The Blue & Gray Press by The Weekly Ringer

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 4 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Fredericksburg nominated for ‘10Best’ college towns MEGAN FLOURNOY Staff Writer

Every week, USA Today asks travel experts to pick 20 nominees for different categories to compete in their “10Best” contest. One of the categories featured is Best College Town Weekend, and Fredericksburg, Virginia, home to the University of Mary Washington, is currently featured as a nominee. In this category, twenty different college communities are labeled as nice weekend getaways, complete with the college atmosphere. Other categories from 10Best “range from food, lodging destinations to travel gear and things to do,” according to 10best. com. For the duration of the contest, readers can vote for their favorites, and when the contest is over, the top 10 choices are winners. According to UMW’s Faculty and Staff Newsletter Eagle Eye, voting for Best College Town Weekend ends on Monday, Oct. 6. The 10 winners will be announced on the 10Best website on Wednesday, Oct. 8. This contest has already brought attention to Fredericksburg, and each day more students and faculty are becoming aware of the contest. “Fredericksburg is a strong contender for this contest because it has everything: a strong university, vibrant downtown community – history, tradition, and a lot of people who genuinely care for the community,” said Doug Searcy, vice president for student affairs. “It really is a great place to be.”

Damien Entwistle/ Flickr

Junior Megan Green said she found out about the contest through Facebook and is eager for a potential Fredericksburg victory. “It would mean a lot for the community. UMW does a great job of supporting the people of Fredericksburg. It would be a well-deserved honor,” Green said. Sophomore mathematics major Breezi Comden also agreed winning the contest would bring positive attention to both the university and the city of Fredericksburg. “More people would come and check it all out,” Comden said. “It would bring in good business for Fredericksburg and get people to view our beautiful campus.” The contest is also an opportunity to further unite the university and the Fredericksburg community, junior psychology major Sarah Listenbee noted. “Winning would allow for student bragging rights,” Listenbee said. “And [it would] increase the school spirit throughout the town.”

Global Café transports students all over the world PASSPORT | 2

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press

IN THIS

ISSUE

“99 problemsbut tuition ain’t one” UMW senior Ebony Dixon recieves Jay Z scholarship John Frank/ Flickr

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Staff Writer

Ebony Dixon had no idea what she was in for when searching for scholarships for her senior year. According to Dixon, a senior theatre and political science double major at the University of Mary Washington, she was looking up different scholarships online, including scholarships provided by celebrities, when she found a scholarship by the Shawn Carter Foundation. Carter, more commonly known as Jay Z, has sold over 75 million records according to iHeart Radio, and started the scholarship program with his mother Gloria in 2003. The mission of the scholarship is to “help individuals facing socio-economic hardships further their education at institutions of higher learning,” according to the SCF website. The SCF has provided over $1.7 million in scholarships to 750 individuals. Dixon is now one of those individuals, but beating out 500,000 other applicants for the scholarship was not easy. The application process took place in three steps over the course of several months. Dixon first had to submit an initial

application that included an essay, resume, her cumulative GPA and general information. Dixon was notified in April by the SCF that she was a finalist for the award but had to submit her FAFSA and financial information. At the end of July, Dixon got the news that she had won the award while working on UMW’s theatre production of “Always…Patsy Cline.” Before she could obtain the award, or scholarship, she had to send the foundation her school information and fill out media releases. Dixon received the scholarship money four weeks after she gave them her school information. It was fitting that she would win the scholarship while working in the theatre, as it is one of her passions, as well as one of her majors. Dixon plans to either join the Peace Corps, apply for law school or pursue a theatre career on Broadway after graduation, but making the choice for her future has not been easy. “It’s completely dependent on my mood,” Dixon said. “I know I should have it figured out by now, being a senior.” While deciding, Dixon has thrown herself into leadership roles in the subjects

•DIXON | 11

GO GLOBAL

GREEN FUTURE?

FLAG FOOTBALL

International Education Week sends students abroad.

300,000 march on NYC against climate change.

Students blow off steam with flag football.

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 12

NEWS

Editors: Hope Racine & Nephthalie Lauture | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Student employees left waiting for paychecks

THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

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

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alison Thoet Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press Student employees were informed of a payroll glitch which would push back their pay period. This was not the first glitch of this kind to affect student workers.

HOPE RACINE News Editor

Student employees received a surprise earlier this month when the University of Mary Washington informed them of a payroll glitch that would push back their pay period. The email, which was sent out on Sept. 10, informed student employees that their most recent pay period, originally set for Sept. 14, would be pushed back to Oct. 3. The email, which was titled “Payroll Paperwork Glitch,” attributed the change to the university’s efforts to comply with regulations of the Affordable Care Act. Students reacted to this news with disappointment and confusion. “I am enraged by this,” senior English major Katie Redmiles, a former resident assistant and summer conference assistant worker, said. “In any other system, going unpaid would not have been a reasonable option, in fact it would make them liable for a lawsuit.” This is not the first time that there have been mistakes with student paychecks. This summer, student employees faced multiple problems with collecting their pay. Students were told they would be given a stipend and paid every two weeks. “Over the summer we didn’t get out first paycheck until a month after we started working, and we found out that we had to provide our own meals for the first few

weeks,” senior business administration major Lauren Armstrong said. “That was difficult for people who didn’t really have any money. And the next time we got paid, it was the wrong amount, so we had to wait another two weeks to get the rest of it with our other paycheck.” According to Armstrong, who worked for Residence Life over the summer, many students had repeated interactions with payroll and financial aid in order to rectify the situation.

ments. Some students, such as Armstrong, who experienced difficulties with their paychecks over the summer are now ineligible to work during the school year because of those wages. “It [the job] prevented me from working now because I supposedly reached the cap for the amount of money I can get from the school,” Armstrong said. “The only way I can work as a student here is if I lower my loans, which I can’t do or else I can’t afford school.” Junior biology and chemistry double major Sam Clark is also limited in how much he can work due to his summer job with the university, where he faced paycheck problems as well. “What’s even worse is that they get away with the whole thing. There is no sort of student representation on campus that allows us to make complaints and get things done,” Clark said. Though the payroll problems should be resolved on Oct. 3, there is still the concern that it may happen again. “Students have bills, students have expenses, we depend on the money we make just as much as any other worker,” Redmiles said. “Now that they have done it again, it is crucial for the administration to not allow this to keep happening or let it be because we are just students.” The Blue & Gray Press reached out to Student Employment Manager Jennifer Moerman, who declined to comment.

“STUDENTS HAVE BILLS, STUDENTS HAVE EXPENSES, WE DEPEND ON THE MONEY WE MAKE JUST AS MUCH AS ANY OTHER WORKER.” Katie Redmiles “Most of the time they acknowledged their mistake each time something messed up, but it seemed like they didn’t take the time to make sure it didn’t happen again,” Armstrong said. “The problems would continue into the next pay period.” Additional problems arose for students who are on financial aid, as student workers receiving aid face limitations on how much they can work due to their agree-

MANAGING EDITOR Mariah Young

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jonathan Polson

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Hope Racine Nephthalie Lauture

VIEWPOINTS Tess Osmer

LIFE

Amanda Motley

SPORTS Chris Markham

ONLINE Lauren Brumfield

PHOTO

Ginny Clark

ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER Cara Sexton

FACULTY ADIVSOR Steve Klein

ASSISTANTS Emily Hollingsworth Megan Flournoy Janelle Pierangelino

Community receives passports for global culinary adventure EMILY HANSON Staff Writer

Students were given passports as they entered Seacobeck Hall for the Global Café. Each student had to secure four stamps in order to win door prizes that included a Center for International Education t-Shirt, gift cards to Baba Ganoush and the UMW Bookstore, as well as a grand prize scholarship of $500 for study abroad. In replacement of the staple Seacobeack dinner dishes, the Global Café offered a variety of international foods: Argentinean barbeque, tapas, Asian stir-fry and turkey mornay crepes amongst others.

“I think it’s helping the UMW students get accustomed to other cultures and international cuisine,” junior biology and German double major Nora Forknall said. Members of InterLink, students who have studied abroad and international students all wore traditional clothing related to their country of origin or travel. These volunteers manned the doors to welcome the visiting UMW students, sat at tables set up throughout the dining hall with information about various programs and walked around talking with students. Each time a student talked to one of these volunteers, they received a stamp on their

passports. Attendees turned in their passports and prizes were announced later in the evening. “Students will engage with some international students and learn more about opportunities abroad and come out with a better understanding of diversity on campus,” director of CIE Jose Sainz said. Global Café was one in a number of weeklong events that were part of International Education Week, sponsored by CIE. This was the second annual International Education week at UMW. To accompany the festivities, the UMW Jazz Band played international songs

throughout the night. The band was located in the seating section between the Smart Market and the Bistro, which was decorated with the flags of different countries streaming across the walls and over the ceiling. “My favorite dish was the Indian curry,” senior international affairs major Jayne Winterkorn said. The advertising of international foods and door prizes brought UMW students to Global Café Wednesday, while the event then gave these students the opportunity to learn about international opportunities available through CIE.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

SPORTS

One of “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” speaks to UMW student-athletes CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

Recently named as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” by Fortune Magazine, head swim coach at Johns Hopkins University George Kennedy recently spoke at the University of Mary Washington, his daughter’s alma mater. Student-athletes from every sport at UMW gathered in the Anderson Center on Sunday, Sept. 21 to listen to the legendary coach give advice on how to succeed on multiple platforms, not just in sports. Kennedy spun his discussion in a more college-specific direction, focusing on alcohol consumption, necessary rest, nutrition and positive attitudes. Kennedy ranks 36th on Fortune Magazine’s list, joining company that includes Bill Clinton, Derek Jeter, Mike Krzyzewski, the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis. Kennedy’s main focus of the speech

was to promote the use of a positive attitude every day of one’s life. He encouraged the student-athletes to bring a 9.9 level of attitude every day because “nobody is perfect.” Kennedy drove home the idea that the level of attitude brought to practice every day can have a tremendous impact of the rest of the team. “The important thing about attitude is that it is directional,” Kennedy said. “We have good days and we have bad days, and how we wake up in the morning determines that.” Kennedy’s daughter, Catherine Kennedy, is a graduate of UMW and is one of the greatest lacrosse players in school history. She holds the school and conference record for most goals in a career and in a single game. The legendary coach was joined by one of his assistant coaches and 2014 JHU graduate Joseph Acquaviva, who was called upon to provide UMW student-athletes with an inside perspective of what it was like to be coached by Kennedy, and how his team handled alcohol consumption during the season. Acquaviva described the Johns Hopkins Courtesy of Christopher Myers men’s swim

team as a “drinking team with a swimming problem” during his freshman year. Over his tenure, the team became more and more strict on the idea of a “dry season,” where the team would refrain from drinking alcohol until the end of the season. Kennedy referenced a moment in 1982 when one of his best friends was diagnosed with cancer. His friend told Kennedy that his only option was to “carry out his best attitude every day.” Because of this, he was able to beat cancer and is still alive today. Since then, Kennedy has been inspired by his friend’s efforts and encourages others to do the same. Also in his speech, Kennedy addressed the need for necessary rest and nutrition. He shared the strategies that he implements on his teams and how they benefit from them. Rest and proper nutrition are two difficult items for college students to keep a handle on, so Kennedy stressed the importance of time management and muscle recovery. “I am here today because what we do works and I want to share it with you,” Kennedy said during his speech. Kennedy is in his 30th year of coaching and was awarded National Coach of the Year seven times by the NCAA. Last year, the Johns Hopkins swim teams both finished in the top-four at the NCAA Championships. Kennedy’s teams have finished in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships an astounding 44 times during his illustrious career; 26 times by the men’s team and 18 times by the women’s team.

George Kennedy made the list not only for his accolades, but for his ability to inspire.

George Kennedy: By the numbers Statistics courtesy of hopkinssports.com

1 • Rhodes Scholar 3 • NCAA Runner-up Finishes (Team) 5 • Johns Hopkins Athletic Hall of Fame members 6 • NCAA Relay Champions 7 • NCAA Post-grad Scholars 13 • Academic All-Americans 16 • NCAA Top-Five Finishes (Team) 16 • NCAA Individual Champions 24 • Conference Titles (Team) 42 • NCAA Top-10 Finishes (Team) 110 • Conference Relay Champions 204 • Conference Individual Champions 249 • Dual meet wins

Street hockey club competes in community league Weekly Scoreboard CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

Field Hockey:

Sept. 20 vs. Eastern Mennonite (W) UMW: 7 EMU: 1 Sept. 24 vs. Lynchburg College (L) UMW: 2 Lynchburg: 3

Men's Soccer:

Sept. 24 @ Dickinson UMW: 1 Dickinson: 1

Women's Soccer:

Sept. 20 @ Hood College (W) UMW: 1 Hood: 0 Sept. 23 @ Catholic (L) UMW: 0 Catholic: 6

Volleyball:

Sept. 20 vs. Pitt-Greensburg (W) UMW: 3 Pitt-Greensburg: 0 Sept. 20 vs. Buffalo State (L) UMW: 2 Buffalo St. 3 Sept. 24 vs. Gallaudet College (W) UMW: 3 Gallaudet: 1

Upcoming:

Field Hockey:

Sept. 27 @ Washington & Lee

Men’s Soccer:

Sept. 27 @ Marymount University

Women’s Soccer:

Sept. 27 @ Marymount University

Volleyball:

Sept. 27 vs. Emory & Henry vs. Washington & Lee

Cross Country:

Sept. 27 @ Salisbury Invitational

Equestrian:

Sept. 27 @ University of Richmond

Tennis:

Sept. 27 @ Home 8 a.m.

One of the best-kept secrets at the University of Mary Washington is the street hockey club. This small group of students gathers twice a week at the outdoor basketball court next to the Framar House, or “the cage” as it is known to many. With their sticks, pads and nets, the club enjoys a sneaker-version variation of the classic game. Recently, however, members of the UMW street hockey club have begun competing locally in the Fredericksburg area for the first time since the formation of the school club. While the team that competes in the Fredericksburg Roller Hockey League is not the same as the club that plays pick-up hockey on campus, the roller hockey team is comprised of many of the same individuals. The team competes in the Fredericksburg league as the “Mary Washington Eagles” against three other local teams and generally plays their games on Sunday nights. The teams that they play against consist of men from a wide range of age groups, making it a unique and competitive experience. “The league is all about keeping hockey alive in Fredericksburg,” sophomore member Ethan Tobin said. “A couple guys told me about the league last year, and it inspired me to put together a team to represent UMW.” The roller hockey that the Mary Washington Eagles play is different from regular hockey in that there are only four skaters

and a goalie on the rink at a time. The team has ten members total, compared to the 15-20 students who come out to play pick-up street hockey as part of the school-recognized club. “At UMW, it is a great way to meet new people, it is a great group of guys and a tremendous physical activity,” Tobin said. The Mary Washington Eagles currently have a record of 0-1-2, with their most recent overtime loss coming on Sunday, Sept. 21 by a score of 11-10. The Eagles held a 9-4 lead in the third period, but the opposing team was able to come back and prevent them from earning their first win of the year. Tobin, who is a member of both the street hockey club and the roller hockey

team, hopes to make the roller hockey team a school recognized club in the future and compete in more local leagues and tournaments. “It is going really well so far,” Tobin said. “One of my goals in the next couple of years is to get a roller hockey club at UMW and hopefully get some support from the school.” The street hockey club meets Monday and Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. and encourages anybody who wants to play to come and bring their own stick if possible. Even if not officially in the club, anybody is welcome to come out, play and enjoy the experience.

Courtesy of Fredericksburg Hockey The UMW Street Hockey Club is beginning to make more noise on campus and in Fredericksburg.

VIEWPOINTS

Letter: Professors request for editors to reconsider NFL name

To the Editors of The Blue & Gray Press: We are writing to ask that the newspaper cease using the team name and logo for the Washington NFL team in its coverage of professional sports. This is not a controversial request. The United States Patent and Trademark Office cancelled the team’s trademark registration in June, with a clear message that it is “disparaging.” The Federal Communications Commission Chair has called the team name “offensive and derogatory.” Forty-nine members of the United States Congress have written to the NFL, asking that the team change its name and logo because “racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports.” Both the American Psychological Association and the American Sociological Association have called for the retirement of team names that are disrespectful of Native Americans, as have the NAACP and various religious organizations. Importantly, the National Congress of American Indians has called for Washington and other teams to stop the use of demeaning names or logos. Media outlets have also responded to the concern raised about the team’s name. CBS, NBC and ESPN have given their professional commentators and analysts discretion to choose not to use the team’s official name, even when announcing games, and both television and radio announcers have since declared that they will no longer use it. The Seattle Times, the Kansas City Star, the San Francisco Chronicle, Slate magazine, the New York Daily News and the editorial page of The Washington Post, among other major, mainstream publications, have made the decision to no longer use the Washington team name. The stand against the offensive team name has also touched colleges. To name just two examples, the University of Minnesota, whose stadium will host a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Washington this fall, requested that the Washington team wear throwback uniforms without the team logo for the game, asked that no apparel or fan paraphernalia with the name or image be sold during the game and called for the public address announcer to avoid all use of the team name. Closer to home, the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism’s Capital News Service terminated use of the Washington team name last year. This is not about censorship or oft-ridiculed “political correctness;” 4

it is about taking an ethical stand against the denigration of persons or groups, which is vitally important for an official publication of the University of Mary Washington, an institution that takes pride in the civil rights legacy of James Farmer, Jr. and where the Statement of Guiding Principles on Diversity and Inclusion adopted by the Board of Visitors says that we are dedicated to creating “a climate of acceptance” and to taking up our “responsibility to be a model of fairness and equal opportunity, providing intellectual and institutional leadership regarding diversity issues and initiatives.” “The right of every individual to be treated with dignity and respect at all times” is one of the four core principles of UMW’s Statement of Community Values and Behavioral Expectations, also approved by our BOV. The purpose of this letter is not to open a tired debate in these pages about whether or not the Washington team name and logo are abusive. It is to ask the editors of The Blue and Gray Press to support UMW’s shared values of respect and inclusivity by avoiding use of a name and logo that are, indubitably, offensive to many persons, of all races and creeds. Stand on the right side of history. Professor Mara Scanlon, with Professors Krystyn Moon, Marie McAllister, Dan Hubbard, Amanda Rutstein, Anand Rao, Warren Rochelle, Chris Foss, Shumona Dasgupta, Debra Schleef, Leslie Martin, Farhang Rouhani, Tim Crippen, John Broome, Eric Lorentzen, Mary Beth Mathews, Dave Kolar, Joe Romero, Tracy Citeroni, Mindy Erchull, Jason Davidson, Jon Pineda, Colin Rafferty, Will Mackintosh, Mary Rigsby, Laura Mentore, Chris McBride, Angela Pitts, Craig Vasey, Jackie Gallagher, Andréa Livi Smith, Danny Tweedy, Judith Parker, Jessy Ohl, Ben LaBreche, Meghan Conley, Kevin McCluskey, Doug Sanford, Gregg Stull, Janie Lee, Suzanne Sumner, Mehdi Aminrazavi, Dave Stahlman, Dawn Bowen, Catherine Walker, Luke Johnson, Connie Smith, Kate Haffey, Elizabeth Wade, Andrew Dolby, Tim Waltonen, Eric Bonds, Terrell Taylor

Editorial: Hannah Graham is missed, brings reality to college life The Blue & Gray Press editorial board would like to extend its warmest thoughts to the family, friends and the University of Virginia community over the disappearance of Hannah Graham. Since word spread of the 18-year-old’s disappearance on Sept. 13, each of us continues to follow the case of Graham, and hoping for news of the fellow student. It is a concern that someone so young can be swept away from anyone who knew her so quickly and that her fate is still unknown. However, as of last night the alleged abductor of Graham was taken into custody in Galveston, Texas, according to the Washington Post. After an almost two-week long manhunt, a suspected kidnapper is finally caught, but where is Graham? The suspect was charged with kidnap and the intention of sexual assault of Graham, but there is still have no word on where she is. The board commends those who

searched for the college student through thousand people weekend searches, bloodhound trailing and the use of technology. Surveillance cameras were also a useful tool as they mapped the path Graham took the night of her disappearance and gave some hope as to a trace of the student. As the university stated in an email sent to the student body, students should be aware and walk together at night. The most important thing students can take away from this tragedy is that life is unpredictable and anything can happen. Be aware of your situation and surroundings and watch out for your friends. This is no scare tactic, but simply a reminder that there is a bigger world outside of college and dangers within it. We convey this information not to blame Graham, but to inform the community of the unfortunate realities that sometimes accompany being in college.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

UMW students join Climate March MONA OSMER Viewpoints Editor

This was not for the future, this was for today. At 4 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, more than 50 University of Mary Washington students boarded a charter bus en route to the People’s Climate March, NYC. Nearly 400,000 people stepped to the streets Sunday morning for the largest climate change demonstration in history. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton, along with political figures such as Al Gore and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, were also among the many attendees of the event. The march was designed to target the U.N. climate change summit held Tuesday, Sept. 23 at U.N. headquarters in New York City. Participants in the march sought to make an announcement to mem-

bers of the U.N. that we, as citizens, will not be satisfied without action and raise awareness for the problems that we face internationally right now, not down the road. Live feeds of the march’s day of action in cities such as Melbourne, London, Berlin, Bogota, Istanbul, Paris, Rio, Delhi, Johannesburg, Lagos and Amsterdam streamed during the New York City march as people urged the U.S. government to lead the initiative on climate change. I stood as my UMW community cried out, “This is what democracy looks like,” and watched as people all over the country assembled to fight an issue that exists now and is disregarded by many. “It is sad that we had to march today,” freshman history and Spanish double major Nicholas Kniska said, •MARCH | 5

Mona Osmer/ The Blue & Gray Press

Thursday, September 25, 2014

VIEWPOINTS

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

Spotlight on Greek Life offenses

Courtesy of NJ.com COLEMAN HOPKINS Staff Writer

Late last week, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fraternity was accused of systematically drugging drinks at a party that occurred in mid-September for the purpose of taking advantage of women. An investigation was launched after several women reported feeling strange after drinking from the fraternity’s supply of alcohol. Rohypnol is the suspected weapon of choice, though the ongoing investigation will answer any and all questions. This scandal breaks just as President Obama’s new initiative, the “It’s On Us” campaign to combat sexual assaults on college campuses, is beginning. Since the investigation is in progress, there is yet to be proof that the fraternity is responsible for the crimes that they are accused of committing. The students that reported blacking out and vomiting could have been sick or may have been suffering from any other number of ailments. With that being said, the accusations levied at the Tau Kappa fraternity are a heinous example of the type of deplorable behavior that is becoming synonymous with fraternities around the country. For example, a Rutgers student died at a fraternity gathering on Sunday, Sept. 21, after passing out due to intoxication. An article from Complex.com recounted the recent deaths of a California State Northridge pledge who was hazed into hiking 18 miles, ultimately leading to his perishing in the wilderness due to dehydration, as well as the suicide of a Pennsylvania State University freshman who took his own life rather than be forced to snort cocaine or sodomize himself for the entertainment of his brothers to be. While it is not equally awful in any respect, recent scandals about sorority life, such as the University of Maryland sorority sisters’ sexual bullying story from last spring,

Chinese student sparks movement

MEGAN FLOURNOY Staff Writer

Joshua Wong is a 17-year-old activist for democracy in Hong Kong, China and founder of the activist group Scholarism. The group was established in 2011, consisting of Wong’s friends and family. It has since grown to include 120,000 protestors and 13 hunger strikers. Scholarism’s desire for universal suffrage stems from China having a fixed government that has been run by the Chinese Communist party since 1949. The members of this party are appointed every five years by the current members and run the government for the five years they are required to serve. In other words, members do not get nominated or elected by the people of China. In 1997, Hong Kong was promised the democratic election of its own leader, but, as of right now, that does not exist. There is discussion of Hong Kong allowing five of the seven million considered citizens be able to cast their votes in 2017, according to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. More recently, officials said that Hong Kong will be able to vote for their leader, but the candidates must be approved by Beijing. This angered Wong and led him to build up his activist group to fight for complete universal suffrage. At first, Scholarism’s main focus

was the newest education program established in the country: Moral and National Education. Scholarism protested outside Hong Kong’s government headquarters, spurring officials to withdraw the new curriculum. The group has since stayed active in fighting for democracy and striving for universal suffrage. According to CNN, in July, Scholarism “staged a mass sit-in which drew a warning from China’s vice president not to disrupt the ‘stability’ of the city.” The group is mobilizing students to walk out of classes, which represents the reversal of the system in place. These educational protests helps give students a voice, and will hopefully turn into universal suffrage, fulfilling Wong’s goalScholarism shows students that if they fight for something, they can have a huge impact and really make a difference. Though young, Wong is a great icon for the movement, showing that the students care about what they learn and how they learn. Scholarism’s efforts will be helpful and powerful if they continue to fight and persevere. I completely support Wong’s efforts and ideas for sit-ins and protests, and the group as a whole. Very few 17-year-olds would take charge and attempt to alter the government.

show that sororities are not living up to their intended purposes either. One of the biggest issues with fraternities and this type of behavior is that it puts young women at risk. Drinking is a potentially dangerous activity that ought to be done in a safe environment, preferably when of age. Drinking causes many negative side-effects, such as the disorientation of the senses, which is why it is particularly troubling that some fraternities are preying on young women and men by using alcohol as a means to abuse them and coerce them into making bad decisions. Fraternities and sororities started in order to promote bonding and camaraderie in a time when social media and texting did not exist. They were intended to make sure that students could make friends and have a good time at school. •MARCH | 5 senior creative writing and histoIncreasingly, however, these instiwho marched for climate aware- ry double major Nate Levine said, tutions are having the opposite inness. In agreement to this, junior “I am about to inherit this world, fluence on students, going so far as psychology major Michael Middle- quite literally, as I graduate college to ruin students’ lives, and even end ton said he was walking because and enter the workforce, and I rethem. “climate change is real and import- fuse to accept a world of habitat deAs colleges advance in the 21st ant and it is time we did something struction, of ocean garbage patches century, with new technologies, the size of Texas, of mass extinction about it.” programs and courses of study, it is The march was organized by more and melting ice caps, of co2 levels time to leave the archaic institutions than 1,500 groups and spearheaded exceeding pre-historic levels ... I rein the past. Fraternities and sororiby 350.org, the same upstart climate fuse to accept the false notion that ties have outlived their purpose and activist group that has turned the we can do nothing because it is too are a shadow of their former-selves, proposed Keystone XL pipeline into expensive or because we don’t have with the negatives far outweighing a political nightmare for President the technology.” the positives. In June 2013, Obama announced Barack Obama by rallying throughCollege is a time for new experia plan to cut carbon pollution, inout the building process. ences and new friends, new classes Activists mounted a massive ef- cluding directing the U.S. Environand new relationships with others – fort to spread the word and attract mental Protection Agency to esrelationships that are meant to prethe public. They distributed more tablish new emission standards for pare you for the real world. College than one million flyers around New active coal plants in the U.S., and campuses are no place for fraterniYork City and chartered nearly 500 working with other countries, inties or sororities that are increasbuses to bring people from around cluding China and India, two of the ingly promoting bad behaviors and the country to the event. From world's top emitters of greenhouse jeopardizing students’ educations California to North Carolina, peo- gases, to establish new plans for adand lives. Time will tell if Tau Kapple flooded the streets of NYC and dressing pollution globally. pa is guilty, but the recent track reThe world is changing now, time made their voice known. cord for fraternities – and sororities Our university has had the chance is running out. It is imperative that – is bad enough that it makes more to be a part of history. The U.N. will legislation such as new emission sense to eliminate Greek Life rather have its chance to do the right thing, standards be passed and put in than allow it to continue. and I strongly suggest they do. As place, domestically and internationally. 5

Students take to New York streets for enviornmental rights

LIFE

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

‘International Education Week’ shares the importance of studying abroad

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Staff Writer

Some who walked by Lee Hall last week may have wondered what was behind the blue and white sign draped across its entrance, which read simply, “Think Globally.” However, the sign’s two-word statement represented an entire week that highlighted the many study abroad and cultural experiences that the University of Mary Washington offers students and was created with one goal in mind: to encourage UMW students to see the world. All of the events were a part of The Center for International Education’s annual International Education Week, which lasted from Sunday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 20 The CIE hosted numerous events, such as the Global Café in Seacobeck Hall, which took place Wednesday, Sept. 17. Students were served tapas and other global dishes and could view displays made by recent study abroad students. An internationally themed Trivia Night was also held in the Underground, and students won EagleOne dollars and other prizes, while also learning facts about different cultures. CIE also held seminars, which included Study Abroad 101. Representatives of CIE

guided students through the application process, explained the travel opportunities available and answered any student questions. In Passport Agency, another seminar, students could apply to either get a new passport or renew expired passports. The events culminated at the Education Abroad Fair, which took place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 during Family Weekend. Following the fair, students and families participated in the “Go Global Soccer Tournament” on Turf Fields Stadium, where they formed teams of seven that represented the country of their choice. “International Education Week is a way to promote cultural inspiration and make students aware of international studies abroad,” said Kate Jordan, the faculty-led program coordinator of CIE. Junior business major Eileen Settlemyer traveled to China through the CIE in May 2014. Settlemyer first worked for eight weeks in an internship at a marketing firm called Web2Asia, located in Shanghai. Once she completed the internship, Settlemyer took 20 days and traveled through Asia. According to Settlemyer, one of her favorite aspects of the trip was getting the opportunity to travel the continent, espe-

Amanda Motley/The Blue & Gray Press

cially Taiwan. “It’s a beautiful country. The people there were really polite and friendly,” said Settlemyer. For the 2014-2015 school year, including the summer semester, the CIE is offering 20 faculty-led programs, where students can travel to areas such as China, Europe, South Africa and Spain. Once they arrive, they can participate in internships or service work in the country where they are staying, take courses they would normally have received at UMW and see the sights, exploring the country around them. The CIE also arranges programs where individual students can plan their own studies abroad. According to Jordan, the CIE “services incoming and out-coming students who want to travel internationally, whether that’s through volunteerism, internships or athletics. This also includes incoming international exchange students, degree or non-degree seeking.” Katherine Little, a senior classics major, traveled to Paris, France with CIE this summer and stayed for one month. “It was a great cultural experience. I was able to look at people’s lives differently from it,” said Little. According to Little, her trip cost ap-

proximately $4,000, but was covered thanks to grants and other scholarships that Little applied for and received. “I only needed to pay personal expenses,” Little said. The CIE offers a dizzying variety of scholarships and grants awarded to students who want to study abroad. Amounts range from $1,500 to $30,000, with some even providing full financial support, according to the CIE’s website. Financial concerns and time constraints are common issues students interested in traveling abroad face. For any of these concerns, the CIE offers a multitude of options. “[The CIE] showed me all of my options,” Settlemyer said. “I was worried about not being able to graduate on time if I took the trip, but they showed me all of the different paths I could take with it.” The CIE takes students through the study abroad process and experience, no matter where they plan to go. “They answered every single question I had. They walked me through the process from beginning to end, literally,” said senior Spanish major Michael Arriaza, who traveled to Spain for 5 weeks this past summer. According to Jordan, beginning the process to exploring the world is as easy as walking into Lee Hall. “We hold peer advising meetings in Lee Hall, 434. We show interested students everything they need to do to start the process. We show them how to navigate the website. Give them all of the options we have available,” Jordan said. In addition, the CIE provides insurance and personal meetings with students considering individualized study abroad programs. Lastly, they give seminars for students who have returned from studying abroad. In these seminars, advisors show students how to incorporate their international experiences into their résumés, as well as help students deal with common issues such as culture shock. “We hope that through International Education Week that students will have a greater knowledge of opportunities to travel abroad at UMW and everything that can mean for them,” Jordan said.

‘The Maze Runner’ races into the big screen with apocalyptic themes

Courtesy of YouTube

Dylan O’Brien plays the controversial character Thomas in ‘The Maze Runner.’ LEAH VAHJEN Staff Writer

In the race to see which imaginary post-apocalyptic world falls apart best, “The Maze Runner” is a sure contender. This movie is set apart from the other book trilogy-turned-films of its kind by its male-

led cast and consequent lack of a love story or love triangle. Mirroring other works of the genre, the author of the series, James Dashner, created a setting in which the government is suspiciously manipulating the new world, and a group of teenagers provide the vessel

in which the audience will travel as they decipher who is good from who is evil. The movie most closely follows the life of a boy named Thomas, who is brought into the ‘Glade’ and initiated in a style reminiscent of a frat e r n i t y, complete with a light touch of hazing. Thomas and the residents of the Glade share the confusion of having had their memories selectively erased and are consequently unsure of how or why they ended up inside of these four staggeringly tall stone walls, yet they ceaselessly look for a way out each day when the walls open up to an incredibly large and ever-changing maze. Though some may argue that the casting could have been better, the acting overall was decent. There were only a few small

moments during the film that felt over-acted or unreal, none of which affect the plot. The special effects were something the makers of this film deserve to brag about. I never felt compelled to point out an obvious moment of computer generated imagery or green s c r e e n because there really weren’t any glaring issues with the craftsmanship of the movie from that standpoint. I recommend this movie for its entertainment value. It provides an absolutely familiar plot line but is sure to keep your adrenaline up and your attention on for the duration of the film. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, I definitely suggest reading the trilogy first or waiting for this to return to Redbox before the second film of the series releases.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

LIFE Materials : Chrome spray paint 6 or more 3 x 5 inch craft store, wooden photo frames 6 or more sheets of cardstock paper Pencil Outdoor Mod Podge™ glue (or another type of spreadable glue) 12 x 12 inch corkboard or cork tile 24 x 36 inch black magnetic dry erase board E6000™ adhesive (or other industrial strength glue) Metallic acrylic paint

Lauren Mosesso /The Blue & Gray Press

Doubt brings controversy to UMW STEPHANIE CHAE

Staff Writer

With an intimate cast of only four people and roughly four weeks to prepare, “Doubt” will kick off the University of Mary Washington’s 2014-2015 theatre season. Set in 1964, “Doubt” is the story of the principal of a Catholic school in the Bronx that begins to suspect inappropriate relations between Father Flynn and the only African-American boy at the school. The production focuses on the principal’s campaign to expose the supposed crimes of Father Flynn. “It’s not about religion as more as it is about faith and following what you believe to be true and right. It’s thought provoking. The audience will hopefully leave with doubt,” junior Catalina Ruiz de Gamboa (Sister Aloysius Beauvier) said. “Doubt,” written in 2006 by John Patrick Shanley, is a fairly new play and was made into a film starring Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman just two years after it hit the stage. “I think many people will go see the play because it was a movie. So I think there will be high expectations,” senior Stephen Nickens (Father Flynn) said. “Plus, it’s raising the stakes for us, as ac-

tors, because it’s such a heavy play and we can’t rely on the darkness of the play. We have to give it life.” “Doubt” is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Helen Housley and has a diverse cast consisting of a sophomore, a junior, a senior and an adult student. “It’s cool to have [an adult student] in the show because she has a different perspective,” Ruiz de Gamboa said. “To have someone there with the wisdom of a mother is very interesting to have and very beneficial because she knows what to bring to the table. But I think we all fit very well together.” “Doubt” is yet another production put on by the UMW Theatre Department in recent years that tackles incredibly heavy issues and social taboos. Some of the past plays that were based around difficult issues include “Spring Awakening” and “Harvey.” Ruiz de Gamboa said, “I feel like there is no villain. Everyone has what they believe to be true and right, and none of them should be villianified for that. Everyone who watches the show is going to have a different response. And they’re going to come out thinking something different.” The compelling production will play at the Klein Theatre from Sept. 25 through Oct. 5.

LAUREN MOSESSO Staff Writer

Is your desk always cluttered? Are you looking for a D.I.Y. project that will help get you organized and show your personality? Then create a board that is both attractive and multi-functional. Use your new board to write to do lists with neon dry erase markers, attach notes with cute magnets and push pins or display your favorite photos in color-coordinated frames that match your decor. This D.I.Y. board will surely make your dorm room or apartment one-of-a-kind.

This board was designed and created by Lisa Sylvia, who gave the picture board as gift to my cousin Ashley, who started college this fall. It has helped Ashley organize her desk space while enhancing her dorm room decor and keeping a part of home with her. This project is an investment, but is definitely well worth it as you can use this board for years to come. The following instructions are a simplified version of the pictured project.

Directions :

1.Spray paint unfinished wood photo frames with your choice of chrome colored paint and set aside to let frames dry. 2.For each frame, lay it on a piece of card stock, trace around the outside edge of the frame using a pencil and cut out the figure. Then, cut a photo to fit the inside measurement of the wooden frame. 3.Using Outdoor Mod Podge™, glue the photo to the center of the card stock and glue the wooden frame around the photo on the card stock. Let the Mod Podge™ completely dry for one day. 4.Play around with the arrangement of the corkboard and dried spray painted picture frames on the black dry erase board, and then attach them with industrial strength glue. 5.As an optional touch, spray paint the 6-inch wooden letters that spell out your name. Let the letters dry completely before attaching to the magnetic board. 6.Decorate your board by grabbing some neon dry erase markers, attaching cute magnets to the magnetic board and push pins to the corkboard. Have fun organizing!

Humans of UMW By NANCY MILROY Contributing Writer

Val Moura, sophomore, international affairs major: “In order for change to happen, everyone must be involved. We as students must educate ourselves to the issues happening around us and act upon them. Divest UMW as well as other organizations such as Feminist United are giving us the opportunity to let our voices be heard collectively. The large presence of UMW students at the PCM was not just a progress for the environmental movement on our campus, it was also a great opportunity to shine light on social issues we face everyday. If we all educate ourselves and work together, we can produce change.”

@theBlueandGray

BlueandGrayPress

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LIFE

MUSIC

By RUTH BORDETT "Digital Witness" Staff Writer St. Vincent, St. Vincent (2014) St. Vincent singer Annie Clark possesses an ability to remain relevant The Internet provides an almost unlimited accessibility to music that can due to her ability to change the con- easily be shared with a wide network. As convenient as this can be in thecepts behind each album she produc- ory, constant scrolling through sites like Pitchfork and SoundCloud can es. The most recent St. Vincent album leave one feeling more overwhelmed than inspired. Luckily, our college focuses on the idea of “being plugged campus is full of music enthusiasts who are eager to share their unique in and it being a very digital world,” music tastes with those willing to listen. Sheehy said. With the goal of featuring University of Mary Washington students’ perHe finds this idea especially pertinent sonal music picks in the format of a curated “playlist,” The Blue & Gray on a college campus like UMW. Sheehy points out the “Digital Witness” lyric, Press aims to expose UMW students to new music and display the pas“If I can’t show it, if you can’t see me/ sion present when students are presented the opportunity to share the What’s the point of doing anything?”, music they love with others. which Sheehy believes directly points This week’s featured student is Daniel Sheehy, a junior political science a finger at the unhealthy obsession and psychology double major. With an appreciation for music idols like with the digital age we currently live in. Kanye West and James Murphy, Sheehy’s taste in music may vary, but

"House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls" The Weeknd, Trilogy (2012) What he considers to be strictly nighttime music that occupies a moral gray area, Sheehy pins his description of the Weeknd as sounding “aesthetically like romantic music but in reality is just provocative culture.” From the vocal range to instrumentals used, the song exhibits the innovative nature of singer Abel Tesfaye is known for and that serves as a breath of fresh air for listeners.

leaves him constantly searching for the newest artists that are pushing boundaries. The Internet provides an almost unlimited accessibility to music that can easily be shared with a wide network. As convenient as this can be in theory, constant scrolling through sites like Pitchfork and SoundCloud can leave one feeling more overwhelmed than inspired. Luckily, our college campus is full of music enthusiasts who are eager to share their unique music tastes with those willing to listen. With the goal of featuring University of Mary Washington students’ personal music picks in the format of a curated “playlist,” The Blue & Gray Press aims to expose UMW students to new music and display the passion present when students are presented the opportunity to share the music they love with others. This week’s featured student is Daniel Sheehy, a junior political science and psychology double major. With an appreciation for music idols like Kanye West and James Murphy, Sheehy’s taste in music may vary, but leaves him constantly searching for the newest artists that are pushing boundaries.

"Retrograde" James Blake, Overgrown (2013) “James Blake blends hip-hop, percussion, electronic, drums, bass and classical into a really beautiful cohesive whole,” Sheehy said. Instead of constantly layering sounds, Blake’s music possesses an interesting utilization of spacing that uses minimalism as a way to mesmerize and pull in the listener. “Retrograde” is prime example of this technique. "All My Friends" LCD Soundsystem, All My Friends (2007) Highlighting the influence of LCD Soundsystem lead singer and producer, James Murphy, Sheehy said the band creates a “rock and roll vibe that is accessible to everyone, but Murphy incorporates a lot of weirdness into it.” This song in particular is able to capture the angst of what it is like to be young without coming off as juvenile. "New Slaves" Kanye West, Yeezus (2013) Serving as the starting point from which his love for West developed, Sheehy said he admires Yeezus both because and in spite of the fact that it stands as a stark contrast to the rest of West’s work. According to Sheehy, “New Slaves” embodies West’s “belligerent confidence that is lost on a lot of people,” and in some manners can be viewed as mindset to aspire to.

UMW’s ‘Family Weekend’ reunites students with their families

University Relations

Families came together over the weekend for the annual ‘Family Weekend.’ NOELLE CARLSON Staff Writer

Campus came alive this past weekend as students of the University of Mary Washington met with their parents for the first time since move-in day for the annual ‘Family Weekend.’ Student’s families spent their weekend learning more about the academics of the university, eating good food and taking in all the sights of Fredericksburg. On Friday, Sept. 19, parents were given the opportunity to sit in classes. This gave parents the opportunity to get a feel of what

it’s like to be a UMW student. Along with this hands-on experience, family weekend offers an array of lectures and entertainment that related to both students and their parents. There were a few lectures held at the Hyatt Place hotel aimed more at the parents on topics such as helicopter parenting and a discussion about the ideas of culture and race. Campus was swarming with people on Saturday with different events happening all day on campus, including entertainment on Ball Circle and information sessions in the academic buildings. The first thing that took place was

breakfast with the deans of the university. This was a an opportunity to enjoy great food and company with Richard Finkelstein, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Mary Gendernalik-Cooper, dean of the College of Education, and Lynne Richardson, dean of the College of Business, as well as members of the Parent Leadership Circle. Later on Ball Circle was the Cookout and Club Showcase, where students and their parents enjoyed some tasty eats and watched a series of performances put on by the different clubs and organizations at UMW. One of the main focuses of Family Weekend was to highlight the importance of getting to know the university, along with taking full advantage of what it has to offer. A main attraction for all UMW students (not just freshmen) was the Study Abroad Fair in Lee Hall. For those seeking for more information on UMW’s Study Abroad program, this was the place to be. “I found this really helpful and informative because it allowed me to ask direct questions about my plans to study abroad,” computer science major Jasmine Mann said.

Similar to the Study Abroad Fair, many academic departments held open houses to offer both students and their parents a more in-depth look at some of UMW’s majors. Aside from everything happening on campus, there was just as much going on downtown. The 25th annual Welsh festival was held from 11a.m.-5p.m. An entire street filled with vendors, dancing and food. There was also Via Colori, the twoday chalk art festival, as well as Fredericksburg’s weekly Saturday farmer’s market. One of the most popular and unique events of Family Weekend is the tour of Brompton, home of the UMW president. President Rick Hurley’s home was decorated with great attention to detail, including many artifacts from the Civil War time period. All the grandeur aside, it really is a treat to be welcomed into the home of the president and to be able to meet him in a more personal setting. Regardless of the fact that the president met more than 300 students throughout the afternoon, the experience was still extremely special and intimate. “We are a community, and this is an extension of that community, Hurley said.

Courtesy of University Relations

NEWS

Board of Visitors dedicates Information Technology Center While on campus, BOV discusses budget changes

NEPHTHALIE LAUTURE News Editor

The University of Mary Washington’s Board of Visitors met last week to discuss and plan for further cuts in state funding for the university, as well as officially dedicate the ITCC building on Sept. 18 in a ribbon cutting ceremony. At the Friday, Sept. 19 meeting, the board received a report on a reduction plan for the university’s budget. The University plans to cut five percent this fiscal year, totaling around $1.1 million in savings, due to the Virginia state budget shortfall that resulted in major funding cuts to higher education. The University plans to make savings from a wide range of areas, including $110,000 from delaying software purchases, $100,000 from altering phone service, $470,000 from hiring freezes, $2,000 from reducing student work and $550,000 from the Dahlgren campus general fund. Despite the drastic cuts to funding, the BOV said that the University is making all attempts to maintain their priorities: academics and student life On Thursday, Sept. 18 the BOV, administration, faculty and students attended the outdoor dedication ceremony for the recently completed ITCC. “I knew Mike Evans for 25 years at least. And the reason I am calling him out is because he worked with the architectural team that designed this building,” President Rick Hurley said at the ceremony. “I remember talking about it and where we were going to put it and I was like how in the world can he put something on this spot that’s going to look halfway decent? But, Mike, I’ve got to give it to you, you did it. And you did it well. It’s a handsome building, and we’re proud of it.”

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press While the Board of Visitors was on campus this past week, they dedicated the new Information Technology and Information Center that opened this August.

The dedication was held outside the ribbon-clad doors of the ITCC. Students who did not formally RSVP could watch as Jonathan Levin, UMW provost, and Jeff McClurken, the special assistant to the provost for technology, shared a word on the journey of the ITCC building. “A center for technology for not only the student who may major in computer science, but for everyone. To impact the lives of the English major or the French major just as much as someone majoring in one of the STEM fields,” said Levin Many of the board members were very excited about the new opportunities the buildings allowed for current UMW students. “I’m proud of this board, which always looks to the future and supports innovation,” BOV Rector Holly Cuellar said. On Friday, the board met beginning at 8:30 a.m. to discuss several pressing matters pertaining to the university. The board discussed student affairs, the honor system, finances and facilities, academic affairs and closed with reports from president and the rector.

Congressional debate to come to campus The Blue & Gray Press will be hosting a Congressional debate on Oct. 6. The debate is co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Area Chamber of Commerce, The Free LanceStar, UMW’s Young Democrats, UMW’s College Republicans and the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Latino Identities Month celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture MICHELLE MOODY Staff Writer

The annual Latino Awareness Month at the University of Mary Washington kicked off last week with a series of events celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture. “This year we have chosen the theme of Afro-Caribbean, a type of Hispanic culture from the Caribbean characterized by different types of food and dance students may not have been exposed to,” Latin Student Association President and Spanish major Megan Traylor said. Every year the James Farmer Multicultural Center and LSA celebrate the many Latino cultures during a month of activities and events. “Latino Awareness Month at UMW is about coming together as a diverse community to learn about and share the history and culture of American citizens of Hispanic heritage,” Traylor said. Latino culture is becoming more prevalent in the United States today than ever before. Spanish is one of the largest growing languages within the United States, with a multitude of Hispanic communities throughout the states. “There are an increasing amount of Hispanics in the U.S., and it is important to know about them,” assistant director of JFMC Adriana Polo said. “Hispanics and Latinos cultures are very broad and not homogenous.” The awareness festivities kicked off Sept. 15 on Ball Circle with food and en-

tertainment and will continue throughout the month with various events, including lectures and films. Students can learn about Afro-Caribbean culture through specific dinner events hosted at Seacobeck Hall throughout the month. Fun workout opportunities, including Zumba events and the LSA Soccer Tournament, are also part of the festivities. In addition, different seminars and workshops to learn about the culture will be offered throughout the month. “It is important because we want to express our culture to other students so they can be able to have some knowledge about the Latino culture. We are able to do that, especially during this month,” business and economics double major Julissa Pena said. The Keynote Performer will be Shayla Rivera, a former NASA aerospace engineer. Rivera now works as is a television host, writer, producer and comedian. She will speak at the Underground on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. “Students are encouraged to join us during the month’s events to not only learn about the specifics of the month’s theme, but to have fun through dancing, eating and educational events that our faculty and the James Farmer Multicultural office have put together,” Traylor said. This year’s Latino Identities Month events conclude on October 15.

“THERE ARE AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF HISPANICS IN THE U.S., AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THEM.” Adriana Polo

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

NEWS POLICE BEAT

Ambassadors ask for change to make a change for good

vandalism A UMW student, 18, was caught defecating in a studio in Melcher’s Hall between 10:15 p.m. and 7 a.m on Sept. 17. The student received an administrative referral.

larceny A bicycle and lock cable were stolen outside of the UMW fitness center on Sept. 19 at approximately 4:30 p.m. The case is pending. A bicycle was taken off of the porch of Virginia Hall on Sept. 19 at approximately 5:30 p.m. The case is pending. A stop sign was removed from the Alvey Drive parking deck on Sept. 21 between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. The case is pending.

harassment At approximately 9:11 a.m. A UMW student reported being a victim of verbal harassment on social media site “Yik Yak” in Russell Hall on Sept. 17. The case is pending.

assault A male UMW student, 22, was given an administrative referral for grabbing a female student outside of Marshall Hall on Sept. 19 at approximately 10 p.m. The victim did not press charges.

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

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.

EMILY HANSON Staff Writer

Can your change make a change? The University of Mary Washington Ambassadors believe that it can, and are offering students the chance to make a change by purchasing cups of lemonade to raise donations for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. According to the official website for ALSF, the foundation was established in 2000 by Alex Scott, a young girl diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a common form of childhood cancer. Part of the foundation’s mission, as outlined on the official website, is “to encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.” This is the second annual lemonade stand for ALSF held by the UMW Ambassadors. Volunteers from the club saw the lemonade stand as an opportunity to make a difference. “It’s always about what you can do for others and not what others can do for you,” junior UMW ambassador and chemistry and biology double major Ramona Thomas said. The UMW Ambassadors had volunteers mix the Country Time Lemonade, an official sponsor of ALSF. Volunteers manned a table in front of the steps to Lee Hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. They asked for a donation of 25 cents for every cup of lemonade. However, as people passed by, they would often donate whatever spare change or cash they had on them. Part of the UMW Ambassadors’ mission is to give their members the skills necessary to be interactive participants of their community. They do this by serving as a link between the UMW alumni and current

Emily Hanson/ The Blue & Gray Press Student ambassadors worked to raise awareness and funds for Alex’s lemonade stand and neuroblastoma.

students. The meetings the students have with alumni serves as “the alumni’s way of getting an inside to the campus,” junior biology and environmental geology double major and president of the UMW Ambassadors Luci Coleman said. The money raised through ALSF helps support numerous studies and trial treatments for cures to childhood cancer. ALSF

also assists families who need to travel for cancer treatment for their child with gas cards, meal accommodations, airline tickets and parking vouchers. “We donate 100 percent of what we make to the foundation,” sophomore Victoria Beasley said. In order to learn more about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, or to donate, go to www.alexslemonade.org

On the stage or in the courtroom, Ebony Dixon embraces her opportunities •DIXON | 1

Courtesy of Ebony Dixon

she loves. She is the executive of UMW’s Pre-Law Society, as well as House Manager for the Theatre Department’s upcoming production of “Doubt,” which will have its first showing on Thursday, Sept. 25. In addition to a passion for theatre, Dixon also loves music and is the vice president of “Voices of Praise,” a UMW group centered on gospel music. Dixon’s hard work has paid off in more ways than one, and has made her the recipient of not one, but two scholarships. Shortly after hearing about winning the SCF scholarship, Dixon received news that the Klein Theatre would be putting her name on the wall for winning the Albert

Klein Memorial Scholarship for the 20142015 year. “It took me completely by surprise,” Dixon said. “I was way more excited about winning that scholarship than the other one.” Despite receiving recognition from an international superstar, Dixon gains more satisfaction out of being recognized by her school. “I have worked really hard in this theatre since I transferred to UMW,” said Dixon, who previously attended Mary Baldwin College. “Being able to be recognized for how hard I’ve worked, even though I haven’t been here for the full four years, has been really encouraging.” Dixon won the award, she said, “by the grace of God,” and credits her mother,

friends and father for her drive to succeed and for the success that she has already had. “What keeps me going is that my dad died a few years ago. I do what I do for him. I do it for myself. For the community,” Dixon said. Dixon encourages other students to pursue their own interest and play to their strengths. “It’s important to be yourself and to do what you do because you do it best,” Dixon said. Through her hard work, Dixon was recognized by both an international celebrity and her own university. “It’s exciting though,” Dixon said. “My friends have laughed at me and said that I’m famous now. But I feel normal.”

SPORTS

Pair of Eagles named CAC Athletes of the Week

Courtesy of Jim Granger

UMW Senior Lauren Braney was named the CAC Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week after her performance at the Dickinson Invitational. Braney was ninth in the 6k race with a time of 23:33 helping the team place seventh out of 27 teams.

Courtesy of umweagles.com

Sophomore goalie Sara Armor was named the CAC Defensive Player of the Week after posting back-to-back shutouts last week in wins over Randolph-Macon and Hood and recording 11 saves in the last three games.

Editor: Chris Markham | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Field Hockey continues winning ways, ranked 16th

MIKEY BARNES Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington has proved itself a powerhouse in the Capital Athletic Conference, most notably this past year as a number of our athletic teams found themselves in the national rankings and competed in NCAA tournaments. Students filled the seats and rallied as our men’s basketball team played in the Elite 8, and students cheered as the men’s lacrosse team advanced to their first tournament appearance. But what students may not know is that, arguably, UMW’s most successful team of recent seasons has been field hockey. In 2012, UMW field hockey finished an outstanding 20-2 behind then second year head coach Lindsey Elliot as the team went on to win the CAC championship and finished the season with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Final Four. This past season, the ladies of the field hockey team finished with a record of 15-3 and found themselves as highly ranked as fifth in the nation for Division III. Elliot, now in her fourth year as coach, and the Lady Eagles are now off to another great start as they are 7-1 so far on the season and are ranked 19th in the nation. The 19th ranked Eagles faced some tough competition in the early parts of the season with some games that have gone down to the wire. With every sports team, comes numerous goals and ambitions for both the athletes as well as the team as a whole. Freshman Noor Varjabedian, along with a number of her teammates, have a sheet

Courtesy of umweagles.com Lady Eagles celebrate in a dogpile after an exciting win in penalty strokes over Shenandoah on Sept. 14.

consisting of the eleven goals for the season, which include to have a team GPA of at least a 3.0, have ten shutouts, win the CAC and every teams goal, win the National Championship. The women’s field hockey team, outside of their loss to Franklin & Marshall by a score of 4-3 earlier in the season, have defeated four teams by more than three goals and have won the remaining three by a single goal in each contest. The biggest victories of the season have included a 16-0 blowout of their opening opponent, Ferrum College, as well as a 12-0 debacle of Roanoke College. Aside from just the score total, the eagles defeated their biggest competitor so far on this short season with a 1-0 win over then 14th ranked Catholic University. A double-overtime victory over Shenandoah University proved to be the most exciting game of the season, as junior Kathleen Namey scored the game winner

on the final score of the first round of the best of five. The Eagles are led on the season with seven goals by junior Haley Kane, who is coincidently enough the team leader in assists with six. There is a three-way tie for second in goals with six between sophomore Ashlin Jones – who recently scored a hat-trick against Eastern Mennonite – juniors Nicole Guinn and Jenna Steele. The team is led in the net by sophomore goalie Megan McLaughlin, who has a phenomenal save percentage north of 90 percent. Behind the brick wall that is McLaughlin and the unstoppable scoring squad of Kane, Jones, Guinn and Steele, UMW field hockey is looking to climb the rankings as they attempt to find themselves in the NCAA tournament again. The Lady Eagles (7-2) will now travel to Washington and Lee on Sept. 27 and will be back home Sept. 30 against Messiah.

Flag football takes off as fall intramural season gets in full swing

varsity football team, there is a population of students and other varsity athletes that want a competitive football experience.” The everyday schedule of a college stuFlag football has become popular across dent can be a strenuous one, so it is always the campus, and the number of participants good to have a form of stress relief. At the has been fluctuating over the past couple University of Mary Washington, one of the of years. best ways for students to release stress is to “I love getting out there and showing play intramural sports, and one of the most other students that I have talent,” sophopopular intramural sports at UMW is flag more, prospective communication major football. Mark Noel said. “It makes me reminisce “The number one way that flag football about my high school days when I played contributes to a student’s college life is by wide receiver.” being a tress reliever,” said assistant direcSurprisingly, this year the number of tor of campus recreation for IM sports and participants decreased from last year, sport clubs Daniel Gardner. which was a record-breaking year. Gardner said he is always excited for “The number of teams has dropped intramural sports and does his best to regfrom 35 to 26 this year,” Gardner said. ulate them. He is specially enthusiastic According to Gardner, the biggest comabout flag football at UMW. plaint from students last year was that it “It’s a great opportunity to make friends was too cold when it was time to play. and get plugged into the community right “I’m worried that starting the season in away,” Gardner said. “Because there is no September and playing through October has had a negative impact on the number of participants,” Gardner said. Even though there was a drop-off in the number of teams this year, it did not stop students who did participate from being as enthusiastic as usual. “I don’t care if there aren’t a lot of people, I just love that it’s laid back and I can spend time with my friends,” busiCourtesy of UMW Campus Recreation sophomore ness major Deion Flag football proves to be the most popular pastime at UMW year after year. DAVID MERCER Staff Writer

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Courtesy of UMW Campus Recreation Other fall IM sports include Frisbee, indoor volleyball, dodgeball, indoor soccer, kickball and battleship.

Raney said. Raney also plays on UMW’s lacrosse team. Even though the numbers dropped, the intramural sports staff did not stop advertising their sports. Students at UMW have to opportunity to get connected with IM sports and Campus Recreation through Facebook and Twitter. “We advertise in a variety of ways,” Gardner said. “There’s a combination of social media and in-person marketing. Our IM supervisors put door hangers on every door on campus and try to talk to people also.” There is also a ‘UMW Campus Rec’ page on Facebook that has information about intramural sports that students can follow. “We’ve gone from 300 to about 850 followers over the last year,” Gardner said. “We’re trying to ramp it up.” Once students get registered for a team, they are given the season schedule. There

is a four-week regular season, and each team plays at least one game per week. Teams are scheduled for one weekend game and one game during the week. This way the games are spaced out, and students an work them into their schedules. Just like any other sport, the games can get very competitive. “You see the same teams over and over again, and you begin to form a rivalry,” Gardner said. The championship prize is the coveted IM championship t-shirt. “The championship t-shirts are designed by our IM supervisors, and I take their opinion on which design they think is the best,” Gardner said. “Flag football gives incentives and makes physical fitness fun,” Gardner said. Intramural teams, not just flag football, are great ways to get involved and be active on campus while also staying healthy and getting fit.