Derrek Drexler, a junior at St. Ambrose University, passed away on Monday, March 23, which was also his 21st birthday. Drexler died from a rare disease called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, also known as HLH. This disease attacks the immune system and kills off the white blood cells, which is what the body uses to fight off infection.
Starting next fall, St. Ambrose students will have to shell out an extra 4.5 percent when they pay their tuition. "Tuition increases every year as the operating costs of the university increase each year," Michael Poster, Vice President of Finance, said.
The class of 2009 should be excited to graduate and move on with their lives. But many are putting the cap and gown aside to figure out what else they can do, in case they can't find a job. This year, the country is experiencing the most dynamic and changing economy in all of history.
For those graduating from college who aren't afraid of the unique opportunities the world has to offer, a Fulbright scholarship may be the ideal option for that first year after receiving a degree. The Fulbright scholarship, although very competitive to receive, offers research studies or teaching assistants abroad for students who are qualified.
"Every single day, you have the ability to make changes in people's lives," a 1998 St. Ambrose graduate told a room full of occupational therapy majors. Angie DeLost came to SAU on Friday, March 20 to tell her inspiring story of how she used her role as an occupational therapist to change a family's life.
Over spring break, students learned to understand and come to grips with the Holocaust. They traveled to Poland to get the full flavor of it. They took a course on the Holocaust that was provided through St. Ambrose for the first time this year. It included touring Poland, former Jewish ghettos and learning about Polish cultures.
It was a big day for KALA radio. Celebrating 40 years of service to the St. Ambrose campus and the greater Quad City area, KALA held an open house to introduce students and staff to the latest improvements to the studio on Galvin's second floor. "Basically, in the spring of 1969 is when KALA began regular operation," director of SAU's communication center Ken Colwell said.
"One in four women might be a victim of violence." These were the opening words of Professor Katy Strzepek, who teaches Women's Studies at St. Ambrose University. "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer," also known as V-Day, has come to SAU and made an impact.