The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 8

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

Transfer students struggle to find financial aid

UMW Dining adds residence hall competition to this year’s food drive

LYNSY SPROUSE Staff Writer

Although they look like other sophomores, juniors and seniors, the University of Mary Washington’s transfer students may face different problems than most students at the university.

Transfer students may feel that they are expected to know the intricacies of the university, adjust to a different workload and make friends, although they may struggle with feeling like an outsider in the UMW environment.

Transfers even face different challenges when it comes to paying for their education. As they receive fewer financial aid opportunities than freshmen upon admission to the university.

However, according to Heidi Hunter-Goldsworthy, the director of financial aid at UMW, transfer students are given the same opportunities as freshmen to receive merit scholarships.

She also remarked that UMW offers merit-based scholarships specifically for transfer students.

“It is worthy to note that UMW is one of only a few Virginia public institutions that offer merit scholarships to transfer students,” Hunter-Goldsworthy said.

However, the financial aid website only cites the Virginia College Transfer Grant at the bottom of its page.

The financial aid department’s scholarship and grant page on the UMW website, titled “Scholarship/Grant Information,” lists the following available financial aid options aside from student loans: a merit-based freshman scholarship, academic departmental scholarships, scholarships for employee’s children and the Virginia College Transfer Grant. The website for the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia states that recipients of the Virginia College Transfer Grant must have an Associate’s degree from a Virginia Community Col •TRANSFER | 10

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EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

Heather Hosey/ University Relations Students, Tom Hudson and Phillip Pierce, load collected food in a van at last year’s Stop Hunger event.

Sodexo is mixing things up with their annual “Stop Hunger” food drive this year with the inclusion of a residence hall competition.

The drive, beginning Friday, Nov. 6 and lasting until Friday, Nov. 13, aims to raise 25,000 pounds of food that will go to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank.

In addition to placing collection bins in all dining locations and the bookstore as they had in previous years, a new incentive is being added to generate interest among the student body.

Radio station 99.3 “The Vibe”, will host a party for the residence hall complex that brings in the most pounds of food per person in the complex.

In turn, Campus Dining is hoping to spur increased donations from Residence Halls, which have decreased in recent years, according to Heather •FOOD DRIVE | 2

VOtes are in!

State election

local election Sheriff (Spotsylvania County) Roger L. Harris 12,184 55.35% R.W. “Bill” Gill 7,931 36.03% Christopher B. Dunavant 1,869 8.49% Write In 30 0.14%

Member Senate of Virginia (District 017) Bryce E. Reeves Republican 9,509 68.38% Ned L. Gallaway Democratic 4,383 31.52% Write-In 15 0.11% Member House of Delegates (District 055) H. F. “Buddy” Fowler, Jr. Republican 1,290 Toni L. Radler Democratic 438 Write-In 2 0.12%

74.57% 25.32%

Clerk of Court Christy Mitchell Jett 11,752 54.45% Kyra L. Bullock 6,309 29.23% A. Perry Clark 3,494 16.19% Write In 29 0.13%

Reviews are in about housing system based on mandatory freshmen seminars RACHEL MANNING Staff Writer

The Blue & Gray Press

IN THIS

ISSUE

New to the University of Mary Washington in 2015, freshmen are required to live with their Freshman Seminar, FSEM, classmates. The living arrangement is similar to the Living Learning Communities, LLCs, except that students were able to opt-out of an LLC. With this new program, each student must be assigned to a FSEM housing group.

“It doesn’t sound like a pleasant living situation,” said junior and computer science major Brian Will. “I wouldn’t want to be stuck all year with people I can’t specifically pick out.”

Interestingly, however, freshmen

seem to really like living with their FSEM peers, despite the fact that they did not get to choose each other individually. “[This new program] helps me meet people, make friends, and form study groups,” said freshman Matt Rowlett.

“It’s especially helpful if we have more than one class together, because then we can help each other in other areas.”

Collaborating amongst each other seems to be one of this year’s freshmen’s favorite things about living with their FSEM groups. Freshman and UMW club baseball member, Andrew Zimmerman said, “It’s a good opportunity to get a lot of work done, since we’re working on the same things and •FRESHMEN | 11

CULTURE SHOCK

TURN DOWN

KICK OFF

Taste of Asia draws huge crowd at UMW

Noise ordinance up for debate in downtown

Men and Women’s soccer compete in CAC playoffs

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 3

NEWS THE

Chemistry department receives donation from alumnus’ estate

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION

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

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

MANAGING EDITOR Tess Osmer

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Sarah Grammer Emily Hollingsworth

VIEWPOINTS Alex Spence

LIFE Della Hethcox

SPORTS Mikey Barnes

ONLINE Ethan Tobin

PHOTO Alex Sakes

ASSISTANT EDITORS Ester Salguero Hannah Galeone Jacob Atkinson

ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER David Concepcion

ADVERTISING MANAGER Natalie Furman

FACULTY ADIVSOR Susha 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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ARIANA BARRETT Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington’s Chemistry department recently received a large donation from Mrs. Erminia Ubaldi Daspit’s estate sale and its destiny is yet to be determined.

Daspit’s gift to the university was given to the chemistry department in honor of her undergraduate degree in chemistry during her years at UMW. Daspit passed away in April, 2015 and wanted a portion of the profits from her estate sale to be given to the university in memorial of her graduating class of 1949.

Currently, the money is in the Mary Washington First Campaign foundation account with other smaller monetary gifts to accrue interest until it is distributed elsewhere. The account currently holds $41 million and Daspit’s donation has greatly contributed to the university’s goal of $50 million.

Unsurprisingly, the $50 million will be used to further advance UMW as a premier public liberal arts and sciences university.

Professor Charles Sharpless, the

Chair of Chemistry at UMW, said the department has typically used foundation funds for small expenses.

“The department historically uses foundation funds only for small supplemental needs, such as supporting student or faculty travel to conferences when other funding isn’t available, purchasing snacks for student and faculty meetings [and] supporting the travel of outside speakers,” Sharpless said.

When speaking to the chemistry department as a whole, it was collectively agreed that it is best for the money to remain in the foundation account so that it can gain interest over time.

However, this does not halt Sharpless, along with students, from seeing a great potential in the newfound funds, as Daspit’s donation has been the biggest one received by the department in the past few years.

Although Sharpless knows the practical uses of the funding, he has been a chemistry professor since 2004, and for the first time, would like to one day acquire enough money to start an annual scholarship for chemistry students.

“It is not impossible to imagine that when the Jepson [science center] reno-

Alex Sakes/ The Blue & Gray Press

vation and addition are complete, there may be something special the department wants to do. In that case, we might use foundation funds,” Sharpless said.

Cassi Tomiko, a junior chemistry major, also wants to see major growth in the chemistry department and hopes that the funds go toward studying abroad.

Tomiko claims that there are a plethora of opportunities in Europe and Africa. She wants to go into the pharmaceutical industry and says going to Africa is beneficial to students like her because they would be able to create and bring medicine from America that isn’t usually found in Africa.

“A lot of people don’t get to study abroad because it is very expensive... it would fulfill the experiential credit that we have to have,” Tomiko said. Tomiko also expresses interest in having the funds go towards expanding the research the students get to do.

No matter where the money goes, the donation by Daspit has made a serious impact, and the extent of its impact will remain to be seen, though it is greatly appreciated.

Food donations to benefit Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, inspire competition between UMW athletes and students •FOOD DRIVE | 1 Hosey, marketing assistant for Campus Dining.

UMW Athletics will also be doing something new for this year’s drive.

Typically, various UMW athletic teams have competed against each other to raise the most food.

This year, however, the department and its teams have decided to unite their efforts, and hope their combined work will beat CNU’s winning streak and allow UMW athletes to focus on the mission of the drive: to feed the Fredericksburg community.

“Why spend time in competition besides our student-athletes get enough of that - when we could refocus the lens to our purpose and make our efforts more about helping others in need,” Pierce said.

The department has been involved in the past, but this year all of the sports teams have decided to unite their efforts.

UMW Athletics have partnered with Campus Dining in the annual Sodexo food drives for the past ten years.

Additionally, UMW athletes, along with nine other member schools in the

Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) have participated in the CAC Canned Food Challenge every November.

According to Philip Pearce, director of Athletic Development and Promotions, UMW won this challenge every year until 2013 when Christopher Newport University entered the competition and took first place in both 2013 and 2014.

UMW Athletic Department, which includes student athletes and members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is determined to make CNU’s 2014 victory its last, hence their motto for this year’s competition: “Can CNU.” Each sport team has taken shifts standing outside of Giant in Eagle Village and will later host a collection station in Ball Circle with a Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank truck for the duration of the drive to collect donations.

Though some changes have been made to this year’s event, the goal remains the same: to help struggling families in the community have the food they need, according to Hosey.

This is Hosey’s second year coordinating the annual food drive, an event

which allows for the UMW community to come together and make an impact in the community.

“I just want students to know that we’re all a family here in Fredericksburg,” Hosey said. “This drive is going to feed the community, which is part of our family.”

By whatever means students can take part in the event, Hosey encourages students to get involved.

“Everything counts, whether it’s a small donation or a large one,” Hosey said.

In order to make the leap from nearly 5,000 to 25,000 pounds of food, Campus Dining has gotten the support of the area YMCA, LifePoint Church, Fredericksburg Baptist Church, Food Lion, Giant Food, Radio 99.3 “The Vibe” and several area schools and community organizations.

The UMW Staff Advisory Council, who had been doing their own canned food drive throughout the semester, will be contributing their “One Can Hope” food donations to the drive as well.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

SPORTS

Women advance, men fall in CAC tournament

NFL abroad growing larger Hogan LePore Staff Writer

UMW Athletics

MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor

MENS SOCCER: As the sound of the end of regulation came, the University of Mary Washington men’s soccer team headed to overtime against rival and Capital Athletic Conference first round opponent Christopher Newport University.

Shots coming from two CNU players go either wide or high of the goal post, as sophomore goalie Matt Spencer does his best to defend the net.

Sophomore Ben Cisse puts up a shot for Mary Washington, but it too goes wide.

One remaining shot for CNU, stopped by Spencer, ended the excitement for the remainder of the overtime.

In the second half, similar results or therefore lack of, were put into motion as sophomore Charlie Charlie Montano attempted a shot with a header. The ball went straight into the hands of the opponent’s goalie.

Two more shots by CNU soared, once again high and wide, still unable to find the net for either team.

Following the second overtime, a shootout for the two teams began.

Cisse opened up the shootout, as he netted one passed the CNU keeper, this giving UMW a 1-0 shootout lead. CNU tied it up at one apiece, as Spencer was unable to stop the next shot.

Sophomore Jack Nelson was the first to miss their shot, as the CNU goalie received a save on the attempt.

CNU took the lead on their next attempt, putting them up 2-1. It then went back and forth, as sophomore Colin Travis scored and as did freshman Gary Foley, to knot it up at 3-3. A miss for CNU and then a goal by junior Jacob Burke put the Eagle’s up in overtime.

With the goal by Burke, the following four attempts by each time were made, placing the two teams at 7-7. Freshman Ryan Van Maanen was stopped on his attempt by the CNU goalie, which set up a trend for three attempts from each team following, either missing the net or receiving a stop from the opponent’s goalie.

Nelson ended the trend as he put one passed the CNU keeper and once again UMW regained the penalty kick lead.

Again, CNU was ready as they matched

UMW Athletics

Nelson and Spencer was unable to keep it out of the goal. Travis, stepped up to his spot behind the ball and yet again, found the net, giving the Eagles the lead.

Spencer was ready this time, prepared to make the stop and give his team the lead and the victory. He did not even have to, as the shot sailed high over the goal post to give the Eagles the victory over their rival and an advancement to the next round, as well as Spencer’s UMW record, 10th shutout of the season.

“I was on cloud 9. It all felt so unreal and the crowd made it feel so amazing as well as my teammates running at me screaming,” Spencer said, “In the shootout, my teammates stepped up to the penalty spot with confidence as well as believed in me to make a few big saves.”

With the victory, the UMW men’s soccer team improved to 12-5-2 on the season.

Following their victory, the UMW men’s team took on Salisbury University in the CAC semifinals, who had beat Eagles 4-2 in their prior matchup.

The Salisbury Seagulls opened up the scoring, as just 4:33 minutes into the game, they snuck one passed Spencer to give them the early lead. The score remained 1-0 through the half, as neither team was able to muster up much after the goal.

Continuing their lead at 2:16 into the second half, Salisbury once again found an early goal, handing them a 2-0 lead. The Seagulls would not look back from there as the coasted to a 2-0 victory and a spot in the CAC championship game.

The UMW men’s team finishes their season at a 12-6-2 record, which leaves them tied with Salisbury for the most victories in the conference.

WOMENS SOCCER: The UMW women’s soccer team had a similar lack of success during regulation, though the team mustered up seven shots to the Salisbury team.

Like the men’s team, the women’s soccer team was unable to find any success in either overtime phase. The timed scores and endless missing shots led the program into a shootout just like their male counterparts.

Salisbury opened up the penalty kicks with a miss, putting UMW in a good position with to take the lead, which they were unable to do on that shot as freshman Shannon Blackstone came up short.

Back to back missed shots for the two programs, set neither team a disadvantage that being until the Salisbury player scored. Senior Leah Roth scored for the Eagles in her first attempt to tie things up at one shot apiece for the two teams, a tie that was broken immediately as Salisbury player missed her opening shot and freshman Marsia Madaras took advantage and netted the goal to give the UMW the lead.

A goal by freshman Kaitlyn Higgins secured the lead for the Eagles following the Salisbury make. The win for the Eagles gave them a first round victory and their record on the season improved to 9-8-2, as they prepared to face off against CNU in the CAC quarterfinals.

On Nov. 3, the UMW women’s soccer team traveled to Newport News to take on their rival, the CNU Captains.

CNU on the season had boasted the best record in the conference up to this point and the Eagles had found themselves in the fifth seed at the end of the season.

In the opening parts of the game, CNU dominated on both the offensive and defensive ends, as they limited UMW to just two shots through the first 33 minutes, while they themselves had six shots attempts. This all changed 33:46 into the opening half of the game.

From twelve yards out, senior Michelle Gibbons found freshman leading goal scorer, Marisa Madaras on the pass. Madaras then took the pass, sent it to the left side, over the keepers head and into the goal for the 1-0 lead.

The teams went into the intermission at the half, with the score still at 1-0. It remained that way into the second half, as neither team was able to muster up a score, even though CNU’s offense overmatched the defense of UMW as they had 23 shots, compared to the five that the Eagles had.

The zero goals for the Captains, despite the 23 shots can be credited to freshman goalie Haley Randall and her seven saves in the net.

With the victory, the Eagles improved to 10-8-2 on the season and will face off against the sixth seeded York College, who had upset the number two-seeded St. Mary’s of Maryland. UMW defeated York earlier in the season 2-1 and will look for similar success in their next matchup.

The National Football League is not a formal business. If it were, it could arguably be the largest business in America.

The NFL’s revenue is estimated at about $9.5 billion. As for all the 32 teams, the overall market value is near $46 billion.

That being said, the NFL is always looking to expand. Therefore, many believe there will soon be an NFL organization in London. If not in London, then some other international country. This speculation has emerged because the NFL has done a great job reaching out to its European fan base, as it has completed eight consecutive seasons. All of which held a game in the United Kingdom at Wembley Stadium in London.

Over the weekend, on Oct. 25, 2015, the NFL traveled to London and hosted a match between the visiting Buffalo Bills and the make-shift home team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Wembley Stadium also hosted a match between the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs the same day, which was the 15th game played in the NFL International Series.

This long stretch of NFL contests in London does not look like it will stop anytime soon, as fans across the world love witnessing the American sport being played in a foreign land.

Although relocation to the United Kingdom seems imminent, there is still some time to be had before any teams jump the pond. There is also a couple

49ers_in_London

hoops the NFL must jump through in order to even generate interest in the idea.

One big hoop is that they must fully convince the National Football League Players Association. I am not sure every player is on board with relocating a team to a foreign land for a simple fact that players of the potential United Kingdom organization may not want to live in a foreign country.

This could be because of family, financial reasons and living arrangements. I understand every player probably enjoys a one-time trip to London to play ball, however I guarantee most players are saying after that Wembley trip, “I could not see myself playing there every other week.”

Now, I am not saying there will never be a squad in London, all I am saying is that it will take time for it to happen.

However, if you are a fan of regime changes, one is on the horizon. The NFL might have a franchise back in Los Ange •NFL | 12

Weekly Scoreboard Volleyball:

MEn's soccer:

Nov. 3 vs Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 3 Frostburg St.: 1

WOMEN'S soccer:

Oct. 27 @ Christopher Newport (W) UMW: 1 CNU: 0

Upcoming:

Nov. 4 @ Salsibury (L) UMW: 0 SU: 2

field hockey:

Nov. 4 vs York (Pa.)

(W) UMW: 4 York (Pa.): 1

Women’s Soccer: Nov. 7 vs. York (Pa.) 1:00 p.m.

CAC Tournament Championship

Field Hockey: Nov. 4 vs. Salisbury 2:00 p.m.

CAC Tournament Championship Volleyball Nov. 5 @ Salisbury 7:00 p.m.

CAC Tournament Semifinal

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VIEWPOINTS

Op-Ed: Is it acceptable to profit from the violence of climate change?

Last semester, DivestUMW went to great lengths to convince the university to withdraw its investments from the fossil fuel industry.

Their many efforts, which included a 200 person march and a twenty-one day sit-in, were continually met with the same defense from BOV Rector Holly Cuellar: the Board must fulfill its “fiduciary responsibility” to maximize profit without allowing “social issues” to drive its investment strategy.

My question is, why is profit more important than the lives of those affected by environmental injustice?

Environmental injustice disproportionately harms American communities that are already marginalized by economic and social conditions.

Poor communities and communities of color are routinely targeted to host facilities like coal plants and oil pipelines specifically because they are least able to resist.

These facilities in turn pollute the surrounding environment and lower living standards. The CDC calculates that black

children are over three times more likely to need hospitalization for asthma and four times more likely to die from it.

These communities often face the most severe and persistent levels of drinking water contamination as well.

This violence is also felt globally.

Climate change already causes 400,000 deaths per year, some of its most savage impacts being mass hunger and poverty.

Heat waves, flooding, tsunamis, and other climate-fueled disasters are causing increased mass displacement. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that over 50 million climate migrants will be seeking refuge by 2050.

So, when we discuss divestment, it is crucial that we recognize that climate change is a pressing human rights issue.

It does not just threaten our future; it fuels poverty, economic disparity, and structural violence.

When we talk about divestment, we can’t ignore those in black communities who suffer from high rates of asthma from nearby coal plants. We have to talk about the millions of refugees in Bangladesh whose homes are being destroyed

by rising sea levels. We can’t disregard the low-income neighborhoods in New Orleans that have still not recovered from Hurricane Katrina.

We must recognize the inhumanity of the issue or we risk underestimating its grave consequences.

The fossil fuel industry depends on this structural violence to generate profit. By investing in fossil fuels, we are not just failing to act on climate change; we are profiting from systematic oppression.

The University of Mary Washington advertises itself as dedicated to the principles of integrity, honor, and diversity. But any institution that chooses to perpetuate and benefit from the fossil fuel industry’s inherent violence clearly has a very different set of priorities.

As members of the UMW community, we must hold our university accountable.

We must challenge the assumption that profit is more important than human life.

We need to divest our endowment from fossil fuels.

Thank you, Sarah Kinzer, UMW sophomore

Op-Ed: Butts are litter too University of Mary Washington has teamed with the City of Fredericksburg to bring the “Butts are Litter Too” campaign to campus.

The purpose of this campaign is to bring attention to the fact that cigarette butts should be disposed of properly. Like all litter, it is a serious problem environmentally and economically for the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.

UMW has joined Clean and Green Commission of Fredericksburg’s citywide campaign by posting signs throughout campus.

This campaign aims to reduce the number of cigarette butts that end up in the Rappahannock River and the bay.

We would like students and faculty to be responsible smokers and throw their cigarettes into proper receptacles.

Maggie Magliato, Class of 2017 - biology and environmental science

Quick Facts • Cigarette butt filters are made of 95% plastic and are not biodegradable.

• Butts contain 220 chemicals that are toxic to fish and micro-organisms.

• University of Mary Washington spends over $15,000 annually for litter removal.

Jason Taellious/Flickr

Fredericksburg noise ordinance seeks to quiet UMW students HEATHER JACKLING Staff Writer

Recently many students, specifically commuter students who live in the Fredericksburg area, may have received an email regarding some changes to a noise ordinance in effect throughout the city of Fredericksburg.

Initially, the ordinance was not very specific and the email made claims that the ordinance’s idea of “unreasonable noise” was vague, leaving room for varying interpretations from person to person.

The edited ordinance, however, set clear definitions as to what is prohibited in the Fredericksburg community. This includes yelling and shouting after 11 p.m., stereos and televisions being played at an excessive volume, which is defined as being heard from at least 50 feet away, among others.

Although it is true that the city and its residents are entitled to a decent night’s sleep, free from the interference of loud and excessive noise, there is also room to say that this ordinance is slightly unfair as it combats some of the freedoms enjoyed of its inhabitants.

As Fredericksburg is a college town, and more specifically the home of a liberal arts college, many students here who live off campus may be worried that they will not be able to work within the

•NOISE | 5

Editorial: campus events underscore the need for diversification This past Friday night at 7 p.m., The Chandler Ballroom became the venue for the annual Taste of Asia event, an Asian culture celebration that marked the end of Asian culture week and the end of another Cultural Awareness Series at The University of Mary Washington. This event, hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center, and co-sponsored by the Asian Student Association, proved to be a culturally fruitful event for the UMW community to enjoy through its various Asian style of performing arts including music, dance, fashion and most notably as evident in the title of the event, its cuisine.

As an event that “educates the community about different aspects of Asian culture and lifestyles,” according to the James Farmer Multicultural Center Cultural Awareness Series web page, the event, was nothing short of that description. At only $3 for students, faculty and staff, Taste of Asia was a successful event in which event coordinators were ushering in students

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nearly one hour after the event and performances had commenced.

Several Asian restaurants from around the Fredericksburg area came together at the event and created a delicious atmosphere full of fine Asian cuisine while serving up an over all awareness of the wide varieties of Asian style foods that featured foods traditional of China, India and Korea.

Another way in which the event proved to educate its community on Asian culture was by showcasing an array of Asian style dances. These dance performances featured many styles such as Bollywood, Afghan-traditional dances and Punjabi-style dance performed by the Eagle Bhangra dance group. Later, guests were treated to a fashion show, which exhibited traditional as well as modern styles of apparel in many Asian countries, such as Korean, Mongolian and Filipino. Attendees had the

chance to experience firsthand the uniqueness and diversity of Asian culture.

While it would be absurd to argue that our campus is as diverse as it could be, it is evident that cultural awareness events and series are increasingly sparking students’ interest in seeking to become more cultured and are seeking a more diverse campus in turn.

Through cultural events put on by The James Farmer Multicultural Center and largely due to the passions of student run clubs and organizations like the Asian Student Association who promote their love of culture, it is evident that the university serves as a good resource in educating its students on culture with offerings such as these.

However, as individual students of a larger community, we need to continue to demand change in the diversification of our school, and should not accept these

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

events as sufficient means of considering ourselves culturally diverse and accepting.

With the amount of resources, events and educational opportunities to become a more culturally accepting and diverse community, it is a shame that in passing along campus, phrases like “University of Mostly Whites” can be heard among conversation. While the passion and resources to become a more culturally diverse community are clearly evident, students need to continue to demand the diversification of our student body not limited to ethnicity, thus allowing us to become a stronger community.

While having culturally oriented events on campus like Taste of Asia are wonderful ways in which our community can show our acceptance of culture and diversity, until our administration changes these perceptions of our school and can truly change the ethnic demographics of our community can we truly call ourselves a culturally diverse community.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

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

Newly established noise ordinance Reflection on Obama’s presidency affects more than residents reveals ongoing racism •NOISE | 4 boundaries of this new ordinance.

Especially those students that play instruments, are in a band, or need to utilize materials that could be considered a source of “an unreasonable amount of noise.”

Accordingly, even students who like to listen to music, or want to throw a small party over the weekend can be directly affected.

The new ordinance states that if someone who is conducting “noisy” activity is not within a specific sanctioned part of the downtown region, during specific hours which only take place over the weekend, they are in violation of the code, and thus, breaking the law.

This idea seems highly unfair, given that the Fredericksburg area is relatively small, and the idea of what is considered “unlawful” is rather large.

There is also speculation that this change in policy came about because of a bar, Happy Endings, located in the downtown area on Princess Anne Street.

Many residents were complaining that the bar provided an amount of noise on the weekends, specifically shouting and loud speaking, which they found unreasonable.

Although, it should go without saying that if you work at a location that requires you to be up early in the morning, you may need a good night’s sleep.

Similarly, if you have small children that may be disturbed by an unruly amount of noise, you probably should not live near a bar.

Kristin Davis of The Freelance-Star stated in a recent article that there is a bill in the works that would have bars and restaurants close no later than 11 p.m. on weekends, helping to keep the area quiet during what is normally considered prime sleeping hours.

In accordance with yelling and speaking in a loud manner, revving engines,

dogs barking, and noise created from an electronic or instrumental source is considered a violation, and such, will have repercussions most likely resulting in a fine.

Lindsay Ruais, a Fredericksburg resident and UMW student says that she is afraid this new ordinance could be abused.

She lives in an apartment complex, which is relatively close to both campus and downtown, and says that although the complex can be rather quiet some nights, it also has a tendency to get boisterous over the weekends.

“I’d hate to think that people could get in trouble for speaking too loud.” Lindsay said.

“I mean, I think that a power like this can be abused.

I wouldn’t want people to get in trouble over a small amount of noise, or a television that’s just too loud, when simply talking to your neighbor could suffice.”

Overall, this new ordinance can be considered unfair.

Like many other colleges, students use this time away from home to not only study and learn skills for the workforce later in life, but also as a time to help build their social skills.

Many of the students at UMW are also 21, and are legally allowed to purchase alcoholic drinks in bars, which may result in a noisier atmosphere, there shouldn’t be a legal repercussions to a bar operating normally in a city, nor should it have to close early, as this could cause more problems than benefits.

Finally, the new ordinance is not fair to students who use instruments, or play in a band and need to utilize a louder volume, as it may cause people to worry that if they practice at a certain hour in the evening, they could be fined, and thus the ordinance is stifling their artistic and academic natures.

“If someone who is conducting ‘noisy’ activity is not within a specific sanctioned part of the downtown region, during specific hours which only take place over the weekend, they are in violation of the code.”

Paul McClure/Flickr

Happy Endings Bar and Grill located in downtown Fredericksburg

Steve Jurveston/Flickr NATALIE FURMAN Staff Writer

A quick Google search of “Obama + Racism” readily reveals the rampant racism directed toward the President and his family.

The images section is filled with photos depicting Obama as a monkey titled Commander in Chimp, his face on the front of a food stamp, all meant to target stereotypical ideas of Democrats and African Americans alike.

Obviously, one must not look too far to see how deeply rooted racism is in our modern America.

Not only have average citizens ostracized President Barack Obama, as he was recently called out by business magnate, TV personality and 2016 presidential candidate, Donald Trump as whom to blame for the 2015 Baltimore riots.

“Our great African American President hasn’t exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore!” reads a tweet crafted

by Trump in April, 2015, blatantly calling attention to President Obama’s race and directly correlating it to the actions of African-Americans in the Baltimore riots.

The expectation of President Obama ending racism in the United States is ludicrous.

Racism in America is institutional and embedded in policing and political policy.

The issues that ignited the riots are severely overlooked, especially since there were 6,052 likes of Trump’s ridiculous tweet, marking it as a promotion of white privilege and denial.

The president is not alone in this, however, as racially fueled criticism of his family has also risen. For, in March, 2014, a photo-shopped image of Barack and Michelle Obama was published in a Belgium newspaper.

The photo depicts them both as monkeys with elongated jaws and noses, stretched to resemble the facial structure of a chimpanzee.

It does not come as a shock that this newspaper, De Morgan, came under fire for the racist picture depicting the president and his wife as apes.

De Morgan attempted to defend this photo by insisting that it was a joke.

Not only is this photo blatantly disrespectful to the presidential couple, but it

should never be considered a joke.

This stereotypical depiction of African-Americans is not only racist but also injurious to social growth and awareness.

In March, Michelle Obama took to the stage of a New Jersey event, Black Girls Rock, an award ceremony for talented young black women.

At the end of the ceremony the first lady shouted, “black girls rock!” the slogan and name of the organization holding the event.

An article on msn.com reporting the event featured a comment section where many expressed their negative attitudes towards the First Lady, calling her racist.

One commenter referred to Michelle Obama as “Moochelle,” implying that she is a “mooch” and referring to the stereotype that African-Americans mooch off of the government.

The individual continued to ask, “Can you grasp that complex idea?” patronizing Mrs. Obama while maintaining the racist view that white intelligence is superior to black intelligence.

Another commenter takes racism to a more overt level, saying, “Perhaps Mrs. Obama could encourage black women to use more contraception to keep the unbelievable number of illegitimate births in the black community to a minimum, less rock and more common sense might be appropriate here.”

This comment is clearly a reference to the black stereotype that African-American women do not use contraceptives and birth too many children.

These horrid views of African-Americans are the reason why Michelle Obama had to make the statement that she did as a leading role model for black girls and women.

As the first African-American family in the White House, the Obamas faced extreme adversity at the hands of racism. W hile some believe that the United States has rid itself of racism, it is quite obvious that this is not the case.

In fact, the Obama family has been subjected to insurmountable ridicule and scrutiny fueled by racism.

If Hilary Clinton makes it on to the 2016 ballot the nation should prepare to face another form of prejudice: sexism.

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LIFE

Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Taste of Asia delivers a spectacular evening of food, fashion and dance

Simon Caulton/ Flickr

Dragons symbolize power and intelligence in Chinese culture and even made an appearance of their own during this year’s Taste of Asia performances. fashion show did not take long to go through, yet there As school assignments and work make up most stuEMILY HOLLINGSWORTH was plenty happening behind the scenes and following dents’ weekends, leaving the comfort of one’s hall and News Editor the show that made the event busy, yet fun. bed to the outside world seems like a daunting task, “I liked it a lot,” Bambao said. “This was my first time, much less leaving the University of Mary Washington UMW senior Jennifer Bognar, accompanied by largerso it was really exciting. It kept me busy.” campus. than-life dragons donned by Laughing Dragon Martial The show ended with a bang with UMW Breakers perHowever, students were only $3 or three canned goods Arts, one which went out into the audience and managed away from getting a stamp on their hand that would formed a break dance routine and several members free to scare a few members of the audience. whisk them into a beautiful night. styled, wowing the audience with gravity-defying twists Bollywood dancing performed by UMW sophomore For, thankfully, this past weekend UMW was able to and swagger.

Daksha Khatri and her cousin Rachna Khatri rounded Julianna Sarahcho, junior business major, choreobring pieces of global culture to students. out the performances. Last but not least was the fashion This year’s “Taste of Asia,” an annual event celegraphed the K-pop number and is secretary and treasurshow, which serves as a capstone event each year. brating Asian culture, brought in hundreds of students, er of UMW Breakers. Most of UMW Breakers are comfaculty and members of the community, while it prised of alumni who had graduated last semester filled up the 14 tables lined in the new Chandler and of students who just joined this semester. The Ballroom of the University Center.

“Taste of Asia” celebration is one of their largest The year’s theme was “East Meets West,” in performance of the year, according to Sarahcho. which cultures from eastern and western counThen came the food. After the performances, people with certain colored tickets were allowed tries were celebrated and merged. to leave the Ballroom in sections to receive asThe multiple cultures that came together were not only limited to the event’s theme. Different sembly lines of dishes donated from local businesses such as Fortune House Chinese Restaurant UMW groups, from Eagle Bhangra and Hindi Steez alongside the and Bonchon chicken, a Korean-style restaurant UMW Breakers, the university’s break dance in Fredericksburg.

Vietnamese and Chinese spring rolls were also group, were amongst those who pumped up the available as appetizers at each table in the Ballstage. room.

In addition, UMW groups performed on the same night as M&S Studios, a dance studio in The main dishes were Korean Bulgogi, Thai Fredericksburg and Laughing Dragon, a Kung-Fu Pad See Ew and Indian Naan, which were hot Martial Arts studio from Charlottesville. and tasty accompanied with spices one would not The James Farmer Multicultural Center, UMW Zaire Sprowal usually come across. This included a side dish made of spinach, which was ground and stirred Police, the SAE and the Finance Committee were This annual event captivates attendees of all ages. into a paste and served with potatoes. just a few of the many sponsors from that night.

“Beautiful Night” was the name of one of three songs Accompanying the spicy food was chai iced tea, a staLater, a fashion show represented upwards of nine ple in many Asian countries. that made up the “Taste of Asia’s” opening act, a K-Pop countries including India, Vietnam, China and the PhilEven if you are not a fan of tea, the tea’s sweetness performance put together by the Asian Student Associippines with the help of models, many who were UMW ation. was hard to resist, particularly since it was served over students, wearing beautiful robes, dresses and dress Eagle Bhangra, who performed later in the show, crecrushed ice. shirts. ated a rush of brilliantly colored robes, the clacking of With Chinese Guzheng and hip-hop, fully costumed Freshman Delsa Bambao wore a light blue and silver sapps, a wooden instrument that resembles an accordion dragons and an eight-pin juggling routine, Bhangra and sequined dress with squared shoulder pads and sleeves and infectious energy.

Bollywood dancing, students and teachers, members of with a flower in the center.

Other events included a contemplative and beautithe community and beyond, “Taste of Asia” more than “My friend’s mom got it from the Philippines,” Bamaccomplished its goal of a multicultural event, giving ful music performance by Jin Wan, playing a Chinese bao said. everyone more than a taste of something different and stringed instrument called the Guzheng.

This was Bambao’s first time being involved with Next was a moving song in Mandarin Chinese by meaningful.

“Taste of Asia.” According to her, the rehearsals for the

Performers wearing traditional Eastern garments for the dances and the fashion show, the majority of which are owned by students.

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Zaire Sprowal

Thursday, November 5, 2015

LIFE One man’s chair, another man’s final exam paper

The Alex Sakes/ Blue & Gray Press

HEATHER JACKLING Staff Writer

It was the last day of English 295, 1990 and Dr. Mary Rigsby, professor of English, waited while her students shuffled into class, ready to hand over their final papers. To her surprise, Rigsby noticed that one student had not yet arrived.

Rigsby wondered where the missing student, Mark Kazmier, was on this important day. For, who in their right mind misses a final exam?

Well, have you ever noticed the chair covered in scraps of paper in the professor’s wing in Combs Hall?

It just so happens that it is covered in the scraps of Kazmier’s final essay.

25 years ago, while Professor Rigsby waited, Kazmier arrived in the classroom dragging a chair covered in bits of paper.

“What is that?” Rigsby asked him, and Kazmier replied, “My final paper.”

If you have ever taken a course with Rigsby, than you most likely know of its urban legend. The chair now sits on the third floor of Combs Hall, directly behind the double doors to the hallway that the English and Linguistics professors call home for the semester.

Kazmier did not create the chair for entertainment, or so that it would become urban legend. Kazmier took a risky approach to his final essay in response to the dramatic actions that artists often employ in their work.

Rigsby’s lesson plan in ENG 295 encompasses the story of the famous French artist Marcel Duchamp, and his piece, “Fountain,” which was nothing more than a urinal he had signed and dated. He submitted the structure to the independent exhibit of an art museum in France in 1917.

Unfortunately, Duchamp’s piece was rejected due to its shocking, and reportedly unappealing, nature. The piece could be politely described as “a porcelain bathroom fixture.”

Like many notorious works, Duchamp’s submission gained in popularity despite its decidedly impolite nature. Duchamp had already gained some notoriety in addition to being a well-liked artist.

Eventually, the piece was submitted to the gallery, although people were no longer able to use it for its original function.

In using this story in her class, Rigsby

encourages students to consider what exactly art means, and who gets to make the determination of its definition.

For Kazmier, his chair was meant to respond to Duchamp’s art.

He was so enraged by the actions of the artist that he decided to enact a sort of controlled rebellion by turning in his essay as a creation, rather than as a plain old essay.

Rigsby has become the keeper of the story, which encapsulates a tale of intellectual radicalism and rebellion.

“He was outraged, and by proxy, outraged with me since I am the messenger,” Rigsby said.

Kazmier was outraged that Duchamp was able to submit a urinal and call it art, especially because Duchamp did not even craft the actual urinal, and was able to take full credit for it.

Because of this infuriation, Kazmier decided to turn in a replication of the theorized idea of art.

Rigsby speculates that Kazmier’s intentions were to have her prove what she taught over the course of the semester, particularly in regards to the issue of art classification.

If Kazmier were to turn in his final essay in fragments on an object such as a chair, and thus remove its functional intention, and replace that with the artistic interpretation of an essay, Rigsby would have to give him a passing grade, or otherwise be considered hypocritical.

“I’ve heard that his initial intention was to burn the chair in class, as a means of performance art, since it cannot be repeated, and shouldn’t be replicated. But I think his friends might have talked him out of it,” Rigsby said.

If you look closely at the chair, some of the paper slips are slightly singed along their edges.

Kazmier earned an A-, not because of his rebellion, but because he followed Rigsby’s grading rubric for the assignment.

Rigsby accepted the submission and brought it back to her office.

Bill Kemp, the chair of the English department at the time, walked by her office and noticed the unusual sight.

Kemp asked her where and what is was for. Rigsby explained the circumstances surround the chair, and Mr. Kemp was so excited that he asked if the English department could have the chair.

Unfortunately, Rigsby needed the permission of the student. Kemp authorized her to spend up to $50.00 to purchase the chair from Kazmier.

Suddenly she noticed a sticker on the underside of the seat, which she had missed before in all the excitement. In bold black letters was printed “Property of Mary Washington College” on the bottom of the chair.

Rigsby was shocked, as she was left wondering how exactly she was going to go about asking for the chair that was technically university property.

“The chair was rickety, so it could have been something the school was about to throw away,” Rigsby explained.

When she reached the classroom she started returning essays accompanied by peppermint patties.

When it became Kazmier’s turn, Rigsby asked him if she could have the chair, and he responded that he would trade it to her in exchange for a peppermint patty.

Since then, the chair has become a legend within Rigsby’s ENG 295 course.

“I show it to my students every year,” Rigsby said. Although, now she does not allow students to replicate Mark’s assignment.

“Before you start thinking of what furniture you’re going to bring me, you can’t do it. It’ll be a cliché,” Rigsby cautioned.

For Rigsby, Kazmier’s risky endeavor paid off, thanks to his innovative style and intelligent execution.

Kazmier achieved exactly what Duchamp achieved with his urinal, answering a question of what counts as art, as well as thoughtful social commentary.

Rigsby is not

the only professor in the ELC department to receive a rather shocking or strange assignment submission, which reflects the course’s intentions and serves as a creative response.

Dr. Mara Scanlon, professor of English, said that last semester during her modern poetry course a student performed a creative piece in lieu of a final exam submission.

Ginny Clark, along with the rest of her classmates, performed a rendition of Tai Chi, which Scanlon said was a reflection of the famous poet Hilda Doolittle.

“When Clark stood up and launched into this, I was kind of shocked,” Scanlon said, “she’s very smart, but usually a very quiet person.”

Finals may be a stressful time on campus, but it is also a time that allows student to find creativity and joy during their final exams.

For students like Kazmier and Clark, who embody the spirit of their courses in tangible ways, it’s important to represent the true spirit of liberal arts colleges.

The Alex Sakes/ Blue & Gray Press

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LIFE

Netflix Binge List: November brings promise of comedy, crime and politics

DELLA HETHCOX Life Editor

November has arrived and Netflix continues to add to its Online empire of hit television shows and movies. Whether you need a study break alone, or you are with a group of friends, Netflix has something to offer, no matter the preferred genre. As it has produced seven original television shows.

More than 53 films and seasons of television shows will be added to Netflix over the month, which you will be able to stream instantly from the comfort of your residence hall room or apartment.

Netflix is pouring more and more energy and resources into creating original content and over the past few years, they have created several hit shows such as “Orange is the New Black” and “House of Cards.”

Larger streaming companies like Hulu and Amazon Prime have a serious competitor, particularly in Netflix’s original releases this month.

“Treat yo’self” representative, Aziz Ansari, who played Tom Haverford on “Parks and Rec,” has returned to Netflix with the original show “Master of None” which premieres on Nov. 6. Ansari plays a struggling 30-year-old actor in New York, who deals with issues surrounding relationships, race and gender. The show heavily draws from Ansari’s trademark comedic style.

Stand-up comedy is actually one of the strongest genres offered by Netflix.

Premiering on Nov. 12, for instance, is

Tyler Ross/Wikipedia

Aziz Ansari brings his show, “Master of None,” exclusively to Netflix.

another original, “The Comeback Kid,” which stars N.Y. comedian John Mulaney. Mulaney is no newbie as the title suggests, he previously wrote for “Saturday Night Live” and has performed stand-up on Comedy Central.

The show tackles Mulaney’s everyday experiences, accompanied by his sophisticated style, which is perhaps something he developed while studying English literature at Georgetown University.

In addition to comedy, Netflix will premiere two original crime series on Nov. 18.

“River,” starring Stellan Skarsgård, whom you might remember from “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” is a sixpart show about a genius police officer who is haunted by the victims he has encountered.

On the other hand there is “Marvel’s

Jessica Jones,” starring Krysten Ritter, from “Bitch in Apt. 23,” and David Tennant, from “Dr. Who.” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” follows an ex-superhero played by Ritter who now works in Hell’s Kitchen as a private investigator.

Idris Elba, who first premiered in the Oct. Netflix original film, “Beasts of No Nation,” returns this month with “Mandela, My Dad and Me,” which was added on Nov. 1. It is another documentary that details the process during the filming of Elba’s “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and the recording of his album, “Mi Mandela.”

The list of documentaries, however, does not end there. Try, for instance, “Last Days in Vietnam,” or “Twinsters,” a film about a French student who discovers her identical twin on the internet.

Both films became available Nov. 1 while two more documentaries were released Nov. 3. The first, “Do I Sound Gay?” follows journalist David Thorpe as he explores the cultural issues surrounding the issue of “sounding gay.”

The second, “Best of Enemies,” examines the riveting political debates of 1968 between William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal.

Similarly, take a closer look at the friendship between John Muhammad and Lee Malvo that paralyzed the metro area and resulted in the deaths of ten people. As “Blue Caprice,” a 2013 film about the 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, debuts on Nov. 14.

If 19th century Russian aristocracy is your thing, give “Anna Karenina,” the 2012 film starring Keira Knightley, a watch. The stunning film will be available on Netflix starting Nov. 12.

If the costumes in “Karenina” piqued your interest, watch “Dior and I,” available on Nov. 14, which gives fashion-lovers a behind the scenes look at the fast-paced fashion world. Under the creative direction of Raf Simons, viewers will see how a couture collection takes shape in the house of Dior.

No matter what your viewing taste may be, Netflix’s wide array of shows and films should have something tempting for everyone. Find your comfiest sweats and grab your favorite snack.

Happy viewing!

Plugged In: Deconstructed songs offer new take on pop culture TESS OSMER Managing Editor We all know her, in the form of a sister or a daughter who idolizes her, a boyfriend who thinks she’s attractive or even by ourselves as we dance to her hypnotic beats. For she is the one and only Taylor Swift, standing for the young girls of America as she belts her circular lyrics about men and painful romantic experiences.

Although, I have to admit I cannot resist her anytime I hear “Trouble,” that song has a very uplifting beat that pops in all the right places. But she fails to deliver anything dynamic or versatile. For Swift, it’s just one hit pop-song after another.

Which is probably why she is currently being sued for $42 million for alleged plagiarism in her hit song, “Shake it Off.” So shed 2015 pop-culture for a moment and think of deconstructing a song. Separate the vocals, the bass, the drums, etc. and think about playing with the idea of a song without dependence on form or consistency. Try to imagine something new. With a clear mind, I decided to make a playlist that brings more abstract ideas to the table. Most are very similar to Taylor Swift as they are very uplifting songs, however rely heavily on their electronic music roots.

Track 1: SZA- Child’s Play, Jay Vee Remix

Track 3: Egoh- I Need This Love

Raspy vocals fill the air as this song plays, making it much different than most of the songs that we hear on the radio today.

Jay Vee’s remix of “Child’s Play,” by SZA, which also features Chance the Rapper, distorts both the vocals and the beat of the original.

Vee worked to highlight SZA’s voice, which originally sat very low in the song, by making it a touch raspy and louder in volume.

Vee also did not dismiss Chance, having his intro towards the end of the song. The beat is much more interactive than the original, shaping the song and making it easier to get lost in.

For this, one of my favorite tracks on this playlist, all I have to say is Paris, France. Paris was one of the first cities to start playing electronic music on the radio, due to the popularity of the late Pierre Shaeffer’s work. Egoh’s work, however, is very different than Schaeffer’s experimental electronic music and focuses more on electronic dance, which is very popular in modern France and all across Europe. “I Need This Love,” opens with a chill maraca shuffle and a woman crying, “All I need.” It is the beat that changes, not the lyrics, which I think opens the song up to a more personal interpretation.

Think of a much more toned-down Nikki Minaj and boom- Kiiara. “Feels,” beats it out of the park, as Kiiara’s voice brushes over the speakers, emitting such deep emotion. “I don’t know who you are but I’m diving in your ocean,” she murmurs as the beat goes on by itself in the background, simply carrying her soft, soothing words. This song is perfect for a rainy day, let the “feels” wash over you as you walk to class.

A Belgium boy, No TV No Radio crafts “Come Back,” with vocals by Kolada. I always get the greatest vibe from this song, it moves me along while I walk to class or drive in my car. The electronic flute is really inspired as it is deep rooted in tropical house traditions, as is the electric piano that chimes in on this piece.

Track 2: Kiiara- Feels

Track 4: No TV No Radio- Come Back feat Kolada

Michael Yan/Flickr

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NEWS Faculty Updates Like to see what your teachers are doing outside the classroom? Look no further!

Ken Tyler, director of athletics and department chair of athletics, health and physical education, published an article in Athletic Management magazine for its October/November issue. The story makes UMW Athletics its center focus, describing UMW’s engagement in the Fredericksburg community.

Surupa Gupta, associate professor of political science and international affairs, spoke at a panel titled “Trade Policy Now and Beyond the Nairobi Ministerial” at the 11th symposium on International Trade at the Washington College of Law at American University. This was the first of three panels that had participants from U.S. and Brazilian governments, academia private sector and think tanks.

From Oct. 6-13, Dr. NabilAltikriti, associate professor of Middle Eastern history, served as an election monitor for the Belarus presidential election. Joining more than 30 other Americans in the U.S. delegation, Al-Tikriti worked as an OSCE, (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) and STO (Short Term Observer) in the capital city, Minsk. His observation partner was a Czech national and former U.N.D.P. staff member; the team’s interpreter was a college professor of English; and the team’s driver was a cardiac surgeon.

Information provided by EagleEye and University Relations. Police Beat will resume next week.

Police Chief Mike Hall gives scoop on new safety methods CAITLIN WILLIAMS Staff Writer

As college communities nationwide respond to a spate of recent school shootings, UMW Police Chief Mike Hall is working to improve safety on our UMW campus.

The main focus of his plan includes the building of interactions between students and the police force.

“There is always room for improvement when it comes to the safety of the community,” Hall said. “We are always looking for new ways to do things.”

Hall has long used an approach he calls community policing. Rather than using strict techniques often incorporated by state police departments, he UMW Campus Police Department instead tries to a friendly presence on campus.

Before coming to the university, Hall served in the local Fredericksburg police department for 15 years, while he spent another 10 with the Virginia State Police, Narcotics Division.

Hall first came to work for the University Police in 2009 as a police officer, though he was quickly promoted within that same year to lieutenant colonel. He was appointed police chief in June, 2013.

In order to reinforce community-lead effort toward maintaining safety, Hall plans to implement the “Hall Program.”

In the program, an individual officer would be assigned to a residence hall with the purpose of talking to the residents and forming stronger relationships with them.

“There is a different scope or mission here whereas outside law enforcement has their priorities and how they do things,” Hall said.

The department is also taking advantage of new technology to keep students safe.

Widely known, the UMW campus just provided a new, updated version of the “RAVE Guardian” app, which was introduced at the beginning of the fall semester. The app can track its users walking routes, provide them with a direct line to the dispatchers at the police department and allows for text messag-

ing dispatchers directly, in case of a situation when a student cannot be heard or seen on their phone.

The department is also looking into brightening blue police phone lights on campus so students can better identify locations where they can get in contact with the police force.

Hall says other safety measures that have long been used by police will stay in effect. For example, the school has a UMW Alert system, which lets users receive emails, text messages and calls about any situation occurring on campus.

These safety measures give the students the chance to remain in the loop when unexpected events occur, from crime to weather.

The police department will also continue to offer self-defense classes, referred to as Rape Aggression Defense classes which are open to both students and the general public.

Cedric Rucker, dean of Residence Life, said that he stands behind efforts by police officers to make themselves more approachable.

In support of this, Kayleigh West, a

Emily Hollingsworth/ The Blue & Gray Press

junior at UMW, said she felt that police officers do a good job of making themselves seen and seem approachable.

However, West provided that, she feels “like there are some places around campus that could have more lighting and possibly a police blue phone.”

Similarly, Margaret O’Connor, a sophomore at UMW, said that even though the campus is well-lit at night, it can still feel unsafe.

“I don’t really see [police officers] on campus often. It would be nicer to see them but they don’t really talk to me unless I talk to them first.”

Officer Hall responds that there are always more improvements to be made around campus and the community.

“The safety programs we have, the alert systems that we do, the notifications that we do, the extra patrols we do, the adopt-a-halls that we do, the RAD program for self-defense that we provide, the lighting and blue light systems that we have- all those things we are constantly evaluating to see if they are being successful,” Hall said.

Transfer students receiving limited options through financial aid, now speaking out •TRANSFERS | 1 lege, a 3.0 GPA and an Expected Family Contribution of no more than $12,000.

Since the grant is available only to Virginia Community College graduates, students transferring from other colleges, in-state or out-of-state, are not eligible for the grant.

In addition, as Expected Family Contribution is calculated by an already established formula, they cannot be expected to account for the distribution of income for all families of transfers accurately.

Emma Ferraiuolo, a junior marketing major who transferred to UMW from Germanna Community College, did not receive the grant but did receive an unsubsidized Stafford loan from the government.

Since families take different shapes, she believes families with various socio-economic statuses should be considered.

“I think that it should be taken into consideration whether you are from a

10

one-parent household making a six figure salary versus a two-parent household making the same amount of money,” Ferraiuolo said.

The financial aid department’s webpage does not clearly list a transfer merit scholarship.

It is also unclear whether or not all transfer students who qualify for a scholarship receive one, which could be linked to the lack of information made available by the department.

Because this merit-based transfer scholarship is not clearly listed on the website with the rest of the financial aid information the university cannot be held accountable for it.

For, if a prospective transfer student does not know what the University offers, he or she may not even look at the university as a possible option because other universities may more clearly offer financial aid for transfers.

The UMW scholarship search lists 14 scholarships specifically for incoming freshmen, while only listing three specific scholarships for transfer students.

There are, however, a few scholarships available to transfer students from Va. The Sipple Family Scholarship, given to one transfer student from a Virginia Community College who demonstrated financial need and the BB&T Scholarship in Business, are both available to traditional and transfer students who demonstrate financial need and have been accepted into a College of Business.

Angie Thompson, a sophomore from Richmond planning to major in art history, transferred to UMW from Randolph-Macon College.

She thinks there should be more financial aid for all students in general because not receiving as much aid as possible can limit a student’s success and chances in education.

“If you really want to do what you want to do in college,” Thompson said, “It’s hard not to worry about financial aid.”

Fairfax native Emily Sharpe, a junior majoring in English and elementary education, echoed Thompson’s sentiment, believing that all students should re-

ceive equal opportunities when it comes to financial aid.

“I think transfer students should receive the same opportunities for financial aid as any regular attending student,” Sharpe said.

Often, a college’s affordability is the deciding factor when a student chooses where to attend. According to Ferraiuolo, education should be made available to anyone who is willing to receive it.

“Being able to attend a university feels like a privilege, but I think everyone should have equal opportunity to attend,” Ferraiuolo said.

Although UMW offers financial aid to transfer students, it is often restricted to transfers from Virginia Community Colleges.

The university lists scholarships available for transfer students, but they are difficult to locate by searching through the university’s website.

Many students believe UMW needs to make significant steps to offer more financial aid to transfer students and to make information about the financial aid that is already available for transfer

Thursday, November 5, 2015

NEWS

UMW professor volunteers overseas, brings back vital information for students

CORRECTIONS for THE Week

PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS TO

HANNAH GALEONE Assistant News Editor

Over the summer, one of UMW’s Associate History Professor, Dr. Nabil Al-Tikriti traveled to Libya to be a cultural facilitator and mediator aboard the Doctors Without Borders Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF ship, Bourbon Argos. The vessel saved more than 1,000 refugees during his stay.

Al-Titriki has worked with Doctors Without Borders “off and on since 1993.”

Doctors Without Borders was founded in December of 1971 and started off with a staff of 300 volunteers who were doctors, nurses and journalists.

Now, after years of growth and expansion, MSF has offices in 28 countries, employs over 30,000 people worldwide and has treated more than 100 million patients.

In 2014 alone, 8.25 million outpatient consultations were carried out.

According to the Doctors Without Borders website, the group was created on the belief that “all people have the right to medical care regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, or political affiliation, and that the needs of these people outweigh respect for national boundaries.”

Generally, the individuals they were rescuing were people trying to reach Europe using a small or improvised watercraft.

The experiences that the volunteers and doctors aboard these vessels gain is extremely powerful. Twitter, for instance, has become a platform that MSF volunteers use to share their feelings about their work. Dr. Erna, an MSF volunteer, tweeted that “[he] used to love the sea. But [he] will never look at it the same way again.”

An MSF nurse named MJ tweeted his observation that “People are grateful to

have a safe place to sleep, for many it is the first time in years.”

Then, about a month ago, Al-Titriki traveled to Belarus, located in Eastern Europe, where he worked as a monitor during the presidential election.

What struck Al-Tikriti were the differences between the Belarusian elections and elections in the United States.

“Their[s] are quite different than US elections, and there were quite a few election improprieties -- much of which is due to their having a strong authoritarian government,” Al-Tikriti said.

Al-Tikriti has brought what he has learned from traveling around the world into the UMW classroom, particularly in his “History of Genocide” Freshmen Seminar (FSEM). According to Al-Tikriti, the seminar is influenced by a lot of his MSF experiences.

Al-Tikriti encourages students to “keep up with events in the Middle East” and his first advice to do so would be to “study a Middle Eastern language, study abroad, and make connections in the region itself by spending at least a semester living in the region.” He also advises students to challenge their prior beliefs.

“Once you [engage in a culture,] you’ll be surprised at how many things you thought you knew about the region turned out to be inaccurate. Once you have made friends in the region and learned a language, you’ll then know how to evaluate and follow events far more astutely.”

Al-Tikriti has spent a good part of the year doing just that, and he hopes to give students the same appreciation and desire to learn and explore different cultures that he has.

Julie Remy/ MSF The Bourbon Argos leaves shore; Al-Tikriti and other volunteers worked aboard this vessel in Libya.

Homoatrox/wikimedia A Belarusian presidential election banner stands in the road, Al-Tikriti moderated elected in October.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Chris Markham, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com Mona Osmer, blueandgray.managing@gmail.com or Sushma Subramarian, ssubrama@umw.edu

In last week’s issue, artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s name was originally misspelled as “Geogria O’Keeffe” and her profession incorrectly stated as an author in the paper’s “Corrections for the Week” section.

In last week’s issue, it was incorrectly stated that “Academic and Career services plans to create two separate departments” when Academic and Career services actually made the split last summer in the story “Wes Hillyard, UMW alum, takes the helm as new Academic Services director.”

Goal of new FSEM residence halls improves student collaboration at UMW •FRESHMAN| 1 can guide each other.”

In fact, peer collaboration was a direct goal for this program, according to Associate Provost Tim O’Donnell.

“It’s all about navigating this really critical first year seminar course together all while forming a community that is different and diverse,” O’Donnell said.

Another goal was to help students succeed beyond their FSEM class, according to Chris Porter, director of Residence Life and Commuter Students.

“There are data to suggest that students who live in [this type of ] situation get better connected to the university, tend to persist to graduation, and are overall better equipped to handle the transition to college life,” Porter said.

With this information in mind, the administration set out to gradually improve retention rates with new programs. The process of creating a better first year experience began in 2007 when FSEMs were first established.

Since then, the administration has constantly been thinking of what steps to take to further improve retention rates.

A few of these steps included extending the role of FSEM professors to act as academic advisors specifically for their FSEM students, and increasing the involvement of orientation leaders in freshmen orientation. The new living situation is the most recent step in this long process to help students achieve and stay in the university.

“Retention has been a challenge for us recently,” O’Donnell said. “We want to be an institution that 85 percent to 90 percent of students come back to after their first year. We’ve historically been just below that in the mid 80 percent, but we’ve seen some slippage recently.

We were at about 78 percent last year.”

Despite the recent slippage, though, the university’s retention rates are still above those of many other institutions across Virginia. It is unclear at this point whether UMW is making good progress toward that lofty goal. There will not be any solid evidence until next October when UMW takes its census, which is developed by the Office of Institutional

Research. It takes a while to process the data, so as of right now, the only evidence of this new program’s success is anecdotal.

“We’ll certainly do some checking-in with the students about their experience in the spring semester,” Porter said. In the meantime, the administrators always appreciate feedback and are willing to listen to what students have to say about their living situations. While collaboration is key, one complaint that seems to remain common is the lack of diversity in these living groups. This is particularly noticeable to freshman Nycie Harvey, who feels that the groups could benefit from different types of people.

“I don’t like seeing the same people. […] I prefer diversity,” said Nycie Harvey. “If I could improve something it would be more diversity.”

Freshman Brandon Martin, added another disadvantage to the living arrangements, saying that it can be difficult to avoid a strained relationship between a housemate if you also attend class with them.

“If you don’t get along with someone, it’s awkward because you have to see that person at home and in class,” Martin said. But, despite the odd complaint, the feedback seems to be overwhelmingly positive.

“We learn from everything we do,” Porter said. “We build programs based on theory and research and data and then we see how it goes and then we tweak it. Certainly we will continue to work with this program and I guarantee it’s not going to look the same in the future. Every year we’ll learn something and we’ll work to make it better.”

It is the University’s goal to make its students’ first year as successful as it can be so that students stick around and finish their education in a timely manner. While the recent developments seem to be liked by students, whether they are truly effective in the realms of retention and improvement in academic achievement will is yet become apparent.

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SPORTS

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

From heart-break to happiness

Haden Thompson

ISAAC BLUE Staff Writer

He went for a steal, but his thumb got caught in a teammate’s jersey on a transition down the court while defending the ball. University of Mary Washington guard Haden Thompson recounts, “At first I thought I just jammed my thumb, but this pain felt different, it was worse.”

Last season, Haden Thompson was excited to get his fresh start at UMW, but in an accident during practice he injured his thumb.

After inspection from the trainers, the injury report recovered a torn ligament that required surgery, tearing apart Thompson’s 2014 season before it even began.

Though the Eagles went on to finish the year with an 8-19 record, “Haden’s injury was a very unfortunate, freak accident that changed the season’s path for all of us”, said UMW head coach Marcus Kahn.

Currently in 2015, Thompson is in his junior year and still a member of the UMW men’s basketball team. Though he has not played a meaningful game for UMW, Thompson has big hopes that this upcoming season is different, though he will never forget the stitches from last year.

“I remember being in the doctor’s office fighting back tears and thinking about how far I’ve come just to watch another season from the sidelines,” Thompson said.

Haden Thompson graduated from Banner Christian School in Richmond, Virginia in 2011 and went on to play his freshman year at Lynchburg College during the 2011-12 season. That was Thompson’s last full season of college basketball.

The next season of 2012-13, Thompson only played the first semester and left in December 2012 due to personal reasons.

“I wasn’t doing the right things. I was having too much fun and not representing Lynchburg or myself in the right way. I disrespected the wrong people and wasn’t

UMW Athletics

a nice guy at times. So, once it started to affect me on the court, I decided my time was done there,” Thompson said.

It was not only his teammates and coaches that he was afraid of disappointing. Most importantly, it was his family and friends at home.

With Haden being out of school, he had to go back home to Richmond. He then found a job at a local grocery store.

Throughout August of 2013, Haden said, “Working at a grocery store was one of the lowest points in my life, but it was a humbling experience. Not only did I grow as a man but I realized what was really important and that nothing was given.”

Though his mother, Holly Thompson remembered, “I wasn’t too worried about Haden. I trusted that he was doing what was best for him, and he made me a promise he would be back in school in the fall.”

Growing up in Richmond, Thompson had a core group of friends that were like brothers to him.

“We always had each other’s back since the day we met. It was a bond that we built over the years. When they were down, I would try to pick them up. When I was down they did the same for me.”

Haden’s childhood friend, Nelson Harris said, “Haden was the only one of us to make it to college to play a sport, so we all looked up to him for that. It really hurt us to see him back home.”

While working at the grocery store, Thompson never gave up on his dream to play college basketball. He continued to work out intensively that summer. He went to many workouts for college coaches trying to find the right fit for him. “I worked on everything that summer. I worked on my jump shot, quickness, agility and ball handling a whole lot,” Thompson said.

In the fall of 2013, Thompson finally found a new home at Division 2 Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina. Disappointment would again find

itself in Thompson’s college career. Due to NCAA academic rules, Thompson was forced to sit out. He was listed as a redshirt student athlete. “It was a disappointing time but I wasn’t going to give up because at least I knew I had a team and a school that I belonged to,” Thompson said.

Thompson continued to work on his game yet again while he sat out. This time around Thompson focused on getting stronger. “I wanted to be stronger on the court. I’m an aggressive guard and I need the strength to go along with my style of play.”

As the season ended, Thompson was looking forward to being on a full athletic scholarship at Pfeiffer for the next school year. Thompson was promised a full scholarship for the 2014-15 season, but when the time came to fulfill his coaches’ promise, he was only offered $15,000. That may seem like a significant amount of money to play basketball, but the cost of the school was nearly $40,000 a year.

“When my coach first offered me $15,000 I was upset because all the work that I did felt pointless. But somehow, I found the strength to keep pursuing my dream,” Thompson said.

The summer of 2014 came and Thompson had to make another big decision. “I had decided whether I wanted to accept the offer or move on,” Thompson said. Haden decided to move on. “I knew what I had worked for and it was more than the offer I was given, so I met with more coaches.”

Thompson eventually met with first year coach at UMW Marcus Kahn. A few weeks later, Thompson decided that UMW was his new home.

Today, Thompson is still preparing to play in his first college basketball game since 2012. “I love it here. I love my teammates, coaches, and all the new friends I’ve made. I am truly excited for what the future has in store for me here.”

Trio of UMW athletes earn CAC Player of the Week honors Matt Spencer

Jenna Steele

Stephanie Hallock

Jenna Steele, UMW field hockey captain and leading goal scorer received her fourth CAC Player of the Week nod, as she scored four goals in the Eagles 7-1 victory over Frostbury State, to secure the No. 1 seed in the CAC tournament.

UMW Athletics

UMW Athletics

The goalie for the UMW men’s soccer team recorded his Mary Washington record 10th shutout of the season in a game that was won in penalty kicks in the first round of the CAC tournament against rival Christopher Newport University.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

UMW Athletics

Hallock was named the UMW CAC Women’s Swimmer of the Week for her contribution in helping the Eagles open up their season on a 5-0 start. Hallock, through the first five meets, has five individual victories and seven victories in relays.

NFL expands horizons across seas

•NFL| 3 les as close to next season. Los Angeles has not had football since the Los Angeles Rams back in 1994.

The teams contending for this location are the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders and the St. Louis Rams. San Diego may be the lead dog due to the fact that their fan base is rather lackluster compared to Oakland and St. Louis, plus they are close to Los Angeles so a reformation of divisions within the NFL will not be challenging at all. This is exciting news for the NFL and all fans alike.

Overall, I think this progressive movement in the National Football League is very good for the NFL, not only for growth in popularity, but it will also bring in more money for the league. That money gives the league more opportunities to help protect the players and make sure they have fulfilling lives after football.

Club Team Spotlight: Men and Women Club Swim MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor

Monday through Thursday nights, between 7 and 8p.m., you can hear splashing in the Goolrick pool, as a number of UMW students, both men and women swim back and forth. These groups of swimmers make up the UMW club swim team, a club sport led by a series of new officers, including junior president, Kelly Morgan.

“I have made so many new friends through club swim, it has been a really good outlet for meeting people. It is great for the social aspect and has been an awesome source of exercise to help stay in shape,” Morgan said about being not just being the president, but a member of the team for her third year now.

This spring, the UMW club swim team graduated their entire executive board, which has caused them to have a completely new staff. Morgan said the team has had no issues with the change and things have gone smoothly.

On Oct. 17, 12 of the club swim athletes traveled up to the University of Maryland for a meet. Club meets are not scored like official NCAA meets, but are used more for personal bests and bonding for the athletes. It is more of a casual environment, while still holding that competitive atmosphere that the numerous swimmers had seen growing up.

On Nov. 14, UMW will host its own club swim meet. As Christopher Newport University, Georgetown University and Longwood, will all meet with the swimmers from UMW at Goolrick pool. The meet will begin at 2 p.m.

Though they are not focused on winning, the club swim team makes sure to have the best time possible with one another, while continuing to remain focused on improving their times and enjoying the company of one another.

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