A debate on whether or not U.S. military interventions have actually been in the interest of world peace and stability will take place tonight in the Martin Recital Hall at 7 p.m. between Lund-Gill Chair Stephen Kinzer and esteemed author Max Boot.
With everything going on in the world today involving the United States (wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, discussion of military intervention in Iran and border incursions into Pakistan and Syria), these two experts in the field of American military intervention will take these and past events into account and will go head-to-head to decide whether or not we're helping or hurting when we send troops abroad.
If not for the extremely inconvenient timing of my night class, I would be in attendance. However, I urge students to attend this debate, as it takes on even greater significance given the events of this past weekend, when American troops supposedly crossed the Iraq/Syria border and attacked a farm, killing eight alleged "terrorists with links to Al Qaeda." Are we making the problem worse when we feel it necessary to breach the sovereignty of other nations? Or is it for their own good and the good of everyone in the world community? Go to this debate tonight and judge for yourself.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Voting at Dominican
A week from today will be Election Day! As far as voting goes, I was curious if students were able to vote on campus.
"Since the resident halls is not a public area, it would not be a polling place. However, the library would probably be one. Chances are unless you registered Dominican as your permanent address, you could not vote here," said RA Jamie Zwijack.
"Since the resident halls is not a public area, it would not be a polling place. However, the library would probably be one. Chances are unless you registered Dominican as your permanent address, you could not vote here," said RA Jamie Zwijack.
Math, anyone?
This semester I am enrolled in Math 150. After this semester, my math requirement will be satisfied. However, why do journalism majors even need to take math in the first place? Math and I have had a long, painful history. Ever since first grade I have struggled with it. Personally, instead of taking math, I would rather take classes for my major. I have to put a lot of effort into my math class, and I would rather be putting that effort into a class that will help me with my career. People frequently make the same argument with seminar classes, but I feel those classes are more interesting and relatively easier. Very few people find math enjoyable or easy. I know several other journalism, communications and English majors who are faced with the same problem.
Video Interview
This is my video interview with junior Tiffany Gramarossa. We discussed phone reception at Dominican and how a text-based emergency notification system would work.
Philosophy at DU...
When we were reading Aristotle in my seminar class, my professor asked if any of the students had taken philosophy courses or was a philosophy major. Only one student raised their hand - I'm not sure if he was a Philosophy major or minor - but the fact that he was the only one who had taken some philosophy courses sparked my curiosity.
According to the Undergraduate Bulletin, philosophy is one of the core curriculum requirements. I remember taking a Business Ethics course my freshman year to satisfy the philosophy requirement. I wasn't expecting it to be as worthwhile as it turned out to be. We had a take- home exam for the final, which involved addressing a business ethics issue based on what we had learned in class. I was surprised to actually enjoy doing the assignment. Considering it was the final and I was ready to start my winter break, it was a nice change of pace to have a final that made you think critically, but not feel bored while doing it (and wishing it was the weekend already).
I'm not too surprised that I don't know many who are Philosophy majors or minors at Dominican. The impression I get is that it's not exactly a popular major choice. I may be wrong. Just considering how today's society is all about actively doing something fast and efficiently - philosophy seems to be synonymous with slow - just sitting there thinking critically and who knows how long it may take for a reasonable answer to come out as a result.
I don't think today's technological, fast-paced society gives philosophy a chance to prove itself. I'm sure some think that Aristotle, Socrates, Plato and other philosophers of the past have settled the issue of philosophy. Why do we need philosophers today? And what is the incentive to be a philosopher/study philosophy?
What is the point?
Though I think that philosophy can be a headache-inducing activity because when you think about the big questions - sometimes it's like you're going around in circles. There never is a right answer, it seems, to philosophical questions. But maybe that's what so interesting about philosophy - it makes you think and gives you room to make a conclusion with the knowledge that you can change your mind. My professor for seminar did mention how one ancient Greek philosopher didn't like writing his ideas down because he thought that if they were "set in stone" through writing rather than circulating in his head and told orally...that that would prevent him from changing his mind.
We're so focused on making sure everything is recorded on paper today that this idea reinforces why we do it. We want things set in stone - we want to have a transcript of what someone said so that we have written proof if the person changes their mind in a later speech, for example.
So, I just wanted to know what persuades students at Dominican to decide on philosophy as a major or minor? What do they plan to get out of it? Do they ever find themselves asking the question, "What is the point?"
According to the Undergraduate Bulletin, philosophy is one of the core curriculum requirements. I remember taking a Business Ethics course my freshman year to satisfy the philosophy requirement. I wasn't expecting it to be as worthwhile as it turned out to be. We had a take- home exam for the final, which involved addressing a business ethics issue based on what we had learned in class. I was surprised to actually enjoy doing the assignment. Considering it was the final and I was ready to start my winter break, it was a nice change of pace to have a final that made you think critically, but not feel bored while doing it (and wishing it was the weekend already).
I'm not too surprised that I don't know many who are Philosophy majors or minors at Dominican. The impression I get is that it's not exactly a popular major choice. I may be wrong. Just considering how today's society is all about actively doing something fast and efficiently - philosophy seems to be synonymous with slow - just sitting there thinking critically and who knows how long it may take for a reasonable answer to come out as a result.
I don't think today's technological, fast-paced society gives philosophy a chance to prove itself. I'm sure some think that Aristotle, Socrates, Plato and other philosophers of the past have settled the issue of philosophy. Why do we need philosophers today? And what is the incentive to be a philosopher/study philosophy?
What is the point?
Though I think that philosophy can be a headache-inducing activity because when you think about the big questions - sometimes it's like you're going around in circles. There never is a right answer, it seems, to philosophical questions. But maybe that's what so interesting about philosophy - it makes you think and gives you room to make a conclusion with the knowledge that you can change your mind. My professor for seminar did mention how one ancient Greek philosopher didn't like writing his ideas down because he thought that if they were "set in stone" through writing rather than circulating in his head and told orally...that that would prevent him from changing his mind.
We're so focused on making sure everything is recorded on paper today that this idea reinforces why we do it. We want things set in stone - we want to have a transcript of what someone said so that we have written proof if the person changes their mind in a later speech, for example.
So, I just wanted to know what persuades students at Dominican to decide on philosophy as a major or minor? What do they plan to get out of it? Do they ever find themselves asking the question, "What is the point?"
Monday, October 27, 2008
Buy Mound Bread!
Mound bread. Delicious.
Delicious? Why, yes, it is. Mound bread included a variety of baked good made by the sisters at the Sinsinawa Dominican Mound. Order forms are available to buy cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and of course, bread. Everyone who's had it says it is amazing. Associate Dean of Academic Advising Angela Fraiser says that she "loves Mound bread" and never misses an opportunity to buy it.
The money from the sales goes to help pay for the service learning trip to Montana and South Dakota next spring planned by Kathy Heskin. So go ahead, buy some Mound bread to share with your family!
Delicious? Why, yes, it is. Mound bread included a variety of baked good made by the sisters at the Sinsinawa Dominican Mound. Order forms are available to buy cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and of course, bread. Everyone who's had it says it is amazing. Associate Dean of Academic Advising Angela Fraiser says that she "loves Mound bread" and never misses an opportunity to buy it.
The money from the sales goes to help pay for the service learning trip to Montana and South Dakota next spring planned by Kathy Heskin. So go ahead, buy some Mound bread to share with your family!
Wanna Hear Something Scary?
As a part of the CSA Haunted Tours on October 30, the Eco Club will be hosting Scary Storytelling contest. If you want to share a tale of terror email the Eco Club at ecoclub@dom.edu and let them know. Show up in the Social Hall no later than 8:45 and let the scaring begin.
(Are You Afraid of the Dark?'s Midnight Society, courtesy of Photobucket)
Thumbs Up for Chartwells
I know...it's a shock that I have something good to say about the Chartwells food service here at Dominican. I was shocked myself, so found it necessary to share the brighter side.
This evening I was at the Cyber Cafe right before their 10 p.m. close. There was still a line, but the employees did not seem to be upset at all. The workers actually went out of their way to make sure all of the students were waited upon before closing, as they scanned every ID first and then made the food, so that it could register on time. Not only that, but an employee went out of his way to find one of the students a package of Cesare dressing in the back when he could have simply said "We are all out."
This excellent customer service really surprised me, but I can only wish it is like this every time I go to the Cyber Cafe in the future.
This evening I was at the Cyber Cafe right before their 10 p.m. close. There was still a line, but the employees did not seem to be upset at all. The workers actually went out of their way to make sure all of the students were waited upon before closing, as they scanned every ID first and then made the food, so that it could register on time. Not only that, but an employee went out of his way to find one of the students a package of Cesare dressing in the back when he could have simply said "We are all out."
This excellent customer service really surprised me, but I can only wish it is like this every time I go to the Cyber Cafe in the future.
Have Dominican's Admission Standards Risen?
Let's admit it, Dominican isn't the most difficult school to receive admittance to as a senior in high school. I am not knocking myself or the student body by any means, as we are all very intelligent college students bound for success if we so choose, but in the past few years our student body has grown extensively. Our freshman classes have been larger year after year. This makes me question the admittance standards. Has Dominican lowered the standards to admit more students or have we truly done the recruiting to admit the best and the brightest?
I recently spoke with a high school freshman who is very interested in Dominican. She is a honors student, has a high GPA, and both her mother and brother have attended Dominican, yet she has not received an acceptance letter yet and is becoming worried.
Does this mean that our standards really have risen? Is Dominican becoming a more competitive school in the Chicagoland area?
I recently spoke with a high school freshman who is very interested in Dominican. She is a honors student, has a high GPA, and both her mother and brother have attended Dominican, yet she has not received an acceptance letter yet and is becoming worried.
Does this mean that our standards really have risen? Is Dominican becoming a more competitive school in the Chicagoland area?
Drama at the Bon Villa
oakparkjournal.comDU's Residence Life started to move students to an off-campus apartment complex: The Bon Villa. The Bon Villa apartments are supposed to be a solution to DU's housing shortage. Hoping the transition would go smoothly, some students are unhappy with the living conditions. DU students are the first residents to occupy the newly refurbished apartments. However, other units are still under construction. How has this affected DU residents?
"They shut our water off three times a week since construction is still going on," said Michelle Behnke, a DU resident at Bon Villa. In addition to that inconvenience, Behnke and her roommate are being forced to give up their cats. The Bon Villa's pet policy allows cats but a $200 non-refundable pet deposit fee is required. So, why do the DU girls have to give up their feline friend??
felixgilman.com
According to an email from Residence Hall Director, Evy Koutzas, the girls are not allowed to keep a cat because of the policy on animals for residents ON CAMPUS.
Well, that seems unfair. The Bon Villa apartments are NOT Dominican University Property. The apartments allow cats and dogs. Obviously, Behnke and her roommate are not happy campers. This story is still developing...more to come!!!
Tech Center Overload....?
So, I don't know if anyone else has noticed the crowd in the tech center lately but I think it's a little out of control. Almost everytime I go there, almost all the computers are occupied. Last year, it seemed to me that the crowd flocked to the thech center around midterms or at the end of the semester. Why now? Why is it always packed?
I understand that we have new, fancy macs, but they basically do the same job as the older computers. It's great that students are taking advantage of the tech center. My question is, why the all of a sudden swarm?
Open Campus Forum to be Held
According to a post on myDU, Campus Climate will be hosting an "open forum" for students on Wednesday, October 29 at 12:30 p.m. in the Springer Suites. The main topic of the forum will be the growing student body and what is being and will be done to accommodate everyone. The recent hate crimes at the Priory will also be discussed.
It should be interesting to see how many people turn out to this event to voice their opinions. With the student body growing in huge increments every semester and the rapidly dwindling supply of on-campus housing for resident students, students have much to discuss. Forums like these provide students with a free audience of their peers and the administration, of which certain important members will probably attend the forum to hear what students have to say. This could also be an opportunity for commuter students to voice concerns such as parking availability and the limited shuttle service to and from the Green line in Oak Park.
Stay tuned; on Wednesday I'll post an update on the forum.
It should be interesting to see how many people turn out to this event to voice their opinions. With the student body growing in huge increments every semester and the rapidly dwindling supply of on-campus housing for resident students, students have much to discuss. Forums like these provide students with a free audience of their peers and the administration, of which certain important members will probably attend the forum to hear what students have to say. This could also be an opportunity for commuter students to voice concerns such as parking availability and the limited shuttle service to and from the Green line in Oak Park.
Stay tuned; on Wednesday I'll post an update on the forum.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Trick or Treat in the Res. Halls
Two Resident Assistants, Emily Tegenkamp and Megan Russell, are hoping to get volunteers to assist with their "Trick-or-Treat in the Res. Halls" program. A flier explaining the program was slipped underneath my door, and other residents' doors this past Friday. According to the flier, "this program will allow faculty and staff to bring their children and close friends to trick-or-treat throughout the residence halls."
The two RAs want willing resident students to open their doors and hand out candy to the kids. This is optional and the kids will have student guides who will know which rooms they can go to. Emily Tegenkamp, during the last Monday's Student Government Association meeting, informed others that it won't be kids running around unsupervised within the residence halls.
I think this is a good idea, though I am not planning on taking part in it. I do hope that it works out. I'm wondering how many residents have volunteered to help with this...
You can contact Megan at russmega@dom.edu or Emily at tegeemil@dom.edu for more information. They're hoping to get a good number of volunteers before Oct. 27th. Since that's tomorrow, I hope they have been successful in gaining volunteers...
The two RAs want willing resident students to open their doors and hand out candy to the kids. This is optional and the kids will have student guides who will know which rooms they can go to. Emily Tegenkamp, during the last Monday's Student Government Association meeting, informed others that it won't be kids running around unsupervised within the residence halls.
I think this is a good idea, though I am not planning on taking part in it. I do hope that it works out. I'm wondering how many residents have volunteered to help with this...
You can contact Megan at russmega@dom.edu or Emily at tegeemil@dom.edu for more information. They're hoping to get a good number of volunteers before Oct. 27th. Since that's tomorrow, I hope they have been successful in gaining volunteers...
Dance Team Video
This video was taken during Midnight Madness on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The first part of the video is the Dominican Dance Team performing at the pep rally. The second part is an interview with Megan Vacarro, who is a member of the team. Michelle Calvert was also interviewed who was watching the performance from the stands.
Donations?
This past weekend, my parents recieved a donation form from Dominican in their mailbox. First of all, I have not even graduated from Dominican yet! I think Dominican has a lot of nerve to send out donation forms to undergraduate students. As students we pay thousands per year to attend Dominican. I think it is one thing to ask an alum for a donation, but a student? I think my parents give Dominican a pretty good donation as it is. Students are taking out loans to pay their tuition. I think it is a little hard to see a donation card coming when you have a student loan to pay your tuition.
Frank Lloyd Wright Races This Morning
Congrats to all who completed the Frank Lloyd Wright Races this morning. According to the DU hompage we had a team of 100 faculty, staff, students, and alumni competing in the race.
I spoke with juniors Zlatan Hodzic and Louis Hernandez who both shared their enjoyment of the race, which they competed in this morning. Hodzic finished 44th in the 10K Run, while Hernandez walked in the 5K.
I spoke with juniors Zlatan Hodzic and Louis Hernandez who both shared their enjoyment of the race, which they competed in this morning. Hodzic finished 44th in the 10K Run, while Hernandez walked in the 5K.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Midnight Madness
Barbara Roti, Kacey Hahn, and Megan Vacarro are happy about their dancing success!
The 2008-2009 Dance Team
Mylene Esparza and Valerie Martyka smile before their performance.
Every year, Midnight Madness has been a huge hit at Dominican. Here are some pictures of the Dominican Dance Team taken Wednesday night.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dominican Diverse?
It's been almost four years since I graduated high school, but in the interim during my years at Dominican, I've realized something about diversity.
I don't think that Dominican will ever compare to the type of atmosphere I had in high school - even in grade school and junior high as well. By atmosphere I mean a diverse population of students. Maybe I was just lucky that the area I lived in was a "melting pot" (overused term, I know) of different cultures and ethnicities. Prior to attending Dominican, I felt that I was exposed to many more different cultures than I have ever been exposed to in college. From grade school through high school, I thought it was completely normal to have friends from very different backgrounds i.e. Filipino, Cambodian, Sri Lankan, Indian, Korean.
But either way, I recall something my older sister (who went to the same high school I went to) said about her undergraduate years at another university. She noticed that going from a diverse high school to a university was a culture shock for her. Reverse culture shock in the way you wouldn't expect. She was miffed that her university (a medium-sized university in Indiana, not a small one) was less diverse than her high school. The student population was majority white, German and Lutheran. Like me, she had good friends from different backgrounds - i.e. Thai, Jewish. She used to joke that she herself being Polish and Catholic - she was a minority at the university.
Now with my own college experience, I've kept my sister's words in mind as I notice the difference in diversity at Dominican. I don't feel the diversity as much as I did in high school. College, especially a liberal arts university, is all about broadening your horizons, right? I personally think that my high school experience interacting with different people was a richer experience than Dominican has ever offered. At my high school, we had a huge 'International Day' held annually on a Saturday. It was a great showing of all the different ethnic clubs (more ethnic clubs than I've seen at DU) at our school through food and entertainment. I miss that.
Now I know that Dominican is a small private Catholic university, so it may not have the same resources and opportunity to have the type of diversity I've grown up with. And judging by my sister's experience, it's like this at other universities as well. The high school I went to was a public one with 2,200 total students. I never thought I would ever decide to go to a Catholic university - it just worked out that way. The whole idea was weird to me since I've had a good experience with the public school system. The thought of going to the underfunded Catholic school (for grade school and junior high) associated with my church was not a desirable option.
And while in high school, everyone mixed with each other, I don't see that as the case at Dominican. Just at dinner tonight, I noticed that people of similar ethnicities/race sat with each other. I remember some of my friends at DU commenting a while back that there is more separation of people with different ethnicities. Black students sit together, Latino students as well as white students...all at separate tables. There are exceptions of course, but from my observation, the problem is still there. I've noticed that I have more white friends at Dominican than I ever had in high school. While I have other friends who are not white, I just have to say that my experience with diversity at my high school is incomparable to anything I've learned diversity-wise at DU. Like my sister, I feel like I was hit with 'reverse culture shock' too.
I don't think that Dominican will ever compare to the type of atmosphere I had in high school - even in grade school and junior high as well. By atmosphere I mean a diverse population of students. Maybe I was just lucky that the area I lived in was a "melting pot" (overused term, I know) of different cultures and ethnicities. Prior to attending Dominican, I felt that I was exposed to many more different cultures than I have ever been exposed to in college. From grade school through high school, I thought it was completely normal to have friends from very different backgrounds i.e. Filipino, Cambodian, Sri Lankan, Indian, Korean.
But either way, I recall something my older sister (who went to the same high school I went to) said about her undergraduate years at another university. She noticed that going from a diverse high school to a university was a culture shock for her. Reverse culture shock in the way you wouldn't expect. She was miffed that her university (a medium-sized university in Indiana, not a small one) was less diverse than her high school. The student population was majority white, German and Lutheran. Like me, she had good friends from different backgrounds - i.e. Thai, Jewish. She used to joke that she herself being Polish and Catholic - she was a minority at the university.
Now with my own college experience, I've kept my sister's words in mind as I notice the difference in diversity at Dominican. I don't feel the diversity as much as I did in high school. College, especially a liberal arts university, is all about broadening your horizons, right? I personally think that my high school experience interacting with different people was a richer experience than Dominican has ever offered. At my high school, we had a huge 'International Day' held annually on a Saturday. It was a great showing of all the different ethnic clubs (more ethnic clubs than I've seen at DU) at our school through food and entertainment. I miss that.
Now I know that Dominican is a small private Catholic university, so it may not have the same resources and opportunity to have the type of diversity I've grown up with. And judging by my sister's experience, it's like this at other universities as well. The high school I went to was a public one with 2,200 total students. I never thought I would ever decide to go to a Catholic university - it just worked out that way. The whole idea was weird to me since I've had a good experience with the public school system. The thought of going to the underfunded Catholic school (for grade school and junior high) associated with my church was not a desirable option.
And while in high school, everyone mixed with each other, I don't see that as the case at Dominican. Just at dinner tonight, I noticed that people of similar ethnicities/race sat with each other. I remember some of my friends at DU commenting a while back that there is more separation of people with different ethnicities. Black students sit together, Latino students as well as white students...all at separate tables. There are exceptions of course, but from my observation, the problem is still there. I've noticed that I have more white friends at Dominican than I ever had in high school. While I have other friends who are not white, I just have to say that my experience with diversity at my high school is incomparable to anything I've learned diversity-wise at DU. Like my sister, I feel like I was hit with 'reverse culture shock' too.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Cause of Fire Alarm: Popcorn?
Today at about 3:00 p.m. the fire alarm went off in Lewis causing the entire building to evacuate. At the time I was in the technology center and very upset I had to leave my work behind, but I was curious as to the cause. Our building was obviously not burning down, so what caused the alarm to sound?
I spoke with security guard William Dezynski this evening regarding the cause of the evacuation. He said he had not been on duty during the time of the alarm, but had heard it was caused by someone in the admissions office burning popcorn.
This would not surprise me if this was the true cause, as this has occurred earlier in the year in the residence halls. So, I ask everyone in the Dominican community to please not overcook your popcorn...
I spoke with security guard William Dezynski this evening regarding the cause of the evacuation. He said he had not been on duty during the time of the alarm, but had heard it was caused by someone in the admissions office burning popcorn.
This would not surprise me if this was the true cause, as this has occurred earlier in the year in the residence halls. So, I ask everyone in the Dominican community to please not overcook your popcorn...
Dominican Video Updates
The University has once again updated its videos page, adding two noteworthy clips.
The first clip is a 3-minute clip from the recent lecture by social activist Dolores Huerta, recorded on October 7. The second clip is something we haven't yet seen on the videos page: a news story. This clip, one-and-a-half-minute preview clip for the upcoming "Mr. Dominican Pageant," features a brief interview with Fashion Club president Shelley Hintmann describing the event as well as portions of a few contestants' auditions. The video clip straddles the balance between actually informing you of the event and giving you a preview of the hilarity that will probably ensue at the "Mr. Dominican Pageant."
This could be the start of something big, as I hinted at in a previous post. More video features like this one could be a great thing. Not only would these little videos arouse more interest in future events, but they're also fun and informative. Instead of students, faculty and staff reading the same old boring announcements on myDU or the Dominican homepage, they can actually get a good look at events and occurrences on campus.
I'm personally looking forward to seeing more of what the folks in the A/V branch of the OMC come up with here.
The first clip is a 3-minute clip from the recent lecture by social activist Dolores Huerta, recorded on October 7. The second clip is something we haven't yet seen on the videos page: a news story. This clip, one-and-a-half-minute preview clip for the upcoming "Mr. Dominican Pageant," features a brief interview with Fashion Club president Shelley Hintmann describing the event as well as portions of a few contestants' auditions. The video clip straddles the balance between actually informing you of the event and giving you a preview of the hilarity that will probably ensue at the "Mr. Dominican Pageant."
This could be the start of something big, as I hinted at in a previous post. More video features like this one could be a great thing. Not only would these little videos arouse more interest in future events, but they're also fun and informative. Instead of students, faculty and staff reading the same old boring announcements on myDU or the Dominican homepage, they can actually get a good look at events and occurrences on campus.
I'm personally looking forward to seeing more of what the folks in the A/V branch of the OMC come up with here.
DominiNET...here we go!
Photograph by Jamie Zwijack
Here we are...the first generation Dominican University bloggers! (Joe and Charlotte are not pictured) All nine students in Tracy Schmidt's journalism class are now on a new, mega-blog: DominiNET.
Co-Editor in Chief of DU's very own, The STAR, Tom Blackwell, came up with the name. It's catchy, and I like it. With time, Dominican students will be familiar with the term. Instead of covering a specific beat, as we've done so far this semester, we're expanding our horizons by writing on all topics relevant to the DU community.
This class has been AMAZING this semester. We've learned so much about the always-changing world of journalism many of us will follow on our career path. Dominican is taking one step in the right direction for journalism students! I hope many will frequent our collaborative blog not only as a source for DU news coverage, but also for entertainment. We have some very colorful, talented writers all on the same blog.
I think many will follow us (AND comment) on our journey as DU's FIRST GENERATION BLOGGERS!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Midnight Madness
Since I was a Dominican cheerleader for my freshmen and sophomore year, I performed at Midnight Madness every year. This is my first year not performing because Dominican does not have a cheerleading squad anymore.
Midnight Madness promotes school spirit, but in my opinion but it is more stressful than fun. My freshmen year I had to leave night class early in order to make my call time. Last year our squad had to learn a cheer quickly since our tryouts were in mid September. The pep rally is early in the year, so it is hard putting together a cheer or a dance with new members. For cheerleaders, perfecting stunts, a dance and cheer could take months. It is difficult to put a routine like that together in only a month and a half. Also, the rally goes until 1 a.m. I know that if Midnight Madness was on a Friday night there would be less of a turn out, but it was always hard for me waking up for my classes the next day.
However, Wednesday night is the 10th Annual Midnight Madness pep rally. Both the mens and womens basketball team will have a scrimage to kick off the new season.
Think Pink
In my family, my Aunt Angie and my cousin Kim are both breast cancer survivors. Since breast cancer has affected my family, I am very passionate about supporting different causes to find a cure. There is nothing more devestating than seeing someone you love sick and weak. It is also hard to know that many other women are suffering from the same sickness. According to the American Cancer Society, about 182,460 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And about 40,480 women will die from the disease this year. However, there are now about two-and-a-half million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
On October 22, 2008 Dominican invites you to wear pink to honor those who are fighting or recovering from breast cancer. It is also to support further research and awareness. Information and give-aways will be available at the Lewis Alcove on 10/22 from 10am – 2pm.
Let's wear pink to support a great cause!
IMPACT....."A Life Changing Experience"
http://wguide.uchicago.edu/ch12_image10selfdefense.jpgThose were the words of Dean of Students Trudi Goggin on the 24-hour self defense class, IMPACT. Students are encouraged to enroll in the class to learn the necessary tools to escape a possible offender. Rob Babcok and Diana Costanzo will be teaching the class this weekend, Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, and next weekend, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. The self-denfense instruction will take place in the rec room of the residence hall commons. Goggin said every woman should enroll in the class. Goggin herself attended a session a few years back and said it was a "life-changing experience."
Interested? Good, I think all women should enroll in self-defense. I did a self-defense class a couple years back and learned a lot. So if you're considering the class you should keep in mind a minor detail. This detail is the fact that the course costs $800!!!!
That's almost a Chanel bag! BUT would a Chanel bag save your life in a threatening situation? It could...but I don't think the average attacker would want the bag. So, yea, as a former self-defense enrollee, I suggest that all chicks should take some kind of self-defense class.
Common Ground
As more and more people accept the presence of homosexuals in our society, more gay rights groups pop up. IIn recent weeks, there's been a ton of coverage on whether or not Chicago will have a gay high school. The story even made national news when CNN's story made headlines. So how does Common Ground feel about this? There are several GLBT staff/faculty members at DU. Are they involved with Common Ground? I will be following this up with an interview with Common Gound's Vicki Whooper. Stay tuned!!
Photo source: cnn.com/2008/US/10/13/gay.friendly.school
Controversy Last Night?
Last night Stephen Kinzer was part of a panel of journalists leading a discussion about the nature of reporting. I heard in my political science class that some of the journalists (not Kinzer)made some controversial statements about reporting and the government. I would REALLY like to know more about what was said. If anybody was there and knows more about it, please let me know.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Do you think Dominican is Haunted?
I recently spoke to CSA member Tim Keenan about the annual CSA Haunted Tours event, which will be occurring Oct. 30 in the Social Hall. Apparently this is a huge event. Last year they had about 250 attendees, which would explain their desperate need for volunteers as Diana questions below. Keenan mentioned that many of the attendees in the past have been families from the outside community because it is a free event.
Keenan also expressed concern about this year's event though because of an article published in today's issue of the Dominican Star entitled "Dominican Ghosts Stories: Fact or Fiction." The story claims that Dominican ghost stories are false and quotes a few sister's. Keenan does not seem to agree with this because he claims his group has been doing research on the ghosts stories for a few years now. He says they have conducted interviews with many faculty and staff who believe Dominican really is haunted. This is where their event begins because they tell the staff and faculty stories during the CSA Haunted tours.
So will the Dominican Star story effect CSA's Haunted tours? Probably not, but the question of Dominican being truly haunted still lingers. It is up to you to decide?
Keenan also expressed concern about this year's event though because of an article published in today's issue of the Dominican Star entitled "Dominican Ghosts Stories: Fact or Fiction." The story claims that Dominican ghost stories are false and quotes a few sister's. Keenan does not seem to agree with this because he claims his group has been doing research on the ghosts stories for a few years now. He says they have conducted interviews with many faculty and staff who believe Dominican really is haunted. This is where their event begins because they tell the staff and faculty stories during the CSA Haunted tours.
So will the Dominican Star story effect CSA's Haunted tours? Probably not, but the question of Dominican being truly haunted still lingers. It is up to you to decide?
Do you attend Mass?
Every Sunday I do my best to attend the 7 p.m. Mass in the Chapel and it always makes me upset to see the lack of participation. The same students, professors, and sisters are at Mass every week. We are a Catholic community and a large part of our community has grown up around the church, gone to Catholic grade schools, high schools, etc. If we have this background, then why do we never fill the chapel on a Sunday night?
It is such a convenient time for students, especially residents, to come to Mass. I can understand if commuters do not go because they are most likely at home, but I even go in sweatpants sometimes, as it is better to go looking like a bum, then not go at all.
Are we all just worn out with Mass? Are that many people not Catholic? Are we cramming in our homework, which we put off the entire weekend, during this time? Are we just too lazy to walk up to the second floor of Lewis on a Sunday night? Please enlighten me.
It is such a convenient time for students, especially residents, to come to Mass. I can understand if commuters do not go because they are most likely at home, but I even go in sweatpants sometimes, as it is better to go looking like a bum, then not go at all.
Are we all just worn out with Mass? Are that many people not Catholic? Are we cramming in our homework, which we put off the entire weekend, during this time? Are we just too lazy to walk up to the second floor of Lewis on a Sunday night? Please enlighten me.
DU Email Hypocrisy
One thing that had always been stressed here at Dominican is to check your DU email. Check it, check it, check it. Anything from class work to important campus news could be sent to that email address so CHECK IT!
Why then, may I ask, do half the faculty and staff NOT use their Dominican email address? This may just be a silly pet peeve of mine,
but I hate it when professors refuse to use their DU address and insist that you send messages to their Yahoo account instead. I understand that when you may have 12 different addresses it can be hard to check them all, but IT offers ways to forward all email to a different account, so it shouldn't be that big of deal.
I just feel that because students can always find anyone at DU email (through the universal address book on Outlook) and it's the way all us students are required to communicate, faculty and staff should be required to use their DU email.
Photo taken from myDU.
Always entertaining...
I attended last Wednesday's Resident Student Association (RSA) general meeting, which continued to prove to me that it's one of the most entertaining/fun meetings to attend. It may be due to there being a large pool of residents who can attend the meetings (versus other clubs that are more specialized in interest), that's true, but the energy at the 10 PM meetings is always at pretty high levels. I've been to RSA meetings in years' past, and I don't recall it being as lively as the recent meetings. I do notice that the same group of residents attend the meetings, which helps the liveliness of the meetings considering the group's overall energy.
The reason I'm bringing this up is because of something that happened at last week's meeting. One of the residents who usually attends meetings came to the meeting pretending to be a foreign student looking for where the RSA meeting would be held. He adopted a ridiculous foreign accent (it did its job at making others laugh) and commented on the reception he got from members at the meeting.
An RA who was sitting near him calmly explained to him that he was in the right place. I was sitting in my seat and wondering what was the point of this acting stint. Either way, I have to admit it was pretty funny. It was a good way to get people energetic in the evening when they're probably worn out after a day of classes and homework.
Later on in the meeting, the resident who did the 'foreign student' act asked the others at the meeting about their opinion on his performance. No one could deny it was memorable, though I would love to find out if it was planned. Did the RSA executive board have prior knowledge that it would happen?
The reason I'm bringing this up is because of something that happened at last week's meeting. One of the residents who usually attends meetings came to the meeting pretending to be a foreign student looking for where the RSA meeting would be held. He adopted a ridiculous foreign accent (it did its job at making others laugh) and commented on the reception he got from members at the meeting.
An RA who was sitting near him calmly explained to him that he was in the right place. I was sitting in my seat and wondering what was the point of this acting stint. Either way, I have to admit it was pretty funny. It was a good way to get people energetic in the evening when they're probably worn out after a day of classes and homework.
Later on in the meeting, the resident who did the 'foreign student' act asked the others at the meeting about their opinion on his performance. No one could deny it was memorable, though I would love to find out if it was planned. Did the RSA executive board have prior knowledge that it would happen?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Oh. I guess she just went home?
In regard to missing ELS student Trang Nguyen, Jessica MacKinnon, director of public relations, emailed the Dominican community last Friday afternoon with another update: The River Forest Police Department confirmed that Ms. Nguyen flew from Chicago back home to Vietnam on October 8, the day before she was reported missing. "This announcement confirms the police department’s original contention that Ms. Nguyen left her dorm room at Concordia University on October 7 of her own accord," the email read.
We may not find out the reasons why, but it's curious how one can pack up, withdraw from school and fly to the other side of the world with NOBODY being aware of this. Even Nguyen's aunt, who told the press her niece was spotted at the 7-11 on October 7, said she believed the student was still in the United States.
I would imagine that there was somebody out there that knew she was leaving, but no one has spoken up. Sure, she could have packed her belongings in silence, booked a flight, hopped the CTA Blue Line to O'Hare, and flown to Vietnam of her own accord without telling anyone, but for someone who speaks little English and is new in this country, that's pretty bold. Her instructors didn't know? She didn't say goodbye to any friends or acquaintances? Or her family? I wonder what they have to say about all this! Especially since it was reported that she last told her friends that she "needed to get something from her dorm room."
Anyhow: it's possible, but not so plausible, and still quite strange to me.
We may not find out the reasons why, but it's curious how one can pack up, withdraw from school and fly to the other side of the world with NOBODY being aware of this. Even Nguyen's aunt, who told the press her niece was spotted at the 7-11 on October 7, said she believed the student was still in the United States.
I would imagine that there was somebody out there that knew she was leaving, but no one has spoken up. Sure, she could have packed her belongings in silence, booked a flight, hopped the CTA Blue Line to O'Hare, and flown to Vietnam of her own accord without telling anyone, but for someone who speaks little English and is new in this country, that's pretty bold. Her instructors didn't know? She didn't say goodbye to any friends or acquaintances? Or her family? I wonder what they have to say about all this! Especially since it was reported that she last told her friends that she "needed to get something from her dorm room."
Anyhow: it's possible, but not so plausible, and still quite strange to me.
Green Academics
I, like everyone else in consumerism America, have been swept up in the green movement. Yipee for the environment, sustainability, and chalk free classrooms?
In my latest read The Green Book, there are countless ways to go green in nearly every aspect of life, including school. There are little tips and tricks that can save a school some money and save the earth some green. One of the things that was brought up was using white boards instead of chalk in classrooms. The elimination of chalk dust can aggravate asthma and reduce the amount of chemicals in the air that are used to clean classrooms.
Another tip was to use online resources as much as possible to cut down on the amount of paper that is used for handouts and textbooks. With the internet being so accessible now, this seems like a small task that could make a big difference.
Dominican prides itself in being a "green" university, but what else can still be done? I know that many of my professors have started putting material on Blackboard or myDU in order to save some paper. Parmer Hall is a certified "green building" because of the steps the school has taken to reduce waste in its construction and upkeep.
What else has the school done in order to do its part in the environemnt? What types of things can still be improved?
Image courtesy of www.thedeathbox.com
Amazing Possibilities Campaign Wraps Up
Dominican's "Amazing Possibilities" financial campaign has finally finished collecting money. The outcome? A cool $53.5 million, according to a headline on the Dominican homepage. So where is all this money going?
According to the campaign brochure, available in .pdf format here, the initial goal of the campaign was to raise $50 million for four different items: facilities, endowment, program support and the annual fund. The purpose of this fund raising was to expand Dominican's enrollment to potentially include 4,000 students by 2012. The plan designates certain amounts to be granted to each item on the list described above: $33.5 million going to facilities, $5.5 million to the endowment, $5 million to program support and $6 million to the annual fund.
So now that the campaign is complete, where does the extra money go? Is the university still paying for the new buildings, or is this extra money going to be put towards academics?
According to the brochure, a good chunk of the initial $50 million raised that doesn't go toward Parmer Hall, the parking garage and the Early Childhood Education Facility should be going toward academics. Program support and the endowment include academic programs and financial aid money for students, in addition to other issues that require money, such as student retention and recruitment.
Coming off such a successful campaign, I'm anxious to see what this extra financial boost brings to Dominican. We've already seen the incredible new buildings. With all that extra money, hopefully students will see more great academic programs and unique educational opportunities. That is, if our new buildings are fully paid for.
More information:
Amazing Possibilities Campaign Video
Amazing Possibilities Website
According to the campaign brochure, available in .pdf format here, the initial goal of the campaign was to raise $50 million for four different items: facilities, endowment, program support and the annual fund. The purpose of this fund raising was to expand Dominican's enrollment to potentially include 4,000 students by 2012. The plan designates certain amounts to be granted to each item on the list described above: $33.5 million going to facilities, $5.5 million to the endowment, $5 million to program support and $6 million to the annual fund.
So now that the campaign is complete, where does the extra money go? Is the university still paying for the new buildings, or is this extra money going to be put towards academics?
According to the brochure, a good chunk of the initial $50 million raised that doesn't go toward Parmer Hall, the parking garage and the Early Childhood Education Facility should be going toward academics. Program support and the endowment include academic programs and financial aid money for students, in addition to other issues that require money, such as student retention and recruitment.
Coming off such a successful campaign, I'm anxious to see what this extra financial boost brings to Dominican. We've already seen the incredible new buildings. With all that extra money, hopefully students will see more great academic programs and unique educational opportunities. That is, if our new buildings are fully paid for.
More information:
Amazing Possibilities Campaign Video
Amazing Possibilities Website
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Ethnically offensive or pure entertainment?
Each week, Professor Ric Calabrese invites a guest to speak and discuss their culture and heritage with our Global Communications class. This evening, an international studies teacher spoke with us about her Italian roots. Throughout the discussion, the class asked questions, and one of possibly the most interesting inquiries came from Brian Hahn. "My international partner students are from Saudi Arabia," he explained, "and when I tell them I live in Cicero, they instantly think, 'Oh! That's where the Mob is, right? Gangsters and stuff?' So, what do you think of that TV show, The Sopranos, and its implications of Italians?"
Our guest responded that she adamantly disliked that show, "because it's like a cartoon. Every person on that show is a total character. You got the funny mob guy, the crazy mob guy, the mob guy's wife; the people are so extreme and it's all a joke. My brother works in Hollywood and he loves that show, but I don't."
newsday.com
Some students agreed that it was overly stereotypical; others insisted, "well it's entertainment and a brilliant show."
What do you think? I never watched that program, nor am I Italian, so I cannot speak on that matter.
Are there any television shows, movies, or other media forms that irritate or offend you and your personal culture that other people find hilarious?
I'm Zambian, and there are not many (if any) programs that particularly showcase African culture, but I can say that Eddie Murphy's Coming to America was ridiculous.
dvdtown.com
"Oh, but that's a hilarious movie!" You exclaim.
Well, my parents both have Zambian accents, and Eddie Murphy's rendition of a Zanzibar (or wherever the hell he was from) accent was weak and not believable. I speak in what most would consider a traditional Midwest American English accent (I wouldn't go so far as to call it Chicagoan, though), and I can do a WAY better African accent than Eddie Murphy was paid millions to do.
And sure, the concepts in the movie were a joke, but still perpetuated the silly stereotypes that non-Africans have about the continent and its diverse, rich countries and cultures. And no, Africans will not rejoice that they're rich if you give them a nickel.
I know many of the "prestigious" black American icons (Oprah, Bill Cosby) despised Dave Chappelle's show on Comedy Central. He played characters such as "Tyrone Biggums: Crackhead" ...
tumblr.com
...made fun of black people drinking generic Kool-Aid consisting of sugar, water and food coloring, "A lot of black people don't know about grape juice. Cause they had 'grape drink.' It's not the same formula. There ain't no vitamins in that stuff! What's juice? I want drink! Sugar, water, and of course, purple."
He also played off every stereotype one could think of. "You people? What you mean,'YOU PEOPLE?'"
I (still) love that show.
I don't think it has much to do with the fact that I am African, but I do like how I can relate to and understand the hilarity of black American life. He also unpacked the knapsack of white privilege in many of his sketches, portraying race relations as they are, for the most part, in America today. Also, it was a black man making the jokes, not Amos 'n' Andy.
Is there anything on TV or in the movies that annoys or offends you or your heritage?
Our guest responded that she adamantly disliked that show, "because it's like a cartoon. Every person on that show is a total character. You got the funny mob guy, the crazy mob guy, the mob guy's wife; the people are so extreme and it's all a joke. My brother works in Hollywood and he loves that show, but I don't."
newsday.com
Some students agreed that it was overly stereotypical; others insisted, "well it's entertainment and a brilliant show."
What do you think? I never watched that program, nor am I Italian, so I cannot speak on that matter.
Are there any television shows, movies, or other media forms that irritate or offend you and your personal culture that other people find hilarious?
I'm Zambian, and there are not many (if any) programs that particularly showcase African culture, but I can say that Eddie Murphy's Coming to America was ridiculous.
dvdtown.com
"Oh, but that's a hilarious movie!" You exclaim.
Well, my parents both have Zambian accents, and Eddie Murphy's rendition of a Zanzibar (or wherever the hell he was from) accent was weak and not believable. I speak in what most would consider a traditional Midwest American English accent (I wouldn't go so far as to call it Chicagoan, though), and I can do a WAY better African accent than Eddie Murphy was paid millions to do.
And sure, the concepts in the movie were a joke, but still perpetuated the silly stereotypes that non-Africans have about the continent and its diverse, rich countries and cultures. And no, Africans will not rejoice that they're rich if you give them a nickel.
I know many of the "prestigious" black American icons (Oprah, Bill Cosby) despised Dave Chappelle's show on Comedy Central. He played characters such as "Tyrone Biggums: Crackhead" ...
tumblr.com
...made fun of black people drinking generic Kool-Aid consisting of sugar, water and food coloring, "A lot of black people don't know about grape juice. Cause they had 'grape drink.' It's not the same formula. There ain't no vitamins in that stuff! What's juice? I want drink! Sugar, water, and of course, purple."
He also played off every stereotype one could think of. "You people? What you mean,'YOU PEOPLE?'"
I (still) love that show.
I don't think it has much to do with the fact that I am African, but I do like how I can relate to and understand the hilarity of black American life. He also unpacked the knapsack of white privilege in many of his sketches, portraying race relations as they are, for the most part, in America today. Also, it was a black man making the jokes, not Amos 'n' Andy.
Is there anything on TV or in the movies that annoys or offends you or your heritage?
DU's POTENTIAL MEDIA CENTER?? ATTN: DU ADMINISTRATION
Tonight, my fellow DU students....Joe Nava and Lisa Wieczorek....and I filmed our first ever WCGR News show. The show was an over all success. I wish DU had or own TV station so that my friends, peers and fellow Dominican students would be able to view our newscasts on a campus TV station. Unfortunately, only Concordia students will see us on their cable network. While DU students will be able to view us via the website...which will come at a later date.. I really hope that the administration at Dominican will seriously CONSIDER adding a MEDIA development program IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
CU's media equipment is SERIOUSLY out of date and I feel that DU should invest money in a news station. Writers for the STAR are not all journalism majors. I believe that many students, irregardless of their declared major, would be interested in a DU News/TV STATION. Please consider this, blog readers, as it is something very dear to me. I feel that this should be taken seriously by the deans as they may have some input as to whether or not DU will have a potential media center.
Thank you.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Incidences in Power: Just between friends
Recently in Power Hall, there were slightly different messages containing racial slurs on the same dry erase board (i.e. one message was erased and another one was written on the board, etc.) outside on someone's door. The resident who lived in that room was contacted, according to Trudi Goggin, Dean of Students. While the initial impression was that the resident was being targeted, the person told Goggin that it was between him and friends. Because the issue was different from the graffiti incident in late September (where no one has been held accountable), a university-wide email has not been sent like with the graffiti incident.
Goggin told the resident that anything posted in a public area (i.e. outside one's door where it is viewable by anyone walking down the hallway) should not offend, injure or harass anyone who sees it. Anyone who sees an offensive message will not know the story behind it...that it was just something between friends. So, this is a cautionary lesson for residents: watch what you write.
Goggin told the resident that anything posted in a public area (i.e. outside one's door where it is viewable by anyone walking down the hallway) should not offend, injure or harass anyone who sees it. Anyone who sees an offensive message will not know the story behind it...that it was just something between friends. So, this is a cautionary lesson for residents: watch what you write.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Don't Vote Unless...
I received an email Tuesday from one of the RAs on my floor about a video that we [residents on her floor] should look at. Everyone should look at it though, so I'll provide the link below. It is a "Get out and vote" video basically, but with a number of celebrities participating in the video. It's about a 5 minute public service announcement starting out with celebrities saying you shouldn't vote, don't bother...but then it switches around and tells the viewer that "you should vote if you care about this issue, etc." The PSA also reminds people that they have to register to vote and that they should get their friends to vote as well.
Here's the link:
Five Friends Vote (Uncensored)
Also, Resident Student Association sent out an email regarding voter registration information.
Here's the link:
Five Friends Vote (Uncensored)
Also, Resident Student Association sent out an email regarding voter registration information.
Judy Collins?
Sorry if I'm ignorant, but who is Judy Collins? Is this someone that students at Dominican really want to see? I would think that a college campus would want to cater to maybe...the college-aged audience? But then again, I'm sure there's a lot of students who wouldn't know who the Rolling Stones are if they were coming here, so maybe I'm just underestimating Judy Collins' popularity. Anyway, if you're interested check out MyDu for more info.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Dominican Admission Process
Dominican's homepage features an online application and visitation for potential students called "Discover Dominican." I had recently heard of a "Discover Dominican" event that is to take place on November 8, so I decided to reflect a little more on the new process of admissions and on how I came to visit Dominican the first time.
This program is apparently catered towards groups of 10 or less, with visiting students being able to access all sorts of online material for the university, including an application for the event and for admission. This approach to courting prospective students must be a new method they instituted recently. Four years ago, the only way the Admissions department was able to persuade me to visit the university was by repeatedly calling my home and then later switching to letters promising fairly large sums of financial aid. As an average high school slacker, I was flattered that a university wanted anything to do with me and seemed genuinely interested in having me visit the campus personally to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for Dominican. This was part of the reason why I took the plunge and went with Dominican.
I remember when I first visited Dominican, it was only my parents and myself visiting that day. We were shuffled around campus, I sat in with a class while my parents talked figures with the Admissions people, and they took some notes on my interests so they could figure out how to get me to attend Dominican. And they seemed very interested in figuring out an arrangement that would benefit me. They were looking out for my future before I even made any decisions or told them I was even impressed with things. It was this hands-on and extremely personal process that made me feel like I was wanted somewhere; like these people who were trying to get to know me were interested in things other than getting my tuition money.
While it seems that the Admissions process at Dominican is still fairly personalized, I think other than going to big group orientations and tours, prospective students should be curious to visit on their own or with parents, not as just another name in a special group designed to entice students to the institution. It just seems to me like Dominican should focus more on the individuals in this process. I'm sure these groups probably help a lot of prospective students and make them feel like they're a part of something great and present opportunities to meet people. But I'm willing to bet that if a prospective student were to go through the personalized meetings and visitations, they'd feel more comfortable with the whole situation. Making the decision on a college is a HUGE step and a major life decision that effectively influences everything else in one's life. I'm also willing to bet that these anxious high school juniors and seniors would feel a lot more comfortable with a personalized admission process: no group visitations, seminars, meet and greets, etc. I know that feeling like I was more of an individual than just a name was the major thing that brought me to Dominican. Getting to have one-on-one meetings with Admissions staff and faculty members made me truly feel like an adult out in the world at last, able to make my own decisions, and individual ones at that; no group influence or tacky admission programs to make me feel like someone was holding my hand through everything.
While I'm sure that these personalized experiences are a big part of the admission process, I think that Dominican should seek out the students, instead of simply having them fill out applications and read information on admission web pages. The personal experience is what makes going to Dominican such a positive experience, and I believe that by starting off students on such a path from the very beginning, prospective students can get a great taste of the full experience that awaits them once they come to Dominican.
This program is apparently catered towards groups of 10 or less, with visiting students being able to access all sorts of online material for the university, including an application for the event and for admission. This approach to courting prospective students must be a new method they instituted recently. Four years ago, the only way the Admissions department was able to persuade me to visit the university was by repeatedly calling my home and then later switching to letters promising fairly large sums of financial aid. As an average high school slacker, I was flattered that a university wanted anything to do with me and seemed genuinely interested in having me visit the campus personally to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for Dominican. This was part of the reason why I took the plunge and went with Dominican.
I remember when I first visited Dominican, it was only my parents and myself visiting that day. We were shuffled around campus, I sat in with a class while my parents talked figures with the Admissions people, and they took some notes on my interests so they could figure out how to get me to attend Dominican. And they seemed very interested in figuring out an arrangement that would benefit me. They were looking out for my future before I even made any decisions or told them I was even impressed with things. It was this hands-on and extremely personal process that made me feel like I was wanted somewhere; like these people who were trying to get to know me were interested in things other than getting my tuition money.
While it seems that the Admissions process at Dominican is still fairly personalized, I think other than going to big group orientations and tours, prospective students should be curious to visit on their own or with parents, not as just another name in a special group designed to entice students to the institution. It just seems to me like Dominican should focus more on the individuals in this process. I'm sure these groups probably help a lot of prospective students and make them feel like they're a part of something great and present opportunities to meet people. But I'm willing to bet that if a prospective student were to go through the personalized meetings and visitations, they'd feel more comfortable with the whole situation. Making the decision on a college is a HUGE step and a major life decision that effectively influences everything else in one's life. I'm also willing to bet that these anxious high school juniors and seniors would feel a lot more comfortable with a personalized admission process: no group visitations, seminars, meet and greets, etc. I know that feeling like I was more of an individual than just a name was the major thing that brought me to Dominican. Getting to have one-on-one meetings with Admissions staff and faculty members made me truly feel like an adult out in the world at last, able to make my own decisions, and individual ones at that; no group influence or tacky admission programs to make me feel like someone was holding my hand through everything.
While I'm sure that these personalized experiences are a big part of the admission process, I think that Dominican should seek out the students, instead of simply having them fill out applications and read information on admission web pages. The personal experience is what makes going to Dominican such a positive experience, and I believe that by starting off students on such a path from the very beginning, prospective students can get a great taste of the full experience that awaits them once they come to Dominican.
The opposite of Missing White Woman Syndrome
Amy reported earlier this week that English Language Schools student Trang Nguyen has been missing for nearly a week.
As Amy stated, the schoolwide email from Jessica McKinnon (a name I've never heard in my Dominican career--anyone know who she is?) had the subject line of "Update."
Update? Yeah, no.
That was the first most had heard of the situation. Sure, "foul play wasn't suspected," but come on. For someone who lives on campus, this incident could pose a security threat to other students in the area. I don't think it matters that she's "not an official Dominican student;" someone who attends classes on our campus is a part of the student body.
If we had been notified of this promptly, in those first crucial 48 hours after a person goes missing, perhaps she would have been found by now. Beyond that, the chances of recovering the person steeply fall, but of course there are exceptions.
Call me Devil's Advocate if you will, but I can't help but wonder if this is another case of the opposite of what has been dubbed "Missing White Woman Syndrome." MWWS refers to the disproportionate media attention given to white women who go missing in contrast to people of color. Jon Benet Ramsey? Chandra Levy? Natalee Holloway, anyone?
freshcrime.com
What about prisoners of war? Most people recognize the name of Jessica Lynch, but what about Shoshana Johnson or Lori Piestewa? The black and Native American (respectively) single mothers received basically no coverage (even though they were ambushed in the same attack!), and even Lynch herself criticized the disproportionate positive discrimination in regard to her media coverage.
wikimedia.org
Getty Images
oshadavidson.com
What if the Trang Nguyen was a 20-something blonde who lived in the Priory?
I'm just throwing that idea out there, but ultimately I believe the university should be more responsible in reporting such serious incidences.
As Amy stated, the schoolwide email from Jessica McKinnon (a name I've never heard in my Dominican career--anyone know who she is?) had the subject line of "Update."
Update? Yeah, no.
That was the first most had heard of the situation. Sure, "foul play wasn't suspected," but come on. For someone who lives on campus, this incident could pose a security threat to other students in the area. I don't think it matters that she's "not an official Dominican student;" someone who attends classes on our campus is a part of the student body.
If we had been notified of this promptly, in those first crucial 48 hours after a person goes missing, perhaps she would have been found by now. Beyond that, the chances of recovering the person steeply fall, but of course there are exceptions.
Call me Devil's Advocate if you will, but I can't help but wonder if this is another case of the opposite of what has been dubbed "Missing White Woman Syndrome." MWWS refers to the disproportionate media attention given to white women who go missing in contrast to people of color. Jon Benet Ramsey? Chandra Levy? Natalee Holloway, anyone?
What about prisoners of war? Most people recognize the name of Jessica Lynch, but what about Shoshana Johnson or Lori Piestewa? The black and Native American (respectively) single mothers received basically no coverage (even though they were ambushed in the same attack!), and even Lynch herself criticized the disproportionate positive discrimination in regard to her media coverage.
What if the Trang Nguyen was a 20-something blonde who lived in the Priory?
I'm just throwing that idea out there, but ultimately I believe the university should be more responsible in reporting such serious incidences.
Monday, October 13, 2008
SGA...Slacking Government Awareness
So, guess what? SGA is still not doing their job effectively. In fact, we're almost half way done with this semester and SGA still has announcements on Campus News stating that they're in dire need for senators. Well, SGA, maybe if you actually got yourslef out there and tried to elevate your presence on campus, people would care.
For the last issue of the paper, I was responsible for taking care of Student Voices. The question was: What do you think SGA is doing for the student body?
Can I just tell you that I asked probably 20 different students that question. 13 of the 20 replied with, "Ummm, what's SGA?" or "I don't know what SGA is." The other seven people laughed at the question and uniquely answered with pretty much, "SGA does nothing!" One student even got very upset and stated that "SGA is a bunch of garbage. It's a bunch of individuals who think they have power but really don't." This anonymous person went on and on and on and some of his statement had to be censored.
I find it sad that in such a small school where everybody pretty much hears a little bit of everything, like it is in high school, no one had anything positive to say about the SGA. My best friend is a member of SGA. I've asked her what's their deal and she doesn't even know. My first post on SGA reflected my concern and frustration. Sadly, I still feel the same way. How about you? What do you think SGA does for the student body? Why do you think they still are in need of 2 Senior Senators, 1 Junior Senator and 2 Sophomore Senators?
Instead of the Student Government Association, I'm redefining SGA on this blog as SLACKING GOVERNMENT AWARENESS.
Thank you.
Columbus Day Parade
Freshmen Angela Mastromauro walks to the parade. 
Ferrari is very famous Italian brand of car!
Giulia Tolitano watches the parade in Columbus attire.
Seniors Mike Ariano and Cristian Alaimo share inside jokes before the parade.
One of the many floats in the parade!
Carla and Claudia Capobianco take a break from playing calcio to smile for the camera.
CIAO members show their pride!On October 13, 2008, CIAO walked in the Christopher Columbus Day Parade. It is an annual event and everyone is welcomed to participate!
CIAO (Italian Club) had a very busy weekend! Here are pictures from the Chicago Fire soccer game on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at Toyota Park.
Fire fans show their spirit!
The start of the game!
Dominican students Plamen Pamukov, Rosa Andreuccetti, Mariangela Pezzella, and Paolo Cosentino watch the game.
Dominican Videos Page: Is the University Making the Most of it?
Dominican recently started a new videos page about two weeks ago. And it seems the site has already been relegated to the backburner for DU web projects.
As mentioned in my last post on this little innovation, the page features a few brief news videos posted to a web page for all to access. Although this is a revolutionary effort on the part of the university to give outsiders and insiders a glimpse of all Dominican has to offer, it appears the site has already fallen into disuse by those responsible for its creation.
The page has not been updated since I last posted about it nearly two weeks ago. Now, I may be expecting too much of this new institution, but I thought it was actually going to be regularly updated with short news stories and videos documenting lectures, student activities and other happenings on campus, sort of like an occasional Internet-only version of your garden variety TV news features. But there are still the same videos of Lund Gill Chair Stephen Kinzer's recent lectures and a couple of features portraying different events and occurrences on campus that took place in late August and early September. There have been improvements made since the site's initial start up, most notably each video receiving its own individual page. However, I couldn't figure out how to even get to the videos page; I had to follow my link from my previous post. It turns out the page is located on the Dominican homepage instead of somewhere where students are likely to access it, such as the myDU portal.
This seems a little silly to me. Frankly, I'm not surprised; it seems many websites started by individuals at Dominican fall by the wayside and are updated a few times when just starting out before being left to forever clutter the internet with outdated and/or irrelevant information. I think this opportunity is something that's not being realized to its fullest potential. This videos page could not only give the University some much-needed publicity if organized and promoted accordingly, but could also give students a resource for information about what's going on around campus. Event organizers always lament about a lack of attendance at on-campus events, but perhaps organizers could make use of this page and could advertise events or give students a "heads-up" about things they otherwise might not have thought twice about. This resource shouldn't be something completely controlled by the Marketing and Communications Department; it should be a resource the entire community can use to promote, inform or even educate their fellow Dominicans.
As mentioned in my last post on this little innovation, the page features a few brief news videos posted to a web page for all to access. Although this is a revolutionary effort on the part of the university to give outsiders and insiders a glimpse of all Dominican has to offer, it appears the site has already fallen into disuse by those responsible for its creation.
The page has not been updated since I last posted about it nearly two weeks ago. Now, I may be expecting too much of this new institution, but I thought it was actually going to be regularly updated with short news stories and videos documenting lectures, student activities and other happenings on campus, sort of like an occasional Internet-only version of your garden variety TV news features. But there are still the same videos of Lund Gill Chair Stephen Kinzer's recent lectures and a couple of features portraying different events and occurrences on campus that took place in late August and early September. There have been improvements made since the site's initial start up, most notably each video receiving its own individual page. However, I couldn't figure out how to even get to the videos page; I had to follow my link from my previous post. It turns out the page is located on the Dominican homepage instead of somewhere where students are likely to access it, such as the myDU portal.
This seems a little silly to me. Frankly, I'm not surprised; it seems many websites started by individuals at Dominican fall by the wayside and are updated a few times when just starting out before being left to forever clutter the internet with outdated and/or irrelevant information. I think this opportunity is something that's not being realized to its fullest potential. This videos page could not only give the University some much-needed publicity if organized and promoted accordingly, but could also give students a resource for information about what's going on around campus. Event organizers always lament about a lack of attendance at on-campus events, but perhaps organizers could make use of this page and could advertise events or give students a "heads-up" about things they otherwise might not have thought twice about. This resource shouldn't be something completely controlled by the Marketing and Communications Department; it should be a resource the entire community can use to promote, inform or even educate their fellow Dominicans.
After all the hassle...
I recently got a new laptop and the McAfee Antivirus Software that came with it expired this past Saturday (10/11). I went home over the weekend and installed this antivirus software recommended to me (Avira) and I paid for a year's subscription (for better protection). It worked fine until I came back on campus Sunday night and found out that only McAfee, Symantec, Norton or AVG are recognized as valid antivirus programs (in order to use your computer in the residence halls).
Now, I knew the only real solution was to uninstall the antivirus I took the effort to pay for and install Symantec which is provided free by DU. I know this since I've had Symantec in previous years at Dominican. But I didn't want to jump into action and uninstall an antivirus program I paid for. Though it wasn't much compared to other antivirus programs that overprice; I hate paying for something and not being able to use it.
It turns out that I was right in my assumption (after getting it checked out today) - I needed to uninstall Avira and download Symantec. But once I graduate from Dominican, I'm going back to Avira since my impression is that Symantec is only available for free for students (and the rest of the DU community). The lesson: don't bother trying to install antivirus software that isn't on the list of Dominican's accepted antivirus programs. I'm still unhappy about it, but at least the solution was simple.
Now, I knew the only real solution was to uninstall the antivirus I took the effort to pay for and install Symantec which is provided free by DU. I know this since I've had Symantec in previous years at Dominican. But I didn't want to jump into action and uninstall an antivirus program I paid for. Though it wasn't much compared to other antivirus programs that overprice; I hate paying for something and not being able to use it.
It turns out that I was right in my assumption (after getting it checked out today) - I needed to uninstall Avira and download Symantec. But once I graduate from Dominican, I'm going back to Avira since my impression is that Symantec is only available for free for students (and the rest of the DU community). The lesson: don't bother trying to install antivirus software that isn't on the list of Dominican's accepted antivirus programs. I'm still unhappy about it, but at least the solution was simple.
Concordia University's Television Station
As you may or may not know, I will be working as a television news reporter within the next year...keep your fingers crossed! Over the summer, I worked at NBC5, composed a reporter reel/resume tape and had the best experiences ever. Now, while I'm in my senior year, I feel like I still need to be getting on-camera time so that everything I learned will stay fresh for when I'm out in the real world.
In order to keep getting that practice, I'm involved with Concordia University's television station. I'm in the process of putting a package on students' election reactions but it's a matter of time until it aires because my editor is a busy football player. I am also, along with my blog buddy Joe, setting up a weekly news show which will premiere Thursday....or Friday.
When I attended the meeting last week, I was completely shocked to find that more than half the students were from Dominican. Isn't that a little upsetting to any of you? I mean more of our peers are interested in getting broadcast experience than the students that have it at their fingertips. Susan Ericsson, the advisor for the media group, is a former DU professor and told me she doesn't think that DU is in the process of even thinking about new media opportunities for students.
I find this upsetting and actually somewhat offensive. If they can expand for science majors, why not expand for journalism, communication or even theatre majors? Our careers are just as important as those of other majors. If pre-med students can get HANDS ON experience dissecting a cadaver, then why can't we get HANDS ON experience with media??
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Isn't it Strange?
Since last year, I've realized that my classes have become increasingly intertwined. By this I mean that the subject matter in most of my classes, no matter what the subject, always seems to line up.
For example, last week my senior seminar class had a discussion about narratives and how they're essential to the nature of human life. I won't go into detail here as it was a pretty lengthy and complex discussion, but it was a fascinating concept that I had never really given much thought. Later that night, as I was preparing a Blackboard online post for my History 300 class, I came upon a passage in the text I was quoting from discussing narratives. The narrative concepts discussed in the history text closely mirrored those of my seminar class from earlier that evening. I was once again surprised by how well my classes' subject matters had lined up again. That is to say, I was very well prepared for my History 300 discussion the next day. I had never thought that those two classes, a liberal arts seminar and a class about the methodology of studying history, would be entirely on the same page simultaneously.
This "lining up" trend has become increasingly common throughout my years at Dominican. I know this essentially what a college-level course of study is supposed to accomplish, but I had never really considered that my advisers would be able to perfectly sync up my classes so that everything would tie together so well, with the same exact topics being discussed in two or more very different courses in the same day or week. Sometimes this seems to happen constantly for weeks on end; it feels as if I'm in one massive course, with class periods spread out over several days, subjects and instructors, yet still I feel like I'm learning one larger concept.
For example, last week my senior seminar class had a discussion about narratives and how they're essential to the nature of human life. I won't go into detail here as it was a pretty lengthy and complex discussion, but it was a fascinating concept that I had never really given much thought. Later that night, as I was preparing a Blackboard online post for my History 300 class, I came upon a passage in the text I was quoting from discussing narratives. The narrative concepts discussed in the history text closely mirrored those of my seminar class from earlier that evening. I was once again surprised by how well my classes' subject matters had lined up again. That is to say, I was very well prepared for my History 300 discussion the next day. I had never thought that those two classes, a liberal arts seminar and a class about the methodology of studying history, would be entirely on the same page simultaneously.
This "lining up" trend has become increasingly common throughout my years at Dominican. I know this essentially what a college-level course of study is supposed to accomplish, but I had never really considered that my advisers would be able to perfectly sync up my classes so that everything would tie together so well, with the same exact topics being discussed in two or more very different courses in the same day or week. Sometimes this seems to happen constantly for weeks on end; it feels as if I'm in one massive course, with class periods spread out over several days, subjects and instructors, yet still I feel like I'm learning one larger concept.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Judy Collins
On the Dominican home page, there is a link to an article in the Wednesday Journal about Judy Collins' performance. According to the article, many people were extremely excited for her to perform:
"Collins' talent will be on display this Saturday, Oct. 18 in River Forest, when she appears in a much-anticipated concert at Dominican University's Performing Arts Center. Leslie Dominguez, who curates the Performance Center's season, said, "Judy Collins has been on my wish list since I came here. I grew up listening to her music. I think I know every word of every song."
Dominguez and her boss, Dominican President Donna Carroll, both of whom have previously witnessed Collins' virtuosity, are delighted she's coming."
I work phonathon at Dominican, and one alum told me that she was not donating to Dominican this year because Collins is extremely open about being pro-choice. She said she was disappointed in Dominican for inviting Collins to a Catholic institution.
Does anybody have any thoughts about this?
"Collins' talent will be on display this Saturday, Oct. 18 in River Forest, when she appears in a much-anticipated concert at Dominican University's Performing Arts Center. Leslie Dominguez, who curates the Performance Center's season, said, "Judy Collins has been on my wish list since I came here. I grew up listening to her music. I think I know every word of every song."
Dominguez and her boss, Dominican President Donna Carroll, both of whom have previously witnessed Collins' virtuosity, are delighted she's coming."
I work phonathon at Dominican, and one alum told me that she was not donating to Dominican this year because Collins is extremely open about being pro-choice. She said she was disappointed in Dominican for inviting Collins to a Catholic institution.
Does anybody have any thoughts about this?
Drinking Games on Campus
Ok so I'm assuming that most of you have either seen or been a part of popular drinking games such as beer pong, flipy cup, circle of death, the list can go on and on. I was recently talking with some friends who live on campus about the way student play certain games in the residence halls. For example, students living in Power Hall will take the closet doors off the hinges and use two chairs to support the door horizontially in order to create a large enough space (i.e. table) to play a decent game of beer pong.
I laughed when I first heard this but it seems to be a popular thing to do. Why can't they host like a beer pong tournament for anyone 21+ so that closets aren't taken appart?
My house is a frequent location that embraces the game of beer pong. We have a great room that really only serves as a beer pong palace. We are actually planning a beer pong tournament and when my sister and I told our mom, she wasn't too happy. She did , however, point me to Time Magazine. A recent article about beer pong was accompanied by a great beer pong video. Check it out as some of the information is really interesting.
Thanks for the heads up, mom!
Photo courtesy of http://blogs.e-rockford.com/askgeo/files/2008/05/beerpong-2.JPG
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ghana: Gateway to Africa
Next week, the students who participated in Dominican's second study abroad program to Ghana, Africa will be giving presentations about their experiences. It will be held in Lewis 310, October 14 at 2:15 p.m.
I was one of the students who went on the first Ghanaian study abroad two summers ago, and giving this same presentation last year was a wonderful outlet to share about the unknown treasures and beauty that the continent has to offer.
If you've ever been curious about Africa, I highly recommend attending your fellow students' presentation.
These are some photos from my trip overseas:
The Dominican students pose for a photo op after having lunch with Ghana's Parliament.
Ghanaian schoolgirls
A tour guide teaches us students about African textiles at the University of Ghana
The students and teachers, dressed in traditional wraps, take photos with a high Priest and high Priestess in the Klikor region of Ghana
Me with some Ghanaian children who live in the compound lead by the above Priest and Priestess
Young boys demonstrate their silk weaving techniques on crude looms.
Taking a nature walk of several miles to see the Wli Waterfall
Me with cutie Ghanaian babies we encountered on the trail
Our group in the mesmerizing Wli Waterfall
At Tamale, in the northern region of Ghana which is primarily Muslim, we met the ladies of the Women's Shea Butter Extract Plant.
Ever wonder where your shea butter from The Body Shop comes from? Right here.
We attended a drum/dance session in Larabanga, dancing and celebrating with the locals
Darleisha, on the right, is a Chicago Public Schools teacher. Here she poses with David, headmaster of the Larabanga School, in front of his classroom
Professor Nkuzi Nnam, down to his last few dollars, is still tempted to buy more things from the street vendors banging on our tour bus windows
Tour guide shows us the dungeons where enslaved Africans were held at the Cape Coast Castle
Mariya Kozlova and I drink fresh coconut, purchased on the side of the road through our tour bus window
The beautiful Cape Coast beach
I was one of the students who went on the first Ghanaian study abroad two summers ago, and giving this same presentation last year was a wonderful outlet to share about the unknown treasures and beauty that the continent has to offer.
If you've ever been curious about Africa, I highly recommend attending your fellow students' presentation.
These are some photos from my trip overseas:
The Dominican students pose for a photo op after having lunch with Ghana's Parliament.
Ghanaian schoolgirls
A tour guide teaches us students about African textiles at the University of Ghana
The students and teachers, dressed in traditional wraps, take photos with a high Priest and high Priestess in the Klikor region of Ghana
Me with some Ghanaian children who live in the compound lead by the above Priest and Priestess
Young boys demonstrate their silk weaving techniques on crude looms.
Taking a nature walk of several miles to see the Wli Waterfall
Me with cutie Ghanaian babies we encountered on the trail
Our group in the mesmerizing Wli Waterfall
At Tamale, in the northern region of Ghana which is primarily Muslim, we met the ladies of the Women's Shea Butter Extract Plant.
Ever wonder where your shea butter from The Body Shop comes from? Right here.
We attended a drum/dance session in Larabanga, dancing and celebrating with the locals
Darleisha, on the right, is a Chicago Public Schools teacher. Here she poses with David, headmaster of the Larabanga School, in front of his classroom
Professor Nkuzi Nnam, down to his last few dollars, is still tempted to buy more things from the street vendors banging on our tour bus windows
Tour guide shows us the dungeons where enslaved Africans were held at the Cape Coast Castle
Mariya Kozlova and I drink fresh coconut, purchased on the side of the road through our tour bus window
The beautiful Cape Coast beach
Dolores Hureta
Yesterday, Dolores Huerta gave a speech in the Lund Auditorium. I spoke to junior Vince Nardiello, who attended the event. "Dolores Huerta's talk was very insightful and offered much in terms of knowing about race and gender," Nardiello said. Did anyone reading also attend the speech? If so, comment about it. I'd really like to know what people thought about this important figure in farm worker's rights.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
One last homecoming thought
I wanted to say one more thing about homecoming, this time from the sports aspect of things. Would people feel different about homecoming if the dance and game were tied into a different sport? I'm sure almost everyone knows what a big deal the football homecoming game was in high school. Would people be more excited for homecoming if we had a football team? I'll be the first one to admit that I would be. But I'm sure there are some people who prefer the soccer homecoming. Either way, I want to hear about it.
A different way to teach
Many professors use lecture as their primary forms of educating. Others prefer class discussion or the use of visual aid. In one specific communications course, the instructor prefers not to show up at all.
The class is Interpersonal Communication. The professor is Ric Calabrese. Every few class periods, Calabrese breaks the students into small groups and has them teach themselves. That is, one student is chosen as the facilitator and Calabrese doesn't come to class that day. Is he lazy? Maybe, but the more appropriate guess would be that Calabrese feels that by not coming to class, his students will be more open and candid with the discussion.
It is an interesting approach to teaching, and so far seems to be surprisingly effective. Students still show up and have a decent discussion about the topic at hand. Of course, cutting the class short by 15 minutes never hurt anyone so these students may or may not have taken this liberty. Still, the class period is by no means wasted and seems to be educational.
It is safe to say that Professor Calabrese learned something in his umpteen years of teaching. While this may not be the most orthodox way of educating the youth of our nation, it seems to give students a different perspective about college and education in general.
Or he could be lazy.
The class is Interpersonal Communication. The professor is Ric Calabrese. Every few class periods, Calabrese breaks the students into small groups and has them teach themselves. That is, one student is chosen as the facilitator and Calabrese doesn't come to class that day. Is he lazy? Maybe, but the more appropriate guess would be that Calabrese feels that by not coming to class, his students will be more open and candid with the discussion.
It is an interesting approach to teaching, and so far seems to be surprisingly effective. Students still show up and have a decent discussion about the topic at hand. Of course, cutting the class short by 15 minutes never hurt anyone so these students may or may not have taken this liberty. Still, the class period is by no means wasted and seems to be educational.
It is safe to say that Professor Calabrese learned something in his umpteen years of teaching. While this may not be the most orthodox way of educating the youth of our nation, it seems to give students a different perspective about college and education in general.
Or he could be lazy.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Megan Vaccaro, An Athlete You Should Know
Megan Vaccaro has been making a name for herself on the Women’s Cross Country team. Now she is close to putting her name in the conference record books.
Vaccaro, a 4’11” junior from Oswego, was recently named NAC Student Athlete of the week for women’s cross country in two consecutive weeks. Vaccaro stated that she was surprised to learn about winning the awards. She didn’t find out about them from a call from a coach or an official, but from visiting Dominican’s athletics website. “That was really cool,” Vaccaro said of her awards.
Vaccaro also has a shot at breaking an NAC record. She has been coming very close to the best time in a 6k race. In a recent race, she posted the second best time of any runner in the NAC’s three year history. “I would love to break that [record],” Vaccaro said. As for the runner who currently holds the record, Vaccaro says, “I’ve got my eyes on her.”
Vaccaro has become quite an accomplished runner. However, that was not always her goal. In high school she wanted to play other sports. When she did try out for cross country, she was not sure if it would work out. “I was the only freshman girl but I stuck with it…I like challenging myself,” she said. Vaccaro is grateful for sticking with cross country, stating that her teams have been like a second family to her. “Most of my friends I met through running,” she said. However, Vaccaro does wish that the cross country team had more support on campus. “People don’t really know we exist,” she said. She also stated that it’s sometimes hard to compete with larger teams because the Dominican team doesn’t have as many runners. Still, Vaccaro feels that with her dedication, these obstacles can be overcome. “Hard work always pays off,” she said. “It’s not luck, it’s hard work.”
Vaccaro, a 4’11” junior from Oswego, was recently named NAC Student Athlete of the week for women’s cross country in two consecutive weeks. Vaccaro stated that she was surprised to learn about winning the awards. She didn’t find out about them from a call from a coach or an official, but from visiting Dominican’s athletics website. “That was really cool,” Vaccaro said of her awards.
Vaccaro also has a shot at breaking an NAC record. She has been coming very close to the best time in a 6k race. In a recent race, she posted the second best time of any runner in the NAC’s three year history. “I would love to break that [record],” Vaccaro said. As for the runner who currently holds the record, Vaccaro says, “I’ve got my eyes on her.”
Vaccaro has become quite an accomplished runner. However, that was not always her goal. In high school she wanted to play other sports. When she did try out for cross country, she was not sure if it would work out. “I was the only freshman girl but I stuck with it…I like challenging myself,” she said. Vaccaro is grateful for sticking with cross country, stating that her teams have been like a second family to her. “Most of my friends I met through running,” she said. However, Vaccaro does wish that the cross country team had more support on campus. “People don’t really know we exist,” she said. She also stated that it’s sometimes hard to compete with larger teams because the Dominican team doesn’t have as many runners. Still, Vaccaro feels that with her dedication, these obstacles can be overcome. “Hard work always pays off,” she said. “It’s not luck, it’s hard work.”
(Photo courtesy of Dominican Athletics Page
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