The end of an era for the class of 2013

By: Mike Garbuzinski

It has been said that all good things must come to an end, and that seems to ring true for seniors at Loyola. The class of 2013 is preparing to move on after four years here, but not without a last hurrah of a week that ends in graduation.

Loyola has worked hard to establish a senior week that bridges the departing class’s time spent at the university with their impending future. Several different events are going to occur in the next week or so, and they are meant to cap off the accomplishments of the graduating students. The festivities start next Tuesday with a senior kickoff event and free dinner on the hillside lawn. On Wednesday the senior gala will be held on the quad from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event is semi-formal, and will feature food including turkey, roast beef, gulf shrimp, penne pasta and more. The gala is followed the following afternoon by a picnic with alumni and Fr. Linnane at Armiger house. These events all serve as some of the final moments the class of 2013 will get together as a group to frolic and socialize.

Friday will mark the beginning of the academic ceremonies for the graduation class, and it all starts with the special awards and departmental medals ceremony. The ceremony honors the outstanding academic achievements of members of the class of 2013, and is held at 11 a.m. in McManus theater. Later that Friday the baccalaureate mass will take place in Reitz arena.  The mass is described as a, “beautiful liturgical ceremony offered in thanksgiving for the blessings God has bestowed upon the graduates and their families”.  Graduation week culminates the next day with Loyola’s 2013 commencement ceremony, an event so big it is held at First Mariner arena. The commencement address will be given by Dr. Carolyn Woo, the president of Catholic Relief Services.  More than 1600 baccalaureate and advanced degrees will be awarded during the exercises.

Seniors seem to be both ecstatic about their accomplishments and reluctant to leave behind such an important part of their lives. Soon to be graduate Chris McAdam noted, “Its really exciting, but is definitely a little bittersweet at the same time.” The graduating class has a reason to be hesitant about moving on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the unemployment rate for 20- to 29-year-olds who had graduated from college in 2011 was 12.6 percent”. The site goes on to note that, “the unemployment rates of recent college graduates remains above the rates prior to the 2007–2009 recession.”   The class of 2013 hopes to be able to buck that trend of college graduates without work.

It has been an unforgettable four years for the class of 2013 at Loyola and it’s a chapter in their lives about to an end, but it has also been said that with every end comes a new beginning.

 

McHenry Row Food Truck Gathering has a Cajun Theme and More

By Carly Heideger

Along with the new changes to the Loyola dinning plan this coming Fall, some unofficial changes have been seen around the perimeter of the campus this semester; the appearance of food trucks.  This past Friday, April 26^th, McHenry Row held a “gathering” for all the local food trucks in the area.  “The Gathering” featured a Cajun theme within all their trucks.  Food options consisted from trucks such as Gypsy Queen, Grr Che, Charm City Gourmet, Crusin’ Café, The Jolly Pig, Miss Shirley’s and with a Loyola frequenter, Darua and even more.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of popping from truck to truck munching on meals of crab cones, Cajun tacos, sausages and more.  Even Iced Gems, more commonly known as the “cupcake truck” was offering cupcakes around the theme; a Cajun Swampdog cupcake with Chili! Loyola students who visited the gathering we’re in a food induced heaven. Monica Castro, a Loyola sophomore said “It’s just mouth watering walking around.  All these different types of food yet tied together and they are all just taste amazing.  Plus its right next to the water, not to sure what could be better.” Her favorite choice? The Cajun quesadilla and the crab fries from the Crusin’ Café.

The Gathering not only consisted a wide variety of food choices but drink specials and live music.  “The white sangria is definitely my favorite. We bought the drink special bracelets online through their Facebook page.  It was like $7 cheaper for all you can drink!” Megan, a public relations consultant for a nonprofit in Fells Point, screamed.  “Don’t worry, we live in walking distance right above here” her boyfriend David made sure to point out.

The Gathering travels to a new spot in Baltimore every weekend and updates can be seen on their Facebook page.  Just like, “The Gathering” on Facebook and you can see all the different places and additions to which trucks will be joining along with different drink and food specials.  “Liking them on Facebook was the best decision I ever made.  It’s our new favorite thing to do on Friday afternoons.  Don’t have to get dishes dirty or eat the same food we eat all week.” Rose Frullani, a sophomore at Loyola tells while eating a donut drowned in whipped cream.  “It looks like a heart attack and probably is one.  But with all the caramel and bacon bites, its just delicious, but you definitely need to share it!”

Prayers for Boston

By Claire Cummings

The Boston Marathon has been a test of endurance since 1897. This year’s run required a different kind of strength. On April 15, the bombings surrounding the Boston Marathon affected not only citizens of Boston but the world. At 5:38 p.m. Loyola’s President, Father Linnane, S.J., released an email stating, “Wherever you are, I encourage you to be a source of support for one another in this difficult time.”

Loyola community gathers at 9/11 Memorial Garden for Boston prayer vigil

This support was expressed across campus and included a prayer service at 9 p.m. Led by Campus Ministry and Student Government Association, Loyola students, faculty, and staff gathered together in the Alumni Memorial Chapel on that sorrowful April night. “Gathering together as a school,” junior campus ministry intern Caroline Mills noted, “provides us with a sense of love, camaraderie, and strength that is impossible to find on our own.”

The prayer service began in the chapel as candles were lit and intentions were read. Participants then walked to the 9/11 Memorial Garden as they continued to pray for Boston. Kerry Rogers, junior from New Jersey, reflected on the importance of intentional support. “It is so important to have those vigils and solidarity when tragedies happen,” said Kerry, “but it is so important to keep that mentality all the time.”

Lindsey Murphy, BC ’14, smiles with the banner signed by triplet sister, Casey Murphy, LU ’14

The cooperative mentality continued throughout the week. Loyola reached out to fellow Jesuit school, Boston College, by signing and mailing a banner up to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Loyola’s Casey Murphy is a triplet whose sister attends Boston College. Casey proudly signed the banner. “Talking to my sister in the days after it happened,” Casey said, “it felt like she lost the spirit she’s always had.” The banner was displayed in an atrium in Boston College. Casey’s signature and words of encouragement were seen by her triplet. “Personally connecting my school to her school really meant a lot,” she explained.

With Hurricane Sandy, Newtown shootings, and most recently, the Boston tragedies, Loyola found solace in the campus community. “One of the Jesuit ideals is finding God in all things,” said Caroline Mills. “What better way to do that than finding love and compassion in our peers when senseless acts of violence occur?”

Home Sweet Home

By Abigail Wolfgang

BALTIMORE, MD– With summer just around the corner, dumpsters are lined up outside the residence halls and signs are displayed across doors.  It is hard to ignore what time of the year it is.  Another semester has come to an end and whether students plan on staying in the Baltimore area or heading back home, everyone is gearing up to move out.

For residents in dormitories with shared apartments the moving out process may be a little more complicated than it is for some freshmen on Hillside with only one roommate.  The more roommates there are living together, the more cleaning there is to accomplish.

Meaghan Woods junior phycology major does not seem too excited about dividing up the cleaning duties between her five other roommates.

“It’s really annoying. It’s difficult to split up the work because people move out on different days,” complains Woods.

To help with the cleaning process RA’s distributed lists from Student Life to the apartments to assign chores for each room. Once the rooms are cleaned and students are checked out, they are free to head home.

For many students, heading home is as simple as packing their car and driving home.  For others, it is not so simple.

Junior communication major Breelyn Starrett has a journey ahead of her.  As a Florida resident, her trip entails much more than packing her car.  Starrett’s dad will leave their home on May 9 and stop in North Carolina on his way up to Loyola.  Then they will spend a night in Maryland together before heading back down south.  They plan on stopping again in North Carolina before finally making it back to Florida.

“I’m making a nice trip out of it since it’s a 13 hour drive.  I’ll be home just in time to be a mother’s day gift,” Starrett said.

For another family, the trip has become routine. With two Loyola graduates and two current students the Quintanos are no strangers to the drive to and from Loyola.  There dad will drive their van down from their Easter Chester, NY home to bring back his junior and sophomore daughters, Eva and Tammy.

“We will pack up Eva’s things as soon as my dad gets here, and then we will pack up mine.  My dad has a 14-seater van so we are lucky that everything will fit together,” said Tammy Quintano.

The one thing that is most notable around campus is the feeling of excitement for summer despite the cleaning and moving out process.

 

Zen West- Greg Cerchione

By: Greg Cerchione

Still in the Cinco de Mayo spirit? In the mood for a Mexican bite with a beer on the side? If so, head to Zen West for Tuesday taco night–0ne dollar special and discounted beers.

Zen West is cooling down after a crowded, rowdy first weekend of May. Students come to blow off some steam and casually sip on a wide selection of draft beers. As usual, the bar was jam-packed and the DJ was busy switching tracks.

Zen West has the atmosphere of modern disco bar. Junior hip-hop artist and marketing major James Pierra  (JMP) is a regular customer, event planner, and promoter for Zen West. He said, “Head to Zen on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I work those nights and the crowd is heavy and looking to have a good time.”

Junior communications major Donald Foshay said, “It was good night, had a great turnout, a lot of friends, and a lot of fun.”

Part of Zen West’s success comes from its versatility. Zen offers great and affordable bar food, a wide drink menu, and a full sized dance floor illuminated with strobe lights. This is one of the reasons why it is referred to as the classiest bar on York Road. In the eyes of its competitors, Zen West is the King, and proud to serve a wide variety of ages starting from young to middle aged adults. It presents   a clean atmosphere, compared to the dungy, dilapidated Favorite’s Pub and Murphy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill.  Some students meet professional established adults who provide them with not only internships but also business connections in Baltimore.

Junior and communications major Fran Iula stated, “I met and had an in depth conversation with a worker from Under Armour… He gave me some good pointers for the future.”

Zen West is a large property that is suitable for hosting a wide range of events. Other Zen West specials and events include beer pong tournament Thursdays and corn hole competitions.

The inside is heavily decorated with memorabilia including a Rout 66 sign, a sample of every license plate state in the United States a pinball machine and light up signs. The atmosphere is mellow and classy. The bar surface is liquid concrete with a speckle of colorful stones mixed in. This creates a rustic, but sturdy feel. Several flat screen TV’s line the walls.

Zen West has summer availabilities and events and future plans of installing a dartboard, with intentions of bringing together a young and older crowed for a skilled game of darts.

Word Count: 426

Selection Sunday was a Win-Win for both Loyola Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Programs

On Sunday, the Greyhound Men’s and Women’s lacrosse teams received at-large bids to their respective NCAA post-season tournaments. Both teams will travel to North Carolina this weekend to start their run at a hopeful NCAA titles.

Men’s Lacrosse Selection Sunday began at 9 p.m. and was aired live on ESPNU, announcers Quint Kessenich and Anish Shroff revealed and analyzed the seeding’s that were determined earlier in the day by the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Selection Committee.

As a bubble- team, the Men’s team had no guarantee that their post-season run was going to continue since they lost to Ohio State on May 2^nd in the first round of the ECAC League Tournament by a score of 18-11.

The loss to Ohio State put Loyola in a very interesting position for Sunday’s selections. Their Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), which takes into account team record, record of opponents and record of opponent’s opponents, dropped to 10^th in the nation. However, the saving grace for Loyola’s bid into the tournament was their previous 9-4 win over the Buckeyes on March 30^th.

For the first round, Loyola will travel to No. 7 Duke for a May 12^th matchup beginning at 5:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Loyola dropped their regular-season meeting with the Blue Devils 9-8.

On the women’s side, the Lady Greyhounds were also selected as an at large-bid for the women’s tournament. Their selection show took place on NCAA.com on Sunday at 9 p.m.

Similar to the Men’s team, they lost in the first round of the Big East Tournament to Georgetown 14-12. However, the women’s tournament bracket selects 26 teams to compete as opposed to the men’s 16. This left the Lady Hounds with a little more confidence heading into Sunday night.

The Women’s team will travel down to Chapel Hill, N.C. for a Friday night match up against High Point University at 5 p.m. The winner of that game will go on to play the No. 3 seeded University of North Carolina Tar Heels, who have a first round bye, Sunday at 1 p.m.

Both teams, in the end, are hoping to make it to Philadelphia for Memorial Day Weekend.  The Men’s Final Four will be held at Lincoln Financial Field starting May 25^th and the Women’s at Villanova University beginning May 24^th.

Take A Chance: Study Abroad

By: Lindsay Marchese

As the semester comes to an end, rising juniors all over Loyola University Maryland’s campus prepare for their next year, only next time, they will be moving in in places across the globe.  Here at Loyola, over 60 percent of the undergraduates participate in the extensive study abroad program.  The university was in U.S. News and World Report in 2013, ranked no. 4 among the nations colleges and universities for students who study abroad before graduating. 

There are 13 programs directly associated with Loyola that are offered throughout Europe, Australia, and even Asia.  In addition to these programs, students have the choice to participate in exchanges and affiliations where other schools allow Loyola students to join in their programs abroad.  

Students have the choice to go for the fall semester, spring semester, and even for their full junior year.  “They really have a place for everyone,” said Dana Stubel, a sophomore Speech Pathology major.  “I was accepted into the Cork, Ireland program in January.  I’ve been counting down the days until we leave ever since.”

Students who are eligible for the study abroad program at Loyola must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.  Although some programs accept a slightly lower GPA, 2.75, most prefer the former.  Students must also have little problems on their disciplinary record in order to be accepted.  

It is possible for students to fulfill many of their core curriculum classes while abroad, and some are lucky enough to knock out some major and minor classes.  “I had planned on going abroad since I came here as a freshman, so I was able to save most of my core classes for then,” said Brendan O’Brien, a sophomore English major who plans on studying in Auckland, New Zealand in the fall.  

Once accepted into the program, students meet with their abroad advisors to discuss classes and other protocol they must go through before they leave.  There are pre-departure orientations they must attend where they can meet others they will be traveling with.  “I’m really glad I got to meet everyone I’ll be going with because they all seem really nice,” said Stubel.  “I’m really happy I made the decision to go, and I think all students should definitely consider the option.” 

A Look at Loyola Club Baseball

By: Tori Buch

Loyola’s club baseball team is made up of 35 guys who are all striving for the same goal. They want to have the chance to represent their school at the NCBA World Series that takes place in late May. Unfortunately, this year Loyola will not be participating, but that does not mean the guys did not work hard this year to achieve personal and team goals.

The team plays for the National Club Baseball Association. They are in Division II, and play teams such as Georgetown, University of Maryland, and Mount Saint Mary’s. This year, their final record from the both the fall and spring season was 11-7. Their biggest rival was University of Maryland, who ended up winning the division.

Training for the season starts in the fall. Matt Marsh, a pitcher and a sophomore Finance Major trained all winter for the spring season. “We had many conditioning practices over the fall and into the winter.” He said. “During the winter personally I trained through throwing in the bullpen and weight lifting.” This spring, Matt pitched a few innings, and gave up no hits or runs.

The team also ordered new uniforms and warm-ups this year. Eric Loy, a senior first basemen who is majoring in communications is happy with the team’s new look. “We ordered a lot of really nice looking gear this year.” He said. “Our team is a big believer in look good, feel good, play good.”

Eric was a starting first basemen, and had a batting average of .323, with 10 hits, and 7 runs batted in. When asked about his favorite moment of the season, he responded with, “Our come from behind victory against Mount St. Mary’s.” He said. “We came back from 7 runs to win in the last inning and really set the tone for the rest of the year.”

 

Although the team did not make it to playoffs this year, they are optimistic that next year can be a better season. “There is a lot of talent on the team and I feel that with a few minor changes we can do something special.” Said Matt. The team hopes to improve on things like batting averages and fielding.

As for Eric, this was his last season playing for Loyola. “It’s a program that I’ve seen develop each year, and I’m excited to leave behind a growing tradition that is only going to get better.” He said. “Roll hounds.”

 

Pick-up Basketball at the FAC Has Something for Everyone

By: Ryan Patterson

Every afternoon, students gather on the two basketball courts at the FAC to play pick-up basketball.

Pick-up basketball is a great way to exercise, meet new people, and to have fun. To begin playing, students form two teams of five per each court, to have two full-court games going at once. There are only three rules that exist in these basketball games: players have to make a free throw to get in, players have to call their own fouls during the game because there are no referees, and the winning team stays on the court until they lose.

Although these are only pick-up games, the games get really competitive, as Michael Watkins, a sophomore Communications major explains, “The games get really intense at times because the loser has to get off the court and because nobody wants to stop playing, people will go all out to try to win the games to stay on the court.”

Besides being fun, basketball at the FAC is an excellent way to exercise. “Running up and down the court is a great cardio workout and because the games are so fun and competitive, many players end up getting a workout that lasts for hours”, as Tyrone O’Banner, a sophomore Bio-Psych major correctly notes.

Even though the games can get competitive, basketball at the FAC is also a great way to meet new people. Players of all ages and sizes come to play and it’s an especially a good way to meet people in different grades.  “I have met a lot of great people I would not have met if it wasn’t for the FAC,” Michael states.  “I’ve met a lot of my current friends at the FAC, including my direct roommate next year.”

In addition to being a great source of exercise, competition, and fun, playing basketball at the FAC is also a great way to become a better basketball player. Students can work on a variety of skills, as Tyrone notes, “The FAC is a great way to improve your dribbling, shooting, passing, and defensive skills. It has definitely made me a better overall player because playing against all the good competition has really elevated my game.”

Regardless of your skill level, pick-up basketball at the FAC offers students a great chance to socialize, exercise, and have fun. Zach Hands, a sophomore Communications major sums it up nicely when he explains, “I really enjoy the FAC because literally anyone who wants to play can. It’s always good competition for all skill levels and it’s a great way to meet new folks.”

Loyola Students Excited About First Round Game Against Duke

By: Brendan Hyland

The Loyola men’s lacrosse team received their invite to the postseason tournament and will travel to Durham, N.C. to take on Duke University. Having played earlier in the season and falling short of a win, the team is looking forward to the rematch. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU, Sunday at 5:15 p.m., and though the majority of the student body will already be home enjoying summer break, the focus of this weekend is this first round tilt with the Blue Devils. 

Junior communications major Allison Nuara conveyed her excitement with a big smile, and talked of plans for a viewing party with family and friends. 

“My family is having friends over to watch the game,” Nuara explained. “(My sister) Jen graduated last year and my parents are big Loyola supporters so we’re all going to be watching the game, cheering on the Hounds.”

Fellow Junior Elizabeth Tierney, is an RA in the Loyola dorms and will still be on campus Sunday. Tierney explains her focus will be on the game, for more than one reason.

“I have some things to do for student life (on Saturday), but then it will be all about the game,” Tierney said. “I have a friend who goes to Duke too, so we have a friendly wager on the outcome of the game. And my birthday is on Sunday, and I’d love nothing more to celebrate with a Greyhound win.”

And a great celebration that would be. Loyola enters the game with an 11-4 record this season, but is coming off a loss to Ohio State in the ECAC tournament. Meanwhile, Duke comes in as the seventh-seed in the tournament, boasting a 12-5 record and are winners of 10 of their last 11. The first meeting between the two teams was a 9-8 Blue Devils victory, ignited by a five-goal fourth quarter. 

Molly Coffee junior communication major and RA on campus, is expecting a Greyhounds victory and march onward to Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, Ind., one of the NCAA semifinal sites. 

“This weekend I’m going to be (at Loyola), so I’ll probably watch the game with the other RA’s who will still be here,” Coffee explained. 

Slowly, a big smile came across Coffee’s face before she blurted out, “But I’m from Fort Wayne, so I’m already anticipating spending my first weekend home in Indianapolis, watching my Hounds.”