2008 Woodie Awards
EDITORIALS
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: Opinion/Editorial
College students set standard by volunteering in New Orleans during break
This spring break, students from three Webster University student organizations found themselves in the midst of rubble, wreckage and the memories of the once-lively Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
Students from Campus Crusade for Christ, Webster Pride and the Outdoor Club took a bus to Louisiana to spend a week gutting houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina earlier this school year. Split into five groups of about 10 each, the students were assigned houses to gut from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Some students had the opportunity to meet some of the homeowners, who found ways to express their gratitude.
While in New Orleans, the students not only saw firsthand the aftermath of a natural disaster but also sampled what it's like to be in an area where resources are limited. Although the students stayed at the Grand Palace hotel on Canal Street, they weren't getting first-class treatment. The water in the hotel couldn't be used for drinking or brushing teeth. Broken elevators, toilets and boarded rooms contributed to the feeling of what it's like to be without. There was nothing grand about it.
The university should be proud that such students walk in and out of its doors on a daily basis. It should be comforting to know such model citizens attend this school. These students are a prime example of the caring, hard working, dedicated people that make up the Webster University community. While there's no shame in working, taking a vacation or bumming around the house during spring break, these students - and others from across the country - should be commended for donating their time to help better the lives of others.
In addition to the volunteers who donated their time in New Orleans, others on campus also found ways to show support. The Student Government Association and Webster executive office each donated $3,000 for the trip, while $500 was raised on campus.
The Journal would like to take this time to send a big 'ol "thanks" to those who represented Webster University in the relief efforts in Louisiana. Thanks for pitching in to help those who need it most - and for continuing to raise the bar for this prestigious university.
Students shouldn't get lost in food service shuffle
When it comes to food service, most students probably could care less which company has the most impressive resume, free food giveaways or high-class chefs. Students want consistent service that is convenient and affordable. In the end, the fancy wrappers, menu titles and dining concepts don't mean a thing if what's being served doesn't measure up to what students want.
So, as members of Webster's administration ponder over contract details, food service presentations and ultimately, money, The Journal reminds them not to forget the interest of the students. Students are the ones on campus day in and day out, before and after regular campus business hours. Students are the ones who are most likely to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on campus in a single day. Students are the ones who get the short end of the stick when first impressions are weighed more than practical choices and ideas.
Some students aren't wowed by the number of vegetarian or vegan options on the menu. The average student just wants to know that he or she will be able to walk into Marletto's Marketplace, the University Center or even the Sverdrup Building or Webster Hall and know they have choices. Campus dining should be provided to students as a luxury to be taken advantage of, not a take-it-or-leave-it compromise.
Students had the opportunity before spring break to experience a small portion of what both Sodexho and Chartwells has to offer this campus. Students, faculty and staff submitted votes on what they did and did not like. They also got the chance to talk to chefs and other staff from both companies.
But let's not forget that food service is, after all, a business. Businesses make money and that will be the goal of whichever company is given a contract to serve Webster. So when it comes down to this decision, which will possibly change campus dining for the next five years, students should not forget that they are the voice on campus. A business can only make money if its customers are happy and demanding whatever product is being sold. Students shouldn't let all of this be in vain. It may be several years before another chance will come around for such a major change on campus, so remember to use your voices and speak up when you don't feel you're not getting what you deserve.
This spring break, students from three Webster University student organizations found themselves in the midst of rubble, wreckage and the memories of the once-lively Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
Students from Campus Crusade for Christ, Webster Pride and the Outdoor Club took a bus to Louisiana to spend a week gutting houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina earlier this school year. Split into five groups of about 10 each, the students were assigned houses to gut from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Some students had the opportunity to meet some of the homeowners, who found ways to express their gratitude.
While in New Orleans, the students not only saw firsthand the aftermath of a natural disaster but also sampled what it's like to be in an area where resources are limited. Although the students stayed at the Grand Palace hotel on Canal Street, they weren't getting first-class treatment. The water in the hotel couldn't be used for drinking or brushing teeth. Broken elevators, toilets and boarded rooms contributed to the feeling of what it's like to be without. There was nothing grand about it.
The university should be proud that such students walk in and out of its doors on a daily basis. It should be comforting to know such model citizens attend this school. These students are a prime example of the caring, hard working, dedicated people that make up the Webster University community. While there's no shame in working, taking a vacation or bumming around the house during spring break, these students - and others from across the country - should be commended for donating their time to help better the lives of others.
In addition to the volunteers who donated their time in New Orleans, others on campus also found ways to show support. The Student Government Association and Webster executive office each donated $3,000 for the trip, while $500 was raised on campus.
The Journal would like to take this time to send a big 'ol "thanks" to those who represented Webster University in the relief efforts in Louisiana. Thanks for pitching in to help those who need it most - and for continuing to raise the bar for this prestigious university.
Students shouldn't get lost in food service shuffle
When it comes to food service, most students probably could care less which company has the most impressive resume, free food giveaways or high-class chefs. Students want consistent service that is convenient and affordable. In the end, the fancy wrappers, menu titles and dining concepts don't mean a thing if what's being served doesn't measure up to what students want.
So, as members of Webster's administration ponder over contract details, food service presentations and ultimately, money, The Journal reminds them not to forget the interest of the students. Students are the ones on campus day in and day out, before and after regular campus business hours. Students are the ones who are most likely to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on campus in a single day. Students are the ones who get the short end of the stick when first impressions are weighed more than practical choices and ideas.
Some students aren't wowed by the number of vegetarian or vegan options on the menu. The average student just wants to know that he or she will be able to walk into Marletto's Marketplace, the University Center or even the Sverdrup Building or Webster Hall and know they have choices. Campus dining should be provided to students as a luxury to be taken advantage of, not a take-it-or-leave-it compromise.
Students had the opportunity before spring break to experience a small portion of what both Sodexho and Chartwells has to offer this campus. Students, faculty and staff submitted votes on what they did and did not like. They also got the chance to talk to chefs and other staff from both companies.
But let's not forget that food service is, after all, a business. Businesses make money and that will be the goal of whichever company is given a contract to serve Webster. So when it comes down to this decision, which will possibly change campus dining for the next five years, students should not forget that they are the voice on campus. A business can only make money if its customers are happy and demanding whatever product is being sold. Students shouldn't let all of this be in vain. It may be several years before another chance will come around for such a major change on campus, so remember to use your voices and speak up when you don't feel you're not getting what you deserve.