Foreign Language Awareness Week at La Salle

News

Kylie Mcgovern, Managing Editor

La Salle University’s annual Foreign Language Awareness Week (FLAW) commenced on Monday, Mar. 26. The week started with a presentation from Carla Pontarelli, a manager at the Kimmel Center who worked for Disney-Orlando. Pontarelli will be talking about the efforts of Lin-Manuel Miranda to ensure Disney and “Encanto” incorporated Columbian culture into the movie. From 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., there will be a movie screening of “Ocho Apellidos Vascos” in the St Miguel Lobby.

The Food Fair is on Tuesday in the Hayman Hall Lobby. Students will have the opportunity to taste and create cuisines from around the world. Following the food fair, Dr. Kling will give a presentation titled “Families of languages” which will discuss the links between languages around the world.

On Wednesday, there will be Ukrainian egg decorating from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in Hayman 207. There will be a presentation about different greetings throughout the world from Dr. Thomas of the political science department. In his “Kiss, Bow, Shake Hands” presentation, Dr.Thomas will showcase the skills he learned overseas and training at the American Graduate School for International Management. This activity will teach students how to greet people properly in various countries around the world. There will also be a Dumpling Making demonstration with Christoff Raff in the La Salle Multicultural center from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Following dumpling making, Dr. Ketz will give a presentation about La Salle University’s Leadership and Global Understanding minor. There will be a movie Screening of the persecution of the Uyghur population in China on Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m. OLAS will have Bachata con Horchata in Holroyd Lobby.

On Thursday, the Peace and Conflict Resolution students will present their papers via displays and Q and A in the Hayman Lobby during the Universal Free Period. Later, Dr. Mshomba will be presenting about how Swahili assisted in unifying the country of Tanzania. Finally, on Thursday evening, there will be a Bilingual Language Opportunity Festival in Hayman Lobby.

Junior Danielle O’Brien spearheaded the planning of FLAW. She said, “In planning this annual event as the President of the Foreign Language club here at La Salle University and furthermore as a work-study student for the La Salle Foreign Language Department, there is often pressure to ensure that all the events live up to our outset expectations, and that above all, students understand why we put on this event on every year. To some, learning a foreign language is simply a requirement to graduate. To others, it is something fun and rewarding. Nevertheless, I would argue that the primer group can become the latter if there were a more diverse ray of options for language learning that students can choose to register for, which is sorely lacking in the institution. In implementing more options, language learning would become more than simply a requirement, but instead a passion. And that is what this week is all about, demonstrating not only to students but to the University that there is not only a need but a want to increase language learning opportunities here at La Salle. And this want and need is only furthered if we allow for consistent course offerings of a diverse ray of languages and minors of said languages. With that being said, it is my hope that La Salle students turn out at the cultural presentations and events ongoing this week to demonstrate their support and demand for more language enrichment at this University. Thus, investments need to be made in language learning by the University. Not only for the benefits learning another language can give our student body, but furthermore to make La Salle University a beacon for higher education institutions across the country.”

Sophomore Emma Reynolds also participated in planning and she explained, “as Vice-President of the foreign language club, I’m excited to see how all the different events that we have planned for quite some time will play out. It is a lot of fun watching people interact with different cultures, try new foods and learn new things about various languages. Being able to be a part of the language department has meant a great deal to me since I want to make sure that La Salle is able to teach future students what it truly means to know a second language. There are so many opportunities to have knowledge of a second language or even a third, and La Salle has the resources for students with jobs and internships. Keeping on the tradition with FLAW to help bring more awareness to the languages that La Salle offers is something that I hope will keep going in the future.

Philadelphia City Councilman and La Salle Alum Mark Squilla Speaks at Alma Mater

News

Anthony Pantalone, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Header Image credit: Philadelphia City Council

Mark Squilla, a City Councilman for Philadelphia’s 1st District and La Salle University alum, returned to his alma mater to speak to students in Dr. Foley’s State and Local Government class on Wednesday, Mar. 8. This visit included a lecture in which Councilman Squilla described his work as a member of city council, how he became involved in city politics, and the current issues facing his district and the city of Philadelphia. Following his lecture, students could ask the city councilman various questions. The 1st District, Squilla’s jurisdiction, spans from South Philadelphia all the way to Kensington and Port Richmond—typically called the “River Wards.” After studying computer science at La Salle University, Councilman Squilla would spend twenty-five years working in the Office of Pennsylvania’s Auditor General before his eventual political career. This councilman first became involved civically in Philadelphia with the restoration of a local playground in South Philly. He later would become a member of the Democratic City Committee in the late 90s. His political career in Philadelphia was elevated with an election to city council representing the 1st District in 2011—a position he has held for over eleven years. His many accomplishments include the Reading Viaduct restoration, the development of the East Passyunk Business Improvement District, and acting as the Chair of the City Council Streets Committee.

His visit to La Salle was a homecoming where this politician shared his experience and knowledge with the university’s political science students. Squilla spoke in depth about the work of his position, issues facing his particular district, and his own approach to being a public official. Within his district is Kensington—a Philly neighborhood rife with problems of drugs and crime in recent decades. This councilman understood and acknowledged the quagmire of Kensington and the myriad of issues facing people who live there. About the visit Dr. Foley said, “Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla provided the students in my State and Local Government class with very informative and valuable insights into his professional and political career and the critical issues confronting the City of Philadelphia.”

My own interaction with Squilla illustrated his sincerity and genuine care for his constituents. I had guided the councilman from 20th Street into Hayman Hall and was able to speak to him for a few minutes before the class. Whereas many politicians attempt to emphasize the prestige of being elected, Councilman Squilla recognizes the true nature of democracy and representative politics. Politicians are employed by citizens and must always answer to their constituents instead of seeing themselves as “above” the common citizen. Squilla understands this principle and attempts to politically live by it—vowing transparency and open direct communication with those in his district. He even spends hours late each night personally responding to e-mails sent to his office. Other local politicians would never be found doing the same. Helping constituents and bettering life for his district is of utmost importance for Squilla.

La Salle university students depart for travel studies

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

Students on past travel study via La Salle University

La Salle University students will be departing for travel studies over the spring break this week. There are two classes participating in travel studies this semester. MKT 305: International Marketing led by Dr. Swee-Lim Chia. will travel to Germany and France and Dr. Volpe will be traveling with his HON 336: Contesting Narratives Versions of Vietnam War class to Vietnam. La Salle University believes in the importance of providing students with a global perspective that helps to connect local and wider world issues. The intent of La Salle’s travel/study courses is to help bridge cultural divides and prepare our students to be citizens of the world. Travel study courses are semester-long courses taught at La Salle, with a 7 to 10 day trip over spring break. Travel studies courses have been to Germany, China, Chile, France, Quebec, Bermuda and England.

The Vietnam travel course is taught by Philosophy department professor Dr. Volpe, a Vietnam war veteran. Through the class, Dr. Volpe and his students have read histories, memoirs, fiction and poetry. They have also watched documentaries and dramas. The class has examined different perspectives of the war through this media. The class’ travels will not only be informed, animated and directed by their readings, but also by their attempt to identify the ways in which the Vietnamese represent what they call “the American War.” This group of 15 students accompanied by Dr. Volpe and other faculty will travel from Hanoi to Saigon with stops in Hue City, Khe Sanh and My Lai. Students in the Vietnam travel study are eager to experience the nation where both the emotional and historical narratives they have studied take place.

Students in International Marketing class have been studying international business and comparative business practices. Adriana Puelo expresses her excitement about the class and the trip saying, “This class has taught us all about the global aspects of marketing and how it applies to the broader audiences, beyond the scope of one country. Specifically we focused on Germany and France. We learned a lot about its many areas of history, culture and various industries of those countries. We then put what we learned into action by actually traveling to Germany and France over spring break to visit the different companies we learned about!”

This class gives students a managerial view of the marketing function from a global perspective. It also describes and explores the complexities, problems, and opportunities of worldwide marketing. Eric Wilson, a student in the International Marketing travel study explains, “it has been very interesting to learn how businesses and products adapt to different cultures around the world. I’m excited to experience these cultures and see how business is done abroad during our time in Germany and France.” Another student, Jake Cooper, says, “This class is giving us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in different cultures to better understand how business is conducted overseas.” Both of these classes provide students with worldwide perspectives that are important to their education and later their professional lives.

La Salle Launches Student-Run Chess Club

News, Uncategorized

Kyle Storti, Staff

The Explorer’s Chess Club is a brand new student organization that is looking for members. The club conducts its meetings in College Hall 303 every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 pm. Open to all skill levels, the club looks to create an environment where students can learn, play and watch chess with their peers in a fun, relaxed environment. The club plans on hosting tournaments and fundraisers online and on campus in the near future. If you are interested in joining, contact Kyle Storti (stortik1@lasalle.edu) for more information.

La Salle University sets date for 10th annual Day of Giving

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

Tuesday, March 21, will be La Salle’s 10th annual Day of Giving. This year, its goal is to help the University achieve the Charter Challenge, a single-year initiative to raise $10 million by May 31. The Day of Giving has a goal of raising $1 million in a single day. To encourage donations through social media, the University has created a social media tool kit with Downloadable Profile and Cover Photos, as well as sample social media posts. These sample posts are geared toward posting before, during and after the Day of Giving. An example of a post before the Day of giving is “@LaSalleUniv’s Day of Giving is fast approaching—Tuesday, March 21. We are calling on alumni, parents, and friends to support the university and its mission. Here’s how to make an impact: http://bit.ly/3lCmSJA.” An example post on the Day of giving is “Rise and shine, Explorers! Today is our 10th annual Day of Giving. I am eager to see all of those who help @LaSalleUniv raise gifts towards the Charter Challenge. Celebrate our 160th anniversary and support our students today: http://bit.ly/3lCmSJA.” Finally an example of a post for after the Day of Giving is “Explorers everywhere came together to inspire hope and make a difference on @LaSalleUniv’s 10th annual Day of Giving. I am grateful to be part of such a charitable and selfless community.” In addition to social media posts, the tool kit also provides an email sample.

On the Day of Giving in 2021, 1,753 people donated and raised $934,238. In 2022 the Day of Giving resulted in Gifts from more than 2,850 donors, which exceeded $1.3 million. In addition, La Salle University’s Charter Challenge was extremely successful on Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29, 2022, when La Salle raised a record-breaking number of donations at over $180,000 through 678 gifts.

The Day of Giving efforts will go towards an array of causes like the La Salle Fund for Student Scholarships, the President’s Strategic Initiative Fund, the Honors Program Scholarship Initiative, the School of Arts and Sciences Fund, the School of Business Fund, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Fund and Explorer Fund for Athletics. These scholarships are especially important, considering the majority of La Salle students receive some type of scholarship or financial aid. Within the Lasallian mission, there is an air of inclusion. Many La Salle students see this inclusion through accessible and more affordable education, which can be accomplished through scholarships. The La Salle Fund focuses on helping La Salle maintain its mission of providing accessible and transformative education for students through scholarship and financial aid. Similarly, The 1863 Achievement Scholarship makes the gap between institutional funding and a student’s financial resources disappear. Donors will support an incoming first-year, resident student for all four years of their La Salle career. The charter challenge also seeks to raise funds for The Honors Program Scholarship Initiative which aims to attract and retain high-achieving students at La Salle University. The Day of Giving aims to directly support the study body, as well as the posterity of La Salle University.

Temple University police officer killed

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Temple University police officer Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed around 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue responding to a student who was being carjacked. Fitzgerald, 31, joined the force in October 2021. Fitzgerald’s wife and 4 children are mourning the loss of a father and husband. Fitzgerald was also an integral member of his community as a founding member of the Hood 2 Hood Run Series.

A suspect, 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer is caught on video saying “give me the keys or I’ll kill you.” The suspect drove off in the car but was later picked up by his mother on 29th Street and Ridge Avenue. Pfeffer was arrested on the 2300 block of Quarry Road in Bucks County around 7 a.m. Sunday. Pfeffer was charged with Murder, Murder of a law enforcement officer, Robbery, Carjacking, Carrying a firearm without a license and possession of an instrument of crime.

A growing memorial for the fallen officer has also been started by fellow officers and his Temple community on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue. Temple University released a statement that read: “Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend.”

Unfortunately, the La Salle community and the greater neighborhood are no strangers to violence. Last week, an undergraduate student was the victim of an armed carjacking at the intersection of 20th Street and Chew Avenue. Both La Salle Public Safety and the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) arrived within minutes of receiving notification from an eyewitness. In addition, there was a shelter in place on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for off-campus and St Katherine residents because of a situation at the 5700 block of N. Woodstock St. The Division of Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) at La Salle University is proud to partner with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and its 35th District to provide the opportunity to attend one of two safety education sessions at 12:30–2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Holroyd Hall atrium and 8–9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 22, also in Holroyd Hall atrium.

Editor’s Note: The Staff at The Collegian is thinking of Fitzgerald’s family and the Temple University community, as well as students here at La Salle affected by the incidents this week.

La Salle’s Masque takes the stage

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

Mavericks performance via @themasqueoflasalle on instagram

On Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11, La Salle University’s student theater group The Masque took the stage to perform Mavericks which consisted of five one-act plays both written and produced by students. The one-act plays this year were titled “Jimmy,” “The Breakup,” “Clowning Around,” “America’s Next Top” and “Over the Top.” Elia Nash and Crystal Barkie produced the show and Adian Tyksinski, Edward Cosgrove, Izzy Hill, and Joe James all directed one-acts. In addition, to the directors and producers, Adian Brant, Dang Ngyuen, Kyla Renegar, Lee Bishop and Maria Hernandez-Pancesso. Mercury Foderson served as VP of Technical Affairs. The carpenters were Jack Wagner, Allie Ringsdorf and Joni DeFilippo. Izzy Hill and Nigist Legesse worked together on the lighting. Dominic Grillo worked on the sound.

The Mavericks ranged in genre and content from show to show. “Jimmy” was a humorous and thrilling story about friends running into bigfoot. “The Breakup” was an emotional one-act play about the trials of a relationship with a hint of humor throughout. “Clowning Around,” “America’s Next Top” and “Over the Top” were hilarious enough to make the audience erupt in laughter throughout.

The Masque’s productions are often at the same time as a Late Night La Salle event. These events often have snacks and games so many students both in the plays and audiences headed to enjoy some chocolate-covered strawberries after the show.

In addition to Mavericks, the Masque performs monthly improv shows. There are a few improv shows on the calendar for Feb. 18, March 4, March 25 and April 1. All the improv shows begin at 7 p.m. Later on in the semester, the Masque will perform their spring play “Drinking Habits” on April 14. This play is about two religious nuns who secretly make alcohol, but two reporters are suspicious of their activities.

Through all of these performances, The Masque of La Salle University aims to provide students with opportunities to experience the theatrical arts whether on stage, off stage or in the audience. The Masque is committed to various goals through their work. These goals include, service through the development of productions, education of its members about theater and developing an appreciation for it, and the development of the theater community.

Editor’s Note: I want to extend congratulations to all those involved with the Masque. Your performances unite the student body and provide a unique form of entertainment that creates a sense of community. I look forward to future shows.

La Salle celebrating Black History Month

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

La Salle library collection for Black History Month

Black History Month is observed every February to celebrate African Americans’ achievements and integral roles in history. There are celebrations and events both here at La Salle University and in the Greater Philadelphia area. The La Salle Connelly Library has a future exhibit on the first floor to celebrate Black History Month. There is a Notable Black Alumni section featuring alumni from decades beginning in the 1940s until most recently a spotlight on an alum who graduated in 2003. The exhibit features yearbooks, news articles, photographs and magazines. Another exhibit celebrates African American actors with photos, scripts, press releases and even a VHS tape.

In addition to the exhibits in the library, Dr. Walter Greason, a professor at Macalester College, will speak at an event hosted by the black studies program history department and multicultural and international center on Philadelphia, Afrofuturism, and The Future of Wakanda. This event will be in Founder’s Hall on Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

La Salle’s African American Student League (AASL) has numerous events planned for this month. On Friday, Feb. 10 the AASL will host a “Red Table Talk ” which gives an opportunity to discuss challenges facing the Black community and topics like o cultural differences, relationships in college and how the campus community can come together. This event will be in the Union’s Dunleavy Room at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Feb. 22 a Black History Month Town Hall with Vice President of Student Development & Campus Life Gabrielle St. Léger, Ed.D., Dean of Students TiRease Holmes, MBA ’16 and the Students Government Association will be an opportunity for students to share their Black perspective at La Salle. On Tuesday, Feb. 28 there will be a Black Showcase in the Dan Rodden Theater at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Black culture through student performances of spoken word, singing, dancing, and more.

There will be a viewing of “The Sun Rises in the East” on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6–8:30 p.m. in Founders’ Hall in part with the School District of Philadelphia. In addition, there will be a screening of “Till” at 5:30 p.m. on Feb.23.

There are also various events off-campus, but still in the area, to celebrate black history this February. The Philadelphia museum of art will offer free admission on Saturday, Feb. 25 which will be filled with programs and activities to highlight Black artists. In addition, The National Constitution Center is presenting an exhibit that celebrates and honors The Four Harriets of History: Harriet Tubman, Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Jacobs and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Free Library of Philadelphia also hosts an array of events to celebrate black history month.

La Salle Univeristy students celebrate Eagles victory

News

Celebrations post Eagles win
Via Curbed Philadelphia

Kylie McGovern, Editor

One could feel the nervousness and tension on the afternoon of Jan. 29 on La Salle University’s campus before the Philadelphia Eagles game commenced. Students gathered to watch the game both on and off campus. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 which won the Birds not only the NFC Championship but also a spot in the Super Bowl.

Around campus, there were lots of cheers and excitement which continued throughout the evening. La Salle Students flocked to the Olney Transportation Center just a few minutes away from campus to head downtown and celebrate the win with the greater community in the City of Brotherly Love.

Hugs and High fives were exchanged in the station, as well as upward to ten repeats of the Eagles fight song. Many La Salle Students got off the Broad Street Line at the City Hall stop to join their fellow Philadelphians in the heart of the city. Fireworks painted the sky and the music of rappers from Philadelphia filled the air with a spirit of hope and community. This spirit of hope seems to be a quintessential part of being a Philadelphia sports fan, but the spirit of community is a quintessential part of being Lasallian.

Although these celebrations of sports victory seem fairly surface level, riding back up to campus with fellow students, some who knew each other well and others who were practically strangers, showed a deeper meaning of community. Everyone celebrating on Sunday certainly had their differences: different grades, different hometowns, different majors, different interests, different friendships and even different worldviews, but they all had a few things in common: their Lasallian ties and a love of the Philadelphia Eagles. This aspect of finding community and commonality among differences is something that truly upholds the pillars of Lasallian identity of the spirit of faith, zeal for service and communion in mission. This might be a stretch but La Salle students have faith in their team, a zeal to help out people along the way by helping other students navigate the subway system for example and a commission in the mission of coming together to support a common goal.

As students walked back to campus together and everyone parted their ways for the night, students exchanged “good-nights,” “be-safes” and “Go Birds.” In Philadelphia, “Go Birds” means a few different things like “have a good day/night,” “you’re the best” and even “I love you.” While from an outside perspective this may sound like some sports community fantasy, the spirit of the Lasallian and Philadelphian community was alive and well on Sunday evening.

Editor’s Note: Go Birds!

So, what did you miss?

News

Kylie McGovern, Editor

via La Salle University

La Salle students began coming back to campus for the spring semester on Saturday Jan. 15. But a lot goes on during the winter break both at La Salle University and in the City of Philadelphia. So, here is a roundup of what you might have missed while away on break.

La Salle University hosted the winter open house on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at 9:30 AM until 2:00 PM. The event was for high school prospective students and transfer students. The open house consisted of an opening session, admission and financial aid information, academic sessions, campus tours, and lunch. Following the Open House, visitors were invited to the Men’s Basketball Game against Saint Joseph’s University.
Students at La Salle celebrated Martin Luther King day on campus and off campus on Jan. 16. UMASS hosted NETWORK which is a lobbying group composed of nuns to discuss radical love and social justice training. Basketball teams, swimming teams and track and field teams visited local Logan elementary school for a day of service to honor the memory and impact of Dr. King.
Classes began on Tuesday Jan. 17 kicking off the spring semester. Feb. 3 is the last day to file a pass/fail option for spring full semester classes.
The MacCready Family Foundation donated $100,000 to the University’s Department of Psychology and its clinical psychology program. This grant will go towards serving mental health needs in the area around La Salle University.
On Jan. 21, the Philadelphia Eagles advanced in the playoffs after victory against the New York Giants. Late Night La Salle hosted a viewing of the game and a spirit of brotherly love entered the campus.
A new semester is the time to get involved on campus. La Salle’s recreation center hosted intramural basketball registration on Jan. 23rd. In addition to recreation, the involvement fair will be held on Jan. 26 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The involvement fair is an opportunity for students to receive information about clubs on campus as well as employment opportunities. In addition, panhellenic recruitment begins on Feb. 2.
Wellness Wednesdays return again this semester. Public Health Capstone Students will host a game of Wheel of Consent to teach students about the importance of gaining consent. In addition, the Public Health Capstone students will discuss racial stressors and how to overcome these stressors from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the Union Lobby.

Editor’s Note: These are just a few of the happenings over winter break at the beginning of the semester. If you are interested in the La Salle Collegian highlighting your organization’s events in a News story or press please contact mcgovernk8@lasalle.edu. Best of luck during this semester, Explorers.