April 26 2019

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 26, 2019

WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER...

LIFE “Too many highly processed foods like chips and fried foods also prevent your skin from looking its best.” -P.8

Men’s Tennis Ends PAC Play Undefeated PAGE 16

CULTURE

“His pieces seem to be closer to Pablo Picasso’s than Degas’s, and when Picasso arrived in Paris he sketched one of Lautrec’s posters.” -P.11

OPINIONS “This is what is most important: reducing stigma in any way possible so students can accept their struggles with mental health and treat them accordingly.” -P.14

SPORTS Both the Presidents and the Wolverines entered the match undefeated in conference play; the day’s results would determine the number one seed for the PAC playoffs.” -P.16

WJREDANDBLACK.COM

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

2 CAMPUS NEWS

Red & Black

26 april 2019

Alumni Spotlight: Will Bowser ’18 NIcole Walters Red & Black Staff

Will Bowser ’18, otherwise known by his friends as just “Bowser,” graduated from Washington & Jefferson College last spring after completing an undergraduate degree and four years of playing NCAA DIII baseball.

Bowser was a pitcher on the baseball team during his Division III collegiate career.

Bowser was a member of the team when they made a run in the NCAA tournament in 2017.

Many faculty, coaches and students would agree that Bowser was a happy face to see around campus, whether he was passionately delivering a presentation in his business and administration classes or hitting home runs on the baseball field.

He had an impact on many students throughout his time here on campus and is deserving of the many successes he achieved not long after he graduated last year.

Bowser is a current employee at BNY Mellon on Monday through Friday, but he enjoys many extracurricular activities.

These activities include pick-up soccer games or playing video games with his old classmates.

One of Bowser’s favorite aspects about his new job is making new connections with all the BNY Mellon employees. BNY Mellon is located in Pittsburgh. Since Bowser works so

close to W&J, it is only a short drive to come back for a quick visit.

According to Bowser, BNY Mellon is a fun work atmosphere where the employees “play ping-pong during lunch to relax a bit before going back to work.”

His favorite thing about being out of college is making a consistent paycheck and not having to constantly worry about completing homework.

The thing Bowser misses the most about W&J, however, is even something that many current students miss.

Bowser misses the deli combos.

Bowser feels that G&T’s had “some of the best sandwiches.”

Bowser also reminisced on how much he enjoyed playing sports every day and wishes that was still a part of his life.

He is looking to join a slow pitch softball league in the hopes of getting more sports action in his life.

To keep in touch with his alma mater, Bowser attends a few baseball games each season to cheer on his old teammates and hopes that they continue the great winning record they have at the moment.

Bowser’s last parting words of advice for the graduating seniors is to keep in touch with friends and frequently go out with them in pursuit of fun adventures.

He emphasized that students may regret all the times they had the opportunity to do something fun and did not go.

As Bowser wraps up his first full year after graduating, many students at W&J wish him the best and hope he comes back to campus again to say hello.

Courtesy Nicole Walters

Will Bowser ’18 spends some quality time with former teammates Clay Martin and Mullen Socha on a recent visit to W&J.

26 april 2019

Red & Black

3 CAMPUS NEWS

Senior Student Spotlight: Rachel Stingel NIcole Walters Red & Black Staff

Rachel Stingel ‘19 is a wonderful individual who will be graduating in May. This semester, Stingel is taking Theories of Knowledge, an evolutionary biology course and lab, a neuroscience class and experimental biology on Drosophila tau to finish up her course requirements.

Most seniors tend to wind down with their involvement in campus activities, but for Stingel, who is involved

in a large number of clubs on campus, there are no signs of slowing down to relax and enjoy her final semester.

Despite her busy schedule, Stingel’s last semester is “going pretty well.”

She is doing well by keeping up her momentum, both academically and socially. “I am focusing on keeping my grades up and enjoying my time with friends,” said Stingel.

While she is keeping her options open, after graduation Stingel is considering going to Temple University for her master’s degree in neuroscience. She is looking forward to spreading her wings after graduation and experiencing life outside of Washington & Jefferson College. Even more than leaving campus, she is looking forward

to living in her own space and being near family.

Stingel is excited to be back in the Philadelphia area after being in Pittsburgh for the past four years.

When asked about her favorite memory at W&J, she said, “I really enjoyed my time back in my room or in my friend’s room just hanging out and relaxing after we finished classes for the day or after a hard test,” said Stingel. “It was good that we could forget the hard work for a bit so we could recharge and be ready again the next day.”

Stingel has been a great influence on her friends and fellow club members, especially as the president of Alpha Phi Omega (APO). APO is a co-

ed volunteer fraternity that has gained one of the largest numbers of new members in the new year.

Members of APO contribute helpful service work to campus and to the local community throughout the academic year.

If Stingel could give any advice to rising seniors, she would say, “Stay true to yourself and pursue what you want to do. You are not going to be with a lot of these people after you graduate.

Who cares what they think about you or if you are a little goofy or different?

This does not matter if you are happy.”

Students and faculty wish Stingel the best of luck in her future endeavors and hope to hear about her good work soon.

Courtesy Nicole Walters

Rachel Stingel ’19 is the president of Alpha Phi Omega, which is a volunteer fraternity on campus.

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26 april 2019

Press Release: PAWS for a Study Break PAWS for a Study Break will return to the Washington & Jefferson College campus on May 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Classroom of the U. Grant Miller Library.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of Therapy Dogs International will bring canine counselors of all shapes and sizes to help students relax and de-stress before final exams begin, which begin on May 9.

Joan Kubancek has brought her dog, Kate, every semester since the library began PAWS in 2014. “We are looking forward to the visit. W&J is a very welcoming school and we all enjoy the students,” said Kubancek.

The students look forward to the dogs every semester. Last December, five dogs participated and over 180

students enjoyed petting and hugging them. Library Director Ronalee Ciocco knows that students miss their dogs from home when away at college.

“Students are so grateful for PAWS,” Ciocco said. “They start asking about it weeks ahead of time. It is our most popular and well-attended event in the library.”

The dogs complete classes to provide comfort and ease anxiety before being certified as therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs often visit nursing homes and hospitals, but they especially enjoy visiting schools like W&J. “When people are ill, they enjoy seeing the dogs, but there is little interaction,” said Kubacek. “When we visit W&J, not only do our dogs have fun, but the trainers also enjoy talking to your

students and hearing stories of where they are from and about the pets they left at home.”

In addition to PAWS for a Study Break, the library will have extended library hours as well as snacks and beverages to help students get through finals week.

For some students, PAWS for a Study Break is one of the best events on campus.“It’s the highlight of my finals prep. I always decide I have to go because it’s the only break I get,” said Sydney Kightlinger ’21. “There’s this one dog, a labradoodle, who I think about stealing every time. ‘Doggos’ keep the mental breakdowns away.”

PAWS for a Study Break provides a great opportunity for students to get unconditional love from furry friends.

Courtesy Cheri Duball

26 April 2019

Red & Black

CAMPUS NEWS 5

Word Search: Summer Break Is Almost Here ZDJQFNBSFTMOUIMADSRQLTSXML JVXJDWLCZPTVCDLCWDUMYKWIF BEACHEGBIEZCKEXQRWVNEPILAD BRSEEMEHGSPOVUAAUAYTSHMFSS JBTPHDSROADTRIPNPZSOVHMTKA EGIHTNIPUOAJJSGTODGESZIEWWE NNGXRVSNUIDZOPUDNIFUXUNNJV GERENALLEGAMBDHEFCTLPWGHEI EJTVYAQRRHQOQZIILLIAFPZFLUFR INSIDBZEAQZJDRQILYKRCQTWURF IDFXOHEUTMTBFJTQJWGRZADITBF AGJVNWPHEIGKTXYKPBKHKLVEJNE DPZSKFWYZRDOMRXXKGPBLUBMZX VHFWJJBJDPGNPTJPMZFWNKHRJSAI

BEACH FRIENDS INTERNSHIP MAGELLAN NETFLIX OCEAN ROADTRIP SLEEPING SUNSHINE SWIMMING VACATION

Press Release: Washington Symphony Orchestrra When the Washington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) goes “Back to Broadway” next month, the concert will give the audience more than just familiar tunes and a great night out. “Broadway gives us snippets of American culture through music,” said Washington Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Yugo Ikach. “It’s a history lesson, a window into what made us tick from the 1930s all the way to today.”

The WSO’s final concert in the 2018-2019 season, “Back to Broadway,” is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. at Trinity High School. “The 20th century American musical arguably conveyed the pulse of all things American and the hustle and bustle of the city more than any other art offered,” said Ikach. “In the 1950s you were just as likely to hear learned folk

arguing the merits and social lessons learned from the latest musical as the actual news of the time.”

The music of “Back to Broadway” will span more than seven decades, from George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” Husband and wife duo Katharine and Joseph Helinski will sing “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera,” with Katharine singing solo on “Glitter and be Gay” from “Candide.”

The Washington Community Theatre will join the WSO in performing ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” from “Mama Mia!” Other show tunes will come from the Broadway hits “Wicked,” “Les Miserables,” “Chicago,” and “Carousel.” In addition to the Broadway repertoire,

the WSO will introduce the winner of its 2019 Young Artist Competition.

Maire Pasquinelli, a senior from Canon-Macmillan High School. She will sing “O mio babbino caro” from the opera Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini.

Tickets start at just $17 and can be purchased online at washsym.org, by calling 1-888-71-TICKETS, or at the following locations: Citizens Library, Peters Township Public Library, or the WSO Office on East Wheeling Street in Washington (WSO Office by appointment only, call 724-223-9796 and leave a message for appointment).

Tickets are also available at the door. For further information about the symphony, visit www.washsym.org or connect with the WSO on Facebook (facebook.com/washsymphony).

Courtesy Adam Shaffer

CAMPUS NEWS 6

26 april 2019

Red & Black

Student Speak Out:

What is your favorite Easter tradition?

“Having a big Easter egg hunt with my whole family.”

-Rachel Fromm ‘20

Red & Black Courtesy gopresidents.com

“Going up to my grandmother’s house and having an Easter egg hunt, a yummy meal and seeing all of my crazy loud family!”

-Julie Halula ‘19 Courtesy Julie Halula

Established 1909 Editor-in-Chief Publication Manager Managing Editor Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser

Kayla Marasia Holly Sauer Hannah Kail Brie Sutherland Brianna Floryshak Brie Sutherland Christian Buckley Sydney Kightlinger Marcy Saldivar Sofia Carrasco Erin Herock Hannah Kail Joe Reedy John Santa

life

26 April 2019

Red & Black

7 Life

The Big “Buzz” on Notre-Dame Cathedral Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor

With all the news of the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire, there has been a buzz about the rooftop survivors.

On the rooftop of Notre-Dame, there were three beehives, and each hive contained approximately 60,000 bees.

With the chaos of the fire, concerns were directed towards stopping the fire and saving the relics and art pieces.

According to an article by reporter Bonnie Burton, the bee hives were not damaged in the fire.

However, they were unsure if the bees themselves had survived.

There were large amounts of smoke near the rooftop, and many thought this suffocated the bees because smoke is often used to drive bees into their hives.

This is due to their reaction to the smoke; it blocks their smell receptors, and this causes them to go into a survival-mode response.

They swarm to the hive and prepare for the worst and are ready to protect their queen. When they are in this

Courtesy Pexels

Notre-Dame’s rooftop bees survive the fire and smoke.

fight-or-flight mode, they also gorge themselves on honey.

They do this in case they need to abandon their hive and take their supplies with them.

Beekeepers use smoke to retrieve honey from their beehives because the bees rush into the hive instead of swarming. After the fire was out, there were still concerns when the beehives

seemed to have no movement. If the bees survived the smoke, the other concern was the bee’s wax.

The bee’s wax melts at 145 degrees Fahrenheit and melting would trap the bees within the wax.

Amongst the smoke and high temperatures and water volume, their chances of survival were low. Luckily, some of the bees were seen out on the

gargoyle, confirming that at least some had survived. With bees already on the decline, the possibility of losing bees to the fire was saddening.

With donations flowing in, the Notre-Dame Cathedral should be back on its feet soon, giving the bees a fighting chance to rebuild their colonies.

This can hopefully help the upcoming pollination season.

8 LIFE

Red & Black

26 APRIL 2019

What Your Skin Is Saying About Your Diet Hannah Kail Red & Black editor

Although genetics play a major role in determining skin health, the components of one’s diet also affect our skin in a significant way.

Everyone has a unique genetic makeup, so some dietary plans will be more effective than others.

However, there are some basic adjustments that everyone can make to one’s diet to promote skin health.

Meredith Hartlage, an adjunct professor of nutrition at Washington & Jefferson College, recommends drinking enough water throughout the day and paying attention to food ingredients in order to boost skin health and well-being.

Hartlage believes in the intimate connection between diet and skin health. “Skin health is directly linked to overall gut health, so eating well is key. Staying hydrated goes a long way to a clear and glowing complexion,” said Hartlage. “Secondly, take a look at the foods you are eating. Foods that are natural and contain as few ingredients as possible are going to the be the best for your body, and will show in your skin.”

Too many highly processed foods like chips and fried foods also prevent your skin from looking its best.

“Processed foods that are high in sugar and laden with chemicals are going to show too, but in all the wrong ways. Drop the sodas, swap the junk for some fresh fruit and watch your skin shine,” said Hartlage. A healthy diet that nourishes the skin should in-

Courtesy Wikimedia

Eating more leafy greens and other foods that are high in zinc can help reduce inflammation and the rise of acne.

clude fats from foods such as nuts, fish and avocados, a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals that contain magnesium and B vitamins that help skin cell regrowth.

It can be simple to implement healthier foods into a daily diet without making major dietary changes.

Leafy green vegetables and foods high in zinc, such as chickpeas and cashews, also help balance out the skin

and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for reducing acne.

Intake of drinks such as alcohol, caffeine and soda should be limited because they can drain the skin of its moisture.

Foods with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, bagels, watermelon, potatoes and instant oatmeals, have also been linked to acne and other skin health issues. The glycemic in-

dex is a number associated with a type of food that indicates the food’s effect on a person’s blood glucose or sugar level.

Although it can seem daunting to implement these changes, start small by choosing a few items to cut out of your diet and slowly try to introduce healthier substitutes.

Your skin might feel and look healthier as a result.

26 April 2019

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9 Life

Staff Spotlight: Erin Herock ’21 “I have been working for the Red & Black Newspaper for almost two years. I enjoy reading the content editors propose and seeing the writers add their own flare. I have actually learned a lot through this postion. Alongside learning how to edit in a specific format, I have been educated on many diverse topics just by reading! I am looking forward to two more years with the paper, as the staff does a phenomenal job and is always friendly.”

Major: Environmental Science & Public Policy Position for the Red&Black: Copy Editor Favorite Campus Food: Breakfast Sandwich Future Plans: Save the World!

10 Culture

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culture

Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ Album Review Christian Buckley Red & Black Editor

In 1979, Pink Floyd released its eleventh studio album, “The Wall.”

Written mostly by the band’s lead bassist, Roger Waters, “The Wall” explores themes of abandonment and isolation.

The album tells the story of Pink, a character based on Waters as well as his former band member, Syd Barrett.

We learn early in the album that Pink’s father died during a war, which causes Pink to begin to build a metaphorical “wall” around himself, effectively removing himself from society.

In a song called “Mother,” Pink describes his own childhood in which his mother oppresses and controls him.

His mother instills her own fears about the world into Pink; this causes Pink to grow up to be paranoid and fearful. Along with abuse from his mother comes abuse from Pink’s school teachers, which is described by the song “The Happiest Days of Our Lives.”

All of this abuse that Pink faces in his childhood contributes to the size of the metaphorical “wall” that he has

built, which is described in “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2).”

Pink grows up to face even more adversity, including a failed marriage and an inability to perform as a musician.

In “The Trial,” Pink is tormented by his inner judge to tear down the metaphorical “wall” that he has built.

If he does not, his life will continue to spiral out of control until he meets his demise. In “Outside the Wall,” Pink

is finally opened up to the outside world.

However, the closing words of the album’s final song, “Outside the Wall,” mimic the opening words of the album’s first song, “In the Flesh?,” which suggests a sort of cyclical nature to Pink’s predicament.

“The Wall” became a fan favorite to many after its initial release, and it is thought to be one of Pink Floyd’s best albums. In fact, “The Wall” is one of

the best-selling albums of all time in the United States. I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys psychedelic rock music and exploring themes of the human condition in music.

This is one of my favorite albums because it has the ability to tell such a captivating and powerful story about a broken character, which helps me to relate to what Pink is experiencing throughout the story that the songs express.

Courtesy Wikimedia

“The Wall” tells the story of Pink, a character based on the bassist and a former bandmate.

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Culture 11

HOLLY’S HOT TAKE:

artist of the week

Toulouse-Lautrec Painted the Montmartre Area Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor

French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born to one of the most prestigious French families. His mother and father were first cousins, and his father was a known womanizer who spent little time with his wife and son.

His mother was deeply religious, and even into adulthood Lautrec would remain dependent on her, even though he deeply resented her.

He was four feet 11 inches tall because he was born with a disorder, probably due to his family’s history of inbreeding.

He had a normal torso but shortened legs, and he was rumored to say that he could not get harmed when he would fall down drunk because he was so close to the ground. Lautrec spent his artistic life in the working-class Parisian district of Montmartre.

This area was known for its thievery and brothels as well as its avant-garde art and literary scene. There were growing tensions in the Parisian art scene between those artists who created academic paintings and exhibited at the Salon des Artists of the Royal Academy and the radicals who showed their paintings at the new Salon des Indépendants. Lautrec would paint during the day and walk around the district by night with his sketch

pad in hand. He was influenced by Impressionism, and he lived near Impressionist artists. Lautrec lived near Edgar Degas, but Degas only took a passing notice of Lautrec, and said some of Lautrec’s studies of women in a brothel “stank of syphilis.”

Lautrec chose Auguste Renoir’s subject matter of the Moulin de la Galette, a dance hall on Montmartre’s hill. Renoir created an Impressionist view of the dancehall, and it was not until Lautrec’s portrayal that viewers saw the seedier parts of the hall. His painting was reproduced as an illustration in the “Le Courrrier français” newspaper and exhibited at the 1889 Salon Indépendants. Théo van Gogh wrote to his brother Vincent about the show: “There were some Lautrecs, which are very powerful in effect, among other things, a Ball at the Moulin de al Galette, which is very good.”

Three years earlier, Vincent and Lautrec studied in the same atelier, and the two artists became friends. Théo would also becomes Lautrec’s first art dealer, and the three men lunched together in Paris three weeks before Vincent would fatally shoot himself in 1890.

By 1888, Lautrec’s paintings began to sell, and when the new Moulin Rouge opened in Montmartre, one of his circus paintings was shown in the entrance hall. Only the adventurous members of the bourgeois would risk a night out to the scandalous Mont-

martre; the Moulin Rouge was on the affluent edge of the district to try and attract a broader public.

The most popular attraction at the Moulin Rouge was a dancer named Louise Weber, better known as “La Goulue” (the Glutton). She was a former laundress and part-time prostitute, and she gained fame by dancing the “chahut,” which was an erotic version of the cancan. Lautrec painted her before, and he made her the focus of his new poster for the Moulin Rouge.

The poster shows La Goulue onstage with a leg in the air while a male dancer in the foreground gawks at her revealing petticoats. Everything about this piece was radical. It contained scandalous images, string flat forms borrowed from Japanese prints, black silhouettes and graphic inventions of Lautrec’s own devising. Lautrec’s posters and prints helped to define Paris in the decade in the 1890s, a decade known as the Belle Époque. Lautrec captured the spirit of Montmartre and the people who lived there, and even now, long after La Goulue stopped dancing, his paintings are still relevant today.

His pieces seem to be closer to Pablo Picasso’s than Degas’s, and when Picasso arrived in Paris he sketched one of Lautrec’s posters.

Towards the end of his life, hallucinations and paranoia, induced by alcoholism and syphilis, overpowered Lautrec. Eventually he was put in an

asylum, and like van Gogh, continued to work. He died in 1901 shortly before his 37th birthday.

Lautrec turned the pain of his traumatic life into interesting posters about the real people in the real place that he lived. He did not care about painting beautiful or important people. Instead he focused on the downtrodden people on the edges of society, and this made his posters and paintings so interesting because viewers were able to see the real people of Montmartre without being afraid.

Courtesy Wikimedia

Lautrec created a poster for the new Moulin Rouge dance hall.

12 Culture

Red & Black

Poetry Corner Racing Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor

She’s addicting Call her A need To feel Strength And power Pain and Adrenaline.

It’s that itch That makes your heart beat you into Breathlessness.

She pushes you, She wants you To beat not your opponent, But yourself.

Run. When that fire burns Up your legs and into your heart, She does that And you want it even more than The last time you raced.

26 April 2019

26 April 2019

Opinions 13

Red & Black

opinions

Outdated Technology: We Need Wireless Printing Edith Bear Red & Black Staff

One of the greatest nuisances while writing a paper on a laptop is the realization that I have to email it to myself so that I can print it on a school computer somewhere on campus.

Another nuisance is when one of the two printers in the library or Technology Center is down due to maintenance.

When they renovated the library, I was hopeful that they would start the transition to wireless printing on campus, but that did not happen.

Wireless printing is not complicated or terribly difficult to have in 2019, but Washington & Jefferson College is behind the times. I propose that we go wireless and make printing only possi-

ble if you are on the W&J Secure network.

I am not alone in this thought. “Accessibility to printers is fundamentally necessary in today’s society because the world is fast paced,” said Meghan Gonzales ‘21. “Wireless printing al-

duced. “Wires only create more plastic waste and are liable to break,” Francis Sinclair ‘20 said. “Wireless printing is more common today, and W&J needs to keep up with the times.”

The University of Pittsburgh has this technology, and in order for it to

Wireless printing is not complicated or terribly difficult to have in 2019, but [W&J] is behind the times. lows students to print on the go, and having access to numerous printing locations saves time for both students and faculty.” Aside from the convenience of it, the plastic waste created from traditional printers could be re-

work you have to connect to their wifi, have an account with the institution and an identification card to work it.

Yes, the University of Pittsburgh is a lot larger than our campus, but Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, a

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.

college of similar size to W&J, also has wireless printing for no additional fee.

Aside from the need for wireless printing, we need more printers around campus. “They should be located in all academic buildings, so it’s more accessible,” said Maddie Walsh ‘19. “Moreover, if we had more printers, they would stop breaking so much.”

Other students agree that more printing locations are necessary. “It’s not always practical to have to go to certain academic buildings that have printers just to go to another one where you have class,” said Lauren Miller ‘19. “If you have to go to Tech, then back to Old Main just to print a paper, it is ridiculous.”

As a place of higher education, W&J should be catering to the needs of their student population who is paying a premium price to obtain a degree.

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

Red & Black

26 April 2019

Students Need Deadline Extensions for Mental Health Amanda Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff

Colleges across the country are increasing the availability of counseling services on campus to tackle mental health.

These colleges are beginning to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health.

However, when students become physically injured, such as by breaking a bone, it is simple to send an email explaining why they will not be in class.

In contrast, it is not as easy for students to tell their professors when a mental health issue is affecting their work.

Dr. Kieran, a Washington & Jefferson College history professor, recently became Twitter-famous by stating, “Told student having crisis they could have a few more days to finish paper.

They responded, ‘I appreciate you being so understanding about everything.’ as if my response was atypical and unexpected. Folks: Students are people. Sometimes they have crises. It is easy to be kind.”

What seemed like a simple tweet erupted with students around the country wishing their professors would respond the same way.

Brendan Troesch ’21, like many students, wishes he could approach all his professors in this way. “I would, but I also feel like I do not deserve it, as it should be reserved for people’s grades who have been noticeably affected,” said Troesch. “Ultimately, people have bad days, and it differs from professor to professor whether I would consider asking.” Kieran emphasizes the importance faculty plays in making students feel comfortable when talking about

mental health issues, even if that just means acknowledging it to themselves. “I think it is really important for faculty to model for students that it is healthy to acknowledge and manage mental health issues,” said Kieran. “As a person who has struggled with anxiety but has also been successful personally and professionally, I am very open that doing things like finishing a book can heighten my anxiety and that therapy, (in my case, situational) medication and regiment of sleep, exercise and mindfulness has been a huge help.”

In being candid about his own struggles, Kieran allows students to do the same. “I am generally very accommodating to students who come to me because they need a mental health-related extension,” said Kieran.

“In my mind, mental health issues are no different than any others; I give extensions all the time because — for example — people have the flu, because a student had a concussion or because they have a chronic condition flare up.”

Kieran stresses that compassion is at the core of the issue and that students often need time and space to find what helps them feel better. “So, treating mental health issues accordingly is both the fair and the compassionate thing to do. I will say that the most important thing is that these occasions become opportunities for students to think about what they need to do to treat or manage those symptoms — whether that is getting enough sleep and exercise, meditating, doing yoga or some other mindfulness activity or seeking professional treatment.”

Self-care is vital, and many students forget that when they have seven deadlines in one week. “Mental health issues are real and can be barriers to our happiness and success, but they are almost always manageable with

the right combination of self-care and treatment. Times when students need an extension are good occasions to think about fine-tuning that combination,” said Dr. Kieran.

Despite mental health gaining more attention as a real and treatable thing, there is also a growing concern among professors and students alike about students using accommodations as an excuse.

Dylan Bertovich ’21 echoes this sentiment. “I think that people use the idea of a mental illness or disability too much. A lot of people use the accommodations to cheat and it seems for most cases that it is completely unnecessary,” said Bertovich. “In the real world, you will not get extra time to do projects. In terms of a paper, it is reasonable to move dates, but in terms of changing a test date, that is almost impossible and missing a lab is not allowed.”

Frankly, some students cheat, but they are in the minority.

While I have encountered rumors about students abusing accommodations to make up for their own poor

time-management skills, it is not fair to the majority of students that seek mental health extensions out of necessity to do away with them entirely.

When asked what Dr. Kieran would say to fellow colleagues who have doubts about students’ need for these extensions, he responded, “I hesitate to tell my faculty colleagues how they ‘should’ respond to similar requests, but I would encourage them to acknowledge the reality of mental health issues and their impact on student success and well-being and to use these occasions to encourage students to engage in self-care or to get into the right care stream, whether that is on campus or off,” said Kieran. “I think most colleagues do this. But in my mind, the way to combat stigma is to create a culture that is more open to acknowledging and validating mental health issues and that supports people as they seek to manage them.”

This is what is most important: reducing stigma in any way possible so students can accept their struggles with mental health and treat them accordingly.

Courtesy CALMatters

Students frequently feel overwhelmed during the semester and neglect their mental health because they are afraid to have an open dialogue with professors.

26 April 2019

Red & Black

15 Opinions

History Matters, But Human Life Should Matter More

Courtesy AP News

Notre-Dame Cathedral caught on fire on April 17. Before the week was over, people around the world raised almost one billion dollars for its reconstruction.

Amanda Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff

As a historic piece of architecture went up in flames, the burning and subsequent damage to Notre-Dame left the French people, and those around the world, in shock and disbelief.

As an iconic symbol of France and French Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame hosted many historical events inside its walls, from Joan of Arc’s trial to the coronation of Napoleon.

While the roof and spire did not survive, much of Notre Dame’s relics did. The sixteen copper statues surrounding the spire, the rose window,

the great organ, the tunic of St. Louis, the crown of thorns and more have been saved.

In just a few days, people raised almost one billion dollars for the reconstruction of Notre-Dame, which is a large difference from responses seen with other more severe disasters.

Even the White House has offered “assistance in the rehabilitation of this irreplaceable symbol of Western civilization,” which is ironic given the Trump administration has been slow to provide federal funding to citizens in need.

For many people, the reconstruction of Notre Dame takes priority over more pressing issues. It is hard not to notice this great disparity between relief efforts when Flint, Mich. is still lacking clean water five years later, and Puerto Rico is still reeling in the

aftermath of Hurricane Maria. “I think it is incredible that so many people from around the world came together for this piece of Parisian history,” said Brendan Troesch ’21. “However, there is a stark dichotomy between what people are willing to spend on a piece of stone and wood and what people are willing to donate to their fellow man.

We could be aiding the Flint, Mich. water crisis or the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria and so much more.

Why does the U.S. President volunteer aid to Notre-Dame when there are starving children in our own wealthy, first-world country?”

The speed at which money was raised for the repair of Notre-Dame exemplifies how effectively and easily wealthy individuals could impact world issues if they were more willing to help. But as a collective society, our

hearts were more moved by a building that represents humanity than for humanity itself. “It is really interesting to me that a society is willing to donate to churches and Notre-Dame that are already wealthy,” said Dylan Bertovich ’21. “I understand that a lot of people have connections to the building, as I do with places I visited abroad. However, there are Rohingya migrants with no food fleeing and Syrian refugees drowning. I hope we can get more empathy towards humans and less love to things.”

Ultimately, without a doubt, the fire of Notre-Dame was a tragedy, but even more so, this event showcased a problem within today’s society.

It cannot be ignored that Notre-Dame may be repaired in a shorter amount of time than Flint receives clean water.

16 Sports

sports Red & Black

26 April 2019

Men’s Tennis Ends PAC Play Undefeated Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

The Washington & Jefferson College men’s tennis team had a busy and productive week, competing in two matches and finishing off Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) play.

On April 16, the Presidents traveled to take on the Grove City Wolverines in their final regular season PAC match. Both the Presidents and the Wolverines entered the match unde-

feated in conference play; the day’s results would determine the number one seed for the PAC playoffs.

The day started with the doubles matches where the Presidents finished 2-1 with the first doubles team of Sam Bellini ‘21 and Nate Wang ‘21 and the second doubles team of Steve Mehlbaum ‘20 and Max Perilstein ’19.

Both W&J teams came out on top.

The singles matches were hard-fought battles. Both Wang and Bellini went into a third overtime game to gain their victory.

The singles matches ended in a 3-3 tie to give the Presidents a thrilling 5-4 win. They ended their regular season conference games 7-0. Then, on April

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

Bellini and Wang listen to their coach before a match.

18, the Presidents hosted Allegheny College—a fierce competition.

The match was their last of the regular season and Allegheny was a strong out-of-conference team to help the Presidents prepare for the PAC playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Presidents did not fare well against Allegheny and lost the match 9-0.

Bellini, however, was not much affected by the loss. “Although we did not win, it was good preparation for the upcoming playoffs, where we think we think we can win and make the NCAAs,” said Bellini. “Losing did not really hurt us because Allegheny is out-of-conference, and we knew going

in that they were a really good competitive team.”

The men’s tennis team started the playoff run on April 23, when the team hosted the Thiel College Tomcats in a quarter final match.

Since the Presidents were victorious, they will play April 26 in the semi-final match. “We are all really excited for these matches; we have put in a lot of hard work in the season to get to this point and we are hoping to make a statement and win the PAC and gain a birth to the NCAA national tournament,” said Bellini.

The team looks forward to an exciting playoff season and appreciates all the student support.

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

The men’s tennis team competed in the PAC semifinal match on April 23.

26 April 2019

Red & Black

Sports 17

Student Athlete Spotlight: Rachel Johnson ’19 Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

Rachel Johnson ‘19 is two-sport athlete for Washington & Jefferson College.

In the fall she plays on the women’s tennis team, and in the spring she brings her talents to the softball diamond.

Johnson is in the midst of her final campaign for the Presidents this spring, and her talents on the field are more apparent than ever.

She currently plays shortstop, but she has also played middle infield and second base. Johnson is from Orchard Park, N.Y., where she started off playing t-ball at six years old.

She has brought her athleticism to Washington, where she has earned impressive accolades over her two years of playing.

Her accomplishments have earned her All-American and Academic All-American awards last season, along with Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Rookie of the Year.

This season she was awarded Preseason All-American.

Johnson is coached by Coach Rush and Coach Nuzum. “They are very relatable,” said Johnson when discussing the two coaches. “They are a good balance of being competitive yet fun at the same time.”

Johnson is coached at the shortstop position which at times can be a challenging spot to play on the softball diamond. “You have to be able to move side to side very quickly, while also being able to throw the ball quickly after you get it and have a good arm for it.

Also, you have to cover the steals,” said Johnson.

Although it can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding, as the shortstop is involved in almost every play and is essential to the game.

Johnson did not want to sacrifice any important experiences when choosing the right college to attend. “I didn’t want anyone to own me, and I wanted to play two sports, along with traveling abroad, which I got to do,” said Johnson.

This season has been a positive one; the softball team has already won more games this season than they did the entire previous year.

Johnson has high hopes and positivity for the rest of the season. “I expect us to do very well this year as long as we stay consistent and intense every game,” said Johnson.

The Presidents recently took on Carnegie Mellon University on April 23.

Johnson plays shortstop for the W&J softball team.

Courtesy gopresidents.com

Courtesy gopresidents.com

Johnson won All-American and Academic All-American awards.

18 Sports

Red & Black

26 April 2019

Men’s Lacrosse Defeats Bethany

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

The men’s lacrosse team beats Bethany and prepares to take on the Grove City Wolverines on April 24.

Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

The Washington & Jefferson College men’s lacrosse team traveled to Bethany, W.Va. on April 18 to take on Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) rival Bethany College.

The Presidents were coming off of a dominant PAC victory against Franciscan College and were looking for their second conference win in a row.

The game was dominated by the Presidents from the beginning. In the first quarter, the Presidents were able

to put up six goals while the Bethany Bison scored zero.

The scoring in the first quarter was dominated by W&J’s attack unit as Ben Ward ‘20, Pat Brunner ‘21 and Alex Strain ‘22 all scored as well as dishing off a few assists.

The second quarter was filled with the same dominant energy, as W&J poured in seven more goals to add to their total. Noah Cohen ‘20 and the Presidents’ defense were impenetrable on their end, keeping the Bison from scoring a single goal in the half.

The Presidents took a commanding 13-0 lead into the second half, where things slowed down considerably.

The Bison fought hard in the second half, scoring three goals, while the Presidents put in three of their own for an final score of 16-3. For the sec-

ond game in a row, W&J found a wide range of goal scorers; nine different Presidents scored in the game.

The game was led again by W&J’s attackers with Ward having four goals and an assist, Strain putting in two goals and two assists and Brunner scoring three goals and recording an assist as well.

First-year goalies Brody Alloway ‘22 and Duncan Barbes ‘22 saw time in the net in the second half, with Alloway having a season high of thirteen saves.

Winning a game was exactly what the lacrosse team needed to continue in PAC play.

“Today was another good game to get a conference win and prepare us for the end of the season,” said Cohen. “It is a good feeling when we get

a string team win today from both the defense and offense.” The Presidents faced a difficult opponent at home on April 24 against the Grove City Wolverines who are undefeated in the PAC conference.

Joey Tritschler ‘19 provided some insight on this matchup before the game: “We know Grove City is going to be a really tough opponent, but we are hoping to make the game a signature win for the year,” said Tritschler.

“We have the skill and players to be able to compete and beat anyone we play and are going to give our all.”

The team is currently 7-7 this season and 2-3 in the PAC conference.

The outcome of the game against the Grove City Wolverines is unavailble at the time of publication and can be found on W&J’s athletics website.

26 April 2019

Red & Black

19 sports

NATA Grant Awarded to W&J Sports Medicine Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

The Washington & Jefferson College athletic department and its athletic trainers are constantly working to help injured student-athletes and other students who need their assistance.

From working in their offices under the Henry Gymnasium or attending each athletic event, the training staff is always lending a helping hand and as-

new software system that will help the trainers become even more efficient and helpful.

Schickel wrote the grant for this season, and the NATA recognized and rewarded the grant to the College.

The athletic director for W&J, Scott McGuinness, can vouch for Schickel’s hard work. “Mary Kathryn worked very hard on this grant which will greatly benefit our entire operation,” said McGuinness. “ I thank her for her hard work, and I also thank Mike Lesako, Mark Lesako and Angelica Sabatini for their expertise and enthusiastic devotion every day.” Many studentathletes would not be able to perform

“I am really grateful for [Gel] and the training staff for helping with my injuries during the season and while training.”

- Grant Allison ‘21 sisting students. The sports medicine department has been led by the twin duo of head athletic trainers Mike and Mark Lesako for twenty years.

The Lesakos, along with assistant athletic trainers Mary Kate (MK) Schickel and Angelica (Gel) Sabatin, have been there for students season after season.

The hard work of the Presidents training staff is being rewarded for excellence with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Michael S. Goldenberg Grant.

This grant is given to only one college a year in the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. This grant will help the sports medicine staff improve with hopes of a

to standard without the everyday dedication of the President’s training staff.

Lacrosse player Grant Allison ‘21 knows from experience how helpful trainer Sabatini has been this season for the campus athletes. “She is always greeting us with enthusiasm and a smile. Gel comes to our practice early and checks up on us daily to make sure our injuries are being taken care of,” said Allison. “I am really grateful for her and the training staff for helping with my injuries during the season and while training.”

The Michael S. Goldenberg grant given to W&J will only improve the training staff and the outstanding work they do for the athletic community on campus.

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

Schickel applied for the NATA grant on behalf of the W&J sports medicine department.

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Red & Black

26 April 2019

Last Week’s Scores April 16 Softball double header at Geneva College : 7-6 and 9-1 losses Men’s tennis at Grove City College: 5-4 win April 17 Women’s tennis vs Allegheny College: 7-2 loss Baseball vs Marietta: 6-3 loss April 18 Softball double header vs St. Vincent College: 6-4 and 9-0 losses Baseball at Geneva College: 15-6 win Men’s tennis vs Allegheny College: 9-0 loss Women’s lacrosse at Bethanmy College: 15-3 win Men’s lacrosse at Bethany College: 6-3 win April 20 Baseball double header vs Geneva College: 12-4 and 8-0 wins

Courtesy gopresidents.com

Next Week’s Games April 23 Softball double header at Carnegie Mellon University (H)-3pm Men’s tennis PAC quarterfinals (H)-3pm April 24 Softball double header at Waynesburg University (A)-3:30pm Baseball vs Frostburg State University (H)-4pm Men’s lacrosse vs Grove City College (H)-4pm Women’s lacrosse vs Waynesburg University (H)-7pm April 25 Track & field PAC outdoor champsionships (A)-4pm April 26 Track & field PAC outdoor champsionships (A)-4pm Men’s tennis PAC semifinals and finals (H)-TBD Baseball vs Grove City College (H)-4:30pm

Courtesy gopresidents.com

April 27 Men’s tennis PAC semifinals and finals (H)-TBD Women’s lacrosse vs Thiel College (H)-12pm Baseball double header at Grove City College (A)-1pm Softball double header at Chatham University (A)-1pm Men’s lacrosse vs Thiel College (H)-3pm