FALL SPORTS ENTER SEASON WITH BIG GOALS, HOPES FOR ODAC’s
SPORTS Pg 10
TASTY EATS
We find some of the best bites in the local area and give them a taste. THE WEEKENDER page 8
The Marlin ChroniCle THURSDAY 8.28.14
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
VWC.EDU/CHRONICLE
‘More than a team’ The Men’s Soccer team is looking to advance their program with strong leadership, skill and a family atmosphere. BY THOMAS MILLS tcmills@vwc.edu
For the first time in years, the VWC Men’s Soccer preseason camp is filled with an air of high hopes and swagger. Winners of last season’s ODAC Championship, the Marlins powered their way through the regular season with a 16-5-1 record, their best in three years, and earned an NCAA Tournament berth with their conference title. Yet, despite the Marlins fielding an array of battle hardened players and veteran seniors, this year’s Men’s Soccer program is about doing something much deeper: building a foundation of consistent success, leadership and family. “We talk about it a lot with our guys on being more than a team,” said Head Coach Chris Mills. “We want to have a family like atmosphere at all times, having everybody engaged and involved in our program.” The team slogan, ‘Tots Units Fem Forca,’ which translates to, ‘Together we are stronger,’ has
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Devin leaves VWC
With her sudden departure comes a great impact felt throughout the campus community BY KACI PARKER klparker@vwc.edu
Students, faculty, and staff were shocked to learn that the familiar face of our Student Activities Coordinator had said farewell to the campus community. Having made the difficult decision to leave Wesleyan, Devin Cowhey has set out to tackle new opportunities. “I am ready for a new adventure. I will be moving on to a preschool in the area. VWC has held a piece of my heart, but new adventures are always good for the soul,” said Cowhey. “It is exciting to see the new paths of life, for you never know what career lies ahead.” With Devin’s departure comes a great impact felt throughout campus. Walking into Student Activities and not being greeted cheerfully by Cowhey has left students feeling sentimental. “I was not expecting Devin to
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Anthony Dellamura/Marlin Chronicle
VWC President William Greer gives his final State of the College Address in front of faculty, staff, and students in the Convocation Hall on August, 22 2014.
End of an era BY JESSICA MACKEY jlmackey@vwc.edu
College begins search to find new president Virginia Wesleyan College is in a state of transition, a transition between the ending of an era to embracing the changes of a new, fresh start. After spending more than two decades here, President William Greer has announced that he will retire as acting president this coming June. VWC is now in the process of finding his replacement. The Witt Kieffer consulting firm will help the college find its next president. Virginia Wesleyan chose this firm because of its reputation and experience. “They are considered one of the best in the business in higher education specifically, in helping colleges and universities find presidents,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Enrollment Services David Buckingham. Other factors that distinguished Witt Kieffer from other consulting firms would be the fortyplus years of experience and the composition of the teams behind the searches. “This consulting firm is like so many others, in this respect: they have a team of higher education veterans, including former college presidents and other people who help them in developing strategies and searches and ultimately helping the institutions that come to them,” said Buckingham. Witt Kieffer assigned Dr. Kathy Hailey, a former college president herself, to assist the college in its nationwide search. She had previously served Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, which is a small liberal-arts institution much like Virginia Wesleyan. She will be on campus in the
month of September to interview different individuals in our community. Various focus groups consisting of students, faculty and staff will meet with Hailey in efforts to come to a consensus that pleases our campus community. “The purpose of these meetings are to tell Dr. Hailey the qualities we want in the next president,” said Buckingham. “We want to know what the students and faculty want their next president to do for them. We want to know what is important as a tradition here that [the campus] wants the next president to continue and expand upon.” The consulting firm will use the collection of data from the VWC community, trustees, students, staff and faculty, as well as alumni to develop a presidential profile to help them find who they are looking for. “Once a profile has been established, the firm is going to market the college in a nationwide search for our next president,” said Buckingham. “With the profile, people can begin nominating candidates for the position and formally applying.” The college itself composed a selection community mostly made up of trustees but also including two faculty members, Dr. Wansink and Dr. Ferguson; Imani West, the student body president; Amy Richards, head of the alumni association; and Karla R. Rasmussen, director of human resources. “Gary D. Bonnewell, the current board chair, decided the
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Anthony Dellamura/Marlin Chronicle
A crowd of faculty, staff, and students stand for a round of applause after the State of the College of Address on Friday, August 22.
Greer announces retirement in farewell speech In a room full of faculty, staff, trustees and friends, one person stood out in the crowd: President William Greer himself. In a poignant farewell speech to campus faculty and staff, Greer addressed his retirement and plans for the future of the college. In typical Greer fashion, he began his State of the College Address with a story. The story was about a young lady’s misfortune in having car trouble after car trouble, which finally resulted in having two flat tires, without a spare tire to be found. She was left with no choice but to drive on the rims of her car. The takeaway message from this was that the college has had to keep riding on their rims even when resources are limited. They have to figure out a way to manage anyway, even when the options did not seem possible. Throughout the address, Greer spoke of Virginia Wesleyan’s achievements throughout the year. They included the largest overall enrollment to date, bolstered by a large freshman class. The college has been moved from a fourth-tier national rank-
ing to a first-tier college. Virginia Wesleyan College has been selected as one of 379 colleges of distinction by the Princeton Review. The college has also been named one of the finest institutions in Hampton Roads. Greer discussed a changing trend in popularity of majors, with the natural sciences reigning supreme. Psychology, math, computer science and political science majors are growing at high rates too. Moreover, Greer thanked the faculty for their impressive books and research throughout the years. Greer emphasized how the endowment of the college continues to grow, even after reaching an impressive $60 million. Greer congratulated the community service office on campus for the service the students at Virginia Wesleyan do throughout the Hampton Roads area every year. Examples included the Cooking for Kids club, which provides more than 50,000 meals each year, and the Habitat for Humanity organization
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PAGE 2 NEWS THE MARLIN CHRONICLE 8.28.14
WORLD CONNECTION
EDITOR’S NOTE
A renewed passion
Ferguson: Tragedy rocks VWC MOLLY FANNEY
is communications and international politics major.
While you’re digesting the brand new look and feel of our newspaper, check out our new section, The Weekender. Filled with popular culture, restaurant reviews and great local venues, The Weekender will be the section to read when you’re looking for entertainment or inspiration. From the entire Marlin Chronicle staff, we sincerely hope that you enjoy the brand new look and feel of our newspaper. THOMAS MILLS
is a senior and is the editorin-chief of The Marlin Chronicle. He is majoring in communications with a minor in business.
W a A n dv to t er tis e?
Ferguson, Missouri, has been dominating headlines, with violent riots in response to a local teen’s death that occurred on Aug. 9. Michael Brown’s death is being viewed by much of the Missouri community as a hate crime. Brown was shot and killed by a police officer while he was walking home from a convenience store with a friend. Brown, 18, was unarmed at the time he was killed. In the original news conference the following day, the St. Louis County police chief stated that Brown had physically assaulted the officer and had reached for the officer’s gun. One shot was fired inside the car and several more were shot outside. A candlelight vigil for the teen turned violent, shifting into a citywide riot in which more than a dozen businesses were vandalized and looted. More than 30 people were arrested, and two police officers suffered injuries. The people of Ferguson faced intense backlash from local police forces and the American public alike for their chaotic response to the crime. “The people of Ferguson are just as wrong as the person who pulled the trigger and killed Michael Brown,” said Imani West, a VWC senior and president of Student Government Association. “It is not right to respond to violence with violence. That is how we ended up in this position in the first place. Violence is never the answer to get your point across. The citizens of Ferguson disrespected the death of Brown by acting like that. They did not serve him any form of justice. The cop and his family as well Mike Brown’s family are going through a lot. It will take longer for justice to be served for either party with all these violent riots.” There is an intense fear among many residents of the Missouri town that the case will turn and the officer will not be found guilty of the killing of Michael Brown. Many local residents and officials fear that if the officer is not charged with the crime, more violence will occur in an area that is already severely distrustful of its legal system. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill told The Associated Press that she has been pushing local and federal courts to wrap up investigations around the same time, so that all aevidence in the case can be made public, including the very controversial autopsy report of Brown. This is considered an important precautionary measure if the officer is in fact found to be not guilty. McCaskill, who is also a former prosecutor for the state of Missouri, says that evidence including blood splatter patterns, clothing, and shell casings, should ensure that the case is tried on irrefutable evidence. No matter where the case goes, the senator believes that the decision will be based
As you pick up this semester’s first official issue of The Marlin Chronicle today, you may notice that things look a little different. For the past decade, the Chronicle has been the same aesthetically, functionally and journalistically. Starting today, the staff and editors of the newspaper have changed that. The Marlin Chronicle is now filled with more modern graphics, type and visuals. Our award-winning photography will now be featured more prominently, bringing bigger images of news, sports and the campus community. Stories are harder hitting, offering detailed and fresh perspectives on the the campus. Moreover, our writers are no longer shying away from topics regarding sex, money, student violations and sexual assault.
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8.28.14 THE MARLIN CHRONICLE NEWS PAGE 3 nity that will lead the college in deciding who our next president will be, and amongst that group, it will be primarily the trustees that will decide because the President reports to the trustees,” explained Buckingham. “Once the applicants have been narrowed down to a select few, these candidates will be invited to the college for interviews and possible presentations.” “Hopefully, we will have a lot of good candidates and the trustees will have the tough decision in choosing our next president,” said Buckingham. “If everything goes as planned, we will be announcing the new president before President Greer leaves.” As the college tries to find President Greer’s replacement, he will be preparing for retirement. When President Greer was asked why he decided now was the right time to retire, his answer was a simple one: “It just seemed like a good time.” However, he expanded upon his answer after a brief moment of reflection. “I dearly love this place,” said Greer. “It is going to be a major challenge for me to make it through retirement, but the college is in great shape, it really is Anthony Dellamura/Marlin Chronicle in terrific shape. It’s not like our President Greer and his wife, Mrs. Greer sharing an embrace after the State of the College enrollment is sagging, we’re doing Address. well. It just seems like a good time balanced group.” to step down; 22.5 years is a good Imani West will be the students’ GREER chunk of my life and there are voice throughout the process. In CONTINUED FROM FRONT some other things I want to do, so addition, the faculty members were it all added up to the right time.” chosen because they represent two “current board chair, decided the Greer has many plans for his out of the three academic divisions. trustees on the selection commulife in retirement. These include “Dr. Wansink represents Humaninity,” explained Buckingham. writing a few books and reading a ties, and Dr. Ferguson represents “They were chosen for obvious hundred books or so, in addition to Social Sciences, and together with reasons, their experiences, abilifinding a corporation foundational the faculty they are determining the ties and their service to the college. board to serve his time on. In the type of president they would like to Some are new trustees, some are meantime, he plans on enjoying have,” stated Buckingham. seasoned trustees, so it’s a very extra time with his family. “It will be the selection commu-
SPEECH
CONTINUED FROM FRONT on campus, which has built five homes over the years. Greer announced some of the improvements and changes that came to Virginia Wesleyan over the summer. These included a new social science lab, a renovated Blocker Hall, the introduction of the Live Safe App for additional security on campus, the newly created Presidential Council on the Inclusion of Community, the new Strategic Plan for 2015-2020 and fresh leadership in the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Greer addressed what he hopes for the future of Virginia Wesleyan. He hopes that one day, the college will begin studying the Great Dismal Swamp and improving on our understanding and research of the water that surrounds us. In addition, he would like to see the college expose students to the advances of international business and the ventures that are provided to them just by living here in Hampton Roads. There were many highlights throughout Greer’s time here at Virginia Wesleyan. His proudest moments include winning the NCAA National Championship in men’s basketball in 2006 because it proved that even though our school is small, we can still achieve excellence in all that we do. Another high point was the construction of the Batten Student Center because it transformed the culture here and has enhanced the students’ lives greatly. “I would say--this will probably take you by surprise--but the single proudest moment, is when the economy turned to bad in 2008, the economy soured, we were able to hold on to jobs. We did not lose a single job here, and I am proud of that. 3News.indd 1
In 1992, Virginia Wesleyan College looked very different from the college you see today. There were no Godwin or Clarke halls. There was no Village 4. The administrative offices were primarily located in the library. The gatehouse at the front of campus resembled a wooden outhouse, and there was no proper basketball facility in place. In addition to bringing numerous physical changes to campus, Greer has expanded the partnerships with various corporations and organizations throughout the Hampton Roads area. “We have a partnership going on right now with the Chrysler Museum where students are excited about the glass blowing opportunities,” said Greer. “We have partnerships with the Virginia Aquarium. That allows our students to go on a 46-foot boat and go out on the Chesapeake Bay and study the bay, and it’s partnerships like this that I accredit to the growth of the natural sciences department on campus. In addition, we have a partnership with Old Dominion University that now allows our students to seek engineering degrees.” Greer ended his State of the College Address with his recommendation for what he hopes for the next president of the college. “My advice to the next president is: ‘Listen to the community. We want to be original. Stay healthy because the health of the college depends on the health of the president. And have a sense of humor. And being in a position of leadership, it is sometimes more important to move out of the way and let others shine.”
“The one immediate plan is to enjoy my grandchildren more. I’m looking forward to that, watching them play Little League baseball and things like that,” said Greer. “That’s the most immediate plan I have.” President Greer made a permanent impression on the campus community as a whole and will be greatly missed. But he said that he only wishes to be remembered by the community as one thing. “I would want people to remember me as a student’s president,” said Greer. “I have always been-tried to be a student’s president. That doesn’t mean I can always give the students what they want but I have been always, that’s why we are all here, to help the next generation, mostly young people, a college education.” The students of Virginia Wesleyan College are going to miss seeing President Greer as a permanent figure on campus. “There's nothing like seeing the president of the college right alongside you on the sidewalks on your way to class,” said senior Sarah Nwokorie. “Billy Greer was not only just a name of some unknown authority figure on campus, but he was truly one of the Marlins as well.” President Greer has a farewell message to the students of Virginia Wesleyan and it’s this: “Follow your dreams. I hope that during a time that a student is here, we have exposed students to new and exciting opportunities. Maybe opportunities they never thought about or dreamed about, and so I would say follow your dreams, and follow your heart.”
Twitter: @VWCMinistries Facebook: Marlin Ministries
Marlin
Ministries Office located in the Batten Center. Open to all. 8/27/2014 12:20:39 AM
PAGE 4 COMMUNITY THE MARLIN CHRONICLE 8.28.14
DEVIN CONTINUED FROM FRONT leave so suddenly,” said junior Brooke Totzeck, “I am happy for her and wish her the best.” Just as Devin had dedicated her time to Wesleyan, it has also given her opportunities for which she will always be thankful. “Virginia Wesleyan College has meant everything to me since I arrived as a student in 2006. This has been home away from home for years, but more importantly I became a well-rounded individual here. Wesleyan is family. I cherish every moment I spend here for I always am learning and growing,” said Cowhey. Cowhey said Wesleyan taught her many valuable life lessons, and she credits Wesleyan for giving her characteristics that make her unique. “Wesleyan truly shaped me as a person. It was here I found passions, skills, and ideals. Wesleyan showed me that passions can be made a career. It was here that I found I can utilize my liberal art skills for a variety of life’s adventures,” said Cowhey. As she applied the characteristics she “Virginia Wesleyan learned, students to find it was College has meant began quite easy to conwith her makeverything to me since nect ing her presence a within the I arrived as a student in pleasure campus communiHer impact was 2006. This has been ty. widely felt this past from the my home away from semester; Greek community to the WAC family home for years.” and everything in between. Devin Cowhey “Devin did a wonderful job stepping in last year when the director of Greek Life was asked to leave. She was a supportive leader for Greek chapters at VWC and did well within her new position. The Greek community will miss her and her familiarity within the campus,” said Totzeck. “Devin brought a positive attitude and friendly smile to our community. She was always willing to listen to new ideas for campus activities,” said Totzeck. Her strengths as a campus leader were noted throughout the community by all. “She was very good at bringing people together; she brought people from the outside in and started families,”
Wesleyan Activities Council’s VWC and Beyond Co-Director Vanessa Smith said. The people and relationships she has established have made it difficult to say goodbye yet has left her with many bittersweet memories. “I will miss the students. Students bring such joy and laughter to everyday. Moreover, I will miss seeing the leaders grow through their four years and develop into well-rounded adults,” said Cowhey. Just as she will miss the students, those who were directly involved in activities she had helped to coordinate also miss her in return. “I’m not sure that I will miss one specific thing now that she is gone. I will miss her constant presence and the fact that I could always count on her” said junior Sandra Liedl. Devin Cowhey will forever be a Marlin, just as Wesleyan will always hold a special place in her heart. “Devin once said to me, ‘I’m a Marlin, through and through.’ Her love and passion for our school is something that cannot be replicated,” said Liedl.
CRIME LOG Virginia Wesleyan Summer 2014 Date Reported- 7/24/14 Date Occurred- 7/24/14 Location- Village II Act- Vandalism Exit sign damaged Closed Date Reported- 7/26/14 Date Occurred- 7/25/14 Location- Village III Act- Controlled Substance Under Judicial Review
Virginia Wesleyan College/Courtesy
Date Reported- 8/9/14 Date Occurred- 8/9/14 Location- K Lot Act- Larceny-Theft Theft from vehicle Closed
Former Student Activities Coordinator Devin Cowhey poses.
Wesleyan Welcomes Freshmen Photos by Thomas Mills
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8/27/2014 12:10:04 AM
8.28.14 THE MARLIN CHRONICLE COMMUNITY PAGE 5
CAMPUS countdown 2014 Fall Convocation
Date: Sept. 4 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Convocation Center The college’s annual fall convocation will be held at 11 a.m. Ehsan Salek will present “Persepolis: Lessons and Observations.” A special presentation of the 2014 Alumni Awards will also be held during the event.
Monumental Moments: A Time to Remmeber
Date: Sept. 11 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Monumental Chapel A special presentation of a 9/11 commerative with music by the Wesleyan Chorale and reflction by Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr.
From plumbing to pass backs BY RAYVEN DAVIS rdavis@vwc.edu
While some of us were sitting at home watching reality television, reading or lying by the beach, junior Danielle Benn was changing lives. Benn finished her school year slightly early to head to Jamaica to rebuild schools for young children. “The first school was about half the size of the Grille and was divided into four sections. You could hear all the teachers and all the students talking at once,” said Benn. “There was no electricity or plumbing. So I laid plumbing lines, used a hand saw, hammer and hand mixed cement. The second school was different from the first because it had electricity and computers so all we did was repaint it.” Benn used the website, GoFundMe to attempt to raise $1,000 for her adventure. With the help of others she raised $700 of the total price of the trip. The trip was hosted by the official philanthropy of Sigma Sigma Sigma, a National Panhellenic Council sorority, Sigma Serves Children. Benn was joined on her trek by only six other Sigma Sigma Sigma women
from her sorority and together they had the opportunity to meet other Sorority alumnae as well as the president and treasurer. After her adventures in Jamaica and a few weeks of work at a family-owned campground Benn then headed to a World Camp USA location, which is a four-week field hockey sleep-away camp that houses 250 girls each week that it is in operation. In reference to World Camp USA Benn said, “You’re like their mom. I followed my group of middle and high school girls around to the different sessions. I would make sure they were wearing sunscreen and drank their water. One word to describe my experience might be: ‘exciting,’ ‘organized chaos’ or ‘hard to explain.’ The camp is a learn-as-yougo experience, we arrived a day earlier to walk through the program.” “I got involved with the program after my coach got an email about the opportunity, and then I had a phone interview.” The camp only runs for four weeks every year. It also only takes place in select states: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. It is $500 a week for girls to participate and registration is found online. “One of the campers also called me her
hero, it was the cutest thing. It was so fun to see them get more comfortable. The first night they were are shy in the beginning… It was the hardest job I’ve ever done and the most rewarding thing I’ve done.”
Mud Games 2014
Date: Sept. 19 Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Outside Village II An age-old VWC tradition of good, clean fun sponsored by Wesleayn Activities Council. Students can compete in games in the mud against others in teams of friends, clubs and other organizations. All are invited to watch.
One Love Festival
Date: Sept. 20 Time: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Location: Campus wide A snapshot of what world peace would look like. The idea is to bring all kinds of people together to create a community of harmony and peace. There will be a variety of performances from performers and speakers to activities.
Danielle Benn/Courtesy To Left: Danielle posing with campers from a 2014 World Camp USA session. Above: Danielle with students impacted by her volunteer efforts in Jamaica .
Get Involved (on and off campus) Crossword
Gearing Up for Graduate School Date: Sept. 25 Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Location: Batten 239 Learn about your next steps and possible future plans during this informational session hosted by Career Services.
Marlin Spirit Day Date: Sept. 26 Time: All day Location: Campus wide
Wear your Marlin gear for the first official Marlin Spirit Day. Snap a few pictures and tweet them to @vawesleyan with the hastag #marlinspiritday or share them on Facebook at facebook.com/ VirginiaWesleyan.
Homecoming and Parent’s Weekend
Dates: Oct. 3-5 Times: Various Location: Campus wide
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Across 1. “Everybody Jump” 7. ½ off sushi 8. Ride the tide 10. Get involved with the Chaplain’s office Down 1. Local Beach 2. One of the many malls in the area 3. Get active 4. Sit back and relax 5. Let your voice be heard 6. Performing theater 9. Norfolk Baseball
8/27/2014 12:28:03 AM
PAGE 6 OPINIONS THE MARLIN CHRONICLE 8.28.14
What’s so cool about it? ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raises brows and bucks, trends worldwide
I. Passing the political fluff
BY CONNOR PEDERSON ctpederson@vwc.edu
BY DOUG HARDMAN ddhardman@vwc.edu
Time in college is one of the greatest steps in a person’s life. We are furthering our education and, for the most part, are also learning what it is like to live on our own. Many of us were brought on campus by our parents, moved in, said our goodbyes and promised to “visit soon” or “keep in touch.” While I do think it is important to keep family close, there is a reason why campus living is so significant: independence. As college students, we are given the choice to leave home and live a life all our own. Some of us may not take it for various reasons. Living at home after age 18 is financially smart, for one. You get free laundry, free food and sometimes free rent. You get to continue easy living for a while longer. For those of us who are campus residents, it is a different story. Campus residents are pretty much living alone for the first time, minus the occasional roommate. However, what about this lifestyle is exactly independent? Some parents may send their children money, frequently visit, or receive frequent weekend visits, which by the way defeats the purpose of moving away for college in the first place, but I digress. Sure, occasionally that is okay. Homecoming weekend doubles as parent weekend. So why not spend extra time with your folks? But at some point, the student-parent umbilical cord must be cut. As official young adults, how much independence we use is completely up to us. For starters, getting a job on or off campus is a good way to gain some liberation. Some of us had jobs in high school, so the concept of work is nothing new. However, for those who have never had a job, it will be a harder adjustment, but an even
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SHAY MILLS
is a junior, double majoring in Communication and Gender Studies
Anthony Dellamura/Marlin Chronicle
Students at VWC particpate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and money
a trend that would only die in the next three weeks to be replaced by something else as doltish as the “Fire Challenge” or “Train Challenge,” but let’s not get started on those. As my faith in humanity became even dimmer, I decided to look up celebrity Ice Bucket Challenges. My heart lit up as I saw dozens of celebrities doing the challenge while acknowledging ALS, and actually proclaiming that they were doing even larger donations than $100. And with the increasing number of celebrities donating, the num-
ber of regular people donating increased as well. People began to get back into the original purpose of the challenge. Anyway, the Ice Bucket Challenge will most likely die the way every other trend does, but the amount of money that has been raised is astronomical, and the awareness of ALS is even higher. I believe certain trends can be detrimental to social media, but some trends break free of that norm. We as individuals just have to make it so that the trends have a great goal that benefits those less fortunate.
Cutting the cord better experience. After all, making money without parental assistance is rewarding. There are no burdens or attachments because it belongs to no one but the person who worked for it. Another way is to keep communication with parents long distance, meaning phone calls, letters and Skype only. Yes, they will be worried about you, because they can’t look after you as much. But, again, they don’t have to. In the eyes of the government and society, we are adults and it’s time we started acting and being treated like them. It will be hard. Because in the end, family is all we are going to have. Friends come and go, but hopefully family will be the one solid foundation you have forever. But you will need your space to grow. Family will always be there as long as the love is unconditional and respect is earned both ways. Spread your wings, leave the nest, and any other clichés you can think of. Cutting the cord doesn’t mean cutting yourself out of your family. It just means you’re ready to step into the “real world.” And you will have to do it on your own. They will tell you you’re not alone in it (and
Richard Cremin/Marlin Chronicle
In the past three weeks of my time using the wonderful tool that is social media, I have witnessed a trend that has been described as pointless, fun, a good cause and stupid. I am talking about the everso-popular Ice Bucket Challenge. What could be cooler than dumping a bucket of ice-filled water on your head? While the challenge itself can be interpreted as odd and potentially dangerous, the cause behind the challenge is worth looking into. ALS, short for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects 30,000 people in the U.S. The point of the Ice Bucket Challenge is to either donate $100 toward research on ALS, or pour a bucket of ice water over your head, along with nominating other people to complete the challenge within 24 hours. I cannot lie, I find the challenge quite an ignorant thing to do. I saw most people posting and doing the challenge without even talking about ALS, or even that the purpose of the challenge is to donate. I was honestly livid beyond my normal point, because the challenge seemed to become a trend that people did to look cool or get attention. I thought people were only doing it just for the fun of it, which would not be a problem if that was the actual purpose. The Ice Bucket Challenge looked likely to become
“GET TO THE PLOT”
you’re not), but you should want to be. If you have everything handed to you in life, you’re just taking the easy way out. Don’t tell your parents goodbye, because goodbye is permanent. Say, “I’ll see you later, I promise,” and be on your way. And when the going gets tough, you can keep on going by yourself.
During my freshman year, my best friend Michele had a boyfriend who always told interesting stories. However, that is not what this is about. One day, as he was telling a dreadful, overly detailed story, my best friend suddenly yelled out “get to the plot!” Along with laughing at his embarrassment, I began thinking about our society, and how sugar-coated and dreadfully overdetailed our government can be. I then made a conscious decision to always get straight to the point with anything I write, discuss, debate or even think about. We live in a world where news travels as fast as light and viral videos make people more money than curing diseases—this means that the opinions we form and publicly discuss no longer need to be fluffed up with superfluous garbage created to sooth conservative House members and over-the-hill constituents. Too much goes on in the world, let alone in America, that the general public is either unaware of or confused about, because the government has not been straightforward with our generation since 9/11. Being politically remedial was acceptable during our middle- and high-school years, because we had our parents taking care of us and taxes meant nothing but extra money charged on food and clothing purchases. Now that we are college students, it is important that we become aware of the political processes and theories that now directly affect us. You may find it boring now, but you won’t find the government as irrelevant when your financial aid is decreased due to budget cuts. Long story short, the only way we will ever know what is really going on in our own society is if we get straight to the heart of the artichoke we call politics. That is what this is about and that is what I am here for. No more sugar-coating and no more beating around the bush. Half of our generation knows the truth and if I am the first person bold enough to spread it then so be it. However, I guarantee you I will not be the last. Welcome to getting to the plot.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Have an opinion? Disagree with an article? Want your idea in the paper? Now accepting letters to the editor for upcoming issues of the Marlin Chronicle. Submit all letters to Editor-in-Chief at Thomas Mills at marlinchronicle@ gmail.com Letter must be submitted by 12 p.m., Sept. 5 to be considered for review and publication. Let your voice be heard. 8/27/2014 12:21:08 AM
8.28.14 THE MARLIN CHRONICLE NEWS PAGE 7
SOCCER
CONTINUED FROM FRONT been adopted to reflect the family atmosphere. The Catalan mantra, which originated from Spanish soccer powerhouse Barcelona, has served as a stepping stone for the program’s goals. “What we mean by (the slogan) is we want to be more than a soccer team for VWC and for ourselves,” explained senior forward Isaac Arrington. “This program aims to be role models for the Virginia Wesleyan College community on the basis of respect, leadership, community service, success, hard work, and most importantly entertainment.” Under Mills, who begins his second year as head coach, the soccer program has shifted focus to building a consistent winner, which, according to the coaching staff, begins with leadership. “We put a lot of emphasis on leadership with all of our guys,” said Assistant Coach Evan Scheffey. “During the fall season and throughout the spring, we had leadership meetings with our captains and just talked about different ways that they can serve the team and kind of help bring the younger players along.” The program has even looked to professional sports organizations, like the St. Louis Cardinals and San Antonio Spurs, for inspiration and leadership ideas. “The San Antonio Spurs are a great example. Some of their older players are very much mentoring the younger players saying, ‘This is the way it’s done,’” said Scheffey. “When the senior class does leave, then those younger players know this is the way it’s going to be done and then year in and year out they’re just continuing to men-
Thomas Mills/Marlin Chronicle Freshman midfielder Devin Dyer heads the ball against Barton College during VWC’s preseason match at Trinder Field August 23, 2014
tor the younger guys.” Senior captain and midfielder Josh McNamara will be one of those players helping the new class get adjusted. A veteran of the past four seasons, McNamara, along with the rest of the senior class, aim to use their experience as a building block for the season. “With seven guys that have come from an under .500 record to being recognized nationally has been a long but worthwhile journey,” said McNamara. “We all bring leadership and experience throughout the season. It raises the level for the entire team each practice and game.” Moreover, the program has
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brought on 10 freshmen to replace last year’s class, who have already impressed the veterans of the team. “The freshmen class that the coaches brought in is stacked with several sharp guys that can flat-out play,” said Arrington. “After our recent scrimmage against Barton College, they’ve accepted their accelerated roles and are fully prepared to exceed them.” The team, fueled with experience and youth, believes it can go further than it has ever gone before, setting goals that go beyond another ODAC conference title trophy. “(We want to) bring to VWC another championship and make a deep run into the NCAA tourna-
FERGUSON
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 on hard facts. This is not the first time in recent years that America has faced the widespread upset caused by the untimely death of a minor. In February 2012, a high-school student named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in a neighborhood in Sanford, Florida, by a man who claimed he was defending himself. George Zimmerman, the man who shot the 17-year-old, used the state’s “stand your ground” law to plead not guilty. Zimmerman was not charged in the teen’s death. Much of the discord surrounding Brown’s death is rooted in racial tensions in a community that has recently experienced a paradigm shift. This has been acknowledged by many of Wesleyan’s students because of their knowledge of various disciplines. One such student, sophomore Emily Joy, noted that injustice in murder cases has roots in times of slavery. She is currently enrolled in English 258 and reading “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave.” “There’s a passage in the book where an overseer brutally whips and slave to the point where the slave jumps into a stream to relieve his pain. When the slave is unable to get out of the water, the overseer shoots him in the head. He faced absolutely no consequences. When I read this I was eerily reminded of the fact that true racism does exist today,” said Joy. Sophomore and psychology major Taylor Boyd said, “Racism is something that will unfortunately continue to happen in our world. I’ve been a part of inclusive communities that stood against racism and prejudice, and you have to encourage your community to stop judgment and racism and hate. It’s
ment,” McNamara said. “With the group of guys here this year, that is a very good possibility.” As the program begins to focus on being more than just a team, the Marlins are ready to leave something that will last for seasons to come. “The overall expectations for the team this year is to be able to look at each other in the eyes after each run, drill, practice, game, and the season, and be able to tell your brother that you did all you could to fulfill your role for this amazing program, ” said Arrington. “We expect to go much farther than we did last year and begin setting a legacy for our program here at Wesleyan.” going to take a lot of work, a long battle, but we can try to minimize it the best we can. I haven’t personally been a target in my community. It isn’t just traffic stops, I’ve been looked at suspiciously in the mall when I was window shopping and other people walk around without being judged in that way. It makes you uncomfortable.” Even in recent years, there has been a dramatic demographic shift in Ferguson. St. Louis County, which was once a mostly white suburb, is now predominantly African American. Political infrastructure hasn’t been able to support the shift and fairly represent the community. Ferguson also has an almost entirely white school board, with only one Hispanic official. The superintendent, who was black, was very recently fired by the school board. Reports of racist political activity in Ferguson have preceded the Brown shooting. Over 80 percent of drivers stopped in traffic stops in Ferguson in the past five years have been black, even though they only comprise two-thirds of the population. Once stopped, blacks are also much more likely to be asked to step out of their vehicles and are more subject to being searched by police. They are also less likely to have anything illegal found on them during these searches. Economically, black residents of Ferguson are also at a disadvantage, with rates of poverty and unemployment significantly higher than those of white residents. Forty-seven percent of the metro area’s black males age 16 to 24 are unemployed, while only 16 percent of white males are without jobs. Experts believe that the volatile situation in Ferguson was not simply due to the killing of a young black teen at the hands of a white police officer, but also the social inequities that have been transpiring in past years. 8/27/2014 12:28:37 AM
THe
weekender
AUGUST 28, 2014 EDITOR eLIZABeTH SIMS
THE
RESTAURANT ROUNDABOUT Google/Courtesy
Hungry and already tired of the caf food? Pinched for cash but stir-crazy and desperate to escape campus? These five restaurants will keep you within your budget but will get you out and enjoying the local fare.
1. 5785 Northampton Blvd 2. 544 Newtown Road 3. 4848 Virginia Beach Blvd 4. 928 Diamond Springs Road 5. 2700 Azalea Garden Road
1. Roosters Café and Grille Although this place is open just for breakfast and brunch, it’s well worth heading there after a long night of “activities.” It offers eggs to order, omelets, pasta, sandwiches and homemade sides. Every plate is filled to the edges and you always get more than what you pay for. 2. Bilus Colombian Restaurant If you’re feeling like trying a new ethnic food, then head to Bilus for some out-of-this-world Colombian dishes. Locally run, it offers pollo asado (grilled chicken), trucha (trout), crawfish, and passion fruit milkshakes. It’s open until 10 p.m. and offers massive margaritas, which you can
enjoy while watching sports on its numerous televisions. 3. Sunrise Pizzeria Head to this place if you’ve got a friend who leads a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian lifestyle. It has a wide variety on its menu, including custom pizzas, gyros, tiramisu and rustic sandwiches. What’s even better is that you can order delivery from the entire menu and have it sent directly to your room. 4. Dawg House Grill This place is everything a good grille should be; it has sauces on the table, TVs up, and everything from chili cheese fries and chicken tenders to subs and gyros. However, the specialty, as one can tell from the name, is the selection of crazy
hot dogs, including chilismothered dogs, dogs with cheese and chopped onions and dogs with various toppings crafted daily by the cooks. 5. Fat Philly’s This is not the place to go if you are watching your weight. These Philly cheesesteaks are large and in charge, and take no prisoners. You may be a little hesitant to head into the restaurant at first, mainly because it looks run-down and like a place where drug deals go down, but have no fear. The owners and staff are great people and very welcoming. Also, if you’re 21 or over, you can have a beer with your cheesesteak. Just don’t drink and drive.
A New Opening to an Old Favorite DISCOVER MORE While the Chrysler Museum of Art has hours worth of exhibits to enjoy The MarlinChronicle staff recommends the following to check out:ww while you visit.
THE GLASS STUDIO This wing, the largest of the first floor, showcases the glasswork of the Chrysler Museum’s resident artists as well as international artists.
THE cOmmUnITy GALLEry
Located on the first floor, this gallery is a collection of local favorites, voted on every month by patrons.
THE CHRYSLER CHANDELIER Created by Luke Jerram, each of the over 500 lightbulbs spins differWently according to the pressure and light hitting it.
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BY ELIZABETH SIMS ecsims@vwc.edu
The Chrysler Museum of Art has been a cultural staple in Norfolk since its grand opening in 1932 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Science. In 2011, the board of trustees decided to do a major overhaul, repairing and updating both the building as well as many of the exhibits, pieces of artwork and sculpture. In 2012, the museum performed a soft-close in order to complete the biggest renovation in the museum’s history. 16 months later, the Chrysler Museum re-opened, exhibiting twice as much art, sculpture, and creations. Some new exhibits include Celebrating Smokey the Bear, Adeline’s Portal (an exhibit that showcases the work of Chrysler Glass Studio Artist in Residence Beth Lipman) and the updated Ancient Worlds and Non-Western Art. They have also improved the general accessibility of the museum. They’ve built a new cafe, Wisteria Cafe, that offers everything from quick snacks to full meals and craft beers.
Chrusler Museum/Courtesy
Chrysler chandelier decorates the spiral staircase
8/26/2014 11:21:19 PM
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8/27/2014 12:25:45 AM
8.28.14 THE MARLIN CHRONICLE SPORTS PAGE 10
Falling into place K
ellie’s orner
Fall season sports begin intercollegiate play after months of hard work
BY KERRI-LEANNE TAYLOR
ktaylor@vwc.edu
As you spent the first few days of the semester agonizing over which outfit to wear, wondering if you would like any of your professors, or even worrying about who you would sit with at lunch time (so you would not look like an awkward loner), others amongst the campus community had much greater pressures to face. Fall season athletes have been diligently preparing for their respective seasons. Cross country, soccer, field hockey, volleyball and golf hope to make stellar impacts within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) this year. Official practices have been underway for weeks, as each team hopes their hard work will lead to gaining a championship title. Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams were ranked sixth in the preseason ODAC poll; however, they hope to vastly improve on these benchmarks. With only a few incoming freshmen, both teams are counting on their experience to help propel their championship dreams. The men’s program returns nine runners and the women have seven veterans on their roster. Senior runner Lex Higbee said “I’m feeling really optimistic. We may be a small team, but we have a lot of talent and hard workers. With only two freshmen it’s going to be an uphill battle to get the results we want- but that’s why we do hill repeats”. The soccer program faces a
KELLIE LAGOY is a junior majoring in communications
VWC Athletics/Courtesy
The VWC volleyball team from the last season huddles to discuss tactics during a game in the Batten Center.
different, yet equally significant challenge this season. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams are no strangers when it comes to success, and they are “the ones to beat” this year. The women’s program is a consistent powerhouse, not only within the ODAC, but the entire nation. The men’s side is also a force to be reckoned with, and look to translate last year’s ODAC championship success into another award-winning season. Opposing teams are sure to rally their greatest efforts when competing against the marlins, so the soccer teams will have to perform
at their best in every match they play. Senior striker Isaac Arrington said “I think this year’s team is going to be extremely solid. We want to make the college proud of us and we reflect what Virginia Wesleyan is all about. We have swag, confidence, and we will definitely produce positive results.” The field hockey team looks to continue the progress they made last season, under new Head Coach Christina Restivo, who guided the Marlins to the program’s second-best finish since 2006. Fifteen veteran players return for the Marlins, led by eight
Christina Restivo/Courtesy
The field hockey team prepares for another season with a group cheer while huddled on the field hockey field.
seniors, who look to make a huge impact within the conference during their final year of collegiate play. Senior defender Danielle Pellerin said “Our team has been working hard since March for the upcoming season, and because of that this has been our best preseason yet. The returners and freshmen have meshed together well, and I expect great things for this season.” A tough schedule lies ahead for the volleyball team, who begin their 2014 season with seven straight road games, and only seven home games on their entire schedule. Numerous challenging match ups do not intimidate the marlins however, as the volleyball program has a strong winning tradition, and only look to continue their success during this season. Freshman Dare Wright said “I feel really positive about the season. The team gets along well and we are working towards our goal of winning the championship. All we have to do is keep focused and work hard every time we step on the court.” Golf also begins its 2014-15 campaign this fall and the team has elevated expectations for what they want to accomplish this year. The team has a balanced mix of veterans and newcomers with seven of each. Senior Kevin Wolfe said “We have a group of young studs mixed with a few upperclassmen who are dedicated to changing the culture of VWC golf.” Sophomore Ian Chamberlin said “I feel confident in the group of guys we have this year.”
New faces on campus The athletics department welcomes four new members to the coaching staff
BY KELLIE LAGOY kalagoy@vwc.edu
Chris Francis, Virginia
Wesleyan’s new baseball head coach, started a love for collegiate baseball at Ithaca College. During his sophomore year he found a passion for coaching from watching his coach, George Valesente. “I was so impressed and enamored with this man, and I wanted to give this feeling back to others,” said Francis. He spent time coaching at five different schools, including VWC from 2002-2007 as a pitching coach, before taking the head coach position. He wants to bring structure and discipline to the program in hopes of a successful season.
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Acknowledging the athlete
Rhett Bonner will be Virginia Wesleyan’s new men’s basketball assistant coach. Bonner played basketball for Guilford College, and after he left he decided to begin a coaching career. “I think I decided it when we had a lot of success at Guilford that I wanted to be around the game the rest of my life,” said Bonner. He started a coaching career at University of North Carolina at Charlotte before returning to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference to coach at Randolph-Macon College. He plans to use familiarity in the ODAC to bring the team success.
Rebecca Hartrum will join Virginia Wesleyan as the new assistant coach for the women’s lacrosse team. Hartrum spent her college career at Old Dominion University. At the end of her college career she knew she wanted to start coaching. “I just knew I wanted to coach at the collegiate level to try and give other players the same experience I had,” said Hartrum. She began her coaching career at West Chester East High School, and she still coaches V3 Rush Lacrosse club located in Virginia Beach. She plans to bring a new perspective, energy, and drive to this team.
Matt Gill is the new assistant
coach for Virginia Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team. Gill started college soccer at junior college and finished at Mount Ida College. After an internship with Boston College’s men’s soccer team he fell in love with coaching. Gill began a coaching career for his alma mater and continues to coach travel soccer teams. He joined VWC because of the successful soccer program. “They want to win a national title, and that’s what I want,” said Gill. He plans to bring an understanding of what it takes to win to this program.
There is nothing more exciting than the roar of the stands at any sporting event. The way your blood pumps and your cheeks turn pink from screaming so loud. School pride spills out of everyone while watching the game together. Yet all those feelings are currently lacking in any Virginia Wesleyan stadiums. All that can be heard is the screams of the coaches and praise from the bench. The rest of the game is a ghost town. The bleachers are empty and during halftime consists of crickets chirping. Virginia Wesleyan has great pride in its athletic program, but the pride doesn’t show in the stands. Our school spirit is only apparent when free food and a t-shirt are offered to them. Even with the enticing offers of free stuff some students just don’t show up. Some students will even take advantage of the freebies and completely avoid the game. It is unfair to our athletes to not show up when they work so hard for us. The only time that true school spirit is seen in the stands of any sporting event at Wesleyan is when a team can make it into the postseason. A large part of this student body patiently waits until their team is on the top of the lists to start giving them the praise they have been deserving all season long. Maybe there would be much more of student presence if more faculty and staff showed up to support their school. Those employed by Wesleyan have just as much apathy for sporting events as the students. It is very rare that you will see more than a handful of teachers or administrators at the game. It’s downright shameful to be a fair-weathered fan to all the teams that work so hard bring pride to the school’s name. The lack of attendance means that a lot of sports teams go unnoticed. Any team that has not recieved an NCAA bid in the last few years is swept under the rug to be forgotten. If it is not basketball it is not supported heavily on this campus.Others do not have the impressive accolades as some of the other sports teams at Wesleyan, and that means that they don’t get noticed by anyone. This school has some incredible studentathletes that don’t get the credit that they deserve. What this community doesn’t realize is that a national title isn’t what makes a sports team special. These athletes manage to deal with a full schedule of being on the road and practicing, and they still manage to keep up with their classes. It’s an impressive feat that only so many people can actually handle, and this school should have more pride in those that decide to tackle this task. Studentathletes are a large chunk of the student population at Virginia Wesleyan, but some of them get forgotten so easily. Just dropping by with a group of friends and filling up the bleachers at a sporting event would be a small gesture, but that small gesture would make a big difference to every single student-athlete on campus. Even going out of the way to make a sign would really show the support the team that you’re watching. It’s truly worth it to go out and see every team this school has to offer at least once. Supporting Virginia Wesleyan’s athletic department is part of the true college experience. It’s not something students and faculty should just forget about.
#MCSports 8/26/2014 10:27:33 PM