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We’d like to take this opportunity to look back on the year at some of the bigger stories and controversies, as we bid our senior class adieu. Some of the stories were frightening, such as the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, some of the stories were strange, such as the hiring of a “Sign Consultant” to help make campus more user-friendly, and some were enheartening, such as the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams making it to nationals. We wish seniors the best of luck, and thanks for the memories.Students returned in the fall to find the Philosopher’s Garden replaced with Marvin Plaza, an environmentally friendly replacement of a formerly favorite location on campus.

Program Board tried to reintroduce and old tradition, FallFest, to mixed results. The event had decent attendance, though its full effects are yet to be seen as we haven’t had the opportunity to sample the bigger Springfest. The Muskies continue to make a name for themselves in our community.

Winter Ball was great, if you got to go. The dance, held at the Mill City Museum, came off great, but the confusion over tickets and the lack of tickets sparked considerable outrage, and rightly so. We’re hoping there’s another ball next year, and more people get an opportunity to attend.

The Study Abroad deadline changed, a decision probably made for the worse. We’ll know next year when the rule goes into effect, but we’re skeptical more students will choose to study abroad in the fall. Additionally, the study abroad office should work with departments to make sure students have opportunities to take required courses not only in the fall.

The Haiti and Chile earthquakes provided students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to display their funraising skills and generosity. Though rebuilding will take years and more, Macalester’s immediate response was productive and well done.

Dean Samatar resigned as from the Institute of Global Citizenship, leaving the building without a leader after a mixed first year.

And finally, endowment transparency became a hot-button issue, resulting in a referendum during MCSG elections. The student body showed their support for endowment transparency and socially responsible investing.

The opinions expressed above are those of The Mac Weekly, as determined by the staff. The perspectives are not representative of Macalester College.