Kylie McGovern, Editor

On Oct. 27, The Nation Constitution Center in Philadelphia honored Judy Woodruff and David Rubenstein with The Liberty Medal for their “inspiring work in modeling and promoting civil dialogue about the shared values of liberty that unite Americans.” A few La Salle students had the privilege of attending this year’s 35th ceremony. The Liberty Medal was created in 1988 to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of the Constitution. The award was first granted in 2006 to Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton in recognition of their bipartisan humanitarian efforts. Since its creation, The National Constitution Center has awarded The Liberty Medal to several impressive people, including Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai.

This year, The Nation Constitution Center honored Judy Woodruff and her career in journalism. Woodruff has worked in network, cable and public television news, focusing on defending First Amendment rights. She has also advocated for women in journalism, a value celebrated at The Collegian, throughout her career. 

David Rubenstein has spent his career preserving American history to promote the importance of civics. In addition to preserving historical documents and monuments, Rubenstien has authored two books: The American Story and The American Experiment. 

During the liberty medal ceremony, Jeffery Rosen, President and CEO of The National Constitution Center, welcomed guests and then engaged in a dialogue with Woodruff and Rubenstein, ranging topics from learning American history to the causes of polarization. Rubenstein expressed a commitment to civics and preserving history, saying, “Well, the reason I think it’s important is this: Jefferson said many times that a representative democracy only works if you have an informed citizenry. Sadly, we don’t have as informed a citizenry as we would like, in part because we don’t teach civics and American history very much anymore.” Rubenstein continues explaining, “I’d begun to think that if we don’t have informed citizens, we aren’t going to have the republic that the Founding Fathers gave us, and we’re going to have a different form of government, one that all of us probably wouldn’t like as much. So what I’ve been trying to do in my efforts, is modestly to kind of let people know more about history, more about our country’s background, more about how the government works, on the theory that an informed citizenry will make the country a better country.”

Woodruff spoke about the causes of polarization, saying, “There are forces at play in this country, which we’re all familiar with: economic inequality is one of them.” She continued, “We’re divided over the question of race…” In addition, Woodruff described how the news media has changed, which affects polarization, saying, “The fact that people get their news and information from so many different places…that does not lend itself to people coming together to work together on finding solutions.” The entirety of the ceremony and this dialogue can be found here. 

After this conversation, Woodruff and David Rubenstein received their medals, and each gave an acceptance speech expressing gratitude for the award. 

Maya Martin, Editor

Fall is the perfect time to get cozy inside with some coffee and a movie, but why not go out with the crisp air and outdoor activities before it gets too cold? If you’re looking for some fun fall-inspired activities to do with your friends this autumn season, here is a list of five fun activities that are happening right here in Philly! 

1. Eastern State Penitentiary

First on the list, is a well-known attraction that never fails to impress at Halloween time! That is the Eastern State Penitentiary. Located in the Fairmount section of Philly, the Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic 10-acre real abandoned prison. It holds a variety of different activities to get involved in throughout the year, but Halloween time is when it is most visited.

Currently, the penitentiary is hosting Halloween Nights, which include five haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances and many other activities! Halloween Nights started back in September, and it runs until November 11. Ticket prices vary by night, but start at $39, a great price considering how much is included in the night! The haunted houses include a 3D haunted house, Al Capone’s cell, a vampire-themed lounge, a guided flashlight walkthrough tour and more. Different activities may include an extra cost, but be sure to check out the Eastern State Penitentiary website to find out more information! So, if you are into scares and looking for a fun place to go with friends, this is just the place!

2. Spooky Mini Golf

Looking for something a little less scary? No problem! Franklin Square is hosting spooky mini golf as they do every October. Although “spooky” is in the title, the activity is your usual mini golf with some added Halloween decorations, so it’s nothing too scary! There are a total of 18 holes surrounded by Philly landmarks covered in spooky seasonal decorations! The course is open every day in October from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and is $15 for adults, but if you sign up through the Campus Philly website you can get tickets for $10! This is a great way to spend a night after classes to relax and enjoy a good time with friends or family!

3. Explore the Fall Foliage at a Park

Just outside of campus, Philly is home to many beautiful parks, and two in particular are known for their beautiful fall foliage: Wissahickon Park and Fairmount Park. Wissahickon Park is just three miles from campus and has beautiful landscapes and trees that are changing colors right as you are reading this. Fall is the perfect time of year to grab a blanket, snacks and some friends to go have a picnic with a beautiful autumn background.

Similarly, Fairmount Park is also a close five miles away from campus and has over 2,000 acres of gorgeous landscape. Aside from beautiful nature trails and hidden pathways, Fairmount Park is home to the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a beautiful greenhouse called the Horticulture Center and the Mann Center, a great outdoor concert venue. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is highly recommended. It is a traditional 17-century Japanese home replica that has a large variety of plant life, tours, art exhibits and more. During the fall time, it is an amazing spot to visit and is only $9 when you present a student ID.

4. Philadelphia Ghost Tours

Last but certainly not least is another activity for fellow thrill seekers: Philadelphia ghost tours. These spooky tours take place in Independence National Park, Old City and Society Hill, where you embark on a guided candle-lit walking tour and learn about one of the most haunted cities, our own Philadelphia. The haunted tours occur nightly and are $25 per person, but you can find special discounts on The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia website. It was even, “Named one of the top 15 ‘must see’ attractions in the US,” according to the website! So, if you are looking to hear some stories of haunted attractions, paranormal activity and other reported mysterious occurrences, be sure to check out these spooky tours.

Writer’s note: Now, after hearing about some of Philly’s greatest fall and Halloween time activities, I hope you seek out some of these events with friends and family! No matter what activity you are looking to take part in, also be sure to check out the Campus Philly website before doing so because they offer a variety of discounts for college students. Finally, have a safe and happy fall!

Kate Vasey, Staff

This past week, the Nobel Prize Committee awarded those whose work has substantially benefited humankind in the past year. The laureates in chemistry this year are three scientists who worked toward the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. Alexei Ekimov, Luis Brusand Moungi Bawendi played different parts in the discovery and popularity of these nanostructures.

Despite its sci-fi-esque name, quantum dots can be described as very small crystal structures. So small that if the quantum dots were lined along a baseball bat, there would be approximately half a billion quantum dots in that single line. The fun begins when shining ultraviolet light on the dots, which fluoresce in vivid colors. The excitement around quantum dots comes from the fact that as they grow in size, the crystals change in color. This is like having a pile of salt that changes color as more salt is added (and it’s glowing)! Scientists can choose what colors they want to see by changing the size of the dots.

The vibrant color of the dots has versatile applications in LED displays, where the dots act as pixels and color filters. Many companies are already using quantum dots in their displays, which can be spotted by looking for a “Q” in the name of the product.

Researchers are also studying the use of quantum dots in photovoltaics or solar cells. The dots offer a cheaper alternative to energy capture compared to current materials like silicon, cadmium and telluride.

For biomedical applications, quantum dots can be used in imaging technology that allows scientists to track the movement of drugs through the body or a single cell. Their small size and bright glow make them easy to spot as they are metabolized.

In 1979, Ekimov was researching what gave stained glass its unique color, and why changing the temperature during the glass-blowing process resulted in different colors of the same material. He found that some materials changed color based on their size; they were quantum dots! Independent of this observation, Brus found the same occurrence happening in a different material in 1982. Both concluded that the nanocrystals were so small that they behaved differently than expected, called the quantum size effect.

In 1993, Bawendi created a new way to synthesize the quantum dots that involved the sudden injection of an ingredient of quantum dots into a boiling solution. By controlling the temperature of the solution, Bawendi could control the size of the nanoparticles. This new method greatly decreased the effort needed to synthesize quantum dots and increased the yield.

Nanoparticle research is a burgeoning and promising field of chemistry because of the wide range of applications and how much is still yet to be discovered. Quantum dots are just the tip of the nanoparticle iceberg, with more being learned about them daily. Their small size allows scientists to push the envelope of innovation and research and advance many other branches of science. The 2023 Nobel Prize in chemistry displays the importance of continued work in nanoparticles.

John Freeman, Editor 

On Sept. 27, La Salle University officially announced their intentions for deconstructing Tom Gola Arena and renovating the space it occupies into the new and improved John Glaser Arena. In a gathering of about 200 people from the Lasallian community, including alumni, faculty, professors, coaches, fans and students, La Salle University alumna Meg Kane ‘03, moderated a panel consisting of university President Dan Allen, Head Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy, Athletic Director Ashwin Puri and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mountain McGillivray. Kane asked each of the men about their thoughts on what they believe the renovation project means to the university and other specifics about the project as well. 

President Allen responded to Kane’s first question by saying that, “It’s been a long time coming. It actually goes back ten years ago when John Glaser made an extraordinary commitment to the university.”

President Allen explained how he had the opportunity to talk to the family of the late John Glaser ‘62, and how Glaser’s family told him of how Glaser kept a notebook of the shooting percentages of teams playing away at Tom Gola Arena, and through research realized that teams shot better when playing against the Explorers due to the absence of fans behind both baselines. President Allen proceeded by saying that part of Glaser’s purpose for donating was to create an environment that made playing away games against the Explorers more challenging. 

Glaser ‘62 included a generous donation to renovate the arena in his will. The exact dollar amount of the donation was undisclosed at the gathering. However, it is no secret that Glaser’s donation was a multimillion-dollar gift, according to President Allen. 

In addition, the stipulation placed on collecting the donation was that the beneficiaries (La Salle) would have to begin to utilize the funds by Oct. 19, 2023. President Allen went on to say how the likeness of Tom Gola from the Tom Gola Arena will be repurposed with the advent of  “Tom Gola Plaza” just outside of the new arena—where fans can fellowship before games. 

Athletic Director Ashwin Puri expressed, “It’s just gonna be such a meaningful change to this program, both men’s and women’s programs, all of our student-athletes, all of our current students, staff, faculty and our entire community.” 

Puri was the primary articulator for explaining the concept and design of the arena. Puri noted that the renovation will be a 360-degree bowl design—with fans occupying seats on every side of the court and include: a new scoreboard, video board, lighting and a student section next to the visiting team’s bench. 

Puri noted that a primary purpose for renovation would be to deliver a Division I athletic experience for La Salle’s students and fans. Premium seating along with a new HVAC system were among the new luxuries Puri mentioned that would be included in the new edifice as well. The entirety of the renovation process is set to be completed by the Fall of 2024, and will take place in three phases: 

1. Renovation of the current court, stands, and overall arena 
2. Construction of a Health and Wellness Facility (approximately $11M) 
3. Transformation of current locker rooms and the addition of sports science amenities 

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy said that the renovation is “needed” and that he thinks that everyone at La Salle is looking forward to congregating in the new arena. 

Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mountain McGillivray shared similar sentiments as well. 

John Glaser Arena will be able to seat approximately 3,000 people at a time and likely cost upward of $30 million. President Allen, along with Ashwin Puri, thanked all those who have already donated to the renovation project. Puri also encouraged members of La Salle’s community to become financially involved in progressing this project as well. If all goes well, and projections are accurate, then around this time next year, La Salle University will have accomplished three important things. 

Firstly, the university will have increased the value of campus. Secondly, the university will have created an ideal environment for fostering La sallian fellowship and student engagement. Lastly, and most importantly, La Salle University will have paid the proper tribute to the late John Glaser, who initiated the commencement of this powerful project with his generous donation. 
via John freeman

Karly Zimmerman, Staff

La Salle University’s September schedule is packed full of events geared toward welcoming students back to campus after the long summer break. Events ranging from arts and crafts, success coaching and student involvement will be keeping students very busy during the month of September!

On Aug. 28, On the Quad kicked off the semester with a Water Ice Welcome event in the Hansen Quad. Students were invited to come out and enjoy delicious water ice to celebrate the first day of classes. Later in the week, La Salle’s wide range of student clubs, academic and Greek life organizations all gathered in the Tom Gola Arena for a Student Involvement Fair on Thursday, Aug. 31 hosted by the Career Center and Campus Activity Center. The event was a great opportunity to introduce La Salle’s freshman class to the many ways to get involved on campus.

On Sept. 5, La Salle University’s Commuter and Off-Campus Coaches hosted a Painting and Sipping event on the Hansen Quad where commuter students were given the opportunity to network, paint and learn more about La Salle.

La Salle Student Wellness Services began their on-campus series on Wednesday, Sept. 6 with a DIY Thriving Kit table that provided students with healthy tips and tricks to “survive” college. Students were allowed to make up their own care package of wellness products, healthy snacks and more.

La Salle became an official partner school for Campus Philly’s annual Collegefest this year, an event that welcomed over 20,000 college students back to Philadelphia with free museum tickets, free SEPTA fare, and a block party on Philadelphia’s Race Street on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10.

While these events have been a success, La Salle students look forward to the events yet to come. On Friday, September 29, La Salle will host Quietfest, a series of music and wellness festivals held by Depaul USA, a national homelessness services nonprofit organization that fights the homelessness crisis by providing safe and stable housing. The event will take place in the Union Ballroom and will include a workshop, vendors and various physical activities such as yoga, meditation and art therapy. Later that night, Late Night La Salle will partner with Depaul USA and the Union Ballroom will be transformed for a Silent Disco event.

To close out our busy month of September, Late Night La Salle will host a Philly Food event to highlight and celebrate the many cultural and delicious flavors of the city. Students will be invited to come and enjoy in the Union Food Court on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Kylie McGovern, Editor

On May 7, La Salle University’s Spring Full Semester Courses End, and the Spring Full Semester Final Examinations will be on Monday May 8, Tuesday May 9, Wednesday May 10 and Thursday May 11. Final exam time seems to draw students to the library and into a more stressful state of affairs as they prepare for final exams, end-of-semester projects and papers. However, the university and The Collegian have some tips to mitigate some of the stress that comes at the end of a semester. 

La Salle Student Wellness Services and the Office of Student Conduct are helping students prepare for finals week by making their own survival kit on May 1 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Union Lobby. On May 2, La Salle Student Wellness Services and the Art History Club are teaming up to give students an opportunity to take a break from studying and enjoy some creative art therapy from 12:00 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the Union Lobby. On May 5, Student Wellness Services and the Office of Residence Life will present Pause for Paws, an event for students featuring adorable animals brought to campus for an hour of snuggles. This event will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2 p.m. on the Quad, and it is part of Student Wellness Services Stressbusters Week, the week leading up to final exams. 

Aside from the stress relief from La Salle Student Wellness Services, La Salle’s academic support department will offer an opportunity for students to take a moment to reflect on the semester so they can make an effective plan for final exams, papers, and projects.  In this workshop, students will organize themselves, set goals and learn active study techniques to prepare for finals. This event will be on Monday May 1 at 5 p.m. on a Get Ready for Finals Zoom.

The La Salle library also has lots of study resources. The current hours are Monday from 8:00 am – 12:00 am, Tuesday from 8:00 am – 12:00 am, Wednesday from 8:00 am – 12:00 am, Thursday from 8:00 am – 12:00 am, Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am. The Library also typically offers extended hours during the week of finals. The Library has 24-hour online chat with a librarian, sources for papers, online and free access to various databases, research support and more. In addition to these stress-busters and resources, it is helpful to connect with professors during office hours, create study groups to stay accountable, eat healthy meals and get enough sleep. 

Kylie McGovern, Editor 

April has been a busy month for student activities at La Salle University. A range of events has filled La Salle students’ calendars from athletics, the arts, wellness, greek life, and more. La Salle Wellness’s programs this month begin with a Take-Back the Night event on April 4. This event was an opportunity for La Salle community members to gather and share stories of “survivorship, hope, and advocacy.” This event is aimed at taking a stand against sexual violence. This event included music and sign making, group and confidential discussion, and s’mores and hot chocolate after the program! From April 11 until April 14 La Salle Wellness hosted the clothesline project to honor survivors of sexual violence.  Students were encouraged to stop by the Union between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to decorate a shirt and share a story of love, support, or survivorship for Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The shirts were then displayed in the Union. During the rest of the month La Salle Wellness will host a planting event about “seeding your dreams” and a mental health roundtable on April 20. 

Late night La Salle hosted a s’mores event after the Masque’s production of “Drinking Habits.” This play is about two religious nuns who secretly make alcohol, but two reporters are suspicious of their activities.  In addition to this event, Late Night La Salle also hosted a popcorn event and plans to host an event in partnership with OLAS, one with different kinds of cookies, a PJ party and movie night and a tea tasting. 

On April 18 the career center will host one of their spring career check-ins. These check-ins are a series of tabling events geared toward the graduating senior class, and any other students looking for career-related assistance. This is a chance for students to check in on their career prep and exploration with the Career Peers & Counselors in the Union Lobby. They will be there ready to answer any questions and provide you with handouts.

On April 25 there will be an around-the-world wine-tasting event for students who are 21 years old. Students can enjoy an evening of food and wine pairings from around the world. Wines from 5 different countries will be featured with a brief history provided. 

On April 26 La Salle Student’s Government Association will host a General Assembly meeting, which is open to all members of the student body. 

Off-campus, students have a rich selection of activities. On Sunday, April 23 from 11 a.m. until  5 p.m. students can head to nearby Manayunk for the annual StrEAT Food Festival where they can enjoy food, shopping and music. In addition, on April 30 La Salle Students will be running in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10-Miler which has been a proud Philadelphia tradition for over 40 years.