The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

February 27, 2020

VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 18 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Research for half million dollar rebranding initiative presented to Board of Visitors Ryan Gorham Staff Writer

UMW’s rebranding effort will cost nearly half a million dollars.

“The estimate for agency services is $455,000 for [Atlanta-based marketing and branding agency MindPower’s] work over two years,” said Malcolm Holmes, director of University Marketing. “This includes research, brand strategy development, creative development to support recruitment and agency consultation. It also incorporates expenses that are typically incurred annually, including photography, video production, advertising concepts and execution, a portion of UMW’s yearly media buy, and other general expenses of marketing.”

According to University President Troy Paino, the effort has been financed through private donations and not UMW’s budget.

“The contract is with the UMW Foundation and not the University,” he said.

Last semester, Paino sent an email to all students regarding the project to rebrand UMW. The University partnered with MindPower, which according to their website, “specializes in bringing brands and campaigns powerfully to life.”

A survey was sent out to the UMW community the week of Nov. 10 so MindPower could access the internal and public perception of the university

and figure out how to change its identity as a college.

According to Holmes, the survey had a 24 percent response rate with 1,074

process. Concepts will be tested with both internal and external audiences.

Students will be offered an opportunity for further input.”

Atlanta-based marketing agency MindPower will work to put UMW on the map.

Troy Paino / Twitter

current students completing it.

“Students participated during the qualitative and quantitative research phases in very high numbers,” said Paino. “MindPower was very impressed in the level of student engagement in this

When asked about if the results of the survey had led to any major decisions by MindPower, Paino said that there have been no conclusions yet.

“They have completed their extensive research of both internal and external

audiences to get a better sense of UMW’s distinctive qualities, as well as both internal and public perception of our strengths and weaknesses...The next step in the process will be the development of a brand strategy,” At a Feb. 21 Board of Visitors meeting, MindPower presented its research, but no actions were taken.

The Board was happy with the depth and scope of the research, according to Paino.

Students were asked about UMW’s current brand identity and some of the main aspects of the university that they thought was done well was its community and position as a small, liberal arts school that has effective schools and programs.

“I think the university does a pretty good job of branding themselves for what they are: a small, liberal arts school that has many different options for academics and student life. The current branding initiative updates should, however, have a focus of diversifying the school, especially when it comes to gender and race,” said Megan Riley, a sophomore historic preservation major.

“Mary Washington does an excellent job representing minorities and different types of people,” said freshman Madison McCallum. “Collectively as a community, we definitely support each other and take care of one another.”

“It’s a small •Rebranding | 2 school so it’s

New housing selection system favoring complete roommate groups introduced for next year Rising seniors would pick first, followed by rising juniors, and then by sophomores. Now, under the 4-3-2-1 The housing selection process has system, instead of housing selection changed to give priority to complete slots being given out based on credit roommate groups. hours completed, it's now based on In previous years, the selection was roommate group size. Roommate groups done by a lottery based on credits. comprised of four people will pick first, then three people, and so on. Within each group of the 4 to 1-person roommate groups, seniors will pick first, then juniors and sophomores.

These changes were made after receiving feedback from many students over the years, according to David Fleming, dean of Residence Life. “[Students had] frustrations around roommate groups being split due to no fully available suites/ apartments,” he said.

Now the process considers not only classification but also roommate New housing process to focus on keeping roomate groups group size, to prevent students from together.

Grace Tian / The Blue & Gray Press having to break up their roommate group into smaller groups in order to EmiLy Seff Staff Writer

IN THIS

ISSUE

be in the building of their choice.

Fleming hopes this system will be a “…more streamlined and fair housing process where students can live with their friends.”

The new process dictates that student groups can be moved around within their chosen building by Residence Life staff, but this should be less common given that full apartments or suites will fill up first, resulting in fewer unfilled rooms overall.

Homesteading, the process that allowed students to sign up to remain in the rooms they were already in for the upcoming year has also been replaced by “same building sign up.” This new process allows students to choose to stay within the same building while providing the freedom to change their roommate group or room.

The new changes have been met with mixed reviews by students.

Cameron Ashley, a junior communication and classics double major, said “I would be so upset to be

a senior with a two person roommate group that wasn’t able to live where I wanted to because there was no room for my group and I picked after juniors and sophomores.”

“Logistically the new system makes sense, but seniors should have priority since it’s their last year and their last chance to live where they want if they couldn’t get rooms in that building before,” said Ashley.

Alternatively, some students think that keeping roommate groups together is a plus.

“Knowing that my roommate group is less likely to get split up is a huge stress relief and makes me look forward to next year even more,” said Sarah Parker, a junior women and gender studies and English creative writing double major.

Housing selection roommate groups must be finalized by March 10, and same building sign up starts March 24.

The new selection process will open for everyone else beginning March 30 and ending April 3.

Lesser-known podcasts to give a try.

Radicalist Push

New Coach

Amorality of centrism pushes radicalism in politics.

Hennie Van Zyl named new men’s rugby coach.

LIFE | 5

VIEWPOINTS | 3

SPORTS | 8

Personable Podcasts

NEWS THE

Editors: Kate Seltzer & Abigail Buchholz | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Closs

Associate Editors Grace Winfield Ginny Bixby

Business Manager Lucas Burkholder

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Kate Seltzer Abigail Buchholz

VIEWPOINTS Alicen Hackney

LIFE Cosima Pellis

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Meaghan McIntyre Samuel Cobb

PHOTO Cayley McGuire

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

Beetle infestation in Eagle Landing apartment causes students alarm The students put in a pest control work order the day they discovered the beetles and maintenance came to their room four days later on Feb. 10. “[The maintenance workers] looked around and they said that it was because there was food all over the counter,” said junior marketing and sociology major Sophie Ahava, another

for infestations was food products.

“Common, but not exclusive, problems found in residences are food products An Irish beetle infestation was left out, dirty dishes, overflowing trash, discovered inside a suite on the first poor housekeeping, etc,” Akau said. floor of the Eagle Landing apartments “Behaviors such as these contribute to on Feb. 6. The insects were first inviting uninvited guests in.” discovered by the students living in the After the original visit, the students residence. were told that maintenance would Although these return to check on sorts of infestations the situation in ten are alarming, they days. However, after are fairly common on only four days, the campus, a fact which residents found more may be surprising to beetles. some students.

“I was out of “It is not uncommon town this weekend for Facilities to get but [Denehy] was rodent work orders cleaning and she from time to time in texted me and said residences throughout that they had just the campus,” said killed one on the Nolan Akau, the ceiling and there director of Facilities were some coming Maintenance Services. out of the walls and “Once the work order there were more in is submitted it is given our bathroom,” said to our contractor either Ahava.

Monday, Wednesday “I put in another or Friday during their work order. They weekly visits and is replied to it within resolved immediately. an hour and told us It is not uncommon that that they would come Facilities has set traps in an Eagle Landing apartment after spraying insecticides to keep a follow visit is needed their Irish beetle infestation at bay. back,” said Denehy.

Sophie Ahava after the initial treatment “The following to treat the residence student living in the suite. “But all the morning I received an email informing again.” food was in bags and closed up. We us that they were having a company Junior communication and digital clean all the time. They told us to make come in.” studies major Haley Denehy is sure to take the trash out all the time, The company was to arrive at the currently living in the suite that is have nothing in our sink, and run the suite on Feb. 17. They planned to infested. “The first time we saw them, dishwasher every night. We thought it spray insecticide in an attempt to end we opened the door to the apartment was all a little excessive.” the infestation. In the and we saw them scatter,” said Denehy.

•Beetles | 7 Akau claimed that a common cause email relaying this

Quinn Burgard Staff Writer

Student input considered in rebranding effort not too known, Students also believe that the that the rebranding will allow UMW to but when it comes school’s sports teams are a frequently remain a competitor in the education to the education program and the overlooked part of UMW’s brand. market for years to come and recognizes College of Business, many people have “The sports teams here should be that the university will need to spread heard about it,” said Shannon Gaskins, emphasized more because we actually awareness about the school and establish junior sociology major. “Many people have a wide variety of teams and I feel a solid brand identity for the future. in Virginia hear about it “UMW operates in a very when they are applying to competitive higher education college.” market that will only get more Students were also asked competitive over the next about current aspects of decade. The biggest finding the university’s brand that from the research is that far could be improved. They too many people know little commented on how unique to nothing about UMW’s majors and minors offered excellent academics and by the university should be distinctive qualities.” said emphasized because they Paino. “The phrase ‘hidden are not offered by other gem’ has been used too often institutions. to describe Mary Washington.

Those who know us or have “One thing that they experienced us have a very are starting to emphasize favorable view of UMW, but more and should continue The MindPower website says that the company “specializes in bringing brands to emphasize are our unique and campaigns powerfully to life.”

MindPower Website we need to do a better job telling our story. By increasing majors and minors, such awareness, we hope to strengthen our as historic preservation and the GIS as though not all of them get the credit position in the market and put us in a certificate,” said Riley. “These aren’t they deserve,” said Gaskins. stronger financial position as we face offered at many places, let alone at a Despite some student concerns about significant demographic shifts over the small school, so they’re interesting some parts of the university’s identity draws.” not being recognized, Paino is confident next 10 years.”

•Rebranding | 1

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Alicen Hackney | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Journey to socialism: faults of centrism push voters to radicalism Sanders’ name was left out of a headline for a FOX article by Chris Stirewalt talking about “Biden in first, Warren rising to third” without ever once mentioning Sanders. Countless articles talk about how “unelectable” he is. Then, when he does well in polls and the caucuses, it’s claimed that his supporters and popularity are “cause for concern” and “Trumpian.” An article from

I found myself not being pulled toward radicalization by extremists but pushed away from centrism by a centrist establishment terrified of the status quo being upset.

For a large portion of my life, I considered my views The funniest part is that I can’t even blame them. I’m on politics to be fairly moderate. Over the past four not surprised that established institutions aren’t willing years, I’ve found myself pushed away from centrism by to relinquish immense amounts of power for the sake of an unexpected source-- moderates themselves. the people getting what they want and being able to live On February 3, I watched the live newscast of safe and happy lives. the Pete Buttigieg rally. Buttigieg opened with a The more I see of this, the more I am hopeful that line that wouldn’t seem out of place for a victorious people willing to give up that power will enter our candidate. “Iowa, you have shocked the nation. government.

There are two men from history who Because by all indications, we are going on to New I think encapsulate the spirit of giving up personal Hampshire victorious!” This should have been a power for the righteous cause of democracy, and moment ripe with validation for a candidate I very that’s George Washington and Mikhail Gorbachev. much liked. Except for one problem: zero percent Both men were in a position of power with absolute of the Iowa precincts had officially indicated control over defining what their position meant, and results. yet they chose to give it away.

They stepped down, This comment was a lie and a fairly aggressive allowed free and fair elections and let the people strategy for the laid-back centrist I had taken decide what they wanted.

Buttigieg to be. That instant had me questioning We don’t need someone trying to negotiate with Bernie Sanders pulls ahead after Pete Buttigieg claims early victory in Iowa caucus. my support for his platform. As the results rolled Lanzilote/Bloomberg / Getty Images the status quo. We need someone who is willing to in, it seemed that Bernie Sanders had won the the Washington Post by Dana give up the power they’ve been blessed with for caucus; yet, for some reason, almost every media outlet Millbank claims that “Bernie Sanders has emerged as the sake of those who got them there. I’m no expert in I watched tried their absolute hardest to hide the fact the Donald Trump of the left” because he is “an angry politics, nor do I claim to be, but I have been studying that Sanders was doing well. old white guy with crazy hair, New York accent and flair psychology and human behavior for three years now.

I saw a poll where even though Sanders was polling for demagoguery.”

What’s really Trumpian, Millbank?

And studies show that if you tell someone not to do in second place via the percentage shown on screen, Disparaging political opponents by calling them mean something, not to think about something, not to look in they had him placed fourth in the order from top to names based on surface-level observations. the box… it only makes it that much more likely that bottom, and the rest in actual rank order. I saw Buttigieg I find myself more and more radicalized as this they take a peek.

If the centrist establishment wants to continuously claim victory even though he had fewer pre-election cycle goes on.

In freshman year I was preserve the status quo, they need to realize that just votes. Of all the times Sanders was mentioned on NBC, slightly classical conservative.

I then became more telling people to ignore progressives doesn’t work. They arguably the most influential of liberal-leaning news libertarian, and eventually more liberal.

Nowadays I need to start making compelling arguments for why the outlets, only 13 percent of his coverage was positive. would call myself a full-blown libertarian socialist.

The current system is the best one for everyone or more and He also received 2.5 times less coverage than Joe Biden, narrative has always been that radicalization happens more Americans might find that tearing the system down and 1.7 times less coverage then Elizabeth Warren, when extremists take advantage of vulnerable people by is a whole lot more appealing than letting it continue to according to Branko Marcetic, a writer for In These giving them a sense of community and purpose.

Yet here crush them.

Times magazine.

GEORGE STIFEL Staff Writer

Staff Ed: be kind Going gluten-free is necessary for some, not a fad to custodial workers on campus ABIGAIL WEBER Staff Writer

By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD Last semester, we received some backlash for an article we published about the James Farmer Multicultural Center. The problem, according to some, was a picture of the JFMC that included a black custodian vacuuming the center.

Our consensus at the time was that while the composition of the photograph was confusing, there was nothing inherently offensive or demeaning about a picture of a man doing his job, so we left it. (Perhaps a conversation for a later date is why we would find the concept of people earning a wage in any capacity offensive).

Although the gentleman in the photo wasn’t a part of the story we were then trying to tell, he is a part of the broader campus story. I bring this up because I think his story is emblematic of a phenomenon on campus where service workers, and maintenance workers in particular, are frequently invisible in the eyes of students.

At a school whose student population is, according to College Factual, roughly 70 percent white and whose faculty is nearly 85 percent white and whose maintenance workers are predominantly people of color, it’s important to recognize the position we find ourselves in. We should be able to comfortably acknowledge the racial makeup of the campus, which extends to staff in all aspects of the university.

The takeaway here is to be respectful. This campus could not function without its maintenance staff, and our college experience is infinitely better because of them. Say ‘hello’ and ‘how are you.’ Don’t ignore custodial workers when they walk in the room. No one has been hired to be your maid – keep your space and public spaces tidy. Support workers’ rights on campus and off. Do your best to make staff members feel welcome and valued.

This editorial was lead by Kate Seltzer.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

It’s no secret that gluten-free dieting has exploded in recent years, prompted by an increase in awareness and celebrity endorsements. As someone who has to be gluten-free for medical reasons, I have a complicated relationship with people who go gluten-free for some nebulous “health benefit.”

On my third week of being gluten-free, some friends invited me to Giant with them. I mostly avoided thinking about my new restrictions: I read the signs at the UC, sighed at every innocent-looking dish with a gluten warning, and spent most of my meals eating from Simple Servings. At Giant, I expected to spend my time frantically googling which of my favorite foods I could still eat. To my surprise, I discovered that the Giant has an entire aisle dedicated to gluten-free products.

I didn’t spend much time there, though, grabbing a box of cookies and hurrying to catch up with my friends.

On some level, I was embarrassed to be seen in the aisle.

I’m a blonde white girl from suburbia; I look like the stereotypical fad dieter.

Although the gluten-free diet has existed since Willem-Karel Dicke wrote about it as a treatment for children with celiac disease in the 1950s, it rose to fame in the United States due in part to celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow selling it as everything from a weightloss aid to a cure for poor anger management.

“11 percent of U.S. households follow a gluten-free diet,” said market researchers NPD Group in 2014.

“Only 25 percent of those living in a gluten-free home say celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is the main reason.”

For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, going gluten-free isn’t a choice, but a lifestyle necessity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten consumption damages the small intestine, causing mineral and vitamin deficiencies like anemia along with a wide variety of other symptoms and increased risk of developing other complications. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is an umbrella term for those with similar symptoms who test negative for celiac disease. Celiac disease affects approximately one percent of the population, according to BeyondCeliac.

“There’s no benefit to a gluten-free diet for those who don’t have a medical reason for it,” reported the

Gluten-free diets can hurt those without gluten sensitivities.

Telegraph.co.uk

University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. In fact, going gluten-free can cause health concerns of its own: many whole grains contain gluten, and gluten-free diets can lack other essential vitamins and minerals. For people with celiac or NCGS, this is simply a trade-off from one type of deficiency to an ultimately healthier, manageable one. For those who don’t, this is an unnecessary loss that few take the necessary steps to educate themselves on and balance out.

With the advent of the diet’s popularity among people who ignorantly hopped on the trend, comedians rose to mock it—mocking those who need to be glutenfree for survival in the process. Even popular movies like Deadpool 2 and Angry Birds make cheap, offhand jokes scoffing at the idea of gluten-free diets that make it even harder to take it seriously.

Still, there are hidden benefits to the diet’s popularity among those who don’t have a diagnosis. According to BeyondCeliac, 83 percent of celiac sufferers are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, while a correct diagnosis takes an average of 6-10 years. There’s a high chance that some of those people hopped on the trend and improved their health--just not in the way they expected.

With this in mind, the gluten-free aisle at Giant probably doesn’t exist to benefit the one percent suffering from celiac disease.

“The global gluten-free products market size was estimated at USD 21.61 billion in 2019,” said Grand View Research, a number their report expects will increase in the next few years.

For better or for worse, the gluten-free diet is ingrained in the economic and social fabric of the U.S. While vapid fad dieters and media mockery might be irritating and trivializing, there are still benefits. For one thing, I can eat premade cookies with my friends without fearing the effects of gluten.

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LIFE

Editor: Cosima Pellis blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Humans of UMW: first-generation college student Petra Aloizos ERIN MATUCZINSKI Staff Writer

As a first-generation college student, sophomore Petra Aloizos has adjusted well to college life and paved her way toward a promising future--but it wasn’t always that way.

Growing up in northern Virginia, her roots are intertwined by many cultures. Her mother is Latina and spoke to her in Spanglish growing up, and her father is Greek-Australian and integrated the Greek language in their home. She holds dual citizenship with America and Australia and has traveled to Australia frequently, although she never lived there for more than a year.

Along with this, she helped raise her two younger sisters. Despite her choice to pursue a degree, Aloizos does not want her sisters to feel pressured to go to college just because she is the first in the family to do so. To her, education is all about your personal motivation, not what other people tell you to do.

Aloizos refers to her high school education as a toxic, ruthlessly competitive culture. She remains haunted by the times her peers would find themselves becoming mentally and physically ill due to the stress and pressure put on them in school to succeed.

“I still think about that all the time, how crazy it is how affected we are by the actions and motivations of other people, how influenced I was because of something that personally didn’t have anything to do with me,” Aloizos said.

This environment heavily affected Aloizos by creating unhealthy study habits and personal struggles that continued upon leaving her home.

“There’s a difference between a personal drive to do well academically because you want to pursue your own goals and falling prey to this culture,” Aloizos said.

“Your interests are your interests. You are your own

person.”

Once Aloizos reached UMW, she was relieved by the change in the environment that has a focus on well-roundedness, not just academics. And even though she is confident in what she wants to do, which is majoring in international relations and economics, Aloizos still deals with many challenges only felt by first-generation college students.

“Not only are you having to deal with natural college issues like managing time and being away from home for the first time, but you’re also navigating a system that you fundamentally don’t know anything about,” said Aloizos. “I definitely value the opportunity to come to college.”

Aloizos especially struggled with the financial process and was frustrated that there was no one to help her with necessities like the FAFSA. With neither of her parents having attended university, Aloizos had to tend to matters on her own.

In order to achieve the typical university experience, Aloizos began involving herself in other campus activities such as playing the violin in the orchestra, serving as treasurer for Model UN, acting as a peer mentor and training to work at the speaking center. Aloizos has also found happiness with her involvement in the Day on Democracy, a movement to cancel classes on Election Day. She understands that not everything is about academics and encourages others to “be your own person, enjoy yourself, and do things that make you feel alive.”

For Aloizos, her college experience may not end with UMW. She is looking into pursuing a master’s degree at George Mason, or ideally a foreign policy school in D.C. Her own success with higher education has even reflected on her mother, who is now thinking of attending college as well in order to become a nurse.

Aloizos is extremely supportive of the idea, especially

Petra Aloizos is a sophomore at UMW majoring in international relations and economics. Erin Matuczinski / The Blue & Gray Press

considering the love that she has for her mom.

“My mother is probably the best person in the world,” said Aloizos. “The way she was able to manage any problems growing up in the family was so astounding to me. I look up to her in almost every aspect, like she’s actually my hero. Nothing I do will ever amount to what she’s done in her life.”

Faculty and alumni work showcases diversity of ceramics program EVE THOMPSON Staff Writer

This February and March, the duPont Gallery will display ceramics pieces created by faculty and alumni. “Origins: UMW Ceramics Faculty and Alumni” showcases pieces created by 15 artists, including five faculty members.

The exhibit shows a variety of different pieces made of different materials with one common thread: they all exhibit the diversity of UMW’s ceramics program over the past 50 years.

The gallery includes pieces from Hadrian Mendoza, class of 1996, a stoneware potter. Mendoza majored in

business at UMW, and said he “took a few art classes on the side.” He took an introduction to ceramics course during his senior year, “a step out of [his] comfort zone.”

Since then, Mendoza has become a successful potter whose pieces are in permanent collections in China, Korea, Japan, Cambodia and the Philippines.

He now works at St. Thomas More Cathedral School in Arlington, Virginia as an artist and the art director.

His pieces featured in the showcase are entitled “Punk Rock 1 and 2,” and feature two heads with spikes facing each other. They are made of stoneware clay with yellow salt glaze. To Mendoza,

“Punk Rock 1 and 2” by Hadrian Mendoza, stoneware glaze and yellow salt clay.

Lilian Perez / The Blue & Gray Press

From left: “Tread Lightly” and “A Moment’s Touch” by Debra Balestri, lowfire clay, glaze and underglaze wood.

Lilian Perez / The Blue & Gray Press

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they represent “a relationship.” He said, “if we both face anything together, we are protected from everything (as represented by the spikes facing outward).”

The exhibit also features work by faculty members, including that of Debra Balestri, class of 2003. Her work focuses on the extremities. One of her intricate pieces, “Tread Lightly,” made of lowfire clay, glaze and underglaze wood, shows two feet on which butterflies have perched.

Her other piece, “A Moment’s Touch,” made of the same material, is a hand with one butterfly gently settled on the ring finger.

Emma Lutz, a freshman, visited the gallery and enjoyed the originality of the

artists.

“I liked the exhibit and the focus on ceramics. I think [showcasing the alumni and faculty’s talent] is important because it shows their skill and creativity,” she said.

Lutz, an artist herself, values UMW’s focus on the arts. “To me, art is expression. This show expressed the idea of physical ideas, like how they’re solid,” she said.

For anyone looking for a unique experience on campus, consider visiting the duPont Gallery. While the gallery itself may be small, the collection is unique and feels straight out of a larger museum. “Origins” is open TuesdayFriday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and SaturdaySunday 1 - 4 p.m.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

LIFE

Lesser-known podcasts for the curious college student

BERNADETTE D’AURIA Staff Writer

With an estimated 62 million listeners each week according to Edison Research’s latest Infinite Dial survey, podcasts have never been more popular,.

With this popularity has come a rise in the number of podcasts that are being produced, with roughly 700,000 that are currently active and producing episodes.

Such a pool of options has made it harder for people to discover new podcasts that may not be as popular as “My Favorite Murder,” or, “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” For your convenience, I have compiled a list of some of the best lesserknown podcasts that are consistently putting out episodes. They are great entertainment for any college student during a study session or commute to class.

Wine & Crime Debuted in 2017, “Wine & Crime” is a true-crime comedy podcast hosted

by Kenyon Laing, Lucy Fitzgerald and Amanda Jacobson. The three childhood friends sit down each week to discuss a crime topic ranging from necrophilia and cults to horse and astronaut crimes. But there’s a hilarious twist to the otherwise morbid stories. While the ladies are discussing these horrific--or at times, ridiculous--crimes, they are drinking a wine that is fitting for the topic that week. The result? Utterly entertaining, alcohol-induced anecdotes and rants that make macabre topics much easier to stomach. For anyone who is a fan of true crime stories, listening to drunk feminist rants or in need of a good laugh, the “Wine & Crime” gals invite you to listen

as they, “chug wine, chat true crime and unleash their worst Minnesotan accents.”

Dead Meat Podcast Horror enthusiasts and soon-tobe newlyweds James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca like to get scared together. Starting the podcast in 2018 as an extension of Janisse’s youtube channel, “DeadMeat,” the pair use their background in film studies and passion for all things horror to review horror flicks that have recently come out or are just plain stupid. Along with their movie reviews follow insightful episodes about different horror film tropes, the origins of the genre, discussions about representation in horror and every so often a fun game based around horror movies (usually created by Rebecca).

Together, the duo has incredible banter concerning the genre. Their perceptive reviews extend beyond whether something was satisfyingly scary or not.

They incorporate heavy research into their more in-depth topics and overall showcase their passion for the genre through their enthusiasm each week. For anyone who is a fan of horror, hesitant about watching horror movies but wants to know more about them or is in the mood to listen to a couple discuss their passions together, the “Dead Meat Podcast,” is perfect.

Office Ladies “Office Ladies” stars best friends and co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, who are known for their roles as Pam and Angela on the hit NBC show, “The Office.” Beginning in just October of 2019, Fischer and Kinsey sit down together and re-watch the beloved show that they starred in, reacting to one episode each week, letting listeners

Kenyon Laing, Amanda Jacobson and Lucy Fitzgerald of “Wine & Crime.”

know behind-the-scenes details and sharing stories about other actors and moments. These details include learning how they accounted for lead actor, Steve Carell, not being able to show up to set some days, who Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration is based on and learning what exactly was written in the letter that Jim Halpert wrote to Fischer’s character. Fischer and Kinsey’s offscreen interactions may be polarizing for fans of “The Office,” as they may be used to the stunted relationship of their on-screen characters, but listeners are able to quickly see the off-screen comradery between the actresses and their serious passion for a not-so-serious show. “Office Ladies” is a great listen for fans of the show or for people who have no desire to actually watch the show but want to stop being yelled at by their friends for not watching it.

Song Exploder Anyone who has ever wondered how their favorite artist has created a song will love “Song Exploder.” Starting up in

doNYC.com

2015, host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway interviews a different artist each week about one of their songs and the process behind its creation. However, rather than having the whole episode be an interview, Hirway edits himself and the questions out of the recording and constructs the artist’s answers into an organic conversation between him and the listener. Weaved into the riveting conversation he incorporates the song.

Different instruments and vocals are meticulously placed throughout the podcast as the artist discusses them, allowing listeners to hear the full song at the end of the episode after the artist is finished explaining how it was made.

The episodes are short and easy to listen to for those who may not be as familiar with different musical terms. It’s an incredible insight into the music-making process and listeners can hear how artists like Hozier, Metallica, Lin-Manuel Miranda and composers like those behind “Stranger Things” music and John Carpenter all create their music.

Cooking for a crowd: lessons learned at “The Dining Room” EMILY SHUMAKER Staff Writer

This year, I said yes to organizing a weekly dinner for 80-100 college students, with some Fredericksburg locals, families and friends sprinkled in.

This event called “The Dining Room” takes place every Tuesday at the Center for Faith and Leadership. It provides a space for people to gather and have lifegiving conversations around a table over a tasty meal.

I have always loved to cook, but I never thought I’d organize such an event, especially as a college student.

When I thought about it, it seemed really daunting. However, the intrigue of the beauty of people surrounding a table and sharing a meal, and the promise of becoming stronger by saying yes to working with others, pulled me in. It has been one of the best experiences of my college career, expanding my way of thinking about community and teaching

me practical skills for cooking and hosting.

Prior to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and in between classes and working, I am checking off my grocery lists that look something like “40 pounds of chicken breasts, 12 cups of flour, 16 cups of olive oil, 24 cups of rice…,” multiplying average recipes by 10 or more in order to make enough for a crowd, and converting measurements in cups, ounces and pounds. I am communicating with the teams, checking inventory to make sure we have everything we need, and doing my best to make sure we are ready to go by dinner time on Tuesday nights.

As the clock counts down to 6 p.m., and a line begins to form, the teams who have been preparing at the Center since that afternoon run from the kitchen to the dining room, carrying hot pans and serving utensils. They’re making sure the aluminum foil is off of the pans, that the condiments are out and that the timer for

“The Dining Room” is a weekly dinner held at the Center.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Emily Shumaker / The Blue & Gray Press

dessert has not gone off yet. Somebody and build each other up while doing it. claims the microphone and announces Hopefully, after nearly two semesters what is for dinner, as well as what is of doing this, I look a little less harried going on at the Center that week. and frantic as I run around on Tuesdays.

The moment that everybody begins It has expanded the way I think about to grab plates, claim a chair at a table, community and increased my belief in introduce themselves to somebody new myself. I know I have learned a lot… and pour each other water from the and cooking for myself is easy after pitchers set out on each table is the most getting used to setting the serving size to beautiful moment each week.

80-100.

Throughout the year, I have learned a lot. It is helpful to know that some things are better fresh than frozen, that almost everything needs a little extra salt, and that one oven can only cook so many things so fast. Now I know that dishes pile up faster than homework, that if you get too excited about cooking things really fast you might be welcoming people in with smoke rather than with the warm, homey scents of a home-cooked meal and you should almost always double (or triple!) the cooking time for recipes in bulk.

The most valuable things I have learned, though, are the smaller lessons: like relying on each other to get the job done, making lastminute judgement calls, the beauty of joining with Shumaker organizes a dinner for 80-100 people every Tuesday. others to accomplish tasks Emily Shumaker / The Blue & Gray Press

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Upcoming Events • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Thu. Feb. 27 | Great Lives: Frederick Douglass @ GW Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Mon. Mar. 9 | Anita: Speaking Truth to Power @ UC Colonnade Room, 5 - 7 p.m.

Tue. Mar. 10 | Great Lives: Female Internet Investors @ GW Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Tue. Mar. 10 | Bingo @ The Underground, 8 - 9 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 11 | Undergraduate Research Forum on Women’s and Gender Studies @ Lee 411, 4 - 6 p.m.

Tue. Mar. 12 | Great Lives: C.S. Lewis @ GW Dodd Auditorium , 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 13 | Reel Deals: Zombieland Double Tap @ Monroe 116, 7 - 9 p.m.

Fri Mar. 13 | Undeniably Adjacent Improv Comedy Show @ HCC Dodd Auditorium, 8 - 10 p.m.

Fri Mar. 13 | The Rocky Horror Picture Show @ HCC Digital Auditorium, midnight Sat. Mar. 14 | Reel Deals: Zombieland Double Tap @ Monroe 116, 7 - 9 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 14 | The Rocky Horror Picture Show @ HCC Digital Auditorium, midnight Until Mar. 15 | James Farmer: In His Own Words, 1920-1999 Exhibit @ HCC Convergence Gallery Until Mar. 15 | Julien Binford: A Legacy of Inspiration and Enterprise@ Ridderhof Martin Gallery Mon. Mar 16 | Reflections on the 19th Amendment @ HCC Digital Auditorium, 4 - 5 p.m.

Until Mar. 29 | Origins: UMW Ceramics Faculty and Alumni @ duPont Gallery

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NEWS

POLICE BEAT Facilities Maintenance Services helps debug apartment in Eagle Landing ABIGAIL BUCHHOLZ & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Vandalism Between February 1 at 11:40 p.m. and February 2 at 1:05 a.m. a ceiling tile was vandalized in Russell Hall. This case is pending.

On February 1 at 10:40 p.m. there was an incident of vandalism in Mason Hall. This case is pending.

Petit larceny

On February 6 at 7:39 a.m. a ceiling tile was stolen from Eagle Landing. This case is pending.

information to the suite residents they were also told that they would need to move all the items in the apartment at least twelve inches away from the walls and could not access their room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“So we had to move all of the beds and all of the furniture,” said Denehy. “We were putting stuff in our friend’s apartment. We were moving everything.”

•beetles | 2

“Now we see some crawling because I think they’re dying,” said Ahava. “But other than that it seems to be getting better.”

The students were told that this problem is only isolated to rooms on the first floor, but they said they don’t believe this. “If they’re in the walls, it’s

not a first floor problem.” said Denehy.

Overall, the experience with maintenance was a positive one for the students. “We were happy with the way that they responded to it,” said Denehy. “They handled it, but moving everything was a pain.”

“Now we see some crawling because I think they’re dying.

But other than that it seems to be getting better.”

-Sophie Ahava “We didn’t know what they were spraying, we didn’t know if it was getting on our clothes or our beds,” said Ahava. “We bagged everything up.”

Following the insecticide spraying, the students have had traps placed for the insects all over their apartment.

“We have traps under our fridge, under our dishwasher, in our bathroom, under the oven,” said Ahava.

The infestation seems to be clearing up, according to the residents.

The residents in the infested suite were told to move their furniture to the center of the room so that maintenance could spray the walls.

Sophie Ahava

Possession On February 6 at 1:30 a.m. there was an incident of marijuana possession in Russell Hall. An administrative referral was made.

On February 20 at 10:41 p.m. there was an incident of marijuana possession in Jefferson Hall. An administrative referral was made.

On February 21 at 10:39 p.m. there was an incident of underage alcohol possession in Randolph Hall. An administrative referral was made.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

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SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Hennie Van Zyl named men’s rugby head coach RACHEL KERN Staff Writer

Just last week, athletic director Patrick Catullo announced Hennie Van Zyl as the new head coach for men’s rugby.

Van Zyl brings 30-plus years of rugby experience to the position and was previously a head coach at Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia. Senior history major and social media officer for the team, Adam Thompson said, “Hennie played at a very good level in South Africa and having coached for 16 years, I’m very excited for the future of this program which I hold so dear.”

Speaking on his experience and what he brings to the team, Van Zyl said, “I am eager to share my knowledge and strategy of this game while instilling strong values and character building among this group of exceptional men.”

He also shared his excitement to start working with the team, “What makes me the most excited is the heart of this team.”

Sophomore biology major, Aidan Gallagher said Van Zyl’s reports his coaching style as “very constructive in his analysis and helps to guide players individually to be better.” This coaching style and Van Zyl’s new approach has already begun to help the team improve for the upcoming season and has inspired them to continue this improvement.

Gallagher said, “Hennie has brought invaluable coaching ability, and the atmosphere changed in the team his first training session with us. Everyone is focused and looking to get better.”

Freshman history major Rob Gambrino furthered this sentiment. “As for myself and the boys on the team,

we’re really excited to get started and and get them a lot of minutes to help start working to the ultimate goal,” said their cohesion.”

Gambrino. “Training never stops and the Thompson emphasized that the team boys know this and we’re always looking appreciates the undying support from for ways to better ourselves and the team the UMW community. He says, “We’ve as a whole.” had a difficult couple of months - this is As far as how the spring season is a common theme with the club during looking, Thompson said, “The spring its 41 year history. I want to say to the schedule is in a state of flux at the campus and wider community thank you moment as we adjust to the introduction for all your support during this period. It of a new coach.” He said he will have meant the world to play in front of you the schedule posted on all of the team’s for four years and we want to bring back social media pages including Facebook, exciting rugby on a Saturday afternoon Twitter and Instagram. to Doc Warner Field, and bringing in Gallagher shared some insight as to a coach of Hennie’s experience and what the season will include, “Some very pedigree will only expedite that process.” tough sevens tournaments coming up When asked what made the UMW along with some exciting 15s matches Mothers stand out to him, Van Zyl shared against teams we would not usually a similar sentiment, “Part of UMW’s play.” past successes are due to the incredible Gambrino said, “The spring season is support of the alumni, parents and looking very promising, especially with students over many years.” He further our match-up against our school’s rival, credits Athletic Department’s support of CNU.” the team as an amazing opportunity and Undeclared freshman Reece Anderson said, “to finally have a university that also mentioned that the team will be will provide me the resources and tools going to France and Spain for spring that I need is nothing short of a winning break where they will play two games. combination. Look out Nationals Junior political science major and Mother’s Rugby is coming!” team president Alec Charoenthep discussed how the season will affect the underclassmen who have more time to grow with Van Zyl. He said the season “looks like it’ll have good competition that will help develop some of our Susan S / Shutterfly Hennie Van Zyl has 30-plus years of rugby experience. younger players

Golf teams search for stability this season with new coaches JOE LANGLEY Senior Writer

For the last 4 years, golf at UMW has had a different coach each year.

This means that every season, the team has had to get to know their head coach before focusing simply on golf.

Dana Hall, director of golf, shared her thoughts on the coaching carousel.

“The coaching change over was a product of our former athletic director’s decisions for personnel for the first two years,” Hall stated. “Last year the coach quit three days before the season and we covered the season as best as we could.

This year we are excited that we have a coach for each team who are also faculty members at Mary Washington.”

Senior and team captain Phillip Manceri is excited for his final semester playing golf for UMW. Manceri shared his opinion regarding the frequent coaching change.

“Having a new coach every year I’ve been here is tough and something I never expected,” Manceri said. “If I had known this was going to happen before I came to UMW, it would have impacted my decision in coming here. However, the adversity that my team and I have gone through shows our character. We’ve shown that we can handle unexpected changes and still be successful.”

Having consistency at the head coach position is key to a team’s chemistry, however, according to Manceri, it seems to have added to their competitive fire.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

While Manceri is upset that he wasn’t in both teams and their goals for the able to have the same coach during his spring season. “Our men’s team has tenure at UMW, he’s learned a lot from their sights set on challenging for the each coach and appreciates what they’ve CAC Championship and getting back done in such a short time. to the NCAA Tournament this spring,” Senior business major Jason Hall said. “Our women’s team has Guintu feels similarly to Manceri, seven women on the roster and are highlighting how coaching has affected hopeful to be competitive in all of their the consistency of the team. “I feel like competitions this spring.” we weren’t able to grow as a program,” Manceri’s goals are the same as every Guintu said. “We’ve had to go back season, however, his last season has a to step one in the process each year. deeper meaning to it. “Our goal is to win However, that doesn’t take away from another CAC championship, and make how much I love this team and our it to the NCAA tournament,” Manceri collective goal of winning at the highest said. “Individually, my goal is to place level.” my absolute best, and enjoy every single Dan Wolfe, head coach of the men’s moment of it because it is my final golf team, is also a UMW alumnus. season at UMW. I will miss being part Wolfe was hired as a visiting business of this team and playing with these guys professor and coach this past fall and every day, there’s no doubt in my mind.” has received nothing but praise from his The men’s team will compete in players. their first tournament of the season next Psychology professor Dave Kolar is week, the Callaway Invitational in Pine the coach for the women’s golf team; and Mountain, Georgia. has also received praise from his players.

“Both coaches have a love of the sport and the best interest in our student-athletes to excel in the classroom and on the golf course,” Hall said. “They understand the demands of our student-athletes in the academic arena and on the course.”

Dan Wolfe and Dave Kolar are the new golf coaches. UMW Athletics Hall was confident

University of Mary Washington Winter/Spring Sports Schedule

Men’s Basketball (16-11)

Feb. 8 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (72-62) Feb. 15 L vs. York (Pa.) (74-71) Feb. 19 W vs. Salisbury (84-58) Feb. 22 W vs. Southern Virginia (107-68)

CAC First Round Feb. 26 L @ York (Pa.) (74-60)

CAC Semifinal

Women’s Basketball (17-9)

Feb. 5 W vs. Southern Virginia (49-46) Feb. 8 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (72-46) Feb. 15 W vs. York (Pa.) (71-46) Feb. 19 L @ Salisbury (55-49) Feb. 26 L vs. York (Pa.) (64-51)

CAC Semifinal

Baseball (0-3)

Feb. 22 L @ William Peace (11-0) Feb. 23 L @ William Peace (7-0) Feb. 23 L @ William Peace (9-6) Feb. 27 vs. Marymount (Va.) Feb. 29 vs. Messiah

Softball (3-1)

Feb. 22 W vs. Messiah Feb. 23 W @ Bridgewater (Va.) (5-1) Feb. 23 L @ Bridgewater (Va.) (9-2) Feb. 27 @ Randolph-Macon Feb. 29 vs. Gettysburg

Women’s Lacrosse (2-1)

Feb. 16 L @ Washington and Lee (17-10) Feb. 22 W @ Lynchburg (18-10) Feb. 26 W vs. Randolph-Macon (17-5) Feb. 29 vs. Franklin & Marshall Mar. 3 @ Meredith

Men’s Lacrosse (3-2)

Feb. 19 W vs. McDaniel (17-16) Feb. 22 L @ Ursinus (15-10) Feb. 26 W @ Bridgewater (Va.) (17-11) Mar. 4 vs. Washington and Lee Mar. 7 @ Catholic

Full Schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

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