SAC cancels condiment contest
Elizabeth Sullivan
Assistant Campus News Editor
SAC’s Weekday Committee sponsored a $450 ‘food fight’ in the Gallagher Student Center atrium on Tuesday, Oct. 9, which quickly ended after it was seen to be a danger to students.
According to SAC member Jackie Baker, the event was planned to be a “new and exciting” activity, but suffered some glitches.
Baker said that the event was cancelled at the discretion of Jim Miller, the GSC manager and JB Bailey, the SAC advisor, because the tarp on the floor meant to protect GSC had become too slippery and was a danger to the students playing on it.
The program was supposed to consist of 15 teams competing in five rounds of action. The winning team would have been determined by which team had the cleanest white shirts at the end of each round.
Each round was to consist of three teams battling with bottles of chocolate syrup, ketchup, mustard, four colored water balloons and Kool-Aid filled water guns.
The decision was made to use condiments and colored water instead of actual food after SAC decided that “wasting food was not congruent with Jesuit ideals” and that using condiments would not be wasteful, said SAC Weekday Committee member Josh Badall.
To try to balance out the food used, SAC required that each participant donate $1 or a canned good to be able to participate in the fight.
Andrew Fenton, a student who came to the event, said that the food fight started late and only lasted one round, with many students, including himself, left out of the action.
Badall said that the organization “feels terrible” about cancelling the event, but concerns for the cleanliness of GSC and student safety were too overwhelming to ignore.
Both Baker and Badall agreed that SAC did not realize how slippery and dangerous the tarps were going to become, and that if they had known, other provisions would have been made to keep the event going.
Baker said that SAC did make all students participating sign what she called a “standard release form” that SAC requires all participants to sign for SAC events.
However, several students wondered about the use of the waiver for this event.
“I go to so many on campus and off-campus SAC events and I have never signed a waiver before,” said sophomore Emily Williston.
“I don’t see why they had to cancel the food fight after we just signed waivers saying that we participated at our own risk,” said junior Shannon Lloyd.
Fenton wonders if “the cancellation could have been avoided if new floor tarps were laid out after each round.”
According to junior Chris Sipes, who observed the event, the cleanup after the event ended went smoothly. SAC members removed the tarps and put all the tables and chairs back where they had found them.
No traces of the food fight remained after the event except for the tarps, which were thrown away in the dumpsters behind GSC.
Both Baker and Badall agree that SAC does not view this event as a failure. The large turnout and the enthusiasm for the event has motivated them to come up with other “original” events for students to enjoy.
Teacher Feature: Dr. Sotelo
Megan Jacobs
Staff Writer
Megan Jacobs
Contrary to what some believe, tapas, Antonio Banderas and salsa dancing are only a few limited aspects of Spanish culture. Although people may be familiar with Spanish food or music, language classes can further one’s understanding of Spanish culture.
Dr. Robin Sotelo, a Spanish 102, 201 and 202 professor, shares some of her favorite things about Spanish culture.
Q: What degrees do you have?
A: I have a Communications degree and a Latin American degree from the University of Cincinnati, furthered in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do with your Spanish education?
A: Probably I would be doing public relations work or working as a company representative.
Q: What did you want to be when you were little?
A: A rich lady.
Q: How did you become interested in teaching Spanish?
A: A teacher pointed out to me that I had a gift for the language. I taught English to foreign students and through that learned I liked teaching languages.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to students?
A: I don’t have a ton, but monosyllabic responses are one.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Xavier?
A: I work with a great team in the modern languages department, and I have nothing but good experiences with my students. I like that I know all my students’ names.
Q: If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be?
A: I would put the health center closer to the dorms. That would be a good physical change.
Q: If you could join any club at Xavier, which one would it be?
A: I would be part of the tapas and wine Spanish conversation club, if it existed.
Q: How long did you live in Mexico?
A: I lived four years in Guadalajara and taught English.
Q: Do you think Spanish is the most important second language for students to study?
A: Obviously Spanish will enable someone to speak with the largest amount of people, besides Chinese, but I think that speaking any language besides your own is beautiful.
Q: If you could go to any Spanish-speaking country, where would you go?
A: Argentina. I want to experience the food, the culture and the tango.
Q: What is your favorite Spanish movie?
A: “El Mar a Dentro.” I loved that movie.
Q: Who is your favorite Hispanic actor/actress?
A: Currently I like Antonio Banderas’ work, but an older actor I admire is Alain Delon. I also like Salma Hayek and Javier Bardem from “El Mar a Dentro.”
Q: If you were a contestant on “Survivor,” what one thing would you bring that you can’t live without?
A: Coffee.
Q: What is your favorite Spanish song?
A: I’m not good with favorites; I like too many. One of my favorites is “Sin Ti.”
Q: Do you have any advice for your students?
A: Sometimes students don’t realize all the opportunities. They should take advantage of them at all times, especially cultural activities, symphonies, ballet and theater. All have student discount prices.
Q: What was the hardest part about college for you?
A: Those pesky tests.
Q: What is your favorite Spanish-speaking country to visit?
A: That would have to be Mexico. It is the only Spanish-speaking country I have visited, but I hope to know more.
Q: What was it like living abroad?
A: Fantastic, life-changing and mind-opening. It was great. I loved learning how to navigate in a place that speaks a different language.
Q: Anything else you want the students to know about you?
A: I’m a kick-butt Scrabble player. I have a set in Spanish and English.
Police Notes
Oct. 3, 5:43 p.m.- A student reported the theft of an unattended cell phone in O’Conner Sports Center.
Oct. 5, 8:36 a.m.- A physical plant employee reported the theft of two recycling bins and one trash can from University Drive.
Oct. 7, 12:45 a.m.- Two students found lying on Dana Avenue were cited for underage intoxication.
Oct. 7, 1:51 a.m.- A student observed urinating in the O’Conner parking lot was cited for indecency and underage consumption.
Oct. 7, 3:50 a.m.- Officers investigating an alarm in Schmidt Fieldhouse found a non-student in the building and sent the suspect on his way.
Oct. 7, 12:12 p.m.- Campus Police assisted a charter bus stuck near the entrance to the O’Conner Sports Center, which caused minor damage to the landscaping and the pavement.
Oct. 7, 3:10 p.m.- A student reported a hit and run accident in the R-1 lot.
Oct. 8, 2:15 p.m.- A student reported that his rear window had been broken in the R-2 lot.
Oct. 8, 9:00 p.m.- A non-student who was a suspect in an off campus robbery was escorted off campus by police.
Oct. 10, 2:09 a.m.- Cincinnati Fire and Rescue transported a student with possible alcohol poisoning to Good SamaritanHospital. Two other students were cited with underage consumption.
Oct. 11, 5:40 p.m.- A non-student driving on Victory Parkway reported that his front windshield was broken by a baseball flying off the field.
Oct. 12, 2:20 p.m.- A student reported the theft of an unattended wallet from the third floor of the library. A suspect was seen leaving the area very quickly, but was never identified.
Oct. 13, 1:18 a.m.- A contract employee working in Alter and Hailstones halls reported major water damage to the buildings caused by a break in a water main.
Oct. 14, 2:36 a.m.- A contract employee reported minor damage to Schott Hall caused by a leak in a coffee machine.
Oct. 14, 3:20 p.m.- A student returning from fall break discovered the door to his bedroom in the Village had been damaged. There were no signs of theft or forced entry.
Police Note of the Week
Oct 8. 8:48 p.m.- A student returning from an event off campus reported that his car had been struck by three bullets while driving through Oak and Stanton streets in Walnut Hills.
Katie Rosenbaum
Campus News Editor
Shantytown
Shantytown begins Sunday, Oct. 21. This year’s theme is “Global Village: Our World, Our Homes.” Groups can build their shanties from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21. As part of Shantytown, there will be a VegOut at the Dorothy Day house at 5 p.m on Monday, Oct. 22 and a cookout on the greenspace from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The Shantytown board will also present the movie “City of Joy,” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in Kelley Auditorium and speaker Donald Whitehead, Hamilton County coroner, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 in Kelley Auditorium. For more information contact Lauren Grove at grovel@xavier.edu.
Lunch discussion
Dr. Kathleen Simons, Associate Provost for Student Life and Leadership is hosting a meet and talk, “Take it to the ‘Mat’” on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 12-1 p.m. in the cafeteria. Students are invited to ask questions, raise concerns and propose new ideas. Students not on a meal plan can call 745-3166 to arrange for a meal pass.
Scholarship brunch
The Rho Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host the Third Annual Rebecca Sewell-Cummings Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Historic Vernon Manor Hotel. Tickets will be on sale beginning Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Student tickets are $10 and non-student tickets are $15. Please contact Shonda Daniels at rhoxi4dst@hotmail.com for more information.
Bengals football
The Athletic Training Club will be selling raffle tickets for a signed Bengals football from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria this week. The ball is signed by Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh. Tickets are $1each or 6 for $5. Call Katie Rapking at (513) 218-1828 or email rapkingkm@xavier.edu for more information.
Greece trip
There will be an informational session about a study abroad trip to Greece in summer 2008 on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the 10th floor of Schott Hall. Courses in fine arts, theology, social science and economics will be offered on the trip, so come learn more about how crossing borders can change the way you live. Contact Ed Cueva at x1931 or email cueva@xavier.edu for more information.
Dance Marathon
There will be Dance Marathon informational sessions held on Wednesday, Oct. 17 and Thursday Oct. 18, at 9:30 p.m. on the second floor of the GSC in the SGA office. There will be free pizza for all who attend. For more information, contact xudm@xu.edu.
Halloween Haunt
In celebration of Halloween, the Student Activities Council is sponsoring a trip to the Halloween Haunt at Kings Island on Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Most rides will be open and there will be haunted attractions to view. Tickets are only $10 and will be sold Oct. 17-19 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Gallagher. Contact SAC for more information at x3534 or IM: whatsupwithsac.
Noon music
The Xavier University Department of Music will host a Music at Noon concert on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at noon in Long Recital Hall. Violinist You-na Doh and Xavier student Brittany MacWilliams will be featured. For more information contact tatmant@xavier.edu or call x3801.
Manresa Core
There will be an informational session on how to become a part of the Manresa Core team on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m. in room 214 in the GSC. The Manresa Core 2007 will be discussing the benefits and responsibilities of Core. These information sessions are open to students who have previously participated as Manresa Orientation Team members. Position descriptions and applications will be available at the information session. Contact busamla@xavier.edu or call x4879 for more information.
GBLTA-Z
The Xavier Alliance will be hosting an interactive presentation entitled “Everything I Should Have Known, But Nobody Bothered to Teach Me” on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in room 214 of the GSC. The presentation will focus on the basics of the GLBT community, such as common terms, stereotypes and assumptions. This event is part one of the Xavier University Safe Zone program. For more information, contact xualliance@xavier.edu or call x8887.
E/RS lecture
There will be a lecture entitled “Women’s Future in Afghanistan” as part of the E/RS lecture series ‘Ethics and Globalization’ on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Schiff Family Conference Center. Farooka Gauhari will be speaking. For more information, contact ersxavier@yahoo.com or call x3279.
