2008 Woodie Awards
The Brazen Word
In my end is my beginning
Stephen Pasqualina, Edior-in-Chief Emeritus
Issue date: 4/25/07 Section: Editor Columns
In my final week as a columnist, I have spent much time (between papers
and studying) reflecting on how both the University and I have grown since I first
started this weekly rant just two years ago. I entered this regular discussion with a national political bent, having few harsh words for the University. I leave less interested in politics, more interested in philosophy and literature, and with a mixed bag of feelings about the institution I will graduate from in less than three weeks.
About a week ago, a senior by the name of Lisa Gotimer-Strolla, president of the Math Honor Society and head skull of the prestigious Skull and Circle Honor Society, reminded me of why I started to write this thing in the first place: to expose injustice and to spark social change within my immediate environment. She informed me of an early Fall 2006 meeting with a Student Life administrator at which she was told that "honor
societies aren't worth our money," meaning Student Life's. She explained that
this administrator objected to the idea of "student money" contributing to honor
societies which "don't contribute to the school," unless they execute events and
service programs.
"The fact that maybe we increase the academic prestige of this University, that
maybe we can be known as a place where people go for more of a reason than 'We
have money,' [should be reason enough]," Gotimer-Strolla explained.
The aforementioned administrator could not be reached for comment, perhaps
a result of what Gotimer-Strolla calls an "extended three-day lunch break," referring to her contention that Student Life is "unorganized" and simply uncooperative.
But I suppose that's just conjecture. I suppose.
Long story short, the Skull and Circle Honor Society, an elite group of six
exceptional students, has recently cut ties with Student Life, as they now operate
entirely out of St. John's College. Good for them, I say.
In my three years working at The Torch, administrators and faculty have
and studying) reflecting on how both the University and I have grown since I first
started this weekly rant just two years ago. I entered this regular discussion with a national political bent, having few harsh words for the University. I leave less interested in politics, more interested in philosophy and literature, and with a mixed bag of feelings about the institution I will graduate from in less than three weeks.
About a week ago, a senior by the name of Lisa Gotimer-Strolla, president of the Math Honor Society and head skull of the prestigious Skull and Circle Honor Society, reminded me of why I started to write this thing in the first place: to expose injustice and to spark social change within my immediate environment. She informed me of an early Fall 2006 meeting with a Student Life administrator at which she was told that "honor
societies aren't worth our money," meaning Student Life's. She explained that
this administrator objected to the idea of "student money" contributing to honor
societies which "don't contribute to the school," unless they execute events and
service programs.
"The fact that maybe we increase the academic prestige of this University, that
maybe we can be known as a place where people go for more of a reason than 'We
have money,' [should be reason enough]," Gotimer-Strolla explained.
The aforementioned administrator could not be reached for comment, perhaps
a result of what Gotimer-Strolla calls an "extended three-day lunch break," referring to her contention that Student Life is "unorganized" and simply uncooperative.
But I suppose that's just conjecture. I suppose.
Long story short, the Skull and Circle Honor Society, an elite group of six
exceptional students, has recently cut ties with Student Life, as they now operate
entirely out of St. John's College. Good for them, I say.
In my three years working at The Torch, administrators and faculty have
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Cheman
Joe Ambrosino
posted 5/04/07 @ 12:11 PM NA
Right on Steven.Glad to see St. John's hasn't beaten your ability to question authority out of you. Best of luck in the world, and "keep fighting the good fight"
John E. Gotimer Jr.
posted 1/15/08 @ 4:24 AM NA
I am a Massachusetts Gotimer-and we are always looking to meet other Gotimers,and re-trace the family tree-
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