BOSTON — Sara Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore at University of Massachusetts Amherst had just transferred to the University’s Boston location. Excited to come to the city, she quickly picked up some necessities for her first apartment and moved in with a friend from her home state of Connecticut, Sherry Johnson.
Smith immediately felt safe and at home, but that soon changed. Continue reading
BOSTON — She has been waiting 20 years, 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds for this very moment. Three, two, one, here it is. Now her life is exactly what she wanted it to be.
Caitlin Anne Julia Sullivan is now officially a 21-year-old junior at Suffolk University. Born February 13, 1987, she felt like she was never going to turn 21.
Counting down the days, she remembers starting when she was only 18. “I remember turning 18 and 19 and not caring at all about my birthday, just waiting and wanting to turn 21,” says Sullivan. Continue reading
BOSTON — There are many international students at universities across the United States who have left behind families and friends in order to make a better life for themselves through resources offered in U.S. schools. Building a new life in the U.S. proves to be difficult for many of them, but most hope to earn degrees and be first generation graduates from college.
Paco De Aubeyzon, a sophomore at Suffolk University from Peru, says he is very thankful his parents were able to give him the opportunity to come and study in the U.S. Therefore, he hopes to do the best he can while studying here. “I hope that when I get my degree from the business school here that I’m able to find a well paying job that I can be proud of.” Continue reading
BOSTON — Criminal impersonation and forgery have one thing in common…they are both crimes millions of college students are committing. More and more underage college students are purchasing fake identification cards or even another person’s license. What they do not realize is that they are committing an actual felony which could put them in jail.
Binge drinking and “bar hopping” is the typical scene for the average under-age college student. This is more common in urban areas where many bars and clubs are located. Suffolk University, Boston College, Emerson, and Northeastern University are some of the major colleges in which students own fake IDs. Continue reading
BOSTON — The Suffolk Club Hockey Team is off to a rough start in their second season after dropping their second straight game out of the last three. The Rams played the Berklee Icecats, who played a fundamentally sound game.
Unfortunately, the Rams were missing many key players due a scheduling mistake made by the league. With only eight skaters and a goalie, far below normal for a team to keep a competitive edge, Suffolk looked tired and unfocused in the second period. Continue reading
BOSTON — The music industry isn’t an easy industry to break into. It takes time, money, and pure determination for any artists to make their mark. Trying to make this mark is Matt Lowell and his band. But with a new four-song EP due out this summer, the band hopes to make an impact.
The band consists of Matt Lowell on lead vocals and guitar, Sam Wagner on drums, Garret Lynch on bass and Mark Cocheo on guitar. These four artists go under the name of Matt Lowell. Continue reading
BOSTON — When I was in high school, I never left the house without a pair of tweezers nestled comfortably in my purse. The fear that I would need them but that they wouldn’t be there greatly outweighed any anxiety or embarrassment I felt regarding the reason for carrying them; all that mattered was that they were easily-accessible when I felt the urge to pull.
In tenth grade, I was diagnosed with an impulse-control disorder called trichotillomania, commonly referred to as “TTM” or “trich.” This psychological condition is described by the American Psychiatric Association as “the recurrent pulling of one’s own hair with the potential for considerable hair loss.” As a 15-year-old struggling with depression, social anxiety, and a group of friends who related to and supported her destructive behavior, a diagnosis like this was not particularly surprising – I actually sort of wanted there to be something wrong with me so that I would have a reason, an excuse, to feel what I felt and do what I did. Continue reading
BOSTON — Millions of Americans share the same psychological symptoms of experiencing irritability and anger, feelings of nervousness, lack of energy, and emotional outbursts every day. Americans live in a society that is constantly changing, incredibly fast paced, and competitive.
Every day, people are challenged with the responsibilities of work, family, school and personal relationships, as well as sudden changes in their lives, such as the loss of a job, a loved one’s death, a new relationship, or the birth of a child.
The high expectations and constant change in this society have caused great physical and mental stress on a person interfering with personal lives, professional lives, sleep patterns, eating habits, and health.
BOSTON — Every year on February 14th, millions of Americans exchange sugary candy, colorful flowers, and squishy stuffed animals in order to show loved ones just how much they care. College students are skeptical about the importance of Valentine’s Day, yet many still participate in the traditional customs that come with this classic day of love. Sometimes referred to as the most romantic day of the year, and other times as “singles awareness day,” there is no question that this holiday is certainly controversial.
“Valentine’s Day is overrated,” said Dennis Gabriel, a single sophomore at Suffolk University. “I never actually did anything for Valentine’s Day, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I guess if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend you’ll go along with it, but, I don’t know, it’s just another reason to do things, just another excuse to celebrate.” Continue reading
BOSTON — “I was always being annoying and singing Disney songs.” And so began 19-year-old Bryan Daley’s theatrical journey.
Daley, a sophomore at Suffolk University, is currently performing in the Suffolk Theater Department’s production of Hair: the American Tribal Rock-Love Musical. Hair depicts the era of the Vietnam War, and the youthful hippies who fought so hard for their bohemian lifestyle and against the war. Daley’s role, Berger, is a challenging role, one that is both dynamic and extremely demanding.
“Berger is a big cynic, but very sincere at the same time,” said Daley. Continue reading
BRIGHTON, Mass. — After five years of making music, The Wandas recently took their musical career to the next level. Over a span of two days, the four band mates worked together to create their very own music video for their latest single, ‘Thank You Note.’
The upbeat lyrics describe how the band received family, friends and new people into their Brighton home. Keith McEachern, Brent Battery, Pete McElholm and Ross Lucivero welcomed anyone and everyone into their home to take part in their debut music video.
As soon as I walked in the door I was warmly welcomed by McElhom, the band’s lively drummer. Though I only came to cover the shoot, he convinced me to be an extra in the video along with 100 others. Continue reading
BOSTON — Walking into 326 A Street in Boston, Mass., you realize right away that this is not your typical office. Twelve desks, cluttered with fabric samples, colored pencils, Diet Cokes, drawings, legends, and schedules are immersed in the mess. Suffolk interns with stressful looks on their faces are bustling about, crossing paths with each other as they try to make their deadlines.
Directing the scene, making sure that everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing, and when to get it done by, is an energetic and stylishly dressed redhead named June Ericson. Continue reading
BOSTON — The 7th annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will take place June 12-15, 2008 in Coffee County, Tenn. The festival, held on a 700-acre farm, is presented by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. Along with its wide-range of musical performances, this year’s Bonnaroo contains many extra activities to keep the attention of any wandering hippie. Continue reading
BOSTON — Suffolk University recently increased its tuition and dorm rates in order to compete with other Boston institutions. Students were notified on Feb. 14, 2008 via e-mail by the university’s president David J. Sargent. The increase will be instituted for the 2008-2009 school year.
Undergraduate students will pay $25,850 a year due to the 7% increase in tuition, according to an e-mail sent out by Sargent, Suffolk’s president. Law students’ tuition also inflated from the 7% increase in tuition. Students who attend the law school during the day will be charged $38,070, and night students will be charged $28,552. Continue reading
BOSTON — Americans are asking, “Exactly what are we doing in Iraq and when will our troops come home?” Truth be told, no one knows, not even George W. Bush.
The conflict between the United States and the sovereign nation of Iraq has been underway for just over five years with no sign of resolution in sight. A vicious cycle of military escalation followed by withdrawal and re-escalation in face of renewed violence has left Americans in the impossible position of explaining to itself and the global community the value of our continuing involvement.
The events of September 11, 2001 served as the catalyst for the initial war on terrorism. Exploiting the fear of additional terrorist campaigns on American soil, Bush whipped Americans into a frenzy, manufacturing the fuel needed to sanction direct attacks on Iraqi soil. American and international troops were quickly mobilized. Baghdad fell several months later, followed by a complete removal of Saddam Hussein’s political power on April 10th, 2003. Continue reading
BOSTON — “You belong simply because you are,” said Valerie, the character of an African American teenager in the play, The Gibson Girl. Valerie struggles with her self-image and sense of belonging. Only after studying the works of famous writers, such as Nikki Giovanni and Langston Hughes, did she become empowered and self-assured about her place in the world.
The theme of belonging is central in The Gibson Girl, written by Kirsten Greenidge and directed by Victoria Marsh. The play premiered at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont St., Boston, on March 14-April 5, 2008. The audience was packed with people from all sexes, ages, races, and socio-economic levels, waiting to experience the captivating message of the play. Continue reading
BOSTON — Local fashion designer Christina Defalco is known for taking her love of Boston and including it in her unique clothing designs. Many people associate the name Christina Defalco with the cute hand- studded Swarovski crystal T-shirts clad with pictures of Fenway stadium and other Boston trademarks, seen on many women after they have purchased an original Christina Defalco design.
Christina Defalco won The Improper Bostonian’s Boston’s Best Award for Fashion: Urban Chic Boutique for 2005, along with many other fashion awards and mentions. The Christina Defalco boutique, located on 343 Hanover Street in Boston’s North End, had been the longest standing boutique in the North End until the boutique’s recent closing. Defalco felt her designs would flourish more online and possibly on Newbury Street in Boston. Continue reading
BOSTON — The Fenton building, located at 32 Derne St. in Boston, Mass., is in need of renovations, according to Suffolk University students. This historic building, named after Suffolk University Law School alumnus Judge John E. Fenton, had its last complete renovation in 1975 upon the buildings’ purchase by Suffolk University, according to Suffolk University Archives.
The six-story commercial space directly across from the north end of the State House was originally built in 1913.
In the early 70s, the building was purchased by Suffolk University in order to make room for the growing Colleges of Liberal Arts and Business Administration.
Prior to the renovation and dedication of the Fenton building in 1975, many of the undergraduate classes were held in different small properties that were scattered across the North Slope of Beacon Hill. The new expansion allowed Suffolk University to create more classrooms and office spaces.
Judge John E. Fenton, a native of Lawrence, Mass., graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1924 and then he served on the Massachusetts Land Court for many years while maintaining a watch over Suffolk University as a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1965, Fenton was appointed President of Suffolk University. Fenton remained the University’s president until 1970. Continue reading
BOSTON — The year was 1968. The Vietnam War was in full swing, along with an emerging American culture built on the principles of love, peace, and political protest. This culture was defined by a radical group known as hippies; their hair was long, their clothes were tie-dyed iridescent shades of the rainbow, and their symbol was the peace sign.
The movement spread world-wide, but was most active in large cities such as New York. Within this innovative society in New York City’s East Greenwich Village, the story of HAIR: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical unfolded. Continue reading
BRIGHTON, Mass. — Just three years ago, The Wandas completed their band with the addition of a permanent bassist. Two albums and countless shows later, the guys have managed to become a local success in both the Boston and Worcester areas. With a new music video under their belt, they see it only as the beginning.
It all began five years ago when high school buddies Keith McEachern and Pete McElholm met Brent Battery at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, the three music buffs joined forces to create the beginning of The Wandas band. Continue reading
BOSTON — While most college students travel to a tropical location like the Bahamas or Mexico for their Spring Break to party, a select 40 applicants chose to make a positive difference for others during their Spring Break.
At a reunion type event, The S.O.U.L.S. group hosted an information session on the trips they took. Traveling on what they call ‘Alternative Spring Break,’ the students went to two destinations, one in Waveland, Mississippi and the other to El Paso, Texas, where these 40 students split up to help communities in need. Continue reading
BROCKTON, Mass. — Have you ever heard of a person becoming an institution in what they help create? Carol Thomas, 67, has become an institution of the theater arts variety. She has become a legend. In Brockton, Mass., the city many call the City of Champions, Thomas’ tenure lasted 35 years. With her help, Brockton’s Drama program flourished.
Carol Thomas is a life-long resident of Brockton. She attended elementary and junior high school there and later graduated from Brockton High School in 1959. As a child, she was always interested in the arts, and that interest followed her in her formative years.
After graduating college, Thomas came back to her beloved Brockton and began to teach at West Junior High School. In 1971, everything began to happen in succession for her. She, along with Thomas Richards, produced the musical Brigadoon, which then led to a decades-long foundation for theater arts in Brockton. That same year, she established the Brockton High School Drama Club. Continue reading
BOSTON — On April 1, 2008 from 6-9 p.m., Donahue’s 4th floor was alive with laughter and the smell of great food, as Best Buddies held the Togetherness Dinner in combination with Unity Week 2008 at Suffolk University on Tuesday. Including a free family-style dinner for all that attended, along with dancing, arts & crafts, games, and most importantly stories from the buddies, the event was eye opening for many who attended, and proved to be another great memory for best buddies members and buddies alike.
Best Buddies is a non-profit organization on the Suffolk University campus that enhances the lives of those with mental disabilities. Run by volunteers, the dedicated members of Best Buddies host many events, like the Togetherness Dinner, where students and buddies can build friendships and become important parts of each other’s lives. Continue reading
BOSTON — Since David J. Sargent became president in 1989, Suffolk University has been through tremendous growth, changing from a small commuter-based institution into a flourishing and urban university serving students across the country and around the world.
Under President Sargent’s administration, there have been a number of major additions to the Suffolk community. One of these additions is the campuses in Madrid, Spain and Dakar, Senegal, as well as three satellite campuses in Massachusetts. Students are able to take advantage of these locations, as many Suffolk students choose to study abroad.
Trish Ayer, a freshman at Suffolk University, intends to study at the Madrid campus next year. “I am thrilled about studying in Madrid next semester,” Ayer said. “The campus there offers Suffolk students such an easy way to study abroad, while keeping on track with their credits and university hours.” Continue reading
BOSTON — Suffolk University’s premier a capella group, The Ramifications, finished up the year with a fantastic festival of song this past Friday evening, along with three other a capella groups from neighboring universities.
The Rams held their annual A Capella Festival in the C. Walsh Theater, along with Northeastern University’s Distilled Harmony, and Boston University’s In Achord and Allegrettos.
The popular groove, Ready to Go, by Republica, was the first song of the night, featuring the lovely and edgy voice of Kaitlyn Flynn as soloist. The Ramifications started off the evening with an enthusiastic tone, as well as with a touch of class; all were dressed to the nines in an array of dazzling black outfits. Continue reading
BOSTON — Suffolk University’s Performing Arts Office recently presented its Pioneer Performance Series, The Exonerated, which brought to life the tragedy of innocent inmates on death row.
As the play began, lights came up upon the entire cast sitting in chairs upon a multitude of levels on stage. The play went on to follow the story of six people–Kerry Max Cook, Gary Gauger, Sonia “Sunny” Jacobs, David Keaton, Delbert Tibbs and Robert Earl Hayes—all who were wrongly convicted of capital murderer charges and sentenced to death row.
In 2000, the authors of the play, Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, attended an anti-death penalty conference at Columbia University. It was this experience that led them to write The Exonerated. They interviewed sixty people from different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, locations, and religions. But all had spent time on death row, and all were innocent. Continue reading
BOSTON — As basketball players go, Mario Chalmers height is less than notable. Standing at just 6’1″, Chalmers is undersized for an off-guard, and most of his Kansas teammates tower above him.
But when it comes to shooting the ball, Chalmers plays bigger than his height. With a 66% true shooting percentage, combined with a tenacious defensive stance, he has risen above the pack in this year’s NCAA tournament. Continue reading
BOSTON — What starts out to be an enjoyable and entertaining night with friends comes to an abrupt ending full of drunk violence. The typical scene for after hours in Faneuil Hall on weekend nights is full of belligerent drunks starting unnecessary and dangerous fights for insignificant reasons.
With the increasingly violent behavior outside bars in Faneuil Hall, more detail cops have been assigned to work on Friday and Saturday nights. Last Friday, February 22, four detail cops were on duty. Two worked on foot while two drove around in a paddy wagon. Previously, only two detail cops worked the weekend nights; one in car and one on foot.
“It’s not the best job in the world to have to deal with drunks all night long, but there are more of us working now to help make Faneuil Hall a safer and controlled environment,” said Boston Police Officer, Joe Garady.
BOSTON — As we’re entering the end of the 2007-2008 NBA regular season, much attention is being placed on the Western Conference playoff race. Many are wondering who will come out on top and who will fall through the cracks. With only a few weeks away from seasons end, there hasn’t been one team to clinch a spot, while the Eastern Conference already has half of the teams in the playoffs.
What does this mean? The end of the regular season is going to be a race to the finish between the top teams in the Western Conference. This is the first time in NBA history that no team has clinched the playoffs this late in the season. Continue reading
BOSTON — What would you do if you were asked to hug two complete strangers? That’s exactly what audience members attending Suffolk’s presentation, “Discussing Diversity with Ruthie Alcaide from MTV’s “The Real World: Hawaii” had to do.
After being asked to “find two people you have never met, and then give them both big bear hugs,” the audience giggled nervously and then shared awkward pats on the back.
This discussion took place on Tuesday, March 25, as a part of Suffolk University’s “Unity Week .” Ruthie Alcaide, from MTV’s infamous TV show “The Real World: Hawaii,” came to Suffolk to talk about acceptance and diversity. Continue reading
BOSTON — Roger Clemens’s legacy as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers was severely challenged by the recent allegations contained in the Mitchell Report, that a strength and conditioning coach injected him with anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) over a three-year period beginning in 1998.
Since the release of this information in December, Clemens’ has taken no proper path to deal with the issue. He spoke under oath for about five hours to congressional lawyers last Tuesday, then said he told them he did not use performance-enhancing drugs. Denying charges, avoiding press, and being all around moot on the topic of this issue certainly is not working in Clemens’ favor. Not only has he lost his spot in the Hall of Fame, he has also lost the trust of many fans. Continue reading
BOSTON — The overabundance of rats in the North End of Boston is creating a community-wide disturbance. The rats have repeatedly spread garbage around the community by taking advantage of the penetrable white plastic bags left out on trash nights.
The rat population has not gone without notice. On Dec. 11, 2007, author Brian R. Ballou reported via The Boston Globe that a national rodent control company, d-CON, “rated Boston as the third most likely city to experience a surge in the rat population.” However, no solution to the surge has been ultimately successful. Continue reading
BOSTON — It is crazy, comedic and blue all over. It comes in three’s, and it can even perform tricks. What could it be? The Blue Man Group of course.
March 22, on a Saturday night at the Charles Playhouse on 74 Warrenton Street in Boston, Mass., three men in all blue paint gave their performance to an excited crowd of fans of all ages.
“They are phenomenal,” said Kerry Mooney of the North End. “The show was so different than anything else I had ever seen.”
That is the sentiment of many after leaving the Blue Man Group. During a typical show, the Blue Man Group throws toilet paper at the crowd, grabs volunteers from the audience and involves them in the show, and gets everyone pumped with the steady beat of their three giant drum heads. Strobe lights flashing at different intervals give an unearthly view and feel to the theater. Continue reading
BOSTON — It was a quiet evening, a week after spring break when ushers stood on the side of each doorway at the C. Walsh Theatre awaiting audiences. The crowd gradually walked through the doors of the theatre as 35 performers prepare for their acts.
“Attendance might be lower this year because of spring break,” said Carlye Crosby, president of Program Council and the director of Unity Week Showcase.
As friends, families, faculty, and staff took their seats, performers were ready to begin. The masters of ceremonies Jared Cain and Janc Noble began the event as the audiences laughed, shouted, and clapped.
Singing, dancing, and poetry reading filled the eyes and ears of about 100 people in the C. Walsh Theatre on the evening of March 27, 2008 as Suffolk University expressed unity and celebrated diversity through its 7th annual Unity Week Showcase. Continue reading
produced by Journalism I students at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts
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Click on the markers for news from the Suffolk community.
BOSTON — Students at universities all over the United States are choosing to study in other countries across the globe. Most students who have studied abroad view it as a unique learning opportunity that they benefited from greatly.
“It is a constant learning experience,” said Suffolk University sophomore Ashley Parisa Sadrnoori, about her current studies in Madrid, Spain. Sadrnoori says she is having a more “hands on experience” learning in Madrid verses learning in Boston. “We have traveled to so many different places around Spain for different classes and it has been so exciting.” Continue reading
BOSTON — “Write what you know,” the old adage goes. Finding connections between what you’re writing and what you care about can sometimes be a challenge for writers, no matter what format or genre you write in.
This was one of the many topics covered at Boskone, a regional science fiction and fantasy convention held at Boston’s Westin Waterfront Hotel every February. Genre writers from all over the country fly in to lead panels and discussions about all aspects of the genre and writing within it. Every writer, whether he or she is an author or a poet or a reporter, should learn to use his or her obsessions to craft well-thought out and interesting stories. One of the most interesting panels of the convention was on that very subject. Continue reading
BOSTON — Class is no longer in session, the beaches are packed, and a week of rest and relaxation is in order. It’s Spring Break time again, one of the most anticipated holidays of the year.
This year, however, the focus shifts from pleasure to safety. Since the turn of the century, safety measures have become noticeably more ineffective than in the past, and changes must occur.
Whether due to the terror attacks of September 11th, the insurgency in foreign countries, political instability, or the disappearance of Natalie Holloway, parents have more than just a few drinks to worry about this Spring Break. The biggest concern about Spring Break this year is safety. Continue reading
