UNEWS unewsonline.com
Vol. XCIII No. 2
SPORTS PAGE 5
ARTS
Introducing: Women’s soccer coach
PAGE 7
The Billiken Club is back!
OPINION PAGE 10 Chartwells: SLU’s choice for the future?
A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1919
Thursday, September 5, 2013
By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor
Games
See “Contract” on Page 3
Scholars find a home in AAMS By WOLF HOWARD News Editor
The African American Male Scholars Initiative, a program created as a response to the relatively low matriculation rate of black males in higher education, is entering its third year at Saint Louis University. For one student, it was one of the only reasons he decided to return to SLU. “I honestly did want to leave SLU,” Chris Walter, Jr., a sophomore in the program, said. “I didn’t see anybody who looked like me or just that I couldn’t relate… It really was AAMS that pulled me to stay.” For Walter, Jr., the Initiative gave him a sense of community he wasn’t otherwise able to find in his daily life
as a freshman psychology a volunteer based program undergraduate. The social created specifically for black aspect was also what drew males in order to assist stuIsaac Singleton, a sophodents in finding academic more pre-law student, to get success at the university levinvolved with the program. el and ultimately graduating. “It’s the brotherhood,” A poor matriculation rate Singleton in the black said about male commuhis reason nity stands as I honestly did want for joining a national isthe Inisue in higher to leave SLU... It tiative. “I education. In really was AAMS met some the 2009 article that pulled me to real cool ‘Black Males people at Achieving stay. AAMS.” More on Col-Chris Walter, Jr., T h e lege Campuses,’ A A M S written by MiSophomore Initiative chelle J. Nealy, was cremore than twoated three thirds of black years ago by LaTanya Buck, male freshmen across the the director of the Cross nation never complete their Cultural Center, and Stefan degrees. Bradley, the director of Af“In 2005, black men at rican American Studies. It is top-tier institutions had a
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Kauffman on future of SLU
Who will satisfy SLU’s appetite?
After a 10-year partnership with Chartwells Dining, Saint Louis University will begin searching for the best food provider to satisfy their future appetite. “We expect to receive proposals [from future providers] on Sept. 30,” said Evelyn Shields, Student Development Director of Business and Auxiliary Services. Chartwells Dining Services contract is set to expire by the end of the school year, at which point their contract will either be renewed or a
graduation rate of 36 percent, compared to 46 percent and 60 percent for Hispanic and White males, respectively,” Nealy wrote in her article. A different report by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education stated that black males made up only 35.2 percent of all black students enrolled in higher education in 2007. In light of these facts, the Initiative seeks to accomplish its goal of higher matriculation rates amongst black males through three basic components, or ‘initiatives’. “The first initiative is matching a black male student with a mentor,” Divine Shelton, the graduate assistant for the program, said. See “AAMS” on Page 3
SLU Relay For Life, top rated: Wolf Howard/News Editor
Kauffman: The interim president on West Pine mall. By WOLF HOWARD News Editor
Sept. 2 marked the first day of Bill Kauffman’s tenure as interim president of Saint Louis University. Motivated by a passion for the University and years of experience, Kauffman is nothing but positive about the future of SLU and the anticipated search for a new president. He claimed that his 18 and a half years serving as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Trustees became the primary factor in his decision to accept his current position as interim president. “I believe in Saint Louis University,” Kauffman said. “As we transition to the next phase in the University’s life, we have a spectacular opportunity,” referring to the presidential search process, which he sees as the primary concern for the University’s future in the coming months. The search committee for a new president is expected to be formed following the Sept. 28 Board meeting. Kauffman will not serve in any official role on the committee, though he intends to provide his advice where it is desired. He said that he holds high
hopes for the search process and the future of SLU as a whole, calling himself “euphoric” about the university, inspired by the dedication and talent of the faculty, staff, administrators and students of SLU. “Saint Louis University is well regarded in the higher education community,” Kauffman said. “We have very strong faculty, very talented students, and we have very strong academic programs… That coupled with… the buildings we have here makes me think we will have very well qualified [presidential] candidates.” He expects that some candidates will be sitting presidents at other universities, though he was careful to stress that the search process was a two-way street, and that SLU also has to work to appeal to the best leaders available. With that in mind, Kauffman plans to work to address recent issues on campus, in addition to any lingering concerns from years past, in order to make SLU more appealing to potential candidates. Kauffman’s appointment See “Kauffman” on Page 3
Group makes valiant run to fight cancer
Courtesy of SLU Relay For Life
Relay: SLU’s Relay For Life raised $132,311 in 2013, making it the 4th largest collegiate Relay per capita in the nation. By WOLF HOWARD News Editor
Relay For Life of Saint Louis University was named the 4th largest collegiate Relay event per capita in the nation, hosting 1,300 fauclty, student, staff and community participants and raising $136,000 in donations. Relay For Life is a 12-hour event dedicated to raising
money for cancer research and programs provided by the American Cancer Society, in addition to supporting those who have battled cancer as well as their families and friends. The nationwide program was inspired by Gordy Klatt, who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours in May 1985 in order to raise money to support the American Cancer Society. Relays
events are hosted by various organizations across the country, and they are all centered on a team of fundraisers camping out and walking around a track from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Participants collect donations in support of their demonstration. Every event is unique to the organization that hosts it, featuring assorted activities, games and stands offering food and
items in exchange for further donations. According to Amanda Eagan, the co-chair for the 2014 Relay For Life of Saint Louis University, the SLU chapter had raised $132,311 by the conclusion of this year’s event, but that wasn’t the end of the donations. “Our fundraising efforts See “Relay” on Page 2