To see great retirement
Stephanie Metz
Assistant Campus News Editor
cfpublic.xu.edu
Dr. Richard Hirté
Dr. J. Richard Hirté, senior Vice President of the Financial Administration Office, is leaving his position at the end of this year, but will continue to teach finance courses at the Williams College of Business.
Hirté has worked at Xavier since 1983 and has seen many changes at Xavier since then. “The place he joined in 1983 was very different from the place he is leaving now at the end of 2007,” said President Fr. Graham, S.J.
Hirté oversees a wide range of components at Xavier, from financial management to construction planning and campus police.
Hirté oversaw the growth of Xavier’s endowment from about $8 million in 1983 to approximately $125 million today. Hirté also participated in raising the funds needed for Cintas Center and the renovation of the University Center into the Gallagher Student Center.
The Xavier campus itself has grown from approximately 34 acres in 1983 to 134 acres today. Additionally, during his 24 years of service, Hirté created over $57 million in surplus that was reinvested in the university. Fr. Graham believes that all of these changes were “differences Richard was central in making” happen.
“Dr. Hirté has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Xavier students by facilitating the acquisition of resources to meet student needs,” said Dr. Luther Smith, Dean of Students.
Hirté has managed both the $30 million Cornerstone Campaign and the $100 million Century Campaign.
These pivotal campaigns transformed the look of Xavier’s campus to attract prospective students. “A large part of people deciding to come here or not is the touch and feel of the place. Is this a nice place where they want to live or work?,” said Hirté. “For a while, people here weren’t making the investment in the infrastructure.”
Hirte’s management of Xavier’s financial sector has changed the campus in lasting ways. Hirté also began the $200 million “To See Great Wonders Campaign,” which is the campaign to build the the Hoff Academic Quad and Xavier Square, among other projects.
Roger Fortin, Academic Vice President and Provost attests to the dedicated service Hirté has provided to Xavier during his time here and the impact it has had. “I have known Richard since his arrival at Xavier. His dedication, focus and leadership, especially in the financial area, helped transform Xavier into a viable national university,” said Fortin.
Top stories of the semester
Patrick Stevenson
Editor-in-Chief
1.That’s a lot of money:
The story: While it’s going to be a long time (if ever) before we know
all the details about this case, we know the main details. Two Xavier professors
in the Communication Arts department have sued Xavier University for millions
of dollars in damages for gender discrimination, defamation and breach of contract,
among other charges. As expected, Xavier has not responded to the charges, which
are rather scathing. It’d be irresponsible and unethical to speculate
on how this lawsuit will affect Xavier, but one can’t help but think that
this isn’t going away quietly.
The lesson: Since the parties in the case apparently are not going to talk to the press, we’d like them to find alternative ways to say “no comment” just to keep it interesting. Try saying it in a different language like Spanish (“ningún comentario”). Or try non-verbal responses, like pretending you are a deaf-mute, or breathing heavily into the phone without saying anything. Let your imagination run wild!
2.We’re taking our concert and going home!:
The story: The Newswire runs a story about the lack of a Fall Concert in early
September, SAC says they’ve never announced a concert that early (they
have). SAC tries to book John Legend and Jimmy Eat World, but can’t. The
Newswire runs an article in late October that involves an altered quote from
a SAC member. SAC gets mad (justifiably so), and in early November claims that
they were “willing and able to provide a fall concert, but made the conscious
decision not to do so, in exchange for the possibility of more popular acts
in the future.” Well, I guess anyone is more popular than the Wreckers.
The lesson: Tell the truth. There’s a lot of misrepresentation of facts going on here (on the part of both parties), and no one’s benefiting from it.
3. Xavier closes bar tab, leaves 200 percent tip:
The story: After Xavier bought the Norwood Café (“the Woods”)
in May, speculation rages as to when Charles Manson’s favorite watering
hole would finally shut down. The bar remains open until September, when it
very quietly closes, with minimal fanfare. Xavier, which snapped up the liquor
license as well, is expected to preserve the Woods’ famous cherry wood
bar, possibly in a new Xavier owned and operated bar.
The lesson: Foolproof get rich quick plan: Own property near Xavier. Sell property to Xavier at ridiculously high markup. Enjoy newfound wealth.
4.The Thought Police suspend the first amendment:
The story: In a series of events that certain Newswire staffers (ahem) took
rather personally, the department of Residence Life determined it was wise to
hide copies of the Newswire from public view during Manresa because of references
to underage drinking. In the coming weeks, the SAC finances and promotes screenings
of the movies “Knocked Up” (which contains many references to marijuana
use), and “Superbad” (a movie about underage drinking) in the Gallagher
Student Center.
The lesson: It’s completely ok to reference underage drinking and drug use, as long as there aren’t parents around.
5. I’ll have a scotch and soda, hold the scotch:
In the wake of an apparent increase in alcohol policy enforcement, hysterical
students make the assumption that Xavier will become a dry campus in a matter
of years. School administrators debunk this story, but acknowledge that policies
are being more strictly enforced this year and will get stricter in years to
come. So while those students who think prohibition is coming to Xavier are
clearly overreacting, it seems that alcohol policy enforcement has definitely
been expanded.
The lesson: Administrators need to better explain changes in policy enforcement, especially when it’s something as sensitive as the alcohol policy. At the same time, students need to stop spreading unsubstantiated rumor as fact.
6. I want to learn how to blow up stuff with my mind:
The story: Repeated delays in the demolition of the Zumbiel Plant have left
it still towering over the landscape of Xavier. The demolition of Zumbiel, which
will likely serve as the visual beginning of Xavier’s campus expansion,
was originally scheduled for October and pushed backed until January. Xavier
is reasonably sure that the the implosion will take place the morning of Jan.
19, 2008.
The lesson: I’m no expert in demolition technology, but I’m not so sure waiting for a building to fall down by itself is the best demolition method to use. I’d try dynamite. Lots of dynamite.
Car thief runs amok
Elizabeth Sullivan
Assistant Campus News Editor
Erika Breese
A student’s car was stolen and an abandoned stolen car was found in the Woodburn lot, Wednesday, Dec. 5.
The student reported at about 2 a.m. that their blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera was stolen. Campus Police suspected that the car was stolen after the lot closed at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, but another student reported finding broken automobile glass in the lot prior to 11 p.m.
The abandoned car, reported missing to Cincinnati Police on Tuesday, Dec. 4, was also an Oldsmobile. Campus Police found it in the lot with substantial damaged to the steering column and a missing rear passenger window.
The officer checking the lot noticed the pile of shattered glass and suspected a car was stolen, but it was not confirmed until the student called and reported that his or her car was stolen.
Campus Police put out a bulletin to all area police about the missing car, and it was recovered the next day by Cincinnati Police in the downtown area.
It is suspected that both cars had been stolen for joyriding and were only used until they ran out of gas.
Police do not belive that there is a connection between this theft and the recent thefts of catalytic converters.
Campus Police have been making extra patrols of the Woodburn lot since the incident, but are encouraging students not to park there after 11 p.m., which is when the lot closes.
The Woodburn lot is an “area of concern” to Campus Police, and that it closes at 11 p.m. for the safety of all students, said Lt. Bill Smith.
Police Notes
Dec. 3, 8:25 p.m.- Campus Police and Residence Life investigated a roommate dispute in a residence hall.
Dec. 4, 1:29 a.m.- A student observed taking a boot off of his or her vehicle was cited for disorderly behavior.
Dec. 4, 10:35 p.m.- Campus Police and Residence Life conducted a room search in a residence hall and recovered alcohol and contraband.
Dec. 5, 8:51 p.m.- A student attending a men’s basketball game at Cintas Center was cited for underage possession of alcohol and possession of a fake ID.
Dec. 5, 10:30 p.m.- A non-student soliciting money near the lower entrance of the Gallagher Center was sent off campus.
Dec. 6, 10:48 p.m.- An employee reported receiving a harassing phone call.
Dec. 6, 1:50 p.m.- A student reported that his or her wallet had been stolen at an off-campus house party on Potter Street.
Dec. 8, 10:28 a.m.- A student was cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
Dec. 8, 10:46 p.m.- Campus Police assisted Residence Life in attempting to locate a student who fled a residence hall after RAs attempted to stop the student while carrying alcohol. The student was later identified and is facing disciplinary action.
Dec. 9, 12:02 a.m.- Three students carrying open containers were cited for underage consumption in the Sycamore lot.
Dec. 9, 12:22 a.m.- A student who fell in the Elet lot was cited for underage consumption after officers stopped to check on him or her. The student admitted that he or she had been drinking at an off-campus house party on Dana Avenue.
Dec. 9, 2:28 a.m.- Officers checking on the well being of two students in the lobby of Flynn Hall cited the students for underage consumption after detecting the strong odor of alcohol.
Dec. 9, 2:31 a.m.- A student observed staggering through the grass and falling in the Commons lot was cited for underage consumption.
Dec. 9, 4:18 a.m.- Cincinnati Police arrested a student who assaulted another student earlier in the evening at a residence on Dana Avenue.
Dec. 9, 9:06 a.m.- A Physical Plant employee reported that someone had driven in the grass on the residential mall and caused damage.
Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m.- A non-student parked improperly in the Amory lot was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Dec. 10, 2:15 a.m.- An officer on patrol checked on the well being of two students arguing in front of a residence hall. Both students were sent on their ways.
Police Note of the Week
Dec. 2, 2:15 a.m.- Cincinnati Police requested Campus Police
assistance at a house party on Dana Avenue. Two students were cited to court
for having disorderly house ordinance violations, and one student was arrested
for obstructing official business after giving officers a false identity. One
underage student who was passed out inside the residence had to be revived with
smelling salts by Cincinnati Fire and Rescue, and was transported back to their
residence for further observation.
Security Bulletin from Campus Police
The Xavier University Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred on Winding Way in front of the Armory.
The victim, a Xavier University student, said she was approached at about 10:15 p.m. on Dec. 10. by a white male, approximately 5’10” to 6’ tall, in his 20s, with a muscular build, wearing a dark or black jacket with a hood pulled over his head The subject forced the victim to the ground and touched her inappropriately. He fled after her cell phone rang.
The suspect was last seen in the area of Winding Way and Marion Avenue.
Katie Rosenbaum
Campus News Editor
Memory tree
Colleges Against Cancer will be selling Christmas Ornaments that will be personalized “In Honor” and “In Memory” of those who have battled cancer. Ornaments will be on sale 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12 in Gallagher. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Please contact Juliane schmidtjr@xavier.edu with any questions.
Off-campus safety
Campus Police would like to remind students that over holiday breaks off campus burglaries occur more frequently. Officers suggest that students living off- campus should take home all their valuables, including electronics, over the Christmas break. Off- campus residents should also make sure that all windows and doors are tightly secured before they leave, and that their mail is stopped or forwarded to another address.
Coat drive
Please help keep the women at the Bethany Shelter in Washington, D.C.warm this winter by donating extra coats, gloves, hats and scarves to homeless women in need. All donations can be dropped off at the Women’s Center until Dec. 19. All donations are appreciated. For more information contact Dr. Gillian Ahlgren, ahlgren@xavier.edu or call x4247.
Manresa applications
Applications for staff and group leader positions for Manresa: Xavier’s New Student Orientation are currently available. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 to the Office of Student Involvement. If you are studying abroad for the spring semester, your application is due by 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14. For more information, contact Leah Busam Klenowski at busamla@xavier.edu or call x4879.
Broadway in Cincinnati
Reservations are open for “Sweeney Todd,” “The Color Purple”
and “Jersey Boys.” Payment must accompany reservation. Contact Pam
Rose at x3464 for more information.
Sweeney Todd: Sunday, Feb. 24, Balcony $25.25, Orchestra $39.25
The Color Purple: Sunday, April 20, Balcony $49.25, Orchestra $71.75
Jersey Boys: Sunday, May 25, Balcony $54.25, Orchestra $79.25
