Student facing assault charges after fight
Kathryn Rosenbaum
News Editor
Xavier freshman Kevin Burns was charged with felony assault after he hit sophomore Nate Wynveen in the head with a glass beer mug on the corner of Cleneay and Montgomery Avenues at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 according to a police report filed in Norwood.
The incident began when Wynveen denied Burns entry into his residence, the police reported. Wynveen said that he did not want Burns in his house at 1932 Cleneay Ave. because he didn’t know Burns’ reasons for wanting to be in the house.
After telling Burns to leave, Wynveen and his housemates were walking to a party towards campus when they saw Burns in the street.
Burns approached Wynveen and words were exchanged. Burns then hit Wynveen in the head with a mug which caused a deep gash in Wyveen’s forehead, said Sean Marron, a witness and one of Wyveen’s housemates.
Patrick Foley, who also lives with Wynveen, tried to chase after Burns, and Burns attempted to hit him with pieces of broken glass, said Foley.
Wynveen was conscious after the assault and started walking back to his house. He then passed out on the sidewalk because of blood loss, he said.
An ambulance came to the scene, but he was taken to the hospital by friends and received 60 stitches: three layers of 20 stitches. The gash was so deep that Wynveen “could feel the bone with his hand,” said Wynveen.
Foley said he reported the incident to Campus Police, and that they called Norwood Police. He also found the broken beer mug on the ground and turned it over to Campus Police.
Burns was arrested at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Gallagher Student Center and was charged with felony assault.
A grand jury will meet Wednesday, Oct. 1, regarding this case, said Detective Jeff Kilby of Norwood Police.
Prior to this incident, Burns and Wynveen met at a party through a mutual friend, but did not have much interaction with each other.
Burns declined to comment on the incident.
More information will be released once the grand jury meets.
‘NY Times’ columnist adresses Xavier students, faculty
Andrew Chestnut
Editorial Columnist
nytimes.com
Gail Collins was the first woman editor of the New York Times Editorial ssection. She is also the author of a book called “America’s Women: Four Hundred Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines.”
Gail Collins, bi-weekly columnist for the New York Times and former editor of the Editorials section, was at Xavier Sept. 29 to hold a discussion entitled “The Media and the 2008 Presidential Election.”
Collins, born and raised in Cincinnati, was the first woman editor of the Times Editorials section.
“Here is a woman who has broken many glass ceilings telling students that they hold media’s future and the country’s,” said Dr. Indra de Silva, chair of the Communications department, the host of the event. “This is someone from Cincinnati, [who] received a Jesuit education and look where she is today. Her career and the political fire in her belly can be contagious and I hope it is.”
A mixture of students and faculty attended the Q-and-A-style lecture, which guided the notable media authority through a variety of topics. Collins used her experience in the media to remark on the following subjects:
The changing nature of journalism
Collins readily noted the ways in which the Internet was changing the news industry.
She said that an entirely new art form of “web-writing” will imminently
be created by the college generation because we have grown up reading online
content. Collins had few ideas on how this new “style” would be
different than today’s print style but insisted it would be vastly different
and prevalent.
Objective vs. opinionated reporting
The shift from print readership to online readership has allowed newspapers
to see what parts of papers consumers are really reading.
They have found that opinion and editorial sections of papers are much more popular than previously thought.
Collins credited this finding to the fact that opinioned writing, her forté, is more contentious, dramatic and “fun,” pointing to the popularity of Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert as examples. She also said that usually “readers seek out opinion pieces that reinforce their own opinions.”
The 2008 presidential election
Collins, who has covered many elections, adamantly expressed her belief that
this election is the “best” she has been a part of, even calling
it the most important story she has reported on, for many reasons, including
the election is completely open, with no incumbent presidents or vice presidents
running, thus there will be no continuity from the past.
Furthermore, the possibility of the first woman executive was raised by Sen. Hillary Clinton, and quickly reintroduced by the almost completely unknown Gov. Sarah Palin.
“When is the last time we were excited for a vice presidential debate?” Collins said, referring to the debate between Palin and Sen. Joe Biden slated for Thursday, October 2 at 9 p.m.
The possibility of Sen. Barack Obama becoming the first African-American president
is another interesting element emerging in this election.
Collins referenced a recent AP-Yahoo News study that found deep-seated racial
misgivings give Sen. Obama a handicap of 2 to 3 percentage points.
When asked which candidate would be “better” for the news business if elected, Collins answered Sen. John McCain. “He is a new story every day,” she said, adding, “Obama is very steady and predictable.”
Advice for aspiring writers and journalists
Collins advised hopeful journalists of the future to find something they are
interested in, and to communicate their beliefs on that topic. Focus on that
thing you care about, she said, and write about it. The journalistic skills
will develop, but there has to be a field that you want to communicate, something
you care about, to inspire you.
For budding writers, Collins’ advice was simple: “Write all the time.”
SGA unfazed by lackluster Senate election
Meghan Berneking
Asst. Campus News Editor
The Student Government Association elections seemed to pass by many students without notice; just under 500 ballots were cast. Questions have developed regarding student interest in elections and the effort made to publicize the candidates, voting dates and times.
There were no changes from last fall’s senate elections, said Katy Baldwin, Chair of the Board of Elections. “This election was run to the letter exactly like the past fall senate elections. All registered students (part time, full time, undergraduate, graduate and adult students) were eligible to vote, and could do so via their MYXU portal account. This is true of all Student Government elections.”
“This election is usually the lowest for voter turnout every year, due to the fact that most upperclassmen feel that voting for first year students is of little concern to them. In fact, they are electing members to serve on student senate, which affects the entire student body, which is why all students are eligible to vote,” said Baldwin.
Last fall marked the first election to use online balloting and saw a voter turnout closer to 900. “I would take this year’s low voter turnout as a fluke,” said Baldwin.
Advertisements promoting the elections, “included signs in the [Gallagher Student Center] atrium as well as the [cafeteria], fliers in the Residence Halls and all throughout Alter and other academic buildings, portal announcements and even the use of promotional mouse pads in all the computer labs on campus,” said Baldwin.
“If there was low voter turnout, it was due to lack of interest rather than lack of trying on SGA’s part, although it is necessary to assess the level that we reach out to students to cultivate that interest,” said Baldwin. “I am anticipating a larger push for promotions in future elections.”
Additionally, the candidates put out their own personal promotions. Although signs typically litter the academic mall during SGA election seasons, few scattered the mall this year.
This noticeable lack of campaigning is not a result of any rule changes regarding campaigning, according to Baldwin. “The rules have not changed in that capacity, although my enforcement of the rules has become more strict in terms of accountability and transparency of financial records in the budget,” she said.
Much publicity seemed to have taken place via word of mouth. “Most of what I did was just talk to as many people as I could,” said Taryn Buckley, newly elected senator. “I think that [those running] did a pretty decent job of campaigning, especially considering that we had no idea what to expect. We were coming into a new environment, and I think we did well with the amount of time and resources we had.”
“I feel as if there was a wide-range of types of campaigning done by first-year students, though not a lot. There were signs up on the academic mall, there were candidates who canvassed during the allotted time, and there were others who spread their campaign by word of mouth, but it was not extraordinarily intense,” said Liza Magley, another newly elected senator.
Regardless of the number of ballots cast, the results came in as usual. According to the results posted on the MYXU portal, CJ Moreland received the most votes with 209. Taryn Buckley came in just behind with 206 votes, followed by Liza Magley and Arzell West-Estell with 186 and 177 votes, respectively. Jason Westerheide, who received 176 votes, fell just one vote short of gaining a senate seat. The poll question, which asked, “Are you in favor of implementing Greek life at Xavier?” received 210 in support, and 185 against.
SGA’s Senate Coordinator Esteban Gamboa remarked on the possible realization of Greek life at Xavier.
“The result was 210 to 185. That is a very split decision. We will probably debate it to see if it’s worth pursuing.” The same question appeared two years ago on the spring ballot, and the majority of students voted against Greek life.
“The things we want to get behind most are things a greater majority of the student body is behind. We could only make a suggestion to the administration. They would make the final call,” said Gamboa. An official elections report will be available by next Monday’s senate meeting, which is open to the student body, according to Baldwin.
As for the newly elected senators, getting their feet wet in SGA first seems to be key. “Since everything at Xavier is so new, I am just excited to get involved and be a voice for other students. I look forward to listening to what people have to say and doing my best to speak for them!” said Magley.
“Being new to senate is a rush and I’m still soaking it all in. I’m still learning the whole process of the meetings and how everything works. Once I get more settled and learn the ropes and talk to my peers, I will be able to know more of what kind of changes I would like to implement here,” said Buckley.
Robert Clay settling in as Director of Multicultural Affairs
Amy Windhorst
Campus News Editor
The Student Government Association elections seemed to pass by many students without notice; just under 500 ballots were cast. Questions have developed regarding student interest in elections and the effort made to publicize the candidates, voting dates and times.
There were no changes from last fall’s senate elections, said Katy Baldwin, Chair of the Board of Elections. “This election was run to the letter exactly like the past fall senate elections. All registered students (part time, full time, undergraduate, graduate and adult students) were eligible to vote, and could do so via their MYXU portal account. This is true of all Student Government elections.”
Robert Clay is the new Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. He recently worked as the Director of Intercultural Programs at Slippery Rock University.
Fall semester has seen many new faces arriving at Xavier, one of which is Mr. Robert Clay.
Clay, who hails from an extensive background in student affairs, has filled the position of Director at the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).
“I went to a predominately white college where the recruitment and retention of students of color was low,” said Clay.
“As an undergraduate student I was afforded the opportunity to assist with the programs designed to address these concerns.”
This program began a career of cultural advocacy, which he, “eventually fell in love with.” Since then, Clay has served in roles at colleges in Michigan and Illinois promoting diversity.
Most recently, he worked as the Assistant Director of Intercultural Programs at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
Clay arrived at Xavier seeking a new opportunity. “The Jesuit tradition and culture of Xavier was very appealing,” said Clay.
As the new Director of OMA, Clay’s role will be to provide appropriate programs and services and to promote diversity in all aspects of the Xavier community.
OMA works directly with various organizations around campus, including the Division of Student Life and Leadership and Academic Affairs, collaborating to bring multicultural student organizations together to enhance diversity awareness.
For now, Clay is at work coordinating annual OMA events such as Smooth Transitions, the Ernest Just Society, the Women of Color Luncheon and is assisting the Black Student Association with the Antonio Johnson Scholarship Gala.
He is also interested in starting new initiatives to reach alumni of color. One such venture is this year’s Spring Fling, which will take place on April 19-26, 2009.
Students interested in multicultural affairs can attend OMA’s upcoming panel, titled “Latino, Hispanic, Chicano...What’s So Different?”
The panel will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6 in the Clocktower Lounge, and will be moderated by Mr. Ricardo Nazario y Colón, the Director of Diversity Programs at Western Kentucky University.
Like many other OMA programs, this event will “provide shared learning opportunities designed to increase awareness, acquire knowledge and develop competencies that will strengthen our campus community, broaden our understanding of diversity and promote mutual respect and multicultural sensitivity,” said Clay.
OMA also hosts First Fridays. This is an opportunity to get to know the staff, programs and services of OMA through food and fellowship. The next First Friday is taking place this week Oct. 3, 2008.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is located in room 280 in Gallagher Student Center.
Police Notes
Sept. 22, 7:12 a.m. — An employee reported a sink handle and a soap dispenser missing from a third floor restroom in the Gallagher Student Center. Lightbulbs were also missing from the first floor movie marquee.
Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. — A contract employee reported the theft of computer software from the bookstore.
Sept. 24, 1:09 p.m. — A non-student attempting to remove scrap metal from the Norwood Café lot was issued a trespass warning letter and sent on his or her way.
Sept. 24, 2:07 p.m. — Campus Police responded to the caf for a student discharging pepper spray forcing students to leave the building. The student was identified and referred to Dr. Smith for possible disciplinary action.
Sept. 25, 3:54 p.m. — A student reported the theft of a bicycle which was locked to a tree in front of Alter Hall.
Note: Over the past ten days, four bicycles have been stolen from the academic and residential malls. A tool of some kind is being used to cut the locks. Campus Police encourages students to protect their bikes by using a solid metal horseshoe lock. Please report any unusual persons or activity immediately to Campus Police, 745-1000.
Sept. 26, 1:48 a.m. —A student was cited for disorderly conduct while intoxicated near the chapel. A second student was cited for underage consumption. At 2:55 a.m., the same student cited for disorderly conduct was arrested after becoming beligerant towards officers and attempting to get into the driver’s seat of a police cruiser.
Sept. 26, 8:34 a.m. — An employee turned in a purse found in a trash can in a fourth floor restroom of the Commons. The owner was notified.
Sept. 26, 4:46 p.m. — A student reported the catalytic converter stolen from his or her vehicle parked in the Village lot over the past week.
Sept. 27, 3:25 a.m. — Campus Police assisted Norwood Police with a student lying in the street on Mentor Ave. The student was arrested by Norwood Police for underage consumption of alcohol and prohibited acts.
Sept. 27, 9:25 a.m. — Campus Police and Norwood Police investigated a report of a student sleeping in a vehicle of a Norwood resident on Webster Ave. and attempting to enter the resident’s address without permission. The student was arrested by Norwood Police for criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Sept. 27, 6:55 p.m. — A resident assistant on rounds reported that unknown subjects threw eggs on the first and fourth floor walls of Kuhlman. Physical Plant was notified.
Sept. 28, 1:43 a.m. — Two students observed staggering down Ledgewood Ave. and the greenspace were cited for underage consumption and were transported back the their rooms. A third subject (a non-student juvenile from Louisville, Ky.) was cited for underage consumption and was released to his or her parents who responded from Louisville to pick up the subject.
Sept. 28, 4:17 a.m. — Two intoxicated students yelling at vehicles on the residential mall were cited for underage consumption and failing to cooperate with university officials. The students stated that they did not have their identification on them when, in fact, they did.
Sept. 28, 4:33 a.m. — A student who ran from officers and attempted to shove a beer down the front of his or her pants near the Cintas Center was cited for underage consumption.
Sept. 28, 8:26 a.m. — An employee reported that someone attempted to remove a light from the stone pillar at the entrance of University Dr.
Police Note of the Week
Sept. 28, 3:35 a.m. — Campus Police and Norwood Police cited two students fighting on the ground on Montgomery Rd. in front of Captain D’s for disorderly conduct while intoxicated. A third student was cited for underage consumption. All three were transported back to Brockman Hall.
