Warde Academic Center The Xavierite
As graduation approaches on May 4, seniors are finishing out their final projects in their courses and preparing for commencement. With this being the Xavierite’s last issue of the academic year, the editorial board decided to give our graduating seniors on the board a chance to share anything they’d like about their time at SXU.
“If you asked me a year ago, I would tell you I can’t wait until I never have to step foot in this school again,” said one of the seniors, “I will miss SXU.”
There have been many changes that left students feeling upset with the university throughout the last few years, such as campus-wide restructuring, the elimination of majors, and the departure of former president Laurie M. Joyner, Ph. D.
As the same member of the editorial board pointed out, “Times have changed, and this university is flourishing into something brand new.” SXU has taken a turn for the better.
These changes have brought comfort to students, yet some still have yet to be made. One major change that students would like to see is an improvement of communication between administration and students.
“I have seen the trust between students and administrators grow since [Keith Elder, Ph. D.] entered the presidency,” stated a second member of the editorial board, “and I think continuing to focus on establishing a relationship between administration and students will help with a lot of the issues the university faces.”
It was at this time last year that students were not informed of the university’s decision to eliminate programs, and the lack of communication caused mass hysteria as it was unclear whether majors such as political science would be cut.
Another change that seniors would like to see is academic advising improved. Sometimes, classes that just simply did not fit students’ needs were recommended by advisors.
“Be open to student feedback and criticism,” a third member of the editorial board stated, “look out for students’ best interests.”
One of the biggest focuses of the university through interim president Rebecca Sherrick, Ph. D., was to move around funding so that students got the exact preparation they need. This has yet to take place to its full potential, but will be improved through the leadership of Keith Elder, Ph.D..
“The school itself has not really prepared me for the future, but I’ve sought out trusted professors in the English, History, and Philosophy departments to ask for their advice,” another member stated, “the guidance they’ve given me will be invaluable to my future career.”
When it comes to things that will be missed, another senior on our editorial board said they would “miss the people I met and the organizations I was a part of.”
At Saint Xavier, organizations such as the Xavierite are families and safe spaces for all. We all take on life, and its ups and downs, together.
On the note of who will be missed by students, names that have appeared include Angelo Bonadonna, Ph.D., Brad Mello, Ph.D., Vincent Davis, Ph.D., Peter Kreten, Eric Kraisch, and Stacie Raymond, D.C.
“His [Mello] blind faith in my senior seminar research— despite my unwavering doubt— pushed me to do the best work I was capable of,” stated the second member of the editorial board. “His knowledge of political communication and desire to see his students succeed is an experience I am grateful to have as a student,” they also said.
A fifth member of the editorial board added that they would miss Cyndi Grobmeier, Ph. D., “whether it’s an online class or an in-person one the experience she gives you as a professor is unmatched. She’s the best educator I’ve ever had.”
Additionally, some classes mentioned that will be missed include EXSC-366: Strength and Conditioning, COMM-227: Political Communication, PHIL-255: Feminist Philosophy, and ENGL-208: Study of Rhetoric.
But do the seniors feel satisfied?
“As graduation creeps closer, I find myself more and more thankful for all the opportunities the university has given me,” the fourth member of the editorial board added.
Whether or not the seniors will miss Saint Xavier is up to them. However, as the university improves students will begin to realize how much of an impact a university can make on their lives and career choices.
“My note to the seniors: You will all be missed,” said a final member of the editorial board to the senior members. “I can’t wait until I take your place and I am able to teach younger students what you all taught me.”
With that being said, go forth seniors, with the memories of college, and its impact on your lives. Make the best of what you can, when you can, and take the opportunities given to you. As time progresses, the university may change, but the path couldn’t have been paved without all of you. For now and forever, go Cougars!