Knight Life After College: Pro Sports

Ever wonder what life after Bellarmine holds? Well, for two former Knights – Kyle Sorenson and Garret Kikot - life after Bellarmine begins in the National Lacrosse League. The newly expanded, thirteen team league recently held its player entry draft at Madison Square Garden, where Sorenson, the number two overall pick and first collegiate pick in the draft, was picked up by the San Diego Stealth. Kikot, 26th in the overall draft, signed with the newly formed New York Titans.

Kyle Sorenson came to BU from Peterborough, Ontario to join Bellarmine’s lacrosse team as a defender in its inaugural season. As a freshman, Kyle led the team in forced turn overs, and was second in ground balls, with 54. In his sophomore season, he improved that number to 66, to lead the team. What most BU lacrosse fans remember though, is his game-winning score against Maryhurst in 2005, after the contest went into overtime.

Garret Kikot also joined the Knights in the lacrosse program’s inaugural season, moving to Louisville from Hartford University with coach Jack McGetrick after his sophomore year. In his first year at Bellarmine this aggressive attackman led the nation in scoring, finishing the 2005 season with 53 goals. Last year, Kikot led the Knights in both scoring and assists, finishing his college career as the team’s all-time record holder in goals, with 85, and assists: 55.

Both players will begin their professional seasons on December 30, when the league begins play. Game schedules, as well as complete coverage of the draft, and player statistics can be found on the league’s website:www.nll.co

Haunted history on Elm St.

Bellarmine student and Histoty major, Connie Duke, is in Professor Wellivers Methodology and Research course this Fall semester. To complete her assignment for her research project she is delving into local history here in Kentucky focusing on the Ditto house on Elm street, in Wespoint, KY.

The Ditto house is currently a bed and breakfast, but legend has it that it is haunted. It's guest are not only of the land of the living but the dead as well. These haunts are less than friendly as they have been causing havoc on the Ditto home for over a century. The Ditto home has been used for many things, including a private home, a bank, a ticket agency, a boarding house, and a civil war hospital and barracks for General William T. Sherman.

There are many stories that have originated from this haunted dwelling, including one involving a bed on the second floor which regardless of laundering the sheets, always has ample supply of red hair tangled in its weave of covers. Another of the many legends involves a rocking chair which when nailed to the floor at night will have set itself free by dawn.

Connie's research paper will uncover the history and truth behind the legend of the Ditto House Inn. The paper should be incredibly interesting and enlightening. Check back often for updates with Connie' progress.

Bellarmine Students Go Global

For many Bellarmine students, the university's size is both comfortable and claustraphobic. Bellarmine is a small college community with a total student enrollment of only around 2500, making the average class size around 30 students per class. Small classes are a plus because they mean more personal attention from the professors and more familiar, friendly faces around campus. However, students sometimes view the university's size as a draw-back because it breeds too much familiarity, and even monotomy, in a place and time (college) that are often hailed as adventurous. What many people do not realize is that Bellarmine is much bigger, and more adventurous than it looks.

Through a network of consortiums, programs, and partnerships, Bellarmine has an extensive study abroad program. Bellarmine students can choose from options on 6 continents in over 58 countries around the globe. The university offers summer, semester, and year-long programs at over 145 partner universities.

Each year, a new group of adventerous Bellarmine students apply to these programs and are placed around the globe. This year is no exception. At the begining of September a group of 8 Bellarmine students set off to spots around the globe:

Theresa Cripe University of Maastricht Netherlands
Andrew Stivers Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ashley Berlin Curtin University Australia
Gretta Hust University of S. Stockholm Sweden
Ginny Roby University of Salamanca Spain
Sarah Shumway University of Caen France
Amanda Otten Brock University Canada
Lyndsay Hennick USFQ

Come January, another group of explorers will set off, as spring semester placements just came in yesterday and are as follows:

Addie Erwin University of Malta Malta
Mary Decoursey University of Salamanca Spain
Christynn Vierra University of Salamanca Spain
Michelle Foisy University of Helsinki Finland
Brian Murphy Napier University Scotland
Paul Morgan Vxjo Sweden
Brittany Hoagland University of Regimontana Mexico
Mary Casey University of Navarra

So, congratulations to all of the above mentioned, not just for the placements but for taking advantage of all that Bellarmine has to offer, for seeing the global side of a small school.

For more information on Bellarmine Study Abroad Progams click here

Black Student Union

When walking around campus it is only normal to see a majority of white faces. More than 85% of Bellarmine's student body is white. There are only a handful of RSOs (Registered Student Organizations) on campus that support diversity. RSOs such as FLOW, Uknight, CIA, and the International Club are the major organizations. There are few events directed towards minorities and few minority professors on campus. This may discourage students from creating minority RSOs, but Alecia Prince has stepped up to the plate.

Alecia Prince, senior clinical lab science major, has just finished the paperwork for a new RSO, Black Student Union (BSU). With the help of Sherlissa Dukes, Melissa Hyles and Tia Madison, Prince created the first RSO of its kind. According to Prince, "We wanted to start a Black Student Union to meet the needs of the black and minority students. Also to enhance our cultural, academic, and social development on campus. Also to form union among the black and minority students as a whole body; by hearing what the black community is saying and acting on it in a positive manner. To promote leadership today that will make leaders tomorrow. In accord with everything just mentioned to teach black history to ourselves in order to point us in the right direction in the future."

BSU hopes to embrace the black culture by bringing poets, musicians, and speakers to Bellarmine. "We want to have meetings that will bring together the black and minority students to help us grow mentally, physically, socially, and perhaps even spiritually" says Prince.

Black Student Union is looking to bring together people and give minorities a place to gather. The organization is in the process of recruiting members. If interested, please contact Alecia Prince at : aprince01@bellarmine.edu

Beargrass creek clean up

With recent talk of global warming and the enigma of el nino still lingering in our midst, it is only natural that we seek ways to improve our efficiency and primarily find ways around abusing a=our environment. Just such an occasion has come upon us.

Next Saturday, September 23rd, Bellarmine will be participating in the Clean-up of Beargrass Creek from 12:00-2:00 p.m. This is a project that Bellarmine's Biology Club and SGA have participated in for the past several years. MSD is in charge of the overall project. Bellarmine's role in this event will be to clean just a very small portion of the creek (right across Newberg road). Meanwhile, other groups will be cleaning other areas along the creek and painting rain barrels. MSD will be providing garbage bags, gloves, etc... so don't feel overwhelmed if you don't own a pair of gardening gloves. Typically MSD will dispose of the garbage after the clean up too, so all participants need bring is themselves.. It's a fun project (good for the environment too), and it could be fun! This is a great opportunity to give back to nature.

If you are interested in participating in this wonderful project meet in front of Petrik Hall at 11:50 and then walk with a the Bellarmine group to Joe Creason Park.
To sign up, email Trish Todd at ptodd01@bellarmine.edu or see the bulletin board next to Campus Ministry Office in the Cafe.

Residence Life Expansion

Living on campus can be a great way to become acquainted with Bellarmine, other residents and popular events. In the six Residence Halls, Kennedy, Newman, Bonaventure, Lenihan, Petrik, and Anniversary, there are a total of 674 residents. Living on campus has many benefits. Residents can take advantage of 24-hour study rooms, computer labs, TV rooms, exercise areas, vending machines, small kitchenettes, pool tables, and other necessities for the everyday college student. Other benefits include a short walk to class, meeting different people, lots of floor programs, and gaining a sense of independence.

Residence Life, the department of campus living, is in the process of building another residence hall to accommodate the growing interest in campus living. The next residence hall to join the existing six has yet to be named. The first phase of “Siena” is scheduled to open fall 2007. The project has four phases and will be built in approximately 10 years. According to Leslie Maxie-Ashford, Interim Assistant Dean of Students for Residence Life, “phase one of Siena will be for first year students and it will house male and females students with two Resident Assistants and two Peer Mentors. Phase I will have 119 beds and will have one male floor and one female floor.

The new hall is apart of the Bellarmine 20-year vision to build across Newburg Road and expand campus for more students. The addition will help with the growing on-campus population. Eventually Lenihan and Bonaventure will be torn down to allow room for Siena.

Leslie Maxie-Ashford is excited about the new hall and students are ready to see the finished product! Below is a picture of the Siena Housing Project.

BU Students Hunt Down Diversity

If you went up to Bardstown Road this last weekend or earlier this week, you may have noticed an increased number of Bellarmine students exploring the thoroughfare – with cameras. Why? Because they were charged to hunt down diversity in Louisville.

As a part of Dr. Henson’s Intercultural Communications class, these students were assigned a scavenger hunt. Their mission was to find examples of different cultures throughout Louisville. These could be manifested in any number of ways: as restaurants, markets, stores, churches, etc so long as they showed a unique sense of culture and could be photographed. The catch of the exercise was that each group had to produce 15-20 images of different cultural examples – with at least one group member in each picture.

For the exercise to be truly affective, Dr. Henson encourages her students to go all over the city, to explore unfamiliar areas, and to be adventuresome, and some were. However, most students found that they only needed to venture as far as Bellarmine’s backyard to find everything they needed. While most students recognize Bardstown Road/Baxter Ave as a fun hangout, full of food, shopping, and nightlife, very few realize just how diverse the area really is and how many different cultures are represented on the 2.5 mile stretch between Douglass Loop and Rogers St. So far the groups have counted over 23 businesses representing more than 15 cultures.

Several of the students, when asked to comment on their experience with the scavenger hunt and what they learned, expressed amazement at discovering that there was so much diversity so close to Bellarmine, and so much on Bardstown Road/Baxter Ave that they never realized was there.

Links to Bardstown/Baxter Multicultural attractions:

Kashmir - http://www.kashmirlouisville.com/
Kizito - http://www.kizito.com/
Sitori - http://www.sitori.com/sit/default.asp
The Celtic Centre - http://www.celticcentre.com/
Molly Malone’s - www.mollymalonesirishpub.com

Beating the Freshman 15

Have you gained the Freshman 15?

A student's transition from high school to college involves a series of changes and can be hard for students leaving home for the first time. Ranging from new roommates to challenging classes, freshmen are faced with many adjustments in their new college environment. After the thrill of shopping for new shower shoes and Rubbermaid plastic containers, the reality of college begins to kick in. Students begin to pull all-nighters and eat late night snacks while studying for the next big Calculus exam. The late night snacks, all-nighters and trips to Krispy Kreme are college rituals but these norms are causing weight gain in college freshmen.

The "Freshman 15" is a phrase used to describe the additional weight gain of first-time college students. The weight gain can be attributed to high stress levels, being away from home, and unhealthy eating habits.

To help prevent the "15" Bellarmine is providing options for students to lead healthier lifestyles. The SuRF (Student Recreation Facilities) offers many classes to help with burning calories and losing weight. Such classes include yoga, self-defense, karate, and hip-hop aerobics. All these classes help burn calories but one in particular gives the students a little something extra: dance lessons.

Hip-hop aerobics is a section of FLOW, Bellarmine's hip-hop dance team, that focuses on the physical health of the Bellarmine community. Exercises are done through repetivtive dances such as The Electric Slide and The Hustle. According to LaShayna Thomas, junior and president of FLOW, "the class is geared toward any dance level and welcomes all types of dancers! Classes are held in the Kennedy/Newman Residence Hall on Wednesday nights from 8:30-9:30pm. The class is a great way to burn calories and brush up on your dance moves."

The first class of the semester was held on September 6th at 8:30. More than 30 people attended the class and broke a sweat while dancing to hip-hop music. The music varied from Art of Noise (instrumental) to Prince. The students learned the dances "The Booty Call" and "The Wizard." Many students left the class dripping in sweat but had so much fun working out while dancing. The classes will be held throughout the semester.

As said by Aledda Jackson, freshman, "The class was so fun! I can't even dance but the class helped me find my inner rhythm!"

The class is an easy and fun way to avoid the dreaded 15. The rigorous dance moves and repetitive motions will help to tone and shape your body. The class is a popluar addition to the SuRF's regular classes and will continue to work the students interested in joining.

If interested in joining hip-hop aerobics please contact LaShayna Thomas at lthomas02@bellarmine.edu.

Bellarmine on the Belvedere for Worldfest

This past weekend Louisville hosted Worldfest downtown on the Belvedere. It was a sight to be seen, especially during Saturday morning’s naturalization ceremony when 373 people from 73 countries were sworn in as US citizens. Aside from the ceremony, this year’s fourth annual Worldfest was comprised of over 175 booths representing 91 cultures and 80 languages. However, as the festival was poorly publicized on campus and rarely spoken of what many BU students don’t know is that Bellarmine was represented among these cultures.

Bellarmine was not only a presence at the festival but also a sponsor. A huge Bellarmine banner hung over the center court of the festival, while a smaller banner and crimson tent marked the university’s booth. Saturday afternoon Elizabeth Tromans from the Admissions Office was the University representative on hand. She said that while attendance seemed to be good, she had seen very few Bellarmine students. In fact, the majority of her visitors were Bellarmine’s neighbors inquiring about university expansion rather than international involvement.

Sponsorship was not the only tie that Bellarmine had to the festival though, as there were several individuals from the Bellarmine community working at the festival for other organizations. For example, Dr. Evanthia Speliotis from the Philosophy department was working at the festival with her daughters as a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption.

As the international population of Louisville continues to grow and diversify, so will Bellarmine. Therefore support of and involvement in events such as Worldfest are as important as they are fun. And with the festival’s growth and success this year, many are already looking forward to preparations for next year’s festival. Now, granted it is a long way off, and in the chaos of everyday campus life you rarely have the forethought to look forward to next month let alone next year, but I would strongly encourage all members of the Bellarmine community – faculty, staff, and students alike – to keep an open ear for information on next year’s Worldfest and do your best to be a part of the festivities.

Check out what the Courier-Journal had to say:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/SCENE/609010346&SearchID=73256042716638

Joseph of Arimathea Committee

“According to the Gospels, after his crucifixion, Jesus’ body was taken from the cross and laid in a cave owned by Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph’s generosity made it possible for Mary to bury her son with dignity. In the Catholic tradition, the body is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit and out of respect for this temple, burying the dead is considered a corporal work of mercy.”
-Campus Ministry Council

People rarely speak of death; perhaps because it is the one truth ever offered to us. To speak of death is often coupled with unattractive descriptors; melancholy, morbid, and morose, are prime examples.

With that in mind, I’m going to speak of death. No, not in the macabre fashion. I do not plan to disrespect the chilling effect death delivers. I speak of death with the utmost deference, as it is the final transition of spirit from body to what lies beyond this world. The spirit that thrives in all of us is the thread that binds us together in a human-knot of experience. It seems wrong to die alone, and perhaps even more inappropriate to transition from this world to the next unappreciated and unaccompanied.

There are many ways to perish, but only one way to be buried properly: with respect and dignity. For the impoverished, indigient, and/or homeless of this region, a box (literally constructed of cardboard, felt, and plastic handles), and a burial site (River Valley Cemetery) is provided by the county. Many of these deprived men, women, and children have in times past buried without mourners or prayer. Now we are called to emulate the generosity of Joseph of Arimathea.

Bellarmine is now involved in the Joseph of Arimathea society. This society is responsible for providing pall bearers and witnesses to those who previously would have been deprived of this basic human right to a dignified burial. Two days before a scheduled funeral is to be held, the coroners office calls schools on a rotating schedule to recruit students and staff to attend the funeral and participate in a brief ceremony, consisting of an opening prayer accompanied by a few psalms.

The cemetery is about a thirty minutes drive from Bellarmine, most funerals start at 11 a.m., which predicts students to be back to campus by 12:15. If you feel compelled to participate in this contact the Director of Campus Ministry, Melanie Prejean Sullivan mpsullivan@bellarmine.edu. Give her your telephone number and your preferred day(s) of the week for assignment. The next time BU is contacted you will be called. There are no burials on weekends.

The ceremony lasts about 10 minutes, the experience: a lifetime.
-Brie Dunaway

Welcome to BU Beat

THE BLOG

Hello, and welcome to the first post of "The Campus Beat" blog. This blog will keep you up to date on recent and interesting pieces of information one may not encounter everyday on Bellarmine's busy campus. Through a series of interesting interviews of our beloved Bellarmine students, staff, and Alumni reguarding their unique ideas, current involvements with the community, organizations, and all the spectacular things they are doing here on campus . Questions will be asked and answered, brains picked and probed, and comments, as always, are welcomed. Then, all the information gathered by the"interviewers" and shared here will give you the rundown of people, places and things relating to you and your fellow peers, professors and others associated with Bellarmine's great campus! All are encouraged to check back frequently as the blog will be updated several times weekly.

THE AUTHORS

Mary DeCoursey - International Affairs, Events, and Happenings at BU
Brie Dunaway - Special programs and Involvments created by and for members of the BU community
Amber Hensley - New to BU