THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
OCTOBER 22, 2015
VOLUME 89| ISSUE6
PRESS
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
José Carreras returns to the U.S., partners with UMW Philharmonic for memorable performance
Two bands, Virginia Man and Maggie Says, serenade UMW students on Ball Circle during Rocktoberfest
EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
ESTER SALGUERO Assistant News Editor
On the brisk afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 17, the Campus Programming Board collaborated with the Class Council to introduce two bands for this year’s Rocktoberfest. One of which, Virginia Man, an unconventional Indie Folk band, made their debut on Ball Circle. Following Virginia Man was the band Maggie Says, an alternative rock band that likes to put a spin on pop pieces. Unlike Virginia Man, Maggie Says has had the opportunity to perform for UMW students and faculty last semester for UMW’s Battle of the Bands. Kevin Duong, graduate assistant of the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, who oversees the Campus Programming Board heard Virginia Man at a friend’s house and was interested in their sound. He offered the members an opportunity to perform on
campus as a part of Rocktoberfest in order to gain publicity for their newly formed band. Members of Virginia Man include Jacob Keller on the keyboard, Josh Honaker and Andrew Burlingame on acoustic guitars. Kristian Lietzan interchanged his positions as the lead singer while also playing the guitar. “[We’re] the hottest up and comin’ Folk band in Fredericksburg,” the boastful Honaker said. The Class Council that sponsors the Campus Programming Board receives their funding from the campus finance committee after they submit a proposal. The funds are renewed yearly and the organizations determine how to allot the money accordingly throughout the semester. The Campus Programming Board co-sponsors by paying out of pocket, together as a club, for the bands they book to attend these events.
Brian Goulet
Students such as Shannon Becker a sophomore double majoring in Biology and Latin studies, only had positive comments about the event, and said that Virginia Man had “a really good folksy sound and a genuinely happy vibe.” The turnout was not considerably large, but the band was able to keep the atmosphere lively with students tuned into the music. The members of “Virginia Man” described their stage dynamic as friends enjoying an experiential bonding moment and having a good time. Pulling heavily from influences such as Hozier, Needtobreathe and The Avett Brothers, Virginia Man performed covers such as The Tallest Man on Earth’s piece, “The Dreamer” and George Ezra’s “Budapest.” In between the cover songs, however, they added in original pieces that lead Lietzan had written herself.
•ROCKTOBER | 10
UMW mourns loss of beloved professor, JeanAnn Dabb
SARAH GRAMMER News Editor
Myers Ogden Mortuary
After almost a decade of battling cancer, Art History Professor JeanAnne Dabb passed away Tuesday morning, leaving behind a swarm of dear friends, family, colleagues, and students.
IN THIS
ISSUE
Dabb was welcomed into UMW’s Art and Art History department in 1992, after she graduated from the University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in Art History. Professor of Art, Joseph Dibella, was on the committee that chose to hire Dabb, and says, “Giving her the news of her selection over twenty years ago was one of my most memorable and important acts as chair of my department.” From that point on, Dabb proved her self to be not only an enthusiastic educator but also a very skilled one. She won the Mary W. Pinschmidit award in 2009, honoring her for her outstanding teaching skills and her collaborations with many students and colleagues. Dabb was much admired during her many terms served as chair of the Art and Art History department during her time at UMW as well. Dabb’s colleagues and students describe her not only as a dependable and enthusiastic educator, but also a supportive and encouraging friend. Art and Art History department
chair, Professor Carole Garmon calls Dabb, “An award winning teacher, a respected art historian, an accomplished mosaicist, an avid collector of all that is Alfred Hitchcock, and a lover of Robie (her cat)…she epitomizes the importance of being curious, of embracing life and all it brings.” Garmon says, “She managed her diagnosis with such courage and grace, and fought for many years to keep it at bay.” Dibella also had much to say concerning Dabb’s managing of her illness, “She did not buckle under the pressure of adversity despite the nearly ten years of failing health that she experienced.” While Dabb dealt with her own health issues, she was also able to provide support for her friends going through problems of their own. Dibella says, “Even when I was struggling at the same time with my own health issues, JeanAnn made it a point to listen to me, be supportive and •DABB | 11
World-renown tenor, José Carreras, made one stop in the United States this weekend to perform with the 75 members of the UMW Philharmonic. The singer and orchestra performed at the Anderson Center on Saturday night, playing 18 songs. Carreras performed in 11 of the songs, sharing the stage with the orchestra and Irish Soprano Celine Byrne. According to Kevin Bartram, director of the orchestra at UMW Philharmonic, getting Carreras to come to the university was not an easy task. The whole process took over two years to coordinate; several months to find Carreras’ management company and then another year to negotiate with Carreras to return to the United States. For Carreras, it was the first time returning to the United States in more than a decade, according to Bartram. Carreras was one of three members in the operatic group “The Three Tenors,” which began in 1990. The recording from their debut concert has since become the best-selling classical album of all time. The 30 members of the Philharmonic who are UMW students, according to Bartram, are not music majors, but simply enjoy music and want to be involved in its creation. “They have to rise to the occasion,” Bartram said, as it has on multiple occasions. For, in the spring of 2014, the UMW Philharmonic performed with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. Bartram was particularly impressed with the orchestra for this performance, which also received praise from Carreras. The show, was difficult and high-pressured. “It wasn’t an easy show to pull off,” Bartram said. “There was a lot of numbers and the orchestra really shined.” Freshman Elyse Ridder was one of those students, playing Violin II in the orchestra during the performance. Ridder has played the violin for 13 years and has been a member of the UMW Philharmonic for two years. She said she only heard Carreras briefly before the performance, yet had a great experience with Carreras and Bryne, even with the anxiety that came with the show and rehearsals. “I felt lots of nerves, and some anxiety,” Ridder said. “It is a big deal backing up two world famous opera singers. One small mess up could really affect the entire production. After the performance, though, there was nothing but praise and excitement and I knew we accomplish •CARRERAS | 11
CULTURE CLASH
SAFE OR SORRY
DIVE IN
UMW celebrates Asian American culture
Education for gun safety questioned by students
Swim teams start off season with a splash
LIFE | 6
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SPORTS | 3
NEWS
2015 Homecoming Events:
THE
BLUE & GRAY PRESS
- LipSync Thursday, Oct. 22 8 p.m. Dodd Auditorium
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.
Get your best lip movement ready! It’s a match of the mouths at this year’s competition! -Alumni Brunch Thursday, Oct. 22 9:30-11:30 a.m. Rappahannock Grand Ballroom Jepson Alumni Executive Center
EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Markham
MANAGING EDITOR Tess Osmer
Alumni Unite! Alums of all ages are invited to share brunch with the Alumni Association.
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Sarah Grammer Emily Hollingsworth
SGA BBQ Friday, Oct. 23 5 p.m.- 7p.m. Ball Circle
VIEWPOINTS Alex Spence
LIFE Della Hethcox
Come out and get the grub while it’s hot.
SPORTS Mikey Barnes
ONLINE
Ethan Tobin
Alex Sakes / The Blue & GrayPress
Homecoming brings a variety of events for students, alumni
PHOTO Alex Sakes
ASSISTANT EDITORS Ester Salguero Hannah Galeone Jacob Atkinson
ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER David Concepcion
ADVERTISING MANAGER Natalie Furman
FACULTY ADIVSOR Sushma Subramanian
CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.
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EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH AND ESTER SALGUERO News Editor and Assistant News Editor
The events for this year’s homecoming are squished within this week and include the UMW athletic games proceeding over the weekend, a BBQ on Ball Circle and a photo contest spread throughout relying heavily on student interaction. The week kicked off on Wednesday with a slew of sporting events, featuring women’s soccer going head to head with Frostburg State and field hockey facing CNU at the Battlegrounds in the afternoon. Later in the evening a volleyball match in the Anderson Center against Saint Mary’s and a bonfire on Jefferson Square. The week will continue in much the same way, integrating fierce athletic competition with school spirit by incorporating more relaxed and social events. Including events like LipSync on Thursday, Oct. 22 in Dodd Auditorium and BBQ on Ball Circle taking place Friday, Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Social media has become the staple for hype with a week-long event in the form of a photo contest. Some of the challenges include sneaking a photo of Sammy D. Eagle, bench-sitting and dishing out UMW pride. The university’s social media center, #UMWSocial, is leading the challenge and
is offering prizes to anyone who posts photos on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #UMWHomecoming. Prizes include free Jamba Juice smoothies and boxed lunches for the Homecoming Tailgate beginning Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10:30 a.m. PRISM, one of the student groups on campus as People for the Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities, will be leading a few of the events taking place. Taking charge with a comedic performance by Chris Doucette who was summed up in a statement made by the James Farmer Multicultural Center, filled with caustic humor, as a product of two talented comedians. “If Oscar Wilde and Tina Fey had a baby who read only Calvin & Hobbes comic strips, you’d get Chris Doucette” according to the James Farmer Multicultural Center’s page. The PRISM Prom is taking place Friday, Oct. 23 at 9 p.m. at Seacobeck Hall. This year’s PRISM Prom has been officially added to the events list for homecoming week as they were formally invited by the homecoming committee. Usually the members of the club and people familiar with the club’s version of prom would attend but the club has never had the attention that they have this semester. It is expected that they will have a massive turnout. Homecoming is geared towards both students and alumni creating a space where the community can come together in celebration
representing the numerous sub-groups which make up the UMW community. According to Jasmine Mann, president of PRISM, homecoming allows alumni and students to come together in a way they would not under other circumstances. “[It’s] that one event of the year where you can feel a part of it,” Mann said, referring to UMW’s community holistically. According to Ethan Feuer, director of the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, homecoming is meant to attract a wide range of students, including alumni, to attend an event said to be lively. “We feel that these events are aimed at engaging both returning alumni and our present student community,” Feuer said. “From athletic matches and the traditional tailgating event, to a wide range of student-run traditions such as LipSync and the Bonfire, Homecoming 2015 offers opportunities for the entire UMW community.” Nancy Milroy, junior American studies major, believes that the event is an important outlet for students and alumni, particularly during the fall season. She encourages international students to attend Homecoming 2015 as well, believing it is a positive way for international students to experience a tradition held by the university. “In particular, I’m inviting international students to come to Homecom •HOMECOMING | 10
Thursday, October 22, 2015
SPORTS
Men and women swim teams look to continue succesful ways
UMW Athletics
MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor
Prior to the start of the season, both the men and women’s University of Mary Washington swim programs were predicted to win the Capital Athletic Conference title. The men’s program will be striving for its 16th consecutive title, while the women are fighting for their 26th straight. The programs began their season on Oct. 16, as they took on opponents from Washington & Lee University. Led by All-American Alex Anderson for the past few years, the men’s swim team has moved past the graduation of the most decorated UMW athlete in the school’s history and is hoping to follow behind their captains this season as they try to secure another conference title. The captains of this year’s men’s team include seniors Vance Solseth, Zach Eisig, Nate Hartt, Matt Garstka, Connor Nye and Sean Mayer. The men’s team fell to opponent Washington & Lee in a 160-102 loss in Goolrick Natatorium, UMW’s home pool. Despite the loss, the Eagles kicked off the meet in impressive fashion, as they won the 200yard medley relay, swam by Mayer, Garstka, junior Dallas Tarkenton and sophomore Kenyon Huber-Wilker. The four won with an impressive time of 1:37:99. Huber-Wilker, went on to win two more events, both individual. Huber-Wilker won the 100-yard breaststroke at a time of 1:01:58, teammate and freshman Jeffrey Leckrone followed behind Huber-Wilker in second place with a time of 1:02:46. Huber-Wilker then went on to win the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:14:10, again followed up by Leckrone in second with a time of 2:18:10. Freshman Ricardo Bonilla-Vazquez earned a victory in the 200-yard individual medley, with a
time of 2:00:61. third place in the 50-yard medley, with “Last week’s meet was a little disap- Hallock finishing first, Shannon Coryell pointing,” Garstka said, concerning the grabbing second and Hagy rounding out team’s loss to Washington and Lee. “You the top three. Hallock took first place in never want to start off your season with the 100-yard freestyle at 53:99 and Cox a loss but we had some good swims. We won the 200 yard breaststroke to wrap up have to start somewhere.” the winning ways for the UMW swim proThe women’s team lost five seniors gram. themselves following the end of last seaDespite the solid performance by both son. This year they look to lock up their the men and the women, ‘satisfied’ would 26th straight conference title headed by not be the word to describe the attitude of a younger group, including a number of the team. sophomores and juniors. While senior cap“The team is very consistent in training, tains, Stephthere is alanie Hallock, ways room Hannah Hag- “I HAVE A GOOD FEELING ABOUT for imgy, Abby Cox, provement THIS SEASON. WE BROUGHT IN in our sport, Katie Fago, Rachel Thomwe just want A STRONG FRESHMEN CLASS as and Ashley people AND A NEW ASSISTANT COACH see Walnut lead swim fast,” the Eagles this [DALTON HERENDEEN] WHO HAS Garstka season. said. ALREADY MADE AN IMPACT.” The womAnd en’s team had swim fast the opposite they did, as -Matt Garstka outcome than the men’s that of the team went men, as they on to defeat continued Catholic their winning ways and defeated Washing- University in their next meet by a score of ton and Lee by a score of 145-117. With a 139 to 123, to improve to 1-1 on the season. time of 1:48:95, the relay team of Hallock, The foursome of Garstka, Solseth, MayHagy, Fago, and junior Anna Corley, won er and Hartt won the 200-medley relay. the 200-yard medley relay. Solseth grabbed an individual first-place The foursome also went on to win the victory himself by winning the 200-free200-yard freestyle relay. Corley went on to style. Leckrone ended up in first place in win both the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke this meet in the 100-yard breaststroke with events, with times of 1:10:68 and 2:10:81. a time of 1:03:12. Sophomore Jake Schroth Sophomore Megan Murphy grabbed first took first place in the 100-yard freestyle place in the 200 yard butterfly, with a time and Huber-Wilker found himself in first of 2:13:15, Murphy also went on to grab place again for the 200-yard breaststroke. second place in the 200 individual medley, Eisig and Bonilla-Vazquez rounded out the clocking in at 2:15:34. victorious ways for the UMW men’s swim The Eagles claimed first, second and program.
UMW Athletics
The women’s swim team improved to 2-0 on the season with a dominating 16399 victory over Catholic University in D.C. The 200-yard medley relay team of Fago, Haggy, Coryell and Hallock swam to first for the second consecutive meet. Murphy grabbed multiple victories in the meet against Catholic, with first-place finishes in 1000-freestyle, the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley. Freshman Taylor Mooney won the 100yard backstroke for the Eagles with a time of 1:02:65. Hagy went on to win multiple individual victories including the 100-yard breaststroke and the 100-yard butterfly. Coryell won the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25:47. Freshman Emily Adams received her first collegiate first-place finish with a time of 2:14:94 in the 200-yard backstroke. Cox took first in the 500-yard freestyle and Hagy won the 100-yard butterfly. The foursome of Hallock, Walnut, freshman Kait Luncher and sophomore Bailey Stewart won the 200-yard freestyle relay to finish up the successful day for the women’s program. “I have a good feeling about this season. We brought in a strong freshmen class and a new assistant coach [Dalton Herendeen] who has already made an impact,” Garstka said. The men and women swim programs for UMW will be back in action on Oct. 30 as they will travel to Frostburg State to take on the Bobcats. The meet will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Homecoming week schedule of sporting events
This year, the University of Mary Washington Eagle’s will have all four of their in-season athletic programs active at home on Saturday October 24. Along with the four major athletic programs, the men and women rugby teams will be playing on their recently finished field. This teams will represent UMW during its homecoming weekend, as Alumni and students of all classes will surround the fields and tailgate spots to celebrate their University and their athletic department.
Volleyball vs. Marymount(Va.) 1:00 & Lynchburg 5:00 -Anderson Women’s Soccer vs. Salisbury 1:00 - Battlegrounds Women’s Field Hockey vs. Salisbury 1:00 - Battlegrounds Men’s Soccer vs. CNU 3:30 - Battlegrounds Women’s Rugby vs. women’s rugby alumni 10:30 AM - Rugby field Men’s Rugby vs. Universtiy of Richmond 1:00 - Rugby field
Weekly Scoreboard Volleyball:
Oct. 21 vs St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 3 St. Mary’s: 1
WOMEN'S soccer:
Oct. 21 vs Frostburg St. (T) UMW: 0 Frostburg St.: 0
MEn's soccer:
Oct. 21 @ St. Mary’s (T) UMW: 2 St. Mary’s: 2
field hockey:
Oct. 21 vs CNU
(L) UMW: 1 CNU: 2
Upcoming:
Men’s Soccer: Oct. 24 vs CNU 3:30p.m. Women’s Soccer: Oct. 24 vs Salisbury 1:00 p.m.
Field Hockey: Oct. 24 vs Salisbury 1:00 p.m. Volleyball Oct. 24 vs Marymount 1:00 p.m. vs Lynchburg 5:00 p.m
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VIEWPOINTS
Increase in gun violence poses question of firearm safety courses
Quick Facts • 3/5 felons say they will not mess with an armed victim • About 200,000 women in the United States use guns to protect themselves from sexual violence every year • There are about 270 million civilian firearms in America • States that adopted concealed carry laws reduced murder by 8.5 percent • Every year guns are used 80 times more often to protect a life than to take one
Arikamal/en.wikipedia.org ALEX SPENCE Viepoints Editor
We infamously remember on April 20, 1999 when the small town of Littleton, Colorado saw two high school seniors stroll the halls of Columbine High School killing 12 students and one teacher. We remember the morning of Dec. 14, 2012 when Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 first graders and six adults inside the cold walls of Sandy Hook Elementary School. And, only three weeks ago, on Oct. 1, 2015, Christopher Harper-Mercer openfired in his college English class, killing eight fellow students and one teacher of Umpqua Community College in Oregon. For how could we forget these tragic events where innocent people lost their lives in a hostage situation. However, these are not the only tragic shootings to have occurred on school grounds. According to MSNBC, nearly 100 more school shootings have occurred since Sandy Hook, and while not all of them resulted in injuries or death, the potential was certainly there. Many in the public, including politicians such as Hilary Clinton and President Obama, and even celebrities such as Kristen Bell and Lady GaGa have banned together in an effort to create more concrete gun control laws. While I applaud the importance that they have placed on such controversial issues as gun control, I have to question if stricter gun control laws will actually reduce violence.
According to American Gun facts, the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy recently published a study that showcased a negative correlation between gun ownership and violent crime which concluded that more guns equals less crime. With only a few exceptions, USA Today reported that every public mass shooting in the United States since 1950 has taken place where citizens are banned from carrying guns. These “gun-free” zones include but are not limited to movie theaters, churches, public malls and of course, school grounds. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 is a federal United States law that bans anyone from possessing a gun on any defined school zone. But that did not stop Christopher Harper-Mercer, Adam Lanza or any of the other criminals from setting foot onto a gun-free school zone with a firearm. While I agree that enacting stricter gun control will make it more difficult to obtain firearms, I do not believe that it will stand in the way of criminals who have no regards for the law or human life. Instead of banning guns, why don’t we talk about them? How about we introduce them as a tool for safety and teach people how to use them? School districts and State Legislatures are actually pushing for gun education in the classroom, and should be considered as another option. For instance, the National Rifle Association, NRA, started Eddie Eagle, a program developed for children. It includes
animated videos that teach children four basic steps when finding a firearm: stop, do not touch, run away and tell a grown up. According to ABC, in the past two years, Wisconsin, Oregon and New York State Legislatures have attempted to make Eddie Eagle a mandatory part of school curriculum, but so far none of the bills have been successful. While teaching gun safety to children under the age of 12 may be a bit farfetched, the NRA certainly has the right idea. The addition of college courses focusing on gun safety might not be for everyone, and that is OK, however, it should be an option for those who are interested. It is a right for students to protect themselves, and if placed in a dangerous situation, I believe it is important to at least know the proper procedure when in contact with a firearm. With the amount of schools that have been subjected to gun violence, I question why this has yet to become a serious option. If the faculty at Sandy Hook and Columbine, or the students at Umpqua Community College had been trained in gun safety and were legally allowed to protect themselves on school grounds, perhaps there could have been a different outcome. I am not saying protection only lies in the hands of those who choose to carry arms, however, I am saying the price of safety could very well be educating yourself.
Editorial: Homecoming fails to unify students Homecoming week is here, and as alumni return to campus, current students are left wondering what has happened to the exciting event. This year’s homecoming fails to unify the diverse student body and to live up to past expectations. In the past, the University has hosted big-name music groups such as Grouplove and the Flobots. Noticeably missing from this year’s schedule of events is a concert seen in the last several years. UMW’s first homecoming took place in 1972, and 33 years later, the college has made efforts to create an even larger event. Previously, the event was consigned to just a weekend, but now, events are spread throughout the week leading up to the weekend full of sporting events and tailgating.
Even though this event is designed to attract alumni and donations, the University should not forget about its current students, many of who will soon be alumni themselves. The alumni’s Facebook page states that UMW receives only 25 percent of their operating budget from the commonwealth, obviously, the University relies heavily on alumni funds. We are not decrying the need to look attractive to former students and graduates, however, it seems that the lack of unification has created disinterest among students. If students want to participate in the festivities, they are presented with scant options. This year we have been offered a bonfire, lip sync contest and homecoming barbecue. Although these events are bound
to be entertaining, they are not anything special or out of the ordinary. One of the best things about this campus is the diversity present in the student body, and yet, this year there is no major event designed to unite students and alumni. Unlike other universities, we have no football team to serve as the central focus of the weekend, nor do we have a homecoming formal. We are not asking for a football team, but a dance or larger event that could be attended by the majority of students would not be amiss. For the students that are sports oriented, Saturday is packed with various sports as well as the tailgate. This event is only allowed for alumni or students over the age of 21, and it costs $75 to reserve a spot. So what are the remain-
ing students to do? No one is trying to attack the university, however, the question of “what has happened to homecoming?” begs to be answered. Is this just an off year for the college? Students have fond memories of the past homecomings, and alumni surely do as well, but this year, the university fails to live up to the hype. Hopefully next year, the university will recognize the need to create a more inclusive weekend with events for students of all ages. Alumni return because they have glowing memories of their homecoming weekends, current students should have that option as well.
By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Alex Spence | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Rape culture too easily fueled in American society
HANNAN PARKER Staff Writer
It is very easy for people to look around the world or at the news programs and comment on the blatant sexual mistreatment that occurs in underdeveloped or unprogressive countries. However, when it comes to looking at our own country it suddenly becomes harder to face the sexual mistreatment surrounding the United States. Due to the media’s over sexualization of women and the downplaying of sexual misconduct, society has continued to not only tolerate rape culture, but to accept it. According to Everyday Feminism Magazine, rape culture is a practice or trend used by our society that excuses or tolerates sexual violence. A few examples of rape culture trends, according to Everyday Feminism Magazine, include chants or songs encouraging rape behavior, popular music encouraging the sexualization or sexual mistreatment of women, shaming a woman based on clothing she wears or the sexual activities she partakes in. Because of this, victims of sexual assault are being told they are “overreacting” or “they were asking for it,” when they admit to being raped.
For a recent pop-culture example of rape culture one must only look as far back as 2013. It was the year that saw the release of songs such as Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” which, in my opinion, encourages sexual misconduct without consent. It was played incessantly on radio stations and spread widely among the younger generation even though it put out a message encouraging the disrespect of women and sexual mistreatment. Rape culture is now built into society’s everyday language, and passes through without a second thought. According to the Huffington Post, attorney and women’s rights activist Sandra Fluke was “slut-shamed.” American entertainer Rush Limbaugh called her a “slut” in 2012 after she advocated for the allowance of birth control without having to copay. Though all Fluke did was express her opinion, she was publicly degraded for her support of women’s rights. Our country does not recognize such trends as a form of sexual mistreatment that encourages a rape culture society because they are highly popularized in the media. Although many counter the concept of rape culture by dismissing the exam-
Anton Bielousov/Wikipedia
ples provided, they, in my opinion, are just blind of the issue at hand, as a result of rape culture and its prevalence in the media. When people’s everyday actions and thoughts start mimicking what used to be just lyrics in a song or just a scene in a movie, the line between right and wrong can easily become blurred. How do we move forward? How do we distress the constant sexualization and mistreatment of women that is happening not only in other countries, but right her in our hometowns? We cannot force someone to change their opinions of women, but we can advocate change for how women should be treated. Just like during the civil rights movement, through support of organizations
such as the Congress of Racial Equality, anti-rape culture organizations such as People Against Rape Culture and Men Can Stop Rape, people can start becoming educated on this issue and more will leap forward as a part of the anti-rape culture movement. People need to be educated about the violent effects of rape culture and the ways they can prevent it, and with organizations such as the ones listed above you educate yourself. Rape culture is not the reason rape occurs, but it certainly does not help end rape. The exploitation and mistreatment of women in the media serves as an example to society and makes it okay with disrespecting women leading them to further acts of mistreatment.
Student concern over Yik Yak stems from anonymity Jhaymesisviphotography/Flickr ANDY UNGER Staff Writer
Following controversial events last year, Yik Yak has received somewhat of a negative reputation on campus. It is known for being both a great application to keep up on the gossip around campus as well as a source of a cyber bullying. Though the University received much scrutiny for allowing the application to work on campus, no changes have been made. However, there needs to be a major change implemented in how we deal with Yik Yak, although it is important to realize that the application is only part of the problem. Individuals on and around campus need to learn to live peacefully with one another, in order to solve the fundamental problem that Yik Yak only serves to expose and perpetuate. I first started noticing how much students rely on Yik Yak about three weeks into the semester. My boyfriend downloaded the app as a way to keep up with the gossip on
campus. Obviously, I thought this sounded incredible, so I too downloaded the app. Within five minutes, I was embroiled in an argument with another user over whether two strange men telling a lone girl to come to their room at midnight, while she was outside, to smoke, was sexual harassment. Even though the girl thanked me profusely for taking her side, the situation left me feeling sick to my stomach. I deleted the app almost immediately afterwards. Many people are aware of the negative and threatening comments that were directed toward group members of Feminist United last year, but our UMW campus is not alone in this fight against cyber-anonymous bullying. At Colgate University, the Huffington Post reported, racist posts on Yik Yak led to widespread protests. While, similarly, at Kenyon College, the app was used to threaten sexual assault towards the women who worked at the campus’ Crozier House, their center for women.
Although many people support the idea that anonymity is a good thing, and that it allows for discussions we could not have otherwise, all it really does is take away the consequence of projecting offensive comments on others. Nobody would post on Facebook that they were planning to rape or murder, but on Yik Yak, they do. Really, the only practical use for Yik Yak, in my own opinion and experience, is to call unknown people out on leaving their laundry in the dryer too long in the residence halls. For me, there are only two alternatives that Yik Yak must consider. First, the creators of Yik Yak, Tyler Droll and Brooks Buffington, need to implement some sort of identification policy within the app. For although there is currently a reporting system within the app, it is not, in my opinion, nearly strong enough since it only gives a street address. There is no specific time, in the terms given, when a person has gone too far and needs to be reported to the authorities; is it
after they have been reported once? Five times? I believe this needs to be specified and the information made public about the change. On the other hand, campuses could ban the app entirely. Although it might be seen as a violation of the First Amendment. Honestly, there is no permanent solution to the problem of hateful words and actions. Either alternative just eradicates some of the problem. The only real solution would be for everyone to learn to get along with one another, and to put away hateful urges towards people different than themselves. It looks like that is something that the students here are slowly working their way towards, and I am grateful. But until we can all live peacefully with each other, we need to control the ways in which students communicate their frustrations.
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LIFE
Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Asian Cultural Celebration educates and entertains campus
Say goodbye to October by immersing yourself in Asian literature, art and language as it is taking over the University of Mary Washington this weekend, beginning Sunday Oct. 25. As part of the annual Asian Cultural Celebration, the University is to host events ranging from dance classes, art classes and historical lectures in order to promote an educational way of celebrating Asian-American culture. Faculty, as well as students from the UMW Asian Student Association, have spent the better part of the semester planning these events. Not only does it celebrate the Asian American culture while focusing on educating the student body and the Fredericksburg community about Asian culture, but it raises awareness about the culture and its history. Over the course of the week, students will have opportunities to participate and engage in free events and lectures to learn more about Asian culture. “[The ASA] shifted [our] focus to Chinese events in an attempt to gather more interest from UMW students in hopes of inspiring growth in the Chinese language department,” said Julianna Saracho, treasurer of the UMW Asian Student Association. Kicking off the week is The Hope Chinese School Dance Group, which is preforming from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday
ALAINA ZITZMANN Staff Writer
in Dodd Auditorium. The night with include up to eight dances, all of which the troupe perfected through three months of preparation. Based out of the Washington, D.C. area, The Hope Chinese School Dance Group was created in 2002 by Xiaogin Zheng, a popular dance choreographer and instructor. The group began with approximately 16 members but has grown to include more than 100 active members. The group’s main goal is to bring awareness to Chinese culture throughout the metro area of D.C. “They are the best dance group in the DC area,” said UMW Chinese professor Hongbo Tang. Tang has been working personally with the director for several months in preparation for the grand opening to the week of celebration. “They will have different types of dances that represent many different cultures within China,” Tang said, while Chinese singers will serenade the audience throughout the show’s intermissions. Throughout the week Tang hopes students will become better acquainted with the Chinese culture. He especially
wants to encourage students to attend the dance together for the festivities themselves and the education they provide. Following the Sunday night dance, Monday Oct. 26 brings Dr. Steve Rabson, instructor in Japanese culture with the UMW Leidecker Center for Asian Students, to his presentation on Asian-American literature in Lee Hall, starting promptly at 6 p.m. Rabson will focus on the culture, racism and the struggle for a better life of Asian-Americans. Similarly, on Tuesday Oct. 27, adjunct Chinese Professor, Li Li, will host a Chinese Folk Art seminar in Melchers Hall at 5 p.m. which is focused on practicing traditional Chinese paper cutting techniques. This is a way for students to interactively learn about Chinese culture, plus if your dorm room walls are still a little empty, it’s a great way to create fun and free decorations. To those history-buffs on campus- be sure not to miss Dr. Krystyn Moon, associate professor of history and American studies, in her lecture on Angel Island on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m. in Lee Hall.
Dancers perform a traditional Chinese dance at the Tang Dynasty Palace in Xi’an, China wearing brightly colored and highly decorative costumes.
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Jeff Kubina/Flickr
Angel Island is an island in the San Francisco Bay that served as a base for immigration inspection and detention. For many Asian-Americans, this was their first introduction to the United States, and quite unlike the East Coast’s Ellis Island. Additionally on the 28th, a Chinese comedy movie, Shaolin Soccer, will be played at 6 p.m. in the Digital Auditorium. The week long celebration culminates with the Taste of Asia dinner event on Friday, held in the Chandler Ballroom of the University Center at 7 p.m. The evening of Oct. 30, is the highlight of the week, as it will provide attendees with a glimpse at Asian cultures through the inclusion of a Chinese fashion show, belly dancing, singing and a Chinese martial arts performance. For students, entry can be gained by either paying $3 or bringing three canned food items to the door. For outside members of the community, the fee is $5. Although the celebration is only a week long, for students who are interested in either Asian studies, or learning an Asian language, the Chinese language department offers courses from beginning to intermediate, and hopes to expand their department in the future.
Michael Abshear/Flickr
Thursday, October 22, 2015
LIFE
Juliette Wells lectures on “Emma,” still popular after 200 years DAVID CONCEPCION Business Manager
As this year marks the 200th anniversary since the novel, “Emma,” by Jane Austen, which was published in 1816, Juliette Wells, professor of English and chair of the Department of English at Goucher College in Towson, Md., chose to celebrate with a special themed lecture. “Emma” is a novel comprised of a tight knit community, and includes social class issues surrounding an independent, rich heroine who is determined to play matchmaker in her small English village. This novel influenced the ways that regency era readers viewed classes, gossip and above all, what a single woman was to do with her life in a masculine world. On Oct. 20 in Lee Hall 411, Wells gave a lecture about how “Emma” produced an insightful dialogue about English society through a new lens- the history of its publication in America. Often classified as “chick lit,” a term that defines a novel based solely on its feminine, romantic themes, Austen’s novels have much more to show than
courtships and heartbreaks. Throughout the past 200 years, “Emma” has become a part of classic literature as well as a cultural icon, seen in the reimagined 1995 version, “Clueless.” Professor Marie McAllister, a professor in the Department of English who teaches several Austen-themed classes, introduced Wells’ as a distinguished Austen scholar and a book detective. McAllister said that Wells’ research gives today’s readers a better understanding on how readers in 1816 responded to Austen’s sassy novel. “Juliette Wells has done a lot of work on Austen’s readers, from fans to scholars,” McAllister said, “now her detective work has helped us understand how Emma reached America and how different readers responded to it.” Wells’ passion and enthusiasm for Austen was seen throughout her thorough research and travels while searching for the first American edition of an Austen novel. In the 19th century, there were no international copyright laws to stop countries from publishing international editions of a book, and it was only by
chance that “Emma” fell into the hands of an American publisher, Mathew Carey. Known as the “Philadelphia Emma,” only six copies of the edition were originally published, making it rarer than the existing 238 editions of Shakespeare’s “First Folio” or even the 11 editions of “Bay Psalm Book.” Her lecture about the Philadelphia edition of “Emma” provided an informative look on how it became popular around the world in the following years, from Sweden to Japan. While showing the audience the various covers adorning editions of “Emma” all around the globe, Wells’ reactions ranged from praise to annoyance. Passion for the book’s cover art was also discussed, and occurred when she showed the beautiful gilded etching on many of the calfskin bindings, showcasing how highly the previous owners regarded Austen’s fourth novel. Wells also spent time criticizing an illustration inside an edition that depicted the relationship between the character Emma and her father as comfortable. “The relationship between Emma and
her father is often troubling to 21st century readers, it is controlling, confining for Emma, [and] this picture takes it to a different direction,” Wells said. Today, many academics question the seemingly oppressive relationship between Emma and her father, since their relationship remains center stage throughout its entirety. Rachel Ewalt, a senior English and environmental science major, said that the event was not what she had expected, but found the historical context interesting. “It wasn’t quite what I had expected; I was expecting more of a criticism of ‘Emma’,” Ewalt said. “It was very interesting about hearing about the back-story of how the books were made.” Although Wells’ lecture was not centered on the content of the novel, she emphasized the influence that Austen has maintained in pop culture even hundreds of years after her death, and the publication of “Emma.” From modernized film versions to fan fiction, Austen’s “Emma” is still relevant to today’s readers 200 years later.
Original Netflix film gives viewers a new perspective on child soldiers DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor
In an attempt to redefine the film industry, Netflix premiered “Beasts of No Nation,” an original film, in both theaters as well as direct streaming on Oct. 16. The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, opened in a reported 31 theaters across the U.S., in addition to being available to view instantly Online. Although the film only earned $50,699 in theaters, Netflix representatives were pleased with film’s performance in person and Online. Starring A-list celebrity, Idris Elba, and newcomer, Abraham Attah, “Beasts” is based on a novel of the same name. Fukunaga, the director, is well known for his work such as the first season of “True Detective” and the 2011 gothic film adaptation of “Jane Eyre.” Fukunaga wrote, produced and directed the film, which is already garnering praise and leading to Oscar speculation. Filmed in Ghana and scored by Dan Romer, each element of the cinematography creates a stunning film around the serious subject of children soldiers. The melancholy electronic music neither detracts from nor glorifies the gory scenes, but manages to create a nightmarish-like quality that fits in with the haze of war. Although the plot is predictable, the grim depiction of the recruitment and abuse of child soldiers in Africa is nevertheless heart wrenching and hard to stomach. Attah plays Agu, a young boy living life in a small community. In the opening
scene, Agu narrates, “I am a good boy, from a good family.” Viewers see life in an unnamed West African village as families eat dinner and children play games, chanting songs to pass the time because school is no longer in session due to the military turbulence. Agu is forced to join a rebel Army after watching his father and brother be executed by government soldiers, who mistakenly believe a local witch-woman who declares that the villagers are rebels. Agu flees the bloody town square and takes refuge in the forest, where he tries to
inspected his new recruits, all pre-pubescent boys abducted from war-torn villages. The Commandant immediately becomes a father-figure for Agu and the other boys, yet under his emboldening presence lurks something darker. His ragtag army runs on blood lust, drugs and the sexual abuse and predation of the child soldiers. Agu is befriended by a mute boy named Strika, played by Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, who was also raped by the Commandant. The boys form a strange bond over their mutual abuse, finding comfort in each other’s uncomfortable silence.
survive by eating plants, which only make him ill. Agu is quickly captured by rebel forces which consist of boys his age and younger, under the command of older rebel boys following the lead of the Commandant, convincingly portrayed by Elba. “Little boys have hands to strangle, fingers to pull a trigger. A boy is very, very dangerous,” said the Commandant as he
Even though the child soldiers have been brutally stripped of their innocence, they try to reclaim it by playing tag or chasing chickens in between violent campaigns against government forces, where they set up roadblocks and launch missiles at civilian convoys. The boys’ childlike impulses are seen in their lack of training and the ways in which they quickly believe the nationalistic doctrine that the Commandant
feeds them, along with their meager bowls of rice. The Commandant runs the boys ragged from their first moment of bloody initiation (for Agu, that means splitting a man’s head in two with a machete) to raping and looting small villages, all under the guise that they are avenging their dead families. However, the Commandant’s back-story is lacking, viewers receive none of his history as to explain why he is so incredibly power hungry and corrupt. Fukunaga developed the script for this film over a period of seven years, and leaving the Commandant’s character as so morally ambiguous denies the audience answers, in the same way that none of the child soldiers, or Agu, will receive any either. Many of the children defect after the Commandant goes rogue and are sent to campus by soldiers working with the United Nations. The boys are so damaged after their experiences that they cannot function, or regain their childhood, in missionary campus along the African coast. Agu suffers nightmares and cannot relay his experiences to counselors, because as he movshows.com/Flickr says, he has seen things, done things that they can never imagine. Many of the boys leave the camps for the old security they felt in the rebel camps. Viewers are denied any chance of a happy ending, and yet, the final scenes end with the boys swimming in the ocean, a symbol of redemption and purification for them. This is their first moment of true freedom since their boyhood militarization.
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LIFE
ELC Club unites literary minded students for a fun-filled semester DELLA HETHCOX and CRISA YOUNG Life Editor, Staff Writer
The abundance of clubs at the University of Mary Washington can be overwhelming, but for some students, they have the option of joining a club that directly pertains to their major and their personal interests. One of those clubs is the English, Linguistics and Communications Club. If you have spent any time in Combs Hall, you may have noticed their literary themed fliers decorating the walls and doors. With more than 30 members, this club is dedicated to promoting a love for English, linguistics and communications, as well as building a community among students. According to Gary Richards, chair of the English department and club advisor, the club was organized in the fall of 2012 to function as a social venue for English majors. “Several students had mentioned the idea to me,” Richards said, “I was eager to have the club formed at the same time that I became Chair of the Department. I worked particularly with Tonto Duncan, who served as the first president.” Richards said that though the club was largely defunct last year, however, this year’s officers have revitalized the club and are striving to find consistency in the content that they offer to attendees. “This fall, for instance, students bombarded Prof. Zach Whalen with questions about his favorite games to play and his least favorite fonts,” Richards said during one of the Faculty Q&A sessions.
The ELC Club provides a community for readers across all genres. Christina Cox, senior English major, is the co-president of the club along with Shannon Birch, also a senior English major. Cox and Birch, with the help of Richards, plan the semester’s events, such as the Q&A sessions and the popular movie nights. Each semester, the club focuses on spreading awareness and promoting events that will interest and benefit ELC majors, as well as students outside of the ELC department. For Birch, the club is a way for students to network. “[The club] provides a place for an ELC major, or anyone else, to come and discuss their passion for their major in a non-academic setting. It also provides connec-
Madison Hall to host haunted house ARIANA BARNETT Staff Writer
Calling all spooky Halloween lovers, on Oct. 29, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Trimo Complex, comprised of Westmoreland Hall, Ball Hall, Custis Hall and Madison Hall will be hosting a haunted house in the basement of Madison Hall, featuring the infamous ‘Murder Room,’ staring hungry cannibals, or zombies. The haunted house allows students of all years and majors to get involved and work together to accomplish a goal. Additionally, it helps the freshmen become involved and appreciative of their residence halls. This year’s haunted house offers the gory scene of a contaminated factory full of quarantined victims, determined sanitation workers and famished cannibals eating their prey. Katie Hall, a senior English major and president of the Trimo Complex, has been working with the haunted house since the 2013 fall semester. Hall said that it has always been her favorite event that the complex puts on, and “this year we had more people than ever before wanting to be a part of it.” Hall encourages freshmen, as well as upperclassmen, to become a part of the event. The more students that are involved with the complex ensures that the haunted house will live to scare more students for years to come. Freshman Megan Liberty is playing the role of a cannibalized victim this year. Liberty said that she is “most excited to be a part of the haunted house with my best group of friends, rather than being a person going through it, because it gives [me] a new perspective on a classic Halloween tradition while allowing me and my friends to get involved in something fun to do all together.”
toragnede.com/Google
Liberty originally joined it to overcome her fear of haunted houses while being able to see and appreciate the background and all the effort that is put into creating a Haunted House. Seeing how much fun it is to be involved in the TWrimo Complex has inspired Liberty to become more involved in the complex’s committee during her next three years at UMW. Liz Kump, a senior and double major of English and Theatre, is the makeup and special effects artist, giving life to the all the creepy details needed to set the scene. Kump is excited about the brand new special effects that she will be attempting on all the actors participating in the haunted house this year. Kump’s artistic touches will lend just the right amount of realism and gore to the contaminated factory and spawning cannibals, created all through her makeup brushes. Come celebrate Halloween with the Trimo complex, and be sure to bring a group of friends, you do not want to be alone on a night like this.
Nicole Neu/Flickr
tions within the major, especially between upperclassmen and underclassmen who would not ordinarily be together in class,” Birch said, adding that students also get the opportunity to form relationships with professors. Although the events and weekly meetings are geared towards ELC majors, all majors are encouraged to drop in and see what the club has to offer. The club’s ELC, life treasurer, senior business major Emily Bayless. “If you’re passionate about any of the stuff we talk about, you’re more than welcome to join,” Cox said. The club tries to produce a variety of events, and this semester is no exception. In the past, they have hosted a Poetry
Slam in the Underground and driven to poetry readings throughout the state. However, this semester the club is tackling the questions regarding the latest addition of the new major: communications. The Q&A sessions this semester are focusing exclusively on the communication professors, which will give students insight into the long-awaited major. On Oct. 29, the club starts a new series starring book-to-movie adaptation movie nights. Their first film with be “Clueless,” in addition to the screening, the will also hold a costume contest complete with prizes. In the future, the club plans to hold more Q&A sessions with department faculty, as well as hold a book drive. If you have suggestions for events, do not be shy about mentioning them to any of the club officers. They are always on the lookout for appropriately-themed events for the members. If the idea of joining a new club sounds intimidating, do not let that stop you. For Cox, this club is the perfect mixture of academic and social. “Everyone is really easygoing and fun to be around; we have some meetings where we just hang out and eat food together. It’s a calm, stress-free environment, so even though we’re talking about things that pertain to the classes we’re involved in, it isn’t completely academic,” Cox said. The club meets every Thursday at 5:45 p.m. at the Mansion, located across from Combs Hall on the corner of William Street and College Avenue.
Upcoming events for graduating seniors As the Fall semester of 2015 is approaching its halfway mark, many seniors are starting to seriously contemplate their futures. Throughout next week, the Center for Career and Professional Development is offering workshops on topics ranging from resume building to professional wear, in attempt to prepare students for future employers. • On Oct. 26 at 4 p.m., Todd Florsheim from the Office of Personnel Management will hold a session about how to write and tailor your resume if you are interested in a job with the federal government. This session will take place in Lee Hall room 411. • The biggest event of the week will be the Job and Internship Fair on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Anderson Center. More than 40 regional and local employers will be offering jobs and internships to eager students. These employers represent the commonwealth and federal government, as well as non-profit organizations and corporations. Staff encourages students to arrive dressed in business professional attire, with resumes in hand. • As always, if you have questions about future employment options, your resume or what to wear to an interview, students are encouraged to contact the Center for Career and Professional Development at 540-654-5646.
Academic and Career Services
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NEWS
Rocktoberfest performers offers new takes on well-known songs, blending folk and alternative rock
POLICE BEAT
P O L I C E
BY ESTER SALGUERO Assistant News Edtor
POSSESSION VIOLATIONS
On Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 2 a.m. a student received an administrative referral due to possession of Marijuana in Willard Hall.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 12:20 a.m. a student received an administrative referral due to possession of Marijuana in Westmoreland Hall.
LARCENY
On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 9:10 p.m. an incident of larceny was reported from the Anderson Center. The investigation is unfounded.
VANDALISM
On Sunday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. vandalism occurred at Eagle Landing. The case is pending.
The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe.
New photo challenge, annual LipSync are features of this year’s Homecoming celebration •HOMECOMING | 2 ing. I hope they can seize the free food and music,” Milroy said. Similarly, senior theatre major Edward Yates believes the event is a good outlet for students, predominantly as a way to take a break from the daily grind. “They’re kind of stress relievers,” Yates said about the homecoming events. However, Yates said the sports events are outside of the university, and hopes for more events within the university itself, such as the annual LipSync competition in Dodd Auditorium. “I don’t particularly relate to sport events, especially since they’re far away,” Yates said. “Dodd Auditorium is closer access.” Whether students enjoy snapping photos or gearing up for great games through tailgating, UMW is setting to guarantee something for every student this week.
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Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press
UMW’s Office of Disability Resources and Student Organizations team up for Disability Awareness Month NEPHTHALIE LAUTURE Staff Writer
In an effort to raise awareness for people with disabilities, newly appointed Director of the Office of Disability Resources, Sandra Fritton, has begun to bring education regarding disabilities to the forefront of the University and the Fredericksburg community. As enrollment has increased, according to Fritton, it is particularly important we start creating an atmosphere of understanding and respect now more than ever. “As our community grows,” Fritton said, “we will continually evolve and need ongoing improvements to promote inclusiveness. The ultimate goal is equal opportunity and mutual respect.” Last week, the Office of Disability Resources made Campus Walk a place where students and faculty could write down their various strengths and weaknesses. The sign was meant to showcase one of the key themes for the month: perseverance. “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and learning to build on strengths and work to improve weaknesses is a universal goal that everyone experiences,” as Fritton said. University of Mary Washington student groups such as Talk to the Hands, a group that focuses on American Sign Language and the deaf community, and Diversability, have been one of the largest participants in the month-long event. UMW’s Diversability, a group that includes students with all different forms of disabilities, will lead a Braille workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Ball Circle on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The workshop will teach any student or teacher passing by how to write their name in Braille. UMW Talk to the Hands will end the month with a screening of Nosferatu, the 1922 silent film taking place in the Hurley Convergence Center on Friday, Oct. 30. The event is meant to give students and faculty a pre-Halloween event
that can be appreciate by people within the deaf community and outside of it. Stephanie Buckler, junior and vice president of Talk to the Hands, said the collaboration between the Office of Disability Resources has been a positive experience and has high hopes for the silent film and the month’s overall goal for students, particularly to the deaf community. “I hope disabilities month brings awareness to not only the disability but that the deaf community doesn’t see deafness as a disability, just another thing that makes them different and adds diversity to the world,” Buckler said. Interestingly, Disability Awareness Month is not limited to UMW, as it is an event that has been present in the state of Virginia since 2009. For, in 2009 the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution designating October as Disability Awareness month. The entire month of October is meant to especially encourage public schools and universities to promote disability awareness through varying programs and activities. Among other events, Disability Awareness Month has also included the talk given by Dalton Herendeen, UMW assistant swim coach and U.S. Paralympian and a presentation given by Julia Bascom, assisted by Chris Foss, professor of English, and his FSEM class, which focuses on the autistic community. All events were open to the UMW and Fredericksburg communities. According to Fritton, the events have been well received by people within and outside of the university. “Through awareness, a culture of mutual respect can be developed with equal opportunities for all students as a goal,” Fritton said. The push for greater accessibility and awareness for students with disabilities is not only limited to this month, but a continuous effort by the university, which will result in greater physical and instructional changes in the future that will make the university an equal playing field for all students.
“As our community grows, we will continually evolve and need ongoing improvements to promote inclusiveness. The ultimate goal is equal opportunity and mutual respect.” - Sandra Fritton
•ROCKTOBERFEST | 11 The atmosphere completely changed as Maggie Says took the stage. As they presented an assortment of melancholy rock songs, originals and surprisingly even an alternative spin on Lorde’s pop song “Royals.” Originating in Virginia Beach, the band’s members include Gregory Chandler on the electric guitar and Ryan Nelson on the drums. Chandler explained that the band prefers to be a two-member unit as it allows for easy movement and collaboration. Maggie Says derives its inspirations from real life experiences which they creatively write into music, with a few minor adjustments to make it more interesting, of course.
“Both Maggie Says and Virginia Man have a unique sound that brings a crowd.” - Josh Smallwood Ashley Peacock, member of the Campus Programing Board, said that she appreciates their performances. “[I’ve] Heard them a couple times [already] and [have always] had a good time,” Peacock said. Similarly, Josh Smallwood, president of the Class Council, stated that each of the bands had something important to offer. “Both Maggie Says and Virginia Man have a unique sound that brings a crowd,” Smallwood said.
Brian Goulet
NEWS
Fellow professors and students remember Dabb’s kindness and her passion for art history
UMW Releases 2016 “Great Lives” Lineup, featuring the author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
•DABB | 1 offer encouragement. She was a dear friend and colleague and I will miss her presence.” Garmon says Dabb was, “a member of our family who always put us first.” Dabb’s students have also experienced deep sorrow at hearing of her passing. Junior Art History major, Emily Warren was first introduced to the world of Art History by Dabb. Dabb taught Warren to love art history and all it has to offer. “She impacted my life immensely, and I am so grateful to have met her,” Warren says,” She will be greatly missed.” Several current and former students are sharing their sorrow over her loss on social media, like alum Bridget Sullivan, who used Facebook to say a final goodbye to the beloved professor.
University Relations
“Professor, your wisdom, passion, and gentility are remembered, though you are no longer with us on this Earth. Say hello to Alfred for me.” The members of the UMW community that met Dabb during her time hear will forever remember her. “She will be missed by her entire UMW family, “ says Garmon. Though Dabb has left this earth, she will remain forever in the hearts and minds of all who met her. There will soon be a tribute to Dabb in the University Galleries, according to Richard Finkelstein’s on EagleEye, the UMW faculty and staff newsletter. According to Myers Ogden Mortuary, A funeral for Dabb will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct 24, 2015 at North Ogden LDS 16th Ward, 205 E. Elberta Drive. The viewing will be that Friday from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. and Saturday before the service from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
UMW Philharmonic reminiscences on anxiety before, accolades following show with Carreras
Taking place from Jan.14 to April 14, the Chappell Great Lives Series offers various figures that are meant to draw interests from students and members of the Fredericksburg community. Water laps the shore of the Galapagos Islands as Charles Darwin conducts indelible research that opens centuries of new research and theories in the scientific community. A relatively unknown Virginia woman dies of cancer. When her body is found, scientists discover that her cells can live on, and the first successful human cell cloning was followed by decades of biological research. Television viewers of 15 and 50 years have seen firsthand or heard secondhand from their parents or grandparents about Bob Hope and his impact on television and comedy. The University of Mary Washington and members of the community will get to learn about these figures and more during the 2016 Chappell Great Lives Series.
Spring 2016 lecture schedule:
Jan 14- Jack London James L. Haley Jan 21- Geogria O’Keeffe Roxana Robinson Jan 28- Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot Feb 2- Alexander Graham Bell Charlotte Gray
•CARRERAS | 1 ment our goal and overcame our fear.” When Carreras came to the United States, the orchestra performed four rehearsals together, an unusual amount of rehearsals for a guest performer, according to Bartram. “He wanted to experience small town America,” Bartram said. “Been to New York and Los Angeles, but he wanted to experience real America with real Americans.” According to Bartram, the UMW Philharmonic started rehearsing this week for their POPs Christmas performance, beginning Dec. 3, wasting no time in between Carreras’ performance and the Christmas shows. In addition, the UMW Philharmonic
UMW Philharmonic
will be hosting a second celebrated artist in the spring of 2016, Joshua Bell, who will be performing with the Philharmonic on Saturday, March 26. Bell has performed for President Obama numerous times and is considered one of the greatest classical superstars of modern classical performers. Advanced tickets will go on sale to the general public on Nov. 9. For friends of the Philharmonic, sales start Nov. 2. Ridder encouraged students adept at playing music to get involved in the Philharmonic, comparing the experience to playing sports, and asked for support from student body. “Encouragement and involvement would definitely help us become greater! Music has a big impact on any community,” Ridder said.
One author in particular, Rebecca Skloot, will be presenting a lecture on Henrietta Lacks. Skloot’s book, called “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” was the UMW Common Reads book for incoming freshman students this year. According to Miranda O’Connor, sophomore biology major, the lecture series can offer someone who is interested in a certain figure the opportunity to learn more about that figure and his or her life. “If you‘re interested in a certain section, it broadens your perspectives,” O’Connor said. In the same way, Emily Dzubak, junior sociology major, viewed guest speakers who come to the university as a benefit for students, especially students who are unable to leave the university to attend outside events. “If you can’t make it out of town to go somewhere, it’s nice to have people come to you,” Dzubak said. “It’s good to be informed about what’s going on with things.”
Feb 4- Johnny Cash Mark Stielper
Mar 10- William Tecumseh Sherman Robert L. O’Connell Mar 15- Charles Darwin Janet Browne Mar 17- Secretariat William Nack Mar 22- Civil War Female Spies Karen Abbott
Feb 9- Aviation Icons Winston Groom
Mar 24- TR and FDR: Enviornmentalist presidents Douglas Brinkley
Feb 11- Matthew Fontaine Maury John Grady
Mar 29- Oliver Cromwell Jeremy Black
Feb 18- Jesse Owens Jeremy Schapp
Apr 12- Jefferson Davis James M. McPherson
Feb 25- Ethel Payne James McGrath Morris
Apr 14- Dwight D. Eisenhower Evan Thomas
Mar 8- Bob Hope Richard Zoglin 11
SPORTS
Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Women’s soccer on defensive hot streak CHRIS MARKHAM Editor-in-Chief
The University of Mary Washington women’s soccer team has had a dominant start to their conference schedule, currently sitting at 4-2-1 in the conference and 9-61 overall and outscoring opponents by a score of 21-7. Both of the Eagles’ losses were had one-goal differentials and their victories have been by an average margin of 3.6 goals. This number is exaggerated by the Eagles’ statement 9-0 victory over Marymout University on Saturday, Oct. 17. The historic blowout was led by senior midfielder Lizzie Weast, who netted four goals for the Eagles to go along with two assists. All four of Weast’s goals came unassisted. Junior Maryfay Jackson added two goals of her own while freshmen Mari-
sa Madaras, Dana Eckerstrom and Ellie Maston rounded out the rest of the scoring for the Eagles with one goal each. Weast’s dominating performance tied her for the school record in most points in a single game, a record originally set in 1988 by Debbie Greisse who scored five goals in a single game. Most impressively, The Eagles outshot the Saints 32-3, showing their dominance on both the offense and defensive end. In the game before their drudging of Marymount, the Eagles had another impressive shutout victory over conference rival Southern Virginia University. Their 4-0 victory was led by Madaras who netted two goals while juniors Jackson and Meghan Turney contributed to the scoring as well. The Eagles outshot the Knights 2411 in the game, proving again to control the
game on both ends. In their most recent outing, a home game against Frostburg State on Oct. 21, the Eagles tied the Bobcats. The two teams were evenly matched throughout the game, drawing after two overtime periods with a score of 0-0. The teams were so evenly matched that the shots were virtually identical, with the Eagles recording 13 and the Bobcats recording 14. Regardless of the tie, the Eagles have not given up a goal in three consecutive games and only four goals total in their six games in the month of October. The Eagles will look to extend their shutout streak on Saturday during homecoming when UMW takes on Salisbury at 1 p.m.
CAC Players of the Week: Lizzie Weast
UMW Athletics
Senior Lizzie Weast was named player of the week for tying the UMW record with points in a game, as she scored four goals and had two assists against Marymount.
Jessica Cavolt
2015: MLB’s year of the underdog HOGAN LEPORE Staff Writer
UMW Athletics
Freshman field hockey goalie Jessica Cavolt was chosen as CAC field hockey player of the week. Cavolt was chosen as player of the week for her consecutive shutouts, including six saves against Dickinson in a 1-0 victory and two saves in a 2-0 win against St. Mary’s College.
Club Team Spotlight: Field Hockey MBDChicago/Flick
Amazingly enough, the Major League Baseball Postseason is slowly coming to an end. It seems as if only a couple months ago the first pitch of the 2015 season was being thrown in Chicago on Sunday night of April 5. This year’s postseason has seen some significant changes from previous years, with popular teams not living up to their expectations, while others are exceeding said expectations. Major League Baseball is not the easiest professional sport for players to be great at, as many teams have yet to experience “greatness.” This is do the lack of a no salary cap in baseball. Unlike the NFL or NBA, teams
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
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are restricted by how much money their owner has. With that being said, the most successful teams originate in bigger market cities, such as New York and Boston. Whereas, smaller market cities like Milwaukee and Colorado, and their prospective teams, are at a disadvantage. Both the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets are dueling in the National League Championship Series, with the victor set to head to the World Series. These two hungry franchises have longed for any postseason berth, let alone a World Series appearance. The last time the Cubs appeared in the World Series was 1945, against the Detroit Tigers and have not hoisted a World Series trophy since 1908, the longest drought in baseball and sports history. To put in perspective, the year that the University of Mary Washington was founded was the year the Cubs last won the World Series. As for the Mets, the last time they raised a National League Pennant was 2000 and last won a world series in 1986. This history of mediocrity between these two teams is what makes this year’s National League Championship Series matchup so special to all baseball fans. That, plus the fact that in the iconic movie Back to the Future predicted a Cubs World Series Championship in 2015. The same can be said about the American League Championship Series. This championship series also consists of two historically mediocre franchises. Besides the Royals recent success, in 2014, they have not won an American
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League Pennant since 1985. While the Toronto Blue Jays have not made a World Series appearance since 1995, when the infamous Joe Carter hit a three-run walk off homerun to win the World Series crown. Both franchises have had their fair share of postseason woes, as each franchise has a combined 15 playoff appearances. The Yankees have 52 themselves. The fact that four recent struggling Major League Baseball franchises are all together in the semifinals of the postseason is pretty remarkable and pleasing to most fans. Followers of baseball, or any sports league in general, enjoy seeing lackluster teams turn it around and become great, for who can resist the classic ‘underdog’ story. Although these championship series may not draw a big viewing crowds like a more star-studded Boston Red Sox/ New York Yankees American League Championship Series or perhaps a San Francisco Giants/ Los Angeles Dodgers National League Championship Series, fans still seem to eat up successful teams who were once poor. Overall, Major League Baseball is changing dramatically in a way we have never seen before. Hopefully this change is for the best as the product or quality of baseball has not changed, however the franchises have.
CJ CUMMINGS Staff Writer
This past weekend, on Saturday, Oct 17, the women’s club field hockey team played in the third annual Play4TheCure tournament. This tournament was put on by the University of Mary Washington team in order to raise money for the National Foundation for Cancer Research. With a great turn out, the team was able to raise $490 through their bake sale and silent auction, which was held during the games at the campus recreational fields. UMW’s field hockey team will be taking donations up until the end of October, as they are attempting to raise up to $1,000. During the tournament the Eagles played a doubleheader, which was their first game this season, against American University, winning with a very close score of 2-1. Goals were scored by captains Jenna Williams, senior, and Chesley De Leon, junior. The next game in the tournament was against Navy, which did not go as great as their opening game of the tournament against American University. The Eagles lost by a score of 3-0. “The team played hard, worked well together and had lots of fun,” said De Leon about the outcome of the second game. The women’s club field hockey team will be back in action as they will be playing in the Hocktoberfest, hosted by the University of Maryland. This will be the last tournament for the club field hockey team for the fall season and it will take place during the weekend of Halloween. “The team is made up of wonderful individuals who have created a bond through the sport that we all love,” said De Leon.
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