IRE VARSITY NEWS Vol. 91, Issue 01 The Student Newspaper of the University of Detroit Mercy Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009 www. .net Six crimes target UDM students on, around McNichols campus· Public Safety increases presence, offers escorts

By MICHAEL MARTINEZ area was dangerous and that he shouldn't go out VN SPORTS EDITOR alone, and he plans to heed that advice. He said he still feels confident in his decision to attend Several recent crimes on and around campus UDM, and doesn't believe the crimes would have have UDM students and public safety officers on scared him off had they occurred before he heightened alert. moved on campus. At least six crimes targeting UDM students Jason Miller, a freshman mechanical engi­ have been reported in less than three months, neering major, also said he wasn't scared walking with the most recent taking place during a frater­ around·his new school. He believes that the UDM nity party less than a week into the new school Department of Public Safety (DPS) is doing year. everything in.its power to protect the student The crimes inClude three armed robberies, bod~ . two unarmed robberies, and a breaking and en­ "It does make you feel·a little more nervous," tering in the College of Health Professions build­ he said of the crimes. "I still feel safe on campus, ing. Laptops, money and though. I usually see the PHOTOS BY ALICE ARUTOFF cell phones have been stolen public safety officers at least School year off to a warm start from students, prompting Crime wave two or three times a day." many to take extra precau- _ Armed robbery, Sept. 11, According to Public During the fIrst week of school SPB hosted Welcome Week events, including a barbeque, tions before venturing be- 11 :50 p.m., Fairfield near Flo- Safety Director Letitia giving student the opportunity to meet lI,ew faces, see old friends and enjoy a free lunch. yond the campus gates. rence: A suspect pulled a gun and Williams, the increase in of­ ''I'm definitely more demanded money and cell phones ficers during specific events careful," said an 18-year-old from two students; no one was in- . is just one way DPS is trying business major, a victim in jured. to ensure students' safety. one of the armed.robberies . ..., II Armc.

to an online format. But what exactly does journalism professor to help the newspaper being online mean? grow. Stanton brought the idea of using Col­ Get involved in Just placing text on a page doesn't make the lege Publisher as a platform for our online online edition different from the print edition. presence. your future news Being online affords the opportunity to re­ College Publisher is home to over 450 col­ Alice define how news is presented. Finding a bal­ lege newspapers, and now hosts The Varsity We're back for another great year here at Arutoff ance between text, audio and visual content, News online at www.thevarsitynews.net. Since the University of Detroit Mercy. This is our creating an interactive and intuitive website January 2009, we have been uploading our 91 " year of publication. and providing the right content are all keys to print stories and creating exclusive online con­ Th e Varsity News was started by students the success of an online paper. tent (vlogs, videos, slideshows, podcasts, etc.). on U of D's campus in January 1918 and has Many newspapers are facing issues with A few years ago, adjunct faculty adviser You can check out today's paper online. continued to thrive since then . . publication - The Detroit News and Detroit Craig Farrand saw the need for The Varsity Even better, you can contribute. We are always As a student-run newspaper, it gives stu­ Free Press locally - and are trying to figure News to make this leap, in order to create a hub looking for new staff members to help generate dents the chance to be involved in a great his­ out how to survive and thrive in today's world. for students. content. tory, expand the definition of what a While the printed newspaper remains popu­ We had a few incarnations of the online If you have an idea on how to make the newspaper is in an internet-driven culture, lar with older generations, journalism students newspaper, but we had difficulties creating an paper better - in print or online - become a learn writing techniques and share student sto­ and computer illiterates, news has become a eye-catching website to suit our needs. member of the staff. Get involved in your cam­ ries and opinions about campus and the world predominately online industry. In fall 2008, the Communications Studies pus newspaper. around us. Almost all newspapers have taken the leap Department hired Tom Stanton as a full-time Get involved in your future.

truly trust and never venture out after hours un­ Safety in question on campus less it is absolutely necessary. For college students, it becomes more and Whitney more difficult to follow this advice, especially September brings a new school year for the the part about going out after hours. But based University of Detroit Mercy and with it all the Stout Demitrius on the recent campus alerts, the warnings have fresh faces, optimism and innocence, as well as merit (especially for students who live on cam­ some of the same old problems from previous Watts pus). school years. Safety is always an issue we should take se­ I'm not talking about the price of tuition or riously. But school is supposed to provide an School spirit? the price of books that many of us barely read; This isn't the way we want to start of our environment in which you feel safe and secure I'm referring to our safety, particularly on or school year. Robberies spark fear and paranoia. If you visit most college campuses so you have the freedom to learn. near campus. We have enough to worry about with pur­ across America, you will find students College campuses have always had - and By the deadline date of this paper _ not even chasing books, paying tuition, attending classes aren't shy when it comes to showing their will always have - problems with safety. It just a full three weeks into the semester - we had al­ and worrying about finding a job once we grad­ school spirit. From football games to social boggles the mind that we are having so many ready heard of a number of robberies of stu­ uate in the middle of a recession. events, campus life is thriving and exciting. incidents so early in the semester. dents. Now we have to worry about being robbed Just last we~kend, I attended the Univer­ While I don't want to sound paranoid about In August, there were at least two campus at or near school? sity of Michigan vs. Notre Dame game at campus safety, these recent alerts beg the ques­ alerts reported from public safety and, in Sep­ Our parents have always warned us about the Big House. I'll admit it, I was a college tion: Do you feel secure? tember, another two. safety: Hang out only with those whom you can football virgin and this was my big prom night. Just walking through the streets of Ann Arbor on game day was enough to in­ Dining services in only use was to help the traffic still excitement. jam that ensued from everyone However, nothing could prepare me for drastic need of repair going to the same station since the overwhelming amount of school pride there was no other choice. that was awaiting the kickoff. Students People wiser than myself have Finally, the pizza has returned, roared, parents cheered and chants were often said, "If it ain't broke, don't much to the delight of anyone who screamed for the home team. It was a dis­ fix it." values a sense of variety. How­ play of school pride that I had never seen I'm willing to bet that most ever, since it's the only viable al­ before. people, if they were asked, would ternative to whatever meal the Now, I'm not saying that the University agree with that bit of wisdom. I TDR provides, the pizza station is of Detroit Mercy doesn't have school spirit; say most, however, because it is usually empty unless it's just been that would not be true in the least. But to painfully clear that whoever de­ Alex Jones restocked. have that level of unity and enthusiasm on cided to make the changes that The cereal dispensers are there campus is something I think this university have come to pass in dining serv­ Speaking of the meal plan, the and stocked, but not everyone en­ THE sadly lacks. ices this year doesn't agree. usage of meals in place of Titan joys breakfast for dinner, espe­ I am aware, that for, many UDM is a I am not going to contend that Cash in the Loft has been reduced. cially not on a regular basis. commuter school, but roughly half of the there was nothing wrong with din­ Certain items, such as chicken Additionally, the TDR has VARSITY school's population lives on campus and ing serVices last year. However, I strips, which used to be covered opened late for weekend brunch calls it home about nine months out of the will say that the biggest issue that by using a meal in the Loft, are two weeks in a row now. year. So, where does everyone go? I'm not I can recall was when they tried to now off limits. The cherry on top of this sun­ NEWS talking about during the day; everyone is at­ give us pasta for a month straight The timeframe for using meals dae of dissatisfaction is the reloca­ www.thevarsitynews.net tending classes and lectures. However, in the TDR. But this year, I had is­ in the Loft has also been reduced, tion of the cafe from the first floor come the weekend, campus is as dead as a sues with dining services before because students can only use of Briggs to the first floor ofthe doornail. Why is that? school had even begun. meals when the TDR is closed and library. EDITOR- IN- CHIEF I am well aware of the fact that the secu­ As soon as I became aware of there are now only a few hours Sure, it only takes about 60 A LTCl~ A RCTOFF rity at the university is tight regarding alco­ the new Loft hours, I was angry. when that is the case. Loft prices seconds to walk from Briggs to hol consumption. Unless you are 21, you For those of you who weren't here have also increased over the sum­ the library. But when winter hits, FEA'I.'URES EDITOR .Jo:\:\:\ HADDA D can't even be in the same room as someone last year, the Loft used to close at mer, which means that when one that minute spent outside between buildings will get longer and will legally consuming alcohol. It is not your av­ 11 every night. This meant that at inevitably has to use Titan Cash NEWS EDITOR erage college campus in that sense. 10:30 in the evening, when you instead of a meal, it will get them be much more of a deterrent to R OSJ-lE LLE VOGEL Just ask Melanie Capuanco, a sopho­ might get hungry and want a hungry students. less food than it used to. ONLINE EDITOR more transfer student from Michigan State snack, you could walk across cam­ To be fair, the expanded TDR The TDR is another issue en­ )/"L"\A PAOLISI University. pus to the Loft and grab some tirely. hours are a definite step in the OPINIONS EDITOR "Everyone just disappears on the week­ food. For the entire first week of the right direction. DI '; ~Il'l'1U U S WA'lTS ends," she said. "At State, there was always Now, if you want a snack at year, the international station was However, one improvement something to do, even if it was sponsored 10:30, you must choose between not operating. Instead, there were doesn't change the fact that there SPORTS EDITOR ' by the school. You meet up with your the vending machines in the dorms just desserts in its place. are major problems with dining :\llCHAI';L :\Lun'lNEZ friends and go have a good time. Here at or heading out to one of the local services on campus that weren't The station that used to have AD MANAGER UDM, the weekend scene is nonexistent." restaurants. Both of these, I might burgers and hot dogs was not op­ present at the end of last year. At'l:\lli HILL When I was staying on campus, I would add, require spending real money erational the first week either. Dining services tried to fix often go home on weekends because cam­ as opposed to spending Titan things when they weren't broken. FACULTY ADVISER When it fmally started getting PROF. Tml S'l'A:-"l'ON pus was lifeless. I know many other stu­ Cash, which we've already paid used, it was stocked with the same Now, things are definitely in need dents fall in the same category. Just because for by purchasing our meal plans. choices as the main station. Its of real repair. We welcome your comments, we are a smaller, private school doesn't suggestions and submissions. mean we all have to go our own separate, They can be dropped off at The quiet ways after classes get out. Documentary screenwriter set to visit campus on Tuesday Varsity News office in Briggs Ifwe think we have school spirit, let's Room 332, which is open 1-4 unite as a campus and be a destination An Academy Award-nominated in room 233 of the Commerce and Fi­ His best known projects include p.m. Monday through Friday. where other students from outside universi­ documentary screenwriter will speak nance Building. The event is open to "The Hero's Journey: The World of You can also email us at varsi­ . ties want to hang out. to students Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 1 anyone interested. Joseph Campbell" and "Forever Ac­ [email protected] Hey, who knows, maybe one of these p.m. on McNichols Campus. Cousineau has authored more than tivists: Stories from the Abraham or phone us at 313-578-0385 days U ofM and MSU won't even compare Phil Cousineau, a 1974 journalism 20 books and won 30-plus awards for Lincoln Brigade," an Oscar finalist during business hours. to the UDM weekend scene. graduate, will be discussing his work his documentary work. for best documentary feature. PAGE 3 www.thevarsitynews.net SEPT. 23, 2009 THE VARSITY NEWS Greeks focus on unity, growth

By ASHLEY PIECHOCKI VN SPECIAL WRITER

Many new UDM students have a stereotypical image of Greek life, and imagine that the Greek community is large in numbers, which is not the case on our campus. Because UDM's numbers' are smaller, fraternity and soror­ ity members have to work extra hard to build a united front and make advances. Over the past year, the UDM Greek commu­ nity has strived to make progress in several areas. Architecture major Zack Klima, a junior, has been active in Sigma Pi for two years. "Since I joined Sigma Pi, the Greek community has changed tremendously," Klima said. "Numbers have grown for a start. Secondly, a new director was put in charge of Greek life, followed by numerous changes to Greek Week, education process and rules on campus." Aleczander Whitfield serves as Greek advisor. He said that the Greek Council on campus has helped to make the organi­ zations more united and involved. Greek Council ordered such items as cups and "Go Greek" T-shirts that any individual can purchase and exhibit around campus. Whitfield feels that this helps produce a positive vibe about fraternities and sororities. Earlier this year, Whitfield proposed building a Greek office on campus. Due to limited space, the proposal was not real­ ized. But three meeting rooms were built in the basement of . the student union. These rooms can be used as space for the Greek organizations to meet and store important information, he said. Whitfield said credit for improvements in Greek life should go to the students of the Greek community, who he praised for their integrity. He cited, for example, Kappa Beta Gamma, senior, Stephanie Lafrance. She serves on the UDM Student Senate, and helps connect Greek Life to the student body at large. Members of Greek Council, along with the National Panhel­ PHOTO By ALICE ARUTOFF lenic Conference for Sororities, have been pushing for more events to improve the campus and community and amplify Greek life hosted an ice cream social during welcome week. Students were able to purchase T-shirts and ice cream floats in Greek relations. support of the Greek organizations. '" "Greek life has become much more unified this year for su;e," Klima said. "Undeserved reputations and arguments were pushed to the side, leading to a more unified Greek com­ munity." Amnesty offered on parking tickets The organizations have been collaborating more for serv­ ice projects and other events, which has helped, he said. Junior Grace Patti is starting her second year as a Greek By ELYSIA KHALIL During this time, if you bring either your driver's license, state Council representative . . VN STAFF WRITER ID card or UDM ID card to the Public Safety office on McNichols "The university has really stepped up in the last couple of Campus, students may pay off UDM-issued parking tickets at a weeks to keep its students safe, specifically increasing public On the long walk back to the parking lot, after a long day of 50% discount with no questions asked. safety's presence on nights when students are going to the fra­ classes, the heavy burden of a backpack is compounded with the Payment must be made either in cash or by personal check (no ternity houses," Patti noted. mental load of homework waiting to fill an evening, if there isn't credit cards). (Some ofthose efforts are in response to an armed robbery a shift or two to pick up at work before the opportunity to dive into Your balance will be cleared as paid in full, and any active Pub­ that took place recently; see the page-one story for details.) academics again presents itself for the day. licSafety holds will be removed from your account. Whitfield believes that ifthe university can collaborate reg­ A taupe ticket under a windshield wiper is a tragic addition to For more information, contact Shirley Smith in the Public ularly with the Greek community, more will be accomplished any afternoon. Whether it be for parking in the faculty lot or out­ Safety Office at 313-993-1252. and expansion will occur. side the loft, there is a light at the end of that dank tunnel next This is very generous move by the often frowned upon Public He said Greek involvement helps students become leaders month. Safety crew. It had to be asked, why would they offer such an op­ who are philanthropic-minded. The UDM Public Safety Department is offering a parking ticket portunity? "I've always respected and encouraged Greek life because amnesty period, Tuesday, Oct. 6 through Thursday, Oct. 8 between "So many students had a lot of tickets," said Smith. They want there is a tremendous benefit," Whitfield said. 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. the tickets payed off as badly as you do. Student Senate uses technology to reach out

By ROSHELLE VOGEL proving campus life, conducting and Finance Building - so it's easy for dent senate, I found my niche," she "I've also met many students that VN NEWS EDITOR meetings and spreading awareness of students to become involved. said. share similar interests as me that I senate activities. "Communication between student Shah has a similar story. She would have never met if it weren't for UDM Student Senate leaders hope "Meeting with others who believe senate and the students themselves is joined student senate because she senate because we are all majoring in to encourage greater involvement this in the same mission was helpful for all improving," she said. wanted to be involved on campus. various areas and would rarely or year. the board members," said Shah. "We're thinking of ways of inc or­ "I have always been involved with never have class together," she said. "Senate really is a fun experi­ "We were able to share ideas to porating technology and making leadership-related activities through­ Both Shah and Ibarra said they are ence," said Anjalee Shah, vice presi­ improve all aspects of our colleges, things faster and easier." out high school, so I wanted to con­ involved in student senate to make the dent of public relations. and learned a lot from the activities The senate has created a Facebook tinue that iIi college," Shah said. "I'm Detroit Mercy campus a little better. "The friendships you create will we did and people we met," she said. group and is promoting meeting times in the seven-year dental program, so "The senate is about improving last, and it becomes a great support The senate is looking to recruit and other senate events by word of it really has nothing to do with my campus, creating solutions and help­ system filled with motivated, talented freshmen and get them involved early mouth. Members are also planning to major." ing p.eople work together," they said. students that know how to work hard in the school year. host fewer but bigger events this year Both said there are many benefits "I really believe if everyone helps and have fun at the same time." "We have really tried to publicize in an effort to draw larger crowds. to being part of senate. out a little bit, together we can really Over the summer, Shah and the senate by presenting our organization Ibarra noted that joining senate is "Participating shows your dedica­ improve all aspects of our college ex­ rest of the senate executive board par­ at all of the SOAR events over the not just for people interested in poli­ tion to the university, and the hard perience at Detroit Mercy," said Shah. ticipated in the National Jesuit Stu­ summer," said Shah. tics. work that you put in does not go un­ dent Leadership Conference in Maria Ibarra, another member, "I'm an English major and have noticed," Shah said. To find out more about Student Omaha, Neb. said that the senate meetings are dur­ absolutely no interest in law. She noted that she has met UDM Senate visit: At the conference, board members ing dead hour on Tuesday - 12:45 "However, I'm big on social jus­ staff members and professors through www.udmercy.edulslolclubslsen­ learned more effective ways of im- p.m. in room 209 of the Commerce tice and promoting empathy so in stu- the senate. atelindex.htm. PAGE 4 www.thevarsitynews.net SEPT. 23, 2009

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By KORI BIELANIEC of the show that the rights would be available for one ofthe production's mosf recognizable songs for anything, with each show bringing some­ VN SPECIAL WRITER the upcoming theatre season. . is "My Unfortunate Erection," about the de­ thing new. The rest of the 2009-10 UDM season was fending champ getting distracted and spelling a Grobis invites UDM students to'become in­ Greg Grobis, general manager of the UDM chosen, leaving a slot open for the show and, fi­ word incorrectly. volved with the Theatre Company in any way Theatre Company, is busy preparing the first­ ·nally, in mid-August, UDM acquired the rights, The show features "hot topics of the genera­ that they are able. People are always needed to ever college production of the smash Broadway with actual scripts arriving at the end ofAugust tion" that UDM students are sure to find funny, help build sets and to work backstage during musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County "Spelling Bee" will feature a small cast of engaging and relatable, Grobis added. performances, he said.

Spelling Bee." . 0 strong, hilarious characters that student actors "Spelling is something everyone can do, but "The 25~ Annual Putnam County Spelling To secure the rights for "Spelling Bee," Gro­ will bring to life. not everyone is [necessarily] good at it," he said. Bee" will open Nov. 13 at the Marygrove Col ~' bis, who will direct, contacted MTI Publishing "While the show features 'little kids,' it is To illustrate that point, the show will become lege Theatre on the Marygrove campus on Liv­ and applied earlier this spring to be notified of perfect for the college crowd," Grobis said. interactive, with audience members invited on ernois. It will run weekends until Nov. 22. the show's availability. Grobis had found out "The kids have adult issues explained in stage to participate in the spelling bee itself. The For more information, visit the Theatre Com­ from a friend who stage-managed a national tour comical means," Grobis said. According to him" actors will be required to be on their toes, ready pany homepage on the university website. UAS program committed to student achievement

By SCHEHERAZODE BURTON of this opportunity to gain a scholarship," said VN SPECIAL WRITER Phillip Trotter, a former scholarship recipient and current tutor. With tuition at UDM topping $14,000 a se­ Emilie Gallegos agreed. She is an administra­ mester, many students are struggling to fmd ways tor with University Academic Services (UAS). to pay for their education, and the University Col­ "The idea for an academic scholarship came lege (UC) program is attempting to help. from an approach from the staff in UAS because Offered through University Academic Serv­ we wanted to create this scholarship for students ices, the program targets students who didn't do who really worked hard to maintain a three-point particularly well in high school but picked up G.P.A. or higher," she said. "For students trying their grades freshman year. to receive this scholarship, I would advise them UC was developed for students who need to listen to the advice from former UC students people in their corner for studies, mentoring and that have been in their shoes." extra assistance throughout their college experi­ The scholarship has been around for about six ence. This program is specifically designed for years. It is renewable and you can earn up to handpicked students who are working hard to do $1,500 a year depending on your G.P.A. well in school and after graduation. But it is just part of the program, which at­ It provides students with meetings about var­ tempts to keep students focused, o~ganized and ious departments and events around campus, and in good academic standing. PHOTO BY ALICE ARUTOFF also offers scholarships for those who qualify and Interested students are invited to get more in­ In addition to tutoring sessions, students have access to group and silent study options in maintain a grade average of three-point or higher. formation from the UAS offices on the third floor The Learning Center. The office is now located on the third floor of the library. "Students in UC should really take advantage of the library.

~The Winning Streak' opens this weekend, free preview Th~rsday

"The Winning Streak," the UDM Theatre Company's first production of the year, opens Friday, Sept. 25, and will run for three weekends through Oct. 11. David Regal, a long-time faculty member and award­ winning actor, will be featured in Lee Blessing's baseball­ themed story. He plays Omar, a retired baseball umpire, who is con­ tacted by his long lost son, Ry (Joel Frazee). The play is a "heartfelt comedy about a father and son who are being united for the first time," said Gregory Gro-. bis, the company's general manager. Through many' humorous yet bittersweet meetings, Omar and Ry discover a great deal about each other's lives, said Grobis. A graduate of the first MFA class of the Hilberry The­ atre at Wayne State University, Regal is a founder of the UDM Theatre Company. He is artistic director, and also acts, directs and teaches. Regal has performed across the country and wonnu­ merous awards. Among the many professionals who credit him as a coach are Tim Allen, Keegan Michael Key and David Patrick Kelly. Frazee, a UDM junior, is a theatre major from Bluffton, Ohio. His UDM credits include Leo in "And Neither Have I Wing to Fly," Ben in "The Sunshine Boys," Grandpa in "How I Leamed to Drive," Howie in "Speech and Debate" and Tiger Brown in "The Threepenny Opera." Directed by Dr. Arthur Beer, "The Winning Streak", ' will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Marygrove Theatre on the cam­ pus of Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols Rd. ' Student admission is $9; UDM and Marygrove stu­ dents pay $5 with appropriate ID.General a9mission is $15. Admission for senior citizens, UDM and Marygrove faculty, staff and alumni is $13. There will be a $3 serv­ ice fee per order for non-subscribers. The company is offering a Student Flex Pass this year. Full-time students at any high school, college or university can. purchase the pass for $20 with a student picture ID. The pass, which offers savings of 50 percent, gives un­ limited access to all five UDMproductions.' (It is non­ transferable. ) There will be a free showing of "The Winning Streak" ,' for students Thursday, Sept. 24 starting at 7 p.m. at Mary- ' grove. For more information, visit http://theatre.udmercy.'edu, PHOTO BY GREG GROBIS Facebook.comludmtheatre or call 313-993-3270. David Regal (left) and Joel Frazee (right) star in Lee Blessing's "The Winning Streak," which opens this weekend. PAGE 6 www.thevarsitynews.net SEPT. 23, 2009

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SPB looking to expand size, increase .event attendanc:e JoANN IlADDAD smaller ones were typically Grounds Montgomery said that SPB will about programs. VN FEATURES EDITOR events and movie nights. The largest coordinate events with Student Senate With only ten members, SPB is Upcoming events events, such as casino night, took and other organizations. looking to expand. Montgomery said .Celebrate Spirit and Student The Student Programming Board place during homecoming week. With a smaller budget, advertising he hopes to gain new members and Organization Fair, Thursday, (SPB) has reorganized and the mem­ Attendance dropped at many is going to be an issue. One of the expand the promotional team. Sept. 24, 12:35 p.m. bers are ready to take on the new events, so SPB has developed new ideas is to advertise all events at the SPB leaders are seeking motivated • Midnight Bike Ride, Sept. 25 school year. President Ben Mont­ ideas for activities and promotions. organization fair Thursday, after Cel­ and hard-working students who want • Salsa Night, Sept. 29 gomery and Co-Chair Charlese Green Marketing and funding were the ebrate Spirit. to help plan events and bring fresh • Breast Cancer Walk, Oct. 7 say they're excited about all the new two main issues impacting student Another idea is to promote activi­ ideas to the organization. • Tuesday Night Live, Oct. 13 events they have planned. turnout last year, according to leaders. ties through the board's new website SPB meets every Thursday at Stress Release Party, Oct. 16 Last year the average turnout for This year they plan to post more www.udmercy.edu/slo/spb, and to use 12:45 p.m. in Grounds. Anyone in­ For event details, go to small events was 25 to 30 people, and flyers around campus and advertise social websites such as Facebook so terested in joining can go to the Stu­ www.udmercy.edu/slo/spb. about 150 for larger events. The events weeks in advance. that commuter students can learn dent Life Office for more information. Student leaders look to successful year Welcome back, UDM students, and welcome, fresh­ men and transfer students! I hope you have all had a Student Senate great start to the year so far. Student Senate is the only student governing body at By Anjalee Shah the University of Detroit Mercy. The job of senate is to facilitate change, make proposals for action, write resolu­ place on Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m. in room 113 of the Life tions, voice the concerns of students to administration, Sciences Building. We invite all students to attend our faculty and staff and to sit on shared governance teams meetings and learn how they can contribute to the voice and committees. of the student body and make a difference on campus. Student Senate has been working hard for the past Student Senate held the Campus Leadership Confer­ five months to ensure that we have a great year. The ex­ ence last weekend, and it was a very informative and in­ ecutive board consists of President Ervis Fama; Jennie teractive day. Presidents, executives and leaders from Furgal, vice president of finance - SENSOG; Ben Mont­ various organizations learned tips on how to be better gomery Jr., vice president of programming - SPB; An­ leaders and how to improve the efficiency of their organ­ jalee Shah, vice president of public relations; Maria izations. A lot of new connections were made and we'll Ibarra, vice president of mission and values; and Laura be excited to see them evolve throughout the year. Hawatmeh, executive secretary. Student Senate will be putting on many events Over the summer, the executive board attended the throughout the year, including the Senate Retreat and National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference in Omaha, Hunger and Homelessness Week. Details for these events Neb. It was an incredible opportunity for us to meet stu­ will be corning your way very soon. Look for the flyers dents from other Jesuit universities, hear about what they and please visit the Student Senate Facebook Group for PI:IOTO By ALICE ARUTOFF do on their campuses and gather ideas for this year. additional information on upcoming events, meetings We're very excited to use what we have learned here and details about what's happening around campus. Admiring a GT 500 Cobra atUDM. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] Students got a chance to check out cars brought in by the Ford Inno­ We had our first Senate meeting of the year Sept. 15, and we look forward to meeting you and hearing from vation Competition during the Student Programming Board's ice cream and it was a great success. All Senate meetings will take you soon. social during welcome week. SEPT. 23, 2009 www.thevarsitynews.net PAGE 7 THE VARSITY NEWS . Sports Intramural Sports expands schedule Briefs By MICHAEL MARTINEZ is scheduled to be pur­ practicing at 5:30 p.m. VN SPORTS EDITOR chased, along with As far as other intramural sports about a half a dozen go, fixtures such as the homerun Titan Auxiliary Field The campus recreation program popular games. derby, flag football, golf, basketball, got a facelift this summer, and that - Other portions ofthe volleyball, bowling and badminton to be blessed Wednesday, along with new intramural sports game room have also are returning for another year. While free barbeque planned events and a makeover of the Student been renovated. New this semester's homerun derby and The University of Detroit Mercy Life Department - has director furniture, a 52-inch tel­ flag football tournament are com­ will bless the new Titan Auxiliary Adam Hollmann excited. evision and fresh decof pleted, the other sports are still ac­ Field at the James K. Campbell "Students will be thoroughly im­ now complement the cepting participants. Complex later today, Wednesday, as pressed by the new services being of­ pool, table tennis and Hollmann recently extended the part of the University's Founders fered," he said. foosball tables. Three deadline for the golf tournament, al­ Celebration. Those new services include a fit­ PHOTO BY ADAM HOLLMANN rooms for student meet- lowing students to sign up until The new athletic facility will ness room and a video game section The intramural flag football champions. ings have also been Thursday, Sept. 24. serve as a practice field for the UDM in the game room in the basement of added. The tournament will-take place on strength equipment as well as a well­ lacrosse and soccer teams. the student union. Plus, a tennis tournament has been Saturday, Sept. 26, at Glen Oaks Golf ness room for yoga and aerobjcs. One The event will begin at 5 p.m. The fitness rooin, scheduled to be added to the intramural sports pro­ Club in Farmington Hills. benefit is that students will not be with the men's and women's soccer completed in October, will offer stu­ gram, thanks to a $500 donation from Registration is $40, and includes kicked out when athletes have sched­ teams, as well as the men's lacrosse dents the opportunity to work out SENSOG and the student senate. The lunch and a cart. Winners will receive ·ul~d practices, as is the case at Cali­ team, showcasing their skills in prac­ seven days a week. money allowed Hollmann to purchase a bid to compete in the Collegiate Na­ han Hall. tice. While hours are not yet set, the tennis equipment that can be used by tional Championship in Las Vegas. Following the practices, a free room will most likely be open longer The video game room will include students. For a complete listing ofintramu­ barbeque will be held at 5:30 p.m. than the Larry Bleach Fitness Center a brand new 42-inch television that . In addition, the tennis courts near ral sports tournaments, visit for all in attendance. in Calihan Hall. will be primarily for gaming pur­ Calihan Hall are now open for infor­ http://www. udmercy.edu/slo/intra­ poses. A Nintendo Wii gaming system At 6:05 p.m., UDM President the The room will contain cardio and mal play after the Titans are done mural/index.htm. Rev. Gerard Stockhausen, S.J., will bless the field. If you wish to attend, RSVP to [email protected] or call 313- 993-1540. Lacrosse teams prep for spring season

By QUINCY BOOKER agreed. She said that the team is Men's tennis to host first VN STAFF WRITER "stronger this year." home contest on Oct. 7 Players from both teams trained in Despite being open for nearly a The lacrosse teams are hard at a summer program weeks before the year, the Titan Tennis Complex has work, hoping to improve on their in­ start of the fall term. The key will be not yet hosted a collegiate match. augural, losing seasons last spring. keeping their players healthy and That will change Wednesday, To dominate, one must train rigor­ ready to win. Oct. 7, when UDM will host the De­ ously and be in great physical shape. According to men's coa~h Matt troit-Wayne State Challenge at 2 The men's and women's lacrosse Holtz, last season - the first for p.m. teams take that to heart, according to lacrosse at UDM - was rough for the their coaches. team, which did not win a game in the The Titan student-athletes are put spring season. But the talent, passion Necajevs wins again; through rigorous training every week, and dedication the team is showing he's 7-0 in fall tennis and the coaches strive to make sure this year gives him hope. thatthey make good use of Titan Field "We have some talented freshmen UDM men's tennis senior Pjotrs and the weight room at Calihan Hall. this year," said Holtz, who was head Necajevs picked up where he left off At every practice, these men and coach at Michigan State University last season, winning the top singles women are left sweating and out of from 2005-07. flight at the Frank Beeman Invita­ breath, but their coaches believe their Both teams are young. The men tional on Sunday at Michigan State. hard work will payoff. have mor~ freshmen (21) than seniors, With the win, Necajevs moves to "They're getting better every day," juniors and sophomores combined. 7 -0 on the fall season, and has now said women's coach Mary Ann Meltzer. The women have almost all under­ won 14 straight matches dating back Sophomore Emily Boissonneault, classmen. Only two juniors and no to last year. who led the team in scoring last year, seniors are on their roster. "The thing that is impressive the most is that he is always looking to improve," said head coach Grant Asher. "He works so hard and even though he is our top individual player, he is also a leader and a great team player, someone all of our young players can really learn from." Necajevs and the rest of the team will return to the courts on Oct. 15 when they take part in the ITA Mid­ west Regional Championships at the University of Michigan. PHOTOS BY QUINCY BOOKER The lacrosse team stretches under the watchful eyes of a coach. Head coach Mary Ann Meltzer talks with the women's lacrosse team. Byrne leads UDM at Spartan Golf Classic Titans spons schedule -Softball, 10 a.m., at home against FrIdQ,1cl2 Sallday, DeLC The UDM men's golf team saw . Madonna University -Men's soccer, 8 p.m., at University -Women's tennis, all day, at IPFW -Men's soccer, 11 a.m., at home of Wisconsin-Green Bay Fall Invitational its first action of the year this week­ Fridav. SePt. 25 end at the MSU Spartan Classic. against Oral Roberts University -Women's so'ccer, TBA, at Cleve­ -Men's soccer, 2 p.m., at University -Women's soccer, 1 a.m., at Uni­ -Softball, 2 p.m., at Eastern Michi­ land State University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Senior David Byrne paced the Ti­ versity of Hawaii gan University -Women's tennis, all day, at IPFW -Women's soccer, 3 p.m., at home tans, tying for third place individu­ -Men's so.ccer, 4 p.m., at home -Men's golf, all day, at John Dallio Fall Invitational against Youngstown State University ally with a 5-under-par 208. against Valparaiso University Memorial Overall, Detroit finished fifth be­ -Women's tennis, all day, Spartan lltinll, kl3 ....II,.eL5 hind California, San Francisco, Invitational ._IJ, S_ 28 _Women's tennis, all day, at IPFW -Women's golf, all day, at Zippy Michigan State and UC Davis. -Men's golf, Dallio Memorial Fall Invitational Invitational IabIrdQ, 1111.26 "As badly as we wanted to finish -Women's golf, all day, at Cincin- -Softball, 10 a.m., at home against -Women's tennis, Spartan Invitat. even higher, this was a great way to nati Fall Classic Hillsdale College TlIIIIQ, letS get the season started," head coach -Men's cross country, TBA, at -Men's soccer, 4 p.m.,.at home SUIldQ,lIlIlfl Mark Engel said. Tl8SIIQ,IIDl29 Greater Louisville Classic against University at Buffalo -Women's tennis, Spartan Invitat. Detroit resumes play this week­ -Women's golf, all day, at Cincin­ -Women's cross country, TBA, at -Women's golf, all day, at Zippy -Women's soccer, 1 a.m., at Uni- nati Fall Classic Greater Louisville Classic Invitational end at the John Dallio Memoriallo­ versity of Hawaii cated at DePaul. PAGE 8 www.thevarsitynews.net SEPT. 23, 2009 THE VARSITY NEWS

Spain trip success about more than just the games · Costly error dooms Detroit The men's basketball team took a trip to Spain this summer. The II-day excur­ sion saw the players visit such historic cities as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Avila and Lliria. The trip, funded by the L-IIIR:._____ -"" generosity of alumni and fans of Titan athletics, in­ Michael cluded multiple sightseeing opportunities, but was pri­ Martinez marily a chance to play _ •••_ ••_ against five Spanish profes­ sional teams. Detroit, which sent over only nine players, ended with a 5-0 record, winning by an average of30.2 points per game. Not too bad for a team that finished last in its conference for a second straight year at 7-23, eh? The Titans came to the birthplace of the fictional Don Quixote and stearnrolled its opposition the way the conquistadors of the 15th and 16th centuries han­ dled the Incan and Aztec empires. However, if you think the annihilation of the five (Left) Sophomore Alexandra Suschak bat­ Spanish teains signals an automatic Horizon League tles for the ball against an Oakland player. Championship, think again. You might just be tilting (Above) Head coach Mike Lupenec, now at windmills, much like Cervantes' legendary in his 17th season as UDM's only women's would-be knight. soccer coach, reacts to a call during Thesday's Detroit didn't exactly play the type of Spanish game. Lupenec was a 1986 graduate from teams that produce the Ricky Rubios or Pau Gasols Oakland University, where he played soccer. of the world. Although their website appears dated, most players on Club Basquet Navas, UDM's first tential. "I think we did some good opponent, are listed as somewhere in their thirties. By MICHAEL MARTINEZ the back of the net. "I think we beat ourselves things today. Defensively we "We made a mistake that today," she said. "Obviously we were doing the right .things, but The Titans were expected to walk all over most VN SPORTS EDITOR of the teams they faced. Still, if you ask me whether shouldn't have happened," said scored on ourselves, but we just we have to frnd the back of the an expensive trip to play glorified YMCA club head coach Mike Lupenec. weren't energetic going for­ net," he said. teams was worth it for a program that has under­ Following a four game road "That's how they scored. That's ward." Next up for the Titans is a achieved in recent years, my answer will be a re­ trip, the UDM women's soccer the way the game goes some­ Shortly after the Grizzlies road trip to Hawaii, where they sounding "Yes." team returned to Calihan Hali to times. Joanna misplayed it and it goal, Hinde was pulled out of the will play two games against the This team has been on its heels for the past four take on the Oakland Grizzlies went in the goal. There's not . game. Sophomore Madeline University of Hawaii on Friday, years. Its most recent setbacks include a 2008-09 Tuesday, Sept. 22. Despite strong much you can say about that. Franko entered the game, her Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26. season that saw Xavier Keeling lost to injury, Eli defense, the Titans were unable She's going to make mistakes first of the season, recording two Lupenec sees the trip as a Holman lost to ineligibility, the entire team's offen­ to find an offensive rhythm, and just like anybody else on the saves in 34 minutes in goal. chance to work out the kinks in sive production lost to prolonged scoring droughts fell to the Grizzlies 1-0. field." . Freshman Nina Carter, the offense, and enter Horizon Detroit's fourth loss in five Up until that point, the game and Jason Bennett just plain lost. who leads Detroit with three League play on a winning note. games came as the result of a looked as if it would go into An overseas trip was just the kick in the pants goals, was able to tally four "We're young, we're making mistake by sophomore goalie overtime. Oakland's defense al­ that tlie Titans needed. Not"only did they get to see shots, the most of any player in mistakes that young players Joanna Hinde with just under 36 lowed only three Detroit shots in what Keeling and Holman could do on the court, the game. While Lupenec is make, but hopefully we can sort minutes to go in the game. Hinde the first period, but according to they got to learn about each other and form a special pleased with the effort, he is con­ that out before conference play," missed a pass from senior Alauna senIor Trina Kochanski, the of­ bond off the court. cerned with the lack of scoring. he said. Pierce, allowing the ball to roll in fense wasn't playing up to its po- Stop anyone ofthe players and ask about the trip and you will be swamped with stories of bullfights, dolphin shows; museum tours and autograph re­ Young standouts will be key for soccer team quests. You'll hear Chase Simon joke about a visit to an aquarium where penguins look like Woody By MIKE MARTINEZ taken some time to get "game fit." Still, they Payne and walruses look like Eugene Blue. VN SPORTS EDITOR believe that with tough preseason workouts You'll hear Payne talk about how he never wants and the experience of nonconference games, to see a bullfight again and about how he was sur­ Five years ago, the women's soccer team they will be ready for conference play begin­ prised that the bull got killed right in the ring. You'll stood atop the Horizon League as champi- , ning in October. hear athletic director Keri Gaither laugh over the ons, advancing as far as the second round of Lupenec, who enters his 17th season as way Thomas Kennedy tried to barter pistachios the NCAA Tournament. The Titans posted head coach, is still trying to find what combi­ from a vendor who laiew no English. an impressive record of 14-8-1 that year, nations of players work well together. Whiie But, most importantly, you'll hear in their voices followed by a 10-4-5 mark in 2005. he admits most of the freshmen still need to the coiinection they made with each other that can Since then, the team has failed to finish work on their game, he praised the efforts of never be taken away. Most people never get to travel a season above .500, and has been looking Carter, who leads the team in goals. abroad, but they did, as a team. to regain its place among the conference's "Nina is defInitely one of the better fresh­ They ate, slept and toured Spain as a team. They elite. Steps were taken last season and De­ man forwards in the conference," he said. joked and laughed as a team. They made a few troit finished at 8-9-i, but over the smnmer "She's a great athlete. Does she still have a lot Spanish friends and gained the respect of a few the roster has changed dramatically. to learn in regards to the division one game? Sparush clubs as a team. Trina Kochanski, Detroit's leading goal Absolutely. But she's definitely someone who Those experiences, regardless of the game re­ scorer for the past two seasons, returns with will play 90 minutes. She's got a spot on the sults, will allow them to improve and surprise the seniors Alauna Pierce and Gloria Soyad to roster because she's a tremendous athlete and Horizon League this year - as a team. lead a Titan team that has only five upper­ her work ethic is unbelievable."· Detroit Titans basketball is on the rise. Credit classmen. The progress ofthe freshnien is not lost on coach Ray McCallum for recruiting the right play­ The other 75 percent of Detroit's roster their teammates, either. Kochanski, who has ers, the athletic department for organizing.the right includes six freshmen who have never ex- become a leader on the field in her final year, trip and the players for making the right commit­ perienced a division one college soccer BY is excited about their contributions. ments to the team. game. Despite that inexperience, head Nina Carter and Mary Leone "They've done really well," she said. "We In addition to everything I just said, there was coach Mike Lupenec has not hesitated to lost a lot of seniors last year, and they've done one more advantage to the Spain trip. According to test his first-year players, and has been happy with the results. a good job of coming in and filling the holes in our lineup." his Twitter account, Ray McCallum, Jr., the prized Three freshmen were placed in the starting lineup for the team's Despite the scoring success of both Carter and Dzuris, the rest of the Detroit Country Day prospect, also made the trans­ home opener against Notre Dame College, helping the Titans to a 1-0 team has yet to find an offensive groove. The Titans have tallied only Atlantic journey with his father and the team. For victory. In the games since, freshmen Nina Carter and Sarah Dzuris have five goals in eight games, and have been outs cored in the second half 8- those of you wonderi·ng, that means: been the only players to tally goals. But despite their early success, they L UDMI still maintain that learning the game hasn't come easy. Lupenec attributes that to a tough schedule and. the fact that some Other Recruiters 0 "It's a lot different," Carter said of playing at the college level. "In students are still adjusting to playing heavy minutes. But he is encour­ Get ready for a good year. high school the girls are good, but here every defender you come against aged. is the best You really get no breaks. It's a different battle than what I'm "Anytime you're not scoring goals I think you should be worried," Mike Martinez is sports editor o/The Varsity used to from high school and club teams." he said. "Now with the freshmen in the lineup and some of the key play­ News. Both Carter and Dzuris admit that the game is a lot faster, and it has ers getting healthy, I think you're going to be seeing a lot more shots."