Gay Marriage

As a gay alum (or a gay anything for that matter) I was not only offended but somewhat perplexed by the naive content of Jason Beck's comments regarding homosexuality (Gay Marriage: The Familial Crisis Continues, 1/30/04).

He writes that, "Homosexuality is not, however, natural…". Oh really? It occurs regularly throughout the animal kingdom so I'm not sure how it qualifies as unnatural. The book by Bruce Bagemihl, "Biological Exuberance", (1999) claims that homosexual behavior occurs in over 450 animal species. Doesn't sound all that rare or unnatural to me. (As a matter of fact, I just happen to have a related article handy: http://www.jrn.columbia.edu/studentwork/cns/2002-06-10/591.asp)

In light of that I'm not sure what Mr. Beck's diagnosis of "grave disorder" is based on. If his point is to reiterate (suck up to) the hierarchy's position, so be it. I'm not going to argue with closed minds. But science doesn't agree with either him or the hierarchy who, by the way, excommunicated Gallileo for insisting that the earth isn't the center of the universe.
(It's not.)

And stop relying on such cliches and patronizing statements as, "This is not to say that homosexuals are not people or that they are somehow less human than the "rest of us," so to speak." The subtext of his entire column is that we are NOT the same and that we ARE less.

In my opinion, positions such as Mr. Beck's are frequently based on ignorance, fear, and a desire to retain power over some other group, whether we're talking about gay marriage in the 21st century or "separate but equal" in the 20th. Either way, "those people" have to stay in their place.

One final comment: God created all of us, gay or otherwise, just as we are. I think, Jason, you'd better take your complaints to Him.

Jerry Hoffman
BA 1973
MA 1975

Home: 703-451-9530

Response to Joseph Herning's letter of 1/30/04

To the Editor:

It was with some disappointment that I read Mr. Joseph Herning's response to my letter of 1/23/04, for he failed to answer any of the questions I had posed.

Mr. Herning apparently misunderstood my question regarding the murder of abortion doctors. Consider therefore this analogy: If, hypothetically, a student or teacher had used lethal force to halt the Columbine massacre, he would have been hailed as a hero, not castigated as a vigilante. If abortion doctors are, as prolifers suggest, mass murderers, then how is the act of killing them different from the aforementioned Columbine hypothetical? Both are situations where private individuals use lethal force to safeguard innocent lives by neutralizing an aggressor. Mr. Herning's fails to address why, given the prolife presumption that abortion-equals-murder, such logic does not justify the killing of abortion doctors.

In raising the specter of rebellion, I was simply asking: if prolifers believe that the American government has shown gross negligence in sanctioning mass murder under the guise of legalized abortion, why are they not advocating the overthrow of said government. By way of response, Mr. Herning implies that doing so would constitute despair. Based on such statements, it would seem Mr. Herning is far more tolerant of mass murder than I would be under similar circumstances.

"Legalized Abortion is Mass Murder"; so say prolifers. Governmental toleration of mass murder is at least as heinous as the gross violations of individual freedoms that prompted the American Revolution; yet prolifers do not even consider the possibility of rebellion. Why the contradiction?

Alas, Mr. Herning avoids the question with the non-controversial non-sequitur that prolifers love their country. He fails to consider that, under a sufficiently unjust regime, love of country might well demand rebellion. Or that love of one's country and loyalty to its government are two separate things.

Regarding whether women procuring abortions should be prosecuted, Mr. Herning avoids the issue by claiming that such women are the victims of "deception". He fails to address why, if abortion is murder, a prolife criminal justice system should not try such women as accomplices to murder. The 9/11 hijackers and Lee Boyd Malvo were "deceived" by propaganda and indoctrination when they committed their acts of murder; but would anyone suggest that they be exempted from criminal penalties? I await a serious answer to my question.

Finally, Mr. Herning fails to address the question: does the necessity of halting abortion abroad constitute a "just cause for war" under just-war theory? If abortion is truly mass murder, then this question would seem to demand an affirmative answer.

Far from answering my inquiries, Mr. Herning's responses simply provoke more: Do prolifers really believe that accomplices to murder should go unpunished? That prayers and protest marches constitute the maximum permissible response to mass murder at home and abroad? Whereas the mass murder of born Jews and the oppression of born Americans demanded World War II and the American Revolution? Are the unborn are less valuable than you or I? Or are prolifers are simply unwilling to admit the logical conclusions of their own beliefs?

I had hoped that my letter would prompt serious discussion among all sides in the abortion debate. If Mr. Herning's letter is representative of the prolife side, then apparently I was not entirely successful.

Sincerely,

Matthew Ing
Alumnus, School of Engineering
BME 2000; MME 2002
gravitron5@hotmail.com

Duggan Shines at Christopher Newport Invit.

This past weekend the men's indoor track team traveled to Newport News, Va. to participate in the Christopher Newport Invitational. At this meet junior thrower Sean Duggan once again showed the world how well he can throw his weights around. Duggan placed first in shot put by throwing 54-2

Men Top York College 84-73; Go 13-5

The men's basketball team (13-5, 5-2 CAC) defeated York College 84-73 Wednesday night at the Dufour Center in a Capital Athletic Conference Contest. This is the third game in a row the team has won since their three game losing streak, proving that the men are back on track. The team had much support as hundreds of students came out to see the game.

Senior tri-captain William Morley led the team to victory scoring a season-high 26 points while sophomore Patrick Satalin added 20 points for a career high. Morley added a game-high 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season while Satalin scored four essential three-pointers.

Tied at 36-36, the Cardinals began the second half on a 9-0 run and helped bring the team to a commanding start and confident lead for the second half. Assisting the win was sophomore Matt Spierenburg with four points, sophomore Matt Tanner with six points, and senior Adam Dickman helping with 11 points, five assists and two steals.

York shot an amazing 16-of-26 in the second half and 33-of-54 for the game. Catholic was just as impressive, draining 19-of-30 in the second stanza and a season-best 35-of-61 for the game. CUA held a 34-20 rebound edge while only giving 12 turnovers. The Cardinals were six of nine for free throws while York was 0 for 7.

Saturday, the men's team beat Goucher 79-64 in a Capital Athletic Conference game. Overall the Cardinals had a good game. Senior Blair Mills scored a team-high 18 points and was one of four cardinals scoring double digits in the game that evening.

Sophomore Shane Sowden helped with 13 points and six rebounds while Morley contributed 12 points. Satalin added 10 points and six assists. Tanner scored his only three-pointer of the game to give the Cardinals a 67-58 lead with 3:02 to play.

Catholic will visit Gallaudet Saturday, Jan 31 in CAC action.

Murphy Leads Hockey to Victory Over Old Dominion

Catholic's hockey team clinched a solid 6-3 victory last Friday against Old Dominion College, bringing the club's record to 7-2.

Sophomore Rob Mills, the team president, got the game off to good pace with a goal in the first period. Junior Dave Kriston followed with another goal in the second, along with one more by Mills and two by senior Andrew D'Agostino. Old Dominion scored one goal in the second period and two in the third. With the score at 5-3, in the last minutes of the third period, Old Dominion pulled their goalie for an extra man on the ice. With an empty net, law student Ted Venuti sailed in the sixth and final goal of the game.

Mills attributed a large part of the team's success against Old Dominion to goalie Brian Murphy. "Murphy had a great game," Mills said. "He's one of the main reasons that we won. He came up with about five or six major saves that really helped us out," Mills also said.

Since Christmas break, the hockey team has had two other match-ups. Catholic cruised to an easy victory against American University two weeks ago, and suffered a loss in a close game to Loyola College that same weekend.

Thus far in the season the team is looking very strong and holds a good record. Kriston had some thoughts on the team's current success: "I think we've got an awesome team this year. Our goal tending has been outstanding, our defensive play has been solid, and our offensive production has been very high. Everything is coming together."

The team has a big game this weekend where they will face Mt. St. Mary's College. Catholic lost to St. Mary's just before winter break and is looking forward to the re-match. "It will be an intense game. The team is looking forward to the re-match," said Kriston.

Lady Cardinals Defeat York Wednesday

The women's basketball team, now 12-4, 5-2 CAC, defeated York Wednesday night 82-60. The women hosted the Spartans in this Capital Athletic Conference game.

Senior Kathleen McGlynn contributed 23 points and six rebounds while sophomore Lindsay DiRomualdo added 21 points.

York (10-6, 5-2 CAC) tied the game 18-18 halfway into the first period. But the Cardinals quickly took the lead and bought the half time score to 42-30.

With only 18 minutes left, the Spartans were trailing by only 13 points. Catholic managed to widen the gap and earn a 65-41 lead to secure the win with 11 minutes remaining in regulation.

The Lady Cardinals had their eight game winning streak snapped on Saturday when they lost to Goucher College with one second remaining in overtime. Had the women won, they would have tied the women's basketball school record of nine straight wins.

The final score of the game was 76-74. McGlynn led all scorers with a season high of 26 points and rebounds. She also dominated the game defensively with three steals and a blocked shot. She was the only Cardinal in Saturday's game in double figures. Goucher, now 9-6, 3-3 CAC, had their biggest lead of the game with 3:58 left in the first half when they led by 13 points. At the end of the first half, the Cardinals trailed the Gophers, 44-35.

Throughout the second half, the Cardinals tried many times to take the lead from Goucher, coming within two points four times. The Lady Cardinals finally tied the game with 7:08 left in the second half when McGlynn hit a jumper from the top of the key. Sophomore Gloria Schnepp gave the Cardinals their first lead three minutes later with her lay-up. Schnepp finished with six points, nine rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot. McGlynn made it a 68-65 Catholic lead when she hit two free throws with just 27 seconds remaining in the game. After a Goucher foul, sophomore Laura Kaye went to the line, but missed her two free throws. After the miss, Goucher raced down the court and hit a three pointer to send the game into overtime. The overtime went back and forth between the Cardinals and the Gophers. McGlynn tied the game for the 11th time with 17 seconds left. Goucher, however, came back to win the game with one second left in overtime.

Catholic will visit Gallaudet this Saturday for a CAC match-up at 2 pm.

Metropolitan College Awarded $2.9 Million Labor Dept. Grant

The University's Metropolitan College was awarded a $2.9 million grant to fund new courses for adult students to get their bachelor's and master's degrees in information technology and engineering. The University applied for the grant in conjunction with the D.C. Workforce Council. The grant was administered by the U.S. Labor Department, and is one of 12 awarded nationwide.

The grant will enable 300 students in the Metropolitan College's Technology Engineering Program to meet the educational requirements for D.C. information technology jobs. The money will pay for the tuition and administrative costs of the new programs. The University won the grant because of the success of a previous $1.5 million awarded in 2003, said Sara Thompson, dean of the Metropolitan College, in a press release. "The Department of Labor was very pleased with the outcome of our previous grant," Thompson said. "Securing the new grant speaks to the high-quality education offered at Metropolitan College and our ability to meet the needs of adult learners in this community."

There is a shortage of American workers with the necessary skills to work in D.C. information technology jobs, like systems analysis and software engineering. Companies hire foreign workers who meet the educational requirements. This grant will allow 300 adult students to receive certificates and bachelor's degrees through Metropolitan College, and their master's degrees through the School of Engineering.

"With the Labor Department's support, Catholic University is now positioned to play a central role in delivering a workforce velopment program of great importance to D.C.'s technology industry and its current and prospective employees," said Scott Battle, lead author of the grant proposal and program chair at Metropolitan College.

The D.C. Workforce Investment Council is a group of public and private organizations that advise the mayor about improving the city's workforce. The 300 adult graduates will be a wave of American labor in the D.C. industry, Battle said. "Adult students will receive help in attaining their academic and career goals, and area organizations will benefit from the increased number of qualified technology workers," he said.

Nemoianu Appointed Study Abroad Dean as Kromkowski Resigns

Anca Nemoianu replaced John Kromkowski as the assistant dean for Study Abroad Jan. 1. Kromkowski, who had run the program for 15 years, resigned Dec. 31.

Kromkowski said that though he had enjoyed directing the Study Abroad Program, he was "getting a little old in the tooth to do it for much longer." He also said that he and Nemoianu have been working together for the past few months to ensure a smooth transition for the program. "Things have been moving along well, and I am pleased that the program will be moving forward with Dr. Nemoianu," Kromkowski said.

"I am very excited. I enjoy the program very much, and when you enjoy doing something, it's not really work," Nemoianu said.

She is studying the existing Study Abroad options and assessing which have been the most successful and popular with students, she said. She said she plans to elicit feedback from students about new places and programs in which they would be interested as well as what experiences in the existing program have been the most rewarding. She plans to create a Study Abroad Alumni Association that would allow graduates of the Study Abroad Program to sustain the relationships they developed while abroad.

Assisting Nemoianu will be Paz Magat, whom the University recently hired to be the program manager for the Study Abroad Program.

Kromkowski will continue teaching in the Political Science Department and will also continue running the political Internship Programs, including those that involve traveling abroad.

Professor, Administrator Rev. Robert Friday Retires From University

After holding various administrative and professorial posts in the University, including a 14-year term as Vice President for Student Life, Rev. Robert Friday retired from the University last month.

Friday, whose positions as associate dean for the school of religious studies and assistant professor of moral theology/ethics, was vice president for student life until 2001. Teaching classes while serving in the University administration, he sought to bring together the academic and student affairs areas of the University.

"People in student affairs are very much professionals, and the majority of the time students spend here is not in the classroom," said Friday. "It was an important step to convince academics that student affairs professionals are educators."

Friday, whose specialty is moral theology and contemporary moral issues, also taught a class every semester about health care and biological issues.

Friday was also an integral part in pushing the idea of the Pryzbyla Center. "I had to convince fellow administrators that it was an essential thing," he said. Friday said that he received support from the Board of Trustees, especially from former Board Chairman Cardinal Bernard Law.

As vice president for student life, Friday helped to form the Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU). The nationwide organization, which now includes about 200 schools, works to help people understand the nature and identity of Catholicism. "We didn't think it was fair to hire people and then just let them discover cultural aspects of Catholic campuses," Friday said, adding that he will continue to work with the organization after his retirement.

Additionally, Friday said that he is planning to write a bioethics textbook, an academic undertaking he did not have the opportunity to do amid his duties as student life vice president. "I probably felt my role within the School of Theology and Religious Studies was not as satisfying as it had been - maybe working in an administrative position spoiled me," he said.

"The University benefited greatly from Fr. Friday's contributions," said Provost John Convey. "I have a lot of respect for his professionalism, his integrity and him as person. I wish him all the best."

Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies Rev. Francis Moloney said, "He's been a wonderful man, made a wonderful contribution to the University. He said that he's now ready to settle down and do some of his own work and research on the things that interest him most. We're all going to miss him a great deal."

Convey said, "As part of his role of student life, he was always a big part of student activities." Friday frequently attended basketball games and other sporting events, and was frequently seen around campus.

A member of the faculty for 23 years, Friday witnessed many physical changes at the University. When he began his years at CUA, many of the staples of the University - Centennial Village, the Millenniums, Hannan Hall, the Dufour Center, the Pryzbyla Center and the Columbus School of Law - were not yet built. A stadium resided where the law school lawn is now found, with cement seating and the football and baseball fields at the level of the parking garage.

Friday said, "In the spring, it was nice to be outside and hear the crack of a bat. People would go over and sit in the bleachers, soak up the sun. I miss that."

In an e-mail to The Tower, Moloney said that at the moment, other professors are filling in Friday's courses, but a permanent replacement will be sought. "I am in the early stages of bringing two internationally important moral theologians to CUA as visiting professors for a few years," he said. "We will then conduct a search for younger scholars and teachers who will take on permanent positions in the University."

Citing Friday's distinctive specialty in the School, Moloney said, "It is crucial to this University that we have first-class moral theologians… especially a first-class bioethicist."

Admissions Office Aiming for Triple-Digit Enrollment Increase

The Office of Admissions hopes to receive 3,200 applications for undergraduate admission this year, 500 more than received last year, according to Associate Dean of Enrollment Management Shahin Mafaher. Undergraduate applications are due Feb. 15.

CUA has increased the applicant pool between two to 30 percent - a statistic that fluctuates on a daily basis - when compared to last year's pool. Mafaher said the University is aiming for 750 freshmen next year, more than 100 more students than last year's freshman class, which topped out at 644.

Admissions would like to see a 20 percent overall increase in the undergraduate enrollment pool, Mafaher said. Admissions hopes to increase enrollment through increased contact with high school students by e-mail, phone and visits with the University's admission counselors.

Mafaher said she also reinstated some admission programs this year in an effort to boost enrollment. Admissions encouraged current students to visit their high school over Christmas break and conduct "mini recruiting sessions" to juniors and seniors, distributing application materials. Mafaher said she also reinstated an overnight visit program for prospective Honors Program students, a program that was last used about eight years ago. At that time, the program allowed all admitted students, but this year the weekend - held Nov. 16 and 17 - was only for students admitted into the Honors Program. Mafaher said she would like to eventually have an overnight visit for all admitted students.

Mafaher said she hopes to see an increase in enrollment as do the faculty. High enrollment "is the bread and butter of the University," she said. "Everyone benefits from enrollment. " Mafaher stressed the importance of the contact University students have with prospective students, as "students have a more believable perspective" than do other University representatives.

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