When you want to save the world but are not sure where to start, a good question to begin with is “what makes people sad?” I'm not sure how it started in my case, but it led me to write my senior thesis on female genital mutilation. Nothing about this is happy. The practice is ethically reprehensible and rather uncomfortable to talk about, which made it the perfect topic for a philosophy paper. My argument against any cultural justification for the practice is supported by the capabilities approach, a theoretical framework which affirms that anything that hinders basic human capabilities is morally evil.
Speaking for the Oppressed Victims of a Silent Culture
Topics: Katrina Nemchik, female genital mutilation, philosophy research paper, Calabar Youth Council for Women's Rights, CYCWR, senior thesis research, Nigeria
Symphony 2017: A Night with the Honors Program
When I first heard that the Honors Program was returning to the symphony this year, I remembered what an amazing experience the symphony had been last March. I thought to myself, “There’s no way they can top Sebelius.” But, I noticed that the concert this year was focused on Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. While I will be the first to admit that I am no classical music expert nor do I purport to be more than a casual listener while I study, I vividly remembered Gershwin from my elementary school days. I had a music teacher who was passionate about Gershwin, and from my perspective, passion tends to be memorable. So, I had high hopes as I awaited this year’s concert.
Topics: honors program, Kaitlyn Thomas, Pittsburgh Symphony, Rhapsody in Blue
John Stuart Mill, a 19th century English philosopher, said in his work On Liberty that “… the only way in which a human being can make some approach to knowing the whole of a subject is by hearing what can be said about it by persons of every variety of opinion.” He uses the term ‘discussion’ to characterize this gathering of variety of opinion. Mill suggests that it is through discussion with others who have different opinions from ours that we learn.
Topics: liberal arts, honors program, disagreement, Maggie Welsh, debate, John Stuart Mill
As a student, it is easy to forget why we are attending college at all. Too often we get caught up in the dates and assignments, the exams that seem to come in floods every few weeks, the stress of juggling sports, activities, good health, socialization and the almost always forgotten, getting enough sleep. Sometimes, striking a balance between all our responsibilities is incredibly difficult, and it doesn’t leave us with much time to sit back and think about what we are really doing here. So, friends, fellow students and even faculty, I suggest we take a few minutes to do just that.
Topics: Saint Vincent College, liberal arts, honors program, Saint Vincent, dreams, Sarah Malone
Experience the Magic: How to Apply to the Disney College Program
Being a part of the Disney College Program is an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. If you have always wanted to work for the Walt Disney Company, this is how you can start. If you have the passion for magic and fun, this is the program for you.
Topics: Michael Brinker, Disney College Program, Walt Disney Company, Disney
Honors student talks Einstein with Dr. Mitchell Wayne
Recently, I attended Dr. Wayne’s presentation on Einstein within the Hesburgh Lecture Series. The topics spanned various disciplines that Einstein helped to progress, prominently the theories of relativity and the photoelectric effect. Before the lecture, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Dr. Wayne through a meal. At the meal, we discussed discoveries in astrophysics (e.g. the Big Bang) and some of his research in particle physics. He has utilized data from particle accelerators to progress in his field. We also talked about other, non-physics topics such as the media's role in politics.
Topics: Hesburgh Lecture, Einstein, Dr. Mitchell Wayne, Joseph Marcinik, physics
Friday night, students in Dr. McMahon’s Honors Systematic Theology I and Dr. Sharbaugh’s Honors First Theology classes gathered for a night of food, fellowship and culture.
We traveled to Squirrel Hill to eat dinner at Curry on Murray, a Thai restaurant on Murray Avenue. For some, it was a first-time experience trying Thai cuisine. We tried dumplings and crab rangoon, and most ordered the classic Pad Thai dish for dinner. We enjoyed an evening getting to know our fellow classmates and professors outside of the classroom while eating delicious food.
Topics: Student Life, Saint Vincent College, honors program, SVC, Waffalonia, Thai food, friends
If you made it through freshman year and you’re gearing up for Round 2, welcome back!
If you’re setting foot on campus this fall as a seasoned veteran, I salute you.
And if you’re a senior, I’ve got nothing but love and respect for you.
Topics: Campus Life, Campus Ministry, Saint Vincent College, Transfer, Amanda MacMurtrie, SVC, friends
Believe it or not, summer at Saint Vincent College is not just for summer classes, business hours and Steelers Training Camp. Starting in May and running through June and July we have a slew of children’s camps ranging from sports to religion. We regularly host camps that include lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, soccer, youth groups, challenge camp and crossroads. These camps are each attended by anywhere from approximately 30–200 children who are ready to experience life on a college campus. Younger children might come just to enjoy their certain activity, while older kids may be considering Saint Vincent as a future home. No matter the camp or the reason, Event and Conference Services makes sure that these kids have a safe, fun learning experience that they can be excited to tell their friends about when they get home.
Topics: Campus Life, sports camps, summer camps, youth groups, Adrianna Workman, Summer
As you may know, Saint Vincent College is home to The Pittsburgh Steelers and has been since 1966, thanks to Steelers founder Arthur J. Rooney. Not only do we host Steelers Training Camp every year, but Men’s Fantasy Camp and Women’s Training Camp as well. These camps are a lot of fun for anyone who is a Steelers fan. Men and women get the opportunity to go through training camp similar to what the Steelers go through on the exact fields they use. Former players and coaches make appearances, the participants grow to become friends, they get a great workout and experience a day in the life of a Steeler. Event and Conference Services recently coordinated the men’s camp, while the women have their turn at the beginning of August.
Topics: Steelers, Pittsburgh, Event and Conference Services, Women's Training Camp, Adrianna Workman, Men's Fantasy Camp