University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL
Today is:

Wednesday, April 18, 2007
   Volume 36 Issue 5

Opinion Headlines

 

Open Letter to the Student Body
By David Masciotra, chair for social activism

In what will officially be my last column for The Encounter, I would like to do something different than usual.

Typically, I have focused on an issue of importance, and have combined research and opinion to give readers my view of the situation, consequences, and solution.

Since I am on my way out from USF, I would like to take my exit by writing an

open letter to the student body. It will not consist of much pontification or theory. It will not be very long. It will simply be a list of questions that I feel every American citizen should consider, especially those preparing themselves to be the next generation's politicians, business leaders, teachers, parents, police officers, etc. [MORE]

 
Casey's Conscience: "Let the good times roll"
By Casey Fraher, columnist
As I sit studiously at my computer while trying to write this I can think of only one thing, “Why won't my teacher teach quieter so I can type this in peace?” I guess I should probably be paying attention but I mean come on...I've
been paying attention for nearly 19 years of my life...God, I miss preschool. Anyways, I'm sure you're all wondering what I'm going to prophesize about today, and you know what, I think it's going to be joyous and motivating.
Yah, yah I know that I'm graduating and you all want to hear some emotional mumbo jumbo crap, but you are not going to get it.

Recently I was sitting in my spectacular dorm room on Marian Hall's second floor, and was feeling a little blue. Thoughts of nervousness and anxiety about life were racing through my mind. Most I covered in our last discussion. [MORE]
 
Letter from a soldier
Jacki Ejka shared this letter with the Encounter after she and the rest of the commuter assistants,
Jeanne Rachel and Melissa
Versetto, received it from a soldier
serving overseas.

[MORE]
Mock trial ranked 131 out of 536
By Scott Rodgers, assistant editor
The USF mock trial team finished 17th in their division at the national tournament hosted by Northwestern University on March 16th-18th.

At seasons end, the team finished ranked 131 out of 536 teams nationwide.

“This is the best season we've had in over a decade,” junior Rich Maggio said. “This year we competed in more tournaments than we ever have before. We had a great year, we definitely learned a lot.” [MORE]
 
National Women's History Month
By Samantha Metcalf, sports editor
The history of Women's History Month dates back to 1911 when all of Europe declared March 8th as International Women's Day.

It was during this time that many women in the United States were petitioning for women's suffrage and the woman's right to vote.

These were hot button issues until the Great Depression and World War II took over and demanded attention from the public. It wouldn't be until the 1960's that women once again banded together to seek liberation from a male dominated society. [MORE]
 
Dear USF...
To all the students who have contributed to the Encounter over the last two years, I sincerely thank you for helping make this paper the best it can be.

I have been on the editorial board since spring 2005 and each semester I have worked with some amazing writers, photographers and especially editors.

Thank you to all the administrators, faculty, staff and students that have made
my job easier by granting me interviews and meetings and giving me advice
throughout my career here at USF.

A sincere thank you goes to the following: Dr. Berry, Prof. Rosner, Casey Fraher, Keegan Kociss, Katrina Crone, Aaron Krumreich, David Masciotra, James Grady,
Keith Hernandez, Katie McGlauchlin, Jeanelle Calogero, Becky Hicks, and Samantha Metcalf.
Thank you and good bye,
Scott Rodgers
 
Letter to the Editor
I happen to feel that [“The buzz over the latest artwork,” Feb 28, 2007] was quite biased. It omitted much information that supported why the Saints Ambassadors had to act the way they did, or why I, Lindsey Guzman, had to write the email that I wrote. I realize that I should have worded it differently, however, it happened.
It needs to be let go. [MORE]
 
Correction
In the February 28, 2007 issue of the Encounter, Lindsey Guzman's name was misspelled in the article “The buzz over the latest artwork.” The writer and editors sincerely apologize for this error.