For a blog entitled XavierUniverse, we seem to be blogging about the US of A lately. But, we are part of the universe, too.
On Friday, November 30 Gene Beaupre, Xavier's director of government relations and a political science instructor, and others will travel with about 48 Xavier students to Iowa to experience the caucuses first-hand. Cincinnati freelance reporter Joe Wessels will tag - and blog - along. All will share their experiences in this blog and, through the links at the right, in their own blogs.
More details as I get them.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Jesuit Identity Resource is Online
Available online from Xavier University, the Jesuit Identity Resource provides mission and identity information, resources, and networking for educators and students. Information in the resource is reflected in this inaugural monthly newsletter, including program spotlights from around the country, definitions of terms used in Ignatian circles, conference information and a topic of the month. The opening topic is based on Georgetown University historian Fr. John O'Malley's recipe for Jesuit education, which can be read and seen in a video stream on the homepage. What do you think is the most significant or distinctive characteristic of Jesuit education today? Visit the website today http://www.jesuitresource.org/
More About Going to Bixoli
Last night was the first meeting of the AB group going to Bixoli. Again, I'm so impressed with the students and their enthusiasm for this project. Heidi and Emma, the site leaders, informed us we will be working with Hands On Gulf Coast. Since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005, dedicated volunteers have been working hard in Biloxi, MS to help the community pick up and start again through this organization. Volunteers from around the country have helped in everything from clearing debris, to tutoring kids, to beautifying parks, to building homes. We don't know specific tasks yet, but it all sounds very exciting.
I was also reminded I need to complete the van training so I can help drive to Bixoli. I've driven a 15 passenger van many times, as my friend Coleen owns one and we use it to go antiquing every year. But I'll get the formal training so I can get my certificate!
I was also reminded I need to complete the van training so I can help drive to Bixoli. I've driven a 15 passenger van many times, as my friend Coleen owns one and we use it to go antiquing every year. But I'll get the formal training so I can get my certificate!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Alternative Breaks.... At My Age!!
Earlier this year I wrote a news release about a Xavier club called Alternative Breaks. During spring and summer breaks, X students, rather than going to the beach, etc., travel around the world on service projects. Some go to the Ukraine, some to California, Florida or Boston, etc. The work that these students do was truly inspiring to me, so this year I signed up to be a faculty/staff team member on a trip in March 2008.
The faculty/staff team member is truly part of the 'team.' They are NOT the adults in charge. The students run the entire trip. The factuly/staff member is expected to help with fundraising, participate in service projects, etc., just the same as the students. They must also adhere to the same rules such as no alcohol, etc. during any event connected to AB.
I finally learned last week that I will be traveling with 10 Xavier students to Biloxi, Mississippi to help with hurricane relief. It boggles my mind that more than two years later the relief effort down there is still underway. Our group is one of four or five groups heading to the New Orleans area.
I met the students for the first time last week at an outdoor AB gathering on the greenspace. It was a bit chilly, but there was free hot chocolate. Everyone gathered in their respective 'trip' groups and introductions were made... the students talks about their hometowns, their majors, etc. I explained a bit what I do at Xavier as the media relations specialist.
Then there were the icebreakers... the human knot. Each person grasps another's hand until everyone is holding hands every which way across a circle... then the group has to try to untie the knot without letting go. We did pretty well, but didn't quite accomplish the task. Still it was fun. Next were charades with AB and Xavier themes. I lucked out and got 'basketball.' :)
Even though we were together for only about an hour I was truly inspired by the spirit and energy of the dozens and dozens of students who are taking part in this adventure. As I left the evening's activities I was energized by their youth and spark and that fact that they were so accepting of a person more than twice their age! Maybe it's that old adage... "You're only as old as you feel"... that night I felt 19 again.
I hope over the course of the next few months and particularly during our trip to write about this experience. I am very excited about it and can't wait for the adventure to begin.
The faculty/staff team member is truly part of the 'team.' They are NOT the adults in charge. The students run the entire trip. The factuly/staff member is expected to help with fundraising, participate in service projects, etc., just the same as the students. They must also adhere to the same rules such as no alcohol, etc. during any event connected to AB.
I finally learned last week that I will be traveling with 10 Xavier students to Biloxi, Mississippi to help with hurricane relief. It boggles my mind that more than two years later the relief effort down there is still underway. Our group is one of four or five groups heading to the New Orleans area.
I met the students for the first time last week at an outdoor AB gathering on the greenspace. It was a bit chilly, but there was free hot chocolate. Everyone gathered in their respective 'trip' groups and introductions were made... the students talks about their hometowns, their majors, etc. I explained a bit what I do at Xavier as the media relations specialist.
Then there were the icebreakers... the human knot. Each person grasps another's hand until everyone is holding hands every which way across a circle... then the group has to try to untie the knot without letting go. We did pretty well, but didn't quite accomplish the task. Still it was fun. Next were charades with AB and Xavier themes. I lucked out and got 'basketball.' :)
Even though we were together for only about an hour I was truly inspired by the spirit and energy of the dozens and dozens of students who are taking part in this adventure. As I left the evening's activities I was energized by their youth and spark and that fact that they were so accepting of a person more than twice their age! Maybe it's that old adage... "You're only as old as you feel"... that night I felt 19 again.
I hope over the course of the next few months and particularly during our trip to write about this experience. I am very excited about it and can't wait for the adventure to begin.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The Blessing Continues
In May 2005 the exhibit "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" premiered at Xavier. The exhibit includes transcripts, photos, artifacts, books and more documenting Pope John Paul II’s life-long affirming relationship with the Jewish people, the first exhibition on the subject ever assembled. Since that time the "Blessing" has traveled the country... to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and now Philadelphia. This landmark exhibit continues to inspire people.
Here is a link to one of the latest news stories about the Blessing: http://www.pjvoice.com/v29/29601pope.aspx
You can also get more information on http://www.blessingexhibit.org/.
Here is a link to one of the latest news stories about the Blessing: http://www.pjvoice.com/v29/29601pope.aspx
You can also get more information on http://www.blessingexhibit.org/.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Xavier in Sudan
Ron Quinn, Ph.D. professor of sport studies at Xavier, recently sent a box of soccer equipment to a friend in the Sudan with whom he has formed an overseas friendship. Amin Khalid Abdalla is the director of the Amal Sudan Sports Academy in Khartoum.
A woman who changed the world
All of us at Xavier are mourning Dorothy Humdy - Ms. Dorothy - today.
For 46 years, she watched over our students, staff and faculty through her work in the cafeteria and in various dining spots on campus. She remembered every face and was known for asking students if they were eating enough or if they should have some vegetables on their plate.
Ms. Dorothy was a perfect example of someone who used her job to make the world better. She was not a CEO or a prominent politician, but she touched thousands of lives in those 46 years. Her words and welcoming smile made a number of students feel not so far from home.
I can't help but think the angels in heaven will be sure to have plenty of vegetables on their plates from now on.
For 46 years, she watched over our students, staff and faculty through her work in the cafeteria and in various dining spots on campus. She remembered every face and was known for asking students if they were eating enough or if they should have some vegetables on their plate.
Ms. Dorothy was a perfect example of someone who used her job to make the world better. She was not a CEO or a prominent politician, but she touched thousands of lives in those 46 years. Her words and welcoming smile made a number of students feel not so far from home.
I can't help but think the angels in heaven will be sure to have plenty of vegetables on their plates from now on.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A comment from Michael
"Today, I submitted my responses to all the comments that people have made. I have individually responded to all the comments and people can find my responses under each posting. I just want you all to know that I am taking this seriously, and the time you are taking to engage in this conversation is much appreciated."
Please feel free to email Michael at lobanm@xavier.edu
Please feel free to email Michael at lobanm@xavier.edu
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Humanityblog.org to continue discussion
Thank you again to all the people who responded to the postings. As this might be the last posting about the conference in Rome, I want to ask you if we are ready for a change.
As I was reading the comments I saw that most of the people agreed on the fact that we need to be more open minded, that we need to learn more about the dialogue and the art of asking the right questions. At least I know that I need to. So the question is whether we are ready to start doing this right now.
Obviously, it is very easy to remain closed-minded. In a way it is empowering and can protect us from the rest of the world but is it wise to hide? We can spend the rest of our lives in a cocoon without worrying what the outside has to offer but will this make us better, stronger, wiser?
As I mentioned before, soon this conference will become history. If nothing is done it will be just a collection of nice pictures to remind primarily those who attended of what was possible. But yesterday is history. What is important is what happens today, what happens tomorrow. It is for us to decide if we will try to learn more about the dialogue or if we will choose to get caught up in all the extensive lists of to-do’s.
Currently, I am working on setting up another blog – humanityblog.org that will talk about all the issues that I emphasized were important to me.
I would appreciate if people who are interested would send me an e-mail (lobanm@xavier.edu). If you want to make an extra effort send me a question that bothers you and I will post it on the site in a section of Q. I know that by asking you to do this I am asking you to postpone some of the other activities you are involved in, but perhaps it is be worth it. At the end what can be more important than trying to understand who we are? It is better to to do it now than in 20-30 years when it might be too late. I constantly meet people who hit a midlife crisis because they have no idea how they ended up living the life they have.
Since dialogue is so rare to be found wouldn’t it be exciting to have the first Dialogue on Dialogue on Xavier’s campus? If you are interested send me an e-mail, if you are not interested send me an e-mail too. The time is now, if we do not act today, it will be harder each following day.
My e-mail is lobanm@xavier.edu. I urge you to respond.
As I was reading the comments I saw that most of the people agreed on the fact that we need to be more open minded, that we need to learn more about the dialogue and the art of asking the right questions. At least I know that I need to. So the question is whether we are ready to start doing this right now.
Obviously, it is very easy to remain closed-minded. In a way it is empowering and can protect us from the rest of the world but is it wise to hide? We can spend the rest of our lives in a cocoon without worrying what the outside has to offer but will this make us better, stronger, wiser?
As I mentioned before, soon this conference will become history. If nothing is done it will be just a collection of nice pictures to remind primarily those who attended of what was possible. But yesterday is history. What is important is what happens today, what happens tomorrow. It is for us to decide if we will try to learn more about the dialogue or if we will choose to get caught up in all the extensive lists of to-do’s.
Currently, I am working on setting up another blog – humanityblog.org that will talk about all the issues that I emphasized were important to me.
I would appreciate if people who are interested would send me an e-mail (lobanm@xavier.edu). If you want to make an extra effort send me a question that bothers you and I will post it on the site in a section of Q. I know that by asking you to do this I am asking you to postpone some of the other activities you are involved in, but perhaps it is be worth it. At the end what can be more important than trying to understand who we are? It is better to to do it now than in 20-30 years when it might be too late. I constantly meet people who hit a midlife crisis because they have no idea how they ended up living the life they have.
Since dialogue is so rare to be found wouldn’t it be exciting to have the first Dialogue on Dialogue on Xavier’s campus? If you are interested send me an e-mail, if you are not interested send me an e-mail too. The time is now, if we do not act today, it will be harder each following day.
My e-mail is lobanm@xavier.edu. I urge you to respond.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Where Do We Go From Here?
Michael wanted me to let everyone know that he has responded to all the blog comments. If anyone still wants to contact him, feel free to e-mail him at lobanm@xavier.edu.
He also wants to know what the next step should be: a presentation about the trip, a meeting about dialogue,...?
Drop Michael an e-mail with your thoughts.
He also wants to know what the next step should be: a presentation about the trip, a meeting about dialogue,...?
Drop Michael an e-mail with your thoughts.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Great Dialogue
The comments to the postings about the Rome trip have been awesome. That is what this blog is all about - behind the scenes happenings at Xavier. What are the students and faculty doing that the rest of us should know about?
Sometimes things get covered in 1:30 spot on the news or in a short piece in the paper, but there is always so much more to know. And, those media don't always allow for questions, comment, feedback.
This is an exciting time for everyone at Xavier and a great time of potential growth in Cincinnati. The Presidential election is just one year away - another opportunity for major change.
What does change mean to you? Fear, opportunity, both?
Sometimes things get covered in 1:30 spot on the news or in a short piece in the paper, but there is always so much more to know. And, those media don't always allow for questions, comment, feedback.
This is an exciting time for everyone at Xavier and a great time of potential growth in Cincinnati. The Presidential election is just one year away - another opportunity for major change.
What does change mean to you? Fear, opportunity, both?
Friday, October 26, 2007
And the next step is? by Michael
First of all I would like to apologize for not responding right away to the comments people have made. I do appreciate them and as soon as I get back home, I will respond to each one individually. Please do not take offense at this. I am very glad that each of you found some time to read the postings and respond.
As the conference ended I can’t stop thinking about what happens next. Truth be told this is what I was thinking even before I boarded the plane to Rome. This weekend I will get back to my daily routine that has a very good tendency to overwhelm and dictate the rules. What happens then? What happens to the blog? I was asked to blog about my experiences at the conference, but the conference is over and a week or two later it will become history.
I strongly tried to avoid blogging about sightseeing for a very specific reason. If I asked you to tell me how the chocolate tastes, would you be able to do it? You would tell me to try a piece and find out on my own. There is no way I can describe the Sistine Chapel or the Trevi Fountain. If somebody says they can, they have never seen them not in the pictures. I could name all the paintings, tell you their history and name their creators, but it all will be useless. If you list me all the ingredients and the proportions of a lemon pie, I still would not be able to taste it, without making it and trying it. I can say that Sistine Chapel is astonishing, overwhelming, magnificent, but I can’t describe to you why I couldn’t leave it for one hour. The only reason I left is because I could have missed the conference bus, and probably it would be worth missing.
Thinking about this, I start to wonder how I can talk about the dialogue. I can find hundreds of quotes on dialogue by the best minds in the world, and yet I will not know what it is until I engage in one. I never knew how much I would miss playing tennis before I learned to play on a decent level. Now, the one thing I look forward to when I come back is picking up that racquet.
I think I start to understand why it is so hard to have a dialogue, because not a lot of people know the pleasure of agreeing with another, feeling how better you have become. Dialogue is not about winning or being right, but about becoming of better character after having one.
So, where does this leave me? In a great state of confusion. When I think about a dialogue and how to have it, the author who comes to mind is Plato. But that was many years ago. How many students can name a book, from the top of their head that taught them how to engage and have a meaningful dialogue? I am not one of them.
When was the last time somebody said let’s have a political dialogue? Never. It is impossible to have a political dialogue - only debate. Who ever has changed their mind in a debate? In schools or colleges are we even taught what dialogue is and how to have it, and I am not referring to a philosophy course that most of us slept through. Instead we have debate clubs and teams. Who even knows what a dialogue is anymore? I know for a fact that it is not just a conversation between two people. It is so much more. So how do I engage people into something I know almost nothing about?
I cheer myself thinking that I am not the only one who is having this problem. Leaders and intellectuals can lead countries, motivate people, create breathtaking experiences and yet, when it is time for a dialogue, they lose it in efforts of trying to prove their own points.
What are we doing wrong then?
As the conference ended I can’t stop thinking about what happens next. Truth be told this is what I was thinking even before I boarded the plane to Rome. This weekend I will get back to my daily routine that has a very good tendency to overwhelm and dictate the rules. What happens then? What happens to the blog? I was asked to blog about my experiences at the conference, but the conference is over and a week or two later it will become history.
I strongly tried to avoid blogging about sightseeing for a very specific reason. If I asked you to tell me how the chocolate tastes, would you be able to do it? You would tell me to try a piece and find out on my own. There is no way I can describe the Sistine Chapel or the Trevi Fountain. If somebody says they can, they have never seen them not in the pictures. I could name all the paintings, tell you their history and name their creators, but it all will be useless. If you list me all the ingredients and the proportions of a lemon pie, I still would not be able to taste it, without making it and trying it. I can say that Sistine Chapel is astonishing, overwhelming, magnificent, but I can’t describe to you why I couldn’t leave it for one hour. The only reason I left is because I could have missed the conference bus, and probably it would be worth missing.
Thinking about this, I start to wonder how I can talk about the dialogue. I can find hundreds of quotes on dialogue by the best minds in the world, and yet I will not know what it is until I engage in one. I never knew how much I would miss playing tennis before I learned to play on a decent level. Now, the one thing I look forward to when I come back is picking up that racquet.
I think I start to understand why it is so hard to have a dialogue, because not a lot of people know the pleasure of agreeing with another, feeling how better you have become. Dialogue is not about winning or being right, but about becoming of better character after having one.
So, where does this leave me? In a great state of confusion. When I think about a dialogue and how to have it, the author who comes to mind is Plato. But that was many years ago. How many students can name a book, from the top of their head that taught them how to engage and have a meaningful dialogue? I am not one of them.
When was the last time somebody said let’s have a political dialogue? Never. It is impossible to have a political dialogue - only debate. Who ever has changed their mind in a debate? In schools or colleges are we even taught what dialogue is and how to have it, and I am not referring to a philosophy course that most of us slept through. Instead we have debate clubs and teams. Who even knows what a dialogue is anymore? I know for a fact that it is not just a conversation between two people. It is so much more. So how do I engage people into something I know almost nothing about?
I cheer myself thinking that I am not the only one who is having this problem. Leaders and intellectuals can lead countries, motivate people, create breathtaking experiences and yet, when it is time for a dialogue, they lose it in efforts of trying to prove their own points.
What are we doing wrong then?
Maggie discusses the papal audience
Yesterday at our papal audience, a woman sat begind me who just made my eyes well up with tears every time I turned around to sneak a glance at her. She had to have been at least 80 years old and was sitting at the audience with a man I presume was her husband. I dont know what her name was or where she was from but I can wholeheartedly say that I don't think I will ever forget her. She sat throughout the entire hour with her eyes closed, quietly mumbling the prayers of the rosary she clutched. She may have been in St. Peter's Square a hundred times in her life, I certainly don't know her story. But, given the look that was etched onto her face, this overwhelming sense of peace and contentment, I couldn't help but think that it was her first time she was in the presence of the Holy See, and that this day had been something she had wanted to do her whole life; she reminded me so very much of my own grandma, someone who I have thought a lot about on this trip. This woman was, I think, the detail I will most clearly remember of the day. To me she was an embodiment of how beautiful faith is, whatever or whoever one conceives God to be, and a reminder of how very lucky I am to have had this incredible expereince at such a young age.
The scene in St. Peter's Square was one of the most vibrantly colorful I have ever seen...people of every walk of life, faith, and culture. And yet, there we all were, gathered together, connected somehow to one another. I have so many thoughts I want to share, and again, not enough time! I wish I could bottle up this whole week and share it with all of you, but I know that all in good time, we will all have the opportunities to reflect and share. I have learned so very much and yet there there are still so many lessons to be learned, conversations to be had, experiences to be reflected on, and change to be made. A friend gave me the book "The Alchemist" to read on this trip, and I am so grateful that I have had the book to read on this trip. The story is a reminder to find our own personal legends and to follow our dreams. I don't think it would be at all inaccurate to say that everyone who has and is partcipating on this journey have come a step closer to realizing their own personal legends, the peole whom God intends for us to be.
The scene in St. Peter's Square was one of the most vibrantly colorful I have ever seen...people of every walk of life, faith, and culture. And yet, there we all were, gathered together, connected somehow to one another. I have so many thoughts I want to share, and again, not enough time! I wish I could bottle up this whole week and share it with all of you, but I know that all in good time, we will all have the opportunities to reflect and share. I have learned so very much and yet there there are still so many lessons to be learned, conversations to be had, experiences to be reflected on, and change to be made. A friend gave me the book "The Alchemist" to read on this trip, and I am so grateful that I have had the book to read on this trip. The story is a reminder to find our own personal legends and to follow our dreams. I don't think it would be at all inaccurate to say that everyone who has and is partcipating on this journey have come a step closer to realizing their own personal legends, the peole whom God intends for us to be.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Many comments - join in
Michael's blog from a few days ago has generated much comment. Check them out and join in!
Over the Ocean
Our group of travelers has finished its mission in Rome and is on its way home. My guess is that they will be busy readjusting to the weather, the time, the adrenaline rush and the exhilaration of being part of such an important event. Thanks to those of you who have been following the blog and commenting. Hopefully, we'll hear more from Maggie and Michael, since they are coming straight home. Abie is making a short side trip, but we may hear from him, too.
What else are Xavier students up to? How are you striving towards being men and women for others?
What else are Xavier students up to? How are you striving towards being men and women for others?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People
Here is a link to an article about the exhibit, "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" which opened at Xavier in 2005. The exhibit was created at Xavier and has traveled all over. It is now at St. Joseph University in Philadelphia.
WCPO Sees the Travelers Off
Tom McKee of WCPO TV, the Cincinnati ABC affiliate, was at the airport to send off Abie, Maggie and Michael. See the story here.
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