The Gospel Choir was reorganized in Fall 2009, and this is the first time the group has been involved with a service component. Meeting at the Rec Desk at 5:00 pm, both groups loaded on to the JCU fleet bus for the 15 minute ride, and once they arrived, enjoyed pizza provided by the Gospel Choir, as many were coming straight from class and work. At 6:00 pm, F.A.C.E.S.™ sponsored a jeopardy game for the senior citizens, giving away towels, cloths, and socks gift-wrapped in holiday paper, followed by a concert from the Gospel Choir.  Afterwards, both groups took pictures, and mingled with the residents over the cookies and punch that the Waterford provided as a special “thank you” for coming.

Claudine Chatman, a Waterford resident said, “Everything was perfect; it was the largest crowd we’ve had come out for an evening activity.” Over 45 residents crowded the multi-purpose room that evening.

Waterford activity coordinator, Sue Stamey, thanked both groups profusely for coming. “The gifts were perfect for our resident’s daily needs. And the singing was absolutely wonderful.”

F.A.C.E.S.™, which co-sponsored the trip, is a new JCU student organization whose name is an acronym for Faith, Action, Culture, Entertainment, and Service. The organization’s mission is to bring an atmosphere of faith, fellowship, fun, and a family dynamic to the Carroll campus.

F.A.C.E.S.™ hosts various activities including powerful dinner discussions and attendance to both sports games and campus events as a group. F.A.C.E.S.™ also teams up with other student organizations to engage in service opportunities.

Dr. Walter Simmons, F.A.C.E.S.™ adviser said that F.A.C.E.S.™ has partnered with the Northeast Ohio Alliance for Hope (NOAH), after earlier this semester when the group brought in NOAH executive director, Trevelle Harp, to speak on community organizing.

”F.A.C.E.S.™ is looking forward to hosting some great events in the near future,” Dr. Simmons comments.

Remarking on the Waterford trip, Melanie Davis, a junior and financial officer for F.A.C.E.S.™ said, “I had so much fun interacting with the residents; it was great to hear some of their stories.”

Junior Yuri Sato, a new member to the Gospel Choir, said,” The Waterford facility was gorgeous and the people were amazing; I’m excited to return again next year.”

Reverend Valentino Lassiter is the adviser for Gospel Choir, and encourages all to come out for the Gospel Choir’s performances this semester. Both advisers enjoyed the groups’ collaboration for the Waterford Trip.

The 136-page book is a survey, illustrating specific examples against the historical backdrop of the time, which traces the celebration from its origin to today.

“The Feast of Christmas” is Kelly’s third Christmas book (“The Origins of Christmas,” “The Birth of Jesus According to the Gospels”). While readers might expect a thorough investigation into the birth of Jesus, the book documents the actual celebration of Christmas, as the title suggests.

Kelly explains what is known about the birth of Jesus, though.

“The gospels indicate a humble birth to a carpenter and his teenage wife, so we can be sure of that. It certainly took place in Bethlehem. Historians can say these things but other gospel elements, such as the virginal conception, are matters of faith,” Kelly said.

Stories of Jesus’s birth are only included in two of the Gospels.

“Actually Jesus’ birth is important as a prelude to the gospels of Matthew and Luke who, like Mark and John, really focus on Jesus’ public career, death and resurrection,” Kelly said.

Early Christians did not celebrate Christmas until the fourth century, and from there the struggle to balance the “two Christmases” (secular and religious) continues today.

The celebration of Christmas takes dramatic turns through the Middle Ages latching on to its current date and the pagan feast Yule, to the religious Christmas being challenged in the sixth century being banned by Puritans. The book finishes up with documenting the religious Christmas not only existing in consumerist society, but flourishing in it.

Kelly credits the book’s focus and helpfulness to his “History of Christmas” students at JCU in the preface of the book.

“Over the years my students have asked me many good questions that have sharpened not only my understanding of the subject, but also of the kinds of topics that would interest the general reader. If you find this book helpful, my students can take much of the credit.” Kelly wrote in his preface.

Junior Amanda Chu, currently enrolled in Kelly’s class, said Kelly has reminded her of what Christmas is truly about.

“We celebrate Christmas every year and celebrate the traditions, but many people do not know the origins. Nowadays people just celebrate Christmas for the gifts rather than the religious aspect, and they do not know how all the songs and traditions correlate to Jesus and his birth,” Chu said.

Kelly says his interest of Christmas goes back like a lot of us, from childhood. “I like Christmas very much, ever since I was a child. My books on Christmas derive from that interest,” Kelly said.

“The Feast of Christmas” is currently available in the JCU bookstore, and signed copies from Kelly also appear on the shelves.

Wong’s speaking career became permanent after one engagement.

“It happened quite naturally, I had spoken somewhere, and someone approached me and asked me if I would like to do it more regularly in an organized way, and I said I would like to try that. It worked out so well that I enjoyed it that I kept doing it,” Wong said.

Wong’s lecture entitled, “All the World’s a Stage: From Exclusion to Inclusion,” took place Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in Donahue Audiorium, Dolan Science Center as part of the Shirley S. Seaton Cultural Awareness Series. His talk detailed not only his own struggles but also America’s struggle with diversity.

“I think [America] is kind of struggling with diversity. I elected a president [Barack Obama] that represents, by his very presence, a different sensibility about diversity. Yet we see all around us there is struggle, discomfort, and a lack of understanding that continues,” Wong said.

Discussing the issue of diversity to college students becomes more pressing Wong said because students are defining the world around them, and more importantly, defining themselves.

“All these things are happening. You are deciding what you want to do with your life, deciding who you are, learning about who you are, sharing that, and you don’t do that as freely when you are under your parents’ roof,” Wong said.

These issues face people individually, but understanding issues of diversity, Wong said, will also help individuals relate to others too, which is what he tries to do. Wong strives to be an example that others can relate to who struggle with race or sexual orientation. Something he didn’t have growing up.

“The motivation [in Hollywood] is to create products. This can be dangerous if the ‘products’ in Hollywood don’t reflect the reality of the world. Not only by the proportions of people of color to non-people of color, or gay people to non-gay people, but the way they are portrayed. Those two things make it very difficult for people trying to find their own identity,” Wong said.

Diversity extends not only to race, but also to gay rights. The question of the moment, Wong said, is if gay rights and equality will be the next big civil rights struggle. While the gay civil rights struggle might not be equated to the fight African Americans had in the 1960s, the gay community can equate the same feeling that they do not share the same rights as everyone.

“It is one of the big things we need to check off the list in this country in order to have a healthy living environment. If we are all going to live together we need to figure out how to make gay people feel accepted in our society, and live a life without any compromise, which is a big problem for us,” Wong said.

Wong’s personal struggle between experiencing racism and sexual prejudice is also a struggle between race being more objective while his sexual orientation is subjective discrimination.

“The thing about being Asian American is that it is always on your face, so there is no way to down play it. It is right on your sleeve, therefore it is the more objectifying label rather than the other,” Wong said.

The overall message of Wong’s story is being comfortable in your own skin. Being a healthy person with a healthy outlook on life is how Wong came to accept himself, and maintains that others can reach that optimistic view as well.

“The specific message is a self-esteem message. A part of my journey is how to overcome low self-esteem, there was a time I didn’t want to be a lot of things, but I was. Then I realized I was great at the end of the day [no matter what], and if I can encourage people to find that positive feeling about themselves earlier rather than later that is a great thing,” said Wong.

Many of the students chose to vote absentee in their home elections in order to stay connected to their hometown.  These students felt that even though they were spending the majority of the year in Cleveland, their home elections would still affect them the most.

Nici Fluharty, a freshman from Willard, Ohio, was one of the students to vote absentee in her hometown. She received the absentee application in her John Carroll mailbox and decided to send in her vote so her voice would be heard. 

Fluharty does not feel that she will ever change her registration and vote in the local elections.

She described how she was unsure whom to vote for. “I had to call my dad to discuss the issues and candidates with him, this was the first time I voted and I was not sure what to do,” Fluharty said.

Christine Fleig, also a freshman, is from Cranberry Township, Penn. She registered at home and was able to send in her absentee ballot, which had to be sent in five to seven days before the election. 

Similar to Fluharty, Fleig is very excited to be a first time voter and explained why she decided to vote in her hometown, “I think it is important for people to vote and have their say in the country and local government.”

She did not feel that she would ever change her voting registration to Cleveland unless she chose to stay in the area after college.

Bill Cook has a unique experience in the voting process; he has voted absentee in his home elections as well as in the elections surrounding John Carroll. Bill is a sophomore from Chicago, Ill. 

Last year, Bill decided to register here so that he could vote in the University Heights mayoral elections. 

He felt that that the election would really affect John Carroll itself, so he wanted to be a part of it. He also felt there was no big election going on in Chicago at the time. 

This year, on the other hand, Bill decided to register and vote absentee in his hometown. 

“The elections were very close this year and my vote was very important. I still wanted to stay an active citizen back home even though I am here,” Cook said.

Most people will do this online, but he was home at the time so he went to his local library to register. He filled out his form at the library and then it was mailed back to him at John Carroll so that he could vote and then send it back to Chicago.

Duchess Adjei, a senior, made the effort and returned to her hometown Indianapolis, Ind. to submitt her ballot.

“On Oct. 25 I had to go to the courthouse in Indiana. [I] filled out the sheet and did the whole process there.” Adjei said.

Adjei felt is was important to vote in her hometown jurisdiction not because of the direct impact on her, but on her family.

“Even if I am not there as much as much as I am at school, I think if there is anything I can do to try and change something where I am from that is important. Because I have more of a connection to Indianapolis and my vote impacts my family because they are still there,” Adjei said.

Many students did not vote for this year’s mid-term elections, but several that were asked agreed that they would definitely be voting in the next elections, especially the Presidential Elections in 2012.

Presidential Elections are the most popular elections and many college students would not want to miss the chance to vote in a historical election.  

 Absentee voting is very popular for students since it is a way for students to still feel connected to their hometowns even though they are away.Mid-term elections finally came to a close this past week. As college students, sometimes it can be hard to remember to vote with all that is going on (including studying, extracurricular activities, social events, etc.). John Carroll students still found the time to pay attention to the issues and vote in either their home elections or the local ones in the Cleveland area. 

Many of the students chose to vote absentee in their home elections in order to stay connected to their hometown.  These students felt that even though they were spending the majority of the year in Cleveland, their home elections would still affect them the most.

Nici Fluharty, a freshman from Willard, Ohio, was one of the students to vote absentee in her hometown. She received the absentee application in her John Carroll mailbox and decided to send in her vote so her voice would be heard. 

Fluharty does not feel that she will ever change her registration and vote in the local elections.

She described how she was unsure whom to vote for. “I had to call my dad to discuss the issues and candidates with him, this was the first time I voted and I was not sure what to do,” Fluharty said.

Christine Fleig, also a freshman, is from Cranberry Township, Penn. She registered at home and was able to send in her absentee ballot, which had to be sent in five to seven days before the election. 

Similar to Fluharty, Fleig is very excited to be a first time voter and explained why she decided to vote in her hometown, “I think it is important for people to vote and have their say in the country and local government.”

She did not feel that she would ever change her voting registration to Cleveland unless she chose to stay in the area after college.

Bill Cook has a unique experience in the voting process; he has voted absentee in his home elections as well as in the elections surrounding John Carroll. Bill is a sophomore from Chicago, Ill. 

Last year, Bill decided to register here so that he could vote in the University Heights mayoral elections. 

He felt that that the election would really affect John Carroll itself, so he wanted to be a part of it. He also felt there was no big election going on in Chicago at the time. 

This year, on the other hand, Bill decided to register and vote absentee in his hometown. 

“The elections were very close this year and my vote was very important. I still wanted to stay an active citizen back home even though I am here,” Cook said.

Most people will do this online, but he was home at the time so he went to his local library to register. He filled out his form at the library and then it was mailed back to him at John Carroll so that he could vote and then send it back to Chicago.

Duchess Adjei, a senior, made the effort and returned to her hometown Indianapolis, Ind. to submitt her ballot.

“On Oct. 25 I had to go to the courthouse in Indiana. [I] filled out the sheet and did the whole process there.” Adjei said.

Adjei felt is was important to vote in her hometown jurisdiction not because of the direct impact on her, but on her family.

“Even if I am not there as much as much as I am at school, I think if there is anything I can do to try and change something where I am from that is important. Because I have more of a connection to Indianapolis and my vote impacts my family because they are still there,” Adjei said.

Many students did not vote for this year’s mid-term elections, but several that were asked agreed that they would definitely be voting in the next elections, especially the Presidential Elections in 2012.

Presidential Elections are the most popular elections and many college students would not want to miss the chance to vote in a historical election.  

 Absentee voting is very popular for students since it is a way for students to still feel connected to their hometowns even though they are away.

Crisis mapping utilizes technology to update maps online, which report what is happening globally in real time.

“We could learn something useful about trends [from these technological changes] that could tell us something significant about the election process, or about the dynamics of emergencies, or to help direct emergency aid to people that need it most,” said Ziemke.

Maps are a significant part of the Network, and consist of several layers of data like populations, roads and images, in order to get information to the people who really need it. It can be particularly beneficial to those individuals first on the scenes of a crisis. 

“My colleagues at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative proposed the idea of a new field of crisis mapping, because so many people from around the world simultaneously started to leverage the power of maps and new technologies to understand the world around them,” Ziemke said.

Since the network was started one year ago, there are more than 1,000 people involved with new ideas and information. 

Many of the members of the International Network of Crisis Mappers met for the first time at John Carroll in October 2009 when the first conference took place.

As a crisis mapping fellow, Ziemke’s role is to develop how “Crisis Mapping can be used to help us understand processes and micro-level dynamics of violence inside conflict and war,” she said.

Recently with crisis mapping Ziemke and Patrick Meier, her colleague, have finished a year-long task of organizing the second conference, which was held at Harvard and Tufts Universities in Boston in October. 

Crisis mapping has not only brought awareness to the state of other nations, but has been a resource which has created a global network of “first responders.”

The JCU community has also been involved with crisis mapping.  A few students helped Ziemke with the tasks the earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010.

JCU will be offering a course based on the crisis mapping network in the spring. 

“I really look forward to learning with the students when I teach a course on crisis mapping this spring. It will give us a chance to learn some techniques and tools but also step back and reflect a bit on the issues and concerns, and help define the shape of this new field,” Ziemke said.

John Carroll is hosting first Asperger’s Symposium on Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

The keynote speaker is Jane Thierfield Brown. Brown is the director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law. 

In the lecture, she plans to inform the audience about how to help students with Asperger’s Syndrome integrate into a higher education setting. This topic is especially relevant to the Cleveland community because there are several high schools that work with students on the Autism Specter Disorder. 

Murphy said Meeks wanted to asked Brown if she could come to JCU, and the planning for the symposium snowballed from there.

“[Meeks] ran into [Brown] at a conference and mentioned to her that she wished Jane could come talk to JCU faculty and staff to educate them about Asperger’s,” Murphy said.

 According to Murphy, not only is the lecture for students to attend, but faculty are having their own lecture explaining how to deal with students with AS.

“It started there and has progressed into a symposium Tuesday, Nov. 9 for professionals [in the Cleveland area] (free to JCU faculty and staff), a free community lecture in the evening, and more lecture time specifically for JCU faculty and staff on Wednesday, Nov. 10.” Murphy said.

 “For Psych[ology] and Ed[ucation] students, the lecture is a direct educational benefit, especially us who will be working in the Cleveland area because there are two schools who work with students on the spectrum in the area,” said Murphy.

“For the general student body, the more you know about this population of students, the more you can positively interact with them which in turn will make JCU a more diverse and inclusive place,” she said.

If students wish to become more involved with the cause, John Carroll offers an internship program with the Cleveland Clinic to work with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“Students can help their friends with AS to model appropriate social interaction and provide direct feedback about their behavior. Furthermore, it will help AS students feel like a part of the community when they are treated like everyone else,” said Murphy.

AS is an Autism Specter Disorder, and it is characterized by having limited interests or unusual fascinations with a particular subject often excluding everything else from mind. 

These tendencies often cause those with AS to have repetitive routines, problems with speech and non-verbal communication, clumsiness, and sometimes unsuitable social and emotional behavior.  

The biology of AS, as well as with autism, has to do with structural abnormalities within the brain. 

According to the Asperger’s Disorder Homepage (aspergers.com), in comparison to autism, “there are fewer major structural brain abnormalities associated with Asperger’s Disorder than with autism. To our knowledge, a very small number of structural brain abnormalities have been so far associated with Asperger’s Disorder.”

All these factors become more of a challenge when AS students enter the soical, high pressure, college atmoshpere. 

Jennifer L. Murphy, graduate assistant for Services for Students with Disabilities, said this syndrome is being highlighted by JCU because of strong faculty expertise and involvement in the community. 

“Asperger’s is Lisa Meeks’ [Services for Students with Disabilities Director] and Tracy Masterson’s [Psych Dept] area of expertise.  They are working with the Cleveland Clinic to develop an Asperger’s program,” Murphy said.

This is an issue to be addressed on JCU’s campus because according to Murphy, “Asperger’s is an emerging population in higher education that has historically not been studied.”

Campion Hall has not always been known as “Campion Hall.”  It’s first name was “Gnu Hall” until Nov. 13, 1993 when it was officially named after Campion High School and College located in Prairie Du Chien, Wis.  Many alumni have attended John Carroll. One Campion College alumni, F.J. O’Neil, is responsible for dedicating JCU’s Campion Hall to St. Edmund Campion, an English Jesuit and martyr who was tortured and hanged because of his faith.  

Pacelli Hall

Pacelli Hall was established due to the funding from Father McCue and modern language professor James Peirolo,  and Cleveland’s Italian-American community.  The hall is named after Eugenio Pacelli.  Pacelli is much more commonly known as Pope Pius XII. Before the hall could be recognized as “Pacelli Hall,” JCU had to receive permission from the Vatican to use the Pope’s name. After obtaining this special permission, Pacelli Hall was named after the Pope, and was the first college residence hall to be named after a pope.

 Murphy Hall

In 1964, Murphy Hall was finished and dedicated to Fr. William J. Murphy, S.J. His first position at JCU was as a faculty moderator of athletics.  In 1941, after more than ten years at JCU, he became dean of men, faculty moderator of the band, monitor of Bernet Hall, and representative of the Carroll Union.  

Bernet Hall

In 1935, Bernet Hall was esablished in honor of John J. Bernet, president of the Nickel Plate Railroad. He strongly supported JCU and wanted a dormitory building to be built in his name. In light of this wish, Bernet Hall became the first residence hall at JCU.

 Dolan Hall

Dolan Hall was named after Thomas F. Dolan (1891-1972), a former trustee of John Carroll University, who served from 1949 to 1972. Dolan was also a development chairman at JCU. Dolan, among others, finished funding for Dolan Hall in 1955.  The plaque in the entrance of Dolan Hall reads, “To the Greater Honor and Glory of God” to remind residents and students of the Jesuit mission, “Men and Women for Others.”

Sutowski Hall

Sutowski Hall was established in 1978, fourteen years after Murphy Hall. Sutowski Hall was named in honor of Walter S. Sutowski, businessman for the Freeway Washer Corporation.

Hamlin Hall

Hamlin Hall was built in 1988 and named in recognition of Richard M. Hamlin, a 1949 JCU alumni.  Hamlin left his legacy at JCU and in 1955 was honored as one of the “Fifty Finest Graduates” from the Boler School of Business.  After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from JCU, he became owner and president of The Richard M. Hamlin Construction Company, along with buying out the Hamlin Metal Products Company.  Hamlin also co-founded a manufacturing company known as The Brenlin Group. Hamlin was elected as a member of the John Carroll University Board of Trustees in 1988.  In addition to this contribution, Hamlin was a member of the of the Development and Nominating Committees. 

Millor Hall

Millor Hall was completed in 1981, but was first named “South Hall.” The name wasn’t officially changed to “Millor Hall” until Oct. 24 of that same year.  It was officially renamed in recognition of Rev. William J. Millor, S.J, who was a former headmaster of residence halls at JCU.

The celebration took place on Monday, Oct. 4 in the Dolan Atrium. 

Pamela Mason, director of East Asian Studies, along with Roger Purdy, coordinator of East Asian studies, helped to put on an event for the community.

“It [East Asian Studies] increases awareness on campus,” said Purdy. The number of foreign exchange students on campus varies by semester.

Prudy saw this as a good way to connect with those who come to JCU to study abroad.

 “This is the first year that we can add East Asian studies meet your major to the festival because it is official,” said sophomore Rebecca Secula, an East Asian studies major.

Mason gave a talk to a group of high school students about the new major. 

“[We’re] excited about prospective students,” said Mason. 

The festival is a way for high school students to explore their options, through continuing their studies at a higher level of education.

“It attracts students throughout the University,” Mason said. “It doesn’t so much compete with other majors as it compliments them.”

While academics were addressed, culture was a large component of the festival. Tofu, vegetable rice, and potatoes were just some of the foods that were offered at the festival, which was purchased from Korea House and Flying Cranes. 

Along with food, there was a Korean martial arts performing group, a Taiko drumming group, Yume Daiko, and Tai Chi instructed by Dorina Shen. The festival also offered flower arranging, called Ikebana, with instructors from local chapter Ikebana International. 

Attendants moved to Saint Francis Chapel for a special presentation by the Orchid Ensemble. The performance was sponsored the East Asian Studies Program and Liturgical Music and Musical Arts.  

The Orchid Ensemble utilizes ancient musical instruments to musically depict the culture and traditions of China, India and beyond.  The members of The Orchid Ensemble, Lan Tung, Haiqiong Deng and Jonathan Bernard combined erhu, vocals, zheng, marimba and percussion. 

The ensemble has toured throughout North America and is known for commissioning musical pieces from both Canadian and United States composers for their performance. 

At their performance, the musical group played eight pieces representing different aspects of mainly Chinese culture.  Throughout the presentation, the group members informed the audience about the background of the songs and traditions behind the lyrics.

Many of the compositions were dedicated to the moon, clouds and flowers which, as explained by the group members, is custom in China. Some songs that followed this tradition were, “Dancing Moon,” “Harvest Season,” and “Xiao He Tang Shui.”

On Oct. 5, Tanaka spoke to JCU students, professors and community members as part of the East Asian Festival and Maroon Discussion Series.  

Tanaka is the general manager for TOMATEC, a food packaging company and a branch of the Toyo Seikan Group.  He has been an international business leader for twenty years, and currently resides in the United States.

Every seat was filled in the Boler School of Business classroom as Tanaka gave his presentation containing a brief introduction of Japanese culture and history. The second part of his presentation was about the difference in business between Japan and the United States.

As the general manager of TOMATEC, Tanaka covers business, documentation, accounting and hires within the company. 

“I was interested in foreign cultures and foreign affairs and wanted to put that knowledge to use,” said Tanaka.

Tanaka’s presentation provided information about the various factors within international business, and the essence of working with others in business.  

Tanaka spoke about how to handle an International Business meeting, and explained the concept of “honorifics” within Japanese business—proper customs, language, gestures and etiquette.  He also explained the differing employment systems within Japan and the United States. 

Tanaka offered personal experience during the presentation.  He spoke of his biggest personal challenges with his occupation adaptation.

“Adapting the knowledge and cultural aspects of other countries, and using that knowledge in business meetings [was a personal challenge],” said Tanaka.

Tanaka was educated in Japan and earned a position with TOMATEC right after graduation.

“In Japan, the best chance to get a job is right after college graduation.  If you miss that chance, it is much more difficult,” he said.

With Tanaka’s experience in International Business, he wanted to give advice to students with aspirations in this field.

“Try to gain knowledge of other cultures,” said Tanaka.

The East Asian Studies department enjoys having speakers like Tanaka and encourages learning about other cultures partly through the Maroon Discussion Series. It is a program sponsored by Maroon, Incorporated, of Avon, Ohio. Maroon, Incorporated, is a specialty chemical distributor, which not only does business in Northeastern Ohio, but reaches international consumers as well. The series invites Asian and American business leaders to discuss Asia-related issues in business and the economy.

Kick-It is a well-known national fundraising effort used to raise money for pediatric cancer.  One hundred percent of the fundraising goes toward the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Curesearch.

Kick-It is a three-day event coming to John Carroll University. The event begins on Nov. 11 and ends on Nov. 13. JCU students will be able to form teams to collect funding and participate in the tournament.   

During the three days, teams will compete in games of kickball.  The games will have allotted times and the winner of each game will advance to the next round.  The winning team, along with the team that raised the most money will be recognized at the JCU versus Baldwin-Wallace home football game on Nov. 13. 

 In addition to participating in this game, these teams will present the total funds to Quinn Clarke and the Kick-It Organization.  

As incentive to fundraise as much as possible, the team that raises the most money will also get the opportunity to play kickball in the outfield of Progressive Field. 

Kristie Maravalli, the head of The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is working in collaboration with the intramural department to host this event.  Assistant Director of Recreation and acting Director of Recreation Courtney Farver, as well as Assistant Athletic Director Jane Evans are working alongside Maravalli. Intramural Student Supervisor Tym Tagliaferro is collaborating with Maravalli, Farver and Evans to make Kick-It a successful event at JCU.

Maravalli said, “Quinn Clarke approached the athletic department.  After only one meeting the Student Athlete Advisory Committee chose to participate and asked the intramural department to collaborate with us.”

Maravalli and Farver are currently working to promote Kick-It on campus. In order to better advertise Kick-It, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is forming a marketing committee. The Intramural department is using all of its resources to promote the fundraiser.  

It will promote Kick-It at various sporting events and throughout homecoming. They will have a table set up in the Atrium for students to approach, ask questions and get involved. Students can find more information about the tournament, forming teams and raising money.

For more information about Quinn Clarke’s story or other Kick-It events visit www.kick-it.org.

Graduate Assistant of the Career Center, Paul Clapp scheduled the checkup meetings between sophomore students and career assistants. There are six career assistants available at the Career Center to conduct checkups. Clapp and his six CA’s collaborate year-round on projects to help make students aware of the opportunities that the Career Center offers. 

Sophomore checkups with career assistants are not mandatory, but attendance is strongly encouraged. They are not required for other grade levels. 

Clapp said, “We have identified the sophomore year as one of the most important times for students. Sophomores are in a unique time because they have a full year under their belts. They are familiar with school, but still have questions about the resources available to them.”

Sophomore Andrew Martin said, “Going into the meeting I thought it could possibly be a waste of time.  I felt that since I knew my major and possible career choices that the Career Center could not be of any use.”

Even for students certain of their career path, Martin insisted the meeting was surprisingly helpful.

Martin said, “Even though I know my major will be Accountancy, I learned valuable information about the assistance that is offered at John Carroll regarding career opportunities.”

Even if students know their intended major or have already declared a major, the checkups will be helpful in further guidance and steps to take for internship and career opportunities. 

“The Sophomore Checkup gave me more of an understanding of what the Career Center has to offer.  Even as a sophomore I like to know that when it comes time for internships and job opportunities there is a place for help,” said Martin.

Clapp said that this meeting is concerned with revealing all the resources available to students.

Clapp said, “It is our goal to educate the students on a variety of things. It is important for the students to actually step foot in the Career Center because some students don’t know where we are located on campus. We talk about four main points with the students, career education (CE) classes, all the available appointments within the Career Center, Career Connection is explained, we talk about our internship program.”

The internship programs consist of classes for which students can receive credit hours.

“These classes can be taken for zero, one, two or three credit hours. The zero credit hour transcript notation is really helpful for students who don’t have room to add another credit hour but need college credit. For those students who have internships that require college credit but have a full load, they can sign up for a zero credit transcript notation,” said Clapp.

Besides internship classes, the Career Center offers other classes.  Students can apply for a maximum of four career education classes.  Students who find themselves struggling to find a career path are encouraged to take either Introduction to Careers or Exploring Your Options. There are also introduction courses that aim toward specific majors such as accounting and psychology.

The Sophomore Checkup meetings help students learn to balance college credit hours, as well as internships with a full schedule. The Career Center helps students learn more about their academic goals and how to attain them.

“It was helpful to know that when it comes time to pursue an internship that the Career Center was there for guidance,” said Martin.

Clapp points out that students are paying for these services anyway, so why not use them.

“We explain our mission of the Career Center. The fact is students are paying a lot of money to go to school here, and everything we offer is at no charge to the students. We want to make sure we are able to help the students identify what they are passionate about, where they are needed in the world and how they can get there,” said Clapp.

 The Career Center is there to provide support for the students, to encourage them to utilize the center’s resources and services in order to be academically successful.

In reference to how the checkups are helpful, Martin said, “Now when I am trying to land an internship I will know who to contact for direction, since it can be quite competitive to find an opportunity.”

According to the Career Center, last year’s sophomore checkups were successful. Clapp said, “last year we had over 55 percent of the sophomores attend their checkup, which is a great number when compared to other universities around the country who do similar programs.”

The Career Center is available to students for academic resources. These check ups are provided so that students may better know how to set themselves up for success.

This explains why one of the busiest offices on campus is the Center for Service and Social Action, which is projected to work with over 700 students this semester in daily service.  

This continued growth in student involvement has been quite expansive, especially when compared to the 250 students who participated in service through the center in the fall of 2006.  

According to the center’s director, Margaret Finucane, this participation increase has to do with more interest in service learning from the faculty, as well as a rise in students’ desire to do service.

“The group of students entering school is much more engaged in service, which is not just apparent at John Carroll, but also on a national scale,” said Finucane.

 This growing want to serve may coincide with the nation’s economic situation.  This is apparent in the over 60 service sites the CSSA is partnered with in the Greater Cleveland area. 

“The sites we chose to work with have to meet our mission: to serve those most in need,” said Finucane.  

And the needs of those sites and people can span a number of fields.  Many teachers are adding a service learning component to their course curriculum, challenging their students to put their classroom knowledge to use in a real world setting. 

Service learning requires students to make a semester long commitment to do weekly service at a chosen site, usually in line with the goals of the class. The faculty member usually chooses sites that allow students to bring the service back to the course.  

One way the CSSA tries to promote students to make this connection is by asking students to answer a weekly reflection prompt following a day of service. This allows conversation to occur between the student, the site, and the center, ensuring the best possible experience for all involved. 

However, student involvement in the CSSA does not stop at service learning and volunteering.  

As one of the campus’s biggest student employers, the CSSA offers a unique work study environment. 

 In addition to having to be van certified, student service leaders who work for the CSSA are responsible for making the initial student-site relationship with each service partner.  Student service leaders are responsible for transporting the student volunteers to their site, participating and engaging in the service project, and leading the follow up reflection.  

Since the service leaders are the JCU representatives to the community, they attend a summer orientation day as well as workshops throughout the year, to assure proper group communication is being used. 

Student service leader, junior Sarah Stanley, “Basically I get paid for doing community service. What could be better?”

 The CSSA works to encourage students to address the real needs of the community and challenge them to work with people they might not have contacted before in life.  

As Finucane said, “Learning happens across campus and across life, not just in the classroom.”  

John Carroll works to teach students not just to see that there is a need for service and do it, but rather to be engaged enough in the community, which is why those needs exist in the first place. 

If students are not signed up for a weekly service project, but would still like to be involved with the CSSA, they can participate in day long service projects a few times a year. 

The closest approaching project is the “Make a Difference Day,” which will be taking place on Oct. 23.  

The day consists of a door-to-door food collection in the University Heights neighborhoods, with all donations going to the Fatima Family Center.  All volunteers are welcome, and should sign up in the CSSA office.

 “This is my senior year, and I have wanted to do this forever. This summer and the end of my junior year it finally happened,” said Giannell. “I want to come back as an alumnus and see JCU have spirit!”

 The new group is planning events for all of the home football games, a few men’s and women’s soccer games, two hockey games, men’s and women’s basketball, one indoor track meet, baseball and softball games, and a wrestling match.

The free T-shirts that have been given out to promote the Carroll Crazies have the schedule printed on the back and it can also be found on the Carroll Crazies Facebook page.

“Alicia Giannell came to me with the concept, which is designed similar to many other collegiate spirit groups,” said Evans.

“I think the big push is to create a stronger sense of spirit, especially at our home athletic events, [where] regular season competitions are always free to JCU students.” 

With their own table set up at the Student Involvement Fair last Friday, the group received a lot of positive feedback from current JCU students.

“Fan support plays a big role in how athletic teams perform so I think it’s a great thing hat the Carroll Crazies are doing by bringing fans into the stands and building a John Carroll tradition,” senior Jay Campara said.

All of the officers, including Vice President Josh Rentz, Financial Officer Maureen Creighton, Secretary Ashley Bauer, and Public Relations Representatives, Samantha Staab and Kara Lamb, are varsity athletes.

Not only does the support come from athletes, but also from other members of the JCU community.

“Their efforts will be supported through funding requests to Student Activities as well as to an Athletic Spirit Fund,” said Evans. 

“A number of different people and groups are backing our start-up efforts—from athletics to integrated marketing and communications. The folks in residence life had created a ‘pack the stands’ challenge last year during football season that we will run with again.”

Even the cheerleaders have become involved with planning some of the events at games. “The John Carroll Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will also be involved with supporting their fellow athletes through the Carroll Crazies events,” Evans said.

“The Carroll Crazies was just an idea from the basketball games. All the football players got together, dressed up, and cheered. I thought, ‘What if we got everyone to do this, but officially and with all the sports?’” said Giannell.

Even on the long Labor Day weekend, JCU students packed three buses to go to the away football game against Case Western Reserve University. 

“This is a strong indicator of the level of interest in this type of student organization and we will do all that we can within our resources to continue to develop it,” said Evans.

A lot of effort has been put into this group to make the Carroll Crazies what it is and what it will be in the future. 

Hopefully, the campus will see Giannell’s goal for future JCU students, “The Craziest Fans in the Stands!” in the next year and beyond.

Evolving from a grant given to JCU following last year’s fall semester, the Xavier-Nichols Foundation is a family-run organization, which awarded $100,000 to JCU to focus on student wellness.

According to Vice President of Student Affairs, Mark McCarthy, members of the XNF met with the Rev. Robert Niehoff, S.J., after the fall semester to offer a grant to JCU. 

“[XNF] came to JCU interested in helping and wanted to give a gift,” said McCarthy.

The Foundation was interested in the health and welfare of the students.  According to Mary Ann Hanicak, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, this grant is the basis for First Thing’s First and its overall philosophy. 

“[First Thing’s First] is concerned with wellness initiatives, encourages positive interactions and communications.”

Assistant Director of Recreation and member of Xavier-Nichols Programming Team, Courtney Farver said that the program is focused personally on JCU students. 

“First Thing’s First is a Xavier-Nichols Programming Team philosophy and overall initiative provoking the JCU community to take care of themselves while reflecting on their daily priorities,” Farver said.

First Thing’s First has various programs to emphasize JCU student wellness. Speedbumps is a reflective message sent via e-mail to students during the school year. Campus Ministry sends out an e-mail so students can benefit from Speedbumps free of charge.

JCU now provides reflection rooms around campus.  There is a room located in the basement of Dolan, the second floor of Pacelli, and in the Sutowski Chapel. Reflective meditation sessions, by Campus Ministry, will be offered in Murphy and Sutowski Chapels and in Pacelli’s meditation space every Monday at 9 p.m.

The recently renovated spaces in Campion and Hamlin Halls will host Wednesday night yoga and mindfulness meditation. These sessions will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. and will alternate weekly between yoga and meditation.  The next yoga session will be Sept. 15 and the next meditation session will be Sept. 22.      

Residence Life Cinema will be showing movies and flashing messages between films, which promote healthy lifestyles and decisions.

The Student Health Center will send e-mails encouraging wellness and ways to practice healthy living, particularly regarding physical health.

The Health and Wellness Fair will take place later in the fall semester, and Mental Health Awareness Day will take place in the spring semester.  

Relaxation and mindfulness classes, as well as yoga classes, and massage therapy will be offered in residence halls during finals week.  

Active Minds is a new program to challenge preconceived ideas of mental health and wellness. This group was started by JCU students, Rudy Donatelli, Meghan Everett, Meredith Kramer and Kyle Ferstle. Over 127 students are involved on the “Active Minds–JCU Chapter” Facebook page. 

As grant administrator, Hanicak said, “I created the Xavier-Nichols Programming Team (XNPT), consisting of a number of administrators from the Division of Student Affairs to work on spiritual and mental health initiatives for students.”

According to Hanicak the team had a retreat in the summer to plan for fall programming.

Hanicak said they asked, “Who are we as a team? What are our goals? And how can we best serve JCU students?”

“Our goals are to provide spiritual and mental health on campus, to reduce anxiety, and increase spirituality and mental health,” Hanicak said. 

Hanicak added that students need to “take time everyday to collect and reflect.”  

As the JCU freshmen arrived they heard not only JCU’s mission, but the mission of First Thing’s First as well. 

“You cannot truly take care of others if you do not take care of yourself,” Hanicak said.

The team made 2,500 bracelets, which have been passed out to the freshman class, First Thing’s First mentors, and even the Rev. Robert Niehoff, S.J., carries one around. 

The mentors consist of large student groups. 

“RAs and certain student leaders have been trained. We will be looking at student athletes and other large student groups, and then we will look on involving the general student body,” Hanicak said.

First Thing’s First is not a program that will only last throughout the academic year.

“We are trying to institute these things so they just don’t go away,” said Hanicak.

More information can be found through e-mail, flyers posted in residence halls and academic buildings, and in the weekly e-newsletter from your mentor.

Junior resident assistant Kristen Jantonio said, “‘The Don’t Throw It Away, Give It Away’ event is an end of the year collection, and we are encouraging people to think twice about what they are throwing away and donate things that can be used by someone else.” 

Jantonio pointed to its convenience as well.

“Sometimes at the end of the year people don’t want to take some items home, so they throw it away. Why not donate [the items] so someone else can get good use out of it too?” she said.

Anything that is in good condition can be donated with the exception of furniture this year.

Reusable items, non-perishable food, gently-used clothes and shoes, unopened toiletries and school supplies (except notebooks) are all accepted for this event.  With this, dirty or torn clothing, open or perishable food, and broken objects are not accepted.

Students in residence halls are encouraged to donate items to this event.  Donations should be brought to the Student Center Atrium.

John Carroll’s Campus Ministry is heavily involved with this collection.  

Pacelli Hall Resident Minister Lauren Fraser said, “For the past few years the resident ministers have sponsored an end of the year collection; we have always been overwhelmed with people’s generosity and needed more hands, especially with our staff being downsized from last year to this year.”

With the downsizing of staff, Residence Life has stepped in to play a part in this year’s collection.  

Fraser said, “This year, Res Life has been an integral role of planning how to collect the great donations and distribute them to places that are in the most need around the city of Cleveland.” 

Assistant Director of Residence Life John Mack said, “To help reduce the amount of trash that is generated at the end of the year, we will be collecting clothing, household goods, and non-perishable food items in the Atrium during the week of finals. We want students to donate items rather than throw them away in the dumpsters.”

Along with donations to various Cleveland-area charities, some of the items given to the collection may contribute to JCU immersion trips.

“Although it’s possible, depending on the donations, that some items may make their way to people JCU students will visit during May immersion experiences,” said Fraser.

Members of the John Carroll community do not need to be a part of Campus Ministry or Residence Life to be a part of the “Don’t Throw It Away, Give It Away” collection.  All students can donate.  

Fraser described how this collection event is a way for students to give to the community.  Any extra clothes, leftover school supplies and food are ways to contribute.  

“As you start packing up your current room for the summer, honestly look at your wealth of possessions. Is there a shirt, skirt, pants, etc. that you honestly haven’t worn this year? You most likely won’t wear it, if you haven’t in the past 12 months.” said Fraser. 

When packing to travel home after finals, save some room in  boxes and more room for a summer wardrobe and donate gently used items to the “Don’t Throw It Away, Give It Away” collection.

Mack anticipates a great outreach from JCU students to meet the needs of others in the community, or those with an involvement with JCU immersion experiences.  Expectations are high for this event. 

“Our goal is to collect enough donation to fill enough boxes that if stacked would reach higher than the Clock Tower on the AD building.  We will be tracking this progress in the Atrium all next week,” said Mack

Along with this goal, Mack said, “Our hope is to decrease the amount of belongings that are thrown away each year that can be reused, recycled or help feed area families.”

Fraser reminds the JCU community that the donations given will affect those who donate as well as those who receive the donations.

“We are so lucky that most of us will be able to buy a new shirt or appliances later in life. Other folks don’t always have that opportunity,” Fraser said.

For more information on the “Don’t Throw It Away, Give It Away” collection contact the Office of Residence Life at 216-397-4408 or .

Junior Courtney Weisenberger, Student      Director of Relay For Life, said, “It is an excellent opportunity for JCU to show support for the American Cancer Society.”

The quad, and later the varsity gym due to rain, was transformed into this year’s theme “Wild for a Cure.” Blow up animals and palm trees, lined the quad as the opening ceremonies started. With words of encouragement and gratitude for the planning team, the singing of the National Anthem by Rhapsody Blue and “America the Beautiful” by the Sweet Carolines, and a blessing from the Rev. Donald Cozzens, the event was kicked off by the survivor walk, where students and supporters spread across the quad to cheer on those donning the purple survivor T-shirts.

All day, teams raised money for the American Cancer Society. On the quad near St. Francis chapel, junior Megan Abraham hoped she would not have to get wet sitting in the SUPB-sponsored dunking booth.

 Even though the water was just as cold as the air in the early morning she was adamant it was for a good cause. 

 “It’s freezing out, [but] it’s for a good cause. I have family affected by cancer, so [to possibly get] hypothermia for 50 cents doesn’t bother me,” said Abraham, shivering as she got dunked several times in her half-hour shift. 

EMS was also continuing their fundraising tradition of offering $1 cot rides, while also being attentive in case of any injuries.

 Sophomore Adam Boggs said, “Last year nothing happened, [but this year] the concrete is a little more slick, [and] the grass is a little more slick. That’s why we are here just in case.” 

The team named the Purple People Eaters held a new fundraiser in front of Bernet Hall.  Using spray paint, they tie dyed T-shirts using the different colors that represent cancer. Team captain, sophomore Amanda Cowan, and participant, sophomore Cory Gotowka, came up with the idea. 

“We went through 24 cans of spray paint, and have made over $100,” Gotowka reported at 1:30 p.m., as Bernet’s grass was becoming as multicolored as the T-shirts being sprayed. At the end of the day he said, “It was about $400 in T-shirt sales ($2 per shirt), and about $350 from personal donations.”

Even members of the local community joined the fight against cancer. St. Ignatius High School students offered chariot rides and had a free throw contest throughout the day. 

Kevin Ryan described the preparations the team went through. “We had weekly meetings, worked out, and conditioned anyway we could for Relay,” he said.

Relay continued even throughout the rain, as the teams moved into the varsity gym. The luminaria ceremony, personal testimony, followed by more walking and closing remarks from JCU students wrapped up the evening, which ended at 4 a.m.

“This is an important event for JCU because so many people are affected by cancer,” Weisenberger said.

Organized by sophomores Chris Sarris and George Banaszak, Humans vs. Zombies is essentially a giant game of tag, pitting the original zombie against the humans.

“This original zombie must tag humans and build his army,” Sarris said. “Humans can defend themselves using Nerf weapons or balled up socks, which will ‘stun’ the zombie, meaning the player must remain inactive for 15 minutes.”

If humans are tagged, however, they become zombies and are banned from using Nerf guns or socks. Their new object is to tag humans to convert them to zombies. Overall, the key for both groups is survival.

“The object of the game is ultimately to stay alive,” Sarris said. “Every player tries their best to remain human for the duration of the week, but if they happened to be turned into a zombie, their focus changes as well. The zombie goal is to ‘bite’ every member of the human army, thereby eliminating humanity.”

According to the Humans vs. Zombies Web site (humansvszombies.org), the game was invented in 2005 at Goucher College in Baltimore, Md. The game became a success on Goucher’s campus, with students posting photos and videos to spread the game to other universities across the country.

Goucher is the only college in the country to require a study abroad experience for graduation. Due to this, students organized games at other schools around the world. Games are currently played at over 200 universities in the U.S., and also in Brazil, Canada, England, Denmark and Australia.

Junior Leslie Bissell, a participant in the game, got the idea to play from her friends.

“I have friends at [the University of Florida] who played the game, and they said it was a lot of fun,” she said. “I saw pictures of them playing it, so I decided to try it just to see what it was like.”

Banaszak wanted to bring something fun and different to campus.

“[Sarris] and I knew that there were other students like us who wanted an alternative event on campus and that is why we brought the phenomenon to JCU,” he said.

Even though the game was time-consuming, Bissell said she had a lot of fun.

“We are all on the brink of having final projects and papers, so it was nice to relax and be a kid again,” she said.

Both game moderators found Humans vs. Zombies to be extremely successful, not only because the participants donated $116 of their game fees to the American Red Cross, but because of the reaction of students on campus.

“Everybody kept talking about it all week,” Sarris said. “People wanted to know what was going on – students and faculty alike. I got such a kick out of hearing people tell me what they had heard in the hallways.”

Banaszak said he felt the players learned an important concept throughout the course of Humans vs. Zombies.

“I think the game was successful because of the importance of teamwork,” he said. “No matter who was playing, they all worked as one team, even if they didn’t know anyone else on their respective teams.”

Sarris said the participants of Humans vs. Zombies made the game interesting, not only through their teamworkm, but also with their enthusiasm.

“I’ve heard so many stories of players who didn’t even know each other, but would walk from building to building together because they saw an orange armband,” he said. “It was unlike anything I’d heard before and because of it, so many players made a lot of new friends. It was an amazing connection that was made between players.”

The game included members of each class and ran 24 hours a day. Even as students walked to and from class, they had to watch their backs.

“Even though we had missions between 7 and 8 p.m. [each night], we heard players that roamed campus all night looking for the other team and devising plans for the next day,” Banaszak said.

Due to the inaugural game’s success, two Humans vs. Zombies games, one in each semester, are already in the works for next year. During the times the game is not running, activities will be planned for the players.

“We will also be doing a lot of late night programming during our off-season so that people can participate all year,” Banaszak said.

Bissell is eagerly anticipating the return of Humans vs. Zombies next year.

“The people who were involved with the game were really great,” she said. “Chris and George have learned a lot from this first game at John Carroll and they have many things in the works for the next year. I’m excited to see what changes will be made and how the game will progress.”

Even though this year’s game was successful, both moderators anticipate that improvements will make next year’s battle even better.

“George and I are so happy with the results of this year, but we know we can make it even better,” Sarris said. “We’re thrilled to keep making the game bigger and better and we hope that everybody gets excited for the next game.”

Last Thursday evening, the Northern Irish poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, Muldoon, spoke in Dolan Auditorium.

“[He] has been called, by the [London] Times Literary Supplement, ‘the most important writer in English born after the Second World War.’ So he seemed like a good choice,” said George Bilgere, a professor in John Carroll’s English Department, in his opening remarks.

Bilgere said that the Department of English concluded, “He has a wonderful ear for the richness and beauty of the English language. And, of course, there’s a great tradition of remarkable Irish writers before him: Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, Joyce, Yeats and on and on. It’s amazing that such a small country has produced so many major writers.”

Alumni, faculty, students and the community filled Dolan Auditorium to near capacity to listen to Muldoon’s inspiration and poetry.

“I was going in not knowing what to expect,” said freshman Nick Wojtasik. “He had a good balance of some seriousness and some humorous nonsense in his poerty which, combined with a relaxed atmosphere, made for a quite enjoyable time.”

Muldoon began the event on a personal note with a poem about the birth of his daughter, Dorothy.  Even as an internationally-known writer, he revealed there are more important things than his literary career. “However corny it sounds for myself, and actually for my children, much more important than anything else is for my children to like me. Seriously, that is something I would like.”

Muldoon incorporated the audience by having them recite refrains from his poems such as, “with a click, and a click, and a clicky click” and other variations of this.

Dave Lucas, a 2002 John Carroll graduate, said, “I was even glad for the audience participation, too – poetry is special among the arts because it requires nothing but the human voice and ear.  We hear a poet reciting his poem and can even recite it back to him.  That’s something you don’t get when you sit down with his book.”

Muldoon finds that he writes many of his pieces from personal experience. “Well, I find it everywhere. I find that out of my usual routine I get more ideas rather than [fabricating things] just in the every day rut of things. So it can happen anywhere at all,” he said about inspiration.

Through his writing, he even reveals some of the most complex aspects of human emotion, as in his poem “Sideman.”  In this piece, Muldoon speaks of companionship.

Muldoon affirms, “You know in many cases, poems begin with a phrase or an image that is striking.”  This was apparent when he read the piece, “Sideman” and repeated the memorable refrain, “I’ll be your sideman, I’ll be by your side.”

Muldoon has a unique literary language all his own. He uses metaphors and thumping rhymes to not only convey deeper meanings, but as a play on words to connect two or more unlike topics.  For example, his poem “Hopewell Haiku” about his home in New Jersey, uses a metaphorical sumo wrestler-like bullfrog which transitions into the deeper emotion of loneliness.

Correlating with Muldoon’s wishes of his own legacy, “I hope people would think I was someone who tried their best, who had adventures with language that others could enjoy.”

Muldoon utilizes his personal creativity with words in his poem entitled, “Quoof.”  The word “quoof” is a reference that was used with his family growing up representing a hot water bottle.

Lucas said, “The poem ‘Quoof’ always stands out to me because it’s a personal favorite of mine. I love the way he wrenches words into rhymes in the poem, but I also have a sentimental attraction to it because I read it as a sophomore in George Bilgere’s poetry workshop, now ten years ago.”

Muldoon ended with a familial tone with his poem, “Saab with Sandi.”  This piece is told from the perspective of a father of a teenage daughter who is newly entering the dating world.  This poem was relatable to this Dolan Auditorium audience in a variety of ways; fathers in attendance from the community and faculty, to students who have recently entered the dating world themselves.

Muldoon participated in a Q & A session at 4 p.m., as well as a reception for faculty and a select group of students.

“At the risk of sounding a bit smarty pants, I think the favorite piece will be the next one.  The reason I do it is in the hope of one of these days that I will write something really interesting,” said Muldoon about his writing and future literary endeavors.

Hometown: Hicksville, Ohio

Majors: Logistics, Marketing

Awards Received at JCU: Boler School of Business 50th Anniversary Scholarship; Department of Management, Marketing, and Logistics’ Outstanding Scholar; Dean’s List

The key to success is determination, dedication, desire, goal setting, having a strong, supportive network of friends and family.

Plans after JCU? I’m starting a Ph.D. program in logistics at Ohio State University in the fall of 2010.

Any advice for incoming freshmen? Treat college as though it’s a job, but maintain balance in life.

Who is your role model? My mother lost her parents and husband (my father) within a 10 year period, but has remained strong.

Any additional information you want us to know? I would like to thank my professors and friends (those still here and those that have moved on) for making these last four years amazing. [I want to give] special mention to the Boler London Program.

Matt Tomayko

Hometown: Solon, Ohio

Major: Psychology

Awards Received at JCU: Dean’s List, Nicholas DiCaprio Award for the Distinguished Graduate in Psychology

What are your extracurricular activities? Varsity Tennis, Club Ultimate Frisbee

The key to success is applying what you learn [in the classroom] to your own experiences.

Plans after JCU? I want to move to North Carolina and find a job.

In ten years, I will be either finally finishing up a Ph.D. in psychology, teaching guitar and busking, or going on tour playing music.

Fondest memory at JCU: I liked playing Frisbee out on the quad on the few beautiful, sunny days of the year.

Any advice for incoming freshmen? Apply what you learn to your own life experiences.

Who is your role model? Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a Vietnamese monk and poet is my role model.

Jill White

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Penn.

Major: Finance with a minor in Mathematics

Awards Received at JCU: Dean’s List, Pi Mu Epsilon, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Sigma Nu, and Beta Gamma Sigma, Clifford Scholarship in Finance, Boland Ernst and Young Scholarship for Women, Student Union Student Leader Award, Financial Executives Institute Outstanding Graduate Award

The key to success is enjoying what you do. If you like what you’re doing, you’re going to put effort into making sure you

succeed and help others to succeed simultaneously.

Plans after JCU? Moving to Chicago to start a job with GE Capital as an investment analyst.

In ten years, I will be researching and teaching logistics and/or supply chain management at a major

university.

Fondest memory at JCU: My fondest memory of John Carroll is definitely winning the inaugural JCU Intramural GUTS Tournament last year.  It was fun, competitive and my team was awesome.

Andy Johnson

Hometown: Prescott, Wis.

Majors: Communication and Theater Arts, Sociology

Awards Received at JCU: Student Leader of the Year, JCU EMS Provider of the Year, Alan Stephenson Scholarship, John R. Carpenter Award in Criminology

Extracurricular Activities: John Carroll EMS (Chief 2009-2010), disc jockey and production director for WJCU, tour guide for the JCU admissions department

The key to success is figuring out what you love and striving to do your best at it.

Plans after JCU? I plan to work for either Target Corporation or the United States Secret Service.

Fondest memory at JCU: I liked anything that has to do with my floor in Pacelli (second floor T-wing) during my freshman year.

Who is your role model? My grandfather, who taught me never to give up on my dreams and that you’re never too old to learn is my role model. He completed his GED when he was 83.

Elise Wygant

Hometown: Erie, Penn.

Majors: Biology, Environmental Science with a concentration in Chemistry

Awards Received at JCU: Dean’s List, nominated for Fenton D. Moore Award in Biology

Extracurricular Activities: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Order of Omega, Environmental Issues Group of the Biology Club, research assistant for Prof. Drenovsky’s Lab, previously a resident assistant and a member of the Residence Hall Association

Plans after JCU? I am attending the University of Georgia to get my master’s in Plant Biology as a Teaching Assistant.

In ten years, I hope to have my family started and have a job where I will be able to continue research.

Fondest memory at JCU: My greatest memories have all involved Kappa. I know that these friendships [I made through Kappa] will last.

Any advice for incoming freshmen? Learn to have fun and study hard, and make sure to always have a stress relieving back-up plan.

Rebecca Drenovsky, assistant professor of biology, and James Lissemore, chair of the biology department, nominated Elise Wygant. Drenovsky said,  “As a student, I have watched [Wygant] grow academically during her time at John Carroll. She is a first-generation college student who has successfully navigated college.”

Wygant is earning a double major in biology and environmental science. Since her second semester of college, she has worked as a research assistant in Drenovsky’s plant ecology and physiology lab.

Wygant has a prestigious academic reputation. During the summer of 2009, she was awarded a Huntington-Codrington Summer Research Fellowship, during which she conducted important analysis on the functions of native and non-native understory shrubs. She has presented her work on plant nutrient recycling at the Botanical Society of America’s annual conference, and she traveled to Australia to take part in a field biology course on the Great Barrier Reef.

This fall, Wygant will enter the University of Georgia’s graduate program in plant biology.

Drenovsky said, “[For] Elise, she has only become more passionate and enthusiastic about her pursuits since she opened her mind to other potential career paths and considered pursuing plant ecology. Once she found her passion, her academic career really took off.”

Matt Tomayko, a psychology major, was nominated by department chair Janet Larsen. She described Tomayko in her nomination as a caring and thoughtful researcher and having exhibited excellence in his work.

“Whatever career path he takes, [his] characteristics will move him to the top,” Larsen said. “Matt makes good use of his strong intellectual ability by applying himself diligently to whatever he attempts.  Persistence, good problem solving skills, and the ability to grasp the big picture contribute to his success. Furthermore, he is a genuinely nice person who is considerate of others and willing to help.”

Tomayko will be receiving the Nicholas DiCaprio Award for the Distinguished Graduate in Psychology.

His research with Larsen involved measuring the effect of reaction time on people’s brains identifying words they could not consciously see.

Tomayko’s achievements earned him a Huntington/Codrington Research Fellowship as well, this one with the Cleveland Clinic last summer and continuing during the school year on the effectiveness of psychotherapy.

Larsen believes that even though Tomayko will likely find a research job after graduation, big plans are ahead of him.

“I am sure he will eventually go to graduate school and will either be a fine clinical psychologist or teacher,” she said.

Phyllis Braudy Harris, chair of the sociology and criminology department, nominated Andy Johnson. Andy’s academic excellence has led him to receive the John Carpenter Award in Criminology.

In describing an extraordinary accomplishment of his internship with the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Treasury, Firearms and Explosives, Harris explained, “It is very unusual for an undergrad to get an internship with this organization.”

Johnson is also very involved on John Carroll’s campus.

“Andy has also been the head of the JCU student EMS unit, one of the first responders who dealt with the difficult student deaths last semester, and he has been active with the admissions department as a tour guide,” said Harris.

Johnson, outside of campus activities, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which takes many years of hard work and determination, according to Harris.

The future may include a government job in criminology for Johnson. He has applied for a position with the Secret Service.

Jill White was nominated by Walter Simmons, chair of the economics and finance department. White is an honors student, majoring in finance with a minor in mathematics.

This semester she received the prestigious Financial Executive Institute (FEI) Scholastic Achievement Award at the Union Club of Cleveland.

After graduation this summer, White will be working as an investment analyst for GE Capital, which is located in Chicago.

Paul Murphy, a logistics professor, nominated Jason Miller. According to Murphy, Miller has shown incredible intellect and passion for his studies in logistics.

“Jason ranks as one of the top five students Ń either undergraduate or graduate Ń that I have taught in 30 years” he said.  “Moreover, Jason has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in logistics at The Ohio State University for Fall 2010.”

This is a remarkable achievement for a number of reasons, according to Murphy.

“OSU offers one of the world’s preeminent Ph.D. programs in logistics,” he said. “OSU rarely admits Ph.D. students unless they have several years of full-time work experience.”

He entered the blogosphere in 2007 by creating “Behind the Lines: Poetry, War, & Peacemaking.” His blog explains “further thoughts on the cultural labor of poetry and art.”

For Metres, his blogging seems to serve as a new, more convenient manner of expression—an online file, available to the public eye.

He affirms that the blog is a kind of living archive for himself.

“I used to Xerox or print articles and poems and stories of interest and throw them in a file, often never to be seen again,” Metres said. “The blog allows me to have an online file that I can return to, and show others.”

His blogs have enlightened an audience of around 65 admirers, and get nearly one hundred “hits” on a daily basis—an impressive 45,000 since 2009.

“I used to blog every day, and when I woke up I already started thinking about what I’d write, [but] now, it’s a once-a-week arrangement,” Metres said. “Every time I think of folding up my digital tent, I will meet someone who says something admiring about it.”

In addition to reviewing collections of recent poetry, discussing selected poetry and art on peace and conflict, and posting about political happenings in the Middle East, Metres has directed some blog posts towards the John Carroll community, which truly got students and administration more involved.

He said, “I posted a couple entries on our own university movement to articulate a policy of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation; I was thrilled by both the student response and by the administration’s ability to listen and change.”

Metres is not sure, however, that many people at John Carroll are affected by his blog.

“I doubt more than a handful of my colleagues and students even know that I blog,” he said.

Metres confesses that the blogosphere now yields to the ever-popular Facebook and Twitter “[though] both Facebook and Twitter seem to me too much social networking and not enough thoughtful rumination,” he said.

According to Metres, there is insight within intellectual and thought-provoking blog posts.

He said, “Facebook has made social life in a small college at times suffocating, and for some, utterly intolerable, [whereas] blogs are limited by the minds of those who build and write them; mine is a niche, and I expect and hope that its readers are instigated to learn more about the perspectives and work published there.”

Professor Metres’s blog posts can be found at either philipmetres.com or behindthelinespoetry.blogspot.com.

She tags blog entries like this one with short phrases that are relevant to the entry, and the tags are used to sort the entries into topical categories. Her users can comment on the blog entries, opening up conversation with the television host and Fitness Magazine contributor. 

Certainly, numerous natural-green-earth-friendly companies are shipping their products to Snow with the hope that she will recommend their products to her followers. Such requests for endorsements are common for popular blogs.

In fact, the Federal Trade Commission updated its rules concerning endorsements in Oct. 2009 to address blog-related advertising.

An FTC press release states that, “the post of a blogger who receives cash or in-kind payment to review a product is considered an endorsement. Thus, bloggers who make an endorsement must disclose the material connections they share with the seller of the product or service.”

The blogosphere is inhabited by numerous content-creators, like Snow, whose entries are sources of news, entertainment and recommendations for their followers.  

The New York Times publishes more than 20 blogs on its Web site and the Wall Street Journal has many of its own. But many blogs are not affiliated with journalistic institutions or celebrity status.

Web sites such as blogger.com and wordpress.org provide free blogging platforms to users, which make the creation of blogs accessible and convenient. Nearly anyone can publish his or her thoughts on the Internet. 

Bloggers are not necessarily trained to know laws about libel, copyright infringement and product-promotion. The ethics of journalism are not always followed or understood.

 “I really believe that everyone needs an editor, and that can be a drawback to a blog,” said Carrie Buchanan, an assistant professor in the Tim Russert Department of Communications and Theatre Arts.

Many bloggers do not have access to an editor. There is often no fact-checker sifting through blog entries for truth and accuracy. 

 Even blogs that are associated with credible organizations could be posted before an editor has a chance to check for errors, according to Buchanan.

She said, “We have to be ever-vigilant, even if reading a respectable blog.” 

While the ethical and legal issues are being worked out, the blogosphere remains active and full of contributors. 

 “Some students are natural bloggers and could make a living this way,” said Buchanan, who incorporates blogging into her journalism classes at JCU.

Buchanan said that blogs are less formal and briefer than traditional news articles, and the interactivity – the ability to provide links and hear back from readers – is very helpful.

John Carroll Senior Rob Pitingolo started his blog, “Extraordinary Observations” (blog.robpitingolo.org) in November of 2004. He writes about politics, urban activities and economics from the perspective of a member of “Generation Y.” 

“I started really taking the blog seriously when I decided I wanted to improve the quality of content, the frequency of posting, and build a loyal reader base,” Pitingolo said. “I blog because it is the most effective vehicle for me to articulate my thoughts on the topics I think about everyday.”

Junior Elizabeth Stark writes on her blog, VeggieGirl (veggiegirlvegan.blogspot.com), about her battles with Crohn’s Disease, numerous food allergies, and her determination to not let those affect her life. 

“I blog about my life experiences since I know that others out there can relate,” she said. 

Both bloggers have gained loyal readers during their relatively short time on the blogosphere. Pintingolo receives about 2,000 unique visitors per month and has approximately 150 RSS feed subscribers, who receive updates to his blog when he posts. Stark’s blog posts receive a steady amount of comments, even though recently she has blogged less frequently.

“I appreciate each and every comment that I receive and the fact that people are interested in the blog,” she said. “I was even recognized as ‘the VeggieGirl blogger’ while vacationing in Chicago two years ago by a reader.”

Pintingolo and his blog are syndicated on numerous Web sites and blogs for young professionals. Last summer, he was invited to write on Newsweek Magazine’s “Generation O” blog, which chronicled eleven Obama voters from across the country. 

“I blog because I enjoy the art of writing and because I appreciate the feedback I get from readers,” Pintingolo said. “I have interacted with people from all over the world on topics that we find mutually fascinating.”

Stark finds blogging to be a great way to show her creativity and express herself to people all over the world on a topic she finds interesting. 

“It is a lot of fun no matter what topic you blog about – it is all up to you,” she said. “For me, blogging is a great way to connect to other individuals and to keep my ‘creative juices flowing.’”

Stark also believes that people who read blogs need to be able to fact check to make sure the information they read is true. 

“Blogging has definitely increased the amount of ‘citizen journalism’ in American culture, and has also forced people to be more selective with what they choose to read and believe,” she said. 

Pintingolo disagrees. He believes blogs have gained prominence as important sources of news and other information.

“But the reality is that good blogs are rewarded with many readers, and bad blogs are punished [because] no one visits them,” he said. “Americans are beginning to understand that blogs are an efficient and effective way to deliver everything from breaking news to editorials to sports coverage.”

Cedric and Jeanniece Jackson 

Sophomore Jeanniece Jackson and her freshman brother Cedric Jackson not only see each other around campus, but as commuters spending time together at home as well.

“Since I’m a sophomore in the Boler School of Business, I’m able to help Cedric plan some of his course load, and show him a lot of the ropes around campus.  He’s always there to share information with me that I may not have been aware of, so we both help each other out,” Jeanniece said. 

Even before Jeanniece came to JCU, Cedric commented how his family’s ties to the University had a significant influence, while Jeannice helped make the final push.

“It was a combination of JCU being my relatives’ alma mater, and the personal reflection of Jeanniece’s campus experiences, that caused me to want to attend JCU,” Cedric said.

Even though Jeanniece and Cedric Jackson experience Lil’ Sibs Weekend everyday at JCU, the Jackson clan does not end there as their little brother will be visiting that weekend.

“Our younger brother, Carlin, is a junior at Cleveland Heights High School, and he’ll be coming for Lil’ Sibs Weekend.  He’s looking to attend Case Western Reserve for computer engineering,” Jeanniece said.

Cedric didn’t realize how beneficial it would be to have Jeanniece on campus. Cedric is relieved to have someone to get advice from and be able to see a familiar face between classes.

“Jeanniece offers me wisdom that the typical freshman might not find out until later in the college career,” Cedric said.

Both Jeanniece and Cedric are Arrupe Scholars and directors of the JCU Gospel Choir. Contrary to constant interaction being considered annoying, Jeanniece comments on how fun it really is.

“We participate in a lot of the same service and community activities on and off campus, especially since we’re both Arrupe Scholars.  As the vocal director and president of the JCU Gospel Choir, and with Cedric being our musical director, we have a lot of fun working together and using each others’ talents; it’s brought us closer together as well,” Jeanniece said.

Cedric has been happy with his decision to come to JCU, and is relieved he never had to experience the solo cafeteria experience thanks to Jeanniece. 

“I really enjoy attending school with my sister, running into her on campus, and being able to catch lunch together,” Cedric said.

Mike and Katie Skelly

Junior Katie Skelly feels that since her brother, freshman Mike Skelly, has started school, their family bond has grown a lot. 

“I really enjoy having Mike here at John Carroll with me,” she said. “I think it has made our brother-sister bond stronger.”

Mike enjoys being at school with his sister because she has helped him adjust to being away from home. 

“She has helped me adjust to the college life, and is always willing to help me out with anything I need,” he said. 

It helps that both are majoring in the sciences, so they can help each other with homework. 

Both have also started a tradition to help them stay close. 

“Katie and I sometimes watch Cavs games together, and we eat lunch together on Fridays,” said Mike. “Our schedules usually conflict a bit, not allowing us to do too much together. But we hang out when we can. Having lunch together helps us bond by just being able to catch up and talk about how our weeks went and what’s going on for the weekend.”

John Carroll was not even on Katie’s radar when she was looking at schools. Her parents suggested they stop by on their way back from a trip to Cleveland, and she fell in love with the University. 

Mike, who was on the trip with his sisters and parents, figures the reason he decided to come to JCU was because of the opportunities his sister has had here. 

“I visited the campus with her when she was in search of colleges, and the tour we took at JCU was great,” he said. “I really liked the campus and it wasn’t far from home. When Katie finally came here, I got to hear more about JCU and the opportunities that [it] offers.”

Another moment the two grew close was when their family experienced a death. 

“Earlier in the semester, our Grandmother passed away and it was tough to get through,” said Mike. “But Katie was there for me as I was for her.”

Mike and Katie have a younger sister who is planning to attend Lil’ Sibs Weekend, March 20 and 21. The weekend, hosted by the Office of Residence Life, will include activities and entertainment for JCU students and their siblings. 

“My younger sister is 13 and has come to Lil’ Sibs Weekend for the past two years,” Katie said. “Although I don’t think she has college on her mind right now, she has seen how happy it has made me.  She proudly sports the John Carroll T-shirts that she’s stolen from my closet.”

When Katie graduates in the spring of 2011, Mike will not need to lean as much on his sister for guidance. 

“When Katie leaves, it will be different, but I have already adjusted to college,” he said. “When she leaves, I know I won’t be able to see her as much, but I’m sure we will still be close.”

Amy and Lauren Gunderman

Sisters Amy and Lauren Gunderman love being at John Carroll together, but, it almost didn’t happen. 

“Me being at JCU actually, I think, was a turn-off for Lauren,” Amy Gunderman said. “She wanted to go somewhere completely new, but she ended up loving Carroll.”

Lauren agrees that she, at first, wanted to look elsewhere for college. 

“I’m the type of person who needs her independence, and I wanted to strike out on my own,” she said. “Then I visited the campus and fell in love with [it].”

When Lauren came to JCU, she was surprised to discover that her older sister would be her resident assistant in Sutowski Hall. She said it has worked out for the better, not only for her, but for the rest of the girls on the floor too. 

“Her being my sister and being my friends’ RA has brought our whole floor close together,” said Lauren. “I feel like she is all of their’s sister too, and I like that my friends enjoy her company as much as I do.”

The elder Gunderman loves having her sister around for support, and to help keep her humble. 

“She is honestly my best friend here as well as my sister,” she said. “We do a lot of things together, and we go to each other for advice because she’ll tell me the honest, brutal truth.”

Having her sister around was beneficial for Lauren because it gave her a shoulder to lean on when starting college. 

“My family is really close and having a person here from our ‘close-family-home’ is very comforting,” she said. “I also think it helped me skip a lot of the homesickness others were experiencing, because I had someone here that understood me completely and knew me.  Also, Amy and I are a lot different but we like doing things together like working out, eating some meals together, and doing homework together.”

It also helps that both sisters have similar interests. 

“We are in the same major and the same scholarship, so she helps [me with] my class choices and my tough subjects when she can,” said Lauren. “We [also] do service projects together for our scholarship.”

The Gunderman family will have three brothers visiting over Lil’ Sibs Weekend, ages 9, 12 and 16. The jury is still out as to whether they will all continue the family tradition at JCU. 

“They all are too young to really think about colleges yet,” Amy said. 

In the end, they are both glad to be with each other at school. 

“It’s amazing having her here and I’d have it no other way,” Lauren said.

STLF has been a student group at JCU since 2007. According to the STLF Web site, “STLF’s mission is to reveal leadership through service, relationships and action. Our vision is to energize generations of servant leaders.” The Pay It Forward Tour accomplishes this goal well, giving over 40 JCU students an exciting way to perform community service.

Junior Tom Weinandy is one of the JCU chapter leaders and is in charge of this year’s tour. “What we hope to do is bring a group of people together on the bus. We travel across the country learning about each other and ourselves. We do that through service, but most of it is just being on the bus and being together.”

Every tour consists of a nine day bus trip that visits five different cities for service work and culminates in what they call a “celebration city.” Weinandy said, “We spend a day in each of the communities, but we spend two days here [in the celebration city]. We have a very impactful reflection session where people are able to reflect on how this trip has changed them and what they can do to take this experience and impact the world.”

An added benefit of this experience is that it is one of JCU’s least expensive spring break services. For only $400, participants receive two shirts, two meals each day, coach bus transportation between cities, and lodging. The other aspects of the trip, such as the relationship building and the opportunity to learn about other communities, are priceless, according to the STLF Web site.

Each tour visits different cities and follows its own itinerary. This year, the JCU chapter will be visiting Indianapolis, Ind., St. Louis, Mo., Paris, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., Atlanta, Ga. and Savannah, Ga., where they will enjoy their celebration.  

Along the road, they do what Weinandy calls “urban camping.” Rather than staying in costly hotels, the participants sleep in gyms, community centers and churches. Once they reach their destination city, they stay in a hotel for two nights.

A standard day for the tour includes service work, bus travel, meals and tourism when time permits. At the end of each day, the students participate in evening activities and a reflection period.

Since the program first started six years ago, 163 tours have taken place and over 6,300 students have participated nationally. Twenty universities across the Midwest have started their own STLF chapter and the number is growing by the year.  

Weinandy confirms that next year there will definitely be a Pay It Forward Tour.  “Because we’re a leadership organization, next year I’m allowing other students to have the same [leadership] opportunity.”