Monday, September 2, 2002

by Evelyn Khoo
Gazette News Reporter

Another fall semester, another class of wide-eyed freshmen trooping up to
Parrish Circle, all set to experience the overwhelming chaos that is
Freshman Orientation.

This year, however, the class of ’06 did things in a slightly different
style. In an attempt to encourage CA group bonding, which the Orientation
Committee (OC) felt was slightly lacking in previous orientations, a point
system was set up in which freshmen could win points for their CA group by
winning games such as a whipped cream pie-eating contest; a hula-hoop,
bubble gum blowing relay medley; and a giant, class-wide 4-square
tournament. They were also given points for attendance at the more mundane
traditionals like the swim test and computer orientation.

OC member May Miller-Ricci ’05 felt that the “Olympic games,” as they were
called, were successful in their object of helping the freshmen to bond. “A
lot of freshmen went to the events and had names for their CA groups,” she
said.  Fellow OC member Eric Golynsky ’05 even labeled this strong sense of
comradeship “the highlight of the orientation.”

Campus Adviser Andrew Lim ’05 agreed. “They [the freshmen] really rallied
together, with team cheers, group hugs and everything.”

Other changes to the traditional orientation roster included a “No-Hands
Meal” at Sharples and the relocation of the 80’s Party to DU.  The latter
change had particularly impressive results.

“It turned out to be one of the best dry parties I’ve ever been too and it
seemed like everyone had a great time,” said Golynsky. And unlike in
previous years, the OC managed to keep all of its events dry throughout the
week – a major focus of the committee, according to Golynsky.

Although the sheer volume of planned events and information was difficult to
cope with, most freshmen were grateful for the opportunity to meet and
mingle that the Freshmen Orientation provided.

“I would not have wanted to have got here and gone straight to class,” said
Jerome Fung ’06. “I enjoyed the bonding activities like the trust walk where
we really had to work with each other. I can’t believe it’s not even been a
week!”

However, the hectic pace did seem a little overwhelming to some. Said Raghu
Karnad ’05, “As a freshman I never felt the need to bond with my CA group. I
appreciated the free time I had and the fact that I didn’t have to run to
any event. At times I think the freshmen would have preferred hanging out
with their friends of their own choosing.”

Andrew Robinson ’06 agreed. “It has just flown by, with so much planned and
so much information thrown at you, it takes time to sort it all out.” Still,
he did manage to get some of his fears allayed: “I think before you get on
to campus there is a general fear of meeting new people and with Orientation
it’s good that we now get to see some familiar faces.”

What was not so fun however, was getting their reading assignments before
class had even officially begun. Welcome to Swat, ’06ers!

*****

by Jeremy Schifeling
Gazette Section Editor

Philly-bound Swatties who had previously been frustrated by SEPTA’s rising
fares will now have a new transportation option for their urban adventures,
according to Student Council Co-President Ryan Budish ’04.

Having spent the summer hammering out a financial agreement with the
administration, the Council is ready to launch a van service to the city
this semester. Although the specific details are still being tweaked,
Budish says that the service, operated by professional drivers, will run
Friday and Saturday evenings until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning–past when
SEPTA has stopped running. Additionally, while a start date has yet to be
established, the Co-President is confident that the program will be up and
running shortly.

With the service near its inauguration, Budish credits the administration
with making the Council’s vision a reality: “President Al Bloom and Vice
President Larry Schall have been extremely generous in order to help insure
that students have convenient and free access to the wonderful resources of
Philadelphia.”

And despite the failure of similar plans in the past, he’s optimistic about
the program’s ability to succeed, citing the importance of easy access to
our metropolitan neighbor.

“Students at Swat need to be able to get away every now and then,” said
Budish. “Philly should be accessible to every student, not just to those
who can afford to fork over nearly $8 bucks each time they want to get a
way for a bit.”

As the first vans get ready to roll, the Council is already looking ahead
to a new semester’s worth of initiatives, including, amongst other things,
a proposed lengthening of Reading Week.

*****

* Kerim Chatty, the Swedish citizen arrested on Thursday for trying to
bring a handgun onto a British-bound plane, is scheduled to appear in court
today, where prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to keep him in
custody for two more weeks. Prosecutors believe Chatty was planning to
hijack the airplane and crash it into a U.S. embassy, in a copycat attack
of the September 11 events, though they do not believe Chatty to be
affiliated with al Qaeda. Formal charges will follow if a case is made
against Chatty.

* The International Food Court at the U.S. Open was evacuated yesterday by
security officials after they discovered an unattended cooler which was
later found to contain doughnuts and water. There remain some questions,
however, about how the cooler got past the security screenings at the
entrances. All coolers, large bags, cans, and glass bottles are prohibited
at the Open, where security has increased due to the approaching
anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

* A 15-year-old boy is in custody after admitting to starting a 600-acre
wildfire in northern California that has destroyed one home and forced the
evacuation of several others. The boy was reportedly playing with matches.
Meanwhile, in southern California, a gasoline-filled can and a detonating
device were found by firefighters battling a nearby wildfire. Officials
were unable to report on a possible connection between the can and charred
human remains found in the area on Friday.

*****

SPORTS UPDATE

The 2002 Swat Kick Classic concluded yesterday with a loss for the women in
the championship game and a victory for the men in the consolation match.

In the women’s match, Widener jumped out to the early 1-0 lead, but Ele
Forbes ’05 scored the lone Garnet goal on an assist from Shavaugn Lewis ’05
to tie the game in the 51st minute of play. Catherine Salussolia ’04 made
nine saves in goal, but a second Widener goal in the 61st minute put the
Pioneers ahead for good, as they went on to win 2-1.

For the men, Marty Griffith ’05 led the team with two goals and an assist
as the Garnet defeated Medgar Evers, 4-1. Charlie Taylor ’06 also scored
once and assisted on both of Griffith’s goals, while Spencer Paine ’04
finished the scoring on an assist by Tevye Kelman ’06.

Widener defeated Wesley 4-3 in the men’s championship match, making both
the men’s and women’s teams victors in the Classic.

*****

Today:
There are no contests scheduled for today.

Tomorrow:
Women’s soccer hosts Philadelphia Biblical University, 4:30 p.m.

*****

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“You live and learn. At any rate, you live.”
–Douglas Adams

*****
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