rely on, no emergency funds to tap into, no piggy bank to break when times are tough. How, then, must it feel to see a bill like this in the mail?

Because to these people, this isn’t just another bill. No, to these people, a bill like that is the difference between staying af loat and sinking in debt.

It’s the difference between whether they’ll keep the house or lose it. So when they see a bill like that their mind starts racing — it’s racing to see how much cash they have on hand, racing to see far they can stretch last Friday’s paycheck, racing to determine whether they’ll go broke tomorrow, the day after, or next week.

When I was in grade school, I had a friend — we’ll call him Jimmy — and Jimmy and I were very close. We lived on the same street, we went to the same school, we were in the same class and we were just so alike in every way. Even our birthdays were a week apart. In short, if you knew Jimmy, you knew me because I was him, and he was me.

When we were 10, Jimmy’s father was unexpectedly diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer, and the prognosis was really bad. Now, Jimmy’s family never had much, but his parents worked hard to make sure their three kids always had enough. To this day, I still consider Jimmy’s parents to be the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. But even for this hardworking family, the cancer diagnosis would prove to be too much.

After Jimmy’s father was hospitalized, the

medical bills started piling up. The family was forced to sell everything they had of value — the furniture, their car, the family heirlooms — and at one point, it got so bad that Jimmy and his siblings had dinner at our place every night. One day, Jimmy’s mother decided she couldn’t do it anymore. She sold the house, moved her kids to a cheaper neighborhood, moved their schools and moved her husband to a hospital whose treatments she could afford. It goes without saying that this treatment wasn’t the best treatment available, but tell that to a mother working to feed three kids and pay the bills.

After Jimmy moved away, staying in touch grew harder and harder. What normally took a minute walk to get to his house took an hour bus ride.

Moreover, his new home was in a bad neighborhood, and my parents were reluctant to take me there. Eventually, the distance had a toll on our friendship, and we moved on. It was only years later that I heard from a friend of a friend that Jimmy’s father didn’t make it — he passed away not long after we grew out of touch.

I don’t know if Jimmy still remembers me. We had great memories, but they were all so long ago. But let me tell you something: I never forgot Jimmy. I never forgot his family. I never forgot his hardworking parents or his loving brothers and sisters. And I never forgot how happy the family was, content with what little they had. But most importantly, I never forgot that America, in all her greatness, failed to protect this wonderful family from going down the drain because of the medical bills — that it wasn’t the cancer in and of itself,that broke this family, but rather the cost of treating it.

Because Jimmy’s family never even had a chance. For a lower-middle class family in America, with both adults working full-time, minimum-wage jobs, all you need is one major car accident, one major heart attack or cancer diagnosis, and you’re done for. There is no hope for you. The bills come after you, you sink in debt and your options are to either file for bankruptcy and start all over or die trying to pay off your debt. That’s the choice that these people have to make.

My friends, this is the reality that ordinary Americans contend with every day. As much as our politicians like to incite us and divide us with thorny issues like immigration and transgender rights, the fact is that none of these issues affect the day-to-day of ordinary Americans. An asylum seeker hopping over the southern border is not what keeps the mortgage unpaid; a transgender boy or girl walking into the bathroom of their choice is not what turns the power off. Rather, it is that as healthcare costs continue to soar, Americans are struggling to pay for them. That is what keeps Americans up at night. That is what leaves bills left unpaid, what turns fresh food into fast food, what turns a car ride into a bus ride and a bus ride into a long walk, what turns a savings account into a bounced check.

We call ourselves the greatest nation in the world. I truly believe this is so. But we cannot be proud of this title if we fail families like Jimmy’s.

If year after year, administration after administration, we fail to provide basic, affordable healthcare solutions for people like Jimmy’s family, we can no longer claim to be the greatest nation in the world.

Because what is a nation, if it cannot care for its own citizens? What is a nation, if it fails to protect its most vulnerable people?

My friends, I’m going to say what is uncomfortable to hear but what must be said: Our healthcare system is broken beyond repair. Every day,

deductibles and premiums climb higher and higher while insurers drop out of exchanges intended to help the most vulnerable members of our community. Americans are given the choice to either enroll in a plan that charges thousands of dollars in deductibles, or not enroll, pay a fine and risk not having insurance for when they need it most. It is the Catch-22 of the 21st century. Meanwhile, our country is getting sicker and older, placing unprecedented strain on a healthcare system that is already weakened by lawsuits filed by questionable political interests.

This is our Titanic moment. We are all aboard the same sinking ship: the hull of Obamacare is torn in, the stern of Medicare is shattered and the water is rushing in. The longer we wait, the greater our danger. If we are to live, if America and her values are to live, we must jump ship. We must find something new. We must fight for comprehensive, structural reform to the system.

For those of you who wish to remain behind, I wish you the best. But before you make that choice, let me tell you the facts so you can make an informed decision: In the five years since Obamacare was passed, deductibles went up by an average of 67% and premiums went up by an average of 24%.

This means that the same treatment that cost you $1,500 then, costs you $2,500 now. The same insurance plan costing you $500 a month then, costs you $620 now. Taken yearly, that’s a difference of thousands of dollars. And if you compound that over several years, because we all know most illnesses require several years of treatment, you’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses that people can’t pay for.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found in 2017 that medical bills are the most common reason consumers are contacted by collection agencies.

One-in-five Americans have at least one medical bill on their credit history; one-in-five Americans have at least one medical bill that is overdue. And did I mention that two-thirds of all bankruptcies last year were for medical reasons?

But if you agree with me that we need to change the system, then we must act swiftly. The burden of hefty medical bills on Americans has long reached the tipping point, and we have no time to waste. To be sure, there is a long fight ahead. Our politicians are either reluctant to move forward with something new, or they support something irresponsible that would easily make this country bankrupt. Meanwhile, the corporate giants that seek to benefit from the status quo will work to keep things in the way that they are. But we have no choice: We either die on this sinking ship, or we jump ship to fight for a chance to live.

So let’s fight. Let’s fight for a better healthcare system. A system that works for America. Let’s fight for lower prescription drug prices, more affordable healthcare solutions, more accessible healthcare solutions. Let’s fight for more transparency in the system, so we know exactly what we’re being charged for and why. Let’s fight for our health. Let’s fight for the health of your family, for the health of my family, for the health of Jimmy’s family, for the health of America’s families. Let’s fight to make America feel better again.

Jin Kim studies computer science and economics at Notre Dame. He is from New York City, New York, but his home-under-the-dome is Keenan Hall. He can be reached at jkim56@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Follow us on Twitter. @ObserverViewpnt

8

DAILY

The observer | Monday, April 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

Crossword | Will Shortz

Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Refrain from judging others. This is not a year to jump to conclusions, make snap decisions or waste time on people and projects that aren’t going to help you advance. Progress can be made, but it has to be calculated and handled with precision and detail, and without emotional attachment. Your numbers are 7, 13, 24, 29, 36, 38, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Money matters, personal partnerships and agreements can be negotiated and put on paper. A commitment will make you feel better about an arrangement you have with someone. Romance will lead to a closer bond that will enhance your personal life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take care of personal finances yourself. If you let someone else have access to your private affairs, you can expect the information to be used against you. Protect your assets, possessions and passwords. Joint ventures will not favor you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put greater emphasis on relationships and getting closer to someone you love. Sharing and planning for the future will help you map out an idea that is within your budget. An opportunity to share your knowledge and experience will encourage new beginnings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Refuse to let anyone discourage you from heading in a direction that makes you feel comfortable. Putting your attributes to good use will help deter someone from taking advantage of you. Invest in yourself, not helping someone else surpass you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Alter your plans, direction or goals for the right reason, not because someone is pressuring you to do so. Personal growth, improvement and gain should be your main concern. Socializing will give you insight into something or someone you want to pursue.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll have choices that can bring about personal changes. Consider the results depending on the direction you decide to take and whether it is within your budget as well as your best interest. Practicality should overrule desire.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Surround yourself with the people who are supportive, not the ones who criticize and put demands on you and your time. Taking care of responsibilities will be necessary, but once completed, move on to people and activities that make you happy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A change at home will do you good. Focus on the projects you want to accomplish, and clear a space that will encourage you to get started. A positive change in attitude will result in better relationships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Emotional deception and disillusionment will set in if you let someone take advantage of you. Arguing is a waste of time and will ruin your day. Set your sights on peace, love and happiness, not discord and chaos.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make changes based on what’s possible, not some crazy idea that someone close to you wants you to pursue. Letting your emotions interfere with how you handle your money will lead to stress and regret. Find a workable compromise.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Share feelings and plans, and make changes to the way or where you live. Nurturing an important relationship should be high on your to-do list. If you build a solid life goal with someone you love, good things will happen.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t fool yourself when it comes to emotional situations, what you are capable of doing and who is in your corner. A change based on facts will help you achieve a healthier physical, financial and emotional lifestyle.

Birthday Baby: You are playful, open-minded and creative. You are quick-witted and ambitious.

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SPORTS

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, march 29, 2019 | The Observer

O Bookstore

Sports Authority

Greatest sports comebacks Hayden Adams Assosciate Sports Editor

There have been a lot of great comeback stories in sports history. Tiger Woods’ recent Masters victory was the culmination of a comeback a decade in the making and sparked a debate over whether or not it was the greatest comeback ever. Here is my totally subjective list of the greatest individual sports comebacks that I can think of.

5. Muhammad Ali Some might think Ali belongs higher than this, but it will become clear that while his career did suffer a major setback, it never took a physical toll on him as it did to the other individuals on this list.

Ali was at the top of the boxing world before it all came crashing down when he refused to enlist in the draft for the Vietnam War. Facing imprisonment, Ali was lucky to only be stripped of his boxing license and passport for four years.

After returning to boxing over three years later, Ali suffered the first loss of his career to Joe Frazier, but he persisted and managed to defeat him in their second fight. He eventually knocked out George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” to reclaim his world title.

4. Bernard King Bernard King is one of the greatest but most forgotten scorers in the history of the NBA. Only true Knicks fans will remember him as the first player since Rick Barry in to score 50 points in back-to-back games. However, in 1985, at the peak of his career, King suffered a devastating leg injury that included torn cartilage, a broken bone and a torn ACL. Medicine at the time was not what it is now, and an ACL tear alone was widely considered to be essentially career-ending, as no one who had suffered the injury had ever returned to their prior form. However, King persisted, and despite missing a full season rehabbing and being released by the Knicks at the end of the 1986-87 season, he joined the Washington Bullets and averaged more than 20 points per game in three straight seasons.

What many don’t know is that that punch nearly killed him, nevertheless breaking his face and jaw.

However, the worst part was that he suffered a tear that caused spinal fluid to leak into his mouth. He would have died within a couple of days had the doctors not solved the problem. After fighting for his life and being sidelined for five months, Tomjanovich returned to action and, two years after the incident, made the All-Star team. He eventually went on to coach the Rockets and Hakeem Olajuwon to back-to-back NBA championships.

2. Lance Armstrong You have to genuinely feel sorry for Lance Armstrong.

The man suffered pain you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. Armstrong started doping before his cancer diagnosis, but no amount of performance-enhancing drugs could cure stage three testicular cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen.

Armstrong’s doctor said he had essentially no chance of survival.

“We told Lance initially 20 to 50% chance, mainly to give him hope. But with the kind of cancer he had, with the X-rays, the blood tests, almost no hope,” he said.

However, Armstrong managed to come back and be competitive in races. PEDs do need some base level of strength to bolster, so even having the natural strength after his treatment to consider competing was an impressive feat. But still, his doping is what keeps him at No. 2.

1. Tiger Woods

3. Rudy Tomjanovich

Here it is. I didn’t even realize what Woods went through before his Masters victory this year, thinking that the extent of his problems was related to his personal life over the drama with his adultery. But Woods endured back problems that required surgery, and there were questions over whether he would even walk again.

However, Woods fought his way back from the abyss and achieved a tearful victory as he hugged his son in the same spot he hugged his father after winning his first Masters. Say what you will about the man as a person, but he is on the Mount Rushmore of professional athletes.

For those who are fans of legendary sports fights/brawls, you’ve probably seen the clip of Los Angeles Lakers forward Kermit Washington punching then Houston Rockets forward Rudy Tomjanovich in the head.

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Continued from page 12

“Well as an alum it means a lot to be a part of this community and be a part of Bookstore Basketball,” Ayers said. “It’s something I did as a student here; I think it’s such a cool tradition. So to be a part of it is kind of an honor, especially coming back as an employee now.

Just to stay involved in the University is really cool.”

The game began competitively as both teams traded baskets, tying up at 3-3. However, Finnies Next Door then broke away behind the play of Bernard and Nelligan, who each scored three points in the first half, as they went on a 7-0 run to build a 10-3 lead. They went into halftime up 11-4 and did not relent. Ayers commented on what he thought set the team apart and allowed them to be successful.

“I think the key of our team [is] that we played unselfishly, we share the ball, we were pretty good defensively and tried to do the right things to win,” Ayers said. “No one complained about shots or dogging it on defense. I think we just really came together; we were one of the better passing teams here and we tried to share the ball, and I think that’s why we ended up

W Bookstore Continued from page 12

Roll Tribe scored the first three points of the game before Harden the Paint’s junior Leesa Greenwood hit a deep shot from beyond the arc to get her team on the board. However, that shot was not a sign of things to come. W hile dominating dow n low defensively, Roll Tribe managed to do what so many teams in the tournament have struggled to do: hit jumpers outdoors.

Roll Tribe established their presence w ith the inbet ween game, scoring consistently on mid-range and paint jump shots. Grace was a key player in the first half, nailing three mid-range jumpers and leading her team in scoring through the first period. Addison joked about her team’s preparedness for the contest.

“We showed up at 5:30 [p.m.] to start practicing, so yeah, we had a walk through. It was kind of intense,” Addison said. “One of our players was running dow n all of the bookstore courts to get ready, so we came to play. We were mentally and physically

9

winning.”

In the second half, St. Andrew’s Products found more of a rhythm, thanks in large part to the play of sophomore Mike Brannan and senior Joe Huffman. Huffman lead his team in scoring at the half with two points and contributed two more in the second half.

Brannan had the greatest impact, as he was the only one on his team to consistently connect on jump shots. Brannan finished with five points, four of which came in the second half.

However, his play simply wasn’t enough, as his team could not cut into the deficit, and they could not build a rhythm, ultimately forced to foul several times to prevent easy buckets.

Meanwhile, Finnies Next Door maintained their balanced play behind a secondhalf burst from Enochs. He scored four of his team-high six points in the second half, including back-to-back shots from behind the arc to get his team within one point of victory, before Bernard hit one final long-range shot to seal the championship.

Bernard and Nelligan both finished with five points, and the latter commented on what winning the championship means to him in his final year.

“It’s awesome. I think it

was especially cool winning it with some guys I knew, like my assistant coach, coach Ayers,” Nelligan said. “I went to high school with Justin and then I’ve played pickup with Danny and Mikey forever, so, it’s something special. Good way to cap off five years.”

Nelligan is now the second-straight graduating walk-on to win the Bookstore Basketball championship, as former Irish walk-on Matt Gregory won last year.

Nelligan said it was nice to reverse roles with his teammates and have them cheer for him during the game.

“That was really cool.

They’ve been here for a few rounds now. I support them during the season, [so] it’s cool for them to come back and support me at Bookstore [Basketball],” he said.

Ayers commented on the mentality it takes to win Bookstore, and how he’s happier for his teammates to get the win.

“I think when you’re a competitor you always want to win every game, so it means a lot,” Ayers said, “[but] more to my teammates as they’re seniors here, and to go out on top is pretty cool for them.

I’m just being a part of it and trying not to get hurt.”

prepared.”

Roll Tribe went on a 5-0 run to build an 8-1 lead before finishing the first half up 11-2. Addison and her sister Grace quite literally formed a pair of t w in towers, as the identical siblings deterred Harden the Paint from taking v irtually any shots dow n low in the first half.

In the second half, Harden the Paint had a better start, scoring the first t wo points of the half. However, they simply couldn’t break out of their cold streak. Luckily for them, Roll Tribe experienced their ow n cold spell to start the second half. That was soon broken though thanks to the play of Lechlitner, a t wo-time captain for Notre Dame women’s basketball who graduated in 2010 and currently ser ves as the regional program director of athletic advancement. Grace Quinn also added that Lechlitner’s competitive spirit came out w ith her team struggling.

“She was getting angr y,” Grace said.

Lechlitner carried her team in the second half w ith six points in the period.

With her team at 20 points and the defense pressuring

her, Lechlitner took over.

She created space from her defender, dribbled behind her back and bet ween her legs, then drove for ward before stepping back behind the arc for an open shot that she sw ished to w in the championship.

Lechlitner’s play was crucial to the team’s v ictor y according to her teammates.

Addison Quinn noted her importance to the team extends beyond scoring.

“She’s a natural leader,” Addison said.

Roll Tribe said they picked their name because all but one of them played for St. Joseph High School, nicknamed the Indians, in South Bend.

“We won the state championship our junior year, Killian’s senior year, so we thought we would tr y and w in another tournament and we did,” Grace said.

The team also said that, grow ing up in Indiana, a “basketball state,” the sport means more to them than a lot of people. Sunday’s w in is just another badge of honor for this team of locals.

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu

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10

Sports

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

Football Continued from page 12

10.5 of them coming this past season.

Tillery was an integral part of Notre Dame’s 2018 title race, leading a prolific defense which shut down even the most efficient offenses in the regular season. Tillery’s most efficient performance this fall came against Stanford, when he recorded four solo tackles and a career-high six total tackles, four of which were for loss to add up to 20 yards. In the same game against the Cardinal, Tillery had a collegiate-best six total tackles, also for 20 yards, and a season-best two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.

As a senior, Tillery was named a second-team All-American

by Sporting News, Associated Press and Sports Illustrated.

He was also on the watch list for the Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, Tillery posted a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical jump and 115-inch broad jump.

On the bench, he did 23 reps, amassing an overall prospect grade of 6.03.

With the Chargers, Tillery will look to earn a starting position under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as the Los Angeles team has struggled to find a consistent player at the position.

Tillery is projected to sign a $11,422,088 contract, $6,326,972 of which will be a signing bonus.

Miles Boykin The Baltimore Ravens selected former Irish wide receiver Miles Boykin with the 93rd pick in the NFL draft. With one year of eligibility remaining — having redshirted his freshman year — Boykin was largely expected to return to the Irish next season. However, after an impressive showing at the NFL Draft combine in March, Boykin seemingly leapt up the draft boards, ultimately taken as the second Notre Dame pick of the draft, following firstround pick Jerry Tillery.

This past season proved to be a breakout performance for the 6-foot-4 native of Tinley Park, Illinois. Boykin played in 12 games his sophomore and junior seasons, but saw increased playing time this past season when he moved into a starting position. In his first career start against LSU in the 2018 Citrus Bowl, Boykin was named MVP for his 102 receiving yards, including a 55-yard, one-handed touchdown catch that sealed the Notre Dame victory with a minute and a half remaining.

Ann Curtis | The Observer Former Irish wide receiver Miles Boykin tries to separate from his defender during Notre Dame’s 30-3 loss to Clemson in the 2018 Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington,

Texas.

Boykin had steadily increased his role in the team, improving his previous season best of 21.1 yards per game to 67.1 yards per game this past season. He also averaged just under 15 yards per catch, recording 872 total yards on 59 passes. In Notre Dame’s 38-17 win over Stanford on Sept. 29, Boykin posted a career-high 144 yards. He also recorded eight touchdowns this past season, all of which came over a six-game span in the middle of the season.

Boykin demonstrated a strong skillset March at the NFL combine, impressing scouts with a 43.5-inch vertical jump and 4.42-second 40-yard dash.

The Ravens are coming off of a 10-6 season, having won the AFC North. Their postseason run came up short against the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Wild Card Round. As the third draft pick taken by the Ravens, Boykin will be expected to make contributions to the receiving corps this season.

Julian Love Former Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants.

In declaring for the NFL Draft, Love decided to forgo his final year of eligibility with the Irish.

In three seasons with the Irish, Love started all but four games, setting the program record for pass break ups at 44, 23 of which came in his sophomore season. Throughout his career, he made 126 solo tackles and contributed in 50 others.

He also recorded five career interceptions, four career fumbles recovered and three career touchdowns.

Love, a product of Westchester, Illinois, was originally projected to go near the end of the first or beginning of the second rounds. However, after waiting for two days to hear his name announced, Love was taken Saturday by the Giants.

The Giants got off to a rough start this season, losing seven of their first eight matchups.

Although they managed a slight rebound, winning four of their next five, the Giants ultimately ended the season 5-11 to hold last place in the NFC East. With the Giants defense giving up an average of 371.4 yards per game, placing them 24th among NFL teams, Love will likely have opportunities to make an immediate impact.

Drue Tranquill Former Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill was taken in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 130th pick in the NFL Draft.

Tranquill, a two-time Notre Dame captain, returned to the Irish this past season as a graduate student after missing the majority of his sophomore season following an ACL tear.

Tranquill began his career as a safety, making an immediate impact in the program,

appearing in 11 games his freshman season, starting in three.

Returning to the field his junior year, Tranquill proved himself to be a well-rounded tool for the Irish defense, recording 79 tackles — second only to teammate Nyles Morgan — one interception and deflecting three passes. Following that breakout season, the native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, continued to add to his toolbox, recording 85 tackles — 10.5 of which were for a loss — 1.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, four deflected pass and an interception. In his final season with the Irish, Tranquill took on a more independent role on the field, marking a career-high 63 solo tackles, tying teammate Te’von Coney to lead the team.

His position of rover gave him a unique advantage and, paired with his vocal leadership, he helped guide the Irish to backto-back top-15 finishes.

In their second season since returning to Los Angeles, the Chargers were 12-4, tied for first place in the AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs. Notably, they were 7-1 on the road through the regular season. In their Wild Card matchup on the road against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers won 2317 but fell to the eventual Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots 28-41.

Dexter Williams Former Irish running back Dexter Williams was selected by the Green Bay Packers with

the 194th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Williams spent much of his time with the Irish behind current Philadelphia Eagles back Josh Adams. He was once again limited touches due to a four-game suspension to open this season, but he made the most of his nine available games, coming five yards short of reaching the 1,000-yard mark.

In his first play back with the Irish, Williams rushed 45 yards straight into the end zone to put Notre Dame up seven over Stanford. The Irish went on to win 38-17, led by Williams’ 161 rushing yards and 7.7 average yards per carry. The very next game, Williams set a careerrecord for longest run at 97 yards, leading the Irish to a major victory over Virginia Tech on the road. He continued to create within the line throughout the season, recording 12 touchdowns.

Williams will be joining former Notre Dame wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers struggled in recent years, going 6-9-1 this past season. However, as recently as 2016, they led their division.

Alize Mack Former Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack was the final Irish player chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft. Mack was selected with the 231st overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh and final round. Mack’s selection is of particular note, as he is now the eighth-straight Paid Advertisement

tight end to open the season as a starter for the Irish and be selected in the draft.

A 6-foot-5 Las Vegas native, Mack was the No. 1 tight end prospect coming out of high school in 2015 and saw immediate playing time his freshman season, starting five games for Irish. However, Mack was forced to sit out his sophomore campaign with an academic suspension that restricted him to only practicing with the team. Despite this, Mack got his career back on track and became a strong player for a program known as “Tight End U.” In his junior year, Mack caught 19 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in 10 games.

He improved greatly on those numbers his senior year, catching 36 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

At the NFL combine, Mack posted impressive numbers with a 4.7 second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical and 22 reps on the bench press, all of which ranked in the top seven among tight ends. While he will most certainly be behind Saints’ incumbent starter Josh Hill, Mack’s physical tools alone should allow him to work his way into contention for minutes among the remainder of the tight end group.

Tyler Newsome After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, former Notre Dame punter Tyler Newsome signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Newsome will rejoin

Sports teammates Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill who were selected by the Chargers with 28th and 130th overall picks, respectively.

One of the top punters in the nation last year, Newsome made the Wuerffel Trophy watch list for the second year in a row last season and was named a graduate student captain last season. He also holds many Notre Dame records with four of the top seven season punting averages under his belt, including a 44.7 yard per game average this season. Newsome also set the single-game record for

ndsmcobserver.com | monday, april 29, 2019 | The Observer

punting with a 59.6-yard average this past year in a win over Vanderbilt.

Chargers’ punter Donnie Jones safely holds the starting job, so Newsome will likely be confined to a scout team role.

However, with Jones having been in the league since 2004, Newsome may eventually be able to work his way up the rotation, especially since the Chargers have no established back-up punter.

Sam Mustipher Former Notre Dame captain Sam Mustipher will move only

a couple of hours away from South Bend to join the Chicago Bears. After going undrafted, Mustipher joined fellow graduate student teammate Alex Bars in signing with the Bears on Saturday afternoon.

A product of Owings Mills, Maryland, Mustipher was a model of consistency for the Irish. He started 37 consecutive games from his junior season onward and did not give up a single sack or quarterback hit as a senior. This past season, Mustipher was on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, given to the country’s top interior

lineman, and for the second consecutive year, he was looked at for the Rimington Award, given to the nation’s top center.

Despite his collegiate success, Mustipher was not invited to the NFL combine.

The Bears went 12-4 en route to a first-place finish in the NFC North before falling in the Wild Card round to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Kansas State alum Cody Whitehair set at center, Mustipher will likely be restricted early in his career. However, should injuries plague the team, Mustipher may be relied upon to take necessary snaps.

Alex Bars Graduate student captain Alex Bars will continue his career as a member of the Chicago Bears. After failing to be selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bars and fellow captain Sam Mustipher signed with the Bears on Saturday afternoon.

After being a member of the offensive scout team his freshman year, Bars saw action in six games his sophomore campaign and received the starting nod twice when former Irish left guard Quentin Nelson was injured. Bars became an immediate contributor after his second year and started every game from the start of his junior year until an ACL injury against Stanford on Sept. 29th cut his season short.

Aside from being named a captain this past season, Bars was named the Outland Trophy watch list, given annually to the nation’s premier interior lineman, and a preseason firstteam All-American by Sporting News.

Should Bars make the Bears’ final roster, he will likely not receive many minutes, but he could be a key reserve if injury issues plague last year’s NFC North leaders.

Zachary yim | The Observer

Former Irish cornerback Julian Love, center, and safety Te’von Coney, right, celebrate a play during Notre Dame’s 22-17 win over Vanderbilt on Sept. 15. The Giants drafted Love, and Coney signed with the Raiders.

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Te’von Coney Former

Irish

linebacker

11

Te’von Coney signed with the Oakland Raiders after failing to be chosen on the final day of the 2019 NFL draft.

Coney began his Notre Dame career as a reserve linebacker while primarily participating in special teams. He progressively saw more action as the years unfolded and became a staple of the Notre Dame defense. His junior season saw him breakout and led the Irish with 116 tackles, the most since former Irish linebacker Manti Te’o recorded 128 in 2011, including 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced/recovered fumble on the opening play of the 49-14 victory over USC. Coney continued his stellar play in his final year, once more leading the Irish with 123 total tackles, 63 of them unassisted and 9.5 for loss. He also posted six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and one interception. Coney’s senior year play earned him spots on watch lists for the Butkus award, given to the top linebacker in the nation, as well as the Bronko Nagurski and Bednarik awards, given to the top defensive player in college football.

Coney was also awarded Notre Dame’s impact player award after his junior season.

At 6-foot-1, 240-pound Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, product will look to earn a roster spot for the Raiders, who finished last in the AFC West with a 4-12 record. Coney will also try to aid in filling the void left by the trade of linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears.

Nick Coleman Former Irish safety Nick Coleman will look to join Irish teammate Te’von Coney on the Oakland Raiders next season. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, the Raiders extended an invitation to Coleman to participate in the team’s rookie minicamp.

Coleman was a steady contributor for the Irish over his four years, starting on special teams as a freshman and working his way into a starting role. Coleman also received increased playing time due to season-ending injuries to cornerback Shaun Crawford their sophomore and junior years.

The 6-foot, 194-pound native of Dayton, Ohio, played in 49 games in his career and recorded 82 tackles — 52 of which were solo — to go along with two tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections and a 27-yard interception return on Senior Night against Florida State.

With the Raiders looking to rebound from a last-place finish in the AFC West, Coleman may be able to work his way into a scouting team role. The Raiders were 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game as well as 14th and 19th in interceptions and passing yards allowed, respectively, so Coleman could contribute to a secondary that needs development.

12

The observer | monday, april 29, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

football | nfl draft

Six former Irish players drafted, 5 sign deals Observer Sports Staff

Six former Notre Dame players were selected over the seven rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft this past weekend. Five other Irish players who did not hear their names called have signed with or been invited to try out for teams within the league, while a handful of other Irish players are still awaiting offers from teams.

Jerry Tillery On Thursday, former Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 28th overall pick. With the selection, Tillery becomes the first Irish defensive lineman to be selected in the first round since 1997, when defensive end Renaldo Wynn was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 21st overall pick. He is the first defensive tackle to be selected in the first 32 since 1994, when the 49ers took Bryant Young at No. 7.

Tillery was the only Irish player selected in the first

round, but his teammates cornerback Julian Love, wide receiver Miles Boykin, linebacker Drue Tranquill, running back Dexter Williams and tight end Alizé Mack were all taken in subsequent rounds.

Tillery is the 69th Notre Dame player to be selected in the first round in the history of the Draft, and the ninth first-rounder to be selected in the 2010s. He is the 499th Irish athlete to be drafted, making Notre Dame the school with the second-most draft picks ever, behind only USC, which has 502. In Los Angeles, Tillery will join former Irish teammate and defensive end Isaac Rochell, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2017.

In his four years in an Irish uniform, Tillery — a Shreveport, Louisiana, native — played in 50 games, amassing 12 solo sacks, eight of which came in his 2018 campaign, for a total of 76 yards. He made 70 solo tackles, assisting on 65 for a total of 135 in his career — 24.5 of which were for loss, see FOOTBALL PAGE 10

EDDIE GRIESIDIECK | The Observer

Former Irish defensive lineman Jerry Tillery makes a tackle during Notre Dame’s 56-27 win over Wake Forest on Sept. 22 at BB&T Field. Tillery was drafted in the first round Thursday by the Los Angeles Chargers.

bookstore basketball | finnies next door 21, st. andrew’s products 12; roll tribe 21, harden the paint 5

Bookstore Basketball champions crowned Roll Tribe coasts to victory in women’s division

Finnies Next Door wins open championship

By HAYDEN ADAMS

By HAYDEN ADAMS

Associate Sports Editor

Associate Sports Editor

After a month of games, the Bookstore Basketball open tournament came to an end Sunday evening with Finnies Next Door claiming the title over St. Andrew’s Products with a final score of 21-12.

This is the second year in a row that the St. Andrew’s Products-sponsored team has fallen in the championship.

In addition to featuring senior Mikey Bernard, junior Danny Walsh and sophomore Justin Enochs, Finnies Next Door was headlined by graduate student Liam Nelligan, a walk-on to the varsity basketball team, and assistant men’s basketball coach Ryan Ayers, a member of the Notre Dame class of 2009. Ayers commented on what the Bookstore Basketball tournament means to him as a faculty member.

The Bookstore Basketball women’s tournament came to a close Sunday evening as team Roll Tribe defeated team Harden the Paint by a score of 21-5. Roll Tribe, comprised of Killian Mountford, Addison Quinn, Grace Quinn, Natalie Vellutini and Melissa Lechlitner, controlled the game from the outset and, ironically, kept Harden the Paint from having any success down low.

“It’s a tradition unlike any other at Notre Dame, so it’s great to be a part of it,” freshman Addison said.

Mountford, a sophomore, echoed her teammate’s sentiment.

“Yeah, out here it’s amazing and it was very fun,” Mountford said. “I had a great time and I’m glad we won.”

see O BOOKSTORE PAGE 9

ANNA MASON | The Observer

A basketball hoop stands on the Bookstore Basketball courts. The tournament concluded Sunday, with Finnies Next Door winning the open division and Roll Tribe taking victory in the women’s game.

see W BOOKSTORE PAGE 9