Andrew- Disciples Broadens Religious View

College is all about experiences that help you grow as an individual, that broaden your horizons and provide you with an expanded mental landscape that helps you process the world better than ever before. … Right? 
 So, I’ve started attending Disciples, Fontbonne’s weekly faith-sharing group. They meet Tuesday nights in the Interfaith Chapel, in Medaille, at 8:30 pm, and usually go to around 10. For people with time commitments and early bedtimes, this can be a little bit of an issue, but I thought that the commitment to this group would be worthwhile if it helped me explore my faith. 
 Before I continue, I need to elaborate on “my faith”. I am a Baha’i. To explain that briefly, the Baha’i faith essentially is the next step in a ‘religious series’ which begins with Hinduism and continues through Islam. Describing it this way is important, because part of the Baha’i faith is the belief that all the great world religions worship the exact same God, and were led by prophets that God sent down who taught religion in a way that made sense at the time given the current culture. So, for instance, not only are Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed all prophets of God, but so is Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, and Abraham.  The Baha’i faith reaffirms the core values of each of these religions as important lessons from God, and promotes the unity of all religions and all people across Earth. There’s much more to the faith than this, of course, and I welcome you to investigate for yourself!  
 So, back to Disciples: I sometimes struggle with this faith-sharing group. I’ve come to realize that here at Fontbonne, “faith-sharing” does not mean “let’s talk about how you’re Muslim, and you’re Buddhist, and you’re Christian, and you’re Jewish.” It means “Let’s talk about how you’re Protestant and I’m Catholic.” I suppose I should’ve foreseen this, since the group is called “Disciples” and all, but nonetheless this is naturally a little frustrating for me. While we do discuss a lot of topics that aren’t necessarily “Christian-only” at Disciples, the way we think about issues—for instance, the meaning of beauty—ends up being through a Christian lens; we’ll look at Bibles for passages to help support our ideas, and only Bibles. The group is for Christians, and while I don’t feel rejected by any means, I also feel that I’m not understood because of my different beliefs. 
 But I’ll keep going to Disciples, because I like the group, because I like the people. Say what you will about Christianity (particularly about Catholicism), but the Baha’i view on it is that Jesus was an incredible teacher who brought a powerful message about Love to humanity, and so taking a little extra focus on that isn’t a bad thing. Everything else in Christianity besides the idea of love really is just irrelevant; if you can learn the love part, then everything else on ‘being a good person’ comes kind of naturally. I think Disciples can help further my understanding of love—and maybe yours. So, hey! If you’re free on a Tuesday between 8:30 and 10, swing by the Interfaith Chapel!

For more religious events on campus, check out campus ministry’s webpage!

Mike- Showing Spirit & Support

This Saturday, I went to the Fontbonne Men’s and Women’s soccer games at Gay Field.  The women played a spectacular game and won 11-2 against Eureka College.  As a result, the women kept their fourth place status in the SLIAC and advanced to the postseason tournament.  The men also played brilliantly against Eureka, posting a 4-0 shutout.  Zach was solid in goal recording yet another shutout.  It should be interesting to see how the two teams compete in the postseason.  I am hoping that the teams can pick up some solid momenturm entering November.  The men missed qualifying for the national tournament last season and I am hoping that they will qualify this year.  Games will be played next week at Webster. It is my hope that we will draw large crowds from Fontbonne to support both teams.  Watching the soccer games is so exciting and fun for all of us at Fontbonne.  Sports events offer us wonderful opportunities to show our school spirit and support. 

For more on Fontbonne sports events, check out the athletics webpage!

Andrew- Totally Beyond the Scope of Classes

When I was an incoming freshman, so many years ago—and by that, I mean last year—Fontbonne was in its second year of the Dedicated Semester, in which the entire campus takes a focus on a particular issue for the duration of the fall semester. To my understanding, the first Dedicated Semester was about the Jewish population, in St. Louis, America, and around the world; last year’s Dedicated Semester was about the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nation’s 8 goals for world improvement. This year, meanwhile, has set its focus on the Immigrant Experience, looking at the lives of those who have come to America to call it their home.
As a freshman, I was heavily incorporated into the 2008 Dedicated Semester on the UN Millennium Development Goals. I attended almost every single event and felt very much incorporated into the program. My inclusion began with our summer reading, for which Fontbonne sent us—us being all the incoming freshmen—a book about the Lost Boys of Sudan and their struggles. During freshmen orientation week, we discussed that book, beginning our experience with the Dedicated Semester.
As a sophomore, I—and the rest of my classmates, by and large—missed out on that initial experience. Frankly, I didn’t and still don’t feel like I’m missing much. While the Immigrant Experience is a positively fascinating subject and extremely significant when it comes to understanding the changing face of America, I just haven’t been motivated to get involved what with all my other classes already going on. Don’t get me wrong: I enjoyed the Dedicated Semester experience. But as of now, Fontbonne has it mostly set up as a kind shared experience for the incoming freshman class. I am not part of that class, and so this is not my time to be involved.
I fully support Fontbonne’s continuation of the Dedicated Semester. It sets the stage for students’ college experience. To me, it really brought out the meaning of “Learn More, Be More”, Fontbonne’s [perhaps over-cited but still appreciable] motto. Thanks to the global focus the Dedicated Semester took in 2008, I was able to learn about something totally beyond the scope of my classes. It broadened my horizons as a student, forcing me to keep in mind that there was a world beyond my world, and no matter how much I might feel trapped by books, papers, and exams, that world beyond would always be there and I could always still do my part. I only hope that the freshman going through the 2009 Dedicated Semester walk away with those same sentiments—I hope they benefit from this and come to appreciate it the way I did.

Learn more on the current Dedicated Semester on Immigrant Experiences at the Fontbonne Homepage!

Mary Alice- Watching the Start of American Lives

On Friday October 9, I attended the Naturalization Ceremony. Over 75 people were becoming citizens in Fontbonne’s gym. That was pretty cool, I thought. It was a very short ceremony. I was expecting the ceremony to last at least two hours but it ended up being right under an hour. There were opening comments, Dr. Golden spoke, and then there was a motion made. The judge granted the motion and then she went over the duties and rights that everyone now has as an American citizen. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and the National Anthem was sung. The just recessed and then names were called to come and get their certificates saying they were now citizens of the United States of America. I am very glad that I went to this ceremony because I am not sure if I will ever have the chance to go again. It was a very interesting ceremony and I was glad I could partake in the ceremony and see these people starting their new lives as American citizens.

Start your new life at Fontbonne! Apply today!

Mike- Reflection on Naturalization & Ded. Semester

I believe that the current dedicated semester on the Immigrant Experience has been very interesting thus far.  I have only attended two of the events right now, but these two events were enlightening.  The first event I attended was the panel discussion on the meaning of immigration.  Several faculty members discussed their views and beliefs about immigration and shared some of their personal stories about their heritage.  It was fascinating to hear the different perspectives on what the definitions of immigration and immigrant truly are.  Some believe that slaves and forced laborers should be considered immigrants, while others believe the contrary.  In addition, some believe in conforming to a new country’s culture, while others believe in retaining the ideals of the native country.

The second event I attended was the naturalization ceremony.  Several immigrants from five continents were all represented and became United States citizens.  Doctor Golden was the guest speaker of the ceremony and shared insightful remarks about our freedoms and duties as citizens in this indivisible nation in which we live.  Our freedom was bought at a price by many soldiers who have defended our great nation.  He also spoke of valuing his U.S. citizenship when traveling to countries, including Italy, Japan, China, Israel, and Palestine.  The ceremony not only enhanced my pride in being a citizen of the United States but also my pride in others becoming citizens and having the desire to live here.  Overall, it was a powerful ceremony and I was glad to be present.

Personally, I think that a university undertaking one idea for a semester, such as a dedicated semester, is wonderful for students and faculty.  A single idea or theme enlightens all of us and helps us to analyze important aspects of life.  It unites students and faculty and leads to critical thinking and discussion about vital topics.  Ideas such as the millenium goals and immigration shed light upon the problems in the world and what solutions we have to offer.  Immigration is an idea that brings many people into conflict.  This dedicated semester helps us all to reflect on the meaning, process, and importance of immigration and what we can do to better understand and assist immigrants in their transition.  The dedicated semesters I have been a part of here at Fontbonne have opened my eyes and my mind to look for and reflect upon relevant issues.

The Dedicated Semester Events are taking over campus! Make sure to check one out soon!

MiRita- Made the Right Decision

When I graduated high school in 2005, I decided to take a semester off before going to college for personal reasons. After many people thought I wouldn’t go to school, I decided to go to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo in the spring. I traveled there by greyhound, not having visited even previously visited the campus. But something just felt right when I talked to my advisors and financial aide assistants over the phone, so all systems were go.

My first semester there was great. I  was even hired on campus as a overnight desk clerk in the housing office thanks to recommendations from other faculty members that new me. But something was missing. The classes were huge and the teachers never called you by name. People were divided into clicks. Being that I was a St. Louisan they( the Kansas City dwellers) automatically assumed things about me that weren’t true. If only they had taken a chance to get to know me, they would know that they were not true  I shook off my insecurity as being homesick, but it couldn’t have been that, since I went home to Saint Louis twice a month. It was the bonding factor. The professors had a wall that I could not penetrate; the students were prisoners and they were the wardens. I couldn’t come talk to them as human beings so I decided after a year it was time to move on.

I applied for Fontbonne and was immediately accepted (again never visiting the campus). My first semester was great: the teachers new my name and even recognized when I didn’t come to class… which was not that often. Even after having to drop a class because of financial aid reasons the teacher whose class I dropped still remembered my name a year later!!! I was amazed!!!! Fontbonne is like a place and I feel so at home here. The professors look out for their students. That let me know I made the right decision transferring here.

If anyone wants a place where they can feel like they can open up to the professors, joke around in class and know what it really means to be connected to a university I would advise them to go to Fontbonne. It changed what I thought a university would be, should be and could be.

Apply today, and check out the upcoming open house just for transferring students!

Andrew- Check Out Your Opportunities

I personally never went to Fontbonne’s open house. Instead, I flew in from New York and received a fantastic tour from the lovely Michelle Palumbo (if you’ve never met her, I might recommend you swing by the admissions office and pay her a visit!) But, even without having attended Fontbonne’s open house, I can still tell you that their open house events are worthwhile. In fact, in retrospect I wish I had been to one, since I think it could’ve saved me a lot of time in getting my second major (Applied Sociology) started. The key function of the open house, I think, is to come and learn about what exactly Fontbonne has to offer. Of course, after a brief tour of the campus, you might think they can’t offer much; whether you love the small campus or hate it, the limited number of facilities might have you doubting just how much Fontbonne can provide, educationally. An open house visit will amend that doubt. Through Fontbonne’s open houses, you can observe just how much this university has to offer you with its plethora of majors and minors. It’s important for students considering possible futures to be able to see what options are open to them! Also, it’s a great opportunity to meet both some of the students you’ll be around and some of the teachers (and/or advisors) that you’ll be working with during your college experience!
    The most important function of an open house, I think, is actually the opportunity to decide that you DON’T like the college. I remember my open-house visit to Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. It had a lot of advantages for me, really; it was much closer to home, not to mention I had family in Erie. It presented a lot of opportunities. But, after the open house, I realized I just wouldn’t be happy there. I knew it wouldn’t give me everything I was looking for, which I ultimately found in Fontbonne.
There’s nothing wrong in coming to an open house and deciding a college isn’t right for you. If anything, that’s good—it’s helping you avoid a path you don’t want to take in life. But that still means that it’s vitally important to go to open houses and check out your opportunities!

So if you’re looking for colleges right now, keep an eye out for Fontbonne’s next open house! You might find something you’ll love.

Mike- Why Transfer Students Rock

Transfer students are important to Fontbonne for a variety of reasons.  Transfer students offer this campus-wide community many different talents and abilities.  Personally, I know two transfer students on our basketball team that are extremely talented and will help us immensely this season.  Chris of the basketball team transferred from Missouri Southern and was nominated as the Conference Newcomer of the Year last year.  Daniel  who transferred from SLU is also expected to bring plenty of talent to the team.  In addition, I run cross country and track with many transfer students that have made a positive difference for our teams.
Transfer students provide those of us at Fontbonne with a broader perspective when they discuss their past experiences at a previous school or schools.  We are able to listen to their successes, failures, and learned lessons.  I don’t know about most people, but I love meeting new people.  Transfer students enable me to meet new people every semester and to make more friends.  It is wonderful to meet new people and to get to know them better through college.
I believe that there are several reasons for a transfer student to come to Fontbonne.  First, Fontbonne offers a small, tight knit environment in which people can truly get to know one another.  Second, the small classes enable students to receive help from professors and receive proper attention in the classroom.  Third, Fontbonne offers an abundance of extracurricular opportunities that cover just about every interest area.  Fourth, the Fontbonne athletic program is excellent and has only progressed through the years.  Last year, the men’s soccer team, men’s basketball team, men’s baseball team, and men’s cross country team all either won the SLIAC or the SLIAC tournament.  Fifth, there is always something exciting happening at Fontbonne, whether it be musicians, comedians, a Cardinals game, or a gospel choir! Fontbonne offers a unique tradition and provides a setting where students can excel in whatever they desire to do in life.

Convinced to transfer to Fontbonne yet? Check out the upcoming transfer open house!

Andy- Open Houses & Missing Class

Before entering this amazing institution, I attend my own personal tour of the campus given by my neighbor.  I had a great time because it was extremely relaxed and there was no pressure added to attend the school.  After that impromptu tour, the admissions office contacted me and I went in that next week to set up all of my information and set my school schedule.  After getting my schedule set, I then attended  my first open house.  It was really helpful because I received another tour and heard a bunch of information about the school from the student panel.  Before school started, I was comfortable and knew that I knew Fontbonne very well.

I think that open houses are very important at Fontbonne because they are very laid back and no strings attached.  It is a good opportunity for the incoming students to see what it is like to be a student at an university.  The most important part of the open house is the student panel, but also having a good time.  This is important because the incoming students can ask anything they want to the students.  I have been apart of almost all of the open houses that have gone on since I have been a student here.  They are very important to me and also a great excuse to miss some classes.

Want to see what Fontbonne and its students are all about? Don’t miss the upcoming open houses; pick the one right for you!

Mike- Learning & Sharing Insights with Others

The most interesting class I am taking this semester is Introduction to Religious Studies.  It is an Honors course with freshmen and sophomores.  Dr. Randy Rosenberg is our professor and is a delight to have in class.  First, the context of the course is awesome.  It consists essentially of reading articles, books, and essays about various topics, including religion, the existence of God, philosophy, and the human search for meaning in life.  Currently, we are reading a novel entitled Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor.  The novel is magnificent and illuminates many insights into the human thought process, especially in the midst of suffering.  Its focus, as the title suggests, is the human quest for meaning in this crazy existence that we call life.
Second, the format of the class is awesome because it essentially consists of class discussions, listening to radio clips, and other exciting methods of learning.  Everyone in the class is well behaved and has a positive and open outlook on the class.  Personally, I think the class is the best class I have ever had the privilege to take in school.  Third, the main evaluations for the course are a few reflection essays on the various topics which we will cover, a reflection on a visit to a religious place of worship, and contributions to class discussion.
This class is what school should be about- learning and sharing your insights with others.  It is a class that will teach me a lot about religion, meaning in life, and myself.  I am looking forward to the next three months in the class and hope it continues to be so enjoyable.  I hope to keep learning a lot in the class that I can apply to my life.

Share your insights at Fontbonne! Apply today!