COMMUTER STUDENTS

I AM GOING TO PARTICIPATING IN THE COMMENCEMENT CERIMONIES THIS MAY. I WILL BE GRADUATING FROM THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING. MY QUESTION IS HOW ARE COMMUTING STUDENTS SUCH AS MYSELF, KEPT INFORMED OF INFORMATION REGARDING THESE FESTIVITIES. I HAVE NOT RECIEVED ANY INFORMATION FROM ANY ONE WITHIN MY SCHOOL OR THE COLLEGE IN GENERAL. I WAS TOLD IN JANUARY TO FILE A DIPLOMA CARD AND NOTHING SINCE THEN. I HAPPENED TO STUMBLE ONTO THE OFFICE OF CAMPUS PROGRAMS' WEB SITE ONLY TO LEARN I SHOULD HAVE SHOULD HAVE RENTED REGALIA FROM THE BOOK STORE FROM FEB 25TH TO MAR 1ST. THIS CONCERNS ME AND LEADS ME TO THINK, WHAT ELSE HAVE I MISSED? THERE IS A FINITE NUMBER OF PERSONS GRADUATING EACH YEAR AND I AM CONCERNED THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN CONTACTED ONCE CONCERNING THE COMMENCEMENT CERIMONIES, REQUIREMENTS, CONCERNS AND ANY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. I HAVE MANAGED TO FIND YOUR WEB SITE FOR CLASS OF 2002 COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION AFTER COUNTLESS SEARCHES FOR THIS INFORMATION. IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THE RESPOSIBLE PART COULD AT LEAST INFORM THOSE WHO ARE TO BE GRADUATING OF THIS WEB SITE. I DO NOT LIVE ON CAMPUS, I WORK ALMOST FULL TIME AND THEREFORE HAVE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LEVEL OF SOCIAL INTERACTION THAT AN AVERAGE DORM STUDENT MIGHT HAVE. I AM NOT THE ONLY STUDENT IN THIS SITUATION AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LEVEL OF DISASSOCIATION FROM THE SCHOOL AND EVENTS ON CAMPUS THAT OTHERS LIKE ME FELL AS WELL. NOW AT THE END OF MY TERM AT THE UNIVERSITY, I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE MY EXPERIENCE HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY AS THAT OF HAVING ANOTHER JOB IN, WHICH I COMMUTE TO AND FROM EACH DAY, RATHER THAN A LIFE EXPERIENCE. I REALIZE THAT BEING A COMMUTER STUDENT HAS, AS ITS SIDE EFFECTS, A CERTAIN DISTANCE FROM REGULAR CAMPUS LIFE HOWEVER WITH ENROLLMENT ON THE RISE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING SHRINKING PROPORTIONATLEY, THIS IS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE A GROWING TREND. A BETTER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION (I AM REFERING TO THE SCARCE INFORMATION ABOUT A CLUB OR GROUP OF CUMMUTING STUDENT ON CAMPUS THAT MANY LIKE MY SELF KNOW LITTLE ABOUT AND HAVE LIMITED OPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND) AND OUTREACH TO THOSE OF US WHO COMMUTE IS DESPERATELY NEEDED.
RAYMOND CURTIS
703.670.5012

The System

(Joshua Beall: 410-647-2927, Philosophy PreLaw Major, Student Justice - Judicial Branch)

"Oh how I marvel at the wonderful Catholic University of America's Housing System. A system set up with little real student rights. A system designed to play favorites, yield little student rights, and above all a system with no customer satisfaction. Every one of us pays to live at this University in some way or another, should there not be certain guarantees that come with this providing of services? The System set up at Catholic is akin to a totalitarian regime. If you do not like the ones in charge, please beware, you may be the one targeted for extermination (or a much worse fate, become a part of the black list of those in power). Many people living at the University may say what are you talking about? I have not had any problem. Well, that is because you do not disagree with the System, raise questions about the System, and, dare I say, "defy" the System. You luckily have stayed away from the System (or perhaps are a part of it), but how long will this last for you? When will it be your time?
One would believe that in a professional institution such as the System there would be little room for personal bias and the flickers of hatred for other people. In a perfect world this would be true, but of course we are all human. However, this is no excuse for the type of treatment students have received here at Catholic University by the System. I have personally witnessed the twisting of University Rules for the personal biases of those in charge, the breakdown of University Procedure when problems occur, and the trampling of student rights that should be inherent in any University.
I blame this problem, however, not on the system, but on the students here at Catholic University. This system must have gone on for years, trampling over the voices of the oppressed silenced with its heavy weight. An onerous snowballing effect has now formed from the continuation of the System without any opposition. Why has there been no interest groups seeking rights for students? Why has there been no one strong enough to challenge the system and raise legitimate questions to its authority and seek possible alternatives to make for a better living situation for everyone concerned? It is because of the complaisant nature of those on campus. No one would dare challenge the status quo. Well, I suspect that the time for change is in the air given the recent debacle plastered on the front page of the Tower last week and the Washington Post's Metro section.
I propose an active interest be taken by students to preserve their rights and to ensure the possibility for them to voice displeasure with the System they are subjected to. The natural voice for this interest would be that of the Judicial Branch in conjunction with the rest of the Student Government. We must begin to scrutinize the practices of the System, look to the problems of it, address them, and produce productive alternatives. No change is possible, however, without the backing of the student population. Many of you probably know little about the system and how it works (or fails to work in many instances), but ignorance is the best weapon of complaisance. I urge everyone to look out for information about how you can become involved in this vested interest. It is not too late to reclaim some semblance of our rights and let those in power know that there are things to be changed."

Softball On Three-Game Roll

The softball team extended its winning streak to three games with a sweep of a doubleheader against Villa Julie College on Saturday, as the Cardinals pulled even at 5-5 for the season. The Cardinals dominated nearly every possible aspect of the games Saturday afternoon, winning the opener 8-0, and the nightcap 9-1.

Coming off a 10-0 shutout of Becker College, the Cardinals’ offense picked up right where it left off. Catholic took advantage of poor fielding by Villa Julie to score two runs in the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Kate Moshier hit a two-RBI single to score junior Jessica Payne and freshman Caryn Kata, both of whom had advanced into scoring position on passed balls by Villa Julie’s catcher.

Leading 3-0 going into the fifth inning, the Cards put the game out of reach thanks to two homers by Payne, who had a solo shot in the fifth and a three-run blast in the sixth.

Junior pitcher Kristen Werdann threw a four-hit shutout, striking out four and walking only one. Villa Julie didn’t have any real scoring opportunities, as none of their runners made it past first base. Werdann leads the Cards with a 3-1 pitching record.

As sloppy as the play was by Villa Julie in the first game, their performance in the second was even worse. Catholic managed only four hits to Villa Julie’s three, yet outscored them 9-1, thanks primarily to 13 walks and five stolen bases. Moshier gave up only one run in five innings, and struck out three, lowering her E.R.A to 1.38, tops on the team. The offensive attack was more balanced, as eight different players had at least one hit and one walk.

The sweep of the double header helped pull the team’s record up from its 3-5 start, which it obtained during its trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. during spring break. Junior catcher Nikki Brewer noted that “with such a young team, the trip absolutely helped bring us together.” Seven of the twelve players are freshmen, and the team has no seniors.

Payne leads the team with three home runs, a .344 batting average, and an astounding .688 slugging percentage. Moshier has performed both offensively, with a team-high 12 RBIs, and in pitching, with a 1.38 ERA. She wasn’t even supposed to be a pitcher until departures from last year’s team left the squad shorthanded.

The other pitcher is junior Kristen Werdann, who has a 3-1 record and a 2.44 ERA. She’s also thrown shutouts in two of the four games she’s pitched.

One of the freshmen who has stepped up is Ellen Manning, who already has seen action in the cleanup position, the heart of the offense. She leads the team in runs and stolen bases.

Games at Hood and Washington College were postponed due to the recent bad weather, but the Cardinals are scheduled to be back in action this week, as they host York tomorrow at noon and Gallaudet on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Women Fall to St. Mary’s, Mary Wash

Struggling with a rocky week after two big wins against Goucher and St. Vincent, the spirit of the women’s lacrosse team remains resolute. Following the tough loss against Mary Washington yesterday afternoon, head coach Kristine Manning told her players “that was the last loss of the season.”

On Tuesday the women’s team faced top-ranked St Mary’s, suffering a difficult loss, 19-6. The St. Mary’s team was very strong with the highest caliber of skills. Sophomore midfielder Jenn Utz said, “Their team was just incredible to watch, and they hardly ever dropped the ball. I truly believe that as a top Division III team St. Mary’s could beat a number of Division I teams,” continued Utz. “They were just an unbelievable team, so aggressive, I wouldn’t be surprised if they succeeded tremendously in the NCAA tournament.”

While they were simply outplayed Tuesday, the Cardinals began the game on yesterday afternoon against Mary Washington in the lead. The team maintained a tie throughout the entire first half. However, during the second half Mary Washington came out much stronger, resulting in a 16-8 loss for the Cardinals.

An amazing performance by senior defender Kate Abbonizio contributed to Catholic’s initial lead against Mary Washington. “We played really strong and aggressive in the first half, but in the end they just wanted it more,” said Utz.

Senior Ann Lawall, named Capital Athletic Conference Player of the Week, added one goal and two assists, and freshman Kristen Wisniewski also tacked up two goals.

In the next week the Cardinals face Susquehanna on Saturday afternoon, Villa Julia on March 25, and Virginia Wesleyan on March 27. The women hope to overcome their two-game losing streak in order to become a threat within the conference.

Men Pick Up Second Victory

The lacrosse team won its first home game of the season 9-5, showing a Brockport State team the wrath of a down and out Cardinal team. With this win, Catholic ended its three game losing streak and is now 2-7 on the year with a conference record of 0-5.

Brockport played Catholic close in the first half, with CUA leading 4-3 after the first 30 minutes. Junior midfielders John Bracken and Kevin Coyle, sophomore midfielder Justin Kelley, and junior attackman Ryan Welsh racked up the first half Cardinal goals.

Bracken drew first blood in the second half with his second goal, while freshman transfer attackman Tom Alexander put the nail in the coffin, with a goal late in the third quarter, making the score 6-3. Kelley also scored his second goal, doubling his season total. CUA’s scoring attack finished up with goals by sophomore attackman Tim Checchia and junior midfielder Eric Slagle.

Brockport scored two late goals against CUA’s second team, but Catholic held off the run to seal the 9-5 victory.

Head coach Brooks Singer said he was impressed at the way his team held off Brockport and put the game away. “We can’t let teams keep games close and gain momentum. This was a good game because we took the lead and kept it,” he said.

Starting goalie Matt Monfet had 18 saves including seven in the third quarter, helping CUA achieve its second victory of the season.

“I am proud of Monfet for stepping up into the starting role. He has done a great job this season,” said Singer. Monfet came into the starting role when last season’s starting goalie did not come back for the spring semester at Catholic.

Alexander has also been a key to CUA’s victories. He transferred to Catholic in the second semester from Providence University and has excelled since joining the team in January.

“Everyone has been so welcoming here. I am happy to be playing lacrosse, and surprised to be starting,” said Alexander, who has 11 goals in the first eight games of the season.

With this win CUA ends a three game losing streak, including losses to York College and Mary Washington. The Cardinals lost its third straight home game to York on Saturday, 14-8. Monfet once again played well with 26 saves.

Catholic visited Mary Washington on Tuesday and lost 17-1. Catholic played well but was overpowered by Mary Washington who lost to Salisbury, the number one team in Division III, by only one goal.

“Playing in such a tough conference does not let you get a rhythm during the season,” said Monfet. Catholic will look to achieve its first winning streak of the year when it treks out to Ohio this weekend to play Marietta University on Saturday.

“I can’t wait to get out to Ohio to get another win,” said Monfet.

Game of the Week

Cardinal Softball
York (Pa.) College (5-10) at CUA (5-5)
March 23, 12 noon
DuFour Center

The softball team will open their brief Capital Athletic Conference schedule tomorrow afternoon against York (Pa.) College. The Spartans begin the conference slate with a record of 5-10, mainly a result of a disappointing spring training trip to Ft. Myers, Fla. York is led offensively by five players who have posted batting averages above .300, led by Joy Byers with an average of .394. Three of those players, Staci Lehn, Corinne Giletto, and Byers have hit home runs this season. The Spartans have committed 26 errors on the season, good for a .934 fielding percentage.
The Cardinals are led offensively by junior Jessica Payne, who is hitting for a .344 batting average. She has also belted three home runs, good for a .688 slugging percentage. Freshman Caryn Kata and sophomore Kate Moshier each have batted .333 on the season so far. The Cards have committed 22 errors, resulting in a .929 fielding percentage.

Baseball Splits Home-and-Home Series With York

The baseball team split a home and home series with Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) rival York (Pa.) College. Saturday, York blew out the Cardinals, handing them a 9-1 defeat. The Cards rebounded yesterday, holding off the Spartans 5-4.

The Cards rallied yesterday, breaking a three game losing streak. Junior Adam Weiss opened the game and pitched a solid seven innings; junior Doug Sherry shut down the Spartans and closed with a 5-4 victory. Head coach Ross Natoli said, “This was a big win for the team as far as the conference goes and because York is an excellent team. They won 27 games last year.”

Junior Justin Siller had a big two run homerun in the first. York followed with their own two runs in the second. York hit a homerun in the third and the Spartans took a 3-2 lead. Sophomore Mike DeNicola had a nice double in the bottom of the sixth, followed by senior Brian Pietryka’s sacrifice bunt that advanced DeNicola to third. Siller was walked on the next at bat with two outs on the board. Senior Baha Azimirad hit a nice line drive, bringing in DeNicola to tie the game 3-3.

The game got exciting in the seventh, when two Cards had nice plays. Siller caught a wild pop-up in the middle of the seventh, and senior Terence O’Rourke who made a beautiful catch in right field to end the York threat. Sophomore Bernie Dennis started the bottom of the inning with a solid double. Pietryka followed with a single that drove senior Mike Pomfret home to score the winning run.

In the top of the eighth, York hit a homerun. But DeNicola made a beautiful sliding catch in the infield, followed by a tight play by Pietryka and Siller that ended with an out at first.

The infield quickly shut the door on York in the ninth and Sherry finished them off with a strikeout. Catholic took home the win, making no errors in comparison with York’s six. Natoli said, “We made some major plays defensively and played a sound game. Our pitching was the key and our strong point as usual.”

The Cards stand at 12-7-1 and 3-3 in the Capitol Athletic Conference. The men have a busy weekend. They visit Gettysburg at 3 p.m. today and host Rochester Tech at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Men & Women’s Tennis Off To Fast Start

The men’s tennis team competed against Villa Julie College on Saturday in Baltimore. It was raining all day Saturday, and the match was forced to search for some dry courts. The storm had apparently knocked power out for half of Baltimore, and the local indoor courts were also rendered useless. After driving around the city, they found a nearby middle school with some dry courts. Coach Dowd exclaimed that he had never encountered such an unusual turn of events. Once the Cardinals found their courts, they went to work and swept the match. Junior Deke Polifka again led his team to victory with an 8-0 win against his opponent in a match that lasted roughly twenty minutes. The top five men’s singles positions won their matches, each earning a point and securing solid victory. However, the rain returned and prevented any doubles matches.

Coach Dowd commented on several performances from Saturday’s match. “I thought Andrew Kelly and Jon Halbach played especially well. They are playing their game to the best of their potential.” Kelly is a freshman history major from Hillsboro, N.J. Halbach is a sophomore biology major from Minneapolis, Minn. This is Halbach’s second year on the team, but his first year as a starter. He continues to have a strong season.

The men’s team will compete this afternoon at 3 p.m. against Gettysburg College at DuFour. Catholic has beaten them for the past three years, yet Gettysburg College consistently has a good tennis program. “They have a very strong program. They have been looking forward to our match,” said Dowd. Catholic also competes against University of the District of Columbia on Saturday. This match was postponed earlier this month because of weather.

The women’s team has also produce some key wins and they continue to be competitive within the conference. Catholic defeated Randolph-Macon 7-2 yesterday afternoon, extending their winning streak to three meets. The only losses for the Cards came in the second and third doubles matches. The Cardinals, headed by Dana Dowd have a 7-2 record. Both losses came during the spring break competition at Hilton Head. The number one player, junior Maureen Hegedus, has only lost one match this season, and her record is an impressive 9-1. Michelle Braley, the number two player, is 6-2 in singles. Her and Maureen play the number one doubles slot, and they also have a 6-2 record.

The women have two road matches this weekend. On Saturday they compete against Hood College, which they beat in the fall. On Sunday, along with the men, the tennis team competes against St. Mary’s College.

Who Does #2 Work For?

Every year, the Undergraduate Student Government honors the leaders of Catholic University during the Student Leadership Award Ceremony. To ensure that all awards were distributed fairly this year, USG decided to nominate two for each category so that if someone were already being awarded by the University, USG could spread the love more evenly with a second choice. Guess who was the second runner-up for Organization of the Year? U guessed it, our brave elected leaders nominated themselves for all the long hours they spent working for U this year. Don’t worry, word on the street says the nomination was conducted fairly and in accordance with all constitutional by-laws in a secret meeting run by an ad-hoc committee held in an undisclosed location.

Dark Side of the Dome

As you may have noticed, the lights have recently gone out on one side of the dome of the National Shrine. This is probably just a technical malfunction, and yet it has special significance for the Pink Floyd enthusiasts of CUA. You see, if you walk by the dark side of the dome at night while watching The Wizard of Oz, it fits together perfectly. (Be sure to start at the second roar of the lion). Trust us, it’s really cool.

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