March 28, 2018

Page 1

Since 1919

Emory University’s Independent Student Newspaper

The Emory Wheel

Volume 99, Issue 20

Printed Every Wednesday

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

MARCH FOR OUR LIVES

ELECTIONS

Two CC Reps Challenge Kadakia’s Candidacy By chRistina yan Asst. News Editor After the Elections Board permitted three students who declared late to run in the Spring 2018 student government elections, two College Council (CC) representatives have challenged one of the late declarer’s candidacy. The Constitutional Council will determine Radhika Kadakia’s (20C) eligibility for candidacy in wake of CC freshman representatives Alec Giufurta (21C) and Lyndsey Garbee’s (21C) challenge against the Elections

Board’s previous decision allowing Kadakia to run, according to Chair of the Elections Board Betty Zhang (20C). Giufurta and Garbee wrote that they were challenging Kadakia’s candidacy “for the sake of maintaining a legitimate organization of elected institutions and members.” The Elections Board permitted Mario Karras (17Ox, 19B), Kadakia and Karen Lee (21C) to run for student government despite declaring their candidacies after the March 18 deadline. The Elections Board deemed “spotty”

See ConsTiTuTionAL, Page 3

Ma Under Investigation Emory Community Marches for Gun Control For Electoral Misconduct Ayushi AgArwAl/Photo Editor

About 200 Emory community members participate in the March 24 “March for our Lives” protest in Atlanta in wake of the Parkland, Fla., mass high school shooting.

By Belicia RodRiguez Senior Staff Writer Shouts of “not one more” and “vote them out” filled the streets of Atlanta as protesters, including roughly 200 Emory community members, participated in the March 24 “March for our Lives” against gun violence. The Atlanta event was one of more than 800 such events worldwide calling for Gun Control reform in America. “March for Our Lives” was spurred by the Feb. 14 Parkland, Fla., mass school shooting, in which 17 people died.

More than 30,000 people in the Atlanta community marched from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the Georgia State Capitol and heard speeches from U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and three Parkland shooting victims, according to the AtlantaJournal Constitution. The youth-led movement was led by student survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School. Emory shuttles, co-funded by the Student Government Association (SGA), Residence Life and College

Council (CC), departed from Woodruff Circle every half hour between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and picked up students at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m from downtown Atlanta to return to campus. Shannon Anderson (20C) organized the four Emory shuttles with the help of SGA Sophomore Representative Johnna Gadomski (20C). According to Anderson, the Emory shuttles cost $2,400: Residence Life funded $1,200, CC funded $400 and SGA funded $800.

See AFTER, Page 3

By RichaRd chess and chRistina yan Executive Editor and Asst. News Editor Dwight Ma (17Ox, 19C), who is running for Student Government Association (SGA) president, is under investigation after four students contacted the Elections Board to report alleged election misconduct, according to Chair of the Elections Board Betty Zhang (20C). Ma has been accused of trying to obtain votes by buying drinks and offering executive positions. A pub-

WHEEL DEBATES

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

SGA Grants EEVM Executive Agency Status

lic Elections Board hearing for Ma is scheduled for Friday, March 30, at 1 p.m., seven hours before voting closes. Voting began Tuesday at 8 p.m. Ma responded to the challenges Tuesday night by filing a complaint with the Elections Board against another SGA presidential candidate, Mario Karras (17Ox, 19B), alleging that Karras is colluding with the challengers and engaging in “unethical practices” by creating “fake stories” about Ma’s campaigning. Two of the

See MA, Page 3

ADMISSION

Acceptance Rate Drops To 18.5 Percent

By Belicia RodRiguez Senior Staff Writer

By alex KlugeRman News Editor

The 51st legislature of the Student Government Association (SGA) convened on Monday to approve Emory Entrepreneurs and Venture Management (EEVM)’s request for executive agency status, deny Emory International Relations Association (EIRA)’s request for executive agency status and reject a bill that would have reduced the number of graduate students on the Constitutional Council.

K EErthAnA sivArAmAKrishnAn/Contributing

Tiffany Haas (19C), Paolo Mutia (19C) and Radhika Kadakia (20C) talk about their platforms and answer audience questions at the Wheel Debates in Harland Cinema on March 22. Read a recap of the Wheel Debates online at www.emorywheel.com.

Emory’s acceptance rate fell by 3.3 percent with an increased applicant pool, according to Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Enrollment and Dean of Admission John Latting. dropped to 18.5 percent this year from 21.8 percent in 2017 and 25.3 percent in 2016, Latting said. The number of applications increased by about 4,000 from 24,114

See LEgisLATuRE, Page 2

See EMoRy, Page 2

2018 Election Guide, pages 4-5 NEWS SGA RenewS Spc’S

executive AGency chARteR...

P

PAGE

EDITORIAL ReAd

the wheeL editoRiAL BoARd’S endoRSeMentS ... PAGE 6

A&E MindS Behind ‘Love,

SiMon’ tALk RepReSentAtion in FiLM ... PAGE 10

EMORY LIFE

SPORTS SwiMinG And

RecountinG the RepeRtoiReS divinG teAMS deLiveR At oF RoBinSon toweR ... PAGE 13 nAtionALS ... Back Page


2

NEWS

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The Emory Wheel

Legislature Renews SPC’s Executive Agency Charter Continued from Page 1 SGA also renewed the Student Programming Council (SPC)’s and TableTalk’s executive agency charters and passed bills to fund the “First-Year Farewell” celebration and to establish a data collection system for student groups. To be considered for an executive agency charter, an organization must demonstrate that they serve all undergraduate divisions with no more than 66 percent representation for the College of Arts and Sciences. The legislature voted unanimously to charter EEVM as an executive agency after EEVM Co-President Ayushi Ashar (18B) spoke to SGA about why EEVM was requesting an executive agency charter. Ashar distributed a packet that contained letters of support for EEVM’s executive agency charter application from Associate VP for Finance, Administration and Operations David Clark; BBA Council President Grace Cleland (18B); Vice Provost for Strategic Research Initiatives Lanny Liebeskind; Resident Hall Association (RHA) Council President Aaina Pahwa (19B) and Oxford SGA President Ben Palmer (18Ox). Ashar said that EEVM’s current College Council (CC) charter does not allow EEVM to have strong participation from students in other divisions. CC requires that more than 66 percent of chartered clubs’ members are enrolled in the College. EEVM also has trouble funding their bigger events such as the HackATL conference, Ashar said. Neibart noted that EEVM had to attend a CC supplemental budget hearing council every week leading up to HackATL and fundraised the rest. In Fall 2017, EEVM spent more than $22,000 but only received about $6,200 from CC. EEVM made up the difference in funding through fundraisers, corporate sponsorship and grants from Campus Life, Ashar told the Wheel. Speaker of the Legislature and Senior Representative William Palmer (18C) noted that clubs at other universities receive funding from departments and not from student activity fees, like Emory. “It seems odd that all of these Campus Life people and all of these administrators are encouraging us to do this when the equivalence at other schools are being funded differently and are being supported differently,” Palmer said. “Obviously, I think [the executive agency charter] helps them

grow, but it isn’t going to solve all their money gap problems.” EIRA Co-Presidents Mustafa Hassoun (17Ox, 19C) and Rachel Citrin (18C) reiterated that their problem with receiving funding from CC was the main reason for requesting an executive agency charter. Hassoun said he came to SGA because of a “pretty serious budgeting issue with College Council. [CC promised] us some money and then subsequently [revoked] it.” Citrin said she didn’t want the issue with CC to happen again and wanted “a more steady funding even if it doesn’t increase” in order to help alleviate the financial burden EIRA club members have due to Model United Nation conference costs. SGA Vice President Natasha Armstrong (18B) expressed concern that EIRA was only coming to SGA for an executive charter because of their conflict with CC and not because they serve all undergraduate divisions. Neibart agreed with Armstrong and said the issue was “a miscommunication with the [College Council] VP of Finance.” Neibart advised legislators not to consider the club’s challenges with CC in their decision on whether to grant executive agency status. Sophomore Representative Johnna Gadomski (20C) did not believe that EIRA was only coming to SGA because of its conflict with CC. She said the club was becoming “more renowned nationally” and weren’t getting the funding they needed to fully participate in Model UN conferences. “The structure of College Council and the way that the supplementary hearings work isn’t working for them, and it’s making it infeasible for them to accomplish their mission,” Gadomski said. While SGA legislators debated whether or not EIRA needed an executive agency charter, Freshman Representative Austin Graham (21C) said the answer depended on whether legislators wanted SGA to be a more proactive or reactive type of government. “Do you want to set a precedent that says, ‘We will help you. Become an executive agency so that you can reach out to students outside your original divisional council?’ ” Graham said. “Or do you want a student government that says, ‘When you meet these criteria, we will let you do this. But until then you can get there, you’re just going to have to deal with it’”? In response, Junior Representative

Cover Your Campus Email emorywheelexec@gmail.com for information.

The Emory Wheel Volume 99, Number 20 © 2018 The Emory Wheel Dobbs University Center, Room 540 605 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA, 30322 Business (404) 727-6178 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Lou (404) 727-0279 Founded in 1919, The Emory Wheel is the financially and editorially independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University in Atlanta. The Wheel is a member publication of Media Council, Emory’s organization of student publications. The Wheel reserves the rights to all content as it appears in these pages, and permission to reproduce material must be granted by the editor-in-chief. The Wheel is printed every Wednesday during the academic year, except during University holidays and scheduled publication intermissions. A single copy of the Wheel is free of charge. To purchase additional copies, please call (404) 727-6178. The statements and opinions expressed in the Wheel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wheel Editorial Board or of Emory University, its faculty, staff or administration. The Wheel is also available online at www.emorywheel.com.

Madelyn Zapata (19C) said SGA generally would support bills so they can be passed whether now or in the future, but Zapata also said that “[SGA] still has guidelines.” Palmer also noted that EIRA surpases CC’s requirement of needing more than 66 percent of club participants to be from the College. EIRA’s executive charter was rejected with seven voting no, three voting yes and one abstaining. SGA rejected Bill 51sl58, which would’ve changed the number of graduate student representatives on the

“I think that the way that the bill Will and a few others wrote last year to restructure the student government can be interpreted in different ways...” — Gurbani Singh (18B), SGA President Constitutional Council from eight to four. The change would result in four graduate and undergraduate student representatives on the Constitutional Council, which creates an “equitable representation on the Constitutional Council to reflect new student government, according to the bill. The bill needs to be passed twice and was passed once in their last meeting. Attorney General Elias Neibart (20C) said legislators should “vote down the bill” because the Constitutional Council instead wants to become two separate organizations that serve either undergraduates or graduates. SGA President Gurbani Singh (18B) further elaborated saying there was confusion after the split over whether all or some branches in student government would split. “I think that the way that the bill Will and a few others wrote last year to restructure student government can be interpreted in different ways,” Singh said. “That’s why now there’s confusion … some may interpret it as all branches were split. Some may interpret it as it was never codified.” Neibart recommended that the next SGA legislature codify the function of the Constitutional Council. The bill

failed with two voting yes and seven voting no. SPC President Tamara Ezzat (18B) and SPC Vice President Abbey Kelly (19B) presented the case for SPC’s executive agency charter renewal. Ezzat said SPC’s mission is “improving student life and the quality of entertainment on campus by creating a better experience through our [student organized] events.” SPC aims to have one or two student events each month. Legislators voted to renew SPC’s executive charter unanimously with nine votes. TableTalk Co-Presidents Christopher McDougal (19C) and Samantha Zeurcher (19B) pressed SGA to renew TableTalk’s executive agency status. TableTalk’s mission is to provide “a framework for conversation between people who would not interact under ordinary circumstances,” according to TableTalk’s executive agency annual report. The organization has four branches: TableTalks, which are “planned conversations between two disconnected groups, CampusCouches, which sets up couches around campus for people to sit and have “unstructured conversation,” TableTalk[X], which conjures new ways of promoting a “culture of conversation” and Media and Arts, which handles advertisements and art promotion. TableTalk hosts more than 25 different events that serve hundreds of students, Zeurcher said. For the three years that TableTalk has existed at Emory, the organization has increased membership by 30 percent each year, according to Zeurcher. When asked about the number of undergraduate students that attend TableTalk’s events, neither McDougal or Zeurcher could produce a statistic. McDougal said they would be using card readers to collect data on student participation for the next event, Couchella, which is an “an Emory music and arts festival (this year sponsored by TableTalk, CORE, Good Vive Tribe, Emory Arts Underground, and the Pulse) taking place in Asbury Circle,” according to TableTalk’s Facebook post. Graham was “disappointed” that TableTalk’s participation rates were not in their presentation, but Palmer said it was hard for the club to collect data because of the informal nature of their events, such as CampusCouches, where students are supposed to sit on the couches and talk.

SGA approved TableTalk’s executive agency charter renewal unanimously with nine votes. Bill 51sl51 requests $486 to fund the “First-Year Farewell,” which “celebrates” the end of the first year experience at Emory. The bill was introduced to the legislature on March 6. The Complex President Lori Steffel (21C) said that although RHA receives a lot of funding, the budget does not allocate enough funds for this newly planned event because the group has already allocated its funding to pre-planned events. Neibart showed apprehension about funding the bill since SGA has previously showed concern about overspending. Graham, who received budget numbers from SGA Vice President of Finance Javi Reyes (18B), said SGA started with $113,000 in August 2017, has since spent $30,823 and currently has around $80,000. Zapata said the bill asks for a reasonable amount of funding and acknowledges that Steffel has exhausted other resources. “It is such a nice initiative that they are doing,” Zapata said. “Just because we’re low on money, we can’t tell them no if they did everything right.” Palmer also stated that the event would happen whether or not SGA funded the $486. “The event is happening and is fully funded in what they need,” Palmer said. “At this point, they are scaling up their event.” The bill passed unanimously with nine votes. Singh proposed Bill 59sl59, which creates a data collecting system to be used by student groups. The goal of the data collection is to “mandate all undergraduate clubs and organizations to record attendance, membership and participation at events in which the student activity fee is used,” according to the bill. Legislators had previously heard Singh discuss the bill in a previous meeting. The bill passed unanimously with nine votes. SGA held a joint-session with GSGA that lasted about 10 seconds. SGA and GSGA are required to convene once every semester due to the new requirement after the SGA-GSGA split but there was nothing on the agenda to discuss.

— Contact Belicia Rodriguez at belicia.rodriguez@emory.edu

Emory Receives Record Number of Applications Continued from Page 1 in 2017 to 27,759 this year, representing a 16 percent increase, according to Latting. The mean unweighted high school GPA jumped from 3.83 to 3.85, while the median GPA was 3.91. The mean SAT score on the 1600 scale and ACT composite conversion score also saw increases from 1475 to 1480 and 32.3 to 32.7, respectively. These statistics do not reflect the approximately 400 students that applied solely to Oxford College. Latting credits a growing awareness of the University in new areas of the country as one of the reasons for the larger applicant pool. “I think the world is kind of catching up to the reality of Emory, and we’re seeing really strong growth in areas farther afield from campus [like the] Midwest and West Coast,” Latting

said. Latting also believes that Emory’s “progressive campus” played a role in attracting a growing pool of interested candidates. “The campus climate is a place that has a real tolerance and openness to differences,” Latting said. “Thoughtful high school students are attracted to that ... Emory offers a place that will be supportive of them no matter what their identities happen to be.” For the second consecutive year, the Office of Undergraduate Admission employed a committee-based evaluation method. Using this method, multiple Emory admissions officers review every application, according to the Admission website. Latting said the process ensures that no “shortcuts” are taken when reviewing applications, and that the

office has a good reputation among the college guidance counselor community. “Emory has a good reputation not only for the education here, but in the admissions process,” Latting said. “We’re regarded as a very fair place that gives students full consideration — there’s no gamesmanship. I think there’s a confidence in our process.” Admitted applicants hail from 75 countries and all 50 states, according to Latting. “We really have not just a bigger but a more diverse and stronger pool,” Latting said. “It’s a pool of applicants who have a broader view of their world. They’re thinking about what is going on in their communities and the nation.”

— Contact Alex Klugerman at alex.klugerman@emory.edu


NEWS

The Emory Wheel

After Parkland, Scores of Students Take to Streets Continued from Page 1 At least 150 Emory students used the shuttles to attend the march, according to Anderson. On the Emory to March for Our Lives Facebook page, about 400 Emory students RSVP’ed to the event. Anderson was also one of the student organizers for the Atlanta “March for Our Lives.” She led the logistics committee and was in charge of planning the route for the march, setting up bathroom locations and water stations. The committee formed one week after the Parkland shooting. When asked about how she felt after the march, Anderson stated that the experience was surreal and that she was amazed to see the event come together. She also enjoyed seeing how involved the Emory community was in the march. “Just knowing that the Emory community was involved as well was something I felt really humbled by,” Anderson said. Cindy Hernandez (20C) and Becky Shepard (20C) said they attended the march to advocate for politicians in power to improve gun regulation. Shepard carried a sign during the march that read, “Actually, guns do kill.” She said she’s no longer surprised to hear when little kids die in school shootings. Shepard said the march felt like a powerful way for an ordinary citizen to make a difference. “I just want to, as an ordinary citizen, do what I can to spread the word even though the people in power aren’t doing anything,” Shepard said. Hernandez said the Parkland shooting was the “final straw” and believes action needs to be taken for stricter gun control. She said she is happy to see that young people are the ones taking initiative. Hernandez brought a poster featuring the names of dozens of school shooting victims, including those from Parkland. The morning program for the march began at 11 a.m. with a moment of silence led by survivors of the Parkland shooting. Lewis, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Parkland shooting survivor Carly Novell delivered speeches to the crowd

about the need to speak out against gun violence and against politicians who weren’t taking action in the wake of the Parkland shooting. Lewis observed how the country has lost key American figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, because of guns. He said no one is ever too young or too old to protest against gun violence. “We can stop it,” Lewis said. “I got arrested, went to jail 40 times and since I’ve been in Congress, five more times. I’m probably going to go again trying to do something about gun violence.” Throughout the march, protesters

“I got arrested, went to jail 40 times and since I’ve been in Congress, five more times. I’m probably going to go again trying to do something about gun violence.” — U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) chanted slogans pleading for political action on gun-related issues and against the National Rifle Association (NRA) including “vote them out!” and “the NRA has got to go!” Protesters also held signs that said, “How many more?” “Enough is enough,” “School zones shouldn’t be war zones” and “Dear Congress, I’m an educator not a human shield.” One woman held a diploma case with a paper inside that read, “Bullets are not school supplies.” Some activists were registering people to vote at booths alongside the march route. During the afternoon program at the conclusion of the march, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Outreach Director and Spelman College junior Mary Pat Hector began her speech by asking the crowd to repeat chants like, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom” and “We must love each other and protect each other.” Afterwards, she said she was “here on my brother’s 12th birthday because

his life depends on this.” Hector said she was tired of “more victims than answers” and criticized President Donald J. Trump’s solution of arming teachers with guns, which would not prevent school shootings, she said. “[We need to rid] our political system of corrupt politicians like him, [Sen.] Marco Rubio [R-Fla.], [Sen.] John McCain [R-Ariz.], and other conservatives that believe that arming our teachers is the answer to this problem,” Hector said. Parkland student Jake Zaslav spoke about the importance of voting, noting that citizens — not politicians — control the fate of the country. In response to politicians who believe it is too late to implement a ban on guns, J. Zaslav said not taking action is worst. “If we do not even try, then we are allowing innocent lives to be lost because we are too afraid to take a chance,” Jake Zaslav said. Parkland student Alec Zaslav spoke about his experience during the Feb. 14 shooting and how the survivors and families of the victims “will never be the same again.” Alec Zaslav also had a message for politicians “who are still not taking us seriously” and “who think that thoughts and prayers” are enough action against gun violence. “Your time is running out,” Zaslav said. The crowd followed his message by chanting, “Vote them out!” Mikko Biana (21C) told the Wheel after the march that the event exemplifies the difference being made by this generation. Biana is from Florida and lives 20 minutes away from the MSD high school. He said he visited the school over spring break and saw the 17 different memorials outside the building that commemorate the lives lost on Feb. 14. “It was very sobering because you always think it can’t happen to you. It can’t happen to where you’re from. You should always care about gun control and gun violence even if it doesn’t happen in your community,” Biana said. “It inspired me to come out today and do something.”

— Contact Belicia Rodriguez at belicia.rodriguez@emory.edu

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

3

Constitutional Council To Review Challenge Continued from Page 1 Wi-Fi connection in Egypt as a valid excuse to allow Karras to declare late. Zhang told the Wheel that the Board voted 5-0 to allow Kadakia’s candidacy because CC leadership wrongly informed her that the CC presidential race would have otherwise been unopposed and because the Board had already set a precedent by permitting Karras’ late candidacy. Lee declared after the deadline because Elections Board Vice Chair Andy Xu (20C) did not send Lee a declaration form before the deadline to declare although Lee did not inquire the Elections Board to clarify the situation. Chief Justice of the Constitutional Council Talia Burnstein (18C) told the Wheel she did not have a hearing date for Kadakia set as of March 27 at 11:35 p.m. Giufurta and Garbee said that the Elections Board made a “shocking oversight” when they allowed Kadakia to declare after mistakenly believing that the race would be uncontested without her candidacy. The two argued that another Elections Board decision to not allow Sania Chandrani’s (19B) candidacy for SGA president should have also applied to Kadakia. The Board denied Chandrani’s candidacy because Chandrani did not immediately contact Zhang after Zhang sent her an expired form to declare her candidacy. Kadakia told the Wheel that she thought she had already declared at an information session about elections that all candidates are required to attend. “When I signed in at the info session, I thought I was declaring my candidacy,” Kadakia said. “It was a genuine mistake on my part and a misunderstanding … I understand that people have their complaints, but I’ve been so passionate about this position and I’ve been thinking about it for the last two months.” CC Vice President Naman Jain (18C) spoke with Zhang earlier to persuade the Elections Board to allow Kadakia to declare her candidacy late, claiming there was only one other CC presidential candidate at the time, Tiffany Haas (19C). Jain told Zhang that CC leaders

wanted the race to be contested and that he was advocating on behalf of CC President Cassidy Schwartz (18C), CC Adviser Sarah Beth Potter and CC executive board members, according to Zhang. However, Jain and other CC leaders were unaware that Paolo Mutia (19C), a former Oxford SGA attorney general, had also registered his candidacy for CC president before the deadline. Zhang did not independently verify that there were no other candidates running against Haas, she told the Wheel. When Zhang presented Kadakia’s case to the Elections Board, she told Board members that Haas was the only candidate in the CC presidential race, according to Elections Board member Jesse Wang (18B). The Elections Board voted 5-0 on March 19 to approve Kadakia’s candidacy after she “forgot to submit” by the registration deadline, according to Zhang. She officially declared Monday night, one day after the deadline, Zhang said. “The reason I voted for [Kadakia] to be able to run is if she didn’t then [Haas] would win by default,” said Wang, who believed the election would have been uncontested if the Board did not allow Kadakia to run. Zhang said it would have been unfair to prohibit other candidates who also declared late to run in the elections. The Board members did not “have as many reasonings [for Kadakia’s case] as we had for Mario’s case,” but it allowed Kadakia to run due to the precedent that the Board had set with the decision in Karras’ case, according to Zhang. “Giving Mario an exception was already against the rules,” Zhang said. “There [are] no exceptions if you don’t turn in the form, and if we already grant one exception to one person, then it’s not really right for us to not grant exceptions for anybody else.” When asked if the Elections Board would have allowed Kadakia to run if it had not previously allowed Karras to run in this election, Zhang said, “I would say no.”

— Contact Christina Yan at christina.yan@emory.edu

Ma Counters With Challenge Against Karras for ‘Fake Stories’ Continued from Page 1 four complaints were made by “close friends” of Ma’s opponent Karras, according to Karras. The other two complainants attended Oxford College at the same time as both Karras and Ma. Benjamin Pacaja (19B), a friend of Karras, told the Elections Board on March 26 that Ma purchased drinks while “recruiting” people to vote for him at Maggie’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill on the night of March 23. “Dwight introduced himself to me at Maggie’s and bought me multiple drinks on his open tab while requesting that I vote for him in the upcoming elections,” Pacaja wrote to the Board. “The open tab was clearly meant to cover the drinks of others whom Dwight was recruiting to vote.” Pacaja told the Wheel that he saw Ma buy drinks for other people, too. “I approached [Ma] and said, ‘Hey, I know you’re running for SGA [president]’ and he said, ‘Yes, I have an open tab, let me buy you something to drink,” Pacaja said. “He started buy-

ing different people beers and pitchers. It sort of occurred to me later on, the next morning, that it was very unethical what he was doing — basically trying to buy votes from people.” Ma said that he only bought drinks for himself and Pacaja to “show friendship,” as Pacaja and Ma are both friends with Marianne Birkner (17Ox, 19B). “Ben is Marianne’s boyfriend,” Ma said. “Marianne is one of my best friends and so I bought Marianne’s boyfriend [a drink] … it’s like I’m meeting new friend, my best friend’s boyfriend, ‘Oh, the first time we meet. I buy you a drink.’ ” Pacaja also referred to Birkner as his “friend.” Luke Rodin (19B), a friend of both Karras and Pacaja, emailed Zhang on March 24 to say that he also witnessed Ma purchasing drinks in exchange for votes. “I saw Dwight standing by the bar and it just looked like he was campaigning,” Rodin said. “It looked like he was buying drinks for a couple of other people … It looked like a gift, like

it was exchanged.” Ma said that although he displayed flyers at Maggie’s, he never offered to exchange drinks for anyone’s vote, adding that he spent $25 total at Maggie’s. “I didn’t ask for votes,” Ma said. “On my social media, I did say that … ‘Do you want to know why vote Dwight is right?’ Come by and talk to me at Maggie’s … I just wanted to tell people that I would be at Maggie’s.” Elias Neibart (20C), who is also running for SGA president, told the Wheel that he saw Ma inside the bar on Friday night but he did not see Ma buy drinks for anyone. The Elections Board also received complaints from Oxford Business Club President Sahajveer “Sahaj” Anand (18Ox) and Oxford SGA Sophomore Senator Daniel Guo (18Ox), who alleged that Ma offered executive board positions on SGA in exchange for votes. Anand said Ma came to a general body meeting of Oxford Business Club on March 1 to campaign.

“[Ma] mentioned that by voting him into office he would be more partial to the people in that room for appointed positions under him,” Anand wrote to Zhang. Guo wrote to the Elections Board that Ma offered him a position via Facebook Messenger, which Guo said constitutes a violation to the University Elections Code. “If you are interested in joining Emory SGA … I am very welcome you to apply for appointed position,” the messages from Ma to Guo read. Guo did not provide any other evidence to the Elections Board, but he told the Wheel that he thought Ma’s messages constituted “bribery.” Karras said he was disappointed to hear about the allegations against Ma. “I’m disappointed to see that he hasn’t been complying with the elections rules,” Karras said. Neibart declined to comment on the investigation. In Ma’s challenge against Karras, Ma points to the fact that Pacaja and Rodin both support Karras, saying

that none of the challenges come from “a neutral person or someone who has ties to Elias.” Pacaja and Rodin have both endorsed Karras on their Facebook pages. “All of these claims are absolutely false,” Ma wrote. “[Karras] is trying to create fake stories simply to hurt my election chances. Considering he is someone who was almost fired and chose to quit from Oxford SGA, I am not surprised. This is the most unethical thing I have witnessed at my time at Emory.” Karras said the allegations against him in Ma’s challenge are false. Zhang said that the hearing is being called because there are multiple accounts of election misconduct. A hearing will determine if the challengers are acting on the basis that they are supporters of Karras, she said.

— Contact Richard Chess at rchess@emory.edu Christina Yan at christina.yan@emory.edu


4

NEWS

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The Emory Wheel

The Wheel’s 2018 Election Guide The Emory Wheel asked each candidate to provide a 150-word platform. Platforms that exceeded the allotted 150 words were cut off at the word limit. The complete election guide with videos of candidate platforms is available at www.emorywheel.com/election-guide-2018. The campaign period for SGA, CC, RHA, BBA and GSGA began March 19 at 12:01 a.m., and the voting period began March 27 at 8 p.m. and closes March 30 at 8 p.m.

SGA Executive VP

SGA President Elias neibart My name is Elias Neibart, and I am a Sophomore at Emory University currently serving as the Attorney General of the Student Government Association (SGA). My experience as Attorney General has offered me valuable insight into the inner workings of SGA; I have observed the amazing and productive things student government can implement, but I have also observed certain aspects of SGA that can and must be improved. My earnest desire to enhance the student experience and my determination to better our community is why I am running to be your next President. As the President of the 52nd, Student Government Association, I hope to recommit SGA to our primary goal and purpose by creating, cultivating, and leading a student government dedicated to empowering student groups, making our campus safer, more secure, and easier to navigate, and inviting students to take part in administrative decisions and initiatives.

Mario Karras

dwight ma My name is Dwight Ma and I am currently serving as the Vice President of International Student Experience in Emory SGA. I having served since freshman year as the freshman senator and the Vice President at the Oxford College SGA in sophomore year, respectively. My cross-campus SGA experience educated me on some of the pressing issues and concerns our undergraduates have and motivated me to make changes to benefit the student body. As the President of the next SGA, I will dedicate myself to enhance residence life experience, empower diverse student organizations, and create an SGA that is accessible and thus accountable to our student body while devoting sufficient resource to connect the main campus with Oxford College. With a great passion to serve our undergraduates, I am running to be the next President of the SGA. You can also find my full platform on www.dwightma.com.

Due to the SGA split, the next SGA president needs to have an understanding of the past and a clear vision of the future. My platform boils down to 3 things: 1) Increasing our impact in the city of Atlanta 2) Professional Development 3) Making our student experiences memorable But ultimately, it centers around you – around us – our time here. What do we want our legacy to be? Since I began serving on SGA, Student Concerns have been my main focus and they have informed all my actions. I created two SGA organs for the sole purpose of hearing student concerns and addressing them, one at Oxford and one at Emory. I promise to continue this if I am given the opportunity to be the next SGA president. I am asking you to grant me this opportunity.

GSGA VP Elyse Cooke I am Elyse Cooke and I’m running for the position of Executive Vice President of GSGA. As the Executive Vice President, I will serve the president, executive board, legislature, and the graduate student body. I understand that my role consists of executing critical administrative duties and executing the vision of GSGA. In doing so, I will bring fresh perspective to promote the mission of uniting and serving the graduate student body. I will create space for authentic conversations and foster relationships between the schools themselves; having this open dialogue will allow for deep reflection about the graduate student experience. I will bring my leadership skills and my gifts of active listening and compassion to this position. With strong leadership and vision, GSGA will be known for uniting students and enhancing the graduate student experience, providing them with resources, time, and space to grow in their studies and in their communities.

John Priddy

Muhammad Naveed My name is Muhammad Naveed and I am a junior, who has served as Freshman Legislator and President for Oxford SGA and is currently serving as the Oxford Continuee Representative for Emory SGA. As student representative for Oxford and Atlanta Campus students, I have always strived to ensure students feel informed, empowered and confident enough to advocate for themselves. My slogan “Leveling the Playing Field, Together” summarizes a three-pronged approach on how to empower students and improve our undergraduate experience. By ensuring that both SGA and its members are accountable to their proposed initiatives, I intend on ensuring that students feel empowered enough to approach them. Secondly, facilitating campuswide initiatives through student feedback will make students feel confident enough since their voices are being heard. Lastly, facilitating communityspecific initiatives for Oxford Students along with Diverse groups will bring us closer to achieving President Sterk’s vision of “One Emory.”

My name is John Priddy and I am a junior at Emory University. Throughout my time at Emory, I have served as a Diversity Fellow in the Office of Admission, a Resident Advisor, an Executive Board Member of the Mock Trial Team, and several other engagements. These involvements have informed my Emory experience and demonstrate my commitment to serving the Emory student body. As Executive Vice President, I will enhance the student experience for all students across all campuses, increase the transparency and connectedness of SGA, and demand attention to the diverse concerns of Emory students. I will combine my deep involvement across Emory with my passion for initiating and leading change. I am confident that I will bring a new voice to SGA, one that is both directly familiar with wide swaths of the Emory community, and will work hard to implement tangible and realistic initiatives on our campus.

GSGA President Kylee Borger My name is Kylee Borger and I am a master’s student at Rollins School of Public Health. This year, I served as one of Rollins representatives on the GSGA. In that role, I successfully worked with SGA and Dining Services to implement mobile ordering and pick-up for on-campus dining (roll-out summer 2018). I am committed to transparency and will ensure that any graduate student will have access and opportunity to bring any issue to a member of the GSGA executive board during regular office hours. Building off of this year’s success, I will continue to promote cross-divisional partnerships and increase representation of divisions on the GSGA Executive Board with no more than 2 or 3 members from any one division. Finally, I will work with administration to improve the overall graduate student experience by working towards implementing oncampus housing for graduate students and expanding shuttle routes and times.

Sakinah Watts An Atlanta native, I grew up with admiration and respect for Emory University and am excited to now be an active part of the graduate community. Prior to attending Goizueta Business School, I worked 4 years at a Fortune 500 company managing cross-functional teams – a skill critical to GSGA’s continued success. Having served on the GSGA Executive Board this year, I developed a deep understanding of the dynamic graduate community and the issues we face. As president, I pledge to – Unite graduate students through providing opportunities for increased social interaction, engaging the Atlanta community, and utilizing our collective scale and interests to establish a multidisciplinary speaker series. Make GSGA a more effective organization through increasing financial transparency and obtaining actionable data about our student body. Elevate GSGA’s platform and presence by holding semi-annual Town Halls with administrators and maximizing visibility among students through the ways we connect and engage.

Sydney Kaplan My name is Sydney Kaplan, and I am a second-year law student. My campaign is based on four key tenants—leadership, experience, accountability, and dedication. Before law school, I worked at a lobbying organization in Washington, D.C., where I taught students how to get involved in the political process. I also held numerous Student Government and other leadership positions as an undergraduate at the University of Florida. At Emory, I currently serve in the GSGA Legislature and have taken a leading role in the Governance Committee. If elected, I know these past experiences will enable me to effectively work on behalf of all graduate students and accomplish my platform objectives. I will work to ensure that each graduate student has access to: 100 pages of free printing each semester, a voice at all levels of government through lobbying efforts, the greater graduate student community, increased transportation options, and graduate housing.


NEWS

The Emory Wheel

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

College Council President Radhika Kadakia My name is Radhika Kadakia and I’m running for College Council President. My initiatives are a reflection of my time on the 62nd CC, serving as the VP of Administration. Specifically, working with many student leaders and organizations, I noticed the changes that need to be made to better serve College students. I will be implementing revised chartering policies that encompass the needs of diverse organizations. These revised policies will encourage diversity through new classifications that give students an opportunity to fully celebrate their identities and unique missions. In order to increase College Council’s outreach, I will institutionalize Town Halls and effectively distribute our resources. Partnering with college administration, Emory dining, and local restaurants, I will expand sustainability initiatives and help provide more dining options to students, like using a swipe for a standard meal at Cox. These are a few of my initiatives for the upcoming year. Please vote!

Tiffany Haas

RHA President Aaron Jordan As RHA President, I want to increase the number of Dooley’s Bowl events and incentivize them with giveaways to increase participation in campus-wide events. School spirit is very important to me, and will be top-of-mind in the planning of every RHA event. Every year, school spirit starts off high with Songfest, but I have noticed that it tends to taper off afterwards. By increasing engagement in Dooley’s Bowls events through additional events and prizes, I believe that we can bring a lasting Emory spirit to the residence halls. Second, I want to increase RHA’s national presence. This semester, Emory RHA was chartered under the national RHA organization, NACURH. I plan to become the first RHA President to lead a delegation to NACURH conference, as well as the SAACURH regional Conference. I think it is so important for a university as prominent as Emory to be represented at these national events.

CC VP Hemal Prasad

Paolo Mutia

My name is Tiffany Haas, and I am a junior at Emory currently serving as a Junior Legislator for College Council (CC). As a legislator, Orientation Leader, and Tour Guide, I’ve gained perspective and experience that best enables me to represent the interests of the College student body. My initiatives include expanding access to menstrual products across campus, increasing student giving, and leading Emory Thanks, an effort to recognize Emory donors and increase affinity for Emory. Through my experience, I’ve learned the importance of empowering students and making CC work for the student body. As president, I plan on simplifying rules and processes that create barriers to student organizing via club charters and CC’s Monetary policy. I believe my vision for CC – through clarity and courageous inquiry – will give students the means to pursue their own initiatives and support collaboration that maximizes our potential as a community. connect and engage.

5

Coming from Oxford College, I have worked with the rural community through the Pierce Service Corps. I became a Volunteer Coordinator to better advocate for the children and families I worked with. If elected, I will effectively utilize our funds and policies to better represent and empower underrepresented groups. As a SAPA advocate, I seek to increase the safety of students against sexual violence. I plan to increase the transparency between students and professors, College Council, and work to unify the Oxford and Atlanta campus. With the experience of an Oxford SGA Attorney General, I will increase current knowledge of the underrepresented groups on campus. I plan to create an initiative to create a curriculum for the academic year of 2018-19 that includes monthly diversity trainings that focus on privilege, institutional racism, and bias/ discrimination.

My vice-presidency platform is defined by: Engagement, Empowerment, and Advocacy. I plan on engaging the student body by reforming how College Council interacts with the student body and ensuring it is welcoming and concerned with the concerns of the College. I aim at empowering students by not only educating students about the monetary policy that governs their organizations but reforming the policy itself to ensure it best fits the everchanging needs of students and organizations. Finally, I will advocate for all students, especially those who would otherwise be left to the wayside. College Council is deeply committed to inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of the students that comprise the College. Through bold new programming, as well as reforming current policies and initiatives, I will work my absolute hardest to make that goal a reality. Voting is March 27-30, and I do hope you choose me to represent you!

BBA Council President Jake Gruber My name is Jake Gruber, and I am a junior hoping to serve as the next president of the BBA Council. Having served on multiple executive boards including, the Student Alumni Board and Interfraternity Council, I am prepared and extremely motivated to implement change to the BBA program in terms of building a definitive cohesive community, encouraging student engagement, and defining Goizueta’s culture. I want to promote stronger student programming, greater inclusion and support for newly admitted students and alumni, and stress the importance of collaboration between student organizations, career management, and faculty. As a goal-oriented, innovative, and driven leader, I believe that I can facilitate the creation of a BBA experience that will be unforgettable. By listening to student voices, learning from past programs, and encouraging constructive relationships, the BBA experience will continue to grow and flourish.

Ashley Daniels My name is Ashley Daniels and I am a Junior hoping to be the next BBA Council President. I am currently the VP of Club on BBA Council and feel that I have gained vital experience that will lend itself to a successful presidential term. This past year I lead the creation of the Goizueta Creed, restructuring of Goizueta clubs, and the establishment of the BBA/MBA Mentorship program. I truly adore my BBA experience and I hope that I can use the skills I have developed through these endeavors to share that passion with my fellow students. I hope to be responsive and advocate for BBAs while focusing on increasing opportunities for student involvement, establishing a legacy of care at Goizueta, and creating a welcoming community where all students feel they belong. In sum, I want to continue adding to the already incredible Goizueta BBA program in ways that make other students as proud of Goizueta as I am.

Hannah Mayblum My name is Hannah Mayblum, and I am currently a junior at Emory’s Goizueta Business School. I am hoping to serve as the next BBA Council President for the 20182019 school year. With my previous experience serving on the Council as VP of Marketing, I feel prepared and determined to continue bettering students experience at Goizueta and the greater Emory community. My goals are to build a stronger sense of community by listening to student voices and aiding high student engagement in events and activities. Due to my strong communication and event planning skills, love for the B-school, and determination, I am confident that I will be able to provide Goizueta students with the best experience for the upcoming school year.

Jay Krishnaswamy My name is Jay Krishnaswamy and I am running for President of BBA Council. With my past experience serving on BBA Council as well as other leadership roles at Goizueta, I believe I can enact change throughout Goizueta. If elected my primary focus will be on expanding equal opportunities to all of my Goizueta peers. Whether you are a domestic or international student, a Spring or Fall admit, from Emory or Oxford College, or even if you have a class that gets out at 5:15 during Kegs – the opportunities provided by BBA Council should be the same for everyone. I hope to accomplish expanded equal opportunity through initiatives such as the Goizueta Dream Fund, preKegs registration, and H-1B visa networking night. By taking these first steps I truly believe that we can build on the success of Council this past year and unleash the potential of everyone at Goizueta.

2018 Student Government Elections Wheel Endorsements, pages 6-7


STUDENT GOVERNMENT

ENDORSEMENTS 2018

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | Editorial Page Editor: Madeline Lutwyche (madeline.lutwyche@emory.edu)

W

GRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

GSGA President: Kylee Borger Now a year into the Graduate Student Government Association’s (GSGA) tumultuous split from the Student Government Association (SGA), GSGA would benefit from strong leadership. The Editorial Board believes GSGA presidential candidate Kylee Borger’s (19PH) practical proposals and legislative experience make her the right choice for GSGA president. Borger stands out among her opponents and is dedicated to shaping a government that is committed to transparency. Borger is one of the few GSGA legislators this past year to push for an initiative to improve the lives of students. She proposed a resolution, which was passed unanimously, to request University administration to adopt a partnership with Tapingo, a food ordering service, to facilitate campus dining delivery. Borger’s platform demonstrates a “commitment to transparency.” This is a tired formula from politicians, who promise transparency but fail to follow through when they enter office. But Borger’s specific proposals to increase transparency could lead to a more open student government. First, she proposes immediately releasing all GSGA documents on OrgSync. This is a much-needed promise from GSGA, as the organization has not updated its website since April 2017 and does not have a publicly accessible updated list of legislators. Additionally, Borger wants to release quarterly GSGA committee

reports and open legislative meetings to the public, which would inform the student body of the operations of the legislature. These goals are feasible and verifiable. If Borger fails to release a quarterly report, the Wheel and graduate students can hold GSGA accountable. Though Borger’s opponents exhibit some redeeming qualities, Sydney Kaplan’s (19L) platform contains too many unrealistic goals and Sakinah Watts (19B) has not demonstrated that she is capable for the role of president. Kaplan, who calls for free printing and on-campus housing for graduate students, does not have plans for funding these ambitious endeavors, especially when she also hopes to host other events like graduate student olympics. When asked where she would get the money, she demonstrated a lack of knowledge of financial procedures and suggested asking the University administration for financial support. Though Borger and Kaplan both suggested on-campus housing options for graduate students, we caution voters to evaluate the feasibility of this grandiose proposal. Although Watts proposed family-friendly initiatives during the Wheel Debates and has worked in Fortune 500 companies, her vague platform falls short. Borger’s experience and practical proposals make her the best choice for GSGA president, and her election would work toward establishing a strong foundation for a post-split GSGA.

GSGA Vice President: Elyse Cooke The Wheel’s Editorial Board endorses Elyse Cooke (20T) for the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA) executive vice president, though we wish the contest was more competitive. Cooke served as a Candler School of Theology legislator this past year and possesses both the necessary knowledge of student government and a genuine desire to unite the graduate student body. Her proposals and experience make her an adequate choice to help lead GSGA as it continues to adapt to its new independent role following the split from the Student Government Association (SGA). Although not highly detailed, Cooke’s platform reveals good intentions, but we encourage her to flesh out her ideas and generate realizable steps to achieve her goals. In an interview with the Editorial Board, Cooke emphasized increasing the visibility of GSGA to graduate students and ensuring that their voices are represented. She hopes to work closely with legislators from each divisional school to verify that their concerns are addressed and reach out to their

graduate student bodies by visiting each school and speaking with them. Cooke acknowledged that GSGA struggled to pass concrete initiatives in the past year as it worked to define itself post-split. But she optimistically pointed to successes, such as the graduate student body mixer in Fall 2017 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, as evidence that the organization is working to benefit its constituents. This year, GSGA Executive Vice President Vineet Tiruvadi (15M, 18G) has not attended multiple legislative sessions. We hope that Cooke’s attendance is stronger than her predecessor’s. As the second-highest executive member of GSGA, it is imperative that Cooke has a strong presence in leading a government that seems to lack direction. Although Cooke is running unopposed, she has shown enthusiasm for her campaign and was well-prepared for the Wheel Debates. She has our support for the position of vice president, and we hope that she actualizes her goal of working with all segments of the graduate student body to create a stronger GSGA.

COLLEGE COUNCIL

CC Vice President: Hemal Prasad CC President: Tiffany Haas The Wheel’s Editorial Board unanimously endorses Hemal Prasad (20C) for College Council (CC) vice president. His expertise in the intricacies of CC’s inner workings, coupled with his strong vision and passion for helping students, make him a qualified candidate to serve as CC’s second-highest officer. During the Wheel Debates and in an interview with the Wheel, Prasad demonstrated a strong understanding of CC’s financial policies. As the current assistant vice president for finance, Prasad proposes reforming CC’s monetary policy by revisiting the 84-16 standard that limits funding for student clubs; better utilizing rollover funds leftover at the end of each year; and changing CC’s budget from a semester-long to an annual cycle. Under an annual budget, Prasad argues that CC would only have to approve a new budget once a year and would be better aligned with other student government organizations. Prasad possesses the expertise necessary to ensure that CC budgets its money effectively, an important attribute for a leader in an organization responsible for allocating a significant portion of Emory’s Student Activities Fee (SAF). Prasad also developed strong proposals for engaging more students with CC. He hopes to

work with the pre-major advising connections at Emory (PACE) program to disseminate more information about student government to freshmen. He also wants to improve CC’s website to ensure that information about club funding and other CC functions is easy to find. These steps would go a long way in clarifying CC’s funding process, which students often find difficult to navigate or understand. Equally important to Prasad’s vision for his vice presidency is his plan to work with CC legislators to help them create change. Prasad admits that, as a freshman legislator, he was afflicted with “operation paralysis” and was unsure of the resources available to him. Prasad views the greatest challenge facing CC as a “stagnation of initiatives,” where good ideas face roadblocks due to bureaucratic challenges. To address this issue, Prasad intends to develop a mentorship program, which would pair more experienced legislators with less experienced CC members, to ensure that all legislators are engaged. The Editorial Board believes that Prasad is even more prepared to lead the organization than any of the CC presidential candidates. His experience and strong proposals make him a superb candidate for this position, and we wish he were running for CC president.

In the lackluster three-person race for College Council (CC) president, the Wheel’s Editorial Board endorses with reservations Tiffany Haas (19C), whose accomplishments on CC and organizational skills make her best suited for the position. Haas has achieved some substantive accomplishments as a CC junior legislator. She served as a liaison for 13 clubs, worked on Emory’s Day of Giving and secured funding to continue the tampon initiative, a program started in 2016 by former CC co-assistant vice president of finance Julie Chen (18B) that provides free menstrual hygiene products in campus bathrooms. Haas said she overcame administrative roadblocks in the tampon initiative’s implementation to ensure the program’s broader success. Radhika Kadakia (20C), who serves as vice president of administration, also boasts an impressive list of accomplishments from her tenure, including proposing a bill to make arts charters more accessible and working with clubs in weekly administrative hearings. However, her failure to declare her candidacy on time due to what she calls a “misunderstanding” and apparent lack of preparation for the Wheel Debates call into question her ability to lead. Although Paolo Mutia (17Ox, 19C) is a passionate and friendly candidate, he lacks specific objectives for his presidency and intimate knowledge of

The Emory Wheel

ThE EMORy WhEEL

MichELLE LOU editor-in-Chief RichaRD chESS exeCutive editor aLiSha cOMPTON Managing editor

welCoMes

NicOLE SaDEk Managing editor Volume 99 | Number 20 a LEx k LUGERMaN News Editor MaDELiNE LUTWychE Editorial Page Editor NiRaJ Naik Emory Life Editor ayUShi aGaRWaL Photo Editor aDiTya PRakaSh Associate Editor BRiaN TaGGETT Associate Editor DEViN BOG Associate Editor

CC’s processes. Haas told the Wheel that she plans to change spending caps and formulae for club funding to better allocate CC’s designated portion of the Student Activities Fee (SAF). The reformed policies would allow CC to spend money that would otherwise roll over to the next budgetary cycle, Haas said.When asked about CC’s failure to book shuttles on the correct date for the 2017 Atlanta Pride Parade, Haas was reticent to discuss the blunder and said that she “[didn’t] blame anyone involved.” Though Haas’s defense of her “friends” and organization is admirable, the Editorial Board hopes she can develop internal plans to ensure more accountability. In the past, Haas has not responded well to the Wheel’s criticism of student organizations’ missteps, and her presidency would require her to accept responsibility and have a willingness to learn from mistakes. Haas also plans to simplify the chartering process to make it easier for clubs to receive Non-Recommended for Funding (NRF) charters, which are required for reserving room spaces. That initiative would help clubs grow without straining CC’s budget, since CC would not fund these clubs. Haas’s preparation for the Wheel Debates show her dedication to the CC presidential position, and the Wheel cautiously endorses her for CC president.

BEThaNy GREENE Copy Editor BUSiNESS aND aDVERTiSiNG LEiGh SchLEchT Copy Editor LiNDSay WiLSON Business Manager chRiSTiNa yaN Asst. News Editor RUTh REyES design Manager JESSE WEiNER Asst. A&E Editor JOShUa PaPSON asst. Business Manager SEUNGEUN chO Asst. Emory Life Editor a NNiE UichaNcO Asst. Sports Editor Business/Advertising Email: MaDiSON BOBER Asst. Multimedia Editor wheelbusinessmanager@gmail.com

The Emory Wheel welcomes letters and op-ed submissions from the Emory community. Letters should be limited to 300 words and op-eds should be at least 500. Those selected may be shortened to fit allotted space or edited for grammar, punctuation and libelous content. Submissions reflect the opinions of individual writers and not of The Emory Wheel Editorial Board or Emory University. Send emails to michelle.ann.lou@emory.edu or postal mail to The Emory Wheel, Drawer W, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322.

LETTERS TO ThE EDiTOR Submit here: www.emorywheel.com/op-edsubmissions/


ENDORSEMENTS

The Emory Wheel

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

7

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

SGA President: Elias Neibart SGA Vice President: John Priddy In the most contentious decision of this election cycle, the Wheel’s Editorial Board endorses Elias Neibart (20C) for Student Government Association (SGA) president. With one year on SGA as attorney general under his belt, Neibart has garnered the experience and displayed the professionalism necessary to serve as Emory’s undergraduate leader. His platform is thorough, and he is the safest, most trustworthy choice to lead SGA. Though Neibart has spent less time on student government than his opponents, his platform reveals impressive institutional knowledge of both SGA and the Emory administration, and his tenure as attorney general shows that he is capable of holding SGA accountable and working with legislators to institute change. Immediately after the split last year, SGA was in disarray due to unclear and outdated governing documents. As attorney general, Neibart ensured SGA’s adherence to its constitution after the organization broke it last year. He also worked to finalize SGA’s post-split governing documents, arguably the most important short-term priority for the legislature. In the past, Neibart has been consistently willing to talk with Wheel reporters to clarify governing documents and procedures, and he was articulate and knowledgeable about SGA processes in his interview with the Editorial Board. However, he has mentioned to the Wheel that he would be unwilling to release documents that are protected under “executive privilege.” We caution Neibart from abusing this power, as all documents of SGA are public, per the SGA Constitution. Neibart has met with leaders of organizations that are important constituents of SGA, such as Greek life, BBA Council, Residence Hall Association, Black Student Alliance, Oxford College student groups and Emory

Chinese Student Association. We encourage him to maintain these lines of communication and increase minority groups’ access to SGA resources. While knowledge of SGA’s organizational structure is critical for a successful presidency, it is also imperative that the president engages the broader Emory community and is willing to listen to the needs of groups who have been historically overlooked by student governments, including international students and Oxford continuees. For this, we urge Neibart to look to the vision laid out by fellow candidate Dwight Ma (17Ox, 19C). More important to Ma’s platform than any one proposal is a belief in cultural change and the power of interpersonal communication. He espouses an SGA that is cognizant of underrepresented groups’ needs and works to rectify campus inequalities and issues of transparency. Despite his refreshingly unorthodox attitude, Ma has not demonstrated the same bureaucratic capabilities that Neibart has; however, Ma’s approachability and plans to support students who have felt alienated by SGA in the past would be a welcome change to an organization that has lacked consistent outreach efforts to all corners of campus. We commend Neibart’s call for increased campus safety, efficient distribution of funds and updated information regarding chartering and funding online. In contrast, Mario Karras (17Ox, 19B) did not impress with his platform or his vision. Karras’ platform is too diffuse to be effective, ranging from topics like increasing free public parking spots, publishing professor evaluations online and disseminating career service information. After the legislature’s chaotic and rushed split from GSGA last year, Neibart’s professionalism and attainable goals make him the best candidate to ensure the future stability of our student government.

BBA COUNCIL

BBA Council President: Jay Krishnaswamy The practical choice for BBA Council president is Jay Krishnaswamy (16Ox, 19B). He has developed concrete plans to foster inclusivity and holds the necessary experience to lead the BBA Council. Krishnaswamy stands out among his opponents Jake Gruber (19B), Ashley Daniels (19B) and Hannah Mayblum (19B) for his plans to make events and employment opportunities accessible to all business students. Krishnaswamy, who is now BBA Council vice president of technology, promises to create an H-1B networking night to help international students who need work visas to stay in the United States after graduation. Furthermore, Krishnaswamy has developed a plan to fund networking events for potential Business School applicants from Oxford College. Through the creation of the “Goizueta Dream Fund,” he hopes to fund clubs that promote the interests of “historically marginalized groups at Goizueta.” Finally, Krishnaswamy pointed out that BBA and MBA students currently share a cramped study space at the Business School’s CocaCola Commons where they can collaborate on group projects. He is currently leading an initiative to create a study space exclusively for undergraduate business students and hopes to expand that study space under his presidency. Unlike Krishnaswamy, who said that he is open to inviting non-Business School students to Kegs, Gruber championed the Business School as an “exclusive club.” Such an attitude could alienate students and foster an elitist culture. Mayblum’s platform, which describes a need to redefine the culture of the Business School, does

not provide concrete steps for doing so. In an interview with the Wheel’s Editorial Board, Mayblum was unable to expand upon her platform. Though both Daniels and Krishnaswamy realize the importance of Kegs, Krishnaswamy goes a step further by identifying existing problems and working to address them; he wants to reduce the wait time at Kegs with pre-registration and make the event more accessible to students who have classes during that time. Gruber proposed building a convenience store at the Business School modeled after the to-go station in White Hall to increase meal options. However, with Highland Bakery, Cox Hall and the DUC-ling just a few minutes away, such a convenience center is unnecessary, and Gruber’s platform lacks a method for funding it. When asked if this money could better serve minority and lower-income groups like Krishnaswamy’s proposals would, Gruber responded, “Those students already have their needs met through other forms.” Daniels said that her “[club] funding priorities would be identical to what the current priorities have been,” and would work to fund existing projects like Kegs. Daniels’ experience as BBA Council vice president of clubs qualifies her for the position, but her unimaginative platform shows a lack of foresight concerning existing inequalities and systemic issues in the Business School. Krishnaswamy is the only candidate whose proposals demonstrate an ability to represent the desires of the student body and implement necessary changes to BBA culture. The Wheel is excited to endorse him for the position of BBA Council president.

In a tough decision between current SGA Oxford Continuee Representative Muhammad Naveed (17Ox, 19C) and SGA outsider John Priddy (19C), the Editorial Board endorses Priddy as the SGA executive vice presidential candidate with the stronger vision. His experience as a leader on campus informs his twin goals of giving a voice to underrepresented students and increasing SGA’s transparency. While Priddy does not have prior experience on SGA, he has demonstrated a willingness to learn from current members and familiarize himself with the organization’s structure and processes. He has met with SGA President Gurbani Singh (18B) and Executive Vice President Natasha Armstrong (18B), and his interview with the Editorial Board revealed that he has conducted extensive research on SGA. Priddy’s diverse array of campus involvement is a valuable asset that will allow him to flourish as SGA executive vice president, especially as he seeks to continue and build upon the diversity initiatives that Armstrong championed in her own campaign and throughout her tenure. He currently serves as a resident adviser in Raoul Hall, a Diversity Initiative Fellow in the Office of Undergraduate Admission and a member of the search committee for a new dean of Campus Life. Priddy sits on the Steering Committee for the Emory Commission on Racial and Social Justice which oversees initiatives in response to the 13 demands made by the student group Black Students of Emory University in 2015. We hope that Priddy will spearhead initiatives in SGA that have yet to be addressed by the committee or that he sees are still lacking in implementation. He told the Wheel that he has already met with leaders of minority groups on campus and plans to meet with them regularly to identify and tackle concerns. As someone who has never served on student

government, Priddy recognizes the organization’s issues. During the Wheel Debates, he emphasized the importance of updating SGA’s website, saying, “If you do not know who your representatives are … you’re not alone. That’s a big issue that I’m surprised that people who are continuing to run for SGA haven’t fixed.” Naveed is a qualified candidate, but his agenda lacks the clarity necessary for that of a vice president. He aims to bridge the Emory and Oxford communities to make Emory a “home” for all students, but Priddy also addressed the need to better integrate Oxford continuees. Naveed’s main priority is to support “community specific initiatives” which will allow minority communities to nurture that environment. Naveed has dedicated countless hours to SGA, but he has not spearheaded any major initiatives. In comparison, Priddy has an abundance of experience working to pursue social justice. He helps organize the Essence of Emory Program, an annual admissions program that invites prospective underrepresented students to experience a weekend on Emory’s campus. Both Priddy and Naveed want to improve campus safety by implementing Sexual Assault Peer Advocates (SAPA) training for student leaders. Naveed plans to require all student leaders on campus to be SAPA trained, while Priddy understands that SAPA training alone will not ensure campus safety. Priddy argued that SGA should strongly encourage SAPA training for student leaders and championed the rights of students “across all spectrums” to feel safe on campus, but warned against executive overreach by SGA. Although Priddy is an SGA outsider, his leadership experience, due diligence and refreshing perspective position him to solve the issues of transparency and accountability that plague SGA.


The Emory Wheel


The Emory Wheel


&

The Emory Wheel

Arts Entertainment Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor: Jesse Weiner (jweine8@emory.edu)

ATLANTA THEATER

OUTDOORS SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

‘Gentleman’s Guide’ Worth Following By maggiE higginBotham Contributing Writer

Courtesy of urvi AgrAwAl/stAff

Community member Ryhan Nadji, a volunteer for Graduation Generation, crafts at a station at the Outdoors Science Symposium on Friday, March 23. Science.Art.Wonder., an Emory club that integrates the arts and the sciences on campus, organized the event.

DRAMA FILM

‘Thoroughbreds’ Needs Training By Evan amaral Senior Film Critic

Grade: BIn Alexander Mackendrick’s classic film noir “Sweet Smell of Success,” gossip columnist J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster) describes the protagonist Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) as a “cookie full of arsenic.” There is no better turn of phrase to describe “Thoroughbreds,” a slice of cinematic junk food laced with murderous intentions. The debut feature by director Cory Finley premiered at Sundance last year to critical acclaim and is now opening courtesy of Focus Features. Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) lives the illusion of a perfect upper-class life, attending a boarding school when not living with her mother Karen (Kaili Vernoff). She was expelled from her previous school for plagiarism and is still reeling from her father’s tragic death. Even worse, her mother married the despotic Mark (Paul Sparks), a cruel stepfather who wants nothing more than for Lily to disappear from his payroll. In a tutoring session, Lily rekindles her relationship with her childhood friend Amanda (Olivia Cooke), an icy, empathy-devoid young woman with a malicious reputation for having killed her prized thoroughbred horse. When Lily goes to Amanda for advice about how to handle Mark, the two draft a plan to put an end to his reign of terror. With drug dealer Tim (Anton Yelchin) in tow, they set off to murder

Mark — with airtight alibis, of course. In essence, “Thoroughbreds” operates as an equine idiom, constantly drawing symbolic comparisons between the two protagonists and thoroughbred horses — expensive, perfectly bred and in the service of their masters. It’s a profound critique of bourgeois American culture, particularly surrounding a familiar upper-crust New England milieu. The rich turn into bloodthirsty animals caged by their own exclusive cultural practices. Lily and Amanda are both products of this environment, and the actresses that portray them are nothing short of superb. Taylor-Joy plays Lily with a melodramatic sensitivity, acting that is both genuine and put-upon at the same time. Cooke is on point as the more low-key Amanda, a person devoid of emotion after being crushed by the weight of the expectations. The late Yelchin complements them both as the older, lower-class “loser” who wants nothing more than his own wealth. Sparks is the perfect villain as Mark, a robotic conformist who desires nothing more than money and power. Finley weaves a critical allegory throughout his debut feature. It permeates every facet of his screenplay and direction. The film sounds like a drearily serious piece, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Finley imbues his script with a nasty sense of humor, one with which Cooke’s deadpan delivery and Yelchin’s scrappy energy are in perfect flow. Balancing this hilarity with stringent class commentary is no

easy task, and Finley mostly succeeds. However, his writing dips into spoonfeeding at some key moments. It drives home the equine idiom of the film far too literally, as if he didn’t trust his audience to figure it out themselves from his thematic breadcrumb trail. Finley also disappoints in the depth of his arguments. He doesn’t allow his themes enough time to simmer while the plot boils over, making some of his points appear undercooked. Additionally, his tone and critique are masterfully entwined in a structural sense but never synthesize or react in the explosive manner that they should. Finley’s stylistic choices also contribute to the film’s downside: its stereotypical “Kubrickian” direction, complete with dramatic music cues, a forever-moving camera and meticulously composed images. However, Finley is no Kubrick, and comes across as an admiring child playing around with the cinematic toys his father left him. Such flashy direction isn’t confident. Still, “Thoroughbreds” is a largely enjoyable experience in light of its flaws. There is some thoughtful material left to chew on when the film ends, even if it never truly coalesces. Finley’s sharp writing and control over tone are a devilish joy to watch, and never overstay their welcome. However, Taylor-Joy and Cooke make the film with their dueling portrayals of privilege gone wild. Their combined talents are enough to leave you wanting to see more from the three.

— Contact Evan Amaral at evan.amaral@emory.edu

The stage is set at a funeral: actors enter wearing black from head to toe, singing to warn the audience to leave the show. “For God’s sake, go,” they plead. This unusual opening song, “A Warning to the Audience” allows “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (GGLAM) to charm its audience from the very beginning because the play refuses to take itself too seriously. Set in London in the early 1900s, “GGLAM” follows a young man, Montague “Monty” Navarro (Blake Price), as he discovers that he is a member of the D’ysquith family and eighth in line to becoming the earl of Highhurst. Growing up as a poor outcast from the family, Monty feels he deserves some claim to the vast family fortune and begins killing his family members until he is named the new earl. Amid the crime spree, Monty falls in love with a distant cousin, and becomes entangled in a love triangle between his very married mistress and his soon-to-be wife. “GGLAM,” which ran at the Fox Theatre from March 13 to 18, is not only quaint and lighthearted, but also an incredible machine of choreographed precision from the first rise of the curtain to the last actor’s bow. Whether an actor is leaning against a wall or picking up a pen, each movement is orchestrated with such care and detail that it’s easy to take for granted. It takes a skilled and dedicated ensemble to pull off a performance as flawlessly as that of NETworks Presentations’ 2017-2018 “GGLAM” tour cast. The stand-out actor was by far James Taylor Odom, who conquered the difficult task of playing nine distinct characters. Odom portrayed all the members of the D’ysquith family as they are killed off throughout the show by Monty. Within just the first act, Odom swings from an elderly reverend to a charitable old maid to a young gay socialite, each with a completely different set of hair, makeup and wardrobe. As one character (Lord Asquith D’ysquith Sr.), Odom has a limp; as Lord Adalbert D’ysquith, he flawlessly embodies the movements of the proud and egotisti-

cal earl of Highhurst. As with any performance, the talent of the ensemble can only take a play so far. What elevates this production from simply a funny show to a touching theatrical experience are its design elements. The set frames the action, creating a second, smaller stage from which characters jump in and out. This contributes to the play’s farcical element, as the audience feels like there is a level of awareness on behalf of the characters and the script. The costume and lighting designs are both beautiful and indicative of each character’s role in the play. The costumes help the audience keep track of the sometimes confusing slew of characters by color coding them: for example, Monty’s mistress Sibella (Colleen McLaughlin) always wears some shade of pink, whereas his fiance-turned-wife, Phoebe D’ysquith (Erin McIntyre), always dons blue. The lights offer a similar guide for the viewer: the stage is covered in warm washes of purples, pinks and reds before and during romantic scenes, and cold blues and yellows whenever a murder is about to occur. This level of detail in every aspect of production makes this show a deceptively masterful piece of theater. The cast even took it upon themselves to solve the one string left untied at the end of the musical. Just when everything seems to be working out in Monty’s favor, he discovers another man in a similar position to the one he started out with: a poor man cast aside by the D’ysquith family with plans to regain his lost title. While the script left this situation unresolved, after bows, Monty and this new character share a moment which foreshadows that Monty strikes preemptively, killing the young upstart before he can return the favor. This was not a part of the original script — it was something the cast chose to add. This level of enthusiasm and excitement to create new things within the structure of the show is refreshing, and clearly represents the spirit of the musical. While Monty Navarro may be giving us a guide to both love and murder, all I have for this show is love.

— Contact Maggie Higginbotham at mhiggi5@emory.edu

VIDEO GAME

Square Enix’s ‘Chrono Trigger’ Port Fires Blanks By aditya Prakash Associate Editor

Grade: C“Chrono Trigger” is one of the best games ever made. Though one could pose an argument that “Final Fantasy VI” offers more to the Japanese RolePlaying Game (JRPG) genre, I refuse to acknowledge any other JRPG as better. Look at any feature — its revolutionary real-time turn-based combat, the intricately detailed pixel art by “Dragonball”s Akira Toriyama or the banger-loaded soundtrack — and you, too, will appreciate why the game is held with such reverence. If you are unfortunately unenlightened, you play as the young Chrono and together with a group of allies from various time

periods, you go on an time-travelling adventure to slay the evil alien Lavos that seeks to destroy the world. On Feb. 27, Square Enix released a port of the beloved game for the PC, and — in a completely baffling act of sheer incompetence — they managed to screw it up.The cardinal sin of “Chrono Trigger” for the PC is that it is a direct port of the game’s mobile version rather than the original 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version, or the later port for the Nintendo DS in 2008. The visuals of the SNES version are pixelart at its zenith, whereas the aesthetics of the mobile version are more reminiscent of a fake video game pop-up that shows up on sketchy websites. The once sharp, defined features of “Chrono Trigger” are muted by filters

which reduce the nuance of the artistic detail. Instead of colorful, dynamic sprites, the characters look as if their faces have been smudged. What took the biggest beating graphically is the overworld map area, with inconsistent tiling preventing the large world from seamlessly coming together. As a fan of Nintendo games, it would be hypocritical of me to dismiss a game because of its graphics. I can, however, dismiss a game because of its clunky user-interface (UI). The original “Chrono Trigger” was well-received at its release because its smooth UI allowed its real-time, turn-based combat system to work. Enemies didn’t wait for you to attack; you had to quickly navigate through each of your character’s movesets and attack before the enemies attacked you. As a result,

every battle was an adrenaline-filled encounter that ensured that the battlesystem never grew stale. The UI of this “Chrono Trigger” port makes OPUS look competent. The menus present too many options during combat that saturate the screen. When navigating through the Tech menu (these are your special attacks), your options are presented in two columns, rather than the single column of the original SNES version. This clutters the screen with too much information and makes it hard to navigate quickly. I began this review by explaining that “Chrono Trigger” is one of the best games ever made, and this will be true regardless of the disgusting nature of this new port. If you have no other way to play “Chrono Trigger,” then this castrated option will still offer many of the suc-

cesses of the original game. You will still get the zany, quirky cast of six playable characters. You will still get the absolute tune that is “Corridors of Time.” And you will still get its thoughtful, original exploration of time-travel. That being said, in an era when you have the likes of “Shadow of Colossus” and “DOOM,” both of which have each been thoughtfully remade and ported, this release by Square Enix is comparatively lazy and — quite frankly — offensive to die-hard fans of “Chrono Trigger” who continue to flirt with the idea of a complete remake for a modern console. Oh well. At least we might get Chrono in the next Super Smash Bros.

— Contact Aditya Prakash at aditya.prakash@emory.edu


A&E

The Emory Wheel ACTION FILM REVIEW

‘Pacific Rim’ Sequel A Massive Mess

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

11

INTERVIEW

Man vs. Monster Movie Fails to Stand Out By adEsola thomas Contributing Writer

Grade: C+ “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” like other members of the sci-fi cesspool of mediocrity, delivers excessive CGI and empty plot. That said, stomaching some of the more stereotypical aspects of the film reveals interesting dialogue and sociopolitical parallelisms that will, at the very least, prevent you from leaving the theater early. Director Guillermo del Toro and writer Travis Beacham’s “Pacific Rim” franchise follows a near-future struggle between humanity and the kaiju, massive sea monsters that are vomited out of the ocean floor and into dense cities around the world. In both “Pacific Rim” and the film’s newly-released sequel “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” protagonists fight back against those monsters with jaegers, human-piloted robots the size of skyscrapers. “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” released on March 23, features the same man-versus-monster premise. However, the sequel distinguishes itself from its predecessor with a predominantly new cast and topical sociopolitical issues. John Boyega (“Star Wars,” “Attack the Block”) leads “Pacific Rim: Uprising” as Jake Pentecost, son of the late jaeger pilot General Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), who led the world-saving battle depicted in the first film. In a film set 10 years later, Jake has not followed in his father’s footsteps but rather pawns stolen jaeger parts on the black market to support his partying. After Amara (Cailee Spaeny), a young orphan who steals a part to finish her self-built jaeger, thwarts Jake’s deal, she and Jake are apprehended by the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) for resisting arrest and piloting Amara’s jaeger through the city streets.In response, Jake’s adoptive sister Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi) lands Jake and Amara positions within the PPDC to escape jail time. Amara enters the jaeger pilot training program, and Jake becomes a pilot trainer and co-pilot to Nate (Scott Eastwood). Although the PPDC isn’t threatened by kaijus at the time, they continue the jaeger piloting program to compete with the Shao Corporation’s drone jaegers, spearheaded by company namesake Liwen Shao (Jing Tian) and Dr. Newt Geiszler (Charlie Day). However, trouble arises when a rogue jaeger attacks PPDC jaegers at an Australian summit. This deadly attack expedites the approval of kaiju cell-infused drone jaegers and forces Jake and his fellow pilots to unsurprisingly try to save the world. The film’s Marvelesque witty dialogue and danceable soundtrack — full of Afrobeats, Southern gospel and club music — are the more fun elements of this visually impressive film. The familial conversation during between Jake and a hologram of Mako Mori weaves a moment of intimacy into the brashness and steel of the film’s futurescape. However, there aren’t many other touching moments mixed in with the quintessential city-raising battle scenes. The ones that do exist are so smushed together that the film’s aftermath feels like a montage of cross-cuts

between fight scenes and pats on the back between characters who, again, are trying to evade the total obliteration of their world. The film’s most prominent theme is defining what it means to be a man. Jake yearns to distinguish himself from his father’s legacy. His internal conflict becomes most apparent as he trains Amara and her diverse fellow pilots. Because leadership has become synonymous with his father’s name, Jake struggles to simultaneously lead and assert his individuality. Boyega delivers Jake’s conflict with a playfulness and vulnerability. He makes Jake endearing, even when he is being selfish or self-doubting. Jake’s eventual confidence juxtaposes Geiszler’s violent insecurity well, and the two prove to be important foils. Amara’s struggles at piloting school are used to develop the concept of bravery. In a vulnerable exchange between Jake and Amara, Jake discourages her from letting “what other people think” define her. This, in addition to major character deaths and drifting simulation sequences, is the most stirring moment in the film. This is disappointing, given the story is about the looming possibility of total annihilation. There is even an unnecessary subplot in which Jake and Nate express romantic interest in the same female co-pilot who, outside of flirtatious exchanges, barely appears in the film. The love triangle could have been used to exemplify how intact one’s humanity can be amid the threat of extinction or to contrast the pressing threat of enemies with the aid of loved ones. Instead, Jake and Nate joked about who was more attractive. It was unnecessary. The film frequently had the opportunity to have more impactful moments but instead chose to be funny. The story does possess resonant critiques of interstate exploitation and identity politics. A sizeable portion of the film is in Mandarin, and “Pacific Rim: Uprising” possess a largely Asian cast. These choices are a triumph of representation. Chinese, Russian and American pilots unite to defeat the rogue jaegers and kaijus threatening the world. It is incredibly powerful to see diverse members of the global community relinquish their political differences to secure the existence of the human race. Furthermore, their true common enemy is not simply the figure behind the new kaiju attacks, but rather the divisive impact of dehumanizing economic practices and toxic masculinity. “Pacific Rim: Uprising” is thematically intriguing, but doesn’t add much nuance to the science-fiction/fantasy genre. Boyega’s performance and the political ideas the film explores are noteworthy, especially in the midst of a cinematic moment in which action blockbusters are attempting to address poignant political themes often relegated to dramas or indie films. But had there been a better balance between action and drama, “Pacific Rim: Uprising” could have been more than a funny and ultimately forgettable film.

— Contact Adesola Thomas at adesola.thomas@emory.edu

Courtesy of Ben rothstein, twentieth Century fox

Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) maneuvers through high school while juggling his schoolwork, friends and closeted homosexuality.

‘Love, Simon’ Stars Spill All By Urvi agrawal Staff Photographer

told stories where you can connect with the characters on the screen.

High school is already a hard time for most people, but it’s even harder for people who are in the closet. In a box office that is often clogged with heteronormative narratives, “Love, Simon” is a breath of fresh air with its one key message: Everyone deserves a love story. The film stars Nick Robinson (“Everything, Everything” and “Jurassic World”) as Simon Spier, a closeted gay teen in high school, and Alexandra Shipp as Abby, one of Simon’s close friends. The film explores love and friendship as it follows Simon’s journey of coming out. Based on the bestselling novel “Simon vs the Homo sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli, “Love, Simon” is directed by Greg Berlanti (“The Flash,” “Arrow”). The Wheel interviewed Berlanti, Robinson and Shipp to talk about the film. This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.

Allison Bolt, The Connector: How did you prepare for your roles? Alexandra Shipp: I read the book, so that was a real way for me to get the inside scoop on everything. But also, I went to an art school growing up and there were members of every denomination and gender. It was normal to be different; in fact it was celebrated. I definitely wanted to draw from that for Abby because I think that’s where she came from before she met the other characters. And that in turn made her a little less biased and without preconceived notions about others. Nick Robinson: I also read the book and the script. That was my initial preparation, and before we started out I saw Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, which relates to “Love, Simon.” It’s about this kid in high school who’s trying to keep a momentous secret. And then, in addition to that, we did about a week or so of rehearsals before we actually started filming, which was a helpful time to talk about ideas freely in a safe space without actually having any cameras rolling.

Kenneth Franklin, Vox Teen Communications: What would you say to critics of films like “Love, Simon,” who claim that LGBT representation is being shoved down their throats? Greg Berlanti: Representation of every walk of life makes the world a better place. I think they’d be surprised if they were to see the movie; they would actually have a genuinely emotional experience. Throughout the history of cinema, one of the jobs of artists, be it actor, writer or director, is to create empathy for other people for something that they may not have experienced, the way of life that they may not know. If they don’t understand that that’s one of the most rewarding things about enjoying a film then I feel sorry for them. Urvi Agrawal, The Emory Wheel: Greg, you’ve directed a lot of work concerning superheroes. How was it different directing a teen drama? GB: You’d be surprised, whatever story you’re telling, it’s so much about the character at the center and their emotional journey. In the most rewarding stories, whether a superhero story or comingof-age story, you have to be mindful of the ways you’re connected with the audience and of their way into this experience, so that they can sort of go on that ride. People see the genres as very different, but the best ones are actually really similar. They are great, well-

“I hope that’s what people take away from the film as well — being able to have a conversation that they normally wouldn’t have had...” I definitely used some of my own high school experiences. Simon is kind of a chameleon in a way — he has an ability to get along while being as innocuous as possible. I could relate to that, especially in the beginning of high school. I felt that I ran in different friend groups and was able to just fit in. Jasmine Martin, Vox Teen Communications: What was it like depicting such a popular and controversial issue such as LGBTQ rights on screen? NR: I just became more aware than anything. I was raised in a pretty liberal household and I never really thought of myself as a bigot person. Before this film began I thought that you should be able to love whoever you want, but I wasn’t really aware of the struggle that people actually go

through when they’re on this journey of actually coming out. And I was also not aware of the vibrant and vocal communities in the LGBTQ world. So I felt like I was better able to talk about certain issues and address certain things. Someone close to me actually came out around the same time we started filming, so I felt much better equipped to just have a conversation. I hope that’s what people take away from the film as well — being able to have a conversation that they normally wouldn’t have had if they hadn’t seen it. I think my main benefit was that there was an education and just greater awareness. AS: I have a lot of LGBTQ friends and family members who are gay and so for me it was more so about being honored to be a part of this educational process and create allies with people who see this movie and don’t know very much about the community, don’t know very much about how to speak in the vernacular and things like that. We can be so insensitive at times. This movie does show you, especially between Simon and his dad, you can really see that those little things that we say or when we’re thinking that nobody is really listening or “Oh, you have to have a sense of humor” but well no, things that you find funny actually hurt me. So when I got into this I was like this is definitely something where I can help now educate people because the majority of the time people want to know; they’re just afraid to ask. Kenneth Franklin, Vox Teen Communications: What do you think of the recent trend in mainstream media of films that tell the stories of LGBTQ youth? Nick: It’s really exciting. There have been many films leading up to this point and swiveling around the edges of this idea of a mainstream, studio-produced film with a gay protagonist. And I feel like it’s something audiences seem to want given the success of movies like “Call Me By Your Name” and other films that have been slowly but surely pushing the envelope. And one of the things that’s great about this film, the thing that makes it special, is that it is not trying to be edgy or independent. It really is trying to be broad and fun, with its tone and with the genre in general. Often times you don’t really have that. It’s important that people see themselves represented in the best light possible.

— Contact Urvi Agrawal at urvi.agrawal@emory.edu


The Emory Wheel

Emory Life

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | Emory Life Editor: Niraj Naik (niraj.naik@emory.edu)

CAMPUS LIFE

FASHION

Nineties Nostalgia: Cyberpunk, Scrunchies A Look at 2018’s Fiercest Fashion Trends By seungeun cho Asst. Emory life Editor

Ayushi AgArwAl/Photo Editor

Manushi Ashar (20C) speaks with Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life Ajay Nair at Wonderful Wednesday on March 21. Students, faculty and student organizations gather at Asbury Circle to bid farewell to Nair.

FACULTY

After 35 Years, Giles Says Goodbye By RichaRd chess Executive Editor

A photo of Professor micheal Giles and former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter sits atop Giles’ bookshelf in the office he’s called home for the past 25 years, a captured moment that reflects his work with leaders of the free world and Emory University administration. The Wheel sat down with the fuller E. Callaway and Goodrich C. White professor of political science to reflect on his work at the Carter Center, his role in the 2012 Emory budget and program cuts and how Emory has changed throughout his tenure. for the past 35 years, Giles has taught at Emory and served on administrative committees for the College and University. He joined Emory in 1983 and served as the political science chair until he stepped down at the end of his term in 1989. in 1984, he became editor of The Journal of Politics and in 1992, the senior advisor for research and evaluation of The Atlanta Project at the Carter Center. Emory hired Giles as part of thenCollege Dean David minter’s efforts to hire faculty from other institutions to lead departments, Giles said. Chair of the Political Science Department Clifford Carrubba said Giles served as a mentor for him as he developed into a mature researcher. “[Giles] started to put Emory’s political science on the map when he came here as chair,” Carrubba said. “He’s going to be sorely missed by the department.” Prior to teaching at Emory, Giles earned a bachelors from North Texas State University and a masters and doctorate from University of Kentucky. He taught at florida Atlantic University as a professor before moving to Atlanta. Giles said he came to Emory because the school offered good resources with strong dean support, a well-established department and a well-organized faculty. Giles said he dedicated much of his first few years at Emory to recruiting new professors and working on his journal. in 1992, Giles joined The Atlanta Project at the Carter Center because

he had “published a lot” and wanted to have a direct political impact, he told the Wheel. The project, started by then-Emory University President James T. laney and Carter, aimed to fulfill Carter’s effort to shrink the disparity between poor and wealthy communities in Atlanta. Giles called Carter a “great boss to work for,” pointing to one instance when other leaders wanted Giles to leave the project after he delivered a negative outlook on the Atlanta community. Carter told members, “We’re not going to kill the messenger.” following the 2008 financial crisis, Giles chaired the Emory College financial Advisory Committee, which formed recommendations to thenCollege Dean robin forman to dramatically reduce funding to some academic fields and eliminate the division of educational studies, visual arts department and journalism program. Micheal Giles, fuller E. Callaway Professor of Political Science sArAh tAhA/stAff

Giles said that no one wanted to cut departments, but there was little choice — the College had been running a budget deficit for about three consecutive years. “The budget projections ... were dropping like a rock,” Giles said. “Neither students nor faculty understand that Emory University has a large endowment. Emory College does not.” Giles, 71, said he is retiring because he wants to devote time toward his personal research and spend more time with his wife, who retired two years ago. over his 35-year tenure, Giles said the campus infrastructure and diversity among students have significantly improved, but more can still be done to increase diversity. Giles said he was not impressed by the administration of former University President William Chace, who served from 1995 to 2003, because they allowed faculty to blame deans for

the University’s poor financial situation at the time. However, he said he has faith in University President Claire E. Sterk to push Emory in a “strategic” direction by critically evaluating where the University should allocate funds even if that means some people may lose their jobs. “i love the choice of [College Dean michael Elliott],” Giles said. “i’m hopeful that the current administration will be more strategic than the ones in the past.” As a political science professor, Giles said he has witnessed how students on campus attempt to effect change in politics. Though Giles said he thinks protesting is generally healthy, he also thinks most students don’t have fully formed opinions yet. Students involved in activism should be more aware of the consequences, Giles said. Students who sit-in buildings, for example, should expect to be arrested, he said. “There’s a reason why it’s called the letter from The Birmingham Jail — [martin luther King Jr.] went to jail,” Giles said. “i just hope that some [students] … — five, six, seven years from now when they have more experience — look out and [think], ‘God, i was stupid.’ ” Giles said that the United States Supreme Court is his favorite class to teach because it allows him an opportunity to develop in students “a more nuanced understanding” of the role of courts in the U.S. government system as a whole. “i’m happy every day i come to work,” Giles said. “it’s not work for us.” The professor added that he will miss interacting with students and mentoring honors students. “Working with smart students committed to a project is about as good as it can get for a professor,” Giles wrote in a march 20 email to the Wheel. leah fishman (20C), who is enrolled in Giles’ U.S. Supreme Court class, said she would have probably taken another of Giles’ classes if he wasn’t retiring. “He’s a really engaging teacher,” fishman said. “He’s really funny. i enjoy his lectures.”

— Contact Richard Chess at richard.chess@emory.edu

The cold touch of winter’s rain and snow came to an end on march 20. While rainy season still awaits, the longing for daylight is over. When we turned back our clocks over spring break, we bade farewell to seasonal affectivity and embraced longer days. As flowers bloom and animals shed their winter fluff, it’s time to return our layers of padded outerwear to the backs of our closets. To prepare for the pollen galore and warmer days, the Wheel takes a look at Spring 2018 fashion trends. FutuRistic FRames

scRunchies Students with longer hair might already have noticed scrunchies creeping back onto the accessories radar. The hair accessory trend follows the tail end of the recent ‘90s craze. if mansur Gavriel’s fall 2017 runway at New york fashion Week wasn’t enough of an indication of the scrunchies’ cozy appeal, recent celebrities have been revamping the accessory for the red carpet with slicked high ponytails and luxe looks. if you’re rushing out the door five minutes before class, channel Gavriel and let your scrunchie spare you the worry of denting your hair. And if Spice Girl-style glam seems too high-maintenance, pop on a quietly classy scrunchie a la notorious scrunchie devotee ruth Bader Ginsburg for an elegant look.

The space age is back. recent snapshots of street style and celebrity sightings have captured sometimes funky, other times sleek revisitations of ‘90sPLastic era futurism. Slim, geometric sunglasses aesKanye West arguably spearheaded a thetically reminiscent of “The matrix” Perspex wave when he introduced his have become a recent favorite of high- yeezy lucite Heels in 2016. profile celebrities, particularly Bella later, in 2017, eminent fashion Hadid. house Chanel debuted its own thighA decided departure from the bug- high Perspex boots. eyed frames popularized by American Though fashion has been circulatsocialites during the ing plastic for decades, 2000s, the new tiny the recent space-age eyewear trend is defirevival has found if you want to subtly antly nonchalant. newfound interest in While “matrix”- brag about your recent the aforementioned intellectual foray into Perspex and longtime esque mini shades probably won’t keep mainstay PVC. marx, follow in the the sun out of your While incorporatfootsteps of Celine eyes while you walk to ing plastic into your or Burberry and tote and from class, they’ll spring wardrobe your books to class in guarantees you a sleek definitely keep people a transparent plastic staring. shield from April And you can rest showers, the combinapurse. assured knowing your tion of increasing temcheeks will be safe from peratures with bare sunburn. skin and plastic clothes can easily turn your polished look into a greenhouselike cage. Low-Rise Pants To combat fog, layer classic clear legwear is hot on the heels of sun- plastic over pastel tones for a pretty Pantone effect, or pair clashing prints glasses in joining the ‘90s wave. Heroin chic and new punk move- for an edgier route. Alternatively, wear printed PVC ments are returning in the form of lower waistlines as millennials over heavier patterns. if you want to subtly brag about and Generation Z-ers grapple with similar sentiments of unrest and your recent intellectual foray into Karl marx, follow in the footsteps rebellion. follow in the footsteps of rihanna’s of Celine or Burberry and tote your neon fenty x Puma spring 2018 books to class in a translucent plastic ready-to-wear show, which fea- purse. Nobody has to know it’s required tured high-cut swimwear with ultra low-rise track pants for a part-indus- reading. trial, part-space age spin on the classic waistline. concLusion or go the route of Tom ford, who helped popularize the look in the ‘90s, ‘90s nostalgia has been gathering and choose monochrome palettes and force for the past few seasons and classic fabrics for a subtler take. hardly seems ready to stop. As spring To play proportions, ditch settles upon campus and the semester the bodysuit or swimwear for a draws to a close, end the year with a high-cut crop top and own a belly- bang. baring look. you won’t be distracting anybody — Contact Seungeun Cho at who matters. seungeun.cho@emory.edu


Emory lifE

The Emory Wheel HISTORY

For Emory the Bell Tolls By nicoLe sadek managing Editor

Before Emory students became accustomed to the tune of the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes, myriad melodies rang out from Cox Hall’s Clock Tower, including “The Addams family” theme song. officially named the robinson Clock Tower after former Emory trustee J. William robinson, the iconic tower has soared over Cox Bridge for more than 20 years, relaying songs like the Halloween classic during special occasions. The tower’s electronic carillon, a system which amplifies bell sounds, has enabled the tower to broadcast those tunes over the past 18 years. University Historian and Senior Adviser to the President Gary Hauk, who was at one point responsible for approving Clock Tower song requests, said the tower’s electronic sound system once boasted a variety of melodies. The system played “Take me out to the Ballgame” on the opening day of the major league Baseball (mlB) season in the early 2000s, and circus music during a circus-themed Dooley’s Week in 2011. Hauk recalled hearing the Christmas carol, “The Holly and the ivy,” ring out in December, and once even asked Director of Piano Studies William ransom to record a few classical songs for the tower. “it got to be a little bit tiresome,” Hauk said as he recounted hearing tunes resonate from the tower multiple times a day. “We have not had requests for special songs in five or six years,” he wrote in a march 25 email to the Wheel, adding that the University is reviewing the process for considering requests. Today, the tower relays the Westminster chimes every quarter hour and Emory’s alma mater at noon, with only a few additional melodies. one of those is the islamic call to prayer, known as the Adhan. Every friday in february since 2000 — islamic Awareness month — and the month of ramadan, the call to worship rings out for several minutes on Emory’s campus. Emory’s muslim Students Association (mSA), in collaboration with dean of the chapel and spiritual

Wednesday, march 28, 2018

FOOD

Rollin(s) with the Punches: Overlooked Dining Options By aditya PRakash Associate Editor

urvi AgrAwAl/stAff

Besides Westminster chimes every quarter hour and the Emory alma mater at noon, the Robinson Clock Tower also plays the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, in February. life and the University administration, debuted the tower’s Adhan tradition in 2000, according to religious life Scholar in the office of Spiritual and religious life (oSrl) isam Vaid (93ox, 95C, 99PH). Vaid, the founder of both oxford’s and Emory’s mSA, explained that the time at which the tower relays the Adhan has varied over the years depending on the length of the day. “[The Adhan] can be heard close to

“my observation ... has been that the Adhan has been well received with widespread appreciation as an expresson of inclusiveness.” — isam Vaid (93ox, 95C, 99PH) the time of Salaat Al-Jum’ah,” which is Arabic for friday prayers, Vaid wrote in a march 22 email to the Wheel. “my observation, over the years, has been that the Adhan has been well received with widespread appreciation as an expression of inclusiveness.” But the tower hasn’t always been musically inclined. The Clock Tower was built in the mid-1990s and endured the installation of four cast-bronze bells and an electronic carillon in 2000 that made

it possible for student organizations to request songs through Hauk. “There was an initiative to switch out the timing mechanism, install bronze bells and update the system,” Project manager Alfred Herzog said. over this two-month period in 2000, the Clock Tower as we know it began to take shape. During the renovations, plexiglass panelling was installed on three faces of the tower to direct the sound of its chimes away from the residence halls and hospital, and toward the Quadrangle. But no changes were made to the exterior of the structure, according to Herzog. As project manager, Herzog coordinates with contractors and architectural engineers on capital projects, which cost more than $1 million. His largest assignment has been the construction of the Campus life Center (ClC). Despite the ClC’s modern style, Herzog believes the structure will complement the Clock Tower. “Cox Hall is a little more reminiscent of the architecture that we see on most Emory buildings, and the ClC is more modern,” Herzog said. “They’ll play off each other really well.” Although some students today regard the tower as a postcard image for Emory, it has modestly integrated its resounding bells into the background noise of the lives of students, hospital employees and University staff and faculty.

— Contact Nicole Sadek at nicole.sadek@emory.edu

Join

The Emory Wheel News | Emory Life | Arts & Entertainment Opinion | Sports | Photography Digital | Copy Editing | Business

Email emorywheelexec@gmail.com for more information.

13

prefer to drink their meals, Honey Bubble sells bubble teas for $4, their best option being their taro tea. Not only does its purple color make it a great addition to any instagram, but it also adds a savory flavor that blends well with the sweetness of the tea.

you are sitting in a lecture hall at 11:49 a.m. having forgone breakfast yet again to make it to class on time. in these last few minutes of class, fatigue and hunger hit you like a truck, and the lecture becomes inaudible. Suddenly, your classmates pack their bags and disappear: it is finally time for lunch. After a trek to the DUC-ling, you balk at the sight of large, metal vats of cold mashed potatoes and shanty bowls of beyond-chicken wraps presented to you. you disdainfully walk to your room and open a bag of Cheetos. if you can relate to this story, fret not, for this is to be expected with any Emory meal plan. luckily for the adventurous undergraduate, Emory University hides a rich reservoir of less-than-typical food options available for just a few Dooley Dollars.

The quality of rollins Cafe’s food almost justifies the enormous debt that comes with a masters in public health. Though it is a little bit of a trek from the center of campus, students can find culinary solace on the first floor of the rollins School of Public Health. Their made-to-order flatbreads and quesadillas are piping hot, a rarity amidst the sea of cold sandwiches at White Hall and lukewarm rice bowls at Cox. from the stir fries to the sandwiches, rollins offers a variety of options that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Few haLL’s gRaB and go

saac caFe

if you are not a regular visitor of the few mail Center — perhaps because your family doesn’t love you enough to send you things — you may have missed the Grab and Go station located outside. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, enjoy an entree, a side, a drink and a dessert for one meal swipe. The menu offers similar options to its equivalent at White Hall, though the inclusion of a freezer offers the option of a King of Pops popsicle if you love the thought of flavored ice dripping on you on your way to class.

Those who don’t live on Clairmont may not realize that the SAAC is the unrivaled best place to use a meal swipe, as it gives you an entree, a drink and a dessert. The biggest appeal, according to my carnivorous friends, is the fresh ground beef that goes into the burgers, and if you enjoyed the guilty pleasure of cheap cheddar cheese-covered pizzas of elementary school birthday parties, the flatbreads of the SAAC bear a strong resemblance.

emoRy FaRmeRs maRket The farmers market is a staple of the Emory community and if you take the time to explore its many options, you will realize that Tuesday lunches are filled to the brim with gastronomical potential. rey martinez Cuban Cuisine offers meal combos such as rice and beans with plantains for a reasonable $5, and for the degenerates among us that

RoLLins caFe

concLusion Whether you are flush with Dooley Dollars or subsisting on water for the rest of the semester, diversifying your meals every now and then can help you feel less trapped. Until the post-college life liberates you from the culinary shackles of this university, make the most of what you have and grab a veggie flatbread at the rollins Cafe.

— Contact Aditya Prakash at aditya.prakash@emory.edu


14

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Two Minute Drill With Hayden Cassone By Thomas yohannes Contributing Writer

Although this is his first year on the Emory men’s tennis team, freshman Hayden Cassone has played an invaluable role in helping the Eagles register a blistering 9-0 win against Rhodes College (Tenn.) with an 8-3 verdict in doubles on March 24. Cassone is a prebusiness College student from South Salem, N.Y. The team next faces Johns Hopkins University (Md.) at home on March 31. Thomas Yohannes, The Emory Wheel: What did you think about Emory’s tennis team during high school, and what do you think about it now? Hayden Cassone: Before I came here, I knew Emory had an [NCAA Division I]-type program with a very experienced coach who cares a lot about his players. Also, they have a rich tradition of winning. When I came on my recruiting trip, I immediately loved all the guys on the team. After being here, it just confirmed my assumptions about how great [the program] is. EW: So far this season, you have an overall record of 12-2 in singles play, 4-0 in the Spring. In your opinion, did you exceed your own expectations? HC: My expectations are not personal, but for the team. I wanted to win a national title with my boys, and we achieved that together. EW: Who is a player you look up to? HC: I love watching Roger Federer play. He is the best player to ever live, and I give him a lot of respect. EW: What’s the craziest thing to happen during a tournament? HC: I clinched the semifinals against [the University of] Chicago at [the ITA Indoor National Championships]. They were a tough team, and I was extremely excited to win for my friends and teammates. EW: What type of music do you listen to before a game or practice? HC: EDM and rap. EW: What’s the most memorable moment with the team? HC: Winning [the ITA Indoor National Championships] was definitely a fun experience with the team. It was the first time I was with them in a serious team environment, and to win that was amazing. EW: Any aspirations in tennis for the future? HC: Since I just turned 18, I still have the national circuit of junior tournaments over the summer. I’m really looking forward to that as it’s my last time around. As for the far future, I haven’t looked that far ahead yet.

— Contact Thomas Yohannes at thomas.yohannes@emory.edu

SPORTS

Custer, Townes Seal Swoop’S Rambler Bid in ATL Scoop

Continued from Back Page

tact and reach the free-throw line. Alexander scored 10 points from the free-throw line in the first half alone, finishing with 15 points in the game on 11-12 shooting from the charity stripe. In what turned out to be a physical match, the onslaught of fouls slowed the tempo. Both teams reached the double bonus threshold of 10 team fouls early in each half. Kansas State attempted 22 free throws in the game, converting 14 as a team, while Kentucky shot an astounding 37 free throws, knocking down 23. However, Kansas State sophomore forward Xavier Sneed’s second half heroics proved too much for Kentucky to handle. Sneed finished the game with 22 points, shooting 5-8 from three-point range. Kentucky’s loss represented a missed opportunity for one of college basketball’s blue blood programs to

make a Final Four run in a region where the top four seeds failed to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004. In the South Regional’s final matchup, Loyola punched their ticket to the Final Four through a domineering effort against Kansas State en route to a 78-62 victory. The Ramblers maintained control of the game with a balanced scoring effort. The team shot an efficient 57 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three. Senior guard Ben Richardson led the team’s offense, finishing the game with 23 points and 6-7 from downtown. The Ramblers aim to continue the Cinderella run at the Final Four against the University of Michigan in San Antonio, Texas, on March 31 at 6:09 p.m.

Friday March 30

Saturday March 31

Sunday April 1

Sport

Opponent

Track & Field

Emory Classic

All Day

Softball

CWRU

2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

in the 400-yard medley relay. Cheng won her first individual national title of the meet, defending her 200-yard freestyle championship title with a time of 1:46.89. To conclude the evening, the men obtained their third straight title in the 200-yard freestyle relay with Ono, Kolleck, senior Aaron Schwartz and Smith scoring a time of 1:18.61, lagging .04 seconds behind their Emory-record-breaking preliminary time. Ono, Smith, Kolleck and Tollen collected the third relay title for the Eagles in the 400-yard medley with a time of 3:13.97. The Eagles preserved their respective standings on the third day with

Time

Baseball

CWRU

3 p.m.

W Tennis

Charleston So.

3 p.m.

Track & Field

Emory Classic

All Day

W Tennis

DePauw

10 a.m.

Softball

CWRU

Noon & 2 p.m.

M Tennis

Johns Hopkins

Noon

Baseball

CWRU

Noon & 3 p.m.

M Tennis

DePauw

10 a.m.

Baseball

CWRU

11 a.m.

— Contact Craig Supcoff at craig.supcoff@emory.edu

*Home Games in Bold

Track and Field Fall Short of School Record Continued from Back Page Yohan Jhaveri/Contributing

Swimmer of the Year in the wake of his six national titles and multiple broken records. In addition to the athletes’ accolades, Head Coach Jon Howell earned his seventh CSCAA Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year title. “This program is more than just the swimmers and divers who are currently in the pool,” Howell said. “It’s a whole culture of people who have really worked very hard to elevate the program during their time here … Everybody leaves their mark and allows the next group to do something even better.”

Lindo, who obtained second place in the triple jump with a personal best distance of 11.35m. Bondi and Lindo notched 10 and 8 points for the Eagles, respectively. On the men’s side, the Eagles’ top performances mostly came from their distance events. The men’s sole win of the meet came in the distance medley relay with freshmen Thomas Perretta and Jacob Hedgepeth and seniors Max Brown and Robert Wilhelm beating out the pack with a time of 10:28.15. “Our goal was to … get as close as we could to the school record as possible,” Wilhelm said. “We wound up a few seconds short of that, but we all performed pretty well.” Other commendable performances included a third-place finish in the 4x800m relay featuring Peretta, senior Jason McCartney, freshman Jonathan Rosenfeld and freshman anchor Thomas Moxham, who finished with a solid time of 8:10.34. Sophomore Alex Campbell’s fourthplace finish in the steeplechase at 9:57.75 and sophomore Luis Torres’ third-place finish in the 5000m with a time of 15:12.15 both contributed to the Eagles’ effort. Head Coach John Curtin told the Wheel that the first meet was a good start for the teams. “There were some really great performances, there were some not so great performances and a lot of them in between,” Curtin said. “I feel really good about the start, and we’re just going to have to continue to build from there.” Despite the team’s strong performance, the Eagles were missing a few of their top contenders. Seniors Benjamin Rogin and captain Gabrielle Stravach are both out due to injuries, but Curtin hopes to get his entire team fit in preparation for the rapidly approaching University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships in May. “[We] have to ... build [our] season in a progressive manner so that we are ready to be at our best when it counts the most in May,” Curtin said. The Eagles will return to the WoodPEC next weekend to host the Emory Classic on March 30-31.

— Contact Annie Uichanco at tuichan@emory.edu

— Contact Bethany Greene at bethany.greene@emory.edu

Senior shortstop Nick Chambers awaits the pitch in a matchup against Covenant College (Ga.). The team eclipsed the Scots 12-10 at home on March 27.

Eagles Redeem Loss With Covenant Conquest Continued from Back Page Stevens. The Eagles scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat Stevens 8-5. Leading Emory’s scoring, sophomore third-baseman Christopher Stern drove a three-run homerun over the leftfield wall to cap off Emory’s breakthrough inning. Chambers contributed two hits and four RBIs in Emory’s eight-run effort. On the mound, junior pitcher Sam Brzowski secured Emory’s win, holding Stevens hitless in two and twothirds innings. In a weekend series against Middlebury, Emory’s bats lit up the Panthers, leading Emory to two consecutive 10-run games. In their first match-up on March 17, Emory thrashed Middlebury 10-2. The Eagles broke away in the seventh inning, scoring seven runs to build a 10-2 lead. Sophomore pitcher James Robertson solidified the Eagles’ victory, going five and onethird innings, giving up two runs (one earned) and striking out four batters. In their second game of the weekend on March 18, Emory held off Middlebury, edging a 10-7 victory. Chambers boasted another big afternoon, putting up two hits, including a double and four RBIs. Over his past six games, Chambers amassed 13 hits and

12 RBIs. Chambers said the hard work he has put in during the season has helped him execute offensively. “My beginning of the season wasn’t too strong, so I just stuck with the process,” Chambers said. “Having a process and not being results-oriented has allowed me to put together a hot streak.” As designated hitter, Kim recorded two hits and a walk in three plate appearances. Together, the Emory offense belted 11 hits and walked 10 times. Head Coach Mike Twardoski said that his team has improved its offensive production with proper execution of fundamentals. “We are swinging at better pitches and are getting more aggressive in the strike zone,” Twardoski said. “We are starting to see more players driving the ball and seeing the ball better at the plate.” Riding a four-game winning streak, Emory faltered against BirminghamSouthern on March 21. The Eagles’ starting pitcher, freshman Jack Moore, gave up eight runs in four and onethird innings pitched. BirminghamSouthern tacked on five more runs to defeat Emory 13-6. Despite a rough day on the mound, Emory’s offense turned in a formidable performance. Junior Michael Wilson pinch hit for Stern in the bot-

tom of the ninth and smacked an RBI triple into left field. Chambers said the team’s young outfield and pitching staff is still working to hit their stride. “[The staff have] a lot of potential to improve moving forward,” Chambers said. “Getting reps and games under their belt at the college level will help them become even more consistent.” Despite allowing eight runs in the final three innings, Emory held off Covenant College 12-10 on March 27. Powering Emory’s offense, Chambers and Greene combined to add seven RBIs. In total, the Eagles recorded 10 hits and walked five times. With conference play on the horizon, Twardoski said that the team overall has not played well enough in all facets of the game. “We haven’t played good fundamental baseball so far this season,” Twardoski said. “We aren’t playing well enough running the bases, fielding, pitching and hitting.” Emory’s game against Covenant concluded the Eagles’ non-conference portion of their schedule. The Eagles will begin University Athletic Association (UAA) play against Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) Friday, March 30.

— Contact Stephen Mattes at stephen.mattes@emory.edu

Smith, Howell Wrap Up Meet With CSCAA Honors

Continued from Back Page

The Emory Wheel

record-breaking performances by both teams. Cheng, senior Julia Wawer, Muir and Taylor set a new DIII record in the 800-yard freestyle relay with a time of 7:13.51, while Ono surpassed Emory’s 100-yard backstroke record, claiming a career-first individual title with a time of 47.62. The men’s team cut the race for national runner-up close just 7 points ahead of Kenyon. On the final day, the Eagles solidified their impressive standings. The women’s team capped off their evergrowing lead with 603 points, brought on by national titles and stellar finishes in the 100-yard freestyle and the 400-yard freestyle relay, to win their ninth consecutive women’s national

championship. The men’s team wrapped up the weekend with 369.5 points, 227 points behind Denison, to secure the national runner-up title. “I think [winning a national championship is] always a great way to end my season,” Cheng said. “Even though some races didn’t go how I wanted them to go, our team is such a close knit family that it made it so much better than I could’ve ever imagined.” The Eagles celebrated a busy four days on the podium, winning a grand total of 15 national titles across both teams. After the meet, Smith received the title of College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Men’s


The Emory Wheel


The Emory Wheel

Sports

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | Asst. Sports Editor: Annie Uichanco (tuichan@emory.edu)

TRACK AND FIELD

Women Impress at Outdoor Debut

SWIMMING AND DIVING

By BeThany greene Copy Editor Emory’s track and field teams started off their outdoor season strong with an exceptional performance at the Emory Invitational on March 23 and 24. The Eagles clawed their way to a victorious first-place finish on the women’s side with 146.5 points, while the men’s team placed seventh out of 21 teams with 60 points. The women’s team dominated the sprints with top spots in the 100m, 400m and the 4x100m relay. Senior Dani Bland’s winning time of 11.89 in the 100m along with her second-place finish in the 200m with a time of 24.77 place her second and third, respectively, on this season’s DIII national leaderboards. Senior Erica Goldman’s first-place finish of 56.13 in the 400m places her second overall in DIII. Junior Dilys Osei also contributed a standout performance in the 400m hurdles, posting a time of 1:03.08 for third on the DIII leaderboard. The meet also featured notable performances from freshman Rebekah Bondi, who won the long jump with a distance of 5.21, and sophomore Nyla

See TRACk, Page 14

CourtesY oF a nastasia hrivnak

The Emory men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams celebrate on the final day of competition at the NCAA DIII Champs in Indianapolis, Ind., on March 24. The teams snagged their 11th consecutive and 24th overall team championship.

Eagles Make Waves With 24th Champs Title By annie uiChanCo Asst. Sports Editor

Emory’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams returned from the NCAA Division III Championships on March 21-24 with their 11th consecutive and 24th overall team championship trophy and 15 national records. Capitalizing on their success at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships last month, the women’s team continued its national dominance over 60 teams by garnering 603 points, 103 ahead of No. 2 Kenyon College (Ohio), while the men’s team secured second place out of 54 teams with 369.5 points, trailing No.

1 Denison University (Ohio). From day one, both teams proved their aptitude for the top spot on the podium with a combined total of five national titles and three NCAA DIII records. Junior Fiona Muir kicked off the women’s national title run, winning her career-first 50-yard freestyle after breaking the DIII record during prelims with a time of 22.48. Following her victory, Muir, alongside junior Meg Taylor and seniors Cindy Cheng and Megan Campbell, broke another NCAA record in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:40.12. On the men’s side, junior Thomas Gordon stole his first ever national title in the 500-yard freestyle with a

time of 4:23.70, almost 1.5 seconds faster than the runner-up. Senior Oliver Smith claimed the 50-yard freestyle for the third consecutive year, joining the ranks of only three other male swimmers to win the 50-yard freestyle thrice in DIII history, including Emory Head Coach Jon Howell (Kenyon, 1988-90). During prelims, Smith broke the NCAA DIII record with a time of 19.37. “I couldn’t have planned a better ending [to my senior year],” Smith said. “Back when I started here, aiming at that record was a long shot, but I knew if I worked hard for it, I could get it. Accomplishing that was putting the cherry on top.”

Ramblers Take On Final Four By Craig supCoff Contributing Writer

Forrest Martin/senior staFF

Junior Ariana Newhouse sprints in the 400m dash at the Emory Invitational on March 24. Newhouse placed No. 7 out of 51 runners.

BASEBALL

Baseball Finds Footing, Falters

Over spring break, the Emory baseball team pieced together a 4-1 record, their best so far this season. The team topped Berry College (Ga.), Stevens Institute of Technology (N.J.) and Middlebury College (Vt.), with its sole loss against Birmingham-Southern College (Ala.). Playing for the first time in more than a week, the Eagles turned the tide against Berry on March 13, winning the game in walk-off fashion. Emory came up short in two prior meetings

against Berry, losing 5-0 in their first match and 6-3 in their second. Down 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Eagles strung together a four-hit inning and tacked on two runs to take the game 6-5. Pinch-hitting for freshman left-fielder Jack Rubenstein, junior NJ Kim started the game knotted at five with a single that drove sophomore Ryan Adelman home. Following Kim’s RBI single, freshman Michael Edelman, pinch-hitting for sophomore catcher Jacob Greene, smashed a walk-off single up the middle of the infield that brought home senior shortstop

See SMITH, Page 14

MARCH MADNESS

TRACK AND FIELD

By sTephen maTTes Senior Staff Writer

The men rounded out the first day of competition with Emory’s second straight victory in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:27.63 from Smith, sophomore Sage Ono, senior Cooper Tollen and junior Trey Kolleck. The second day of the meet on March 22 brought out stiffer competition from opponents like Denison and Kenyon, but Emory still acquired three national titles and one school record. The women expanded their lead to 64 points with steep finishes by Cheng and Muir in the 200-yard freestyle and the foursome of Cheng, Muir, Campbell and junior Hannah Lally

Nick Chambers. With Edelman’s walk off, Emory snapped a six-game losing streak that dated back to Feb.18. Edelman said that his approach in his impressive at-bat was to ensure he was poised for a crucial plate appearance. “I was preparing for the situation where [the game] was tied, and I’d have to come through for the team,” Edelman said. “When I actually did come up to the plate, I was calmer, and I read the pitcher well.” Emory continued their late-inning heroics in a high-scoring game against

See EAGlES, Page 14

The South region of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament continued the theme of upsets. No. 11 seed Loyola University Chicago beat No. 7 seed University of Nevada, Reno 69-68 in a nail-biting Sweet 16 victory on March 22 in Atlanta, Ga., while No. 9 seed Kansas State University defeated the heavily favored No. 5 seed University of Kentucky 61-58. In the South Regional final on March 24, Loyola, the Cinderella team, left the Elite Eight victorious with a 78-62 win against Kansas State to advance to the Final Four. The Ramblers suffered early in the first half of their Sweet 16 matchup, trailing 12 points by the end of the first 10 minutes. But Loyola bounced back with a 20-4 run in the second 10 minutes of the first half. A huge contributor to the Ramblers’ run was the aggressive play of senior guard Clayton Custer whose buzzer beater in the previous round eliminated the University of Tennessee in the 32nd round. Custer finished the game with 15 points and four assists on 7-9 shooting. Twin forwards Caleb and Cody Martin led the Nevada effort with 21 and 16 points, respectively. Both teams played most of the second half neck-and-neck, providing an

answer for every attempt at a run. Loyola refused to back down as their guards’ aggressive play and determination to reach the basket never wavered. Their willingness to pass up shots for better opportunities highlighted their offensive display. The Ramblers demonstrated strong possession tactics, sometimes making more than five passes and using an array of shot fakes for open shot attempts. Appropriately, junior guard Marques Townes sealed the game for the Ramblers with a three-pointer assisted by Custer. Townes capitalized on a shot fake with six seconds remaining in the game to advance 69-65. Caleb Martin netted a fruitless three-pointer on the other end in garbage time, finishing the game 69-68. In the second game on March 22, Kansas State defeated the University of Kentucky 61-58 in what was thought to be Kentucky’s opportunity for a Final Four run. Kansas State came prepared, opening the game on a 13-1 run in the first four minutes of the game. Kentucky kept the game competitive going into the second half largely through the offensive efforts of freshman guard Shai GilgeousAlexander and his ability to draw con-

See CUSTER, Page 14


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.