April 27, 2017

collegiatetimes.com

April 27, 2017

COLLEGIATETIMES

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES A municipal worker is seen removing the letters atop the closing Frank Theatres, April 25, 2017.

Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille + IMAX in Blacksburg was closed Tuesday morning due to its inability to pay rent. First and Main welcomes Cinergy Entertainment, which will replace the complex with another entertainment facility. However, Frank Theatres is in the middle of fighting the lawsuit and has filed a petition to reinstate its ownership of the place.

Seeking shelter?

Animals find home in Christiansburg The animal shelter in Montgomery County will hold its grand opening on Saturday. It will nearly quadruple in size and house more animals than ever.

Late night eats for finals week The best thing about living in a college town? Late night delivery.

MIKE LIU

MEGAN MAURY CHURCH

news reporter

food columnist

Montgomer y Cou nt y opened a new animal care and adoption center, which will replace the old dog pound.

Located at 480 Cinnabar Rd. in Christiansburg, the center has a primary goal of education, adoption and community engagement.

Almost four times bigger than the old building, the new facility is 16,300 square feet, divided between the main building which takes up 12,600 square feet and a 3,700-squarefoot covered space.

“The old building was pretty much rotting from inside out,” said Marilyn Wheaton, volunteer and education coordinator for the animal care and adoption center. “This is actually going to give us the room and the ability to function properly and really take good care of the animals.”

According to Eileen Mahan, executive director, the construction of the new animal

There are many perks to living in a college town, one of which is the amount of late-night delivery options.

With classes sprinting to the finish and finals on the horizon, many of us are prepared to face more than one late night in the next two weeks. Whether it is working on a group project in the library for hours or studying until the sun rises, we will all be tested in some way.

At least, in the midst of all this, you do not have to worry about where to get food when you suddenly realize it’s after midnight and you have eaten nothing since three in the afternoon.

Here is a list of places that will deliver food to you wherever you are, even late at night, even on weekdays.

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Volunteer education coordinator at the Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center Marilyn Wheaton pets rescue dog Bella outside of the shelter, April 25, 2017.

center started in December 2015 and was completed in April 2017. The idea of building a new animal center was raised in 2009. Montgomery County provided the funding for the construction.

“Caring for animals and creating an opportunity for the community to get involved is something the Friends of Animal Care and Control organization (FACC) has been dedicated to for more than a

Several Hokies anticipate hearing name at NFL draft The National Football League draft is this weekend.

Numerous Tech players are among those eyeing the pros.

He’s expected to be drafted somewhere in the third round.

Multiple mock drafts believe Ever since the NFL that he will be chosen by the changed to a seven-round Tennessee Titans, where he draft format in 1994, Virginia will be able to develop behind Tech has had 84 football veteran tight end Delanie players selected. The Hokies Walker. are hoping to add more to Isaiah Ford that number in the 2017 NFL Ford has been getting good Draft, which will take place reviews from draft experts.

April 27–29.

“I like Isaiah Ford,” said While 10 total starters NFL Network Draft analyst departed from the team last Mike Mayock. “Very quick. year, only a handful of them Gets in and out of breaks. are considered to have a Makes plays. Didn’t run as well at the NFL combine as I think we all kind of expected he would run. But he catches the ball. He’s very consistent.”

Despite the praise, Ford isn’t even considered one of the top 15 receivers by CBS Sports. He is predicted to be drafted in either the fourth or fifth round. Mock drafts are inconsistent as to where Ford will land, but some of the foreseen destinations are the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sam Rogers Rogers has everything that you can ask for in a player: heart, grit, determination, ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES leadership, athleticism — he’s

CHASE PARKER

football beat reporter

serious shot at getting drafted.

Bucky Hodges Hodges is viewed as a mismatch nightmare by NFL scouts. His 6-foot-6 height makes him a lethal weapon in the passing game. However, Hodges will need to work on his blocking ability in order to make it in the NFL as a tight end.

Even after a prolific scouting combine performance, Hodges’ draft stock has remained roughly the same throughout the process.

Isaiah Ford (1) is dragged down by Ryan Carter (31) after a reception downfield, Dec. 3, 2016.

SOFTBALL INJURIES Read how injuries to key players have affected the Tech softball team. page 3

see DRAFT / page 3

decade,” said Jason Shelter, founding member of FACC, in the animal care and adoption center press release. “This new see GRAND OPENING / page 4

PIZZA The Beast of

Blacksburg (University City Boulevard) Closing Time: 4 a.m.

Menu: Pizzas, calzones, sides Bonus Feat u res: Low prices, great deals, abundant coupons online and through apps This local pizzeria made its presence known by posting flyers and coupons on pretty much every surface in Blacksburg when students returned from summer break in 2016. It took me a while to try it, since I am pretty loyal to Domino’s, but I am glad that I did. The pizzas are bigger and the prices are lower.

My roommate and her boyfriend recently got the Dr. Jekyll — four cheese — and Mr. Hyde — basically meat-lovers — which lasted between the two of them for three days. They let me try a piece of the Jekyll and it was heaven. There were see EATS / page 6

column

Death penalty sacrifices due justice for retribution Fiscal irresponsibility and wrongful sentencing make the death penalty a poor means of punishment.

T

he death penalty debate is one of those hotly contested topics that often brings out the worst in people. Questions of its morality, effectiveness and legality create intense discussion among individuals. One of the major issues opponents of the death penalty point out is that it does little to curb the cycle of violence within our societies, and simply doesn’t work as a deterrent to crime. I agree with that, and here’s why.

According to Amnesty International USA, worldwide, two-thirds of countries, or a whopping 141, have abolished the death penalty in its entirety. Furthermore, the death penalty has been used to execute innocent victims. Since 1973, and as of May 2012 in the United States, there have been 140 such cases reported, and that number has likely increased. In addition, executions are clearly slanted by race. Despite only 50 percent of murder victims being white, a disproportionate number of death penalty defendants were accused of murdering white victims. This suggests that those accused of killing white victims are more likely to be sentenced to death.

In addition, the use of the death penalty is expensive. According to a 2008 study conducted by the Urban Institute, the cost to taxpayers in Maryland for a nondeath penalty murder case is $1.1 million ($870,000 in imprisonment, $250,000 in trial), while the cost for a death penalty case is $3 million ($1.3 million in imprisonment,

HOKIE BUCKET LIST Find out what you can cross off the bucket list before graduation. page 6

$1.7 million in trial). These figures include the costs associated with the investigation, trial, appeals and incarceration.

Three million hard-earned taxpayer dollars put toward executing a single person isn’t the most effective use of public funds.

If the death penalty was abolished, all of that money could be diverted to other causes within individual states, such as improvements to infrastructure and schools.

“

Three million hard-earned taxpayer dollars put toward executing a single person isn’t the most effective use of public funds.”

To further demonstrate the lack of support for the death penalty, a 2010 study done by Lake Research Partners found that 61 percent of polled individuals were in favor of another alternative punishment to the death penalty. The most popular non-death penalty option was life in prison without parole plus restitution, while the second most popular option was life without parole.

The above alternatives make sense for a see JUSTICE / page 2

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PAGE 2 April 27, 2017

editor@collegiatetimes.com

CROSSFIRE: SPACE EXPLORATION column

Space exploration critical for scientific breakthrough

Extraterrestrial endeavors pose astronomical costs

Knowledge is power — exploring what lies beyond the clouds is just as important as fixing terrestrial troubles.

While NASA missions provide great insight into the universe, there are more pressing problems at home.

“S

pace. The final frontier.

These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations and to boldly go where no one has gone before.” Many of us will recognize this line as the intro to Star Trek. However, it says something deeper about our society and its obsession with space and the unknown. Space is the subject of much wonder and fantasy, as well as research and debate. Currently, that debate tends to center around whether or not funding for space exploration and research should be cut in favor of other pressing needs, such as education and the environment, and it should not be.

An innate flaw in that argument is that space exploration, a quality school system and a healthy ecosystem should not be mutually exclusive. As the nation with the highest GDP in the world, we should not have to sacrifice any of those, especially when all three of those issues receive mere pennies of funding when compared to the defense budget. Corporate bankrolls need to be removed from Capitol Hill so that the military-industrial complex can’t lobby Congress into spending billions of dollars on programs this country doesn’t need.

For example, in 2008, Congress authorized the purchase of 20 old cargo planes for the Afghan Air Force, none of which were actually airworthy and which cost nearly $500 million in total. They were all subsequently sold for scrap. This is just one example of the mind-boggling monetary incompetence and wastefulness in the Department of Defense, and shows that this country has more than enough money to more than adequately fund the three aforementioned topics.

So if the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) funding was reformed and became a non-issue, what else would critics say about it?

Some may cite its inefficiency due to the fact that it is directed by politicians.

However, NASA is one of the more isolated departments from congressional interference, and although it does have its share of failures and over-budget projects, it has been invaluable in terms of

its contributions to human knowledge and society in general.

Pure science is hard to come by in the private sector because it is often very difficult to be able to gauge its potential monetary returns. Science for the sake of science, then, is an extremely rare thing and one that should be treasured. Federal agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation contribute a large percent of the research and development funding in this country, and it is that funding that drives progress and technological advancement. Without them, the U.S. would surely lose its place as the world leader in areas like cancer research and nuclear fusion, things that could revolutionize society for the better.

Despite the fact that NASA is run by a bureaucracy, it now has both a wide and a specific focus. Its main directive is to “pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research,” which has a broad range of interpretations and leads to things like the MAVEN mission, which is currently analyzing the composition of the Martian atmosphere for potential signs of life, and the Hubble Space Telescope, which has contributed more to our knowledge of the universe than perhaps any other single piece of equipment.

Meanwhile, the current administration has directed NASA to get humans to Mars with all possible speed, giving the often aimless agency a fresh sense of purpose.

NASA houses some of the best and brightest this country has to offer, who are every day putting their minds to challenges, like figuring out a way to land 20 tons of supplies on the surface of Mars, and who every day extend the knowledge of the human race.

But more than that, NASA is a symbol.

It is a symbol that we are more than just warring animals. We care about knowledge, about exploration, about making a better future for ourselves and our children. Now isn’t that reason enough on its own?

ALEX MAZARR • regular columnist • freshman/aerospace engineering

To

infinity and beyond; yeah, that’s what space exploration is currently costing us. This is because we, the taxpayers, entrusted the future of space exploration to the federal government, that swamp of bureaucracy and politics.

We definitely wouldn’t consider our federal government the hotbed of innovation and research, yet we entrust it with as difficult a challenge as space exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is just one government organization, will cost the taxpayers $17 billion this year in funding, according to the Office of Management and Budget. This coincides with its average yearly budget allocation since its inception in the 1960s.

Of course some would argue that this is only about 0.5 percent of the federal budget, but that argument aims to disillusion the reader. Snapchat, the app that took the market by storm, was worth $16 billion as late as last year according to Business Insider.

Also, Twitter, yes, that app that’s on practically everyone’s phone, tablet and networked devices, is worth $15.7 billion according to Forbes. And NASA spends the equivalent of those very successful tech companies — annually! So what does NASA have to show for it? Canceled space missions, expensive projects and a story of how great it was some 60 years ago.

It saddens me to know that some of our brightest scientists who could be working on a cure for cancer, or directing their efforts toward Alzheimer’s, are stuck in the bureaucratic quagmire which is NASA. It’s become a space science center that has its mission and objectives dictated by politicians whose only knowledge of the topic is what will get them re-elected. So every two years, progress made on space exploration is in jeopardy because of the next election cycle coming up. It is no wonder that about $20 billion has been spent on failed projects along with years of wasted time.

It also saddens me to reflect on all those brave lives lost on missions because of inefficiencies in communication and the bloated structure of NASA. There’s no direct accountability for all these losses because it’s our beloved NASA: the organization that got us to the moon 60 years ago and has since then pioneered achieving mediocrity.

In fact, what societal problem is space exploration looking to solve aside from curiosity? It begs the question then, why are we, the taxpayers, still hemorrhaging so much money, time and critical resources to explore space when we have problems on planet Earth? To paraphrase a famous quote, we got 99 problems and space ain’t one.

It is true that NASA has helped spur the innovation market in the past. We can credit it for breakthroughs such as global positioning systems, water filters, memory foam and other groundbreaking ideas. But its success rate on the actual mission of space exploration is dismal and filled with inefficiencies. The amount of time and money expended before NASA is able to launch an idea into space is horrendous.

SpaceX, a privately run company, used only a fraction of the budget NASA would have required, and was able to develop and launch the Falcon 9, a rocket, into space and on time. Yes, this small private company

worth $12.9 billion spent about $443 million to develop and send a rocket to space, while learning about space exploration along the way. NASA, it was estimated, would have spent about $1.4 billion for that same mission according to its NASA/Air Force Cost Model (NAFCOM). This estimate even takes into account the expertise NASA already has in house as well as its experience in space exploration. This makes it quite apparent that NASA should not be commandeering space exploration missions. The organization is too tied down by the strings of politicians.

Instead, NASA should use its experience to help guide the private sector which would further spur innovation at a much faster pace.

Others will argue that the federal government should remain involved in space exploration. Yes it should, but only in an assisting role, rather than in commandeering the enterprise. Our federal government structure is just not conducive to tackling complex and challenging long-term problems, as it is influenced quite drastically by stakeholders who have no expertise in space exploration.

Another argument many would raise is that other national governments are still pursuing space exploration and the United States will be left behind if we do nothing. But one could argue that problems such as this are best left to the private sector, which has shown it can tackle complex problems while adapting to a changing landscape much quicker than the federal government. Imagine the dampening effect on innovation and growth if the federal government had remained in control of aviation-related projects, as it did in the 1920s when all aviation in the form of airmails were conducted by the U.S. Army.

Instead, some of these NASA space exploration funds should be directed toward more pressing matters. How about educating the next crop of scientists and engineers so that they can invent the future, as we like to say as Hokies! Our education budget was recently cut by $13 billion, according to reports from NPR, while space exploration remains unscathed.

We currently allocate a measly $60 billion to fund education at all levels across the entire nation. So, about a third of the education budget is what NASA consumes in its quest to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Other issues of interest such as generating more FAFSA funds for high school graduates, providing K–12 education for the future generation and assisting in development of teachers in highneed communities are much more pertinent in comparison to the topic of space exploration.

Let’s focus our tax dollars on trying to solve our planet Earth problems before causing another slew of space explorationrelated problems. Some of those brilliant minds at NASA could be working on keeping our habitable planet even more habitable. We unleashed the aviation industry when the government stepped out of the way and acted only as a regulatory and safety body. We can do the same with space exploration if we limit the federal government’s role in this endeavor.

Individuals, not the federal government, have been the ones to search for and cross those TOMILAYO KOMOLAFE • regular columnist • Ph.D student/industrial systems engineering

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JUSTICE: Death penalty is costly, unreasonable from page 1

number of reasons. First, life in prison is actually cheaper than sentencing an inmate to death and carrying it out.

Furthermore, we have to ask ourselves about the hypocrisy of this debate. Simply put, executions kill people. As a society trying to set a positive example, why are we killing people as a punishment for killing another person? That idea solves nothing and in fact, can be dangerous because there have been many instances of an executed person having been found innocent after the fact. In such a situation, nobody wins: the family of the victim loses someone, the prisoner’s family loses a loved one and the prosecutors have to come out and admit that they made a mistake which further

does little to endear them to the greater populace.

Taking another person’s life is never justified, no matter the reason, and especially not as a form of justice. It just serves to continue the cycle of violence and heartbreak for all parties involved. Instead of killing inmates, we need to focus on prison rehabilitation programs for nonviolent offenders and on repurposing the money spent on death row into improving schools and general infrastructure. Those types of fixes on society are lasting, and can have a greater impact on society as opposed to killing those who do wrong.

MOUSTAPHA OUATTARA • regular columnist • senior/international studies

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April 27, 2017 PAGE 3

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DRAFT: Hokies await potential chance in NFL

Injuries plague Tech softball season This season hasn’t gone according to plan for Virginia Tech softball due to key injuries, including Mikaela Aiken, Chelsea Whitcomb and Caitlyn Nolan.

KYLE COOKE assistant sports editor

At the start of the season, the Virginia Tech softball team had reason to be excited. Coming off a winning 2016 season that included a trip to the ACC tournament, the Hokies retained an impressive crop of young talent and only lost a handful of seniors.

Although sta r pitcher Maggie Tyler was in that departing group, coach Scot Thomas knew he had enough talent on his team to at least make the tournament again.

Or so he thought.

In my season preview, I predicted that pitcher Mikaela Aiken was going to be the Hokies’ ace this year. She tore her labrum and missed the entire season.

Thomas’ game plan was obviously shattered. He had to turn to inexperienced freshmen — Carrie Eberle and Taylor Barnes — to carry the bulk of the load on the rubber this year.

For the most part, Eberle and Barnes met expectations. Barnes started 15 games and pitched three complete games. Her ERA was just above five. Eberle threw an impressive eight complete games and had a sub-four ERA. The 6-foot, Charlotte, North Carolina native had over 70 strikeouts in 140 innings pitched. Had Aiken been healthy, who knows where the Hokies would be right now. My guess is that they wouldn’t be almost 15 games under .500.

However, Aiken isn’t the only experienced pitcher on the staff. Aysha Richardson,

from page 1

got it all. The only thing that he doesn’t have going for him is the position that he plays (fullback).

Even though the NFL is trending away from using fullbacks, there is still a place for a player like Rogers in the big leagues.

This is evident in guys like Mike Tolbert of the Buffalo Bills and John Kuhn of the New Orleans Saints, who both still make an impact for their respective teams from the fullback position.

On a more positive note, Rogers is ranked the top fullback in the draft.

Pinpointing where he may be selected is tricky given his position, but many believe that he will go somewhere within the fifth or sixth rounds. One Fox Sports mock draft has him being selected in round six by the New York Jets.

Chuck Clark Tech’s defensive coordinator Bud Foster is famous for producing NFL-caliber defensive backs, and Clark plans on being the next one.

However, he still has a lot of improving to do in order to be a productive player at the next level.

There hasn’t been a lot of buzz surrounding the 6-foot safety throughout the draft process. As a result, he’s projected to go in the later rounds (sixth or seventh), if at all.

Jerod Evans Fans were shocked when Evans announced that he

TAYO OLADELE / COLLEGIATE TIMES Hokies’ Caitlyn Nolan (13) runs to second base in the game against North Carolina, March 19, 2017.

Chelsea Whitcomb and Olivia Lattin all have somewhat extensive resumes in the circle. More than Eberle and Barnes, anyway.

Perhaps Thomas thought they would be able to carry this team in Aiken’s absence.

Unfortunately, a bear-sized injury bug was biting the Hokies all season.

Whitcomb broke her hand early in the season sliding into second. The Hokies lost not only her pitching ability, but her presence at the plate.

Richardson was able to pitch about 50 innings this season, tallying a sub-5 ERA, but she was hit in the face by a line drive during practice and with her eye swelled shut, she hasn’t played for the Hokies in about two weeks.

That leaves Lattin and senior Elizabeth Birle as the only non-freshmen on the team who have pitching experience. Lattin hasn’t pitched at all this year. After

starting shortstop Caitlyn Nolan tore her ACL on a tough throw to the plate, the infield suddenly had an experience problem as well, and Lattin’s glove at second base was too valuable to let go.

With a skeleton crew pitching staff, the Hokies had zero consistency this season, except when they lost six games in a row in early April. But that’s not the consistency Thomas wanted from his team.

Adding to the disappointment, some of the Hokies’ best career offensive performances have been wasted on a year which will probably end without a postseason. For example, catcher Lauren Duff, last year’s ACC freshman of the year, is hitting well over .300 and has a career-high of six home runs. Lattin improved upon her .270 batting average from last year and

Hokies’ defense falters in home loss to West Virginia

is currently hitting .324.

Vanessa Gonzalez, the other senior on Thomas’ young team, is having the year of her life. She has a team-high and career-high of 10 home runs.

This is Thomas’ 22nd year in Blacksburg. He is the only head coach in the history of the softball program. At first glance, his total record, 770–535, seems impressive.

However, Thomas has an awful .291 win percentage against ranked opponents.

In a conference with a great propensity to produce many ranked teams, in addition to the fact that Virginia Tech has struggled on the recruiting front, one has to wonder if this season — despite the unlucky amount of injuries — is a fluke or a preview of Virginia Tech softball’s future. @kcboomstick23

would forego his senior season and declare for the draft, and they weren’t the only ones.

“I don’t know why Evans came out this year,” Mayock told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “I’m only commenting on pure football, and from a pure football perspective, he’s not ready for the NFL. He’s highly inconsistent from an accuracy perspective, and I felt like (he) needed at least one more year. And I don’t think he’s going to get drafted.”

While Mayock has his doubts, other draft experts think that Evans will be selected — but very late. A mock draft on DraftWire. com has him going to the Steelers in the sixth round.

Wherever he goes, Evans will be a backup and will need to develop into a more consistent passer.

Former Hokies who aren’t expected to be drafted Just because players like Woody Baron, Nigel Williams, Augie Conte and Jonathan McLaughlin aren’t projected to be drafted, doesn’t mean that an NFL team won’t take a chance on them. And even if they don’t hear their names on draft day, they will still have a shot at making an NFL roster by becoming undrafted free agents and working hard enough to make the cut. @ChaseParker_VT

Undergraduate Honor System 2016-17 Academic Year Data

Three errors on Tuesday night helped squander a five-run lead and dealt Tech its fourth loss in the last five games.

Academic Misconduct Cases Resolved

Resolved By:

# of Cases

Percent

NATHAN LOPRETE

Faculty-Student Resolution

314

81.1%

baseball beat reporter

Hearing Panel

58

14.9%

Charge(s) Withdrawn (After Investigation)

13

3.5%

2

.5%

387

100%

Coming off of a tough series at home over the weekend, Virginia Tech welcomed in the West Virginia Mountaineers who were ranked No. 25 in the country. Virginia Tech had won 17 of the last 20 games between the two schools in Blacksburg.

The Hokies had a fast start, but costly errors helped West Virginia rally to an 8–6 win.

Andrew McDonald took the mound on Tuesday night with a record 2–3. The redshirt junior got out to a fast start on the mound and got early run support.

West Virginia starting pitcher Isaiah Kearns fell behind in the second inning.

Mac Caples led off with a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. With one out, Rahiem Cooper placed a perfect bunt down and Caples beat the tag on the squeeze play.

The Hokies extended their lead in the third. A wild pitch scored Tom Stoffel to make it 2–0 after the lefty led off with a double.

Virginia Tech knocked out Kearns later in the inning after Nick Anderson and Joe Freiday Jr. both singled.

The Mountaineers’ new pitcher Cody Wood threw two pitches to the Hokies’ third baseman, Matt Dauby, before surrendering a three-run home run. The Hokies’ redshirt senior, who struggled early in the year, has seemed to pick it up over the past week. His third homer of the year gave Virginia Tech a 5–0 lead.

That lead didn’t last long.

With two on for West Virginia, Darius Hill hit a grounder to first that Sam Fragale couldn’t handle and a run scored. That was just the beginning of the defensive struggles.

The grounder to Fragale could have ended the inning, but instead brought up Kyle Davis who homered off of McDonald. Just like that it was

Found Not Responsible Total Adjudicated:

Academic Misconduct Cases Resolved by Charge Resolved By:

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ catcher Joe Freiday Jr. (39) and pitcher Packy Naughton (8) talk in the top of the eighth inning in the Hokies’ 4–3 win over Boston College, April 2, 2017.

5–4.

Later in the inning with the bases loaded, Mountaineers catcher Ivan Gonzalez hit a hard grounder to short that Ryan Tufts booted and two runs scored for West Virginia.

The second error of the inning gave them a 6–5 lead.

“It’s really aggravating.

That’s the worst inning of baseball I’ve seen in a long time,” said head coach Patrick Mason.

McDonald finished with four innings on six runs, but only three were earned. He struck out eight in the game.

“I thought he threw the ball really good,” Mason said in regard to the Hokies’ starter who ran into some tough luck on the mound.

The Hokies would respond in the fifth inning to tie the game. A Freiday RBI single to left scored Anderson and the game was tied 6–6. The Hokies’ catcher finished 2–4 on the day.

West Virginia took the lead for good in the sixth against Joey Sullivan (1–3). A leadoff walk to Chase Illig was compounded on another error.

Mountaineers hitter Jimmy Galusky laid a bunt down the third base line that Dauby

barehanded, but his throw to first was wild. With no outs, West Virginia had two in scoring position.

A sacrifice fly by Kyle Gray scored the go-ahead run to make it 7–6. West Virginia would add an insurance run in the ninth and go on to win 8–6.

When asked about adjustments needed for a bounce back series, Mason had a simple response.

“Field the baseball and play catch,” he said.

The winning pitcher was submariner Jackson Sigman (2–2) who had 3.2 scoreless innings and struck out eight Hokies.

“That arm slot gave us a little trouble. We got a little impatient and chased down in the zone which is not our philosophy. That kid pretty much dominated our lineup,” Mason said.

Virginia Tech has a big series in Raleigh, North Carolina, this weekend as the team visits NC State for a threegame set. Game one is Friday at 6:30 p.m. Both teams are 8–13 in conference play, while the Hokies are 20–23 overall. @natejloprete

# of Cases

Percent

Cheating

211

54.5%

Plagiarism

107

27.6%

Complicity

20

5.2%

Falsification

20

5.2%

Fabrication

1

0.3%

Multiple Submission

4

1.0%

Violation of Rules

24

6.2%

Total Adjudicated:

387

100%

426

Cases Reported

15

D A Y S

351

Students Assigned the AI Education Program

20.8% Increase in F* Sanctions When Compared to 2015-16

Case Resolution Time

70%

Of Students Reported Academic Integrity Sanctions as Severe

Honor the Code

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PAGE 4 April 27, 2017

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study break Healthy Hokies: How to defeat Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Dance with the unexpected this year. Practice for agility and flexibility to gain opportunities and physical strength. A shift in career direction this August leads to a home renovation phase.

Partnership surges after October. Community efforts get a two-year growth spurt after December. Get harmonious.

finals but maintain your dignity It can be easy for you to throw your self-care routines out the window during finals week. Our writer explains the importance of keeping up with yourself.

KATIE RICE fitness columnist

2014-2015 Study Break Edition Color Scheme C0Y0M0K20

C32Y100 M74K40

C11Y100 M100K0

C0Y22 M95K8

C3Y63 M90K0

Library Bingo

Someone with Beats

Someone with their shoes off

Gossip

Someone texting and walking

Flirting Couple

Yoga Pants

Someone on Facebook

Overprepared Freshman

Someone Crying

Making Flashcards

Person on the Phone

Someone singing

Someone playing Starcraft

Energy Drink

Someone Asleep

People Fighting

Someone reading the Collegiate Times

COLLEGIATE TIMES

Someone Snap Chatting

RGY

Someone who just rolled out of bed

Someone gasey

ENE

Someone filling up their water bottle

Coughing Fit

Group Talking Too Loudly

Wearing Apparel From Other Schools

UVA

DON’T MISS OUT....

I went to the grocery store for hand soap and body wash. Neither of those items are food.

Yet I somehow walked out of Kroger that night with several sugary, chocolatey snacks in hand. I justified this purchase by telling myself the snacks would last me several days.

Unsur pr isingly, they didn’t even get to see the light of the following day.

Friends, finals week is upon us. The semester is almost over. All that stands between us and the sweet C81Y0freedom of summer are M30K8finals.

This is the point in the semester when we all just want to be done, so we sacrifice all of our selfcare habits for the sake of powering through these last several days of pain.

That would be a bad idea.

Not only do you want to finish the year feeling good about your GPA; you also want to end the year without g a i n i ng unnecessar y pounds, bags under your eyes and additional acne caused by stress.

During finals week, it is so easy to kick healthy eating to the curb. Using more brain power to study causes the body to crave more carbs for fuel. That’s why pizza and doughnuts every night feels like a good decision right now.

G o o d ca rbs ex ist.

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and potatoes are a few options. No, the sweet potato fries at Burger ‘37 are not healthy carbs.

I know from experience that it’s hard, but if you don’t buy it, then you can’t eat it.

Cause and effect.

ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY!

In order to avoid mindless snacking, try setting timers on your phone for when to eat. Eating every 3–4 hours might help prevent overindulging because you’ll still be satisfied from the last time you ate.

When it comes to actually studying, reward yourself.

Between each chapter, take a break with a YouTube video. A short video that is under four minutes. Don’t open multiple tabs of videos and expect to be able to control yourself.

Or if staring at the computer screen makes your eyes tired — play guitar, paint, color, dance, do some freewriting or take a power nap. Just find something you can do for short bursts of time to rejuvenate your mind a little.

Make time to go to the gym. I know we all get tired or decide our bed is too comfortable, but exercise is so important.

“Exercise helps you focus, it gives you additional energy and it releases endorphins to make you feel better.

In order to make deadlines,

stick to 15–30 minutes of exercise a day. If you must, bring a book to study while you’re on the exercise bike or treadmill,” reads an article from the Huffington Post.

When you’re done exercising, study with friends so you don’t let yourself get to the point of being hopelessly stressed and confused.

You should have the number of at least one person in your classes — I doubt you made it through this entire semester without any group projects.

Find a favorite study spot.

Where are you the most productive? If it’s not in your dorm or apartment, stay away from there during the day so you can get more done in less time.

Please sleep. I know it’s tempting to forego sleep because it feels like wasted study time, but it is seriously important. Choosing to sleep rather than study extra might even improve test performance.

“Any prolonged sleep deprivation will affect your mood, energy level and ability to focus, concentrate

and learn, which directly affects your academic performance,” reads an article from Harris Health System.

To help give you more time to sleep, start studying at least a few days before your exam rather than the night before. It is easier to retain information long-term if you learn a little at a time.

Divide up the work evenly over the number of days you have until the test, and study with the comfort of having enough time to go over the material thoroughly.

T he most effective method of studying for me is typically to explain the material to someone else.

Explain it to an imaginary friend if you want. Just say it out loud and make sure it makes sense in your head.

Don’t set ultimatums.

You might give up before you try if you think an A is not possible. Remember, Cs get degrees. Of course, try to do well; but you will fail 100 percent of the attempts you don’t make. @KatieRice_CT

GRAND OPENING: New shelter plans for community outreach activities from page 1

www. bugle onlin e.com

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ARMAHN RASSULI

Animal Care and Adoption Center has become a worthwhile and necessary movement with Montgomery.”

According to the press release, the new facility has many new features in comparison to the old building A bamboozable a including ais meeting room for saying or phrase that community activities, health is made up of a andof wellness display words, inclinics for both cats and dogs an interesting way. and dedicated areasisfor cats.

The object to try to Different from figurethe outold thefacility, well- the new facility known saying, also has slang, a larger capacity for person, or dogs.place, The new facility will thing that each bambe able to hold 64 cats and 68 boozable is meant to dogs, represent. including puppies.

“Time has moved forward.

The community has moved forward, and this type of facility is what we are moving towards,” Mahan said. “This is more of a community base. It’s a place for people to volunteer, to come and look and adopt animals. There is no comparison between the two buildings.”

However, the facility will not be accepting feral and stray cats. According to Wheaton, many stray cats might not be homeless.

The new animal center will

be open seven days a week.

The operating budget for the center is a combination of county funding and donations from the community.

According to Mahan, the new facility is hoping to become more involved with the local community.

“One of the big things we want to do with this new center is a lot of outreach: education with kids, with adults, everybody,” Wheaton said.

“We want to reach out about spay, neuter, caring for animals, adoptable animals. We want to educate the community.”

The main mission for the animal shelter is to provide proper placement for the animals. The new animal center will be operating as a no-kill facility, Mahan said.

“Placement is going to be our No. 1 priority, and making sure that we are finding home for these animals, or finding rescues for them,” Mahan said.

“We actually have an adoption rescue coordinator that is on staff and that’s her job is to make sure we get these animals placed and make sure that they have all the evaluations and the vaccines and everything like that in order to get them placed faster. Placement is our main

goal.”

A grand opening celebration of the center will take place at the center on April 29 at 10 a.m.

The local community is invited to attend the grand opening.

More information about the grand opening and the animal care and adoption center can be found on the website. @KacheeMMM

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Volunteer education coordinator at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter Marilyn Wheaton walks Bella around the courtyard of the $4.3 million animal care and adoption center, April 25, 2017. The center opens its doors this Saturday at 10 a.m.

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Volunteer education coordinator at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter Marilyn Wheaton talks with the media around the new $4.3 million animal care and adoption center during a tour.

ANSWERS: 1.Falling Temperature 2.Two Under Par 3.Fat Chance 4.Broken Heart 5.Hot Under the Collar 6.Head in the Sand 7.Over my Dead Body 8.Right Under the Nose 9.See Eye to Eye

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April 27, 2017 PAGE 5

news collegiatetimes.com/news

#CivilityVT: Let’s Talk fuels conversation about faith Every Wednesday #CivilityVT holds a lecture series that engages in friendly conversation, this time focusing on faith.

ANDREW YOUNG news staff writer

As some Hokies were outside in the 80-degree summer weather and others were frantically studying for final exams, a discussion, facilitated by the Division of Student Affairs, took place in the foyer of Burruss Hall on April 26. The event put on by #CivilityVT: Let’s Talk is a series of sessions that “invites discussion on a variety of important issues representing a wide range of opinions.”

The series has previously focused on a diverse array of topics between people with a wide variety of opinions and beliefs on certain issues.

Some of the topics previously discussed include the ideas of engaging in tough discussions, opinions on undocumented immigrants, abortion, race, Islam in America and LGBTQ issues.

The topic on Wednesday was on the topic of religion and spirituality, titled “RELIGION: Does faith betray reason?”

According to Todd Schenk, main facilitator of the discussion, the talk served to “encourage civil discourse” and to “be thoughtful in your verbal and nonverbal language.”

“

Whether I think someone’s views are terrible ... you have to remember there’s a person on the other side.”

Lindsey Gleason coordinator of VT Engage

The session began with a quick summary of what was to transpire during the talk, and then quickly shifted over into covering basic ground rules, focusing on body language, avoiding personal attacks, asking probing questions to others and “suspending judgement while questioning assumptions.”

After covering these guidelines, people with differing

viewpoints on the topic of religion were paired together and then asked to engage in a 30-minute discussion on their differing viewpoints, specifically where they stand in terms of faith.

One of the Hokies that participated in the discussion was Lindsey Gleason, communications and administrative coordinator of VT Engage, an organization on campus focused on service-learning and civic engagement. About the #CivilityVT sessions, Gleason said, “To me, I think it’s important to try to have conversations that are difficult.”

W hile Gleason was hopeful about #CivilityVT, she was more worrisome about civility out in the real world, saying that “there has been a lot of yelling (politics in particular), and not a lot of listening that happens,” and that “civil discourse has been lost.”

This discussion encouraged people to challenge their partner’s way of thinking,

remaining respectful in each conversation.

“Whether I think someone’s views are terrible or harmful, you have to remember there’s a person on the other side (of the discourse),” Gleason said reflecting on these characteristics. “I need to have basic respect for other humans, because that’s what I would

want for myself.”

The discussion was incredibly interactive, and after a 30-minute discourse between partners, the group reconvened to share their thoughts on the session and their results and opinions of the discourses between differing views of religion.

Schen k brought the discussion full circle with

final remarks, praising #CivilityVT and what it has accomplished in its first semester.

“We hope to improve this program,” Schenk said.

“We’re definitely keeping the door open to doing this again in the future.” @CollegiateTimes

SHRAVAN RAVI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Todd Schenk gets the audience involved during the #CivilityVT: Let’s Talk event about religion, Burruss Hall, April 26, 2017.

Holocaust survivor speaks in honor of Librescu’s life

Virginia Tech’s bias-fueled crimes prove counterintuitive

Rabbi Nissen Mangel shares personal experience from the Holocaust on Monday, reliving years of misery on stage.

Data from Blacksburg’s crimes in the past 13 years show that the crimes’ intentions were inconsistent with the results.

ANDREW SHEDLOCK news reporter

On Monday, the Jewish Student Union and the Chabad at VT hosted Rabbi Nissen Mangel, a survivor of the Holocaust, as part of the Dr. Librescu Memorial Lecture. Liviu Librescu was a Virginia Tech professor who gave his life on April 16 blocking a door so students could escape through a window and was also a Holocaust survivor.

The lecture coincides with Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. Over 800 people arrived to hear Mangel speak about his experience through the Holocaust.

Mangel took those in attendance through his story of living through the Holocaust. The lecture b ega n wit h Ma ngel explaining what he saw as the three types of Holocaust survivors: those who refused to accept the existence of God, those who had no change in their religion and those whose belief in God was only strengthened. “I am part of that third group,” Mangel said.

“In the darkest moments, I always saw a glimmer of light which sustained me,” Mangel said. Mangel began describing his experiences in Auschwitz. When Mangel and his family arrived in Auschwitz, they were sorted by the “Angel of Death,” Josef Mengele.

As they were quickly being sorted, Mangel’s father attempted to hide him by his side so that Mangel could avoid the gas chambers.

Mengele determined the life or death of over a million people. As Mangel and his father ran by, Mengele stopped them to examine Mangel. As Mangel described, “It was a miracle that he sent me with my father.” Mangel was 10 years old at the time and unlike many children, Mangel was not sent straight to the gas chambers. This has left Mangel with the continuing question of why Mengele stopped him and let him continue to live.

M a ngel d e s c r ib e d another time while he was in Auschwitz in which he was at the medical block, recalling how Mengele looked over him and decided “to make a medical experiment out of me by finding a vein in my neck and seeing how long this liquid would take to kill me.”

As Mangel heard this, he said that he jumped off the stretcher and yelled at Mengele, “Experiment on monkeys, not me!” multiple times before getting back on his stretcher and accepting his death. At this point, Mangel believed that he was as good as dead for screaming at Mengele, but as Mangel described, he was saved by some miracle.

Mangel related these two stories to two Bible parables: one of Abraham being thrown into King Nimrod’s furnace and surviving and the other of Daniel in the lion’s den.

“I was in the inferno and in the lion’s den with Mengele and survived,” Mangel said. “This was

the light I saw which saved me.”

The last experience that Mangel shared with the audience was about an event during the death marches. Mangel described how after days of marching in the cold snow, he was going to give up and step out of line so that the SS guards would shoot him.

Fortunately, Mangel had another prisoner who helped him along until he could no longer keep going.

Yet Mangel describes what he thought was another miracle. An SS guard helped Mangel keep going and survive the Holocaust. Mangel said, “Who was this, for them to kill a Jew was an honor.

They were the scum of the Earth. Perhaps this SS was an angel sent to save me.

God almighty sent this angel to help me.”

This led Mangel to make his final point for why his faith in God was strengthened by his ordeal in the Holocaust. It is Mangel’s belief that the miracles of not being sent to gas chambers, not being killed by the SS and the SS guard who helped him survive were all miracles allowed by the mercy of God. To the question that many people ask when t h i n k i ng ab out t he Holocaust: “Where was God?,” Mangel said, “Only God almighty can answer this question, and I will ask him myself.”

@VTshedlock

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Rabbi Nissen Mangel, an inmate as a child and survivor of Auschwitz, takes questions from a Virginia Tech Ph.D. candidate before an audience, April 24, 2017.

LEWIS MILLHOLLAND managing editor

Thir teen years ago, the door of the NAACP student office in Squires was defaced with the slurs “hang the n------” and “Go back 2 Africa.” The door was smeared with a brown substance that appeared to be feces or mud. The incident occurred in daylight on a Sunday afternoon, between noon and 2 p.m.

In the subsequent investigation, it came to light that two security cameras in Squires — one outside Commonwealth Ballroom and one in the third-floor media hallway — had been non-functioning for some time. The camera in the media hallway had been continually vandalized and wasn’t worth repairing, according to University Unions and Student Activities (UUSA) officials, and both cameras were running on obsolete technology.

The university never found out who vandalized the office.

One day after the incident, the administration published a statement on the matter, dubbing the vandalism an act of hate and emphasizing the importance of the healing process. NAACP officials criticized the university’s response as tepid and demanded significant, immediate change — and, surprisingly, that’s exactly what happened.

Melinda Vann, theninterim unions director for UUSA, told the Collegiate Times in 2004 that the hate crime against the NAACP office offered “the chance to look at overall security in the building.”

UUSA held a meeting with leaders of student organizations to address these security concerns. They covered the necessity of cameras, how to best curate swipe access to different areas of Squires and the importance of maintaining open relationships among organizations. As Shawn Braxton, the Virginia Tech NAACP president at the time, stated, “It’s a negative thing, but there’s been some positives outcomes to it.

There’s already been significant change.”

To say that bias-related incidents hurt a community is a non-controversial statement, but the silver linings are not negligible. While the vandalism of the NAACP office cut the community

deeply, Squires Student Center has never seen a crime to that degree in the following 13 years. These silver linings raise a critical question: when do bias-related incidents yield a positive impact on the community?

The silver lining Near the end of February 2017, a man entered the Islamic Society of New River Valley (ISNRV) mosque and robbed an estimated $800– 1,000 from collection boxes.

Mosque leaders concluded the incident was motivated by financial gain and not prejudice, though police have not announced an official motive.

“

Frankly I’m not suprised ... When people in our community feel threatened, Hokies show up.”

Tim Sands Virginia Tech president

Two days after the theft, a Virginia Tech student and ISNRV community member launched a GoFundMe page, inviting locals and members’ relatives living elsewhere to donate to the mosque.

Within seven-and-a-half hours, the fundraiser reached $3,685.

ISNRV officials asked the student who launched the campaign to close it, and so far no decision has been made regarding what to do with the donations. However, the campaign may have served as the template for the Jewish Student Center at Virginia Tech (known as Chabad) in the aftermath of its own misfortune a month later.

On March 18, Rabbi Zvi Zwiebel stepped out of Chabad to discover nearly 100 swastika-emblazoned leaflets scattered across the lawn. Without skipping a beat, Zwiebel and the Chabad team took to social media to rally the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg communities against the tragedy.

In 48 hours, Chabad had issued a public statement that was retweeted by President Tim Sands, organized a solidarity rally that drew in well over 500 people and started a fundraiser that has raised more than $4,000. And, beyond these tangible developments, Chabad felt the support of Hokie Nation.

“What did you hope to

accomplish?” asked Virginia Tech Police Chief Kevin Foust from the podium at the solidarity rally, as if addressing the perpetrator. “Did you hope to instill fear? Did you hope to intimidate people? Did you hope to divide us? Well look around here tonight — this is not fear. This is unity. What you have accomplished is not fear. Instead, you have steeled everyone’s resolve to unite and become an even closer community.”

At least in recent history, victimized groups have been met with strong support from the Virginia Tech community — and in some cases have even experienced monetary gain.

“Hokies show up” Data on bias-related crimes are difficult to come by, but by studying newspaper records we know that bias-related incidents happen nearly every year. Usually these come in the form of slurs or threats scrawled in public spaces.

Despite the continued existence of these crimes, there has been a dramatic shift in local news coverage in the past decade. In the past, media would put out a crime coverage piece and then more or less leave the story alone; today, news outlets stick around to document the community’s reaction.

In the case of the graffitied threat against the Muslim community, nearly 1,000 students, administrators and community members massed outside War Memorial Chapel a week after to stand in solidarity. Event coordinators read passages from the Quran and students packed around a banner that proclaimed “We Stand Together” to add their signature.

When Sands attended the rally, he was less than two years into his role, but even then he had a clear perception of how the Virginia Tech community reacted to crimes against an identity group.

“Frankly, I’m not surprised.

When we’ve had challenges to our community, when people in our community feel threatened, Hokies show up,” Sands said back in 2015. “It’s just something that we do; we do it because we have experienced what it means to be a strong community and what we can learn from it, and we know that we need to be there to support each other.” @WithTheFancyGuy

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PAGE 6 April 27, 2017

lifestyles

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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EATS: Where to Hokie Bucket List: It’s crunch time Hokie Bucket List is important for every Hokie to complete; however, we fuel up during areThedown to the wire. Here is a list of things you can get done before graduation. finals week ALAYNA JONES

from page 1

really four different types of cheese on it, and they all worked well together.

Benny Marzano’s (Draper Road) Closing Time: (Varies) 3 a.m. weekends; midnight Sunday, Monday and Wednesday; 2 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Menu: Pizza, drinks Bonus Features: The size of the pizza you can get from Benny’s is unbeatable Personally, I’m over Benny’s. There is one in my hometown too, and I’m just not dazzled by the giant slice of cheese anymore.

However, it does frequently change out its specialty flavors and I have liked a few of them, including the popular favorites, buffalo chicken and ricotta mushroom. But personal feelings aside, there is nothing like Benny’s. It is just a fun place to be.

Domino’s Pizza (North Main) Closing time: (Varies) 2 a.m. Monday–Tuesday; 3 a.m. Wednesday– Thursday; 4 a.m. weekends; 1 a.m. Sunday Menu: Pizza, pasta, wings, subs, desserts, salads, miscellaneous sides Bonus feat u res: Convenient app that makes it even easier to customize and track your order; only a few minutes away from campus

It is hard to go wrong with Domino’s, mostly because its non-pizza menu is so intense. Want pasta? It’s got it. Craving a chocolatey dessert? It’s got that too. And, of course, it is pretty reliable for quality pizza. When I want pizza delivered at 4 a.m., Domino’s is usually what I call.

SANDWICHES Jimmy John’s (College Avenue) Closing Time: 3 a.m.

Menu: Subs, sandwiches, sides Bonus Features: It’s so close to campus you could find your way there blindfolded; it prides itself on speed so you will not have to wait long Honestly, when you’re hungry, a sandwich is usually what you need. It can have protein, grain, vegetables and even fruit if you’re feeling gutsy (or if you subscribe to the belief that tomato is a fruit). Jimmy John’s has so many options for any kind of sub or sandwich you could want, and it is open very late. If you’re in the library studying, you don’t even need to place a delivery order because it is so incredibly close.

@CollegiateTimes

lifestyles staff writer

Unfortunately for students of the Class of 2017, their time at Virginia Tech has gotten down to the wire. It is a bittersweet time for the graduating class — but maybe more bitter for some, because who really wants to leave Blacksburg?

The Hokie Bucket List details many activities and places that students are highly encouraged to do or visit around the New River Valley before they graduate. There are 72 items on the list, but if you have not tried some of the popular items below, these are things you must check off the list before walking across the stage. #28: Hike McAfee Knob McAfee Knob is a famous hike known around the New River Valley and the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail, according to Hiking Upward. This makes it a must hiking spot for all students to visit before graduation.

The hike is in Roanoke County — only about 40 minutes from campus, but it is known to be mildly difficult due to its length — 8.3 miles round trip.

On average, it takes about five to six hours to hike this trail, but it’ll all be worth it once you see the view at the top.

McAfee Knob is also right near The Homeplace, which takes us to the next must-visit item on the Hokie Bucket List. #5: The Homeplace

If you are graduating and have not been to The Homeplace, get there now.

The Homeplace is about 40 minutes from campus in Catawba.

This restaurant has all you can eat, family-style southern foods. Fried chicken, roast beef, biscuits, mashed potatoes and more are served unlimited. If your table chooses to get two unlimited meats, it is only $14 per person, and then $15 if you want all three meats — fried chicken, ham and roast beef.

On the weekends, this place can get very crowded, so get AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES there early if you do not like The HokieBird prances across the court in spite of the waiting long.

Hokies falling behind the Wisconsin Badgers in the first #41: Hibachi at Turner round of NCAA tournament, March 16, 2017.

Place Virginia Tech is known for its impressive dining services. It is one of the few, if not the only, schools that has a hibachi grill on its dining plan; therefore, it is important to grab dinner with friends one night at Origami.

Origami is a typical hibachi restaurant where the cook does the tricks with his or her utensils. The food lives up to expectation as well, so make sure to make a reservation online before you go.

#39: Go tubing down the New River Tubing on the New River at New River Junction is a great way to get outside and see more parts of the New River Valley before graduation.

Students can make a whole day out of this trip by bringing food and picnicking at Big Falls Park nearby. Grills are

provided hot and ready for cooking.

Prices for tubing the New River are $12 for an adult tube and $10 for a life jacket.

If you want to bring beverages along, you can rent a cooler tube to store your drinks for $6, but be careful not to bring any glass bottles.

C u r rently, t here is construction going on by the trail blocking some of it off, but there are alternative routes you can take.

For your protection, safe lights (the big blue safety lights that are found on campus) are also on the trail in case of emergency.

#55: Walk, run or bike down the Huckleberry Trail The Huckleberry Trail is a scenic and natural place for walking, running and biking.

It extends all the way from the Blacksburg Library to the New River Valley Mall — but you obviously do not have to walk, run or bike the entire thing.

An easy way students can get on the Huckleberry Trail from campus is at the top of Chicken Hill by the tennis courts.

#12: Get a picture with the HokieBird Getting a photo with the HokieBird is a must before students graduate. The HokieBird can sometimes be seen walking around campus on nice days. You may need to chase him down, but when you catch him, just ask him for a photo to frame and keep on your desk after you graduate. @CollegiateTimes

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