Pope gives talk to Catholic educators
Darren LaCour
Op-Ed Editor
During his first visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a speech to over 400 Catholic educators from across the nation, highlighting the importance of education in spreading the Catholic faith.
Fr. Michael Graham, S.J., was one of the Catholic university presidents who attended the address, which he described as “incredibly warm and positive throughout.”
Prior to the Pope’s visit, many speculations revolved around the nature of the address, with many expecting the Pope to reprimand the university presidents for being lax in their embrace of Catholic identity.
Instead, Graham said the talk was, “one notably free of the kind of finger-wagging and scolding that some more conservative Catholic critics of Catholic higher ed had been publicly hoping for, for months.”
“It began with a profound sense of his own gratitude for the fine work of so many over so many years in building this structure of Catholic education which furthers in its own way the work of the Church,” said Graham.
“He closed his talk with a really ringing call to all present to embody their faith in a more open and transparent manner, the better to serve as inspirations to the young people with whom they come into contact.”
According to Graham, the talk only lasted around 25 minutes. The Pope’s major thrust was encouragement of educators to keep in mind the higher standards of their vocations to minister to young people through the apostolate of Catholic schools.
The speech was preceded by a “Rock the Pope” event put on by students from Catholic University of America which featured speakers, music, and lawn games, which contributed to the “good, positive spirit,” according to Graham.
Check back next week for an in-depth look at how the Pope’s address may impact Xavier.
Ailing professor garners admiration, sympathy
Amy Windhorst
Campus News Editor
Dr. Robert Rethy.
Students and faculty across campus are showing their love and support for Dr. Robert Rethy, philosophy professor, who has been in a comatose state since Friday, April 11.
The coma, caused by a massive coronary, has kept Rethy unresponsive for nearly two weeks. He is currently in the intensive care unit at the Kenwood Jewish Hospital with an uncertain prognosis.
Rethy experienced a heart attack around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. EMTs arrived on the scene approximately 10 minutes later. Though Rethy had experienced heart problems in the past, the event still came as quite a shock to friends and family.
“There was nothing that precipitated the event,” said Dr. Timothy Quinn, a close friend and fellow philosophy faculty member. While noting that Rethy had complained of tiredness during the days leading up to the heart attack, Quinn says there were no signs that might have prompted the professor to see a physician.
The heart attack was most likely caused by electrical heart failure. It is doubtful it was the result of any kind of arterial blockage. Rethy has had a significant history of heart problems—he has previously undergone surgery for valve replacement.
In the wake of this tragedy, students and faculty have been offering prayers and support for Dr. Rethy and his family. Quinn and other faculty members make frequent visits to the hospital, where they continue to speak and read to Rethy.
This past Thursday, April 17, members of the Xavier community gathered for two prayer services at Kenwood Jewish Hospital with the department meeting in mind. Dr. Quinn explains that Dr. Rethy would have wanted this—for the staff to continue living as normally as possible. Nearly 40 individuals were present at the service.
Since the incident, there has been tremendous sympathy from the Xavier community. “I was moved by the outpouring from students,” says Quinn who was impressed with the student attendance at the prayer services.
Dr. Rethy had been teaching two sections of Theory of Knowledge and a seminar on Hegel before he experienced the coronary. These courses are now being covered by Dr. Richard Polt and Dr. Tim Brownlee, respectively.
In a very close-knit department, the philosophy faculty continues to struggle with the reality of the situation. “It makes it challenging to concentrate at the end of the semester,” said Dr. Quinn. Though distracted, the staff continues with their daily jobs on campus.
Dr. Rethy celebrated his 25th year at Xavier in 2007. After joining the philosophy faculty in 1982, Rethy served for 12 years at the head of the department before Dr. Polt, the current department chair, took the position. Under his leadership, Xavier’s philosophy department changed and expanded. He is clearly an admired individual among his colleagues.
“I’ve never known anyone who knows more about the history of philosophy than him,” said Polt. “[Rethy] is a religious man, a scholar, and kind and generous with students—but he also enjoys a good fight,” said Polt, grinning.
Dr. Quinn offered the Yiddish word “mensch”—meaning a person of integrity and honor—as an apt description of Dr. Rethy. “Brilliant. He is easily the most brilliant man I have ever met in my life,” said Quinn. “He is not just smart, but an impressive human being.”
“He takes students very seriously,” continued Quinn. “One of Rethy’s goals as a professor has always been to intensify the intellectual commitment professors make to students.” His high expectations of Xavier students have translated into high expectations of own his performance as a professor.
“Dr. Rethy embodies what the philosophy department stands for and what the entire university should represent,” said Quinn.
Students can still continue to show support for Dr. Rethy and his family, his three children and his wife, Sonja. The family is presently allowing student visitation in the intensive care unit at the Kenwood Jewish Hospital.
Additionally, if students wish to create cards for the Rethy family, they can be given to Dr. Polt at his office in Hinkle Hall, room 238. Finally, any prayers offered are greatly appreciated.
Xavier television program “spent”
Felipe Garcia
Staff Writer
“Time Well Spent” will be taping its last episode on Tuesday, May 6, during exams week, at 7 p.m. in the Gallagher theatre. This episode will end a run that started in the spring of 2006.
Junior Conner Lynch, who acted as co-producer and director of the show, seemed optimistic about the show’s decision to call it quits. “We thought we might as well end with a bang instead of a whimper,” said Lynch.
The show’s host and co-writer, R.J. Thieneman expressed the same confidence. He explained that it was a decision by the staff to end the show on a high note.
“Time Well Spent” usually ran after Xavier’s new program at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and during the weekend. It also aired at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
The cancellation of the show will open up a half-hour time slot on Xavier University Television Association’s (XUTVA) “The Muskie”. Currently, it is unknown what specifically will fill this spot.
Ideas have been flowing among “Time Well Spent” crew and others. “Some have been playing with the idea of filling the slot with a sketch comedy show,” Lynch shared, “like something based of off “Kids in the Hall”, but there are no certainties.”Whatever direction the slot goes in, it will certainly have big shoes to fill.
According to Thieneman, the show was based on taking creative ideas and showcasing them live with limited equipment on as limited a budget as possible. Lynch, whose job was to take the artistic ideas of R.J. and others writers and make them work in front of the cameras, showed pride in the longevity of the show’s term. “We started the show [nearly] three years ago, which is quite a long time in college terms.”
When asked if he had any ending thoughts for the viewers his show had acquired over its run, Thieneman seemed pensive. “Don’t take life whether it be in college or elsewhere, too seriously,” he said.
Administrator Profile: Dr. Kathleen Simons
Dr. Kathleen Simons has been the Associate Provost for Student Life and Leadership for only 10 months. Here, she shares a little about herself for those who have yet to meet her.
Where did you go to school?
I have a Bachelors from University of Northern Colorado, where I majored in speech communication and I minored in physical education and theater. Then, I got my Masters degree at the University of Kansas. Then after that I got my Ph.D. at Illinois State University in higher education administration.
Where were you before you decided to come to Xavier?
Most recently I was at National-Louis University in Chicago, but I’ve had 25 years in higher education. I actually started my career in higher education at a Jesuit institution, the University of San Francisco, as a residence hall director.
What do you enjoy doing in what little free time you have?
I don’t have as much time as I’d like, but I love to read and I love to travel. I love cultural events, whether it is the opera, symphony, theater, anything.
Since you love to travel, and summer is coming up, what is your favorite vacation spot?
I love going to Mexico. I have a time-share down there, so I like to get down there a lot. At the end of May, I’m actually going to the islands off the coast of Washington, right outside Vancouver. I’m really looking forward to that.
What is your dream job?
I’ve always said my dream job would be one of two things. I’d love to be a travel agent. I love traveling, and I love planning for traveling. And I’d love to be a bartender because of the stories people tell. People share so much information in a very impersonal setting. I think that is just very interesting.
What is your favorite food?
I love Mexican food. Any- thing that has really good chilis. Anything with green chili, I love that.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I have very, very good handwriting. Whether I’m in the grocery store, or wherever, everybody talks about my handwriting. I’m left handed, and I went to a Catholic grade school. They wouldn’t let me write with my left hand, and they actually tied it behind my back. But I promised that if they let me write with my left hand I would write better than everybody else in my class. I would spend hours every night being perfect with my handwriting. I also played semi-pro softball.
Do you miss being a professor?
I do. I’m really hopeful that once I get established here, and get a routine and a little free time in my life, I will be able to teach.
What was your favorite part about being a college student?
What I loved is that every year was so different. My first three years I was a student-athlete. Then I decided that I wanted to do something different. I started a reader’s theater group. Then my senior year I did all theater. I felt like I had all these different groups of friends. I felt like I could do it all.
Do you have any advice for college students today?
My advice is to do everything with commitment and passion. Do it a hundred percent and don’t sell yourself short. This is the time in your life where the sky is the limit.
Is there anything else you would like students to know about you?
I like all aspects of the student experience. I am very approachable. If any students would like to invite me to any program or activity I would be happy to attend if my schedule allows.
What’s your favorite thing about Xavier?
I love the students. The students are genuine individuals who are really engaged. I came because of the students and the more I meet, the more it affirms how wonderful the students here are.
Police Notes
April 14, 4:41 p.m.—A non-student walking along the fence line in the back of the C-3 parking lot was escorted off campus.
April 15, 12:12 a.m.—Campus Police and Residence Life investigated a report of the smell of marijuana in Kuhlman Hall. The room was identified and a student admitted to smoking marijuana in the room. Residence Life will follow up.
April 16, 2:10 p.m.—An officer on patrol found a non-student acting suspiciously behind the sports center. The subject was escorted off campus.
April 17, 4:15 p.m.—A student reported the theft of a textbook left unattended for a week in a third floor classroom in Alter Hall.
April 19, 1:23 a.m.—Campus Police investigated a noise complaint at a loud party in the Village. One student was cited for providing false identification for officers, and several students drinking underage will face disciplinary charges from Residence Life.
April 19, 8:50 a.m.—Campus Police attempted to make contact with a student residence on the 3900 block of Winding Way after Physical Plant reported plastic cups, cans and other litter in the yard. Campus Police was unable to speak with any of the residents and the Dean of Students was notified.
April 20, 12:08 a.m.—Campus Police checked on the well-being of a student who fell on the academic mall. The student was cited for underage consumption after admitting to drinking earlier.
April 20, 8:10 p.m.—An R.A. on rounds in Brockman Hall reported that a fire extinguisher had been tampered with.
April 20, 8:59 p.m.—Campus Police received a report from a student who had left his or her wallet in the cafeteria one week ago. The property had not been returned by anyone.
Police Note of the Week
April 19, 3:45 a.m.— Campus Police cited a student who was observed climbing on the roof of the chapel for underage consumption.
Katie Rosenbaum
Campus News Editor
Truman award
Brett Simmons from Columbus, Indiana, was selected as one of 65 recipients out of a total of 595 candidates to be named a Truman Scholar. The scholars were selected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of “making a difference.” Finalists were interviewed by a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant, and a past Truman Scholar award winner.
Simmons is a junior theology and economics major with minors in history and gender and diversity studies. He has recently spent a semester in India, researched at the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education and directed a non-profit organization. He plans to earn a Masters degree in Urban Planning with the goal of working in housing, community and economic development.
Each Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government.
Campus picnic
Campus Ministry and Dorthy Day House are hosting an end-of-the-year picnic from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, April 28 behind their houses. Free, locally grown food will be provided for all. Please bring a friend and come and celebrate. If you have questions, contact Mike Shawver at shawverm@xavier.edu.
Choir performance
The Xavier University Concert Choir is appearing in the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of “Carmina Burana.” Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 10, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 11 at Procter & Gamble Hall in the Aronoff Center. Tickets range from $21-$66 and can be purchased by calling 513-621-5282 or by going online at www.cincinnatiballet.com.
Ultimate game
The Xavier Ultimate team will play the University of Cincinnati at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24 on the varsity soccer field. The Xavier team is fresh off their best-ever finish at their sectional tournament. For more information, contact Aaron Armbruster at armbrustera@xavier.edu.
O’Connor hours
The Recreational Sports Department, with cooperation from the Student Government Association, has received additional funding allowing for extended operational hours for the O’Connor Sports Center, as well as the addition of fitness trainers.
The new regular hours will be previewed the week of April 28 through May 3. The hours will be as follows: Mon.-Thurs., 5:45 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday, 5:45 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. These hours will officially begin August 26. Operational hours will vary slightly during university breaks as well as during the summer.
Annual rally
Cincinnati’s annual Take Back the Night rally will take place on April 25. The Xavier Women’s Center will host a pre-rally gathering at 5 p.m. Pizza will be served and T-shirts distributed. Transportation will be provided. RSVP to Amy Goetz at goetza@xavier.edu.
Ranked program
Xavier’s health services administration graduate program was ranked No. 1, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, among business graduate schools for physicians by Modern Healthcare magazine. Areas that were taken into consideration included tuition, age of the program, the number of days students must spend on campus and the number of graduates.
New documentary
Dr. Thomas Knestrict of the childhood education and literacy department is completing the filming of his newest documentary entitled “A Journey to Holland.” It is currently in post-production and will be available in fall 2008. The world premier will take place in spring 2009. A trailer may soon be available on YouTube.
Movie showing
Advocates for Animals will be showing the powerful film documentary, “Earthlings,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 in Kelley auditorium. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, “Earthlings” explores the correlation between nature, animals and humans. Free snacks provided.
Women’s council
Mary Beth Clary, Esq., chair of Xavier’s Women of Excellence Council, and University Relations staff will share the exciting initiatives of Xavier’s Women of Excellence program—created to honor, extend and advance the legacy of Xavier and Edgecliff alumnae and friends from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at the Women’s Center, 1415 Dana Ave. Bring a lunch and a friend, and stay for all or part of the discussion. All are welcome. For more information contact Vickie Jones at jonesvp@xavier.edu.
