THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
PRESS
OCTOBER 1, 2015
VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 4 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
Kristen Green visits UMW, brings insightful dialogue EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
Kristen Green, author of newly released “Something Must be Done about Prince Edward County” and University of Mary Washington graduate of the class of ’95, spoke about the extent people will go to maintain prejudice during a talk given in the Hurley Center’s Digital Auditorium last Monday. The hour-long presentation, talk and slideshow Green gave explained her experience researching and writing her book, which was based in the hometown where she grew up, Prince Edward County, roughly three hours from UMW. Following the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, where the Supreme Court ruled segregation in public schools in May 1954, Prince Edward County, a small Virginia town where Green was raised, closed and barred its public schools. The decision forced hundreds of black families and children to relocate or grow up without an education. Public schools were closed five years following Prince Edward County’s resistance. In its place, county leaders opened “Prince Edward Academy,” an all-white private school that did not admit black students until 1986. In her slideshow, Green included the pictures of several students affected by the school closings, and she told their stories, including a student named Dorothy Lockett who pretended to live in a home in an adjacent county in order to go to school. “White parents would sacrifice a child’s education to avoid their children sitting next to black children,” Green said. For Green, beginning the topic on racism can be a difficult experience, but worth it. “Working towards equality means making yourself vulnerable,” Green said. “That’s the only thing that works to overcome racism and xenophobia.” She also advocated for a discussion on racial equality involving the avoidance and defensiveness about racial inequalities that take place today. “The entire discussion of race in America hinges on protecting white people’s feelings,” Green said. “But it’s time to stop being defensive, and to acknowledge how racial oppression continues to play out in this country today via mass incarceration, police shootings of innocent people and infringement on voting rights.” In addition to discussing racial equality, students also gave their opinions in how best to understand the experiences of different races. John Martin, junior English and ed •Green | 11
IN THIS
ISSUE
UMW participates in community walk to end Alzheimer’s to Baldwin, particularly if it affects one’s family member or a parent. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects “up Beginning in 1989, the Walk to to five percent of the more than 5 milEnd Alzheimer’s is an annual event to lion Americans with Alzheimer’s,” acraise support and awareness for Alzcording to the organization’s website. heimer’s disease. Last year, more than Baldwin added that people who are 49,000 people participated nationwide away from family members for longer and raised approximately $67 million. periods of time, such as college stuAt the event, participants held Promise dents, are usually the first to notice the Garden flowers, plastic flowers meant to early signs of the disease. When a sturepresent Alzheimer’s in different ways dent goes home for Thanksgiving break while symbolizing a promise to spread and sees a family member he or she has awareness for the disease. It is their not seen for a long time who happens way of showing their loved ones with to have the disease, Baldwin said, “it the disease that they care and want to is easier for them to tell. It’s easier for support them. Each flower’s color had them to see the early warning signs.” a different meaning: blue represented These early warning signs of the disease someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, include decreased purple represented or poor judgment, those who have “PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO memory loss and lost a loved one changes in mood TALK ABOUT IT” to the disease, yeland personalilow was for a curty according to rent caregiver and the Alzheimer’s -JEFF BALDWIN, orange was for s s o c i a t i o n ’s anyone who supON ALZHEMIER’S DISEASE A website. Baldwin ports the cause. emphasized that Many attendees held signs proclaiming there is a stigma surrounding Alzheitheir support for loved ones, some even mer’s disease. brought their dogs along.Jeff Baldwin, “People don’t want to talk about it,” the Alzheimer’s Association director of he said. “Someone’s parents or spouse communication, shared his personal exmay have the disease, but people are perience with the disease. afraid to talk about it.” “My grandmother died last August Jennifer Hedgpeth, sophomore Enfrom Alzheimer’s,” Baldwin said. “She glish major, also commented on the was 87 years old, and my mom was the lack of awareness and communication primary caregiver until she died.” about Alzheimer’s. When someone is around a person “I feel like people know what Alzsuffering with Alzheimer’s disease, heimer’s is, but it’s not like breast canhe or she “can see firsthand what the cer,” Hedgpeth said. Fredericksburg disease does to a loved one,” Baldwin community members got involved as said.While Alzheimer’s seems removed well. Local resident John Cleveland from a typical college student’s life, it participated in the walk because he has could affect them indirectly in the form a family member who is struggling with of early-onset Alzheimer’s, according Alzheimer’s. •Alzhemier’s | 10
LYNSY SPROUSE Staff Writer
flickr.com
Students make most of Mindfulness Week ESTER SALGUERO & EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor & News Editor
This week, the University of Mary Washington is highlighting the importance of living in the moment by hosting Mindfulness Week. Mindfulness Week, beginning Sept. 28 and ending Oct. 2,includes activities ranging from silent meditation and reflection to workshops that describe mindfulness and its benefits. So mindfulness, what is it? Angela Pitts, associate professor of classics, gave us her definition of the term. “A useful definition of ‘mindfulness’ that I find helpful is: ‘moment-to-moment, nonjudgmental awareness of what actually is,’” Pitts said. The goal of hosting this week-long event, now in its third year, is to encourage students, faculty, staff and the community to use mindfulness in their daily lives. Several events are still to come, including the week’s keynote speaker, Dr. Miles Neale. Neale, the assistant director of the Nalanda Institute of Contemplative Science, will be presenting on the transition of mindful meditation. Mindfulness meditation originated in Indian Buddhism 2,500 years ago and has become very popular in therapy and educational programs in Western civilization today. Neale will explore how mindful meditation can be integrated •MINDFULNESS | 11
NOISES OFF
BERNED OUT?
PLAY TIME
UMW’s theatre kicks off first performance.
Bernie Sanders considered too extreme.
Women’s Soccer gets ready for CAC play.
LIFE | 6
VIEWPOINTS | 5
SPORTS | 3
NEWS THE
BLUE & GRAY
Students and faculty discuss John Boehner’s resignation
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 Chris Markham
MANAGING EDITOR Tess Osmer
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Emily Hollingsworth Sarah Grammer
VIEWPOINTS Alex Spence
LIFE Della Hethcox
SPORTS Mikey Barnes
ONLINE Ethan Tobin
PHOTO Alex Sakes
ASSISTANT EDITORS Ester Salguero Hannah Galeone Jacob Atkinson
FACULTY ADIVSOR Sushma Submarian
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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EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
Students and faculty are discussing the future of the Republican’s influence in the House of Representatives following Speaker of the House John Boehner’s announcement, on Sept. 25, that he would be resigning his position in Congress at the end of October. According to the announcement, which took place first in a meeting with Republican leaders, then at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Boehner originally planned to announce his resignation mid-November. Although, after Pope Francis’ speech in front of Congress the day before, Sept. 24, and mounting pressure from conservative members from the House of Representatives to sponsor the provision to defund Planned Parenthood, Boehner chose to make his resignation earlier, seeing possible signs of another government shutdown. For we remember in 2013, the government closed for 16 days due to opposition with the Affordable Care Act. Because there are conservative members of the House who believe that Boehner was too willing to compromise with liberal members rather than hold to his parties beliefs, his departure could lessen the possibility of another shutdown. However, according to political science professor Stephen Farnsworth, the government shutdown is still an imminent possibility, and could occur as close as December. This is due in part to members of the House who have a greater incentive to hold their own beliefs rather than com-
promise with other members, according to Farnsworth. “A good number of Congressmen come from districts where they are well received by the district’s members. Their beliefs have allowed them to be elected into office, and they have little to lose by resisting compromise to important issues requested by liberal members, even with the possibility of government shutdown,” said Fransworth Boehner’s likely successor for Speaker of the House is Kevin McCarthy, congressman and majority leader from the state of California. McCarthy announced his intention to run for House speaker on Tuesday and so far has run unopposed. “The Boehner situation speaks to ongoing identity crisis of the Republican Party,” Farnsworth said. His replacement, however, may face many of the same challenges that he has
Medill DC (Creative Commons)
bridging the pretty significant differences among the Republicans in the House.” The issues taking place among the Republican members of the House of Delegates are separate from the GOP candidates who are currently running for President, who Farnsworth believes have issues of their own that they are working through. “Republican debates so far, especially, have not been productive for Republicans hoping to take back the White House in 2016,” Farnsworth said. Moving forward, junior political science major Silder Lopez believes both sides of the House should focus on compromise. “[They need] to understand, to have a common goal to benefit the nation,” Lopez said. Lopez believes that change should take place among presidential candidates as well, focusing more on the issues that affect the country rather than attacking other candidates. According to Lopez, it bothers him when candidates use their influence to disparage another candidate rather than address important issues. Senior historic preservation major Melissa Parent is less optimistic about the House’s ability to get along. “They’re more interested in being right than helping people,” Parent said. For her, it is important for students to become involved and know for themselves what the best course of action in bringing change to the U.S. “The less you know, the less you’ll
“THE BOEHNER SITUATION SPEAKS TO THE ONGOING IDENTITY CRISIS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.” - Stephen Farnsworth experienced in getting approval from both conservative and liberal members of the House and government “Being Speaker of this fractious Republican [House] is impossible,” Farnsworth said. “The next Speaker will probably do just as bad, or even worse,
UMW slips slightly in rank, but not in eyes of students DAHLIA SOMERS Staff Writer
It may not come as a surprise that the University of Mary Washington has placed in the top 20 among southern universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2016 edition of America’s Best Colleges, especially because it is the ninth consecutive year UMW has made the ranks. However, this year is different. It made the set, but the numbers have slipped ever so slightly. Compared to the 2015 edition, the
university has fallen from fifth to sixth place in public southern universities and from 13th to 16th place among all southern university undergraduate programs in the “Top Public Regional Universities – South” category. Creating the ranks and its numbers is not a random occurrence. It calculates a number of influences. The U.S. News & World Report uses up to 16 different measures to calculate the academic quality of colleges and universities.
The company mainly bases its rankings on undergraduate academic reputation, graduation rates, retention rates, faculty resources, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate performance. Each ranking indicator is then scored and given a weighted percentage before arriving at the final report. Junior biology major Chris Thornburg states that the school’s decline in rank is not, in his opinion, a reflection of any notable change from last year to •RANKING | 11
Thursday, October 1, 2015
SPORTS
Trio of UMW athletes named CAC Players of the Week Brandon Griffin
Junior Brandon Griffin was named CAC player of the week for the week of Sept. 30. The third year tennis player from Upper Arlington, OH, after making his way to the finals of the Navy Invitational, a tournament in which UMW was the only non-Division I program. Griffin defeated three opponents before being defeated in the title match, he was the top finisher for UMW. Griffin’s first victory came over an opponent from the University of Delaware in which he defeated him 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-0. His second victory came in the fashion of 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 against a Georgetown player. The final victory for Griffin came against a player from the host team, Navy, 7-5. 6-3, before eventually falling to the champion, 6-2, 6-3, who attends UMBC. Griffin went 1-1 in singles in the tournament prior and was 3-1 going into the tournament at Navy.
UMW Athletics
Shelby Harris
UMW Athletics
Shelby Harris was chosen as the CAC tennis Player of the Week, representing for the UMW women’s team. Harris, a senior, was honored for her performance in the singles category as well as the doubles portion of the ITA South Regional Championships Tournament. The performance of Harris advanced her to the quarterfinals, before falling to the eventual runner-up from Carnegie Melon. On her route to the quarterfinals, Harris defeated girls from Washington College, John Hopkins and Carnegie Melon. Harris teamed up with sophomore Kait Brogan for doubles as the tandem fell in the finals to Carnegie Melon in three sets. The championship appearance for Brogan and Harris marked the first time since 2009 that UMW has produced a doubles team in the championship game.
Jenna Steele Jenna Steele, a senior member of the field hockey team, was named CAC Player of the Week. Steele was named player of the week due to her performance in the team’s lone game the week of Sept. 28, in which she scored two goals and had one assist against Virginia Wesleyan. The performance by Steele was enough to lead the 14th ranked Eagles past their opponents. The steady play of the senior has helped the team to a 6-3 record and the high ranking in Division III Field Hockey that they hold. Steele is the team leader in goals on the season as she has 10. She is three ahead of the second person on the team and will look to widen that gap in the coming games. Steele was named first team all-conference, all-region and all-state for her playing last season as a junior and is on pace for similar success this season.
Volleyball:
Sept. 30 @ Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 3 Gallaudet: 0
WOMEN'S soccer: Sept. 26 @ Wesley (W) UMW: 4 Wesley: 1
UMW Athletics
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Eagles volleyball serving its way to victory, continues success MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor
To improve to 2-0 in conference play, the University of Mary Washington’s volleyball team swept Frostburg State 3-0. The win for the Eagles improved their record to 14-4 on the season and it was their seventh win in their last eight contests. Their lone lost came against Eastern as they played at Eastern. The Eagles were led by freshmen Leslie Waters, who led the team with 12 kills. Sophomore Rachel Hendricks had 10 kills herself, who is the team leader with 208 on the season. Junior Emma Olson had an impressive stat line herself, as she led the team with 29 assists. Olson also had three kills herself and had 10 digs for the Eagles. Sophomore Jenna Yost led the team and the game in digs, with 18. Emma Murphy was a swat machine as she led the team and game with five blocks. The victory for the Eagles came with a score of 25-17 in the opening set. The margin of victory got larger for UMW as they won the remaining two by scores of 25-13 and 25-12. UMW had impressive statistics not just as individuals but in the team
aspect as well. The Eagles had a hitting percentage of .330, compare to the .000 of Frostburg State. UMW also produced six aces, which doubled the three of Frostburg. The Eagles will be back in action on Oct. 3. The team will travel to Virginia Wesleyan College where they will be taking on Washington and Lee at 1:00 and then the host team at 3:00. Virginia Wesleyan is 12-6 on the season, coming off three straight victories including sweeps over conference foe Marymount University and Hollins college. Washington and Lee volleyball is just 9-6 on the season and has lost two straight, including being swept by Christopher Newport University. The UMW volleyball team finds themselves receiving ranking votes for the fourth week in a row. UMW looks to climb the rankings in their upcoming matchups and with the continued success they have displayed, the chances of victory occurring is very likely for the Eagles.
Weekly Scoreboard
MEn's soccer:
Sept. 26 @ Wesley (L) UMW: 1 Wesley: 2
Upcoming:
Men’s Soccer: Oct. 3 vs. Marymout 3:30 p.m. field hockey: Women’s Soccer: Sept. 30 @ Messiah Oct. 3 vs. CNU (L) UMW: 1 Va. Messiah: 3 7:00 p.m.
Field Hockey: Oct. 3 @ York (Pa.) 12:30 p.m. Volleyball Oct 3. @ Virginia Wesleyan vs. Washington and Lee 1:00 p.m. vs. Virginia Wesleyan 3:00 p.m.
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VIEWPOINTS
Letter: Why UMW’s next president needs to be a leader against campus sexual assault
Campus sexual assault is a nationwide epidemic that happens at all universities. The University of Mary Washington is not an exception to this. I say this not because I do not love my school, but because I do, and want to make it a safer place for all students. We must take big steps in order to create campus wide change. For me, this means that combating sexual assault must be our next president’s top priority. A recent study done by the Association of American Universities (AAU) affirms that 20 percent of women and 5 percent of men have faced sexual assault on their college campus. According to the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Annual 2014 report there were four reported sexual assaults last year. Although this number is low, it should not necessarily be celebrated as there are a multitude of reasons for students not to report sexual assault, such as well as guilt, shame and fear of being disbelieved. Consider also the fact that 98 percent of rapists will not spend a day in jail according to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). The AAU survey also concluded that of the cases that were reported, 20 percent of undergraduate women reported that the handling of their sexual misconduct was “very or extremely problematic,” which is not all that surprising. Colleges are in the business of selling a specific brand to its students, (and by extension its tuition payers), and that brand suffers if the reported rates of sexual assault are high at that university. Since victims are already unlikely to report, it makes sense for universities to makes the process as difficult as possible. It is unacceptable that a survivor of sexual assault should have to go through a hostile environment when reporting what may be the most traumatic experience of their lives. We at UMW need to make sure we take action to match our rhetoric of taking the issue “very seriously.” This is not to say we should not applaud the efforts the University has already taken; however, there is more that needs to be done. The new “Tuesday’s with Title IX” Program, the hiring of a Sexual Assault
Prevention Specialist, as well as the required online Campus Clarity course are all good starts. Yet the question we should be asking ourselves as a community is not, “Haven’t we done enough?” but rather “What more can we be doing?” We have the opportunity now, as an institution to step out in front of this problem and become a leader, a school for others to look up to. “I have not yet seen a college president anywhere that’s been a national leader in this area.” says Chris Kilmartin, UMW psychology professor and internationally recognized expert on gender and on violence prevention at a panel discussion of the documentary “The Hunting Ground.” As a side note, it is also interesting to note that in our 105 year history we have only had one female president, and for 2 years. This is not to say that a woman is inherently better suited for this position, however it does not make sense to me that a university president does not represent its history and population. The presidential search committee wants the input of students, parents, faculty, and alumni. I for one believe the next president should be a part of making the University of Mary Washington a leader against sexual assault on college campuses. Let your voice be heard here: http:// president.umw.edu/search/share-yourthoughts/ Additional Resources and Sources: Washington Post Article, “Survey: More than 1 in 5 female undergrads at top schools suffer sexual attacks” : http://wpo. st/OaWb0 RAINN Website: https://rainn.org/ Rachel Tiemann/ Feminist United
Letter: UMW students frustrated by Howell and Reeve’s debate dismissal We, the University of Mary Washington Young Democrats, are frustrated by the refusal of Delegate Bill Howell (R) and State Senator Bryce Reeves (R) to participate in debates hosted by our university. UMW has hosted well-attended debates when these seats were contested in years past. Kandy Hilliard (D) and Ned Gallaway (D) (the opponents of Howell and Reeves, respectively) were both willing to participate in the debates this year. Unfortunately, Howell and Reeves say they are unable to attend. As voters, we feel ignored by incumbents who are unwilling to give their challengers sufficient platforms to voice their opposition. In 2011, then-incumbent Edd Houck participated in a debate at UMW against Bryce Reeves. We were hoping Reeves would extend the same courtesy to Gallaway this year. Howell ran unopposed for the past several elections so we were hoping he would take this opportunity to defend some of the controversial conservative legislation that has passed during his time in office. As local representatives, these men should be concerned with making themselves accessible to the public. Instead, they are declining to make time for events that reach out to young voters like us. Howell told the Free-Lance Star that he would have considered going to the UMW debate if he had been contacted about it sooner. He reportedly said, “I only have so much time.” But the difference between Howell and his opponent is not a question of time. It is a question of priority. All of the candidates in these races have the same number of weeks until Election Day. The distinction is that both Howell and Reeves are unwilling to participate in events that engage the young people they are supposedly representing. Sarah Hansen,
Rachel Tiemann
on behalf of the UMW Young Democrats
Michael Vadon/flickr
Bernie Sanders: Too liberal for liberals? BRANDON QUINTIN Staff Writer
Bernie Sanders is a good man, and while growing up in Vermont, he was a constant presence on my local television. As mayor of Burlington, he was even a customer of my grandfather’s gas station. My close-knit community has always been very sympathetic to Sanders, and rightly so. There are few men like him in politics. Unlike most politicians, he is neither fake nor manufactured by an entourage of advisors and pollsters. People love him for his honesty and authenticity, and he certainly believes what he says. But unfortunately, it is what he’s saying that is the problem. Bernie Sanders is a socialist. For those of us born after the Cold War that word has little meaning, but it should. Sanders is quick to promote the merits of European-style socialism. Yet he ignores the significant damage that left-wing policies have brought to the likes of Greece, Italy, Spain and Great Britain. It takes no reminder that Europe is truly the Old World. Replicating their destructive economic policies will only give us the problems they are currently experiencing: mass debt, chronic high unemployment, stagnant growth and political turmoil. Sanders also admires the early twentieth century socialists who tried, and failed, to make a major impact in American politics. Huey Long and Eugene V. Debs, who Sanders honors with a portrait in his senate office, were the poster children of populist socialism in America.
•SANDERS | 5
Editorial: UMW students disappointed in dining services The current semester brought with hefty changes to the University of Mary Washington’s dining services including new meal plans, new dining hours and new eateries. As far as meal plans go, we have seen the addition of an anytime meal plan, the required meal plan for all freshman students living one campus. The anytime meal plan gives students an unlimited amount of meals each semester and $200 in flex, which sounds like a great deal, except that the meals can only be used at the new dining hall located in the University Center. This means that freshman students are forced to eat solely in the University Center, unless they want to pay for food with
flex or eagle one at an on campus retail location. While eating at a retail location regularly is not a problem for students who are not on the anytime meal plan, it does become expensive for those who are. UMW is severely limiting the dining options of freshman students while forcing them to pay the maximum amount of money for a meal plan. For, the anytime meal plan costs $2,495 per semester, which is roughly $500 more than the second most expensive meal plan. Many returning students are upset with the changes that have been made to the food options across campus, as are the incoming freshman. The University has talked about the changes last semester as if students would be gaining from them, but
in reality more options have been removed rather than added. Joe Stack’s was a favorite among students in previous years because it offered made-to-order sandwiches and although University Dining said they would be placing Joe Stack’s in the University Center, they neglected to mention that it would have an extremely limited selection. The University also removed the WOW Wingery from its location in Woodard Hall, and now offers a few select items from its menu in the dining hall. Similarly, the Underground, which was a popular spot for late night meals last year, is now only operating from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. on weekdays. This semester, students seem to be hav-
ing a difficult time finding this on campus to eat because the only eatery with madeto-order options is Qdoba, the most expensive option for students using their meal plans. In the eyes of the students, there was no need for all of these changes in dining options. As a student body we feel as if we are not being included in the decisions made by University Dining. Not only has it made the students of UMW frustrated with the school, but also has us questioning whether we can trust our school to choose the best options for us.
By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
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Thursday, October 1, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Alex Spence | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Voters put off by Bernie Sanders’ supposed cry for socialism
•SANDERS | 4 Their beliefs were too extreme then, and are too extreme now. Bernie Sanders’ ideas are nothing new. They are simply foreign and old-fashioned. Such policies may be plausible in small, homogeneous and isolated European nations. Perhaps even in similar American states like Vermont. However, for countries and states with power and responsibility, they are not. Vermont, like Europe, is no model for the future of our country, and as a Vermont native, it pains me to say that. But I know it to be true. Vermont is a heavily left-wing state. The Democrats and the “Progressives,” a group of individuals too extreme for the Democratic Party, have
“SANDERS ALSO SUPPORTS A NUMBER OF IDEAS THAT EVEN LIBERAL DEMOCRATS TAKE ISSUE WITH.” maintained a super majority for quite some time. Bernie Sanders’ ultra-liberal ideology is more or less what Vermont is currently living through, and the resulting government policies have taken their toll. Vermont has the smallest economy in the country, is ranked 43rd in best to do business, and is tied as most costly for manufacturing. Not to mention, taxes in Vermont are high and significantly stunt growth. Which was enough to force one town into voting to secede and join New Hampshire in 2004. Additionally, Vermont’s lax drug laws and weak police force have facilitat-
ed an 800% increase in illegal drug use since 2000. Sanders also supports a number of ideas that even liberal democrats take issue with. He has a record of voting against gun control, which are showcased in both 1993 and 2005 when he voted against legislation that would have imposed restrictions on gun ownership and instituted greater waiting periods. Moreover, Sanders is opposed to the idea of free trade and regularly attacks NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, in his speeches. Additionally, while most believe that a modest increase in the minimum wage is necessary, a jump to $15 per hour as Sanders has proposed would dramatically increase unemployment, especially among the youth. He also believes strongly in wealth redistribution and a 90% income tax rate for the top earners. Clearly, Bernie Sanders is an inspirational and honest man, and I would trust him with many things, but the future of my country is not one of them. His policies are downright suicidal for a major power. If you do not care about your nation’s place in the world, the integrity of the international order, economic progress or growth, and care only about forced equality of outcome, then Bernie Sanders is the man for you. If not, then be sure to voice your opinion in the upcoming primaries. We must always be vigilant as citizens of a democratic state. People like Bernie Sanders are exploiting the fatal flaw inherent within every free nation. Voters will always want more benefits and less sacrifice. The people will always be drawn to the candidate that promises them more, and says someone else will pay for it.
Candidate Ben Carson lacks political background HANNAH PARKER Staff Writer
Compared to other presidential candidates, Ben Carson’s political background is not very impressive, yet somehow he climbed his way into second place right behind Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. Carson was born in Detroit, Mich. where he grew up a child of divorce. He was raised by his single mother, and despite his childhood adversity he found himself accepted to Yale University. Carson majored in psychology at Yale, and later received his Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. Clearly unstoppable, he then became a neurosurgery resident at John Hopkins Hospital where he completed his most successful surgery, separating two conjoined twins. Carson retired from his work as a surgeon in 2013 after receiving numerous awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Later, Carson wrote multiple articles and books about his accomplishments, work ethic and faith basis. Although he is an extraordinarily gifted and intelligent person, Carson’s political career is shortlisted. He did not even affiliate with the Republican Party until Nov. 4, 2014. However, just because Carson does not have a fruitful political background does not mean he would not make a good president but his lack of experience could cloud his immediate judgment. Other presidential candidates that have political background have dealt with public opinions and concerns, but how would someone who solely has medical history appeal to all public concerns in a progressive way even when they oppose his views
and the views of his party? Carson’s lack of experience does not only question his ability to be America’s next Republican nominee, or possible president, but also his knowledge of the political system and how it works. Just recently on Sunday, Sept. 27, Carson said in an interview with CNN, that for a Muslim to be president they must “reject the tenets of Islam.” “I would have problems with somebody who embraced all the doctrines associated with Islam,” Carson said. “If they are not willing to reject sharia and all the portions of it that are talked about in the Quran, if they are not willing to reject that, and subject that to American values and the Constitution, then of course, I would.” With Carson generalizing all Muslims into one category, making them “unfit” to run the nation, he contradicts himself. Is it not one of our first amendment rights to freedom of religion? By Carson saying a Muslim would have to abandon his faith to be a political leader is a perfect example of someone who does not have the experience or knowledge to run the country. Further, Carson has a strong Christian faith, which begs the question, does that mean he should not be president? Does every candidate have to abandon their faith to be able to “subject to American values and the Constitution?” Carson’s lack of social progression is evident from his lack of political history. It is important that our next president has political experience to understand the political system in order to lead our country appropriately.
Second round of GOP debates leaves few questions answered JONATHON MYERS Staff Writer
Within minutes it was apparent exactly what the second Republican Debate of 2015 was going to be. As always, the moderator, this time Jake Tapper, was there to stir up drama, plain and simple. The focus was spent on turning the candidates against one another, rather than highlighting key issues. With everyone’s favorite Republican front-runner, Donald Trump, on stage, who could blame them? Especially when the first question posed was whether or not the other candidates felt comfortable with the idea of Donald Trump someday having his hands on our nuclear weapons launch codes. To which the entire three-hour debate can pretty much be summarized by Trump’s face in reaction to the other candidates remarks. An ongoing theme seemed to be that none of the other candidates took Trump seriously. The irony of course being that he is so far ahead in the polls that it speaks to the character of the other candidates that they are losing to him. Carly Fiorina smiled a little under her unflinching scowl when she responded “All of us will be revealed. Over time, and
under pressure.” The most talked about topic of the night was immigration. Which, Trump reminded everyone “I don’t think you’d even be talking about illegal immigration if it weren’t for me.” To an extent, he’s right. Trump’s previous remarks sure have pushed the issue in the limelight. Sadly, however, the candidates did not seem to have definitive solutions. Although Jeb Bush points out that deporting 11 to 12 million people at half-amillion a month is completely impossible
PeterStevens/flickr
and absurd. Meanwhile Rubio tried to come to the defense of immigrants since his own family were immigrants as well. To which Trump argued, that assimilation, particularly of language, was necessary for the betterment of our nation. Ben Carson disagreed, suggesting that the criminals should be deported while the illegal immigrants with clean records should have their rights restricted and forced to work solely in the agriculture jobs no one else wants. Ted Cruz took this opportunity to brag, being the only candidate to have never
shown amnesty for immigrants. The majority of the debate went on the same, as the candidates focused on attacking one another and blaming Obama. The final major issue brought up was climate change. Rubio made one impassioned speech, stating that America is not a planet, and therefore should not bear the full weight of responsibility for global carbon emissions. To which the other candidates agreed, and concluded that further restrictions would be costly and kill jobs unnecessarily when other world powers are not pulling their weight. A ray of hope in the debate was that everyone agreed that we as a nation need to reach out to our allies because we alone cannot bear the full brunt of the world’s problems. Overall, this debate showed us that Carly Fiorina and Marco Rubio are the more serious candidates, and their increasing poll numbers in the wake of the debate reflect that. In October, I am sure we will be treated to a similar event for the Democrats. It is still unknown if Bernie Sanders will even be acknowledged given how media big wigs have consistently ignored him.
5
LIFE
Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Klein Theatre brings audience behind the scenes with “Noises Off”
Geoff Greene/University Relations
Students bring Michael Frayn’s 1982 comedy, “Noises Off,” to life to celebrate the beginning of Klein Theatre’s fall 2015 season. funny moments as the actors in this play- back stages as the second act commenced. only outstanding aspect of the play, the set within-a-play missed their cues, forgot While romances threatened to, and suc- also contributed greatly to its success. Designed by Julie Hodge, the set is cessfully, ruin the production. their props and lost their contact lenses. The University of Mary Washington’s The second act showcased superb acting, equally as impressive as the actors’ perforDotty Otley, played by senior theatre Klein Theatre kicked off their fall season major Jessica Lane, claimed most of the in particular, as Jake Crowley, who por- mance. Particularly in Act 2, the backstage on Sept. 24, with their rendition of Mi- comedy in the show, but was far more trayed Gary Lejeune, Alex Newton as Sels- set does a great job, giving the audience chael Frayn’s 1982 comedy “Noises Off.” interesting in don Mowbray a small window to watch as the fake play As the audience took their seats in Klein her interaction and Margaret goes on, while the chaotic scenes backTheatre, the air was humming with conver- with the audiLewis, Belinda stage unfold, in pantomimed motions. sation. Many theatre goers kept glancing ence. “The set was extensive. I loved the fish Blair. With the up at the brightly lit stage, not sure what to help of their theme furniture to go with the on-going bit “I loved how expect and greatly anticipating the prom- [the fellow actors, with the sardines,” Peemoeller said. play] ised hilarity. What the audience can take away from they were able engaged the The advertisement for “Noises Off” on audience to effectively “Noises Off” is that what goes on off stage in the Klein Theatre website, as well as stra- the first act,” create a sense is sometimes far funnier than what is haptegically placed postcards across campus, said Oceana of chaos which pening on stage. With two and a half hours describe the play aptly: “As the actors in P e e m o e l l e r, University Relations came together of laughter, this is a memorable production a Mercurial British theatre company re- senior English to form a hilar- that worth seeing. hearse their opening night performance of major, “with the director being in the au- iously ill-fated production. UMW Theatre’s rendition of “Noises the adult comedy, ’Nothing On,’ doors slam dience. It made it that much more real and Collen Keifer, senior anthropology ma- off,” directed by Gregg Stull, opened on one after the other, sardines fly through the interactive and destroyed the fourth wall jor, said “My favorite part was third act of Thursday Sept. 24, and continues through air, and hilarious mayhem ensues!” that is typically up between the audience the play when everything just started to fall Sunday Oct. 4. Tickets range in price from Amusingly, sardines did fly. $18 for standard admission to $16 for stuapart.” and the performance.” The first act was comical, with several Though the performances were not the dents and senior citizens. Sardines sailed through the front and
JOSEPH GARAY Staff Writer
Community members and faculty dance to raise scholarship funds JORDAN SCHULTZ Staff Writer
On the evening of Sept. 26, Fredericksburg residents headed to Dodd Auditorium at the University of Mary Washington to watch members of the community dance and ultimately, raise money for the UMW performing arts scholarship. As the lights dimmed, light reflected from the mirror ball hanging from the ceiling and the excited energy in the room was palpable. The celebrity host and master of the ceremony, Patrick A’Hearn, announced that the
third annual show was sold out. Members of all ages from the local community attended, kids and grandparents could be seen enjoying the show and cheering on their favorite contestant. Some audience members even brought glow sticks and brightly colored signs. To anyone who has ever watched ABC’s television show, “Dancing with the Stars,” UMW’s event seemed familiar. The judging panel consisted of three judges who complimented and critiqued the evening’s routines. They also gave the contestants, tips for future performances. The stars spent several months practicing
K Pearlman/University Relations
Florence Ridderhof performs a tango with a local professional during the 2014 event.
6
their routines with their partners in anticipation of bringing home the coveted trophy. Among them was UMW’s Cedric Rucker, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life at UMW. After months of practicing, Rucker performed a 1940’s inspired continental foxtrot dressed as a sailor. He said that he had been practicing his dancing since the spring, and originally thought that he would try a swing dance. Rucker even began to prepare for the competition by joining a swing dance club and practicing with them. However, once he chose the music they would be dancing to, his dance evolved into a continental foxtrot. Rucker said that his favorite part was “finishing and not falling.” It was his first time ballroom dancing, although he said that he loves to dance. Vanessa Borg, senior theater major, said that Rucker’s dance was her favorite and that the show was enjoyable. “[The stars] were really entertaining and it’s great of them to volunteer so much of their time so that students could be awarded scholarships,” Borg said. Another contestant, Amanda Talbert, a public affairs coordinator for Geico, performed first and danced a West Coast Swing. She said that her favorite dance move was the lindy whip because she got to spin and twirl around. Talbert also said that she really enjoyed learning her routine and that she learned that she was stronger than she
had previously thought. During the champagne reception, which was held at the Chandler Ballroom, it was announced that enough money had been raised from the event to create a third scholarship to aid performing art students. President Hurley and his wife, Rose, were also in attendance. Hurley said that University Relations his favorite part of the evening was Jon Van Zandt, president of Van Zandt Restorations, dancing the American Tango to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Hurley joking added that it wasn’t hard to get Dean Rucker to be a part of it of the event. At the end of the night, the grand winner of the mirror ball trophy was Howard Heppe (above right), a local surgeon from Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. He also won an award for best posture. The people’s choice winner, as well as best rhythm, was Rozzi Whitescarver, a retired elementary school teacher and dance instructor. Rucker won a mirror ball for best costume, to the delight of the audience.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
LIFE
Joseph DiBella’s farewell exhibit breathes new life into familiar medium
CRISA YOUNG Staff Writer
charcoal, showing vastly different tones of the same plane, one cloaked in darkness, the other lighter and easier to see through as the traveler makes their way. In a side area, pieces mimic the gallery’s title, “Breath That Fades,” each holding
of viewpoint is the recurring dotted circles, the varying sizes giving the impression of distance throughout the landscapes. The final pieces, “Vapor and Clouds,” “Vapor and Fire” and “Vapor and Wind,” are the main focus of the exhibit, due to
burning flame with contrasts of light and dark, with escaping lines wiping throughout the piece like smoke against a back“Breath That Fades Away,” serves as Prodrop of night. The last creation is a barrage fessor DiBella’s farewell exhibit as a reof clouds with motion so clear they stream tiring faculty member of the University of across the horizon. Mary Washington. These pieces all seem to DiBella will be retiring at personify the idea of time the end of the 2016 spring through the clouds on landsemester, after 39 years with scapes. UMW. When moving throughout DiBella has been teaching the gallery, the idea of a besince 1977, and currently ginning and ending shines teaches Drawing I, Interthrough the multitude of semediate Drawing as well as ries. Painting I and II. In DiBella’s pieces, the From the threshold of use of clouds, lighting in UMW’s Ridderhof Martin color and the perspective Gallery, visitors are met of the circles give the idea with a glimpse of DiBella’s of movement through time. daunting display of canvas, The sun seems to rise and which stretches from the fall behind each subject as floor to ceiling. the series goes on. The exhibit begins with It is almost as if DiBella’s the series named, “Tempocareer travels throughout his ralae,” showing the mulwork, a celebration and satiple perspectives of what lute to this time he has given appears to be strips of ribto the university. bon floating through an airy On the Galleries website, Caroline Trabucco/The Blue & Gray Press spectrum. DiBella says, [The cloud] is Pieces flanking the en- Pieces #5 and #6 from DiBella’s “Temporalae” collection at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery, on display this month. a juncture between reality trance and back corners, clouds in different perspectives and hues, their sheer size and eye catching sub- and the imaginary.” deemed “Blind Run,” are reflections and perhaps implying the sun’s rise and fall ject matter. With such immense detail and diversity replications of each other. The colored pair, through time. Each is adorned with a counterpart, lean- of medium, it is apparent the forethought mirrored, show an introspective figure travAcross the second half of the room the er in width but matching in height. The first and effort it took to make these works a reeling across an interpretive landscape with perspective is rotated sideways, throwing in the series embodies sunlight, streaming ality. The final outcome is stunning. swirls dancing through the skies above. off the familiarity the viewer has gained. morning rays through dancing clouds. The last two are made of dry and wet The only element that gives a semblance The next captures the playfulness of a
Res Hall Recipe: soup and bread bowls welcome the new season ELIZABETH BEAUCHAMP Staff Writer
Directions:
Ingredients:
4 bread bowls
*these can be found at most local supermarkets in the bakery section*
3 2
cans of cream of chicken soup packets of instant rice
5 chicken breast tenderloins
Salt and pepper
Juli/Flickr
Bread bowls make the perfect and delicious addition to soup on a gray autumn day.
With fall finally here, salads are going out of fashion and warm comfort food is on its way. Chilly, rainy days are the perfect setting for this dish. If you are anything like me, the dreary weather that frequently accompanies fall leaves you wanting warm drinks, movies and soup. Chicken and rice soup is a perfect way to conquer those chilly nights without having to put in much effort! This dish almost always leaves leftovers and freezes well for future meals. Serve the hot soup in the bread bowls sprinkled with cheese.
Wash the chicken and put in a pot with about two quarts of water. Season it with salt and pepper. After bringing the chicken to a boil, let it sit for around ten minutes. Meanwhile, in another pot heat the three cans of cream of chicken soup on medium heat. For every can of soup, add one can of water. Follow the instructions on the packets of the rice. You can cook it either on the stove top or in the microwave. Once cooked, add the rice to the pot along with the cream of chicken soup. After about 10-15 minutes, drain and let the chicken cool in a bowl of cold water. Pull the chicken a part with a fork and then add to the pot along with the soup base and rice mix. Continue cooking the soup for five minutes on high heat. While the soup is cooking, you can remove the tops of the bread bowls with a knife and remove some of the inside. 7
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LIFE
October Netflix Binge List: original films, shows delight viewers DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor
violence. Like its sibling creation, “Beast of No Nation,” this film also premiered at the Venice Film Festival and will be online Oct. 9. On a lighter note, two original stand-up comedy acts will be included. Angelah Johnson, also known as Bon Qui Qui, in-
with various brutal murders. Although be sure to catch up on previous seasons before watching! Similarly, season four of the “American Horror Series” will be available Oct. 21. What better series to help you come up with an idea for this year’s Halloween cos-
son six of “Vampire Diaries.” Bill Murray and Bruce Willis return to the screen with “Rock the Kasbah,” a comedy set in the Middle East. Zooey Deschanel October is officially here, and with it and Kate Hudson round out the cast as comes the addition of nearly 50 instant Murray finds himself and his talent agency streaming movies and television shows on adrift in the desert, aided by Willis. Netflix, five of which are Netflix originals. Into period pieces? “SufAll will be available throughfragette” follows the story out the entire month, so when of women during the earyou are browsing through Netly feminist movement in flix trying to pick something to Britain during the late 19th watch, check the “recently addand 20th centuries. ed” tab for the latest releases. The film stars Meryl “Beast of No Nation,” a 2015 Streep, Carey Mulligan Netflix original film, has aland Helena Bonham Carready earned high praise for its ter, actresses who are no dramatic telling of the plight of strangers to period pieces. child soldiers in Africa. Netflix cannot resist the Based on a 2005 novel by Uzoaddition of a moving docdinma Iweala, Idris Elba stars as umentary. “He Named Me Commandant, a leader of an AfMalala” follows the story rican army, and Abraham Atta as of Malala Yousafzai’s stothe child soldier, Agu. ry from her humble beginDirected by Cary Fukanaga of nings in the Middle East to “True Detective” fame, this film her speech at the United follows Agu as he is forced to Nations, after her brutal become a soldier in West Afriattack in 2012. ca during a civil war. It won the Additionally, “Steve Marcello Mastroianni Award at Jobs” starring Michael the 72nd Venice International Netflix Fassbender, Kate Winslet Film Festival this year and deIdris Elba and Abraham Atta star in Netflix’s film, “Beast of No Nation,” which debuts worldwide Oct. 16. and Seth Rogen presents a buts online on Oct. 16. new look at the life of ApDirected by Evgeny Aftroduces her new act, “Not Fancy,” on Oct. tume? ple’s super-CEO. ineevsky, and filmed over 93 days, “Win2., while Anthony Jeselnik shares his cynThe theme continues with additions of So grab some hot apple cider, cozy blanter on Fire,” a 2015 documentary, which ical “Thoughts and Prayers” with viewers “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimen- kets and settle in for a good old fashioned tells the story behind the violent revolts in on Oct. 16. sion” and “The Last Witch Hunter” which binge. Ukraine in 2013 and 2014. The film folAlso a Netflix original, season three of arrive Oct. 23, alongside “Scouts Guide to Happy viewing! lows the revolutions stemming from the “Hemlock Grove” will be added Oct. 23, the Zombie Apocalypse.” student demonstrations against the former just in time for Halloween. This series If horror is not for you, try catching up president, Viktor F. takes place in a rural town in Pennsylva- on the CW’s shows, like season two of Yanukovich and their turn from protest to nia, as the arrival of a stranger coincides “Reign,” season three of “Arrow” or sea-
Graduating seniors prepare for future with “16 before ‘16”
Alex Sakes/The Blue & Gray Press
REINA DATTA Staff Writer
According to the Washington Post, only 62 percent of college graduates entered a field that required a college degree, while only 27 percent of those graduates landed a job that was directly related to that field. In response, the University of Mary Washington wants to prepare its students for entering the job market, and to set them up to become as successful as possible. So, English professor Dr. Marie McAllister has lent a helping hand to the UMW English and Communications seniors with her “16 for ‘16” checklist for graduation. The checklist helps to lay the groundwork for being successfully employed after students are handed their diploma. Although the 16 steps may sound like a lot work, each task takes up to one hour to complete and, in the end, it will help you
be better prepared for life as a post-grad- will be readily prepared for what is to uate. come,” McAllister said. “I was a career advisor for a while,” While it is directed at seniors in the EnMcAllister said, “and I saw what people glish, Communications, and Linguistics went through trying to get a job after grad- Department, the checklist is helpful for uation, and I wanted entire UMW stu“If you spend simply the a way for students to dent body and serves start planning as early one hour a day focused as a helpful guide as as possible.” prepare for on one thing from the seniors This template was graduation, assessing created with the help list in the fall, you will each step and tailoring from other professors to their major. be readily prepared for itSome and academic advisers, of the steps on all of whom have exthe checklist include what is to come.” perience with finding a “create your Linkejob in a declining mardIn profile and join ket, similar to today’s. -Dr. Marie McAllister the EagleConnections “The theory is, that group” or “conduct an instead of scrambling in the spring to get information interview with a UMW alum” ready for graduation and to find a job, if and “talk about career plans with an acayou spend simply one hour a day focused demic advisor.” on one thing from the list in the fall, you These are steps that if started early, can
really help soon-to-be graduates put things into perspective, and can bring clarity to the subject matter they are planning to tackle for the rest of their lives. Fliers with more details, as well as the full checklist, are posted throughout Combs Hall. If you are in an English program, you have likely received an email with the flier attached. 2016 is approaching quickly, and soon seniors will be drifting across campus as nervous graduates waiting to walk across the stage, shake hands and receive their diplomas. Although there are always a million things to do in the daily life of a student, with this list, anyone can take control and prepare themselves for the future by spending just an hour completing a few simple tasks.
9
NEWS
The Source reveals new platform for community and education, highlights key research
POLICE BEAT BY Ester Salguero Assistant News Edtor
LARCENY On Monday, Sept. 21 at 6:45 p.m. a bicycle was stolen and an incident of larceny was reported. The bicycle was recovered by the Fredericksburg Police department.
The Source New website gives UMW profesors a way to share research not possible before, as an extension of their social research colloquium., a monthly event.
ANDREW PETTERSON Staff Writer
Since 2005, the University of Mary Washington has gathered with faculty to share ideas, known as the Social Research Colloquium. The group organizes monthly meetings for faculty to meet, discuss and present their research to one another. Topics presented are meant to expand the arts, social sciences, humanities and business education. When Professor LaBreche was named co-chair of the organization last year, one of his main goals was to find a way to share projects completed by the speakers more widely. The Source offers professors a chance to showcase and distribute their research with the general public online. Launched by the English, Linguistics and Communication department, The Source is a blog meant to inform local community members on various academic topics. Under the direction of Associate Professor of English Ben LaBreche, The Source provides a platform for intellectually curious community members: faculty, students, alumni, Fredericksburg and Virginia citizens, as well as anyone who is interested in the research conducted at UMW. The blog can be found at thesource. umwblogs.org.
As more people are turning to the internet for academic research, internet blogs such as The Source are becoming increasingly important, especially in academia. In accordance with the mission of the Social Research Colloquium to explore a diverse range of subjects, The Source excludes no niche. Article topics range from American immigration law in the early 20th century to the effects of fertility rates on economic growth. The term, “academic research” usually conjures up images of late nights at the library pouring through databases, journals, textbooks and articles. As its name suggests, The Source cuts through the density typically associated with academic papers and gets to the heart of a professor’s research. The straightforward nature of the interviews in the articles offers readers a concise and cohesive understanding of topics that may have previously seemed bizarre. For example, while people may have no background in collective memory studies or confederate history, the interview on cultural and social identity of post-civil war Richmond with professor of Anthropology, Jason James, will undoubtedly strike a relatable chord with anyone who is a member of the UMW
and Fredericksburg community. Similarly, Krystyn Moon, associate professor of History and director of American Studies recently had an interview on the subject of the origins of temporary immigration which, according to Moon, is “a bureaucratic apparatus that allows people into the country to work, travel, or go to school, but otherwise grants very limited rights.” In the interview, Moon describes how temporary immigration has evolved into the Visa system in the U.S. today. These projects carry out the goal The Source intended. It bridges the gap between faculty and the rest of the UMW community as well as the outside world. Interviews are easily comprehensible and accessible in order provide readers with a clear understanding of the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of the recent research projects carried out by the faculty. According to LaBreche in a statement about the website, “professors rarely have the chance to explain their research, in their own words, to one another, students, and outside audiences.” In this regard, The Source hits its mark.
event, “Just bringing awareness to the Alzheimer’s Association and the benefits it has on the person with Alzheimer’s, along with their families, is important.”For those who do not have money to donate to the organization, such as college students, Baldwin said it is still possible to get involved. People
Between Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 at 10:15 a.m. an incident of larceny was investigated at duPont Hall. The case is pending.
HARASSMENT On Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2:50 p.m. a case of harassment was reported at Eagle Landing. The case is pending
HIT AND RUN On Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. an occurrence of hit and run was reported at Eagle Landing. The case is pending.
VANDALISM On Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7:10 p.m. vandalism occurred at Trinkle Hall. The case is pending.
ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS
Students and community members come out to support Alzheimer’s, raise awareness •ALZHEIMER’S | 1 “If you don’t inform yourself about it or don’t know how to treat someone who has it—until you make yourself aware—you don’t know what to expect,” Cleveland said.According to Lindsey Elliot, the UMW head field hockey coach who spearheaded the
Between Sept. 22 and Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. larceny was investigated at Pollard Hall. The case is pending.
can become advocates of the organization by going to the Alzheimer’s Association website. As of yet, there is no cure for the disease, but money raised by the association through events such as the walk on UMW this past Saturday goes toward research to find a cure.
On Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 a.m. public intoxication was reported along with assault and battery. The locations were written as Jepson, Alvey, duPont, and College Ave. A student had to be transported by the ER and received an administrative referral. The case is pending. On Friday, Sept. 25 at 5:20 a.m. a student was found to be intoxicated and underage at Mason Hall. The student received an administrative referral.
The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe.
tumblr.com/alzheimers
10
Thursday, October 1, 2015
NEWS
Issues in race demand engagement from students, according to Green
kristengreen.net
•GREEN | 1 ucation major, believes that recognizing racism is an important step in combating it. “You have to know about the problem before you can even try to work on it,” Martin said. Lexi Darnell, senior English major, agrees that creating awareness about the racism people experience can open the discussion about race, and is open to understanding the ways others’ situations differ from her own. “As a white person, I only see things in one way and take that into consideration when I know [other people have different experiences,]” Darnell said. Kadeem Gittens, junior business major, said racism takes on a different
form today than it had in the 50s and 60s, when Prince Edward County chose not to desegregate. “I think it’s a personal thing,” Gittens said. “I think you, in yourself, have to choose not to be racist. T h e r e are initiatives that talk about this, but mainly it is a decision that you have to make within yourself.” Gittens, who was born in Trinidad in the southern Caribbean, and is a student aide with the James Farmer Multicultural Center, believes that individuals need to be intentional about overcoming prejudice in their own lives.
“I THINK YOU, IN YOURSELF, HAVE TO CHOOSE NOT TO BE RACIST.” -Kadeem Gittens
Students support UMW, not discourgered by fall in ranking •RANKING | 2 this year. “I think it’s great that we are ranked so high,” Thornburg said. “I feel like the drop in rank can’t really be pinpointed to one specific category of the ranking. From my account this school is still as great as it was when I came here.” In addition, the university has continued to receive academic acclaim by being named in selective guidebooks such as The Princeton Review’s 2016 edition of “The Best 380 Colleges” and Forbes’ “2016 list of America’s Top Colleges.” Students are prompted to attend UMW for various reasons. For instance, senior business major Jessica Wu chose the university because of its reasonable tuition cost and close proximity to her home. After she began attending the university from her hometown in Herndon, Wu stated she felt connected to the school because of the academics and the professors. “I am very happy to be a part of the
business program because the professors want to help me succeed,” Wu said. Christa Snyder, also a senior business major, experienced a positive environment from the professors and students at UMW as well. “When I transferred schools, it was between UMW and Longwood. Both were in a similar price range and are about the same distance from my home,” Snyder said. “After visiting both schools, it became clear that UMW had a much more welcoming community with more activities, and the close proximity to DC sealed the deal for me.” According to Peterson’s, a company that examines and researches colleges around the country, 89 percent of UMW students are in-state. Students of UMW are captivated by qualities that are valued more than rankings and statistics.
Living in the moment, mindfulness emphasized in week-long event •MINDFULNESS | 1 into psychotherapy to lighten the effects of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Neale, who is a Buddhist psychotherapist in private practice, believes that state of mind is crucial in determining happiness and quality of life, and deserves researching and understanding mindfulness. “The single most important factor in determining the quality of our experience--either misery or happiness--is the mind. Therefore, the single most important investment of our time and energy in this life is the cultivation of the mind toward awakening,” Neale said on his website. People can be hard on themselves. For students facing all of the stress and insecurity that can come with the college experience, Pitts encourages students to focus on the nonjudgmental aspect of mindfulness, and learn how to treat themselves as well as they treat their friends and professors. “The non-judgmental stance in mindfulness is critical because it allows for the development of self-compassion, without which compassion for others is not fully possible,” Pitts said. By learning the ways in which mindfulness can beneficially affect your life and the lives of people in your community, Pitts hopes students will be inspired to practice mindfulness in order to “enrich their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.” One way students can begin to practice mindfulness is by finding a space of contemplation. Professor Caitie Finlayson who has devoted her career to understanding religious spaces of contemplation in relation to the geographical aspect surrounding them finds that awareness of “the spaces we occupy can give us a sense of spirituality and affect our mood.” During her presentation, she expressed how becoming acclimatized to
a space of contemplation has a way of relieving stress in that “there [are] no clocks, there is no time limit.” Without time constraints, an individual’s mood is affected in a positive way because there is no abstract ‘authority’ pressing on them to use their time wisely. Instead, students can explore ways to release energy peacefully. Finding a connection to a space that can then be called sacred heightens a person’s sense of spirituality and provides an area for thoughts to become organized. In many ways, meditation and contemplation are a forms of organization for thoughts which create a clear perception of self. According to Alyssa Zanzucchi, a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science, her interpretation of mindfulness after the presentation is about “being lucid of surroundings, how you react to them, and letting thoughts arise and pass in an objective way to attain some form of peace.” During the presentation, students responded to a question regarding what space they think of as serene within places in nature. One student described her backyard hammock where rays of light shine through the leaves and the breeze that provided that area with serenity. Zanzucchi envisions her place of contemplation as “somewhere [she] can be alone in nature to feel a sense of connection.” Becoming aware of the surroundings in a sacred place of contemplation and connecting to them in a way that allows people to relate, creates an interaction with nature that provides some people with a deeper understanding of interrelatedness. As Pitts realizes in her own experience, “when I am mindful of my breath, I am aware that I am breathing oxygen that trees and other plants have generated in their own metabolic cycles.” Through this experience of interrelated community and purpose become valued part of daily life.
“THE SPACES WE OCCUPY CAN GIVE US A SENSE OF SPIRITUALITY AND AFFECT OUR MOOD’” -Catie Finlayson
University Relations
11
SPORTS
Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
UMW women’s soccer team ready for conference play
Gibbons
CJ CUMMINGS Staff Writer
With just over half of the season completed, the University of Mary Washington women’s soccer team is sitting in second place for the Capital Athletic Conference. The team’s final eight games are all in conference, proving very crucial in determining their final position. Their overall record on the season is 6-4 while their record in the Capital Athletic Conference is 1-0. While the team has played one game in
conference, they have played well in their road games., with a record of 4-2, as compared to their 2-2 record at home. On average they are scoring 50 percent more goals while allowing 1.33 less goals on the road as compared to home. There is an inconsistency in connecting passes and finishing offense which has caused them to lose the games they have. As the final eight games approach, the team is, “Starting to come together and finding our rhythm together in our new 4-3-3 formation,” said junior midfielder
Gibbons
Meghan Turney. This rhythm could really benefit the women’s team in close games. The strongest part of the team is their defense, which can be attributed to their starting freshman goalie Haley Randall. The first year player has only allowed about one goal per game which has really benefited the program.
“[WE ARE] STARTING TO COME TOGETHER AND FINDING OUR RHYTHM TOGETHER” - Meghan Turney
UMW women’s soccer team has a great opportunity to win most of their remaining games. It is crucial the team is able to figure it out by Saturday, Oct. 3, as they host their rival, Christopher Newport University. CNU is 5-3-1 on the season so far and 0-1 in the CAC Conference as they lost 1-0 to Frostburg State University. UMW lost to their rival 1-0 last year in an overtime heartbreaker. They are looking to move on from that game in this next matchup as they are hoping for different results. By the end of the season the team should hopefully have it all figured out come their homecoming game against Salisbury University. “It will be the hardest game of the season, since it’s during homecoming weekend,” Turney said. With victories against these big conference opponents, the Eagles could set themselves up in good position in hopes to finish off the season with the best record in Capital Athletic Conference.
As long as the defense holds true and there are more consistent passes that help lead to more scoring opportunities, the
Washington Nationals disappoint, fail to reach expectations SEAN KINSLOW Staff Writer
“A lock for the National League East Division,” “A World Series favorite,” “One of the best teams in all of baseball,” these are phrases that experts and fans alike used to describe the Washington Nationals before the season began. The Nats did not win the NL East, meaning there will not be a World Series parade down the streets of Washington, and despite fielding one of the most talented teams in all of Major League Baseball, the
After being eliminated from having a shot to go to the playoffs, Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth said “I never thought we’d end up here. Obviously, we’ve underachieved,” Werth said. “We haven’t played well. We’ve done a lot of things that got us here. But I would’ve never guessed that. I would’ve never thought we’d be sitting here having this conversation with seven or eight games left. Would’ve bet the other way.”
tracts are set up the team could look very different in 2016.
SP Jordan Zimmermann 5 years of experience Career Record (70-49) SS Ian Desmond 5 years of experience Career stats.264/110/432
“I NEVER THOUGHT WE’D END UP HERE. OBVIOUSLY WE’VE UNDERACHEIVED.” -Jayson Werth Washington Nationals found a way to blow it. The Nationals started the season slowly which did not help set the winning tone that many successful clubs have. They were, however, able to bounce back and lead the NL East for the mid-part of the season. A prolonged slump after the All-star break, baseball’s unofficial midway point of the season, ultimately killed the Nationals. The upstart New York Mets took advantage, taking first place in the division and never looking back. The once NL East locks were eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday Sept. 26th.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Although, there are many reasons the Nationals lost out, such as severe injuries to several of their best players, a bullpen that struggled all year and a rotation that did not live up to their full potential headline that list. “I think I said that in February that this could be the last run of this core group of guys,” Werth said. “It’s got a chance to be drastically different next year, so that’s tough,” Werth said. “This is my fifth year here. Played with these guys, get to know these guys, go to work with these guys every year. You’re basically family.” 2015 was supposed to be the Nationals’ year, and with the way the roster and con-
Washington National’s contracts expiring in 2016
KeithAllison/flickr
CF Denard Span 6 years of experience Career stats.287/37/336 SP Doug Fister 5 years of experience Career Record (65-63) RP Matt Thornton 10 years of experience Career Record (35-46)
KeithAllison/flickr
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