Category Archives: News

AI In the Classroom

Mack Benge, Staff Writer The subject of AI in the classroom has been controversial among Educators for a while now. Some think AI should be kicked to the curb; others think it’s here to stay so we should embrace it. But it’s all a little more complicated than that.  Saint Martin’s University Handbook states, “AnyContinue reading “AI In the Classroom”

SMU Archives Revitalization 

Amista Mariana P. Lujan, Staff Writer The archivist position has been vacant on our campus for the last seven years. However, for fiscal year 2023 Saint Martin’s filled this position with Mr. Rhian Peterman, who’s background in archival programming fulfilled the requirements needed to fill this position.  Although, he was initially brought into the schoolContinue reading “SMU Archives Revitalization “

The Concerning Trend in the Future of Higher Education

Kayla May, Staff Writer Like many other aspects of life, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the enrollment numbers at higher education institutions. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, from fall 2019 to fall 2021, undergraduate enrollment declined 6.6 percent, which represents approximately a little over a million students1.  One in four students thatContinue reading “The Concerning Trend in the Future of Higher Education”

A Threat on Campus

Dany Nebel, Editor-in-Chief of the Belltower On the morning of Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, Saint Martin’s University was shaken by an email notifying all students, staff, and faculty of a threat on campus. A package had been found near one of the entrances of O’Grady Library with a vague threat to harm a person ofContinue reading “A Threat on Campus”

Potential New Property Tax Increases in Olympia

Emmanuel Son, Staff Writer Olympia’s program manager, Pamela Braff, has come up with some options for what she believes will generate more funding to combat climate change. According to the Olympian, Braff has come up with the idea of raising property taxes, but before this can happen, it must be approved by voters. Braff spokeContinue reading “Potential New Property Tax Increases in Olympia”

Are Covid Cases on the Rise? Taking a Look at the Data

Caleb Sharp, Staff Writer  For some, Covid-19, lockdowns, and federal health mandates such as mask-wearing and social distancing are just that; distant, a thing of the past that ought to be left behind. And while it is true that the volume of Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths is much lower than during the height ofContinue reading “Are Covid Cases on the Rise? Taking a Look at the Data”

Biden Announces 31 Tanks to Ukraine

Emmanuel Son, Staff Writer On January 25, it was announced that the United States would be sending 31 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine in an effort to combat Russian forces in its ongoing war. NBC News reports that the U.S. will also provide training and supplies to operate the tanks according to President Biden. In aContinue reading “Biden Announces 31 Tanks to Ukraine”

The Legacy of Bob Grisham

Shy Yamasaki, Staff Writer The belltower is saddened to announce that the former athletic director of SMU, Bob Grisham, passed on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 due to a sudden medical issue. A service will be held at Saint Martin’s University on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in the Marcus Pavilion. He has served asContinue reading “The Legacy of Bob Grisham”

Saint Martin’s University’s Vision for the Future

Caleb Sharp, Student Writer This past Fall, the newly appointed President Jennifer Bonds-Raacke went on a school-wide listening tour as part of her strategic plan to guide Saint Martin’s University for the next three years. The listening tour consisted of a series of meetings with faculty, students, and monks to assess and address various concernsContinue reading “Saint Martin’s University’s Vision for the Future”