Collegian

Students sit, speak, listen

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While the International Barbeque went on in the quad Wednesday afternoon, a large group of students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the Chapel for a more somber reason. A sit-in occurred on May 4 during community time.

According to the letter that was sent to all students' emails, as well as to many on Facebook, "The sit-in is to 1) provide students with a safe place to tell their stories, to know that someone is listening and that we believe them.

Education topic of economic conference

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For several hours, Saint Mary's College united economists and educators under one roof. Both groups visited the College on Wednesday, May 7, for the 2008 State of the Economy Conference. Topics included higher education in Contra Costa County, the relationship between colleges and businesses, and the future of school funding.

'Pathways to Inclusion' forum held to unify thoughts of campus

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Students were not in abundance for an opportunity to share their voices regarding solutions to issues plaguing Saint Mary's. Unlike the previous day's highly attended sit-in at the De La Salle statue, Thursday's "Pathways to Inclusions" forum took place in a room full of non-students.

Travels link professor, alum

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Two writers who spent part of their careers at Saint Mary's had a homecoming of sorts on Wednesday night at the final Creative Writing Reading Series event of the year. Marilyn Abildskov, an associate English professor for Saint Mary's, and Saint Mary's graduate Michael Gardner both read some of their new work and talked about their experiences.

Senior gift selected

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Every year, the senior class gives a gift to the College as a farewell gesture. The class of 2008 has decided to give a time capsule. It will be opened on the 25th class anniversary in 2033.

The senior class senators have welcomed all seniors to add items to the time capsule.

Developments in Moraga

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A major change may happen to Moraga's open space. The town of Moraga is in the process of drafting a plan to construct more housing and downtown area developments at the Moraga Center and in the hills across from the Rheem Center. These changes will not happen immediately.

Linda Hua '08 & Zack Farmer '08

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The students chosen for this week's Lasallian Student Spotlight are no strangers to The Collegian. In fact, they see their names in the paper every week. That's because the students are Linda Hua '08 and Zack Farmer '08.

"Both Linda and Zack have consistently expressed a commitment to supporting our Catholic Lasallian mission on campus, especially among students," said Brother Michael Sanderl, who nominated the pair.

Have you done your job?

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Approaching graduation, I look back at my Saint Mary's career and can say that I am proud of what I have done with my time here.

Looking back on this year alone, can you say that you are proud of what you've done? Have you truly done your job, or have you passively followed a routine?

After putting in 30 hours a week, every week, I believe that I've done my job on The Collegian this year.

Crime Beat

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

4/29/08 3:57 p.m.
Incident: Theft.
Synopsis: Acrylic painting stolen from Galileo Hall; suspended.

5/2/08 12:05 p.m.
Incident: Property damage.
Synopsis: Damage to SMC maintenance truck from a BB between Ageno A and Ageno B; referred to Student Conduct.

5/3/08 1:18 p.

One last time, gooooo Gaels!

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

SMC's top team: Who is the top Gael sport? Men's rugby or men's basketball?

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Men's rugby has been ranked in the top twenty in the nation for at least the last four years. They finished second this spring, coming off a fifth place ranking last season, fifteenth in 2005-06, and tenth in the 2004-05 season. For a team that does no recruiting and often begins their season with half a squad who have never played the game before, those numbers speak worlds about the quality of their coaching and their determination as a group of young men.

SMC's top team: Who is the top Gael sport? Men's rugby or men's basketball?

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It is safe to say few expected the Saint Mary's team to be that good outside of the team themselves.

Everyone gave the young Gaels, who'd gone 17-15 the season before, saying they would likely be second in the WCC only to powerhouse Gonzaga but aside from that, it was all up in the air.

Santa Clara takes down Gaels

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A lopsided inning for the Broncos, an extra-inning heartbreaker, and an eight-run loss sunk the Gaels this past weekend as they were swept by Bay Area rival Santa Clara. Things had looked brighter than they had been in a while as Saint Mary's was coming off a hard-fought win against the Dons at USF, 6-5.

Female Athlete of the Year: Megan Galloway

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Senior pitcher Megan Galloway excelled on both sides for the Gaels softball team this season and is a definite candidate for best female athlete of the year.

Galloway, who has played for the Gaels in all four years of her Saint Mary's career, has improved vastly over the years.

Male Athlete of the Year: Mike McRae

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Senior Mike McRae is the best golfer on a nationally ranked team heading into the NCAA Tournament this week. For this reason, he is The Collegian's player of the year for the second consecutive year.

He has a season shooting average of 71.6 par and has finished in the top-10 in seven of the 11 tournaments he has participated in.

Players of the Week

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Randy Wells, Baseball Sophomore Randy Wells had three hits and three RBIs in five at bats on Friday's 12-6 loss to Santa Clara.

Justin Fazio, Baseball Freshman Justin Fazio hit a two run home run in the fifth inning of Saturday's 9-8 loss to SCU. Fazio ended the day with three hits, two runs, two RBIs in six at bats.

DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW: Computer Science, School of Science

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Like learning another language, computer programming takes practice and interaction. Furthermore, computer languages take a lot of time with hardly anyone there to tell you what you're doing wrong or how to improve. At Saint Mary's, only a split major is offered for computer science, meaning you have to study it along with another major (accounting, biology, business administration, chemistry, economics or physics).

Students should take own action

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

At the end of four years at Saint Mary's, I have surprisingly little to say. That itself makes a statement about the way the College deals with dissent.

In recent issues of The Collegian, writers have expressed their thoughts and concerns on WASC, diversity, failing educational programs and the College's image.

Power struggle at Saint Mary's

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's not what you know, but who you know.

As a student of Saint Mary's College I have come to accept the fact that a lot of things around this campus are better handled if you know the right people. Similarly true is that in order to get things done that go against the grain, you have to know just who to go to.

Put your liberal arts tradition to work

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Hi, my name is Linda Hua. I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Collegian.

Oh shoot, did I say anything that sounds stupid that could end up in the paper?

I am also a Student Ambassador and the public relations officer for SMC Sports Band. I am also a psychology major and an honors student.

A last farewell

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's with considerable effort that I prepare myself to leave this place where I've spent the last four years of my life.

It was true after all; college was the best four years of my life. Granted, I'm still young, but I feel so much more mature and ready to take on life after all this, and I'd like to impart some wisdom upon my fellow students.

McCain is the best thing since sliced bread

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With both parties now having virtually settled on their nominees, we have a much clearer picture of the political landscape leading up to this November.

Obama being the nominee is definitely great news for the Republicans. In a season that should be a "perfect storm" against the GOP, the race for the White House may be one very bright spot for them.

Cartoon: Semantic Association

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In an uncharacteristic change of strategy, Provost Beth Dobkin decides to clarify things and creates the Semantics Association Aiding Academic Diversity (SAAAD).

HAPA brings Lu'au to campus

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With a focus on Hawai'i, Humans Actively Practicing Aloha (HAPA) sent the Saint Mary's community and visitors on a journey of Polynesian culture for the club's second-annual Lu'au on May 10. Students, faculty, family and friends were greeted at the door with a raffle ticket, a colorful lei and of course, the aloha spirit.

Latino Cultural Night got a new look

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Soda Center was packed with students, faculty, staff and family for Latino Cultural Night (LCN) on May 6. Gone were the selected country histories and instead the crowd was treated to this years theme "United Latinos of America." Comedian Dennis Gaxiola entertained the crowd during dinner and student productions rounded out the night.

Campus active, lively

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One of the main reasons students leave this campus is because they don't think there is enough to do here. Quite the contrary, there is a great amount to do-it just requires some work to find activities.

If you aren't graduating but considering leaving the College, consider the following first.

Current students, alumni miss pub on campus

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Not too long ago I met an alumnus who was taking a look around the College for the first time since she had graduated. It seems the campus had changed too much for this Gael and they needed directions around campus.

They asked what the new Filipi Academic Hall housed.

Enter to learn, leave to...what?

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With about a week and a half left as a Saint Mary's student, I feel like a circus tiger that's been carelessly released into the wild with no way to fend for itself. I can do a few tricks, but can I put food on the table utilizing my loves of music and writing alone? I know it can be done, but for most, adeptness in the arts is about as useful as the ability to jump through flaming rings.

Attention Disorder Corner

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Click here for Artist Awareness, a student recipe and "St. Jean of the Lawn."