No. 1 (Aug. 29, 2013)

UNEWS

ARTS

Looking forward to a ‘Killer’ LouFest

SPORTS PAGE 9 Bills take down No. 8 Akron in front of a rowdy crowd

unewsonline.com

OPINION PAGE 13 Biondi, passing the torch

A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1919

Vol. XCIII No. 1

PAGE 6

Thursday, August 29, 2013

In retrospect: A quarter century of change

By WOLF HOWARD News Editor

ficer David Heimburger, Vice President for Administration Bridget Fletcher, and Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield.

President Lawrence BionThe current vice presidents di, S.J., will retire as president will also retain their posiof Saint Louis University on tions on the Executive Staff.

Sept. 1, 2013, according to Adorjan stated that Biona letter sent out by Board di will take a one year sabof Trustees Chairman J. Joe batical.

Adorjan on August 16. Bill “During his sabbatical, he Kauffman, vice president will continue his activities in and general counsel, will bebuilding national and intercome the interim president. national support for Saint Kauffman will not be in Louis Uniconsiderversity, but ation for a he will have permanent During his sabbatical no day-torole as presihe will continue his day respondent, Adoractivities in building sibilities jan said in national and interfor leaderhis letter. national support for ship of the K au f f m a n’s University,” appoint[SLU] Adorjan ment was -Joe Adorjan, said. He is approved by Board Chairman expected to the Board’s take a new Executive le adership C o m m i tte e upon his return. and his time as interim is exA full search for a new pected to continue “for this University President is exfiscal year or until such time pected to begin after the as a successor is in place.”

Sept. 28 Board meeting.

In order to support KauffBiondi’s retirement folman during the period of lows a tumultuous year, filled transition, the Executive with conflict between faculCommittee also approved a ty, staff, administrative and new Office of the Chairman. student groups.

It will be staffed by Interim The latest conflict came Vice President for Academic during the summer when Affairs Ellen Harshman, Vice President for Medical Affairs Philip Alderson, Vice PresiSee “Retirement” on Page 3 dent and Chief Financial of-

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Steve Dolan/Saint Louis University

Gala: Biondi speaking at his 25th Anniversary Gala on May 4, 2013, where he announced his intention to retire.

Biondi leaves legacy of influence and improvements

By WOLF HOWARD News Editor

The retirement of Lawrence Biondi, S.J., as the president of Saint Louis University marks the close of his 25 year-long tenure in the position; his legacy includes major improvements in research funding and the university endowment, millions of dollars of development and renovation on the Frost

and Medical campuses and significant advancements in the academic caliber of SLU as a whole, among many other important changes.

Biondi became the president of SLU in 1987. In the academic year preceding his appointment, the University received $8.96 million in research funding. In fiscal year 2012, researchers at SLU received $51 million in funding, a marked increase. With the assistance of a greater amount of funding, SLU

50 years of service

was recognized as a ‘Research University’ by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1994.

Classification as a ‘Research University’ requires an institution to award at least 20 research doctoral degrees in a year.

The university endowment has also grown from $93 million to $890 million,

Great Scott ...

Law school opens

John Schuler/The University News

Law School: The student lounge at the new Joe and Loretta Scott Law Center includes an impressive balcony.

By WOLF HOWARD News Editor

Photos courtesy of Kyle Braun and Saint Louis Univesity Archives

Oriflamme: The student-led group dedicating its services to first years is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor

2013 marks 50 years of hard work from Saint Louis University’s own Oriflamme organization. The volunteer-based group has dedicated this past half century to making freshman students feel welcome and comfortable at the University.

“Oriflamme’s purpose is to help new Saint Louis University students transition to life at SLU,” said

Anastacia Sontag, Program Coordinator for the Student Involvement Center. “For residential students, they assist with move-in. However, on a larger scale, they help students feel connected to the institution, answer questions, and feel confident in their decision to attend Saint Louis University.”

The organization, started in 1963, originally consisted of a group of male students at SLU in the College of Arts and Sciences. These students would serve as escorts, tour guides for visit-

ing dignitaries, and ushers for university events. Four years later, the group was given the responsibility of the annual Welcome Week, in which each leader was appointed to a group of freshmen. Although there was no summer orientation, the group served as the initial mentors for freshmen for their registration and acclimation to the University.

Resembling King St. Louis of France and his military symbol, the name Oriflamme and a uniform of a

red arm band with a gold fleur de lis was adopted and symbolized membership to the organization. Due to political connotation, however, the armband was later replaced by a gold shirt displaying the red Oriflamme shield. This gold color then changed to what is now the organization’s signature orange color.

In 1973, the organization became coed and later See “Oriflamme” on Page 3

See “Legacy” on Page 3

This school year marks the opening of the Joe and Loretta Scott Law Center, the new home of Saint Louis University’s School of Law. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Aug. 16, marking the School’s official move from Morrissey Hall on Frost Campus to its downtown location at 100 Tucker Blvd.

The new home of the law school was gifted to the university by St. Louis businessman Joe H. Scott Sr. and his wife Loretta in 2012.

The Center underwent construction and renovation throughout all of last year, adding a 12th floor and significantly altering the look

and utility of the rest of the building.

The 12th floor has become the centerpiece of the Center building. It features a significantly improved courtroom to that of Morrissey Hall. More seating has been added in addition to state of the art technology and a wall of windows looking out on the city. The courtroom will continue to host the St. Louis Appellate Court on occasion, as it has historically, but the new address and improved facilities add a level of convenience and prestige to both the School of Law and downtown St. Louis.

“It’s going to be terrific to See “Law” on Page 4

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

A new cross-cultural experience The Center for Global Citizenship promotes a global SLU

By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor

Billiken 5k set for Labor Day

By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor

LaTanya Buck.

The Center also includes many of SLU’s international offices, such as the CrossCultural and Intercultural Studies centers, International Student Services and multicultural student organizations.

“It highlights SLU’s serious intention to educate students who are culturally aware, socially responsible and globally conscious citizens,” said Porterfield. “It makes a big statement about the impact of globalization on higher education in the 21st Century.”

With SLU’s growing population of international students, the CGC also provides a place to support these numbers, encourage interaction and promote further growth of SLU’s international population.

International ambassador Christina Chen said the Center has proved very useful for their international student orientation activities, which have included singing kara-

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Thurdsday, August 22

9:06 a.m. - ACCIDENTAL INJURY

A SLU student was moving into the dorm and cut her leg on her suitcase. Her parents took her to SLUH ER for treatment.

1:51 p.m. - PROPERTY DAMAGE (NON-CRIMINAL)

A DPS officer was exiting the alley and accidentally struck a light pole, causing minor damage to the right passenger mirror.

Saturday, August 24

6:29 a.m. - STEALING UNDER $500

A student reported that unknown person(s) took her eight bath towels from the common laundry area.

Monday, August 28

3:30 a.m. - SIMPLE ASSAULT

A SLU student reported, on Sunday morning, he was punched in the face by another SLU student. Alcohol was involved by both parties. The victim refused medical attention.

10:27 p.m. - ACCIDENTAL INJURY

A SLU student accidentally smashed her finger in a gate. DPS officers responded.

Be a Responsible Billiken STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu dps.slu.edu

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oke and watching movies in the new auditorium.

“The CGC makes me feel as though there is a place on campus that is special for international students, so that they can make new friends,” said Chen. “It is also a place for domestic students to hang out with international students.”

This mergence of student groups ensures a continuous stimulation of global learning and citizenship.

“The Center can serve as a catalyst for new and innovative thinking about a ‘Global SLU’,” said Porterfield. “The character of the CGC will really be developed through its ongoing use and the possibilities that the Center opens are vast.”

As students and faculty continue to explore the center and become acclimated with its uses, Student Development encourages them to think creatively on ways to use the space to further a global education and foster global citizenship.

Michelle Peltier/Saint Louis University

John Schuler/Photo Editor

CGC: Top: An exterior view of the Center for Global Citizenship. Bottom: The global student lounge.

This Monday, Sept. 2, students and public alike will be running for cancer in the fifth annual Billiken 5K. Sponsored by the Saint Louis University Cancer Center and Billiken Athletics, the run/walk will start at Chaifetz Arena on SLU’s campus Labor Day morning and follow a new scenic route over the Grand Bridge through Midtown.

Net proceeds from the race will benefit SLU’s Fleur de Lis Cancer Research Fund. SLU Board of Trustees Chairman, Joe Adorjan, has proposed a challenge to SLU in which he pledges to match a total of $2,500 in donations from SLU’s own students, staff and faculty. Registration for the race also enables participants to contribute to this Chairman’s Challenge.

Race day registration is from 7-7:30 a.m. and is $35.

Besides providing awards to the top overall male and female finishers and to the top three male and females in various age groups, the race also includes many other perks for participants.

Race day includes two raffles, one in which runners can be entered to win two season tickets for every home regular season Billiken Athletic event during the 2013-14 season. These runners will be entered to win if they beat the Billiken mascot in the 5K. A second raffle, specifically for cancer survivors, awards two Rams tickets and field passes to a participant for the Sept. 8 game vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Other free prizes will also be awarded in a raffle for any Billiken 5K participant.

Let Us Introduce You: Vidur Sharma SGA president loves reading Garfield and travelling

By WOLF HOWARD News Editor

“I want to be a hospital administrator in a global health care system,” Sharma said. He held up Cleveland An encounter with a seClinic’s new medical campus ries of vocally perturbed in Abu Dhabi as an example rattlesnakes in the tall grass of the type of work he hopes of Santa Clara, CA, takes the to do, and he stated that othtitle of Vidur Sharma’s most er institutions are starting to frightening moment in life. create international health His group saw a baby care systems. The chance to rattlesnake first, a sight they travel and stay involved with found pleasant, before stuman international community bling upon an adult rattleof health care providers and snake, rattling its tail. patients is his ultimate goal.

“I don’t know if you’ve Though he doesn’t claim heard a rattlesnake rattle many activities as hobbies, before,” Sharma said with Sharma finds fun in his wide eyes, “but it’s terrifywork, and in forcing himself ing.” Dazed to try new with fear, things. the group “[I’m] alPersonal growth m o v e d ways pushdoesn’t happen slowly past, ing myself,” only to run S h a r m a unless you jump into another said. “Peroutside of your rattlesnake, sonal growth shaking comfort zone. doesn’t hapaway. They pen unless -Vidur Sharma, shuffled you jump fearfully to SGA President outside of the nearest you comfort road, where zone.” they found That philosophy was safety. one of the major factors in “That was definitely the his decision to run for Vice scariest moment of my life,” President of Finance in the Sharma said. Despite his ter2012 SGA elections. He had rifying encounter, Sharma never been in a major finanlikes to travel. Just last sumcial role for a group, but he mer he traveled to his homechallenged himself to get town of Eagan, MN, in adinto unfamiliar territory. dition to his coast-to-coast He said the greatest lesvisits in Santa Clara and son he took away from the Pittsburg. He even made it experience was the ability out to Puebla, Mexico. to connect with people. In And while a major in order to speak with student health management may not leaders from 136 chartered seem to lend itself to mobilstudent organizations, all ity, his interest in travel carwith very different views and ries over into his career aspineeds, and communicate the rations. financial world of SGA to

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Saint Louis University students were welcomed to a slightly different campus this year with the new addition of the Center for Global Citizenship (CGC). The Center opened in May and includes the newly renovated Bauman-Eberhardt Center as well as Des Peres Hall.

The $8.5 million renovation took approximately 12 months to complete and has left SLU with a new unique facility that fosters to a growing need of global education.

“The intent [of the project] was to repurpose an aging and under-utilized facility in the middle of campus and to establish a center that would advance global learning and foster global citizenship at SLU,” said Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield.

The renovation project was a collaboration of efforts from several SLU departments, including Student Development, Academic Affairs and Business and Finance. It also incorporated the opinions of many other consultants and SLU students to ensure the most effective and desired use of the space.

Amongst other things, the CGC features a new global commons, high-tech auditorium, 360 degree classrooms, an interfaith prayer space, conference rooms and lounges and a new international cafe. Offering a different global cuisine every week, even the cafe aids in the promotion of international knowledge.

“The CGC serves as physical representation and an iconic base for global education and service at Saint Louis University,” said Cross Cultural Center Director

NEWS

Wolf Howard/News Editor

them in a coherent fashion, Sharma said connecting on a real level with people was absolutely essential.

He hopes to stay engaged and carry the lessons he learned with him into his time as the president of SGA for the 2013-2014 school year. Yet, despite the serious responsibilities and time commitments that come with being president of any organization, Sharma reads the daily Garfield comic at the start of every day, before anything else.

Once he’s got his morning comic out of the way, Sharma’s primary concern this year will be staying in touch with the student body.

“It is so important to me to remain involved on campus and to continue attending events where I can meet as many students as possible,” Sharma said. “My message to my peers is simple: if you would like me to attend a particular event or meeting, or just grab coffee, please let me know and I would love to do so!”

NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Retirement: Exit set for Sept. 1 Continued from Page 1

Timeline of Events Oct. 11, 2012

College of Arts & Sciences votes no confidence in Biondi

Oct. 30, 2012

Faculty Senate votes no confidence in Biondi

Dec. 21, 2012

Annoucement of campus-wide survey

April 12, 2013

Brouster resigns as Chairman of the Board

July 18, 2013

Press Release from Steve Harris accusing Biondi of targeted attacks

Aug. 6, 2013

Biondi responds to faculty accusations in a commentary published by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Aug. 18, 2013 Chairman Adorjan announces Biondi’s official retirement date of Sept. 1, 2013

Biondi was accused of selectively targeting faculty for reductions in recommended salary raises on the basis of their involvement in the No Confidence movement. The accusation was made in a press release dated July 18, 2013, and written by Steve Harris, the president of the SLU chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

It was found that 20 faculty in the school of Arts and Sciences had their recommended pay raises reduced

by Biondi.

According to an article written by an unnamed group of SLU math professors, there were 25 faculty members that were considered outspoken in their opposition to Biondi’s position as president. Outspoken opponents were determined to be leaders in the Faculty Senate, Faculty Council and the AAUP, “as well as those whose opinions appeared in the press, wrote letters to the board or spoke at rallies and information sessions,” as stated in the article.

Of those 25 faculty members, 16 had their salary recommendations adjusted.

The professors then attempted to demonstrate that these faculty members had been Biondi targeted by as a means of retribution. By statistical analysis, the faculty argued that it was essentially

statistically impossible that the reductions were not a targeted attack by the president.

Biondi responded with a commentary published by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Aug. 8. In it he stated that the current year’s process for salary increases was the same as that which had occurred over the last 34 years.

“At the direction of the Board, the president is responsible for considering all of the comprehensive aspects for faculty performance,” Biondi said in the letter. “… Including the faculty’s contributions to help fulfill the University’s Mission, as well as the president’s vision to make SLU the finest Catholic, Jesuit University in the United States.”

He also stated that no salaries were cut this fiscal year, and that those who were reprimanding him all received salary increases and were in the minority, consisting of 16 out of 4,200 full-time faculty and staff.

“These recent complaints continue the saga of behavior from a small number of dissident faculty members, who obviously lack the stark reality that their profession… requires them to be accountable,” Biondi said. “The past year’s turmoil from these complainers has been selfinflicted, self-absorbed and self-serving, and not in the best interest of our students’ hopes and dreams.”

First-year students show their Billiken spirit

Legacy: Biondi leaves his mark Continued from Page 1

thanks in large part to Biondi’s fundraising efforts and the schools various improvements since his arrival on campus. An endowment is an important source of funding for a university. Monetary gifts and owned assets are included in the calculation of the endowment.

While funding is one of the most important parts of any academic institution’s growth, most public recognition of Biondi’s actions surrounds his development of the Midtown landscape.

At the time of his appointment, SLU owned real estate that was scattered throughout the neighborhood. West Pine Boulevard ran directly through what is now the heart of Frost Campus, and a lot of the area consisted of dilapidated buildings and disinterested through-traffic.

Biondi’s focus on the real estate acquisition allowed for the creation of the West Pine Mall, uniting all of campus from Vandeventer Avenue to Grand Boulevard He would later influence the purchase of all of the land between Grand Boulevard and Compton Avenue, allowing for the construction of Chaifetz Arena and McDonnell-Douglas Hall, two staples of the university.

His work also stretched

Kyle Braun/Saint Louis University

Oriflamme: The Billiken and two members of Oriflamme help first years move into their dorms.

Continued from Page 1

For more UNews content, photos and continued coverage, or to apply to be a staff member, go to:

unewsonline.com

south, allowing for the creation of the $82 million Doisy Research Center and a beautified medical campus. In all, the amount of buildings owned by SLU has increased to 131 from 62 before Biondi took his post in 1987. Biondi was at the charge of the development of SLU’s Madrid campus as well. In 1990 the University acquired two buildings that gave an official home to the international program.

Most importantly, SLU has become one of the top 100 universities in the nation under Biondi’s lead.

The School of Medicine was ranked number 70 in graduate level medical research and 79 in best primary care

by US News & World Report , the Health Law program in the law school was ranked number one in the country and SLU maintained an 85 percent undergraduate freshman retention rate in 2011. It also remains the only Jesuit university with a school of public health.The school was established in 1991, at the time only one of 27 in the nation.

In his 25 year tenure as President of Saint Louis University, Biondi’s oversight has led the institution through an impressive period of growth and development; his mark on the University and St. Louis will be felt for years to come.

Oriflamme: Going strong after 50 years

John Schuler/ Photo Editor

Spirit Competition: Freshmen cheer on the Saint Louis University soccer team in the annual spirit competition, held on Saturday, Aug. 24. SLU won the exhibition match 2-0 against the The University of Akron. The spirit competition is only one part of the yearly Freshmen Welcome Week events. New students were invited to top the night off with a concert at Strauss Park, complete with carnival games and samples from local restaurants.

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went through many other distinguishable changes as the University’s population and number of residence halls increased. Registration, summer orientation, or SLU 101, and the date of the first day of classes all altered the organization’s responsibilities and Oriflamme became the group that it is now.

Today, members are selected and trained through an application process. Their main responsibilities consist mainly of providing an antidote for freshman homesickness and promoting a sense of belonging at SLU. “Oriflamme gives students a preview of how much fun they will have here at SLU,” said Oriflamme President Keilah Johnson.

Having made freshman feel comfortable and welcomed at SLU for 50 years now, Oriflamme enjoyed a well-deserved celebration last Tuesday, Aug. 20. Members gathered at Carlo Auditorium for a congratulatory celebration with words of best wishes from Vice Presi-

dent for Student Development Kent Porterfield and Women’s Commission Coordinator Mary Bruemmer.

The 150 Oriflamme members also enjoyed cake and beverages before gearing up to welcome the class of 2017.

“The orange Oriflamme T-shirts were also changed this year to celebrate [the anniversary],” said Sontag.

“The T-shirt typically has the logo; however, this year it reads ‘1963-2013’. Underneath it also reads ‘Celebrating 50 Years’.”

In addition to the T-shirts expressing an honorable half-decade of work and the celebration last week, Oriflamme will celebrate their milestone anniversary during Family Weekend.

“We are having a special Oriflamme reception for alumni during Homecoming,” said Johnson.

The reception, from 6-7p.m. in the Busch Student Center, invites all past and present Oriflamme leaders and their families to celebrate a milestone 50 years of the organization and its history.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

NEWS

Law: New location adds to value, convenience of program Continued from Page 1

stark contrast from Omar Poos Law Library, its position on the fifth and sixth have that access for our stufloor opens the rooms up dents going out and for judgand creates a more pleasant es [coming in],” Callis Famatmosphere. The top of the ily Professor of Law Roger Civil Courts Building can be Goldman said. seen from the window of the The new location places new reading room, standing SLU Law at the heart of St. as a statement of where a caLouis’ legal community, loreer in law might take you. cated just across from the Goldman has been a civil courts and within walkmember of the Law School ing distance of the appeals faculty since 1971, and has court and many other law seen the school exist in three buildings. different it“[The loerations. cation] really In his earmakes you [The location] liest years feel like part the school of a legal really makes was located community,” you feel like at 3652 LinJon Baris, asdell, now sistant dean part of a legal home to the of student community Earth and services said Atmospherof the new -Jon Baris, Asst. Dean of ic Sciences location. “All Student Development department; of us are rethe building ally excited had no air to be here.” conditioning.

In addition to proximity, “The windows were open the new law building adds off Lindell,” Goldman said. convenience for its students “That meant birds flew into with in-house legal clinics. the room, and the noise from Legal clinics are non-profit the traffic… was tremenlaw practices generally indous.” The buildings utilized tended to aid disadvantaged by the School of Law were individuals or groups that scattered across campus are unable to afford typiand didn’t have any coherent cal legal help. The Catholic flow or centralization.

Legal Assistance Ministry Even when the school is located on the same floor completed its move into as the clinics and provides Morrissey Hall important assistance for family and offices and classrooms stood immigration matters. Dozseparate from the more cenens of study rooms exist tral location. With this in throughout the building, mind, Goldman praised the providing a quiet space to coherent layout of the Law work alone or in groups. DoCenter. ing away with chalkboards, “The flow makes sense each study room features and it hangs together,” Golda full-sized wall that funcman said. He also stated that tion as a blackboard. Expo alumni that work downtown markers are able to write and complimented the building erase easily, giving plenty of on its new exterior, having space for students to sketch never noticed it before SLU out their thoughts. The Cenmoved in. ter also has a new library. A

John Schuler/Photo Editor

John Schuler/ Photo Editor

John Schuler/ Photo Editor

Law Center: Top: The lobby of the twelfth floor. Students have access to an updated courtroom and a modern lounge.

Left: The library windows look out onto the city. Right: State-of-the-art classrooms add to student experience.

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UNews

Arts Entertainment

August 29, 2013 arts@unewsonline.com Molly Rippinger, Arts Editor Kendra Cruse, Assoc. Arts Editor

Looking forward to LouFest

In less than two weeks time, Forest Park will be flooded with thousands of fans coming out to enjoy the fourth annual LouFest music festival. The weekend’s lineup will include huge headliners (Wilco, The Killers, Alabama Shakes and The National) along with over 25 other artists and bands ranging from indie rock sibling duos (Wild Belle) to electronic pop bands from Stockholm (Icona Pop).

This year’s LouFest promises to be the biggest yet, and founder Brian Cohen couldn’t be more excited for the first set on Sept. 7.

“This year, we’ve added an extra stage so we were able to fit 30 bands into the lineup and are expecting our largest crowds yet,” said Cohen.

While the buzz is certainly increasing as the clock ticks down to LouFest, it was only four short years ago when longtime concert-goer Cohen finally decided to make his dream of bringing a nationally recognized music festival to the heart of St. Louis a reality.

Before landing in St. Louis for a job opportunity as a media specialist and documentary production instructor at Washington University, the Texan transplant became a fan of indie music festivals by annually attending one of the nation’s best, Austin City Limits. Known for finding the right balance between crowd-catching headliners and a fan-friendly environment, ACL was a

music festival with a national following.

Cohen saw what tremendous effects the concert had on the city, plus the boost it gave to the local music scene, so he immediately saw the same potential in St. Louis when he arrived in 2003. (Not to mention Cohen was just plain bummed that St. Louis did not have an equivalent, so he took matters into his own hands.)

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Nobody wants this to become a generic event that could exist anywhere, because then LouFest would lose its soul.

-Brian Cohen, LouFest Founder

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By MOLLY RIPPINGER Arts Editor

After a busy year of planning with city officials, park directors and a very talented team of organizers, Cohen brought a large-scale music festival to Central Field in Forest Park. For two blistering hot days in August 2010, an impressive lineup took turns taking the stage to perform in front of 10,000 fans that enjoyed not only the eclectic array of music, but also the hip local food venues, and eco-friendly focus of the event. The first LouFest was a hit and Cohen has never looked back.

Sitting in his Wash. U. office, Cohen explained that, “LouFest was built from a See “LouFest” on Page 8

Listen Live Entertainment

LouFest: Crowds in Central Field cheered as a band wrapped up an afternoon set during last year’s music festival.

The Butler: Black history, big names captivate audiences

Zennie Abraham

Butler: Forest Whitaker (above) and a star-studded cast deliver in this highly anticipated late-summer blockbuster.

Released to theaters Aug. 16, 2013, Lee Daniels’ The Butler is a true homage to the American spirit.

T h e film was inspired by a 2008 article released in the wake of TK Smith Presid e n t Barack Obama’s election called “A Butler Well Served

by This Election.” The article was written by Washington Post reporter Will Haygood, who went on to write his New York Times best seller, “The Butler: A Witness to History.” The article uncovers the awe-worthy

life of Eugene Allen, a Black American who served in the White House throughout 8 presidencies, or from Truman to Reagan. Director Lee Daniels (Precious) was inspired by the piece and created the film alongside writer Danny Strong (Mad Men).

The film is based closely on Allen’s life, but is fictionalized for the sake of style and a greater purpose.

Forest Whitaker plays Cecil Gaines, the man based on Allen. Whitaker is just one big name on a long list of stars that form the cast.

Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alan Rickman, James Marsden, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Robin Williams and so many more noteworthy actors grace this historical

drama.

The film follows Cecil Gaines, a man born into a family of Georgian sharecroppers and forced to begin his legacy as so many American blacks had; in the field. Abused by overseers, Gaines’ mother (Mariah Carey) was physiologically unsettled, and his father (David Banner) was killed for speaking out against the abuse. Young and orphaned, Gaines was given an opportunity that shaped the rest of his life; he was taught to serve. After leaving his home behind to seek better employment, Gaines eventually made his way to Washington D.C. While serving in a hotel, he was discovered and hired onto the White House staff.

Gaines worked in the

White House from 1952 to 1986 under various presidents who were dealing with major racial and social issues in the United States.

The film goes back and forth between the pressures of the White House and the pressures of black Americans who are being called to action. One such black American was Gaines’ oldest son, Louis (Oyelowo) who found himself as part of some of the greatest political and social movements in American history. A dramatic piece, the film is full of harsh, touching and thought-provoking moments. There is a relatable depth to how the film depicts life, tragedy truth and love that many historical See “Butler” on Page 7

From Tupac to Kanye, the ruin of realistic rap Last week I was flipping through television channels.

Tired of the trite “Diners, DriveIns, and Dives” a n d “Sports Center,” I stopped on “Notorious,” the story Tony Traina of the rise and dramatic death of “gangsta” rapper Notorious B.I.G. It brought me back to my high school days. Like many a white suburban frustrated with-my-11 p.m.-curfew teenager, I found release in gangsta rap. I thought I could relate to the sultry street rhymes of Tupac, the deep Brooklyn baritone of Biggie Smalls, and the bitter balladry of Immortal Technique. I thought I could relate to the streets, man. Tupac rapped about guns and corrupt politicians. I had helicopter parents and too much algebra homework.

More than anything, though, I loved the counterculture aspect of it all; politicians, parents, and the media all hated it, which naturally made me love it even more.

“There is absolutely no reason for a record like this to be published. It has no place in our society,” Vice President Dan Quayle said of Tupac’s first album, 2Pacalypse Now. What a difference two decades makes.

Now, it has become com-

monplace for politicians to profess their fandom for rappers of all sorts. Jay-Z is one of the highest profile friends of the First Family. Senator Marco Rubio has avowed his love of Tupac’s music in speeches and interviews.

“In some ways, rappers are like reporters… the ‘90s was a time when this was really pronounced. You had gang wars, racial tension, and they were reporting on that,” Rubio recently said.

Likewise, President Obama has praised Jay-Z for telling “American stories.”

Today’s rap is far from the American story, though. It has become a canticle that over glorifies sex, drugs, and $3,000 bottles of champagne.

Now, rapping about Jesus pieces and Maybachs is more popular than telling the story of the streets; the tales of single mothers working two jobs to support their family have been replaced by anecdotes of a misanthrope rapper’s latest sexual conquest.

When “2Pacalypse Now” was released in 1991, it was an anthem for the disenfranchised, from Tupac’s Compton to Biggie’s Brooklyn.

“They got money for wars but can’t feed the poor./ Say there ain’t no hope for the youth but the truth is there ain’t no hope for the future,” Tupac rapped on “Keep Ya Head Up.” Listen, Tupac was no saint. He was arrested for sexual assault, battery, and See “Rap” on Page 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Festival of Nations

The Butler: black history in the White House

7

OUT on the

TOWN eficial to see that all of these world-changing events happened in the course of one self represented in yet man’s lifetime. another historical film and Unfortunately, The Butler paves the way for other can be viewed as deceptive films, set to be released this because it gives the impresyear. These include Steve sion that America has come McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave “full circle” on racial issues. and Ryan Coogler’s FruitIn the end of the film, Gaines ville Station. In the wake of has the opportunity to meet Quinton Tarintino’s Django current President Barack Unchained, many are left to Obama. After having served contemplate the validity of only white presidents in a the history displayed in the racially divided country, this film as it has been fictionalwould seem to be the end of ized. Lee Daniels’ The Butler a long and hard journey for is successful in that, while it black Americans. It is not. is not a true biography of EuPresent-day racial issues are gene Allan’s life, it is a testaneglected, and the film does ment to black America and the viewer how far it a disserhas come. vice by failThe film ing to condoes a wonnect issues derful job of the past of showing to the presnot only the ent. Though tumultuAmerica has Fannie Lou Hamous life of come very a domestic mer, Civil Rights far regardworker and ing social Activist his family, change, the but it also journey is effectively not over. Having a black portrays American history. president (or even multiraBy blending scenes of the cial president) brings forth White House with actual premature thoughts of a scenes from various black “post-racial America.” Racial movements, the film is rediscussion surrounding curminding moviegoers that rent events such as the Trayblack history is in fact Amervon Martin case and imican history. migration legislation would The associated feelings of prove this idea unsubstanshame and pride belong to tial. all of us as citizens, and for The Butler is dedicated those well versed in black to those who fought to gain history, you will see those equal rights for all in this themes incorporated into country, and it does them the film in various expresjustice. sions. One notable allusion Their struggles and triis the mentioning of Paul umphs are shown by followLaurence Dunbar’s We Wear ing a range of Americans, the Mask to explain the two from those on the front lines faces that black American’s to those at home behind the must bear through opprestelevision. sion.

For those without If anything should be much learning in black histaken away from this film, it tory, the film will capture the is the memory and honor of atmosphere of those extraorthose who fought for everydinary years quite well. thing in place today. Those The film also succeeds in who struggled and gave their following an accurate timelives so that all can enjoy line, whereas too many black of the privileges we have as history movies take bits and Americans. The film goes pieces of the Civil Rights and beyond thanking black crubrush over other important saders, but also recognizes events. feminists, the LGBT comThe audience is not told, munity, union workers, as but rather shown that many well as every American who pivotal moments, including has made this country a betthe implementation of Jim ter place to live.

Crow laws, the assassinaThe movie tells not only tion of numerous influential one man’s story, but the rivleaders and the imprisoneting story of a generation of ment of Nelson Mandela, people who are strong and were not isolated incidents. passionate enough to say, “I Though it may seem difficult am sick and tired of being to conceptualize, it is bensick and tired.”

Continued from Page 6

Festival: Vibrant colors and unique cultural traditions were flaunted on the stages.

This year marked the International Institute’s 13th annual Festival of Nations.

Held in St. Louis’ historic Tower Grove Park, the event attracted crowds from across the globe to celebrate the cultures of a multitude of nations.

The festival divided the park into separate sections, all offering something different for festival-goers to enjoy. In the heart of the action was the main stage, which hosted various ethnic performances such as Mexican folk dances, chanting Tibetan monks, Irish dancers and much more.

The Village Green area was used for teaching cultural dances to festival visitors. There was also a World Music Stage where Brazilian, Indian, French and Caribbean musicians performed using a multitude of instruments. The Folk Grove Stage had interactive storytellers and puppeteers for children, so there was quite literally something for everyone to enjoy.

A large draw to the event was certainly the wide variety of shopping opportunities at the World Bazaar, which snaked its way through the length of the festival grounds. There, booths from countries across the world were selling items unique to their culture. For example, the Russian booth sold hand-painted nesting dolls, while the Chinese booth had intricate paper lanterns and the Kenyan booth had various hand-carved wooden figures.

There were also a large number of demonstrations and workshops at this year’s

Festival of Nations. African hair braiding, henna and calligraphy were all available for festival goers to watch and experience.

The International petting zoo was also open for visitors to pet and play with animals they would not have the chance to see roaming St. Louis. Llamas, goats and camels were available for petting along with more common animals such as sheep, horses and baby pigs.

Also, there was a section set aside for teaching festival goers of the various religions of the world. The religious leaders from different regions stood at booths eager

“

This festival is so important, because the cultural diversity in this city hardly gets a chance to be seen

“

By TK SMITH Staff Writer

-Ashley Hordsford, SLU student

to inform people of their practices.

While walking throughout the festival, the aromas wafting from the food stales were absolutely intoxicating.

Some of the cuisines offered were delicious but easily accessible in St. Louis (Chinese, Mexican and Italian), so the more exotic dishes came from stales serving up Iranian, Scottish and Peruvian plates. And yet, even though many of these vendors came from hundreds of miles away, one stale serving Caribbean food was none other than Saint Louis University student Ashley Hordsford.

She and her family are long-time and devoted members of the Caribbean Association of St. Louis.

“You don’t find many West Indians in the Midwest, and we work to bring the few people here together,” said Hordsford.

The association is a nonprofit and their participation in the festival helps raise funds to keep their organization alive. The food sold at the Caribbean booth was made in the kitchens of the association’s members and served by these member’s hands. “This festival is so important because the cultural diversity in this city hardly ever gets a chance to be seen,” said Hordsford.

The most beneficial aspect of the annual festival was in walking around and interacting with all of the international people. So many attendees came in cultural dress, spoke in their native tongues and danced along to their people’s music. There was so much to learn from people who were not only fellow St. Louisians, but also people with cultural ties across the world.

As university students, we have a responsibility to gain knowledge not only from books, but from what surrounds us. Events like this shrink the world, exposing us to things that are thought-provoking and inspiring events.

If you did not have the opportunity to attend the Festival of Nations remember to take advantage of the diversity around you, because there are people of various cultures from all over the world right here on campus.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and expand your mind.

“

“

Courtesy of The Festival of Nations

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

WE WANT YOU.

Weekly newspaper seeks SLU students interested in writing, photographing, designing, or illustrating. Must be enthusiastic, creative and curious. Must also love long walks on the beach, puppies, and nightly jam sessions.

Arts Editor’s Picks

Movies Lee Daniels’ The Butler Through Sept. 13 The Moolah Theatre Vertigo Friday and Saturday Midnight movie The Tivoli

Festivals Greek Festival Saturday, Aug. 31 Monday, Sept. 2 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Chuch Saturday and Sunday 11am-9pm, Monday 11am-9pm Japanese Festival Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2 Saturday and Sunday 9am-10pm, Monday 10am – 5pm Missouri Botanical Garden Art Fair at Queeny Park Friday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1 Friday 6pm-9, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Greenfelder Recreation Complex

Music Big Muddy Blues Festival Saturday, Aug. 31 Sunday, Sept. 1 1pm-11 Laclede’s Landing Sammy Hagar Saturday, Aug. 31 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Pre-Party St. Louis Folk & Roots Festival Friday, Aug. 30 8pm Off Broadway

Exhibits Mantega to Manray Exhibit Open now through Oct. 27.

St. Louis Art Museum Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Now - Sunday, March 2 Missouri History Museum Sound Waves: Space and Form with DJ Kate Thursday, Aug. 29

Activities Contact eic@unewsonline.com or managing@unewsonline.com

Yoga Under the Gateway Arch!

Saturday, Aug. 31 9am Labor Day Parade Monday, Sept. 2 9am Downtown; starts at 13th and Olive

8

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

They always say, ‘laughter is the best medicine’

By TK SMITH Staff Writer

Every Wednesday at 5:30pm, laughter is happening just steps away from campus at Plush- Midtown’s newest concert venue, bar and restaurant. The building has many levels of raw open space that can be used for a number of things. Laughter yoga finds a home on the second floor where SLU students are facilitating this event, free for all.

Laughter yoga is a series of exercises that exert the funny bone. It is based on the fact that one’s body cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter.

When you force yourself to laugh it releases the same endorphins as if real laughter were occurring, which triggers the body’s chemical reaction to combat stress

and fear with euphoric feelings of joy and happiness.

The exercises themselves blend aspects of yoga’s physicality with forced laughs.

Exercises range from solemn poses to fits of uproarious and uncontrolled laughter.

The event begins with everyone shaking hands and performing their “greeting laugh” to each other.

The forced laughter may seem awkward and absurd but everyone is quickly laughsing at others and the ridiculousness of their own reservations.

Another exercise taught in the event is called “bumper cars.” This involves one revving up their “laughter engine” which evokes small arches of chortles until the engine turns and one releases a fit of uncontrolled laughter.

Senior economics major Janae Shepherd will be facilitating the classes this se-

Rap: tell us something more Continued from Page 6

carrying weapons without licensing. But he rapped about this all with brutal honesty. He portrayed himself as the product of the crumbled system politicians worked so hard to protect.

Tupac used his inc influence to give a voice to the streets and it wasn’t about status; it was about standing up for the neighborhood.

However, rappers and politicians have both changed their tone. In a culture where fame and fortune trumps making good music, being friendly with politi-

cians and business big wigs is the new currency. Instead of bragging about bling and babes, Jay-Z now boasts about hanging out with President Obama.

“Always said if I rapped I’d say something significant./ But now I’m rapping ‘bout money, (girls), and rims again,” Kanye West once mused. Instead of calling yourself Yeezus, tell a story.

Don’t tell us that George Bush hates you. Tell us the stories of poverty, murder and drug addiction happening every day in your native Southside Chicago. Say something significant.

mester. Shepherd inherited the event from previous instructors after experiencing the benefits of laughter yoga for herself.

After a recommendation from her fellow classmate Allegra Meriwether, Shepherd and a few friends had a blast doing the exercises and felt great afterwards.

Passionate about laughter, Shepherd makes for an enthusiastic instructor. If you find yourself laughing at anything it may just be her and her bubbly personality that shines as she leads the class.

“Laughter is my favorite thing to make me happy and to give a laugh is one of the best things I could give somebody,” Shepherd said.

Shepherd praises the exercises as a true combatant to many issues ailing college students including depression, anxiety and stress. 30

minutes of laughter a day can have noticeably positive benefits on one’s body, mood and disposition.

The exercises are meant to help students discover and express their own personal forms of laughter.

“It’s all about being selfaware of your emotions and mentality and realizing that you have control of how you feel about things,” Shepherd said. Not only is each person’s laugh unique, the laughter one has for joy, nervousness or formal situations are all unique and undervalued!

College students who find themselves needing relief should attend a laughter yoga class. They ar e free and conveniently close to campus at Plush. “I think it’s important for anyone who wants to experience something new or just have a good time,” Shepherd said.

Have you laughed today?

Kendra Cruse/Associate Arts Editor

Laughs: SLU student Janae Shepherd has a passion for people and loves sharing the fun art of laughter yoga.

LouFest: Bringing big bands to St. Louis Continued from Page 6

that you don’t have to pay $5 for water, there are a ton of local food vendors with options for everyone, and there’s even a bike valet [provided] through Trailnet so every fan should have the best experience possible.”

Since the beginning, Cohen has wanted the music festival to be unique to St. Louis. That meant keeping it affordable, family friendly, and with an environmental consciousness.

“Nobody wants this to become a generic event that could exist anywhere, be-

cause then LouFest would lose its soul,” said Cohen.

Thus far, Cohen has achieved his initial goal, and he has since seen an impressive increase in the number of fans coming out to experience LouFest.

Admission was up by almost 3,000 tickets from 2011 to 2012, and this year looks to follow suit, especially since the music festival geniuses at C3 Presents (the same group responsible for organizing City Limits, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and many others) have partnered with LouFest. The collaboration has been essential for

®

expanding LouFest by helping to bring in larger headliners and increasing their promotional capabilities.

But, the local bands are not being eliminated from LouFest. This year, the St. Louis natives of Kentucky Knife Fight and the hometown rapper Tef Poe will be given a chance to play for their loyal fans and also to reach a whole new group of potential followers. While Cohen recognizes that some may be skeptical that teaming up with C3 will change what people love so much about LouFest, he promises that they will stay true to

themselves and their initial goals.

LouFest has grown tremendously since that first steamy August weekend in 2010, but at the heart it is still a music festival crafted specifically for St. Louis. Brian Cohen and his team are truly dedicated to making it a unique experience and expect this year to be the best yet.

Kick off the school year right and go to LouFest on Sept. 7-8! Single and two day passes are still available for $55 and $95 respectively.

Head to LouFest.com for more information.

That all-nighter might cost you, but at least your checking won’t.

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- Free ATM transactions at 5,000+ U.S. Bank ATMs and 3,000+ branch locations in 25 states - 4 free non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement cycle2 - Free Online and Mobile Banking3 - Free email and text alerts to notify of payment reminders, low balance, deposits made3 - Free online statements4 - Free first order of U.S. Bank logo checks Visit the on-campus U.S. Bank branch located at the Busch Student Center on the lower level to open an account today.

Checking

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branch usbank.com/student 800.771.BANK (2265) From MONEY Magazine, October 2012 ©2012 Time Inc. MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of U.S. Bank.

1. All regular account opening procedures apply. $25 minimum deposit required to open an account.

2. A surcharge fee will be applied by the ATM owner, unless they are participating in the MoneyPass® network. 3. You may be charged access fees by your carrier, dependent upon your personal plan. Web access is needed to use Mobile Banking. Check with your carrier for details on specific fees and charges.

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UNews

Sports

August 29, 2013 sports@unewsonline.com Alex Kozich, Sports Editor Ryan Glover, Assoc. Sports Editor

Soccer takes aim at promising season 2013 Men’s soccer schedule Aug.30 Sept.6 Sept.8 Sept.11 Sept. 14 Sept.21 *Sept.28 Oct.2 Oct.6 Oct.11 Oct.13 Oct.19 Oct.25 Oct.27 Oct.31 Nov.3 Nov.8 Nov.10

vs. Oral Roberts @ Cincinnati @ Northern Illinois @ Evansville vs. Denver @Connecticut vs. Central Arkansas vs. Creighton @ VCU vs. Fordham vs. George Washington vs. Dayton @ St.Bonaventure @Duquesne @Louisville vs. Saint Joseph’s @ Rhode Island @ Massachusetts

Three games in the spotlight

7:00pm 6:30pm 11:00am 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 12:00pm 7:30pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 2:30pm 11:00am 6:00pm 1:00pm 6:00pm 12:00pm

1. Oct. 2 vs No. 6 Creighton

Last Season, the Bills upset the then #7 Blue Jays 3-1 in Omaha. This season, the Jays will be looking for payback at Hermann Stadium. With both teams ranked a mere 1 spot apart in the preseason polls, this was an easy choice for the season top game.

2. Sept. 28 vs Central Arkansas This game makes the list simply because it is the homecoming game. In the last three years, the team is 2-0-1 and has played a total of 4 overtime periods in those games. Few games have been as consistantly exciting as the homecoming game.

3. Sept. 21 at No. 5 Connecticut This game would be higher on the list if it was a home game. Either way, any game against a top-5 team is going to draw a lot of attention.

Allegra Merriweather/Design Director

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

Great expectations. that’s what the 2013 Saint Louis University men’s soccer program stare down this season, in addition to the harder task of living up to those lofty expectations. The team has some of the biggest pre-season hype of any men’s soccer team in recent memory.

Ten starters and 93 percent of last season’s goal scoring are returning. They have received numerous pre-season accolades including forward Robert Kristo and defender Anthony Manning being named to the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List (the Heisman trophy of college soccer).

They are predicted to win the Atlantic 10 conference and have last year’s A-10 and

the Mid-Atlantic National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Coach of the Year. They also hold a ranking of No. 15 in the NSCAA coaches’ pre-season poll for this upcoming season.

“I think it is important to stay even keel and stay the same,” said senior defender Jon Roeckle. “No matter who we play we have to act the same way. We can’t take one

opponent lightly and then only look forward to the big games, we have to look forward to every game.”

Certainly a different attitude from last season. Last season was the best of times and the worst of times for the team. The best of times came by winning 16 games last season, some against nationally ranked opponents like: Louisville, Creighton and Virginia Common-

Volleyball starts season with tribute to fallen teammate

By RYAN GLOVER Associate Sports Editor

On Aug. 24, the Saint Louis University volleyball team hosted the annual alumni match to kick off their 2013 season. Family and friends of the SLU volleyball community gathered at Chaifetz Arena on Saturday afternoon for the inaugural Megan Boken Alumni Volleyball Match.

Hundreds of students, parents and alumni congregated together in remembrance of Megan, who last year at this time tragically lost her life. Her story is a sobering reminder of the dangers we live with.

On Aug. 18, 2012, Megan Boken was once again in the city where she spent her college years. A 2011 graduate of Saint Louis University, Megan earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration.

She began her profession-

CHEER

JEER

Bill Barrett/ Billiken Athletics

Boken: Friends and volleyball alumni all gathered last weekend for the inaugural Megan Boken Alumni Volleyball Match in Chaifetz Pavilion. al career as a Financial Adviser with Edward Jones in Wheaton, a suburb of Chicago. It is the same place that Megan grew up, where years ago she attended St. Francis High School. On that fateful Saturday afternoon last

August, Megan was near the intersection of Maryland and Taylor in the Central West End, a few short miles from campus. She was sitting in her Volkswagen when she became the victim of an armed robbery attempt.

Megan was shot twice, and later pronounced dead at Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Megan Boken was a fouryear volleyball player at See “Boken” on Page 12

FEAR

WHO TO CHEER: MATT HARVEY The Mets’ ace is probably done for the season with a partial tear in his elbow. If so, a tip of the cap to the right-hander, who went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA, good enough for second in the bigs. It’s a shame seasons like his (and Stephen Strasburg’s last season) have to end early due to health issues.

wealth, winning the A-10 conference tournament and earning a No. 8 national ranking in the NCAA tournament. However, the bright season quickly soured into the worst of times. The Bills faced Fairleigh Dickinson in the second round of the NCAA tournament, but were eliminated in a heartbreaking double overtime loss.

“I think most of the kids

are pretty grounded,” said Head Coach Mike McGinty.

“I think we learned a lot of really important lessons last year with our exit to Fairleigh Dickinson and I don’t think any of us are going to get bent out of shape or carried away with our rankings because at the end of the day See “Soccer” on Page 11

Show your Billiken pride post welcome week Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Think back to Welcome W e e k y o u r freshm a n y e a r, whether that be four y e a r s ago or Bri Radici just last week.

Remember the soccer game you attended after all of the awkward icebreakers and the countless games of “scoot your boot”? You know, the one with the residence hall floor competitions, the face paint, and the sore throat that lasted for days because you were cheering so loud?

We filed into Hermann Stadium and in an instant became introduced to what has become one of one of my favorite parts of SLU: Billiken athletics.

As a SLU tradition, the soccer game included not only a spirit competition

for the freshmen, but also a seemingly effortless orientation as to what SLU Billiken athletic events are all about: the excitement, the talented athletes, the community atmosphere and the support and enthusiasm of the fans.

Maybe you didn’t recognize it at the time, but you were witnessing a one-of-akind spectacle of talent and camaraderie made possible by not only athletes, but Billiken fans of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and beliefs. What’s the one thing all of these fans and athletes have in common?

Their love for the blue and white. Their passion for showing pride in their team.

Their mutual agreement, that while no one else outside of SLU may know what a Billiken is; that slightly creepy, winking, mascot brings delight to every game.

Ok, so maybe that was more than one thing they had in common. But that just proves my point.

See “SLU” on Page 12

By TONY TRAINA, Managing Editor WHO TO JEER: REX RYAN Until further notice, Jets’ coach Rex Ryan will be occupying this corner of the UNews. The man quite literally makes the Jets worse; rookie Geno Smith looked terrible, so he put buttfumble extraordinaire Mark Sanchez on in the 4th quarter, only for Sexy Sanchez to get his shoulder hurt.

Tebow time, anyone?

WHO TO FEAR: NCAA FOOTBALL The college football season is chock-full of excitement; it’s a 13week playoff, with the winner vying to take on the latest survivor of the SEC. While most schools line up cupcakes on week one, national title contenders Georgia and Clemson square off on Saturday night, leaving SLU students wishing we had a football team.

10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Follow us

11

For E.Z., easy does it

U SPORTS

@TheUNewsSports

By BRIAN HAENCHEN Staff Writer

For the latest Billiken coverage

Scoreboard Men’s Soccer 0-0 (0-0 A-10) Saturday, August 24 Zips 0-0 Bills 1-1

0 2

Volleyball 0-0 (0-0 A-10) Saturday, August 24 Alumni Bills

18 23 25 15 1 25 25 20 25 3

Wm. Soccer 1-1 (0-0 A-10) Friday, August 23 Broncos 0-2 Bills 1-2

2 3

Sunday, August 25 Blue Demons 1-3 Bills 0-0

4 0

Calendar Friday, Aug. 30

On Aug. 22, 2012, 1st Lt. Eric Zastoupil and his platoon were collecting whatever intelligence they could find in Panjwai Village, a district in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, after their mission to eliminate a group of “bad guys” had failed. As they explored the village, Eric stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device).

The explosion took off the lower half of his left leg and severely damaged his right leg.

Last June, I had the opportunity to talk with Eric about the incident over in Afghanistan, as well as the events leading up to it (he played basketball for current SLU coach Jim Crews at West Point) and the subsequent recovery process.

There are so many facets to Eric’s remarkable story that there’s honestly nothing I could write to do it full

Women’s Soccer 7 p.m at Arkansas Volleyball 7 p.m. vs Auburn

Saturday, Aug. 31 Volleyball 12 p.m. vs ULM Volleyball 7 p.m. vs #10 Nebraska

Sunday, Sept. 1 Field Hockey 12 p.m. at Central Michigan Women’s Soccer 7 p.m. vs Ole Miss

Briefs Rodriguez named

E.Z: Zastoupil lost his leg in Afghanistan while collecting intelligence in the Khandahar Province. justice. Therefore, I took a different route to share his story. What follows are excerpts from my 40-minute interview with Eric.

Special thanks to Eric Zastoupil for allowing me to share his story, as well as everyone else who took the time to help me with this feature.

Q: How’s the recovery process going from that latest surgery? Everything

Women’s soccer: A fresh start

By ALEX KOZICH Sports Editor

Men’s Soccer 7 p.m. vs Oral Roberts

Team EZ Facebook Support Page

After a brief two game exhibition schedule in which the Billikens played to a 1-01 record, including a 6-1 victory over Arkansas State in the exhibition finale, the women’s soccer team is off to a 1-1 start for the 2013 season. The Billikens defeated the Western Michigan Broncos 3-2 in their season opener at Hermann Stadium on Friday, August 23rd and followed that up with a 4-0 defeat against the DePaul Blue Demon’s two days later, Sunday, August 25th, also at home.

The Billikens are coached by first year head coach, and only the third head coach in SLU women’s soccer history, Katie Shields. Coach Shields was an assistant coach last season and was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for 5 previous years, first at her alma mater Harvard and then at Northwestern. Along with a new head coach, the Billikens have

four other new additions to the staff this season, assistant coaches Scott Gloden and Vince Gentile, volunteer assistant Anne Gloden and graduate assistant Maggie Baumann.

The Billikens return 18 players, including 8 starters from last years 5-9-4 team.

Senior forwards Maddie Gebauer and Jenny Hummert led the offense last year with five goals and four assists between them, and will again be asked to shoulder the scoring load for the team.

Senior defender Jessie Jarrett (1G, 1A) is also back after helping the Bills post seven shutouts and a 1.11 goals against average.

In addition to the 18 returning players, the Billikens will welcome seven freshmen to the team. Defender Kacey Bright, forward Kirsten Clemens, midfielder Tori Marshall, defender Alyssa Mastroianni, forward Molly Piech, forward/midfielder Cristina Rodriguez and midfielder Shaney Sakamoto will See “Start” on Page 12

back on schedule, back on track?

A: Yeah, it’s going pretty well. It was ACL and PCL ligament reconstruction, so it’s just been the soreness and immobility associated with that, but it’s been going the way it should have and it’s the last scheduled surgery I have. So, this should set me back on track to start getting back after it.

Q: What do they give

E.Z: Men’s basketball coach Jim Crews poses with Eric and other members of his former West Point team. you for basketball?

A: I’ll get one that will have a little more return when I push down on the toe. One of the main advantages to the basketball one is there’s this little ball where the ankle is and it allows you to pivot a little bit. Instead of just being a rigid ankle, you can actually turn your leg inside or outside and keep your foot still on the ground—that will help out

when it comes to stop-andgo and cutting and that kind of stuff.

Q: I saw that ABC News piece that they did on you and it emphasized your connection to basketball, could you talk about how basketball has sort of driven you through this recovery process?

See “E.Z” on Page 12

Volleyball seeks to exceed voters expectations

By NATE CREECH Staff Writer

With such a young team, Coach Kent Miller faces a challenge replacing the senior leadership from last year’s squad.

Jessica Jendryk, a redshirt senior, will be the only senior on this young Billiken team, who return only seven of their fifteen members from last season. Jendryk played at Illinois and in her senior season hit .421 in matches she started. The Billikens will be looking to sophomore Megan Gilbert to be a dominant, middleblocker again this year. Gilbert earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team after last season’s impressive performance. Anna Church, also a sophomore, will look to continue her dominance at the service line after leading the Bills in aces last year with 24.

Sophomore Meredith Boe and freshman Ashley Gagen will be facing the task of replacing Cassie Clarke as the team’s lead setter.

Freshmen Mallory Dil-

Bill Barrett/Billiken Athletics

Volleyball: The volleyball team opens their season Friday against Auburn in the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic. lon and Danielle Rygelski both showed dominance and the ability to be a front line threat during their debut at the Alumni Match. After a disappointing 10-20 season, SLU was picked to finish third in the conference this season behind reigning champion Dayton and Duquesne. The Bills will be playing seven of their eight A-10 opponents at home this year with the only exception being Dayton.

The Bills open the regular season with the annual Marcia E. Hamilton Classic this weekend. The match between SLU and Auburn will follow at 7 pm. The Billikens will then take on ULM on Saturday at noon. SLU will take on #10 Nebraska at 7 pm.

The Billikens will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing year and have both the schedule and the talent to do so.

Soccer: High hopes await team Continued from Page 9

A-10 rookie of the week

Billiken Media Relations

Freshman Cristina Rodriguez

Freshman Cristina Rodriquez was named Atlantic-10 women’s soccer rookie of the week for the week of August 19-25. Rodriquez tallied three points in the season opener, including her first collegiate goal, against Western Michigan.

With those three points, Rodriquez became the fifth Billiken freshman to record three points in a season opener as well as the third freshman to record a goal and an assist in an opener

Team EZ Facebook Support Page

John Schuler /Photo Editor

Soccer: David Graydon passes ahead during the Bills 2-0 exhibition win over the #8 Akron Zips. With 10 returning starters, the Billikens are primed to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament later this fall.

you have to show up and win the games.”

The Bills have 10 returning starters from last year’s squad. The only player not returning from last year’s starters is captain and defender Michael Robson who graduated. The Bills will have their three top goal scorers from last season: Kristo (11 goals, 5 assists in 2012), Adnan Gabeljic (7G, 5A) and Kingsley Bryce (7G, 3A). In the midfield, the Bills have senior Alex Sweetin, junior Raymond Lee, and sophomores David Graydon and Francisco Vizcaino likely starting. The midfield is normally set up in a diamond formation with a backline consisting of Roeckle, Tyler David, Manning and Marco Heskamp. The goalkeeper, Nick Shackelford, started every game for the Bills last season and currently has 25 victories as a goalkeeper, which is 7th most on the Billiken’s all-time victories list.

After completing their exhibition season with vic-

tories against Memphis and No. 8 Akron, the Bills will open the season at Robert R. Hermann Stadium this Friday against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m. The Bills first major test will come on the road against pre-season No. 5 Connecticut on Saturday, Sept. 21. The Bills will face No. 6 Creighton on Oct. 2 and on Oct. 6 will face VCU. The Bills will begin their conference schedule on Oct. 11 when the team will face Fordham at home at 7:30 p.m. The Bills will face their final pre-season ranked team at No. 10 Louisville on Oct. 31. If the Bills finish in the top eight of their conference schedule then they will be part of the A-10 conference tournament. If they win the tournament, they receive an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament or could earn an at large bid if they have a successful regular season record.

Great expectations face these Billikens, but they seem prepared for the season taking one game at a time, as they are coming-ofage as a team in the process.

12

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

SPORTS

E.Z.: Back to the basketball court

SLU: Once a Bill, always a Bill

Continued from Page 11

Continued from Page 9

sporting events.

If everyone went back in time to take the same spirit As fans at games, cheering and energy as we had during on Billiken athletes actually that first soccer game freshbrings us closer together as a men year, Billiken sporting SLU community. events would be that much As I attended the welcome more lively and community week soccer game as a senior based. last Saturday, I couldn’t help As I enter my senior year but think that every Billiken at SLU, I can’t help but think sporting event deserves just about how many other athas much enthusiasm and letic events I could have atsupport as our first soccer tended in my time here. I game from freshman year. could have made it a goal to If you know me, you know attend as many fall sporting that I’ve never missed a events as I did basketball men’s basketball home game games in the for the three spring. seasons I’ve Nonebeen at SLU. I can’t quite put it theless, this I have a into words, there’s year I’m setcountdow n just something ting a goal to on my phone be supporttelling me about cheering ive of the how many on your team with Billikens. days until the hundreds of fans...

As a sefirst home nior, I realgame of the ize my time next season at SLU is (84, in case quickly drawing to an end. you were wondering). My With that comes the realizaroommates and friends give tion that I’ll most likely not me looks when I get more be able to attend as many concerned about the score of Billiken athletic events after the SLU game than the newgraduation. I urge you to join est reality television show. me in being loyal to your BilBut, I don’t attend games liken sports teams all year simply to be able to say that long.

I’ve been to every game. I Of course, being supportgo because I just can’t get ive and excited about your enough of the spirit and enBilliken sports teams doesn’t thusiasm of the SLU comonly require attendance at munity. Though I can’t quite games. Follow your teams put it into words, there’s just on Twitter and keep up with something about cheering the scores. Get a group of on your team with hundreds friends together and watch of other fans that makes Bila game at Humphrey’s. Acliken sporting events unlike knowledge your fellow Bilany other. liken athletes while walking I now realize that, similar around campus. to my enthusiasm for basketBe encouraging, be enball games, I can put forth thusiastic, and most importhe same passion for Billiken tantly: GO BILLIKENS! sports at numerous other

“

A: It’s made a huge difference. My mom kind of said it in that piece, but they were trying to get me to play wheelchair basketball from the second I showed up, but I’ve always refused to participate in that just because I know I’m going to get angry and frustrated with the level I was at versus what I would be doing there. I’ll incorporate basketball into whatever

I can, whether it’s ab drills or when I first got my legs I was doing balance steps or walking around dribbling a basketball—if the ball bounces all over the place, being able to shift my weight and reel it back in. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to get back to running and jumping and playing again and stuff. I’m hoping that’s what this last surgery will lead to. I’ve shot around a few times. I never was able to jump very high,

so that’s not much of a difference, but it feels good. I just needed to get this knee a little more stable before I could actually start running up and down and actually playing again.

Q: Do you ever have any regrets about choosing to go to West Point and joining the military?

A: No, absolutely not, it’s an incredible, incredible process—developmental place as far as academ-

ics and leadership and just being an overall good person. I wouldn’t take back a minute of it. I’m thankful to Coach Crews and Coach Platt for reaching out to me as a crazy, young high school kid with long hair. Glad that they brought me into it. I’ve loved every minute of it. It was hard and it was a challenge, but I can, without a doubt, see that I’m a better person having come out the other end.

Start: New coach, new attitude

“

Continued from Page 11

all add to the team’s depth behind the returning upperclassman.

The Bills have a home heavy schedule, playing eleven of their 18 games at Hermann stadium. The Billikens play next at Arkansas this Friday, Aug. 30th before returning home to face Ole Miss on Sunday, Sept. 1st, starting a three game home stand, which includes games against SIUE and Evansville on Sept. 6th and Sept. 8th.

The Billikens then go on the road for two games against Iowa and Illinois State, before coming home for another three game home stand, which includes the A-10 opener against St. Bonaventure on Sept. 27th.

The Billikens conclude their season with games against Rhode Island Oct. 27th and at VCU Nov. 3rd.

The A-10 tournament starts Nov. 7th.

Billiken Media Relations

Women’s Soccer: The women’s soccer team looks to improve on their record from last season. The team returns 18 players from last season including eight starters.

Boken: Charity to remember ORDER NOW PIZZAHUT.COM

Continued from Page 9

Saint Louis University and a star in the program. She was murdered only two hours before she was supposed to be part of the alumni team in last year’s match. Her absence from the match raised concern, but friends and family would soon learn of the devastating reality.

This year, the alumni volleyball match was renamed in Megan Boken’s honor.

Rather than mourning, the hundreds of people that convened at Chaifetz Arena reflected on how Megan inspired them. Many of the alumni on the team this year were former teammates of Megan, including a number of former All-Americans and current record holders.

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Returning for the alumni team included most notably Whitney Kramer (Roth), Sammi McCloud, Whitney Behrens and Colleen Hunter-Laure. Bridget Fonke, a former roommate and close friend of Megan, spoke before the crowd prior to the match and reminisced about their time at SLU. The alumni team had earned a total of seven AVCA All-American nominations.

During the match fans were able to see some of the best talent in the volleyball program at Saint Louis University, both past and present. The SLU volleyball team boasts a very young roster, with ten freshmen and sophomores and just four juniors and seniors.

Despite their lack of experience, the Billikens volleyball

squad displayed confidence and determination. The youthful but promising team won the first two games of the match 25-18 and 25-23.

In the third game, the alumni team flashed glimpses of their collegiate brilliance by responding with a 25-20 score. SLU showed resiliency in the fourth game with a 2515 score, winning the match three games to one. All proceeds from the match were given to the Megan Boken Fund, benefitting the SLU volleyball program.

It was a successful afternoon at Chaifetz Arena and the volleyball team will look to carry their momentum into the upcoming season.

The event was a fitting way to honor a fallen teammate, one that will not soon be forgotten.

ENGLISH ECONOMICS

&

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Opinions Editorials

August 29, 2013 opinion@unewsonline.com Ryan McKinley, Opinion Editor

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administration over the coming year of transition.

In Kauffman, we have an experienced administrator of the university. He has served as General Counsel for over 18 years and is the longest serving Vice President at the University. Kauffman will not be considered as a candidate in the search for a new President. In fact, he did not even seek the interim post despite all of his experience with the administration and board of trustees.

As the search for the new president begins next month, the student body should be interested in how the search is being conducted. What values will the board of trustees and the consulting firm be looking for in a new President?

Biondi was able to accomplish some wonderful things for the University, making it one of the finest Jesuit institutions in the country. However, his tenure these past several years has been marred by a lack of transparency between the administration and just about everyone else, a decline in national rankings and a climate of fear that pervaded campus. Will the board of trustees look to hire a president more concerned with the voices of professors and students, or will the new president fit the same mold as the previous

one? SLU has encountered fundamental change these past few years, and it is imperative that the board of trustee’s choice for the new president reflect this change.

There is also a great deal of concern regarding how this university will be run under the interim president. Many people have alluded to this year being a year of transition. There are worries within the Student Government Association (SGA) that large projects needing university approval will languish for a year as the main focus is placed on finding a new president.

Present and pressing concerns students have are the handling of Chartwells in its contract year and the proper utilization of the new Center of Global Citizenship.

These issues will require the experience and leadership of Kauffman.

Biondi’s retirement was a necessary first step in getting the University to return to normality from last year’s circus.

The next several months are critical for the University, as it must find a president with a greater inclination to connect with faculty and students. The university must also do so relatively quickly, because if SLU is stuck in limbo for too long, then we may risk falling further behind its competitors and peer institutions.

Get out and see Saint Louis Listen up, fresh men and women, (and everyone else for that matter.) Saint Louis University is a fantastic place. You can find beauty and excitement anywhere on campus: be it the myriad of fountains and green space, where you can reflect the meaning of life or where you went wrong on your last Chemistry test, or the soccer stadium to cheer on the tenth best collegiate soccer team in the country.

However, sometimes we can find ourselves trapped inside the “SLU bubble.” Before you know it, it’s your senior year and you haven’t even visited the famous St. Louis Zoo. St. Louis is full of gems that can help you get out of that SLU rut you will inevitably fall into over the course of your career as a student.

So, these next few paragraphs will detail all the fabulous things to do, see and eat in St. Louis. But don’t let this list limit you. Go out exploring and enjoying the bounty that the “Gateway to the West” has to offer.

The first thing any SLU student should do is go to the City Museum. Oh, you’ve been there already? Go again. This place is half artistic masterpiece/half playground. I’ve been there at least ten times and I find something new each time.

Next, go smell some flowers and marvel at the trees in the Missouri Botanical Garden. The garden is a perfect destination in spring when all the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden are abloom.

Now it’s time to see the sights, and St. Louis doesn’t disap-

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point!

First, go look at all the animals and art in Forest Park. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best FREE zoos in all the country. The Art Museum is pretty neat too, featuring pieces from Monet, Van Gogh and many others.

Lastly, go see and listen to your favorite band or someone new at LouFest. A cheaper and less fan-fared Lollapalooza, headliners this year include The Killers, The National, Walk The Moon, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Nothing like a music festival to make you obscenely hungry.

Time to eat!

First, head to Crown Candy Kitchen in north St. Louis. This place has been open for 100 years and there’s a reason why; the food is phenomenal. As you check out the retro 50’s décor, try their Rueben or BLT sandwiches with the best shakes and malts in the world.

Where The Hill, an Italian enclave in the city, specializes in “old world fare,” South Grand is the food destination with restaurants serving dishes from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia. My particular favorite is Pho Grand.

I have taken a dozen friends to this Vietnamese restaurant and I have made Pho Grand fans of them all.

Finally, finish your adventure of St. Louis at the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Often named the best custard in the country, there is no better place to cap off a great day exploring the greatest city ever.

“

of the week

“

Kenneth Parker, professor, Page 14

“

I think we learned a lot of really important lessons last year with our exit to Fairleigh Dickinson.

Mike McGinty, men’s soccer coach

“ “

Laughter is my favorite thing to make me happy and to give a laugh is the best thing I can give to somebody.

Janae Shepherd, student

These recent complaints continue the saga of behavior from a small number of dissident faculty members.

President Lawrence Biondi, S.J.

THE UNIVERSITY NEWS 2013-14 EDITORIAL BOARD editor-in-chief Brianna Radici eic@unewsonline.com

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”

He did it to himself. He hated his enemies.

“ “

On Aug. 16, 2013, Joe Adorjan, the Chairman of the board of trustees, announced in a letter to the Saint Louis University community that Lawrence Biondi, S.J. would be retiring from his position as President of the University on September 1st.

For the next year, Biondi will go on sabbatical before returning to SLU in a yetunnamed position on campus.

In his letter to the SLU community, Adorjan also named Bill Kauffman the interim president of the University, while also indicating that the board of trustees would begin the search for a new president.

The search, however, will not be a short one. Vice President of Student Development Kent Porterfield mentioned that the consulting firm that will be used to help find a new president of the university typically takes six months to a year to find a replacement.

The events taking place amongst the administration and board of trustees leaves the University in a peculiar situation. There are still many unanswered questions about long-term issues such as where the University is headed, along with the short-term question of whether stagnation may become a pattern of the

Quotes

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The year of transition

“

Briana Kagy/ The University News

General manager NICK STEINAUER gm@unewsonline.com advisors laura thomson advisor@unewsonline.com

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14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

OPINION & EDITORIALS

When you hate your enemies “Always give your best.

Never get discouraged.

Never be petty.

A l w a y s remember: Others may h a t e you, but those w h o hate you Kenneth Parker don’t win unless you hate them.

And then you destroy yourself,” Richard Nixon in his Last White House Speech.

On Aug. 7, 1974, before my junior year of college, I spent two weeks traveling with family in Europe before striking out on my own from Amsterdam for Florence. After traveling for twenty-four hours on a slow train, I arrived sweaty and bone tired in that city of my dreams. Having booked a cot in a youth hostel dormitory, I took a cold shower for respite from the heat, and wandered the streets, taking in the twilight sights, sounds, and smells of Florence. But exhausted by the journey, I returned to the empty dorm room early, and fell into a deep sleep.

Around midnight I awoke to the sounds of American students in the streets below shouting, dancing, and making merry at the news—

Richard Nixon had resigned.

The saga of Watergate was over. The president admitted lying to the American people and complicity in crimes. He paid the price for hubris and was forced to resign.

I remember well my anguish, lying on my cot in that oppressively hot dorm room with American voices shouting for joy in the streets below. I felt myself the last Nixon supporter in the world; and I shed tears over the betrayal. I had willed to believe Nixon was a truthful man. I wanted to believe he was a good man. He had failed me.

But in truth, he had failed himself. The next day he spoke to staffers in a packed White House ballroom, reflected on the past and offered words of thanks before leaving the White House forever. Too late he articulated the fateful, deeply insightful observation, “those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.”

Nixon did have opponents. People disagreed with him. But Nixon’s hatred for his “enemies” had destroyed his presidency, and forever tarnished a record filled with major accomplishments.

The nation should laud his many achievements (détente with the Soviet Union, opening relations with China, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency and the list goes on). But none of those landmarks supersede

the damage he did. His legacy is failed leadership. He did it to himself. He hated his enemies.

Thirty-nine years later, on August 16, after a twelvehour workday in an Oxford library, I climbed into bed exhausted, but opened my computer to read emails before turning out the lights.

There was a letter from SLU board chairman, J. Joe Adorjan. He announced Father Biondi would leave office on September 1 and start a oneyear sabbatical immediately.

The head of Saint Louis University’s General Counsel, Bill Kaufman, was named interim president. The search for a new president would begin in September.

This had been unthinkable three weeks earlier. On July 24, Mr. Adorjan discounted reports that the president had reduced deanrecommended, evidencebased merit raises of vocal faculty critics (among them department chairs, faculty senators and Faculty Senate officers, as well as Arts and Sciences Faculty Council officers).

There had been calls for these reprisals to be reversed, and for Father Biondi to be removed as president and replaced with an interim president. The chairman downplayed these well-documented acts of revenge by the president. It was only a “small minority of people.”

Mr. Adorjan insisted that

this summer had been no different from previous years. As in the past, the president accepted most recommendations, while some were increased and others were lowered. The president “has the last say.”

Indeed …

One did not need prophetic powers to predict that this would happen. For years Father Biondi had rewarded those who had done his bidding and fired staffers who had not. Tenured faculty had seen their recommended merit raises reduced or nullified.

But this year was different. This year he did not hide behind the name of his academic vice presidents, as he had done in the past— making them complicit in his wrongdoing. On Aug. 8 he published a commentary in the Saint Louis PostDispatch, vilified “dissident” faculty and blamed them for reprisals he had imposed, calling his opponents “selfabsorbed and self-serving.”

This act of hubris ended his presidency. He did it to himself. He hated his enemies.

As we look to the future, we must not forget the past.

Mr. Nixon and Father Biondi have taught us by their example two important truths: First, critics may be people of good will who should be heard. Second, even if they are not, they “don’t win unless you hate them … then you destroy yourself.”

For a SweatFree St. Louis Sweatshops are a serious problem, and they aren’t something of the past. In 2006, an eleveny e a r old girl named Lovely l i v e d through a factory fire that left her Kendra Cruse hands and face deformed. Lovely is not that different from me. We are close in age, we both have two brothers and two sisters.

The difference is that Lovely was born into poverty in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Too poor to pay for school, she went straight to work.

At age five, I was selling lemonade for fun, while Lovely was selling rice to survive.

When Lovely was younger, she dreamed of studying and working hard to get a good job and support her family.

Her humble dream will never be fulfilled due to sweatshop practices.

According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, when more than one law regarding minimum wage, overtime, child labor, industrial homework, occupational safety and health, worker’s compensation, or industry regulation is violated by an employer, that environment is considered a sweatshop. At the sweatshop Lovely worked in, the

exits were locked and they had never even had a fire drill. Sixty-three lives were lost and many more workers were injured. I can’t count the times I was annoyed by having to line up outside in the middle of a school day or having to leave my dorm unexpectedly for a fire drill.

Little did I know, these inconveniences were a luxury.

After seven years, Lovely has yet to receive compensation for her affliction.

This nightmare continues for many factory workers, including Lovely’s family.

Similar tragedies happened in Bangladesh as recently as June 13, 2013. Workers continue to be mistreated, and their rights as humans overlooked. Many more factory fires have occurred in other parts of the world as well. In Pakistan, 259 people were trapped and killed on September 11, 2012. Though entirely preventable, these fires are not “freak accidents.” The clothes you and I wear every day are made by people who are subject to the uncertainty of whether they will leave work uninjured, or if they will leave at all.

Sweatshops and unjust labor practices are not only an international issue. In America, thousands of sewing shops violate minimum wage, overtime, health and safety laws. Over half of these could be considered sweatshops.

Sweatshops are also a women’s issue, as the ma-

jority of sweatshop workers are young women. In Latin American countries, these women are often forced to use birth control in order to avoid paid maternity leave. If a woman is not compliant, or if she becomes pregnant, she may lose her job, which she relies on to feed her family.

The main flaw with most labor laws is failure to enforce fair and humane practices. Governments and other purchasing entities procure uniforms and textiles through a middleman, but lack any information about the suppliers due to insufficient disclosure.

The International Labor Rights Forum, along with SweatFree Communities (a network for local action against sweatshops) is working to ensure that vendors are transparent about where their products are being made, and that audits are done to monitor the working conditions.

As civilized, progressive beings, we need to fight against these inequitable conditions. Calling for boycotts is often impractical or ineffective, unless they are organized by garment workers and used to work in solidarity as a part of a greater movement in the labor struggle. Sweatshops are a problem that needs to be addressed on a larger scale.

The national SweatFree Purchasing Consortium is a way for state and local governments, as well as school dis-

tricts, to collaborate in the effort against unfair labor conditions and in tracking working conditions in factories. Thirty-nine cities in the United States have already joined this consortium. Talk to your local representatives about creating a sweatshopfree procurement policy and joining the Consortium.

The national campaign for SweatFree Communities is also pushing for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to enforce compliance with the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, which the United States has already signed.

This accord calls for companies to sponsor a program that practices independent safety inspections and worker safety training. You can write letters or call Senator Claire McCaskill to urge her to support this amendment.

St. Louis City, St. Louis County, University City and Clayton have already joined the movement.The InterFaith Committee on Latin America (IFCLA), a nonprofit based in St. Louis, is working with SweatFree Communities to ensure that these existing policies are effective, as well as to rally the support of additional municipalities in the greater St. Louis area.

With the support of citizens like you, we can put St. Louis on the map as a morally and ethically conscious “SweatFree” community.

Wounds of “White Flight” As students make their way to school this fall, so too are students of the Normandy and Riverv i e w Garden school districts, but in unlikely places.

A recent MisRyan McKinley s o u r i Supreme Court decision stated that students in unaccredited districts, such as Normandy and Riverview Gardens in the St. Louis area, have the right to attend better-performing schools.

A large recipient of these students who chose to bus was the Francis Howell School District in St. Charles County. During a town hall meeting in July involving Francis Howell administrators, teachers, students and parents, the reality of St. Louis’ racial segregation manifested in the form of anxiety and anger towards the incoming students, who are mostly black.

A mother of three in the Francis Howell district believed her children were in danger of being “stabbed, robbed or being sold drugs” and called for metal detectors at the schools due to the influx of students from these troubled districts.

Other parents feared their students would not receive as much as attention, as they felt teachers would have to spend increased time on the new students. Still, more spoke about the “wrong element” these children would bring.

The ubiquitous theme that emerged from the meeting was that the parents and their kids had left the ostensibly ‘bad’ parts of the city in favor of good schools out in the suburbs, and these new students from the same ‘bad’ areas have followed them.

One parent stated, “I’ve worked hard to get my kids out to Francis Howell. I grew up with it. I won’t have it for

my son.”

The theme of that night exposed a rarely addressed but well known phenomenon in St. Louis know as “white flight,” where working and middle-class white people have moved out of the city and northern parts of St. Louis in favor of ‘whiter’ areas in greater St. Louis.

Kathleen Sullivan Brown, an associate professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, explains, “A lot of people who moved to St. Charles County were leaving the city very deliberately.”

Many families in St. Louis have experienced this migration of sorts. The reason many families chose to leave was for the perceived education opportunities of outlying areas of St. Louis versus northern parts of St. Louis.

That thought was echoed in July as parents at the Francis Howell meeting stated that the cause of their anxiety was not about the children’s race, but about their overall poor test scores. One mother stated, “Normandy is not performing in their own district, so they are going to come to Francis Howell and bring it down.”

That argument, however, uncovers a major problem present not only in St. Louis but also across the country: where someone lives decides the level of education they will receive.

These children did not choose to live in the area encompassed by the Riverview Gardens and Normandy school districts. They did not ask to go to failing schools their entire lives.

The families, like my own, that have moved out of these areas are lucky that their children can attend good schools.

Some families think the communities and school districts that they have moved into are worth protecting from the “wrong element,” but are these children transferring to better performing schools any different than the families that have been able to move? Are their ambitions not the same?

Have an opinion?

Send it to us.

opinion@unewsonline.com

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Community Service Fair Tuesday, Sept. 10th 10:30am—1:30pm

Between the Clocktower and the Library Over 65 non-profit agencies will be on hand looking for volunteers. Swing by and find out how you can make a difference in the community!

For more information, or to find other exciting ways to get involved with service, visit: www.slu.edu/service Sponsored by the Center for Service and Community Engagement

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Simon Rec Center Fall Programs Fitness classes - Register once, attend any class all semester long. 24 classes each week - Spinning, Zumba, Yoga, Cardio Kickbox, Pilates, Bootcamp, PiYo, Physique Fusion, Hip Hop, Intro to Salsa, Ballroom/Swing dances Wellness programs – Check out Student Health 101. Great health info each month. Giveaways too. http://readsh101.com/slu.html Various types of swimming classes.

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