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Articles by Sabrina Henderson
Starcast Ep. 03 – Dorming at DU | Starcast Ep. 03 – Dorming at DU
Photo credit: Shalom Borrallo Get comfy and “dormy” as this month’s episode explores living on campus here at Dominican. Matthew sits down with two of the RAs here at DU, Jessica Spaulding and Isaiah Nunez. Learn the ins and outs of the daily life of a resident assistant, but also some of the experiences you will find out when living in the dorms. Host and Editor Matthew B. Williams (mwilliams@my.dom.edu) is a senior majoring in both creative writing and communications studies.
Fashion Show Plans for 2022 Divine Eminence
Photo credit: By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer Dominican University Fashion department plans for the annual show featuring senior student design works. This year’s fashion theme: Divine Eminence, will take place on April 2 and 3 at 2 p.m. in the Parmer Atrium. Model Calls on Feb. 10 and 17 received good turnouts of students who showed off their model walks and poses. DU Fashion Show is also seeking dressers who will help designers to dress up the models.
Athletics Announces New Stunt Team, Starlettes Dance Struggles
Photo credit: Dominican University Flickr Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer The Athletics Department announces the addition of a stunt team even as DU Starlettes struggle to be recognized as a dance team on campus and support its dancers. The DU Starlettes are the university dance team made up of 11 female members. Before the pandemic, the Starlettes performed monthly at half-times for men’s and women’s basketball games. On Jan.
Letter from the Editor
Hello Dominican University community, Happy Black History Month! In this letter, I would like to acknowledge the integral presence and active force of the Black Student Union and Black World Studies on our campus. Within the four years of my studies at Dominican University, I have come to see February as one of the most enriching months when flags of various nations vibrantly flowed in the social hall or the Rebecca Crown library.
Donna Carroll Wins ACCU Hesburgh Award
By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities recognizes former DU President Donna Carroll as the 2022 Honoree of the Hesburgh Award. The Hesburgh Award is the oldest of the ACCU honors given to individuals who had made significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education in and beyond their former educational institutions. The award is presented at each ACCU Annual Meeting since 1982.
Meditation Helps to Improve Focus
Matthew Desmond Staff Writer Count to eight. That is the average human attention span. Now, think of all the things you have to prioritize throughout the day: homework, jobs, family. While your professor is telling you exactly what is going to be on the test, your mind wanders off to what’s for dinner. Your attention is divided, so you don’t remember what’s going to be on the test, and you forget what you’re going to pick up at the store. All of this distraction leads to frustration.
240 Meals Prepared at University Ministry’s “Come to the Table”
Photo credit: Dominican University Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer University Ministry provided 240 meals to the Quinn Center in Maywood on Feb. 15. University Ministry hosts Come to the Table events every month to provide meals to families in Maywood. The bagged meals were prepared by student volunteers and members of University Ministry this past Tuesday in the Social Hall.
Austin Channing Brown Webinar
Photo credit: Litzi Duran By Litzi Duran Contributing Writer From Chicago to California, viewers of last Wednesday’s webinar had the opportunity to hear Austin Channing Brown open up on the social justice struggles activists face. The New York Times best-selling author, educator and social justice activist gave students tips on how to overcome the obstacles that come with social justice work to keep fighting for change.
Trustee Benefit Concert Features Kristin Chenoweth
Photo credit: Box Office By Katy Agans Contributing Writer What does the Broadway musical “Wicked,” the TV show “Glee” and the TV show “Bojack Horseman” all have in common? They all star actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth, who just so happens to be the guest artist at this year’s Dominican Trustee Benefit Concert for Scholarships.
The Book of Boba Fett, Almost 50 years after the original trilogy and Star Wars is still producing top-quality content
Photo credit: Lumeire By Rachel Huser Staff Writer If you would have told my father in 1977, after the release of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” that he would still be able to watch new Star Wars content in 50 years, he would have laughed in your face. And yet here we are. “The Book of Boba Fett” released its seventh and final episode on Feb. 9 and the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series is set to release May 25 on Disney+, 45 years to the day when “Star Wars: A New Hope” was released.
DU Community Weighs in on Tension on Ukrainian Border
Photo Credit: Sky News By Elizabeth Nguyen Contributing Writer As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue, Dominican professors and students weigh in on the impact of escalation and what this conflict tells us about the state of democracy today. Over the past few weeks, Russia has been building up its military presence at the Ukrainian border. About 150,000 Russian troops effectively surround the nation on three sides.
Halftime Show Review 2022
Photo credit: The New York Times Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer In the annual event of the Super Bowl where most people tune in to watch a football game, my favorite part is the free concert — or better known as the halftime show! This year, the 2022 Super Bowl included an intense game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Rams ultimately won with a close score of 23-20. But what everyone was dying to see had to be the halftime show.
Women’s Basketball Player Alisha Markley Passes 1,000 Career Points
Photo credit: Dominican Athletics website By Rachel Huser Staff Writer Dominican University women’s basketball player Alisha Markley reached the 1,000 career point mark on Jan. 25 against Concordia University Wisconsin. The fifth-year graduate student from Rushville, Indiana, becomes just the fifth player in the NCAA era program history to reach that mark. Markley entered the game only six points away from reaching the benchmark. She surpassed it with a layup in the third quarter.
DU Directs 1.5 million to Enrollment Strategies
By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer DU approved a funding of up to $1.5 million to stimulate fall ’23 and ’24 enrollment. According to an email from President Glena Temple sent to faculty and staff, the fund comes from a combination of philanthropic revenue, quasi endowment and the proceeds from the sale of Priory campus. According to Mark Titzer, vice president for finance and administration, Dominican received a one-time estate gift of $1.2 million.
Saving Our Home |
Matthew Desmond Staff Writer Sustainability Column Our changing environment has been a consistent topic in social justice. Whether we care or not, the effects of climate change present themselves in many ways throughout the world. People who live in coastal areas have lost their homes when hurricanes form from aggressive winds and rising sea levels. Some animal and plant species are becoming extinct, disturbing the food chain.
Behind the Scenes: What the IT Department Has Completed
Photo credit: Azhley Rodriguez Daniela Tovar-Miranda Staff Writer The transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down Dominican University’s Information Technology other plans. Even with this diversion, the IT department has made strides to complete two main goals – supporting faculty, staff and students and tightening cybersecurity.
COVID Cases Rise, Effects DU Residents
Katy Agans Contributing writer At the start of the semester there was an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the U.S. Because of this, Dominican is continuing to take precautions to make sure that students remain safe on campus. Specifically, Dominican is working hard to make sure that the residence halls can remain open to students. All resident students have to meet a series of requirements in order to make on campus living as safe as possible.
Encanto Inspires Magical Movement
Photo credit: Disney Movies webpage Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Encanto, Disney’s current top animated film and Lin Manuel Miranda’s latest musical creation was released in theaters Nov. 24 this past year. But it wasn’t until the film became available to Disney+ members in December that it sparked a movement. Family drama is common in any family, but for the Madrigals their drama is just as magical as their gifts.
‘Everybody should apply’ for COVID Relief Funds
Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Many Dominican students can expect to receive additional relief funds for this spring semester thanks to $2 million ARPA grant. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) became a law on March 21, 2021 granting $1.9 trillion in funding for COVID-19 relief and $39.6 billion for higher education. This past fall, Dominican was awarded a total of $8.5 million in funding.
Letter from the Editor
Dear DU Community, I hope you are able to stay warm for the first serious snow day we had this year! In this letter, I would like to remind you of the updates from the university. First, beware of falling ice and snow from Lewis Hall North Entrance, North Mazzuchelli or Power Hall back door, and the south entrance to Student Success and Engagement. Second, if you dropped off your COVID-19 samples between noon on Jan. 31 and noon on Feb. 2, the samples were not picked up by FedEx and had expired.
DU Kicks off Black History Month with a Food and Music Festival Original
Photo credit: Litzi Duran Litzi Duran Contributing Writer On Friday, Feb. 1, at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall, the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC), the Black Student Union (BSU), the Black World Studies Academic Club, and the Center for Cultural Liberation (CCL) all came together for the first time to make this event a reality.
Anxious Heaven Exploring Hidden Energies
By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer O’Connor Art Gallery features artworks of Riverside artist Kim Piotrowski’s art installation Anxious Heaven from Jan. 26 to March 4. Originally planned for 2021, the Anxious Heaven exhibit features 27 artworks by Kim Piotrowski that documented the divisive and unifying forces during the pandemic. “This most recent body of work was all made during the pandemic and directly addresses that,” said Karen Azarnia, director of O’Connor Art Gallery.
Starcast Episode 2 – Out of State Athletes | Original
Photo credit: Shalom Borrallo http://dominicanstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/starcast-episode-2.mp3 This month’s episode features Rachel Huser, women’s soccer, and Brett Caroll, men’s baseball, as Matthew talks to them about what it is like being out of state athlete here at Dominican. Tune in to hear the life of the adventures of traveling from different states to be a part of the Dominican through the eyes of these great student-athletes. Host and Editor Matthew B.
Mackinnon Begins New Adventure: Retirement
Photo Credit: Shalom Borrallo Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Director of Public Information Jessica Mackinnon retires after almost two decades at Dominican. Mom, journalist, traveler and die-hard Bears fan, Mackinnon has had an extraordinary career full of sleepless nights and busy workdays during her 19 years at Dominican. Mackinnon has lived in Oak Park for the past 30 years.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is an Audience Favorite
By Rachel Huser Staff Writer Marvel used their own superpowers when producing “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and it paid off extremely well. The third movie of the Tom Holland era brings fans back in time as they witness appearances of Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who played Spider-Man in the early 2000s and 2010s respectively. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” focuses on the aftermath of Mysterio’s death and reveal of Spider-Man’s identity.
DU Urges Mask Mandate as Omicron Variant Cases Rise
By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer The start of spring 2022 semester sees a consistent reinforcement of COVID-19 guidelines and encouragement for booster shots. According to Elizabeth Ritzman, Director of Wellness Center, DU does not require documentation of the booster shot yet. Even though residents do not need to submit a negative COVID test result, DU requires all residents to get the PCR COVID-19 test the first week after they move in.
Fashion Predictions for Spring 2022
Photo credit: Chloe Cabrales By Chloe Cabrales Contributing Writer There was once a time when sweatpants reigned supreme, but now things are different as the new year begins on an exciting foot. Fashion highlights and trends are currently fluctuating between comfortability and flamboyance. With the adaptation of hybrid lifestyles, it is time to have fun with your fashion choices.
DU Bereaves the Aspirational Social Work Student
Photo credit: People Magazine By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer Dominican University’s School of Social Work mourns the passing of a master’s student to domestic violence. Andris B. Wofford, 29, a DU master’s student, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8 in Galewood on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Wofford, a mother of two daughters, a six-year-old and a nine-month-old, was shot in a domestic dispute with her boyfriend. She was set to graduate with her Master’s in social work in May 2022.
Young Catholic Professionals Chicago Celebrates 6 Year Anniversary
Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Chicago’s chapter of the national Catholic organization is celebrating their six-year launch anniversary this March. Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded in 2010 by Jennifer Baugh in Dallas, Texas. What started with a small cluster of seven local chapters has since expanded to 27 chapters nationwide.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer Contribute to NCAA Rank
Photo credit: Dominican Stars Facebook page Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Thanks to the men’s and women’s soccer teams, Dominican University’s sports program is ranked 72nd in the current Learfield/IMG Director’s Cup Division III Standings. In the fall 2021 season, both the men and women’s soccer teams advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments. The men’s team fought hard but lost 3-0 in their first game against St. Olaf College.
New Year Happier You
By: Matthew Desmond Staff Writer Happy New Year! At the start of every year, many people decide to make resolutions. They may be personal, academic, or relational changes; even so, there are a lot of opportunities to make a difference in the world. This year, one of the things that we can all do is to be happier. Even before 2020, college students have struggled with being happy.
Letter from the Editor
Dear Dominican Star readers, Thank you for your genuine support for the Star! We are more than honored to return this semester to serve our beloved community with reporting on all the happenings around campus. Even though we still have the privilege of selected in-person classes and on-campus events, we must understand how precarious the situation is. The high transmission levels in Cook County means an elevated vigilance for the well-being of those around us.
Letter to the Editor
By Claressa Padilla DU Star – Dining Services Welcome back for the Spring Semester! Dining Services is looking forward to a great semester. We encourage students to take advantage of the DU To Go ordering, available daily, from 12pm-close in the Dining Hall. We also encourage students to take advantage of DU Bulk items for liter bottles of soda and large bags of chips for your weekends.
Starcast |
http://dominicanstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Pilot-Starcast.mp3 Welcome to Starcast– a new Podcast from the Dominican Star hosted by Matthew Williams. In this episode, he talks with the Editor-in-Chief of the paper Chelsea Zhao. They discuss the Star and role of journalism here at Dominican. Tune in and find out what goes into being a part of the student publication. This is a soft pilot and things may change slightly as we create a great experience for our listeners.
Going Once… Going Twice…. SOLD! To Fenwick High School!
Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer Dominican University andFenwick High School and have entered a sale and purchase agreement as of Friday, Dec 3. President Glena Temple said the conversation to sell Priory campus has been an ongoing topic for the past few years, but it was the students’ desires for more online classes that helped make the final decision.
Black Student Union Focuses on Community, Better Representation
Photo credit: BSU Instagram By Emily Ford Contributing Writer The Black student population at Dominican University is 7% amongst the majority made up of Hispanic and white students within the student body. This means that Black students on campus need a community, now more than ever. Black Student Union (BSU) found itself fighting to stay together after a long year off campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter From The Editor
By Chelsea Zhao Hello from the last digital issue of the Dominican Star! It’s the end of a journey and start to a new chapter. What a dedicated year it has been as we featured multiple writers and students from various disciplines and backgrounds. In this letter to you all, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all the people who make the Star so special. As you can imagine, managing an eight-page spread issue is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Can-Do Professor Channels Fashion, Business and Teaching
Photo credit: Melissa Carr LinkedIn Elizabeth Nguyen Contributing Writer While the pandemic saw most of us binging Netflix shows, Professor Melissa Carr sat restless. Her natural inclination to “go, go, go” had been summarily stopped, trapping her home with nothing to occupy her mind and hands. She took up meditation, but it wasn’t enough to calm her restless energy. “I was teaching on Zoom, I couldn’t travel. I had always taken mini trips, even during the school year.
Recipe Box Brings Greek Flair Cuisine to DU
Photo credit: Katy Agans By Katy Agans Contributing Writer A sweet smell lingers in the air, food sizzles in frying pans, and sounds of laughter and chatter fill the busy kitchen. It’s 4 p.m. on a recent Thursday, and the nutrition lab in Parmer Hall is full of life. Students in Allyson West’s Quantity Food Production and Services class move swiftly around the lab as they are in the midst of a three-hour endeavor to prepare meals for this week’s Recipe Box Café.
Adopt-A-Kid Goes Online
Photo credit: EngageDU Adopt-A-Kid Goes Online By Staff Writer Azhley Rodriguez Contributing Writer Danyael Gonzalez The annual Adopt-A-Kid, a running tradition at Dominican University for more than 30 years, will switch completely online this year due to high demand. Adopt-A-Kid, a Christmas gift program for children in need, is hosted by the Staff Benevolence Committee. This year, DU partnered with Fraternite Notre Dame, a traditional Catholic religious order in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
How to Succeed During Your First Finals Week
By Contributing Writer Matthew Desmond Congratulations, Freshmen, on finishing your first semester at Dominican University! We are aware the past year has been hard for you with the transition from high school to college, but you’ve done it with courage and strength. Before you enjoy a well-deserved holiday break, there is one last week of finals. If you’re feeling nervous about this week, don’t worry: DU is a place filled with support.
What COP26 Could Mean for the Future of Humanity
Photo credit: COP26 Facebook By Staff Writers: Azhley Rodriguez, Rachel Huser, Daniela Tovar-Miranda Contributing Writer: Tony Dellocono Thousands of climate activists as well as world leaders gathered on the streets of Glasgow, Scotland, for the highly anticipated COP26 from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2021.
DU Drag Show Dazzles Student Crowds
Photo credit: Nealy Martin-Thomas Nealy Martin-Thomas Contributing Writer The Dominican University Drag Show was held the night of Nov. 10 in the Social Hall. Before it started there was loud music playing to hype up the audience while people piled in. The performers came out and each performed a routine of dancing and lip syncing. There was a slight intermission and then they came back out and performed their second act.
Epic Eats – Mushroom Barley Pilaf and Arugula Salad |
Photo credit: Epic Eats on EngageDU By Axel Reyna Contributing Writer (Dominican University Student Nutrition and Dietetic Association) The mushroom barley pilaf is a common vegetarian dish during a lot of holidays. Most seen paired up with duck, turkey, and game hens on holidays. But nobody takes into consideration the amount of energy this dish can give you! This meal service offers a lot of minerals, macronutrients and vitamins.
Holiday Story Offers a Timeless Lesson
Photo credit: Goodman Theater Matthew Desmond Contributing writer The year 2020 was a mess. The pandemic was filled with illness and loss. People faced social and political unrest amidst racial protests and a presidential election. Many faced mental challenges and job struggles. The shutdown of live theater resulted in one more thing we had to do without. This year things are better, and theaters throughout the US have re-opened.
First LGBTQ Mass Reveals Work Needed
Photo credit, Chelsea Zhao By Emily Ford Contributing Writer Dominican had its first LGBTQ Mass on Oct. 31 in the Rosary Chapel; this is one of the examples of greater inclusion that University Ministry is working toward. The university has been collaborating with Common Ground, also known as People Respecting Identities Sexuality and Mindfulness (PRISM), in various ways. However, an LGBTQ Mass is new.
Mamma Mia! Is First Production Back at the Lund Auditorium
By Rachel Huser Staff writer Dominican University’s theater arts department presents a student production of “Mamma Mia!” during the weekends of Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21. “Mamma Mia!” is a Broadway musical romantic comedy that features pop songs by the Swedish pop group Abba. It takes place on a fictional island in Greece, just a few days before a wedding. The first set of performances were Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov.
Marketing Students Suggest Online Ordering System
Photo credit: Chelsea Zhao By Matthew Galdi Contributing Writer Long lines at the Cyber Café inspired two Dominican marketing students to propose an online ordering system for the busy café. Students Viridiana Delgado and Ruth Rodriguez proposed setting up a computerized system that would allow students to order online or use a kiosk to order their food. The kiosk would be similar to those recently added to many fast-food restaurants.
Soccer Teams Fight to the End
Photo credit: Azhley Rodriguez Azhley Rodriguez Staff Writer The women and men’s soccer teams fought hard in NCAA tournament games this weekend but were ultimately defeated. The women’s team was defeated in the second round by Washington University 0-1 and the men lost in the first round to St. Olaf College, 0-3. Student Life hosted a watch party in the Social Hall this weekend for the men’s and women’s soccer games.
Honors Program Celebrate Dostoevsky’s 200th Birthday
Photo credit: Chelsea Zhao By Chelsea Zhao Staff Writer Mazzuchelli Honors program observed Dostoevsky’s birthday in the Noonan Reading Room on Nov. 11. The Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky has adorned the dorm room desks of all honors students. His 1879 novel “The Brothers Karamazov” is the required reading for all honors freshman seminars.
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