Derek Chauvin Trial: What We Know So Far

George Floyd's Brother, Philonese Floyd, wipes his eyes during a press conference on Tuesday. Photo Credit: Associated Press Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill, May 25, 2020. In March, the month-long trial for Derek Chauvin began. Chauvin was a police officer …

Baseball Sweeps Rockford in 4 Games

Baseball beat up Rockford to keep their 11-game win streak and 1st place conference standing. Photo Credit Benedictine Athletics Michael Bates - Sports Writer This weekend the Benedictine Baseball team won both games that they played against Rockford University. In the first game, the Eagles won by a score of 8-4. Jack Surin had a …

Eagles Racking Up Wins and Awards

Baseball, Softball and Men's Lacrosse have put together lengthy win streaks. Men's Volleyball has two All-Americans along with NACC Coach of the Year. Photo Credit Benedictine Athletics Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Chase Olson and Jacob Grygo of the men’s volleyball team were named second team AVCA All-Americans. In addition, Olson was named NACC Defensive …

NACC Championship Recap

Men's volleyball lost in the NACC Championship to Dominican after defeating Aurora in the semifinals. (Photo Courtest: Steve Woltman) Michael Bates - Sports Writer On Thursday, the Benedictine men’s volleyball team defeated Aurora University in three straight sets. Mike LeGros had an outstanding game, with 31 assists and 2 aces. Along with that, Jacob Grygo …

Men’s Volleyball Continues Their Historic Season

Photo Credit: benueagles.com Joey Spahn - Editor-in-Chief Earlier this week, the Men’s volleyball team was selected with an at-large bid to play in the Division III NCAA tournament. In the programs 7th season this will be the first time they have been selected to play in the tournament. In a twitter video released by @BenUMensVB, …

Senior Award Winners: Class of 2021

Photo Credit: Ben.edu Joey Spahn - Editor-in-Chief The 2020-2021 senior awards were announced recently in a mass email sent to all staff, faculty, and students.  The Procopian award, which is the highest honor you can receive at Benedictine was given to Anna Fisher. Anna has been a student at Benedictine for all four years of …

Graduation Outfit Ideas

Amber Syed - Scene Editor Picking out a graduation dress can be super tough with all the colors and styles that are available. On top of that you want to make sure it looks good with your cap and gown. Here are a couple looks and dresses to inspire you to look your best during …

BenU Emphasizes Importance of the Vaccine

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Photos Sara Molina - Staff Writer Director of Alumni, Dr. Jon-Pierre Bradley, hosted “Discussing the Facts and Dispelling Untruths About the COVID-19 Vaccine” on April 8 via Zoom.  The panel’s guest speakers included students, staff, and alumni who have experience with the COVID vaccine. The panel began with an introduction of …

Benedictine University’s 14th Annual Faith and Reason Symposium

Photo Credit: ben.edu Angela Plys - Staff Writer Jesus Cortez - Staff Writer Benedictine University virtually held its 14th annual Faith and Reason Symposium with the theme of The World of Women on April 9. The event was hosted in three parts: A faculty panel, a keynote speaker and an alumni panel. The faculty panel …

Eagles Beginning to Heat Up

Football lost a close game, men's volleyball won their regular season conference championship and other teams put together winning streaks over the past week. Photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann and Tim Calderwood. Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Finishing the conference regular season 11-0, the men’s volleyball team secured their third consecutive conference championship. Currently ranked …

Asian Hate Crimes Rising During Pandemic

Photo Credit: Getty Images Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar - Staff Writer Over the last year, people of Asian descent have been targeted with episodes of racial animus. There has been a recent spike in attacks on Asians and people of Asian descent where they have been beaten, kicked, spat on, called racial slurs, and even situations …

BenU Takes Part in Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Photo Credit: activeminds.org Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer April 2021 marks the 20th official anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the fourth year hosted at Benedictine University. This is a time to spread awareness, send messages about violence prevention, and show support to survivors. Each year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) …

Demi Lovato Spreads Awareness about Mental Health With Her Own Experiences

Demi Lovato in her new music video for "Dancing with the Devil." Photo Credit: dailypostusa.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Demi Lovato released her new album “Dancing with the Devil” on April 2. The album contains 25 songs and this is her first new album since “Tell me you Love me” from 2017. Lovato also …

University Plans for Fall 2021

Photo Credit: ben.edu Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar-Staff Writer Earlier last week, President Charles W. Gregory announced the return to campus experiences for the Fall 2021 semester. Due to declining positivity rates and rates of vaccine administrations, the university will provide a safe and robust experience for students returning to the on-campus experience. According to an email …

Commencement 2021

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com Sajina Jacob - News Writer This week, Benedictine announced their in-person Spring 2021 Grad Walk open to eligible 2020 and 2021 graduates. This event takes place from April 9 – 12 and will be on the Lisle campus. Associate Provost Cheryl Heinz noted, “[We] wanted to add an in-person experience that would …

Heidkamp Gets 600th Win as Softball Coach

After beating Lakeland University, Head Coach Hedikamp earned her 600th career win. Photo Credit: Benedictine Athletics Kevin Gallagher - Sports Writer Softball head coach Kate Heidkamp got her 600th win as the eagles beat Lakeland in the second game of the doubleheader.  Hedikamp has been coaching the Eagles since 1998 and is the program’s all-time …

BenU Sports In Full Bloom During Spring Break

Football was able to come from behind to win their home opener. Photo Credit: Kathy Karagiannis Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Your classes may have had a break, but Benedictine athletics was put into hyperdrive. For the first time all year, spectators were permitted at outdoor home games. Student-athletes are allowed up to four guests …

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s House was Broken Into

Mendes with his Mercedes SUV. Photo Credit: tmz.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Intruders broke into Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s house in Los Angeles. on March 28. Both Mendes and Cabello were both in the house when the intruders broke in through the window. According to TMZ, Los Angeles Police were called and rushed …

Keep or Kick Daylight Saving Time?

Photo Credit: Fox 8 Jesus Cortez - Staff Writer Daylight saving time made its yearly return in Illinois this past Sunday at 2 a.m. While we have lost an hour of sleep, in return, we will now receive longer sunny afternoons. Many people enjoy having an earlier sunrise and a later sunset. However, many also …

Club Sports Program Launches this Fall

Photo Credit: ben.edu Anna Fisher - News Editor Benedictine is starting the Club Sports Program Fall 2021 and students are invited to join. New activities include eSports, Cricket, and Dance Team. In addition, Cheerleading and Pep Band, which already have a robust history at BenU, will be part of the Club Sports Program. “Our hope …

Benedictine Ranks in the Top 50 for Best Online Master’s in Nutrition

Photo Credit: Intelligent.com Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer Benedictine University was ranked 42 out of 50 for the Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Degree Programs by Intelligent, a trusted source for degree ranking, Mar. 9, 2021. This ranking is conducted through 206 colleges and universities that are evaluated on curriculum quality, cost, flexibility, faculty, graduation …

Women’s Basketball Falls in NACC Final, Other Sports Continue to Compete

Senior Allison Michalski scored 16 points in the NACC Championship game. Photo Credit: Kathy Karagiannis Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Six Benedictine sports teams competed this week. While women’s soccer began their season, the women’s basketball season came to an end. March will be the busiest month for Benedictine athletics, with nearly all sports having …

Benedictine Becomes a Vaccine Clinic Site

Photo Credit: Upsplash.com Anna Fisher - News Editor Benedictine started giving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to community members today in Goodwin. Students interested in receiving the vaccine should complete this survey form. “It is my pleasure to inform you that Benedictine University will be hosting Metro Infectious Disease Consultants (MIDC) on our campus to ensure …

2021 Spring Fashion Trends

Amber Syed - Scene Editor With spring just around the corner, it's time to switch up what you have in your closet. Here are some of the hottest fashion trends for Spring 2021: Maxi Dress A staple piece to always have is a maxi dress. It's a perfect go to that can be dressed up …

Helpful Ways to Prepare for Exams

Photo Credit: Anne Marie Smith Sara Molina - Staff Writer ACE Center’s Writing Learning Specialist, Anne Marie Smith, held a Study Skills Workshop via zoom last Tuesday and Wednesday. The workshop focused on exam preparation. Smith explained that preparing for the exam begins before class. Remember to complete assignments, read the assigned text, and be …

What Holds Clubs Together as the Pandemic Drags on?

Photo Credit: Unsplash Anna Fisher - News Editor Atop academics, work, and trying to preserve mental health, students in clubs are struggling to maintain their communities. How can clubs flourish when everything is on Zoom? However, a few student organizations are soldiering through with different strategies. “I know it’s really hard to be motivated right …

BenU Releases Information on Campus Security Authorities

Photo Credit: Unspalsh Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer Benedictine University recently sent out a campus wide email detailing information regarding Campus Security Authorities. This email was released under the Clery Act, a consumer protection law that aims to provide transparency around campus crime policy and statistics. CSAs are those who have been specified by Benedictine …

Women’s Basketball to Play for NACC Championship, More Sports Begin Competition

After beating Aurora, the women's basketball team is advancing to the conference championship. Photo Credit: benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Women’s basketball was able to secure the South division crown this week with wins over Concordia Chicago and Aurora. They were able to stave off an Aurora comeback with crucial buckets from Allison Michalski …

Eagles Continue to Dominate

From the track to the court, the Eagles were flying high. Photo courtesy of benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor This week was an eventful week in Benedictine athletics. Men’s and women’s basketball each won a South Division championship. Men’s track returned with two individual wins and men’s volleyball was able to defeat the #6 …

Jannette McCurdy is Done Acting

After years of being a childhood star. McCurdy believes it's best for her to end her acting career. Photo Credit: Yahoo.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor iCarly’s co-star, Jannette McCurdy, also known as Sam Pucket on the show is quitting acting. On a recent episode of her podcast, “Empty Inside”, she explained how difficult acting …

Benedictine Holds its Annual Teach-In Virtually

Anna Fisher - News Editor Benedictine University held the fifth annual Teach-In on Social Justice with the theme of Antiracism, Public Health, and the Common Good. This was the first Teach-In to be virtual and many sessions had a theme molded around the pandemic. “I was not only haunted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but what …

Provost Announces Merge of COS and COEHS for Next Year

Photo Credit: Pixabay Anna Fisher - News Editor The College of Science and the College of Education and Health Services will merge June 2021, Provost Ken Newbold announced yesterday in an email to faculty and staff. It is uncertain what this restructuring will mean for current students. The combined colleges will become and be called …

#FreeBritney Movement Explained

Photo Credit: nbcnews.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Britney Spears, 39 years old, hasn't had any legal control over her life and fortune for 13 years, due to a conservatorship. The conservatorship is a legal guardianship that prevents Spears from making any decisions on her because of her incapability. This decision was approved in 2008 …

BenU Athletics Update

Three sports have already played games with many more scheduled in the near future. Photo Credit: benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Student-athletes at Benedictine University have been on campus for just over one month. Since the beginning of this athletic season, there have been 14 games played by 4 athletic teams. Unfortunately, there have …

The Language of Love and Apology

Photo Credit: Counseling Center Sara Molina - Staff Writer The PEACE team and the Counseling Center held Wellness Wednesday on the 17th.  The topic, Love Language, was held via Zoom. “The basis of Love Language is that different people can have different ideas about what romantic love means and how it is or should be …

Mesa Invests $2 Million In Benedictine University

Photo Credit: azcentral.com Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer The city of Mesa Arizona is increasing their investment in Benedictine University’s downtown Mesa campus by $2.15 million. With this investment the City Council of Mesa agreed to allow Benedictine to use a city-owned building for their upcoming expansion.           $1.7 million of the investment will be …

Men’s Lacrosse Wins Season Opener

Men’s Lacrosse won their first contest back after a 345-day hiatus. (Photo credit: Leanne Siewart ) Mason Sobiesk - Sports Writer The men’s lacrosse team started their season off strong with a 15-9 victory over Alma on Friday. The game was played indoors at the Canlan Sportsplex in Barrington as the recent weather conditions has …

Men’s Basketball Splits with Conference Rival Aurora

The Benedictine men's basketball team won and lost a game against conference foe Aurora University this weekend. Photo courtesy of benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor The men’s basketball team was able to defeat Aurora on Friday, but lost on Saturday in a close game. Benedictine is now 5-2 on the year and are first …

Campus Ministry Offers Free Meal Kits for Lent

Photo Credit: BenU campus ministry Jesus Cortez - Staff Writer Campus Ministry is offering free dining services to students, staff, and faculty each Friday during Lent. While the kits are free, the spots are limited. So, sign up as soon as possible if interested. “It’s cool because you learn about another country and you get …

Black History Month at BenU

Photo Credit: nbcnews.com Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar - Staff Writer This month, we celebrate Black History and the powerful figures that have helped implement change into our society. Black History Month is celebrated annually every February. It marks a time where we can celebrate African Americans' accomplishments by recognizing the events and notable figures of the …

Coronavirus Vaccine: Is It Safe?

Sowghandhi Umashankar - Guest Writer Many students are probably concerned about the safety of the COVID vaccine. This vaccine works differently than other vaccines such as the influenza vaccine. Should students get the COVID vaccine or not? The answer depends on how safe the vaccine is. Currently, the coronavirus vaccine is being given to healthcare …

NHL Off to a Hot Start

Rookie Goalie Kevin Lankinen has been a surprising star this season for the Blackhawks. Photo Credit: AP Photos Kevin Gallagher - Sports Writer The 2020-21 NHL season is currently a month in and has seen its ups and downs since the start.  Covid-19 has affected many teams already as they have to postpone games because …

Taylor Swift Re-Records Her Fearless Album

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Taylor Swift announced last week, that she re-recorded and extended her 2008 album, Fearless. She released her first song “Love Story”  (Taylor’s Version) from her new album on Friday at midnight. According to the Atlantic, this new version of “Love Story” is now dedicated as a love …

More Than Just a Show

Photo Credit: Insider.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor This Super Bowl produced one of the most unique halftime shows ever seen on any given Sunday. Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd was the man behind the production. Typically, during other halftime performances, other artists join, but The Weeknd took it all on solo. He …

Best Commercials of the Super Bowl

Will Ferrell starred in a GM commercials promoting electric cars. His adventure took him to Sweden instead of Norway Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Tom Brady was able to win his 7th Super Bowl Ring as the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs. Brady threw for 3 touchdown passes and the Buccaneers defense was able to stop …

Benedictine Welcomes New Interim Police Chief

Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer Benedictine University is happy to welcome Debra Vanderploeg as our Interim Chief of Police. Chief Vanderploeg began her career in 1994 as a community service officer in Wood Dale. She worked for a time in Glen Ellyn and attended the Police Training Institute in Champaign, and in 2002, she left …

Black Student Union Reflects on the Election

Photo Credit: Black Student Union (BSU) Sara Molina - Staff Writer Black Student Union hosted their first ‘Hot Topics’ of the year with the topic: “Post-Election Thoughts” on February 4, via Zoom. The event allowed students to come talk and listen to others about the outcome and what it means for them.  Students expressed the …

Spring Graduation Ceremony Virtual…Again

Photo Credit: Unslpash Anna Fisher - News Editor The undergraduate and graduate Commencement Ceremonies for the Lisle and Mesa campuses will be held virtually on May 15, President Charles Gregory announced in an email last week. “From the donning of the Cap and Gown to the ceremonial tune of Pomp and Circumstance, we have all grown …

Bucs and Chiefs Square Off in Super Bowl LV

The Chiefs beat the Buccaneers earlier this season 27-24. The Super Bowl will be Mahomes and Brady's 5th matchup of their careers. Photo Credit: USA Today Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. The Buccaneers are facing the Chiefs in one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. On a …

Valentine’s Day Outfits 2021

Amber Syed - Scene Editor With Valentine’s Day right around the corner planning an outfit can be a struggle. Here are a few super simple and easy outfits to piece together! Ruched dresses have been super in this season making it the perfect trendy dress to wear on Valentine’s Day. If it’s a plain black …