The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

APRIL 2, 2015

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 21

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

DivestUMW sits-in outside of Hurley’s office in protest

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Professors to receive statemandated raise ALISON THOET Editor-In-Chief

Girard Bucello UMW students gather together for a common cause, a sit-in outside the door to President Hurley’s office in hopes of recieving positive results for divestment at UMW.

119 STUDENTS, 9 SCHOOLS, SIT-IN CONTINUES ‘Fear 2 Freedom’ Students march against campus rape culture event provides aid for assault survivors

SARAH GRAMMER Assistant News Editor

“Fear 2 Freedom” took place on April 1 at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. The group is a global nonprofit dedicated to restoring the lives of people who are wounded by sexual assault.

The organization recruits volunteers to package after-care kits for victims of sexual assault to help them through their time in the hospital. Each care kit contains clothing, toiletries, a journal, a stuffed teddy bear and an empowering note from the person who put together their box. The kits are sent to local hospitals and organizations; some are even sent to other countries.

Short speeches were given by President Rick Hurley and Chris Kilmartin, professor of psychology. Both shared their support for the F2F movement and encouraged students to do the same, especially after recent events.

F2F founder Rosemary Trible gave an empowering speech about her personal experiences with sexual assault and how important it is to acknowledge the topic.

Trible talked about the general public not realizing that sexual assault is a problem in the United States and that many ignore the problem or use victim blaming in order to feel safer.

Trible shared the story of her rape at gunpoint in 1975, and the process a victim goes through in the hospital. All the victim’s clothes are taken as evidence, they are subjected to an invasive exam and are •FEAR 2 FREEDOM | 10

IN THIS

ISSUE

Paige McKinsey Student feminists united for a march down Campus Walk to speak their minds about rape culture at UMW

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH & ANDREW CRIDER Assistant News Editors

Feminists United on Campus held a march on Tuesday in an effort to create awareness about and open a discussion concerning rape culture on the University of Mary Washington campus.

The march began at 4 p.m. at the Anderson Center and ended at George Washington Hall. Representatives from the Feminists Majority Foundation, an organization that FUC President Paige McKinsey

interned with, were present at the march and brought signs.

Students, both male and female, spoke after the march about their personal experience as feminists and encountering rape culture.

According to Bailey Meeks, English and gender studies double major and a member of FUC, the march generated student interest, as students joined in throughout the march.

“I thought it was a really decent turnout,” said Meeks.

“I DON’T THINK FEMINISTS ON THIS CAMPUS HAVE DONE EVERYTHING RIGHT, BUT IN NO WAY DO THEY DESERVE THE TREATMENT THEY’VE RECIEVED.” -Bailey Meeks

•FEMINISTS | 10

A two percent pay increase will be implemented for all faculty, staff and administration at the University of Mary Washington on Aug. 10 in accordance with the new Virginia budget.

The budget, passed by the Virginia General Assembly on Feb. 5, included a two percent raise for state employees, including faculty at the Commonwealth’s public higher education institutes.

According to Vice President for Administration and Finance Rick Pearce, all faculty, staff and administrative members received a four percent raise in 2008, and a three percent raise in August 2013. In addition, a three percent, one-time bonus was administered in December 2012.

“Whenever the state can bring in enough revenue to make the raises, they do,” said Pearce.

As for the two percent raise this year, Pearce said, “Frankly, it’s not very much.

It’s the best the state can do.”

However, according to Jodie Hayob, professor of earth and environmental sciences and chair of the University Faculty Council, the state only funds about half (48 percent) of the two percent pay raise.

UMW must come up with the other one percent, as do all other Virginia universities.

According to Pearce, UMW’s one percent comes from tuition and fees. However, UMW must pay all raises for auxiliary service employees, which includes Residence Life, certain student programs and non-academic services, entirely through room, board and other fees, as the state provides no help for these raises.

The one percent the state does provide will go to about 250 of the estimated 1,000 university employees. The two percent faculty raise is estimated to cost about $590,000, with the state covering approximately $290,000.

“It’s something almost nobody understands. The state gives us very little money. The state gives us less than 20 percent of our budget, the rest has to come from tuition and fees,” said Pearce.

According to Peace, an extra one percent was found through turnover savings when retired professors were replaced by new, lower salaried professors. Thus, fulltime faculty will have a three percent raise.

However, rather than a three percent raise across the board, the administration proposed to the Board of Visitors that faculty receive a $2,000 flat pay raise, according to Hayob.

“I think it’s better for the moment because of the economic recession and because of how many people we have in [the College of Arts and Sciences] and [the College of Education] earning at the low end of salaries,” said Hayob.

Ken Machande, an associate business •SALARIES | 2

GOT TALENT?

OVERRATED

CLEAN SWEEP

Students compete for cash in campus talent show

Is Bryce Harper the most over-hyped Nats player?

Clean energy plans take motion across country.

LIFE | 7

SPORTS | 3

VIEWPOINTS | 5

NEWS THE

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 Alison Thoet

MANAGING EDITOR Mariah Young

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jonathan Polson

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Hope Racine Nephthalie Lauture

VIEWPOINTS Tess Osmer

LIFE Amanda Motley

SPORTS Chris Markham

ONLINE

Lauren Brumfield

PHOTO

Ginny Clark

ASSISTANT EDITORS Emily Hollingsworth Sarah Grammer Andrew Crider Mikey Barnes Della Hethcox

ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER Cara Sexton

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jess Wu

FACULTY ADVISOR Steve Klein

CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.

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Low professor pay may make UMW less competitive for hiring •SALARIES | 1 professor and associate dean of the College of Business, spoke on behalf of the CoB and said he supports the way the money may be distributed in this case.

“We recognize that there has been a lack of pay raises for quite some time,” said Machande. “There has been one here and one there, but generally a lack of consistency in pay raises, and that has diminished buying power for everyone really, but it disproportionately affects people who earn less.”

Though the current proposal for distributing a flat pay increase will benefit professors who are on the lower end of the salary scale, professors who make more money will not receive as much in terms of percentage benefits.

“If this pattern continues indefinitely, it leads to salary compression, but for this pay raise we support exactly how the administration is doing it,” said Machande.

“We think the lower earning faculty have more of a need than the CoB, who are generally seen as the higher earning faculty.”

Salary compression is a result of a loss proportionality of salaries due to flat pay raises over time.

Sophomore business major Clark Billups believes the flat rate pay increase could be problematic as well.

“A standard percent raise based on salary accounts for rising living expenses.

Professors who have been here longer are settled in and might have started a family; they need the extra income, not the new professors,” said Billups.

The Annual Report on the Economic Status of the Profession published by the Chronicle of Higher Education reports that full-time professors at UMW are paid on average $82,900, while associate professors receive an average of $66,300.

It is much more nuanced when looking at UMW professor salaries, according to Hayob, who said length of employment, market values and faculty rank are all factors. One must look at the different colleges within UMW to determine average salaries because the market price for each position can vary.

According to data received through a Freedom of Information Act request of professor salaries in 2015, the average salary for professors in the College of Business is about $100,800, the average salary for a professor in the College of Arts and Sciences is about $68,790 and the average for College of Education professors is about $66,380.

“We [the CoB] face the same issue when compared to national average that we aren’t being paid the national average, but when you take our salaries compared to the salaries at UMW, it appears we are being paid at a high rate comparatively,” said Machande.

The lack of a sufficient salary makes it difficult to hire new professors and staff members. The hiring freeze put in place by the University after budget cuts last year ended in September, though budget cuts still hinder hiring.

“The BOV decision to pursue AACSB [Advancing Quality Management Education Worldwide] accreditation resulted in the pursuit of faculty that had previously not been attracted to Mary Washington because of the lower salaries we had paid previously,” said Machande.

According to Pearce, there are about 25 position openings at any given time that

FACULTY SALARIES BY COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

$68,790

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

$66,380

$100,800

Data received through a Freedom of Information Act request of professor salaries in 2015

University Relations Approximately 250 faculty members will benefit from the state mandated raise for the upcoming year.

need to be filled, whether for carpenters or professors. Yet it is hard to attract people to fill these positions with a non-competitive salary, which often results in employees taking up more duties than they need to.

“The lack of pay increases and the perception in some cases that as a group, university and state employees are not paid as well as folks feel they should be, and that has led to a lot of the tension,” said Pearce.

“We generally adjust the adjuncts’ pay schedule every few years, and it is not necessarily tied to other full-time professor raises,” said Pearce.

Salaries for these employees were adjusted in 2013, but salary increases vary due to certain degrees and other aspects, so there is not an across the board pay increase, according to Pearce.

“We adjust their rates as the market and cost of living demand,” he said.

“No one here in CAS or CoE is making a great salary for the region and the work that we do,” said Hayob.

“My concern is a fair living wage for this region to help faculty that are really struggling to pay basic living expenses.”

The BOV is meeting in April and will discuss the $2,000 flat rate pay increase for professors. These details must be determined before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

“I think the real issue is they’re [faculty] not paid what they’re worth,” said Pearce. “The faculty are a unique group of employees and because they really are the ones that carry out the mission of the university, we feel like we need to make sure they get paid sufficiently.”

Billups agreed, saying, “Yes, we’re trying to run a business here, but we should take care of our professors. With the recent cuts on funding, where should we be funneling the money we have? For things that look good to prospective students, or for the professors that make this school unique?”

“THE FACULTY ARE A UNIQUE GROUP OF EMPLOYEES AND BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT CARRY OUT THE MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY, WE FEEL LIKE WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY GET PAID SUFFICIENTLY.” -Rick Pearce In fact, the low pay causes some professors to look elsewhere for positions, particularly professors not on a tenure track. For those who have tenure, it can be more difficult to search for higher paying positions.

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” said Hayob. “It offers a level of job security and preserves academic freedom, but it also means you’re not very mobile in taking another position at another university.”

Billups is particularly concerned about adjunct professors, whom he feels are unfairly paid compared to full time professors.

According to Pearce, the state does not require a raise for part-time employees, and part-time and adjuncts are not tied to the raise in August.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

SPORTS

Intramural soccer kicks off with interesting team names

MATHIEU WETMORE Staff Writer

It may not be the English Premier League that takes place in Europe and attracts the greatest players in the world, but it is the premier intramural sport of the spring at the University of Mary Washington, and it attracts the greatest soccer players that the campus has to offer.

The IM outdoor soccer season is currently underway, and students of all athletic backgrounds are set to do battle for the coveted championship t-shirt. The annual league put on by Campus Recreation is one of the more popular of intramural sports, attracting as many students to play as the popular flag football and basketball leagues.

“It’s a friendly competition, everyone is a good sport,” said senior business major Reid Hendrick.

One of the best aspects of intramural sports is the creative naming of the teams playing, which is certainly shown in the 2015 season.

It will be exciting to see how it goes down for team “2 Goals, 1 Cup” in the intramural soccer tournament this spring.

Team “Dry Rub,” 2-1 in tournament play so far, proved that they are ready for the rough four-week long season. The Psi Upsilon and Kappa Sigma fraternity chapters also signed up to play making for a deep,

diverse competition, as the teams get deeper into the tournament.

There are 31 teams participating in the intramural soccer tournament. Teams can sign up in the co-ed leagues, men’s leagues or the women’s leagues for whichever skill level they desire.

It was a busy time for the tournament this weekend, with10 soccer games played on the Campus Recreation turf field behind Alvey Hall. An additional 11 games will also be played throughout this week.

“I personally enjoy giving students who have never played before a platform to play and learn the sport in a competitive yet fun environment,” said Moe Bahhur, intramural supervisor and a senior geography major.

As one of the most popular intramural sports of the UMW community, friends and fans come out to support to the players. It is easy for teams to enjoy themselves in the friendly atmosphere while playing under the lights, demonstrating how much UMW students enjoy playing soccer.

Matthew Garstka, captain of team Gibberts, a junior business major, is ready to burn through the competition.

“I was recruited here to swim, but the real reason I came here was to follow my dream and play intramural soccer,” said Garstka.

Arguably the world’s most popular sport, soccer will be the perfect stress relief as final exams creep closer.

2015 NCAA Final Four:

Blue & Gray Press Sports Writers’ Picks Staff Writer

Kentucky vs.

Wisconsin

Michigan St. vs. Duke

National Champion

Chris Markham Mikey Barnes Sean Kinslow Julian Menk Cody Reynolds Ethan Tobin Carter Waller Mathieu Wetmore

Campus Rec/Facebook Intramural soccer is one of the more popular IM leagues that Campus Recreation has to offer.

Stephen Rechter

UMW baseball catches fire as weather gets warmer

The team, now holding a 16-5 record overall, won six of their last seven games, supported by a 1.00 ERA over the course The University of Mary Washington of the streak, as errors contributed to seven baseball team dominated in a doubleheader of the 13 runs allowed. at York College of Pennsylvania on SunIn the first game of the double-header, day, March 29, winning 4-0 and 3-0. Foljunior Ryan Van Assche pitched a comlowing the two shutout performances by plete-game shutout, allowing just four hits the baseball team, the pitching staff proved while striking six and walking one. The to continue their strong performances as of game extended his success this season as late. he now sports a 6-1 record with a 1.59 ERA. Van Assche also leads the team in strikeouts, now with 45 on the season. On Monday, March 30 he was named Capital Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week for the second consecutive week, as he has now pitched 20 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to March 18 in a victory against Southern Virginia University.

The second game of the doubleheader produced another impressive shutout performance as sophomore pitcher Nick McIntyre went seven innings with five strikeouts, allowing five UMW Athletics hits and two walks. McInThe UMW baseball team won six of its last seven games.

CARTER WALLER Staff Writer

UMW Athletics As the CAC tournament draws closer, UMW baseball is positioning themselves atop of conference.

tyre’s performance on Sunday lowered his ERA to a team-leading 1.11, while also earning his fourth victory on the season.

Junior closer Tyler Daig completed his second save of the season, striking out two over the final two innings.

Junior second baseman James Keller was a key contributor in both games against York. Batting leadoff, Keller drove in three runs in the opener and one run in the second game.

In the opener, Keller was three for five, doing most of his damage in the top of the sixth inning. With the base loaded, Keller singled, driving in sophomore right fielder Brian Burns and freshman first baseman David Slupek to give the team a 3-0 cushion in a low-scoring game.

In the seventh inning of the second game,

Keller singled to score sophomore outfielder Kyle Bynum from second base to make the score 2-0, once again adding an important cushion to the team’s lead.

On Tuesday, the Eagles took on Christopher Newport University at home in a pivotal CAC tilt. Freshman left-handed pitcher Joe Thompson pitched a strong six and two-thirds innings, allowing just three earned runs while picking up the victory.

The Eagles were led offensively by Slupek, who went three for three with two doubles, one that was a sure home run, brought back by the 16 mph winds.

The victories were important for a team in need of in-conference wins, as the team is now 6-5 in CAC play.

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VIEWPOINTS

Letter: UMW Students United asks BOV to consider its priorities Tutition increase and college affordabilty must be addressed Dear UMW Board of Visitors,

We write to you as a group of students from across the university deeply concerned about the Board’s plans to sharply increase tuition and fees for next year.

At the Board’s Feb. 20 meeting, it was stated that, in the best-case scenario, the Board will increase tuition and fees for the 2015-2016 school year by 7.25 percent for in-state students and 5.9 percent for out-ofstate students.

And, in the worst-case scenario, the Board will raise it 11.5 percent for in-state students and 9.7 percent for out-of-state students.

This would be an unprecedented tuition increase. Coupled with increases for room and board, the price tag for in-state students would total $21,125 and for outof-state students $35,523.

Fifty-seven percent of UMW students already go into debt to get an education here, graduating on average $23,700 in debt, according to 2013 statistics. Tuition and fees have more than tripled at Mary Washington since 2001.

We and our families are already struggling to afford the rapidly increasing cost of college.

Almost all of us work part-time or fulltime jobs, on top of full course loads. We all have friends and peers who have had to take time off of school or drop out because they were no longer able to afford it. Each of us are going into tens of thousands of dollars of debt and worry that our options will be limited upon graduation because of the large monthly payments we’ll have to make.

We know that Mary Washington is hurting from state funding cuts and a recent decline in enrollment. We know that the University budget is tight.

But we also know that our budget is an expression of our priorities, and we think the Board should take a firm stance that students are its priority.

Our priorities, as an organization, are to promote affordability and transparency

among the Board of Visitors for the students of Mary Washington.

The constant increase in tuition, in addition to the lowered funding for scholarships, place the students of the University in a position where they cannot afford to attend, and as an effect, our enrollment and retention rate suffers for it. In addition, the lack of transparency among the Board of Visitors harms the students as well, as it reduces their ability to properly obtain necessary information and to establish a constructive narrative within the university.

Furthermore, if Mary Washington is concerned about declining enrollment, we should seize this moment as an opportunity to become a model for offering a high-quality, affordable education by boldly insisting on keeping tuition low, particularly for low- and middle-income students.

More students will seek out UMW as an affordable, high-quality option. On the contrary, raising tuition sharply next year will see our enrollment decline even further.

Before making a decision at the April 16 and 17 Board meeting, we urge you, the Board of Visitors, to think critically and creatively about how to tackle our budget shortfall.

We urge you to decide on a budget that prioritizes keeping UMW an affordable, diverse and inclusive institution, not one increasingly accessible to only the few.

Furthermore, we would sincerely like to hear Board members’ opinions and thoughts on prioritizing affordability.

We would love to convene a town hall event with Board members, so that we can have a transparent discussion and students may ask questions. We hope to hear from you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, UMW Students United

Letter: Alumna on Men’s Rugby Club I am writing today, as a recent alumna, to share my thoughts on the recent disbanding of the Mother’s Rugby team. It is important that I make myself clear when I say I am not for or against either “side,” but rather I am for the proper treatment of the situation, which I believe was severely mishandled. Following the release of the video, featuring some rugby players, along with other members of the University of Mary Washington community, chanting a rather uncivil song, I believe the administration should have recognized that it was a great opportunity for a teaching moment.

Don’t get me wrong; I understand the pressure universities - and administrators in particular - are under in regards to sexual assault, but the need to quickly make a ruling, rather than take the time to see the cold hard facts, is what baffles me.

President Hurley wrote in his statement that what occurred went against the Code of Conduct we have at UMW, but look what the code actually says: “Disorderly or Obscene Conduct: No student shall be involved in disorderly or obscene conduct. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to: fighting, creating a disturbance, obscene language, verbal or physical harassment, making excessive noise.

Disorderly or obscene conduct on campus, at any UMW-sponsored event, or while operating or traveling in any Mary Washington or state-owned vehicle, should be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs and Community Responsibility, or, in urgent situations, to University Police.” It is clear that what occurred would not qualify for any penalty under this code. The party was, first of all, not on campus and, second, was not a university-sponsored event.

In the Student Handbook, however, there is a section on “Off-Campus Misconduct,” which is where this incident would fall. It states, “violations of civil or criminal law are subject to University adjudication in cases where the interests of the University may be affected.” Again, no law was broken during the night in question.

It concerns me deeply that a group of students cannot sing or say what they want at a private party (even if what they say or sing is disturbing), yet we will hire people such as Mac Miller for a concert on campus, where he raps about drugs, sex and other various vulgar topics. Where do we, not only as members of the UMW community, but also simply as people, draw the

line?

I pride myself on being a feminist, yet at UMW I find myself ashamed to call myself one today. Instead of fighting for equality and unifying the UMW community, the group on campus, “Feminists United on Campus,” has divided the university community by not contributing to a teaching opportunity. They have the opportunity to show leadership in this situation, and as a feminist I hope it is not too late for them to do so. It is true, we do unfortunately live in a world where sexual assaults happen every day, and a woman in the college setting has a one in four chance of being assaulted, but that does not mean people should be punished for something they did not do.

Given that most of the players were out of state at the time of the incident, I question the administration’s decision to punish them as a group. From where I am standing, I see two possible outcomes: one, Mother’s Rugby remains disbanded, the school continues down the road it is on and loses the perfect opportunity to have an open discussion and educate the members of the community; or, two, the school can take a good look at the facts and seize the opportunity to have this teachable moment. I used to look at my diploma and feel a sense of pride in the school I called home throughout my college career, but now I feel a little ashamed.

Mary Washington prides itself on honesty and justice, so to be honest with the administration, I feel like there was an act of displaced blame when they took the easy and fast way out by punishing a group of individuals (where more than 80 percent of the players were out of state representing the UMW community in a game) instead of bringing the community together and addressing the issue in a proper manner. I used to be excited about coming back in May to walk at graduation, but now I find myself questioning whether I want to come back and walk across the stage.

It would have been easy for me to not let my opinion be heard, but I thought the administration should, and want to, be aware what people in the UMW community have to say.

Sincerely, Sara Akbari Sara Akbari is an alumna of the University of Mary Washington.

Editorial: BOV must listen to student voices and concerns When it comes to student activism, the University of Mary Washington is brimming with passionate undergraduates and graduates. We have a population of more than five thousand students involved in approximately 120 clubs and organizations on campus. We have students from many different backgrounds representing a spectrum of identities, goals and interests. If UMW students identify a need to address or a cause to initiate, they are not afraid to take action.

Such actions, of course, can be met with certain limitations depending on the nature of a cause or need. If a student organization seeks to alter university policy, for example, the organization must go through the necessary tiers of approval before true change can be enacted. At the highest tier in this process stands the Board of Visitors.

To many UMW students, the BOV may seem like a council enshrouded in mystery and might. Students, after all, do not typically interact with the board. Unlike President Rick Hurley or other administrators, board members are not expected to attend the occasional Bingo night at the Underground, or invite students over for a Sodexo catered meal. And while the twelve BOV members have neat, concise biographies available on the UMW website, few students take the time to learn all of the BOV’s names and faces. Even if they did, a biography can only tell one so much.

It seems a little frightening, then, that such an unknown entity can wield so much power over the student body.

In July and August of 2012, the University of Virginia Board of Visitors removed President Teresa Sullivan from her position. The abrupt decision incited an-

ger and was eventually reversed, as many perceived Sullivan to be a guardian of student interests. The board, on the other hand, seemed to value economic security above student interests. A healthy balance between the two elements is a necessary one, but also one that’s hard to strike.

Of course, any BOV is employed to provide an objective perspective on a university’s decisions. While a professor or other involved faculty member might be inclined to compromise the financial well being of the school for the sake of the student body, the BOV is able to finalize a decision with minimal bias. On the flip side of this, however, the Board is not nearly as affected by their own decisions as other members of the university staff because they have very little at stake. There is always a risk that ill-fitting choices could be made. In recent weeks, DivestUMW has

been active in pursuing their goals with an ongoing sit-in, campaigns, a forum, various collaborations with other groups on campus and direct discussion with the BOV. Despite these extensive efforts, their cause has gone largely unacknowledged by the Board.

The BOV should be one that aims to accurately represent the interests of the student body. It should be a council that is attentive to the needs of the student body, seeks the overall improvement of this fine institution and makes evaluations always keeping in mind the long term effects of such decisions. The board should be an entity that protects, preserves and expands the liberties of students. Though they should not simply cater to student demands without thought, the board should, above all, listen to student voices.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Mona Osmer | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Renewable energy plans become more prominent in Texas MONA OSMER Viewpoints Editor

As University of Mary Washington students, we are watching as our peers fight for a cause that seems intangible and, to some, unclear.

However, the only reason why climate change may seem intangible is because it is already happening and we have limited time to fix what has already occurred.

As Virginians, we have witnessed a freakishly warm and sunny winter that only precipitated snow and ice approximately five times, according to the Washington, D.C. weather forecast.

Now, not only are we as individuals finally recognizing the affects of climate change, but so are Senators, legislative bodies and political leaders.

As of March 29, Texas City, Texas proposed that they will be a 100 percent renewably powered city

by January 2017.

In many Texas cities, the electricity market is versatile and customers can choose both a provider and plan.

For example, Houston, Texas, offers 70 plans formed by a platform of entirely renewable sources.

Because these energy plans are already available to consumers, it is easier to move the whole platform to entirely renewable energy options.

Formerly, markets focused on the benefits in the immediate future, rather than long term.

Renewable energy has always been a longterm commitment, but not anymore.Texas City is not the only city in the country that started a plan

for renewable energy. Burlington, Vermont already achieved their goal of going 100 percent renewable energy.

Divestment, the opposite of investing, is simply a means of getting rid of stocks, bonds or investment funds that are unethical or morally ambiguous, and it is seen as a step toward adopting 100 percent fossil fuel free energy.

This is not an impossible feat for administration and students here at UMW, or anywhere for that matter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists 12 municipalities that have made commitments to 100 percent renewable power.

DivestUMW members are focused on fighting an industry that is turning a dime, while degrading the environment and hindering our chances at having a future that includes clean running water and green, grass lined yards.

Climate change has been a concern since the 1970s. I hear it every Wednesday in my three o’clock Environmental Politics course.

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, meeting in Stockholm on June 16, 1972, considered the need for a common outlook and

principles to inspire and guide the peoples of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the human environment.

According to gofossilfree.org, 26 colleges have ignored the risks and taken a step toward bettering their school’s community and future by divesting. Approximately 26 cities have divested as well.

Divestment, therefore, is the right step toward severing all ties with fossil fuel producers and becoming morally separated from those who still support the fossil fuel industry and the destruction of geographical features such as oceans and natural springs.

Cutting funding and driving the fossil fuel industry through the guillotine is the only way to protect our Earth and its intricate, beautiful and fragile environment.

Divestment is a movement that is rising throughout the nation.

Through social media and news c o v e r a g e , DivestUMW is making its voice heard, even if their demands are not met, they are adding volume to the many others fighting for the same cause at other universities and city council meetings.

Divestment can be the small transitional step that officials take toward federal and, eventually, national adoption of 100 percent clean energy programs.

Texas City, Texas’ clean enery plan speaks volumes for campus campaign Museums can be both family-friendly and historically insightful

travelblog.vator.com The International Spy Museum is highly interactive and gives you the chance to live another life.

ALEX CLEGG Staff Writer

With roughly 80 museums in the District of Columbia, how could one possibly see all that is offered? Museums range from art exhibits, to presidential houses available for tours, to buildings and monuments and everything in between.

You can read the reviews and listen to the jargon about which is the best to see, but in the end it all comes down to personal preference and priorities.

I’ve come up with a list of my favorite museums and why. Take it as it is, but feel free to form your own opinions.

The International Spy Museum is quite possibly one of the most fun museums in all the land.

Upon arrival and after paying your $22 entrance fee, you will be handed an

alternate, spy identification and set off on a journey through the life of an alter ego.

Your character will guide you through the museum, placing you in different regions of the world and different scenarios. Tasks include completing a mission, and then participants are rewarded toward the end of the tour.

Although it is one of the few that cost money to visit, the International Spy Museum is well worth the cost. Anytime I have family members in town, it is the first place I take them.

Gwen Lowe / Flickr

The Newseum has enough to keep one occupied for days, even weeks, with the amount of exhibits.

The Holocaust Museum is not the first place I would take someone, but I once made the mistake of bringing a date there; I hope you do not.

As one enters the building, engulfed by the massive amount of artifacts and exhibits, one realizes how much is being offered.

You are able to take a tour through the life of a child during World War II, or you can visit gas chambers and a crematorium. I would not say it is a fun museum, due to the horrific history it captures, but it is an incredibly moving museum to visit.

ANYTIME I HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS IN TOWN, IT IS THE FIRST PLACE THAT I TAKE THEM.

The Newseum is one where you could spend an entire day, from opening to close, and still not see everything that it has to offer.

It covers all things journalism, with special exhibits on certain incidents, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and Hurricane Katrina.

While at the Newseum, you are also given the opportunity to test your reporting skills with an extensive green screen area.

It is definitely is worth the $23 that it costs to get in.

Along with the special exhibits, there is an entire floor dedicated to previous newspapers, some of which could be more than 100 years old. Looking for the front page of the New York Times on your birthday?

They probably have it.

Museums are all about preference. Find the one that fits you, and go.

5

LIFE

Editor: Amanda Motley | blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Talented students compete for cash prizes at campus talent show

Timmy Clay

Frank Kear charmed the audience during his dance at Mary Wash’s Got Talent.

DELLA HETHCOX Life Assistant Editor

University of Mary Washington students cheered on as friends danced, sang and performed tricks at the first ever “Mary Wash’s Got Talent” competition hosted by the University Programming Council.

Dodd Auditorium filled with anticipation as friends and family gathered to cheer on their favorite acts Friday, March 27. A total of 15 student acts contended for the cash prizes.

The audience was able to interact with the show by voting via texts, winning multiple raffle drawings and participating in a dance off during breaks between contestants.

The hosts, Alex Privitt, junior history

major, and Mustakil Ali, sophomore business administration major, played off the audience’s energy, providing yet another form of entertainment during the show with their witty banter and strong chemistry.

During the breaks between contestants, Ali and Privitt gave away various prizes, including t-shirts, chocolate, movies and a karaoke machine.

Lauren Preaskorn, a sophomore historical preservation major, attended the competition to support one of her residents who is one half of the comedy duo The Understudies.

“I thought everyone was really impressive,” said Preaskorn. “It took a lot of guts to get up and perform in front of that big of an audience. They have my kudos.”

Although Preaskorn was impressed with all the contestants, one act stood out.

“I liked The Understudies because [their act] was cute and well done, and most importantly, they sang about a cubicle of love,” said Preaskorn, referencing the act’s rendition of “The Temp and the Receptionist.”

Mingled between traditional talents, such as singing and dancing, were more unexpected talents, such as magic tricks performed by Michael DiZio, a junior Spanish major, and elaborate yo-yo tricks performed by freshman Daley Pagano.

Freshman English major Rachel Finston, the sole stand-up comedy act of the night, told the audience, “I like to make people feel uncomfortable.”

Finston made the audience laugh with jokes about religion, family life and her experience as an English major.

Arlee Pearlswig, a sophomore French major and a member of the technical staff at Dodd Auditorium, found the performance entertaining even though she worked the event.

“It made me happy to see that there were acts other than just singing and dancing,” said Pearlswig. “The gentleman with the yo-yo’s showed a unique special talent that had myself and my co-workers absolutely mesmerized.”

Several students dedicated their songs in memory of Scott Houk, a fellow performer and student who

passed away suddenly last week. Gwen Levey, a sophomore theatre and music double major, originally planned to sing a different song but later decided to sing one of Houk’s favorite songs, which proved to be an emotional tribute to the late student.

Only five of the contestants were awarded the cash prizes. Senior theatre major Judi Jackson won the creativity award, along with $50. Two third place prizes, $100 each, were awarded to Ford and Pagano. The Understudies scored second place and a prize of $200. In first place, with an award of $500, was sophomore Frank Kear.

The audience found a clear favorite in the break dancing skills of Kear, who said he has not performed recently.

“I haven’t danced in a year, so it’s good to be back on stage,” said Kear.

After winning his award, Kear’s large group of fans and friends congratulated him.

“I don’t really know what to say,” said Kear.

“I was shocked that I won.

I didn’t expect it at all.”

As for his prize, he said it will probably go toward Chipotle and new clothes.

“I think the event was fantastic, there were great acts, and the hosts were actually funny,” said Preaskorn.

A retro vibe finds a corner in the modern Convergence Center

Ginny Clark

Students have access to play with 80s comic books, VHS movies and vidoes games in the recently revealed vintage living room at ITCC. and rather aged game consoles. An old reThey tried to include owner manuals cause “you miss the experience – the mocord player, foosball table, comics and oth- and other marketing materials for the me- ments of being there on the couch playing er relics give the room an additional relic dia to help give a conceptual idea of how it, the little quirks,” according to Whalen.

With smartphones in hand and comput- vibe. new this technology was at the moment.

“I hope they have fun with it,” said ers on laps, it can be hard for this generaWhalen and Executive Director of “The idea is that this captures a moment Whalen. “Part of the point is this stuff, tion not to look down upon old technology. Teaching & Learning Technologies Jim in time,” said Groom. “It’s a time capsule even if its obscure and weird, it can be Yet we still sit on living room couches with Groom spearheaded this blast from the of the changing media landscape in the quite fun.” friends, invested in video games, televi- past project.

80s.”

A lot of the items in the living room sion and music, no different than most kids What began as conversation on colAs it turns out, the exhibit was also per- were donated or purchased. Most of the did in generations past. lecting old games and technology quickly fectly timed and themed for a visit from the media and old gaming systems came from This is the idea of the “80s Console turned into the formation of a physical 30- 1985 UMW alumni class visit this May. Whalen’s collection. In fact, the Nintendo Living Room” that looks like it was picked year anniversary of “Back to the Future” as But for now the room is a surprise for system was his original, purchased by his up from 1985 and tucked in a corner on the a backdrop for displaying the media con- passersby and a hidden jewel for some stu- parents in 1986. fourth floor of the Information and Tech- vergence of a different era within the wider dents at UMW. Whalen, who directs the Most of the furniture, including the nology Convergence Center. arena of the UMW ITCC. In fact, a poster minor in digital studies at UMW, uses the foosball table and record player, was free “Technology has historically converged for the film hangs as its own backdrop on room for class field trips for his Games and and came from the UMW storehouse. Acat home in the living room,” said Zach the wooden paneling, highlighting the back Culture course. He hopes the room teach- cording to Groom, he and Whalen invested Whalen, associate professor of English, to the future of media convergence theme. es students about media archaeology, or their own time and money to fulfill their vilinguistics and communication. “It is a The 80s era was also highlighted be- studying old media in the context of the sion of the project, spending about $1,000 showcase to represent this idea.” cause it was the first time media came into new. in total, including the cost of the new walls.

The fourth floor exhibit is a showcase the home in a way that people could watch “From my end there’s the pedagogical “Zach and I both had an eBay problem indeed. Enclosed in wooden paneling, the movies and play games from their living aspect,” said Whalen. “I wanted to talk for the last month or two,” said Groom. “family couch” is quite “Mad Men”-esque room couch. about technology as an ecosystem of con- “I think both of us were so excited for the in its yellow-green plaid tweed. The brown “It’s a really interesting world. This was verging technology.” idea that doing it was something for our wooden console holds an old television, a start for a whole generation of engineers, The room gives students a hands-on ex- own collection.”

VCR player and games, all across from computer people, and also just aesthetic perience where our media today emerges 80S ROOM | 9 the coffee table which houses the different, and design,” said Groom. from, rather than just reading about it be-

ALISON THOET Editor-in-Chief

6

Thursday, April 2, 2015

LIFE

Arab Culture Night captivated audience with fun, fashion and food

KELLY EMMRICH Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington’s fifth annual Arab Culture Night was a lively event accompanied by local and student performers and provided attendants with a glimpse at another culture.

More than 600 hundred UMW community members attended the event, in addition to members of local Arab communities.

The event brought different cultures together for a festive evening of singing, dancing, eating and educating about Arabic culture.

The evening began with a brief Arabic lesson and transitioned into a fashion show, followed by a performance from a local band.

The fashion show featured several types of Arabic styles, ranging from traditional dresses, such as the Kuwaiti jallabiya, to the more modern Egyptian khimaar. The vibrant day dress contrasted with muted evening gowns.

While many of the dresses were similar in color and style, they represented the variety of style found in Arab fashion and culture.

Traditional men’s fashion was also featured, and UMW students modeled the clothes.

After the fashion show, DJ Kimo Band played upbeat songs that energized the audience.

During the songs, the audience had the opportunity to participate in a line dance called the Debke.

It is the national dance of many countries in the Middle East and southwest Asia and is often performed at festive occasions.

In Arabic culture, the audience is expected to give the performers vocal en-

Ginny Clark/The Blue & Gray Press

Multiple performers showcased aspects of Arabian culture in the Anderson Center. couragement and affirmation to help foster pating in the singing and dancing. community.

Sarah Starr Attkisson, a sophomore geThe audience was not shy about inter- ology major, said that her favorite part of acting during this event, actively partici- the night was the feeling of community.

“I love it when everyone gets up and dances to the music. Just the different cultures coming together is really amazing,” said Attkisson, who also attended the event last year.

The Debke Club is a student club that creates a fusion of traditional Arabic dances and mainstream dances, merging American and Arabic culture.

Several members of the club are foreign exchange students, who bring their own cultural influences to the club.

Traditional Middle Eastern food was served throughout the night and consisted of appetizers such as Tabbouleh (traditional Lebanese salad), rice, shawerma and kabobs. For dessert, a popular cheese pastry called kunafeh was served.Ye Ali, an audience member and UMW parent, said that the food was her favorite part of the event.

“I’m enjoying all the music and the community [feelings], but I’m honestly waiting for the food,” said Ali during the event.

The belly dancing is a crowd favorite year after year. Kiyaana, the belly dancer, began her performance with a candelabrum atop her head.

This traditional technique requires the dancer to balance a single candle on her head, normally during wedding processions.

The candles represent light, love and prosperity, originally the dance performed with a candle, but now a candelabrum is used.

Belly dancing originated from the Middle East and comes from the French term “danse du ventre.”

Attendees were not disappointed at the fifth annual Arab Culture night.

The always exciting event introduced the UMW community to new experiences, new cultures and exotic food.

Students educated about minority issues through drag show JULIANE KIM Staff Writer

Drag queens and kings entertained on stage, dancing and singing before a crowd of cheering admirers at the annual Drag Show this past Saturday.

The People for the Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities put on a Drag Show every year.

The theme for this year’s drag show was based on the film “Moulin Rouge,” and the stage reflected a pink windmill on stage and a backdrop of stars and red curtains.

The judges of the competition were esteemed UMW professors and administration members, including theatre professor and costume designer for Klein Theatre Kevin McCluskey, professor of psychology Laura Wilson, Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker and Assistant Dean for Student Involvement Melissa Jones.

The hosts of this year’s show were the reigning Mr. and Miss Gay Fredericksburg 2014, Romeo Chalet Twist and Carrie Monroe, who strutted on stage with equal amounts of confidence and sass.

The first set of contestants, a duo of drag kings, performed a duet of “Agony” from the “Into the Woods” film soundtrack.

The routine ended with both performers opening their shirts in imitation of the characters in the film, to the audience’s applause.

The second group of contestants, also a duo, danced and lip-synced to “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry.

After the two acts, there was an intermission in the form of an audience partici-

pation game. Four pairs of audience members volunteered to be part of a game in which one half of the pair took off a garter from the other person’s leg with their teeth.

The first one to do so won a prize.

The next contestants were was a trio of two drag kings and a female performer, who did an amazing dance routine while the two drag kings dance-fought over the woman.

The drag kings threw fake money into the crowd during their routine, which was very well received by the audience.

The last contestants were a drag king and queen doing a lip-sync rendition of “Baby Got Back” and “Anaconda.”

A guest performer danced to “Partition” by Beyonce, then there was another intermission, in which McClusky showed off his inner drag by doing his own unof-

Drag Show Participants

Students that participated in the PRISM drag show pose with Dean Rucker.

ficial, impromptu lip-sync to “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical “Dreamgirls”. After declining a lipsync challenge from Carrie Monroe, Mr. Gay Fredericksburg Romeo Chalet Twist treated the audience to a heartfelt lip-sync to “Jack’s Lament” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” in full Jack Skellington makeup.

The competition then continued on with performances of “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees and “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

There was another audience game in which the contestant put a condom on a banana only using their mouths.

After the last two acts, another guest entertainer reenacted the scene in which the main characters fall in love from “Moulin Rouge.”

Before the winners were announced, the hosts called up Dean Rucker and three student volunteers to the stage to participate in a lip-sync battle.

The three students amazed the crowd, dancing to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift with their energy and dancing skills until another song came on, and Dean Rucker joined in with his own impressive moves.

The drag show not only entertained and awed the judges and students who attended, but also promoted safe sex practices while educating about sexually transmitted infections and proper condom use.

“We educate the community on GSM issues, which is gender and sexual minority issues, and we also provide a safe space on campus and to the community as well,” stated PRISM executive board member and senior Cara Wimberley.

7

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LIFE

SHH raises money for Honduras

JULIANE KIM Staff Writer

A multitude of clothing and other items sat neatly folded on tables as part of the merchandise sold at the Students Helping Honduras’ Thrift SHHop fundraiser.

SHH sold these donations on Ball Circle to raise money for the organization’s work in Honduras.

According to vice president of SHH, James Norden, a senior business administration major, this was the third year the organization held the Thrift SHHop fundraising event.

“I really loved the thrift store on Ball. I actually donated some clothes to it,” said Lexy Maratellos, a freshman sociology major. “I bought a shirt and a scarf to show my support for Students Helping Honduras.”

The items included books, shoes, children and adult clothing and other miscellaneous items.

Donations came from University of Mary Washington students, Simpson Library, local libraries and local community members.

According to Norden, a lot of on-hand donations during the event came from professors at UMW walking past the Thrift SHHop.

SHH sells the items donated during the Thrift SHHop with prices ranging from $230. This specific fundraiser supported the building of a fourth grade classroom in a bilingual school.

Thrift SHHop, according to Norden, is also the largest fundraiser SHH holds throughout the year. Other events the club conducts include volleyball tournaments, bake sales and an annual 5k race.

“This year’s our most successful so far,” said Norden in reference to Thrift SHHops of past years.

The club raised over $300 from both donations and money made from the sales.

SHH canceled the second day of the event due to weather complications.

The organization raises money throughout the fall semester for trips to Honduras that take place during Winter Break.

Students participating in the trip help build schools, get to know the people in Honduras and experience the culture there.

The fundraisers in the spring semester all go toward funding actual projects in Honduras; they specifically help with buying supplies for building projects and the schools themselves.

The leftover clothing items are saved for the next semester’s thrift shop, sold online or donated to Goodwill.

Nicole Scotti

SHH held a thrift shop on Ball Circle to fundraise for service projects.

Old and new technology mix in the ITCC

Ginny Clark/The Blue & Gray Press

A replica of a 1980s living room is on the fourth floor of the ITCC. people stop and observe because there is •80S ROOM | 9 such a contrast of this older furniture and But they were not the only two that had game consoles, with the movable wipe a hand in the living room. boards and multiple TV screens.”

“One of the coolest things for me was to This portal through time and technology realize how much expertise we had around can come as a shock to some in a nostalthe campus about all these things,” said gic sense or as entirely alien, depending on Groom, referring to the outside help for the generation. idea.

As Groom said, “It runs a thin line beWhalen and Groom reached out to oth- tween nostalgia and history. I think when er departments on campus, and the theatre people see it, at least of a certain generadepartment built the wall panels. tion, it will be like someone punched them Even at its seemingly completed state, in the face, like ‘oh my god, what is that Groom said they still hope for donations, thing.’” from “as little as a sticker to as big as a There is a website established for the piece of furniture.” room at consolelivingroom.net, where an “It’s an evolving exhibit. It’s gendered inventory of all of the “things” in the space like 11-year-old boy right now,” said is available and people may post using the Groom, who said he hopes to have items hashtag. to portray everyone’s gaming experience.

The exhibit will be up for the next two Students, faculty and alumni are already months at least, through the May visit from connecting with the living room through alumni, but Whalen hopes something permodern media with the hashtag, #um- manent will come out of it, whether in a wconsole, which allows people to share smaller version or in a way that students their interaction with the room. Those who can check out old technology in a liare not familiar with the room already may brary-like system. see mysterious and vague signs around As for Groom, he intends to rebuild the campus, or just happen upon it when in the smaller version in his own basement if it Convergence Center. comes down to it.

“The most interesting thing to me is the “It was really an affirming experience,” dichotomy of this old fashioned space, this said Groom. “You have freedom at Mary nostalgic space in this building that pres- Wash to do cool stuff.” ents itself as a building of the future and “It’s kind of like a community-building progress and technology,” said Kailey Kry- thing where people go back to these games styniak, a senior communication major. people had in their childhood,” said junior “It’s extremely clever, and certainly makes English major Christina Cox.

Plugged In

By TESS OSMER Viewpoints Editor

I always love music that tells a lyrical story. It is the reason we all plug into our phones, computers and iPads: to connect and relate to something on the other end.

Recently, however, I turned my attention to music that tells a story without using a single word.

Warped sighs and hums fall into my eardrums while a layered beat wriggles in the background.

There is simply no other way to put it: these songs that I am about reveal are alive.

They do not tell the same story to every listener because each listener makes their own interpretation.

Orka, a DJ from Miami, Florida utterly stole my heart with “Some Things Aren’t.”

It is the first song that ever made me feel so strongly connected to something

outside of myself without hearing any tion from the start.

It is truly a wonderful piece of music. lyrics at all.

My favorite part is when the music It opens with a bit of record shuffling and then fades into a stunning violin solo. fades out into a man’s sigh. When he exEdited samples of a man singing enter hales, the beat drops again. into the piece, separating YÓSTE SPEAKS TO Han Jr. is from Ankara, Turkey and classifies itself from the violin.

Then, the beat drops, MY MORE HAPPY his music as ambient and down tempo. opening the door to a AND Bursting from the piece of art that can be ADVENTUROUS seams of Vancouver, heard in each sampled beat.

SIDE WITH THE Canada is EKALI. Görkem Han, Jr.’s “Flow Fi,” as he calls it SONG “TOTORO,” on SoundCloud, is the “Ocean” collapsed on my shores as well this genre he categorizes FEATURING past week. himself in.

EVANGELINE. The song feats one It’s a mixture of almost classical, EDM and key phrase, “in the ocean,” in-between each addition of sam- R&B aesthetics. Although “Contempt” ples. The piece starts with a feverish gui- is one of the songs I stumbled across, in tar solo, captivating the listener’s atten- further research on EKALI it has quickly

become my favorite.

The beat becomes heavily loaded and speaks to the darker sides of the mind. It tells a story that is both intimate and traumatic.

Deeply warped sighs erupt in the back of the main beat of the song.

On a lighter note, Yóste speaks to my more happy and adventurous side with the song “Totoro,” featuring Evangeline.

Ironically, the name “Totoro” is also the same of a movie I used to love as a kid.

This piece definitely takes me back to my childhood because of its light, energetic tunes.

There is so much out there these days, and it would be beneficial to explore it. I hope you take the time to listen to these songs.

9

NEWS POLICE BEAT

BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

VANDALISM On March 29, a case of vandalism was reported at 5 p.m. at Eagle Landing. The case is pending.

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS On March 29, a DUI was reported on 900 Block Jefferson Davis Highway. One arrest was made by the Fredericksburg Police Department.

LARCENY Two petit larceny were reported at Randolph Hall one on March 28 at 2 a.m ands the other at 4:40 a.m. The cases are pending.

On March 29 at 9 p.m. a case of grand larceny was reported at Randolph Hall The case is pending.

On March 28, a petit larceny was reported on 1600 Block College Ave.The time is unknown. The case is pending.

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe.

Diplomat in Residence visits campus to counsel students EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Department of State Diplomat in Residence Terry Davidson returned to the University of Mary Washington to inform students of possible careers and internships at the U.S. Department of State on March 31.

Davidson previously visited UMW on Nov. 6, 2014, when he spoke about his career in the foreign service. UMW alumna Catherine Romeo, a 2013 graduate who also works for the U.S. Department of State, also attended the November event.

Before becoming Department of State Diplomat in Residence in August 2014, Davidson was the Department of State’s recruiting outreach division chief and a foreign service officer.

Generating interest in foreign services has been an integral part of all three careers, particularly his career as State Diplomat in Residence.

“My job right now is to introduce my world to students around the region,” said Davidson before the meeting.

In his career at the Department of State, Davidson has traveled to Mexico City, Rangoon, Bogota, Quito, Brasilia, Baku and Washington, D.C. He will be traveling to Kabul, Afghanistan this summer with his wife, who is also a State Department officer, to serve as the country’s Public Affairs officer. He will be staying in Kabul for two years.

According to Davidson, representing the U.S. in foreign countries is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Davidson described what it felt like to cut a ribbon for a school in Mexico he helped build and watch more than 500 children celebrate. In Kabul, Davidson will help build dormitories for female students.

Because he moves constantly for his career, Davidson is often not able to see the full impact of foreign services in the countries he worked in.

Students aid assault survivors

•FEAR 2 FREEDOM | 1 sent home in hospital gowns. The after-care kits provide comfort to the victims during this experience and give them a sense of control by giving them the tools to care for themselves.

A forensic nurse from Mary Wa s h i n g ton Hospital cried trying to explain the effect the kits have on the victims of sexual assault she meets every day.

After a short video, the students were given the opportunity to fill a kit themselves and leave a note of encouragement for the victims.

Many students learned about the event through their sporting teams, such as junior psychology major Sarah Listenbee, who is on the UMW basketball team.

“I think it is really something important that everybody should try to be a part of because we are touching the lives of people that we don’t even know, and they need us,” said Listenbee.

Listenbee hopes that the victims “will get a sense of joy and a sense of recovery,” when they open the kits. Listenbee also wants them to “realize that they are strong

and they are going to overcome the adversities they are going through.”

Some students have experience talking with victims of sexual assault, like senior theatre and creative writing double major Tionge Johnson.

“I have two close friends of mine who have been victims of sexual assault, and I just feel like it could happen to anybody, so it is really important to go out and spread the word and help anybody you can,” said Johnson.

Still, for other students this experience proved eye opening. Freshman psychology major Jenna Yost said she did not understand at first why clothes would be so important to a victim of sexual assault.

“After hearing that they leave there without their own clothes I think that something as simple as clothes or a teddy bear could make a big impact,” said Yost At the end of the program the kits were delivered to local hospitals and organizations by ambulances. Mary Washington Hospital, Safe Harbor and the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault all received kits to continue helping victims of sexual assault.

“I THINK IT IS REALLY SOMETHING IMPORTANT THAT EVERYBODY SHOULD TRY TO BE A PART OF BECAUSE WE ARE TOUCHING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE THAT WE DON’T EVEN KNOW, AND THEY NEED US.” -Sarah Listenbee

10

Terry Davidson Davidson works with children regularly during his efforts as a U.S. diplomat in foreign countries.

“You don’t get to see the end of the story in most places,” said Davidson. “Social media let me see what’s happened in Mexico 25 years later.”

Because careers in the foreign services can be competitive (the fall 2015 internship for the Department of State has already closed, and the summer 2016 application ends in September) Davidson encourages students to study abroad or join the Peace Corps to gain experience. However, Davidson said foreign services hires people from all backgrounds.

“We’re an elite group, but not elitist.

We hire people from all walks of life,” said Davidson.

His main goal is to familiarize students with foreign services and allow them to consider it as a possible career.

“I never heard of it when I was at university,” said Davidson. “Our job is to make sure people do hear about it.”

Holly Aleksonis, a junior psychology major, traveled to Geneva, Switzerland in the fall of 2014 as part of UMW’s study abroad program. Aleksonis heard Davidson speak about foreign services at the University of Virginia. Aleksonis said she admired Davidson’s commitment to his career.

“I liked that he got to travel a lot and got to know each country,” said Aleksonis.

Aleksonis, who is also a peer advisor for the Center for International Education, believes students can take advantage of opportunities to work or study abroad, whether that is for the foreign services, the Peace Corps or UMW’s study abroad program.

“It’s an invaluable experience, and it opens you up to different experiences and different cultures,” said Aleksonis.

The session was hosted by UMW’s Office of Academics and Career Services and took place in Lee 411.

Feminists march against rape culture

•FEMINISTS | 1 Student group Student Anti-Violence Educators also attended the march. SAVE plays an integral role in organizing Take Back the Night, an event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault.

The march was organized in reaction to the controversy following the banning of the UMW men’s rugby club and to support those impacted by the discourse on social media.

“We thought there was need for solidarity and support for those impacted by events this year,” said McKinsey. “We felt people needed a space to express how these events impacted them.”

In addition to the march, FUC also created a petition addressed to President Rick Hurley, the administration and the Board of Visitors. The petition has several components, including a request that the administration organize a meeting concerning the men’s rugby team and how the administration could have handled it better.

The petition also asked that the administration create more resources to address sexual assault, including showing the documentary “The Hunting Ground,” and that the app Yik Yak be banned from being accessed through Apogee, UMW’s wireless network.

According to Mckinsey, the petition is designed to address a number of issues, not just Yik Yak. “The petition does not only address the issue of Yik Yak but also asks for great-

er transparency from administration, that those involved in the rugby sanction come together to see how the process could be improved,” said McKinsey.

Meeks said she has seen the controversy take place through Yik Yak. “I don’t think the feminists on this campus have done everything right, but in no way do they deserve the treatment they received,” said Meeks.

The debate on campus and social media has become a problem for the club as the debate has included negativity and ad hominem attacks. Perceiving threats, the club worked to establish a support system for itself.

“Our group has built up a great support system of faculty, staff and fellow student organizations that’s really helped us in coping,” said McKinsey.

The aim of FUC’s petition and march is to give students the opportunity to speak about their own personal experiences with rape culture and find solutions to end it.

Students have responded positively as well as negatively to FUC’s activity on campus.

“Personally, I’ve had complete strangers walk up to me on campus or message me on Facebook thanking me for what the club has done,” said McKinsey.

For McKinsey, the turnout of the march demonstrated the values of the UMW community.

“I was really happy with the turnout and support from students, faculty, staff and administration,” said McKinsey. “It really showed what this community is about. ”

Thursday, April 2, 2015

NEWS

Student sit-in stretches over a week, pressure on Board of Visitors continues

CATE STACKHOUSE Staff Writer

Members of DivestUMW have held a sit-in outside of University of Mary Washington President Rick Hurley’s office for over 150 hours to protest the recent Board of Visitor’s decision to reject the creation of a divestment sub-committee. Since the sit-in began, 113 students have participated.

According to Hurley in an interview following the BOV decision on March 18, “[the BOV] concluded they’d learned enough about the subject. We did a retreat with them in the summer and went over a thorough presentation with them about divest and its implications for the university.”

“Their ultimate financial responsibility is to get the ultimate return on investments for the university, and we do not directly invest in fossil fuel companies,” Hurley continued. “They believe strongly in the sustainability measures the school is doing.”

The sit-in started on Thursday, March 26, with students vowing to continue the demonstration until certain demands are met. According to DivestUMW co-founder Zakaria Kronemer, “The first is for Rector [Holly] Cuellar to use her power to establish the sub-committee. The second is for the BOV to commit to divesting from the fossil fuel industry by May of 2016.”

The protest started in the morning on Thursday, but according to Rabib Hasan, a member of DivestUMW, the group made the decision on Saturday to engage in the sit-in.

According to Kronemer, DivestUMW’s short term goal is to “bring dialogue back between the student body, the administration, the faculty and the BOV.” Hurley said he agrees about the importance of dialogue, but also noted, “My hope is that the students in DivestUMW will work with us to identify all the ways to address concerns about climate change, not just divestment.”

Starting Friday, students from other schools in Virginia, including James Madison University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and William & Mary, joined DivestUMW. While engaging in the sit-in, the group has also been active on social media, racking up support for the movement.

DivestUMW received shout-outs on Facebook from anti-fracking groups in places as far away as India and the Netherlands.

On Twitter, The Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition tweeted a picture expressing their solidarity with DivestUMW. Other environmental groups, such as the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and the Sierra Club, also showed their support through tweets.

Although Hurley indicated that he did not think the outside encouragement for the movement would sway the BOV, he expressed his continued support for the students engaging in the sit in.

“I’m proud of our students for standing up for their convictions about the global threats from climate change,” said Hurley.

On Monday, Traci Dippert, a Democratic candidate for Virginia State Senate,

visited DivestUMW and expressed her support for the movement.

“Divestment is your future, and I applaud your resolve to fight for it,” said Dippert. “I sit with you in support of divestment and in your generation’s future. Let these events not only change the minds of the Board of Visitors at UMW and universities across America, but let them change the view of the masses about how we invest and how we secure that future.”

Dippert then went on to connect the movement to her senate race.

“When I take my Senate seat next January in a new Democratic majority, be assured that I will continue to stand with you,” said Dippert.

Later on Monday, DivestUMW held an open forum in Dodd Auditorium for students to attend and ask questions about the group’s mission.

Eric Bonds, a UMW professor of sociology and anthropology, hosted the forum and introduced the group.

The group answered questions from students in the audience, as well as questions posted on twitter.

According to Kronemer, the group was “preaching to the choir, but the choir must sing more loudly.”

“After going to the forum and finding out new details, I decided to attend the sitin,” said Ethan Lane, a member of SGA who joined the sit-in on Tuesday.

After the forum, some students said they still feel that DivestUMW has not fully articulated their position.

“I wish DivestUMW had more concrete and direct information about the situation.

I feel like a lot of people have different understandings of what’s going on,” said Ray Celeste Tanner, a junior communication major.

On Tuesday, President Hurley met with members of the sit-in.

Afterward, members of DivestUMW took to Facebook and Twitter to indicate their change in support toward President Hurley, as they felt he no was no longer backing them.

Hurley later shared his thoughts on the meeting.

“While I support the students’ right to engage in peaceful action to promote their position, the Board has made its position clear, which I will uphold,” said Hurley.

“My job as President is to balance the multiple interests of students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors, while maintaining the directives of the Board of Visitors to advance the University.”

Because DivestUMW perceives President Hurley as changing his stance, they will be “reformulating [their] strategy to reflect the shift in dynamics,” according to Kronemer.

Kronemer also indicated that the group’s demands have not shifted in terms of wanting the BOV to commit to divesting from the fossil fuel industry by May 2016.

“It’s disconcerting that the BOV is not fulling recognizing our position. They have said thanks, but we are not doing it for appreciation from the BOV. Our main goal is divestment from fossil fuels,” said junior Daniel McLeod, a member of DivestUMW.

“WHILE I SUPPORT THE STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN PEACEFUL ACTION TO PROMOTE THEIR POSITION, THE BOARD HAS MADE ITS POSITION CLEAR, WHICH I UPHOLD.” -Rick Hurley

Timmy Clay Student protestors gathered outside of Hurley’s office on Thursday morning to begin the sit-in.

Proposed student loan bill seeks to alleviate student debt NEGEEN BEHDAD Staff Writer

In recent years, after having won the 2012 Massachusetts election for Senate against Republican Scott Brown, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D – Mass.) is not new to holding her ground in the political arena.

An advocate for consumer protection and managing personal finance, Warren introduced her own proposal last year on how to solve the issue of undergraduate and graduate loan debt that has grown increasingly prevalent in our nation.

However, Senator John Cornyn (R – Texas) worked to block the bill unless Warren agreed to the condition of unlimited amendments.

Last Wednesday, Senator Warren tried her hand at a loan rate proposal as an amendment to the Republican budget resolution; however, the Senate vote resulted in 46-53 against Warren’s proposed amendment.

The concept behind Warren’s amendment would allow students with substantial college loan debt to refinance at interest rates directly from 2013-2014 academic year.

Warren’s idea was that if millions of students are stuck paying interest rates between 6-10 percent or even higher, the bill would allow undergraduates to refinance their loans to 3.9 percent. The funding for the refinancing would come from a required 30 percent effective federal tax rate for millionaires.

In contrast, the Senate passed a different amendment related to student loans. Proposed by Senator Richard Burr (R – N.C.), the amendment aimed to achieve the same goal of simplifying loan repayment but through the reduction of overlapping programs.

Republican Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi (R – Wyo.) was one notable advocate against Warren’s proposed amendment, claiming that while action need to be taken on the issue of student loan debt, the budget resolution was not the right setting. Enzi claimed that this can neither “be done,” nor can one “have policy” on a budget bill resolution.

An intriguing response from Warren, who is currently declining calls to run for president, was her initial desire to bring an opportunity of real economic security to

the middle class. After the vote on Wednesday, she responded, “the student debt problem got worse, much worse.” She has been known for stating, “Congress has worked too long for the billionaires.”

Benjamin Hermerding, a senior political science major and president of UMW Young Democrats, voiced his opinion on the Wednesday decision, stating, “I support [Warren’s] plan wholeheartedly…the Republicans year in and year out like to talk about the U.S. accumulated debt but refuse to acknowledge one of the highest debt that people owe, student debt.”

Hermerding used the Warren Buffett example in his argument that the upper class paying a smaller percentage than the middle class is “fundamentally unfair.”

Hermerding is one of six siblings, all of whom will likely graduate with some kind of student debt.

On the contrary, College Republicans Chairman Nicole Tardif argued that the “redistribution of wealth is not the way to fix the issue of student debt” and said she believes that “the issue of college tuition should be left up to the states.”

However, Tardif echoed Hermerding’s sentiment about the rising issue of student loans.

“Why should someone who worked hard to get to where they are have to effectively pay for my education?” said Tardif.

Sophomore business major Michael Macleay commented on the issue, saying, “I, as a borrower myself, would like for my bills to be cheaper and not have as many loans to pay off, but I don’t feel that it is right for me to be living off of someone else’s dollar.”

For students pursuing further degrees, such as sophomore English and secondary education double major Shannon Coryell, student loans are particularly daunting.

“Especially, as a future educator who suspects that the graduate year is soon to be required, it would be very hard to pay back my loans in the near future,” said Coryell.

“Of course I would want to pay back lower interest rates, but I understand how this is not fair to ask of the upper class,” Coryell continued. “I agree that a lot of students are at the point where they need it.

Students are at the point where they need financial help but I don’t know if this proposal would help solve the problem.”

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SPORTS The Bryce Harper Debate: Editor: Chris Markham | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

The Nationals’ super-star was recently voted as the most overrated player in baseball STEPHEN RECHTER Staff Writer

Is Bryce Harper, the rock star-like icon of the Washington Nationals’ fan base, an overrated player? Could he be the most overrated in all of baseball? With just three seasons of injury-ridden experience in the big leagues all coming before his 23rd birthday, is it even fair for Harper to receive the “overrated” label? Apparently, major players in baseball believe so.

According to a poll conducted by ESPN Magazine, Harper’s peers have labeled him decisively the most overrated player in baseball for the second year in a row heading into the 2015 season. This time it was no close race, as Harper received 41 percent of the vote.

The runner-up to the dubious honor, talented Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, received just 15 percent of the vote, a drastic shift from last year’s poll when the same two players received 24 and 21 percent of the vote, respectively. Is this a fair judgment? Harper’s ascent through baseball shows promise and glimpses of results, but injuries have largely obscured just what kind of talent the Nationals have with their still just 22-year-old outfielder.

Fans and scouts alike have long touted Harper as the next big thing in baseball since being selected by the Nationals number one overall in the 2010 amateur draft.

He quickly skyrocketed up prospect rankings to become the number one-ranked prospect in all of baseball prior to the 2011 and 2012 seasons, according to Baseball America. He began the 2012 season as a

19-year-old in Triple-A, among the youngest in the league, struggling to a 0.243 batting average with just one home run in his first 21 games. Despite the struggles and dangerously quick ascent through the Nationals’ minor league system, outfield injuries to the major league squad opened up a gaping hole that needed filling, and the teenage phenom with massive expectations was called up to the big leagues.

Somehow, despite the impossible expectations and lack of professional experience, the kid came into the fold, saw his bat heat up and never looked back. As an unfathomably young player standing on the same field with veterans twice his age, Harper hit for a solid 0.270 batting average with 22 homers, 59 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and a remarkable 56 walks.

His combination of power, patience and speed made him among the most dynamic outfielders in the league that year, earning him his first All-Star nod, 30th place finishing in the MVP voting and the Rookie of the Year award. Going into the 2013 season as a 20-yearold, still younger than most prospects in the earl y minors, e x pectations f o r Harper only i n creased beyond

their already astronomical levels. If he can do what he did at 19 years of age, just imagine what he will do next. He could break baseball, right?

Well, it has not all worked out as everyone hoped. Harper’s 2013 season was not a complete throwaway by any means, but he didn’t blast off of the map like fans and scouts hoped. Instead, his numbers only marginally improved before his season was cut short by injury. The injury was the scapegoat for Harper’s proponents.

“Just wait till he’s healthy,” said supporters.

Then health came in 2014, but mediocrity and another injury eventually followed, this time limiting Harper to only 100 games and 395 plate appearances. This time, the numbers were not so pretty. Harper managed to keep his average afloat at 0.273, but his power greatly waned. He managed only 13 home runs and 10 doubles to go along with a huge 104 strikeout tally. His play in the outfield too, a highlight upon his arrival in the majors, began taking criticism.

Meanwhile, Harper’s contender in the overrated poll, Yasiel Puig, who received criticism from baseball veterans for showboating in his very first season, has continued to produce above expectations. This past season, he hit for a strong 0.296 average with 16 homers, a whopping 37 doubles and an equally impressive 67 walks in 148 games; numbers that far outclass Harper’s. He was an All-Star and was voted 19th for the MVP award.

Now Puig obviously has not had the

same injury history as Harper, but there is no denying that he has met, and perhaps even succeeded, his lofty expectations as a high-profile signing. On the other hand, Harper, whose expectations may have been even higher than Puig’s, has not lived up to the hype, regardless of injuries. Durability is important in baseball, especially in recent years, as players have started dropping like flies. Puig’s relatively good health and Harper’s lack of it cannot be dismissed. Too many young phenoms have never reached their potential due to injury and Harper cannot be viewed as immune to this possibility.

On the other hand though, here we have a 22-year-old outfielder whose first three years in the majors have produced a 0.272 batting line with 55 homers, 155 walks and 60 doubles. For the majority of time he has also played above average in the outfield.

Every team in baseball would kill to have a 22-year-old player with that track record.

Whether or not he has lived up to his superstar hype at this point is a bit irrelevant.

History shows that few of baseball’s greats play their best in their age 19-21 seasons.

Most were either still seasoning in the minors or actually struggling in their first few years. Barry Bonds, one of the most talented outfielders in history, was called up at age 21 but initially struggled more than Harper and would not fully break out until age 25. The simple fact is that most of the greats were not able to produce like Harper could at his historically young age.

In this sense, we still need to wait and see with Bryce Harper. Injuries have clouded just what kind of player the Nationals have on their hands here. Is he on his rise to alltime greatness? Or are his best, healthy days behind him? The drastic disparity of these questions is what leads to his “overrated” label. There is really no one else out there to claim it. He is the obvious choice until he proves to everyone that he is the player he is hyped up to be. Critics do not care about age or injury; they want to see results. For as remarkably productive as Harper has been, he still has a ways to go

View the sports staff’s picks for the Final Four

The stage is set.

-Page 3

@FinalFour/Twitter

SOFTBALL:

Weekly Scoreboard MEn's lacrosee:

April 1 @ CNU (L) UMW: 2 CNU: 10 (L) UMW: 1 CNU: 10

April 1 vs. Christopher Newport (L) UMW: 11 CNU: 14

April 1 @ Christopher Newport (L) UMW: 12 CNU: 15

March 31 vs. Christopher Newport (W) UMW: 8 CNU: 4

WOMEN'S LACROSSE:

Thursday, April 2, 2015

BASEBALL:

Upcoming:

Baseball: April 4 @ Marymount 12 p.m. & 3 pm.

Women’s Lacrosse: April 4 vs. York College (Pa) 1 p.m.

Softball: April 2 @ Southern Virginia 5 & 7 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosee: April 4 @ Wesley 1 p.m.

Men’s Tennis: April 7 @ Christopher Newport

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