1997-09-04

              The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation

P.O. Box 1866

Saint John's University

Collegevillej MN 56311

The Record

Non-profit organization

US Postage paid

Saint John's University

Volume CX, Number vii

Official Student Newspaper Since 1887

September 4,1997

Saint John's gets facelift

Summer construction changes physical grounds, upgrades facilities

by Nicole Kroetsch Editorial Staff Writer

As students move back to campus this week, construction crews are finishing a $5.9 million summer construction project that has changed the face of St. John's.

The construction this summer was likely the single biggest construction overhaul to both outdoor grounds and indoor facilities ever, according to Br. Linus Ascheman, assistant treasurer of SJU physical plant.

"Most people say that the summer of '65 was the last time things were this busy (with construction of the library and the science center)," Ascheman said. "But with the science center annex and addition, the athletic facilities upgrade, the utilities work, the parking lots, the construction of Vincent Court, the renovation in Benet and the re-roofing of Thomas Hall, you would be hard pressed to find a summer that has been quite this busy."

The summer projects have included construction and renovation in academic, athletic and residential facilities as well as the physical

Aerial photo of Saint John's reveals the many changes made by summer

construction,   (photo by Reggie Aligada)

Hunting season to open at SJU

Woods not a safe haven for deer this fall

grounds and utilities. In order to complete the work, five contractors were hired to work on the various projects.

Although summer construction slowed traffic and blocked off the main entry road to St. John's, it didn't stop summer activity. "As disrupted as campus was, overall the cooperation was excellent," Ascheman said.

The science center is the primary academic facility that has been renovated and expanded. These renovation plans have existed since 1994 when fundraising for the $10.5 million dollar addition and renovation began. The science center annex was added to the northwest corner of the science center parking lot in the middle of June.

"This week they (the contractors) will begin the serious excavation," Ascheman said. "They have an aggressive timeline for the project — the date for completion is next June."

Traffic from the science center parking lot will be routed differently this year as a result of the science center project. In addition, the science parking lot that once had capacity for

see CONSTRUCTION page 4

by Sarah Brouillard Editorial Staff Writer

A controlled deer hunt will be allowed in the woods surrounding Saint John's later this fall in an effort to deplete the excess population in the area. Concern over the vehicle traffic hazard on Interstate 94 and the entrance road to SJU as well as the threat to the balance of the ecosystem in the woods has prompted the administration to organize a hunt from November 8-9 and 15-18, according to Father Paul Schweitz, OSB, the hunt organizer and land manager of SJU.

The hunting activity around the campus should pose little threat to the student body at SJU, says Schweitz. Deer stands will be built by the administration and strategically placed to confine and control the location of the hunting. The stands will force hunters to shoot down at the deer, rather than across the woods. This method of hunting should control the direction of shooting and keep it from inadvertently entering roads and passes used by students.

Students are discouraged from entering the woods during the allotted times of the hunt. If they happen to be in the vicinity, they must wear blaze orange clothing to alert others of

their presence. Warning signs will be posted on trails around the vicinity to alert students of the hunting activity and Life Safety will monitor the area during hunt hours.

Only shotguns will be allowed during the hunting period. Slugs, which are shorter and slower than bullets, will be used in accordance with state regulations. Bow hunting will not be allowed.

The deer population is presently three times the maximum healthy carrying capacity. This unbalanced state of equilibrium in the woods has resulted in the deaths of many deer who either froze or starved to death in the woods from the depleted amount of food. Large herds of deer are responsible for the destruction of trees, shrubberies, gardens, flowers and orchards on or near campus. The exhausted resources have harmed insect species and bird populations.

Additionally, deer have made driving around SJU dangerous. Many accidents have been caused by deer darting across roads and highways. Between 12-20 deer are killed each year on the mile entrance to SJU campus.

A map of the hunting area will be provided to students and faculty prior to the opening of the season.

Class of 2001 pushes campus to capacity

SJU/CSB continues to attract students with high academic profiles and dedication to service

by Rebecca Tusa Editorial Staff Writer

On Wednesday, the largest combined first-year class since 1989 began its college career at CSB and SJU.

Preliminary numbers from the office of admissions indicate that there will be 522 women entering St. Ben's and 454 men entering St. John's. This year's numbers will fluctuate slightly in the first few days of the semester, so the admissions office will take a final count on the tenth day of classes. Last year, 426 men and 499 women enrolled in the first-year class.

Combined, incoming students are the largest group of first-year students entering any of Minnesota's private colleges. St. John's incoming students are the largest group of first-year men among Minnesota private colleges and St. Ben's students are the second largest group of first-year women in the same category.

see ADMISSIONS page 3

First-year Brian Roers moves into Tommy Hall with his family last

Sunday, (photo by Nick Lipetzky)

¦"V

Welcomefest has begun

Page 3

Sports facilities gearing up for fall season Page 11