Wale and Breaking Dawn Reviews
pg. 8
Chapel cross installation
pg. 5
A Day In the Life
pg. 3
The Xavier Herald
November 30- December 12, 2011
xavierherald.com
Xavier University Of Louisiana Established in 1925
A Day in the Life of a Xavierite
A ‘typical’ day at Xavier and the people who make it work
Evan Pipion, RA.
Being a residential assistant at Xavier University is a huge responsibility. Add
18 credit hours and join the history club and you’ll find how busy every day is in
the life of Evan Pipion. Pipion, a sophomore, is an RA in St. Mike’s. His duties
include being available for students, enforcing policies, and lending a helping
hand to the new freshmen. Known for his red hair and hilarious sense of humor,
Pipion helps freshmen enjoy life in the dorm: “A lot of students come to college on
their own and that can be difficult. I bring energy and life to the job to help them
become comfortable.”
—Interviewed by Damon Conerly
Sandra
Monroe, Librarian
Everyday, librarian Sandra Monroe watches as hundreds of
students make their way through the library. “I get to see young
people in a positive light,” Monroe said. “The media portrays
young, black males in a negative light. Seeing the black males
here, opening doors for others and helping people, makes me
feel good.” Monroe has been working in Xavier’s library for
over 25 years. She checks books in and out the library and
assists students who may questions about the library. “I always
liked working in the library,” Monroe said.
—Interviewed by Taylor Dupree
Sharonne Godfrey, Interim Director of Campus
Activities
For Sharonne Godfrey, life at XU began at age 15 when she was a student in one of Xavier’s many summer science
programs offered to local youth. As a Xavier alumna and staff member, Godfrey knows firsthand the life of a student,
so it is no surprise that she works hands-on with students to make sure that they enjoy their college experience. Her
office on the second floor of the UC is always filled with students. Whether they come for advice, assistance with
events, or just to talk, Godfrey rarely has a closed door. “Xavier students are high achievers and they study hard; my
job is important because it gives students an outlet to enjoy New Orleans and their college experience outside the
classroom,” Godfrey says.
—Interviewed by Rosalyn Kent
U
X
Dennis Cousin, Athletics Director
Xavier’s athletics programs have made a name for themselves, especially
in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Director of Athletics Dennis Cousin
said working in the department involves nights and weekends, on and off
campus. “It takes a team to run the athletics department. I depend a lot
on my support staff. We all work together,” Cousin said. Staff members
include: sports information director Ed Cassiere; administrative assistants
Alma Henderson and Lauren Alexis; basketball coaches Bo Browder,
Dannton Jackson, Alfred Williams, Darrilyn Broussard; cross-country
coach Joseph Moses; tennis coach Alan Green; volleyball coach Christabell
Hamilton; recreational directors Silas Steele and Kermit Smith; athletic
trainers Tiffany Gary and Melvin Wallis; and faculty athletic representative
Sister Grace Mary Flickinger. —Interviewed by Meagan Walker
xavierherald.com
Page 2
Finals prayer service returns
for final exams
By Ashley Brewer
Staff Writer
It’s time for finals and many
students have already started
feeling the stress that comes with
the semester ending. Final exams,
tests, projects, and never-ending
papers can be overwhelming.
Students who are looking for a
stress reliever to help them make
it through may have an answer
to their prayers. At the end of
each semester, there is a Finals
Prayer Service. The Finals Prayer
Service is an event that is held at
the end of every semester by the
Office of Campus Ministry.
“We’ve had them for over
20 years,” said Lisa McClain,
associate director of the Office
of Campus Ministry. “We’ve
had faculty, staff, lay people,
sisters and clergy giving words
of encouragement. Different
people have given words of
encouragement. Sister Grace
Mary has spoken before, Dr.
Warren Ray, chemistry professor,
Brother
Herman,
Spanish
professor, professors from the
November 30-Decemberr 12, 2011
campus News
psychology,
sociology
and
theology departments have all
spoken and so has Father Tony
Richard, the priest at Our Lady
Star of the Sea Church. We plan
the event by gathering students
to form a Finals Prayer Service
committee and we brainstorm
ideas. We come up with a theme
that is centered around scripture
and find a Christian song relating
to the theme. The gospel choir
normally sings the song relating
to the theme and the dancers
perform to the song.”
This semester’s service is
Monday, Dec. 5 at 8:30 p.m. The
service is for Xavier students to
receive prayer and an inspiring
message from the speaker. That’s
not all the service consists of.
There will be performances by
the gospel choir and liturgical
dancers, musical performances by
other Xavier students, giveaways,
and a closing reception.The
program provides an encouraging
message, entertainment and
prayers for all Xavier students
that they may do well on their
finals and succeed.
Misplaced an item?
Search lost and found department
By Randi Lemons
Staff Writer
Lost your car keys? Missing
that iPod? Misplaced your
driver’s license, Social Security
card, student ID? Before giving
up, give Xavier’s “lost and
found” department a shot.
Wanda Parker Doss in the
Office of Auxiliary and Support
Services/Campus Cards, UC 122,
has dozens of items separated
from their owner. The office is
open Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m.
– 4:30 p.m.
Parker Doss works with
University Police to recover lost
items. When her office is closed,
people are encouraged to give
found items to University Police,
who will then give the items to
the lost and found office.
Recovered items are listed
in a logbook. If there is contact
information, the owner will be
notified, and anyone retrieving
an item must show identification,
Wanda Parker Doss, assistant card officer manager, will assist
those who have lost an item.
provide a detailed description,
and sign for the item, Parker Doss
said. Staff will also record contact
information and descriptions
from those of you who have lost
an item and are hoping it will be
turned in.
Parker Doss said items are
stored for 60 days. After that,
unclaimed
items
without
personal information it will be
either donated or discarded. For
example, lost items like clothes
will be donated. On the other
hand, lost items with private
and personal information will be
destroyed.
Inquiries can be made by calling
(504)520- 7501/5780, e-mailing
lost@xula.edu, or dropping by
the office during operating hours.
For further details, visit http://
www.xula.edu/admin/lostfound.
php.
CIIP provides guidance for studying abroad
CIIP program director Torian Lee.
By Briana Wilder
Staff Writer
Ever thought about studying
biology in Costa Rica? Or taking
an art class in Italy? The Center
for Intercultural and International
Programs can help you turn those
dreams into realities.
The center, better known as
CIIP, is dedicated to students who
wish to study abroad. CIIP helps
students choose and apply to
various programs, and also finds
teaching appointments for faculty.
The program also welcomes
students and faculty from other
countries to come to Xavier
University to study and teach.
Program director Torian Lee,
who came to Xavier in July 2011,
says CIIP “serves as a clearing
house for all Xavier international
activities.”
Students of all majors are
encouraged to study abroad—it
isn’t just for foreign language
majors/minors. But if you’re
not looking to master a foreign
language, why travel abroad?
According to Lee, an international
experience is necessary for the
development of future leaders in
a global society.
Travel opportunities are
available
every
semester,
including the summer. There are
study abroad programs all over
the world, such as the American
Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS)
program in Brazil, the Interstudy
Program in South Africa, the
Euro Learn program in Italy and
the Semester at Sea program in
Japan, Lee said. Students can
travel abroad and earn credit for
designated college courses taken
while traveling.
While traveling abroad is open to
all majors, students should be in
good disciplinary standing, have
a cumulative GPA of 2.5., should
complete or have competed at
least two semesters of college
level courses, and should obtain
transfer credit and/or course preapproval, Lee said.
For more information, students
can visit Lee in his office in the
Music Building, right across the
hall from room 104. Students can
also visit the CIIP website, www.
xula.edu/ciip, which Lee says is a
“one-stop shop for international
programs at Xavier.” The
website is complete with lists
of study abroad programs and
applications.
Words of Inspiration
“Be saints for God’s greater glory, every one of you.
-From “Writings of St. Katharine Drexel,” archives of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
xavierherald.com
November 30-December 12, 2011 Page 3
A Day in the Life continued
Erin Harris-Williams, Compensation Analyst
Tiffany Washington, Postal Clerk
Erin Harris-Williams is not your average employee. She not
only acts as a supervisor over work-study students but also
mentors students. She enjoys working with them on projects
and even participating with activities. Student involvement
is important to Williams and her day isn’t complete without
making a difference in someone’s life. “My most valuable
lesson has been from spending countless hours learning about
the concerns of our students,” Harris-Williams says. “My
career has manifested into a classroom.”
—Interviewed by Gabriel Bracy
Making the journey to college can sometimes be a scary thing. For students,
it's easy to get homesick and miss the family back home. One sure way to stay
connected is through Tiffany Washington, who works as the postal clerk in the
UC post office. Washington is a native of New Orleans and says she is very
family-oriented herself. She loves people and knows how to pick out the good
qualities in others, so she enjoys her interaction with students. She’s happy to be
at a Catholic university because "learning is the key to survival and one should
always put God first.”
—Interviewed by Gabrielle Henton
Pamela Mitchell, DePorres Advisor
Pamela Mitchell, a resident hall advisor in St. Martin
DePorres, takes time getting to know students who
reside in the dorm. She’s an integral part of Xavier’s
history because she’s had this position for 13 years. She
started working in St. Joseph’s Hall. When St. Martin
DePorres Hall opened in 2003, she moved there. She
enjoys being a mother figure to students whose mothers
weren’t there and is willing to listen to any problem a
student may have. “I love my job. I like dealing with
the students a lot because they come in with their little
problems and I try to help them out by being that mom that’s not there that I can be
for them,” she says.
–Interviewed by Ashley Brewer
Lionel Jacobs, Xavier South
Whether the weather is hot or cold, Lionel Jacobs is the man on the south end of
campus keeping lots of folks comfortable. Jacobs is without a doubt one of the
most important individuals on this campus because of his job: heating and cooling
Xavier South. Jacobs maintains the heating and cooling systems in one of the most
important buildings on campus that’s home to every major administrative, fiscal,
admissions and public relations/fundraising department, along with several academic
departments and Xavier’s student media, the Herald, XTV, XRadio and the Xavierite
yearbook. "I've been doing this for 30 years,” Jacobs says. He’s been at Xavier for
10 years and says “I’m not going anywhere. I love my job.” Because the building
underwent extensive post-Katrina flood renovations and is one of the older facilities,
keeping hundreds of students, faculty and staff cool enough or warm enough is
challenging, but Jacobs puts his many skills to work everyday.
—Interviewed by Jeremy Pierre
Kiah Firebrand, Financial Aid Counselor
According to Kiah Firebrand, a financial aid counselor,
two out of every 10 students have to drop out of college
due to financial issues. Financial aid assistance is the
leading reason why most students are able to attend
college, and Firebrand’s job is to help students with
federal Pell grants and loans. “File for FAFSA early” is
one of the office’s declarations, she says. The financial
aid department is open 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.,
Monday-Thursday, and students can make appointments
for Fridays. Firebrand says she and her co-workers play a key role in keeping
students in school.—Interviewed by Era Gay
Jasmine Coleman, XU student
Jasmine Coleman, a sophomore biology major from New Orleans, possesses a fiery
passion to be a student at Xavier—even against daunting odds. Her studies were
interrupted when a tumor was diagnosed in her left leg and surgery to remove it
caused her to sit out a semester. However, she committed herself to return to the
college she began in the fall 2009. Coleman’s courage is amazing. Doctors told
her that she would “walk with a permanent limp due to her surgery.” However, her
elegant stride is flawless. Determined to keep her grades high, Coleman can often
be found in the library studying. Otherwise, she loves to hang out with friends and
attend social events at Xavier.
—Interviewed by Randi Lemons
Karen Jackson, St. Martin DePorres Advisor
Karen Jackson’s left cheek dimple shows when she smiles
and greets residents. In her fifth year at Xavier, Jackson’s
typical day begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up about 6:30 p.m.,
and it’s filled with helping and guiding students. When she
leaves, Jackson said her favorite spot to eat after work is
Snug Harbor in the French Quarter. And like many of her
students, Jackson enjoys reality shows.“I am a reality queen;
do not call me on Sunday or Monday nights, because I have
to watch ‘Housewives’ and ‘Basketball Wives,’” Jackson
laughs. She goes to bed early but often wakes up around 2
a.m., so she calls her friends from California until she goes back to sleep, knowing she
has to get up in a few hours and get back to DePorres.
—Interviewed by Briana Wilder
Elizabeth Torres, Administrative Assistant
Department of Languages
Working at Xavier gives Elizabeth Torres a sense of belonging. She is the go-to
person for department chair Brother Herman Johnson, faculty, staff, and students.
“It’s amazing that my job allows me to embrace my native language of Spanish,”
Torres says. “I’m also able to help students at the university.” She indicates that
she does not limit her work schedule to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Torres allows
students to e-mail and call her even when most university work is done. “Anything
students need help with, I’m here. Whether its reminding students about a makeup test or helping them get an override for their classes, I’m here to help,” Torres,
and American- Panamanian, says. “I feel that being a member of this faculty is the
greatest thing to happen to me. It is like my home away from home.”
--Interviewed by Apiffanie Ovide
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xavierherald.com
Page 4
Opinions and editorials
November 30-December 12, 2011
The life of an on-campus student
By Gabriel Bracy
Staff Writer
I’ve been on living campus here
at Xavier since my freshman
year, fall 2009. I started my
housing experience living in St.
Mike dormitory and now I live
moved in St. Martin Deporres.
I will finally move off campus
into an apartment next summer.
The on-campus life can bring a
lot of situations to students being
both negative and promising.
While on-campus living may
be wonderful for some students,
people who share the same
interests and mindset as me may
say otherwise. The trouble I have
with on-campus living includes
the excessive supervision, and
of course, the curfew policies.
While I feel that all the rules here
at Xavier were set for a reason,
some things should be toned
down because the students here
are old enough to make their
own decisions. Yes, I have my
reasoning for bringing up such
issues as this and my fellow
colleagues feel the same way.
The college life of on-campus
students can be seen from a very
different perspective than that of
off-campus commuters. Sure,
on-campus students may have
the advantage of not having to
travel to school from distant
places, but do off-campus
students really understand the
struggles a person goes through
each and every day while living
on campus? This is a question
I wanted to explore because
many students find that living
on campus can be stressful,
while others may respond in the
opposite manner.
First, here are some advantages
and disadvantages to living on
campus. Robert Jenkins, a junior
who has been living on campus
since his freshman year in 2009,
told me that while living on
campus is convenient, but it is
surely not as exciting as it was
during his freshman year. “I was
so elated to be moving into my
dorm freshman year,” Jenkins
said. “When my parents drove off,
all I could do was jump for joy!
Now, however, the campus life is
very boring to me and I feel as if
I should move into an apartment
and explore new horizons.” When
asked why he felt this way, he
informed me that the dorms are
not up to his standards of living,
the supervision in the dorms can
get out of hand, and on-campus
life is dull. I most defilently agree
with these statements. I may look
at this perspective as somewhat
agreeable; after all, people do
grow out of things as they get
older.
Debbie Easley, a freshman mass
communications major from
Mobile, AL, stated, “I love living
on campus! Not only do I get to
see my friends every day, but they
stay right next door to me!” This
was an expected response for an
excited freshman. She is elated
about the idea of living on campus
and loves every second of it.
Some people who live on campus
have to deal with issues such as
annoying roommates, unclean
bathrooms, and even the hassle
of trying to beat curfew. Xavier
University has strict policies for
on-campus living. For instance,
there are lengthy procedures
students must go through to do
room changes and roommate
changes, and the penalties for
missing curfew can either get
you kicked out of the dorms, or
find yourself dismissed from
the university. Tyron Gordon,
a junior marketing major
from New Orleans, LA, said,
“I absolutely hate the curfew
policy. If I want to stay out late
for whatever reason, that should
be up to my discretion.” This is
a problem many students have
with on-campus living. In fact,
lots of students have moved off
for this very reason.
Sure, there will always be
pros and cons to this subject.
However, depending on the
person, on-campus living can
either be the best time of your life,
or consequently a heartache to
your college career. Now, Xavier
University has indeed come a
long way concerning these issues.
For instance, just two years ago
visitation was allowed back at St.
Mike and St. Katherine Drexel
dormitories. That is saying a lot
considering that this is a small,
private, and Catholic HBCU not
even mentioning the Co-ed dorms
we have on campus which could
raise some eyebrows.
Slowly but surely, changes
can be made concerning the
likes and dislikes of students.
After all, that’s why we have a
SGA, to represent the concerns
of the student body. Like I said
before, the life of an on-campus
student could be very interesting
depending on who you talk to,
or more importantly, what year
you talk to them. I am moving
off campus simply because it
is time for me to move on to a
more independent atmosphere.
Someone once said, “You know
you’re too old to be somewhere
if rules become a hassle rather
than security.” Wise words from
a decent man.
THE XAVIER HERALD
STAFF
editor-in-chief: MAYA A. JONES
managing editor: ARIEL C. JOHNSON
A&E editor: CASSIE SMITH
graphic design: DUDLEY C. GRADY, JR.
A&E graphic designer: JULIANNE BROWN
faculty adviser: MELINDA SHELTON
business manager: DANIELLE KENNEBREW
assistant business manager: RICHUNDA ROBINSON
staff writers: ASHLEY BREWER, STEPHANIE STANFORD,
ROSALYN KENT, MEAGAN WALKER, BRIANA WILDER, IREON
WEAVER, ERA GAY, JEREMY PIERRE GABRIEL BRACY, TAYLOR
DUPREE, DAMON CONERLY, GABRIELLE HENTON, ANTHONY
LOTTEN, RANDI LEMONS, APIFFANIE OVIDE
photographers: ALYSSA MERCADEL, JERRY STEWART
CONTACT INFORMATION
herald office (504) 520-7474
melinda shelton: director of student publications
(504) 520-5096
communications department (504) 520-5092
fax (504) 520-7919
email: herald@xula.edu
ads: Daniell Kennebrew-dkennebr@xula.edu
submit news: herald@xula.edu
The Herald Office is located in the Communications
Department, Xavier South, Room 112 Please stop by
during regular weekly office hours for information.
xavierherald.com
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
The Herald is a student newspaper created by and for
the students. We encourage all students to write stories,
short columns, submit your professional, academic, Greek
organization news, but most importantly keep us informed.
November 30-December 12, 2011
Page 5
The DeGrange Siblings: XU Family Affair
By Ireon Weaver
Staff Writer
Can you imagine having 14
siblings? While you’re thinking
about that, can you imagine
eight of your siblings graduating
from the same university?
Xavier University has a long
history of educating multiple
family members, but the Herald
discovered that the DeGrange
siblings started a family tradition
decades ago.
It all began with their uncle,
Elmore
DeGrange,
who
graduated from Xavier in 1950.
The tradition continued with his
niece, Karen DeGrangeWatkins.
“I admired my uncle,” Watkins
said, and attending Xavier
Preparatory High School sealed
her decision. “I just knew Xavier
was the right place to be,”
Watkins explained.
Watkins graduated in 1969
with a business degree—but
she never left her alma mater.
For 40 years, she has served as
Xavier University President
Norman C. Francis’ executive
assistant. Watkins manages his
hectic schedule, which includes
extensive traveling, meetings
with political leaders and foreign
dignitaries, fundraising events,
and a host of other duties.
Watkins helped her other
siblings fill out their applications
and make plans to attend Xavier.
Brother George L. DeGrange
III was the next to graduate in
1972 with an art degree. Xavier
was a good fit for him because
it afforded unique opportunities
“at a time when upward mobility
of minorities was limited.”
Next to attend was Gary
DeGrange, who graduated in
1977 with a degree in business.
“Xavier has stayed part of the
family because of its values of
providing quality education,” he
said.
Then came sister Diana
DeGrange
LeBan,
who
graduated in 1979 with a degree
in education. “We looked up to
the older siblings, so we were
drawn to Xavier,” she said.
Marianne DeGrange followed in
1982 with a degree in business.
Following her was brother Wayne
DeGrange, who graduated in
1986 with a degree in computer
science.
Brother
Wendell
DeGrange graduated in 1987with
a degree in physics.
The last sibling to graduate from
Xavier was Christie DeGrange
Detiege. She graduated in 1989
with a degree in biology/pre-med,
attended LSU Medical School,
and became a physician. Like
her brothers and sisters, Detiege
believes Xavier presents “the
perfect academic opportunity” to
grow and excel.
Another family member who
finished at Xavier is sister-in-law
Kathleen Keyes DeGrange, class
of ’78.
Today, the DeGrange family
tradition continues with Detiege’s
son, Emmanuel, who is a student
at Xavier.
The DeGrange tradition of
attending Xavier is important to
all of them for a variety of reasons,
but they all agree Xavier has been
and continues to be a major part
of their family’s history—and
their legacy.
Cross
Installation
Photos taken by Herald staff
When the 15-foot cross
was bolted into place atop
the St. Katharine Drexel
Chapel on Nov. 23, spectators broke into applause
and song. Once glass panels
on the chapel’s octagonshaped roof are secured,
the wooden cross, which
is 83 feet from the ground,
will be sheathed in copper. Xavier will dedicate
the chapel in March 2012.
Landis construction crews
used a crane to lift the cross
into place.
L-R Sister Grace Mary Flickinger, Trechere Washington, and Xavier President Norman C. Francis
xavierherald.com
Tradition of St. Joseph
Altar continues
The annual St. Joseph Altar
Making Tradition is set to begin
Dec. 1 with “A Lecture on the
History/Religious Symbolism
and Lore of the St. Joseph Altar
Tradition.” This event will be
held in room 205 of the UC
from 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1
p.m.-2 p.m. Events will continue
on Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in
room 205 of the UC with “A
Demonstration of ‘Cuccidatta’
Carving
Technique/Recipes”
with
visual
presentations
of vintage St. Joseph altars
presented by Sandra Scalise
Juneau.
As a native of New Orleans,
journalist and culinary arts
instructor Sandra Scalise Juneau
is dedicated to promoting
awareness of our local lore and
culinary traditions. Influenced
by the diversity of cultures in
Louisiana and following her
passion for the uniqueness of
our regional cuisine, Juneau has
taught classes to individuals
and groups throughout the
United States, from Seattle to
Chicago and New York, and
across the southern states to San
Diego, Calif. Her features have
been published in Delectable
Magazine; Inside Northside;
Italian
American
Digest;
Preservation, Journal of the
Louisiana Landmarks Society;
and Marquis Magazine.
For “lagniappe,” Juneau was
privileged to learn first-hand
from two Sicilian grandmothers
about
the
traditions
and
symbolism of food as art and has
continued the tradition, focusing
on the Sicilian Pastry Art of the
St. Joseph Altar as brought to
Louisiana by Sicilian immigrants.
Juneau has created cultural
exhibits of St. Joseph altars for
public display for the Hallmark
Card Company in New York, the
1984 Louisiana World’s Fair, The
Louisiana Folk Life Festival in
Eunice, Louisiana, The French
Quarter Festival at the U.S. Mint,
The Italian American Renaissance
Museum and Library, and was a
project curator for the Southern
Food and Beverage Museum in
New Orleans.
Often called on as a guest speaker,
Juneau has presented lectures to
The International Association
of Culinary Professionals, The
American Association of Food
Journalists, The Louisiana Breast
Cancer Task Force, and the Italian
Studies Programs at Southeastern
Louisiana
University
in
Hammond and at Louisiana State
University in Baton Rouge.
Juneau has been featured in
numerous local and regional
publications, including, Clarion
Herald, New Orleans Magazine,
The Baton Rouge Advocate, and
Times Picayune, and was featured
with Chef John Folse on LPBS,
the Louisiana Public Television
Broadcast production, Taste of
Louisiana.
November 30-December 12, 2011
Page 6
Meet The Dean’s Office
Take a look into the lives of the deans of Xavier University
By Gabrielle Henton
Staff Writer
Dr. Kukreja
The Dean of the College of
Arts and Sciences as of June
15, 2011 is Dr. Anil Kukreja.
Kukreja is a native of India
and moved to the United States
in 1991 to get his Ph.D at the
University of Alabama. He
made his way to Xavier in 1995.
As an undergraduate, he was a
mechanical engineer. He then
earned his Ph.D in operational
research, which helps improve the
efficiency of business. Coming
from being the Chair of the
Division of Business, he has had
to adjust to dealing with a much
larger department and is doing so
very well. He loves the fact that
he gets to see more students now
being the dean. Although he sees
himself as a hard-working man,
Kukreja still finds time to do some
leisure reading, enjoy politics,
and before spraining his ankle,
play tennis. Kukreja says the goal
at Xavier is to prepare life-long
learners to work towards a more
just and humane society, focusing
on the mission of Xavier.
“We want to give our students
the experience of a global society
and add value to their education
through internships and research,”
Kukreja said. “We achieve this by
having a strong curriculum and
a dedicated group of faculty and
staff with visionary leadership.”
Dr. Vaz
Dr. Kim Vaz, a New Orleans
Kim Vaz
native, is the Associate Dean
of the College of Arts and
Sciences. Her duties are working
one on one with students who
come to the dean’s office with
issues, problems, or concerns.
As a St. Mary Academy and
Tulane University graduate,
she is powerful, embracing
and dedicated to the mission
of Xavier. While attending
Tulane University, she majored
in psychology and held a work
study job in media relations.
She was a professor at the
University of South Florida in
Tampa, Fla. There, she was first
in the department of women’s
studies and then psychological
and social foundations, and was
also a counselor in education.
Vaz wanted to come back to
New Orleans to give back to her
community.
“I just love the fact that Xavier
is the only black, Catholic
university.
Outside of Xavier, Vaz is a
licensed professional counselor,
a
psychotherapist,
and
a
psychoanalyst. She also plans on
joining a psychoanalyst society in
the near future.
Michelle Balan
The executive assistant for the
dean’s office is Michelle Balan.
Balan was born in Canada but
has lived in New Orleans since
age five. Balan graduated from
Louisiana State University in
Baton Rouge where she majored
in psychology and sociology
and got her Master’s Degree in
sociology. She found herself
at Xavier because she knew
she always wanted to work in a
university setting and loves the
fact that Xavier is a Catholic
university. Balan’s duties include
working the front desk and
running the staff meetings every
Friday, just to name a few. She
loves her job because she gets
to engage students in terms of
sensing what they need and what
they’re looking for. Xavier’s
mission is very important to her
because it is set in place to help
students become leaders who
contribute back to the community
and she goes the extra mile
for students to ensure that this
happens. On campus, Balan is
involved in Campus Ministry and
off-campus she is involved in the
St. Dominic’s young adult group.
Balan sees herself as outgoing,
thoughtful, and kind, which is
why she sets the atmosphere
being the first face students
see when they enter the Dean’s
Office.
Dr. Boutte
Dr. Kenneth Boutte is the
associate dean of summer
programs and external initiatives.
Boutte began his career at Xavier
as a professor in the biology
department and later became
chair of the department before
he says he “got sucked over
to administration” in 1997. In
2010, he was selected to be a
program officer for the Obama
administration with the national
science foundation, and they
wanted to keep him, but Xavier
had to agree. Boutte returned to
Xavier in January 2011 and has
remained a part of the dean’s
office since. Boutte describes his
job as looking at ways to improve
Xavier’s exchange programs. He
is working to rebuild relationships
with institutions that Xavier had
before Katrina, while talking with
students to see what their interests
are. Boutte has been a part of the
Xavier community for 27 years
and believes in Xavier’s mission.
“If you cannot embrace the
mission of Xavier, you will not
last long here,” he said.
Dr. Stevens
Dr. Cheryl Stevens is the associate
dean for scholarships. She was
born and raised in Baltimore,
Md., where she graduated from
Randallstown Sr. High School.
She attended University of New
Orleans for graduate school
and soon after received a job
at Xavier. A couple of years
ago, Stevens received the NCF
Excellence in Scholarship Award
and was appointed by Dr. Loren
Blanchard to the dean position.
She sees herself as an energetic
and enthusiastic person and
remains involved. On Xavier’s
campus, Stevens is involved
heavily with many of the
chemistry department activities
and off-campus. Outside of work,
she is involved in her church and
helps other students with school
and doing research. During her
leisure time, she enjoys walking
her two dogs, gardening, and
reading. Stevens has always been
focused on building research
infrastructure, capacity, and
experience for students. She
supports the faculty so that they
can provide a great learning
experience for students in their
research. As she continues her
career, Stevens will be going to
Western Kentucky University
in the near future to serve as
the Dean of Ogden College of
Science and Engineering.
Gerald Villavasso
The assistant dean is Gerald
Villavasso from New Orleans.
Villavasso is a St. Augustine
graduate as well as a Xavier
graduate, where he majored
in
computer science and
received his Master’s Degree in
business administration. This
is Villavasso’s first year in the
position as assistant dean and he
likes what he does. His job duties
include managing the faculty
travel budgets and analyzing
and computing the overload for
faculty. In his spare time, he loves
(Standing, L-R): Anil Kukreja, Kenneth Boutte, Gerald Villavasso
(Sitting, L-R): Cheryl Stevens, Michelle Carter, Michelle Balan
xavierherald.com
to workout, listen to music and go
to concerts. He is also a liaison
on behalf of the dean’s office
for Upward Bound. Villavasso
describes himself as eventempered, patient, and intelligent
and right now Villavasso cannot
see himself anywhere else than
where he is.
Michelle Carter
The assistant dean of student
academic success is Michelle
Carter. Carter is a Summa Cumlaude Xavier graduate where she
majored in mass communication
with a concentration in public
relations, and minored in speech
and African American studies.
She attended graduate school
at Southwestern in Illinois and
moved back to New Orleans
to serve as a clerk at two law
firms, and she then realized
that she wanted to work at a
university. Her duties include
teaching freshman seminar,
coordinating the resource labs
and the chemistry and biology
tutoring centers. She serves on
the enrollment management
committee and tracks students’
progress. Even though Carter
says she had a tumultuous life,
growing up in foster care and
was dropped off at the door of
KD, she said she is resilient,
which propelled her to succeed in
life. Carter said students should
know that she has an “open door”
policy, and enjoys working with
students.
November 30-December 12, 2011
xavierherald.com
Page 7
Page 8
Arts
NEWS
Entertainment
Breaking Dawn
By Meagan Walker
Staff Writer
The much anticipated Twilight
Saga is back with its 4th installment
“Breaking Dawn” Part 1. The
movie begins with Alice (Ashley
Green) planning the wedding
for Edward (Robert Patterson)
and Bella (Kristen Stewart). As
the wedding approaches Jacob
(Taylor Lautner) goes missing
because he can’t stand the thought
of Bella marrying Edward. As the
wedding ends Edward takes Bella
away to a honeymoon in Brazil
where they finally get a chance to
be alone. After two weeks, Bella
realizes that she is pregnant. The
plot thickens as Bella realizes that
the baby is a half-vampire, halfhuman child and that her condition
is progressing at an unnaturally
accelerated rate. The baby is seen
to pose a threat to Bella’s life, the
GOOD
Wale Ambition
By Anthony Lotten
Staff Writer
Wale Folarin, the D.C. poet
turned rapper, released his second
studio album entitled Ambition on
11-1-11.. It is his first solo project
since leaving Jay-Z’s record label
Roc Nation and signing with Rick
Ross’ Maybach Music Group
(MMG) in February.
Wale’s recognition finally
seems to be in congruence with his
highly praised talent. Based on his
past works with other artists and solo
compilations like Attention Deficit
and More About Nothing, Wale’s
popularity has grown over his sixyear music career, especially after
the MMG signing. As an album,
Ambition possesses few changes
Stressed Out
By Stephanie Stanford
Staff Writer
Wolf Pack, and the town’s people
of Forks. She is stuck with the
decision to either have the baby or
kill it. “Breaking Dawn” presents
an air of mystery, suspense and
excitement that leaves Twilight
fans wanting more.
in Wale’s musical style. Inevitably,
the music is somewhat influenced
by his new label. However, it does
not take away from his well-known
witty wordplay, relevant subject
matter, and careful beat selection
which mixes up-tempo and slowtempo rhythms that fans have grown
accustomed to. The album displays a
certain versatility; concerning varying
themes of relationships, progression,
hardships, and life in the moment. It
also incorporates Wale’s thoughtful
poetry at the end of selected songs.
A little less than half of the
album includes features from label
mates Rick Ross and Meek Mills.
Other artists include singer Jeremih
on, “That Way,” rapper/singer Kid
Cudi on, “Focused,” singer Miguel on
the hit-single “Lotus Flower Bomb,
and more.”. Never short of talent,
Ambition finally solidifies Wale’s
position as a successful mainstream
artist after already maturing from an
underground icon.
GOOD
November 30-December 12, 2011
Does this sound familiar: “I am
so stressed out!” Exams and
assignment deadlines are real.
Finals are looming. According
to Xavier psychology professor
Dr. Jeremy Cohen, this is the
time of the year when students
stress out, and their anxiety
levels soar.
It is important to know there is
help available to become a less
anxious student, Cohen said.
To determine how stressed you
are, take the following quiz:
1. Do you feel like your parents
or guardians have too high
expectations of you?
2. Do you feel pressured from
actually trying to meet those
high expectations?
3. Do you fear not excelling?
4. Do you constantly worry
about your GPA and getting
into medical school, graduate
school, professional school, or
moving into a career?
5. Are you the type of student
who completes assignments
under pressure?
6. Do you constantly have
negative
thoughts
about
yourself and school work?
7. Do you want to be popular
on around campus?
8. If you are in an intimate
relationship, is it difficult for
you to balance a relationship
and school work?
9. Do you wish you had as much
confidence as your classmates?
10. Do you fear being rejected
or negatively evaluated by your
classmates?
If you answered “yes” to the
majority of the questions, you
are stressed out and need to
cope with the stressors.
Eloise D. Dixon, director
xavierherald.com
of Xavier’s Counseling and
Wellness Center, says the two
most common forms of anxiety
that college students experience
are test anxiety, which is fear and
worry about taking exams, and
social anxiety, when a person
feels uncomfortable interacting
with others or being in a social
setting.
Dixon said there are tips on how
to be a less anxious student.
Below are five tips on being a less
anxious student:
1.REMAIN POSITIVE. Meditate
about excelling. Visualize yourself
excelling.
2.BE
CONFIDENT.
Have
confidence in yourself, and think
positive.
3.EXERCISE
REGULARY.
Practice
some
relaxation
techniques to take your mind off
of school work. (Yoga, walking,
listening to music, meditating…)
4.TIME MANAGEMENT. Get to
class earlier, have a set schedule to
remain organized, plan, complete
assignments on time, and allow
time to rest.
5.SEEK HELP. Do not keep
problems bottled up. Vent to a
friend or seek counseling from the
school’s Counseling and Wellness
Center located on the 5th floor of
Xavier South.
November 30-December 12, 2011 Arts
Page 9
Entertainment
Nintendo:Tour My Story
By Gabrielle Henton
Staff Writer
adjustment. It has a 3D camera
and dual camera. You can also
download Netflix with the
The Xavier Herald staff was Netflix application and watch
the afforded the opportunity Netflix movies as long as you
to experience the Nintendo have access to the Internet.
Tour on Tuesday, Oct. 25,
2011. The tour gears up every “Super Mario 3D Land”
holiday season to introduce its The Tanooki raccoon suit
newest games and re-releases. makes an appearance on the
The Mario–branded Airstream 3DS for the first time. The 3D
Trailer, meaning it has Mario element of this game makes
and some of his friends all it easier for players to judge
over it, is full of exciting distance, depth, and speed.
games and game systems. The Release Nov. 13
Herald played some of these
new and re-released games “Mario Kart 7: A Nintendo
during a filled tour. Now we’ll 3DS Mario Kart”
take you on a tour to show you One of the most popular Mario
what’s hot.
games, the 7th edition allows
players their own cart from
Nintendo 3DS ($169.99)
scratch. Choose your car, tires,
The newest Nintendo features a glider and this is also the first
a 3D screen, stereo cameras, game to go underwater with a
new input interfaces, plenty propeller. You are able to play
of built-in software, Nintendo against other people on their
eShop, system transfer, parent Nintendo 3DS.
controls, and more. Augmented Release Dec. 4
Reality cards come with the
sytem. The system takes *One of the bundles for this
the image on the card and holiday season comes with
projects it so you can pick it the Wii, the Wii remote,
up and it can still be there. The nunchucks, a Wii wheel, and
Nintendo 3DS comes with 3D Mario Kart Wii for $149.99.
“Tetris Access”
The Tetris game allows you to
use the AR cards. You can play
against other people, whether
it’s locally or across the world,
and there are multiple types of
game-play and, not just your
typical “drop the block Tetris.”
It comes with more than 20
game modes and it’s all about
puzzles.
Available now.
“Pokemon Rumble Blast”
This is very first 3D Pokemon
game and players are able to
battle over 600 Pokemons
in this action-packed game
comes with two new battle
modes and allows two players
to team up and adventure
together.
Available now.
Additional 3DS games:
-Kid Icarus Uprising
-Starfox 64 3D
The DS Family:
“Professor Layton and the
Last Specter”
This is a story game. As you’re
going through the story, you
XU
xavierherald.com
have puzzles to solve, such as
brainteasers or story problems.
It is rated 10 and up only
because some of the puzzles
are a little more complicated.
The game is all about a
professor and his assistant in
London solving a mystery.
Available now.
completely NEW technology,
like nothing you’ve ever
played before! The game will
probably come with a few
Skylanders and then you’ll be
able to buy them separately
and be able to trade them with
friends.
Available now.
Additional DS games:
-Kirby’s Mass Attack
-Super Fossil Fighters
“Kirby’s return to Dreamland”
A game that’s simple enough
for anyone to play, but fun
enough that everybody will
play it. It happens to be one of
the really popular franchises
now, according to Christina.
The game can have up to four
players and players can jump
in whenever they want.
Available now.
*Keep in mind that you can
play DS games on the Nintendo
3DS, but you can’t play 3DS
games on the original DS.
Wii ($149.99)
Released Nov. 19, 2006.
“Skylanders
Spyros
Adventure”
This game is for the Nintendo
3DS or the Wii. It has a
portal that is connected to
the Wii through a USB cord.
In the game you have to use
Skylanders, which are little
figurines with little memory
chips in them. The Skylanders
are trying to rescue this
world that’s falling apart. It’s
News
Page 10
Accounting major gets pointers
from summer programs
By Kyle McClue
Contributing Writer
Over the summer, I attended
the Google Bold Immersions
Program in New York and
Deloitte’s NextGen Leaders
Conference in San Francisco.
For the Google program, only
100 rising sophomores were
selected from around the country,
and half went to Google’s New
York office and the other half
to its Mountain View, Calif.,
facility. For Deloitte’s NextGen
Leaders Conference, 50 college
sophomores were selected from
around the country.
Both of these programs were
a weeklong event. These
professional
development
programs introduced us to an
overview of both companies’
operations. There were leadership
development sessions, I heard
dynamic, executive keynote
speakers who told us about their
positions at these corporations
and how their respective company
had an impact in the business.
I took from these sessions a
profound desire to give my all
in my studies, conduct myself
professionally, and develop
my leadership skills. Both
programs were definitely a great
opportunity for all the students
to network with many high rank
professionals who gave great
advice to us.
Also, it was very exciting
traveling to different cities and
experiencing the culture, food,
and people. Both programs were
an amazing experience. Check
out similar opportunities in your
academic department.
Kyle McClue is a sophomore
accounting major from LaPlace,
La.
xavierherald.com
November 30-December 12, 2011
November 30-December 12, 2011
Holt Cemetery
Page 11
In 1879, sanitarian Joseph Holt dedicated
the Holt cemetery to the indigent. Saturday,
Oct. 29, 2011, students involved with campus
ministry from Tulane, Xavier, Loyola,
University of New Orleans, and Cathedral
High School of Indianapolis, Ind., united for
student service day to help beautify the Holt
Cemetery for the preparation of the Nov.
1, 2011, “All Saints Day.” Herald writers,
Stephanie D. Stanford and Ireon Weaver took
photographs of the student service day event.
A tombstone, which has the name “Gene O” and other
words painted on the stone.
Blonde reddish hair on top of a cracked skull.
Xavier student, Kamberly Tate helps build a grave.
A sign reading, “Crime Happened Here,” is put into a
grave surrounded by flowers and stuffed animals.
Blue and red painted sign of the Holt Cemetery.
University of New Orleans student and Xavier alumni, Jessica Fuselier work together in making new advancements
for the tombstone.
xavierherald.com
Page 12
XU magazine continues to add
‘New Voices’ to campus
(L-R): Melinda Williams, Kathrina McGary, Sade Barrett, Rasheed Gilmer, Terrianna Woodward,
Jasmine Holmes, Terinisha Coleman, Kaneisha Jackson, Jessica Johnson, and Gina Groglio.
“New Voices”, a student-ran magazine at Xavier, specializes in displaying artwork, stories, and
poems of students. Currently, there are 12 hard working staff members in New Voices. They
encourage students to join the team of New Voices so that they may expand their horizons.
xavierherald.com
November 30-December 12, 2011
November 30-December 12, 2011
xavierherald.com
Page 13
Page 14
xavierherald.com
November 30-December 12, 2011
November 30-December 12, 2011
sports/Health
Page 15
Health 101: How to handle stress during finals
By Mylinh A. Hoang
Staff Writer
It’s that time of the year that
students anticipate, yet dread.
Finals. The semester is coming
to an end, so hooray to those
who are a semester closer to
graduating and also to those who
get to go home for the holidays.
Towards the end of the semester,
many students have given their
all and are purely exhausted
from countless assignments,
extracurricular activities and
social events throughout the
semester. Professors are piling
on assignments, and the thought
of back-to-back finals has you
stressed out, so what can you do
to relieve some of that stress so
you can focus on your studies?
Here are some tips:
Get some sleep during finals!
Pulling an all-nighter is nothing
new to many college students, but
it is not the best route for studying.
Plan ahead so you can schedule
study time accordingly and don’t
have to cram. This way, you can
get the recommended seven hours
of sleep that doctors strongly
suggest for your health. Studies
have also proven that when you
get several hours of sleep, you
can better retain information.
Take a break!
Hardcore study sessions may
seem effective at the time, but
it’s also healthy for your brain if
you take a break. Depending on
the individual, people can study
for so long, rather it is two hours
straight or even six hours straight.
You have to find what works for
you. Just remember to squeeze in
a break time so you can mentally
and physically breathe. Take a
lunch break outside and get some
fresh air or watch some television.
After the break, you are sure to
feel refreshed and rejuvenated to
continue your studies.
Work it out!
Exercising never escapes a
healthy lifestyle because it is the
key to revitalizing one’s mind
and body. Clear your mind by
going for a walk or jog outside.
Squeeze a workout in your hectic
schedule and you will feel 100%
post-exercise. This is because
exercising results in the release
of endorphins in your brain
that causes a “natural high,”
also commonly referred to as a
“runners high”. You will feel a
sense of euphoria and that will
motivate you to strongly attack
your to do list.
Plan ahead so you do not have
to procrastinate, remember to
maintain an active lifestyle, take a
break during your study sessions
if necessary and good luck!
Xavier is live: PSB partners with XU basketball
By Jeremy Pierre
Staff Writer
While the intense drama of the
NBA lingered with cancelation
of games, fans continued to
lose hope for a professional
basketball season this year.
Xavier’s department of Athletics
has a remedy for that. Both the
Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush
are getting the opportunity to
broadcast live via internet stream
on PSB Live.
The
Panhandle
Sports
Broadcasting (PSB) company
has teamed up with the mass
communication department to
broadcast 12 Gold Rush and Gold
Nuggets basketball games this
season.
“This has provided the
opportunity to expose our
students to information skills and
techniques to basic production
work and basic reporting work,”
Mass communication professor
Brenda Edgerton-Webster said.
PSB reps have agreed that
coming to Xavier is a lot easier
than going to many other
institutions. Xavier’s department
of mass communication heads
the production team for PSB.
Professor Arnold Crump along
with Edgerton-Webster both
advise students who are part of
the production, thus opening
the door for Xavier Sports
Broadcasting (XSB).
“By having this new public
face via the Internet web stream
it will allow Xavier athletics
to move to a higher level of
programs that have a public
face,” Edgerton-Webster said.
The PSB live stream
experience has the potential
to open many other doors for
Xavier Athletics. As of this
year, PSB is only covering both
men’s and women’s basketball.
With the recent success of other
Xavier sport squads winning
championships of all kinds, PSB
may look to live stream those
sports also.
“I think it would be great for
some form of collaboration
between the other sports outside
of basketball, especially with the
modernization within the new
arena”.
It is very accessible to view
the live streamed games which
can be seen on PSB live.com.
A shortcut students can take
is logging on to Xavier’s site
and going to the athletics link.
At the very top of the athletics
page, another link for PSB
will be present. Of course PSB
understands that computers can’t
be everywhere, so the company
has made it possible to view
games from all smart phones
and compatible mobile devices.
Check out PSB Live Saturday,
Dec. 3, when the Nuggets play
Shorter at 2 p.m. and Rush face
Concordia University at 4 p.m.
in The Barn.
Xavier upcoming basketball games
December 3, 2011 @ The Barn
Xavier Gold Nuggets vs. Shorter
2 p.m.
Xavier Gold Rush vs. Concordia
4 p.m.
xavierherald.com
Let’s
support
our
teams!
Go Xavier!
November 30-December 12, 2011
In Case You Missed It
Xavier University of LA Homecoming 2011
Kickoff
Miss and Mr. Xavier
Homecoming Court
Talent Show
Boat Ride
Celebration on the Yard
xavierherald.com
Photos by Jerry Stewart
Page 16