Red & Black
The Free
s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e w j r e da n d b l ac k . c o m W a s h i n g t o n , P e n n s y lva n i a April 5, 2019
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “It is quite common to question how to maintain long-distance romantic relationships, but maintaining long-distance friendships can be an equally daunting feat.” -P.6
CULTURE
“The title of the course refers to the exploration of what it means to be “underground;” in other words, the course largely focused on determining and discussing how dance music related to the experiences of some marginalized groups of individuals.” -P.9
OPINIONS
“This extends to the valid issues oftuition
increases and the lack of quality housing and food providers that have continually been hot-button topics.” -P.13
Men’s Lacrosse Kicks
SPORTS “There are many fun runs across the country and some even cross over into surrounding states.” -P.17
Off Conference Play PAGE 19
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy washjeff.edu
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
5 april 2019
Student Spotlight: Brachman Herzig ’20 Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
Brachman Herzig ‘20 is majoring in psychology and is currently on the pre-health track at Washington & Jefferson College. He is a recipient of the Magellan Franklin Internship Award for this upcoming summer, when he will be interning through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Herzig will be working in a research environment, specifically researching the deleterious effects of radiation on the central nervous system during short-term space missions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has funded this research opportunity because astronauts are exposed to certain levels of radiation on their space missions. Herzig will be working primarily in the laboratory setting at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. After completing his undergraduate studies, Herzig hopes to attend medical school. He is currently a participant in the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) early acceptance program. His ultimate goal is to attend LECOM in Erie after graduation. He has not yet decided on what specialty he will pursue in medical school, but right now he is considering dermatology. Herzig’s favorite class
that he has taken so far at the College is abnormal psychology. “I may be biased because I am a psychology major, but every facet of the class was fascinating to me,” said Herzig. The class taught him how to recognize, diagnose and treat different mental disorders among people. Aside from doing school work, Herzig is a student athlete on campus, serving as a pitcher for the W&J baseball team. Herzig hopes they can continue their success for his remaining two seasons. “I love playing for W&J because of the team chemistry that we have,” said Herzig. “The environment is so amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” He added that he had never been on a team where all of his teammates were so comfortable with each other and could have fun while also competing. When giving advice for future students, Herzig stated that he believes it is important to put oneself in uncomfortable situations and experience new things as much as possible. He has noticed that many new students have a tendency to rely on the safety and comfort of returning to their hometowns frequently after they get to college. In his opinion, choosing to go home every weekend is taking away the purpose of a college experience. He believes college is a place where students can find out who they are and meet lifelong friends along the way. Herzig stated that he is glad he decided to attend school at W&J because he can now consider the College a second home, and he hopes every student will come to share this opinion.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Herzig is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
5 April 2019
Red & Black
3 CAMPUS NEWS
CPS’s Weekly Security Logs Disclaimer: The Red&Black prints CPS Security Logs as they are reported to the Red&Black staff by CPS.
The Red&Black is in no way responsible for allegations made by CPS. Staff members edit the logs solely for clarity. DATE: 03/25/19 INCIDENT #: 2629 LOCATION: 300 block of E. Chestnut CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking
DATE: 03/28/19 INCIDENT #: 2634 LOCATION: Between Bica Ross and Upperclass CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct
Police reportedly observed a male student staggering at the above location, and the student was found by officers to be under 21 and under the influence of alcohol. The student was cited for underage drinking.
CPS observed a male student urinating on Bica Ross Hall, and officers allegedly made contact with the student. He will be referred to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions and / or will be criminally charged.
DATE: 03/25/19 INCIDENT #: 2630 LOCATION: Bica Ross Hall CLASSIFICATION: Harassment by Communication / Attempted Theft
DATE: 03/29/19 INCIDENT #: 2638 LOCATION: Lincoln Parking Lot CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct
CPS reports that an individual notified police that an unknown individual was attempting to get the person’s credit card information by threatening to send pictures to his contacts. (It is unclear to whom CPS is referring in this log.) The individual making the call was advised not to send any financial information. Investigation continuing.
According to CPS, a male student was walking at the above location. Police report observing him knocking over the metal trash can in the parking lot. He will be charged with Disorderly Conduct.
DATE: 03/27/19 INCIDENT #: 2631 LOCATION: Henry Gym CLASSIFICATION: Theft
DATE: 03/29/19 INCIDENT #: 2639 LOCATION: 135 E. Chestnut (Phi Delta Theta) CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct
According to campus police, unknown actor(s) removed money from the Henry Gym. Investigation continuing.
CPS reports that an individual was yelling obscenities outside of the above location. Upon making contact with the individual, officers allegedly found him to be intoxicated and impaired. He will be referred to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions and / or will be criminally charged.
DATE: 03/27/19 INCIDENT #: 2632 LOCATION: CPS Office CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct
DATE: 03/29/19 INCIDENT #: 2640 LOCATION: Bica Ross 3rd floor CLASSIFICATION: False Reports
CPS reports that a student entered the CPS Office on the above date. The student had allegedly received a parking ticket on 02/28/19 and his appeal was denied. According to the officers present, the student became irate and began to yell at the officers. He will be charged with Disorderly Conduct.
A student allegedly contacted police and reported that there were two men in their room who refused to leave the room. Officers state that upon arrival at the location, no one was at the room. It was determined by CPS that a student notified campus police and gave a false report. The student will be charged with False Reports to Law Enforcement.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
5 April 2019
CPS’s Weekly Security Logs Disclaimer: The Red&Black prints CPS Security Logs as they are reported to the Red&Black staff by CPS.
The Red&Black is in no way responsible for allegations made by CPS. Staff members edit the logs solely for clarity. DATE: 03/29/19 INCIDENT #: 2641 LOCATION: 125 E. Chestnut (Phi Kappa Psi) CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct / Underage Drinking / Obstruction Campus police reports that a student on the sidewalk at the above location made a derogatory statement towards police and then became confrontational. Other individuals allegedly impeded officers from making contact with the individual. Criminal charges are reportedly pending against all individuals involved.
DATE: 03/31/19 INCIDENT #: 2652 LOCATION: 127 E. Chestnut St. (Alpha Tau Omega) CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking Campus police report that a student was found to be under the age of 21 and in possession of an alcoholic beverage. The student will purportedly be referred to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions and / or will be criminally charged.
DATE: 03/29/19 INCIDENT #: 2643 LOCATION: 125 E. Chestnut (Phi Kappa Psi) CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking
DATE: 03/31/19 INCIDENT #: 2653 LOCATION: N. Lincoln St. CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking / DUI
CPS officers report finding an underage student at above location. He was found to be intoxicated, and CPS maintains that the student will be cited for Underage Drinking.
A vehicle was observed by campus police to be making a U-turn on a one-way street. The vehicle was stopped, and CPS reports that four underage students were found to be intoxicated. Investigation continuing. Charges pending
DATE: 03/30/19 INCIDENT #: 2645 LOCATION: Alexander Hall CLASSIFICATION: Theft A student was observed by CPS stealing a Washington & Jefferson College sign and taking it to their room. According to officers, several students participated in the incident, and all will be sent to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions and / or will be criminally charged. This incident is still pending investigation. DATE: 03/31/19 INCIDENT #: 2649 LOCATION: 127 E. Chestnut St. (Alpha Tau Omega) CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking CPS reports that a student and a non-student were both observed in the stairwell at the above location. One of the individuals was allegedly hunched over and vomiting. According to CPS, officers found both students to be under the age of 21 and intoxicated. Charges pending.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
12 April 2019
CPS’s Weekly Security Logs Disclaimer: The Red&Black prints CPS Security Logs as they are reported to the Red&Black staff by CPS. The Red&Black is in no way responsible for allegations made by CPS. Staff members edit the logs solely for clarity.
DATE: 04/02/19 INCIDENT #: 2664 LOCATION: S. College @ E. Chestnut CLASSIFICATION: DUI CPS reports that officers observed a vehicle travailing in the wrong direction on S. College St. A traffic stop was conducted. Upon making contact with the operator (a non-student), he was found to be impaired. Officers report that the operator’s driver’s license was suspended for a pervious DUI. According to officers, the subject refused a chemical test and then was arrested for DUI. Charges pending.
DATE: 04/04/19 INCIDENT #: 2667 LOCATION: S. Lincoln St. CLASSIFICATION: Disorderly Conduct Police were stationary at the Rossin Campus Center when officers reportedly heard yelling from blocks away. A vehicle traveling on S. Lincoln St. approached, and officers observed several individuals in the bed of the truck creating a disturbance. As they passed the Police vehicle, the subjects allegedly hid under a bed cover. A traffic stop was conducted. CPS reports that seven students will be referred to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions.
DATE: 04/06/19 INCIDENT #: 2670 LOCATION: S. College at Wheeling St. CLASSIFICATION: Act 64 A vehicle was stopped at the above location for an equipment violation. Upon making contact with the occupants (non-students), officers reportedly detected the smell of burnt marijuana. The operator of the vehicle license was suspended for a DUI violation. CPS reports that the driver was arrested for the suspended license and the passenger was arrested for possession of marijuana.
5 april 2019
CAMPUS NEWS 5
Red & Black
Speak Out:
What part of spring are you most excited about? “Getting to drive in my Jeep with the top off.” -Shannon Coppola ’19
Courtesy Shannon Coppola
“Being able to escape the dorm room to get fresh air.” -Garrett Harstine ’19
Red & Black Established 1909 Editor-in-Chief Publication Manager Managing Editor Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser
Courtesy gopresidents.com
“Being able to go outside more and not have to wear layers.” -Courtney Crivelli ’22 Courtesy gopresidents.com
Kayla Marasia Holly Sauer Hannah Kail Brie Sutherland Brianna Floryshak Brie Sutherland Christian Buckley Sydney Kightlinger Marcy Saldivar Hannah Kail Joe Reedy John Santa
life
Life 6
Red & Black
5 April 2019
How to Keep Long Distance Friendships Strong Lauren Phillips Red & Black Staff
The end of the school year often brings with it bittersweet feelings for many students. Though returning home for the summer can reunite old friends, it also means spending time away from those at college. It is quite common to question how to maintain long-distance romantic relationships, but maintaining long-distance friendships can be an equally daunting feat. Despite the miles that may separate students, there are plenty of ways to keep long distance friendships alive and even strengthen bonds among friends. “Every situation is different, and with my friends we pretty much rely on texting,” said Jadyn Lawrence ’22. “It really depends on the individual. I may not text friends every day, but I know that it can be different for other people.” Communicating on a regular basis is one of the most common ways to keep friendships thriving. For many,
this makes texting an essential part of a daily routine. For others, frequent phone calls with friends are the best way to keep in touch. In addition to direct communication, social media is an excellent way to stay connected with friends. Apps like Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook provide unique ways to send pictures, messages and videos to others. Given that most young adults use social media quite often, platforms like these are becoming a more common way to bridge distance gaps. While distance may result in physical separation, there are numerous activities that friends can share to stay close. As mentioned before, texting is a great way to keep in touch, though the possibilities can extend far beyond this. Some may opt to start a television show to watch in tandem, keeping up with one another in regards to the plot and personal thoughts and opinions. Another option may be online games that can allow friends to play with or against one another. Having a shared experience between friends can be helpful in
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
Long-distance friendships are rewarding when friends are finally reunited.
strengthening long-distance summer friendships. A final key component to keeping long-distance friendships alive over the summer is accepting the challenge with a good attitude. Parting ways with close friends is not an easy task, and it is not always easy to handle. Being aware of this
challenge can foster a positive mentality that will aid in keeping friendships strong. Though there is no equal substitution for personal interaction with friends, the possibility of keeping a friendship alive is only limited to the mentality of the friends involved.
5 april 2019
Red & Black
7 Life
Sightseeing in the Beautiful City of Bridges
Courtesy Brie Sutherland
Pittsburgh is filled with opportunities to try new foods and go on adventures.
Leah Segal Red & Black Staff
For locals and visitors alike, Pittsburgh is a fascinating place to explore. The “City of Bridges” is home to three professional sports teams, a myriad of museums and a lengthy list of delicious restaurants. For those seeking some adventure, the following locations are the top places to visit for a day trip that is packed with of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems. Founded in 1977, the Mattress
Factory is a unique and unconventional museum that serves as a hot-spot for experimental exhibits and contemporary art. The Mattress Factory hosts work from artists around the globe and is a great spot to visit when journeying to Pittsburgh. The museum’s most iconic exhibit, and an Instagram favorite, is the mirror-filled room featuring bare mannequins and comically large red polka dots adorning every inch of the space. The Strip District is home to fashion and fare from around the globe. Anyone near the area should stop and grab some authentic Italian biscotti from Nonni’s Biscotti, pick up some handmade jewels from street artists and traipse through the endless
grocery stories representing different cultures and countries. Hidden along the Ohio River, Bicycle Heaven is also quite famous. With more than 3,000 bicycles of all shapes and sizes, it is the world’s largest bicycle museum. Visitors are in for quite the surprise when walking into each room of the building as bikes cover every inch of the floors, walls and even the ceilings. Bicycle Heaven also allows visitors to witness the evolution of the bicycle and even famous bikes such as the quirky and iconic bike from Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. Take a sweet step back in time with an ice cream cone from Klavon’s. The shop originally opened in 1923 as a local apothecary and ice cream
parlor. While the shop closed in 1979 and was dormant for more than 20 years, the family of the original owners revived the business and brought the sweet business venture back to life. From the vintage soda fountains and the beautifully crafted countertop and stools to the penny candy jars and the drugstore paraphernalia, this is one spot visitors should not skip on their trip to Pittsburgh. No matter where anyone goes in Pittsburgh, they are sure to have a blast, but these four places will definitely make some memorable moments. So the next time people find themselves journeying into the city, they should be ready for an adventure filled with art, culture and lots of good food.
8 LIFE
Red & Black
5 april 2019
Seven Cities for Travelers on a Tight Budget Marygrace Depp Red & Black Contributor
While traveling is a great part of life, money is a big reason people do not travel as much as they would like. There are many cities that one can visit on a budget while still having an amzing experience. One place to travel to on a small budget is Phoenix, Ariz. While Phoenix has very hot summers, the hotels are very cheap, and most of the desired activities are free, such as hiking. Phoenix has a gorgeous landscape and its scenery is perfect for exploring. Camelback Mountain is a popular destination because it offers panoramic city views. Visitors can also go to the Phoenix Zoo, which is the largest privatelyowned non-profit zoo in the United States. Another convenient place to visit is New Orleans, La. Hotels in New Orleans start at as little as twenty dollars a night. The hotels are especially cheap because city officials expect tourists to spend more money on the tourist sights, like seeing a medium or enjoying all the historical sites. Memphis, Tenn. is going through a revival period, therefore the hotels are very inexpensive. There are also multiple types of transportation that go straight through Memphis, making it easier and cheaper to get around. Houston, Texas is another great option. While the hotels are a little bit more expensive in Houston, the attrac-
Courtesy Brie Sutherland
You do not have to travel across the world to visit an amazing city. Even a local city like Philadelpha, pictured above, can be a great destination for the traveler on a budget.
tions are very cheap, making up for the hotel prices. Houston is also the home of NASA. The Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center are are fascinating educational centers for anyone interested in space. Philadelphia is a big city that has many types of public transportation. It also has one-day and one-week passes that allow tourists to see as many sites
as they can on a more relaxed schedule. San Antonio, Texas is a great place to go to if you are interested in history. Visitors can explore the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission, that marks an important battle in Texas’s fight for independence from Mexico. San Antonio also has an abundance of bus routes that make traveling in the city very easy. Lastly, Atlanta, Ga. is an-
other interesting destination for those who enjoy history. The Atlanta History Center commemorates the city’s past, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site is dedicated to the great leader and activist. These cities are all unique and beautiful in their own ways and are worth the trip to go see, especially if you are on a budget.
5 april 2019
9 Culture
culture W&J Music Class Review: Underground Dance Christian Buckley Red & Black Editor
During the fall semester of 2017, I took a music class at Washington & Jefferson College called The History of Underground Dance Music. The course, instructed by Dr. Anoosua Mukherjee, explored the historical contexts of some genres of dance music from the 1960s to the present day. The title of the course refers to the exploration of what it means to be “underground;” in other words, the course largely focused on determining and discussing how dance music related to the experiences of some marginalized groups of individuals. Through analysis of historical text and film documentation, it was found that dance music influenced many aspects of these groups’ lives. These groups usually held anti-establishment attitudes due to the multifaceted gender and racial injustices they endured during the time, and thus underground music was usually heard in various off-the-radar nightclubs and bars. Moreover, the lyrics of many underground songs usually took a political stance, attempting to bring awareness to a certain issue plaguing the lives of citizens. The class also discussed some history-altering events, such as the rise of Second-Wave Feminism, the Stone-
Red & Black
wall Riots and even the AIDS crisis. It was found that these events related to music in all sorts of ways; the music usually took a stance that reflected current events. On top of the exploration of some very serious social issues, this class embarked on a historical journey through the development of musical technology. Some of the music genres on which the class focused, especially disco and house music, greatly relied on the advanced technology of the time. The use of synthesizers and drum machines were especially relevant in class discussions, as they were used to experiment with sounds and other effects that music creators could include in their songs. As technology continued to advance, the creation of genres and subgenres of music changed significantly. Interestingly, the rise in popularity of one genre or subgenre of underground dance music usually ensued because of a decline in popularity of the previous genre or subgenre. This class interested me because it explored how social issues in marginalized communities are interwoven with dance music in a way that was accessible to students of all social backgrounds. These issues are often unrecognized when history is discussed in an academic setting, so it was a very eye-opening experience. “Learning about events linked to music, like fes-
tivals including Woodstock and the Stonewall Riots, really opened my eyes to everything music can influence,” said Kelsey Teeter ‘20, who also took the class in Fall 2017. Alyssa Rote ‘19 agrees with the sentiment that this class was ideal for students of all disciplines. “It was very rewarding to look at music predating
my existence that was influential in shaping the music of today and that has left a lasting mark on our society,” said Rote. “Dr. Mukherjee was a great instructor, and she made the class very fun and interactive.” If this class is ever offered again, I wholly encourage students to take it to better educate themselves.
Courtesy VectorStock
Disco music was an important part of the club scene in the 1970s.
10 Culture
Red & Black
5 april 2019
Afghan Women Weave Modernity into Rugs Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
For thousands of years the women of Central Asia have been weaving handmade rugs with beautiful designs. However, in 1979 with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the carpets began to change radically. This assault on the country displaced more than a million citizens and devastated the region. This was felt so deeply that the women in Afghanistan, and those refugees living in Pakistan and Iran, began to incorporate the ideas of war and suffering into their rugs. Before women often created images of nature and decorative knots, but after the invasion, these peaceful images were replaced by machine guns, grenades, helicopters and tanks.
Although these images were originally subtle additions, they later became emphasized for a market of Western collectors. The Soviets left after destroying the region and leaving destruction in their wake. But the quality of life did not improve for the people in Afghanistan. A civil war continued between the Afghan army and the Mujahideen in the 1990s. By the end of that decade, the Taliban had seized control of the region and imposed a severe interpretation of Sharia Law. This forced women to give up much of their economic and social independence. Also, their access to public life was inhibited by the practice of purdah, or female seclusion. Because of many other strict rules the government passed, flowers and fauna were hard to include in rugs. However, the violent images of bombs and weapons easily took the place of
these nature scenes. The images of propaganda dropped by the United States military also found its way into women’s rugs, including images of the burning Twin Towers. Despite decades of war and censorship, the ancient pattern techniques for making these rugs are still passed from mother to daughter. Although many of these works are unattributed, the masterful pieces reveal humor and complex and individual commentary on contemporary life. The carpets’ compositions are also interesting. Perspectival viewpoints combine and flatten to allow for three-dimensional forms with maps and repeating decorative patterns. Some of the rug designs are a quadrilateral design inspired by the four gardens of Paradise described in the Qur’an. Others show maps of Afghanistan, and in the 1980s Alighiero Boetti traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan
to work with female weavers to create breathtaking tapestries depicting maps of the world with national flags and bold texts. Many Afghan refugees in Kashmir created some of the first war rugs, and Muslims reportedly used them for prayer rugs and Hindus used them as yoga mats. This cross-religious purpose for these rugs shows that they have an artistic purpose and a use in people’s everyday lives. These rugs are unique mediums for telling stories and preserving tradition and culture. They also break the boundaries between war and peace, and they give viewers a unique insight into these women’s lives and thoughts. The violence many rugs portray should give viewers pause because these weapons and machines of war have the power to destroy culture and art itself.
Courtesy Artsy
Women in Afghanistan took their traditional weaving skills and included modern war images.
5 April 2019
Red & Black
Culture 11
HOLLY’S HOT TAKE:
artist of the week
The Many Questions Behind ‘Christina’s World’ Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
Andrew Wyeth was an American artist that many critics do not know where to place in the context of twentieth century art. His work “Christina’s World” evokes strong feelings of nostalgia. The artist presumed that viewers have a connection with the American pastoral that was already so common in the nineteenth century Hudson River School. However, Wyeth seems to portray the countryside as an escape. Each blade of grass is painted in hyper-focused reality, and it almost feels like an arcadia. But this image is not just a simple portrayal of an arcadia. There is a woman, Christina, lying on the ground, leaning towards the farmhouse in the distance. There is so much emotion to be found in the arch of her back. She longs to return to the farmhouse but something is stopping her. The viewer can almost see the muscles straining in her back. But there is also something haunting about this image. Viewers do not see Christina’s face at all, and instead we only focus on her body. The eye is drawn to her pink dress among the grass, and her hair looks unkempt. This leaves the viewer with many lingering questions about this woman. For many of the answers it is
helpful to look into Wyeth’s own life. For many of his seven decades of work he focused on portraying two families in two separate locations. Wyeth worked with the Kuerners in Chadds Ford, and the Olsons in South Cushing, Maine. The subject of this painting is Anna Christina Olson, and she lived on her family farm in Maine near Wyeth’s vacation home. Initially neurologists thought she suffered from polio, they now think they had Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT). This causes weakness in the feet and inhibits lower leg coordination, and coordination of the fingers, hands, wrists and tongue. Due to this condition, Christina was handicapped from the waist down and was commonly seen crawling across her family’s farm. According to legend, Wyeth found inspiration for this piece when one afternoon he saw Christina dragging her body across the field. Wyeth justified painting Christina when he said he “wanted to do justice to her extraordinary conquest of a life which most people would consider hopeless.” While this may be an admirable goal, it is not one that Wyeth fully achieved. The Christina Wyeth depicted was not the woman in everyday life. The artist also portrayed his wife, Betsy. She was in her twenties at the time of the image, and she was Christina’s junior by 30 years. Betsy was a
Courtesy Wikimedia
“Christina’s World” invites viewers to ask questions about the subject.
common model for Wyeth, and he used her as a model for the figure’s head and torso. This fact also leaves viewers with more questions. Why did he replace parts of Christina with Betsy? And did Wyeth get Christina’s consent to paint her disability? However, Christina apparently loved the painting, and they maintained a very close relationship throughout the rest of their lives. Wyeth even said he wanted to be buried with Olson. So cue even more questions. After the Museum of Modern Art bought “Christina’s World,” Wyeth became even more successful. Critics did not seem to like his works, and they thought “Christina’s World” ignored the important moments in life and
art, like Abstract Expressionism and World War II. But he still continued to gain money, and although he reportedly offered the Olson family gifts, Christina refused. He indirectly profited off the struggles of a disabled woman and her family. However, the painting begs viewers to return and ask the questions it so desperately deserves. The painting is beautiful and curious. Of course there is a questionable past to this piece, and it certainly should not be overlooked. However, there is something wonderful about this painting. Maybe it is the new curiosity found in each new glance, or the constant need to question both the artist and the piece, but there is a value to this painting and something extraordinary to be found.
12 Culture
Red & Black
Poetry Corner “O C Me” Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
Brain itches Unresolvable Like an allergic reaction inside my neurons. I can’t think can’t blink. Trying to zone it out shut it out. “just ignore it” “let it go” “quit being a spaz” Don’t you think I would if I could? I wish I could. If I could just Close my eyes to it, my mind to it, my ears, my whole body To avoid the itching in my brain of a broken place that uses order to ease anxiety. GET OUT, I think. To the feelings in my brain To the crumbling, wincing, wilting feeling as it tries taking over. To the kid who coughed through the entire exam To the friend dropping crumbs on the floor To the man eating so loudly that I got up and left. Every dust bunny must die. Every bin must be labeled. Every picture must be parallel. Every book a spot. Every wrinkle straightened. Pillows level. Carpet centered.
5 april 2019
5 April 2019
opinions Red & Black
Opinions 13
The Way We Express Our Concern Affects the Outcome Leah Segal Red & Black Staff
Communication is a vital ingredient in the recipe for a successful college campus. While every school and community faces problems, the way that such problems are handled is the true measure of a school’s value. With the recent concerns discussed at the “Speak Out” open forum SGA meeting, it is important to address whether the student body’s thoughts and concerns will be listened to and resolved. While no institution is perfect and there are problems within Washington & Jefferson College’s administration, I believe that student concerns
and issues are generally important to the school and that their thoughts and concerns are taken seriously. To begin, it is important to understand that all colleges are made up of leaders who are humans with flaws, just like the students. W&J is no exception to this. With that in mind, it is important for the college to be as transparent as possible in all areas concerning problems and student life. This extends to the valid issues oftuition increases and the lack of quality housing and food providers that have continually been hot-button topics. However, the presence of a meeting like “Speak Out” is direct evidence that this campus does care about student complaints as they are verbally inviting it. Nevertheless, everyone’s experience also varies and should be respected. In
my past four years on campus, I have been extremely lucky to be surrounded by supportive professors and staff members who take the time to listen to my problems and help me find logical and reassuring solutions. However, I also know students who have been largely ignored and have stories of professors and staff who never truly resolved the issues. It is vital to note that complaining on social media and angrily shouting into the Twitter void does not constitute valid animosity towards the College. In order to be listened to, students should be respectful and actively reach out to others. If students reach out in person, concerns will be seriously addressed and resolved in the future. This debate even extends to President Knapp. As the newest president of the campus, students are eager to
C ontac t
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods. Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the
College or its students, faculty, or administration. The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency. The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.
judge his performance and character. In his short time here, I already have had the pleasure of speaking with him. Not only has he personally taken the time to deal with serious campus issues affecting minority students, but he has encouraged students to communicate with him to help strengthen college relationships. His earnest love for the College and the student body is easily felt. This is something that the entire campus should appreciate. Overall, it is important to remember that one person does not make up a college, but one person can change it. If students are facing problems and fear they are being ignored, they should find a professor or staff member willing to help. At the end of the day, W&J does care about its students and regardless of its flaws, strives to create the best college experience.
Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.
Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:
(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
14 Opinions
5 April 2019
Red & Black
We Should Prioritize Face-to-Face Communication
Courtesy Sam Gooch
In our digital age, it is so easy to take for granted the importance of interacting with people face-to-face because it is easier to email, text or call.
Sam Gooch Red & Black Contributor
In today’s growing age of technology, face-to-face interaction often suffers. With a strong social media presence, individuals often rely on what is said via screen versus holding conversations with other individuals in person. Whether it be student-professor interactions, family encounters or even conversations with significant others,
the act of talking face-to-face has significantly dwindled since the introduction of technology. It is important to realize that while texting and messaging on social media platforms are convenient and easily accessible, face-to-face interaction is an important means of communication that cannot be lost. It is not easily replicated and allows individuals to develop meaningful connections to others and the world around them. “Speaking face to face provides a connection level that social media fails to provide,” said Lindsey Koziel ‘22. As a college student, it is of-
ten easy to get caught up in the surge of the technological world. We rely heavily on the accessibility that text messaging, emails and Snapchat provides. Yet, while accessibility appeals to many, the lack of emotion behind a text message demonstrates a removal from the real world. This removal can have negative consequences for their preparation when they enter the workforce. Career success often heavily depends on being skilled in various forms of communication. As society progresses, the art of being able to
hold fluent and valid conversations with other individuals without feeling intimidated is a rare skill. “Speaking face-to-face gives one the ability to directly rationalize and address situations as they present themselves,” said Julia Adams ‘22. Speaking face-to-face, in addition to being an important skill for success later in life, gives one a deeper understanding about how others resolve conflicts and come to an appropriate resolution. Conflict resolution allows for individuals to move forward with problems in a way that technology limits.
5 april 2019
Red & Black
15 Opinions
News Flash: College Is Not Preparing Us
Courtesy Sydney Kightlinger
According to W&J 2018-2019 tuition and fees list, the cost for a traditional double room is $7,438. This includes housing options such as all first-year halls, Presidents Row and Marshall Hall.
Sydney Kightlinger Red & Black Editor
Washington & Jefferson College is not giving us the chance to develop the necessary life skills we need after completing our degree, specifically relating to housing. Marketed as luxuries to potential students, the fact that our bathrooms are cleaned for us, our food made for us and our housing provided for us does not make us better-suited for the world after college. At some schools across the nation, students do not live
on campus for all four years. They have more of a choice for their housing situations. Many large schools have apartments the school owns that students can live in. The school still helps in some ways, but it is not the same as a dorm room and allows for more independence and better prices. Some other schools are in places where there is more infastructure, and because of this there are more choices for housing. At some schools, students are actually encouraged to move off campus and find an apartment because it will teach them how to rent, how to budget and how to run a household. These are all important things to know, and
the great thing about learning them in college is that you have a little more leeway if you fumble. Almost all student loans at other schools can be used to cover housing costs, so if a student cannot work or does not want to work during the school year, then they can just take out a loan, which is how most students cover on-campus housing anyway. “Living off campus would be cheaper and shine a new light on the college experience,” said Julia Adams ‘22. Another perk of living off campus is that the student gets to decide how much they spend on monthly rent. They do not have to pay $7,000 or more yearly for a small room without a kitchen when they could alternatively
be paying $482 per month for a onebedroom apartment, which is the average cost in Washington. Aside from the cost and financial literacy gained from living off campus, learning to run a household effectively is a huge benefit. “You gain skills by being independent and taking care of everything yourself,” said Meghan Gonzalez ’21. “You learn how to be self-sufficient and dependent. You also learn how to be an efficient problem solver of daily-life hassles without needing to rely on others around you.” W&J claims to strive to prepare us for the real world, but by not giving us the freedom to choose how to handle housing choices, they do not give us all possible tools they could.
16 Sports
sports Red & Black
5 April 2019
Student Athlete Spotlight: Sam Bellini ’21 Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
Sam Bellini ’21 is starting his first season on the Washington & Jefferson College men’s tennis team after being on the golf team for the past year and a half. So far, Bellini has been a great addition both to the team and as an individual competitor for the Presidents. He grew up near W&J in Mount Lebanon. While growing up, Bellini participated in many sports including basketball, baseball, golf and tennis, which he has been playing for nearly twelve years. Bellini is currently a business major at W&J. “I have always wanted to pursue a career in a business environment, and W&J gives me the opportunity for a promising career,” said Bellini. Bellini originally choose W&J to play golf, but for the spring semester this year he chose to play tennis instead. “I heard the coach was good and the team was also competitive and I
wanted to be apart of a winning program,” said Bellini. Bellini is coached by Coach Christopher Faulk. “Coach allows us to practice to our abilities while still making us better,” said Bellini. He has been able to work his way up on the tennis team this season by being the first doubles participant and the second singles participant. Bellini has been able to find success this season alongside his teammates as they currently stand at 6-2 and 1-0 in PAC play. In their last match against conference rival, Theil, Bellini finished his singles matches 6-2 and 6-0 and won his doubles match with teammate Nate Wang ’21 8-0. Bellini is excited at the early success the team has had and hopes to keep it up to compete for a winning record and a PAC championship. Although Bellini is newer to the team he has not felt like an outsider. Bellini has enjoyed meeting his teammates and being able to play with a competitive team that aims for high success this season. He and the team hope to continue their success into PAC play as they take on the Geneva Golden Tornadoes on April 3 and Saint Vincent Bearcats on April 5.
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Bellini quickly excelled on the men’s tennis team, earning himself a spot on the doubles first team.
5 April 2019
Red & Black
Sports 17
Fun Runs Make 5K Races More Exciting and Accessible Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
A major key to health and fitness is finding something that is suitable for you and fun to do. An easy and effective way to do this is by participating in fun runs. Fun runs are suitable for people of all ages, sizes and gender. These runs are designed with unique themes and host competitions that cover a 5k course. There are many fun runs across the country and some even cross over into surrounding
states. One of the most popular fun runs to participate in is the Color Run. The Color Run is a 5k race that incorporates the use of colorful powder paint. Throughout the course, there is upbeat music playing and not a feeling of intense competition, instead only fun. As participants run through different checkpoints they are doused in different colors of paint. This run is known to be great to do individually, with friends or family. Chase Weiland ‘21 has run in the Color Run before. “Running in the Color Run was so fun. I got to do it with some of my family, and we enjoyed ourselves the whole time,” said Weiland. Another fun run that is simi-
lar to the Color Run is called the Bubble Run. This course is also a 5k, but instead of paint, bountiful numbers of bubbles are used. Throughout the race, participants can find themselves running through piles of bubbles taller than most people. This race is again focused on fun more than competition, but it is still an excellent way to stay in shape. If one is looking for a more challenging fun run, one may be interested into the popular Spartan Race. This race is a little more challenging by adding on obstacles and terrain that differ from a normal run. The Spartan Race should not deter anyone from competing as there are different variations in intensity of the
race. One of the best aspects of these fun runs are that they are traveling races. This means the locations of these races cross state boundaries. If one is interested in participating in these races, they can simply look up the name of the fun run and locations, and this information should be easily accessible to interested runners. “I loved participating in these fun runs. I run in the Relay for Life,” said Michael Bury ‘20. “I liked it because it was really fun, and I do it for my family.” These runs can be found throughout the Pittsburgh area with races of various themes occurring almost every week during the upcoming spring and summer months.
Courtesy Color Vibe
The Color Run attracts all types of runners and bring fun, fitness and vibrance to cities across the United States.
18 Sports
5 April 2019
Red & Black
Men’s Golf at Eagle Invitational Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
Courtesy gopresidents.com
This one time... “During our season in the fall, as a way to get to know the team and our new coach this year, we all piled into a couple vans and went to have dinner at his house. The food was amazing, and
During the weekend of March 30, the Washington & Jefferson College’s men’s golf team travelled to Stanford, Va. to kick off their spring season. The team competed in the Eagle Invitational, hosted by the University of Mary Washington at the Augustine Golf Club. The team finished second out of nine teams with a 609 (+41) two-round team score. Garrett Barilar ‘21 finished highest for the Presidents and tied for first place at the invitational. He recorded a final score of 146 (+4). “For the first tournament of the year, I felt that the team played very well,” said Barilar. “The course was not playing easy and we posted some good scores, which is hopefully a sign of good things to come this season.” He also won a medalist honors. Barilar spoke about the team’s effort and his personal victory. “I’m glad that
I played as well as I did because this is a huge confidence boost for me that will potentially lead to much better scoring this season,” said Barilar. Daniel Velasco ’20 and Jake Darr ’20 also finished in the top 10 individual competition. Velasco scored a 151 (+9) and finished in a tie for sixth place. Darr scored a 155 (+13) and finished in tenth place. Ben Pettica ‘21, Zack Mindel ‘22 and Casey O’Korn ’19 also attended the invitational and contributed to the team’s success. O’Korn tied for 12th place with a score of 158 (+12). Mindel tied for 24th place with a score of 166 (79-87) and Pettica places 38th with a score of 175 (84-91). “Overall, I’m very proud of the way my teammates and I played this week on a hard golf course and against a solid field,” said Barilar. “This was the start to the spring season that we needed to give us the confidence to play well this season.” The Presidents will travel to the Grove City Invitational for their next competition. It will be held at the Grove City Country Club on April 11.
we just spent all night making funny videos and playing games. Looking back on that night, it was definitely one of the first nights we really began to get close as a team, and it’s definitely one of my favorite memories from the season.”
- Katie Hahn ’22 Courtesy gopresidents.com
Garrett Barilar ‘21 wins medalist honors at the Eagle Invitational.
5 April 2019
19 sports
Red & Black
Men’s Lacrosse Kicks Off Conference Play
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
The W&J men’s lacrosse team runs off the field and strategizes with their coach during their game against Chatham University.
Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
The Washington & Jefferson College men’s lacrosse team finished 1-1 this week and kicked off conference play against Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) foe Chatham University. The Presidents started off the week against out-of-conference opponents the Kalamazoo College Hornets. The game began with a scoring frenzy as
the Presidents were able to climb to a strong lead at the half, outscoring the Hornets 12-5. Kalamazoo made a short comeback, but were not able to topple the Presidents, leading to a 16-12 W&J victory. The Presidents’ attack unit left a great impression this game; Patrick Brunner ‘21 finished with a game high seven points with five goals and two assists. Alex Strain ‘22 scored four goals, and Captain Benjamin Ward ‘19 added two goals and two assists. “I’m proud of our team and the way we were able to have a strong team win going into conference games,” said Brunner. “I
also want to thank my teammates for being able to set me up all day and allow me to do my thing out on the field.” The men’s team ended their week with their first PAC game of the year against the Chatham University Cougars. Right from the start, the game was a fast-paced match up. Both teams fought to secure a high score, and at halftime the game was tied up 7-7. After a tough second half, the Cougars were able to pull out a victory, with the Presidents suffering a heartbreaking loss of 14-13. Ward led the way for the team in goals with a whop-
ping eight points, tallying five goals and three assists. Brunner finished with four goals and other goals were also added by Strain, Mark Mandak ’20 and Patrick Heidecker ‘20. The Presidents are now 5-5 in the season and 0-1 in PAC play. Grant Allison ’21 appreciates the team’s positive attitude for the future. “Although this loss hurts, we saw a lot of good out of our team and we are not worried about this loss affecting us too badly for the rest of the season,” said Allison. The team will be back in PAC play with a match against rival Saint Vincent College on April 7.
20 sports
Red & Black
5 April 2019
Last Week’s Scores Mar. 26 Baseball double header at Waynesburg University: 8-4 and 8-2 wins Softball double header vs La Roche College: 9-1 and 8-3 wins Men’s tennis vs West Liberty University : 9-0 loss Mar. 27 Men’s lacrosse vs Kalamazoo College: 16-12 win Women’s lacrosse at Frostburg State University: 17-5 loss Mar. 28 Men’s tennis at Thiel College: 8-1 win Mar. 30 Men’s golf at Spring Eagle Invitational: 2nd out of 9 Men’s lacrosse vs Chatham University: 14-13 loss Women’s lacrosse vs Chatham University: 22-9 win Women’s water polo vs McKendree University: 22-6 Loss Mar. 31 Baseball vs Chatham University: 6-3 win Courtesy gopresidents.com
Next Week’s Games April 2 Softball double header at Grove City College (A)April 3 Softball double header vs the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg (H)-3:30pm Baseball vs Waynesburg University (H)-4:30pm Men’s tennis vs Geneva College (H)-6pm April 5 Track & field at the John Homon Open (A)-2pm Men’s tennis vs Saint Vincent College (H)-6pm April 6 Track & field at the John Homon Open (A)-2pm Women’s golf at the Spartan Invitational (A) Softball double header vs Thiel College (H)-1pm Baseball double header vs Westminster College (H)-1pm Women’s lacrosse at Saint Vincent College (A)-12pm
Courtesy gopresidents.com
April 7 Men’s lacross at Saint Vincent College (A)-1pm