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VOLUME 54 ISSUE 13 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017
THE USD VISTA
INSIDE
NEWS 1-4
Aromas remodel
3 5 7 13 15
Big changes come to PA program
A closer look at the newly renovated Aromas Cafe OPINION 5-6
Scheduling woes
Seniors struggle to find classes FEATURE 7-10
From protesting to rioting
Inside the Inaguration Day protests and riots in Washington D.C. ARTS/CULTURE 11-13
USD All Faith Service in pictures
A service to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism on campus SPORTS 14-16
Super Bowl LI: Patriots Win
Tom Brady leads Patriots to greatest comeback in Super Bowl history
Photo courtesy of PA Program/Facebook
Preceptorial Assistants and Living Learning Communities’ definitions are rapidly changing at the University of San Diego. See full story on page 8.
Want to write for The USD Vista? Join us every Tuesday 12:30pm SLP403B
Immigration Executive Order causes turmoil ELISABETH SMITH News Editor On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) entitled “Protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States.” The order met a lot of backlash and was dubbed the “Muslim Ban” because it targeted travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. This EO follows suit with Trump’s campaign promise to protect the U.S. borders. It is designed to help authorities in identifying people with terrorist ties and refusing those people from entering the U.S. What does the Executive Order do? By definition, an EO is a rule or order issued by the President to an Executive Branch of the government which has the force of law. EOs do not need congressional approval, but they can be overturned if they are deemed unconstitutional. First, the EO calls for the suspension of issuance of new
visas and immigration benefits to people traveling from one of the seven countries banned. For 120 days, these nationals may not enter the U.S. After the initial 120 days, the EO does not specify what will happen to nationals from these blocked countries, but Trump has hinted that he wants more strictures. The EO also suspends the Syrian refugee program indefinitely. “The entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the United States Refugee Admissions Program to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest,” the EO stated. In addition to the nationals affected by this ban, the EO prioritized refugee claims on the basis of religious persecution, so long as the applicant belongs to a religion See BAN, Page 3
Photo courtesy of Isabella Avila USD sophomores Isabella Avila and Caroline Chowdhury attended the “Muslim Ban” protest at the San Diego International Airport.
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NEWS
February 9, 2017
NEWS
NEWS EDITOR ELISABETH SMITH @elisabethsmith0
Asst. NEWS EDITOR TAYLER REVIERE VERNINAS
Aromas Cafe reopens after months of construction TAYLER REVIERE VERNINAS Asst. News Editor The upbeat atmosphere of Aromas Cafe at the University of San Diego has finally returned with new renovations and an even longer line. This past semester, Aromas was closed to complete the renovations for the spring semester and has included new, sustainable, and efficient ways of receiving items on the updated menu. Director of Marketing and Licensing for Auxiliary Services Loryn Johnson explained the reason behind the remodeling. “Aromas originally opened in 1993, so it was ahead of its time as a coffee house, but it had not been remodeled since opening,” Johnson said. “We wanted to provide something that was more vibrant, comfortable, more efficient cafe for campus. A place that would truly be the living room of USD.” Johnson explained how USD’s Auxiliary Services worked with various students through focus groups to get an idea as to what the students wanted. “From a budgetary standpoint, we needed to plan things in advance and get approvals for everything,” Johnson said. “It was decided that the air conditioning was very imperative, which led to some of the delay, since we originally planned on opening in the fall. We had to upgrade all of our equipment, so that it is new, modern, and energy-efficient.” One of the main new features of the modernized Aromas is the self-pour, cold brew, and dairy free coffee system. Junior Danny Halloran commented on the effective self-pour coffee machine. “For people who really
like iced coffee, it is a good way to go and get as much as you want,” Halloran said. “I can put money on my account and pick from many different options. And the flavor is retained so much better since the machine keeps it cold, and you don’t need to add ice, which before would water down the flavor.” Johnson described in further detail the mechanics of the high-tech coffee machine. “The tap wall is cool, different, and modern, but it’s also a way to help with the lines,” Johnson said. “If you want cold brew coffee or tea from the tap wall, you go to the register and purchase an RFID (radio-frequency identification) sticker, place however much money you want loaded onto the sticker. You then hover the sticker over the Aromas logo on the tablet at the tap wall and that will activate the tap. A green light will appear at the top of the tablet, and you just pour and go. Next time you come in, you just have go to the tap wall, fill up, and go.” For first-year students, this new hotspot on campus is uncomparable to any other location on campus. Firstyear student Mia Hallgrimson had no concept of the interior of Aromas prior to the renovations but heard that the coffee was really good. “It is definitely the nicest eating place on campus,” Hallgrimson said. “The vibe I got when I first walked in here was a cool coffee shop you would see at Mission or Pacific Beach.” When customers first walk into Aromas, they will find the setup to be much different than the previous spring semester. Although the checkered floors have stayed, Johnson explained why the organization of seating has adjusted. “We wanted to improve the ambience with different
Tayler Reviere Verninas/The USD Vista The new Aromas provides games for customers to play and get off their digital screens.
types of seating,” Johnson said. “We placed communal tables for studying in groups together, included individual seating, and brought banquet seating, rocking chairs, and sofas. We wanted the atmosphere to be conducive to whatever students might
Tayler Reviere Verninas/The USD Vista One of the new additions to Aromas Cafe includes this modbar that creates consistently steeped tea.
want to do, whether that is to study or socialize.” Supervisor of Dining Services Anthony Garcia has been working at Aromas for the past four years and thinks the redecoration of Aromas is great. “The atmosphere of the coffee shop has changed a great deal,” Garcia said. “The pace is faster because there is more business, and the energy in the room is also higher.” According to Garcia, the amount of customers daily has increased by triple since the opening of Maher’s first floor cafe. “Old customers seem to not like the new renovations, but newcomers appreciate the study space,” Garcia said. “There was a sentimental attachment for those who would come to Aromas late at night in the past semesters who had special corners of the room they would always sit at. Whereas now the new students do not know much about Aromas before the new opening.”
Aromas Cafe also features decorated wall space that creatively promotes Fair Trade coffee bean and tea leaves. “We wanted to utilize that wall to sort of tell the journey of the coffee bean,” Johnson said. “We are happy to be offering Fair Trade products. We thought it would be a nice idea for people to think about what it took for those products to get here, especially since they do come from different countries around the world.” In addition to new wall decorations, there is a corner of Aromas that is advertised for students to take a break from the digital world with items such as a chess board, Scrabble, Apples to Apples board game, and coloring books. Senior Matthew Stockton considered the trendy, new vibes of Aromas to be a little too much in comparison to the old Aromas. “When I first walked into Aromas, I just thought it was super bougie,” Stockton said. “It was really cool to See AROMAS, Page 4
The USD Vista
NEWS
Volume 54 Issue 13
3
Immigration ban is temporarily lifted after lawsuit BAN continued from Front Page that is a minority in their country of origin. According to The Guardian, this part of the order can allow Christian immigrants from countries where Christianity is a minority, that is majority Muslim countries, to have priority over other immigrants from their country. Lastly, the EO reduces the number of refugees that the U.S. receives from any country to 50,000. This is significantly cutting the number of refugees from 84,995 that were accepted in the 2016 fiscal year, as reported by the U.S. Department of State. What services are available? At the University of San Diego School of Law Legal Clinic, free legal assistance is offered in various areas, including immigration, by offering information, consultation, and representation in Deferred Actions. Adjunct law professor Sandra Wagner is the supervising attorney for the USD Legal Clinic. Wagner is spearheading the efforts to help students who may be affected by the immigration ban. Once the EO was issued, Wagner was contacted by students who were concerned about the ban.
“No international students should feel they will be ignored if they contact the clinic,” Wagner said. “We do affirmative application work and assist any student within the USD community with immigration issues. All they have to do is contact the legal clinic and a law student will be assigned to give them advice and assistance.” Wagner shared that, while she is only on campus one day a week, she assists with cases. In emergency situations, she will take point to help the student. In regard to the EO, Wagner said that international students, and the rest of the country, will have to wait to see what the decision is in the ninth circuit of appeals on Tuesday. “Whatever happens [in the courts], the side that doesn’t get what it wants will file an appeal,” Wagner said. “In the next weeks, we’ll see what happens. Right now, people are coming into the country. Any USD student that has questions or concerns about the ban is more than welcome to call in and talk to us.” Wagner stressed that international students worried about their immigration status get correct information. “I’m most concerned about rumors flying around about the Executive Order,”
Photo courtesy of Quinn Norton/Flickr People of all ages protest the immigration ban at San Francisco Airport, Jan. 2017.
Wagner said. “Any time there’s an immigration issue that reaches the public, I want the students to get the correct information and not rely on rumors or bad advice that will lead them down the wrong path and jeopardize their status.” Federal judge puts temporary ban on the EO On Feb. 3, a federal judge in Washington state filed action challenging the EO. The State of Washington vs. Donald J. Trump, et al. stated its grievances with the EO in a case document. “The State seeks a finding that certain sections of the Executive Order are contrary to the Constitution and laws of the United States,
and enjoining Defendants from implementing or enforcing those sections,” the document said. “The State further seeks entry of a nationwide temporary restraining order.” After the action was filed, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended all enforcement of the EO. “At the earliest possible time, the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this order and defend the president’s Executive Order, which is lawful and appropriate,” stated a DHS press release. “The order is intended to protect the homeland and the American people, and the president has no higher duty and
responsibility than to do so.” According to an NPR report on Sunday, the State Department also followed suit and allowed travelers with still valid visas from the banned states to resume travel. The Justice Department filed an appeal to overrule the Washington state action, but, on Sunday morning, it was overruled by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, maintaining the suspension of the EO. On Tuesday night, three federal judges will meet to discuss the immediate fate for the EO. Regardless of the decision, legal experts are predicting that it will be appealed to the Supreme Court.
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February 9, 2017
NEWS
Aromas offers diverse food, drink, and seating options AROMAS continued from Front Page
see everything with the new renovations, but I could not help to look at the ceiling fans and see how inefficient they were. However, I heard they amped up the A.C. system, so that’s pretty cool.” Stockton would spend copious amounts of time in between classes doing homework at Aromas, and would sometimes read a book after school in previous semesters. “I think I will be spending the same amount of time because it is the perfect place,” Stockton said. “I am an engineering major and all of my classes are around Maher, Loma, and Serra Hall. I will be coming here to
coffee and the avocado toast. “We have a broader spectrum on the menu and offer items such as various toast options and new pastries,” Garcia said. “We are trying to push more of a sustainable business by offering the option of getting items to go or utilizing the house dishes, mason jars, and paddles provided for customers to use while inside the cafe.” Hallgrimson listed her favorite and least favorite items on the menu. “My favorite thing about Aromas is probably the crepes because they are really good, and my least favorite thing is probably the long lines,” Hallgrimson said. Stockton, who commented on the increased sounds inside Aromas, hopes the hype of aromas will die
“When I first walked into Aromas, I just thought it was super bougie.” - Matthew Stockton get a quick glass of water or maybe just read a book while I am waiting for class.” According to Garcia, the most ordered items on the menu are the self-pour
down soon so that students can have a more focused, studying atmosphere. “I think they are branding it a little harder now because they have a lot
Tayler Reviere Verninas/The USD Vista Junior, Danny Halloran enjoys studying in the upbeat atmosphere in Aromas because it helps him stay awake.
more merchandise you can buy,” Stockton said. “They have a growler and some pillows you can buy, which is pretty new compared to the old Aromas. I feel like the old Aromas was a little more low key, and this is just going to be hyped a little more.” Another up-to-date feature that is a part of Aromas is the modbar, which Johnson stated is the “mad scientist set up for tea.” “One of the difficult things when you are creating these complicated beverages is consistency,” Johnson
said. “The modbar creates a temperature and pressure situation so that the tea is steeped the same every time, and each time you come in you are getting that consistent flavor.” Halloran enjoyed the new additions, however, he admitted to missing the way it used to be. “It just seems like it took memories away with it looking so different,” Halloran said. “I like the fact that it is more advanced and innovative, but it is sad to go into a change when we were so used to the
old setting. However, I am happy that it is back because it is such a great hangout spot and it is open until 11 p.m. now, so I am grateful for that.” With the new renovations of Aromas, students may find it difficult to study in such an upbeat ambience and social hype of the trendy new location. However, now that the weekday hours have been extended from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Some Toreros just might be spending their late night study sessions at this popular coffee shop.
Ride together.
Correction: In the last edition of The USD Vista, in the article entitled “Women’s March rejects hateful discourse,” Ally Ramona was spelled incorrectly, as well as her class standing. Ramona is a freshman not a sophomore.
THE USD VISTA Editorial – 619.260.4584 Business – 619.260.4714 www.uofsdmedia.com @USDVista Brooklyn Dippo- Editor in Chief Matlyuba Nurova - Finance Director Courtney Wong - Advertising Director Sarah Brewington - Associate Editor Diego Luna - Managing Editor Gianna Caravetta - Copy Editor Nora Brewington - Art Director Elisabeth Smith - News Editor Tayler Reviere Verninas - Asst. News Editor Dani Devries - Opinion Editor Kelly Kennedy - Feature Editor Jennifer Givens - Asst. Feature Editor Walker Chuppe - Arts & Culture Editor
The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 The first copies of the newspaper are complimentary, all copies thereafter are a 25 cents charge. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.
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Volume 54 Issue 13
OPINION
The USD Vista
OPINION
5
OPINION EDITOR DANI DEVRIES @danidevries_
Seniors scramble to fill their schedules DANI DEVRIES Opinion Editor
Only two weeks into the spring semester, and students at the University of San Diego already have their schedules set in stone, as the add/drop period is over. For many students, the registration period passed without a hitch, but, for graduating seniors, the add/drop period can be especially hectic. For many seniors trying to ensure a spring graduation, a few key classes linger in the balance between graduating on time or having to tack on summer classes or even an extra semester. This process can be especially stressful when there are a limited number of sections or if several classes you need have conflicting times. Senior Emma Uriarte had to delay her graduation to take one last class. This class is scarcely offered by the university but was needed to complete her degree. “In some majors, the classes are only offered once a year, and it makes it difficult to get specific classes, especially if you study abroad and have to wait an entire year to have a chance at that class again,” Uriarte said. “Because of this, I had to stay an extra semester to take one
class to finish my degree.” This can be a huge problem, especially when the demand for classes outnumbers the amount of students allowed into the section. The registration process typically favors upperclassmen, since they have more units and get
administration cares much.” The USD Vista staff reached out to the registrar’s office and several deans’ offices across campus for comment and did not recieve a response. Classes that are listed without a waitlist can be especially difficult because
“It sucked. Luckily the professor was on the side of the students, and wanted to add everyone he could, or else many of us would have been out of luck.” -Savannah Jensen to register first. Yet there is always a chance, even if you have a lot of units, classes could fill up before you have a chance to register. This means that, for some seniors, their chances at graduation rely on waitlisting classes or the goodwill of their professors. Senior Savannah Jensen needed an ethics class to graduate. Jensen resorted to crashing a class that didn’t have a waitlist to try her luck at getting it. “It sucked,” Jensen said. “Luckily the professor was on the side of the students and wanted to add everyone he could, or else many of us would have been out of luck. And it doesn’t seem like the
there is no fair system for allowing students that crash the class in. It is all left up to the professor’s discretion. This problem seems to be cemented by the residency requirement put in place by the school. With very few exceptions, this residency requirement means that each USD student must take his or her last 30 units on campus. Because of this, when seniors encounter scheduling problems, their only solution is to wait until a new section opens up or rearrange their schedules to accommodate for one class. If this was not a requirement, students could choose instead to take the class at a neighboring
university or complete the requirement through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing. While the university does occasionally waive residency requirements, the process isn’t easy and varies on a case-by-case basis. Senior Blair Butler noted that when her schedule changed at the last minute, the school didn’t offer any easy alternatives. “It can be especially detrimental when you think your schedule works out, but last minute it changes, and you’re left a few credits short of what you need and have to scramble to find a solution,” Butler said. “I registered for a class that was pulled off the schedule, and now my only option to fulfill my last three units is a [upper-
division writing] class, which I’ve already taken, so I have to beg a professor to make an exception, since I can’t outsource to another school.” Although encountering scheduling hiccups is normal, it seems that for graduating seniors the conflicts are becoming a regular occurrence. Most people assume that the last semester of classes is easy for those preparing to graduate, but, in fact, it seems that the stress is greater than ever. Simply by opening up new sections of classes, making sure every class has a waitlist, and not yanking classes off the schedule last minute, the school can assure that seniors can complete their degrees on time and make a happy transition into USD alumni.
Photo courtesy of USD/Pinterest Seniors need to perfect their schedules in order to ensure a Spring graduation.
Senior spotlight: Effie Albitz going back to class post-grad EFFIE ALBITZ Contributor “So, Effie, what are your plans after graduation?” We all know that dreaded question. After all, I’ve been avoiding graduation for four long years. There are countless things I’ll miss—days spent at Mission Beach, California burritos from Sara’s, even the late nights spent studying in Copley— but now, as family members prod about my plans, my anxiety has finally dwindled. I can proudly answer that I’m going back to school, but this time as the teacher. As a student at the University of San Diego, I’ve kept myself busy as a chemistry major and Spanish minor, tutoring and working as a teacher’s assistant for the chemistry department, working in a research lab, and participating in Greek Life. I always planned on putting my STEM skills to work in a career in medicine or pharmacy. It wasn’t until I started volunteering with young students who, despite their
Photo courtesy of G. Marshall/Flickr Senior Effie Albitz will be working for Teach for America after graduation.
unlimited potential, weren’t given the same opportunities I had, that I started to see the systemic injustices in this country up close. I began to see the connection between education and health care. USD gave me the opportunity to take challenging classes and surround myself with people and activities that
pushed my thinking. I want to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone after I graduate. I want to jump head-first into a career that will give me an opportunity to have an immediate impact. That’s why I chose to become a teacher in the Twin Cities with Teach For America. I believe that a classroom
is a powerful place for social change. When I think about the social issues I’m most passionate about—gender equality, LGBTQ rights, affordable healthcare, and higher education—I came to realize that there’s no better place to tackle them head-on than in the classroom. After all, education is the most powerful tool at our disposal to disrupt inequity and create opportunity. As a corps member, I know I’ll face incredible challenges as I tackle these complex and systemic issues. But I also know that my experiences on campus— tutoring and assisting in labs, taking classes on social justice, and community outreach in San Diego—have equipped me to take on these obstacles on behalf of my students. And if not me, then who? As a classroom leader, I’ll continue to shape my values and beliefs, find my voice as a leader, and more clearly define the impact I want to make on the world. I look forward to creating a community with my students full of pride and school spirit,
and I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned at USD into my classroom. I can’t wait to teach an entire classroom to root for the Toreros. When I think about the things I love most about being on this campus, I realize I can take so much of those experiences with me. I’m excited to step out of my now-comfortable classrooms, chemistry labs, and secret study spots to start my path as a leader in a different kind of classroom— one where I’ll get to impact the lives of the next generation as their teacher. A classroom where I’ll have the opportunity to make a positive change in a community I’ll call my new home. So as you consider which path you’ll forge after graduation, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Listen to the moments that have defined your college experiences thus far. We all have to leave USD someday, but I can think of no greater privilege than helping the next generation of students have the opportunity to become Toreros.
The views expressed in the Opinion section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
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The USD Vista
OPINION
February 9, 2017
FEATURE
VOLUME 54 ISSUE 13
FEATURE
THE USD VISTA
FEATURE EDITOR KELLY KENNEDY
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ASST. FEATURE EDITOR JENNIFER GIVENS
From protesting to rioting
Inside the Inaguration Day protests and riots in Washington D.C.
JENNIFER GIVENS Asst. Feature Editor Protesting is a cumulation of citizens exercising their First Amendment right, but when does a peaceful protest turn into a riot? To answer that question, it is important to know the difference between a protest and a riot. According to MerriamWebster dictionary, a riot and a protest are two different things. A protest is a complaint or objection, while a riot is a violent or disorderly confrontation. In recent months, protests and riots have been featured in every major newspaper
and blog. Some of the most famous protests include the Women’s Suffrage parade in 1913 on D.C., Civil Rights march on Selma 1965, and most recently the Women’s March the day after President Trump’s inauguration that occurred around the world. Though many of these marches aim to be peaceful and maintain some type of organization, violence can erupt through confrontation between protesters, bystanders, and police. A riot, according to Merriam-Webster, is similar, but there is one factor that is drastically different. “Public violence,
“[The protesters] were peaceful and not aggressive in any way. The cops only really put up fences to protect the protestors from the cars on the street, and when the protestors were getting too close to the back of the White House.” - Elizabeth Rivette
tumult, or disorder, a violent public disorder, specifically tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent,” Merriam-Webster states. Riots are violent in nature and simply aim to disrupt and deface public and private property. Those who partake in riots can be arrested or subdued by various police tactics. Prior to the Inauguration, over 600 groups had applied for permits from the city to legally protest in the streets. Many people do not realize that permits are required for protests in public spaces. Elizabeth Rivette, a junior at USD, was at the Women’s March in D.C. She recalled the event as peaceful and inspiring. “It was incredible; people were smiling and happy,” Rivette said. “[The protesters] were peaceful and not aggressive in any way. The cops only really put up fences
Photos courtesy of Brooklyn Dippo/The USD Vista Protestors took to the streets to voice displeasure with many policies and politicians.
Peaceful Protest, according to the U.S. Law Library of Congress - Organizers must apply for, and obtain, a permit from the local police department/ local governmental body. - Localities can also impose additional requirements for permit applications, including event details and organizer information. to protect the protestors from the cars on the street, and when the protestors were getting too close to the back of the White House. The funniest thing I heard from a cop was when he turned to another cop and said, ‘Yeah, we can expect four long years of this.’” Jimmy Hussey, a sophomore at USD, attended the Inauguration and passed several protests as he made his way toward the National Mall. Many of the protests he passed were peaceful, but some were overshadowed by others. “There were so many people that were voicing legitimate complaints and were peacefully protesting, but their message was drowned out by the verbally aggressive protesters who shouted their opinions above everyone else’s,” Hussey said. “I saw the rioting police yelling and marching toward the protesters that were yelling back, but I left before things started to get violent.” The United States Law Library of Congress outlines the steps to peaceful protest. Many protesters were permitted to assemble in
protest on Inauguration Day, though others were not. One group of individuals smashed the windows of Starbucks and Bank of America, torched a limousine, and graffitied anarchy signs around the city. As anarchists, these individuals claim no allegiance to a single organized group, but they all showed up with the same intentions using the same technique. “Black bloc” is a technique where rioters dress is all black, wear masks to conceal their identity, and shatter windows, using anything at their disposal leaving destruction in their wake. They embed themselves into other protests, such as J20Resist, the large protest on Inauguration Day that began at Union station and according to their Facebook page over 3,000 people went to protest on Inauguration Day. While peaceful protests can end in violence, the difference between a protest and riot lies within the intent of the assembly. USD students saw both sides of this issue on Inauguration Day; it is likely that protests and riots will continue to make headlines across the nation.
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THE USD VISTA
FEBRUARY 9, 2016
FEATURE
Preceptorial Assistant
By Sarah Brewington with contributions from Dani DeVries
Many changes are coming to the University of San Diego, and the construction is just one of them. The Preceptorial Assistant (PA) program and the Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are also experiencing some major changes. The PA program’s goal is to facilitate the transition of incoming freshmen to college academic life. In the past, more than 60 upperclassmen students would apply to the program, be placed with an LLC, and assigned to a preceptor and preceptorial class. PAs would then receive one unit of credit for their participation. Students who were selected to be in the program were considered PAs, mentors during the first semester of school. Starting next year, the name of the PA program and the titles of the people involved will change with the program’s restructuring. Jonathan Bowman, the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, explained that the PA role goes into an academic sphere that other student positions do not. “The university has general consensus that students serving in these roles are essential to the academic transition for students across a variety of backgrounds and experiences,” Bowman said. “Just as a [Resident Assistant] helps students adapt to campus life and the residential experience, the [Preceptorial] Assistant models how to best navigate the complicated world of university-level classroom experiences.”
Co-creator weighs in
Merrick Marino is the Assistant Dean and Director of the Center for Student Success (CSS) and former co-advisor to the PA program. Marino explained that he and USD professor James Gump created the Preceptorial Assistant program in 2007. Prior to 2007, the preceptor program existed where faculty served as an advisor to incoming freshmen, but the role of the preceptorial assistant did not. “We created everything,” Marino said. “We are basically the founding fathers of the PA program. It was from scratch. We laid out role descriptions, expectations, training, and ongoing oversight of student leaders. Dr. Gump received the approval for one unit course.” Marino explained that everything about the current PA program exists because of Gump and his work. Gump ensured that PAs receive a one unit credit for being a PA. He also oversaw the faculty nominations and the process of matching PAs with faculty, while Marino himself worked with the PAC chair, student leaders, and training. “We created a very strong structure,” Marino said. “We designed it so that students were in leadership roles. The [preceptorial assistant committee (PAC)] and PAC chair role was a way of monitoring progress of PAs throughout the semesters and to ensure that they were working effectively.” Among the many things that will change with the transition, one of them is leadership. One of the fathers of the PA program and coadvisor since 2007, Marino will no longer have this position. Tess Nunn Eves will fulfull Marino’s position. Marino explained that the decision was a result of an external evaluation of the entire program which resulted in the programs physical move as well. “[The PA program moving] was an outcome of the unit review process,” Marino said. “A decision that was made to bring the LLC program under the LLC office.” This evaluation, in addition to switching the program to the LLC office, is also responsible for much of the program’s rebranding. The name of the program, created under Marino and Gump, will also change.
Photo courtesy of Merrick Marino PAC chairs pose with advisor Merrick Marino.
The PA program accepts multiple applicants and over 60 students receive p
Name changes explained
One of the chief concerns surrounding the PA program was that few people actually knew what the term “PA” meant or what the assistants do. In an attempt to answer these questions, the program is undergoing rebranding. Nunn Eves is the LLC coordinator, and she explained that, after a review of the LLC and PA program, the new name for PAs will be SAs, Scholastic Assistants. “Current PAs came up with the idea of Scholastic Assistant,” Nunn Eves said. “Preceptor means a lot to faculty, but, for incoming students and parents, Scholastic Assistants are clearer terms.” Bowman, a co-advisor of the PA program, further divulged the reasons for the name change. “The name change of the program [from Preceptorial to Scholastic Assistant] is reflective of students’ desires to have a position description that more accurately reflects their service when they are applying to graduate schools or seeking careers or internships,” Bowman said. “Students found the old position description difficult for constituents outside the institution to understand.” In addition to the PA name change, the LLCs are being renamed and consolidated as well. “When we started piloting the program, there were three to five to nine [LLCs],” Nunn Eves said. “We noticed [there were] themes but not a lot of clarity. [The new names] align with the strategic plan and the Changemaker definition.” For the fall of 2017, there will be five LLCs: Cultivate, Collaborate, Innovate, Advocate, and Illuminate.
Nunn Eves explained that the purpose of the new LLCs will be to allow students a broader sphere to reach across different disciplines and majors. Nunn Eves expressed that this will allow for a broader network of people and connections. While the name change and LLC changes are the most prominent alterations to the program, the makeover is past surface level. Last year’s PAC Chair, Sarah Shotts, explained that she is hopeful the rebranding of the PA program will overcome some past challenges. “When I became PAC Chair in Jan. 2015, much of the program ran like a well-oiled machine, and most challenges that I experienced came about as issues do in a hectic, fast-paced weekend like OLÉ!
VOLUME 54 ISSUE 13
FEATURE
program gets a facelift
Photo courtesy of USD Preceptorial Assistant program
positions.
Weekend,” Shotts said. “Though one challenge that has come up in the past is struggling to get all students to connect to their LLC themes; however, with the changes to the LLC program, there’ll only be five LLCs, each tied to a living area, so I think there’ll be more identity from students with their combined LLCs and living areas.”
PAs speak out
USD senior Emma Doolittle has been a PA for four semesters. She explained her role and experience as a PA. “I have been a Preceptorial Assistant for four semesters, twice in the fall working with the Insight (Honors) LLC, and twice in the spring working with spring admits,” Doolittle said. “Each semester, my responsibilities include serving as a leader and group facilitator during orientation, checking in with my students throughout the semester both formally and informally, and more generally serving as a guide to their transition to life at USD.” Doolittle shared that being a PA has contributed to her time at USD. “It is a rewarding experience because I have had the pleasure to work with several students who have gone on to become very involved on campus and in their respective academic disciplines,” Doolittle said. Doolittle, graduating this spring, is optimistic about the program’s changes. “Student needs are always changing, and I’m impressed with the program’s flexibility,” Doolittle said. “As research continues to develop regarding the power of experiential learning and Living Learning Communities, many Student Affairs departments on campus have responded in kind to create a constantly improving student experience.” Despite the changes of the PA program, not everyone is optimistic. One former PA, who wishes to remain anonymous, noted that these changes won’t alter the program enough to justify the amount of time and money the university pours into the program. “I decided to be a PA because I thought it would be good for the résumé, and good to form a close relationship with a USD professor,” the former PA said. “However, the training to become a PA was over the top, and extremely strict, so I began resenting my decision pretty early on. When the freshmen finally showed up on campus, and we helped with orientation, I realized that, while orientation is good to have, our orientation is pretty bad. None of the students wanted to participate in the stupid activities or ice breakers, and the events were extremely hard for quiet people to get involved.” The former PA went on to add that freshman need more direct faculty support when transitioning into college academics. “Freshmen need real academic advisors,” the PA said. “The
THE USD VISTA
preceptors are supposed to be their academic advisors before they declare their major, but most of them have no idea what’s going on and don’t care. The preceptor for which I was the PA didn’t even realize she was supposed to be the academic advisor, and told all her students that I was the one to ask about academics. Obviously, I knew nothing, which aggravated many students and left them confused and lost. Being a PA did nothing for me except bring me to the realization that USD’s orientation is not successful in easing freshmen’s stress. I know the PA program costs so much, and the money would be better used elsewhere.” However, Marino explained that while he is no longer involved in the program he has faith in its future. “Even though the home office of the program is moving, I believe it will remain in the hands of dedicated and competent professionals who care deeply about the student experience at USD,” Marino said. “Both Dr. Gump and I feel extremely proud about what the program has become. We had a vision and now we can say it has been realized. I couldn’t be more proud as to what it has become. It is an important part about what we do at USD.” While the existing PA program has mixed reviews, faculty are hopeful that the new SA program will provide an efficient transition for incoming freshmen. As the LLC office continues to fine tune the new program, Nunn Eves explained that not everything is settled yet. As new PAs apply to the program, the USD community will look to see the new changes in the coming fall.
Role changes to the PA program OLD
NEW
Preceptorial Assistant Council [PAC] Member
Facilitating Scholastic Assistant
PAC Chair
Scholastic chair
The theme coordinator
Facilitating Resident Assistant (FRA)
PAC and TAC
LLC Student Facilitator Council
While many of the responsibilities stay the same, some position responsibilities shift. For detailed explanation of positions please visit the LLC office. Nora Brewington/The USD Vista
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USD VISTA
FEBRUARY 9, 2017
Single? No plans for Valentine’s Day?
By: Taryn Beaufort and Cynthia Yantz This year you don’t need a significant other to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the holiday of love with friends or indulge in something for you. Here are a few quick, easy, and affordable ideas for you and your other single friends this Valentine’s Day. Happy choosing!
1. Drink wine and paint
4. Taco Tuesday
Pinot’s Palette welcomes painters of all levels to come enjoy the relaxation of painting and wine. Instructors teach clients how to paint a preselected piece and have the option to indulge in offered beverages and snacks. The studio offers two classes on Valentine’s Day from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., and both include a sweet treat. Each class is $35 per person, food and beverages not included. Must be 21+ to attend.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego than Taco Tuesday? For all those Mexican food lovers out there, you’re in luck because this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday. Embrace our San Diego culture by taking a group of pals and enjoying discounted tacos and, for those of you who are 21, margaritas.
2828 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 106 San Diego, CA 92106
Cafe Coyote 2461 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110 Specials include $2 tacos with nine options to choose from Old Town Mexican Cafe 2589 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110 Enjoy $3 drinks and tacos
2. Show your love for San Diego This Valentine’s Day, share the love with those who need it the most by volunteering or participating in a community service project. Pick your favorite organization and start loving on it. There are numerous opportunities in the San Diego area to get involved. The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is located right down the street from campus.
7. Buy boxes of Valentine’s chocolates and have a guessing game of flavors Still like the idea of delicious Valentine’s chocolates? You don’t need someone to buy them for you. Go with a group of friends, and pick up several boxes of variety Valentine’s Day chocolate from the grocery store, and make it a guessing game of flavors.
8. Organize a “secret valentines,” a white elephant gift exchange with other single friends White elephant gift exchanges don’t just need to fall on Christmas. Have a “secret valentine” gift exchange with friends. Set a dollar amount for everyone to spend and see what each of your friends gets as a surprise valentine gift.
5. Anti-Valentine’s Day party Invite all of your single friends over for an Anti-Valentine’s Day party! Bake heart-shaped sugar cookies with your favorite anti-Valentine sayings. Similar to anti-sweetheart heart-shaped candies, decorate these cookies with sayings such as “singles unite,” “dream on,” or “I love me more.” Play your favorite songs, and make it a potluck for everyone to enjoy.
9. City Lights Tour
3. Fall in love with something new
6. Bonfire on the beach
Valentine’s Day is all about love, so why not find something new to love? Take up a new hobby or try a new activity with friends. Never tried yoga? CorePower Yoga offers a free week of classes for newcomers. Or, try spinning at Rush Cycle. Browse local listings to find what else is offered near you.
Grab a pile of wood, a match, s’mores supplies, a group of friends, and head to your local beach. Instead of worrying that you don’t have a date, relish in the moments spent with friends. Make it a potluck, and have each person bring an easy snack to enjoy throughout the night. This is a fun and easy way to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget.
Seaport Village 470 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
5500 Gaines St. San Diego, CA 92110
CorePower Yoga 3555 Rosecrans Street #203 San Diego, CA 92110 Rush Cycle 5628 La Jolla Blvd San Diego, CA 92037
Graphic by Nora Brewington/The USD Vista
Who doesn’t enjoy looking at the city lights of San Diego? This Valentine’s Day you and your friends can fall in love with America’s Finest City’s city lights at night. After the tour, you and your friends can also enjoy a 360 degree view of San Diego from the top of the Hyatt hotel, which provides 50 percent off all wine with a tour ticket. The tour is $28 per person and reservations can be made by calling 619-471-1418. Must be 21+ to attend.
10. Valentine’s Day outdoor movie This Valentine’s evening, head out to The Headquarters in Seaport for an outdoor screening of “Bonnie & Clyde” at 6:00 p.m. The Headquarters is known for being a previous police station, so what better setting for this classic love and crime film? Admission is free, so all you and your friends need are a few blankets and chairs. The Headquarters at Seaport 789 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
The USD Vista
ARTS AND CULTURE
February 9, 2017
ARTS & CULTURE
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A&C EDITOR WALKER CHUPPE @lord.walker
Will a pregnant Beyoncé affect Coachella? WALKER CHUPPE Arts & Culture Editor @lord.walker Along with Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar, legendary Beyoncé is headlining Coachella. As far as a headlining trio goes, it is quite the star-studded lineup for a festival that is typically remembered for its selection of indie music. Although both Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar have played numerous festivals before, Beyoncé is not someone who immediately comes to mind when thinking of popular music festivals. Perhaps more accustomed to arena-style shows, it is certainly groundbreaking for Beyoncé, one of the most prolific female singers in the world, to grace the stage at Coachella. The only slight problem is, our beloved Bey is pregnant with twins. Although nobody has public knowledge of how far along in her pregnancy she is, Beyoncé did make an Instagram post a few days ago revealing a fairly large baby bump. The picture racked up
Photo courtesy of Beyoncé/ Instagram
over 9 million likes. Countless fans poured in well wishes for their queen, and her photo became the current mostliked photo on Instagram. Though her fans are overjoyed for her, some Coachella ticket-holders may be disgruntled if her pregnancy interferes with her headlining the event, which has been buzzed about by many tabloids, sparking a bit of controversy in the last week. At this time, Beyoncé’s
representatives have stated that she fully intends to perform. However, it is impossible to be 100 percent certain that she will be able to deliver on their assurance to festival attendees. Sophomore Sofia Panayides is hoping to purchase tickets for Coachella before the April festival. “I’m trying to find tickets for Coachella, but it’s hard because so many people want to go” Panayides said. “But honestly, I don’t care about Beyoncé at all—I know it’s going to be fun anyways regardless of if she performs.” Different media outlets including Billboard and TMZ speculate that Beyoncé would have likely known that she was pregnant at the time of accepting the bid for Coachella, or at least she would have been able to pull out of the event early enough to avoid disappointing concert-goers. Because of this, it would be difficult for her to gracefully cancel her appearance, though it may be necessary for her overall well-being, as well as her twins’. Music festivals
typically have disclaimers that the lineup may be subject to change because of the massive amount of bands and artists that perform. As such, ticket-holders typically do not receive refunds for any changes, even to headliners. In 2014, Billboard Magazine reported that Death Cab for Cutie dropped out of headlining Sound on Sound festival due to band tensions and a member quitting. Occasionally, headliners like Death Cab for Cutie do cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, although it is rare. Modest Mouse was recruited to play the festival in place of Death Cab for Cutie, and fans were almost equally happy with the result. Few requested for refunds at all, though they were not entitled to them anyways. In some ways, Beyoncé’s situation seems to be a bit different than Death Cab for Cutie’s in that her possible cancellation will not be due to “unforeseen” circumstances. Perhaps complications due to pregnancy or premature births are unforeseen in a way. However, most people
understand pregnancy is often complicated—especially for older women—and Bey is 35 years old, which is the age doctors typically start watching pregnancies even more cautiously. Chances are, nothing amiss will happen, and Beyoncé will give an amazing performance at Coachella while being very pregnant. It still begs the question: what will happen if she does cancel? For one, Coachella’s organizers will likely have to bring in an artist or band in her place. However, it is incredibly difficult, or maybe even impossible to replace someone as popular as Beyoncé. Who could actually replace her? Drake, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, or maybe Chris Brown? The list of artists in the same genre at the same caliber as Beyoncé are certainly few. It is also impossible to predict how ticket-holders will react in the case of a lineup change. Normally, it isn’t too much of a stretch to hire the next best band or artist available. This year, however, Coachella’s got Beyoncé. She’s essentially too iconic to replace.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
The USD Vista
Five live music venues in San Diego WALKER CHUPPE Arts & Culture Editor @lord.walker If you’re new to San Diego, or if you’re just trying to find a hip new place to see some music, these selections of the best venues in the city will give you a great place to start. Rather than dealing with trial and error alone, this list aims to help you narrow down some spots before you book your tickets. 1. Observatory North Park Located on University Avenue, the Observatory North Park is in the heart of the music and art scene in San Diego. A medium-sized venue, the Observatory has hosted many high-profile acts from a wide range of genres. The Observatory sets itself apart from other venues due to its sloping floor so that everyone in the audience has a reasonable view, even in the standing area. They also feature air conditioning vents placed in the floor for optimal cooling. The sound quality is superb, and every concert I’ve attended has been masterfully mixed by the audio technician. There is also adequate parking, both in structures and on the street nearby. 2. House of Blues One of the most popular venues in San Diego is the House of Blues. The House of Blues attracts some of the most famous bands from all corners of the world, including The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, and Ghostface Killah. The ambiance at the House of Blues is fantastic, and its
location in central downtown makes it a perfect place to see a show on a Friday night. The stage is in close proximity to the audience, and the crowds are almost always incredibly enthusiastic. The House of Blues is definitely one of the best venues in San Diego for the whole concert experience, from the music to the crowd to the atmosphere. 3. Casbah (21+) A legendary venue in San Diego, The Casbah opened in 1989. The venue made its name by hosting alternative rock bands such as Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182, Modest Mouse, MGMT, and many others. In 1994, The Casbah moved its location to where it sits currently, near Little Italy on Kettner Boulevard. The venue also features pool tables, pinball, and some classic arcade games, in addition to showing fantastic bands and artists every week. The Casbah is one of the few venues in San Diego that truly captures the “dive bar” feel. The stage is very close to the audience. If you ever have the chance to see one of your favorite bands at The Casbah, be prepared to be so close you can reach out and touch them if you’re at the front of the crowd.
Pinback with Octagrape and Death Fix at the Casbah.
often features bands just before becoming household names in the industry, and, with its proximity to campus, there’s really no excuse not to check it out at least once. The only downside to Soma is that it is all-ages, not 18+,
shows. Soma often hosts many punk-rock and metal shows, but it also features indie-rock bands frequently. 5. Belly Up (21+) A bar with a relaxed
4. Soma San Diego Soma is about a 10-minute drive from USD, located on Sports Arena Boulevard next to Chuck E. Cheese’s and In-N-Out. Soma occasionally houses some very popular acts, as well as bands who are on the rise as well. The venue
Photo courtesy of Kerry Key/Flickr NOFX playing a high-energy show at SOMA San Diego.
and the local high-schoolers can be pretty rowdy at some
Photo courtesy of Peyri Herrera/Flickr Comedians Hannibal Buress and Eric Andre on the marquee at Observatory North Park.
vibe, the Belly Up has been in Solana Beach since 1974. In
Photo courtesy of Ted Drake/Flickr
addition to being a great place to grab a drink and bite to eat with friends, the Belly Up has featured bands in all kinds of genres, from Miike Snow to Matisyahu to Foreigner. The Belly Up typically hosts bands that at least somewhat fit into the North County San Diego coastal vibe. The venue also enjoys spotlighting local bands, and, typically, the quality of music is excellent, despite that smaller acts can often be hit or miss. The Belly Up’s sound quality is up with the best in San Diego, and the venue takes pride in helping artists put on a great show. These are a selection of the best venues in San Diego, and they are worth a visit if any of your favorite bands or artists are playing. All five are excellent places to see live music and are sure to provide excellent atmosphere on a Friday night. Prices will vary depending on the day and quality of talent for each event.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Brewster/Flickr Established in 1974, the Belly Up is a fixture in Solana Beach.
Volume 54 Issue 13
ARTS AND CULTURE
The USD Vista
USD All Faith Service in pictures An encouragement of inclusivity and diversity on campus
Photos courtesy of Nick Abadilla
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February 9, 2017
SPORTS
SPORTS EDITOR MATTHEW ROBERSON @mroberson22
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
NOAH HILTON @thebackseatlamp
Men’s basketball battles offensive woes
MATTHEW ROBERSON Sports Editor
When distilled down to its core, basketball can be a very simple game. One team is on offense, possessing the ball with the simple goal of getting it into the hoop. The other team’s task is to prevent that from happening. Typically, teams that excel at both scoring and limiting their opponent’s scoring are the ones making headlines throughout the regular season and into the NCAA Tournament. The University of San Diego men’s basketball team has its fair share of issues in both aspects of the game. With the Toreros’ offense averaging an uninspiring 68 points per game and connecting on just 42 percent of its shots, the scoreboard at the Jenny Craig Pavilion has all too often shown USD clawing its way back from enormous deficits. On Saturday, Feb. 4 in a game against the no. 18-ranked St. Mary’s College Gaels—a game which the Toreros would eventually lose 71-27—the team trailed 32-9 at halftime and later found themselves trailing 52-12. USD managed to make just nine field goals for the entire game, finding the net on a hard to fathom 19.6 percent of their total shot attempts. Inept offensive performances are nothing new for the 2016-17 installment of USD men’s basketball. The Toreros have failed to score 70 points in any of their last six games, a stretch which includes the 27-point dud against St. Mary’s, as well as two separate outings in which the team was held to 43 points. The last time the Toreros cracked 70 points was at home against the Brigham Young Cougars on Jan. 14. The BYU game was unusual not only because of the 88 point explosion from
Photo courtesy of The Mighty 1090/Twitter
Head coach Lamont Smith has helped the program improve its record in his second year while still struggling to score. the boys in blue leading to a surprising upset, but also because a large majority of USD students had not returned from winter break, leaving the small percentage who were interested in the game forced to watch on television or via online stream. Former Heisman-winning Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was in the house for the 88-75 triumph over the Cougars, adding another element of mystery to a night that looks more and more bizarre as time passes. According to kenpom.com, a one-stop online shop for advanced college basketball statistics, the Toreros offense ranks no. 256 out of 351 Division-I teams in adjusted offensive efficiency. This metric is calculated by measuring how many points a team scores for every 100 possessions. USD currently sports an offensive efficiency of 101.0. For the sake of comparison, the offensive
juggernaut UCLA Bruins have the nation’s most efficient offense at 125.4. Placing at 256th puts the Toreros behind conference foes from the University of Portland and just one slot ahead of the Army Black Knights. As with any downtrodden team, there are, of course, a handful of bright spots. Senior forward Brett Bailey is averaging a team-high 17 points per game and hitting 40.3 percent of his three point shot attempts. Bailey has made monumental improvements offensively since last season, when he averaged just 6.9 points per game and shot an atrocious 18.1 percent from beyond the arc. Sophomore guard Olin Carter III has been another ray of hope in an otherwise dark offense. Carter is second on the team with a 15.9 per game scoring clip while leading the team in total three pointers made. With the impending
graduations of seniors Bailey and forward Cameron Neubauer, expect Carter to take on an even bigger role in head coach Lamont Smith’s offense next season. While offense seems to be the team’s biggest concern, a product of lukewarm three point shooting, overall stagnation, and a glaring lack of an inside presence, the team’s defense has also been far from stellar. In addition to scoring a paltry 101 points for every 100 possessions, the Toreros also allow 108.5 points for every 100 possessions by opponents. This equates to the 226th most efficient defense in the nation. It should come as no surprise that a team with the country’s 256th best offense and 226th best defense is near the bottom of the West Coast Conference standings. An 11-13 overall record paired with a 4-8 record in conference games is fitting for a team with an anemic offense that can often struggle to stop the bleeding defensively.
Moving forward, the Toreros will hope that towering freshmen Frank Ryder and Jose Martinez can round into reliable low post scoring threats that can also protect the rim. With both behemoths standing at 6’10”, one is left to wonder if Smith will play them together as the starting big man combination next season. If so, Martinez’s soft shooting touch from outside could be a nice complement to Ryder’s more bruising, physical style of play. Fellow freshman Juwan Gray will also likely see his playing time spike next season and could be the final piece of the probable starting five with Carter, Ryder, Martinez, and sophomore guard Tyler Williams. No matter what sort of lineups Smith puts together for the rest of this season and into the next one, he would answer the prayers of many Torero fans if he found a way to improve his team’s underachieving offense.
Photos courtesy of USD Athletics
Sophomore guard Olin Carter makes a pass against the St. Mary’s defense (left). Freshman forward Juwan Gray had two points vs. St. Mary’s (right).
SPORTS
Volume 54 Issue 13
The USD Vista
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Super Bowl LI: New England rises up again JAKE ELLIS Contributor
Every year, the Super Bowl is consistently one of the most-watched television programs across the world, and this one surely did not disappoint. This year’s matchup was between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. The New England Patriots are a fixture when it comes to making a run into February. Even though Tom Brady was suspended the first four games of the regular season, the Patriots were not going to be denied. The Falcons found themselves in a completely different situation. Atlanta had always been on the fringe of contending but could never break through. The Patriots were an incredible 14-2 this season, while the Falcons were 115. Everybody had already penciled in the Patriots into the Super Bowl, while the Atlanta Falcons were being overlooked. Calling the Patriots being in the Super Bowl seemed like a pretty easy conclusion, but to see Atlanta make it through the Seattle Seahawks and a red hot Aaron Rodgers was nothing short of astonishing. This game got off to a fast start for the Falcons, with Atlanta getting out to a 21-3 lead at halftime. Most people watching this game were surprised to see this young and
Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report/Twitter
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady cemented his legacy with a win for the ages. Brockmeyer was not to be deterred and her confidence never wavered. Despite the big halftime deficit, Brockmeyer believed that New England’s proven leader could will his team to victory. “Well, I was obviously super bummed, but I also know that Tom Brady gets his team super hyped after halftime, and they come out with a lot more energy and command as a team,” Brockmeyer said. “We may have been way behind, but I know my Patriots, and we have historically been a second half team. [They] came out with a ton of fire in the second half, and, as a
comeback ever in Super Bowl history was 10 points and the Patriots had to double that with one quarter remaining. As the fourth quarter started, Brady led his team drive after drive and seemed to know that his team could not be stopped. That is not to say that there not moments of nervousness for fans like Brockmeyer. “I guess I was really nervous for both of our two-point conversions,” Brockmeyer said. “I knew that we would always score a touchdown, but you never know what is going to happen on the two-point conversion.
and the first overtime game. When overtime started, both teams knew that they had to hold the opposing team to at most a field goal, so they
“We may have been way behind, but I know my Patriots, and we have historically been a second half team. [...] As a Patriots fan, I knew that there would be an epic comeback.” -Dylan Brockmeyer could give their own offense a chance. New England won the coin toss, and they knew that they did not want to give the
Photo courtesy of Telegram & Gazette/Twitter
Running back James White crossed the goal line in overtime, clinching the win for the Patriots. athletic Falcons team get off to such a hot start against one of the best teams of all time, and to not only keep Tom Brady out of the end zone, but to also get him to throw a pick six. New England fans were frozen in the seats they were sitting in, and some even conceded to victory for the Falcons, as early as halftime. However, senior Dylan
Patriots fan, I knew that there would be an epic comeback.” Patriots fans may have thought that they were going to come back and win this game, but after the third quarter, a big hole still remained. Atlanta had widened the lead to 28-9 at the start of the fourth quarter. The Patriots were down 19 points with one quarter left. The biggest
Then, I knew if all these things happened, then I would be phenomenally more stressed because [the game] would be going into overtime.” The Patriots finished the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history thanks to some brilliant defense and some incredible catches. We finally had two firsts in Super Bowl history: the largest comeback
the most pass yards in a Super Bowl with 466. Brady capped off the largest comeback in Super Bowl history of 25 points, a hole they faced at one point
ball back to the fiery Falcons offense. As soon as Brady got on the field, he seemed to know that this game was over. Surely enough, he led his offense right down the field and capped off a historic night with a two-yard pitch play to running back James White. Not only was it his and coach Bill Belichick’s fifth Super Bowl victory, but he also threw for
in the third quarter. Brady also won his fourth NFL Super Bowl MVP, beating Joe Montana’s previous record of three. The path to the victory in the Super Bowl was not what they thought. Tom Brady had been suspiciously suspended for four games to start the season for his involvement in the “Deflategate” scandal. Through all of this adversity, the Patriots remain on top. They fought through being targeted by their own league commissioner. They had a winning record without arguably the best quarterback in the history of the National Football League. Even without their best player and captain for those first four games, they still had the best record in the entire league. They cruised all the way through the playoffs, blowing out both the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. Nothing could stop these guys, not even a 25-point deficit in the Super Bowl. Brockmeyer had one simple thing to say about this incredible season. “We are the New England Patriots,” Brockmeyer said. “This season has shown that the entire team and organization is full of really dedicated and talented players.” Brady may be 39 years old, but it is looking like these Patriots will continue to dominate this league and will continue to be tough to stop.
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February 9, 2017
SPORTS
There’s a new athletic director in town
NOAH HILTON Asst. Sports Editor It’s a quality that’s evident from the moment you meet him. He is not merely paying attention, nor simply concentrating on the task at hand. Instead, the aura surrounding him is one of uncompromising focus, stubbornly zeroed in on the academic and athletic endeavors of Alcalá Park’s most elite competitors. It’s evident in the office, as he pores over the wide breadth of assignments— from emails and budgets to personnel evaluations and marketing initiatives—the day has tasked him with. It’s evident in the campus community, as he socializes with students and athletes alike, promoting upcoming match-ups on the playing field and ensuring that the Toreros enrich the university they represent. More than anything though, it is evident at the games themselves. Upon entering the building, he deliberately makes his way through the student section, shaking hands and learning names, before settling into a seat on the sidelines and quietly observing the Toreros at work. There is no applause; there is no disappointment. There is only observation, spurring a sort of investigative environment cultivated to appreciate strengths to maintain and to pinpoint weaknesses to improve on. His name is Bill McGillis. He is the University of San Diego’s newest athletic director (AD), and he’s here to bring a new kind of athletic affluence to America’s Finest City. After the promotion of former AD Ky Snyder to Vice President of Operations for the entire university, a thorough job search by President James Harris and other faculty resulted in the hiring of McGillis. McGillis is a longtime administrator who spent the last three and a half years as the AD at the University of Southern Mississippi. McGillis’s career, he said, is
Photo courtesy of University of San Diego/Twitter
New athletic director Bill McGillis is optimistic about the future of Torero athletics. one that seems to have led him to this position in this city. Growing up, McGillis knew he wanted to be a sports administrator. However, the college game was far from his mind. “I started working for the Seattle Mariners in ninth grade,” McGillis said. “[I] always saw baseball administration as a potential career path.” However, an internship with the University of Houston shifted his focus toward college sports, and that interest grew as he worked his way up the ladder. “I went from being an intern to being the number two guy in the program while at Houston,” McGillis said. “More importantly though, I gained experience in every facet of college athletics. I was never pigeonholed, and those opportunities to work and learn in a variety of offices and positions made it clear to me that I wanted to be an athletic director someday.” Those diverse experiences didn’t stop after he landed his first job as an AD, either. “I was fortunate to have a blend of breadth and depth of experiences,” McGillis said. His two seasons working as a general manager for teams in the up-and-coming
Photo courtesy of Ky Snyder/Twitter
McGillis and his family pose for a picture.
American Basketball League, a professional women’s basketball league, instilled in him a sense of entrepreneurial drive while inspiring a return to the college scene. His first job as an AD, at the University of Evansville in Indiana, provided a taste of small-town sports at a private Catholic university. From there, it was on to the University of New Mexico, a large state school that dominates its local market. After that, it was on to the University of South Florida before his most recent gig at the University of Southern Mississippi. The end result: becoming the head guy at USD. And boy, is he excited to be here. “I would describe the University of San Diego as the pinnacle for me,” McGillis said. “I’d always wanted to be an athletic director in the West Coast Conference, but the timing and fit was never right for myself and my family. “Like I told some of our student-athletes last week, this job specifically has always stood out to me because of the quality and the excellence that both the student-athletes and the school represent. USD is a place that feels really good to be in. I truly feel like this was my destination, and my first couple of weeks here have only reinforced the special nature of the university.” McGillis came in with a clear motive as the athletic program’s new head honcho. Revitalizing a fan base that has struggled to consistently show support for its teams in recent years. When speaking about this, his voice seemed to savor the determined optimism he espouses. “There’s a few key things here,” McGillis said. “First, we need to make sure we provide a great product on the playing field. Secondly, we need to be very vocal about telling our story and getting in front of students, faculty members, and the community in aggressive and innovative ways. Our
goal is to create experiences at events that people want to be a part of and that help strengthen their connection to the university. I never want to walk into a building and be able to count the number of fans in attendance myself.” One area of Torero athletics that could draw increased attention from McGillis and his staff is the football team, a program that is coming off a historic 2016 campaign that included the first playoff win in school history. Despite its on-field success, however, the team is still surrounded by questions about the money its extensive traveling soaks up as well as its ability to consistently compete with scholarship programs. McGillis, who played a role in returning pigskin programs at South Florida and Southern Mississippi to national prominence, remains undaunted. “I am joining a very healthy athletics program and especially a very healthy football program, and I come in feeling very comfortable with the model that’s already in place here,” McGillis said. “I’ve been very impressed with head coach Dale Lindsey and his staff and am looking forward to meeting more of their student-athletes.“ “I plan on spending a lot of time with Coach Lindsey dissecting the program and ensuring that it’s positioned well for the future in a way that’s in alignment with the university’s best interests.” Of course, McGillis is no one-trick act, and his ideological emphasis goes far beyond the sidelines of Torero Stadium. While he remains committed to meeting and surpassing the on-field goals of USD athletics across the sporting spectrum, his focus lies even more so on the contributions made by student-athletes away from the playing field. “More than anything, we want to prepare our student-
athletes for life, so that they are not only able to graduate, but are capable of enjoying success in their chosen field,” McGillis said. “Winning on the field, in the classroom, and in the community is what we will be all about, and it’s something that I think about every day. Under the leadership of Ron Valenzuela, we’re doing a lot of great things for our studentathletes in terms of student development outside of the classroom, so that sports do not encompass, but enhance the college experience for our student-athletes and the entire campus community.” Ultimately, the man whose earliest memories of San Diego involve sitting in the back of a station wagon as a young boy, driving down the coast from Seattle, appears to be more than ready to continue developing the bright future lying ahead for USD athletics. His closing thoughts make that as clear as the Toreroblue skies that hover over campus on a near-daily basis. “This is a place that epitomizes what Division-I athletics should be about,” McGillis said. “There is truly no ceiling for USD athletics. I certainly believe we can win championships in all of our sports; we have both the people and the resources to achieve great, great things here, being very successful competitively, while continuing to graduate every single student-athlete who comes through our program.” Optimistic? Definitely. Out of reach? Not even close. But high expectations, especially here in America’s Finest City, are the norm for Bill McGillis. He is a man on a mission, focused on meeting and exceeding the standards he will set forth for USD athletics in the years to come. Of course, every long journey begins with a series of small steps. For McGillis, the all-important first step is to meet a little bit more of the student section.