Falling Into Place

3-4 Falling Into Place

Editorial Board 2021-2022

5-6

News

7-8 President Hemphill: On Student Diversity Inclusion And The Future 9-10 ODU Homecoming: A Time for Love Again 11-12 ODU Cold Case: A Trial Awaits 13-16 A Life in Gossamer

Arts And Entertainment

17-18 Monarch Way Market 19-22 GIRL

Technology

23-24 New Chemistry Building: Catalyzes Future Students’ Opportunities

Sports

25-26 The First Championship Is the Sweetest One 27-28 Sun Belt Conference 29-30 ODU Field Hockey Reigns Through 2021 Season 31 -32 Reign on the Court

Creative Enclave

33-34 Girl Zine 35-36 The Crimson Waters,Under the Moonlight 37-38 Under the Trees, I Heard the Cicadas Sing 39-40 It Is What It Is 41-42 Original Paintings 43-44 This I Believe, I believe In Always Returning Phone Calls 45-46 Manners, “Girl” Imitation 1 47-48 “Girl” Imitation 2-3

uring the past year, we have all gone through very unfortunate events. We lived in a world where we were maskless and close to one another in lectures. It’s crazy how it all changed as we all were being bombarded with classes on Zoom for over a year. However, we now enter a chapter in our lives where the world is alive again to signal a new beginning.

As the weather gets cooler, the leaves change colors from lush greenery to reds, browns, and yellows. The days go by quicker, as nights become slower. When I walk around campus, beanies, sweaters, and UGG boots are starting to be worn comfortably. To me, fall is a beautiful time of transition that symbolizes people coming together to celebrate the holidays. Just like how the seasons change, I am ready to transition into the next chapter of my life.

This shall be my first and last time working on our magazine with the team, as I am graduating this December. I remember entering ODU like it was yesterday, knowing that I was alone with no family members near me. However, I wanted to experience what college was like by being involved and making friends. I joined the Mace and Crown nearly three years ago as a contributing writer and worked my way up to being Editor-in-Chief. The Mace and Crown has been there for me throughout my ups and downs. The publication supported me when I first began my journalism career. When I went through a traumatic moment over two years ago, writing for the Mace and Crown helped me with my personal healing. Through love, heartbreaks, and prosperity, the Mace and Crown has always remained by my side. I never imagined myself being an executive, but when the news was brought to me, I knew I was ready to embark on the editorship. Thus, I accepted the role with all my heart.

When I was appointed to be the Editor-in-Chief, the vision and mission for this publication was to have a strong amount of outreach to our community. I wanted to welcome everyone and anyone with open arms to write or create something with us. Along with other organizations on campus, we wanted to start off strong for our community by making ourselves known. I worked with very passionate and driven people who are continuing this ODU legacy, but in a greater form. We were able to achieve so many goals and became successful within a short period of time, for which I could not be more proud of.

The team worked diligently and swiftly on this special project dedicated to all of you. From talking and maintaining close relationships with students to surveying each and every one of your responses, we were able to work together on the conceptualizations and designs in accordance to what you all wanted. Once you turn the glossy and shiny pages, you will see how much resilience, inclusivity, and diversity we have here on campus.

Despite all of the odds against us, I’m absolutely ecstatic to see that everything is still perfectly aligned and is falling into place.

I cannot express how honored and grateful I am to have served you, the ODU community.

The team and I hope that you enjoy this magazine as much as we have enjoyed making it for you.

Thank you for your continued support,