The Torch Online

Administration deems VSO buyouts "successful"

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The results of St. John's voluntary buyouts to school employees have been deemed "very successful" by University officials.

According to James Pellow, executive vice president and chief operating officer, more than 250 full-time St. John's faculty, administrators and staff took Voluntary Separation Offers by the March 19 deadline.

Career Fair connects students and employers

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Last Wednesday, the Career Center put on The Spring Career Fair in the Taffner Field House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the gym, employers and students had a chance to interact in a professional manner.

Jennifer Friary, associate director of Employer Engagement has organized five career fairs for St.

Fashion marketing in the summertime

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Students interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry can now gain valuable experience through a new course offered
at St. John's The Marketing of Fashion, taught and spearheaded by marketing professor Andrea Licari, will take place from May 17-21, and again from May 24-26.

Forced Out

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Many University students are expressing confusion after being denied participation in the housing selection process. Changes to the housing policy cause uncertainty and stress among upperclassmen.

The change makes the residence village a priority for sophomores and freshmen, and designates all juniors and seniors to the Founders' Village, the Seton Complex, the Coolidge Plaza or the Goethals apartments.

Fresh food on the Great Lawn

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

St. John's students had a rare opportunity to shop for fresh food items in a small farmers' market this week.

The farmers' market was the opening event for St. John's annual Spring Week, which began Monday, April 19. Local vendors came to campus with a sampling of fresh produce and organic food for students to sample and purchase.

Freshman applicants for fall semester double

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

More freshman applied to St. John's University for the 2010-11 academic year than any time in the school's 140-year history, according to director of Admissions, Karen Vahey.

A total of 53,286 freshman applications were received and Vahey attributes the increase, nearly double the number submitted just four years ago, to the University's embrace of technology and social networking features to its recruiting practices.

Tobin's actuarial science program recognized

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

This spring The Peter J. Tobin College of Business' School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science was marked a Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) by the Society of Actuaries (SOA).

This is a leading professional actuarial organization, and one of the largest actuarial organizations in the world.

Torch Briefs

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Video Competition "Capture the Storm," an online video competition among students capturing what they love most about campus life, announced winners in its second-annual contest last week. Seventeen undergraduate students submitted Youtube videos, which were viewed by more 1,000 students across St.

University announces commencement speakers

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

St. John's announced the speakers for this years commencement ceremony on the Queens and Staten Island Campuses. Pete Hamill, the distinguished writer in residence at NYU, will deliver the commencement address at the Staten Island campus ceremonies on May 15.

Well dressed clowns, magicians and hypnotists

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Carnesecca Arena will be transformed Thursday night for the Fashion Club's annual fashion show event. This year's show, titled "Cirque De La Mode," will feature a circus theme and be hosted by Coco and Breezy, two Accessory designers whose work has been worn by such artists as Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

Women's retreat preview

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Campus Ministry will host a retreat this week with the aim of bringing female students and University members together for a night of relaxation, fun and spiritual growth.

The event, titled Women's Retreat: Cup of Life, will take place Thursday, April 22 from 4 to 9 p.

Examining the St. John's experience

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

As my time as Editor-in-Chief of the Torch comes to an end, I've spent the last few weeks reflecting on both my experience as a student leader on campus and as a member of the St. John's community.

I've criticized administrators and students alike on numerous occasions this school year during my tenure as Editor-in-Chief.

Freshmen Macbook option a major improvement

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Next fall's 2010 incoming freshmen will now have the option of choosing from three different kinds of laptops the University provides for them. As of this year, the freshman will be offered the choice between two different Lenovo Thinkpad models or a
Macbook, at a $400 charge.

Most Valuable Program?

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Many St. John's students are probably aware of the importance of getting involved with campus activities and the consequent incentive program that has been established to increase campus involvement, otherwise known as the MVP program. The Office of Student Engagement reported a 148 percent increase in student attendance at events when comparing September 2008 to September 2009.

Needed: Personal finance 101

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Loan modifications, fixed interest rates, deferred payments, financial aid reimbursements, debt, spending money on meals, and buying expensive books are just a handful of the financial worries that plague many St. John's students. They are often left in the dark with questions concerning their finances and are forced to figure out cheaper ways to survive.

Standards of recruitment need scrutiny

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Around 1:30 a.m. on the morning of April 12, Yerkin Abdrakmanov, a student at Providence College, almost lost his life to meaningless violence. On the way back to his dorm room from a nearby convenience store, Abdrakmanov crossed paths with members of the school's basketball team, who had already decided they were going to beat to a pulp the next student they saw.

Students deserve input

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

This year's commencement exercises will feature author and journalist Pete Hamill as the keynote speaker at the Staten Island Campus, and Bob and Suzanne Wright, co-founders of the Autism Speaks Foundation, who will address the Queens campus.

Graduating students have expressed disappointment with this decision, which is not surprising seeing that they have virtually no input in deciding who the University chooses
to address them.

"Dance through the decades" sends socks to soldiers

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Students in Professor Jane Paley's Public Relations Campaigns seminar have spent most of the spring semester thinking about clean, white socks, and how to ship them overseas to the American troops that need them so desperately.

They are hoping to use a publicity campaign to get the St.

Learning languages made personal

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

It's 3 p.m. - one of the busiest hours in the day on campus. Inside "the building with the flags", various groups of students gather around tables with open books spread before them. Some are reading and writing; others are consulting their companions.

Further down, behind the glass door of a cubicle, a student is looking intently at a screen hanging on the wall.

Working throughout the night to keep STJ clean

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5:30 in the morning, the work of most University students, faculty and administrators has ended. But there are a select few who work behind the scenes whose work is just beginning.

The members of the night shift facilities staff often aren't visible to majority of the University community, but their work is evident from clean classrooms to freshly buffed floors.

A Rising Icon

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Few can say they have graduated from Harvard Law School, but to matriculate from the Ivy League college within two years by the age of 18 and consequently become one of the music industry's premiere producers is a rare achievement.

R&B singer/producer Ryan Leslie will be rocking the stage at Carnesecca Arena this Friday as the headlining act for St.

A Star is Born

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

There have been many students that graduate from St. John's University that go on to pursue their careers. Whether it's becoming a radio personality on Z100, a successful accountant for Pricewaterhouse Coopers or an established elementary school teacher-turned-principal, St.

Addams Family Goes Broadway

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Although the new Addams Family musical touts itself as an updated version of the popular 1960s television show, this 21st century version unfortunately does not live up to its name.

This version of the Addams Family is set in New York City with a simple plot.

First Listen

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A fashionista turned singer, Yoodee Frances is an up-and-coming music artist to
look out for.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Frances attended the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. Shortly after, she was given the opportunity to work with various producers in New York City.

Gleeks Unite for Another Season

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Millions tuned into Fox last Tuesday for the highly anticipated return of the hit television show, Glee, back with it, an all-star cast and popular musical selections.

The inspiring musical comedy show centers on high school students who aren't a part of the "in-crowd" but have exceptional voices.

Mr. West is in the Building

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

When the name Kanye West gets mentioned these days, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Conceited, obnoxious or perhaps Taylor Swift?

Although critics have labeled the rapper/producer as eccentric and a bit arrogant, West's musical genius has managed to overshadow that.

New York's Comedic Relief

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A performer with a rare duality of being a standup comedian and an improvisor, Chris Griggs has an arsenal of humor ready to knock down any audience.

Originally from Memphis, Tenn. Griggs moved to New York City for a job in advertising. He dabbled in improv by taking classes and grew fond of the art form and the community.

The Revolution of Dance

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Over 250 people were treated to a spectacular show Friday and Saturday night by Alpha Psi Omega's production of Dance Dance Revolution 2010 at the Little Theatre.

The mixture of dance styles ranged from ballet to hip-hop, and song selections from different genres culminated into a show everyone enjoyed.

Carnesecca's choice reflects University'sVincentian mission

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Earlier this year, St. John's began offering Voluntary Separation Offer packages-essentially buyouts-to all full-time employees.

At the time, I thought the only one within the athletic department who would be offered a buyout was Norm Roberts, and I was right, as he was bought out of the remainder of his contract when he was fired as the men's basketball coach.

Johnnies struggle to earn their spots

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

After dropping the first two games of a weekend series with Pittsburgh, the St. John's softball team managed to pull out a 6-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Storm had a four-run fourth inning and also received a dominant pitching performance from junior Kat Lawrence, who silenced the Pittsburgh bats by allowing just four hits while striking out four in her complete-game effort.

STJ Lacrosse falls late to ranked 'Nova

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The last time the St. John's lacrosse team played a ranked opponent, they were overpowered throughout their 13-4 loss to Hofstra on March 23.

Saturday, against No. 13 Villanova, the Johnnies held the lead for most of the game, but the Wildcats stormed back in the fourth quarter to win 12-10.

Young Baltz's hot bat leads baseball team

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Baltz did it again.

Down 5-4 at the bottom of the seventh inning on Tuesday night with runners on second and third, the freshman outfielder lined a singled off Princeton reliever Ryan Makis to give St. John's the lead for good.

"He's been doing it all year long," teammate Jimmy Brennan said.

Trumping the Tigers

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

It wasn't until the seventh
inning that everything came together
for the St. John's bats.

"We were sleep-walking through the first five [innings] and we weren't in
the game mentally," St. John's Head Coach Ed Blankmeyer said. "Some of our approaches in the at-bats weren't focused enough.

College Newspaper Awards

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:00:00 GMT

A complete listing of recent awards won by The Torch