The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 2 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

Alumni consider Yik Yak debate, opens conversation between administration and students SARAH GRAMMER News Editor

The University of Mary Washington hosted its first forum, in its series of three, pertaining to civility, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The resolution of the forum was that UMW should ban anonymous social media, to which two alumni debated the resolution, Joe Packer, taking the affirmative, and Colin McElhinny, negating the resolution.

Yik Yak has been a topic of intense discussion among students and faculty, particularly following the anonymous threats made to members of Feminists United on Campus last semester.

The event was hosted as a way “to introduce students to the idea that you can debate the topics intellectually,” said Dr. Leah Cox, special assistant for diversity and inclusion at UMW. It was never intended that the debate lead to a decision about whether or not the

Joesph Packer, Ph.D. adresses

University should try to ban Yik Yak from the campus, according to Cox, “We were hoping to create discussion and dialogue in a healthy way.”

Senior biology major Alexa Allen, thought the forum overall “got people thinking about the issue,” but felt that the “whole forum was devalued when Packer said that banning Yik Yak was unrealistic.” Allen believed Packer’s conclusion was an indicator that he gave up too easily on the issue, saying “If you are willing to admit that so easily, are you really fighting for what you say you are?” Packer, alum from the class of 2005, spoke first, beginning with a narrative of a shepherd finding a ring that made him invisible, which he then used to kill an important member of town and steal all of his valuables.

Packer tied this story to students’ use of Yik Yak, saying that “when there are no real consequences to our behavior, when we are not out in the open to be judged for the things that we do it tends to bring out the worst in people.”

Packer went on to discuss the level of discourse on sites such as Yik Yak. He does not P. Anand Rao, Ph.D. students at Thursday’s forum believe that a

productive conversation can be had on anonymous social media sites because of Social Cues Theory.

According to Packer, the Social Cues Theory “is the idea is when you are speaking with other people, they kind of guide you to correct social behavior.”

Parker’s argument is that these social cues are not in place on a site like Yik Yak. Moving on to events specific to UMW, Parker discussed the threats written on Yik Yak to members of Feminist United in Spring 2015, “They have to walk around, they have to go to class knowing that these comments are from fellow members of their community and that is, I imagine, very damaging psychologically.”

Packer ended by saying that he is aware that the world is not always fair and can be “a bad place,” but he believes that “at a place like Mary Washington, we can strive to be better.”

While Packer began his argument with a narrative, McElhinny, an alum from the class of 2014, began with facts from our nation’s history. McElhinny spoke of the importance that anonymity played in the making of our country, one way being through the federalists papers.

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P. Anand Rao, Ph.D. Colin McElhinny argues against banning Yik-Yak

“Being able to speak anonymously is an important part of one’s right to free speech,” McElhinny said, sharing that Supreme Court judges most often make rulings in favor of anonymity.

McElhinny argued that banning anonymous social media would be, “a way to sweep the problem under the door and ignore it.” According to him, people would stop having these opinions, they would just be “out of the public’s eye,” if anonymous social media were banned. McElhinny’s final argument was that all of these problems on Yik Yak could be solved, not by banning, but by moderating what is being said.

In conclusion, Packer said “we both agree on the problem and we both agree on the severity but we disagree on the issue.”

The next installment of the Civility Series will be on Oct. 15 and will ask to question if “American culture is feminist friendly.”

UMW Professor dedicates one-man show to Grace Mann, donates funds ESTER SALGUERO Staff Writer

April 17 marked the day University of Mary Washington student Grace Mann was murdered by roommate Steven Vander Briel in an off-campus house. It was a tragic month for all members of the university.

UMW students, faculty and friends uphold Mann as an inspiration, someone with a spirit of joy and an admirable friend who was active in supporting preventative measures toward sexual assault.

In memory of Mann, Chris Kilmartin, part-time solo performer and professor of psychological sciences, helped raise $2,639, not including online donations, for the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, RCASA, in memory of Grace Mann on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Dodd Auditorium through his performance of “Crimes Against Nature.”

Mann’s parents matched the donations, doubling the amount given when doors opened.

IN THIS

ISSUE

Mann was an executive board member of Feminists United on Campus, a member of the UMW task force for sexual assault prevention and a volunteer for RCASA. In memory of Mann, UMW and the members of Feminist United will continue to be active in RCASA to carry on the love that Mann displayed through her volunteer work there.

As a graduate student, Kilmartin began his part-time acting career as a standup comedian, winning a few contests and getting some extra cash until he became a part of the UMW faculty.

Kilmartin won VCU’s funniest person on campus contest and Richmond’s funniest amateur comedian. As a part of the VCU contest awards, Kilmartin

also got to be in the opening act for a Budweiser Comedy Tour.

“Crimes Against Nature,” an autobiographical solo act, humorously recounted the story of Kilmartin growing up as a male in American society by explaining the social pressures young men face while growing up in a gendered society.

He debuted the show in March 1998.

Alyssa Zanzucchi, a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science, thought the play was entertainUniversity Relations ing, though she herself could not relate to the subject matter. “[It was] not very relatable •KILMARTIN | 10

HUNTING GROUND

MOVING UP

GEN ED

UMW screens shocking film to explore sexual assult

A follow-up on rugby teams getting athletic recognition

Do GenEds cost more time, money with fewer benefits?

LIFE | 9

SPORTS | 12

VIEWPOINTS | 4

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.

Bernie Sanders comes to Virginia, UMW students follow EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH AND SARAH GRAMMER News Editors

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made a day-long trip to Virginia on Monday, first appearing at Liberty University to speak at the school’s convocation, then at a

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Markham

MANAGING EDITOR Tess Osmer

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Emily Hollingsworth Sarah Grammer

VIEWPOINTS Alex Spence

LIFE Della Hethcox

SPORTS Mickey Barnes

ONLINE Ethan Tobin

PHOTO Alex Sakes

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

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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rally in Manassas that evening to speak to approximately 2,000 people, 51 of which were University of Mary Washington students.

The rally, which took place at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, saw Sanders address issues such as law enforcement and race.

Particularly, the lack of racial diversity of police forces and the disproportionate number of African-Americans who died or were killed in custody, mentioning Sandra Bland, who died in police custody and Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by a white police officer.

Sanders also spoke about student debt and gender inequality in the workplace, topics that resonated with senior religion major Molly Willis.

Tori ElizabethPower

“I am a woman,

and about to be a college graduate,” Willis said, “so for him to directly address student debt and the unequal pay of women meant a lot to me.”

Called the “College for All Act,” which was introduced in May, Sanders would grant free tuition to all public colleges and universities in the United States by levying taxes on Wall Street financial transactions.

Similarly, Sanders addressed his work with the “Paycheck Fairness Act,” a bill he cosponsored in 2013, that would revise enforcement and exceptions to existing prohibitions against sex discrimination in work wages.

The bill was not enacted, though a later version of the bill was assigned to a congressional committee in March for consideration.

For students who want to know more about Sanders and get involved in the 2016 election, Willis tells students the computer is a good place to start.

“I would encourage UMW students to get educated by using all of the online tools at their disposal. His websites, his campaign speeches. Register to vote, offer to volunteer, donate,” Willis said.

“The UMW student body is an intelligent and proactive one. We have a voice that is unique.”

Study abroad encouraged in International Education Week DAVID CONCEPCION Staff Writer

A dining hall full of tasty international cuisine, an epic race and meetings and fairs filled to the brim with information about the University of Mary Washington’s study abroad program seems like a lot to pack into one event.

This is why the Center for International Education has dedicated an en-

little taste of the whole wide world to UMW,” said Kate Jordan, faculty-led program coordinator at the Center for International Education. “We have a robust population of international students and exchange students as well as study-abroad alumni who are excited about their experiences in other countries.”

The week kicked off on Sunday with a gathering at 5 p.m. at the Center

“We have a robust population of international students and exchange students as well as study abroad alumni who are excitied about their experiences in other countries” -Kate Jordan tire week to celebrating and getting the word out about study abroad programs.

International Education Week, organized by the Center for International Education, is a week-long series of events meant to educate and encourage Mary Washington students to pursue study abroad programs. The week will feature globally-themed events from Sept.13 to19.

International Education Week’s events give students the chance to talk to international students and students who have experienced the study-abroad programs at UMW and it provides a glimpse of foreign cultures through music and cuisine.

“The main idea is to internationalize our campus and to bring a

for Faith and Leadership. The “International Community Gathering” gave students the opportunity to interact with each other and share stories about traveling internationally. The Center for Faith and Leadership, UMW World, ELS Educational Services and the Framar International Living Center sponsored this event.

Monday featured the “Amazing Race,” which started in Ball Circle. The event is based on the CBS show with the same name. Teams of four underwent obstacles testing their international knowledge, and the winners received $200 in EagleOne money.

Some of the challenges, according to Jordan, included “learning a •INTERNATIONAL | 10

The Blue & Gray Press is seeking assistant editors to fill editorial positions.

Assistants will: - Edit - Report - Research and assign articles - Work hands on with the news team NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY We will train you in: - AP Style - Graphic Design - News writing & reporting If interested, email blueandgray.news@gmail.com for more information!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

SPORTS

UMW volleyball continues to climb up the ranks

D.C. fans feel September disappointment once again

Julie Walters Gary Graves/Flickr

Redskins fans growing irritated with lack of success CHRIS MARKHAM Editor-in-Chief

Fans of the Washington Redskins have grown accustomed to entering NFL seasons with low expectations for their team.

The mantra of the past few seem to follow Murphy’s infamous law: “what can go wrong will go wrong.”

An offseason that was loaded with quarterback controversy, ultimately sending Robert Griffin III to the bench, gave little for Redskins fans to hope for in an impressive season.

Even their highest profile free agent addition, Junior Galette, suffered a torn ACL and is out of the year. With RGIII’s future in Washington seriously in question, the elephant in the room dominates the attention of the players and the media, ultimately hindering their performance on the field.

Unsurprisingly, the season opener last Sunday was quite indicative of what Redskins fans are accustomed to. The players give you hope for a portion of the game, make self-made errors to shoot themselves in the foot and ultimately lose a game that seemed just within reach. Their 17-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins left Redskins fans with a feeling that they are far too used to: disappointment.

However, it does not seem that one can pin the loss on one player in particular.

Kirk Cousins, who many were opposed to having being named the starter, played well enough to keep his team in the game and limited his mistakes. Additionally, considering the pressure he felt from that daunting Dolphins line, consisting of Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, he performed adequately.

On the other side of the ball, the defense also did their job. Limiting your opponent to 17 points will win you the ball game more often than not, but not for the Redskins.

The most telling statistic of the game was the 11 penalties the Redskins committed for 88 yards. Four of these penalties were

holding calls, caused by the pressure enforced by Wake and Suh. These penalties plagued Washington and kept them from getting any offensive momentum.

It does not get any easier for the ‘Skins now, as they get ready to play the St. Louis Rams, who pose one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses and a surprisingly effective offense.

The Rams, who just took down the defending NFC champion Seahawks 34-31

Keith Allison/Flickr

in overtime, mirror the Dolphins in their stingy defense and solid offense, yet are better on both sides. If the Redskins could not pull off the win over the Dolphins, they will have an even harder time with the Rams.

The two burning questions that remain in Washington are these: a year from now, who will be vying for the 2016 Presidency and who will be under center for the Redskins. RGIII seems to be on his way out, unless and already destroyed relationship his healed between him and Jay Gruden. Kirk Cousins is solid, but ‘solid’ does not win you Super Bowls. Lastly, Colt McCoy is, well, Colt McCoy. So, with the NFL season well under way, Redskins fans are left with even less optimism than normal and a waning patience.

WOMEN'S soccer: Sept. 16 vs. Messiah (L) UMW: 0 Messiah: 3

For the first time in the program’s near 40-year history, the University of Mary Washington volleyball team defeated a nationally ranked opponent.

Saturday, Sept. 12, at the ASICS/Juniata Classic is where head coach Matt Troy and the UMW volleyball team made history.

This season is one for the history books for the Eagles. The week of Sept. 8, after a 4-1 start to the season, the team received votes in the first Division III national poll by the American Volleyball Coaches Association of the season. It was the first time the Eagles had received votes since 1992, when the team advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

This good fortune has continued, as for the Sept. 15 poll, the second of the year, UMW received 23 total votes, 20 more than the week prior. When asked how it felt to receive so many votes, sophomore libero Jenna Yost said, “It is so cool. Everything we have worked hard for is finally paying off. Nobody sees the hours we put in at the gym, on the track, or weight lifting, there’s so much behind the scenes and it is all paying off.”

Yost has been a real catalyst for the success of the Eagles volleyball program. She was named on the all-tournament team due to her performance at the ASICS/Juniata Classic.

During the tournament, UMW was 2-2 with four very impressive performances.

In the opening game of the tournament, the

Julie Walters

•NATIONALS | 12

“WE SET UP OUR DEFESE TO COMBAT THEIR OFFENSE AND IT FEELS GREAT TO HAVE UT WORK OUT IN THE END .”

-Jenna Yost with 10. Junior Emma Olson led the game with 35 assists and Yost led the team in digs, with 21.

In the second game, however, success was not obtained by UMW when taking on then 16th ranked Clarkson University.

The Eagles won the opening set in exciting fashion with a score of 26-24. The Clarkson Golden Knights bounced back as they won the three remaining sets by scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-15 respectively. Walters and Fiore switched in kills total to lead the Eagles once again. Yost led the way with 22 digs and Olson again led the team in assists, with 24.

At 12 p.m. against Mount Union the Eagles made history. The Eagles won the opening set by a score of 26-24 to get things going. Mount Union then took the second set by a wider margin with a score of 25-12 to tie things up at one set apiece.

UMW seemed to be motivated by the loss of that set and won the remaining two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-20 to grab the victory for the program three sets to one.

Walters once again led the game with an impressive 20 kills, followed by sopho •VOLLEYBALL | 12

Weekly Scoreboard

Volleyball:

Sept. 16 vs. Catholic (W) UMW: 3 CUA: 0

MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor

Eagles took on the then 4-2 Stevens Institute of Technology.

The Eagles opened up the match with a quick 25-19 victory in the first set. Stevens tied things up, grabbing 25 points, to the UMW 22. The Eagles grabbed the final two sets with scores of 25-22 and 25-23 respectively. Freshman Leslie Walters led UMW with 11 kills in that game, followed by sophomore Dani Fiore, who finished

MEn's soccer:

Sept. 16 @ N.C. Wesleyan (W) UMW: 2 N.C. Wes.:0

field hockey:

Sept. 16 @ Lynchburg

(L) UMW: 1 Lynchburg: 3

Upcoming:

Men’s Soccer: Sept. 19 vs. Roanoke 3:00 p.m.

Women’s Soccer: Sept. 19 @ Goucher 1:00 p.m.

Field Hockey: Sept. 20 vs. Rochester (N.Y.) @ Spooky Nook Sports Complex 12:00 p.m.

Volleyball Sept. 19 @ Stevenson 3:00 p.m.

11@6:00 p.m.

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VIEWPOINTS General education requirements take away from college experience

AHMED KHOKAR Staff Writer

According to a report by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, tuition rates will continue to increase by 6 percent, easily out-pacing inflation rates.

This is particularly problematic because according to the Institute for College Access and Success, the value of college degrees is declining, the job market is as competitive as ever and student debt is at an all-time high at 1.2 trillion dollars.

For instance, tuition at the University of Mary Washington has increased by over $1,000 per semester since 2011.

So, while politicians, administrators, lobbyists and consultants bicker about the most effective financial models, students are crippled with debt for decades beyond their college experience.

To add insult to injury, many higher education institutions have a myriad of general education requirements. Not only are students paying more for degrees that are less valuable, but they are also required to spend a significant portion of their time, money and energy into courses that they may not want or need to take.

Eliminating general education requirements would ease the burden on students significantly. It could potentially decrease

Jonathan Polson

tuition and the time spent in school, as well as help students focus more on hands on experiences.

At first glance, general education requirements look reasonable. Students should be getting out of their comfort zones and taking a few classes to explore their interests.

However, in practice, students often have negative experiences with their general education requirements.

According to a report titled, “What do College Students Think about General Education and Assessment” by James Madison University, both students and professors had a low perceived value for general education courses.

Students do not like taking these courses, and the professors do not like teaching them.

With the student population growing year after year, getting into classes that interest you while still fulfilling requirements becomes more difficult. Students are often left with limited options, which make positive experiences less likely.

At UMW, the general requirements include up to 20 courses, or 60 credits.

“IF STUDENTS KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO STUDY THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIVE RIGHT IN WITHOUT THE BURDEN AND ADDITIONAL STRESS OF GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS”

That is about half of the overall credits required to graduate. These requirements range anywhere from intermediate foreign language mastery to quantitative reasoning. They become more manageable if students take courses that fulfill multiple requirements, but they still demand a significant portion of the typical student’s time at UMW. However, we cannot deny that, for some students, general education requirements can be helpful in exploring various career paths.

“The gen-eds can be good if you do not know what you want to do,” said Janelle Pierangelino, a junior at UMW double majoring in creative writing and communications.

However, students who have a general idea of what they want to study are given the short end of the stick.

“The gen-eds can slow you down when you’re trying to get into your major,” Pierangelino said.

If students know what they want to study, they should be able to dive right in without the burden and additional stress of general education requirements.

“Reducing or getting rid of general education requirements would allow you to not be as stressed about each class. By having to take so many courses, it takes away from the enjoyment of each one,” said Pierangelino.

Not only would eliminating these requirements make the courses themselves more enjoyable, but it would also remove much of the stress from the scheduling and planning process. Students will be more enthusiastic about courses they choose rather than courses they are forced to take.

To accommodate students who are undecided about what to study, institutions could offer an optional minor, which would include some of the basic general education requirements.

This would allow students to explore if they choose to, and it would also offer more variety and depth for students who want to specialize right away.

For students who choose not to incorporate this minor into their studies, it would potentially lower tuition through early graduation. Moreover, it would allow a smoother transition into graduate programs.

And, most of all, it would allow more time for students to work with faculty members through undergraduate research.

The potential benefits are numerous.

Institutions need to give the choice back to students. Surely, students should be trusted with this choice more than consultants and administrators who are more concerned about marketing rhetoric than the day to day experience of students.

www.pixshark.com

Editorial: Mandatory sexual assault course overlooked by student body In light of the multiple issues the University of Mary Washington faced concerning sexual assault this past year, a few new ones have emerged, including a mandatory online course to inform students about sexual assault.

At the end of a rough year, UMW decided to hold each student accountable for knowing about sexual assault issues.

The mandatory course titled, “Think About It,” takes roughly two and a half hours to complete, and as many of you were unaware of, if not completed by December will result in a hold on your student account.

As a campus that avidly petitioned for something to be done about these

issues, the student body seems to show little concern for the actions being taken.

Many students have disregarded emails about the course, while others seem shocked to even hear about it.

The invitation to take the course was nothing that piqued the interest of the students, much less excited them.

Perhaps a mandatory course was not the way to enlighten students on issues such as substance abuse, healthy relationships and sexual violence. A better, more engaging option may have been group activities on Ball Circle, or even discussions during mandatory residence hall meetings.

While I know there will always be people who will not

participate, it seems that that number of people could have been significantly lowered had a mandatory course not been the action decided upon.

While the emails sent to students present “an innovative, engaging, and informative online course,” which may be true, students see it as just another bullet point to add to their to-do list.

Promoting things such as working at your own pace and being able to pause and return have had little to no effect on the students, and I venture to say this online course will be quickly completed without much attention to detail.

How much more likely is someone to take in and retain information that is

provided in a face-to-face environment, then if they are carelessly scrolling through what is essentially an online questionnaire? I would say the difference between these two options would be vast.

When it comes to heavy issues such as sexual assault, face-to-face interaction and discussion is something to consider, not only to demonstrate its importance but also to grab the students’ attention.

Rather than reading about it for two and a half hours, group activities and lectures could have a higher chance of resonating with the student body.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

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Thursday, September 17, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Alex Spence | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Plato’s Allegory guides individuals through the world of friend-zoning

JACOB ATKINSON Staff Writer

It is very difficult to find a man who has not heard some rendition of the phrase, “Oh, you’re such a good friend!” from a woman that he was interested in.

Quite often, people refer to the use of these phrases as being “friend-zoned.” In other words, you have romantic feelings for someone but they only want to be friends.

Personally, I have been on the hopeful romantic side of this equation more times than I would like to admit, but it has given me a unique insight into the widely used expression, “friend-zoned.”

Over the last few years I have immersed myself in the world of philosophy, and through this I found the intersection of philosophy and the friendzone.

When choosing classes for my senior year of high school I immediately signed up for a course that caught my eye, “The World of Ideas,” or as others began to call it, “The Basics of Philosophy.” Throughout the course, we covered philosophical topics such as logic, ethics and truth.

When studying truth, we delved into Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave.” After reading it a few times and researching it on YouTube and Google, I realized that being in the friend-zone is eerily similar to Plato’s allegory, and here is why.

Plato’s allegory begins with the description of a group of subjects that are

shackled to the floor of a dark cave. They are focused on the wall that is in front of them and they know nothing but the shadows that occasionally appear.

To the subjects, these shadows are truth, knowledge and existence. This is the first step in the cave and where we can begin drawing connections to our friendzone allegory.

In the first stage our subject, let’s call him John, is very close friends with a girl, let’s call her Jane.

John has been hoping for weeks now that Jane feels the same way he does, but he fails to realize that she only sees him as a friend.

It is easy to see that both Plato’s subjects and John are vulnerable to a blissful ignorance that is preventing them from seeing the truth.

T h e second step of both allegories is spurred from outside influences. In the cave, one of the subjects is given reason to question where the shadows are coming from and searches for the source.

He finds that the shadows are being made by someone behind them and his entire perception of the world is changed.

Much like in Plato’s allegory, John is going about his day quite happily when all of a sudden, his friends stop him and try to convince him that Jane does not feel the same way.

He shrugs off their warnings as if they are ludicrous, but he then starts to consid-

“PERSONALLY I HAVE BEEN ON THE ROMANTIC SIDE OF THE EQUATION MORE TIMES THAN I WOULD LIKE TO ADMIT BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE WIDELY USED EXPRESSION “FRIEND-ZONED”’

Izzy Briones

er how she really feels. I believe that the second step in both allegories represents a cognitive evolution that causes both subjects to question their original beliefs.

The search for the truth is our third step, and the exit from Plato’s cave. The subject discovers the puppeteer that makes the shadows and his ignorance is shattered.

He begins to question, and search for the truth.

Finding the exit to the cave is the key to enlightenment, and the lone subject eventually finds his way out.

Enlightenment was not far away for John either as he began a similar search for truth. He started by paying more attention to Jane’s mannerisms around him, and he waits for any indicators of being friendzoned.

After an awkward side hug and being called a “great friend” several times in one evening, John realized his friends were right. This realization changed the way he perceived the friendship and ultimately it

unveiled her true feelings.

It occurred to me when reading about the third step in Plato’s allegory that the discovery of truth can entirely change your perspective, much like in a personal relationship.

The final step of Plato’s allegory and John’s story go hand in hand as they return to their previous situations.

Plato’s subject returns to the cave to either explain to the other subjects that there is an entirely new world just outside, or because he could not handle the truth of the outside world.

Mimicking the subject, John ultimately returns to Jane either to let her know that she should be more clear when it comes to her feelings, or because he would rather be ignorant to the truth and continue hoping that she may one day take him out of the friend-zone.

RAVE Guardian produces mixed reviews among UMW students ARIANA BARRETT Staff Writer

We are all aware of the University of Mary Washington campus adopting the “RAVE Guardian” application over the summer for increased safety in the 20152016 academic year, but exactly how easy is it to use?

I found the directness of the application very convenient for parents to comprehend and navigate through, especially if they are not as tech savvy as their college students.

It is also very quick and effortless to contact emergency personal if you find yourself in a threatening or potentially dangerous situation.

Interestingly enough, however, when I found myself walking down College Avenue after sunset, I set a timer for my guardian to expect when I should reach my residence hall, but reached a major problem.

The timer would not appear on my guardian’s phone unless they accepted the request. By the time my guardian accepted the request, I could already be at my destination or worse, in danger.

Freshman Ashlyn Champ, had a couple

Adri Acuna

of concerns as well. Champ said that Rave Guardian’s “layout [needs to be] changed to match the interest of students [so that] it might be more popular.”

Champ hits the nail on its head, for the main reason many students may not be using the application is because they are uninterested and unmotivated to use it.

However, so far it seems to be pretty simple and thoroughly thought out.

Further, Champ said that she would

www.Pixgood.com

“only really plan on using it if [she] were to walk around alone at night, which [she has] yet to do.”

This is a similar reason for other students who avoid going out at night alone.

What was more troubling than the delay of the application request was the issue of location tracking. Although Rave Guardian showed my starting location, it did not track my location unless I made a physical update.

So if I did end up in a dangerous situation and did not execute an update, nobody would have a lead on where to find me except for my last location update.

In my opinion, the application has yet to be adopted by the majority of students, especially upperclassmen, on the UMW campus because it allows guardians to know exactly where and when students are going out, which some students may not be comfortable with.

The idea of this application takes away the liberty that students received when they were dropped off by loved ones on move-in day.

So while this app promotes safety, that may not be the number one priority on the minds of college students.

But many at UMW find the app very useful and comforting. Freshman Brooke Cornish says she sees it as “a great resource for students here at Mary Washington.”

Although it is not 100 percent fool proof, it can be combined with UMW’s other safety features to make the journey less nerve racking, for you and your guardians.

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LIFE

Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Plugged In: Music that speaks to the senses A common routine for many students on college campuses is the unraveling of headphones, as they walk to class, from class and transition to different activities throughout the day.

Most people probably do not relish the feeling of putting ear buds in their ears and leaving the environment around them in favor of the melodic and lyrical realm of music.

However, music has proven to be, time and time again, a mental, physical and emotional release for both artists and their audiences.

For some listeners, it may be all about the physical release, wanting to dance and sing and shake out all the obstacles that life lays forth day in and day out.

For others it is the mental release, wanting to slip into the beat and to become lost in a song. We are well aware that for most it is all about the emotional release, which explains the plethora of ‘I will get you back’ and ‘I love you’ songs.

For me, it is important to get all three of these aspects of music in one song, rather than focusing on them separately. I want to listen to something that reaches me mentally and allows me to slip away. I want a song to take me somewhere.

However, I also want a song to physically move me, to make me tap my foot or catch my breath. Most of all, I want a song that will appeal to my emotions and make me happy, or darken my already bad mood.

This is what my play list brings this week. Here are some songs that you may find yourself thinking, tapping, crying or laughing to.

1) “Sinking” by Feverkin; Chill/Electronic/Ambient There is absolutely no way I would expect this song to be the product of a DJ in

TESS OSMER Managing Editor

Atlanta, Georgia, but here it is. At once you playful.

It activates the mental aspect of music by are bombarded by the sounds of a woman’s voice, sighing and saying, “Come togeth- taking you on a journey, the beat rising and turning you around. er.”

It touches on your emotions, growing In which you can feel the emotion of a smile on longing, esyour face pecially with with the inthe addition Play list at a glance: troduction of the slow of a soothing and deep 1. “Sinking,” Feverkin guitar and violin. The 2. “Oceans,” Petit Biscuit the snap of a beat bobs the listener 3. “Heaven Only Knows,” Chance finger.

You cannot up and down the Rapper and Towkio help but let as if they your body are indeed 4. “Girls that Dance,” Masego feel the beat, sinking with 5. “Mamacita,” Travis Scott move your the womfeet and an, while shake your she wallows head. It is throughout the song in the background, and the violin almost reminiscent of a childish summer and the sighing samples keeping the piece day.

3) “Heaven Only Knows” by Chance together.

Feverkin crafted “Sinking” to make you, the Rapper/ Towkio; Rap/ EDM I apologize, but I cannot trust anyone the listener, feel the sadness of the beat and the woman, but also to make sway to the who does not like this song. I find Chance enticing beat. This song is the mastery of irresistible and this is one of my favorite having all three elements of music in one songs from him.

Not to mention the beat by Towkio is single track.

2) “Oceans” by Petit Biscuit; Electron- absolute bliss. From Chicago, Chance the Rapper is that class clown that went to colic/Indie Parlez-vous Français? You do not have lege and showed-up all his classmates. At to speak French in order to enjoy Petit Bis- least that is how I categorize him.

“Heaven Only Knows” touches on the cuit, a DJ from Rouen, France.

“I’m trying to make you travel with importance of family and friends, but also my guitar, my piano and my computer,” shines light on the addictive nature of his Soundcloud web site reads. And so drugs and music. The soul of music is to make people think, feel and move and this “Oceans” does.

Every layer of this song has been modi- song accomplishes that.

I adore Chance, his voice, the way he fied so that the original instruments have a new sound and it is both enjoyable and throws his lyrics in your face and most of

all, his yell that transitions layers in his songs.

The beat stands alone in this piece, and at the end, it is as if you have spent the whole day listening to it- there is just so much going on.

4) “Girls that Dance” by Masego; Trap/Jazz/EDM Remember the Jazz age, musty basement bars and saxophones? Put that dusty image in today’s world and voila: Masego. “Girls that Dance” is a modern take on the jazz age of New York.

Genius with its placement of the saxophone and bass, this song carries the listener through time. Happiness is the emotion, while it is also innovative and creative for the mind.

Consequently, you probably did not even notice the effect it unconsciously has on the body. From the moment I found this song I was in love and entranced by Masego.

5) “Mamacita” by Travis Scott; Trap (EDM/Rap) Travis Scott, if you have not already heard, is captivating our generation. His dark, enticing voice easily accompanies a car ride with friends, en route to a college party.

Scott encompasses Trap, a genre that combines electronic music and rap.

“Mamacita” is carried by an intense, robotic beat and brings the listener to Scott’s world.

It is fairly traumatic, but surprisingly catchy. Because of the dual nature of this song, it appeals to the mental aspect of music, making us curious about the darkness that envelops Travis Scott.

While the emotional part captures listeners, the mixture of beats and vocals make dancing irresistible.

NYC Fashion week inspires on and off the runways

www.fashionisers.com

Jeremy Scott’s models walking the runway during New York City’s Fashion Week.

Jeremy Scott, for instance, an American KELLY EMMRICH designer who frequently dresses musical Staff Writer icons such as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and New York Fashion Week is one of my fa- Björk, came packed with this expectation vorite weeks of the year because of all the in mind. models, celebrities, bloggers’ street style Therefore, it is no surprise that his latest and, of course, the fashion. collection reflects those extravagant tastes.

In past collections such as Rochas’ Scott’s current collection combines 1960s Spring/Summer 2014 show, pastels, soft mod with the boxy silhouette of the dresslines and dainty prints consistently ap- es, the stylized bouffant wigs and the pop peared on the runways as trends for spring art plastic from the 1980s. and summer. In contrast, Christian Dior foScott lives by the phrase, “plastic is fancused on more lightweight fabric such as tastic,” and this reflects the mood of his S/ chiffon in his S/S14 collection.

S16 show held on Monday which included This season, however, the colors are textures from panels of Perspex to plastic bolder, the clothing more architectural and cubes. the prints starker.

More commercial designers, such as J.

6

Crew, pulled from classic winter designs with plaid patterns, heavier materials and structured coats. The color scheme for the men’s collection was earthy and included navy, brown, gray and black.

However, for the women’s collection, the colors were brighter with splashes of yellow, pink and blue scattered throughout.

There were also sequin accents on a skirt, clutch, sweater and jacket.

Highly anticipated Designer Diane Von Furstenberg’s S/S16 collection boasted some of the biggest names on the catwalk such as Kendall Jenner (bottom right), Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge, Irina Shayk and Jourdan Dunn. The collection itself was tropical with each model wearing an exotic flower in her hair and clothes made from bolts of vibrant, bold prints.

Although this collection was significantly different from Furstenberg’s usual city glamour vibe, nevertheless, it was stunning, especially the makeup, which included a bold blue eye shadow, a dewy complexion and a nude lip.

In contrast to Scott and Furstenberg’s collections, Rachel Zoe’s S/S16 collection captured the spirit of the late 70s with her Moroccan inspired prints and earth-toned colors.

For instance, her finale look was a simple brown and gold dress with a gray caftan overlay, which was finished off with a pair of brown strapped sandals, a favorite of Zoe. When I went to fashion week in fall 2013

for the S/S14 collections, many New Yorkers were wearing their classic black and white work clothes in the Garment District, as well as Wall Street.

As I got closer to Lincoln Center in the Fashion District, the clothes became more outlandish and creative as photographers littered the streets to document the current street style. This year was no different, I am sure.

For example, one of my favorite fashion bloggers of the season is Charlotte Groenveld of “The Fashion Guitar.” On Day 1, she wore a crisp white romper, a pair of white sneakers and a vibrant yellow clutch.

When Day 2 rolled around, she donned a trendier, fall ensemble with an Aztec print poncho, circle lenses and a tan cross-body.

Overall, this year’s New York Fashion Week has been a success, and I will be looking forward to wearing the clothes and pulling inspiration from these collections as soon as they hit the market in the spring.

www.buro247.com

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

LIFE

Pumpkin Spice Latte returns with new recipe just in time for fall

DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor

Since its creation in 2003, the pumpkin spice latte captured the hearts of many fall-loving coffee drinkers. However, its short availability, exclusive to the fall and early winter months, elevates the adoration for this beverage to fanaticism.

When deciding what flavor to create following up on the success of their winter specialty drinks in 2002, Starbucks realized that no other coffee company offered a pumpkin-flavored drink, and so the pumpkin spice latte met its inception.

12 years later, and the love for pumpkin spice shows no sign of slowing down as Starbucks has sold more than two million lattes since its debut in Vancouver, Washington and Washington, D.C. Although, it probably helps that Instagram bears perfectly staged ‘fall essential’ photos, containing a mixture of pumpkin spice lattes, plaid, infinity scarves, crunchy leaves and baked goods. Similarly, Twitter becomes flooded with hashtags and selfies in the Starbucks drive-in.

Not to mention the fact that last month Starbuck’s decided to go a more organic route with the drink.

Instead of the caramel coloring that usually accompanied the pumpkin spice latte,

the new recipe contains real pumpkin puree to make the drink more authentic.

In addition, the drink now consists of espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, whipped cream, pumpkin spice topping and pumpkin spice flavored sauce, which now contains pumpkin puree. Peter Dukes, a direc-

why we created it so many years ago. It was simple. Espresso, perfectly steamed milk, warm fall spices with delicious flavor of pumpkin pie that reminds you of the cool, crisp days of autumn.”

The subtraction of caramel coloring relieved customers who are concerned about

Kathryn Buncik/Flickr

The Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a social media celebrity and a cultural icon. tor at Starbucks, said “After hearing from customers and partners about ingredients, we took another look at this beverage and

the health risks of this additive. To many customers, the news that their lattes actually contained no real pumpkin was a sur-

prise, but did not deter them from enjoying their coffees.

In fact, it only increased the eagerness for the pumpkin spice latte’s return on Sept. 8.

“With that great taste you know and love, the PSL returns this fall, and this time it will be made with real pumpkin and without caramel coloring,” Dukes said.

Although the pumpkin spice latte began as just a drink, it has evolved into a cultural icon. Memes, fan pages and year round enthusiasm surround the pumpkin spice latte, making it a marketing success.

Even urban dictionary has added the pumpkin spice latte to its collection of stigmatized words, in case you need to surreptitiously figure out what a pumpkin spice latte is in the eyes of society.

Common amongst social media, urban dictionary defines the pumpkin spice latte as “a drink from Starbucks that many white girls drink during fall while dressed in boots, typically uggs, yoga pants, or leggings of some sort and a jacket.”

Conveniently for UMW students, the newest Starbucks in Fredericksburg is a quick walk from campus on Route 1, at the corner of Jefferson Davis and Cowan Boulevard next to the Chipotle.

Saying goodbye to summer is always bittersweet, but saying hello to fall with the help of coffee is a welcome change.

Res Hall Recipe: three delicious and affordable pumpkin spice inspired recipes DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor

Study breaks at coffee shops can be delightful, as you work on projects and essays with a seasonal latte in hand.

However, if you are like most college students, drinking expensive coffees every day is not always an option, especially if those pastries by the registers are just as tempting.

For fewer than 10 dollars, here are three pumpkin spice recipes that you can easily

create in your residence hall kitchen and give your wallet a vacation.

With a little effort, you can create pumpkin spice oatmeal, a hearty breakfast to get you through a long day of classes.

While you are doing that, you can quickly whip up a homemade pumpkin spice latte without the trip to Starbucks. Or, do you need to decompress on the weekend? Easy pumpkin muffins are the perfect way to relax, and to share with the rest of your hall.

Just head to the grocery store to pick up these few simple ingredients. www.pixabay.com

Two-ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

www.superhealthykids.com

Ingredients

Overnight Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

This recipe does require some preparation, but if you have got a few minutes before bed, mix all the ingredients in a Tupperware and stick it in the refrigerator. By the time you wake up, breakfast is ready.

(Severing size: one person)

•

1. Mix the canned pumpkin and the cake mix together, until well combined.

2. Spoon into lined muffin tins until ⅔ fulls, smooth the tops of the muffins.

3. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Let cool.

4. Optional: add maple frosting, if you have a sweet tooth.

1. In a Tupperware (or a Mason jar), mix all the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least five hours, or overnight.

2. If needed, add more liquid (try a nondairy milk such as chocolate almond) before eating.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

•

Ingredients

one 18 oz. box of spice cake mix • a 15 oz. can of pumpkin

• ½ cup rolled oats • ½ cup milk or water 3-5 tablespoons of canned pumpkin • cinnamon • handful of raisins or nuts

Grab your favorite mug and head to the kitchen, because this drink is worth making. Not only does it save you money, but you do not even have to leave your residence hall to have your favorite beverage.

•

If you do not have a muffin tin, try looking at Big Lots or the Dollar Tree. You might even try checking them for the cake mix or the canned pumpkin as well, you would be surprised at what they carry. These muffins are a fantastic study food, or a quick breakfast if you are running late. Add nuts or chopped dry fruit to make them heartier.

Store in an airtight container.

•

Ingredients

1 cup of milk • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice • ½ teaspoon of vanilla ¼ cup espresso (either instant or brewed)

www.mix108.com

1. Combine and simmer a ½ cup of milk, sugar, pumpkin, spices and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat. After five minutes, add remaining ½ cup of milk.

2. Pour through a strainer to remove excess pumpkin pulp.

3. Return the liquid to the pan and simmer another two minutes, stirring the entire time.

4. Add the espresso and whisk until frothy.

5. Pour into your favorite mug, add some whip cream and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

7

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LIFE

The New Civility Series brings “The Hunting Ground” to campus

DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor

In response to the events during the last academic year, the University of Mary Washington made many changes in hopes of cultivating a more compassionate and unified campus community.

For instance, this semester UMW introduced the New Civility Series, a multi-part series of forums concerning the issues of racial and cultural intolerance, feminism and diversity on campus. The forums began Sept. 10 and will continue through November.

“These are topics important to students, but also to staff, faculty and administrators,” said Leah Cox, special assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion, according to University Relations.

“The open dialogue along with the chosen presenters will allow for open discussion, and the opportunity for everyone to learn and become engaged in a meaningful way.”

As part of the series, three screenings of “The Hunting Ground” will occur in the Fredericksburg area. The last showing is Sept. 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paragon Village 12 Theatre.

This documentary examines the issues that victims of rape face on campus as they deal with the unwillingness of college officials to acknowledge the rising issue of campus sexual assault.

Colleges large and small are part of this sexual assault epidemic and the common tale told by students was that their colleges were unwilling to give them resources and support in response to their assaults.

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner, Kirby Dick, and produced by Amy Ziering, the film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and was broadcasted on CNN. During a forum at Sundance, Ziering said that she and Dick were inspired to create this documentary after female students responded to their previous documentary and pointed to the similar situation occurring on college campuses.

The previous documentary was “The Invisible War,” which deals with sexual assault in the military.

For students at UMW, this documentary sheds light on the every growing issue that every campus is facing.

From 2011 to 2013, 21 instances of forcible sex offenses occurred on and off the UMW campus, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Education.

Allyson Poska, history department chairwoman and director of the Women and Gender Studies program, said that hosting this film was a six month process.

In addition to UMW and Germanna Community College, local organizations such as Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, RCASA, and The Women

and Girls Fund aided in the hosting.

There was not a single empty chair in The Digital Auditorium at the Information and Technology Convergence Center on Tuesday evening. Audience members shuffled in quietly, slipping into seats, some even pulling out tissues just in case.

The hour and 43 minute documentary is driven by the actions of two University of North Carolina Chapel Hill students who, after being sexually assaulted, found their university unwilling to help them.

On their own, Annie Clark and Andrea Pina discovered Title IX, and soon found similar stories at colleges all across the nation.

After filing their own complaint, their efforts sparked a federal investigation into more than 50 colleges and their mishandling and underreporting of campus sexual assaults.

The film emphasizes the lack of victim support for both male and female survivors and the lack of action colleges take against sexual predators.

Major highlights also included similarities between all colleges as they protected both fraternity members and athletes,

www.msmagazine.com

groups which bring in the most money for a university.

Many faculty members interviewed during the film said the same thing: that a university will always protect the institution before the students.

This was a pattern that every victim soon discovered during the film, as they continued to attend class with their assaulter and the dismissive attitude of their college.

Despite the heavy tone of the documentary, it ended on a hopeful note as Clark and Pina continue to help victims navigate through their trauma and, at the same time, teach them how to file a Title IX complaint with the government against their universities.

After the screening, a forum comprised of psychology professor Chris Kilmartin, Leah Cox and RCASA Community Services Coordinator David Shafer took audience questions.

Students and members of the community inquired about how UMW is dealing with issues of sexual assault, and they all agreed that it would take time.

“We have begun moving forward, funding is beginning to take place from getting

programs to getting the community and individuals across campus to help stop these things,” Cox said.

“It’s gonna take time. But now that we’ve started dedicating time and money and resources to the issue, it’s going to begin to change.”

“It’s a student movement that really pushes the campus,” Cox said.

Kilmartin spoke candidly in response to one student’s question concerning social media and the university’s course of action.

“We had a horrible year last year. We had people getting threatened with rape and death on campus over social media. We didn’t respond very well to that,” Kilmartin said.

“We need to learn from that lesson, that experience and take better steps...We’re proposing that we need to educate every student on respect and inclusion. And every top level administrator,” Kilmartin said, adding that real cultural change would come from educating those in higher up positions about sexual assault.

Julia Peterson, a junior American Studies major, attended the film for extra credit but also because of its relevance to UMW. “In my classes we’re engaging a lot with issues of sexuality and equality on campus, I know just from talking to other students and hearing about things in the news about things that had happened last year and with things on YikYak,” Peterson said.

For Peterson, the film helped bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault in a non-threatening and interesting way.

Compared to online classes or fact sheets, the addition of a personal narrative made the issues more real.

“I knew the statistics [about sexual assault] were pretty grim...I think this is a really important issue and I think that a lot of times when there are sexual assault trainings and online forms, it becomes a joke,” Peterson said.

“Seeing a film like this and hearing stories from so many survivors, makes it very clear that sexual assault is not a joke and that [sexual assault] education is very important.”

The film echoed stories Peterson heard from victims, that colleges ignored their complaints against their assaulter’s.

“How could administrators and educators, who are supposed to be dedicated to students, ignore and deny the stories [of victims]?”

Like Pina, Clark and the other survivors, there is still work to be done on campuses, but starting a conversation with this film is a step in the right direction.

“We want to see a difference on our campus,” Cox said, referring to the President’s Task Force on Sexual Assault.

“We want to think futuristically. It’s making all of think a little more in depth about the issue [of sexual assault].”

If you have been assaulted or harassed, contact UMW Police (540-654-4444) or Leah Cox, the Title IX Coordinator (540-654-2119).

Sano Rin/Flickr

9

NEWS International Education Week highlights cultural immersion •INTERNATIONAL | 1 Bollywood Dance, placing countries on a map, writing Chinese characters, eating international food and an international trivia challenge.”

On Tuesday, an information session introduced students to the process of studying abroad and gave students the chance to determine where they wanted to study. The session, called “Study Abroad 101,” took place in the Center for International Education office in Lee 434 from 4 to 5 p.m.

We d n e s d a y marked the International Education Week’s midpoint in style with its “Global Café.” Students were able to try a variety of multicultural foods and talk to other study abroad alumni about their global experiences. The feast took place at the University Center 4th floor buffets at 5 p.m. This was the first time the event was held in the University Center, as it was held in Seacobeck Hall in previous years.

“Anyone who is considering going abroad absolutely should. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Only when you have left your country and have lived among people whose culture differs from yours can you truly learn about your own culture,” said Girard Bucello, an International Affairs major and senior who studied abroad in both France and Switzerland.

On Thursday, the Center for International Education and Academic Career Services will have a Peace Corps interest meeting. The Peace Corps is a popular option for UMW students following graduation, as it ranked UMW consistently on its list of top-producing small colleges in the United States since 2005.

“UMW’s ethos is compatible with Peace Corp,” Jordan said. “We have a really strong service ethic here on campus, and because of that, it really makes sense that people are interested in continued service after graduation and in an international setting is an exciting way to do that.”

The Education Abroad Fair, which coincides with Family Weekend on Saturday, will be the final event.

The fair will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lee Hall, Room 411. Faculty-led program directors, representatives from UMW-approved international institutions and education abroad programs, peer advisors, study abroad alumni and

Center for International Education staff will be at the event to give those interested in studying abroad a chance to explore the many opportunities students have in studying abroad.

The fair will also provide an opportunity for students and parents to address any issues about studying abroad, such as costs.

Anna Dofflemeyer, a senior and an English and education major, did not study abroad, citing, “financial reasons and not being able to finish on time” as reasons that she was unable to study abroad during her four years. To which Jordan gives hope for students facing financial issues by stressing that numerous financial aid and scholarship programs are available for students who want to study University Relations abroad.”

“The cool thing is that in the last three years we have given away a really significant amount of money and financial aid for study abroad,” Jordan said. “$207,000 is how much we have given away in scholarships in the last three years incentivizing that part of things.”

For students who have schedule conflicts, Jordan cited various opportunities outside of the Fall and Spring semesters to travel abroad.

“We offer a wide variety of programs summer abroad, spring break abroad, and winter programs.”

Chile, Guatemala, Thailand, England and Wales will be among the faculty-led destinations students can take

Gender norms challenged in “Crimes against Nature,” exposes ideas of masculinity in society •KILMARTIN | 1 for me but insightful for college aged men and also entertaining to watch,” Zanzucchi said.

Laughter filled the auditorium as Kilmartin threw in some improvisations, singling out Cedric Rucker, Dean of Student Affairs when describing the masculinity portrayed in football teams.

Members of Feminist United, including its president Julia Michaels, sat in the second row to watch the play in Mann’s memory.

Kilmartin was influenced to develop this solo act after watching another solo performance artist, Holly Hughes, who was invited to the performance by Gregg Stull, the Chair of the Department of Theatre.

He defined her show as a more thoughtful and dynamic entertainment than standup comedy, which spiked his interest in trying to combine his psychological studies of masculinity into a lecture that, according to Kilmartin, would also be a visual performance.

Gregg Stull helped Kilmartin work on the project by receiving a grant from the Funds for Excellence in order to gain inspiration and knowledge on how to set up the screen play. The very first play Kilmartin preformed in on campus

was the musical “Into the Woods” in 1995.

From then on, Kilmartin knew he wanted theatre to be something he would be a part of in conjunction with his role as a psychology professor. The first year “Crimes Against Nature” was released, Kilmartin was invited to 70

and women grow up trying to understand themselves. He touched on the influences media has in manipulating both sexes into believing that they are inadequate in a gendered sense.

Kilmartin also expounded on how industries are made to sell “a hyper masculine version of who they are supposed to be” and how supporting gender roles makes sexism a normal or accepted form of discrimination.

With these habits remaining in our society, men end up “engaging in a conspiracy of silence” while other men degrade women.

However, it is not only men that make this possible. Women are also compliant in allowing masculinity to be an identity for men to hold onto.

“Crimes Against Nature” is a quirky autobiographical performance that sheds light on the damaging outcomes from supporting gender roles in our society and creating these social pressure for both sexes.

As Kilmartin stated, “it is really difficult to resist a pressure you can’t name and we really aren’t doing a great job at naming it for men.”

“It is really difficult to resist a pressure you can’t name and we really aren’t doing a great job at naming it for men.”

10

-Chris Kilmartin different campuses to share his solo performance.

One reason Kilmartin wanted to share his experience in growing up as a male in American society through performing the play was to express how social pressures for men can be overwhelmingly contradictory when family, friends and even girls stress the need to be ‘masculine.’

When asked about gender roles in American society Kilmartin responded by explaining how damaging these ideas can be as men

POLICE BEAT

BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

MALICIOUS WOUNDING/ ATTEMPTED ROBBERY On Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2:37 a.m., malicious wounding and attempted robbery took place at the 1200 block of Hanover St. near the Battlegrounds Complex. An email was sent to the student body about the case, cautioning students not to approach the suspect but to call UMW or the Fredericksburg police. The case is pending.

ALCOHOL LAW VIOLATIONS On Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11:35 p.m., underage intoxication occurred in Westmoreland Hall.

EMS arrived and a student received an administrative referral.

On Friday, Sept. 11 at 11:40 p.m., underage intoxication occurred in Mason Hall. EMS arrived and a student received an administrative referral.

On Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 a.m., public intoxication took place in Eagle Landing. EMS arrived and a student received an administrative referral.

VANDALISM On Tuesday, Sept. 8 between 12:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., vandalism took place in Alvey Hall.

The case is pending.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., vandalism took place in Alvey Hall. The case is pending.

On Friday, Sept. 11 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., vandalism took place in Randolph Hall.

The case is pending.

LARCENY Between Thursday, July 16 and Monday, July 20 at 2 p.m., larceny occurred at the UMW Stafford Campus library. The case was reported on Thursday, Sept. 10, and is pending.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., larceny occurred in the UMW Facilities Services. The case is pending.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

NEWS

UMW professors weigh in with Weight Watchers at Work program

KELLY EMMRICH Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington community has been steadily increasing its standards for healthy lifestyles over the past few years. The new Student Center’s vegan and gluten-free options, fun workout classes in the Goolrick Hall dance suites and new equipment in the Anderson Center gym are all there to encourage healthy habits for students.

One little-known initiative UMW is taking to get healthier is the 20 to 30 members of the University of Mary Washington faculty and staff who have been shedding pounds with the Weight Watchers at Work program since October 2009.

Weight Watchers, founded by Jean Nidetch in the early 1960s, started out as a ladies club. Nidetch began inviting local friends to her home, in Queens, New York, on a weekly basis to talk about methods for weight loss.

The program has since grown from that original group of friends to millions of women and men. On the Weight Watchers website, Nidetch says, “It’s choice not chance that determines your destiny.”

Weight Watchers has put 50 years of research into figuring out how to lose weight in an effective, manageable, and long term way. Many people look to lose weight by searching nutrition labels for low fat and; low sodium foods. Weight Watchers, however, puts an emphasis of foods that are high in water and fiber content.

Even though all of the facts are out there on the Weight Watcher’s website, losing weight is not easy. With UMW Weight Watchers at Work, the meeting are held on campus, which makes them more accessible. The UMW WW@Work meets every Thursday from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in Room 111 at the Information and Technology Convergence Center.

Weight Watchers at Work is a special section of the WW program that emphasizes healthy habits within the workforce community with easily accessible meetings at the workplace.

The program’s flexible meeting times

make it easier for all employees to participate and motivate one another.

In the UMW meetings, the members discuss recipe ideas, tactics for eating out with friends, workout ideas and share stories about their respective journeys.

A successful member is Computer Science professor, Jennifer Polack. She has been a member of the program since May 2014 and has lost 45 pounds so far. Polack is no stranger to the individual WW program, but says that the work program gives her a consistent support system.

“Having it at work means it is just easier to fit it in as part of your work day and also you have a group of people that you interact with more than at traditional Weight Watcher meetings.

This gives you more support and a sense of family,” Polack said.

Another loyal member of Weight Watchers at Work is Warren Rochelle.

The English professor has been involved with the Weight Watchers at Work since January 2012. Even though this is his first group diet program that he has taken part,he is thriving on the sense of community and the support.

“We cheer each other one, folks bring in healthy recipes to share and share advice and experiences on such things how to handle going out to dinner, attending receptions and so on,” Rochelle said.

Students also gave their support the program. Junior creative writing and communication/digital studies double major Janelle Pierangelino thought the program gives faculty a good common goal, and made it more rewarding than an individual program.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Pierangelino said. “If you see other people do it, it keeps you on track.”

Overall, the UMW faculty and staff are working exceedingly hard to achieve a healthy lifestyle and receiving all of the bonus benefits with the WW@W program.

“WE CHEER EACH OTHER ON, FOLKS BRING IN HEALTHY RECIPES TO SHARE AND SHARE ADVICE AND EXPERIENCES ON SUCH THINGS [SUCH AS] HOW TO HANDLE GOING OUT TO DINNER, ATTENDING RECEPTIONS AND SON ON.” -Warren Rochelle

University Relations

University Relations

UMW student and professor explore environmental impact of oil spill in Gulf EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

UMW student and professor take trip to lead photochemical research on natural oil seeps Matt Walters, senior and double chemistry and Spanish major, slept in a ship cabin with two roommates. There was also a lab with a chemical shelf.

Above the lab, however was the ship’s deck.

In a lot of ways, the environment was like a college. It certainly was a learning experience, save it being in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.

Walters went to the Gulf on a two-week research trip in June with chemistry professor Charlie Sharpless to study how weather affects the breakdown of oil seeps, or natural oil springs where oil rises from the ground or from ocean floors.

Walters and Sharpless studied the photochemical breakdown of oil on the Gulf, or how oil breaks down on the surface of the ocean due to the sun.

They were the only chemists studying this phenomenon onboard the research cruise ship they studied on, called the R/V Atlantis.

In order to collect the oil, Walters and Sharpless took a smaller boat away from the R/V Atlantis and used nets to gather oil from the surface of the water. According to Walters, the nets were lined with Teflon rather than plastic.

According to Sharpless, oil stays on top of the water and sticks easily to metals, such as Teflon and ship hulls.

The experience of the boat was surreal, according to Walters.

“We didn’t see land the entire time,” Walters said. “We were hundreds of miles out.”

Natural oil seeps, according to Sharpless, differ from man-made oil spills such as the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, which was considered one of the worst environmental disasters in history and sent about 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf.

Sharpless said, however, that it is difficult to distinguish man-made oil from natural oil when they are collected from the same source, the ocean.

The purpose of the research trip was to collect oil from a natural source, the ocean, and see how the oil’s denigration, or the process that it is broken

down by photochemical factors, compares with the denigration of oil kept in a controlled environment, such as a lab. Sharpless, Walters and the other researchers took the trip as part of a project led by The National Science Foundation, and Walters and Sharpless partnered with The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Many of the others on board studied other aspects of oil breakdown, or topics unrelated to Sharpless and Walters’ project.

Other researchers on board included senior scientist Christopher Reddy, who studies marine pollution and has spoken before Congress numerous times.

According to Walters, the collaboration between him, Sharpless and other researchers made him better able to know what to expect if he pursued a career in photochemical researching. “[I’m] better able to think critically, gave me a new outlook on how being a scientist would look,” Walters said.

The research did not stop when Sharpless and Walter came back from the Gulf. This semester, Walters and Sharpless have been taking the data of the oil samples they collected from the Gulf and putting the information together.

Once the information has been processed, Sharpless and Walters’ work will be published in “Environmental Science and Technology,” the second largest environmental journal beside “Nature,” according to Walters.

This was Sharpless’ first trip on a research ship, and according to him, he was not sure what to expect. For both Sharpless and Walters, the trip was a learning experience, and in turn, Sharpless and Walters have gathered the resources to educate other people about natural oil and continue to learn about its purpose and role in the environment.

“Getting the chance to go on the ship was a unique experience,” Sharpless said.

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SPORTS

Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Nationals dropping out of playoff contention

CHRISTOPHER CUMMINGS Staff Writer

In 1924, the Washington Senators won the only World Series for Washington D.C., a franchise that is not affiliated with the Washington Nationals, but rather the Minnesota Twins.

The Washington Nationals, better known as the ‘Nats,’ to their D.C. area home, have not accomplished much since the beginning of the franchise in 1969 when they started out as the Montreal Expos. The Expos were only able to reach the postseason once in 36 years, where they came away with one playoff victory.

The Nats have only reached the postseason twice in ten years and they are one of the two major league teams to never reach the World Series. Over the past several seasons, however, the Nationals have dealt with many injuries.

Though that may be the case, these injuries have not stopped the program from winning games and going to postseason.

Their powerhouse hitters such as Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos and Yunel Escobar helped generate the type of offense that could get them far in the playoffs, but their defense has continuously let them down by letting in too many runs.

This year the Nats tried boosting both their defense and offense by acquiring Dan Uggla, Yunel Escobar, Max Scherzer and Jonathan Papelbon, but to no avail.

Similarly, their pitchers performed poorly this year with a team ERA of 3.73, with most of their starters having an ERA just under three. Their majority of the Nationals offense is based on the production of

Bryce Harper. Harper is the leader in every batting category for the Nationals this season. However, he will need the help of the other starters to start making a difference offensively. Until then, the Nationals will continue to fade as the playoffs start.

With their regular starting pitchers having an earned run average of a little less

Volleyball continues strong start to season •VOLLEYBALL | 3 more Rachel Hendricks with nine. Olson continued to lead the way in assists as she herself had 44, which were seven more than the entire Mount Union team. Yost continued her impressive performance with game high 26 kills.

When asked how it felt to upset the No. 18 team in the country, Yost responded with, “It felt great, we put in a lot of hard work in practice and film and just studying teams like that. We set up our defense just to combat their offense and it feels great work it to have worked out in the end.”

Keith Allison/Flickr

than 3.0 and the rest of the pitching staff having an ERA up to 5.0, it has been hard for the Nats to win most of their games. Although the Nationals’ pitchers need to perform better, there is still plenty of room for improvement within the ball club.

In order for them to compete for the National League pennant and even the World Series, the Nationals need all of their regular starting pitchers to continue to have an ERA of less than 3.0. As long as they can do this and keep their offense as good as it is, they will be able to make a playoff run in future years. But until that day comes, they will remain without a World Series appearance.

Julie Walters

Yost and coach Troy shared similar excitement for the programs first victory over a ranked opponent.

“I was very excited for the team because they have worked so hard for these past two years to get our program to this level,” Troy said. “Now the challenge is to maintain the consistency needed to compete with the top tier programs.”

Yost wanted to give a lot of credit from the team’s victory to coach Troy, “I want to shout-out coach. He does a lot of scouting,

he does everything….it and him have a lot do with our recent success.”

In the Eagles’ final game of the tournament, they went up against then 6th ranked Juniata College and the host of the tournament. UMW continued their success as they grabbed an early set victory with a score of 25-23. Juniata did not wait long to bounce back; they won the three remaining sets in a dominant manner with scores of 15-25, 21-25 and 14-25. Olson led UMW in the game with 34 assists, Yost with 17 digs and Waters who had 15 kills.

The winning continued for the volleyball as team improved to 8-3 on the season after a 3-0 victory over Catholic University of Sept. 16. The Eagle’s grabbed a 2-0 lead in a quick and rather easy fashion, with set wins of 25-12 and 25-18 respectively.

The Eagles won the final set in extras with a score of 26-24 after storming back from trailing 24-21.

The team will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 19, as they will face off in a double header at Stevenson University. The opening game for UMW will be against Johns Hopkins University and then will take on the host, the Stevenson Mustangs at 3 p.m.

Yost, Troy and the fellow UMW volleyball players will look to continue their success, as they are eager to climb in the rankings.

“Thank you everyone for coming out, keep it going, it’s get us hype,” Yost said.

Rugby and crew teams gain athletic department recognition LAUREN TAYLOR Staff Writer

The start of the 2015-2016 school year saw exciting news for four of the University of Mary Washington’s sports teams. The men’s and women’s rugby and men and women’s crew teams have been upgraded from being a club organization to being a team sport under the umbrella of athletics, but not a varsity team.

According to Athletic Director Ken Tyler, he and President Rick Hurley communicated about reorganizing these teams to give the athletes more opportunities and an extra layer of oversight.

The reorganization procedure involved meeting with the president, better staff, analysis and the proper timing. There are about 100 athletes on the teams, so this will bring many changes for many people.

Crew and rugby will be under the Department of Athletics rather than campus recreation.

Head coaches are now contracted employees through the university. The new opportunities for the athletes include head coaches, access to athletic facilities, strength and conditioning trainers, access to the varsity weight room, the ability to practice on varsity turf and an efficient budget.

With such positive change and liberties, come high expectations. The men and women rugby and crew teams are expected to represent the department in a “first-class manner,” according to Tyler.

There lies a potential for the University to begin recruiting for these squads, which enhances the exposure, which they will be able to tap into for positive publicity.

Integration will be very important for the teams as well, as they are now expected to

Thursday, September 17, 2015

work with both clubs and athletic teams for improvement.

The athletes must remain “good ambassadors” for the university, because they are representing both the academic affairs of the school and the athletic program, which is an extremely important aspect of public relations and future applicants to the school.

“I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME THE TEAMS INTO THE ATHLETIC FAMILY.”

Rachael Harvey

-Ken Tyler Some have raised concerns about the recent affairs of the men’s rugby team, and what has been happening as a result of their reinstatement. Now that they are off of suspension, the men will remain on probation and have attended a sensibility program, which was a condition of their reinstatement. Now that all of these conditions have been met, the team is looking forward to beginning their season under the direction of the athletics department.

Although the news of the reorganization originally confused many of the athletes and fans alike, the purpose of reorganization is to give further opportunities to excel to the men and women who play rugby and row for crew. Tyler stated that he is “excited for the new changes, and would like to welcome the teams into the athletic family.”

UMW Campus Rec

University of Mary Washington Mother’s Rugby

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