Attending my first “12 Blue Streaks for Dinner” event in Chicago sponsored by the JCU Student Alumni Association was a true example of this. We walked into the meal as new faces and walked out with new friends.

The students in attendance realized the word “alumni” does not mean “old,” in fact it represents “new.” Current students included Alex Furth, Alyssa Singer, Joe Cahill, Billy O’Brien, Matthew Hoyt, Michael Hager, Michael Hulseman and Sean Hulseman. Alumni included Suzie Shoup, Bill Burke, Dick Murphy, me and the gracious hosts Paul and Patrice Hulseman.

Like these students, I am sure you have been reminded 100 times that your years in college will go by “so fast” and have heard the never ending stories of “In my day…”  It does not make the time fly any less fast, nor does it make the stories any less meaningful. My intent is to express to each student, of every class, that there is an instant connection when current and past John Carroll students meet, and those connections can be invaluable now and throughout life.

As a past Carroll News writer and admissions tour guide, I enjoyed interacting with current and potential students. I learned quickly from personal experience the real value of being a John Carroll alumna.  The idea of “Once a Blue Streak, always a Blue Streak” has opened many opportunities for me to meet and interact with extremely successful people. I was able to intern at NBC 5 Chicago and after that, with NBC’s “Today Show.” As a member of the JCU Chicago Alumni Chapter Leadership Committee, I now have the privilege of meeting incoming students and families, welcoming back current students and inviting all to partake in Chicago chapter events and programs.

Whether you are an athlete, serve in campus ministry or explored age-old myths of the John Carroll campus, alumni love to hear about your college experience now. This alumni column encourages students to be active in the Alumni Association, but I also hope to inspire you to begin that activity now. Alumni chapters exist and are being established in various cities across the country, including Cleveland.

Carroll alumni are currently searching for students to hire as interns at their respective companies. Countless alumni check in with the JCU website, or follow news on Facebook to learn of the many successes of today’s students. I invite you to familiarize yourself now with the many new faces of the John Carroll community. Your relationship with John Carroll truly does last a lifetime.

The use of Rosby Resource Recycling, a food waste recycling service, has aided in Aramark’s improvement.

The program provides containers to fill with waste, which they pick-up and compost into organic products.

Rosby accepts items such as produce, meat, dairy, cardboard and paper towels and napkins.

Junior Ali Frantz said, “I am happy to see we are using a different service this semester that is more conscious about what they do with the food waste.”

According to Tyson Dubay, director of dining services, much of the dining hall’s waste comes from students who take more food than they can eat.

“Almost 2,000 pounds of food a week are picked up,” said Dubay. “About 90 percent of the waste is coming from plate scraps.”

Aramark is working with student organizations during Hunger Week and Earth Week this semester to promote decreasing students’ waste.

The dining hall will have educational displays with clear bins exposing the total amount of food scraps collected by students.

Junior MP Bagnowski said, “I am sure once I see those bins full of waste it will change my habits and a lot of other students.”

Not all food is lost to waste, however.

Aramark donates usable food to Catholic Workers Charity every Wednesday.

Dubay estimates that food for 90 people is provided to charity on average. Typically dry goods, fruits and vegetables are donated.

A small amount of food is also reused. Dubay estimates that the amount reused is around 5 percent.  These items are reused in soups and casseroles.

After eating in the Dining Hall for four years senior Matt Collins said, “[The dining hall] has made a ton of improvements with food quality, renovations and the biggest change is no trays. We are definitely throwing away less since my freshman year.”

Dubay acknowledges that the dining hall can still improve its waste management.

“Our goal is to waste less food and be more efficient – with student awareness we can reach that goal,” said Dubay.

Outgoing President Matt Hiznay wished Papa success for the next year. He said, “I have full faith and confidence [in Papa].” 

After the Presidential Oath was administered, Papa took the podium for her inaugural address. 

Papa plans to lead the Student Union by focusing on two Cs: community and communication. 

“It is my hope that a more cohesive campus community will lead to an increase in school spirit and student involvement,” said Papa.

According to Papa, increasing and improving communication with students will be a major goal of hers as president. 

“No longer will students be able to say they do not know what the Student Union does or that they do not know what is going on, on campus. Communication will be clear, concise and available in a variety of different mediums. I plan on keeping students informed in every way I possibly can,” she said.

Papa hopes that this sense of community will extend to the city of University Heights as well. She wants to encourage students to become more involved in the city in which they live.

“I will communicate often with Mayor Infeld, and I will encourage open dialogue with students and other residents of University Heights,” said Papa.

Papa not only hopes to connect with the student body and the city, but to also reinforce the responsibility of her fellow student government members. 

She said, “I promise to hold the newly elected Senate and Executive Board to high standards and demand nothing but their best work while serving the John Carroll community.” 

Papa is looking forward to working with the new Senate and Executive Board. According to Papa, many have already come to her with new ideas for the upcoming year.

“A number of them have already come forward with ideas and their enthusiasm is invigorating. I am pledging to keep this excitement alive and steady throughout my term. I will continue to lead by example and encourage Senators to make themselves available and recognized leaders on campus,” Papa said. 

Finally, Papa hopes to serve the John Carroll University community and its students.

Papa said, “As the 88th president I am honored to serve the John Carroll community. I am excited to be a tireless voice for the student body, and I will continue to bring energy and a positive attitude while serving as a living example of the John Carroll mission.”

Student Union Class of 2010 President Shaylyn Mahoney has worked with Papa in Student Union for two years. 

“I think that she will be an outstanding president,” said Mahoney. “She is very responsible but also energetic. She really wants to work with the students as a leader but also on a peer to peer basis.”

Unlike the seasonal flu vaccine, which the JCU Health Center purchases each year, the H1N1 vaccine is through the government program, Government’s Vaccine Program for Pandemic Flu. The program’s vaccination is free so that it will reach large populations regardless of their financial constraints.

The Health Center does not know the exact arrival date of the next installment of H1N1 vaccines, but Health Center Director Jan Krevh said, “We ordered a total of 500 – 300 flu mist and 200 injection.”

Senior Bridget Dolan was vaccinated in the first H1N1 vaccine installment. According to Dolan, getting the vaccination was simple.

“The Nurses were very helpful with registration questions and I was in and out in five minutes,” said Dolan.

 Symptoms of the flu include: fever, body aches, sore throat, coughing, congestion and extreme fatigue.

The Health Center began swabbing students for Influenza A, the category for H1N1, at the beginning of the year. The cost for this test was $300. However, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found false negatives, this testing was discontinued.

The Student Health Center confirms a student has influenza like illness (ILI) based on CDC guidelines.

Krevh said, “Since we are not yet in the seasonal flu period, the CDC is stating any ILI is probably H1N1 flu.” 

Some students received the H1N1 nasal spray as a preventative measure.

Freshman Bridget Roulett, who received the nasal spray, said, “I did not want to risk getting really sick.”

The Health Center strongly encourages students to take precautions. According to the Health Center, students should wash hands, avoid contact with sick people, avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth and get the flu shot.

If students exhibit symptoms, they should contact the JCU Health Center. Students should also take precautions such as resting, drinking fluids and taking over the counter medicine. Check student e-mail for updates on vaccine shipments.

When the Master Plan was first developed, the University brought in a nationally recognized consulting firm, Sasaki, to interview faculty, staff and students to determine how to best enhance JCU’s campus. The firm explored different ways to better utilize space and create a more vibrant campus.

Ways to achieve this have since been discussed and it was determined that relocating the bookstore was a viable way to enhance campus and the surrounding community.

Jonathan Smith, vice president and executive assistant to the president, said, “Moving the bookstore would contribute to that sense of community.”

There is currently discussion about relocating the bookstore to Fairmount Circle in Shaker Heights. The bookstore would be located in the vacant space previously occupied by CVS/pharmacy.

According to Smith, this relocation would provide a new facet to the JCU campus.

Smith also noted that relocating the bookstore could provide positive outcomes for both JCU and Shaker Heights.

“We want the shopping center to provide a variety of services to our students as well as to Shaker Heights and University Heights residents,” he said.

Sophomore Greg Sloat agreed that moving the bookstore would be beneficial.

“I think that not only will [the move] benefit the students but the community that surrounds JCU,” said Sloat.  

When and if the move occurs, Follettt, the national company that operates the JCU bookstore, would be responsible for funding it.

With this repositioning of the JCU bookstore, the space left behind would be open for student use.

According to Mark McCarthy, vice president of student activities, “Since the Lombardo Student Center is the hub of student activity and student traffic, expansion makes good sense.”

Junior Zach Newcomb agrees the space should be developed for students.

“A lounge would be a great change of pace and would be a well-utilized addition to the atrium,” said Newcomb.

Freshman Sarah Skiviat also views the potential open space as a positive improvement.

“I walk through the atrium everyday, I would like to see the bookstore area used for the student community in my future here,” said Skiviat.

Smith is positive about the potential move.

“Administrators and faculty are quite supportive of moves that would provide more space and enhance the student experience,” he said.

According to McCarthy the administration will work with students to best utilize the space.

“If things progress to the point that moving the bookstore is a reality, staff in Student Affairs and Facilities Administration will work closely with Student Union and student organizations to redesign the space to meet student needs,” said McCarthy.

The project is pending on conversations with University Heights, Shaker Heights and within JCU. There is currently no timeline for the move because these discussions must first take place.

Three shows will be returning this year: “The Sport’s Show,” “Cooking with Cousins” and “The Dish” (formerly “E! Carroll”). 

Senior Joe Kula, who is a host on “The Sport’s Show,” said that there are surprises in store for viewers this year. 

“I’m excited for the new year, but it’s bittersweet because it’s my last,” said Kula.

In addition to returning programs, there are several news shows that will be added to the schedule this year.

One of the new shows that will air on the station includes “JCU All Access,” an informative program that will highlight many of the SUPB programs and events here on campus.  

There is also a second new program that will air, but has yet to be named. However, it is known that the show will be comedy based. 

Lisa Lewis, media services coordinator, encourages all students to get involved.

“They [students] do not have to be a Communications major to participate in television production,” said Lewis. 

Lewis also said that taping programs is flexible and students can be creative in how they set up a show. 

“They do not have to create the show in the television studio in the O’Malley Center.  The ‘Cooking with Cousins’ show, for example, is taped in one of the dorm kitchens,” said Lewis. 

A major difference in the JCU television station is the level of participation. Student participation has almost doubled from that of last year.

Lewis has already set goals for next semester, hoping to add more shows to the station’s schedule.

“We hope to begin a political talk show and bring back a game show to the lineup in the Spring,” said Lewis.

Being consistently injured provides a new sense of style. Some are questioned by doctors and friends as to why they do not choose the variety of neon colors offered. Not everyone is Elle Woods and wants a pink cast. Being Irish is one thing, but a shamrock decorated cast is another. A 21-year-old token broken is different than one in grade school. As an adult, one is not trying to get 32 signatures of “Get Well Soon” on the regular colored cast. At this age, they are trying to get well soon, they know, thank you.

The long days of recovery are only worsened by re-entering public. When you are the token broken, every creepy stranger wants to talk to you. Beware, for they think they are funny and original. Surprisingly enough there was no, “other guy you should have seen” and no adult is going to make up some ridiculous story for their own entertainment. The jokes about the creepy stranger when crutching away are much more funny, original and entertaining.

Being in a boot more times than your car, this type of cast has unfortunately seen better days. If a token broken has ever given you a lackadaisical hello it’s because he or she was gaining speed and could not slow down. This also presents another issue; a token broken does need a bit more room in the hall way or on the side walk. So as tempting as it is to just stare and be mesmerized by the walking object approaching you, it would be appropriate to move over.

There are certain expectations the general public has about the token broken. If you are familiar with the show “Saved by The Bell,” and the episode when Lisa Turtle breaks her ankle, you know what I am talking about. A phenomenon has been created after this episode known as the “The Sprain” dance. Dancing on one foot is funny for a spectator, but let’s not encourage those who are already broken to risk their health yet again for the sake of reminiscing an 80’s television show.

As much as being the token broken is not exactly fun, it does have it perks: always a seat at the bar, VIP bathroom lines, and legitimate elevator use. But awkward elevator conversation can only go so far when the elevator in AD moves at a snail’s pace.

The third case of token broken is the ankle brace. The subject who is broken, now allowed to wear two shoes again, has entered a new state of happiness. As much as that brace does not want to fit into a certain shoe, the experienced token broken will make it happen. Therefore, do not judge those who jam their ankle braced foot into a pair of sandals, it is a happy day for them.

Everyone knows of one, or has seen this token broken person. And if you’re my friend, I am that person. After eight years of fixing my ankle I regret to say I am in my final stages of healing. I thank all of you for not being offended when I didn’t want you to sign my cast, giving up your seat, and letting me cut in line. And if any of you are wondering, now that I am back in my other shoe, it still FITZ.

Information Technology Services has been reorganized into three units: System and Network Operations, Applications Development and Learning Support Services (LSS).

The LSS area has a new facility called the Center for Digital Media (CDM), located in the Grasselli Library.
Michael Bestul, chief information officer said, “The CDM is still under construction, but we expect to have a major rollout of new services by the spring semester. In the meantime, students can seek help in the temporary space that we are occupying on the lower level of the library.”

A student can receive Information Technology Services assistance in the primary location of 4th floor Rodman Hall, in addition to the Dolan Science Center, the CDM in the Grasselli Library and the Administration Building.

Sophomore Alex D’Auria said, “IT [Informational Technology Services] is so helpful in the first place that having them more readily accessible is even better.”

With the addition of the Registrar staff to the Enrollment Division as of last spring, students can receive more assistance at the Student Service Center, across from Einstein Bros. Bagels. The expanded staff coverage allows the opportunity to handle most of the registration and financial questions that students might have.
Senior Laura Nowicki said, “It is very convenient, rather than having to run around campus, you can get almost any question answered and take care of everything in one place.”

What used to be separate frontline staffs for registration and financial aid have been “merged” to create more full-service counselors that can address questions across both areas.

Brian Williams, vice president of enrollment said, “We have assembled a great cross-functional team of specialists from financial aid, registrar and admissions to help expand our service to current students.”
Another update on campus is within scheduling facilities. The Facilities Department has upgraded the room reservation and event scheduling software so members of the campus community will be able to schedule their rooms (as well as select room set-ups) by going online.

Senior Nick Toney looks forward to this upgrade.

“Booking rooms will be much easier if done online,” Toney said. “I can make requests much faster and more efficiently for my clubs and organizations.”

Restructuring of the assistant deans and academic advising in the College of Arts and Sciences will result in Elaine Hocevar as the assistant dean for the freshman class. Diane Campbell will be the assistant dean for the sophomore class, and Sophie Kus-Patena will be the assistant dean for the junior and senior classes.
The assistant deans will be relocated to the registrar’s office, currently housing Academic Advising.
“It will be very helpful to be given updates throughout the year that specific apply to my class,” said sophomore Marissa Centofanti.

“And now I know who exactly to direct my questions to.”

Reorganization on campus has been motivated by today’s economic climate and to increase efficiency.
Jonathan Smith, vice president and executive assistant to the president, said in a university-wide e-mail, “We are always looking for ways to increase our efficiency and organizational effectiveness, primarily in ways that will provide better service to our students, faculty and staff.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report Web site, “The U.S. News College rankings provide timely, relevant and useful information about the college selection process. The U.S. News Best Colleges package serves as a fundamental resource for those families facing one of the most challenging financial decisions.” 

Richard Mausser, JCU vice president for finance said, “I believe the ranking is testament to the quality of our academic programs, our student success rates and our affordability.” 

In fact, according to the JCU Web site, “We [JCU] award nearly $30 million in financial aid each year.”

This is not the first year that JCU has gained national recognition.

Mausser said, “To be consistently recognized as an institution that offers great educational value is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff.”

John Carroll was also the No. 7 spot among universities in the Midwest offering master’s programs in 2009. This marks the twenty-first consecutive year that JCU has been named one of the top 10 institutions in this category by U.S. News and World Report.

Students cite the many opportunities, qualified professors and curriculum that are present at JCU as the reasons that the University has been ranked.

Sophomore Andy Lane said, “From the education, student organizations and immersion opportunities, John Carroll University has something really special to offer its students.”

Senior Nikita Stange said, “There are a lot of things that make Carroll special… for me [they] are the relationships between professors and students. I feel prepared to move on past graduation as a result of the high standards set by my professors.”

Even freshman Jocelyn Toney said she can see something unique at JCU.

 “The reason John Carroll is so valuable is that we are not only here to study our majors, but we are here to learn about a variety of courses,  serving others, and most important,  learning about ourselves and who we really want to be,” said Toney.

Lane said, “Even though rankings can be important and reveal information, they are just numbers—and we are more than numbers can describe.”