As finals draw near and we prepare to leave St. Thomas for Christmas creak, and for many of us, the month of January, it is good to reflect on the past semester and consider our accomplishments. Like any chapter in life, it is easy to forget what occurred unless we have some record in the form of writing or photos. I believe that this issue will serve this function. Like a diary, it will remind us of the main themes that have characterized this semester.
Some of these “themes” are very positive. They show that the St. Thomas community is growing and becoming more active.
This Administration should be applauded for improvements in the athletic department, such as the new hockey arena, that will facilitate both team unity and fan support. This improvement in facilities for the hockey team is a definite step toward the much-needed enhancement of the athletic facilities for all St. Thomas athletic reams. St. Thomas Standard business manger, Patrick McConachie, highlights this development paying special attention to its effects on the St. Thomas men’s hockey team in his article, “Skating with ownership.”
Likewise the mobilization of student groups on campus such as the Students for Human Life, to inform students about important issues, like Partial-Birth Abortion Ban and the Woman’s Right to Know Law, are representative of positive trends of student activism on campus this past semester. We expand upon these trends in our headline article, “St. Thomas students get mobilized on Abortion-issues.”
Other themes reflected upon in this issue involve the trend of bringing liberal dignitaries to campus to speak to students. An example of this trend was Nobel Peace Prize winner, Betty Williams, who spoke at the PeaceJam, held on campus this November. At the PeaceJam, Williams acquainted students with the “dire” consequences of American patriotism. Another example of this trend is the liberal speakers invited to speak to many political science students at St. Thomas this semester. These trends show areas where St. Thomas has potential to expand by hosting a more diverse group of speakers on campus.
Thus, fall semester’s themes can give us an insight into some of the many positive developments as well as potential areas for improvement at St. Thomas. As you read this issue, I hope the articles, like a diary or photo album, help you to remember and reflect upon the events of this semester.
Editor-in-Chief