The Blue & Gray Press

THE

The University of Mary Washington Student Newspaper

BLUE & GRAY PRESS VOLUME 94 | ISSUE 11

Serving the community since 1922

APRIL 22, 2021

Third party technical error prevents graduates from signing up for commencement ceremonies

JESS KIRBY News Editor

On Thursday, April 15, students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 were supposed to receive a link to sign up for a commencement ceremony. For some, the link never arrived after their cell phone carriers blocked the text message.

“Considering everything we’ve been through the past year or so, it meant a lot to me that I’d be able to graduate with my friends. And then, as a result of an error, that was taken away from me.”

-Katherine Ellson “At 12:06 on Thursday I got the text that said ‘Greetings from Mary Washington!’ and nothing else,” said Sara Lester, who graduated in December 2020 and majored in business administration. “I waited thinking a link or another text would eventually come through.”

A few minutes later, Lester

came across a post on the UMW meme page about the same problem.

“That’s when I read the comments and realized some people were able to sign up and some hadn’t even received the link like myself,” she said. “Also, I noticed a comment that said all Saturday slots were taken which really got me heated because I still hadn’t even received the link.”

According to Ali Hieber, the coordinator of community events, students were supposed to receive two text messages that day.

“The first was a general ‘greetings’ message required with opt out options and the second would follow with a link to choose an available ceremony. All messages were to go out at noon on April 15,” said Hieber. “The company who sent the messages on behalf of the University indicated that cellular carriers blocked messages.

They provided a list of names of those students impacted and we are following up to assist them in scheduling a ceremony. An apology and a general link for the class of 2020 and 2021 was

Some graduating students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 were unable to sign up for a commencement ceremony because their cell phone carrier blocked the message containing the link to sign up.

University of Mary Washington

shared via email for those who were not able to sign up with the text link. We continue to follow-up with students who did not receive the original text and need assistance registering for a ceremony.”

Since Lester was not able to sign up for a Saturday ceremony, her fiance will not be able to attend.

“I really did not want to do it at all, but my fiance was super

excited for me and wanted to go,” said Lester. “I of course wanted Saturday because that was the original day they mentioned months ago when it was a possibility we’d still do it all as one class. And that was the day I’d told my family to expect to come. I’m truly bummed because my fiancé (the only reason I really agreed to go) cannot attend now because he does not have [Sunday] off.”

Katherine Ellson, a senior double majoring in psychology and religious studies, also never received a link to sign up for a ceremony.

“My friends and I had all coordinated beforehand to find a time slot that worked for all of us, that way we could graduate together,” she said. “On Thursday, I was the first one to get the ‘Greetings’ text, but all my

GRADUATION | 7

COVID-19 cases on the rise in Eagle Landing

follow regular MMDC protocol.

“We trust that these efforts, in concert with ongoing monitoring and education, will On Thursday, April 8, residents of continue to mitigate risk in Eagle Landing Eagle Landing received an email from and the rest of the campus community,” said the Office of Residence Life and Housing Fleming. informing them of the high concentration Kathryn Ragone, a junior studio art of COVID-19 cases in the residence hall. If major in the College of Education and Eagle COVID-19 conditions become severe, the Landing resident, talked about adherence to University may choose to quarantine the the MMDC policy in Eagle Landing. entire residence hall as a last resort.

“Masks, I think most people follow it, but The email, sent from assistant dean I have seen some who don’t. But the distance for Residence Life and Housing David [rule] I think is the one people break the Fleming, states, “We have been closely most,” said Ragone. monitoring COVID-19 trends across The email from Residence Life urged UMW’s campus and recent positive cases Eagle Landing residents to continue coming out of Eagle Landing and the following MMDC through the last few increased number of close contacts has weeks of the semester. the COVID Monitoring and Tracing Team Residents were recently notified by the Office of Residence Life and Housing that Eagle Landing has “We are so close to the end of the focusing attention on your community.” seen a rise in COVID-19 cases.

University of Mary Washington semester and we want to make sure we can If the COVID-19 cases continue to rise in email,” said Castro-Martinez, who was unaware of the reach the finish line without significant Eagle Landing, the University may choose to quarantine high COVID cases. She said she “thought it was super disruption to the academic mission of the institution,” the entire residence hall, according to Fleming. weird because you think people would be talking about the email said.

“With the warmer weather, athletic “There is a contingency where a whole building could it.” competitions taking place, commencement approaching be quarantined,” said Fleming.

As of April 15, the UMW COVID Dashboard reported and the overall length of this pandemic, it is easy to However, this option is not the first choice of the nine active cases, with 74 out of the 84 quarantine spaces become relaxed in our efforts to practice these mitigation University. available. strategies.

We know the highest transmission occurs when “It is certainly a last resort option since it would create Although Fleming said that UMW “confirms individuals believe they are in a safe space, often with significant disruption to students and require a lot of residential addresses of all cases and close contacts,” it family or close friends, and in settings where eating is resources to implement,” said Fleming. “[Quarantining is unknown how many cases are from Eagle Landing taking place. It becomes natural for us to believe we can Eagle Landing] would be the very last option we would residents. forego wearing a mask while in the company of a small consider as an institution and likely only if the Department “There was an uptick in positive cases and associated circle of friends or while visiting home on the weekend. It of Health required us to do so.” close contacts, and we thought it was prudent to get ahead is important that we don’t let our guard down.”

This high concentration of COVID cases in Eagle of any potential crisis by asking Eagle Landing students to The University will continue to monitor COVID-19 Landing came as a surprise to junior psychology major recommit to MMDC,” said Fleming. cases and ask residents to follow MMDC protocols and Aylen-Castro Martinez, a resident assistant (RA) for Eagle Regardless of the uptick in cases, Eagle Landing will remain safe.

Landing. not have any extra precautions enforced, and they will still “I pretty much heard about it when they sent out the

rachel benoudiz Staff Writer

IN THIS

ISSUE

SPACE travel

Space exploration should wait for conservation.

VIEWPOINTS | 3

FRED BUS

Free student transportation comes at a cost.

LIFE | 4

SENIOR AWARDS Varsity teams find creative ways to honor their seniors.

SPORTS | 8

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 Kate Seltzer

Associate Editors Abigail Buchholz Cosima Pellis

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Jess Kirby Josephine Johnson

VIEWPOINTS Abigail Weber

LIFE Erin Matuczinski

SPORTS Victoria Percherke

ONLINE Samantha Price Bernadette D’Auria

PHOTO Bryanna Lansing

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

Editors: Jess Kirby & Josephine Johnson | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

UMW receives half a million in donations

LEIGH HATTON Staff Writer

The university received over 3,000 gifts and states that they raised over $575,000 in donations on this year’s Giving Day. This funding was allocated to many different areas, since donors were able to select from specific or general recipients for their gifts.

The Office of Annual Giving described Giving Day as “a 24-hour celebration of the Mary Washington spirit of giving back and our collective commitment to the University’s future.”

As a public university, donations provide Mary Washington with necessary funding for a variety of different areas. According to a statement from the Office of Annual Giving, only 25 percent of the university’s operating budget is covered by state funding, leaving a gap that only donations can bridge.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on donations since it began, and the university’s year-to-date giving has been down. In addition, Mary Washington’s annual Giving Day was canceled last year in 2020.

Despite these setbacks, the 2021 Mary Washington Giving Day, which occurred on April 13, demonstrated widely-ranging support for the university.

“We always approach [Giving Day] as a chance to tell our many stories and we are humbled that they inspire people to give to our program.”

-Gregg Stull Lisa Bowling, Vice President of Advancement for the university, explained how the Office of Advancement has adjusted to deal with the unique situations presented by the pandemic.

“Traditional practices, like in-person meetings with prospects and donors, had to be set aside,” she said.

Bowling went on to describe the office’s approach to the matter.

“Education is considered a procyclical giving choice,” she said. This means that donation amounts tend to vary based on the larger national and global economic status.

“It was clear that UMW needed to shift its fundraising messaging to focus not only on students’ aspirations, but also upon their essential needs,” Bowling said. “An example of this is emergency support. There are several funds that are designed to assist students in dire emergent situations, but they are modest in size. This year we have spotlighted those programs so that those who give to UMW can direct their compassionate support to students.”

Donations are also necessary for numerous other departments and programs, including technology and utilities, faculty and staff support and capital support for campus grounds and buildings. However, most of these operational funds are directed back

After not holding Giving Day in 2020, some UMW departments exceeded their donation goals.

University of Mary Washington

into student financial aid, according to Bowling.

Donors can also give directly to Mary Washington’s specific clubs, teams, centers and departments. Donations can make a significant difference for these groups, providing uniforms and equipment, funds for travel and research and many other necessary areas.

The primary source of Mary Washington’s donations is alumni, who contribute 74 percent of the total donations received. Bowling said that other donors include faculty and staff, community members, foundations and students, among others. She went on to describe why alumni support has a significance that goes beyond the actual donations.

“Many national rankings look at alumni support as an indicator of whether graduates endorse their school,” she said. “To oversimplify, when alumni don’t give, it is assumed that they did not have a strong or positive enough experience to show their belief through giving. It is unfortunate, but this can impact national rankings and the perceived value of a schools’ degrees.”

According to previously released statistics, this year’s totals were less than those from 2019, which had over 4,000 gifts and approximately $600,000 raised. However, the 2021 donations still exceeded 2018’s total of 2,661 gifts and $426,866 in donations, and this result occurred during a time of economic difficulty for many.

For the Theatre Department, Giving Day 2021 saw their highest amounts of donations ever, with just under $52,000 given. Gregg Stull, the Chair of the Theatre Department, stated that the Department worked hard to program for the event, holding 16 livestream events and sharing over 100 posts on social media.

“We always approach the day as a chance to tell our many stories and we are humbled that they inspire people to give to our program,” Stull said. “Giving Day helps support UMW Theatre students with production opportunities, scholarships, artist residencies and professional development workshops.”

Elizabeth Lewis, the Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, felt that this Giving Day was a success as well.

“One thing I think worked very well is that among the different programs

within CAS, we really supported each other’s efforts by sharing each other’s posts,” she said.

“I think the response was very positive, especially since because of COVID, we didn’t know what to expect,” Lewis said of the donations received by the College of Arts and Sciences. “We have such incredibly generous supporters.”

Bowling also described this year’s Giving Day event as “exceptionally strong.”

“It’s a promising indicator that people are beginning to resume their philanthropy and they remain loyal to UMW,” she said.

The Office of Advancement made a good deal of preparations for the event. Social media accounts, such as UMW Alumni on Instagram, shared a stream of posts throughout the day, which promoted a series of ‘challenges’ for various alumni groups.

This year, the office used the hashtag

“I think the response was very positive, especially since because of COVID, we didn’t know what to expect. We have such incredibly generous supporters.”

-Elizabeth Lewis #AllTogetherUMW, in addition to the hashtag #MaryWashDay, which is used for the event each year.

The Office of Advancement and the other fundraising branches employ an extensive staff, five of whom are also UMW alumni. Bowling stated that the majority of these staff alumni got their start working as student employees during the University’s phonathon events.

“Fundraising is a wonderful and gratifying field that students don’t always realize exists as a career option,” Bowling said. “Supporting and sustaining a mission one believes in is incredibly motivating and fulfilling. It is inspiring to see the selfless generosity-and even personal sacrifice--that donors make to support students at Mary Washington. It truly affirms one’s belief in the good of humanity.”

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

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Abigail Weber | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Focus on fixing Earth before colonizing new planets

With the recent advancements in space exploration, the question of whether or not we should be furthering our efforts to get to space has created some controversy.

Some argue that our focus should be on remedying social and environmental issues on Earth before looking to expand our outreach, while others encourage the relentless pursuit of space exploration and colonization.

However, it has become increasingly clear that we are better off first resolving our own planetary issues before we are ready to look elsewhere.

Federal funding for NASA has proven to be a significant expense. Some argue this is unnecessary, while others claim it is essential to developing our understanding of the universe.

The National Space Society, or NSS, makes strong points in favor of continuing NASA’s efforts. Jeffrey G. Liss, from the NSS Board of Directors argues that going to space is a “must” and lists the benefits to pursuing space exploration and colonization in his article, WHY WE DO — AND MUST — GO INTO SPACE. Liss

Experts evaluate the costs and benefits of continuing to explore NASA on Unsplash space.

CAMERON DELEAN Staff Writer

states that the space program pays for itself, that it opens up the opportunity to discover new resources and that colonizing other planets will help evolve society as a whole.

Liss also argues that the whole point of exploring other planets should be to colonize it, stating “the ultimate purpose of going into space is to live and work there — just as the ultimate purpose of exploring the New World was colonization — and not merely to sit back on Earth and cogitate about what automated spacecraft report back.”

The commentary given by Liss is problematic in its nature. The concept of colonization is outdated, and rather space exploration should be seen as an advancement for the entirety of the human race.

Instead, it is viewed as a race to conquer and then profit off of new land, when we have yet to solve our own environmental and social dilemmas.

There are far too many issues here on Earth for us to fathom colonizing another planet. There is no way to develop a successful working society from scratch when there are already significant problems we have yet to solve on Earth. Fraser Cain, from Universe Today, discussed in an article, 7 Replies to “Shouldn’t We Fix the Earth First?”, his reasons for hesitating on space exploration.

“How about the whole world stops smoking, and we spend $20 billion on colonizing Mars and the other $730 billion on renewable fuels and cleaning up our negative impact on the environment, reducing poverty and giving people access to clean water?” said Cain. This is a common argument that many have against continually

Shorten the work week to help us all

while keeping pay and other benefits the same. Workers were 20 percent more productive, both performing better and enjoying their jobs more. A retirement home in Sweden also gave workers a shortened work day, In the United States, the 40-hour work week is a and found that nurses were both happier and more century-long tradition, originally put in place by union productive at work, leading to increased quality of organizers seeking better working conditions. The care for residents. According to a study of 500 British original workday was 10 to 16 hours, and over time, companies by the Henley Business School at the it became evident that this kind of work was draining University of Reading, switching to a four-day work and unsustainable. When the workday was cut down week saved $120 billion as operating costs dropped due to eight hours at Ford Motor Company in 1914, wages to lower absenteeism and increased productivity. were doubled due to increased productivity. Less Cutting work hours and offering employees flexible work equaled better outcomes for both employers and scheduling also goes a long way towards increasing employees, and evidence has shown that less work employee loyalty and job satisfaction. This is another could equal better outcomes today as well, with research huge win, especially for companies that have trouble showing that a shortened workweek and flexible retaining employees.

Both Millenials and Gen Z have scheduling improves both productivity for companies stated that flexible scheduling and work-life balance for employees. is an important factor for them The fact that most employees work Research has shown that cutting when considering a job. One study for 8 hours per day is more arbitrary work hours increases productivity and even found that Gen Z considers than anything. In 1817, Welsh activist makes workers more efficient. workplace flexibility more Robert Owen advocated for reduced important than health benefits. working hours with the slogan, “Eight Another survey by FlexJobs also found that 80 percent hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” of employees would be more loyal to their employer if While the ensuing 8-hour day did increase productivity they had flexible work options.

Offering this flexible and worker satisfaction, the hours themselves were not scheduling, which often includes reducing total hours based on any form of research or data about worker worked so long as the job gets done, makes employees productivity. The average worker actually does not work feel cared for and valued by their employers. This leads a true 8-hour work day. In fact, research by Voucher to greater job satisfaction and loyalty overall.

Cloud, a British shopping brand, found that office The evidence is strong that reducing hours on the workers were only truly productive for an average of job and allowing employees flexibility in their work 2 hours, 23 minutes every day. Other parts of the day leads to happier, more productive workers with stronger were spent on activities such as checking social media, loyalties to their companies. While some companies reading news websites, texting, talking to coworkers, are turning towards a reduced workweek, they are still and making food in the office. This behavior is natural in the minority, with about 27 percent of companies and not simply the result of laziness or a poor work nationwide offering employees the option to take four ethic. Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, a professor of Psychology 10-hour days rather than five 8-hour days. According at Florida State University, has found in his research to a report from The Society for Human Resource that even highly skilled workers such as musicians Management, other trends include the ability to work and athletes could only concentrate for around 4 to 5 from home, which has become even more prevalent hours at a time, after which their productivity declined. due to remote working during the pandemic.

Hopefully In another study, researchers found that the most in the future, more companies will consider offering productive workers are actually those who worked employees flexibility and the opportunity for a better roughly an hour, then took a break for 15 to 20 minutes. work-life balance. It’s likely to increase their bottom Research has shown that cutting work hours line, too. increases productivity and makes workers more efficient. In 2018, a New Zealand-based will writing company gave workers an extra day off every week

LIZ FOSTER Staff Writer

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Space exploration offers opportunities to learn about the universe.

NASA on Unsplash

funding NASA and entertaining the idea of colonizing other planets.

Everyone can recognize the importance of space exploration and can be excited by the idea of advancing technology for that purpose. However, many are also concerned about the state of our planet, and can recognize that our efforts should be directed at remedying the issues we are currently facing. Space exploration should be pursued, just not as aggressively as we should pursue environmental and social issues. It is essential that we learn how to care for our own planet and its inhabitants before we can even consider building societies on other places. If we are incapable of helping ourselves, how are we supposed to expand to an entirely different planet? t

Staff Ed: Chauvin conviction isn’t nearly enough THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Derek Chauvin, former Minneappolis police officer and George Floyd’s murderer, was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Tuesday. This means the justice system has done the bare minimum of holding accountable murderers who kill in broad daylight, on camera; it does not mean the system is working.

Just before Chauvin’s conviction was announced, a police officer in Columbus, Ohio shot and killed Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year old Black girl. The Washington Post’s “Fatal Force” database reports that 984 people were shot and killed by the police in the past year— as of April 18, there were 274 fatal police shootings in 2021. Over the course of Chauvin’s trial, which began March 29, there were at least 64 deaths, an average of more than three a day, at the hands of police. Over half of those killed in that time period were Black or Latino individuals.

In this country, police get to comfortably serve as judge, jury and executioner. Chauvin was convicted, yes, but the killers of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, Stephon Clark, Breonna Taylor and countless others are allowed to walk free. These killings are tantamount to modern day lynchings. Justice has not been served: in a just world, all of these people would still be alive. We have to stop thinking of police brutality as a few isolated incidents and bad actors and start thinking of it as emblematic of a system rotten to its core.

George Floyd was not a martyr. He was a father, a son and a friend. He did not sacrifice his life for a greater cause. Our hearts go out to his family and to the families of all victims of police brutality and white supremacy. We are also grieving for UMW’s Black students and community members, who are forced to bear witness to racial trauma day after day. None of us are free until all of us are free.

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LIFE

Editor: Erin Matuczinski | blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Online archaeology conference offers interactive experience MATTHEW BOVA Staff Writer

Boxes line the shelves, containing artifacts from the Historic Preservation sites.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Bova

Despite educating adults, much of the undergraduate experience shields students from the realities of the professional world. COVID-19 forcing society to move these experiences to a virtual setting adds to the sense of being unprepared for professional life. Despite this, my first archaeological conference proved to be a rewarding experience, despite the format under which it took place. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the top archaeologists in the region.

Archaeology is the study of the past through the recovery of underground artifacts. Archaeologists are employed by a variety of institutions: universities hire archaeologist professors, governments employ archaeologists who work to preserve historic resources on their property, museums often have archaeologists on staff, and Cultural Resource Management companies hire archaeologists to make sure their clients do not damage historic resources. What unites them all is a passion for the field, constantly coming up with new methods of excavating and analyzing historic and prehistoric sites; the field draws influence from natural and social sciences in order to understand the past. Archaeologists from all these institutions and disciplines gather at conferences throughout the year to present new findings and methodologies.

Back in March of 2020, the 2020 Mid-Atlantic Archaeological Conference (MAAC) had to be cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19.

This was my first indication that the virus was going to be a “big deal,” but I obviously couldn’t imagine it would still be around more than a year later.

It was supposed to be my first academic conference, but in the coming weeks it became the least of my worries.

In order to avoid cancelling MAAC again in 2021, UMW’s Dr. McMillan and the other organizers had to come up with a way to run a conference virtually. Eventually, they settled on hosting it over Gatherly.

The software uses a series of virtual rooms and dots. Each dot represents a user, and if the user moves into a space where another dot is, they will start a call. They can also broadcast to the whole floor. It is by no means a perfect system, but it allowed MAAC to have a degree of interactivity and allowed the presentations to be held entirely online.

The software definitely had its advantages. It allowed attendees to simulate the small talk that would occur naturally at a conference, as well as allow for simultaneous events to be held. Still, it had the same issues that are present in all virtual calling: uncertainty of whether you’re muted,

accidentally cutting someone off due to latency, and connection issues.

Overall, it worked well, but the stories I heard about the celebrations that took place at previous conferences left me feeling like I was missing something while stuck behind the screen.

Overall, the conference was a fantastic experience. I got to attend some amazing lectures and met some very interesting people. Many presented the results from their excavations, while others held panels on topics like descendant communities or technological applications. I had a great time at the student discussion centers, meeting lots of graduate students. After I gave my presentation, I was approached by an esteemed professor who enjoyed my presentation and offered to send me valuable research material he had gathered from the Smithsonian archives, including original accounts of John Smith’s visits with the Patawomeck.

UMW’s Department of Historic Preservation was highly present at the conference. Dr. McMillan was the president-elect at the conference and set up the Gatherly service. Delaney Resweber, senior historic preservation major and my co-worker at the UMW Archaeology Lab, won the student paper contest for her interpretation of the Stratford Hall site. Claire Ross, senior historic preservation and anthropology major, presented her paper, Material Expressions of Power and Ideology in a Plantation Context.

Lillian Salamone, a 2020 graduate historic preservation major, presented a post created by them along with Lawrence King and Kathleen Keith on a potential 19th Century site.

I was presenting on the topic of Esri StoryMaps and their usage in visualizing archaeological information. As a geography student, much of my interest in archaeology is focused around spatial relationships, modelled using software known as GIS. StoryMaps allows a user to adapt these GIS maps and create web apps that present the data in a visually appealing format. During the pandemic, Delaney and I have been utilizing StoryMaps alot to showcase the sites recorded in the UMW Archaeology Lab, and I am working with Dr. McMillan on a StoryMap on the history of the Patawomeck Tribe.

MAAC 2021 reminded me why I love archaeology. While far from perfect, the field of archaeology has some of the most interesting and passionate people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The ability to write an equation to give you a date from a pile of clay pipes or to study gender roles through a house’s trash heap, requires a level of dedication and insight that inspires my academic journey.

The archaeology lab is located in the basement of Combs Hall.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Bova

COVID-19 DASHBOARD 7 Active cases as of April 20, 2021 80 Cumulative since April 20, 2021 1 7-day average cases per day 1,269 Total prevelance tests April 9-15 5 Positive prevelance tests April 9-15 4

0.39% Positive prevalence tests returned 202 Student health center tests 25 Positive student health center tests 37 of 38 Isolation spaces available 77 of 82 Quarantine spaces available Thursday, April 22, 2021

LIFE

Freshmen make the best of living at college during COVID

GARETH MANCINI Staff Writer

Freshmen living in residence halls say that COVID restrictions, while socially constraining, have not ruined the dorm experience.

There are three big rules to ensure safety: residents are allowed to have one other person from within their dorm hall under the condition that said person wears a mask and maintains a distance of six feet, residents may not have a person from another dorm hall in their dorm or building, and residents may not have someone from another school or off campus into their dorm or building with no overnight visitors.

“I really enjoy it, it’s a bit more strict than I was hoping for, but I still get that sense of independence compared to high school,” said Jacob Roth, a freshman and business administration major. Roth has been able to meet his suitemates but has been struggling to meet new people outside of that.

“There’s not really much going on on-campus, so it’s been really tough.”

Roth says that he’s thought about knocking on people’s doors just to meet some new people, but he is a little bit worried about how they’d respond to someone they don’t know at this time.

Some students have been a bit more inventive in the way that they are making friends this year. Peter Lermo, a freshman, and a business administration major, was able to make a meaningful connection with people through private Zoom calls for group assignments. He and some other students from a computer science course kicked off their friendship coding on a Zoom call, and he turned that into texting people to see if they wanted to go on a walk-through campus or go grab a bite to eat together. Lermo and his new friends have now made arrangements to live together in the coming year.

“I’ve been really fortunate this year in that I was able to make friends over Zoom, it’s sort of an unlikely scenario but I’ve been really lucky,” said Lermo.

Others haven’t been so lucky. Bailey McNabb, a freshman pursuing a major in biomedical sciences says that she has barely met anyone on her floor, and feels very restricted under the rules.

Russell Hall houses first-year students, while its sister building Marshall became quarantine space.

University of Mary Washington

“I knew COVID was going to be different and change everything, but I was expecting to be talking to more people,” said McNabb. “It’s just so difficult to meet with people, especially if they live in another dorm.”

There was one complaint that was universal across all interviews, which was that they did not understand why they could not see people in other dorms. “If I can go and sit down with someone and eat with them for a half hour, why am I not allowed in their room?” asked Roth.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me, I get that somebody from another school might come here and bring [COVID] with them if they’re asymptomatic, that rule makes sense but why can’t I hang out with someone that I can hang out with everywhere else except my room?” asked Lermo.

The rules under which the freshman class is operating under may be socially preventative and isolating if one is not an already outgoing person.

According to ProHealth Care, social isolation can lead to mental health issues that may manifest themselves into physical symptoms. Students who find themselves struggling with their mental health are encouraged to reach out to the Talley Center or another mental health professional.

Fred Bus not flexible enough despite free rides for students ANIYA MARTINEZ Staff Writer

All students attending UMW, whether on-campus or off-campus, have access to a form of free transportation, the Fred Bus. This may be of particular help to those without a car that are dependent on outside forms of transportation to get to class. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to using this service.

Julia Perdomo, a senior biology major, believes that riding the Fred bus is a great option for people who do not have cars on campus.

“My experience with the Fred Bus has always been positive,” said Perdomo. “It’s a great way to visit different areas of Fredericksburg, especially since none of my friends and I had cars on campus.”

Students can take the Fred Bus at several stops around campus. Two of the bus stops are in front of the University Center and one is near Combs Hall. Students can also catch the Fred Bus at the bus station that is located near the restaurant Umi on Route 1, which is a short walk from the campus.

While this may sound like a great alternative, students’ opinions and experiences regarding the Fred Bus varies. Public transportation is never perfect, and reliability is not always guaranteed.

Traffic may cause some buses to arrive late, which can lead to late destination arrival times.

Amana Kassem, a senior biology major, believes that a few changes could help improve the experience for people riding the Fred Bus. “I like the idea of having a free form of transportation, but I feel like it’s not flexible enough to accommodate for all students,” said Kassem. “I wish there were more stops at some places. It is also not a reliable form of transportation since the

Thursday, April 22, 2021

bus arrives at the station every hour but runs late most days of the week.”

Students who use the Fred Bus as their transportation to campus have to change their schedule to fit the bus schedule. Catching the bus at the wrong time can make the student late for class.

Although the Fred Bus is an alternative option to get to different locations, it could offer more options to make it more flexible to students.

Certain routes could require more stops because some people have to walk a long distance to reach the stop closest to them. This can be dangerous since some bus stops require riders to cross busy intersections when getting on or off the bus.

Buses that go around Fredericksburg usually leave the station at the thirty-minute interval every hour. Students may have to transfer to another bus depending on where they want to go, and this extra step can make it take longer to reach their destination.

Allison Ambrose, a senior business administration major, believes the drivers make riding the Fred Bus an experience.

“I think my most memorable times riding the Fred is when I would get on and the lady who frequently drove the evening bus would recognize me and my friends, and always asked, ‘how are you ladies doing today,’” said Ambrose. “I think knowing she knew who we were and would make sure we always made it back onto the bus after a trip out always made me feel like riding the Fred was the safest option for anyone, UMW student or not. All the drivers really care about those who they shuttle around and I think they really add quality to the face of the Fredericksburg community.”

The Eagle Express is a service provided by the

Fred Bus that allows UMW students to get around Fredericksburg on the weekends. The Eagle Express allows students to get to and from destinations such as UMW, Eagle Village, Central Park and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.

“Instead of having to walk or just stay on campus because of lack of transportation, it provided my friends and me a fun experience that in my opinion should be experienced by every UMW student at least once before graduating,” said Perdomo.

Student Mason Klingenburg waits patiently for the Fred Bus. Reese Place / Blue and Gray Press

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NEWS

UMW cautions students and staff not to feed stray animals after rabid cat bites a Fredericksburg resident

Daniel rozzel staff Writer

Recently, there have been reports of rabies-infected cats in Fredericksburg, some of which are fed on the UMW campus by students and staff. According to a recent press release on March 31, a stray cat bit a Fredericksburg resident. On April 2, health officials confirmed that the stray cat tested positive for rabies. The cat is thought to be a part of a colony of cats that reside here in Fredericksburg, and there is a possibility that other cats of the colony are infected as well. The resident immediately received rabies preventative treatment.

Anna Billingsley, associate vice president of University Relations, notified the UMW community of these rabiesinfected cats on April 6 by sending out an email from the Office of Emergency Management and Safety. The email cautioned people not to feed the cats.

“I’ve seen a few stray cats in the area, if I notice any of them hanging around for a few days I try to feed them something because I feel bad.”

-Colleen Cragun “There is recent evidence that feral cats are being fed on the UMW campus,” the email said. “This practice poses a real risk to the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus. Please help ensure the safety of our campus by not leaving food for cats, raccoons and other wildlife that inhabit our campus. The University [Facilities]

After a Fredericksburg resident was bit by a rabid cat, UMW has warned students and staff not to feed feral cats.

Gabriella Clare Marino / Unsplash

staff is authorized to remove any animal food and/or containers found on campus grounds.”

Ahead of the recent events, freshman Mackenzie Brooks had been feeding cats on her front porch since a litter of kittens was born in her neighbor’s shed in July.

The kittens had wandered up to her front porch shortly after they were born looking malnourished. Although she was unable to keep them, she could not turn her back on them.

“The mom never came back for them, and they looked very skinny so I felt bad.”

She had been refilling the bowl on her front porch whenever it ran out.

However, Brooks said that she stopped feeding them about two weeks ago “because of the recent incident.” She was worried that “if a cat with rabies eats out

of the bowl it may be able to spread rabies to other cats that eat out of that bowl.”

Before she knew about the rabid cat, Brooks was unconcerned with the odds of rabies spreading by feeding the cats.

“Most of the cats around here are just left behind, so I felt like the chances of [rabies] spreading from the bowl of food I left wasn’t high.”

Colleen Cragun, a senior psychology major, has a similar attitude towards cats.

“I’ve seen a few stray cats in the area, if I notice any of them hanging around for a few days I try to feed them something because I feel bad,” said Cragun. “Some of them are friendly but usually they like to keep their distance.”

Sally Burkley, a junior political science major, saw three cats last week in the faculty parking lot outside Monroe.

“I was on my way to Vocelli’s after work and I walked outside and there were these three cats just staring at me,” said Burkley. She said that they didn’t bother her, but she had been seeing more cats on campus recently.

In order to help prevent the spread of rabies, health officials are encouraging residents to avoid contact with wild and unfamiliar animals. Additionally, they ask that residents report animals acting unusually and maintain current vaccinations on all domesticated cats, dogs and ferrets.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, rabies typically causes animals to act in two ways: aggressive or tame. If the animal presents aggressively, it will be drooling excessively and appear agitated. If the animal is tamer, it will allow humans to get closer than normal or even walk towards them. Additionally, if an animal that is typically nocturnal, such as a raccoon or an opossum, is spotted during the day, that may also be a sign of rabies.

The disease can be spread through saliva entering an open wound or mucus membrane, typically through a bite and sometimes even a scratch. Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. If bitten or scratched by wildlife or an unfamiliar animal, the CDC recommends cleaning the wound with soap and water and speaking with a local health care official or medical professional to determine one’s risk of contracting rabies. Rabies is easily treatable, and deaths are rare in the United States. However, rabies can be fatal if left untreated.

Since the biting incident, UMW Emergency Management and Safety has recommended that students and staff do not feed any stray cats or other animals found on campus.

Commencement sign-up fails due to technical difficulties •Graduation | 1

‘Greetings’ text, but all my friends were the first to get the actual link - which I never got.”

Because she did not receive the link, Ellson will not be able to graduate with her friends.

“I’d liken that response to one of those generic-brand band aids that falls off after 10 minutes.”

-Katherine Ellson “After about two hours or so of waiting, I went ahead and used the link someone had posted on one of the Facebook pages,” she said.

“Of course, by that time, all the slots on Saturday had been taken. My friends were all able to get the Saturday slot we’d planned on, except for me. And I’ll be honest, I was pretty devastated. Considering

Thursday, April 22, 2021

everything we’ve been through the past year or so, it meant a lot to me that I’d be able to graduate with my friends. And then, as a result of an error, that was taken away from me.”

Ellson created a poll on her class Facebook page to see how many students did and did not receive the link to sign up. As of publication, 94 students responded that they did receive the link, while 47 did not.

Both Lester and Ellson reached out to Hieber to see what could be done about the issue, but the time slots for Saturday were already full.

“At this time, the three ceremonies for Saturday, May 8 are at capacity,” said Hieber in an email to Lester.

“I do not have the ability to add additional students as we are under strict guidance for social distancing and limited attendance. I hope your guests will be flexible and celebrate you on Sunday!”

Ellson wishes UMW had restarted the sign-up process

to give everyone a fair chance.

“I think what they should have done is completely redo the sign-up process immediately after figuring out what went wrong,” she said. “At this point, it’s a little too late for that… Their ‘solution’ was to sign us up for the remaining ceremonies, which were all on Sunday.

“I never got a true UMW experience and was hoping this would be it, but everything since I got here has been laughable.”

-Sara Lester I’m relatively lucky because I can still attend a graduation ceremony, it just won’t be with my friends. I know of some people who won’t be able to walk at all because they couldn’t get off work on Sunday, didn’t get the link and

didn’t have a chance to get a Saturday time. I’d liken that response to one of those genericbrand band aids that falls off after 10 minutes.”

Lester agrees.

“As far as what they could do better, they could start over,” she said. “Would Class of 2020 graduate Danielle Norris poses for a graduation University of Mary Washington that mean that picture.

As a transfer student, some people Lester was hoping graduation who were lucky enough to would be a memorable get a Saturday spot lose their experience at UMW. spot? Possibly. If that’s the “I transferred to UMW in case, make more ceremonies fall 2019 and so I never got happen on Saturday... If a true UMW experience and they are unwilling to do was hoping this would be it that, reimburse me for my but everything since I got here graduation regalia that I has been laughable. And I still bought days before this whole never received the link.” disaster.”

7

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SPORTS

Editor: Victoria R. Percherke | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Equestrian team spotlight four-legged teammates

Some UMW athletes have double the usual shows. When UMW students come back to MARGARET LEBOR number of legs and weigh more than ten campus each year. Ernie gets very excited to Staff Writer times the average human. Meet Wilbur, Ernie show the team how much fun jumping can be. and Mack, the valued horse members of UMW’s equestrian For anyone who has had the honor of riding Ernie it is easy to team. see why the UMW students call him “Ernesto-the-besto.” When Wilbur Ernie is not winning the blue ribbons with the team, he enjoys Wilbur’s official name is ‘State the Obvious.’ He is a 20-year hanging out with his old quarter horse and has been a member of the UMW Equestrifriends in his outside an Team since 2011. According to equestrian team members, paddock.

Wilbur will do just about anything for a horse snickerdoodle “His favorite snacks are cookie. The only thing he loves more than snickerdoodles is definitely peppermints,” teaching the beginners how to ride. He loves competing in the Seay said. “A fun fact IHSA Walk-Trot classes and showing off how great of a teacher about Ernie is that he was he is. Meeting new people is definitely a highlight of being on born during a hurricane!” the team for UMW Equestrian Team Wilbur. member, Rachel Wright,

When he is and a senior Conservation Ernie is patient with his riders. not competing Biology major says that Photo courtesy of UMW Equestrian Team with the team, Ernie was the first horse he likes to enjoy she ever jumped with, and the college life that he was incredibly patient with her while she learned. by sleeping in Mack late and taking Meet Mack. At the shows he goes by Mac Callister. Mack his time eating loves the attention that comes with being on the team: it’s not his breakfast in every day that an entire college athletic team gives you hugs! His the mornings. A favorite division in IHSA is the pre-novice, which he has been fun fact about doing since 2018, because he enjoys to flat around and take his Wilbur prancing in the snow.

Wilbur is that he time. Like any student athlete or college student, Mack loves to Photo courtesy of UMW Equestrian Team loves coming to campus take naps when he is not and carrying his seniors competing. Sleeping and across the campus for the last time before they graduate. It is a eating are his two-favorspecial moment for both Wilbur, and the seniors. ite hobbies, along with “Wilbur is certainly no stranger to Mary Washington’s camthe occasional cuddles pus,” said Olivia Blake, an alum from the class of 2019 and a from his favorite humans. former captain of the UMW Equestrian team. “He’s posed for an “Mack is one of the first art class, taken other seniors on their senior ride, was a TV star horses I rode at Hazelon Ball Circle, and even took President Paino on a tour around wild,” said Virginia Fredericksburg. Wilbur is definitely one of my favorite ponies to Newman, a senior ride at Hazelwild because of his kindness, patience, and trustbiology major and current worthiness just to name a few reasons. We’ve had our share of equestrian team captain.

Mack goes by Mac Callister. adventures from swimming in the Potomac River to jumping in “He is a very sweet, patient Photo courtesy of UMW Equestrian Team the field, and I am so grateful that I got to have my senior ride on horse, and is eager to please. him...a memory that will last a lifetime [for me].”

Every time I ride Mack, I end up with a huge smile on my face.

Ernie He is an amazing teacher and we are so lucky to have him as a Ernie, or more formally known as Ernesto, is a 15-year-old part of the Hazelwild and UMW Riding family.” black Hanoverian horse. He has been a team member for 6 years.

For the UMW equestrian furry athletes, it’s a great day to be an According to Teresa Seay, the equestrian team coach, he really eagle — and a UMW horse! enjoys jumping big in the IHSA open fences classes at horse

Varsity athletes celebrate their senior farewells

ANIYA MARTINEZ Celebrations for seniors on varsity sports and speeches, and the guests were able to sit Staff Writer teams will be different from the traditional in the stands. Kelly invited her parents and this year. However, varsity teams have come best friend, Nancy Martin. up with new ways to celebrate their graduating athletes this “It was so special, because each senior was able to be recogseason like designated senior days and gift-giving. nized with all of our coaches, our whole team, and our guests “Each sports team is approaching celebrating graduating right there,” says Kelly. seniors a bit different,” said Patrick Catullo, director of Athletics.

With this celebration, the seniors received gifts from their Without senior days, fans are limited in the ways they can teammates. celebrate graduating varsity athletes.

“The junior class bought each senior a special gift, and Different plans are being used for each varsity sports team to everyone on the team wrote a note of appreciation for each celebrate their graduating seniors while still keeping their senior,”said Kelly. athletes safe. Many varsity sports teams have found creative “Since the swim team already had a senior recognition that was ways to celebrate their graduating seniors or postpone celebratin-person and approved by the ing them until a later date. Previously, the University did hold a school, we won’t be having ceremony to recognize the honors of their graduating varsity another virtual recognition”,said athlete seniors.

Kelly.

“Some teams held modified senior days for their student-ath“However, I believe we are letes during specified weeks of practices or competitions, while having a virtual banquet for the following MMDC policies, and others are postponing recogniwhole team at some point”, said tion days until the next academic year,” said Catullo.

Kelly.

Athletes with no season or a season cut short might not have “Collectively, we are hopeful the option to celebrate on a specific date during practice or for a ‘new normal’ next year competitions. Seniors that were injured and unable to play this where we can welcome back our season may benefit from being acknowledged for their accomclasses of 2020 and 2021 at plishments in the previous seasons they were able to play.

Homecoming and acknowledge COVID restrictions limit the ways coaches can celebrate their all of their achievements during graduating seniors. Some teams are ending this season without Beth Kelly accepting her senior gift. their four years,” said Catullo. having a way to celebrate their graduating seniors.

Photo courtesy of Beth Kelly However, there is still uncerElizabeth (Beth) Kelly, a senior Psycholinguistics and Elemen- tainty surrounding the acknowledgment of the classes of 2020 tary Education major, talked about how the women’s varsity and 2021 at homecoming next year. Many of the plans would be swim team celebrated its graduating seniors. based on restrictions such as MMDC will be able to accommo“My swim team threw a senior recognition that was approved date gatherings of a larger group of athletes. by the school. Each senior was able to invite three guests, and The “new normal” may include allowing these varsity sports our entire team was able to sit six feet apart along the pool deck,” athletes seniors that graduated in 2020 and 2021 to be celebrated said Kelly. in front of fans, family, and all varsity sports teams together Kelly said that the women’s team went first with recognitions instead of smaller celebrations for each sport.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule & Records

Men’s Baseball (4-12)

April 10 W vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (10-7) & (11-10) April 18 L vs. Christopher Newport (7-8) April 20 W vs. Southern Virginia (9-1) April 22 @ Randolph-Macon April 24 @ Southern Virginia

Women’s Softball (7-13)

April 10 L vs. Salisbury (4-0) April 16 vs. Va. Wesleyan (0-10) & (3-10) April 17 W @ Southern Virginia (8-0) & L (0-2) April 24 @ Christopher Newport April 27 vs. Shenandoah

Men’s Tennis (6-2)

April 7 W vs. Southern Virginia (5-4) April 14 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (9-0) April 17 W @ Christopher Newport (7-2) April 24 vs. Washington and Lee April 26 vs. Wesleyan

Women’s Tennis (8-2)

April 12 L @ Towson (0-7) April 15 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (9-0) April 18 W @ Christopher Newport (6-3) April 22 vs. Washington & Lee May 1 vs. Salisbury

Men’s Lacrosse (2-8)

April 11 L vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (12-13) April 14 L @ Shenandoah (11-14) April 17 L @ Southern Virginia (15-18) April 24 vs. Salisbury April 28 vs Christopher Newport

Women’s Lacrosse (5-5) April 14 W vs. Meredith (16-6) April 17 vs. Meredith April 20 L @ Salisbury (2-17) April 22 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) April 24 vs. TBA

Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletic’s webpage Full Schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

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