Liz Garrett

Despite the expectation for cheaper rents in the midst of this economic downturn, Cabrini students are instead finding their apartment rents to be on the rise.

American health care costs too much, covers too few and hurts so many Americans. Yet American know more about Britney Spears than about health care. This was the message of the former health commissioner of Philadelphia, who was the Cabrini Day keynote speaker.

Cabrini is just one of all institutions of higher education that have felt the effect of the economy's downturn. The ongoing economic collapse has put a tight squeeze on the endowment funds of universities and colleges across the United States.

"Everyone evacuate now." These three words were spoken with authority and firmness within the Dixon Center a little after 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, when an unknown caller called in a bomb threat. Everyone in the building quickly abandoned their workouts and followed instructions as looks of disbelief and questioning were exchanged among students and faculty within the building.

Cabrini students from New Orleans were faced with concerns for their families and homes once again as Hurricane Gustav brought back the memories of Hurricane Katrina. The Cabrini students stress the difference between the two storms attacking their hometown.

Commuter students across the nation are now committing to a more fuel-free lifestyle due to the increase in gasoline prices. The price of gas has more than doubled from 2005 to 2008, according to a recent report by Newsweek. Since the cost at the pump has continued to rise, Cabrini commuter students find themselves in a bind when it comes to traveling to and from school and work.

A three-year, $180,000 grant has been awarded to Cabrini College in order to aid its affiliation with the Norristown community. The Pew Charitable Trustees is responsible for giving the grant, which is dedicated to assist in prisoner reentry programs for individuals exiting the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

"I was shocked. It was hard to believe that the Board of Trustees managed to keep such a secret from me," retired President Antoinette Iadarola said, when asked about her first reaction upon hearing that Cabrini's Center for Science, Education and Technology building was to be named for her.