Throughout the weekend, over 600 new undergraduate and transfer students settled into our residence halls. Our 2024-2025 academic year marks the largest first-year class we have had in the past four years at La Salle.
On Aug. 21, La Salle University welcomed back all freshman residential students and kicked off Explorientation! Explorientation is an opportunity for new students to settle into their new lives as Explorers by attending campus-wide activities and learning important information related to their academic successes, safety, wellness and involvement in student organizations on campus.
The first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 26 kicked off as students returned to campus, excited to return to their studies. Main campus was filled with friends reconnecting, and professors eager to meet their new students.
That Thursday, La Salle hosted its annual fall involvement fair upstairs in the Student Union during free period. The fair featured student organizations including Greek Life, on-campus job openings, campus event info, service opportunities and much more. With more than 100 students and faculty in attendance, the fair provided a vibrant opportunity for attendees to explore ways to get involved on campus, connect with peers and learn about opportunities that can enrich their experience here at La Salle.
Week 2 continued with welcome week activities such as painting with a twist, compass pub (for those 21+), Stuff-a-Bear activity, improv 101 and milkshakes with mini golf.
With La Salle being an official partner school for Campus Philly’s Collegefest, an annual event that welcomes over 20,000 college students back to Philadelphia, students had the unique opportunity to visit 25+ museums and historical sites completely free of charge on Sept. 14 and 15. CollegeFest tickets also included FREE access to the Campus Philly Block Party at 19th & Race Street, featuring local vendors, live music and giveaways.
While these events have been a success, La Salle students continue to look forward to the events and experiences ahead.
Editor’s note: We wish our readers the best of luck in their endeavors this semester ❤ The Collegian team looks forward to a successful academic year here at La Salle University!
Many years ago, the City of Brotherly Love launched a rebuild project to make physical improvements to parks and recreation centers around Philadelphia to strengthen community engagement. Seven years later, the Belfield Recreation Center is just one of the many organizations suffering from this unfulfilled promise. On the inside, Belfield Rec. is an amazing facility that sits as the hub of one of the main resources that individuals can utilize in the Northwest Philadelphia community. However, with chipped paint, broken walls and stereotypes related to a shooting that happened over a decade ago, they are struggling on the outside and seeking help from the city to truly begin a rebuild.
“We see Belfield as the center in the hub to help individuals combat violence and to bring the community back together,” said Belfield Recreation Center Advisory Council President, Alexis Noland, “and we’ve been doing this holistically with all the different programs that we have here because we want to bring everyone back to the hub.”
Their mission at Belfield is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy recreational and social opportunities, and to contribute to the overall well-being and health of our community. They aim to promote community engagement and participation in recreational activities and to ensure the center meets the needs and interests of the local community. The recreation center comes with a community garden, a playground, a football and baseball field, a kitchen, two classrooms and an indoor and outdoor basketball court. Working inside and outside, day after day, Belfield is working on providing educational and active experiences that allow kids to be kids while in a safe space away from home.
“Today our biggest obstacle is to get our rebuild, we aesthetically do not look welcoming to our community,” said Noland, “that’s the only way that we can combat some of the fears of our community members returning back to the hub.”
While Belfield is pursuing their mission, they are facing adversities that are not benefiting them within the community. From the outside, they just look like any old building in the city that has almost been forgotten about, the condition of their walls, the basketball courts that aren’t up to par and the unforgettable tragedy that happened there almost 12 years ago. Between parents thinking Belfield is unsafe due to community gun violence and local residents who don’t even know that the building is a recreation center;, they are trying and fighting to rebuild and make their name stronger in the community.
“I can actually see the Belfield Rec. Center from my dorm room, and I had no idea what it actually was until recently,” said Maddie Geyer, a La Salle University student who is currently working with the Belfield PR team. “But now, working on PR initiatives alongside the advisory council to strengthen Belfield’s ties with the local community has revealed how much potential the space holds.”
Without a rebuild from the city, the Belfield Recreation Center is only becoming more susceptible to a lack of community engagement, which is the opposite of the mission they’re trying to enforce. They are here to better the community and the city, regardless of how much they are willing to give in return.
“Many years ago, the city put out a plan to do a re-build project for all the parks and recreation centers in the city of Philadelphia, but today, Belfield has not even gotten started,” Noland said. “We just want to restore people’s faith and assure that the hub is still here. It’s still thriving, and we’re here to serve the people in the community.”
Years after this promise, Belfield has not given up hope, and they have not given up on trying to make a difference within the community for a better and safer place. In doing so, they need help from the city to rebuild their facility into a stronger and more uplifting environment.
Noland said, “What we’re asking is if the city could please push us up on the list, we definitely need to rebuild not only for aesthetic purposes, but just for safety and for our community.”
With every successful day that passes, this recreation center is working for a better tomorrow and happier community. It’s been seven years since the initiation of the rebuild project, and even if it takes seven more, Belfield will continuously fight to make the community healthier and stronger.
In the bustling world of university athletics, the voices and achievements of female athletes have often found themselves in the shadows of their male counterparts. However, within La Salle, a new initiative is on the rise to change this narrative. Madison Jack, a driven female student-athlete has founded a new platform on Instagram titled @lasalleexplorhers.
In an interview on La Salle TV’s SportsLine, MJ shared her journey, motivations, and aspirations for her growing platform, which has already accumulated over 200 followers in the first three weeks of launching. Drawing from her own observations as a member of the rowing team, MJ spoke regarding the challenges faced by her teammates, both in and out of the water. She expressed her belief in the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of others; she says, “Something our team is really good at is being happy for our teammates – knowing that as long as we know we’re doing a good job, it doesn’t matter what other people think. External appreciation is always great, but we do a great job at building each other up and showing appreciation for our friends.”
Inspiration hit MJ through seeing the sports innovation competition, the Business of Sports Club activities, and last month’s March Madness basketball games. Witnessing the success stories of prominent female athletes like Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark further fueled her determination in finding a space to recognize the person behind the player on La Salle’s campus.
With ExplorHERS, Madison aims to amplify the voices of female athletes by dedicating two posts per week, sharing stories of success and resilience to those in their sport. Beyond representation, she envisions a community-driven platform where athletes and supporters alike, called ambassadors, will come together to uplift one another. Her main goal right now is to have 100% participation throughout all women’s sports teams on campus and begin hosting various fundraising events and activities (such as a 3v3 tournament) during the Fall 2024 semester. With this, she plans to encourage unity and engagement within the ExplorHERS community, ensuring that no success goes unnoticed or uncelebrated.
Two weeks ago, the Business of Sports Club had the privilege of welcoming Angelo Cataldi (former radio host of the 94 WIP morning show) to La Salle for an insightful discussion about his remarkable career journey. During his talk, Cataldi provided Jack with a notable piece of advice for her budding platform – do not shy away from controversy. She appreciated his advice to not only focus on positive successes, but also to dig into controversial topics that might be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about. For Jack, ExplorHERS is not just about showing off wins; it is also about creating a space where female athletes can open up for honest and personal conversations.
Looking ahead, MJ sees lots of potential for ExplorHERS to grow and evolve. From expanding participation to incorporating male athletes into this initiative soon, she remains committed to having members of all teams showing support for one another.
ExplorHERS shines brightly as a place where La Salle’s beloved athletes get the spotlight they work hard for.
La Salle’s 11th annual Day of Giving (DoG) raised a record-breaking $1.4 million through almost 2,000 donations from our community.
via Claire Herquet
Last Wednesday, April 10 was a monumental day for Lasallians. This marked the fourth consecutive year that our Day of Giving has raised more than $1 million in philanthropic support.
The Day of Giving is a day-long event urging the broad La Salle community to show their support for current Explorers and invest in the university’s future. It is a chance for alumni, faculty, families, students, staff, and supporters to give donations and help shape the path for our current and future Explorers.
Throughout the day, campus buzzed with various activities, including a scavenger hunt, friendship bracelet making, outdoor games, and a pickleball tournament. Student-athletes from various sports teams at La Salle contacted countless members of the university community over the phone to secure donations in support of their respective teams. In addition, students who donated $20.24 received a special cord to wear during their future Commencement ceremonies.
As Day of Giving concurred with Mission and Heritage Week (a celebration of Lasallian values), many students and faculty gathered for a communal dinner in the Union Ballroom. The event included the recognition of the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Awards, honoring several notable faculty members for their great work in our university thus far.
Since its start in 2013, Day of Giving has raised over $6.5 million altogether in support of La Salle University. We hope to continue to expand on this total in following years, and the Collegian team would love to thank all our donors who have contributed to our initiatives and programs.
As the graduation date for La Salle’s class of 2024 draws nearer, I am sure you have been made aware of the changes to the day’s itinerary. What was once the big event of the day, the undergraduate ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., has been toppled. La Salle’s President Dan Allen announced last week that this graduation will be the best since the school’s foundation in 1863.
This year, President Allen is challenging a feral bobcat to a one-on-one duel on the campus quad at 12:30 p.m., under the stage name, Silver Fox. Chasing the high of the $10 million Charter Challenge, last year’s fundraising initiative for La Salle University, this event is another step in the president’s fundraising binge.
At 12 p.m., the showdown begins with an undercard match. This undercard match is between the La Salle Explorer and a flock of crows, before the title fight. You don’t want to miss this.
Attendees can donate to support La Salle’s gladiatorial efforts or bet on the fight through La Salle’s financial team. Odds are currently 5/8 in President Allen’s favor, considering the statistical match-up. The Explorer’s projected odds are 10/4; the crows have been spotted flying in guerilla-like formations since the fight’s announcement.
Allen’s weight and reach are greater than the bobcat, which weighs 38.2 lbs. Sources close to the Silver Fox state that he is religiously preparing for the fight and feeling confident. His preparations include nightly training against small mammals such as squirrels and invasive groundhogs, along with calcium supplements for fortified nails built for clawing.
Stakes for the fight are high. There has been no official comment on how these fights will conclude or if it will be till death. One can only hope our president has it in him to put on a show.
The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a month dedicated to highlighting this important issue while honoring the strength and healing of survivors. We, as a community of advocates, encourage everyone to come to these events and share their stories and support. Everyone is welcome!
Tuesday, April 2: Chalk Up Campus
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The Hansen Quad
Description: To kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, information about sexual assault and its prevalence will be written in chalk around the Quad, along with a table that will have additional resources and information.
Wednesday, April 3: Cookies & Consent
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Union Building
Description: Come decorate some cookies and talk about the importance of consent!
Tuesday, April 9: Light Up the Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Union Patio
Description: An event to celebrate and support survivors. Join us for a bonfire, s’mores, hot chocolate and a craft to help light up the night. This event is a safe and open space for all La Salle community members to gather.
Friday, April 19: Trivia Night (in partnership with Late Night La Salle)
Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Union Food Court
Description: Put your knowledge to the test during our Sexual Assault Awareness Month trivia night! Topics will include history, activism, sexual health, campus and community resources and pop culture. There will be prizes and free food!
Wednesday, April 24: Denim Day
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Union Building
Description: We invite the LaSalle community to take part in Denim Day this year by wearing denim to express solidarity with survivors. Stop by our table at the Union Building to take pictures with our mascot and make a commitment to one thing you can do to end sexual violence on campus.
(Denim Day originated from a 1999 ruling by the Italian Supreme Court overturning a rape conviction. The justices reasoned that since the survivor was wearing tight jeans when she was harmed, she must have helped the perpetrator remove her jeans, thereby implying her consent. The following day, the women legislators in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the survivor—a particularly significant show of support because jeans defied the Parliament dress code. Denim Day has since grown into a national campaign that encourages our leaders, community members and students to wear denim to protest the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and show their support for survivors.)
For more information, please email the Associate Director of Sexual Misconduct Advocacy and Education, Maggie Szeder, at szeder@lasalle.edu.
La Salle is experiencing exciting new developments, thanks to President Dan Allen.
His strategic five-year plan, Ascend, has been aimed to focus on six pillars that will guide La Salle to be a leading Lasallian Catholic educational institution. The following pillars are believed to provide the foundation to lead the University and those involved in it to success from now to the far future.
Pillar 1: “Deliver an exceptional teaching and learning experience built on quality and academic rigor.”
This pillar establishes a comprehensive academic framework of goals rooted in Lasallian Catholic principles. It fosters a rigorous academic experience for students, enhancement of student support services, upgraded facilities and an increase of assessment mechanisms to continue its mission.
Pillar 2: “Provide a transformational, holistic, mission-focused student experience.”
The goals outlined in this pillar are to utilize career development opportunities into both curricular and co-curricular activities, prioritize educational programming on mental health awareness and resources and ensure that students are preparing for the challenges of living and working in a diverse democracy.
Pillar 3: “Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the university.”
A university-wide culture of collaboration offers value in the curriculum at La Salle. This general goal includes establishing an advisory council, streamlining program implementation and providing funds for grants.
Pillar 4: “Build bold, sustainable international partnerships.”
The goals written under this pillar focus on the importance of preparing students for global initiatives and experiences for academic excellence. Moreover, the outlined motives aim to design diverse exchange programs and extend collaborative research opportunities to foster an internationally inclusive community on campus.
Pillar 5: “Integrate Lasallian formation opportunities throughout the campus community.”
The goals outlined in this pillar are in regard to the Lasallian Catholic traditions celebrated within the university. This comprehensive plan involves creating orientation aligned with the university’s values, collaborating with other faith communities for intellectual enrichment, monitoring campus climate and engaging with local communities to aid specific issues such as health, education and technology.
Pillar 6: “Chart a sustainable financial future.”
These goals express a need for student recruitment, branding and fundraising. These strategies range from diversifying enrollment, improvement on market presence, securing funds and creating a vibrant, sustainable campus environment.
The university’s recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report, particularly for value, social mobility and its undergraduate nursing program, is an outstanding reflection on its commitment to academic excellence. Campus improvements, such as the upcoming renovation of the Trumark Financial Center and the remodeling of the lasalle.edu site, underscore the university’s dedication to enhancing the student experience at 20th and Olney.
President Dan Allen expresses optimism for the future and looks forward to achieving further success, together as one.
On Friday, February 2, WEXP Radio released its first episode in almost four years.
WEXP Radio is La Salle’s student-run broadcasting station with episodes now available on YouTube and Spotify. Originally, WEXP opened its studio in 1972 and became dormant in 2020, ending a 15-year run as one of the Philadelphia area’s most prominent student-run radio stations. Last week, I met with Lily Henshaw ‘24 after seeing her LinkedIn post regarding the news of restarting the station following the COVID shutdown.
Henshaw led the project of getting WEXP back on the air with the help of her two roommates, Josh Schields and Kate Vasey; the three of them hosted the first podcast episode back entitled “Drop-Shipping is Taking Over – The JKL RatPod EP 1.” The episode, in the style of simple conversation between close friends, featured a main talk about Temu, Shein, TikTok and Instagram shops.
Getting WEXP back on its feet took more than just a few weeks. “Just kind of getting into the studio and getting things operating again has taken the longest. Now that we’re in full operation we can go where we want with it, which is super cool,” said Henshaw. This project, beginning this past fall, would not have been possible without the help of advisor and communication Professor Dr. Mark Lashley. Lashley worked to arrange the technical equipment in the WEXP studio, and even brought in some of his personal tools to aid in the recording and uploading of the episodes.
As “RatPod” is one series that has begun on WEXP Radio, there are plans in the works for new programming. “We’ll have a sports show soon, and we have plans for new movie reviews,” Henshaw stated, in addition to speaking about her potential plans to collaborate with members of “The Masque,” who are interested in doing acting content on the station.
The members of WEXP are dedicated and driven to providing a space where students can express themselves freely and creatively. In the next few months of expanding the WEXP platform, their hope is to amplify the voices of our vibrant student community for prospective and current students, along with our beloved alumni. “There are a lot of ties to our alumni in relation to WEXP. I made a post on my LinkedIn profile saying things are back up and running, and I got a lot of people reaching out to me who used to be involved with it.”
The revival of WEXP Radio marks a noteworthy milestone for La Salle University’s student community. Operated by a dedicated team of around 10 students, the station’s comeback after a four-year hiatus demonstrates their commitment to fostering creativity and passion.
After celebrating Martin Luther King Day, La Salle students resumed their studies on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Here’s a recap of what has been going on recently:
On the morning of Jan. 16, students woke up to a winter wonderland after inches of snow fell overnight. Per an alert that was sent out at 5:39 a.m., the university planned to operate normally, and students were advised to “exercise caution when traveling.” The next day, the university delayed opening until 10 a.m.. On Friday, Jan. 19, the university shifted to remote learning with no in-person instruction while essential workers were required to report to campus as scheduled. Many students were seen sledding and playing in the snow outside of St. Basil Court, St. Neumann and other various locations around the university buildings at the end of Week 1.
On the afternoon of Jan. 23, La Salle’s Union Ballroom hosted the involvement fair. The involvement fair was a great chance for students to get informed about clubs, organizations and resources available on campus. From OLAS providing cups of mango and guava juices to Student Entrepreneurs giving out strong handshakes and a listening ear, representatives at each table were extremely welcoming to students who were interested in what they had to offer.
The La Salle Grad Open House was held on Wednesday, Jan. 24. This event allowed undergraduates to find out how they could advance their goals in their future careers.
Panhellenic recruitment kicked off this past weekend on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m.. The following events for the weekend contained significant moments for those seeking to join Greek life, as it provided opportunities for potential members to connect and develop relationships with girls from various sororities and find their ideal fit.
Lastly, Late Night La Salle hosted two events this past weekend. They began with a game and pizza night on Friday, Jan. 26 in the Union Ballroom with a basketball shooting game, jenga, a raffle and more activities. The following night, LNL arranged mochi donuts and ice cream in the Union Food Court from 8-10 p.m.. Be sure to follow their new TikTok account @late.night.lasalle to be in the loop with all upcoming events and see behind the scenes of these wonderful events being put together!
The La Salle Collegian team wishes you all the best for a successful spring semester. Go Explorers!
In an era of glitter rose bouquets and Valentine’s Day baskets for your partner, it can be easy to forget what February is truly about – Black History Month.
What was once originated as Negro History Week, the month-long celebration gained extended recognition in 1976 by U.S. president Gerald Ford, to “honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month continues to commemorate the historic pioneers of the past, but also acknowledges the current resilient activists, contributors and notable figures leading the advancement of African Americans.
The African American Student League (AASL), along with other collaborating organizations, aims to actively carry on the celebratory legacy here at La Salle through a plethora of events, spirit week activities and educational programs for all students and administration to get involved in and enjoy. Some events include interactive panel discussions, arts and crafts, trivia games, art shows, student performances, tasty treats, savory eats and more. To keep track of all upcoming events, refer to the Black History Month calendar for all important dates.
via Jya Marshall
Yet, if you are looking to continue the celebration beyond West Olney Avenue, the city of Philadelphia has Black history woven within its infrastructure and therefore, many opportunities to commemorate the trailblazers of the past. Click here for a guide to Black History Month in Philadelphia. There are also ways to celebrate Black History Month even in the comfort of your own home which include: supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs, read(ing) Black authors, watch ) a Black film or documentary, donate to a Historically Black University or charitable organization, explore podcasts by Black artists, explore music by Black artists and educate yourself on Black history and culture.
Black History Month grants an opportunity for all to admire and highlight the significant contributions of Black Americans undeterred by systemic racial oppression and discrimination. I urge my fellow peers and the La Salle administration to join the African American Student League in celebrating Black History Month and attain “the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us.”
Read on for a brief outline of some of the great events to come at La Salle:
Thursday, February 1st: African American Student League General Body Meeting
Location: Dunleavy (3rd Floor of Union Building)
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Event Details: The African American Student League will be kicking off Black History Month on Thursday, February 1st at their General Body Meeting. Get a glimpse of what Black History Month is all about by joining them for some sweet treats and an informative overview of upcoming events and how to get involved.
Monday, February 5th: Black History Month Reception
Location: La Salle University Art Museum (Lower Level of Hayman Hall)
Time: 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Event Details: Interested in the arts? Galleries within the La Salle University Art Museum will feature 14 works from the permanent collection by African American artists, highlighting the impact of major Black artistic movements. Enjoy snacks, drinks and discussions to learn more about these amazing artists!
Tuesday, February 6th: Unapologetically Black Education: Strategies for Dismantling Systems of Domination
Location: Dan Rodden Theatre in the Union Building
Time: 5 p.m. – 6:30pm
Event Details: Gain unique perspectives on promoting an unapologetically Black educational experience that empowers and liberates, contributing to a vision of equity and justice in education by attending this panel discussion on Tuesday, February 6th. This event will explore transformative insights from a diverse panel including scholar, Dr. Christopher Rogers, high school educator, Hannah Gann, elementary educator, Tia James, and parent activist, Martiza Guridy, as they collectively share strategies to challenge and dismantle systems of domination within the education system.
February 12th – 16th: Black History Month Spirit Week
Monday, February 12th: 50 Years of Hip-Hop – Dress as your favorite Hip Hop artist/group
Tuesday, February 13th: Sunday’s Best Dressed – Dress like your church-going relatives
Wednesday, February 14th: Black Love – Dress in red or pink to celebrate Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 15th: My Hair is My Crown: Embrace your natural hair
Friday, February 16th: Black Students Matter: Dress in all black or your African American Student League Shirt
Monday, February 12th: Paint & Sip
Location: Compass Club (2nd Floor of Union)
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Event Details: Come reset, refocus and recenter with the African American Student League. Enjoy painting canvases, mocktails and karaoke!
Tuesday, February 13th: Black History Month Trivia & Games
Location: Union
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Event Details: Think you are an expert? Come test your Black history knowledge on Tuesday, February 13th from 12:30pm to 2:00pm in the Union and win prizes and treats!
Thursday, February 15th: Ted Talk – Black Love Edition
Location: Dan Rodden Theater
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Event Details: Attend this Ted Talk discussion led by the Black Excellence Group and the African American Student League. Bring all your questions, shareable experiences, knowledge and the tea on Black love.
Sunday, February 18th: Soul Food Sunday
Location: Dunleavy (Third Floor of Union)
Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Event Details: Black History Month would not be complete without an event catered to our palates. Join the African American Student League on Sunday, February 18th for a soul food dinner and games!
Wednesday February 21st: Book Discussion of Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: MOVE
Location: Music Room
Time: 3:30pm
Event Details: Dr. Frederick V. Engram, an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, will be coming to La Salle to discuss his first book, Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: MOVE. Attend this event and learn about ways that racism impacts African Americans in both systems of higher education and the criminal justice system.
Thursday, February 22nd: Family Feud
Location: Dan Rodden Theatre
Time: 6:00pm
Event Details: Survey says…You do not want to miss this event! Hosted by On The Quad, this event encourages student organizations to join this event as a team, however all students are welcomed to attend as audience members or participate in the popular
Tuesday, February 26th: Black Town Hall
Event Details: Want your voice heard? Attend the Black Town Hall on Tuesday, February 26th and engage in a discussion with special guest speakers, La Salle University President Dr. Dan Allen and Vice President of Student Development & Campus Life, Dr. Gaby St. Leger, about the Black experience in many areas. More details about this event will be released soon.
Thursday, February 29th: Black Showcase
Location: Dan Rodden Theatre
Time: 6:00pm
Event Details: On February 29th, the African American Students League will be elevating the stage with a celebration of Black excellence at the Black Showcase. Join us for an evening of student performances and refreshments.
The La Salle Collegian 