Red & Black Issue 3.15.23

Red & Black

WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER...

ARTS & CULTURE

Honoring Spanish Culture at The LeMoyne Center: Las Fallas...........................2

Student Organization Highlight: Hillel....3

Student Spotlight: Neil Pandit, SGA’s First Asian American President.................4

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

Black Unicorn Project: Libraries and........5

Brittany Franell: More Than A Barista......7

A Profile on Dr. H.J. Manzari.......................7

Creating a Community on Campus...........8

Dr. Melissa Cook: Networking with Care...............9

Spotlight: Dean Eva Chatterjee-Sutton...............10

CURRENT EVENTS

What Makes a Leader............................................................11

An Update on the Nationwide Black Maternal HealthCrisis....................................................................................12

Ohio Chemical Spill Is Damaging the Environment................................................................................13

Remembering Forgotten Female Scientists.....14

Let’s Talk about Roe v. Wade.....................16

SPORTS

Symposium on Democracy: The Role of Sp orts...................................................................17

Celebrating 500 Wins For Coach DeRubbo....19

W&J Men’s Wrestling Wins PAC...............20

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Courtesy Regan Carlson and W&J College

arts & Culture

Honoring Spanish Culture at The LeMoyne Center: Las Fallas

MAR. 3, 2023– Every year during the month of March, Spaniards celebrate a festival called Las Fallas. In true Spanish nature, this festival comes with singing, dancing and a parade. Artists spend days leading up to Mar. 15 creating sculptures made of cardboard, plaster, wood and paper mâché. These sculptures typically depict bawdy, satirical scenes of humanlike caricatures called ninots, and can be as large as several stories tall. Valencian artists spend countless hours crafting their ninots so they can be displayed during La Plantà. This event is the cornerstone of the festival. It showcases the products of all the hard work of the artists and allows for everyone in the city to behold their ninots. La Plantà lasts from Mar. 15 to Mar. 19, and during this time, the ninots are positioned in the mouths of the streets so that traffic is blocked off to allow the other festivities to commence in the plaza.

In addition to crafting the ninots, there is a myriad of other activities that occur during this festival. One of these activities occurs every day during this five-day celebration at 2

p.m. in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This daily festivity is called a mascletà. A mascletà is a firecracker show that shakes the ground. In conjunction with this aspect of the festival, there is a firework show every night. This festival concludes with an event called La Cremà, the burning of all these ninots. Leading up to this event, there is a vote to determine the favorite ninot and once the favorite is selected, it is spared from the burning and will stay in the Fallas Museum with the favorites from past years. La Cremà is where the festival gets its namesake, as las fallas translates to the torches in English.

As entertaining as this festival is, its roots are well-documented in history. In the old times of Spain, carpenters had a tradition of burning wood that was used to hold up oil lamps that were used as a light source at night during the short days of winter. This tradition celebrates the arrival of spring and the subsequent lengthening of hours of daylight in a day. The burning took place on Mar.19, which is the day of St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. They even burned some items

that they had no use for, such as old furniture. It was said that these items gave the flames human-like shapes. Because of that, the longstanding tradition has been to create caricatures of human sculptures, ninots, and then watch them burn at the end of the festival in order to signify the coming of the Spring Equinox.

Sierra Kuzak Red & Black Contributor

that benefits the children via enriching their after-school program. This club is predominantly composed of students with some background in studying the Spanish language, but Spanish skills are not a prerequisite and anyone who wants to spend time teaching the students is welcome to join.

This holiday was brought to Washington, Pa. by Washington & Jefferson (W&J) College’s LeMoyne Center Spanish Club. This club is made up of a group of students who come together every week to create and execute a Spanish lesson to the underprivileged children of LeMoyne Community Center, which is located behind the W&J’s tennis courts. The club is centered around a service-learning project

On Mar. 2, the children learned about the history of the fiery festival of Las Fallas, along with some relevant vocabulary, and were even able to make a craft relevant to the event. The children built a torch out of construction paper and tissue paper. This craft was able to incorporate the symbol of the torch along with the activity of creating something for this festival. The club was able to expand the knowledge of the rich culture of Spain for these children and, for some, foster a spark of interest in learning the Spanish language. Despite the holiday not originating in this area, this experience provided an excellent opportunity for these children to be exposed to a rich culture different from what they experience in their neighborhoods.

“The club was able to expand the knowledge of the rich culture of Spain for these children.”

Student Organization Highlight: Hillel

Samantha Cobaugh Campus Staff Writer

MAR. 3, 2023 – On Mar. 12, Hillel will be putting on their well-known Purim Carnival in the Rossin Recreation Center, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For the last couple years, Hillel, the Jewish organization at Washington & Jefferson College, has been putting on the Purim Carnival every spring semester, close to the Jewish holiday, Purim. Like many organizations on campus, Hillel took a big hit during the pandemic; with their executive board whittling down to three members, and a sum total of four active members (including the executive members).

an annual Purim Carnival, Passover Seder, Latka making sessions and Hillel regularly hosts religious services for Jewish students, so they have a safe space to practice.

Bagel Brunches have been a recent development in Hillel in the past 2022-2023 school year, funded by a generous W&J alumni donor. At these brunches, there are a variety of bagels (gluten free options included) & spreads, lox, pomegranate seeds and dates. Students can stop by, eat a bagel and hang out.

Stephanie Shugerman, the President of Hillel, discusses the Bagel Brunches, “... Hillel isn’t necessarily specific to only religiously affiliated events, or only for Jewish students…this is kind of offering something to the whole student body, the whole campus… They get to connect with us.”

However, the executive board members

Stephanie Shugerman (President), Michael Toland (Vice President) and Madeline Frieser (Secretary) are determined to keep Hillel active and thriving on campus. Despite their small size, Hillel is glowing with hope and passion. This organization is extremely involved on campus; they have hosted three Bagel Brunches over the past two semesters (so far), have a booth at every fair and participated in Holidays around the World. In addition, Hillel puts together

Michael Toland emphasizes that the purpose of the Bagels Brunches is, “...to let people know that the Jewish community does exist on campus, even if it’s a little small.” Furthermore, the Bagel Brunches offer an educational aspect; cartoons in Hebrew are played during the Brunch, exposing students to a different culture and language. There are coloring pages at booths and educational pamphlets about holidays. Madeline Frieser refers to this education as “soft learning,” in which a comfortable cultural atmosphere is created: those who are Jewish, not Jewish, those who are practicing, or not practicing are welcomed. The most recent Bagel Brunch (2/18), was very successful, with about 60 people coming to the brunch and engaging with the content. “Toland explains, ‘We want to emphasize that this is a community…we are inviting the local synagogue, and the JUC [Jewish University Center] in Pittsburgh [to the Purim Carnival].’”

Most prominently, the Purim Carnival is put on by Hillel, planned solely by the students in this organization. Shugerman, Toland and Frieser have been working hard to

put together this extravagant event, meeting every week for two hours at the least, and six hours at the most; planning every detail of the budget, food, decorations, activities and more. They are wholly dedicated to the success of Hillel and this Carnival. Last year, upwards of 100 people were accounted for at the carnival and this year an even bigger turnout is to be expected. Shugerman explains the meaning of Purim, “It’s a celebratory holiday about the survival of Persian Jews…completely based on celebrating, and being happy…it involves costumes, so we are doing a costume contest.” Frieser adds, “I grew up going to Purhim carnivals…it makes me really happy that we can do it.”

With this event, Hillel is pushing the idea of community. There are 11 clubs (at the moment) with booths at the carnival, and there is an intensive process of organizing booths with clubs (such as History Club, ISA, Coloring Club and more). Toland explains, “We want to emphasize that this is a community…we are inviting the local synagogue and the JUC [Jewish University Center] in Pittsburgh.” All executive members make it clear that everyone is invited!

‘Shugerman remarks, “It is my place to be unapologetically Jewish, and be able to have

that identity at the forefront, when most of the time it is not as visible as my other identities.”’

Ultimately, Hillel is a crucial part of Washington & Jefferson culture. It provides a safe space for Jewish students to be themselves and find other people in their community. When asked what Hillel means to them,

identity at the forefront”

Toland says, “I’ve always been a bit of a loner…it’s nice to know that there’s a place where I will always be welcome…the community here is amazing…I am dedicated to this club, I want it to succeed, it is a place of safety and community that I was sorely lacking on campus originally.” And Frieser states, “It was always my place…some of my best memories are with the community, and I feel so connected to that…This was a place where I felt like I was myself.”

Students Lizzie Walt (left) and Kourtney Byers (right) showing the prizes they won at the 2023 Purim Carnival hosted by Hillel. (Courtesy Regan Carlson).

“Madeline Frieser refers to this education as ‘soft learning,’ in which a comfortable cultural atmosphere is created: those who are Jewish, not Jewish, those who are practicing, or not practicing are welcomed.”

“It [Hillel] is my place to be unapologetically Jewish, and be able to have that

~Shugerman

Student Spotlight: Neil Pandit, SGA’s First Asian American President

Samantha Cobaugh Campus Staff Writer

FEB. 25, 2023 – Washington & Jefferson College claims to develop students into thriving leaders and generous members of the community, one shining example that this claim is true is our current SGA (Student Government Association) President, Neil Pandit. As a senior student at Washington & Jefferson College, Pandit is well-versed in the culture and inner workings of campus. Pandit attended W&J because he wanted a “small liberal arts college with a strong community and activities.” As a neuroscience major, and a conflict & resolutions studies minor (on the pre-health track), Pandit prioritized a supportive pre-health program, along with opportunities to branch out.

Pandit has been making waves at Washington & Jefferson since his first year (2019). As an active participant in his high school Student Council in Massachusetts, Pandit was inspired to run for SGA after being introduced to it at orientation. He then decided to run for Class Representative in Alex Hall under the memorable quip, “Neil like the Astronaut.” After being elected Class Representative, Pandit joined the Dining Committee and finished off his first year at W&J. Pandit returned the next fall and was appointed to the role of Dining Chair by someone within SGA, due to his active participation in the Dining Committee his first year. Pandit graciously accepted the position and served as Dining Chair for two years. Responsibilities of Dining Chair include leading Dining Committee meetings and meeting regularly with the Dining General Manager & Executive Chef to ensure that concerns were being addressed quickly and appropriately. Pandit comments “...the food has continually increased in quality, but it’s mainly about staying accountable, and

ensuring that the dining leadership team understands that the students are the customers, and the food should be what the students want it to be.” Dining Committee is an integral part of campus that does not just impact food. Having food accessible for a variety of demographics is highly influential to campus culture – it makes people feel welcome on campus when their needs are accommodated.

pride of being given this role, “When I was elected, I was quite humbled to say that I’d be the first Asian American in this role, and only the third person of color, in the history of the College, to hold this role.”

As SGA President, Pandit juggles multiple committees and helps maintain SGA overall. Pandit prioritizes keeping SGA a responsive, open organization. Pandit states, “I’ve had my three main priorities of the year, the main one being: diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do we improve that, not only within SGA itself, but on campus, and be sure that we’re providing support to cultural organizations, and students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds on campus.” Pandit firmly believes in providing support for students, so they feel welcome at W&J, “I know and I understand the experience they have, in the world, on campus, in the region…”

Weekender. A primary responsibility as SGA President is relationship building. Pandit explained how he meets every week with Dean Eva (Dean of Students & VP of Student Life) to go over what the assembly needs and “to continue ensuring that SGA remains a forward-thinking, and nimble organization.” In addition, Pandit meets with Dr. Knapp regularly to provide a student perspective to the President of W&J. Pandit says, “That’s something I hold very closely in my role: how do I ensure that the student perspective is always accounted for in any institution decision making.”

Pandit’s extensive experience with legislative work, as a Healthcare Policy Intern for two summers at the Massachusetts State House, gave him confidence to successfully run for Speaker of the Assembly. Pandit reflects on his transition to Executive Board, “From there, I never really expected to go up on the Executive Board…but then when the time was nearing for elections…at that point I had been the Dining Chair for two years, had been leading Constitution Committee, had been the Speaker of the Assembly…people convinced me and told me that it’s my time to run.”

Pandit was successful in his campaign; with his comprehensive ideas, and significant leadership experience securing his spot. Pandit expresses his

On his continual mission to make campus more accessible and accepting, Pandit has put together a task force, which is looking at whether W&J should join the Campus Pride Index. The Campus Pride Index is used by students around the world to decipher if college campuses are LGBTQ+ friendly. This task force will provide a report about the inclusivity of campus and how it should be addressed. This information will be acknowledged and used to discuss with senior faculty members and senior administrators on how to make W&J a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

Furthermore, transparency is a huge part of Pandit’s philosophy as SGA president. Pandit explained, “How do we continue making our processes and procedures open to members of the public…” This is done through: feedback forms, a virtual suggestion box, and QR codes around campus, MyW&J, the Weekly and the

After graduating from Washington & Jefferson this May, Pandit is going to attend medical school on a U.S. Air Force scholarship. This intensive application process was very competitive, as the Air Force was looking for highly qualified candidates who possess leadership, collaboration and potential to be a military officer. Pandit will be a medical officer in the air force (an officer and physician)...

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“When I was elected, I was quite humbled to say that I’d be the first Asian American in this role, and only the third person of color, in the history of the College, to hold this role.” - Pandit’23

“I’ve had my three main priorities of the year, the main one being: diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do we improve that, not only within SGA itself, but on campus”Pandit’23

campus & Community

Black Unicorn Project: Libraries and Social Justice

Vaishnavi Peyyety Current Events Staff Writer

FEB. 22, 2023 – The Black Unicorn Project: Libraries and Social Justice was a discussion lead by Bekezela Mguni, a queer Trinidadian artist and educator, during Washington & Jefferson College’s 2023 Symposium on Democracy. Mguni moved to the states at 10 years old and currently lives in East Pittsburgh. Mguni’s work focuses on creating welcoming library spaces that are geared towards building a more just and equitable space where people can celebrate their beauty. Their libraries are centered around the literary work of Black women, Black queer individuals and marginalized communities.

Librarians and archivists hold a great deal of power and responsibility. To fulfill this duty, Mguni decided to create a space to highlight Black experiences because stories and the ability to tell stories–especially from the unrecognized point of view—is essential, as many stories told from the traditional perspective have failed to share the truth behind people’s actual experiences. Mguni is also greatly involved in the reproductive justice movement and is an Education Program Director at Dreams of Hope, an organization that validates voices of LGBTQ adolescents through art and gardening.

Mguni started by paying homage to her ancestors and sharing a speech from Nikky Finney, an American poet. When we think about democracy and oppression, we may take for granted our situation and believe we are “okay.” But Mguni brings to light the fact that our liberation is greatly intertwined with others and until “others are free, I am not free” and vice versa. Black people were the only group of people who were barred from becoming literate. Taking this history into account when analyzing the name of Washington and Jefferson College is key in understanding the systemic oppression this institution is built on. And although one may believe that only remnants

of this discrimination exist at our university, we must acknowledge this dark history and recognize how it affects students today.

Mguni shared readings from “The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington,” a fictional take on the history of Washington’s teeth collecting practices. This story is a reminder of the horrifying reality that Black and African American individuals have been treated as if every part of their body did not belong to them in the past and in the present, through practices and policies such as the overturning Roe v Wade, which disproportionately forces Black individuals to bear children that they may not be prepared for or the morbidity rates from the Black maternal health crisis. Mguni even mentioned how this nation was populated due to the sexual assaulting of Black women by slave owners. This stark contrast in what most people believe and the actual truth is jarring and needs to be mitigated. Mguni is addressing this gap through their libraries.

We are living in a time where people are attempting to limit knowledge on Black history, as seen through the recent governmental ban on advanced African American history courses. Education is a tool for freedom. There-

fore, we desperately need to think about how to center communities and discuss and address these issues. Mguni believes neutrality does not exist as oppression still exists and only through sharing poems and other literary works will we be able to better understand our society in the past, present and future.

Currently, Mguni, Dr. Kilgore and Brianna Hoffman, a W&J environmental studies student, are working to expand literacy through the greenhouse at W&J.

Bekezela Mguni speaks to W&J about her work. (Courtesy Regan Carlson).

“And although one may believe that only remnants of this discrimination exist at our university, we must acknowledge this dark history and recognize how it affects students today.”

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Julliette Bracq posing on first floor of Burnett for an upcoming story about Women’s History Month. (Courtesy Regan Carlson)

W&J community members and leaders listen to a 2023 Symposium on Democracy Breakout Session regarding the Progress House. (Courtesy Danielle Bostjancic

Students listen intently to the 2023 Symposium on Democracy Breakout Session hosted by the Black Student Union. (Courtesy Danielle Bostjancic)

Brittany Franell: More Than A Barista

A Profile on Dr. H.J. Manzari

TheFollowingarticlesare COM-230StudentFeatures.

Bethany Wempa & Nolan Rehrig Red & Black Contributors

MAR. 1, 2023 – Family trumps all for Brittany Franell, a beloved barista at X’Prez’O, the coffee shop on the Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) campus.

She accredits her hospitable personality to her mother. Franell, a mother to one, uses the lessons learned from her mother as a guiding principle in parenting her ten-yearold son.

Franell and her son enjoy walking their dog and taking trips to Sky Zone. “He’s very entertaining. He’s very funny. He is very determined,” Franell said. “He’s just my best friend.”

Sometimes Franell’s worlds intertwine. Her son tells her that he enjoys visiting her at W&J and has told her that he wants to attend college here one day. Like his mother, he loves interacting with the students.

his success.

Ryan Ross & Amanda Stivason Red & Black Contributors

The love that she has for the students is not one-sided, as students all over campus frequently talk about their appreciation for her.

Franell has a reputation on the W&J campus for remembering the orders of students and faculty members that visit X’Prez’O.

Nick Reeping, a sophomore wrestler from Derry, Pa. is an avid coffee drinker and orders from X’Prez’O at least five times a week. Reeping described several instances where Brittany talked to him about the wrestling season and congratulated him on

Franell’s connections with students have allowed her to interact with them outside of school as well as in the coffee shop. Not only is Franell a barista to the students, but she is also a friend, which makes her job so rewarding.

“She [Brittany] makes the trips to X’Prez’O ten times better,” Reeping said. “Who needs Starbucks or Dunkin’ when we have Brittany from X’Prez’O?”

W&J’s atmosphere is like her old job in that it practices hospitality through serving people. Franell likes to treat every student fairly and accommodate those who have special requests.

Franell’s hospitable nature is not just brought on by her career but is a part of her personality. She finds that her career doesn’t feel like a job, but it comes natural to her.

“I love talking to the kids. I love engaging with them,” Franell said. “I treat them like family.”

Even the smallest interactions with students, faculty and staff are appreciated by Franell. “What makes me stay [at W&J] and enjoy my job the most is when the kids smile when they see me in the morning, when they tell me they enjoy the coffee I make them and especially when they tell me it makes their day to see me,” Franell said in a follow-up message.

MAR. 1, 2023 – Dr. H.J. Manzari has an open mind when it comes to travel. Dr. Manzari is a world traveler and a scholar, and he advocates for students to immerse themselves in different cultures other than their own.

When Manzari takes his students out of the country, especially Italy, he believes that it is important to eat well, so the students get an understanding of how food is very different in other countries.

Manzari, an Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of Latin American studies at Washington and Jefferson College, believes travel offers students opportunities they may never get anywhere else, like looking at how food structures society differently.

“We have this misconception that people are immigrating illegally,” Manzari said, “Most of them are immigrating because they feel they need to. They’re migrating because they feel unsafe.”

Manzari says people migrating to Italy is a good thing for the country. He believes immigration is key for Italy to continue to succeed.

Italy has one of the largest aging populations in all of Europe. People are either growing old or dying, many Italians died when COVID-19 was at its peak in 2020.

“If we don’t do something about it by bringing in younger populations… immigrants would be the solution,” Manzari said. Ultimately Manzari believes for Italy to continue its traditional practices, immigrants must continue to migrate to Italy.

Dr. Manzari

“Mealtimes are very sacred, it’s not that people eat junk food… quality-wise, respecting more or less traditional practices,” Manzari said. In Italy, Italians practice the zero-kilometer farming system, where everything is grown relatively close, to eliminate transportation issues and ensure fresh products.

Manzari also touches upon immigration and most people have this belief that people are immigrating illegally.

Although many people across the world see immigration as a problem, Manzari sees it as a “good problem” for Italy.

In recent years, Italy has seen many refugees from Syria and North Africa, South Americans were common during the global pandemic.

Students here at W&J are open to the opportunity to experience Italy’s cuisine and experience a different culture. Manzari said “Things that we believe are Italian food aren’t Italian”; there are similar dishes here in America but made very differently.

As a professor at W&J, Manzari uses his experience from traveling to bring cultural values and knowledge to help students in and out of the classroom.

Franell posing outside of X’Prez’O.

(Courtesy Regan Carlson)

“Sometimes Franell’s worlds intertwine. Her son tells her that he enjoys visiting her at W&J and has told her that he wants to attend college here one day.”

“She [Brittany] makes the trips to X’Prez’O ten times better,” ~ Reeping

“he [Dr. Manzari] believes that it is important to eat well, so the students get an understanding of how food is very different in other countries.”

“We have this misconception that people are immigrating illegally. Most of them are immigrating because they feel they need to. They’re migrating because they feel unsafe.”

~

Creating A Community on Campus

TheFollowingarticleisaCOM-230StudentFeature.

Nolan Rehrig Red & Black Contributor

MAR. 11, 2023 – The importance of inclusive housing was on display at a student led breakout session during Washington & Jefferson College’s (W&J) Symposium on Democracy, held on Feb. 23.

According to Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create safer college environments for LGBTQ+ students, 446 colleges and universities have gender-inclusive housing. W&J is one of them. Located in Lincoln Hall, there is a residence hall known as the Progress House.

The Progress House’s doors are open to upper-class students with various backgrounds. Students who identify as first generation, LGBTQ+, students of color and students with varying religious backgrounds occupy the space.

“My favorite thing about living in Progress House is how open minded everyone is,” Julia Hurwitz, a W&J senior and resident, said.

“It is a safe environment and great place to live.”

At W&J there are multiple themed communities available for students to live in. The Progress House is seen by many as W&J’s most successful themed community to date, despite it having many of the same qualities as other residence halls.

The Progress House has more name recognition with most students than other themed communities on campus. Tucker DeCasere, a Residential

Learning Coordinator at W&J who oversees all themed communities, commented on the active interest and support that the Progress House has on campus.”

“People in this community committed to the values in a deeper way,” DeCasere said.

to Campus

Dr. Karin Maresh, Associate Professor of Communication Arts, highlighted the “openness” and “confidence” that she felt from the panelist in the room. She credited the confidence to the community the panelists built in the progress house.

As the session ended, panelist Toland’s words left a hush over the audience, leaving them to ponder the importance community plays in college housing.

“Community is progress. There’s no separating the two,” Toland said.

DeCasere’s dream would be to have all upper President’s Row buildings be Progress House themed and the entirety of President’s Row to be prosperous themed communities. She hopes the Progress House can be “an example for other students to create communities.”

One of the most popular programs utilized by Jasmine Dey, Progress House Community Lead, to create community is biweekly family dinners. Dey discussed how residents are selected to cook and then how those residents are tasked with getting the needed ingredients, cooking and serving the meal.

Michael Toland, a panelist and Progress House resident, credited Dey for their work to connect their residents in a deeper manner.

“As a themed house, it is infinitely better. We did not have a great community with great programs prior,” Toland said.

Zachary Neil looks at the panelists (left to right) Amanda Stivason, Julia Hurwitz, Neil Pandit, Tucker DeCasere and Michael Toland. (Courtesy Nolan Rehrig)

“According

Pride...446 colleges and universities have gender-inclusive housing. W&J is one of them.”

“Community is progress. There’s no separating the two,”

~ Michael Toland

Panelists speak to the community built in the Progress House on campus at a 2023 Symposium on Democracy Breakout Session. (Courtesy Danielle Bostjancic)

Dr. Melissa Cook: Networking with Care

The following article is a COM-230 Student Feature.

cause that was a huge part of our social life,” Dr. Cook said.

an outlet for me, and she is almost like a mom away from my own mom.”

Tianna Borda & Taylor Carlisle

Red & Black Contributors

MAR. 1, 2023 – Dr. Melissa Cook, a Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) professor and Kappa Kappa Gamma alumna, uses her knowledge of networking and care to give her students and others the opportunities she pushed for when she was a young college student.

According to Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse’s 2022 survey, fifty-seven percent of college student participants wished for their professors to introduce them “to people working in the field.”

“[Networking] wasn’t about who you knew, that if you knew somebody important that you’d get a job,” Dr. Cook said. “It was who you knew that trusted you; it’s about references and who can recommend you.”

Dr. Cook’s upbringing in a closeknit family with 12 cousins in Pittsburgh informed her of the power of connection from a very young age, which inspired her to further her networking once she became an adult.

Being a first-generation college student at W&J and joining its third sorority when she started college in the late 1980s allowed Dr. Cook to develop her own understanding and connection with a group of women.

“I remember memorizing the Greek alphabet, wanting to fit in… be-

During rough times, like when she decided to leave the softball team, she looked to her sorority sisters for support. She said it was having a family away from home. After graduation she kept her connection with the sorority through being the finance and chapter counselor advisor.

Dr. Cook described how she balances being someone you can talk to with being a realistic mentor in students’ successes and their opportunities with future ambitions.

Dr. Cook values seeing her students succeed with her support. Dr. Cook described the time she watched one of her students graduate with their PhD and how “very rewarding” it felt and the “experiences.”

“I never want people to feel awkward, odd, out of place,” Dr. Cook said, “and I will do everything in my power to make you know we are all on the same playing-field.”

Madeline Heiser, a junior at W&J and Dr. Cook’s advisee in the Communication Arts department, said, “Dr. Cook has impacted me because she has been there for me, she has become

Dr. Melissa Cook came to W&J as an assistant professor in the Communication Arts department in 2016. (Photo Courtesy W&J College.)

“Dr. Cook has impacted me because she has been there for me, she has become an outlet for me, and she is almost like a mom away from my own mom.” ~ Madeline Heiser’24

“I never want people to feel awkward, odd, out of place” ~ Dr. Cook

Spotlight: Dean Eva Chatterjee-Sutton

The following article is a COM-230 Student Feature.

Shelbie Baker & Anna Stroup

Red & Black Contributors

FEB. 26. 2023 - College students have experienced their country, lives and the world they know change since the year 2020.

Higher education institutions thrive on tradition, formality and culture. In many cases, encouraging change in higher education is difficult. Campus leaders “find themselves at the intersection of change,” said Susan Bartel in the Administrative Issues Journal in 2020, “torn between their institution’s history and culture.”

Dean Eva Chatterjee-Sutton is currently the Dean of Students and the Vice President of Student Life at Washington and Jefferson College. During the longevity of Chatterjee-Sutton’s career, she has experienced and inspired change across campuses through her students. “I am really drawn to change makers and people who have a vision for something they want to do,” career-long administrator to higher education, Dean Eva Chatterjee-Sutton, said.

She has worked with a variety of students and organizations on campus as student engagement “feeds (her) soul,” Chatterjee-Sutton said.

She has helped create and change the current student funding model that is vital to clubs and organizations on campus.

Her changes to the funding model assist clubs and student organizations in easily applying for funds through student government. While in student government, Chatterjee-Sutton has met many students who have promoted change on campus.

“I think that part of learning about yourself and about leadership is finding your activist voice and advocacy voice,” Chatterjee-Sutton said while recalling Dobbs, “to produce change.”

Through working closely with students at W&J to promote change, Chatterjee-Sutton has discovered what makes this campus special.

“I think there is a commitment to learning and growing that is really wonderful,” Chatterjee-Sutton said.

Ever since social media emerged, it has brought change to every aspect of everyday life. Chatterjee-Sutton described the challenges that come from social media and the importance of “face-to-face interactions.” She feels it is the responsibility of administrators to encourage deeper discussion and confident communication between students on campus and the faculty.

With a colleague, Chatterjee-Sutton created what would become the W&J Weekly and Weekender. After discovering there was no form of internal communication in the institution, Chatterjee-Sutton aimed to change how important information is shared through an “internal communication stream.” This system’s importance would be highlighted as it ensured the spread of important information during the COVID-19 pandemic on campus.

A different focus of Chatterjee-Sutton’s is the Student Government Association.

One such student is Devon Dobbs ‘17, who inspired and created ASAP (Advocates for Sexual Assault Prevention). Through working with Chatterjee-Sutton during a summer internship, Dobbs became an example of student activism at W&J. This program is now a mandatory first-year student orientation event that highlights the importance of sexual assault prevention and teaches incoming students their role on campus as an advocate.

Dean Eva speaks to first-year students and their parents at a 2019 “Gear Up” Event in Rossin Ballroom. (Photo Courtesy W&J College).

“I think that part of learning about yourself and about leadership is finding your activist voice and advocacy voice,” ~ Dean Eva

“I am really drawn to change makers and people who have a vision for something they want to do,”~ Dean Eva

“She [Dean Eva] has helped create and change the current student funding model that is vital to clubs and organizations on campus.”

What Makes a Leader: Paul Loeb’s Keynote Speech

Tianna Borda Red & Black Contributor

MAR. 10, 2023 – Do you feel that being a leader is not achievable? That the role of “leader” is for someone who stands out as a powerful and well-respected person? While you may feel this way, Paul Loeb, an American social and political activist, believes that anyone can become a leader if they apply their strengths to their cause.

Loeb was the opening keynote speaker for Washington & Jefferson College’s (W&J) sixth annual Symposium on Democracy on Feb. 23, 2023.

Through his keynote speech, “Soul of a Citizen,” Loeb expressed the leadership experiences of Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

He said Gandhi was shy and tonguetied in his field of law but became a revolutionary leader in South Africa and India.

Loeb continued his speech with Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. and emphasized how they were actively a part of groups central to the civil rights movement. Their actions weren’t spontaneous, but rather planned and thought-out well before they were performed, Loeb said.

The audience was silent. Only Loeb’s voice and the humming heater in the back of Olin’s Theater could be heard. Attendees looked interested in what he was saying, some even scribbling notes.

Dr. James March, an associate professor of biology at W&J, felt that the speech gave great examples of perseverance and found commonalities that the audience shares with the leaders mentioned.

“To me, [the speech] not only summarizes our school motto, but summarizes the day of what democracy is, how we all have things in common,” Dr. March said. “If we can emphasize those more than our

differences, we are probably better off.”

This person, while stating that he wanted to vote, thought he could not by law. Loeb told the person his rights which brought him to go out and vote, like he already wanted to.

Michelle Sprowls, an assistant director of conferences and events of W&J, enjoyed Loeb’s discussion on how it is important to give people access to vote, because she, herself, manages the polling place in her area.

Loeb furthered his discussion with his experience in politics and gave the audience a story of how he canvassed neighborhoods, reminding people to vote.

The story Loeb shared was when he gave power to a citizen who had not known he had that power. Loeb expressed the importance of democratic action to a person who was previously incarcerated.

Throughout many points in Loeb’s speech, there were students, faculty, staff and other attendees nodding in agreement and acknowledging their understanding.

Loeb left the audience with a message on persistence, noting that “looking for social change is not always easy” that it takes time and willpower to create a more just world.

Emma Humphrey and T. Kinkley were two of many students who led breakout sessions, served on panels, and practiced leadership at the 2023 Symposium on Democracy. (Courtesy Regan Carlson)

“Paul Loeb, an American social and political activist, believes that anyone can become a leader if they apply their strengths to their cause.”

Student Government Association President and campus leader Neil Pandit’23 introduces the Evening Keynote Speaker at the 2023 Symposium Representative Adam Kinzinger. (Courtesy Regan Carlson)

current events

An Update on the Nationwide Black Maternal Health Crisis

Vaishnavi Peyyety, Current Events Staff Writer

FEB. 15, 2023 - Disparities in patientprovider communication within the first prenatal visit for patients of various racial backgrounds are ever-present and alarming. Washington & Jefferson College graduate Arabella Thompson studied this research subject at UPMC Magee-Women’s-Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Judy Chang, M.D. and Dr. Abisola Olaniyan, PhD, MBBS, MPH. The research team analyzed 468 recorded first obstetric conversations between pregnant patients and their OBGYN and found various racial and social stressors in these conversations.

Unfortunately, the issue does not just lie in first prenatal visits. It stems from the era of slavery when the “father of gynecology” Dr. John Sims, pioneer of the Vescio-vaginal fistulae in the 1840s, relied on Black enslaved women to be his patients and surgical assistants for various gynecological procedures. Black women (without consent) underwent the painful Vescio-vaginal fistulae procedure and supported Dr. Sims in carrying out this same procedure on other Black women. Not only was this unjustified, but also

these Black women are rarely given credit for their help in perfecting the procedure.

This malpractice also bolstered the idea that Black individuals were “immune to pain,” a notion that is still present in our society as evidenced by a study published in 2015 in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science where 40 percent of medical trainees believing that “Black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s” Additionally, the baseless belief that Black women are less sensitive to pain than white women can be seen through a study published in 2012 at the NIH that indicated Black people are 22 percent less likely to receive pain medications than White people.

Even more alarming are the statistics on maternal and fetal death rates between Black individuals and their counterparts

The pregnancy-related mortality rate in Black individuals is over three times that of their White counterparts (41.4 per 100,000 versus 13.7 per 100,000).

So, what do we know about the causes of this crisis? Fifty-nine percent of the maternal mortality disparity is due to four conditions (eclampsia and preeclampsia, postpartum cardiomyopathy, obstetric embolism and obstetric hemorrhage). Although the rates of these conditions vary between different populations of women, Black individuals are 2.3 to 5 times more

likely to suffer from these conditions.

During COVID-19, this death rate increased while socioeconomic and racial disparities widened for underprivileged communities. Furthermore, a study published in the National Vital Statistics Report found that the infant mortality rate in Black women is 2.3 times that of white women (10.4 per 1,000 versus 4.4 per 1,000).

leading to the low birth weight seen among Black infants.

Greater awareness of maternal and infant mortality rates in Black women has led to an increase in efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, including the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 to the House of Congress.

In terms of the Black maternal death rate, the only statistically significant contributor is the cortisol effect which explains how day-to-day stressors that Black women face raise levels of cortisol (chronic stress hormone) in their bodies. These stressors can range from small microaggressions to large acts of discrimination. A heightened cortisol level throughout their lives may lead to inflammation that restricts blood flow to the placenta which in turn slows infant growth. Increased levels of this stress hormone can also trigger preterm labor,

Courtesy W&J College

Dr. Charvonne Holliday’08 speaks at W&J in 2019 about the extensive work she has done in the field of social determinants of health, health disparities, and intimate partner violence.

“The pregnancy-related mortality rate in Black women is over three times that of White women”

Ohio Chemical Spill Is Damaging the Environment

Vaishnavi Peyyety, Current Events Staff Wrtier

FEB. 21, 2023 – Many are concerned with the recent toxic spill that has led to contaminated, bright orange water running through East Palestine, Ohio. The chemical spilled is likely vinyl chloride, which leaked into water streams following the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train on Feb. 3.

During this accident, emergency responders mitigated a large fire and drained five cars of toxic vinyl chloride. Around 11 of the 38 cars that derailed contained hazardous chemicals. To control the burn, toxic gases were sent into the air. Chair of Harvard’s Environmental Health Department, Dr. Kari Nadeau, believes the oily sheen currently on the river was probably a result of burned chemicals in the air that condensed onto the water. The Norfolk Southern rail operator has diverted the water to contain the contamination from spreading. Additionally, Norfolk Southern contractors are aerating the contaminated water and surrounding area to remove chemicals.

Currently, state and federal environmental experts are monitoring and leading this cleanup. This tragic derailment incident has resulted in several environmental concerns. While authorities claim around 3,500 fish were killed due to contamination near the derailment site, a new federal lawsuit brings to light the belief that this crash has harmed animals within a 20-mile radius.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain levels of exposure to chemicals is acceptable. However, high levels of vinyl chloride can cause dizziness and headaches and longterm exposure can be harmful to the liver. Chief of the surface water division of the

Ohio EPA, Tiffany Kavalec, stated that the “contaminant plume” is moving down the major river at about one mile per hour and Mike DeWine, Ohio Governor, believes the plume is “no longer detectable.”

levels are safe. In fact, 450 homes were tested for volatile organic compounds that can be a health risk. Residents were initially evacuated from the area. A week later, DeWine allowed people to return to their homes and since then several have reported symptoms associated with toxic chemical exposures. An individual posted on Reddit stating, “there’s a stench—a butane kind of stench—just by moving the riverbed around a bit.”

Another concern is whether the chemicals will spread through the soil and into the groundwater where the wells originate. Groundwater contamination can pose a significant health crisis. Despite this concern, water suppliers in the Ohio area are not worried with the level of toxic chemicals observed and are instead using greater filtration materials. Private wells are being tested, but until then residents are drinking and using bottled water.

Since 1999, the number of EPA employees has decreased significantly. Biden has proposed for an increase in the EPA budget to $11.9 billion and encouraged the hiring of 1,900 workers. In summary, this issue has brought to light problems in the EPA, flaws in federal and state protocols for responding to environmental crisis and a general concern for the environment.

Recently, toxic substances were detected near the derailment accident. However, the EPA claims the air contamination

Interestingly, this incident has brought EPA and its employees to the limelight. Some lawmakers believe the EPA has not responded seriously enough.

“authorities claim around 3,500 fish were killed due to contamination near the derailment site, a new federal lawsuit brings to light the belief that this crash has harmed animals within a 20-mile radius.”

“Some lawmakers believe the EPA has not responded seriously enough. Since 1999, the number of EPA employees has decreased significantly.”

A drone photo shows the devastating train derailment in East Palestine Ohio that has lead to water safety and environmental hazard concerns in Ohio.

(Courtesy Gene J. Parker, AP

Vaishnavi Peyyety Current Events Staff Writer

MAR. 3, 2023 – Internationally, the percentage of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is significantly lower due to a variety of other barriers impeding equality in this field. According to Anne Marie Imafidon, a British-Nigerian computer scientist and CEO of a company that promotes women pursuing STEM careers, many young women grapple with the social norms of those who pursue STEM, lack exposure to people working in STEM fields and have fewer connections with people in the industry among other factors.

According to Stanford University, women on average are paid less for entry level jobs and experience shorter careers with minimal growth. Nevertheless, over the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in representation. Several women in STEM have overcome challenges and persevered to increase scientific knowledge and understanding. It is vital to recognize these women to amplify the voices of women and gender minorities in STEM. Diversifying the STEM field is incredibly important, as giving opportunities for people with different perspectives allows greater innovation and discovery.

Alice Ball, an African American chemist, discovered an essential treatment for Leprosy also known as Hansen’s Disease. This disease is a chronic infectious disease that causes skin lesions and nerve damage. If left untreated, this infection can lead to disability and severe complications, including crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, chronic non-healing ulcers, and blindness. Originally, there was no treatment for this condition with infected individuals kept in isolation till death. She was able to identify an injectable medicine for this condition.

Shortly after Ball passed away in 1916, the head of the laboratory, Arthur Dean, published this finding as “Dean’s method.” After colleagues raised awareness about

this misattribution, the name was changed to “Ball’s method.” In 1918, 78 people who received this treatment were able to survive. Ball’s other accomplishments include being the first female and the first Black chemistry professor at the University of Hawaii. Her accomplishments are especially compelling given the fact that she held this position almost 50 years before the Civil Rights Act was signed into law and before women even had the right to vote in the U.S.

effect.

Remembering Forgotten Female Scientists this Women’s History Month

An Australian and Swedish physicist Lise Meitner discovered nuclear fission which is the ability to split atoms. She suggested bombarding uranium atoms with neutrons resulting in uranium decay. This was an important finding as it led to the development of various nuclear weapons. Due to her Jewish origins, Meitner was forced to flee to Stockholm during the Holocaust and therefore could not complete her research. Her other male research colleagues Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassman partnered to explain fission and were ultimately credited with the discovery. Despite her significant contributions and multiple nominations for awards, Meitner did not receive any physics and chemistry Nobel Prizes. Nevertheless, a couple decades later, Meitner was awarded the Enrico Fermi Award with the two other male researchers for the discovery of fission.

healthcare. Her donation of the patent for the feeding apparatus to the French government allowed for many to benefit from this invention as well.

Furthermore, women part of the LGBTQ+ community have historically not been recognized for their contributions to medicine and science. One example is Sara Josephine Baker who was openly gay and focused on public health, specifically with immigrant communities in New York City. She advocated for greater medical access in various parts of the city and carried out training procedures for healthcare professionals. Barker is one of many queer women in science who are often forgotten though they have made a large impact on our community today.

It is vital to bring attention to these figures and many others who have revolutionized our communities. Doing this can encourage young minority individuals to pursue different careers that they may not have envisioned initially. In light of women’s history month, we must pay homage to females who have carved the path to our world.

Dating back to the 1800s, Eunice Foote, an American scientist, pioneered and theorized the greenhouse effect which was originally credited to British scientist John Tyndall. She published her important findings: when placing glass cylinders with different gases in the sun, the sun rays caused more temperature change in moist air than dry air. Many overlooked these findings established in the American Journal of Science. Furthermore, Foote was not permitted to present them at scientific conferences, and three years later, Tyndall was given credit for “discovering” the greenhouse

A nurse and accredited physiotherapist Bessie Blount transformed many WWII veteran’s lives by helping them develop new skills to accomplish daily tasks. She developed a self-feeding apparatus for amputeesand various other devices to alleviate daily stressors. She was the first Black woman to appear on a TV show named “The Big Idea” where she shared her modern inventions. However, she was unable to gain public support which may be due to various factors, including her identity as a Black woman in

This W&J sculpture commemorates the first year women were allowed to attend W&J in 1970. (Courtesy W&J College)

“Ball’s other accomplishments include being the first female and the first Black chemistry professor at the University of Hawaii...especially compelling given that she held this position almost 50 years before the Civil Rights Act was signed”

“Despite her significant contributions and multiple nominations for awards, Meitner did not receive any physics and chemistry Nobel Prizes.”

Let’s Talk about Roe v. Wade

The following article is a COM-230 Student Feature.

Madeline Heiser Red & Black Contributor

MAR. 11, 2023 – On June 24, the Supreme Court’s “Dobbs Decision” overturned the constitutional right to an abortion as established in Roe v. Wade in 1973. A widespread outcry of enraged people hit the streets to march against the repeal.

Dr. Mary Ryan, Assistant Professor and Chair of Public Service and Community Studies at Washington and Jefferson College (W&J), created a safe space for attendees to discuss the controversial decision at her panel “Abortion and Reproductive Healthcare Access.” This event was held during W&J’s sixth annual Symposium on Democracy.

Dr. Ryan worked in government and nonprofits for ten years after completing her undergraduate studies but before returning to graduate school to earn her PhD. She labored in various

places, including being a lobbyist for Fair Vote: The Center for Voting and Democracy. Ryan also worked as a human rights aide in former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold’s office after achieving her bachelor’s.

Sydney Etheredge, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood, Western Pennsylvania, Dana Brown, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Chatham University and Executive Director of Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, and Malaka Gharib, Digital Editor of NPR’s podcast “Life Kit” were scheduled to speak at the panel. The panelists, however, were unable to attend due to upcoming elections. Ryan encouraged the session to continue despite the change of plans.

“I realize that there might be people here that don’t necessarily mind the Supreme Court’s decision. They are happy that it was overturned. I want to give space for what can be done to meet halfway,” Ryan said to those in attendance. “The thing in public policy is that we all have to live in the same

country with the same rules and policies, right? But we’re not. We don’t all feel the same about them.”

W&J students of all genders filled the classroom; no seat was left empty. Individuals eagerly raised their hands, waiting to be called on. Students, both for and against Roe v. Wade, spoke out.

Seth Nicolette, a sophomore at W&J, feels that our next steps should be to consider understanding the “other side’s” views, ultimately creating an alliance.

essarily bad people, they believe that abortion is the elimination of life and morally wrong,” Nicolette said. “That’s not necessarily a bad view. We need to humanize them when creating an argument, then we can have a coalition.”

“I think we should begin to bridge the gap between pro-life and prochoice. It’s important not to dehumanize people who are pro-life and realize that most of them aren’t nec-

Ryan made one final remark to the session as the crowd continued talking over the allotted time.

“This is not, just a regular run-ofthe-mill, political bureaucratic decision,” Ryan said. “It has real world, on the ground, impact on people’s lives, their well-being and their health.”

“W&J students of all genders filled the classroom; no seat was left empty.”

“we should begin to bridge the gap between pro-life and pro-choice. It’s important not to dehumanize people who are pro-life”~ Nicolette’25

Dr. Mary Ryan facilitated a student discussion at the 2023 Sympsoium on Democracy about post-Roe reproductive healthcare access. (CourtesyReganCarlson)

The W&J community filled the room to initially hear from panelists and eventually discuss the current state of abortion access in the U.S. (CourtesyReganCarlson)

Symposium on Democracy: The Role of Sports

Audrey Kough, Campus Sports Staff Writer

FEB. 24, 2023 – On Feb. 22, Washington & Jefferson College held their sixth annual Symposium on Democracy event: a day filled with multiple sessions on a variety of topics that were tied into the overall theme –democracy. There were two sessions held on the topic of sports. The first session was titled “Sports, Ethics, and Society” and it was led by W&J Head Men’s and Women’s Coach, Megan Foster.

Coach Foster started the session by telling a story about her family in athletics. Her grandfather played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Foster said her grandfather was the one who inspired her to be in athletics. She expressed that her grandfather played because he loved the game and not for the money. He had tons of grit and played through countless injuries, all because he loved the game. Foster closed the story by saying he inspired her to become the athlete she was.

After this, Coach Foster stated that every topic that was talked about would be an open discussion and she wanted to hear from the people present in the room about their thoughts and opinions.

The first topic that was discussed was integrity and fairness within the sports world. People present in the discussion along with Coach Foster talked about if sports officials and referees are fair with the calls that they make. Along with this, the topic of instant replay was discussed – what should the future of it look like? How is

it fair that some sports have an instant replay and plays get reviewed

over and over, but in sports like tennis, most times there are no officials and athletes must make line calls? Coach Foster closed the topic by saying that being fair within a sport builds character, to have integrity means making the right calls even if they are not in your favor.

the table was NIL (name, image and likeness). This also lead to a discussion about the intensity of Division I athletics and these athletes on social media. NIL can lead athletes to portray a false image of themselves online and lead people to believe that they are something that they are not. Another factor that could play into this is money. Higher-level athletes can get caught up in brand deals and only focus on the money-earning aspects of their athletic careers. On the reverse side, it was talked about how bigger schools can take advantage of their athletes. Bigger schools know that their athletes attract a lot of attention to their schools, so they may push them too hard for the college or university’s own profit. In higher-level collegiate sports, sometimes athletics get put before academics. But at Division III collegiate schools, academics are put first. Thus creating more well-rounded people and in return setting up the Division III athletes up for more success.

increasingly popular to discuss was mentioned: mental health in athletics. Nowadays, athletes can put excessive pressure on themselves. However, it is important to realize that you cannot always have perfect days in your sport and messing up or taking a break is okay. The message that was echoed was to play your sport because you love what you do, not because you are forced to do it

The second sports session was held by a student panel made up of sophomore Dinah Bailey (Women’s Golf Team), sophomore Ange Dewicki (Women’s Golf Team) and sophomore Gannon Ryan (Men’s Soccer Team). The team led a discussion about sportswashing. Sportswashing is “a term used to describe the practice of individuals, groups, corporations, or governments using sports to improve reputations tarnished by wrongdoing.” Essentially, sportswashing is reputation laundering..

The next topic that was laid on

To wrap up the discussion, a more serious matter, that has become

The team talked about two famous examples of sportswashing: the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the Live Golf tour held in Saudi Arabia.

Courtesy Regan Carlson

Students listen to Sports, Ethics, and Society.

“How is it fair that some sports have an instant replay and plays get reviewed over and over but in sports like tennis most times there are no officials and athletes must make line calls?”

Symposium on Democracy: The Role of Sports...ctd

Kough,

In 2022, Qatar spent over 220 billion dollars to build and construct fancy facilities for the event. Meanwhile, the actual home conditions in Qatar are concerning. The citizens of Qatar are very limited in their rights and many people around the world were very upset that the World Cup was being held in Qatar. Many forms of protests were shown from many different countries around the world.

The Live Golf Tour held in Saudi Arabia was a very similar situation. The Live Golf Tour guarantees money for all the golfers who join the tour, as opposed to tours such as the PGA tour where

you must earn a certain place to gain or receive any money. This cash prize is an incentive for golfers to join this tour. Saudi Arabia spends so much money on fancy facilities for this tour, meanwhile women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive. Additionally, basic human conditions are not great in Saudi Arabia.

Sportswashing has been around for a long time. Sportswashing never works, the truth behind every country always comes out. Some countries use sports to bring attention to social justice issues, but this can be abused when other countries use the technique of sportswashing. These same countries try and separate sports from social justice issues. But this

can be troubling because big sporting events help to represent human rights at an international and collective level. Knowing about sportswashing is very important, as well as holding countries and people accountable for it.

Photo Courtesy Danielle Bostjancic

Students listen to Breakout Session panel on Sportswashing during the 2023 Symposium on Democracy.

Audrey

Campus Sports Staff Writer

“Saudi Arabia spends so much money on fancy facilities for this tour but meanwhile women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive.”

Celebrating 500 Wins for Coach Jina DeRubbo

Audrey Kough, Campus Sports Staff Writer

MAR. 3, 2023 – On Feb. 11, the women’s basketball team geared up to head down the road to face Waynesburg University. This was not just a regular PAC game for the team, because if they won this would give their head coach Jina DeRubbo her 500th career win. To no surprise the Presidents won that day with a score of 74-50, helping Coach DeRubbo reach the milestone of 500 wins.

How did Coach DeRubbo get to this point in her life and career? I had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach DeRubbo and hearing about her journey. DeRubbo is from a small rural town in Ohio, right along the Ohio River. Back when she was younger there was not a basketball team for females, and so she would attend practices alongside her brother. However, her father wanted to see her play and so he created a basketball team for her, and the entire community was in on it. DeRubbo shares, “This [memory] is a nostalgic thing for me because my father has recently passed... it has been a full circle thing.”

cardiac rehabilitation. She did work in a hospital for a while, but she did not enjoy being behind a desk all day; that’s when she realized she missed playing basketball and took a job as a basketball coach at Marrietta College. DeRubbo says that this experience is what inspired her to become a basketball coach: being away from the sport and realizing that she missed it.

When I asked DeRubbo what brought her to coach at W&J, she said that she started at Bethany College and taught there for seven years. But at Bethany she was not just a basketball coach. She was also a full-time professor teaching in the P.E. department and coaching Women’s Tennis. DeRubbo had won four PAC Championships while at Bethany, but she ultimately decided to come to W&J.

DeRubbo says, “I had a good thing going and I loved it there, I got married and had my first kid while coaching there, so it holds a special place for me.” DeRubbo says she realized she could not continue to do all the activities she was doing at Bethany; it was too much. When she researched W&J, she saw what great academics and fantastic athletics the school had, and she ultimately decided to make the switch.

I asked DeRubbo “How do you attempt to form good coach and athlete relationships?” She says, “First and foremost I think that is the most important thing in coaching. We spend a lot of time on those relationships and building those with our entire staff, and we make it a priority. Simply talking to kids, treating them like individuals. Players perform much better when they feel comfortable.”

saying, “In practice we implement a lot of competition on our team, because at the end of the year they are winners and losers.”

~ Coach DeRubbo

“DeRubbo also shares information about the recruiting process for her team which helps to keep the W&J women’s basketball team at the high level that they have established. She says, “Recruiting has gotten easier and easier.” Because the team has a winning culture, good players in high school want to come and be a part of that type of environment.”

DeRubbo also emphasizes how team chemistry and culture play a big role in the recruiting process for her team which helps to keep the W&J women’s basketball team at the high level that they have established. She says, “Recruiting has gotten easier and easier.” Because the team has a winning culture, good players in high school want to come and be a part of that type of environment.”

game. She discusses the emotions throughout the day by saying, “If I am being honest, I do not really think about it.” DeRubbo shares she was not completely aware of how close she was to her 500th win until being interviewed by Randy Gore (owner of the PAC) who let her know that this milestone was on the horizon.

DeRubbo goes on to say “It is great that it happened, but for me the greatest part of doing it is that all my old players reached out. It was so nice to hear from alumni and the people you have built relationships with, and they were so much a part of it.”

DeRubbo had a productive high school career and then she attended college at Concord University in southern West Virginia. She says she had a good playing career in college and was inducted into their athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. She did not go into coaching right after her own basketball career came to an end. After graduating college, DeRubbo went to graduate school and she earned her master’s degree in

Next, DeRubbo gives an insight as to how she develops coaching strategies and then excutes them.

“I feel like the X’s and O’s of coaching is the easy part. I still talk to other coaches or watch other teams’ practice. If you stop learning in this job, I feel like you get stuck. This is how we strive to be better, continuously learning from other coaches.” Coach Derubbo said. She explained the execution of her coaching strategies

DeRubbo also emphasizes how team chemistry and culture play a big role in the recruiting process. She states, “If you watch our team play, you can see that they love it and they love each other. A recruit coming to a game or going to lunch with our players can be at instant ease.”

Senior Maddi Gutierrez attests to this from an athlete’s perspective. Gutierrez said, “I have known Coach DeRubbo since I was seven years old, so I have always known that she is an incredibly kind and caring person. She’s so trustworthy and someone that I know will always support me.”

One of the last topics I discussed with Coach DeRubbo was the Waynesburg

The coaching world is predominately run by males. I asked Coach DeRubbo what it was like being a female coach in her career and if she has ever faced any gender imbalances. She responded, “I have. A long time ago, when I was at Bethany, there was a situation that I was treated differently because I was a female. But it got taken care of. I haven’t had that here. I have always been respected here. I know Vicki Staton, who started almost all women’s sports here. She fought that battle, and she fought it well. That kind of paved the way for the female coaches that are here now.”

DeRubbo gave a powerful closing statement on the topic on women in coaching positions. She says, “There needs to be a lot more women in coaching. I am passionate about getting young females into coaching.”

Coach DeRubbo posing for a portrait In her office. (Courtesy Regan Carlson)

“This [memory] is a nostalgic thing for me because my father has recently passed... it has been a full circle thing.”

~ Coach DeRubbo

“There needs to be a lot more women in coaching. I am passionate about getting young females into coaching.”

W&J Men’s Wrestling Wins PAC Championships

Audrey Kough, Campus Sports Staff Writer

MAR. 3, 2023 - On Feb. 11, 2023, the Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) wrestling team travelled to Thiel College to compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships. The Presidents had a very successful day; they had four individuals become PAC champions which ultimately helped them claim the Co-PAC Champions title with the Thiel College wrestling team. The four W&J champions wrestled in different weight classes, and they each represent a different class year; First was sophomore, Hunter Swedish (133 pounds), next freshman Bryce Rodriguez-Uram (141 pounds), then senior Logan Marko (165 pounds), and last junior Jacob Duncan (197 pounds). The placements of all the wrestlers who competed throughout the day contributed to the team’s overall score, and this ultimately led them to capture the conference title.

in the 2019-2020 season. First year, Coach Sonnie Blanco described the experiences throughout the days. He says, “Winning the PAC Championship was an amazing experience because of the way our team came together to accomplish a goal we set at the beginning of the season. We spoke about it, visualized it, and worked relentlessly to achieve it.”

For the work he did in guiding the Presidents to a victory, Blanco was awarded PAC Coach of the Year. Blanco speaks about what this accomplishment meant to him. He explains, “I was honored to be nominated as Coach of the Year. This would not have been possible without the work of the athletes and coaches around me. Coaching at W&J is a dream come true because I wrestled here and now, I get the opportunity to coach a new generation of wrestlers who will represent the Presidents!”

Some of the individual PAC champions shared some insights about what the day of PACs entailed. Swedish’25 shared his strategy for going into his matches for the day. He says, “My strategy was to not over think my matches and take it one match at a time. I thought of the PAC tournament as just another day of wrestling, so I didn’t put pressure on myself.”

When asked whether he believed he executed his strategy well, Swedish’25 shares, “I believe I executed my matches well; I did what I had to do for the team and for myself to win a PAC Championship.”

were on the day of PACS. He tells, “I was super nervous, I knew how good of a chance we would have [of winning] if everyone did their job. I just embraced the feeling of the crowd. Talking with a few of my older teammates also helped relieve a doubt and just reminded me that it’s just like any other match.”

to me that we were able to win the PAC Title. Moments like that are why people compete in sports.”

When asked if he had advice for the younger wrestlers Marko’23 shares, “My biggest advice to the guys is to continue to develop, grow, and enjoy their time at W&J as an athlete and student. ‘Life goes pretty fast. If you don’t look around once in a while, you could miss it’

The wrestling team advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament on Feb. 24, 2023, where they finished 18 out of 21. Coach Blanco explains how the team is going to carry this momentum into next season by saying, “Moving into next season, we are looking to win the PAC Championship once again. We have a young group with a lot of potential and I am excited to watch them develop and achieve the goals they have set for themselves!”

Lastly, Marko’23, being a senior, was able to describe the feeling of accomplishing the conference title his last year.

The 2022-2023 victory is the seventh conference title for W&J’s wrestling program, since the last time they had achieved this title was back

Rodriguez-Uram’26 not only earned an individual title that day, but he also earned the award of 2022-2023 Newcomer of the Year. RodriguezUram’26 shares what his emotions

Courtesy W&J College

The W&J wrestling team wins the 2019-2020 PAC Championships.

“The Presidents had a very successful day; they had four individuals become PAC champions which ultimately helped them claim the Co-PAC Champions title.”

“My strategy was to not over think my matches and take it one match at a time. I thought of the PAC tournament as just another day of wrestling.”

~ Hunter Swedish’25

-Ferris Bueller.”