Author Kevin Donahue

The School of the Americas, currently known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, has for 59 years trained Latin American soldiers. For that same period of time, these soldiers have returned to their countries and been involved in human rights abuses, massacres, and other atrocities.

The University of Texas has Bevo, the Longhorn. The University of Colorado has Ralphie the Buffalo. The University of Houston has Shasta the Cougar. Baylor University has Joy and Lady the Bears. But what about Fairfield's Lucas, the Stag? A recent suggestion to have a live Stag mascot appear at sporting events and live on campus was well-received by students.

Traditions have been slipping through the fingers of Fairfield students for the past several years. This year two seniors have refused to let that happen. For many years the Student Beach Resident Association (SBRA) organized a yearlong event called "the Naut.

On Sept. 17, along with seven other Fairfield students, I traveled to the East Meadow of New York City's Central Park to take part in the Save Darfur rally, sponsored by the Save Darfur coalition. We were in high spirits throughout the day (Honk if you want to end genocide!) - our mood contrasting with the graveness of the situation of the country we were rallying in support of.