Author Archive for Laura Thomson

R.A.D. Classes for Self Defense

Published by Laura Thomson on September 2, 2011 in General News and Student Health. 2 Comments

Sexual assault is a very real issue on college campuses across the country. In light of this, and in order to have a more proactive and aware student body, the Department of Public Safety and Security Services is offering a new program, Rape Aggression Defense for Women (R.A.D.), for all female students at Saint Louis University.

Rape Aggression Defense Systems is a premier self-defense program consisted of easy to learn, effective physical defense techniques. This dynamic, 12-hour program was designed for the average woman. It begins with awareness, risk reduction, avoidance and prevention. Basic techniques are taught by certified instructors.

Currently there are no fees for the class or class materials and there is a free lifetime return and practice policy. Classes are limited to 20 women and consist of four three-hour sessions. Participants must attend all sessions to complete the course. Modest dress is required, and shoes must have good support for lateral movement.

Rape Aggression Defense for Women
Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28; 6-9 p.m.
Mind & Body Room, Simon Rec Center
For additional information or to register for a class, contact the R.A.D. coordinator, Kim Dalton, in the Department of Public Safety and Security Services at (314) 977-3000.

For more information and general safety tips, visit the Public Safety website.

 

Welcome Home Global Billiken Reception

Published by Laura Thomson on August 31, 2011 in Event Announcements, General News, International and Study Abroad. 0 Comments

For centuries, travelers have journeyed near and far to gain knowledge, spread wisdom and eat strange foods. Billikens are no different. In the 2011 U.S. News & World Report, Saint Louis University was ranked as a Best College for Study Abroad. This summer, over 200 students studied around the world through International Services.

All returning study abroad students are invited to celebrate their global experiences during this welcome home reception. Mingle with other returning study abroad students, have a taste of some St. Louis favorites and explore the opportunities to remain active in the SLU global community and the resources available to help acclimate back to life on campus in Saint Louis.

Welcome Home Global Billiken Reception
Thursday, September 1, 4:00 p.m.
International Student Lounge, Des Peres 108
Free, for returning study abroad students
Students can contact Study Abroad for more information.

Hope to see you there! Do you have a story from your summer vacation travels? Share them here!

 

Your Connection is Back!

Published by Laura Thomson on August 30, 2011 in General News. 0 Comments

Welcome back Billikens!

Dust off those notebooks… Eat a hearty Gries breakfast… Because class is back in session.

The SLU Connection is ready to bring you all your latest news and events for the year, so make sure to let us know what’s happening around campus by submitting news and giving us your feedback.

 

Have a Safe and Relaxing Summer!

Published by Laura Thomson on June 20, 2011 in General News. 0 Comments

SLU Connection will be on hiatus for the remainder of the summer. If you need to get in touch with us please do. In the mean time, keep sending us your submissions and we’ll get them ready for the Fall!

Photo by esther** – Licensed under Creative Commons

 

Walk to Madrid, Walk a Sacred Path

Published by Laura Thomson on May 25, 2011 in Campus Ministry, General News, On Campus and Simon Rec Center. 0 Comments

In preparation for the summer “Walk To Madrid” program, the Simon Recreation Center and Eckelkamp Center for Campus Ministry are inviting the SLU community to “walk a sacred path.”

From Wednesday, May 25 through Thursday, June 2, the Campus Ministry Labyrinth will be available in the Simon Recreation Center main level multipurpose room. Participants must present a SLU ID at the Simon Recreation main entry desk for access (non-member access is for Labyrinth use only and does not include full use of the Simon Recreation Center). Daily hours are Monday – Friday 6 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 9 pm. For more information contact walktomadrid@slu.edu.

Labyrinths can be found from ancient Egypt to Crete to Celtic, Scandinavian and Native American cultures. Historically, the labyrinth had two functions: to simulate a Christian’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem or to be an act of repentance. For the pilgrim, walking the labyrinth symbolized the quest and search to become closer to God. For the penitent, the labyrinth was walked on one’s knees as a form of penance. [Source: http://www.lessons4living.com/chartres_labyrinth.htm]

Two of the most popular labyrinths are located in cathedrals, Chartres Cathedral in France and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Labyrinths have become popular in recent years.

Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has only one path which leads to the center and out again. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for the pilgrims. Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual exercise. This method of prayer invites one to use one’s body, through the means of walking the labyrinth path, to help one’s spirit to come to tranquility and stillness. This “walking meditation” is very much aligned with St. Ignatius of Loyola’s encouragement to use all of one’s senses when praying.

The Campus Ministry Labyrinth was purchased in 1998 to provide the SLU community with an opportunity to experience this spiritual exercise of “centering prayer.” Walking the labyrinth is a prayer experience which is open to men and women of all faiths.

The SLU labyrinth is based on the design of the labyrinth in the Chartes Cathedral which was created around 1220. The Chartes Cathedral design is an eleven circuit which is divided into four quadrants. The SLU labyrinth is a portable labyrinth made of white parachute silk, on which the paths are silkscreened in blue. The paths are marked out by small, blue fleur-de-lis.