Hello Valpo Law!

After a long, relaxing summer, your Student Bar Association is ready for another great year with many exciting events planned for the year and the SBA is looking forward to all of them.  The first series of events the SBA has planned for this year includes VU Day of Caring (September 18), the Cardozo Cup (October 1), and the Halloween Party (October 30).  Later in the year will feature the Health and Wellness Fair, Law Week, and Barristers.

The SBA is once again making changes this year.  We have added a new Executive Board position: the Student Organization Administrator.  This position will allow the SBA to fully assist Student Organizations to reach their full potential.  The SOA will be the contact person for the Organizations and help them through the complexities of the Law School.

The SBA is transitioning from a party planning student council to that of a pseudo state bar organization where that we are primarily working with the students to better their time here and also provide them with the necessary tools to be able to find jobs upon graduation (for those 3Ls).  For the 1Ls and 2Ls, the SBA will provide networking opportunities through support of student organizations’ events and programs so they will have the ability to find jobs later.

We also now have the tools we need to be a successful SBA. We have a fun office, a great officer and representative corps, a new website, and a new officer position to work directly with student organizations. Throughout this year, we will be streamlining process and creating information packets for students, faculty, and deans so they can know and see what we have accomplished and where we are going.

The SBA is looking forward to helping every one of you – all you need to do is ask.  Your feedback will help up continue to strive for the highest.  On behalf of the Valpo Law SBA, good luck with everything you do this year and do not hesitate to stop in the SBA office and let us know what we can do for you.

Most music enthusiasts dread hearing that one of their favorite dismantled bands has chosen a new lead singer to bring them back on the road to play songs originally created nearly 15 years ago. The assumption is that this “new” band is going to be horrible and that a good thing shouldn’t be messed with, even if it means hearing “them” live again.   Another blow is to hear that the new lead singer is a 21-year old kid.  I will tell you, none of this crossed my mind when I heard that my favorite band, Sublime, found a new lead singer to form Sublime with Rome and was coming to the Riviera Theater in Chicago on my golden birthday in April.  (An interesting “law” side note:  The new band had to be renamed as part of a preliminary injunction in favor of the deceased original lead singer, Bradley Nowell’s estate.)  I jumped online ASAP and booked two general admission tickets.   I had been playing the hell out of 40 Oz to Freedom, Robbin’ the Hood, and any other album or import I could get my hand on ever since junior high.  I just wanted to see Sublime live because I never had the chance after the original band’s lead singer, Nowell, passed away in 1996, just as I began to listen to their music.  Sure, I saw Long Beach Dub All Stars at Warped Tour awhile back, and they were great, but that band was technically a spin-off and they had their own style and songs.  THIS was an opportunity to finally hear all the Sublime songs I love live.

This may be the time to tell you that not only did I see Sublime with Rome in April, but I also saw them in July when they played at Charter One’s Northerly Island Pavilion in Chicago and I also saw them again in July at Mandalay Bay’s Hotel Beach in Las Vegas.  When a band’s your favorite, they’re your FAVORITE.  I won’t waste space rating each show individually because they were all pretty awesome.  I will mention a few brief highlights, however.  The April show at the Riviera was part of the band’s spring tour, so I liked that the set list was different than the two July summer tour shows.  Between all three shows, I was happy to hear my favorite songs (”Greatest Hits,” “Under My VooDoo,” and “Don’t Push”), but was surprised to not hear “Caress Me Down.”  The band also encored each show with “Scarlet Begonias,” “Santeria,” and “What I Got,” which I thought were excellent choices.

Now, on to the band itself and the venues.  Bud and Eric (original members) delivered wonderfully – just as I’d expected – and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the new lead singer, Rome, channel Nowell in a respectful way that still kept with the original melody of the songs.  I was impressed with his powerful voice, confidence, and enthusiasm.  The venues that held each show were also out of this world.  I had been to the Riviera Theater before and for those of you who have also, you know that it is a great nostalgic, intimate place to see a show.  The sound resonated through every corner the nearly 100 year old place!  Northerly Island Pavilion was a sweet place too – its location on the old Miegs Field spot on Chicago’s lakefront was perfect for a summer night show.  Lastly, the show in Las Vegas was just out of this world.  I love Vegas in its own right, but to be at a small “beach” (with accompanying wading pool!) at the Mandalay Hotel 100 feet away from a spectacular dub-style band at the furtherest spot pretty much topped nearly every other Vegas experience I’ve had over the 10+ times I’ve been there. The laid back atmosphere made it feel as if you were watching a small local band at some Caribbean island hideaway, and I’ll never forget it.

So to sum up, Sublime with Rome, in my opinion, is just as great as the original band.  They made do with what was left after the tragic death of their original lead singer and it works.  The places chosen to play their “comeback” tour were absolutely awesome.  I hear they’re working on a new album right now, and I’m psyched to see what original creations they’ll come up with.

The purpose of this organization is to acquire, develop, and apply knowledge in the areas of business and law.  Our mission is to provide law students with access to alumni who are working in the area of business law and with access to information concerning business law courses, programs and information regarding the study of business law and future careers.  The Society offers a venue for discussion of relevant and current issues as they arise in the field of business law.  Through our events, meetings, and conferences, we not only plan to expound in areas of business law but plan to grow in areas such as professionalism, networking, and leadership qualities in the business world.

Our organization has dedicated itself to providing extensive benefits to BLS members each semester, including: (1)  Education on various aspects of business and corporate law;  and (2) Networking opportunities with transactional and litigation attorneys working within the field of business and corporate law, as well as corporate counsel and local business persons.

Business Law Society has some exciting and educational events coming up including an etiquette dinner to educate young lawyers on how to eat, drink, and dress professionally; a financial planner who will give advice on planning for your financial future; and a fashion show to learn how to dress for success in the work world.

Please contact our president: chelsey.sarason@valpo.edu, vice president: nataly.carrasco@valpo.edu, treasurer: shantae.landingham@valpo.edu  or our secretary: michelle.teems@valpo.edu for more information.  We would be more than happy to answer questions or accept suggestions to ensure this year is a success.

Property Law Society was created to provide an avenue for students interested in Real Property issues to continue their interest within their time at the law school.  Student members build fellowship among other interested students.  They also provide real property service opportunities within the community, educational opportunities outside of the classroom, and networking opportunities by establishing relationships with attorneys and legal professionals in the region.

Our first meeting will be held Thursday, September 16, during Chapel Break and our first event will be on Saturday, September 18 where on the Day of Caring, we will help Housing Opportunities with property improvements.  Additionally, our Annual Charity Golf Outing (4-Man Scramble) will be Saturday, October 9 at Noon at “The Brassie” in Chesterton.  Costs per student are $40 and per attorney are $50 – sign ups begin September 20 during Chapel Break or you can contact valpopropertylawsociety@gmail.com for tickets or more information.

By:  Jonathan Carlson

I see no justification for the university to abandon the Crusader mascot. Our Crusader is a representation of Valparaiso University’s community values. Our reputation as Crusaders rests upon the manner in which we uphold core values in our learning, our professions and our daily lives. The Crusader has always been and will always be what we portray it to be, a tradition exemplified with characteristics of zeal, honor, and fortitude.

Zeal comes with our faculty and students eagerness to learn and their dedication to the community of learning. Our university mission statement defines our institution as an educational system “grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, prepare[ing] students to lead and serve in both church and society.” We require Zeal, but we also require Honor. Our Honor Code ensures that our community will hold itself and its peers to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Fortitude is the final promotion of the foundations of what it means to be a Crusader. By definition, fortitude is “a mental and emotional strength [when] facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously.” Education is difficult, requires us to overcome adversity, at times may be dangerous, and often tempts our actions but the Crusader prevails and the process of learning and its tradition lives passes from to each and every student from the day they come to Valparaiso and continuing on as Alumni.

As a University and as a community we are who we portray ourselves to be. We are Crusaders and through the manifestation of our beliefs our university will continue to grow and flourish. There stands to be no reason to abandon the Crusader mascot. We are a community of scholarship, freedom and faith. We are a community of tradition, tolerance and commitment to diversity. We are Crusaders.

By: Jon Kohlscheen

As a part of an effort to renovate its brand, Valparaiso University has unveiled a new logo this fall that it says will “bring strength and clarity to its identity.” If Valparaiso University truly wanted to better represent its core values and character, it should reconsider changing its mascot.

The historical context of the Crusader is not something to be admired or emulated. Starting in 1095, the Crusades were a series of military campaigns by Western Christian Europe to take the Holy Land from the Muslims by force. Lasting for almost 200 years and killing hundreds of thousands, these holy wars displayed hatred and intolerance on a grand scale. Warriors were promised that their sins would be forgiven and they could enter heaven if they battled for the Church. Jews in towns along the way would often be rounded up and given the option of conversion or death. Substantial evidence exists indicating that brutality, rape, and cannibalism were not uncommon. This is not anything that we should want to associate ourselves with.

Defenders of the Crusader mascot contend that changing the mascot would upset tradition. But this is not the first time that Valparaiso University has needed to change its mascot. In 1931, VU selected the Uhlan, a German cavalry unit, as its first mascot. However, the university chose to change the mascot during World War II in order to disassociate themselves with the Nazi cause.

Others argue that the Crusader mascot is important to maintain and celebrate the university’s Christian heritage. But the Crusader does exactly the opposite. By highlighting one of the darkest hours in the Church’s history, the Crusader mascot emphasizes the wrongs committed by Christians instead of its long history of service to others, virtue, and love.

A mascot may seem trivial to some. Who really cares what cartoon we put on our t-shirts, right? But the mascot is part of the public face of the university. It is an icon that we choose to associate ourselves with because we believe that it has qualities that we admire. The Crusader mascot simply does not reflect the mission or vision of this university. Its vision of diversity, inclusion, faith and the formation of virtue is in no way reflected in an icon that draws its historical roots from intolerance, hatred, and violence.

Seeking Justice With the Love of God-Luke 11:42

Greetings! It is with great pleasure and honor that I am writing this article. My name is Wilneeda Emmanuel and I am the president of the Christian Legal Society for the 2010-2011 academic year. This year CLS will be celebrating thirty-five years at Valparaiso University School of Law and next year the national chapter of CLS will be celebrating fifty years. The executive board has a lot of activities planned for the school year and we welcome and extend an invitation to everyone to attend our weekly bible studies and events. The weekly bible studies take place every Wednesday from 5-6pm in room 155 (Pelzer).

OUR PURPOSE

Seeking Justice with the Love of God- Luke 11:42

OUR VISION

A growing nationwide fellowship of Christian lawyers and law students
who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

~ Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23 ~

OUR MISSION

To inspire, encourage, and equip lawyers and law students,
both individually and in community,
to proclaim, love and serve Jesus Christ
through the study and practice of law,
the provision of legal assistance to the poor,
and the defense of religious freedom & sanctity of human life.

By:  Columnist Anthony Azcona

What happens when the cameras stop and the lights fade?

The cessation of US military operations in Iraq, on August 31 brought to a close a seven year ordeal, for the United States, Iraq, and their citizens.  Over 4400 US armed services personnel died in combat operations.  According to Iraq Body Count (www.iraqbodycount.org) roughly 97,000-106,000 Iraqi civilians died since the commencement of ?Shock and Awe? in 2003.

After the politicians give their sound bytes, network anchors sign off, and pundits exchange heated and empty words, a post-war reality will set in.  Military cuts.  They came after the end of the major military campaigns of the 20th century.  They will come again renewed in a reality of a weak American economy and the need to reallocate money to other sectors of society.

Service members will be released, to comply with new manning requirements in each military branch.  It is not that they are unfit.  Instead, it is the reality of personnel cuts.   The highest performers are retained and the rest sent home with a severance check and a thank you for a job well done.  Those facing separation will attend week-long class to prepare these individuals with the pending transition to civilian life.  They will receive training on resume writing and interview skills, but the lingering question is whether it is sufficient.

Because there are service members who have only a high school diploma or GED but no further civilian education, whether or not they are able to relate their military skills to the civilian sector is essential.  Most of their professional skills are limited to their military specialty or rating.

Disabled veterans, suffering from PTSD or physical disabilities have a stake in the social awareness of veterans in the post OIF/OEF world.  Disability benefits do provide compensation to veterans with disabilities: but the higher the benefit, the greater the disability.  Although eligible for money, they still have to pay for their health care and other living expenses.  Not every veteran lives within driving distance to a VA Hospital.  If the disability is severe enough, the veteran is unable to get to the hospital without assistance.

Without sufficient support at home, many of veterans may end up as their post-Vietnam brethren, either struggling with substance abuse problems or amongst the ranks of the homeless.  The VA estimates 107,000 veterans are homeless at any night (www.nchv.org/background.cfm).  Around 1/5th of the homeless in the United States are veterans.  Shameful statistics considering many of these individuals gave loyal service to their nation.

Without the reminder of war to maintain interest in veterans, reservists and the active duty personnel, will the sensitivity and concern for this group continue?  When the cameras stop and the lights fade will the current priority for veterans and their families recede to the social backburner?

What can be done to support veterans and to keep the issues that affect them squarely in the public?s eye as OIF/OEF fade into the pages of history?

Next month, ?Lest We Forget, Part I? a look into the issues facing disabled veterans.

“Jus Vitae is Latin for “the Law of Life” or “the Right to Life.”  Jus Vitae is a national law reform organization founded at Valparaiso University.  Its members use their professional skills to protect the dependent and disabled against all forms of violence including abortion, infanticide, and the involuntary killing of the sick or aged.  Its ultimate aim is equal protection and civil rights for every human being.

As a group, Jus Vitae offers many opportunities for the individual to be effective in advancing the fundamental constitutional right to life and equal protection for all.  Many of these opportunities can be used towards the pro bono requirement and further prepare the student for an effective professional career in the service of justice.

VOX, Voices for Reproductive Freedom, promotes reproductive choice for women and men.  We advocate for comprehensive sexual education in the community, to ensure that all have access to resources to make informed choices.  This year, we plan to work with Planned Parenthood of Indiana to raise awareness on campus and in the Valparaiso community through a variety of new VOX events.  The 2010-2011 events will include a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, a speaker on campus to discuss the current status of reproductive rights across the United States, and a few other interactive events.  VOX’s Executive Board this year comprises of: Nicole Cudiamat, Secretary; Jessica Whittamore, Treasurer; Brittany Heagney, Vice-President; and Heidi Duncan, President.  For more information or questions, please contact any member of the E-Board.