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 M ay 3 , 2 0 1 9
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “The ability to read for pleasure and without strict deadlines opens an entirely new world of literary magic and is one that everyone should experience during the summer academic break.” -P.7
CULTURE
“What is absolutely wonderful about Matisse’s early works is that he used colors to show what he felt, and not what he actually saw.” -P.13
Olin Art Gallery Debuts Senior Show II PAGE 10
OPINIONS “In fact, our generation is becoming more politically active than ever, with 36 percent of citizens ages 18 to 29 voting in the 2018 midterm elections, jumping up 16 percent since 2014 and easily surpassing any midterm election since the 1980s.” -P.15
SPORTS
“The match was dominated by the Presidents, and they easily took down the Tomcats 5-0 without losing a single match.” -P.17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy XXX
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
3 May 2019
JayTerm Course Spotlight: Made in Italy Lexey Finney Red & Black Staff
Shannon Salley ’21, a current student at Washington & Jefferson College, is studying on the pre-health track with future plans of going into the medical field. She is focused on becoming either a pediatrician or pediatric surgeon but is still keeping her options open. Salley is majoring in neuroscience with minors
in art history and chemistry. Over Jayterm 2019, Salley chose to take LAN 250, or Made in Italy: Contemporary Italian Culture and Cuisine. This course accustoms students to the everyday cuisine and culture of those residing in Italy. Salley was inspired to go on the trip because she loves to travel and wanted to experience everything traveling has to offer. She said a driving force in taking this class was “always wanting to travel the world.” Salley chose to partake in the Italy trip after hearing good reviews in regard to the trip from other students on campus who have gone on the trip
Courtesy Shannon Salley
Salley visited the Vatican during her travels through Italy.
in previous years. She heard from students that “everyone that has gone on it says how much fun it was.” Throughout the two-and-a-halfweek trip students spent most of their time exploring the beautiful landscape and tourist attractions of Italy. They traveled to major historic sites and ancient places, such as Rome, Naples, the Vatican, Herculaneum and the Colosseum. Even with all of this sightseeing, Salley got the opportunity to partake in a cooking class where the students learned how to make gelato. Gelato is a frozen dessert that is very popular in Italy; it is made with a base of
3.25 percent milk and sugar. Learning how to make gelato was a fun way that Salley experienced more of the Italian culture. The most memorable part about the trip to Salley was experiencing the delicious wine and food of Italy. If she could change one thing about the trip to improve it, she would like to limit the travel time. The group often had to take long bus rides to travel to the different areas of Italy. However, Salley believes this would be difficult to change because she would not have gotten the full experience of visiting so many different tourist attractions and popular cities.
Courtesy Shannon Salley
Salley got to see a piece of ancient history and walk the grounds of the Colosseum.
3 may 2019
Red & Black
3 CAMPUS NEWS
Senior Student Spotlight: Andrew Reo Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
Andrew Reo ‘19, commonly known as only “Reo” around campus, is quickly approaching graduation this May and could not be more excited to be finishing his last semester at Washington & Jefferson College. Reo is a computing and information studies and accounting major and has spent the last four years playing NCAA football, as well as being a Res-
ident Assistant for three of those years. He has enjoyed his time in all of these areas and is thankful to play a part in many student groups instead of one. Reo has learned new things that come with being an athlete, an employee and a student. This semester, Reo is taking his computing and information study capstone, otherwise known as the CIS capstone, Advanced Web Development, Advanced Financial Accounting and an individual tax course. Clearly, Reo was not among the seniors who tried to take an easy semester. Instead, he decided to challenge himself until the end. When asked what his favorite memory at W&J was,
Reo said it was “winning the President’s Athletic Conference championship for football my senior year. It was great getting it done this season while all my friends were on the team.” As a well-known player on the team for his involvement and leadership, Reo will surely be missed next season. However, Reo is very excited to graduate and start working in the real world to make some money while hopefully being able to save some money to not be “broke” all the time. The chance to make a bigger paycheck is a lot of seniors’ biggest aspirations. Another aspiration of Reo’s is to be a software developer. After graduation, he hopes to work with a compa-
ny that helps him develop the skills he learned at W&J while learning some new ones. If Reo had the opportunity to give a piece of advice for the rising seniors, he would say, “Try to enjoy your last year and try to take the time to hang out with your friends; the time goes by way too fast.” His fellow classmates would likely agree as their time at W&J comes to a close as well. W&J faculty and students wish Reo the best of luck. Anyone that knows Reo will not be surprised by any quick successes he may have once he graduates. Reo will be sure to come back and catch a few football games next season to support his teammates still playing.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Reo helped lead the team to a Presidents’ Athletic Conference title during his final season with the Presidents.
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Reo was one of the team captains for his senior year.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
3 May 2019
Red & Black
Staff Spotlight: Cheer Pup!
Hannah Kail’s cutie, Cutie.
Holly Sauer’s gal pal, Nellie.
Kayla Marasia’s sidekick, Maya.
Sydney Kightlinger’s best boy, Troy. Kayla Marasia’s grumpy boy, Mickey. Christian Delilah.
Buckley’s
boo-boo
bear,
Brie Sutherland’s best friend, Buddy.
Christian Buckley’s little pal, Peanut.
Brie Sutherland’s snooty friend, Ellie.
Brie Sutherland’s friend, Lucy.
3 May 2019
Red & Black
CAMPUS NEWS 5
CPS Security Logs DATE: 04/24/19 INCIDENT #: 2689 LOCATION: 325 E. Chestnut St. (Beta Theta Pi) CLASSIFICATION: Wiretap Violation Police were reportedly at the above location when a student was observed surreptitiously audio recording the officers with an iPhone. Officers claim that the iPhone was seized and a search warrant was obtained for the information. Felony charges pending. DATE: 04/27/19 INCIDENT #: 2695 LOCATION: Upperclass Second Floor CLASSIFICATION: Underage Drinking According to officers, a student urinated on one of the dorm room doors and then entered the room. When CPS arrived, they found the students sleeping in the room. There were allegedly several full and empty beer cans in the room, and all of the students were under the age of 21. The student will be referred to the College’s Disciplinary Officer for sanctions and / or will be criminally charged.
co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board
DubJam 2019 Schedule SGA’s Spring Concert: Jesse McCartney Friday, May 3 8:00 p.m., Ross Rec. Center 7:30 p.m. Doors Tickets Required
Student Activities Board’s Street Fair Saturday, May 4 2-6 p.m., Olin Lawn
(Rain Location: Ross Rec. Center)
CAMPUS NEWS 6
3 may 2019
Red & Black
Student Speak Out:
What are you most excited about in the final weeks of the semester? “I’m most excited to spend time with my classmates I can’t see over the summer and spend time with the seniors who are graduating this spring.” - Reilly Oliverio ‘21
Red & Black Established 1909 Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
“I am very excited for the Spring Concert. I have been a lifetime fan of Jesse McCartney and I can’t wait to wear my festival gear.” - Liam Sullivan ‘21 Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
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
3 May 2019
7 Life
Red & Black
The Benefits of Reading Over Summer Break Leah Segal Red & Black Staff
There is no greater feeling than the freedom that summer vacation brings. Free from the shackles of assignments, projects and essays, students have endless possibilities of joyous fun and recklessness. While it is essential to take advantage of those warm, summer days and fill up every moment, it is also important to incorporate reading into the summer vacation activity rotation. The ability to read for pleasure and without strict deadlines opens an entirely new world of literary magic and is one that everyone should experience during the summer academic break. With that in mind, the following are three reasons why students need to start compiling a book list that is beach-read worthy. One of the greatest difficulties of required readings in the academic realm is the lack of control over the course material. While this is an unavoidable part of academic life, it can be difficult to truly connect to these readings and personally grow from the story. With the
freedom of summer vacation, students can take the time to connect with the readings and analyze them more closely. Through this personal journey of literacy, students can go beyond the realm of required readings and find pleasure and growth in readings that truly interest them. A wonderful way to stay in touch with friends over the summer is to hold a book club or book exchange. Choosing books that personally interest a friend group and spark discussions creates a fun atmosphere that allows people to connect with their friends better. Also, for long-distance friendships, shipping books to one another is a creative and exciting way to keep in touch over the summer while bonding over a best-selling book. With the endless media outlets at many students’ fingertips, it can be hard to capture the attention of young readers. During the academic year, required readings can drain students and breed disinterest. However, with the free time that summer vacation offers, students should search for books that interest them, as they can take the time away from social media and unplug with a book of their choosing. By having the autonomy to pick their own reading
Courtesy Brie Sutherland
Summer days are great for leisurely reading.
material, students are likely to discover a new favorite read. Books can transform an individual’s outlook on life and spark a lifelong passion for learning. Although it is important to take time and relax during summer break
and get outside, it is equally as vital to stock up on some good books and connect with literature outside of the classroom. A student’s next favorite book could be just one book shop or library stop away.
8 LIFE
3 MAy 2019
Red & Black
How to Go Green on Your College Campus Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
“Going green” is difficult when you are limited to the facilities of a college campus. Even when a campus tries to be more eco-friendly, it can be an expensive and lengthy task. However, there are several ways to be “green” on campus as an individual. These actions may seem small, but when the majority of people implement them they can positively impact the planet. One way to be more eco-friendly is by employing reusable bags for groceries or carrying items instead of using harmful plastic or paper bags. Avoiding the use of plastic bags can reduce the number of bags that go into the landfills and oceans. Just imagine how much plastic would be saved if the plastic bags that students use to carry groceries from the store to campus could be replaced by reusable bags instead of being thrown into the trash after a one-time use. There are other ways to conserve plastic waste. A refillable jug with a water filter is a great option to reduce plastic use. Combining the filter with a reusable water bottle allows users to forgo buying thousands of plastic water bottles. By using this method, there is no worry if the bottles are actually being recycled or not. It also allows the user to have fresh filtered water whenever they want. Managing power usage is another way to be more environmentally friendly. This means unplugging items like phone chargers that are not being used and turning off lights, fans and heaters when leaving the dorm. These
Courtesy Starbucks
Replacing items such as grocery bags and water bottles with reusable ones can reduce plastic waste.
tips can reduce the amount of electricity being used. Also, a way to be environmentally friendly is to eat less meat. Most people believe this choice is something only picky eaters or pescatarians do. On the contrary, there are many environmental reasons to reduce meat consumption. The meat industry uses large quantities of wa-
ter. Cutting meat out of a meal once or twice a week can help cut back on the meat demands. In the end, it reduces water usage. A way to conserve water is to cut back on personal usage. Taking quicker showers can be helpful to the planet and to time management. Also, remember to turn off the running water when brushing teeth or washing dish-
es. This decreases the amount of daily water used as well. There are many more individual ways to be a more “green” student. If a student wants to make a bigger impact they can start a recycling club, working with the campus and community to do so. Even starting a conversation helps. Every small effort is a step towards a better planet.
3 may 2019
Red & Black
9 Life
Best Tips for Surviving Finals Week
Courtesy Brie Sutherland
Finals are tough, but planning out study times can help reduce stress levels and boost test performance.
Edith Bear Red & Black Staff
The two weeks leading to finals week are full of deadlines, late-night studying and sleep deprivation. For a lot of people, the moment they think they are caught up, they realize they have an exam they have not studied for the next day. It is a challenge to keep calm during this time period,
but it is possible. All that is needed is a good study plan. The first thing to do is assess the situation. It may be a cliché, but make a list of everything you need to accomplish by Friday. This list will probably be daunting, but it is necessary to get everything organized. Then order everything into a daily task chart and categorize them from most pressing to least. This is a small thing, but it can help students tackle the multitude of responsibilties they have during finals week. Try to do as much as possible,
but under no circumstance should students sacrifice sleep or skip meals just to complete their tasks. “Remember to take time to focus on yourself, get sleep, eat good meals, and not just [Monster energy drink] and coffee, and have confidence,” said Maddie Walsh ‘19. “Finals are tough and can seem impossible at times, but you will get through them. Don’t ruin your body in the meantime.” Another way to reduce stress levels in the days leading to finals is to find a friend for the end of the world. Having someone who is on a similar schedule as you who you can
work with can make all the difference at midnight on the day of a deadline. You do not need to be working together; just keeping each other company helps. “Having a study buddy helps with broadening one’s self because it can bring in new ideas and new perspectives into various study habits, writing skills, and problem-solving if you may not have considered otherwise,” said Meghan Gonzalez ‘21. Becoming and staying organized can be immensely helpful for students during a busy finals week. Let summer be the motivation to crush finals week.
10 Culture
Red & Black
culture
3 may 2019
Olin Art Gallery Debuts Senior Show II Christian Buckley Red & Black Editor
On April 26, the Olin Art Gallery debuted the Washington & Jefferson College Senior Show II, the gallery’s final show of the spring semester. The College’s senior art majors began working on their capstones months ago, and their final products are beautifully well-polished. Each artist’s piece represents a topic based on their interests, such as environmentalism, animation, urbanization, war and poverty. The seniors whose art is now on display are Joel Garcia ‘19, Zachary Kroll ‘19, Jordan Newmaster ‘19, Troy Smith ‘19 and Zhengsheng Yi ‘19. Garcia’s display, titled “The Unknown Path,” explores the emotions that one experiences when a loved one goes off to war. He focuses on the ways in which emotions, feelings and thoughts relate to art. His piece attempts to evoke emotions that one would feel while physically standing on war-torn terrain. Kroll’s work, titled “Mutatis Mutandis,” aims to reveal the forgotten artwork of traditional animation. He uses the changes that have occurred in animation to to address social issues that
have been concealed within animation. Kroll finds that issues concerning poverty, inequality and abuse have never been properly addressed. Thus, Kroll’s art symbolizes the idea that just because things seem to have changed does not mean that they necessarily have. Newmaster’s ceramic pieces represent the dying ocean. Her work, titled “Sea Yourself,” is an attempt to bring about self-reflection in her audience. Newmaster finds that everyone needs to recognize that they are somewhat responsible for the state of the oceans. Smith’s work, titled “Empty,” represents the severity of starvation and poverty in less developed countries. Smith’s inspiration for his work came from his participation in the Empty Bowls Project, a worldwide program that raises money for local food banks. Yi’s art, titled “Chinese Story Telling: Ashes to Color,” illustrates the notion that enjoyment of Chinese traditional craft does not come from an understanding of Chinese language. Instead, he wishes to show that Chinese calligraphy is beautiful even without knowing the meaning of the text. This is the final installment of the Senior Art Show as well as the final show that the College’s Olin Art Gallery will be displaying this semester. The artwork presented by this group of seniors has demonstrated that their contribution to the creative landscape will be impressive after graduation.
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
Kroll’s work addresses poverty, inequality, abuse and other social issues.
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
Newmaster’s ceramics represent the depletion of aquatic life in the ocean.
3 May 2019
Red & Black
Culture 11
HOLLY’S HOT TAKE:
artist of the week
Only a Dozen of Fabritius’s Works Survive Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
Carel Fabritius was a 17th century Dutch painter who was one of Rembrandt’s most promising pupils. He was developing his own style, like painting his subjects against light instead of Rembrandt’s traditional dark backgrounds. Fabritius also moved away from the Renaissance idea of iconography and instead moved toward paying more attention to the formal aspects of his paintings. He focused on the technical aspects of his works, like color, light and perspective. Fabritius also developed a personal style that was marked with harmonies and the spotless handling of a loaded brush. He was part of the generation of Dutch painters known as Delft School, and he moved there in the early 1650s. Fabritius had his own school in Delft and was training a pupil. However, on Oct. 12, 1654, when Fabritius was only 32, a gunpowder magazine exploded in Delft. The explosion was so large that is killed over a hundred people, wounded thousands and destroyed much of the city, including Fabritius, his studio and many of his paintings. Although
only a dozen works by him survive, they leave viewers a great variety of his talent. It is easy to look at Fabritius’s work and wonder what he could have created if he lived longer, and his early death seems to illuminate his works even further. One of Fabritius’s most stunning paintings is “The Goldfinch.” It is prominently signed and dated from 1654. This is interesting because the painter died the same year. It almost feels like an acknowledgement of his impending death. While it looks like a simple painting of a goldfinch, upon a closer look, viewers can see the bird is chained to the perch. The goldfinch almost seems defiant of its position. It looks straight out and not at the chain that imprisons it. However, the bird does not look right at the viewer, but somewhere slightly above. The background is a simple tan color, but it highlights the power, and also the simplicity, of the goldfinch. Fabritius paints his goldfinch with soft yellow and black and brown feathers. There is a deep feeling of melancholy in this painting because the bird is trapped. This painting was popularized by Donna Tart’s novel “The Goldfinch,” and in the story the narrator steals this painting after an explosion at New
York’s Metropolitian Museum when he is 13. This popular book gave readers access to this little-known artist. The painting is haunting and beautiful, and even though there are only
a few paintings by Fabritius left, it is important to remember him as a significant contributor to art history. There is something in this little painting that is worth coming back to multiple times.
Courtesy Wikimedia
“The Goldfinch” is one of the only surviving paintings by Fabritius.
12 Culture
Red & Black
3 May 2019
Marina Diamandis Releases Solo Album Leah Segal Red & Black Staff Welsh singer and songwriter Marina Diamandis released her long-awaited fourth album on April 26. Titled "Love + Fear," this album comes after a transformative hiatus for Diamandis, who previously performed under the name Marina and the Diamonds. While her senior album is quite a shift from the quirky and spectacular eras of her past, "Love + Fear" explores human nature, love and identity through passionate ballads and thought-provoking melodies that have catapulted Marina into the spotlight once again. Under the name Marina and the Diamonds, Diamandis created three distinct eras: The Family Jewels,
Electra Heart and FROOT. Each more fantastic and more theatrically performed than the last, Diamandis became the indie-icon for societal “misfits” and belted socially transformative lyrics, bringing every facet of humanity to light-both good and bad. In one of her more prolific pieces of the FROOT era, “Savages”, Diamandis sang, “I’m not afraid of God. I am afraid of man.” Her songwriting genius exposes the complex relationships of humans to the vastness of the universe in such poetic ways that audiences cannot help but flock to her concerts and fawn over her lyrical beauty. However, for all the success and stardom her singing career created, Marina admits she fell into a state of deep mental distress and retreated from the spotlight to recover and analyze her life path. It is through
this dark period, however, that Diamandis rises more powerfully than ever from the ashes of societal despair. With that in mind, "Love + Fear" is the brainchild of this deep depression and social anxiety as it explores the two controlling emotions of humanity that make up the namesake of the musical compilation. "Love," the first part of the album, declares the ethereal power of sublime and highlights the importance of self-love in the face of adversity and anxiety. In “True”, Marina belted out, “'Cause you don't need nobody else/ When you are true, true to yourself/ You're skin and bone, you're full of fear/But you are just a human being.” These lines highlight the importance of knowing the fragility of humanity and living by oneself in spite of that. Listening to the second part
of the album, "Fear," fans will uncover the deep insecurities that plagued Marina in her break from stardom which includes self-doubt and toxic relationships. In her song “Life is Strange,” Diamandis tackled the uncomfortable ambiguity of life and humanity's connectedness when she sang, “Don't know what I'm doing with my life/But maybe there's no wrong or right/'Cause everybody feels the same/ And all we know is life is strange.” Fans will not be disappointed with this album, as the wait for their lyrical queen's newest work has been three years too long. While this album is quite different from Diamandis's other works, it exposes her personal growth and happiness in the face of adversity. One can only hope to see where the "Love + Fear" era takes Marina next.
3 May 2019
Red & Black
Culture 13
Henri Matisse’s Intense Use of Vibrant Color Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
French artist Henri Matisse was a master at employing radically expressive colors in depicting his subjects. In his 1905 painting, “Woman with a Hat,” Matisse used a teal color on her face, oranges on her neck and deep pinks and blues on her arms. Of course it made little sense for these colors to be placed there, and this tactic left viewers and critics confused with Matisse’s works. What is absolutely wonderful about Matisse’s early works is that he used colors to show what he felt, and not what he actually saw. This intense focus on color would lead him to develop Fauvism, which was one of the first and most popular art movements of the twentieth century. In 1908, Matisse wrote that “the entire arrangement of [his] picture is expressive: the place occupied by the figures, the empty spaces around them, the proportions, everything has its share.” As an art student, Matisse went to the Louvre to study and copy work by masters like Raphael, and he believed that all artists must learn the basics of artmaking, like composition, line and learning the masters’ work. Gustav Moreau, another famous artist, was his teacher. Through this learning Matisse developed this intense interest in color, and he decided to further this goal. “I worked only for myself,” wrote Matisse. “I was saved. Soon the love of materials for their own sake came to me like a revelation. I felt a passion for color developing within me.” This passion
Matisse’s “Le Luxe, Calme, et Volupté” shows the artist’s interest in intense and vibrant color.
developed into Fauvism. Along with artists like André Derain and Maurice de Vlaminck, Matisse used bright pigments for his landscapes and portraits. However, not everyone was a fan of his works. At exhibitions, people were confused with his implementation of color, but he continued to paint in this way. Matisse justified his desire to remain true to his color interest when he wrote about tomatoes he painted blue in one of his works: “Because I see them that way, and I cannot help it if no one else does.” In “Le Luxe, Calme, et Volupté” Matisse created an arcadi-
an world. The women are serene, and the colors are vibrant and peaceful. The white of the canvas emerges in parts of the painting, and this makes the painting seem even lighter. The brushstrokes are horizontal and short, and it almost feels as if the figures and the background are in motion. The colors are so bright and beautiful, and seeing it in person at the Pompidou in Paris is something to behold. The colors seem to jump off of the canvas because each individual brushstroke holds a different color. Each brushstroke is something new to ponder. The vibrancy and beauty of the
Courtesy Wikimedia
colors cannot be fully seen on a computer screen. They combine together in some areas to make new colors. There are very few harsh black lines, so everything else seems to be made out of this color and transformed by it. In another of his many writings on art, Matisse asserted that “[a]rt should be something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue.” For viewers, this is what Matisse’s early Fauvist works do. They give viewers a respite from the hardships of daily life through intense color that brings life and peace to the painting.
14 Opinions
3 MAy 2019
opinions Red & Black
Missing Class Can Be Beneficial Sydney Kightlinger Red & Black Editor
I used to be a stickler for classroom attendance. I figured that each class costs about $140, so it was in my best interest to show up. Then, I got sick. So sick that I collapsed, was placed on bedrest and barred from going to class. The physician that had to deal with me told me that if I had just rested when I first felt sick, I probably would not have ended up in this position. For the first time, I realized, as a person
first and a student second, that I cannot learn if I am sick, and that I am not living if I am miserable. Today I am advocating for something no professor wants to hear: skip that class. Do not get me wrong, you need to go to class. You are here to get an education, but there are some things that you cannot learn in a classroom. Just like with elementary school field trips, it is important to go outside of the classroom and explore all that the world has to offer. “I don’t skip class, but I can understand missing for cultural events because sometimes you need be there to understand,” Cassandra Muhr ‘21 said. “Experiences can-
not be taught, only lived.” So, if you get that chance to go to Disney World for a long weekend, take it. If you have an opportunity to see something or someone, pick that over your afternoon class. Obviously, you should not miss every class or a class once a week, but being a student means you are seeking other perspectives, and sometimes those perspectives come from concerts and road trips. Additionally, if you are sick, do not come to class. You are not going to learn anything. Do not view health as a luxury; it is a necessity. “Skipping class can give students time to re-energize for the following class as well as give students’
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.
the mental break they need to continue being productive in future classes,” said Meghan Gonzales ‘21. Julia Adams ‘22 echos that sentiment. “Skipping class can contribute to having a proper mental health day that we all need sometimes,” said Adams. “Classes, homework, work and social lives can be heavy, and skipping class for a day can be helpful to achieving a healthy mental state.” Overall, we are people first and students second. We need to explore new horizons, and sometimes that means missing a class or two. We are adults and can use our better judgement to decide what to prioritize in our lives.
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
3 May 2019
Red & Black
15 Opinions
Young People Are No Longer Politically Apathetic
Courtesy Flickr
Washington & Jefferson College encourages political expression with the Symposium on Democracy held on Presidents’ Day every year.
Amanda Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff
Our generation is constantly criticized for a multitude of things, and being politically apathetic is just one of theem. Older people tend to believe younger people are preoccupied with the wrong things – from our cell phones to social media – yet they are also quick to criticize when young people are politically active. In fact, our generation is becoming more politically active than ever, with 36 percent of citizens ages 18 to 29 voting in the 2018 midterm elections, jumping up 16 percent since 2014 and easily surpassing any midterm election since the 1980s. With these growing
numbers, it seems as if our generation is more politically active than previous generations in this age range. Frank Kelley ’21 takes notice of this growing political involvement as well. “Actually, I think our generation is very political. Recently, young peo-
ism. “I think some people are overly politically involved in the wrong ways, such as solely on social media, and I also think some people are trying to use the political office for personal gains,” said Dylan Bertovich ’21. “But I believe that if you have a genuine care
In fact, our generation is becoming more politically active than ever, with 36 percent of citizens ages 18 to 29 voting in the 2018 midterm elections. ple have became especially involved with the March for Our Lives and the calling for increased gun control,” said Kelley. “Young people, specifically high school students, truly have led the charge in this movement.” However, some believe it is important to have a balance in political activ-
about something like global warming or LGBTQ+ rights, then you should be vocal and active in that issue.” On the other hand, there are other people who believe there is no such thing as being too political. Esther Merlos-Zafra, a W&J Fulbright Scholar, has been to 25 coun-
tries and noticed great differences in the political activism trends among young people. “Since I am a very political person, I force my students to get political. In Spain, we are very political as is in France, but in comparison the United Kingdom is not as political,” said Merlos-Zafra. “It frustrates me that some people in the United States say they don’t have an opinion on certain things, because as long as your political views don’t physically threaten anyone else, you should say them.” Ultimately, there is a general consensus among students as well as statistics from the most recent election that our generation is far from politically apathetic. Voting, canvassing and simply speaking up about what you care about in order to make a better world is necessary in order to create a better future for everyone.
16 opinions
Red & Black
3 MAy 2019
Students Should Have a Board of Trustees Seat
Courtesy W&J Magazine
Board of Trustees Chair Richard T. Clark ’68 and his wife Angela stand with President Knapp after announcing his $6 million donation to remodel the library last spring.
Amanda Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff
Students always know when the trustees are on campus—their luxury cars and expensive suits seem to be ubiquitous. Students often think of the Board of Trustees as an exclusive club that makes the decisions to alter our futures and affect our student life. Most students are unable to name the president of the Board and have never read the notes from their meetings. If these people are making decisions that will personally change our lives, students deserve more information and a say in the board matters. Frank Kelley ’21 echoes this sentiment. “I know nothing about the Board of Trustees and their acts, so
it would be nice to know something about them,” said Kelley. I guarantee that if we asked any student on campus, they would not be able to tell where to even find the meeting minutes. Dylan Bertovich ’21
are very different now compared to when most of the trustees went to college.” Recently, our college has once again raised the tuition, and many students feel that the leadership on campus
Like any good board, it is imperative that we have students represented, particularly from commonly underrepresented backgrounds.
is concerned about the board’s understanding of young people today. “I think that having much older and much richer leaders makes it hard for them to understand college now,” said Bertovich. “I am concerned with these people making our decisions. Things
is not concerned with student opinions. A good way to correct that feeling would be to have a student take a prominent role in leadership. Esther Merlos-Zafra, a W&J Fulbright Scholar, emphasized the importance of this. “Of course there should be a student
on the board. Not just one, but several,” said Merlos-Zafra. “If there is a board of eight people, there should be three students with women, minorities and people of lower economic status all being represented.” In our conversation, Merlos-Zafra commented on the need for a number of students on the board, asserting that if there were only one student, their opinions would be quickly drowned out and overlooked. Like any good board, it is imperative that we have students represented, particularly from commonly underrepresented backgrounds. The most important thing to understand is that college is costly and having a student voice to fight against the annual tuition jump is imperative. Many Americans preach representation of the people, and that is exactly what we need on this campus.
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3 May 2019
Red & Black
Sports 17
Men’s Tennis Wins PAC Championship Tournament Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
The Washington & Jefferson College’s men’s tennis team participated in the 2019 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship Tournament this week. The tournament was kicked off at the Janet Swanson Tennis Court on April 23 as the team took on the Thiel College Tomcats. The match was dominated by the Presidents, and they easily took down the Tomcats 5-0 without losing a single match. The Presidents’ reign continued into Friday when the Presidents partook in the PAC semi-final match against the Bethany College Bison. Even with a location change due to the rainy weather, the Presidents were able to dominate once again, and the team cruised to a 5-0 victory to gain entry into the PAC Championship. In the Championship, the Presidents were matched up against the Grove City Wolverines. The team was fresh off of a close victory from the past week against the Wolverines in a 5-4 regular season win. The Presidents never allowed Grove City to gain their footing, and they were dominant in the match. The top two doubles teams of Sam Bellini ’21 with
Nate Wang ’21 and Steve Mehlbaum ‘21 with Max Perilstein ’19 won both of their matches. Bellini and Wang won 8-3, and Mehlbaum and Perilstein won 8-6. The singles teams did their jobs, and the team finished off the Wolverines 5-1 with wins from Sam Bellini, Cole Hartman ’22 and Josh Hnat ‘19. The Presidents finished off their domination of the PAC conference with their first victory at a Conference Championship since 1969. “We are all very excited about winning. We were confident in our ability and opportunity we had to win the PAC Championship,” said Bellini. “It is a great feeling to get this win for our team and our school; I did not realize how long it has been since we’ve won a championship.” Wang was awarded the PAC tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after he and Bellini both finished the PAC season with a record of 20-0. Bellini commented on Wang’s victory and award and said, “Nate absolutely deserves his award. He is by far the best player in the PAC, and his everyday commitment and competition shows in all the matches he has won,” said Bellini. “Nate always helps us improve our game by challenging me and the team in practice and by his play in matches.” The members of the men’s tennis team are grateful for their victory and has enjoyed an undeniably successful season.
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Mehlbaum ‘21 (above) and partner Perilstein ‘19 win the second team doubles match.
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Wang ‘21 and Bellini ‘21 finish 20-0 in the PAC for singles and doubles matches.
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3 May 2019
W&J Men’s Golf Team Wins the PAC
Courtesy gopresidents.com
The men’s golf team poses with the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) championship trophy.
Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
This weekend was a busy one for the Washington & Jefferson College’s men’s golf team, who participated in the 54-hole spring Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) tournament on April 27. The Presidents traveled to Wheeling, W. Va. to play at the Oglebay Resort’s Speidel Golf Club. W&J was set to compete against six other PAC teams. The day consisted of three rounds to determine the best team and individual at the end of
the third round. Many W&J athletes showed up for the tournament; three Presidents finished in the top ten individually. Captain Jake Darr ‘20 was the runner-up in the tournament, and he finished up just two strokes behind the leader. Darr golfed a 75 in the first round, 74 in the second and finally 79 in the third round for an overall score of 228. “I’m upset I couldn’t finish out my last round a little better to take the overall leader. However, I’m happy with the performance of the team and the opportunity to play in nationals,” said Darr. “The hard work we have put in throughout the year shows in these tournaments, and we are hoping to
make a name of ourselves in nationals.” Garrett Barilar ‘21 was right behind Darr. He golfed 78 in the first round, 75 in the second and a 76 in the final round, with a score of 229 on the day putting him in third place for the tournament. Casey O’Korn ’20 had a big day, finishing in eighth place with a finishing with an overall score of 239. W&J’s talent showed, as the team won the tournament overall with a score of 930 after the third round, which was sixteen strokes ahead of the next team. “I am really excited for winning and the opportunity to play in nationals,” Zach Mindel ‘22 said. “I’m proud of us and our effort so we could
win the PACs.” This was the Presidents’ second straight PAC championship and their 19th championship victory in school history. Many Presidents were rewarded for their championship performances, with Darr and Barilar receiving 20182019 All-PAC Men’s Golf First awards, while O’Korn was placed on the 20182019 All-PAC Men’s Golf second team. Zach Mindel was awarded the PAC Men’s Golf Sportsmanship Team Award. W&J’s coach, Matt Kluck, won Coach of the Year honors. The team will travel down to Nicholasville, Ky. for the 2019 D-III NCAA championship, which they all await enthusiastically.
3 May 2019
19 sports
Red & Black
Men’s Lacrosse Finishes Season With a Win Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff
Washington & Jefferson College’s men’s lacrosse team hosted the Thiel College Tomcats in their final game of the 2019 season. The men’s lacrosse team is coming off of a disappointing loss against Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) opponent Grove City, by losing 4-17 on April 24. Only three days later, the Presidents played their final game while also celebrating the two seniors on the team. Senior captains Joey Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Reilly Oliverio ‘21 looks up field for an opportunity to attack.
Courtesy Reilly Oliverio
Noah Cohen ‘20 prevented multiple goals by blocking and catching shots.
with a quick goal of their own. Two more goals from Pat Heidecker ‘20 and Strain closed out the quarter for a 4-1 lead, and W&J lead heading into the second quarter. The game slowed down for the Presidents in the second quarter. The Tomcats put in three goals while Ward and Reilly Oliverio ’21 each put in one goal as the Presidents held a 6-4 lead at the end of the half. Attackman Pat Brunner ‘21 heated up in the second half, putting in four goals in the half with three straight in the fourth quarter to solidify the Presidents’ lead into the end of the game. W&J won the game with an 11-6 vic-
“I am grateful for both the current and previous teammates on the team and the support they and the school have given me.” - Joey Tritschler ’19 Tritschler ‘19 and Rocco Ruscitto ‘19 were both recognized for their fouryear dedication to the team. Trischler ended his career as a long stick midfielder, by finishing with 288 total ground balls and 143 caused turnovers. Ruscitto finished his career as a midfielder with 21 goals and 19 assists, along with 142 total ground balls. “These last four seasons have been an amazing experience for me,” said Tritschler. “I am grateful for both the current and previous teammates on the team and the support they and the school have given me.” The Presidents kicked off their senior day game with a strong first quarter. W&J started the game with two goals from Alex Strain ‘22 and Ben Ward ‘20, until the Tomcats answered
tory to finish the season 8-8 and 3-4 in the PAC conference. The game was led again by the Presidents’ attackers with Brunner finishing with four goals and two assists, Ward finishing with three goals and Strain tallying two goals and two assists. Noah Cohen ‘20 was spectacular in the net with 16 saves in the victory. Cohen finished with 221 saves, and this made him W&J’s all-time leader in career saves by nearly 80 saves—an impressive record. “It felt really good to get a win today,” said Cohen about the game and the season in its entirety. “We really wanted to win for our seniors and for the opportunity to beat Thiel for the first time in my career.” The team did not qualify for the PAC playoffs, but the players did finish their season with a win.
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Last Week’s Scores Next Week’s Games April 23 Softball doubleheader vs Carnegie Mellon University: 17-7 loss and 3-2 win Men’s tennis PAC quarterfinals: 5-0 win April 24 Softball doubleheader vs Waynesburg University: 12-1 loss and 13-5 win Baseball vs Frostburg State University: 6-0 win Men’s lacrosse vs Grove City College: 17-4 loss Women’s lacrosse vs Waynesburg University: 14-1 win April 26 Men’s tennis PAC semifinals: 5-0 win April 27 Men’s tennis PAC finals: 5-1 win Women’s lacrosse vs Thiel College: 21-3 win Baseball doubleheader vs Grove City College: 4-1 and 11-2 wins Softball doubleheader vs Chatham University: 10-3 win and 4-2 loss Men’s lacrosse vs Thiel College: 11-6 win
April 30 Baseball at La Roche University (A)-4pm May 1 Baseball vs the University of Mount Union (H)-4:30pm May 3 Track & Field at Slippery Rock University Last Chance Meet (A)-10am May 4 Baseball doubleheader at Saint Vincent College (A)-1pm Women’s lacrosse PAC championships at Westmister College (A)-6pm May 5 Baseball vs Saint Vincent University (H)-1pm
April 29 Baseball vs Grove City College: 8-5 loss
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Courtesy gopresidents.com