In addition to his role as director, Fr. Madigan, a member of the Boston College faculty since 1979, will serve as a member of the University Core Development Committee (UCDC), a group which oversees the undergraduate core requirements and reexamines the purpose and efficacy of the core curriculum.

One challenge in examining the core requirements is adapting its components to match the rigor and weight of high school courses among students entering the university.  The broad range of backgrounds must be mitigated through the system of awarding Advanced Placement course credits and exemptions.  Currently, the core is designed to foster a well-rounded education in students, encompassing courses in the arts, literature, mathematics, science, theology, philosophy, and other fields.

In light of recent news that the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) is seeking to include a core course discussing race, class, and gender issues, the core may be reevaluated in the future.

Additionally, Saunders writes often for Harper’s, McSweeney’s, The Guardian, The New Yorker, and GQ. Because of his outstanding ability to incorporate humor in his writing to produce unique, entertaining works, George Saunders was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2006. Currently, he is a member of the Creative Writing program faculty at Syracuse University.

Before Saunders took to the podium, he was introduced by Christopher Boucher, a BC professor of Creative Writing. Not only did Boucher regard George Saunders as his “favorite living writer,” but he also revealed that Saunders was one of his favorite professors and mentors; Boucher studied with Saunders in the Creative Writing program at Syracuse.

After expressing his gratitude for the warm introduction and plentiful applause, Saunders asked with a smirk, “Is Boston College a laughing kind of place?” His humor was palpable in each of his eloquent phrases, illustrating his mastery of language as a tool for entertainment. The audience answered ‘yes,’ hungry for a funny story.

For about forty-five minutes, Saunders held the attention of the room full of faculty and students, reading animatedly a story about a man dealing with both matters of hilarity and those of melancholy. With his vibrant voice, quirky characters, and unpredictable storyline, Saunders excited and enlivened his audience.

Upon finishing his reading, Saunders addressed his editing process. He explained that he goes through each work about one hundred times until he succeeds in making it sound “natural.” According to the writer, each piece of writing has an “optimal version” that can be reached only through tedious editing.

Saunders also distinguished fictional stories from essays, divulging that, when writing fiction, he does not know “what’s going to happen,” whereas he knows what’s to happen in non-fiction pieces but needs to “cut through” his numerous notes to render the material entertaining.

Clearly, Boston College students and faculty alike enjoyed the insight that Saunders provided into the world of creative writing. Fiction writer and essayist, genius and comedian, George Saunders exemplifies the manifestation of pure literary talent.

Josh Berk, the Organizational Director of the American Red Cross Club of Boston College, explains that the drive was one of four annual drives that attract students and faculty alike to donate their blood.

“There is always someone waiting in line,” Berk said, “and we’re always welcoming new donors.”

Although the dates of blood drives are dictated by the schedule of Red Cross, the club tries to avoid certain high-stress dates such as Marathon Monday and Parents Weekend.

While the prospect of having their blood drawn may not be for everyone, each drive hosted by Boston College has had a solid number of volunteers. Its unwavering success can be attributed to the willingness and enthusiasm of students and faculty towards volunteering their time to helping others. Students largely contribute to the organizational process as well by actively recruiting donors and scheduling appointments.

The donating process at Boston College has become increasingly efficient as to tend to the 360 scheduled donors. Licensed technicians are quick to calm jittery patients before they draw their blood, making the selfless act a fearless one.

Adam Danielson, a sophomore, describes his incentive for having become a blood donor:  “It’s a great feeling to know that I can give something of mine to help others. The free t-shirts and pizza are also perks!”

Who is the ideal blood donor? The Red Cross looks for donors who are generally healthy with good eating happens and a good medical history. Although the Red Cross screens all donated blood, some donors are discouraged.

Berk explains, “If a donor has recently traveled to a country requiring a vaccination, the antibiotics in their blood may cause a reaction in a recipient if they are allergic to antibiotics.”

The blood drawn by the Red Cross is sent to blood blanks and hospitals in need.

The American Red Cross Club of Boston College is an independent club that sponsors disaster actions teams and CPR classes in addition to blood drives. For more information, visit http://www.bc.edu/clubs/redcross.

People will frequently read an opinion piece in The Observer and remark that the “editorial” was offensive, and wonder why The Observer would publish such a thing. Please consider the following points:

1. An “editorial” is the official position of the newspaper. If you want to know what the paper itself believes, look at our writings on pages 8 and 9, or under “Editorials” above. These are written by the staff.

2. An “op-ed” or “opinion” piece is an opinion written by an individual writer, and may or may not be the official position of the paper. To assume that it is would be a mistake.

3. Just because The Observer publishes something does not mean that it agrees with its content. We frequently publish pieces that may seem extreme, but this is because we believe the author has something to say that the community should read, not necessarily because we automatically agree with it.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope you continue to read and enjoy our publication.

Sincerely yours,

Jesse Naiman

Editor-in-Chief

AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) leaders have announced a proposal to force freshmen to take a mandatory course on race, class, and gender. According to a Facebook group designed to promote the required course, such a class is necessary because of articles published in both The Observer and The Heights during the fall semester, both of which are referred to as “offensive.”

This proposal bas also been backed by UGBC President-elect Micaela Mabida and Vice-President-elect Patrick Raab, who supported it on their campaign platform.

The ALC claims to have met with Provost Donald Hafner regarding the establishment of a pilot program before the program is fully implemented. ALC Vice-President Erika Hernandez said that Hafner and the administration have been receptive, but the process has been slow. Still, the ALC hopes to have a pilot program in the fall.

Hafner told The Observer that he is approaching discussions with the ALC with an open mind, but stressed that the subject would be researched thoroughly before any policy is implemented, adding that he believes the ALC agrees with his position.

ALC officials administering the Facebook group promoting the course, titled “The Social Experiment: The Effects of Social Differences in Human Interaction,” claim that Opinions articles in both The Observer and The Heights are responsible for recent “hot spots” of racial tension on campus.

The group adds, “Due to recent articles published in student newspapers, tensions in our community have mounted…Misconceptions regarding affirmative action and the apparent lack of awareness of and sensitivity to racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and religion are at the root of many tensions in our community and need to be addressed through academic means.”

The Observer published an article in September titled “Can I, as a Caucasian, Be a Part of Your Group?,” which concerned racial divides on campus. The Heights published an op-ed “It’s Time to be Equal,” a critique of affirmative action. While the ALC does not specifically mention either of these articles in their proposal, both were a cause of outcry in the fall, resulting in a series of four panels in which The Observer took part.

In response to perceived racial issues on campus, the proposed class would explore “the challenges and difficulties of living in a multicultural environment” and also hopes to teach “the origins of racism, classism, and gender inequalities and their impact on our society, the history of diversity at our university and in our global community, how to integrate a more diverse perspective into one’s life.”

The proposal calls for 22 professors to teach the course, with each section capped at 25 students. Freshmen would have to take the course in either their first or second semester, much like the freshman writing seminar. In addition, each class would have two teaching assistants who “are knowledgeable of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation issues to help hold discussion groups of approximately twelve students.”

Professors could come from a variety of backgrounds, with a special emphasis on Psychology, History, Sociology, English, African and African Diaspora Studies, and any Lynch School instructors.

The ALC hopes to accomplish several goals through this proposal. While it hopes to increase BC’s prestige, to provide experience for graduate students, to educate the community, and to increase enrollment in African and African Diaspora Studies courses, the most notable goal is a reduction in racial tensions. The proposal cites “offensive” newspaper articles as examples of racial tensions that it hopes to alleviate.

Sponsors of the group include Hernandez, “Earl Edwards (ALC President) Gregory Epps (President of SNAPP), Jen Liao (President of Asian Caucus), George Hart and Mercedes Villanueva (Co-Presidents of OLAA), Eatonia Davis (President of United Front), and Sarah Park (UGBC).”

This past week, Boston College hosted its annual performance of The Vagina Monologues, a play written by Eve Ensler.  Since its debut in 1996, the play has drawn considerable attention and controversy.  The performance consists of a series of monologues, each recited by different actresses, which tell stories and experiences of various women as these stories relate to female genitalia.

Ensler drew her inspiration for the Vagina Monologues from a series of interviews she held personally with women over several years.  Since the script as written is very much open to interpretation and new monologues are added periodically, no two showings of the play are exactly the same.  This year’s performance at BC, for example, featured a cheerleader who would return to stage periodically, dance provocatively, and remind the audience of facts about the sexual sensitivity of women’s sexual organs.

The performance, normally occurring on or around Valentine’s Day, has a broader mission of combating violence against women.  The Vagina Monologues are the high point of “V-Day,” a movement which stages performances of the play in cities and campuses across the world in order to raise money to work against sexual violence.  As the movement’s website describes, “V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls.”  As Maggie Carr, A&S ’10, the student coordinator of V-Day at Boston College, explained, “One hundred percent of our ticket sales goes to organizations working to empower women.”  She remains optimistic about the V-Day efforts: “I absolutely believe that we will one day live in a world where sexual assault is a rarity”

Although well intentioned, the play is not without its critics.  Controversial aspects of the play include an interview Ensler did with a girl just six years of age, in which the child was asked intimate questions about her sexual organs.  Another controversial monologue tells of a women reflecting on being intoxicated and molested by an older women at the age of 16 (13 in an earlier version of the play).  The character describes this experience as healing and redemptive.  Critics such as the Cardinal Newman Society have voiced concerns that, had a work of art portrayed an older male taking advantage of a young boy sexually, the work would be unanimously disapproved by most institutions of higher learning.

Those concerned often call into question what place if any this play has at any university, especially a Catholic university.  “We do face challenges to putting on the play,” explained Carr, “but also have tremendous support from administration, faculty, and students who not only want to see the show, but participate in talk-backs and dialogues following the performances.” Carr is referring to faculty-led discussions following the first two performances, Monday evening’s Men and the Monologues, and the yearly panel discussion, Dialogues on the Monologues, featuring a faculty panel discussion.

“No we do not have any qualms about having a performance that has scenes that include statutory rape,” clarified Psychology Department Chair Prof. Ellen Winner. “We do not believe in censorship… we must never censor artists, writers, thinkers of any kind. We live in a free country, and it is only in totalitarian states that artists, writers and thinkers are muzzled.”

Professor Henry Rosser, Director of the Latin American Studies Program at Boston College, one of 14 academic co-sponsors of this year’s performance, said there is nothing wrong with controversy “as long as the controversy leads to a greater awareness of important human/social and cultural issues and suggest solutions that are beneficial to the greater good for a greater number of people.”  He said, “The relevance of the event/performance on campus is that it may be, and is, of interest across disciplines.”

Marjorie Howes, co-director of the Irish Studies program, explained that “a willingness to tackle even difficult or controversial issues, has been, and should continue to be, a hallmark of the Jesuit tradition in education that BC seeks to continue.”  For that reason, she does not “have any qualms about sponsoring this well-regarded and influential feminist performance.”

Despite criticisms, departmental support remains strong and The Vagina Monologues show no sign of slowing down in years to come.

The College Republicans await former presidential candidate Fred Thompson’s speech

The Boston College Republicans (CR) invited former presidential candidate and Law and Order star Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) to speak to the student body on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

Despite arriving 90 minutes late due to a snowstorm, Thompson entered the Irish Room and quickly began his speech right after CR President Michael Reer introduced Thompson by stating that “if you waited this long to see him, you probably already know who Fred Thompson is.”

Elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 1994, Thompson served in this capacity until 2002 when he retired and accepted a role on Law and Order as Manhattan District Attorney Arthur Branch. He remained in this role until 2007 when he left the show to seek the GOP presidential nomination.

After discussing his tumultuous trip to Boston, Thompson praised recent GOP election victories by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. He attributed these losses in part to Obama’s inability to judge his mandate from the 2008 election.

Noting that the United States is still a center-right country, Thompson said that Obama’s approval ratings have fallen faster than any president in history because he decided to push “Obamacare” instead of focusing on jobs and the economy.

However, he also warned the GOP not to misread its own mandate from recent election victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

Thompson also criticized Obama’s national security policies, particularly the decision to read the Christmas Day bomber his Miranda rights fifty minutes after his arrest, instead of using the opportunity to extract information on his involvement in Yemenis terror cells.

Thompson also rejected the notion that terrorism is a criminal matter, and asserted that gathering intelligence is more important than prosecuting terrorists. He was also not concerned with the rest of the world’s reaction, noting that few countries denounced China for imprisoning a protester for eleven years after a ten minute trial.

The rest of his talk focused on federalism and the increasing size and cost of government. Thompson told the audience that the United States has recently become less economically free, falling to 11^th place on a Heritage Foundation annual survey. He encouraged the GOP to consider the principle of limited government established by the Founding Fathers when drafting policy.

“Freedom is how men ought to live,” Thompson said. “This is how you bring about prosperity.”

He was also critical of the extent to which the federal government has grown in size and scope since Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, lambasting the federal government’s efforts to bribe states to establish programs that they cannot afford to sustain.

Thompson said that states are individual “laboratories for democracy” that come up with their own solutions to federal problems, citing Texas’ successful tort reform laws that brought down the cost of insurance.

“You just can’t keep milking the cow and expect it to stay around,” Thompson said in criticism of the government’s efforts to create new entitlement programs in order to save money.

CR Treasurer Matthew Vigliotta agreed with Thompson’s position: “I have been a fan of Fred Thompson since his run for president. I think he is an honest man who shares my belief in limited government. That is why the speech was focused on federalism, because federalism is a way of checking the power of the central government and preserving liberty for all.”

Vigliotta was pleased with the talk, and also saw inspiration in Thompson’s life story:  “I thought Thompson was authentic and I enjoyed his speech. What I really enjoyed is how truly American his story is. Only in America could a kid who was the first person in his family to go to high school get a scholarship to Vanderbilt Law School and become a U.S. Senator.”

BC junior Billy Cody also enjoyed the speech, stating that he “liked how honestly and candidly he spoke about a wide range of political matters. I’m especially glad he talked about the principles, such as limited government, that specific issues derive from. There needs to be an understanding of those underlying principles before making decisions about specific issues and Sen. Thompson spoke very wisely about that.”

Kelli Stack with snowboarder Shaun White at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, B.C.

The Observer: Having played on so many different teams over the past few years, how do you feel the Olympics compare to those teams/tournaments?

Kelli Stack: The Olympic tournament is in a class above all others, so the previous teams/tournaments I have played in really don’t compare to this experience at all, but it is because of those tournaments/teams that I have made it this far in my hockey career. The Olympics is the biggest stage in the world for all sports.

O: How did you feel when you found out you made the Olympic team?

KS: It was hard to put my feelings and emotions into words when I found out I made the Olympic team. I was extremely happy, excited, and relieved that my ultimate dream was finally coming true and that all of my hard work and sacrifices over the years had paid off.

O: How did it feel to have to leave the Eagles in what would have been your senior season to go train for the Olympic team this past year?

KS: It was something I prepared myself for. I knew that I would have to take the year off if I made the team. I also knew that Molly Schaus was in the same boat as me, so to have her go through the same thing made it easier for myself. I was sad that I wouldn’t get to share my senior year with my fellow classmates, but I am excited to experience my senior year with the rest of my teammates.

O: Who has helped the most in getting your hockey career to the Olympic level?

KS: I might get in trouble with this question, but I would say all of my coaches and teammates along the way. I’ve learned something from all of them, and playing with my former and current teammates has made me the player I am today, so I have a lot of people to thank for pushing me to become an Olympic-caliber player.

O: So many people tune into watch the Olympic opening ceremony. What was it like to be there in person and walk out with the US team?

KS: Again, it is hard to put my emotions and feelings into words, but walking in the Opening Ceremony was something extremely special. It was the most fun I have ever had in two minutes. The walk went by fast, but I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life. I really enjoyed sharing the moment with my teammates and the rest of the US athletes.

O: Is your Olympic experience anything like you imagined it would be? What’s the atmosphere like?

KS: I came into the Olympics with zero expectations. I have heard stories about other people’s experiences, but my experience so far has been awesome, and I know the best is yet to come. The atmosphere in the village is incredible. I am surrounded by the greatest athletes in the world and it is like one huge celebration when I look out my window and see the city. Every day I wake up is like Christmas morning.

O: Have you been able to watch any of the other Olympic events in your free time? What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Do you have a favorite athlete?

KS: Yes, I saw Apolo Ohno win a silver medal and J.R. Celski win a bronze medal in person at the Short Track Speed Skating. I have also watched many events on television. I cannot pick just one favorite event, but I love watching snowboarding, hockey, downhill skiing, moguls, figure skating and long and short track speed skating. I have a few favorite athletes: snowboarders Shaun White and Louie Vito, figure skater Evan Lysacek, short track speed skaters Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski, and hockey player Ryan Malone.

O: What is your schedule in Vancouver like? Do you have to practice a lot? Wake up early?

KS: We have practice every day that we are not playing a game. Our only day off was Friday the 19th.  Surprisingly, we have a lot of free time after practice and are able to see the city, hang out with family or go to other events. We do not have to wake up too early, sometimes 8:30, but I really enjoy when we get to sleep in until 10 a.m.

O: What teams do you think were the hardest opponents in the tournament?

KS: Well considering we are already in the finals, I think Canada will be a tough opponent and we face them next. They are always tough.

O: Is it nice to have a fellow Eagle teammate with you?

KS: I am so happy I can share this experience with my fellow Eagle teammate, Molly Schaus. This journey has been extra special knowing that we’ve basically worked together for three years to accomplish this goal.

O: Has any of your family made the trip to Canada to watch you play?

KS: Yes, my mom, dad and aunt came out February 11th and experienced the Opening Ceremony live. Also, my mom’s cousin, her husband and their young son came out for our first two games. Finally, my brother and his best friend are coming out on the 21st and will get to see the semi final and hopefully final game as well.

O: Did you ever imagine that you would be representing the United States in the winter Olympics? What is it like to represent your country?

KS: Yes, I have had this dream since I was very young, probably since I watched the US women win gold in 1998. Representing my country is something extremely special to me. When you put the jersey on you are representing all Americans out there. I enjoy playing for my country because I know how much it means to all the fans out there supporting us.

O: Have you had the opportunity to meet any athletes from other sports? If so, who is the coolest or most interesting person you’ve met?

KS: I have met plenty of athletes from other sports. I could name a lot, but the coolest people I’ve met are Shaun White, Louie Vito, Scotty Lago, and Greg Bretz from the US men’s snowboarding team. They are very laid back, down to earth guys who just like to have a good time.

O: You led BC in scoring all three years that you played. Was it difficult to miss the opportunity to lead scoring again for a fourth year, as well as skate alongside your teammates?

KS: No, It wasn’t difficult at all to miss the opportunity to lead scoring again for a fourth year. Seeing my team struggle so far has been the difficult part because I love to see my teammates have success and have fun.

O: How does it feel to play alongside the best players in the country? Is there less pressure on you to lead the team in scoring since there are high-quality players at every position?

KS: It’s awesome to have the best players in the world as my teammates. They continue to amaze me every day on the ice and they definitely make my game better.

O: How do you rate your success so far in the Olympics? Personally you have 3 goals and 5 assists thus far, one goal and one assist in the semifinal game against Sweden, and the team is off to a 4-0 start, scoring 40 goals in 4 games.

KS: I think I’m playing well and doing my part to help us win.

O: What are your plans after the Olympics? In regards to hockey and your degree.

KS: After the Olympics I’ll take some time off and relax for a few weeks. I plan on taking summer classes at BC and will train for the coming NCAA season.

O: What will you take away from your Olympic experience?

KS: A hell of a good time!

O: Have you thought about hearing our national anthem played at the end of all of this? What do you think it will take for team USA to win a gold medal in women’s ice hockey?

KS: I actually have not thought about hearing our anthem yet. I am only focused on the living in the moment, so all I’m concentrating on right now is preparing myself for our next opponent. In order to win a gold medal in women’s ice hockey we have to play a full sixty minutes. We can’t take a shift off and we have to leave everything out there. If we play our game, we will be successful.

O: If you could sum up your Olympic experience in one sentence, what would you say?

KS: I am grateful to be alive, healthy, and having the time of my life here.

Raji goes strong to the hole. He dropped 16 against the Tar Heels in Saturday’s win.

For the second year in a row, the Boston College Eagles have knocked off the North Carolina Tar Heels. While last year’s victory may have been more meaningful and just a bit more impressive, it’s always nice to have that victory on your résumé. And while this year’s defeat of UNC will not propel the Eagles into March Madness, it did give them their 4th ACC win and a .500 winning percentage overall (13-13).

Things were close throughout the matinee game. There was consistent back-and-forth play in the first half. UNC once took an eight-point lead, but BC fought back and entered the locker room with a 38-37 lead.

Things clearly could have gone either way in the second half, but the maroon and gold came out strong and established the tone that would remain the rest of the game. They jumped up on the Tar Heels by ten and led 63-53 with 7:28 left.

This second-half burst should largely be credited to  Reggie Jackson. The sophomore stopped his sophomoric actions and got the nod to start for the first time in ten games. He did not disappoint Al, as he dropped 17 on the Heels, 14 of which were scored in the second half. He also only turned the ball over once, which has been his main inhibitor this year.

Jackson played well all around as he pulled down seven boards and dished out seven assists. Don’t think that he pulled a Tim Duncan on us though.  While he played well it was not to a point of boredom or predictability. He crossed up some Tar Heel fools and displayed a nice arsenal of offensive ability. He dropped a few Tyrese-esque tear drops in the lane and threw down a serious ally-oop via Rakim Sanders.

It wasn’t just the Reggie Jackson show, though, on Saturday. Rakim Sanders did more than throw ally-oops. The bulky junior swing man scored 14 of his own points and hauled in six boards. He was more of the first-half show. He scored ten points early on, which kept the Eagles afloat in the first half. His stroke was on as he hit a few threes. He also used his long wing span and athleticism to reign in a long miss off the iron and put it back up and in.

Corey Raji was another main contributor to the victory. The junior did what he does best by knocking down 15-17 foot jump shots. The southpaw’s seven field goals and two free throws added up to 16 points, which the Eagles needed to capture the win.

While these three were the main reason that the Eagles were victorious, one knows that basketball is a team game and is never as simple as it sounds. Big man Evan Ravenel probably had his best game of the year on Saturday. He provided eight points on the offensive side and two blocks on the defensive side. He also had a nice tip slam that caused Conte to become raucous.

Josh Southern’s struggles continued, and, as a result, he got quite comfy on the bench. With Ravenel’s success and his failures, and Cortney Dunn not doing a whole lot, it seems like Southern may get pretty close with Brady Hesslip at the end of the bench for the rest of the year. It doesn’t seem like he will be able to resurrect his play before the season runs out.

The Eagles have four games remaining in the regular season, all ACC matchups. While they could theoretically run the table and make themselves .500 for the year in the ACC, that seems like a bit of a stretch.

They could also do what NC State almost did two years ago and win the ACC tournament, which would give them an automatic spot in the NCAA tournament, even though they were atrocious in the regular season. But I wouldn’t bet the farm on that. It would be nice to see them play with a little pride and respect for themselves, as well as the school, and finish things up on a positive note, with an eye looking to next season.