The Chicago Blackhawks begin their quest for the Stanley Cup trophy on Tues. at 7 p.m. vs. the Minnesota Wild. Follow along with Opinions Editor Alex Veeneman and Tempo Editor Tony Lyen as they give news and analysis from the games in the live blog below.

No. 1 seeded Chicago will have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, due to finishing the regular season with the best record in the league. As long as the Blackhawks are in the playoffs, Veeneman and Lyen will posting their insight on this live blog.

Anthony Lyen, Tempo Editor

You’ve probably seen them strutting their stuff at some of the sports games throughout the academic year. Now, the Flyerettes are taking their talents to a whole other level, hosting the first Flyerettes Showcase.

The Flyerettes are a group of 19 female Lewis students who work hard and dance harder. The girls have a passion for dance, and it shows. The Flyerettes are often cheering on their fellow Flyers at the Neil Carey Arena, putting on a wonderful show and getting the crowd into the game as much as possible.

Fifteen of the Flyerettes will be performing in this year’s showcase. The performance allows the dancers a unique opportunity to show off their talent in a way you wouldn’t normally see at a sporting or social event. Various Flyerettes will star in a variety of dances, including tap, hip-hop and lyrical.

The showcase required hours upon hours of dedication, work and practice. The numbers must be rehearsed almost daily, and materials need to be gathered. All in all, though, the Flyerettes are excited to prepare a delightful show for the Lewis community.

“We have a great line up of dancers, a great crew working with us and everyone has been working extremely hard to perfect their numbers,” said Katie Broenneke, a senior elementary education major and Public Relations Executive of the Flyerettes. “We plan to have fun and hope Lewis students, faculty and staff will too!”

Broenneke has been on the team for two years, but she has been dancing for much longer, just like the rest of the Flyerettes.

Like several other organizations on campus, the Flyerettes aim to keep school spirit up whenever they perform. The Flyerettes Showcase allows the girls to continue that tradition while also demonstrating their many other talents.

This includes choreography. Every single dance at the showcase was choreographed by one of the Flyerettes, which once again displays the true commitment, dedication and talent the performers have.

“The showcase gives us an opportunity to literally ‘showcase’ the different styles of dance we have experience in and bring a versatile look to our group,” said junior early childhood education major Stephanie Daley, who is the captain of the Flyerettes. “We’re really excited.”

The Flyerettes Showcase will dance its way into the Philip Lynch Theatre April 25 at 7:30 p.m. The event is free for all guests, and it is sure to entertain all who come.

Last year, the Lewis University men’s volleyball team was a revered group. The squad captured the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season title, the MIVA tournament championship and they advanced all the way to the Final Four in Los Angeles.

The 2013 team recently took one step in matching what they accomplished last year by clinching a share of the regular season MIVA title on April 13.

The Flyers helped their cause to the regular season title April 4 when they hosted Ohio State on Senior Night, which honored Jay Petty, Brian Collins and Marc Denson.

“It was a great environment for three great seniors,” head coach Dan Friend said. “It was an opportunity to honor those guys and tell them thank you for everything they’ve done for the program.”

With the Lewis community supporting “Black Out Night,” the Flyers swept the Buckeyes for the second time this year 25-18, 25-23, 25-18.

The first set was tied at 13-all until OSU made two errors, giving Lewis a 15-13 lead. From there, the Flyers went on an 11-5 run to take the first game. The second set was a different story as the Buckeyes took a late 21-20 lead. Junior BJ Boldog came up with had a huge solo block to put Lewis up by one and eventually take a 2-0 match advantage, and Lewis went on to complete the sweep.

Leading the Flyers were sophomore Eric Fitterer with 14 kills, and freshman Bobby Walsh, who had nine kills, hit .600 and also contributed five block assists.

“We’re very talented,” Friend said of his team beating OSU. “It just tells us we’re capable of playing some high-level volleyball and ultimately getting on the run as we get into the postseason.”

Friend also spoke very highly of his seniors.

“Three great guys, and no better way to go out and beat Ohio State in three and come up with a great win,” he said.

However, the season did end on a sour note for the Flyers as they fell short in their last two regular season matches.

Their first loss was to No. 15 Ball State 3-1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-18, 25-15). During the match that was played in Muncie, Ind., the Flyers offense struggled as they only hit .182 in the first set, .147 in the third set and -0.65 in the fourth.

Friend gave the Cardinals a lot of credit.

“Those guys are playing great,” Friend said. “They’re on a hot streak; won 12 matches in a row, and they were at home. It was a total opposite atmosphere from what we’re used to playing. We made a lot of unforced errors both serving and receiving.”

Two days later, Lewis traveled to Fort Wayne, Ind., to close out their regular season against IPFW. Lewis went into the game short-handed, as they were missing their starting setter, Boldog, and ended up getting swept by the Mastodons (25-16, 29-27, 25-23).

“BJ was out because he suffered an injury, so we lost our quarterback,” Friend said. “Basically, those guys came out and saw a little blood in the water, and they were on fire.”

Although the Flyers didn’t end the regular season like they wanted, the news of winning a share of the conference title and earning the No.1 seed in the MIVA tournament overshadowed the losses.

Now, the Flyers are looking ahead to accomplish something that “unofficially” hasn’t been done in the program in 10 years, and that is win the MIVA tournament at Neil Carey Arena. (I say “unofficially” because the NCAA took the tournament title and Lewis’s national championship from the 2003 season in 2004 for recruiting violations.)

Acknowledging and somewhat ignoring what has happened about a decade ago, Friend said, “It’s something we’ve never done since I’ve been here. So the opportunity to host at home and play in front of our home crowd will be exciting. We get great crowds at home, so I’m excited for that.”

Lewis is now waiting to play the winner of the No. 4 seeded Ohio State vs. No. 5 Grand Canyon game, and they will play that team in the semi-finals of the tournament on Wednesday, April 24 at Neil Carey Arena, with the first serve scheduled for 7 p.m.

As for Boldog, Friend is almost positive he will be healthy for the postseason.

“BJ suffered an injury, but should be cleared by Thursday,” Friend said. “He is progressing nicely and should be ready.”

Looking down the road, Friend does believe his team has a chance to do what last year’s team couldn’t do, and that is win a national championship.

“I think they have an opportunity,” Friend said. “I think we have the possibility of winning a MIVA Championship and put ourselves in a position to win a national championship. We got the talent to do it.”

To check out the tournament schedule and live stats, visit www.mivavolleyball.com.

Shelby Ray, Contributor

Comedian Loni Love performed at Lewis University on Friday, April 12. The university activities board, The Pulse, sponsored the event. Love appears regularly on the highly popular “Chelsea Lately” show on E! Entertainment Television.

Love delivered a 40-minute set filled with some predictably standard fare, including jokes about overweight people, dating, religion, politics and racial humor. All Lewis students, staff and faculty were invited to the loud and attitude-filled comedy show Love performed.

Love had the crowd roaring with laughter. She even added jokes about her relationships with some of her famous friends such as Chelsea Handler and Shaquille O’Neal.

“We had Love come to Lewis because she was comical and entertaining, but could still stick to Lewis’ values,” said Pulse member Kristina Zwolfer. “The Pulse is trying to make Lewis more lively on the weekend, and we thought Love’s name and reputation would draw students to a weekend activity.”

At one point, Love had participants come up on stage and perform ridiculous pick-up lines and other dating-type scenarios. She had male volunteers trying to win women’s hearts, and then the girls got their turn, trying lines and dance moves. The students who performed the best won cash prizes.

“I thought her performance was laugh-out-loud hilarious, and my favorite part about Love’s show was that she interacted with the crowd and had students coming up on stage,” said senior Ron Jovi Ramerez, philosophy of law and mathematics double major. “She had great audience participation, which made the crowd go wild.”

The Pulse makes it their number one goal to organize and host events that the majority of the student population will enjoy. In the past, The Pulse has brought Jason Derulo, DJ Flipside and Jim Wand, but the Pulse was hoping to get a home run with adding a comedian to the mix.

“I just want this event to make Lewis students realize that there are fun things on campus, and we do want the students’ input for future events because we aim to please and entertain the student population,” Zwolfer said.

For more information on the group, students can go to the Lewis University website or the PULSE Facebook page. Students can also attend the meetings, which are held in the Morton Boston Room on Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

With school starting to wind down, students are beginning to plan for the summer. Internships, jobs and summer school may make it hard to plan any big trips; however, there are several major events taking place this summer that don’t demand too much travel, so you don’t have to lose a lot of time at jobs or spend that hard-earned money on a lot of gas.

#1: Taste of Chicago

For all Chicagoans, the Taste of Chicago is a great outdoor food festival that introduces people to the immense varieties of food Chicago has to offer. Since 1980, the Taste of Chicago has been held in Grant Park, which is right on the lakefront. People are able to indulge in the Windy City’s delicacies, as well as enjoy live music and family-friendly activities. The event is held in July, and “The Taste” has been referred to as the world’s largest food festival.

#2: Vans Warped Tour

Entering its 19th year, Warped Tour originally started as a way to get punk rock bands, as well as the punk rock genre, noticed. As time went on, however, Warped Tour has broadened the music genre and expanded the amount of bands playing. With as many as 100 bands playing during the day, Warped Tour gives each artist 30 minutes to perform. Warped has built up a reputation as a series that gives up-and-coming artists a chance in the competitive music industry. Some of the bands that will be touring this year are Billy Talent, Motion City Soundtrack, Silverstein and many others. Vans Warped Tour will be at the First Midwest Bank
Amphitheater July 20.

#3: Lollapalooza

Created in 1991 by Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza was revived in 2003, and it has continually entertained huge crowds in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. The concert hosts more than 160,000 people in a span of three days. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, then I regret to inform you that you are out of luck. With every day being sold out on the Lollapalooza site, it looks like the turnout for the concert will be just like the past years. Some of the big bands performing are The Lumineers, Queens of the Stone Age, The Cure and Nine Inch Nails. “Lolla” runs from Aug. 2-4.

#4: Country USA/Country Thunder

If alternative, college and new wave music isn’t up your alley, then Wisconsin will be hosting two concert series that focus solely on the southern genre. Country USA is in Oshkosh, while Country Thunder is in Twin Lakes, both offering the wide-open country feel for anyone who wants to sing along with some country twang. Country Thunder spans four days, while Country USA spans five days, giving everyone more than enough entertainment — and possibly sunburn. Both country music festivals will be hosting some great artists like Jake Owen, Brad Paisley and Eric Church. Country USA starts June 25, and Country Thunder begins July 18.

#5: Chicago Air & Water Show

If you are looking for something that is easier to fit in a tight budget, then the Chicago Air and Water Show is a perfect solution. The air and water show is free for anyone to attend, and takes place on the lakefront of North Avenue Beach. The two-day event showcases daredevil pilots, parachute teams, jets flying in formation and even water-skiing and boat jumps. Entering its 55th year, the Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the largest and longest running events of its kind in the United States. For those looking for a different yet entertaining show to attend, the Chicago Air and Water Show is Aug. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last February, a blizzard took New York City and the northeastern part of the United States by storm. In the preparations leading up to it, a message on the social networking site Twitter emerged from the office of the city’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg.

The tweet was simple, according to a report in The New York Times, which read: “We’re ready for Nemo.”

The root of the Nemo reference had not gone to the famous Disney-Pixar film of the same name, but went to the name the storm was given by the cable network The Weather Channel. The name was part of a plan announced by the channel last November to prepare for the winter season.

Jazmine Maddox, a spokeswoman for The Weather Channel, said they wanted to raise awareness about forthcoming storms.

“Prior to our announcement to name winter storms, on a national scale, the most intense winter storms acquired a name only by location and year, or more recently, through some aspect of pop culture or social media,” Maddox said. “Meteorologists at The Weather Channel wanted to bring a more systematic approach to naming winter storms, similar to the way tropical storms have been named for years.”

While The Weather Channel has attracted higher ratings during periods of severe weather, and government officials and media outlets have used the names, the move has attracted controversy, with many, according to the Times, seeing it as a marketing campaign for the channel.

Notable criticism comes from the National Weather Service, part of the government that does national forecasts and tracks storms, including blizzards. The Weather Service did not respond to The Flyer’s request for comment.

The Weather Network in Canada (which The Weather Channel owns a small part of in a minority stake) has also criticized the move.

“We don’t support that private media or weather players assume the responsibility of naming winter storms,” said Pierre Morrissette, The Weather Network’s chief executive, in an interview with the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. “It’s really government domain — it has decided to name hurricanes with very clear standards and criteria. If every player decided to name storms or issue their own alerts, it would lead to confusion.”

Geoff Coulson, a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist at Environment Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the National Weather Service, said they too had no intentions of naming winter storms.

“Environment Canada’s position is similar to that of the National Weather Service in that we have no plans to name winter storms,” Coulson said. “The naming convention for tropical storms and hurricanes is well-defined and understood.”

Coulson added that winter storms do not face the same type of classification compared to hurricanes and tropical storms.

“Winter storms in both Canada and the U.S. can be quite large and involve many different types of precipitation, and communities can be affected by some or all of these precipitation types depending on the track the storm takes,” Coulson said, adding that Environment Canada and the National Weather Service have developed criteria for storms.

It is traditionally uncommon for winter storms to be named, says Dr. Jerry Kavouras, associate professor of biology and Director of Lewis University’s environmental science program. Yet, Kavouras says that the move by The Weather Channel indicates a public awareness angle, and is good advertising for the industry.

“In the end, it all comes down to whether or not the daily news will use the names in their reports,” Kavouras said. “If they do, the practice will continue. If they don’t, I don’t foresee it being successful.”

Ryan Tadych, junior radio and TV broadcasting major and presenter of weather reports for Lewis’ WFLY-TV News, said local sources are better outlets of information ahead of a storm, and that The Weather Channel believes this plan would raise awareness on a storm, which is not the case.

“Hurricanes get national (and global sometimes) recognition no matter where you are located,” Tadych said. “If a hurricane is hitting the East Coast, we know about it here in Chicago. We know the name, and everything about it. However, that is not always the case with a winter storm. Sure, the big blizzards we are aware of, but some of the smaller ones we are not aware of.”

Maddox said that The Weather Channel plans to continue naming winter storms, and added that over time, The Weather Channel hoped the National Weather Service would adopt a similar model to name winter storms.

“It (the winter storm naming system) improves our severe-weather coverage, making communication and information sharing easier, enabling consumers to better understand forecasts that could significantly affect their lives,” Maddox said.

The Lewis University women’s tennis team finished the regular season on a dominant note by winning their last nine matches as both the men’s and women’s teams prepared to play in the GLVC tournament.

Zsofia Lanstiak and Zsofia Kranczicki continued their winning ways April 4 against Olivet Nazarene by each earning a victory in singles play and also claiming a win as a duo in doubles play.

“They are both really skilled and are getting smarter on the court and being intelligent about their shot selection,” head coach Brett Bridel said of the Zsofias, who are undefeated in conference play. “They are playing fantastic in doubles and singles; it’s good for them, and it’s good for our team.”

After blowing past Kentucky Wesleyan 9-0, the women’s team continued their dominance, winning 7-2 against Southern Indiana to extend their streak to six matches. The Flyers won all three doubles matches.

Meanwhile, the men’s team struggled and lost the match 3-6, ending what was a four-match winning streak. Armand Levandi picked up two wins in the match.

“His dog and determination is what stands out the most; he fights for every single point,” Bridel said. “He’s getting the most out of his abilities. Others on the team should be watching and try to emulate what he’s doing.”

The women’s team won convincingly over McKendree 7-2 April 12. However, the men’s team came up short against the Bearcats falling 4-5.

Both teams defeated Bellarmine 7-2 on the road, and the women’s team clinched a GLVC East division title, finishing 6-0 in conference play. On the men’s side, Lewis wrapped up conference play with a 3-2 record.

In the regular season finale, the women’s team capped the season off with an 8-1 victory over Ferris State, extending their win streak to nine and finishing the season with a 12-3 record. However, the men fell short, losing 4-5 after struggling in singles play. The team finished with a 7-6 record.

Entering the GLVC tournament, which was played in Indianapolis, the women were the number one seed in the East, while the men clinched the number two seed.

“I want us to do things the right way, and in the end, if it gives us a victory, that’s awesome,” Bridel said. “We are going to go out and do the best we can in 1-3 doubles and 1-6 singles and see what happens.”

The women opened up against William Jewell in the GLVC tournament, while the men’s team played Rockhurst. To check out the results of these matches, go to lewisflyers.com.

China bird flu prompts US vaccine

SHANGHAI — Chinese officials have said six people have died from the H7N9 bird flu, as poultry begins to be slaughtered as a result of the virus being discovered in pigeons being sold in a market.

According to a report from the BBC, 14 cases had been confirmed in eastern China. The report adds that the World Health Organization said there was no evidence that the virus could be transmitted from person to person, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing a vaccine should there be an outbreak in the United States.

A representative for the CDC confirmed the vaccine was in development.

Kennedy, Heyman may become new US ambassadors

WASHINGTON — Reports indicate that President Barack Obama has selected Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of John F. Kennedy, as the new ambassador of Japan. According to a report from CNN cited by NPR, Kennedy is being vetted for the post.

Kennedy would take over from John Roos, who is stepping down from the role, the NPR report added. A White House representative declined to comment, and a representative for the Japanese embassy in Washington said the Japanese government had not been notified by the U.S. of any changes to the Tokyo ambassador role. A representative for the Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston did not respond to a request seeking comment.

The news comes as Obama is reported to have selected Bruce Heyman, a partner in the investment firm Goldman Sachs’ offices in Chicago, to succeed David Jacobson as the next U.S. Ambassador to Canada, according to a report from the Canadian public broadcaster CBC.

A White House representative declined to comment, and representatives for Goldman Sachs, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the Canadian government did not respond to requests for comment.
Ambassadors nominated by Obama need to be confirmed by the Senate before taking up their posts.

Facebook unveils new Android phone app

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Facebook has unveiled a new app for Android platforms that aims to encourage more people to be active on the social network.

The app, called “Home,” is designed to take over a handset cover screen once the phone turns on, at which point a user will see their friends’ news feeds, photos and messages, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and chief executive, said the app was developed around people, instead of a phone’s tasks or applications, the Journal report adds.

“You’re going to be able to turn your Android phone into a great social phone,” Zuckerberg said. “It becomes the home of your phone.”

The Journal report added that Facebook is working on ads that would be a part of the Home strategy.

French, German governments won’t reply to UK EU letters

PARIS — The French government has said it will not reply to a letter sent by the British government asking European Union member states for an assessment of effects of EU rules and regulations on Europe, ahead of a possible EU membership referendum in the U.K.

A representative for the French government confirmed to The Flyer that a reply will not be sent.

“It is internal political affairs,” the representative said, adding that it was the view of many EU member states that it was internal. “You don’t pick and choose what you have to take with an in or out. You have to take the whole thing.”

A report in the British newspaper The Guardian added that the German government would also not reply, but the Italian and Swedish governments had. A government source in Berlin told The Flyer they wanted the U.K. to be part of the EU and the assessment was not part of the discussion, but said that once Britain discussed what exactly they were looking for when it came to power exchange, Germany would be ready to discuss it.

Requests for comment to the Italian and Swedish governments were not returned. Olivier Bailly, a spokesman for the European Commission in Belgium, said the Commission did not want to take a role in the consultations, and it was for the U.K. to decide their future.

The referendum would be held if David Cameron’s Conservative party was re-elected in 2015. A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London did not respond to a request seeking comment. The U.S. government has said there must be a strong British voice in the EU.

New iPhone said to be in production

SAN FRANCISCO — Reports say that Apple is to have a new iPhone in production in the second quarter of this year.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the iPhone would be refreshed but be a similar size and shape, and a launch of the next version of the phone would be made for the summer.

A representative for Apple did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu.

With summer approaching fast, outdoor activities will be back in swing. As college students, money can be tight. With the added stress to have a “summer body,” we’re forced to work out in the dragging summer heat. However, there are ways to make summer workouts and activities more fun and enjoyable.

Annual 5k running events have been on the rise in the Chicagoland area, bringing with them concerts, refreshments, T-shirts and other souvenirs. As the events gain increased popularity, so do their courses. From running at night to crawling in mud, these races are nothing short of ordinary.

On Saturday, June 1, runners can enjoy time at “Foam Fest,” an annual run in Ottawa, Ill. The 3.1-mile course is designed for runners/walkers to navigate through foam pits of soap and water, and then travel to the next obstacle course consisting of mud and dirt. Participants get to enjoy trudging through the clean and dirty obstacles while trying to get to the big finale at the end of the race: a towering 45-foot blow-up slide that lands in a giant pit of water and soap. Throughout the course, contestants can enjoy an aerobic workout.

Two events take place Saturday, June 15, but both start at completely opposite times. Participants can wake up bright and early to partake in the Warrior Dash, or they can wait for dusk to fall and run at night in the Glo Run. The Warrior Dash consists of various obstacles that the participant must overtake before making it to that finish line. Between scaling walls and jumping through tires, the Warrior Dash is no easy sequence of events. It targets both upper and lower body strength, as well as endurance. The 3.1-mile race begins for runners at 8 a.m., and it lasts all day.

As for the Glo Run, runners can expect to begin at 8 p.m. This 5k run involves light sticks and glow bands, as well as free entertainment following the course. Runners travel through the city of Chicago and light up their path along the way. While there are no obstacles for participants to overcome, they can expect a live concert afterward and T-shirts as well. Runners work their bodies aerobically, targeting their legs specifically in order to endure the 3.1 miles.

If running 5k races is not a realistic option, try Geocaching. This activity is nothing shy of its name. While membership is free, participants travel anywhere within a desired radius of their ZIP code in order to find a hidden treasure. This treasure can range anywhere from money to a small trinket, or even a person’s most memorable item. As long as it fits in the container, it can be whatever the hider wishes. Once the desired distance is determined, participants can travel any way they wish in order to find the hidden item. It can be by walking, running, biking or even driving, depending on how far it is. The whole idea is to get out of the house and get moving. For more information, visit www.geocaching.com.

Hiking, biking or walking trails are another fun way to stay healthy over the summer. While working out aerobically, one can maximize their time by finding trails or forest preserves with hidden paths and different adventures to embark on. Beverly Lake/Spring Creek Valley Headwaters is one path to check out, and it’s located in the Cook County Forest Preserve. With two paved and two unpaved trails, one can walk, bike, run or even go by horseback. People can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, swimming, golfing, in-line skating or canoeing, all of which are ways to stay fit while having fun. The Forest Preserve is located at 536 N. Harlem Avenue in River Forest.

If you’re looking for a little more altitude, check out the Glacial Park in Ringwood located near McHenry County in northern Illinois. This conservation area has paths to lead up the various and winding hills, and visitors can also stop by the river. The Kames are large hills that were once glaciers over 10,000 years ago and have now turned to mostly gravel and grass. With four huge ones at the conservation site, people can take their pick of where to hike. There are also canoeing trails in the river and horseback riding trails as well. The conservation site can be found at 6316 Harts Road in Ringwood, Ill.

Summer is about making memories and staying healthy and fit. By finding new and exciting things to do, one can find ways to stay fit while having fun at the same time.

The month of April is known as Earth Month, with Earth Day and Arbor Day being April 22 and 25, respectively. Lewis University will continue to put forth an effort to preserve and celebrate the planet by hosting two voluntary events.

“The Earth and Arbor day events will be happening on April 22 and 25 to celebrate not only biodiversity and campus sustainability, but also to honor our recent receival of Tree Campus USA for our fourth consecutive year in a row,” said Derek Frommel, student sustainability coordinator.

Tree Campus USA is a national program by the Arbor Day Foundation, and it honors colleges, universities and communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. The Morton Arboretum also designated the campus as an official arboretum, with more than 60 varieties of deciduous trees on campus.

On April 22, students will be able to volunteer to help remove invasive species on the Burnham Centennial Nature Trail. Students and faculty will remove the invasive buckthorn, which threatens the local ecosystem.

On April 25, students can plant native trees along the trail in place of all of the removed invasive species in honor of Arbor Day. Lewis will be encouraging students to observe the custom of Arbor Day, which is to plant a tree. Brother James will be in attendance at the event, and there will be free drinks and snacks provided to volunteers, along with T-shirts distributed to those who attend.

“The event will be a good way to not only come together as a community, but also to enrich our student body, faculty and community with knowledge on our local species and invasive species,” Frommel said.

The event will educate students as well as benefit the well-being of the earth.

“I’m really looking forward to the event,” said Shannon Ott, Lewis student. “I hope it is a beautiful day, and I can’t wait to do something for a good cause.”

Angela Cotta, Religion Editor

As I prepare to close the chapter of my life that has been centered on Lewis University, I have given much thought to the value of Catholic education.

A Catholic education provides students with an environment in which they are truly focusing on the development of themselves in addition to the usual aspects of school: academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. Having the ability to discuss one’s deepest personal convictions and exchange dialogue with others develops strong individuals who are prepared in multiple capacities for the future.

Theology classes give students opportunities to improve their writing, critical thinking and reasoning skills. These classes are also opportunities in which students can learn more about themselves and fine-tune their own personal beliefs.

Within these classes, professors and their students advance each other’s understandings of the world around them. Theology provides individuals, regardless of their personal beliefs, with another way of examining the world around them.

Here at Lewis, we are very fortunate to have a University Ministry department that promotes spiritual growth, fosters the diversity within our community and focuses on the needs of the community. University Ministry provides numerous retreats and events both on and off campus that allow students to bond with each other while discovering more about themselves.

Catholic education is something not to be overlooked. It provides an enriching context in which people can make the world a better place for themselves and the world around them.

Alex Veeneman, Opinions Editor

As hockey fans rejoiced at the end of the lockout and the return of the season this past January, there would without a question be a consensus that the road to the Stanley Cup would be distinct. A salvaged season brought more challenges to teams to show their fans that they were the best in the National Hockey League, as the daily back-to-back matches took their toll.

With the last week of the regular season approaching, it is time to examine the challenges that these teams faced in an exciting, albeit shortened, NHL season, and what teams shall excite fans in one of the most exciting times of the season — the playoffs.

Luckily for us, there have been a lot of teams that have given this shortened season its value and have shown they deserve to be a part of the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks have dominated since day one, showcasing the best goaltending, defense and offense through an all-star line-up, including Jonathan Toews, Ray Emery, Marian Hossa, Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp.

We say this not because this newspaper is based in Chicago, but because of the league record set for no losses in regulation that dominated most of the season. They have, without question, deserved their place in the conference climax.

One team, however, has been on the Blackhawks’ tail this entire season, going relatively unnoticed by many. The Anaheim Ducks had a dreadful 2011-2012 season, so Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan and Co. had plenty to think about during the offseason. Well, this team stormed back, and they have been compiling win after win, dominating almost as much as the Blackhawks (the Ducks are 3-0-0 against the Hawks this season). Plenty of praise goes to goaltender Viktor Fasth, who, despite being a 30-year-old rookie, has been playing quite well, earning 14 wins and a .922 save percentage.

The Montreal Canadiens have rightfully deserved their place, too, with standout performances from Carey Price and P.K. Subban. Their performances have been the crème de la crème of the northeast division, including their duels with the Boston Bruins. They may be the hockey equivalent of the New York Yankees when it comes to their experiences in the playoffs, but that is not the case this year, as they have deserved that spot in the division.

The Vancouver Canucks also have a chance. However, there is a missing ingredient to the success of the Canucks should they make a full playoff round — Roberto Luongo, who has a contract with the team through the next decade and has shown time and again that he is a brilliant goaltender. Cory Schneider is as well, yet the Canucks appear to not be giving Luongo the proper chance he deserves. While Vancouver’s overall performance has shown they have a chance at hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup, offering Luongo the opportunity to be a part of that will confirm that they want to be a part of the chase.

With the Blackhawks dominating in the Western Conference, the powerhouse Pittsburgh Penguins continue to crush the competition in the Eastern Conference. Although leading scorer and team captain Sidney Crosby is out with a broken jaw, there are plenty of other talented superstars within the Pens’ line-up who are more than capable of allowing the Penguins to have a deep playoff run. Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis, Jarome Iginla and Marc-Andre Fleury are all poised to help this star-studded team get far in the playoffs.

There are many teams who are struggling to grasp on to a playoff spot, however. The New York Rangers started out as Stanley Cup favorites, but the Original Six team has struggled all season, which has hockey fans in the Big Apple scratching their heads.

The Detroit Red Wings have a long, proud history of making the Stanley Cup playoffs, but their dreams for a spot in the postseason have been more of a nightmare. Losing quality players, such as future hall-of-famer Nicklas Lidstrom, has really hurt this team, who is struggling to capture the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Inconsistent play is putting the team’s 21-season playoff streak in jeopardy.

Playoff hockey is much different than the regular season. It is faster, tougher and more intense. And although 16 teams will enter, only one will earn the right to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Katie Esposito, News Editor

First day of college: While my best friends drove and flew away to their respectable colleges of choice, I drove 30 minutes to a place where I was unsure I wanted to spend my four years of college.

This bitter feeling inside of me didn’t last for long. In high school, I didn’t participate in the clubs and organizations that others seemed to enjoy. During my freshman year of college, I told myself that this was something I needed to change.

Toward the end of my sophomore year, I began to feel anxious that I needed to select a career soon or my future would be in jeopardy. When it came to what I wanted to do with my life, I knew two things: I loved to read and I loved to write.

I started to notice The Flyer newsstands around campus and would pick up an issue every other week to read. To my surprise, I received an email from Lisa O’Toole one day telling me that one of my English professors had recommended me to The Flyer. I was ecstatic.

Flash forward two years, and I can’t seem to wrap my brain around the fact that I am one month away from graduating. I am happy to say that I have taken advantage of every opportunity that has come my way in the past four years. I have pushed myself to succeed, and although I have certainly failed at times, I continue to push myself to try harder the next time.

Becoming a part of The Flyer staff has allowed me to grow as a person, and has also taught me to laugh — hard. I have met so many amazing people that I know will remain my friends for a lifetime. I want to thank Lisa O’Toole and each and every person on The Flyer staff for making me a smarter and stronger person.

I would also like to thank my family for their support and for telling me to give Lewis a chance. It was more than worth it.

Michael Gates, Asst. Online Editor

When I first applied to Lewis, I didn’t know exactly which program I wanted to be a part of. I was a transfer student and had just earned my associate degree, and wasn’t quite sure what to do next. I ended up settling on communications because I always got compliments on my writing throughout high school and college.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

From the moment I came on campus to visit for the first time, and then during orientation soon thereafter, Lewis gave me a different feeling than any of the other schools I’ve been to. I don’t want to sound too cliché, but for the first time, I felt like I was at home on a college campus. And I was.

Since I had completed all of my general education classes before transferring to Lewis, I was able to focus on my major of convergence journalism during my two years here. I am proud to say that I have learned so much during those two years, and have gained so much knowledge and experience during that time. My confidence is at an all-time high, and I look forward to the post-graduation opportunities that I will be afforded, thanks to Lewis.

Working for The Flyer has been one of the highlights of my education. Not only did I get to practice the skills that were applicable in my field; I met so many extraordinary people. The staff of The Flyer and its advisers, Ben Eveloff and Lisa O’Toole, are some of the nicest, hardest-working people I have ever met. It has truly been a privilege to work with all of you. You have inspired me.

I am so thankful for all the professors and students that have aided me during my education here. It is you that make Lewis the unique place that it is. Without your support, help and friendship, I would not be where I am today.

I will soon be able to proudly call myself a Lewis University graduate. I know firsthand what a great place this school is, and I will never forget my time here. My only regret is not coming here sooner.

Lauren Pirc, Editor-in-Chief

The first day at Lewis, I was really nervous; shredding my tire on my way home didn’t really help matters much. Luckily, my experience at Lewis did improve over the years, and I have all of you to thank for it.

To all of my family, I could not have made it this far without you. Through your love and continual support, I was able to pursue this crazy, amazing dream; no amount of words will ever be able to express my gratitude. To all of the friends that I’ve made along the way, thank you for your constant companionship. Even in the most stressful days, you were the ones that kept me sane and made Lewis a truly special experience.

Being a part of The Flyer, I’ve broken out of my shell and have been able to experience so much of the campus. I would like to thank Ben Eveloff and Lisa O’Toole. Ben, you’re still the worst FIFA player I’ve ever seen, but I’ve really enjoyed being in your classes. Your instruction has helped me a lot, and I can’t wait to use my online skills.

Lisa, I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity on The Flyer. These last few years have been incredible, and I’m very thankful for your trust in leading The Flyer this year. It’s been an honor having you as a professor as well as an adviser to the paper, but more importantly, I can call you a friend.

The past four years have been amazing. I know I’m leaving the publication in capable hands, and I can’t wait to see your creativity. I couldn’t have asked to lead a better group of people. You’re all great writers, but you’re also part of my family, and I will never forget the times that I’ve spent with you. I promise I will return, but until then, I wish you the best, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Angela Cotta, Religion Editor

Today, I laugh because when I was first asked way back in the fall of 2010 to consider being Religion Editor, it was something I thought I did not want. Now, though, I find that I am having a hard time letting it go.

Initially, I never considered myself a good writer. How could I take charge of an entire section if I couldn’t write? Fortunately, Lisa O’Toole knew better than to listen to my perceptions of myself.

Being Religion Editor has been an incredibly rewarding role. I think the greatest gift the role has given me is the ability to sincerely appreciate Lewis’ mission and identity. It’s an appreciation I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and not just for Lewis, but for any mission of any institutions I am a part of.

My life at Lewis would not have been at all successful, and neither would continuing my education at the University of St. Thomas School of Law without the following individuals:

Lisa O’Toole and The Flyer staff for their constant support and many good memories.

Drs. Ewa Bacon, Christie Billups, Dominic Colonna, James Houlihan, Clare Rothschild and Mark Schultz for their encouragement and willingness to challenge me (in a good way, of course!).

Tony Lyen and Kelly Schreiber for never failing to make me smile, even during life’s toughest moments.

Christopher Hueg ‘11, Sean Ruane ‘12 and Liana Vantrease ‘12 for shaping me into the leader I am today.

Michael Phipps, Sabrina Poulin, Adam Setmeyer, Fr. Dan Torson and Steve Zlatic: No words will ever come close to how
grateful I am that they’ve been a part of my life. Even when I was at my very worst, they managed to bring out the very best in me.

Thanks for the love, Lewis. It has been a wonderful four years.

Kevin Ryan, Sports Editor

First of all, I would just like to thank the university for accepting me and letting me continue my education here (school was never one of my specialties).

With the chance to grow and learn more from professors like Dave Anderson, Ben Eveloff, Lisa O’Toole and Jay Zawaski, I now feel confident to go out into the real world and begin my journalism career, wherever that may be.

To everyone on The Flyer staff, it has been a fun, interesting, stressful but once again fun ride that I will definitely never forget. With having the privilege to be the sports editor for the past year, I hope the Lewis community enjoyed all the new additions we made this year and continue to read it in the future.

I wish the seniors the best of luck as we move on, and the same to the juniors as you have one more year to do whatever you want. To end my Flyer career, I would just like to say Go Flyers and Go White Sox!

Lauren Nieminski, Advertising Manager

My two and a half years at Lewis have truly been unforgettable.

I came here as a spring transfer in 2011, and Lisa O’Toole immediately took me under her wing in my Interpersonal Communication class. I wasn’t involved at all my first semester here until NCA, where I went on phenomenal and informative field trips. Finally, the end of the semester came around, and The Flyer was recruiting. I originally went for the PR position, but Lisa told me I would better fit into the Advertising Manager position.

When I was first starting out as Advertising Manager, I had no idea what I was doing. Luckily, I had Lisa there to guide the way. This position taught me that communication is essential in everything you do. It helped me with the importance of deadlines and improved my sales techniques. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops. Some clients weren’t the absolute best to work with, but I was patient and made it work.

A big THANKS to the layout designers! You guys rock, and I’m so thankful for how flexible and patient you all have been with me.

Lisa also persuaded me to do a journalism practicum during the spring 2012 semester. It really taught me the importance of balance. I had to sell ads and write at least three stories each issue. I primarily wrote for Alex Veeneman, to whom I am thankful for putting me in his section. I had fun writing and telling the campus my opinion of things like fashion and CATS!

My time on The Flyer has been a spectacular time! I have met great people who I hope to never lose touch with. Ross Reed is someone who always knows how to make me laugh. He is a fantastic listener, and Lewis wouldn’t be the same without him. Even though it’s hard for me to make time for my Flyer friends, I appreciate everything they do.

Rachel Stella, Copy Editor

I’ve only been here for two years, and it’s already time to say goodbye. Copy editing and reporting for The Flyer has been a great experience, and it has been an honor to serve the Lewis University community in this way.

I’m thankful to Adviser Lisa O’Toole and the staff for accepting me despite me awkwardly crashing their staff meeting early in fall 2011. (I still laugh at myself about that.) Through our many shared classes, production nights and conferences, I’ve enjoyed becoming a part of The Flyer family.

As a copy editor, I’d like to thank my fellow staff members for putting up with my passionate penchant for pedantry (Have fun looking that up!). Wielding the Red Pen of Doom can be a demanding job at times, so I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received.

I’d also like to give a shout-out to Adviser Ben Eveloff and our amazing Web/social media staff. If you’re not checking out TheLewisFlyer.com and following our Facebook and Twitter pages, please do, so you don’t miss any of our content.

To all my Lewis professors who have encouraged me and taught me many new things, thank you. Your work is very much appreciated.

To our readers, we are so glad to serve you. Please continue to make The Flyer your source for Lewis news. We welcome your feedback.

As I prepare to find a place in the professional world, I’ll always remember my time with The Flyer. This doesn’t have to be goodbye forever, though. You can follow me on Twitter, @rachelcstella.

To our remaining and new staff members, I wish you all the best in your efforts to serve your university community with excellent student journalism. Seek truth and report it. Minimize harm. Act independently. Be accountable. Good night, and good luck.

The Lewis University softball team is starting to see the results that their hard work and talent has made them expect all season.

The Flyers have won seven of their last 10 contests, including six GLVC wins. The Flyers completed a four-game series sweep of McKendree this season and split the season series with Bellarmine at two games apiece.

“As a team, I think we have really zoned in on our focus for the past few weeks,” senior centerfielder Jayme Hefler said. “After losing two to Bellarmine at home, we knew things needed to change. At practice, we have really zoned in on specific aspects we need to work on.”

With a redefined focus, four of the team’s last six conference wins have come on the road. Winning on the road is a tough feat for any team in the GLVC.

“I strongly believe that our team always plays better on the road because there are less distractions and we are more focused,” head coach George DiMatteo said.

The Flyers also recently split a two-game series against regional foe Ferris State (0-2, 7-4) April 16 to move their overall record to 17-11.

Overall, seniors Jayme Hefler and Michelle Vucscko lead the Flyers’ offense with a .412 and .405 batting average, respectively. Pitching-wise, both of the team’s starting pitchers feature an earned run average less than 3.50 with sophomore Kelly Bowler posting a 1.98 ERA thus far.

With the team’s recent surge, they have moved into the second position in the GLVC East Division behind the number one nationally ranked University of Indianapolis.

“We have really focused in on our game,” Hefler said. “We are being aggressive at the plate, getting sacrifice bunts down at opportune times and finishing games strong,”

The Flyers have 12 conference games remaining before the start of the GLVC tournament on May 3.

“We have some pretty tough games coming up, and I am really excited to see how we shape up in our next two home weekends,” Hefler said.

To close out the regular season, the Flyers will have an extremely busy schedule, playing eight games in six days. To start the week, Lewis will travel to UW-Parkside April 23 and then quickly turn around and host the Rangers again in a doubleheader here at Lewis April 24. To begin the weekend, the Flyers will host Indianapolis in a GLVC East battle, and St.Joe’s to conclude the regular season.

To find the results of games and see where the Flyers place in the GLVC tournament, visit www.lewisflyers.com.

Lauren Barnes, Asst. News Editor

On April 15, Lewis University’s International Student Association and Latin American Student Organization sponsored the event, “Put your dancing shoes on and fight against cancer with ‘Los Compadres’ Carlos and Paco.”

Carlos Alberto Rojas Avila is a transfer student from Bolivia. This is his second semester at Lewis and his first time in the United States. Avila is a business administration major is also the Student Governing Board representative for ISA.

“I was in a meeting with my ISA board, and I came up with the idea of giving dance lessons, while having the opportunity to share my culture to the Lewis community in my short stay and to fundraise money for a good cause,” Avila said.

After getting approved to host this event for Lewis students and faculty, Avila wanted to collaborate in hosting with another student. Francisco Gonzales (Paco) is from Mexico and has been living in the U.S. for many years. Gonzales, an aviation management major, shares the same passion for music and culture as Avila.

“From the Bolivian culture, we had caporales, tinku and diablada that are part of the tradition and one of the most beautiful carnivals in the world — the Oruro Carnival,” Avila said. “On the other hand, we had Caribbean rhythms that included bachata, merengue and salsa, which are highly popular here in the U.S.”

The purpose for this fundraiser, while learning dances from Bolivia and Latin American rhythms, was to have everyone enjoy with open minds and hearts the culture of other parts of the world.

Fundraising for a fight against cancer was the other main purpose. All funds collected from donations and purchases were directed to Relay For Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

“Together we can do so much for a cause that demands serious attention these days, which is to fight cancer,” Avila said. “We always have to stay close and fight as a community to always set the example for other universities.”

This two-hour fundraising dance event gave the Lewis community a chance to view video presentations on the different dances before trying to learn the steps. It was an opportunity for all to get a taste of a cultural event from another part of the world.

“Coordination and tradition gives everybody a stronger sense of having a Lasallian spirit while being part of a big family,” Avila said.

Alex Veeneman, Opinions Editor

At least three people are reported to have died in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

The explosions took place on the afternoon of April 15 as runners were finishing and spectators observed. Police officials, writing in a blog post on their website, said the explosions took place just before 3 p.m. EDT on Boylston Street, along the route. Social media had been widely used to help people connect with loved ones and to keep up with events and statements.

A third incident took place at the site of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum over an hour later, with police commissioner Ed Davis saying it may have been a fire. Investigations are taking place on that incident.

A representative for Massachusetts General Hospital said there were 22 adult patients received from the marathon, eight of them in critical condition, and there were no deaths. A representative for Children’s Hospital Boston said 10 patients were received, and there were no deaths. Other reports indicate that the number of injured ranged from 125 to 175.

The American Red Cross, in a statement, said more than 100 blood products had been sent to hospitals in Boston, and that they were coordinating efforts with state and local officials. The statement added that there was enough blood to meet demand because of the previously high amount of donations.

In a speech, President Barack Obama said the people of Boston had the full resources of the federal government.

“We still do not know who did this or why, and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts,” Obama said, according to a White House transcript. “We will get to the bottom of this. We’ll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice.”

A White House official said the incident was being treated as an act of terrorism. A representative for the Boston Police Department said the FBI was taking a lead on the investigation, but the department was collaborating with the FBI on the investigation, and no one has been detained.

In Boston, some university campuses were still operating. A representative for Harvard University said all buildings were closed and all students were evacuated, but could not confirm a timetable for reopening. A representative for Boston University said the campus was operating as normal. An update from Boston College made available to members of the media said police at the college saw no present threat to the campus.

Logan Airport was shut down as a no-fly zone over Boston was ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is not clear if any traffic was diverted to O’Hare International or Midway International Airports. A representative for the Chicago Department of Aviation declined to comment, deferring to the Federal Aviation Administration.

A representative for the FAA did not immediately respond to a telephone request for comment.

There are no reports of any Lewis students in the area. Matt Brendich, the director of sports information, said there were no athletes from Lewis participating in the marathon.

Lily Bui, a Boston resident, said she had just been cheering runners on in her street when the explosion occurred.

“It seemed that spirits were high in Boston for marathon day,” Bui said. “The news of what happened downtown was completely sobering. Everyone seems to be curious about the root causes and motivations for the bombings.”

Bui added, however, that Boston can overcome this.

“It’ll take time and will be approached with caution, but Boston is a resilient city,” Bui said.

Ben Pavur, Contributor

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

These poignant words spoken by Abraham Lincoln in 1858 remain true today. Looking at the American political landscape provides you a bleak view of a seemingly broken system. With constant showmanship, petty battles and no compromise, it is easy for Americans to lose faith in the future.

Politicians seem to be concerned mainly with reelection, and look disconnected from the average citizen. Also, the country seems to be divided between the ones who work and those whom the government supports.

Even though the system is flawed now, there is no reason why this must continue. All Americans can do a few simple things to restore the hope that seems to have been lost.

Since the 1950s, the success of America has depended on the middle class. This segment of the economy is where most workers reside, the majority of spending power exists, and where most people want to be.

Yet, the current system seems to have turned against the middle class. In the past five years, the amount of people using social aid programs — for which middle-class workers are forced to pay — has increased by nearly 50 million. It seems that the entire economy has shifted to where the people who work are no longer able to give themselves the middle-class life they want, but have to subsidize the people who survive by what the government gives them. Overall, the middle class has shrunk by 40 percent since 2008, which has impacted average Americans, businesses and even the ability of the federal government to collect tax revenue.

Both Democrats and Republicans seem to have lost interest in supporting the middle class, and have chosen to support the extreme ends of the demographic. For Democrats, there is a constant push to support the “have nots”, while Republicans want to support the extremely rich.

Whichever side the politicians decide to support that day, middle-class Americans always end up losing. Eventually, most Americans give up on politics and submerge themselves in another aspect of life, whether that be sports, pop culture or anything besides politics. However, it certainly does not have to be this way.

Despite the problems America is facing today, the best way to combat your frustration is to get involved. Politicians are only distant because we never contact them, issues seem confusing because we never study them, and the political system seems broken because we are looking in from the outside and never join the debate.

I have faith in America’s future simply because as a nation, even though we may disagree on the proper course forward, just about everyone is united in doing their very best to form a more perfect union.

We must strive for the American ideal

Brandon White, Contributor

When I came into college, I had a rather naïve, idealistic view of America.

Through primary education, you are largely told what is great about America, with a brief discussion of things like civil rights, slavery and Vietnam. During my university studies, I have learned all the things my teachers never told me growing up.

I am thankful for now holding what I feel is a more realistic view of the world. However, realism can breed cynicism, and sadly, that has been my experience.

I don’t think Lewis and its professors are specifically responsible for my negative outlook, but rather an honest interpretation of history. It is discomforting to see the mistakes of our past repeated over and over again, i.e.: tax policy, foreign affairs, Federal Reserve policy, social welfare, etc…

Americans have been great at addressing, but not fixing, the problems we face. Health care reform under Obama took an already failing, overextended, underfunded government system, and increased the number of recipients. Tax reform under Bush took an already cumbersome tax code, and instead of addressing its complexities, simply made more deductions, credits and loopholes. Our Middle East policy has been nonexistent for the last several presidents.

These are just a few examples of how we have missed opportunities to address real problems and make tangible, meaningful changes in the world.

Just because we haven’t doesn’t mean we won’t in the future. Without an honest analysis of our shortcomings, we can never improve. I have full faith in the American people, and in my generation, to fix the problems that have plagued our parents’ generation and others before them.

To be successful, we need new ideas coming from new types of leaders. We need fresh perspectives coming from the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. My vision of what America can be isn’t born out of any specific ideology or belief system, but rather out of a desire to see our founding principles upheld and America’s dream fulfilled.

America should be a nation of financial success, where people work for themselves and are rewarded by having first right to the fruits of their labor. We should be a nation of laws, where justice appropriately distinguishes between violent and nonviolent criminals. We should be a nation that embraces immigration, by streamlining the legal process and securing our borders for those already here. We should be a nation of basic civil rights, where citizens protect each other from an overbearing government, rather than needing protection from each other, provided by that government. We should be a nation of security, where senseless murder and domestic terrorism exist only in the headlines of our past.

These problems will not be easy to fix. Solving them will require a great deal of compromise, consideration and courage.

I still believe in the American ideal. My skepticism has made me appreciate the gravity of our problems, and helped me recognize what needs to be done. I now look to my peers for help in fulfilling this American ideal.

Angela Cotta, Religion Editor

One more day. One more day of terror. One more day of grief. One more day of confusion. One more day of needing answers.

In a month that already includes the anniversaries of the Oklahoma City bombing (1995), the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colo. (1999) and the Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Va. (2007), we find ourselves yet again asking the agonizing and unanswerable question of “Why?”

Why did people have to get hurt and die in Boston? They were not doing anything wrong. All of those people were there to take part in an American tradition that is over a century old.

Certainly, grief and the question of “Why?” are acceptable and even needed when tragedies like the events in Boston, Oklahoma, Colorado and Virginia occur. But, we can only ask “Why?” for so long; we would go crazy if we asked it for an indefinite period of time.

In addition to asking “Why?” we should also be asking “How?” as in “How do we help those who are grieving? How can we improve this situation?”

I find it interesting that perpetrators of the bombings and shootings commit these acts to tear down the American spirit. In this capacity, they have failed every single time. Why have they failed? It is our overwhelming faith in humanity that helps us overcome these horrific tragedies.

It was the loyalty of the emergency service workers who ran into buildings that had become places of terror. That loyalty gave the rest of us a reason to have faith in humanity.

It was the faith of the runners who got themselves to the hospital to donate blood even though they had just finished a full marathon.

This faith translates back to Lewis’s mission value of fidelity. This value, in addition to the values of knowledge, wisdom, justice and association, are always needed, particularly in times of great grief and torment.

Lewis’ mission values, which originate from our Catholic and Lasallian history, become a part of our individual character. Whether or not we realize it, the values instilled within us by Lewis have given us a special ability to help those in need of healing.

Lewis has given us great gifts, ones that make facing both the brightest and darkest moments of life even brighter and more bearable, respectively. Let’s cherish these values and continue to share them with others.

Theresa Marten, Contributor

This past semester marked the 48th Lewis University Koinonia (LUK). Excitement began to build in January as 25 guys and 25 girls were recruited for this relaxing weekend Lewis University Ministry has to offer.

The student-led retreat brings a diverse group of Lewis students to La Salle Manor in Plano, Ill. The purpose is to get away from day-to-day life and truly enjoy one another’s company while discovering more about themselves, God and others. The 50 students were recruited and led by 10 leaders who have all been on previous Koinonias.

Other retreats and events are offered to students, such as First Year Interaction, Catalyst Social Justice Retreat and the brand-new series of E.P.I.C. Retreats. Lewis University Ministry has been opening up opportunities for students to experience God and others in new ways while reflecting on life so far.

All the stress from classes, sports and extra-curricular responsibilities can become overwhelming and frustrating. The success of the retreats, especially Koinonia, can be seen as students of all ages, majors and backgrounds acknowledge one another after experiencing time away together.

A Koinonia reunion and announcement of the new LUK Core Team will take place at Mass on April 28 at 8 p.m. in Sancta Alberta Chapel. Students are invited to come out and see the Koinonia spirit at work, and learn more about other opportunities to get involved at Lewis.

Social media sites have become a dominant part of today’s society, especially among college students. However, when it comes to their role in the health world, they tend to have a negative reputation.

The Internet is commonly thought to be a source of peer pressure, often emphasizing the importance of being thin, but there might not be as much pressure on Internet users as many think there is.

opular sites used by Lewis students. While both do contain posts about food and dieting, some students, like secondary education major Sammi Toomey, find them beneficial.

“Pinterest is definitely positive,” Toomey said. “The pictures posted on there are more of fit girls rather than skinny. They actually look healthy. Pinterest also has motivational quotes and workout tips that will help you get in shape — not lose an unhealthy amount of weight.”

These quotes and tips also tend to make users feel more involved and connected to each other.

“You get to see how many people are also working toward a goal,” Toomey said. “They give different ways to work out, which makes me excited.”

Tumblr has also served as a source of motivation for students. Sophomore economics and finance major Justine Pratt said it holds an “I can do it, you can too!” attitude.

“Tumblr especially has influenced me to change some sort of general things about my diet,” Pratt said. “There are a lot of things that I tend to stay away from, and things that I’ve tried to include in my diet more because of it. A lot of it definitely makes you think about what you’re doing.”

Social media posts about diets or exercise have the potential to influence thinking positively or negatively, but Pratt said she believes they have been a positive influence.

“I think most people would say so, too,” Pratt said. “Because at least what I see isn’t usually encouraging you to feel bad about what you’re doing. It’s just to enlighten you.”

If sites like Tumblr and Pinterest are inspiring students to make healthy changes to their lives, where is their negative reputation coming from? What happened to the stereotypical negative impact? It turns out that this negativity can, for the most part, be avoided.

“It all depends on who you follow, and also on the individual,” Toomey said. “If a person is uncomfortable with their body and sees negative posts, (he or she) would probably have more of a chance of acting on it.”

Pratt agreed that a site’s influence depends on the user more than the posts, pointing out that one of the reasons why she finds Tumblr so positive is because she follows a few cooking blogs that post recipes for healthy meals.

For Lewis students looking for healthier options or workout tips, social media sites don’t have to be avoided altogether. Instead, just steer clear of discouragement and focus on healthy posts that motivate and inspire you.