TL20051110_001 "Tigers alum Joe Vitt gets launched into the spotlight as Rams interim head coach Sports, page 20 www. thetowerlight. com I 'Obsession, passion, and revenge' in TU's 'Changling' production Arts, page 13 Towson receives 'historic' degree Brian Stelter Editor in Chief Towson is getting an MBA. The process was complicated, but the outcome is clear: More than a year after Towson University proposed a joint Masters in Business Administration degree with University of Baltimore, the Maryland Higher Education Commission has delivered its long- awaited blessing. The 11-person Commission overruled Morgan State University's objections and upheld State Higher Education Secretary Calvin Burnett's approval of the program at a retreat in Annapolis Wednesday morning. While at a conference in Washington, D.C. President Robert Caret received a phone call from Commission Chairman Kevin O'Keefe informing him of the decision. """"I was ecstatic,"""" Caret said. """"I was cautiously optimistic that we would get it, but there were so many variables; I never took it for granted."""" He called the program a """"great symbol"""" of where the University is heading in the future. """"It is a huge step in terms of Towson as an institution, in terms of balancing our portfolio for the future. It's a huge step for the system, and particularly for Towson and UB as partners,"""" he said. Caret and Provost James Brennan said they expect the program to launch in Fall 2006. """"This is a really great day for Towson,"""" Brennan said. The news quickly reverberated among administrators at Towson and UB. College of Business and Economics dean Shohreh Kaynama was overjoyed by the announcement. See MASTERS, page 12 INSIDE: ished by and for the students of Towson and Baltimore -- twice weekly Campus Crime Thursday, 11/10/05 Resident held at gunpoint Suspects still at large after Tower A robbery Monday night Sharon Leff Associate News Editor Two armed robbers forced their way into a Tower A room Monday night, held a gun to the back of a resident's neck, and left with a strong box containing money. One suspect held a gun on the victim, a 12th floor resident, while the other rummaged though belongings of the victim's roommate. The victim's roommate was not present at the time of the incident. As of Wednesday evening, the suspects were still at large. Col. Bernie Gerst, TU's director of public safety, said he didn't know how the suspects had entered Tower A. He declined to speculate on the motive, but said the crime was targeted. """"Preliminary investigation reveals that the robbery does not appear to be a random event,"""" a TU Police Department crime alert said on Tuesday. """"Instead it appears the suspects went to a specific room."""" See SUSPECTS, page 8 Brian Stelter/ The Towerlight Following the robbery Monday, TUPD has said that additional security forces will be present on campus. Although little information is being released about the crime, police say it was targeted. Students voice safety concerns at forum Following string of crimes, panel gets feedback Brian Stelter Editor in Chief Alicia Miller/ The Towerlight Police and University officials listened and responded to student concerns about campus safety during the forum Tuesday night. """"We're only as effective as the community can help us be."""" That was Capt. Joseph Herbert's message to students at a Safety Forum sponsored by the Student Government Association Tuesday evening. In the wake of last week's stabbing at University Village, officials answered questions and reassured students that crime is decreasing overall. Towson University Director of Public Safety Bernie Gerst, Baltimore County Capt. Karen Johnson, and Vice President for Student Affairs Deb Moriarty listened to concerns and answered questions for about an hour in the University Union Susquehanna Terrace. """"Our number one concern is the safety of our students, on campus or off campus,"""" Moriarty stressed. Courtney Becker, a resident assistant in Tower D, was one of the first students to ask a question. """"What has to be done now to ensure that residents are safe in their own rooms?"""" she asked. """"Take advantage of the systems that are available on campus,"""" Gerst said. See CRIME, page 8 ?WWMB1H 18:3S?$&&Ssg^Sg3m?gSS&?li$&8%&@. COMING IN MONDAY'S TOWERLIGHT: Perspectives..., 2 News ...7 Beyond. Arts 12 Movies.. ....14 Sports. ,13 Classifieds 17 .20 I Arts: Break out your high-water pants and suspenders, Urkel's coming to Towson 1 News: Why don't Towers A, C and D have card swipe devices yet?"