State legislation banning legacy admissions in Virginia goes into effect
CARLOS NUNES Staff Writer
On July 1, Virginia became the second state in the nation to ban legacy admissions at public universities with the passage of House Bill 48. This legislation prohibits preferential treatment for applicants with alumni or donor connections.
According to Director of First-Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg, UMW does not use legacy status as a determining factor in the admissions process.
“Legacy status is not a determining factor in admission to UMW,” she said. “Our first priority when reviewing students for admission is to ensure that they are an academic fit for our institution and they will be able to successfully complete their degree.”
There is still a question on UMW’s application for admission that asks if applicants are connected to the university via immediate or extended family, but the question is optional and not part of the review process, according to Lindberg.
The legacy admissions ban primarily affects Virginia’s highly selective public institutions like the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary. Some institutions of similar exclusivity, like Virginia Tech, had already ceased legacy preferences before the legislation’s enactment.
“Applying and getting into colleges is an accomplishment in itself and every student should have equal opportunity.”
-
Shadwick
Yoder
Critics of preferential treatment for legacy students have long argued that they unfairly favor those from affluent backgrounds, often at the expense of deserving candidates from underrepresented communities.
“Applying and getting into colleges is an accomplishment in itself and every student should have equal opportunity,” said senior political science major and UMW Office of Admissions employee Shadwick Yoder. “While legacy admissions at UMW is not as massive as other Virginia public colleges, it is still something that should be blocked across the board to help create as much opportunity for students as possible.”
The bill passed the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate unanimously with bipartisan support. U.S.
Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, celebrated the legacy admissions ban, as did Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, who signed the bill into law.
“We’re happy to see Virginia make this move,” said Kaine in a joint statement with U.S. Sen. Todd Young (RIN) following the enactment of the legislation. “Now let’s build off this success and get our bill passed to end legacy and donor admissions preferences nationwide. This will promote upward mobility and fairness in the admissions process.”
Virginia Del. Dan Helmer (D-10) introduced the legislation in December 2023 and Youngkin signed it into law four months later on March 8, 2024.
“Virginians across the political spectrum want a university system that admits students based on who they are and what they’ve done, not who their parents are, and with Governor Youngkin signing this bill, that has become the law of the land in Virginia,” said Helmer in a statement to ABC 8 NEWS.
For future applicants, this shift means admissions decisions will be based solely on merit, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement and personal achievement. This change is intended to create new opportunities for students from all socio-economic backgrounds particularly those without legacy or donor connections, who can now compete on a more level playing field.
“A legacy ban on public institutions is long overdue and something that I hope private universities will consider soon as well. Speaking as a legacy student whose mother attended Mary Washington, I do not think connections such as family alumni or donors should impact the decision on an individual student,” said Yoder.
UMW hosts 2024 presidential debate watch party
ALANAH MULLER Staff Writer
On Sept. 10, the University of Mary Washington Political Science Department held a watch party for the first 2024 presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The event was hosted by Professor of Political Science and Department Chair Rosalyn Cooperman and Assistant Professor of Political Science Jared McDonald. Both professors are teaching first-year seminars this semester, with Cooperman teaching U.S. Campaigns and Elections and McDonald teaching Political Polarization.
“For first-year students, I think it’s important for them to get a sense of just how engaged our campus is in politics at all levels of government, and how important it is for them to add their voices to the conversation.”
- Jared McDonald
“It made a lot of sense to organize something around the first (and maybe only) debate between Trump and Harris,” said McDonald. “For first-year students, I think it’s important for them to get a sense of just how engaged our campus is in politics at all levels of government, and how important it is for them to add their voices to the conversation. We owe a huge debt to our FSEM peer mentors, Sarah Tyree-Hermann and Martina Pugh, for organizing the event.”
At 8:30 p.m., Cooperman and McDonald gave an opening introduction, followed by a discussion and a brief question and answer period. This gave attendees time to ask questions about the debate, as both McDonald and Cooperman have Ph.D.s in political science from Vanderbilt University and in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park, respectively.
“My expertise is in two main areas - U.S. political parties and gender and political candidacy,” Cooperman said. “I study how Democratic and Republican parties attract and support political candidates, especially women. I also study the campaign finance of women candidates.”
SEE DEBATE, PAGE 2
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Students watch as Vice President Harris and former President Trump take the debate stage
Mcdonald’s studies focus on political behavior, “which encompasses everything from public opinion on policy to voting behavior in American elections,” he said.
Both professors provided insight into the reasoning behind presidential debates and their effect on the campaigns. With one of Cooperman’s areas of expertise being women in politics, she also spoke about how the recent change in democratic nominees piqued her interest.
In the pre-debate speech, McDonald spoke about how he was interested to see the candidates’ behavior during the debate.
“One thing I remember clearly was talking about my interest in seeing how much focus there would be on substance, or specific policies, and how much would be focused just on character and temperament to hold power,” he said.
“As someone who has an interest in politics, I find it important to be a part of this period of history because it’s good to have knowledge of your surroundings and what is happening whether you like politics.”
- Maria Lopez Lluberes
A presidential debate is a time for the candidates to share their policies and fundamental beliefs with viewers who may not be familiar with their perspectives. Both candidates answer questions that define their
stances on a wide range of topics, including immigration, reproductive rights and the economy.
“I get into a lot of abstract, esoteric concepts when we talk about political polarization, but a contentious debate like the one we saw really showcases just how deep the divisions in this country really are,” said McDonald.
By 9 p.m., the Digital Auditorium was full of students actively engaged and interested in learning more from both candidates. According to McDonald, there was standing room only for most of the 90-minute debate. This election is the first many can vote in, as numerous freshmen turn 18 years old.
“I enjoyed the event, and I did consider it worthwhile because this debate is very important to understand what each candidate had to say about what they could offer to us in the future,” said freshman political
“As someone who has an interest in politics, I find it important to be a part of this period of history because it’s good to have knowledge of your surroundings and what is happening whether you like politics.”
On Oct. 2, UMW is hosting Virginia’s 7th Congressional District debate between Eugene Vindman and Derrick Anderson at 7 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.
“UMW students have a remarkable history of political and civic engagement, and the Department of Political Science & International Affairs is delighted to work with campus programs and student groups to sponsor events to encourage that interest,” Cooperman said. “Elections matter, and the first step to getting involved is getting educated about the candidates and issues.”
Corrections
Please report any corrections to Callie Harkins at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian at ssubrama@umw.edu
Due to editor error, last edition’s article “Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail honors campus activists, while UMW as an institution struggles to do the same” incorrectly spelled University President Troy Paino’s last name.
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Narcan saves lives, and the University of Mary Washington should make it more accessible to the community
MARTINA PUGH Staff Writer
According to the Virginia Department of Health, in 2022 there were “22,398 drug overdose emergency department (ED) visits among Virginians, a 5% increase from 2021.”
These statistics come as a result of the opioid epidemic. Although students may not be directly affected by it, staying prepared is essential to keeping others safe.
Eagles in Recovery, a group designated as safe and supportive for students in recovery, helps to ensure students’ safety through their distribution of naloxone—often referred to by its brand name, Narcan—which is a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose on the brain by restoring the breathing of the victim.
“I
was trained on a whim. Last semester there were people on the first floor of the [University Center] that were doing training and I thought, ‘why not?’”
- Jill Rosenquist
“An opioid overdose is a potentially fatal situation, and it can happen to anyone given the prevalence of opioids in today’s society. Students, faculty and staff are at risk, and so are family members and other guests. It is easy to learn how to use naloxone/Narcan, and easy to carry it around in a backpack or a bookbag or to keep it in a desk, and it can save a life, buying time for an affected individual until a medical professional arrives,” said Raymond Tuttle, health promotion and student success specialist., and chair of Eagles in Recovery.
The group’s tabling events give students the opportunity to learn how to use Narcan and how to identify the signs of an overdose.
“I was trained on a whim. Last semester there were people on the first floor of the [University Center] that were doing training and I thought, ‘why not,’” said Jill Rosenquist, a sophomore environmental science major. ”I figured it would also be a good thing to put on my resume. At the end, they gave me a sticker that said I ‘just got naloxone trained’ and I stuck it to my computer where it still is today.”
can be administered as a nasal spray or with a needle.
Getting trained and having Narcan on hand is essential. Although groups such as Eagles in Recovery host tabling events throughout the semester, Narcan should be made more regularly accessible. Having a campus that gives students access to Narcan would decrease the likelihood of potentially fatal incidents occurring in a place where people may not otherwise understand how to help.
“Hopefully, Narcan coming to campus will bring more awareness towards fentanyl overdoses.”
- Maso Moses
“It also helps to destigmatize the conversation around drugs and addiction because anyone could experience an opioid overdose, even through accidental exposure. If we teach people to perform first aid and CPR, then we should teach them to use Narcan. It’s just another form of first aid,” said Tuttle.
The destigmatization of opioid addiction, as opposed to merely suggesting against drug use, is not enough to prevent people from engaging in that behavior. This is why it is essential that people are informed about ways to be safe, as well as having open dialogues for people
through their sobriety journey.
“Hopefully, Narcan coming to campus will bring more awareness towards fentanyl overdoses [and] at least encourage people to go out and explore and understand how dangerous fentanyl is and how you could potentially interact with it,” said freshman Maso Moses.
If the university is able to provide more Narcan for students, it will set a precedent about the importance of keeping students safe throughout their time at college beyond the classroom. It is the university’s responsibility to ensure that all students are provided safe care.
“I think that, over time, we are going to see all colleges making Narcan more accessible to individuals on their campuses,” said Tuttle. “That could mean training everyone to use it and giving them a kit, or making kits available in multiple locations all over campus. Many places make them available at the AED stations, and I think this is a great model. In general, it should be available 24/7 to anyone who needs it.”
“If we teach people to perform first aid and CPR, then we should teach them to use Narcan. It’s just another form of first aid.”
- Raymond Tuttle
Addiction is a cycle that is difficult to break and creating an environment that is more accepting of people who struggle is essential if we want to maintain people’s safety.
Acknowledging the dangers of addiction and creating a community where people do not feel isolated by their choices and feel safe to ask for help will promote a climate where people care for one another and do not need to have a developed relationship to provide help in an emergency.
The promotion of Narcan on campus will help to reduce the bystander effect which is often another aspect that prevents people from taking action, as they do not want to interfere or cause more damage.
Being thrust into a situation where a person’s life is at risk and those around have to take initiative in a timely manner is not easy, however, more people must understand that keeping people alive and taking action is always worth it.
Personal Essay: Walking away with more than a diploma, finding your niche at Mary Washington
CARLOS NUNES Staff Writer
When I first stepped on campus as a freshman, I felt completely out of place. Where was the excitement everyone talked about? I didn’t feel it. I struggled to find my people, connect with my classes or feel like I belonged. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to leave. Now three years later, I’m graduating early, not because I rushed to escape but because along the way, everything changed.
In those early days, the whole college experience was overwhelming. The campus felt huge, the classes were intimidating and it seemed as if everyone had already found their friend groups and routines. I wasn’t sure if Mary Washington was the right school for me, and there were days when I seriously considered transferring. All these overwhelming thoughts that made me feel so isolated eventually made me realize that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.
Through conversations with other students, I learned that many people were struggling to adjust, even if they didn’t show it. Slowly, I began to understand that finding your place in college takes time and effort. It wasn’t about having the perfect freshman year or instantly fitting in, it was about being patient with myself to grow and adapt.
“UMW became my home when I met my best friends and boyfriend,” said senior marketing major Nya Lloyd. “They have not only had my back during hard times and been a shoulder to cry on, but they have shared some of my favorite memories. They have truly made UMW a great experience and a place I can call home.”
That understanding led me to a turning point. At the University of Mary Washington, I realized that the key to making college feel like home was getting involved in things that genuinely mattered to me. Instead of trying to blend into the crowd or join the clubs that everyone else seemed to be part of, I looked for organizations that aligned with my values and passions. I started attending UMW traditions and it was not long before I met people who shared similar beliefs. The relationships I built weren’t just surface-level connections. They were with people who understood me, who challenged me and who made me feel like I had a place here.
“UMW became my home once I found my people, it made me feel safe and included,” said senior psychology major Paige Strycker.
“Shifting my focus from ‘fitting in’ to ‘finding where I belong.’ It wasn’t about trying to match everyone else’s journey, it was about creating my own, right here on this campus.”
- Carlos Nunes
The more I focused on following my own interests, the more I found that Mary Wash had a community waiting for me. I just needed to stop trying to fit into spaces that didn’t feel right. Shifting my focus from “fitting in” to “finding where I belong.” It wasn’t about trying to match everyone else’s journey, it was about creating my own, right here on this campus.
Setting goals became my anchor when college felt like too much to handle. I focused on small, personal wins, getting through tough classes and joining clubs that excited me which gave me a sense of progress. My friends and mentors were everything, always there to lift me up when I started to doubt myself. Their support, along with the goal of graduating early, gave me the push I needed to stay focused. It wasn’t just about finishing quickly, it was about proving to myself that I could overcome the struggles and come out stronger.
As I stand on the brink of graduation, I realize that my journey wasn’t about rushing to the finish line, it was about transforming along the way. From the freshman who wanted to transfer, to the senior who found his place, I’ve learned that the path to success isn’t always straight or easy, but it’s always worth it. I’m now walking away not just with a diploma, but with friendships, memories and a sense of purpose I never thought I’d find.
“UMW became my home once I found my people, it made me feel safe and included.”
- Paige Strycker
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UMW women’s soccer draws with Virginia Wesleyan 1-1
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
On Aug. 14, the UMW women’s soccer team faced Virginia Wesleyan University in a deadlock match leading to a 1-1 tie to move the Lady Eagles record to 2-1-2. To prepare for a physical game like this, Head Coach Scott Gerseny believes being ready mentally is how you compete.
“Before games like this when we know the other team is going to bring a high level of physicality, we talk about it a lot, we rep some things in practice that are going to mimic it,” he said. “We’re always trying to make sure everybody stays healthy through practice, and then it becomes about the players finding that grit and matching the other team’s intensity.”
The first half of the game would start slow with the lone goal of the half coming from Virginia Wesleyan freshman Alexis Manfredi 24 minutes in. Going into the second half trailing, the Lady Eagles were able to come out of the break with new strategies and plays, leading to faster-paced play.
Sophomore marketing major Emily Box believes that by exerting more physicality, the team was able to come out of the half more eager for a goal.
“Physicality played a huge role in yesterday’s game, we really amped up the physical aspect of play in the second half because we were just so eager to get a goal,” she said.
Following a halftime reset, UMW would be awarded a free kick 83 minutes into the game off of a Virginia Wesleyan foul. The kick was taken by Maci Landel, a sophomore biomedical sciences major, and bounced off the crossbar. A scrum of Mary Washington and Virginia Wesleyan players started to all go for the ball until Box was able to head the ball into the goal.
“All that was going through my mind when Maci was going up to take the free kick was that I need to be crashing that goal in case it hits the crossbar or the goalkeeper loses control of the ball,” said Box. “Once the ball hit the crossbar I was in perfect position to head the rebound into the goal.”
Gerseny accredited the late goal to the switch made at halftime.
“I think at halftime we were able to set the reset button and rethink about the game plan, and we did a better job of following the game plan and putting the other team under some pressure,” he said. “When you put teams under pressure, they may foul in the wrong spot of the field, give up a free kick opportunity, and then Maci Landel did a great job taking advantage of that.”
Following the late goal, UMW would end the game tied after defending a late corner from Virginia Wesleyan.
Corners were an area of trouble for the Eagles, trailing behind 6-3 in number taken, but only one goal was allowed off of a corner attempt. Junior sociology major and goalkeeper Adriana Thompson was very proud of how her team defended and stated that the work had begun in practice.
“Once the ball hit the crossbar I was in perfect position to head the rebound into the goal.”
- Emily Box
“I like how the corners were defended. As a team, we practice corners almost every week, and the goalkeeper unit always makes sure to work on high balls to mimic corners,” she said.
Thompson would end that day with two saves on three shots, but that is not to say she wasn’t involved. Many of Virginia Wesleyan’s chances were shut down before they had a chance to reach the net, and Thompson said that was all due to her teammate’s solid defense.
“Having a solid line of defense during the game was critical. I have complete trust in the team and the defenders,” she said. “The defense held their ground exceptionally well and was able to perform.”
“We’re
always trying to make sure everybody stays healthy through practice, and then it becomes about the players finding that grit and matching the other team’s intensity.”
- Scott Gerseny
Even though UMW might not have gotten the outright win, Box still saw positives from the team’s gameplay, and hopes to carry the mindset, and the support from the bench, into the next game.
“[T]he positives that I saw throughout my teammates and I would have to be that we gave it our all to try and put a goal behind the net,” said Box. “We never gave up, which is the mindset that I want us to have for our next match. I also want to give credit to our bench for being nothing but supportive and always cheering for the players on the field.”
The Eagle’s next match is against Methodist University on Sept. 21.
Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate-inResidence lectures on navigating terminal illness and grief
ELIZABETH DELGADO Staff Writer
On Sept. 12, the UMW Psychology Department welcomed Graduate-in-Residence and psychotherapist Abigail Gellene-Beaudoin to speak on navigating terminal illness.
Gellene-Beaudoin graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2013 with a degree in psychology and went on to receive her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California. As a licensed clinical social worker and practicing psychotherapist, Gellene-Beaudoin works with children and families as they process a terminal diagnosis of a loved one.
Gellene-Beaudoin currently works as a psychotherapist at Peninsula Child and Family Services. She is the 2024 Department of Psychological Science Graduate-in-Residence, which is a program that began in 1995 as part of career advising. She was personally invited by faculty to return to campus to acquaint current psychology majors with graduates experienced in the field.
During the lecture, titled “Talking about the Tough Stuff: Helping caregivers find the words to explain a loved one’s terminal illness or end-stage disease to children,”
Gellene-Beaudoin spoke about how to engage with children who are currently anticipating or have recently lost a loved one.
“[W]hen kids come to me, the idea is that they know what they need to work on, and my job is to be the holding space for them to do the work they know they need to do,” said Gellene-Beaudoin.
Her work as a psychotherapist specializes in grief and chronic illnesses. She works with children, employing techniques such as cognitive-behavior therapy and play therapy for younger kids. According to the Center for Child Counseling, child-centered play therapy is a noninvasive therapy that involves mimicking and reflecting the natural behaviors that come up during play.
Child-centered play therapy works for all types of kids from a variety of backgrounds.
“I think it’s really great because it’s transdiagnostic, I don’t really care what the kid’s diagnosis is coming in … I have kids that have been through abuse, or kids that are grieving, or kids that have a new baby brother or having ADHD, it doesn’t really matter,” she said.
“[W]hen kids come to me, the idea is that they know what they need to work on, and my job is to be the holding space for them to do the work they know they need to do.”
- Abigail Gellene-Beaudoin
Senior psychology major Hannah Shipp relates ideas discussed in the lecture to concepts her professors have taught in class.
“Tying that together with my previous psychology knowledge, it makes sense that using play in therapy works best for children, due to not being able to understand more complex concepts,” she said.
Gellene-Beaudoin places a lot of emphasis on trust and reassurance between caregivers and kids during tough conversations. She warns about “information overload,” which can overwhelm young children and leave them feeling confused and agitated.
To combat potential frustration, Gellene-Beaudoin suggests that a parent, adult or caregiver should focus on answering questions that the child might have and letting the child guide the conversation. This way, the parent can also make sure to recognize and verbally validate the emo-
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Sept. 10 - Sept. 17.
tions of the child. She also highlights the importance of language during these conversations. By using the specific name of the illness that a loved one may have, children can better understand what is happening to their loved one.
“If they’re old enough to love, they’re old enough to feel loss,” she said.
“Tying that together with my previous psychology knowledge, it makes sense that using play in therapy works best for children, due to not being able to understand more complex concepts.”
- Hannah Shipp
Petit Larceny
On Sept. 11 at 12:34 p.m., there was a case of petit larceny at the Talley Center. This case is pending. Vandalism
On Sept. 16 at 7:07 a.m., there was a case of vandalism at Woodard Hall. This case is pending.
Photos from the Battlefield: Eagles effort falls short of win in tie against Virginia Wesleyan
Mary Washington’s women’s soccer team faced off against Virginia Wesleyan University on Sept. 14. The stands were filled with fans that cheered on UMW’s Lady Eagles. The game ended with a 1-1 tie, but the team put up a good fight.
Men’s Soccer (6-0)
Sept. 13
vs. University of Mount Union (3-1)
Sept. 15 vs. Rhodes College (4-1)
Sept. 20 vs. Rowan University
Sept. 21 vs. Colorado College
Sept. 25 @ Johns Hopkins University
Women’s Soccer (2-1-2)
Sept. 14 vs. Virgnia Wesleyan University (1-1)
Sept. 18 vs. Bridgewater College
Sept. 21 vs. Methodist University
Sept. 25 vs. University of Lynchburg
Women’s Volleyball (6-5)
Sept. 14 vs. Rutgers-Newark (3-0) @ Swarthmore College (2-3)
Sept. 18 vs. Virginia Union University (3-0)
Sept. 20 @ Salisbury University
Men’s Rugby (1-2)
Sept. 14 @ Army West Point (17-27) Sept. 21 vs. Kutztown University
Women’s Rugby (2-0) Sept. 21 @ William & Mary
Field Hockey (3-2)
Sept. 14 @ Shenandoah University (0-4)
Sept. 18 @ Washington and Lee University
Sept. 21 @ Concordia University (Wis.)
Sept. 22 @ Marian University
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite