The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

OCTOBER 23, 2014

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 7

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Homecoming concert delayed until November

HOPE RACINE News Editor

In a departure from tradition, the University of Mary Washington’s Homecoming weekend will not feature a concert as part of this year’s festivities.

In lieu of a musical concert as the headline entertainment, the ever popular Lip Sync will take center stage on Thursday, Oct. 3.

The event, which is always organized by class council, features students performing dance and lip sync routines to their favorite songs.

“I don’t mind because Lip Sync is such a fun event and more people should go,” senior economics major Lauren Duncan said.

Previous homecoming entertainment has included groups such as Grouplove, Taking Back Sunday and America’s Got Talent contestant David Garibaldi.

“I honestly enjoyed the concert last year a lot more than I enjoyed the sports, so I was disappointed when I found out there’s no concert,” Duncan said.

While Saturday’s events revolve around sports games and tailgating, some students feel like the lack of concert this year takes away from the excitement of the weekend.

“At most schools, the concerts are advertised as part of homecoming, and it makes it a little less traditional,” senior

TEAR DOWN THIS WALL | 11 Hope Racine/ Blue & Gray Press

psychology Meghan Bringueo said.

While the concert will not be a part of the homecoming lineup, Giant Productions announced on Wednesday, Oct. 22 that there will be a concert later in November featuring artist Dev. Dev, a rapper, is best known for her song “Bass Down Low” and her song “Booty Bounce,” which was sampled in the popular Far East Movement song “Like a G6.”

That concert will be held on Nov. 20.

HOMECOMING 2014 ACTIVITIES

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23

CLASS COUNCIL LIPSYNC CONTEST 8 P.M. DODD

FRIDAY OCTOBER 24

CARNIVAL 5 P.M. BALL CIRCLE ARH PEP RALLY & BONFIRE 6:30 P.M. JEFFY SQUARE

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25

SPORTS GAMES ALL DAY BATTLEGROUNDS TAILGATE 10 A.M. BATTLEGROUNDS

SUNDAY OCTOBER 26

IN THIS

ISSUE

COMMUNITY CLEANUP 10 A.M. BELL TOWER

Alumni give record amount to Mary Washington First campaign DAHLIA SOMERS Staff Writer

Due to the planning that went into the five year Mary Washington First campaign, the school’s $50 million campaign goal is now within reach. By the end of the fourth fiscal year of the campaign, the projected donations are safely over $40 million.

The campaign was created to help spotlight the University of Mary Washington as a first-rate liberal arts school. It was a goal to create momentum, energy and excitement for the university, as well as increase private funds.

The campaign targets alumni, parents and friends of UMW. “We want our donors, our friends, our parents, when they’re thinking about charitable giving, to put Mary Washington first,” said Ken Steen, associate vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Private funding is used by the school to create a higher quality college experience and environment for students by maintaining a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and offering a range of academic programs led by experts in their given fields.

The funds from the campaign are allocated to seven areas. Scholarships receive $15 million, followed by UMW Program Initiatives with $10 million. The Fund for Mary Washington receives $7 million, the amphitheater reconstruction receives $3 million and $5 million each for the College of Arts & Science, College of Business and College of Education.

Data from the 2014 fiscal year shows that 61 percent of the goal, or $30,676,796 in funds have been raised. The campaign is projected to run for two more years.

The 2014 fiscal year was a banner year; the university totaled $12.1 million in gifts

and pledges, representing a 37 percent increase from fourth quarter totals for the fiscal year 2013.

However, dividing the money can be difficult because each department has its own interests and goals, which all require different levels of funding “Well as far as allocation, I think that the fact that the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and College of Education all get equal amounts – that’s good,” junior geology major Taylor Coxon said. “I’m a science major so I want more money for science and science research. I don’t know how much the College of Education or College of Business need or use, but I know that research takes a lot of money.”

As of March 31, $11.5 million has been committed for Program Initiatives, surpassing the $10 million goal. Program Initiatives include funds such as Arts for the Community, the Libraries and Information Technology and Center for Honor and athletics.

A campaign requires effort and support to be successful; it is not immediate, Steen noted.

“You don’t dare go public until you have all your ducks in a row because one of the ways you raise $50 million is by being extremely organized and strategic,” Steen said.

According to Steen, Mary Washington First had a solid planning period of eight to nine months before being brought to the Board of Visitors for their approval. After that, starting July 1, 2011, there was a ‘silent’ or ‘quiet’ phase when lead money was gathered. During that time, campaign gifts and pledges totaled $28.5 million.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the •DONORS | 2

SPEAK OUT

NO FLY

HOMECOMING

Essayist Elena Passarello visits campus

Could travel bans be making the Ebola outbreak worse?

UMW sports gear up for Homecoming weekend

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 12

NEWS

Feminists unite on campus to campaign for change

THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION

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

EDITORS-AT-LARGE Emily Hollingsworth/ The Blue & Gray Press

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Feminists United on Campus has never been a group to hold back when it comes to saying what they believe.

The group has used posters, meetings and has regularly set a table outside of Lee Hall to spread awareness about the different issues that they are passionate about.

FUC’s goals this semester include educating students regarding gender equality, the importance of consent in romantic relationships and recognizing abusive behavior.

Feminists United has been active in spreading awareness about gender equality, not only on campus, but outside as well.

Between Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, students from FUC went to participate in the “We Are Women Constitution Day Rally” in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the rally was to persuade Congress to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. First proposed in 1923, the amendment would give equal rights to women.

In an effort to spread awareness about gender equality among students this semester, Feminists United has encouraged students to post pictures of themselves describing the reasons that they support gender equality and post it on their twitter accounts using the hashtag #WeForWeUMW. “WeForWeUMW” was inspired by the campaign “HeForShe,” a global initiative led by actress Emma Watson to solve the inequalities women face in the world by asking for the support of men.

According to the website, “HeForShe brings together one half of humanity in

support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.”

“WeForWeUMW” shares a similar goal, but FUC seeks to extend its message of equality to a broader audience, including those who do not identify themselves as male or female.

“We want to include people of all genders,” said Bailey Meeks, a junior creative writing and women’s and gender studies double major.

Feminists United’s push for gender equality resonates with freshman Heather Taylor.

“I believe that feminism focuses more on gender equality rather than empowering women above men,” Taylor said.

In addition to campaigning for gender equality, FUC is also working to spotlight the importance of consent in romantic relationships.

The “Yes Is Key” campaign, an initiative founded by UMW, focuses on student consent and the importance of direct communication during sexual activity.

“Without communication, there is no consent,” said senior international affairs and women’s and gender studies double major Paige Mckinsey, the president of FUC. According to a report issued by the White House in 2012, one in five women are sexually assaulted while in college.

This is why Mckinsey believes that students giving consent is an important message for both female and male students.

FUC has been giving out buttons and cards detailing the “Yes Is Key” campaign, as well as spreading posters across campus.

“We wanted to use as many resources

as possible to communicate strongly our point,” Mckinsey said.

In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, FUC has handed out flyers from local organizations, such as the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault and Empowerhouse, which inform, educate and provide shelter for those affected by sexual or domestic violence.

FUC holds weekly meetings that have approximately 30-50 students in attendance and an email list that averages 300 students, according to senior Sarah Palmer, the FUC secretary.

Palmer said being a member of FUC has been important to her. According to Palmer, FUC has given her “an opportunity to see and share about the oppression that I see around me.”

These events have not been the only ones FUC will lead this semester. On Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. FUC will collaborate with other student groups focused on social justice, such as Divest UMW and Student Anti-Violence Educators (SAVE), to hold a rally called “Make Noise.” The intent of the rally is to show solidarity as students and raise awareness for various organizations and causes among the student body.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, FUC will protest outside of President Hurley’s home to voice their concerns about the university’s involvement with sexual assault policies.

Meanwhile, FUC will continue to spread awareness about these issues by holding meetings and standing outside of Lee Hall.

“We’ll be out here as much as we can,” Mckinsey said.

Donation campaign breaks fundraising records •DONORS | 1 many generous supporters who already have made their campaign commitments to Mary Washington,” said Torre Meringolo, vice president for Advancement and University Relations.

The campaign was made public last May. For a campaign like this, it needs “good people and belief in the institution,” Steen said. “People give to institutions like Mary Washington because they believe in it and they believe in the leadership. People give because they passionately believe in the education they received. It made a huge impact in their lives and they had life changing experience so they support the campaign.”

Savannah Stuart, a junior computer science major, is grateful to the people backing the campaign.

“I really appreciate it when people donate to the school because we want to

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make it nice so we can get more students and more funding,” Stuart said.

Although the school has a small number of alumni compared to other schools, the percentage of alumni participation and donation is still impressive.

“For the past five years Mary Washington has been third in the commonwealth in publics [schools] for percentage of alumni participation, behind UVA and William and Mary,” Steen said.

According to Steen, the Mary Washington First campaign’s success has been in part because of the great team leading it, but mostly because the school leaves a lasting impression on the people who have come to visit, who teach and especially those who have received their education here.

On the Mary Washington First webpage, President Hurley talks about how alumni can become more involved in a short video

series titled “Conversations with President Hurley.”

In the four episode series, President Hurley answers questions submitted by Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) about UMW and how alumni can contribute to the university and be involved.

“You as a student should major in a discipline that you really like to do because overarching the discipline, our effort is to make sure you know how to speak well, write well, think critically, solve problems, analyze problems, debate cogently argue your points of view and do it with confidence in the classroom,” Hurley said. “If you leave here with that skill set you can do anything that comes along in your life regardless of the undergraduate major that you received while you were here.”

Many alumni seek to give back to the university by investing in UMW and in the future of current students.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alison Thoet

MANAGING EDITOR Mariah Young

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jonathan Polson

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Hope Racine Nephthalie Lauture

VIEWPOINTS Tess Osmer

LIFE

Amanda Motley

SPORTS Chris Markham

ONLINE Lauren Brumfield

PHOTO

Ginny Clark

ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER Cara Sexton

FACULTY ADIVSOR Steve Klein

CORRECTIONS In the article “Musical playlist from a student like you” by Ruth Bordett published in the Oct. 9 edition of The Blue & Gray Press, the first song was listed incorrectly. It was printed as “Beware the Dog” by The Griswolds, Be Impressive (2014). The correct title is “To Young Leaders” by Guante and Big Cats, You Better Weaponize.”

In the Oct. 9 edition of the paper, the crossword was incorrectly attributed to the wrong staff writer. The correct creator is Courtland Lyle.

The photo accompanying the Oct. 9 story “Students welcome fall on ball Circle with Tocktoberfest” was incorrectly attributed to the wrong photographer. The correct photographer is Emily Hanson

Thursday, October 23, 2014

SPORTS

Name debate continues as Redskins continue to struggle

and even politicians and notable celebrities, to voice their opinion.

“If I were Snyder, I would think about “This is their year.” Four words heard changing the Redskins’ name,” Obama muttered prior to the start of every season said in a press conference. for the Washington Redskins. Currently With the controversy growing, the U.S. standing at 2-5, it seems as though it may Patent and Trademark Office removed the be another year where things just do not go trademark protection for the Redskins, statright for the Skins. With a number of other ing that the term is derogatory. A number injuries plaguing the team out of Washing- of journalists and broadcasters (including ton, including one to their starting quar- hall-of-fame quarterback and broadcaster terback Robert Griffin III, it may seem as for CBS Phil Simms) have also stated that though their disappointing start is the big- they refuse to use the name Redskins in any gest worry for owner Daniel Snyder. form of media. This, along with other bad This, however, is not the truth, as the publicity has caused trouble for Snyder and owner for more than 15 years now is cur- the rest of the organization. Recently, the rently struggling with a debate over the ti- ever so popular show South Park, known tle of his team. The debate at hand, which for spoofing organizations and celebrities, many may have already heard of, is over aired an episode poking fun at Snyder and the title Redskins and whether or not it is the Skins. derogatory toward American Indians.

In 1933, the NFL team was the Boston This issue revolving around a possible Braves, and they changed their team name name change has prompted numerous fans, to the Boston Redskins in an attempt to separate themselves from Major League Baseball’s Boston Braves, while maintaining the same logo. The team then moved to Washington in 1937, where they have remained since. Then owner George Preston Marshall reportedly named the team in honor of then head coach William Dietz, Doomgloom sports who was said to be People of all backgrounds continue to protest the name on the streets. part American Indian,

MIKEY BARNES Staff Writer

along with a number of the members of the team with apparent American Indian backgrounds.

The word Redskin itself has a number of meanings, all referring to American Indians. One of the two most notable definitions of the term is that it refers to the skin color of American Indians USATSI being similar to that of the color red. The sec-Redskins owner Dan Snyder is adament against changing the name. is a football player. A Redskin is our ond most commonly suggested idea behind the term is the fact fans. The Washington Redskins fan base American Indians were known to cover represents honor, represents respect, represents pride.” themselves in red paint.

Snyder’s continuous efforts to preserve The possibility of it referring to their skin tone is the basis of this back-and-forth de- the Redskins name has continued to spark bate. Dozens of different American Indian and increase these debates. The owner retribes have expressed distaste for their or- fuses to budge in his support of the team ganization’s name, as have members of the and the name it bears, despite the current Indian Affairs Committee, who have stat- animosity toward the team.

University of Mary Washington students ed that they refuse to support a team that voiced their own opinions on the situation boasts such a “derogatory” title.

With all the criticism he has received, at hand.

“They need to keep the name as is and Snyder continues to stick to his guns and is adamant in his refusal to change the team’s move on from this debate,” sophomore name. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Martin Gomez said.

Only time will tell which direction this “Outside the Lines,” Snyder said that the term is not an attack on American Indians case takes. No matter which direction you and your opinion may lean, keeping an eye and that it is actually a compliment.

“It’s just historical truths, and I’d like on the situation at hand is important. The them to understand, as I think most do, voice of the people can ultimately hold the that the name really means honor, respect,” deciding factor.

The Redskins will take on the Dallas Snyder told John Barr of ESPN. When asked what his definition of a Cowboys on Monday, October 27, in one Redskin was, he responded, “A Redskin of the best rivalries in sports.

Swim teams kick off new season Weekly Scoreboard CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

Field Hockey:

Oct. 22 vs. York (W) UMW: 5 York: 3 Oct. 18 vs. Saint Mary’s (W) UMW: 4 St. Mary’s: 2

Men's Soccer:

Oct. 22 vs Saint Mary’s (W) UMW: 3 St. Mary’s: 1 Oct. 19 @ Christopher Newport (W) UMW: 2 CNU: 1

Volleyball:

Oct. 22vs. Wesley (W) UMW: 3 Wesley: 0 Oct. 18 @ Saint Mary’s (W) UMW: 3 St. Mary’s: 1

Upcoming:

Men’s Soccer:

Oct. 25 vs. Wesley (Homecoming) @ 3:30 p.m.

The winningest program in the University of Mary Washington’s history maintained their status quo on Saturday, Oct. 18 when both the men’s and women’s swim teams scored easy victories against Catholic University in the first home action of the season and their third competition so far.

After dropping their first dual meets of the year at Washington & Lee University on Friday, Oct. 17, both the men and the women rebounded well with marginal wins the next day in their own Goolrick pool.

The men won by a score of 155-107, while the women toppled the Cardinals 165.596.5.

“I think that our meets back-to-back this weekend were a great start to the season,” said senior Riley Scalzo said. “We were able to get up and race and push through two days of hard events although we were tired.”

On the men’s side, the Eagles saw nine first-place finishes that day. Three-time national champion Alex Anderson got his senior year off to a good start after winning

Women’s Soccer:

Oct. 25 vs. Penn-State Harrisburg (Homecoming) @ 1 p.m.

Volleyball:

Oct. 25 vs. Penn State Harrisburg (Homecoming) @ 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 vs. Virginia Wesleyan (Homecoming) @ 5 p.m.

Field Hockey:

Oct. 25 @ Salisbury

UMW Athletics Three-time national champion, Alex Anderson.

the 50 freestyle at 21.35 and the 100 butterfly at 50.41. The 200-yard medley relay team of senior Misha Yelmgren, freshman Kenyon Huber-Wilker, sophomore Dallas Tarkenton and senior Mike Hudgins also scored a victory with a time of 1:43.39.

Yelmgren also won the 100 backstroke with a time of 54.41. Freshman Matt Martinez won a pair of races, one being the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:02.19 and the other being the 200 IM in 2:03.62. Sophomore Tyler Gimple also scored two victories in the 200 freestyle (1:48.84) and the 500 freestyle (4:58.53).

The women had an equally as dominant outing, totaling 11 first-place finishes. Senior Robin Brazier won both the 100 backstroke at 1:02.25 and the 200 backstroke at 2:14.54. The other two Eagles to score two individual victories was sophomore Shannon Coryell in the 50 freestyle (25.63) and 100 freestyle (55.36) and fellow sophomore Anna Corley in the 100 butterfly and the 200 IM. Other individual winners included junior Ashley Walnut in the 1,000 freestyle, freshman Megan Murphy in the 200 freestyle, junior Hannah Hagy in the 100 breaststroke, junior Abby Cox in the 200 butterfly and senior Alex Parrish in the 200 breaststroke.

“Although we lost nine seniors last year due to graduation, we are full of talent,” Scalzo said. “The girls team is a small team this year which makes us a very close knit group who is always supporting each other.”

The swim teams will be in action once again on Friday, Oct. 24 when they travel to the College of William and Mary.

Cisse and Steele earn weekly CAC honors

UMW Athletics

Freshman Ben Cisse was named CAC Offensive Player of the Week for men’s soccer this past week for his stellar performance against Christopher Newport. Cisse scored one goal and recorded an assist in the Eagles’ 2-1 win over the No. 11 Captains.

UMW Athletics

Junior Jenna Steele was selected as the CAC field hockey Offensive Player of the Week last week after recording two goals and four assits in the Eagles’ three victories this week. Steele leads the CAC in goals and points.

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VIEWPOINTS

Editorial: Why Ebola is a matter of severity

While the topic of Ebola continues to rule headlines, we would like to take a moment to emphasize the fact that, despite the amount of jokes that have been made in the media or perhaps even by friends, this disease is incredibly serious and should not be made into a laughing matter.

The fact is that this outbreak is not a joke, as it is affecting over 10,000 members of the African population and has already claimed the lives of over 5,000.

We at The Blue & Gray Press are disgruntled with the lack of sympathy on a subject that is all too prevalent in the country currently.

For example, our country is debating travel bans that would halt the travel of many people who have been helping fight this disease in other countries, as well as those who wish to continue the fight.

CBC News, a Canadian news source, reported that last week the World Health Organization projected that by Dec. 1 the number of new Ebola cases in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone would be 5,000 to 10,000 per week.

These projections could result in death rate tolls on an annualized basis that would put Ebola at the number six spot on the list of most deaths from communicable diseases around the world.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working closely with the World Health Organization, state and local health departments, clinicians and other

partners to better understand and manage the public health risks posed by Ebola Virus Disease. As of Oct. 17, one imported case and two secondary cases of Ebola virus disease have been identified in the United States.

It is imperative to understand that where this disease is hitting the hardest is a place where medicine is close to unattainable. Doctors from all over the world have traveled to eradicate the advances of this disease because Africa itself is a continent that does not have enough resources to handle the disease.

Sierra Leone alone has a life expectancy of 55 years. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. Organizations such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders have been continuously working to help in countries such as these, but there has been slow improvement.

Moreover, the disease spreads more easily in these areas. It is not until the disease has started to show physical signs that the infected even realize they are sick.

Therefore, the disease rapidly continues to grow in cases.

In conditions such as these, we ask that our community rise above and realize the severity of this disease, and be conscious not to make insensitive jokes.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Virtual dating in China becomes controversal

MEGAN FLOURNEY Staff Writer

CNN/Creative Commons

Gone are the days of courtships and going on dates. Online dating, and even virtual dating, are now the norm.

China has a new service that offers a “virtual lover,” according to CNN. For about 20 yuan, or $3 a day, one can “hire a boyfriend or girlfriend to talk to on the phone or chat online to make you feel like you’re in love,” said Zhang Dayu from CNN Beijing.

Both men and women can choose their ideal lover from numerous options, such as doll-like girls or mature women for men, and, for women, a comforting man, funny lad or understanding uncle.

These virtual lovers and their significant others do not share personal information or photos and are not allowed to engage in video chat.

As enlightening as a relationship with “no strings attached” sounds, it seems to be very dangerous. These “virtual girlfriends/ boyfriends” are involved with many lovers at once, and I feel that would pull on the heartstrings of both people involved.

Both sides of the relationship have potential emotional struggles, and those involved must be careful not to get attached because this dating service is completely unlike online dating services.

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Online relationships can be healthy if they turn into real physical human relationships. With online dating, men and women talk, meet face-to-face and sometimes continue these real relationships. The virtual lover dating service is nothing like this.

Compare this with prostitution services.

The virtual lovers are paid for the services they provide, and although they are strictly emotional and have no physical or sexual ties, they are still human services and are unethical.

Using prostitutes, as well as these virtual lovers, brings about a number of emotional issues that might not exist if someone chose a different dating system.

Aside from the emotional problems these types of relationships can bring, there are many social problems that could arise as well from this complicated dating system.

Dayu states in the article from CNN that psychologist Paul Yin said, “Many young men can’t find enough courage to approach girls they find interesting because they fear rejection…they can gain confidence and feel loved through this experience and there’s no risk in getting frustrated from setbacks.”

As true as this is, it does not mean this approach to dating is healthy. These men and women who have issues approaching others or maintaining relationships will continue to have these issues if they hide behind technology and do not engage in social interactions. From the outside, having a virtual lover may seem like a beneficial idea, but it carries more emotional ties and struggles than imagined. For these reasons, I do not support this service, and discourage anyone from getting involved in these types of programs.

Op Ed: student debt remains too high, Senator works toward change My story may be much like yours: I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I was able to pay for my degree by working part time and taking on student debt. And after my Friends of Mark Warner finishing education, I tried to start a business but failed – not once, but twice.

What I learned through those experiences is something that no one tells you.

Getting it right the first time is the exception, not the rule.

Fortunately, I was able to get back on my feet, and my third attempt ultimately became the company Nextel. But I would not have had three chances to try – and fail – if I faced the same amount of student debt that today’s students face.

I have been travelling to colleges and universities in the Commonwealth, and I continually hear stories about the impact of student debt. Today’s college graduates in Virginia carry nearly $30,000 in student loan debt. That means too many young people are being forced to put off decisions about starting a family, launching a startup business, or buying a home because of the burden of student debt.

As a result of these campus conversations, I have rolled up my sleeves and worked with Republicans and Democrats on specific proposals that will go a long way towards helping young Virginians prepare for college, responsibly manage their student loan debts and find good jobs upon graduation.

These ideas include my work with Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio to make the costs and benefits of college much more transparent. We propose pulling together onto a single website all of the data that’s already collected about each program at every university: What’s the graduation rate? What’s the average amount of student debt? Do graduates find jobs in this field? What’s the average starting pay?

Making this information more readily available on a single website will help students and their parents make more in-

formed decisions when picking a college.

I also am pushing for eligible students to be able to access Pell grants while they are still in high school. This could give many students a head start, dramatically lowering the cost of a degree by starting higher education at a community college.

For those facing student loan debts upon graduation, I have proposed capping the amount of loan repayments at ten percent of your monthly income, and providing employers with the option to offer $5,000 pre-tax to help employees pay off their student debts directly.

After graduation, students should have access to world-class jobs in all parts of the Commonwealth.

I am working across the aisle to reduce unnecessary regulations so startups can thrive and to embrace new methods like crowdfunding so that our entrepreneurs have easier access to capital. With the right policies in place, I believe the next Google or Facebook could start right here in the Commonwealth.

It is these types of bipartisan efforts that prove that the foundation of good policy is not based on whether you are a Democrat or a Republican; it’s about whether you are solving the problems facing Virginians.

When I was governor, I worked with a Republican-led legislature to turn a $6 billion deficit into a $1 billion surplus. Our bipartisan efforts resulted in record investments in K-12 and higher education, and Virginia was designated the country’s best state for educational opportunity.

We accomplished this by finding common ground and working toward commonsense solutions.

Because when you start in the center and work your way out, you have a better chance of getting things done.

That is why I am committed to continuing to work with both sides of the aisle in the Senate to expand economic opportunity in Virginia, to pay down our national debt, provide entrepreneurs with the right tools to succeed and ensure that no one goes broke going to college.

I know Washington can often seem like a dysfunctional place, but in order to give everyone a fair shot at success, that’s going to have to change. And, if you give me the honor of rehiring me, I’ll spend every day working to do just that.

By Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)

Brits, Bath and Beyond A personal look at life and its fragility

KATIE REMILES Staff Writer

There are so many things that can kill you in this world. In fact, human beings are more fragile than any of us ever care to accept since that would mean living a life filled with more fear than we already do.

Being the pessimistic hypochondriac that I am, it is not surprising that my fear of death has been amplified since coming abroad.

From the moment I set my suitcase on my bed and began unpacking, the news became littered with threats against everyday life.

The dangers: Ebola, the beheadings and captures by ISIS, Entrovirus paralyzing kids, threats against subway systems and plane malfunctions, to name a few.

No one is safe, disease does not dis-

criminate. Groups such as ISIS have proved they will not hesitate to kill anyone they see fit.

Anyone could choose that one plane, during that one time, with that certain malfunction, and that would be it.

When I arrived in a foreign country and realized that it would be exactly four months before I saw my loved ones again, the unexpected realization of the fact that I could never see them again rushed in almost instantaneously.

Of course, back at home I could have seen them one day and that would be the last time I would see them, but now with this elongated length of time separating us, their lives continue on and I would not have been a part of them in the last mo

•Brits | 5

Thursday, October 23, 2014

VIEWPOINTS

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

Current travel ban debate leaves global community on edge

ALICE BALDYS Staff Writer

As speculation about the likelihood of an Ebola outbreak in the U.S. continues, President Obama and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been put on the defensive.

In their fight to keep airways open between the U.S. and West Africa, they have faced a surprising amount of opposition.

In light of the most recent scare in Dallas, Texas, where patient Thomas Duncan infected two nurses, American politicians, including Texas Governor Rick Perry, are calling for a nationwide travel ban between the U.S. and any of the three countries currently suffering an Ebola outbreak.

The threat of a U.S. epidemic is becoming real for many observers.

The more media attention the issue garners, the closer Americans come to a difficult choice: should we send American doctors and nurses to Africa to help contain and treat the disease and allow air travel between the U.S. and African nations?

Or, should we ban flights to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea in order to prevent American citizens from becoming infected?

The question unfortunately conjures up images of a bad sci-fi horror special on bioterrorism where unrestrained viral epidemics wipe out the earth’s population more than practical and compassionate responses to the plight of Ebola sufferers in Africa.

Now, Sen. Marco Rubio has introduced a bill to deny visas to citizens from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

It is estimated that as many as 72 House members, both Republicans and Democrats, may support a travel ban in principle, although it is unclear whether they will support Sen. Rubio’s legislation or not.

Harvard released a controversial statement cautioning its students and staff not to travel to West Africa and insisting that those who do remain off campus for at least 21 days after their return.

The director of the CDC, Tom Frieden, along with President Obama, insisted that a travel ban would be largely ineffective

and could increase the danger of spreading disease by allowing people from affected countries to travel into the U.S. on flights from other African nations that are not being screened for Ebola.

Allowing travel between the U.S. and West Africa is not just an economic or health-related issue, but is a question of compassion.

A recent Washington Post article outlined several reasons why a travel ban is a bad idea, one being that it would discourage and prevent volunteers from traveling safely to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The irony here is what is being missed.

In this instance, the Ebola crisis is being seen as a threat to U.S. citizens’ health and well being, rather than a global crisis that calls for international support.

Even CNN is calling Americans’ response an overreaction, and we have seen how CNN reacts to breaking news stories.

A news report on NPR focused on Dr. Kwan K e w Lai, a

volunteer who has found it difficult to join an organization that would take her to West Africa to combat Ebola.

Yet Dr. Lai selflessly persevered in her efforts to join the team of international aid agencies trying to provide medical care.

As a country of citizens with access to excellent medical resources, adequate funds and a strong knowledge base, it appears Americans have a moral obligation to aid these African nations in the dire crisis that they face.

The real tragedy is the almost 10,000 Africans that have been afflicted with the disease and the 5,000 that have died, not the few Americans that actually have been affected by the disease.

Americans are far more likely to be afflicted by an influenza epidemic than Ebola.

Ultimately, one has to ask what is more important: aiding countries in an international crisis or selfish, preemptive isolation from the world?

Doctors test patients for Ebolai in health care centers.

Flickr/ Standbytaskforce1

Katie Redmiles

•BRITS | 4

ments.

It seems this increased vulnerability has also greatly effected those who love me as well.

Recently I took a day trip to London to see the Harry Potter studios (I cried twice during the tour), which is actually outside of London.

The whole trip was quite an ordeal travel wise because it required four different trains, a bus, a bus trip gone awry and a lot of time away from Wi-Fi, which is the only way my phone works for communication.

After a long, and, yes, slightly treacherous trip home, arriving back in Bath at 1 a.m., my roommate turned to me and said, “uhh Katie, your boyfriend messaged me.”

Come again? Then I go on Facebook, and there it is. Five different messages from people begging me to contact them so they know I am alive.

I look at my phone, multiple missed calls from my mom with a complementary text of “PLEASE CALL US WE ARE WORRIED.” I didn’t even know my mom knew how to make all caps via text.

It turns out not only did my parents call me, message my friends, but they also enlisted the help and panic of my boyfriend, who then made his own frantic contacts, as well as my mom emailing the administration of my program here.

Everyone but the Prime Minister himself was alerted of their absolute terror due to my lack of communication.

Despite the fact that I have gone days without contacting my family, despite the fact that I told my mom I would be in London all day and therefore not be able to communicate and the fact that I told her I was with six other people, the second my dad asked if I had called back yet, and the answer was no, she assumed the worst.

I was mad and unpleasant when I finally did call my mom back because I felt the stress of the situation, and it was unwanted.

Yet, how could I honestly be mad at them?

When there are days the fear of their death engulfs me so much that I feel like I am a claustrophobic stuck in a too small box, unable to get out, writhing inside.

When I actively tried to dissuade my mom from coming to visit me because to get on an airplane right now would increase any risk she is already presented with just being in Bristow, Virginia. When I lay in bed after reading CNN and try the act of praying which I am grossly out of practice.

We are living in fear and fear is living in us.

At first I accepted this as my reality here in England, being utterly consumed with

the knowledge that I was at risk to losing everyone and my own life more so than ever before, until I did the cliché literary thing and took a walk in the park, resulting in the accidental discovery of the gardens.

I have been telling my friends and family that these gardens and the park they reside in have become my sanctuary. I found them almost the same way mistress Mary did in the “Secret Garden.”

I was on a walk to find some seclusion in nature to experience the new fall weather, and there was a gate through which I could not see anything for a giant hedge rounded the corner into the walled area.

Once I pushed the gate open and walked in however, I was greeted and overwhelmed by life.

The gardens do not even contain many flowers, though there are those, but it is teeming with fecund ferns, trees, shrubs, bushes and algae on rocks, all embracing a bustling brook.

The whole winding paths through this natural maze were covered in proofs of the endurance of life.

Then when I was sitting on a bench placed off to the side of the path under a twisting and ancient tree, I gave the illusion of reading, but instead I watched each person who walked by and observed a truth I never considered.

I saw old couples holding hands, young couQples making out, best friends acting immature because they could, people solitarily walking their dogs.

I saw a woman pushing another woman, who I guessed to be her mother, in a wheelchair.

They went slow and said nothing, just observing. I saw a family of seven all on scooters.

First came one little boy racing down the slight slope on his razor, then his twin came after, another boy and then the sister.

A few moments later, the father with a red scooter and power ranger bookbag came racing after them laughing shamelessly.

The mom going slightly slower followed after him, smiling just the same.

Death exists, it is inevitable, and it is entirely possible I could come home in December and be greeted by one less person than who I waved off to in August.

Yet, there is so much life in the world, there are seven billion people alive right now, and the cycle never ceases to continue.

There is a tree in Oxford’s college Christ Church that is over 600 years old and whose ever winding branches are held up by wooden pikes now. It endures. We endure. Life endures.

5

LIFE

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

Famous essayist draws students to her work at ‘Thursday Poems’

Elena Passarello/Twitter

Elena Passarello is the author of the book titled,“Let Me Clear MyThroat.”

LEAH VAHJEN Staff Writer

Essayist Elena Passarello brought with her an intimate energy, a unique accent, a dynamic reading performance, a multitude of jokes and some extremely sound advice for the large population of aspiring young writers of the University of Mary Washington during her visit last week.

On Oct. 16, the English, Linguistics and Communication department’s usual ‘Thursday Poems’ function was com-

mandeered by the non-fiction genre. The chipper Passarello performed readings from her book “Let Me Clear My Throat,” followed by a short Q&A with students in Combs 139.

The event began with Colin Rafferty, professor of creative writing, introducing the guest speaker. Rafferty’s students had recently read Passarello’s collection of essays entitled “Let Me Clear My Throat,” yet both students and non-students alike showed up in abundance to meet and listen

Dancing with the Fredericksburg

Stars raises $75,000

to the author.

Passarello described her book as a collection of 15 essays broken up by “interstitial monologues.” She stated that while her essays predominantly feature others as the subject, they were all still written by her and therefore a product of her own voice. For this reason, she strategically placed these short monologues in between her essays to break up her own voice.

That magical voice came to life in an extremely satisfying way when Passarello read two pieces from her collection. The first was one of these shorter monologues called “The Contestant” and the second was the essay entitled “The Wilhelm Scream.”

Even when speaking as someone else, her voice carried as warm, familiar and attention grabbing, truly revealing her background as a 10-year working actress.

When asked about her journey with writing Passarello replied that by the time her career as an actress began to fizzle out, she was “sick of being told where to stand and what to do,” which helped lead her toward the decision to head to graduate school to be a writer.

“In writing, nobody tells you what to do,” she said.

Passarello audibly hashed out the pros and cons of her decision, mentioning that she finds herself completely alone in her job as a writer and misses using her body, but can eat what she wants and earnestly enjoys the autonomy and world-creation

Oscar de la Renta dies at 82 A fashion design Icon remembered AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

University Relations

Terrie Crawley won “Best-in-show” at Dancing with The Fredericksburg Stars.

AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

Terrie Crawley, a local dentist and member of the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors, won the title of “Best-inShow” at the second annual Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars.

The event took place Oct. 11 in Dodd Auditorm.

Dancing with the Fredericksburg stars is an event to raise scholarship money for a UMW student that excels in music, dance or theatre. The event brought in more $75,000 this year.

6

that writing provides her.

When asked what advice she had for young writers, like the many at UMW, Passarello said the most cliché but true advice is to read in abundance. She added that it is also very helpful to take notes, and that she wishes she had experienced “a more writerly relationship with how [she] read” over the years.

Without missing a beat, Passarello also provided an extremely compelling argument as to why a taco would win in a fight against a grilled cheese when asked by a student.

On Oct. 17, Creative Writing: Non-fiction students also had the pleasure of attending two fifty minute Q&A sessions with Passarello in room 28 of the 1201 William St. mansion. Here, she provided even more advice and insight accumulated throughout her careers as an actress, author and graduate school professor.

Passarello advised students to find their own doorway into expression and learn about how they personally interact with the world. She noted that it is important to embrace the opportunity of your piece of work changing along the way. She also helped students learn how to better prepare for writing, telling them to “lay the groundwork of [their] own fascination.”

Passarello also talked briefly about an upcoming project she is working on that features a collection of essays about famous animals.

Darrell Green, a NFL hall of famer and special assistant for student athlete development and public relations, hosted the evening. The judges were Rosendo Fumero, a professional ballroom dancer and a former U.S. champion in the American Style Smooth open division; Susan Spears, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Melanie Kay-Wyant, principal of Walker Grant Middle School.

Each participant won a different title for something about their performance that stood out to the judges. Congratulations to this year’s winners.

Renowned fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, passed away on Monday, Oct. 20 at the age of 82. He passed at his home surrounded by family and friends.

According to the Associated Press, his career began in the 1960s and 70s when he began designing at a turning point in American fashion history. Staple concepts in his earliest fashion designs are still influencing fashion today.

From Michelle Obama to Sarah Jessica Parker to, most recently, Amal Clooney, de la Renta dressed all of the biggest stars.

His clothes have been more in various television shows and red carpet events.

Parker compared de la Renta’s work to poetry in her series “Sex in the City.”

For de la Renta, his roots in fashion began at a young age. While studying abroad in Spain, the Dominican Republic native’s work was sought out by the Spanish ambassador’s wife. The dress that he made for their daughter ended up on the cover of Life magazine. Working with designers Cristobal Balenciaga and Elizabeth Arden led him to create his own collections. From there, the rest is history.

According to AP, as a patron of the arts, he served as a member of the board for Carnegie Hall and The Metropolitan Opera. De la Renta also spent time contribut-

ing to the children’s charity New Yorkers for Children.

News of his death was broken by his stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and her husband Alex.

“While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar’s hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company,” the hand-written statement said. “All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar’s example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.”

Many other celebrities made statements regarding De la Renta’s death, including Barbra Walters, who stated, “Oscar de la Renta was not just a creative and original artist he was also a great business man.

He was most of all one of the wisest, kindest, and funniest friends you can have. All of us, who had the pleasure of Malibu T /Flickr knowing him, have aching hearts today. Our thoughts are with his beloved Annette.”

De la Renta is also survived by his adopted son Moises, a designer at Oscar De la Renta.

LIFE

Ingredients : 2 pounds, 93% lean ground sirloin 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 3/4 cup chopped onions 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 package of buns

Directions: 1.Heat oven to 400 degrees.

2.In a bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion and salt.

3.Gently press mixture into a 9x13 inch pan so that it makes one large patty of even thickness. Use a fork to poke holes throughout the meat. Bake for 30 minutes.

4.As it bakes, the meat will shrink away from the sides and liquid will accumulate around the edges of pan. When fully cooked, remove the pan from oven (keep oven turned on) and carefully drain off the liquid.

5.Top the meat with an even layer of sliced cheese; return pan to oven for about two minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes.

6.Cut into 2-inch squares (or the size of the buns used) 7.Prepare burgers however you desire

Puzzle answers from last issue

Matt Jacobs/Flickr

These easy to make cheeseburger sliders are the perfect edition to tailgating meals.

KELSEY MOORING Staff Writer

With homecoming right around the corner, the hope of being at the hottest spot at the tailgating party is at an all-time high.

This recipe for game-day sliders is an easy go-to meal that will serve at least 12 people and allow for some unique flavors to stand out.

I am a girl who loves to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. I thought of my abso-

lute favorite meal, and that would have to be the classic cheeseburger. Upon looking through recipes, I came across this one that will serve the most amount of people To spice up the little burger, you can add dill pickle slices and ketchup. An alternative addition is to add a thin layer of mayonnaise to each burger to give it a tangy twist. It takes only five minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook – leaving you with plenty of mini-burgers to take to the party.

Humans of UMW

By NANCY MILROY

Why are you dressed up?

“Eh, why not? You’ll never know who is gonna be here, or who might ask to take your picture.”

What is a piece of advice that you would give to a large group of people?

“Keep on keepin’ on. College life is a challenge, so put one foot in front of the other. We will all get to where we are going.”

7

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LIFE

Frederickburg represented in the new season of ‘Top Chef’ Greek Cuisine.

Crump began her culinary career in Los Angeles and then moved to Atlanta for culinary studies at the Art Institute of Atlanta. After graduating, she apprenticed at Woodfire Grill under Chef Michael Tuohy.

When Chef Kevin Gillespie, a Top Chef contestant in 2008 (season six), bought the restaurant, Crump continued to work at the restaurant for

vested right here in this region.”

Pagonis’s first experience in the restaurant business was in a family owned Greek diner. Pagnois attended UMW and then earned a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. He has worked in many top restaurant kitchens including Zaytinya, Graffiato, Central Michel Richard and most recently Kapnos.

The show “Top Chef” pins chefs from all over the country against each other to compete for the top prize. Chefs are put through a number of challenges and judged by a panel of judges for the show.

Returning

FAST FACTS ON TOP CHEF • This is currently season 12 of Top Chef

FoodE

AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

A Fredericksburg local and University of Mary Washington alum are both competing in season 12 of the hit Bravo reality show “Top Chef.” Joy Crump is chef and co-owner fn the Fredericksburg restaurant FoodE, while George Pagonis is an executive chef and partner at Mike Isabella’s restaurant Kapnos in Washington D.C. Both chefs are known for specializing in a variety of different dishes. Crump’s cooking is known for its vibrant flavors and locally grown produce. Pagnois’s food tips to a slightly different flavor similar to

marks the first time in “Top Chef” history for a winner of the show to join the judging panel, according the show’s website. This will give the competition a new edge by offering the cheftestants guidance from a former competitor’s point of view.

“The cheftestants will bring out their knives as they battle it out for $125,000 furnished by Healthy Choice, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and the title of ‘Top Chef,’” said the show’s website.

It is plain to see that both of these contestants will offer competition to the hit Bravo series. Neither party was available for comment at the time of article.

• The winner gets $125,000 and is featured in Food & Wine Magazine

two more years.

In 2010, F o o d E opened in historic district of downtown Fredericksburg.

One of the unique aspects of Crump’s restaurant is that most items on the menu are all from the region.

“We believe that the freshest, cleanest ingredients make the best dishes,” Crump and business collaborate Beth Black wrote on the restaurant’s webpage. “We also believe in supporting the local community by highlighting the products grown and har-

• Hosted by Padma Lakshmi to the judge’s table for the new season in Boston are head judge Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Hugh Acheson. Former contestant Richard Blais will also join the show as a recurring judge.

Blais, winner of “Top Chef” season eight,

Kapnos

‘Gone Girl’ stuns audience with plot twists and turns

Ben Affleck stars as Nick Dunne in the psychological thriller, “Gone Girl. Affleck is framed for the murder of his wife.

JULIANNE KUHN Staff Writer

On the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, New Yorker Nick Dunne arrived home to find his wife, Amy, was missing.

Surrounded by a media frenzy and suspicion from the police force in his small hometown in Missouri, Nick’s stories and behavior in front of the cameras leave him looking less than innocent.

As the film “Gone Girl” progresses, the flashbacks and peeks into Nick and Amy’s marriage seem to seal his fate. During the film, many plot twists raise the ultimate question: Did Nick kill his wife?

Based on the hit novel by Gillian Flynn,

“Gone Girl” is a dramatic thriller that holds its audience captive through the entire two and half hours that it runs.

Flynn writes the screenplay with impressive depth, changing certain portions so that even fans of the novel could not fully predict the plot.

Ben Affleck’s portrayal of the secretive, callous Nick Dunne keeps the audience internally debating whether they believe in his innocence or hope for his conviction.

His interactions with his twin sister Margo (Carrie Coon) show his true self, while his treatment of his senile father,

YouTube

his smirk and his actions in front of the media make the audience cringe.

Otherwise, Coon’s Margo adds little interest to the film, other than being the only person who is consistently on Nick’s side.

Rosamund Pike takes on Amy, the star character of her parents’ “Amazing Amy” children’s book series, and paints her as the increasingly bored and ever-questioning wife of bar owner.

Nick took her from her native New York home because of the recession and depends on her for financial support,

BY THE END, MY JAW WAS ON THE FLOOR...

feeding the seeds of resentment that are growing inside her.

Tyler Perry plays Tanner Bolt, a famous lawyer who specializes in proving guilty murderers innocent. In a surprising deviation from his usually comedic roles, Perry proves that he is no longer a one trick pony in this role, and his appearance mid-film refreshes the plot and draws the audience back in.

Neil Patrick Harris also leaves his mark in this film, playing a figure from Amy’s past with the perfect balance of creepiness and innocence.

Emily Ratajkowski’s breakout role as Andie Hardy is nothing exciting as she plays the typical young mistress with little depth but a wealth of sex appeal.

This is nothing new for Ratajkowski, who before the film was best known for her nude appearance in the infamous “Blurred Lines” music video.

In a time when we unfortunately see too many women disappearing and never resurfacing, the beginning of the film is an all too real reminder of the world we live in and what we see on the news.

Of course the film is a fantastical take on this, but the constant pressure by the media and the police is something that is seen far too often in reality.

This film held my attention, an impressive feat as the two-hour mark came and went, and it kept me guessing the entire time.

By the end, my jaw was on the floor as a barrage of twists hit me that left me in shock. I would give this film a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is one of the better movies that I have seen this year and a fresher take on the usual kidnapping thriller.

“Gone Girl” is now in theaters.

9

NEWS

POLICE BEAT vandalism

drug violations

Between Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct 19 at 3 a.m., a student on the third floor of Russell Hall’s personal property was reported to have been urinated on. The case is pending.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, a 20 year-old UMW student and a 17 year-old non-student were found with narcotics possession on the fifth floor of Eagle Landing at 1:21 a.m. The student was given an administrative referral.

On Friday, Oct. 17, exit signs on the third floor of Eagle Landing had been broken at 11 a.m. The case is pending.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, a student, 21, and a visitor were found in possession of marijuana on the first floor of Eagle Landing at 10 p.m. The recieved an administrative referral. The visitor was given a trespassing referral.

A fire extinguisher box was removed and broken in the Alvey Drive parking deck at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20.

The case is pending.

theft On Thursday, Oct. 16, a piece of Andy Warhol artwork was stolen from an office on the third floor of Combs Hall between 5 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The case is pending.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, a camera was stolen from the North Stafford campus at 4 p.m. The case is pending.

Between Sunday, Oct 19, at 4 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 20 4:45 p.m., a bicycle was stolen inside of Randolph Hall.

The bicycle was located.

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, a laptop was stolen from Simpson Library between 3:20 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The case is pending.

liquor law violations

School sponsored survey makes national headlines EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

A survey sponsored by the University of Mary Washington and conducted by the Center for Leadership and Media Studies detailing Virginia residents’ views on state and nationwide issues has made headlines in both local and national media publications.

The survey’s results, which were conducted from Oct. 1 through Oct. 6 and questioned 1,000 Virginia residents by phone, were discussed in The Washington Post and on the front page of The Free Lance-Star.

The Center for Leadership and Media Studies’ surveys are unique in that they highlight issues that affect the Commonwealth of Virginia alongside national issues.

There are few surveys that record Virginia residents’ opinions on issues affecting their own state, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

“There are an awful lot of surveys about national politics, but not a lot about state politics,” Farnsworth said.

Two questions asked that related to Virginia politics included residents’ thoughts on Gov. Bob McDonnell, who was recently convicted of 11 counts of corruption after a long and dramatic trial, and the 2014 U.S. Senate race in Virginia, which includes democratic incumbent Senator Mark War-

10

ner, Republican Ed Gillespie and Libertarian candidate Robert Sarvis contending for election.

According to survey responders, 60 percent believed that McDonnell should face jail time for his charges, while 28 percent believed he should not be jailed.

Evan Dean, a senior political science major, agreed that McDonnell should face jail time and said that his sentence would send a message to future governors.

“Any amount of prison time is going to set an example,” Dean said.

However, freshman Courtney Hardy offered an opposing opinion, suggesting that there could be an alternative to McDonnell facing time in prison.

“I’m sure that something else can be done about it,” Hardy said.

According to survey results concerning the 2014 Senate race, 47 percent support Warner, while 37 support Gillespie, giving Warner a double-digit lead over his challenger. Six percent of responders support Sarvis.

Freshman Hallie Heinzen, said she wants to be better informed of the policies of both candidates, but said that on major issues she supports Gillespie.

Stephen Nickens, a senior theater major, cited Sen. Warner’s focus on banning workplace discrimination and being a proponent for legalizing same-sex marriage as reasons why he supports Warner. Nickens also said he and his family are more familiar with Warner’s policies.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, five students, aged 19 to 20, were found in possession of alcohol and were publically intoxicated at Eagle Village at 1 a.m.

Three students were arrested by the Fredericksburg Police Department and all were given administrative referrals by the University.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, an 18-year-old was found publically intoxicated between Sunken Road and Russell Hall at 2:30 a.m. The student was given an administrative referral.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, an 18-year-old was found in possession of marijuana on the third floor of Alvey Hall. The student recieved an administrative referral.

Six students, aged 18-19, were found with marijuana and possession of alcohol on the third floor of Russell Hall at 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The students were given an administrative referral.

A student, 18, was found in possession of marijuana on the second floor of Virginia Hall at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The student was given an administrative referral.

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

The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredeicksburg 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.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, two students, both 18, were found to be intoxicated on the fourth floor of Jefferson Hall at 1 a.m. The students received administrative referrals.

National issues discussed in the survey included the Ebola virus’ recent entrance into the United States following the hospitalization of Thomas Eric Duncan, who carried the virus from Liberia and had developed symptoms when he entered the United States. Duncan has since passed away from the disease, and two nurses who had treated Duncan in the hospital in Dallas, Texas have tested positive for the virus.

30 percent of those surveyed believe that the U.S. government is very unprepared to handle an Ebola breakout, while 13 percent believe that the U.S. government is very prepared to handle an outbreak.

Freshman Emily Little said that the enormous media attention the U.S. has given Ebola has made people aware of the virus, but she is unsure if the U.S. could handle a widespread outbreak.

“If it reached us more, I’m not sure if we would be prepared for it,” Little said.

Senior international affairs major Callie Dolloff believes the U.S. will successfully contain the virus if they take all necessary

precautions.

“If hospitals don’t cut corners, then treatment will be effective,” Dolloff said.

This is the third survey that UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies has sponsored. The first survey took place in March of 2013 and the second in September of 2013.

The surveys were conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) over a five day period.

1,000 Virginia residents were contacted by phone, with 500 using landline and 500 using cell phones.

According to Farnsworth, the survey was a representative sample that reached residents of different races, genders, ethnicities and residents who lived in different parts of the state.

“We try to develop as much of a picture of Virginia as possible,” Farnsworth said.

Once the surveys were completed, they were immediately sent to the Office of Media and Public Relations at UMW, where •SURVEYS | 11

Thursday, October 23, 2014

NEWS Students commemorate fall of Berlin Wall on Ball Circle

HOLDEN VANDERVEER Staff Writer

Students made a replica of the Berlin Wall next to Ball Circle as a part of the University of Mary Washington’s commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the wall’s destruction.

The project is part of many different events being held throughout October to commemorate the historic event. Marcel Rotter, a German professor who grew up in East Germany, orchestrated the project.

“We have big styrofoam panels and wood basses, and it will go up on Ball Circle,” Rotter said. “And the painting is up to the students.”

The wall is comprised of ten sections and 20 panels for any student to decorate with graffiti art.

Construction of the wall took place on Friday, Oct. 17, and students began spray-painting it with decorations, including German phrases like “Liebe für alle,” which translates to “love for all.”

To help support this project, Rotter received funding from the German Embassy, while the German Club and the art department coordinated the actual building of the replica wall.

“We had great support in building the wall from the art department,” Rotter said.

“Professor Carole Garmon was very instrumental, actually, to get us the knowhow and also students to support it.”

The German Democratic Republic began to physically separate East Berlin from West Berlin in 1961, though the historic wall was formally built in 1975. Many people tried to get over the wall, with as many as 5,000 succeeding, but there were casualties of at least 100 people that were killed by gunfire during the course of the walls existence.

The Berlin Wall kept East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin until November 9, 1989 when Gunter Schabowski announced the border would be open for private trips; this led to a mob overtaking the wall. The following days were filled with

celebration as people began tearing the Berlin Wall to pieces. Roughly a year later Germany would be reunited as one nation.

“For me, it is more about coming together as a whole country, as a whole culture with no grievances from the past,” senior physics major Eric Raterman said.

Miranda Schnakenberg, a sophomore English major who helped decorate the replica wall, sees the fall of the Berlin Wall as something more than just Germany’s reunification.

“It’s the tearing down of barriers,” Schnakenberg said. “In the end, it’s a reminder that we are all the same, that differences are built.”

By decorating the replica wall with graffiti or street art, UMW students are re-enacting similar actions done to the Berlin Wall. Senior studio arts major Elizabeth Camilletti explained that street art is a universally recognized form of artistic expression.

“Acts of graffiti were a defiance from the people,” Camilletti said.

Throughout the following weeks, the German club will staff a table to hand out spray paint to any student who want to decorate the wall.

There are also several other events also going on as part of the 25th anniversary commemoration. There are three films, showcasing subjects such as the life of East Germans in Berlin, the protests in Leipzig and the story of a man who was jailed in East Germany, released after the reunification and had to adjust to a new way of life.

The German game night will be back after its popularity in 2011, along with a panel discussion about the impact of walls on people’s lives around the world that will present the experiences of Koreans, Palestinians and Mexicans. Martin Jankowski, an author on several books about the protest in Leipzig and the rest of East Germany, will give a reading.

The commemoration will end on Nov. 6, when all students are willing be invited to participate in the tearing down of the replica wall, followed by a German gala.

Hope Racine/ The Blue & Gray Press

School sponsored surveys shed light on local politics and national concerns •SURVEYS | 10 they were released to 80 media sources, including the Associated Press, according to Marty Morrison, director of University Media and Public Relations.

This system of sharing surveys is beneficial for both parties. The media sources receive surveys that offer a wide range of the viewpoints of Virginia residents and, in turn, the university receives publicity when published in various media outlets.

The surveys, according to Farnsworth, “bring a lot of statewide and national attention to the university…and helps put UMW more firmly on the map.”

The surveys can also act as research aids for UMW students, who could use conclusions from the surveys in academic papers, according to Farnsworth.

Farnsworth has also used the surveys as teaching tools in his class.

Students in some of his classes were able to view the questions in advance, discuss them and offer possible revisions and evaluate the surveys’ results.

Ellen O’Brien, a junior political science major, was one of the students who was able to see the development of the survey first-hand in Farnsworth’s Research and

Writing in Political Science course.

O’Brien spoke about the difference between reviewing surveys that have already been completed compared to watching a new survey develop.

“It’s easy to analyze the results and not

“[This class] is one of many that teach skills that could potentially lead to an internship. Learning how to write survey questions could be put on a resume,” O’Brien said.

In addition to helping UMW students

THE CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND MEDIA STUDIES’ SURVEYS ARE UNIQUE IN THAT THEY HIGHLIGHT ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ALONGSIDE NATIONAL ISSUES. realize the process it goes through beforehand,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien also said having this experience in her class has benefited her and other students.

and media outlets, the surveys also display state patterns of the Virginia.

“Survey results in Virginia are always very interesting,” O’Brien said. “Virginia is like the United States on a smaller scale.

There are a lot of metropolitan and rural areas, and they have a wide range of opinions and ideological views.”

O’Brien also mentioned that Virginia is a swing state. For that reason, she believes that politicians probably study the surveys to track Virginia and its ever-changing trends of thoughts, trends that have surprised Farnsworth himself.

In the year 2006, 57 percent of Virginia residents supported an amendment in the Virginia Constitution banning same-sex marriage, compared to 43 percent who opposed it. In this recent survey, 50 percent of Virginia residents supported the legalization of gay marriage while 42 percent opposed.

The rapid reversal of opinion in Virginia on this topic is “really unusual in state politics,” according to Farnsworth.

Getting a snapshot of Virginia’s changing views is critical to Farnsworth, as well as the recipients of the survey.

“It’s important to know how Virginians are thinking. The only way to know is if we just ask them. And that’s what we do,” Farnsworth said.

The next survey is set to be conducted in 2015.

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SPORTS

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

Top 5 events to see during Homecoming 2014 CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

University Relations

Sporting events are a cornerstone for any homecoming weekend, especially at the University of Mary Washington.

Homecoming Weekend at UMW

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attracts current and former students to its wide variety of athletic games, creating an electric and exciting atmosphere. That atmosphere will be back this Saturday

as UMW hosts a slew of athletic games and other festivities. To get ready for the chaos, here are the Top 5 things to look forward to on Saturday afternoon.

Men’s soccer looks to stay hot against Wesley Every year, the men’s soccer game is the centerpiece of every UMW Homecoming Day. All of the hype building up throughout the week culminates when the UMW men’s soccer team takes the field.

In the midst of their longest win-streak of the year, the Eagles head into Saturday’s

action looking to continue their climb up the CAC ladder.

The Eagles are currently on a four-game win-streak and are one game behind Salisbury University for the best in-conference record. After dethroning No. 11 CNU on Sunday, the Eagles are riding a huge

Field hockey battles No. 1 Salisbury on road

Although the UMW field hockey team is not competing at the Battlegrounds on Saturday, they will arguably be competing in the most important game of the day.

The Eagles will be playing the best team in the country when they face off against

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CAC rival Salisbury on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams are undefeated in conference play this year, but that is guaranteed to change after Saturday.

This will prove to be the Eagles’ most

important contest of the year, as it will provide them with an opportunity to see how they stack up against the nation’s best with just two games remaining before the CAC Tournament.

wave of momentum into a critical matchup against Wesley College. With the CAC Tournament around the corner, every game carries more weight than the preceding one, making Saturday’s game the Eagles’ biggest of the year so far.

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Volleyball plays host to double-header action Normally left out of the homecoming hype, the UMW volleyball team will be hosting their share of homecoming games in the Anderson Center.

The Eagles will host a pair of games on Saturday, the first of which will be against

“I love that during tailgating and the various games, everyone comes together despite their friend groups or academic year.”

CAC rival Penn-State Harrisburg starting at 1 p.m. The team is looking to gain ground on Marymount and Christopher Newport in the conference standings.

The Eagles’ second game of the day will be a 5 p.m. match against Virginia Wesley-

Tailgating returns, again

Last fall marked the first time in 15 years that tailgating was an approved activity for the UMW Homecoming Weekend. Back by popular demand, tailgating will once again take place in the parking lot of the Battlegrounds, starting at 10

a.m.

Alumni, students and fans alike will be lining the parking lot prior to the soccer games partaking in typical tailgating activities ranging from corn hole to beer pong, for people 21 or older, of course.

an (20-7).

The Marlins will provide the Eagles with a quality test against a strong opponent in preparation for a date against No. 13 CNU right around the corner.

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Aaron Mahmod

5 Thursday, October 23, 2014

Women’s soccer looks to right the ship The UMW women’s soccer team hosts a pivotal game at the Battlegrounds at 1 p.m. against Capital Athletic Conference rival Penn-State Harrisburg.

Their 2-3-1 in-conference record has the Eagles ranked seventh in the Capital Athletic Conference, with the Lions right be-

hind them in eighth place.

After their hottest start to a season in recent memory, the women’s soccer team has had tough sledding in conference play.

The Eagles were 6-1-1 after their first eight games of the season and cracked the top 25 in the nation for a week, but were brought

back down to Earth after a 6-0 loss to Catholic University.

The Eagles now have an overall record of 8-5-2, looking to improve their conference position as the CAC tournament rapidly approaches.

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