Sept 16th, 2021

The Marlin Chronicle THURSDAY 9.16.21 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Alysse Scripter|VWU Athletics

NCAA Champions VWU softball team and coaching staff celebrates their achievement of winning the NCAA Division III National Championship for the third time in the past four seasons in Salem, VA.

This is appearing in the first issue of the academic year because the championship was held after the final spring issue had printed. The university held a celebration ceremony for the 2021 NCAA National Softball team with a proclamation from the Virginia General Assembly on Sept. 14.

BY STEVEN SERRANO CRUZ sdserranocruz@vwu.edu

The VWU Softball team was on a streak last season winning the ODAC Softball Crown and the NCAA Division III National Championship. The moment that they realized they were national champions, was a great satisfaction after all the challenges that the team had gone through. In the words of Coach Brandon Elliott, “It was a relief.”

Senior Kristina D’Arco, who is one of the outfielders for the team, expressed that she will never forget the moment when they won the National Championship. “It was really surreal at the moment, Ariana Rolle hit the ball to score me from third base and just running up to her and sharing the moment with her and my teammates was unreal. Because we talked about it for years and actually having it happen, it was unreal,” D’Arco said. “Even now watching it back I get teary eye, is just one of the best

feelings in the world.”

D’Arco described last season as an intense season. She expressed that when they got closer and closer to regionals and to the tournament, the intensity arose in the team because they all wanted it to win that championship. “There wasn’t a person on the team who didn’t want it, we all wanted it more than anything, so it was an amazing but intense season,” D’Arco said.

“Winning a championship during these circumstances, sacrifices that the parents

and the players had to make and seeing the pure joy on the women’s faces makes you happy because you see how much joy these achievements bring to them,” Elliott said.

Despite the season being different from other years, Coach Elliott expressed that they were able to manage the situation well. “The spectator policy was a huge thing, especially with our program, fans and parents. However, we talked about it as a team and we addressed it

See SOFTBALL Page 7

Campus inches closer to pre-COVID-19 normalcy VWU earns Princeton Review, Campus Pride recognitions

BY KATIE YEAGER kayeager@vwu.edu

Virginia Wesleyan is turning over a new leaf this year with updated COVID-19 policies. After a challenging 2020-2021 academic year, students, faculty and staff are looking forward to a year that mimics the normalcy of life pre-pandemic. Despite the challenges last year, the policies were considered a success, as the campus community was able to effectively contain COVID-19 cases. With only 87 total cases throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year at the height of the pandemic, the VWU community proved its commitment to reducing virus transmission.

Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management Jason Seward, said that both the policies and commitment from the community made the last year a tremendous success.

“Out of all the private institutions in the state, we were the third-fewest in COVID19 cases last year,” Seward said. “Students

Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle COVID-19 cases as reported by the Office of Student Health at VWU.

were the key to our success. They answered the call in a big way.”

The new policies offer relaxed restrictions for students who were required to get vaccinated before returning to campus.

These relaxed restrictions will improve the quality of the experience for students.

There were a handful of exceptions to the vaccine rule such as those with medical or religious reasons that were considered on a case-by-case basis. Those individuals must get tested every other week.

Currently, the university is standing by its vaccine policy, which is strict to maintain low transmission of the virus on campus. The CDC is continuing to release updates about booster shot recommendations. Going forward, the school has yet to make an announcement regarding vaccine

booster shots.

“The biggest goal for the school year is to reach the safest normal possible,” Seward said. “The first step in achieving that goal was our announcement that our entire community would be vaccinated upon returning to school. The response we got showed our community’s commitment to safety, health and wellbeing.”

Also, students are allowed to have guests on campus and in their residence halls so long as masks are worn. This is a complete change in policy from last year’s strict no-tolerance policy for guests within residence halls. The goal of these changes is to allow campus life to return to normal while still staying safe, which is the main priority

BY RHIAN TRAMONTANA rjtramontana@vwu.edu

As Marlins begin the Fall 2021 semester, the phrase “It’s a Great Day to be a Marlin” can be heard all over campus as students greet friends, faculty and staff with a smile.

This past August, The Princeton Review recognized Virginia Wesleyan University as “one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates” and included the school in their list of The Best 387 Colleges from across the country.

Just 14% of the nation’s schools were reviewed in the publication. It highlights the outstanding ability of teachers to connect with students and provide the thorSee COVID-19 Page 3 ough education that students are seeking in a college. Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief and lead author of The Best 387 Colleges, stated VWU’s “outstanding academics” as the main reason why The Princeton Review recommends the school to prospective students.

They praised VWU for the “close-knit community” that creates an atmosphere where students know just about every person they walk past throughout the day.

According to President Miller, the closeness is what motivated students to make “the right choices for the good of our community” so that the school could “offer two full semesters of in-person instruction.” While masks remain in place, the Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle VWU campus community was required to Construction of DeFord Manor on Sept. 4. be vaccinated against COVID-19 before sustainability, plans include a stormwater returning to campus. retention pond in front of the structure, a

Construction persists on numerous projects

BY WILL FARKAS scfarkas@vwu.edu

It seems no matter where students walk on campus, they walk past a construction site. Earlier this year, Hoy Construction broke ground on the long-awaited DeFord Manor across from the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, and soon after that, construction began on Brock Commons and the Trinder Center. All three projects were designed in 2016 as part of the University’s ten-year master plan, “Transformation Now!: Virginia Wesleyan from here to 2025.” With the help of various departments, the Performing Arts building also underwent renovations that led to its rebranding as the Susan T. Beverly Hall.

In an interview during the spring, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management and Assistant Professor of Education Keith Moore explained that Virginia Wesleyan was the last university in the Tidewater region without a President’s house, which was funded entirely by donors. The space is to be President Miller’s on-campus housing but is also capable of accommodating student events and gatherings.

“DeFord Manor will provide space to host students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters. It is an important site for engagement with the campus community,” President Scott Miller said.

To comply with VWU’s commitment to

HEAT STUDY See SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Pg. 3

See CONSTRUCTION Page 2

FAMILIAR FACES See COMMUNITY Pg. 5

See RECOGNITIONS Page 2

BACK TO THE MOVIES See WEEKENDER Pg. 9

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Thursday September 16, 2021 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

News

CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1

non-impervious driveway and extensive planting. The retention pond is only the newest addition to VWU’s extensive stormwater management system and adheres to the “Environmental Guiding Principles.” The school adopted these principles in 2020 as permanent requirements for all future construction on campus.

The Manor is scheduled to be completed by December, but COVID-19 has caused shortages and delays that may push that date back. Similarly, Trinder Center and Brock Commons have seen delays and are scheduled for completion in October and February respectfully.

The Trinder Center underwent renovations to the bathrooms, locker rooms and scoreboard. LED lighting and improvements to the heating and cooling system make up the sustainable features of this project and it, too, was funded by private donors.

Brock Commons is being renovated into an area where students can host events, dinners or simply relax outside.

The front terrace will overlook the University Quadrangle and an indoor component will be designated for larger events.

“It is a contemporary solution to our need to add spaces for hosting events that will also add significantly to the aesthetics of campus,” Miller said. “It’s going to be beautiful and functional for all members of the campus community.”

Upon its completion, Brock Commons will bring to head a three-year project and complete the renovations that also brought us Coastal Market in the Batten Student Center.

Students like sophomore Amber Sullivan are looking forward to what these renovations will mean for the

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle

The construction site at Brock Commons continues to progress with the goal of completion in December.

campus community.

“I am actually really excited to see the new additions to the campus,” Sullivan said. “I feel that they will provide more areas for everyone on campus to connect and grow with one another.”

Renovations of Clarke Hall continue with an expected completion date of Oct. 1. Upon completion, the building will have new carpeting, technology, artwork and signage.

Finally, the newly renovated Fine Arts building was recently renamed the Susan T. Beverly Hall, after

the school’s longtime donor. On Sept. 9, the hall was inaugurated with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Renovations to the hall include murals by the entrance, the new Hixon Music Studios and Ensemble Room and upgrades to the theaters. Hofheimer Theater was outfitted with new curtains, theatrical lighting and sound equipment while the Cabell Foundation Visual Art Studios received upgraded lighting, new photography studios and a space for students to display capstone projects. A new kiln room was installed, as well as a digital media lab in the Visual Arts Wing.

Founders Day presentation honors alumni achievements

BY RHIAN TRAMONTANA rjtramontana@vwu.edu

This year marks 60 years of education by Virginia Wesleyan University. In the sixth annual Founder’s Day event on Sept. 9 held in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the institution celebrated its alumni by highlighting their service since graduating.

President Miller expressed his appreciation for the “return of seeing and feeling the emotions” in the recipients, something that was missed during the seasons of social distancing and online events.

President Miller then introduced the keynote speaker, whose “accomplishments are rooted in service for a greater good,” something he hopes all Marlins aspire

to replicate. Gary D. Bonnewell, who graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in 1979, has been a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for the school. So far, he has been the only alumnus to serve as the Board Chair.

In his professional life, Bonnewell holds the position of senior vice president and senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley and has achieved the firm’s Family Wealth Director Designation.

Bonnewell’s speech was a reminder that the opportunity to experience knowledge is not open to every student.

Here students can find a “true education,” something that is not guaranteed everywhere. He advises students to be SMART, an acronym that encourages students to serve others, gain a mentor, ask questions, roar and be confident and practice time management. These are the skills that Bonnewell was grateful for during his years at VWU and

VWU|Courtesy

President Miller speaks on Sept. 9 at the Founders Day event in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performating Arts Center.

RECOGNITIONS

wants current and future students to have as well.

As the Alumni Council Chair, Alisa W. Crider, a graduate from 2010, was asked to present two of the three awards of the ceremony. The first Alumni Award presented was given to Tiffany Boyle, a graduate from 2014, who received the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award.

Boyle is the Commissioner of the Revenue for the city of Newport News. She oversees a budget of $2.5 million.

Boyle has an associate’s degree from Thomas Nelson Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Virginia Wesleyan, and a master’s degree in management from the University of Maryland’s Global Campus. Aside from a background in the private and public sector, Boyle is involved in Access Virginia, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Virginia Commissioner of the Revenue Political Action Committee (Treasurer), Hampton Roads Commissioner of the Revenue Association (Chair) and the VWU President’s Leadership Council.

The Alumni Service Award was then presented to Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, who graduated from Virginia Wesleyan in 1983 with a degree in English. She now is a director of the Hampton University Museum and Archives, after holding previous positions as curator of the Penn Center in South Carolina and as museum assistant at the War Memorial Museum in Newport News, Virginia.

Thaxton-Ward is a lecturer, author, educator, fundraiser and inspiration. Her speech also focused on her immense gratitude for the people who helped her along the way and presented her with the honor.

The final award featured at the event, the Distinguished Alumnus Award, was given to William S. Shelhorse.

Since graduating in 1970, the inaugural year of Virginia Wesleyan, Shelhorse has served on the Board of Trustees for the school and now holds the position of Trustee Emeritus.

His generous commitment to the school has brought the students the 400-meter track and field complex named in memory of William’s sister, Betty S. Rogers. Additionally, the road leading to the center is named Shelhorse Lane in his honor.

President Miller announced that the ponds and lawn of DeFord Manor will be dedicated to Shelhorse and that a new scoreboard for the track and field center will also be funded by Shelhorse.

Study abroad program faces setbacks, but perseveres

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BY GRANT MORGAN gamorgan@vwu.edu

VWU was also included in the Best Colleges rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The university was in the top thirty schools for “Ethnic Diversity,” as well as being featured for the categories “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” and “Top Performer on Social Mobility.” Also, this is the fifth year in a row that VWU has been recognized for being ethnically diverse.

Additionally, VWU was honored by the nonprofit organization Campus Pride as one of The Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities in the country.

Each school gets rated in categories such as policy inclusion, safety, housing inclusion and counseling and health services. VWU was given a five out of five-star rating overall.

Campus Pride is currently the leading nonprofit organization helping student leaders and campus groups who are actively collaborating to improve safety and inclusion on college campuses. Virginia Wesleyan is among the top forty campuses within that group.

President Miller attributes the high rating and inclusivity to the fact that the school “values the needs of every Marlin.”

As president of Spectrum, VWU’s LGBTQ+ inclusive group, Jordan Gilliam disagrees with the high praise. Gilliam states that the school is not “nearly as inclusive as they believe themselves to be.”

Gilliam also said that the lack of safe space training leads to discrimination and students who are transgender or gender-nonconforming have often been placed in the wrong housing situations. Gilliam says that the housing problem, along with other issues, “needs to be changed.”

COVID-19 has drastically changed traveling abroad itive remarks so far with students currently in opportunities for VWU students. With global policies and countries such as England and Estonia; travel for the travel bans in effect, the plan of action for study away has fall has been successful for some been altered at VWU. students. “My newly made friends and I would venture Cancellations and alterations have been made for most out and explore the of the previously planned trips as well as upcoming excity until well after nightfall,” Lee said. While mask periences for the spring. Vaccination requirements and mandates and social distancing are still in effect, students mandatory quarantines continue to hinder the ability of can still explore their host cities and tour their surroundstudents to travel during the fall semester. ings.

Virginia Wesleyan has provided stuThe Director of Global Engagement, dents with options to delay, change or Mandy Reinig, works with students cancel their programs for the Fall 2021 that are planning to study abroad and semester. Students had the choice to conoffers advice on the various applicatinue with their trip in the fall or delay it tion processes. She has helped students to the spring, with the hope that travel throughout this time and provided adwould return to certain normalcy. ditional resources for receiving scholSeveral programs, such as those to Jaarships to assist students. pan and Australia, were canceled, and Current students can apply for upstudents were forced to find alternate coming trips for the spring, with hopes options. Some students had a shortened for a seamless travel opportunity. A setimeline to find different travel locations lect few students at the university are throughout the summer. A senior student accepted as Global Scholars for the at VWU, Justin Lee, explained how he semester and can travel to their dehad to change his plans from New Zeasired location. The Lighthouse proland to Finland. “I had to quickly pick vides students with ways to travel another place that I could go, and Finabroad, including options to travel land caught my eye due to its good enaway in the United States. However, vironmental program.” This change has the several upcoming Winter Session Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle domestic trips still have the possibility impacted many students’ plans to study abroad. of being delayed or canceled altogether.

Experiences while abroad have had pos-

Science & Technology

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Virginia Wesleyan contributes to collaborative heat study

BY JACK PALMER jrpalmer@vwu.edu The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges organized a heat study consisting of thirteen private colleges/universities.

Virginia Wesleyan was fortunate enough to be a part of this by being selected to survey Virginia Beach. On July 15, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Brynn Vandergriff and Marcus Smaltz took to the streets of Virginia Beach and grounds of Virginia Wesleyan to begin the study.

The project, dubbed “Heat Watch,” involved collecting surface air temperature data for the purpose of relating it to land uses. Comparisons were used for asphalt parking lots, community green spaces and topography to temperatures.

The deliverables of the project will include maps of air temperature and heat index, datasets of participant temperature observations and a final report for each locality describing the methodologies, interpretations and results. Previous studies have been performed in Richmond, Norfolk and Roanoke. These previous studies revealed temperature differences of sixteen degrees fahrenheit between the coolest and hottest places. This kick starts a conversation about climate justice and land use policy.

Data collected from this project and the aforementioned localities will tie into many existing programs and initiatives in the commonwealth. Some of these include public health, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and land use planning to name a few.

This collaborative heat study is a great example of how community science can do insurmountable good for the public.

“Citizen science” can be beneficial for all parties involved. It also allows policymakers to better understand how the climate is changing and how certain

communities are affected harder by changing climate effects than others.

As stated by Dr. Elizabeth Malcom, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, “the goal of the project is to determine the extent of the urban heat island in Virginia Beach and to determine what neighborhoods are exposed the most to extreme heat in the summer.” Previous studies conducted in Norfolk have found that marginalized communities are often subject to greater degrees of extreme heat in the summer. This is in part caused by less trees and green space while having more asphalt and paved surfaces.

To provide background on the severity of a rapidly increasing climate, it is important to understand the threats that seemingly harmless heat waves pose. They pose a potentially life-threatening hazard to those who have jobs outside, children and athletes playing outside and those without access or funds for air conditioning.

Vandergriff and Smaltz conducted the research and spearheaded the summer sampling campaign. They were able to acquire over 30 volunteers from VWU and the surrounding community to participate in this citizen science project.

Volunteers drove eleven prescribed routes around the Virginia Beach area with car mounted temperature sensors. The next step in the process is to have analyzed heat maps by the end of the month. Afterwards, they will use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to investigate which areas of the city experienced the most heat.

The plotted data will then be used by the City of Virginia Beach to inform tree planting efforts. The city will look into “red areas” and determine how to alleviate the concentrated patches of heat through introduction of green spaces.

Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm|Courtesy Senior Brynn Vandergriff mounts the sensor with a member of the study.

Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm|Courtesy Members of the heat study assemble car temperature probes (left). Senior Brynn Vandergriff with a member and leader of the Heat Watch study (right).

Delta variant rapidly evolves in Hampton Roads

BY JACK PALMER jrpalmer@vwu.edu As of late Aug. 2021, the delta variant was the primary strain of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Hampton Roads region. Since this introduction, new infections have snowballed and could supersede the peak that was observed in January of this year.

If the ferocity of this new variant continues, the virus could reach 103 people per one hundred thousand daily, as estimated by the University of Virginia (UVA) Biocomplexity Institute. To put this in perspective, 68 per one hundred thousand people was observed last year in January, when transmission had hit its highest documented level.

This is certainly a startling statistic when one thinks about the maskless life just two months ago. It’s stunning, given that cases had retreated to their lowest point of the pandemic a little more than a month ago.

In terms of vaccinations in the immediate area, a vaccination clinic at Norfolk’s Military Circle Mall saw just over two hundred doses per week for the first half of July. Since August has begun, vaccine turnout rose about 70 percent in the last week of the month. Even with this increase, only about 54 percent of Virginians have been fully inoculated. This level stayed stagnant over the summer and hasn’t budged in recent weeks.

Virginia’s vaccination rate is averaging about thirteen thousand people per day,

down significantly from the vaccination peak in the spring. Recently, the first juvenile, a 17 year old who goes by Schwanda Corprew, died from COVID-19 complications in Norfolk. Her death prompted the family to host a COVID-19 vaccination drive. As far as positivity rates are concerned, seven percent of nasal swab tests are testing positive statewide. This

signifies a forty percent jump in a singular week from the end of July to the beginning of August.

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), 80 percent of infections that occurred during the first week of August reported to VDH were caused by the delta variant in the Hampton Roads region.

Unfortunately, in rare instances, the delta

variant is capable of infecting vaccinated people, who can then unknowingly spread it to others.

Due to this newfound discovery, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor spaces again where there are high levels of COVID-19 transmission.

Hampton Roads falls into the category of a high transmission area.

Hampton Roads hospitals have seen stark increases in emergency room and intensive care unit visits over the past six weeks. Many universities, businesses and government agencies implemented vaccination policies in the spring. Those that did are definitely in a much better place than those that did not.

Even with the newest guidance, policymakers in Hampton Roads still state the most effective tool in stopping the spread and new variants is to receive the vaccine. According to the newest released data from the VDH, unvaccinated people have made up 99 percent of Virginia’s COVID-19 cases and 97 percent of serious illnesses related to the diseases since late January.

Even though the statistics heavily favor vaccinated individuals, approximately four percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations in late July were for people who had been fully vaccinated.

without guests.

Virginia Wesleyan’s Director of Student Health April Christman, expressed that the current policies are subject to change if needed to maintain a safe campus community.

“We are ready to pivot if we need to, on the side of safety,” said Christman.

“We talk weekly with the Virginia Beach Department of Health, our partners at Sentara Health Group and the Council of Higher Education in the state to monitor trends in regard to COVID-19.”

So far, during the 2021 fall semester, there have been a total of 2 confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus. As of Sept.

7, 2021, there are no new or current cases on campus.

Seward believes that there have already been indications that our current policies

are more effective than those of last year.

“Requiring the vaccines and face coverings has really been the key to success,” Seward said.

As far as athletic events go, both indoor and outdoor sports are allowed to have in-person spectators. The previous year, indoor sports were only allowed a specific number of spectators, and none of them could be members of the campus community. That meant that no students could attend indoor sports games.

Outdoor sports were permitted spectators from the campus community and outside the community. Despite the more relaxed spectator regulations, outdoor sports were still limited to a select number of spectators during the 2020-2021 school year.

Jessica Garvie, a junior on the volleyball team, expressed that the relaxed spectator

policies have changed the environment in Townebank Arena during games.

“Having a crowd of students and parents really helps our team be successful during games,” said Garvie. “The environment is so different when we have people supporting us. I know the whole team is grateful for the change in policy. I also think that other students probably feel the same way, they can finally come and support us live.”

Going forward, students can expect to maintain a somewhat normal life during the 2021-2022 school year, yet in the safest way possible. That means that masks are here to stay for the time being.

“Really everything is back on the table,” said Seward. “We are back in person 100 percent now. We are back to our traditions, visiting friends and spectating sports.”

Kathleen Vanden Berg|Marlin Chronicle

COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 of the university at this time.

All classes have returned to in-person learning, a change from last year’s format.

Last year, students dealt with online classes that were conducted through Zoom.

Some classes followed a hybrid format that spent half the time online and half the time in person, with strict mask and social distancing rules.

As far as campus facilities are concerned, all facilities will be operating as normal. The gym, pool and recreational equipment will be available to students and faculty on a normal schedule.

Additionally, the campus-wide masking policy has been updated, allowing students and faculty to have their masks off outside when they are socially distanced. Masks are still required in all indoor areas unless students are within their residence space

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The

MARLIN CHRONICLE Editor-in-Chief Connor Merk ccmerk@vwu.edu Managing Editor Lauren Faulkner lafaulkner@vwu.edu News Editors Rhian Tramontanta rjtramontana@vwu.edu Kathryn Yeager kayeager@vwu.edu Science & Tech Editor Jack Palmer jrpalmer@vwu.edu Community Editor Lauren Faulkner lafaulkner@vwu.edu Opinions Editor Teresa Jones tmjones2@vwu.edu Sports Editors Steven Serrano Cruz sdserranocruz@vwu.edu Shirell Washington sawashington@vwu.edu Weekender Editors Alexandra Saxon ansaxon@vwu.edu Tiffany Warren tawarren@vwu.edu Photo Editor Ross Winner rawinner@vwu.edu Illustrations Editor Emily Uzzle ebuzzle@vwu.edu Online Editor Ash Dobrenen akdobrenen@vwu.edu Copy Editor Grace Rietscha glrietscha@vwu.edu Advertising Manager Alyssa Lane amlane@vwu.edu Adviser Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu

The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Batten 217. Signed submissions are welcome, but subject to the discretion of the editor. Letters are not edited for content, but may be edited for length and mechanics. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff of The Marlin Chronicle or Virginia Wesleyan University.

The Marlin Chronicle Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757.455.3311

“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution.

Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.”

--Scott D. Miller, Ph.D President

Community VWU honors World Suicide Prevention Day

BY JOSHUA HELLER jmheller@vwu.edu

The VWU community honored World then follow and join us.”

50 individuals raised their hands. After viewing Suicide Prevention Day with a suicide He was inspired to develop this event as he this, Seward went on to explain that “sucide awareness walk and memory chalk experience, saw it was something our community needed. will always have an impact on the others hosted by the Student Government Association “The fact that we’re having this event really around you, even if you don’t think you matter, on Sept. 10. makes a difference because it shows that faculty you do.”

It was led by junior Joey Mueller, SGA and administration are invested in our mental Eventually, the awareness walk concluded president, who was in charge of the operation health and our well being,” Mueller said. with students writing encouraging messages and of spreading awareness to in chalk on the sidewalk the cause. The event included in front of the Hofheimer a speech from Associate Vice Library. The chalk writing President for Campus Life and was overlaid with peaceful Operational Management Jason music which the participants Seward and suicide awareness put as “being calming and ribbons that were given out to all uniting with one another.” participants at the event. There Examples of the messages was also a walk around campus include “Healing takes and a chalk writing experience time,” “We love you of inspiring messages on the unconditionally,” “You sidewalk next to the Hofheimer Matter” and “I will always Library. care.” These messages will “We really focused on getting remain on the pavement to volunteers to get the tabling encourage others who walk event, so you could sign the by the library. banner,” Mueller said. “The April Christman, Director big banner that students signed of Student Health, closed will be displayed on the wall in out the event with kind Batten for all students to see.” words and offering words The banner serves as a gracious of encouragement to those reminder that this community finds who needed it. On behalf of Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle importance in every Marlin and Students, Faculty and Staff participating in the Suicide Prevention Walk. the offices of Student Health that every Marlin matters. and Counseling, Christman This event was a collaboration between The event’s intention was to showcase the offered assistance and comfort to anyone who Student Government Association, Office importance of you and the people around you. may have needed to talk. She announced, “If at of Student Activities and Student Health as Mueller seemed eager to collaborate with the any point you guys want to talk about anything, well as Vice President for Campus Life and administration about the biggest battle a Marlin I’ll be right here.”

Operational Management Keith Moore and his may fight. His effort to pull administration and Please reach out to Counseling Services in Assistant VP Jason Seward. students to the cause did not go unnoticed.

Batten 211 which is open Monday-Friday from Mueller had the goal of reaching the entire Seward spoke at the introduction of the 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as email Director student body. “I [wanted] to see 1,600 kids suicide prevention walk. His insightful speech of Counseling Services Bill Brown bbrown@ out there…” Mueller said. “I just want[ed] it was heard through the Batten Student Center vwu.edu or April Christman achristman@vwu. to be noticeable, so when we’re walking in with many student and faculty members edu. For immediate assistance, do not hesitate front of Allen Village, for example, I want[ed] in attendance to listen. “Who in here has to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: someone to be sitting there and look outside personally been affected by someone you know 1-800-273-8255. and go ‘what the hell is happening?’ Maybe who has committed suicide?” In response to look at his calendar and remember the date and this question, the entire crowd of approximately

Summer classes and research offer academic opportunities

BY JADE EAST jseast@vwu.edu Over the 2021 summer term, Virginia Wesleyan University held 90 courses on campus and multiple research projects. These were available for students who wished to continue their studies during the break from the traditional school year. These courses were split up among five different sessions that varied from different time lengths; all concluded before the start of the fall semester.

Dr. Terry Lindvall, professor of communication, taught a course during the first summer session titled Religion in Disney and Pixar. In this class the students learned about various religious aspects that could be observed in different Disney and Pixar films such as “Monsters Inc.”, “Coco”, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

There were only 10 students in this class but “a good thing about teaching a summer course is they’re so wonderfully concentrated so you really get to know one another,” Lindvall said.

In further discussion of the course he shared what the workload included for students. “Each student did a presentation on a particular film.

They had to go through background research in the paper, do a powerpoint presentation and basically lead a discussion,” Lindvall said.

Sophomore Dorothy Yanku-Palmer was a

student in Lindvall’s class. She noticed that during the summer semester “you get to take classes that aren’t normally offered in the spring or fall.”

When she saw the course description for Religion in Disney and Pixar it piqued her interest. “I never thought that you could use Disney in a religious sense so that was something really cool,” Yanku-Palmer said.

On the subject of homework the students were assigned to do outside of class, YankuPalmer added that “getting to watch Disney movies for homework,” was the best part of this course.

Another course that occurred over the summer semester was PSY 380, Supervised Research in Psychology. This course involved supervised research with Dr. Taryn Myers, professor of psychology, on her personal ongoing project. This project discussed the relationship between social comparison and body dissatisfaction.

One student was selected to work alongside Myers for this project was senior Cherelle Gooch. The professor gave insight in regards to what this course offered for the student and what was expected from them during it.

“PSY 380 is a great course opportunity where we offer students the chance to either

do an independent research project or gain course credit for assisting professors with their research. The past few years, I have used it for the latter - having students help with designing and implementing my own research,” Myers said.

Due to COVID-19 safety and health protocols, Myers was not able to meet with Gooch in person throughout the duration of this course, but they did not let that hinder their work.

“We did everything remotely, but it was no big deal - meetings were just on Zoom instead of in person. The work for the student would have been largely independent, anyways,” Myers said.

As Myers talked about the courses Virginia Wesleyan offered in the summer semester, she expressed how they were a good opportunity for students to gain experience in any field they wished to. “The experience of planning and implementing a project is awesome regardless of what direction or field people head to postgraduation.” Myers said.

For more information about future summer classes offered at Virginia Wesleyan and how to enroll in them, contact your academic advisor or view the course listing at vwu.edu.

In-Person Student Involvement Fair helps clubs gain members

BY CAREY SEAY clseay@vwu.edu As the new school year commences, the student involvement fair was a great opportunity for both newcomers and returning students to become involved with campus activities and meet new people.

Following last year’s virtual fair, this year’s had a significant turnout and proved to be a lively event. The fair presented students with an array of 50 different club and organization tables to check out, such as Dance Team, STEAM Club, Spectrum, Black Student Union and much more.

Of the many student organizations you might’ve seen at the Student Involvement Fair, Movie Crew, a club that has been entertaining VWU students since 2018, is ready for this quarantine-free year and has lots of plans up its sleeve.

“This year being that we are back in-person, we have a bunch of plans in the works,” said Leilanie Sheppard, Movie Crew’s student leader.

“We of course are hopefully looking forward to our annual Spring Dive-In Movie for next semester, as well as possibly doing a Haunted Trails Event for Halloween this coming October,” Sheppard said.“I can’t get into too many details as plans are still being made, but I will say it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss out on.”

Movie Crew’s involvement fair table featured movie trivia and voting for the first fea-

Lauren Faulkner|Marlin Chronicle Movie Crew’s Leadership Team at their award-winning Student Involvement Fair Table ture’s genre. Aside from these activities, plenty of decorations and smiling faces (behind the masks) helped Movie Crew win ‘Best Table’ from Student Activities and earn their organization $100.

Also on display at the Student Involvement Fair, a few new clubs such as the Martial Arts Club, Roundnet Club and Fishing Club are being added to VWU’s lineup of student organizations this year as well.

Whether you’re a new or returning student, check out the student organizations offered here at VWU, and get involved. If you weren’t able to make it to the Student Involvement Fair or simply just want to try something new, you can find the list of student organizations at www. vwu.edu/campus-life/student-activities/student-organizations.

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The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Thursday, September 16, 2021

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Familiar Faces on Campus: New Opportunities for Faculty and Students As the Fall 2021 semester begins, many faculty and staff members moved into new positions and some recently graduated students moved into working positions here on campus. Here are some words from these individuals on their new job opportunities.

BY LAUREN FAULKNER lafaulkner@vwu.edu

Stephen Leist New Position: Head Librarian, Hofheimer Library “Becoming Head Librarian at the start of the fall semester has opened an exciting new phase for me in how I, along with the other librarians, support the research needs of the campus community. As Head Librarian, I still participate in research instruction for classes and meet individually to provide research help.”

Anja Serby-Wilkens New Position:Administrative Assistant to the President, Office of the President “I moved from the Center for Enrollment Services to the Office of the President in late June, and it has been a busy and interesting time! I get to see first-hand what it takes to lead our campus community, and I’m honored to be a part of the team in Dr. Miller’s office. Go Marlins!”

Ashley Roehrman New Position: Coordinator of Advancement Events, Office of Advancement “I am grateful to be back at VWU! It feels like being right at home. I have mentors here that care about me, and I’m lucky to be in this environment as I navigate post-grad life and learn and gather experience in the professional world.”

Andrew Taylor New Position: Village Coordinator, Residence Life “I am truly excited to be the Village Coordinator for Bray and Allen villages. It’s not very different from being a Resident Assistant but I feel more like an adult. It’s an honor and a privilege to work here at VWU!”

Crit Muniz New Position: Director of the Learning Center, Learning Center “I am excited to now be the Director of the Learning Center. Currently Disability Services, the Test Center, Tutoring, and general oversight of the Learning Center fall under my job. Also I continue to be a First Year advisor and the Men’s Lacrosse Faculty Team Advisor. For students, there won’t be much of a change. All students should feel free to come up to see me if they are looking for academic assistance.”

Stephanie Billy New Position: Coordinator of Support Services, The Lighthouse “The strong sense of community among the faculty, students, and administration continues to remain steadfast as I look ahead to my new role as Coordinator of Support Services in The Lighthouse. I aspire to continue supporting current students in ways that provide opportunity to think ‘outside the box’ and engage in high impact practices that will lead toward their respective personal, academic, and professional goals.”

Travis Malone New Position: Dean of the Batten Honors College, Batten Honors College “I am excited to build on the fantastic foundation of the Batten Honors College.

From combating climate change to addressing issues of equality and social justice, our students will have the opportunity to build the skills and understanding to meet the challenges of our time.”

Malleri Santiago New Position:AdministrativeAssistant to the Vice President for Enrollment, Office of Enrollment “I have been involved with VWU since I was 12 years old since my dad works here.

I just started my 14th year with VWU in a new position, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment. I’m happy to begin this new journey and excited to learn even more about VWU.”

Marlin Nation Orientation welcomes new students to campus

BY CAREY SEAY clseay@vwu.edu

VWU|Courtesy Dae’Vionna Leonard, Freshman, and her family.

Virginia Wesleyan Student Activities started off this fresh new academic year with Marlin Nation Orientation, and welcomed all incoming freshmen to campus with hope to get back to the way of life that was on campus before COVID-19.

Before returning students moved back onto campus and classes began, the Class of 2025 was welcomed with a wide variety of the many courses, activities and opportunities VWU has to offer. Students were provided with two opportunities to learn more about what it means to be a Marlin, and to have a little bit of fun along the way as well.

The first of these opportunities,

Activities

Marlin Nation Orientation 101, took place during the month of June. At this event, freshmen were able to visit campus with their families and take part in many different activities such as Carnival Sensation, a petting zoo and a look at campus life departments. “[Orientation 101] went really well and was a lot of fun,” said Sarah Guzzo, director of student activities.

“It was really the first big event that we had that was the most normal outside of COVID, and was really refreshing and so enjoyable for the staff, faculty and families that came out.”

To go along with the first half of

Orientation, freshmen were invited to Marlin Nation Orientation 102 soon after they moved in. Orientation 102 focused more on VWU’s policies, academics, and community standards through a variety of exploration sessions. Some of these sessions included a tour of Greer Gardens, a lesson on student policies and a preview of what different majors may look like.

“The Orientation sessions were really interesting and provided new insight into possible interesting majors that I didn’t have any information on before,” said freshman Hollyn Pleasants.

Opinions

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Thursday September 16, 2021 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Wesleyan gives warm welcomes to first years

BY SHELBY KORE skore@vwu.edu This is my first year being a part of the Marlin family. I was very nervous to embark on this adventure but from the first time I set foot on this campus I felt the love and admiration from everyone. The first few days as a freshman were stressful and it made me feel emotions I haven’t felt since before the pandemic started. This was my first time in over a year going to school with my peers and getting the one on one attention from my teachers. Even though I was overwhelmed, I always kept my head up high and kept on moving.

“From the first time I set foot on this campus, I felt the love and admiration from everyone.”

It’s now a few weeks in and I’m glad to say things are starting to shift into place. I’m not going to lie and say my mental health has not been affected by this transition, but the more I get into a routine and start to build relationships

with my peers and professors the more I feel safe and secure. I have felt supported by the staff here since the first day of living on campus. My Room Assistant has gone out of her way to make every single one of us feel at home and even my teachers have gone out of their way to be understanding and listen to us as more than just students, but family. The mental health services at Wesleyan also make me feel safe and remind me that it is okay to not always be okay.

Something that has helped me a lot is having down time for myself. Being around many fresh new faces can be overwhelming at times and being able to close my door and breathe by myself has made this transition much easier. Also the events that have taken place over the last few weeks have helped me connect with people outside of my friend group. Freshman orientation may have been very long but it allowed me to make connections even before I stepped inside the classroom. I am studying to be a future nurse and am on track for the Sentara Nursing program.

Being able to be around people who have the same ambitions as me is motivating and gives me a reason to keep pushing through. The wide variety of classes and extracurriculars offered here also allow me to find hobbies/ ambitions that I didn’t know existed before I arrived here. I am excited for what these four years have in store for me and I can’t wait to meet and influence other people around me.

Shelby Kore|Courtesy Shelby Kore poses with the iconic blue chair on her first day of classes.

Two years of pandemic mistakes finally behind us

BY ZACH HOPE zvhope@vwu.edu From a student perspective, the way VWU has handled the COVID-19 semesters was unprofessional. Going back to 2020, our community, like other institutions, was very lost and in a position where decisions were made rapidly based on little knowledge of the current situation. However, I know many friends that went to schools of comparable size that did not struggle as much as our school did.

While some schools compensated students’ fees and board completely for being sent home, our school gave an equal refund regardless of their bill. I am a math major but it doesn’t take two semesters of algebraic structures to figure out that students lost at least $1000. Despite this, the cost of a semester at VWU has increased noticeably.

In addition to questionable fiscal decisions our return to campus this semester has left students and faculty alike feeling torn. Some people are in agreement that the school has made the correct decision with the last minute mask mandate, while others are not as happy about the school pulling the rug out from underneath everyone a month before returning. Pandemic ethics are a highly debated and complex issue, but I am sure we all want to feel safe. With that being said, it would have been much different if the school said months ago, “yes, vaccines are necessary for a safe return, but we still feel it essential to wear masks indoors.” Although I am aware of many students and staff who were not onboard with the vaccine, most were okay

Sports Information|Courtesy

getting it in order to return to campus with a sense of normalcy that was seemingly promised by the institution.

There seems to be a common theme with the university putting out statements only to alter or completely revoke them some time later. Mistrust in the people that dictate our safety and happiness as a campus community is at an all time high.

There is no doubt that the past two years have been something from a thought experiment where any decision made is not going to please all the parties affected.

Now, more than ever, we must come together as a whole and decide what is best for the individual and the community. The school takes pride in their belonging sense of community, something that larger schools cannot possess to the degree we can, yet there still feels like there is something missing. I have been a Marlin for almost four years and I have witnessed the highs and the lows so I feel that my views are representative of the greater student body.

My peers and I look forward to one day graduating and looking back on the memories of my pandemic years at Virginia Wesleyan. It is quite a rollercoaster ride to say the least, and I am thankful for my time here. The return each year to campus gives me butterflies, even after doing it three times previously, and the welcoming energy is unmatched for other institutions of our size. No matter the current world events I am happy to be an undergraduate student here and I would like to believe that the students here are willing to keep the spirit alive here, even if that means a couple unnecessary twists along the way.

Online voting: necessity of end-to-end verified ballots

BY TERESA JONES tmjones2@vwu.edu The vast majority of daily life is conducted through the screen of a smartphone. From depositing checks to communicating across the world, there is hardly anything we cannot do online... until the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. With the exception of absentee and early voters, every intended voter must make the dreaded trek to the polls. Nothing makes a person impatient like a U.S. presidential election, but we will have to wait a while longer for secure online voting to be an option. While voting by iPhone sounds like a great alternative, it presents more challenges than it solves at this point in time. However, rapid advancements in cryptography and technology make voting from home almost plausible.

Remote voting already occurs for certain subsets of voters. For example, 23 states and the District of Columbia allow absentee ballots to be returned over email and five other states allow voting through an online portal. For many remote voters like those living abroad or with disabilities, the use of online voting is not a choice but rather a necessity. Having the ability to vote online is about accessibility and alternatives to traditional voting methods allow them to more actively participate in democracy.

Only 7% of the three million eligible voters living abroad (and paying taxes) voted in 2016 elections according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s biennial Overseas Citizen Population Analysis. This poor turnout highlights the need for improvement and advancement of our voting systems. Rather than focus on the flaws of potential online voting platforms, we may be better served by considering the question of online voting in terms of improving it where it already exists. End to end verification is a necessary condition for potential online voting schemes

because it allows for elections to be audited and ensures that there is accountability for the overall tally and individual ballots.

End-to-end verification (E2E) of ballots by voters, administrators and the public offers great potential for boosting security while retaining the privacy of a secret ballot. Secret ballot elections provide numerous advantages over open elections including, but not limited to, allowing voters to cast their ballots without being influenced by intimidation, blackmailing or money made by selling their vote. It is speculated that E2E cryptographic voting methods will face more scrutiny not for being more or less secure than current methods, but rather for being new and difficult to understand. For this reason, it is important that a concrete definition of “secret” is created and that cryptographers and other professionals in the field are able to advocate for their systems and prevent unfavorable precedents. It is important to note that it does not mean that verification has to occur at each step and that E2E-V is a property that can be achieved in an election rather than a single cryptographic method. E2E systems function very similarly to poll books stored by Parliament.

However, with respect to voting over the internet, there are many obstacles that must be overcome before applying it on a national scale. First, servers pose a threat to the security of elections over the internet. Dishonest servers could change the outcome of an election by replacing real ballots with fake ones. A corrupt server could potentially break the secret ballot or an individual aware of the methods used could undo the encryption. The latter has a low probability of occurring because there is not an effective algorithm for computing discrete logarithms but is still a concern. Electronic versions of ballots are subject to tampering with ballots such as deletion, replacement and modification. Like any voting system, a bad actor could

claim that his or her vote was not accurately captured. The confidence in an election is easily eroded so even though such claims can be discounted by security experts, many bad actors acting simultaneously would quickly jeopardize the legitimacy of an election. This can be remedied by adding more methods of review to reduce risks and detect security violations as well as by conducting rigorous audits to improve the confidence of election outcomes.

Likewise, internet voting schemes are subject to denial of service attacks and malware on less regulated personal devices that we do not yet have the technology to address.

Teresa Jones|Courtesy

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Sports

Thursday September 16, 2021 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Marlin athletics rebound

SportsHead

Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle

BY STEVEN SERRANO

sdserranocruz@vwu.edu

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle Spectators view the Men’s soccer game on Sept. 12 which resulted in a 2-1 OT against Greensboro College.

BY SHIRELL WASHINGTON

sawashington@vwu.edu

Last school year, COVID-19 took a huge toll on athletics. Sports teams were forced to change their routines to follow new guidelines presented by their university’s athletic department and the athletic conferences for higher education institutions. This altered the athletes’ training schedules as practice start dates were pushed back, seasons were temporarily put on hold until the following year, and the constant worry of positive COVID tests coming back that would lead to a postponed, canceled game or 14-day quarantine.

At Virginia Wesleyan, the pandemic affected the athletes mentally. Junior Jaron Berry, a forward for the Men’s soccer team provided this comment, “For me, personally, mentally COVID last year was very difficult for me. The season was just difficult because last year it was weird like practices were not the same, we ran on a schedule, and it was difficult to really get a rhythm and I feel like that really showed within the season.”

Now it is a new year and the pandemic is still here, but athletics has returned to some normalcy with fewer COVID regulations in place. At VWU sporting events, spectators are still required to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status and for outdoor sports, masks are to be worn if not sitting six feet apart from others.

Currently, there are no capacity level limits that have been implemented. “Right now there’s no conversation about that.

The only protocol we have in place is our masking protocol and so inside, masking for all individuals regardless of vaccination status,” Virginia Wesleyan University Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig said.

For many athletes, getting to compete in their regular season is probably the most exciting part about coming back to campus this year. “To be on a regular schedule I think it really shows that these past couple weeks in these past couple games, I’d like

SOFTBALL CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 at the end of the day the main objective was to play softball,” Elliott said.

When Elliott was asked about last season, he expressed with laughs that it was a challenging season and that for the first time in his career the biggest challenge of the season was not their opponents. “It puts things into perspective because this season our biggest challenge wasn’t our opponents or softball related. The biggest challenge of the season was staying together and staying healthy, so that we can do those other things,” Elliott said. “I don’t know if our girls will agree, but I think that winning the national championship was easier than battling and defeating COVID-19.”

For these championships, the Marlins

to be in a good rhythm. To be able to bond and hang with the team outside of the field and I really get to know one another and that translates to the field and we’re playing better and we’re playing well,” Berry said.

Athletes are able to practice as a full team without having to be in a bubble of 10 or less at certain times of the day and without masks if teams are practicing outside or they have a full vaccination status on the roster. With that, athletes are able to get back into the normal routine of things to prepare themselves for the season.

Furthermore, athletic departments are now able to prepare, plan and execute games and seasons in a more simple manner than last year.

Being back to semi-normal as masks are still worn inside brings back the energy and effect that college sports have on the campus community. Sports without crowds was something out of the ordinary, but that

“We’re not totally back to normal, but I think it’s just nice to have spectators in our stands and to have our fall sports competing at the at the right time of the year.”

Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig is different this year. Sport fans are now allowed to attend their favorite sporting events, they are able to see their favorite players and most importantly enjoy the game with family and friends. Currently, live streams are still being used to provide fans at home with a chance to get in on the action.

Hoover expressed to the Chronicle that providing the best experience for

fans is a goal, but there are sports to lend themselves as an easier road to have them live streamed. “I think there are a lot of things that go into equipment but ideally we want to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience and for a lot of them their families are watching on the live stream,” Hoover-Erbig said “We’re not totally back to normal, but I think it’s just nice to have spectators in our stands and to have our fall sports competing at the right time of year,” Hoover-Erbig said. “It’s really wonderful to see studentathletes back out there and parents coming to see their kids play; It’s fun to see that.”

Time will tell if athletics get to finish out the year as normally as possible without the effects of the pandemic’s new variant that has come about these past weeks, but, nonetheless, the Marlin campus is excited to be back and are ready for some awesome games this year. “I pride myself on being an optimistic person so hopefully we move forward in a bit of a better place than we are now,” Hoover-Erbig said.

Grace McGhee|Marlin Chronicle Freshmen Jenna Waters and Emma Claytor go for the block while Junior Haley Sutton plays defense against CNU where the final score was 3-1 W.

Softball team counted with a large group ago, still the traditions and commitment of veterans in their team, to which Coach will not change.

Elliott added that it was something “Right now we have a younger team, we important to the team. “We had a veteran have new players and it really is just kind of team and this helped us to do things that we weren’t able to do as a team.”

Love and trust for each other is an important key for this team. Coach Elliott expressed that those two factors helped the team to understand each other and what they are facing. D’Arco also explained that in the team the main thing is that you have to love each other and you want to see everyone succeeds. “Sometimes it’s hard when you are not the one playing and someone else is, but you want them to play and to be the best because at the end of the day, you’re part of the team and we need to be together,” D’Arco said.

The team now counts a lot of young Sports Information|Courtesy players and even though it is not the Softball players receive the NCAA trophy. veteran team that won a couple months

Marlin Nation

On Aug. 5, Football Club Barcelona (FCB) announced that Leo Messi will leave the club after 20 years. This was a bitter moment for not only the fans of Barcelona, but for all soccer fans around the world. After the announcement, on Aug. 31, 2021, Juventus released the news that Cristiano Ronaldo was leaving the Juventus FC (JFC) to return to his “first love,” Manchester United FC (MUFC).

Messi decided to take his talent to Paris and rejoin his long-term friend; Neymar da Silva Santos Junior. This was overwhelming for Barcelona fans because Neymar Jr. was once on the team. Many are saying that Messi will explode with Paris Saint Germain (PSG) because he has a solid team. Others are saying that Messi will not perform well because he is older and not the same Messi of 7 years ago.

However, I think that the potential that this man has is incredible and he can bring the glory that PSG has been seeking for all this time.

On the other side, we have Ronaldo joining his old club, where his career began and his name was made known thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson. Ronaldo is a great addition to this team, and I think that Ronaldo will have a great impact in Manchester United because he is a skilled and talented striker.

These unexpected announcements were clearly something for soccer fans to discuss, because we never thought that after all these years of seeing the best players in the world shining on their teams, they would decide to leave them. If we are being honest, Ronaldo was okay in Juventus in comparison to his previous team Real Madrid FC where he won four Champions League Tournament. However, when we talk about Messi leaving Barcelona, his home, where he achieved that glorious streak of winning six different trophies in one year; that is something that I think Barcelona fans will never recover from.

Now, for all soccer fans, just think about these unexpected trades. As you might have heard, when rumors of Messi leaving the club arose a year ago, the team that was on the list was Manchester City FC. Also, when Ronaldo announced that he was leaving the club, the first team on the list was Manchester City FC. This means that we could end up having the two best players in the world either playing together in the same team or rejoining in rivalry.

The only chance that we have to see them again in rivalry is in the most famous soccer tournament: Champions League.

introducing them to the culture of our team and showing them how we love each other and lift up each other.” D’Arco said. She also added that they will continue to follow the three main points of the team which are humility, tradition and excellence.

For this upcoming season the team is preparing themselves to win again. “The goal is the same, I said to our group that some of the faces may have changed, but our goal in our program is to win a national championship,” Elliott said. The Marlins Softball team have had great seasons and great players that the program and their coach will never forget. Nonetheless, Coach Elliot expressed that the focus now is the 2022 season. The Marlins Softball team is preparing and focusing for the main goal that is to achieve a “Back-to-Back.”

Catch up on Marlin Sports by following @MarlinChronicle on social media.

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Sports

Butler joins the Schedule athletic staff

The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

8

BY KIMBERLY DEHART kmdehart@vwu.edu

Jeff Butler is the newest assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at Virginia Wesleyan University. Butler was hired to be the assistant baseball coach in the summer of 2021. He came to VWU from Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned his master’s degree in sport leadership while he also volunteered at his alma mater Randolph-Macon College with the Yellow Jacket baseball coaching staff.

Butler brings to VWU a wealth of baseball knowledge. Among his achievements are former Yellow Jacket, a four-year starter in the infield, primarily second base, three-time ODAC, two-time VaSID All-State and All Region, and AllConference honoree. He also was part of SportsCenter’s top 10 plays in the final game of the NCAA Division III World Series of 2018 and he was seventh in the nation in Toughest to Strikeout in 2019.

Butler grew up in the Hampton Roads area and he expressed that VWU has been part of his entire life. “From a young age, I’ve been volunteering at the school and playing games at Kenneth R. Perry Sports Information Field throughout |Courtesy my high school recruitment process,” Butler said. “VWU stuck out to me while finding a coaching position because of the location and my relationship with Coach Francis while I played against him for four years.”

Butler expressed to the Chronicle that it was fun to meet with Coach Francis, Coach Montgomery and Executive Athletic Director Andrea Hoover-Erbig. He said that they made him feel like he was at home before even being offered the position.

In regards to the team, he hopes to impact them in every aspect of life, not only athletically. He is dedicated to helping young players participating in collegiate

the

Scoreboard

baseball with a positive and energetic coaching style. “My job as a coach is not only to make players better on the field and become better baseball players, but better men in society as they prepare to face real life,” Butler said.

Sophomore Ian Brady, who is a righthanded pitcher of the Baseball team,

expressed that he really likes the new assistant coach and his expectations are very positive for this season.“It’s only been a few weeks but I know for a fact that he’s great for the squad and will help us have a great year,” Brady said.

Butler loves to work here and he expressed to the Chronicle that he loves the

comradery of everyone, especially within the athletic department. “Everyone is extremely friendly and really wants to get to know you. The connections and friendships I have made these first two months already I know will last a lifetime,” Butler said.

Athletics Previews

BY STEVEN SERRANO CRUZ sdserranocruz@vwu.edu

BY SHIRELL WASHINGTON sawashington@vwu.edu

Field Hockey

Last season, the Virginia Wesleyan University Field Hockey team had a challenging one since they finished with a record of one win and seven losses overall.

After the 2020-2021 season, the Field Hockey team is ranked eighth in the ODAC 2021 Field Hockey preseason coaches poll.

The Marlins started their 2021-2022 season off with a rough start with a 0-2 record falling to the Shorewomen of Washington College and the Seahawks of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

The Field Hockey team continues their season on the road as they take on the Eagles of the University of Mary Washington at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Grace McGhee|Courtesy Sophomore Jaiden Shaw on game day (left) and freshman Jenna Waters goes up for the kill against Geneva College (right).

Volleyball

With a record of 12-2, the Volleyball team was selected second by ODAC preseason coaches poll, sharing the same spot next to the Yellow Jackets of Randolph-Macon.

The team ended with 106 points with a season that consisted of 30 games and 12 ODAC game conferences.

Libero and defensive specialist Cara Caruso expressed that the team has worked extremely hard for this season. “We have had nothing short of a two and a half hour practice in attempts to prepare for our competitive schedule,” Caruso said. “I am expecting to see a lot of healthy competition both within and against the team. The team is getting along super well and we are having high intensity, competitive practices.” After acquiring Karissa Cumberbatch as the new head coach of the program, the Volleyball team seems already locked-in, since they have won 6 games so far this season.

The team continues their season as they travel to the University of Lynchburg on

Grace McGhee|Courtesy Freshman Kayln Byrd up against Catholic University (left) and the Men’s Soccer huddle together to discuss the game (right).

Sept. 18 at 1:00 p.m. to face the Hornets of Lynchburg and the Cougars of Averett University in a double header.

Women’s Soccer

Virginia Wesleyan University Women’s Soccer was selected third in the preseason coaches poll by ODAC. They were selected with 119 points prior to the start of the 2021 season.

The team is looking forward to this 2021 season after a challenging year where their games were shortened due to the pandemic.

The first game of the 2021 season, which was scheduled to be against Dickinson College, was canceled due to Tropical Storm Ida. They faced the Cardinals of Catholic University to open the season, but the team fell to the Cardinals losing 2-1. As for now, the Marlins hold a record of 1-2 to

start out the season.

The Marlins continue their season at home as they take on the Eagles of University of Washington on Sept. 18 at 2:00 pm.

Men’s Soccer

Last season, the Men’s Soccer team finished with a record of one win, five losses and two tied games overall. The team is looking forward to their upcoming season, like many athletic programs, after a rough and challenging last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After playing a decent 2020-2021 season, the Men’s Soccer team is ranked eighth in the 2021 ODAC Men’s Soccer preseason coaches poll. The Marlins started their 2021 season off at a high with a 2-0 record beating both the Knights of Southern

Virginia University and the Knights of Neumann University.

Junior Jaron Berry, a forward for the Men’s Soccer team had comments to say about the vision for the team this season.

“As a team, we have a bunch of goals, we want to win an ODAC championship, but we’ve got to take it day-by-day and we all know that to start off the season 2-0 is really big for us so we’re really excited to see how the season goes,’’ Berry said. “We’re taking one game at a time and we just want to come out and play the best game we can play.”

The Men’s Soccer team continues their season as they take on the Cougars of Averett University at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Mary Baldwin.

Thursday September 16, 2021 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Grab

THEWEEKENDER

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a decaf from local coffee shops and cafes

BY KATIE BAKER & SASHA SAXON kmbaker@vwu.edu ansaxon@vwu.edu

Sasha Saxon & Katie Baker|Marlin Chronicle Mom-and-pop coffee shops provide perfect ambiance for a stressful day, visit with friends or take a break. Supporting local coffee shops helps the community recover from the hardships faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the featured cafes differs greatly in style, but all offer welcoming staff, excited to serve the best cup of coffee.

Fair Grounds

Java Surf Illuminating the corner of 19th Street and Mediterranean Avenue—in bright orange—Java Surf is a coastal cafe and bar that unabashedly reflects and supports the contemporary ViBE district it belongs to. A few blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and near the VWU campus, it’s the perfect place for a post-beach meal, or a caffeine fueled study session. Interiorly, the cafe is decorated with surfing paraphernalia, between large windows allowing sunlight to filter in over the urban metal walls and art gifted from the community.

Open between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, their vast menu offers breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks. If you’re looking for vegan options, or have dietary restrictions, many of the selections would suit your healthy or indulgent cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a signature French toast latte, a protein smoothie, or creating your own hearty breakfast sandwich, you’ll leave satiated. If you’re planning to study with a group of eight, or on your own, your seating options aren’t limited. Take advantage of the warm Virginia Beach weather on their wrap-around seating porch, or the back patio wrapped in murals. Whether you sit inside in the AC, or outside in the sun, just remember to order your food and drinks online, or in the back at the bar.

Back

BY ALEX CAIN

Colorful mosaics and creative murals welcome you to Norfolk’s oldest independent coffee shop. The bright yellow building resembles a home, making customers feel cozy and comfortable. An old wooden front porch with outdoor seating leads inside where the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans swirls through the air. As you ascend the stairs to the main level, local art and newspaper clippings cover the walls, highlighting the coffee shop’s involvement within the community.

Mis-matched furniture fills the cafe, creating space for studying, socializing and coffee sipping. A doorway is marked with the intervals of a child’s growth, highlighting the history of the building and the homey atmosphere.

Chalkboards hang above the register to display the many coffees, teas and food options. Baked goods such as muffins, bagels and vegan doughnuts can be seen in a case by the counter. Sandwiches are also offered, including a vegetarian option.

Fair Grounds Coffee is located in a residential part of Norfolk and was first opened in 2001. Since then, the establishment has earned its title as the “soul of Norfolk.”

When Starbucks opened across the street, they were no match for Fair Grounds’ service, quality and hospitality, closing in only a matter of time. You can experience the delight of Fair Grounds Coffee from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 11:00 p.m. on the weekend.

to the

atcain@vwu.edu

The pandemic has hurt many businesses by decreasing capacity and limiting dining options.

Among these hurting businesses are movie theaters, which are now finally seeing a return to maximum capacity in accordance with new CDC guidelines and stricter sanitary protocols.Movie theaters are taking extensive measures to ensure guest safety. Even as they return to normal, Regal Theatres have implemented a sanitary system developed by epidemiologists and commissioned by the National Association of Theater Owners called CinemaSafe.

Regal’s website describes these as “expert-backed, industry-specific health and safety protocols.”

Along with these, Regal is encouraging guests to wear masks and minimize contact with other moviegoers. There has also been an increased drive by various theater chains to minimize contact at ticket booths and concession stands. This has been done by encouraging both ticket and concession purchases to be done through apps so that less time is spent in interactions with staff and others in the line. All this, along with masking recommendations and sanitary measures combines to form an atmosphere in which moviegoers report feeling safe and comfortable.

Other theaters have also each developed their own proprietary COVID-19 policies, such as

Movies

AMC theaters’ Safe & Clean policies. Norfolk’s very own Cinema Cafes, however, seem to be outlier due to their less stringent sanitary protocols and the dine-in nature of the establishment precluding the constant use of masks.

During movies, it seems that

“There’s also something to be said for the shared experience of people in a theater watching a movie,” Abraham said. This much is certainly true for the action and thriller flicks which tend to dominate the box office.

It is also worth noting that, despite the online viewing options, which some larger filmmakers such as Disney are providing, many people still prefer viewing movies in person for the aforementioned “shared experience.” This is evidenced by the fact that most movies, such as Marvel’s “Black Widow” still tend to earn over twice as much at box offices than premium streaming service releases.

It may also be of interest to know that the success garnered Kat Vanden Berg|Marlin Chronicle by the more recent theatrical releases has prompted filmmakers masks and other more strict to reassess their previously policies were upheld by some announced delays. While delays moviegoers, while a large portion can still be expected, they may of guests also remained maskless. become less severe, since the While for some, masks at the surge in box office numbers is movies are an inconvenience— a good sign for filmmakers that given that they must be put on people feel safe returning to the and removed for drinking and movies in person. eating—it appears that others are Altogether, there seems to be a content to wear their masks at all buzz on campus about movies that times during the movie. has not been felt for a long time; Many students are excited as both students and faculty can to return to a more traditional be heard discussing many recent movie viewing experience. releases such as “Candyman” Ryan Abraham, a student, and and Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the frequent moviegoer said that Legend of the Ten Rings.” Along “some movies are meant to be with this, there is also a palpable seen on the big screen,” and this excitement for even more movies sentiment seems to be widespread soon to come. among students.

Kobros Coffee

A fresh brick storefront, on 21st Street, is home to the newest coffee shop in Norfolk. Kobros Coffee first opened in March of 2020, before it had only existed as a pop-up shop with a large Instagram following. Down the street from the Chrysler Museum, this modern gothic shop thrives in the Ghent neighborhood with its sleek presence and community-driven mindset. As you enter, the dark atmosphere captivates you; a motorcycle is displayed against the walls next to a bright orange couch. Abstract paintings, copper light fixtures and trendy electric signs add some pops of color.

This coffee shop is the epitome of the latest style, selling swag such as shirts, hats and stickers. A large table sits on the right side of the cafe in front of the window front, seating approximately eight people. This space creates an opportunity for students to form study groups or complete assignments, if the limited seating is available. Red lights hang above the register, and a metal oval ceiling fixture displays the cafe’s many coffee cups. As soon as you enter, your eyes land on the counter’s glass case, filled with various delectable unique desserts from croissants to creme pies. There is a drink for everyone at Kobros, including specialty flavored lattes changed weekly—the most recent being caramel miso—cold brew, matcha, and tea. You can enjoy Kobros most days from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., however it is closed Wednesday and has shorter hours on Sunday.

New Marvel

release

wows the crowd

BY RYAN ABRAHAM rsabraham@vwu.edu

Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle

4.5 stars out of 5 “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, ranks among Marvel Studios’ best films. This is thanks in part to the cast, such as the star of the film, Simu Liu, who gives a performance that is full of the charisma and emotion audiences have come to expect from Marvel stars.

Also featured are Awkwafina, who shines as Katy, the comedic relief of the film, and Meng’er Zhang, who gives a complex and fun performance as Xialing.

However, the true highlight of the film’s cast is Tony Leung, who gives a nuanced performance as the film’s antagonist, Wenwu.

Shang-Chi also features the best action choreography in the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thanks to its numerous martial-arts inspired sequences. The film also features beautiful setpieces and stunning visual effects, especially in the film’s third act. Similarly to fellow Marvel films “Black Panther” and “Into the SpiderVerse,” Shang-Chi also features an original soundtrack created for the film, which is used to great effect

throughout many of the scenes.

Another highlight of the movie is its use of comedy, as this manages to be one of the funniest Marvel films, while still taking itself more seriously than actioncomedies such as the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Thor: Ragnarok.”

In terms of reception, ShangChi has demolished box office expectations, as according to Deadline, it earned $94.67 million domestically over its opening on Labor Day weekend, which is over double of what it was expected to make. This also means Shang-Chi holds the record for the biggest Labor Day weekend box office.

On top of this, the film has had a strong critical response, earning a 92% positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes out of 265 reviews. Audiences seem to agree with the critics’ reactions, as they have given it a 98% rating, and an “A” Cinemascore. Between the box office and responses to the film, it is clear that Shang-Chi will leave a deservedly lasting impression on audiences and the Marvel franchise.

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Thursday September 16, 2021 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

THEWEEKENDER

local mural artists voice their stance

BY TIFFANY WARREN tawarren@vwu.edu

Tiffany Warren|Marlin Chronicle Richmond mural artists, Azu Miles features work ‘Conduction’ (left) and Hamilton Glass’s indoor mural (right) located at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens exhibition.

Streaks of vibrant red, blue and yellow are emblazoned in the background. Several extended arms reach out towards the two men not revealing their faces toward the viewer to see. The two men are an officer and a civilian being harmed. In white bold letters, it says, ‘Use your privilege’.

The mural called, ‘Serve not severe,’ created by alumnus Clayton Singleton, ‘94, is featured in the ‘Work in Progress: 13 Murals for Right Now’ exhibition at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens that encourages people to use their privilege to stop police brutality.

The ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens focuses on the power of murals to bring change as the country experiences social unrest and uncertainty. Thirteen selected artists were invited to share their stance to the Hermitage estate, create their artwork, and work in collaboration with volunteers and local organizations. The murals delved into topics including homelessness, food insecurity, income inequality, women’s representation and Black Lives Matter.

Jennifer Lucy, marketing and exhibit design manager at the Hermitage Museum, shared, “Last summer in July and August 2020, we submitted a proposal that instead of the museum coming up with the idea of an exhibition, instead the artists tell us what we should be showing in the exhibition,” Lucy said. “The artists then submitted a proposal on a topic or something they envisioned to display. They all picked a different variety of issues.”

The ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition was formed by an advisory committee made up of artists and Hermitage staff: Clayton Singleton, Hamilton Glass, founder of the Mending Walls project in Richmond;

Tiffany Warren|Marlin Chronicle Clayton Singleton’s mural features in the tennis court on the Hermitage estate.

Meme, founder of the Few & Far Women’s Collective; and Dathan Kane, co-founder of the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) in Newport News. Singleton participated in the exhibition to work with other mural artists and share his voice on police brutality.

“The reason I wanted to be in the show is because one, some of the artists in the show are dope muralists and I love the work that they do. I wanted to be a part of whatever they were involved in. The other part is that I had a say in whether or not I wanted to do it by myself or whether I wanted to do a community built mural,” Singleton said.

Six murals were created indoors and seven are displayed in the gardens. Each mural has a QR code for visitors to scan that provides further information and resources related to the artist’s focus on an issue at www.hermitagemuseum.org/workin-progress-resources.

Lucy added, “My favorite part has been

seeing the visitors react to the pieces.

We’ve seen so much better participaction and the key thing is that the exhibition relates to people. These are people in our community who are featuring their work.

It makes a different statement.”

Inside the Hermitage Museum, the ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition displays several artworks that are untitled and asks visitors what they think is being conveyed to them by writing their thoughts on a whiteboard. Visitors are also able to share their thoughts of their experience of viewing the exhibition on a chalkboard.

Dr. Joyce Howell, VWU professor of art history, shared her thoughts on her experience visiting the ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition at the Hermitage Museum & Garden. “It was just a knockout. I think that for a museum to be self-critical and invite conversation shows how much they value such conversation. The ‘Work in Progress’ invited a diversity of voices, and views, and a community that put context into this

more traditional museum,” Howell said.

On Sept. 11, the Hermitage Museum had an additional event hosted under the ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition called ‘Stories on stage: I’ve never thought of that before.,’.

The event featured members in the Hampton Roads community telling their story about an experience or conversation that changed their perspective of someone else or their thoughts. Each story was focused on a social justice issue.

Singleton shared, “I hope that they [visitors] see the layers to all of it. I hope they think to themselves, ‘Am I doing what I can do?’ and then also ask themselves, ‘What would they do?’. That’s why the arms are reaching out so far because those are actionary arms. Those are doing arms.

What are you going to do about it? Or is it just going to be another sad thing that you’ll scroll away or turn away from?”

Howell added, “I hope they [visitors] will give themselves over to the pure visual beauty of all works of art from those who aspire to make a statement and open themselves to being engaging with it and letting it wash over [them].”

The ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition is on view at The Hermitage Museum & Gardens on 7637 North Shore Road in Norfolk, VA from June 12 through Oct. 3.

The exhibition is free admission to visit on Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bring family and friends to immerse in the exhibition and dive into greater conversations on social justice in our community.

“Those of us, who can do something about it, who have social positions to be heard, should do it. Just do it,” Singleton said.

Live music returns to hampton roads

BY CHRISTIAN JONES cajones4@vwu.edu

In a country that is still working to get towards normalcy in everyday lives, concerts returning shines a beacon of hope that life could potentially return to the way it once was. “It’s very exciting to see concerts start to come back, it almost feels like things are getting back to the way they were before,” said Lamont Brandon, a VWU senior who attended many concerts before COVID-19 and has attended a few since they’ve started to come back. “I’ve attended a few concerts since COVID-19 regulations have softened a little, concerts are almost the same as they were before except a negative test or vaccination proof was required.”

For the Hampton Roads area particularly that light appears to be shining brighter than anywhere else in the Commonwealth.

With a star studded lineup of concerts coming to the area in the next few months, avid concert goers will once again be able to see their favorite artists live with the inclusion of vaccinations which most artists are requiring at their shows.

There are two specific venues in the Hampton Roads area that are emerging to be hotspots for artist tour stops. The Norva and Chartway Arena are the two venues that have the biggest headliners booked for the upcoming months. The Norva in Downtown Norfolk has a slew of artists booked for the month of September.

Yet, the most notable name out of the bunch is emerging superstar Yung Bleu.

Coming off of a solid run of songs in 2021 and still coasting on the prior success of his album “Bleu Vandross 3” in 2020. Yung Bleu made a stop at the Norva on Sept. 10.

“Yung Bleu making a stop in the 757 is the highlight of my fall,” said Julius Jacobs, a VWU sophomore who is a big fan of Yung Bleu. The show is a part of his Moonboy tour which has special guest Ann Marie joining the show.

Another major show happening at the Norva later on in October is 100 Gecs. The

duo of 100 gecs which consists of Dylan Brady and Laura Les who make a genre of music called hyperpop. They’re currently coming off the success of their remix album “1000 Gecs and the Tree of Life,” which featured artists like Charli XCX, Dorian Electra, Kero Kero Bonito and more. The duo will be at The Norva October 30th on Halloween eve.

The Norva practices COVID-19 safety protocols by requiring all attendees to show evidence of their full vaccination or submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to attending the event.

Events encourage all attendees to wear a mask following CDC guidelines.

Chartway Arena at ODU, in the coming months, is set to host international superstar Playboi Carti who will be touring his new album “Narcissist”. The artist always manages to garner a lot of excitement due to his elusive social media presence.

“Narcissist” drops Sept. 13 and Playboi Carti will be at the Chartway Arena Dec. 21.

Bing | Courtesy Entry way of Chartway Arena by ODU. “I remember the day the tour was announced and saw that Norfolk was a stop, I immediately purchased my ticket,” said VWU senior Mike Gatling who’s feeling optimistic about the return to live music.

“I feel like concerts returning goes hand and hand with vaccinations rolling out and Playboi Carti coming here just feels like a real gift in spite of the current COVID-19

Norva | Twitter Front way entrance of the Norva in downtown Norfolk welcomes guests. situation.” Tickets are still available to purchase, but supplies are moving fast due to the sheer popularity of the artist.

The second major artist coming to the Chartway Arena will be Tyler, the Creator.

Tyler will be touring his newest album “Call Me If You Get Lost” which was executive produced by legendary Atlanta disc jockey DJ Drama. The album features a star studded list of guests such as Lil Uzi Vert, 757 native Pharrel Williams, 42 Dugg, Lil Wayne, Youngboy NBA and many others. The tour will be Tyler’s first tour since 2019 and his first visit to the 757 to perform ever. The concert is scheduled for March 4, 2021, and tickets are still available to purchase through the event organizer.

The Chartway Arena provides COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for venue guests to understand what to expect when attending an event to make it as safe as possible. Active and increased sanitizing of highly touched surfaces are practiced

before, during and after each event. The venue also undergoes deep cleaning processes between events. Regardless of vaccination status, all guests age 10 and older, will be required to wear a face mask. Venue guests who are feeling sick or experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, or not fully vaccinated who have been in contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days are respectfully asked to not attend an event.

If feeling symptoms or tested positive after attending an event at Chartway Arena, selfreport COVID-19 exposure at www.odu. edu/covid19.

As the Hampton Roads area is gradually returning to normalcy with concerts and live music events opening back again, individual events may have additional restrictions or requirements as determined by artists or promoters. Future attendees enjoy the experience while staying informed of health and safety guidelines for any events.