The Miscellany News
Volume CXLVII | Issue 16
February 27, 2014
Since 1866 | miscellanynews.com
Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
Snow crew surmounts harsh winter Vassar Jewish Union becomes Open Hillel O Eloy Bleifuss Prados FeAtures editor
VJU refuses to endorse any political view, will not exclude anyone based on partisan opinion
Eloy Bleufuss Prados/The Miscellany News
n days of ice and snow, it’s up to College Grounds employee Bill Ackert to clear the roadways. But the job of dealing with unforgiving winter weather is much bigger than just Ackert or his plow. Clearing the College’s campus of snow involves dozens of personnel, heavy-duty gear and thousands of pounds of salt. “It truly takes all of us. It’s not a one person thing,” said Ackert. “It virtually takes everybody here at Vassar grounds to do snow removal in order for it to be successful.” According to Buildings and Grounds staff, Vassar contains approximately seven miles of roads and See PLOWERS on page 6
Anna Iovine
T
Above are some members of the Buildings and Grounds staff in charge of snow removal on campus. They shared that this winter was the hardest in nearly 20 years.
Senior projects could be mandatory Meaghan Hughes senior editor
I
n the past few weeks, the library has become a haven for stressedout seniors as they race toward thesis deadlines. Surrounded by books and multiple cups of coffee, they are often furiously typing away on their computers to finish their next draft. This experience, though common, is currently not a universal one for seniors at Vassar—but this may change in the coming years. Currently, it is at the discretion of
each department to require senior majors to write a thesis. Of all 48 departments offering majors, only 20 require the production of a senior thesis or senior project. The reasons behind the departments’ decisions tend to be based in practicality and whether or not the major lends itself to the format of a thesis. For economics majors, for example, a thesis is an optional project. Chair of the Economics Department Paul Ruud admitted that the project is not always the most effective way to demonstrate
expertise in a particular field; rather, it is one of many ways to display the knowledge gained in the course of four years. “The thesis is a good way to show mastery of the economics major,” he noted. “The thesis also suggests a taste for research and a passion for the subject of the thesis.” Neuroscience and behavior major Rosemary Lopez ’15 will not be writing a thesis, because it is optional for her major. Nevertheless, she recognizes the value of the project. “I think a See IME on page 7
AssistAnt neWs editor
his semester, the Vassar Jewish Union (VJU) has decided to be an Open Hillel. This denotes an idealogical division from the International Hillel Foundation, Hillel International. In a statement on the VJU’s website, the organization explained, “As an Open Hillel, the Vassar Jewish Union will not endorse any particular political view. The Vassar Jewish Union will not exclude organizations, groups, speakers, individuals or events on the basis of political opinion.” The VJU chose not to follow the standards set by Hillel International, instead choosing neutrality. “Declaring ourselves to be an Open Hillel is a reaffirmation of the values of openness and inclusivity already held and practiced by the Vassar Jewish Union,” said President of the VJU Naomi Dann ’14. Dann went on, “The Open Hillel Movement is a call for Hillel International to change its guidelines that limit acceptable conversation about Israel. We believe that the
existing Hillel policy censors, delegitimizes and demonizes diverse political beliefs, and we believe that to be a pluralistic and inclusive Jewish community, we need to allow the space for diversity. Joining this movement was an opportunity for the Vassar Jewish Union to clarify its position as a non-partisan organization whose members hold diverse views.” Dann then spoke to the procedure of becoming an Open Hillel. “This decision was reached in a multi-step, transparent and inclusive process. The Open Hillel movement was discussed by the Vassar Jewish Union (VJU) board at a planning retreat, a statement was drafted collaboratively over the course of several weeks, and was recommended to the wider VJU community by a super majority vote of the board,” he said. Director of the Office of the Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) Rev. Samuel Speers said, “The Vassar Jewish Union consulted with us in the RSL Office throughout their See VJU on page 4
Swim team breaks Alum perseveres through sickness numerous records D Samantha Kohl Arts editor
Jonathan Safir reporter
F
rom Feb. 19 until Feb. 22, the men and women’s swimming and diving team took part in the Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association (UNYSCSA) championships to end its season. The championship tournament was held in Ithaca, NY, and was a historic meet for the Brew-
ers. The team broke 19 school records and had numerous personal bests. Overall, the women’s team placed eighth out of the 15 competing teams. The 400-Meter Medley relay team of senior McKenzie Quinn, freshman Julia Cunningham and sophomores Lily Frye and Milee Nelson placed sixth and became the fastest 400-Meter MedSee SWIMMING on page 18
Inside this issue
3
NEWS
College proposes new course of action for bookstore
13
Lily reveals her high school feat that shall HUMOR not be named
courtesy of Julia Sabagnan
courtesy of Vassar College Athletics
This past weekend, from February 19 to February 23, the women’s swimming and diving team took part in the Upper New York States Collegiate finals.
ancers require an immense strength, both physical and mental, to land a leap en l’air, remain on their toes for extended amounts of time and practice tedious exercises. Professional dancer and Vassar alumna Julia Sabangan ’05 possesses strength beyond measure. So when Sabangan was unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia in May 2012, she transferred the strength she exhibits onstage to assist her in her battle with cancer. Sabangan always knew she wanted to dance professionally. Although she chose to study classics at Vassar, dance played a central role in her daily life. Outside her concentration, Sabangan joined Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre (VRDT) as a freshman and left an impression on all whom she encountered while onstage or in the studio. Sabangan left a special impact on Kathy Wildberger, Senior Lecturer in Dance and Drama and Assistant Director of VRDT, which persists even ten years later. “She is so strong, and she showed that certain kind of strength while she was here...She was a very unusual girl, in that there was this core strength to her that was beautiful,” said Wildberger. Immediately upon graduating from Vassar, Sabangan began to dance professionally with modern dance companies in New York City. In 2007, Sabangan and fellow VRDT alumna See SABANGNON on page 16
Julia Sabangan ’05 attests her strength, physical and mental, as a dancer allowed her to persevere through leukemia. Her bioposy came back clear two months ago.
15 ARTS
Three troupes facilitate marathon weekend of comedy