VARIETY >> PAGE 6
SPORTS >> PAGE 8
Law school simulates trial of fairy tale characters to teach kids about legal system
A look back at senior forward Mallory Schaffer’s illustrious career at the College
Vol. 102, Iss. 21 | Friday, November 16, 2012
Schaffer ends notable career
The Flat Hat The Twice-Weekly Student Newspaper
of The College of William and Mary
CAMPUS
“
How to break the
It was grey and then green and then black. It was disgusting. Your room is supposed to be somewhere you feel at home but we didn’t really want to be there.
MOLD
—Stephanie Krauss ’15
Williamsburg’s humidity takes a toll on health and building maintenance at the College bY claire gillespie flat hat STAFF WRITER
High humidity and frequent storms throughout the last six months in Williamsburg have left the College of William and Mary increasingly vulnerable to those black spots that make people’s hair stand on end: mold. “I guess the mold had been there since we moved in. It was on the ceiling tile,” Stephanie Krauss ’15 said. “The ceiling had water spots and then the water grew and spread. It was gray and then green and then black. It was disgusting. Your room is supposed to be somewhere you feel at home, but we didn’t really want to be there.” Mold grows when warm, moist air comes into a cool building. When this humid air hits a cold surface, such as the cold water pipes that make up the air conditioning system of many residence halls, mold can grow. “The way students and staff and faculty can help is by not opening your windows when you have the air conditioning on. If you have an air-conditioned building and you open the window, any cold surface in here, the warm, moist air will hit the window, it will hit that surface, it will condense, and it will create a moisture problem,” Director
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The jury’s out
Why does mold form? Mold grows and multiplies when it has sufficient moisture and organic material. High humidity, condensation and water from a leaking pipe are all causes of mold.
of Operations and Maintenance Robert Avalle said. “Also, don’t prop your doors open. Anything you can do to seal that building will help in reducing the probability of warm, moist air getting in.” Another technique that keeps mold out of the halls is turning the air conditioner up so the room is not as cold. “The colder you make a room, the higher the probability that you’re going to get condensation somewhere,” Avalle said. The Environment, Health and Safety Office, which deals with the work orders that involve mold, has responded to 19 different work order requests in the last six months. From May to October 2011, the department responded to five requests. “The Office wants to treat the mold and make sure everybody has a healthy living environment, but they can’t really do anything unless a student reports it. If you have mold, report it, and they will get rid of it,” Secretary of Student Rights Emily Wade ’15 said. Environment, Health, and Safety staff members start the treatment by running tests with a moisture meter, a device that responds to the
What can students do? Don’t open windows when the air conditioning unit is on and make sure to close all doors.
See mold page 3 courtesy photo / STEPHANIE KRAUSS
katherine chiglinsky /THE FLAT HAT
Stephanie Krauss ’15 experienced mold on the ceiling in Camm basement this year.
campus
PULITZER
Provost shares personal opinion, questions benefits of merger
LGBTQ on campus
Public speak on EVMS discussion Students talk being College remains fairly tolerant
by eleanor lamB the flat hat
by beatrice loayza the flat hat
The prospect of creating a medical school prompted nearly as many questions and concerns as a medical school exam. The Due Diligence Committee, charged by President Taylor Reveley to explore the prospect of formal connections between the College of William and Mary and Eastern Virginia Medical School, met Nov. 14 to discuss the overlap of the two institutions. Linking the two schools would add a medical school to the College’s programs. The public forum gave concerned students and community members the opportunity to voice their questions and concerns. “This is truly exploratory,” Provost Michael Halleran said. The idea of formally joining with EVMS did not come out of the blue; the College has had close ties to the medical school for some time. Located in Norfolk, the school is only about a one-hour drive located from the College. In fact, a few members of the audience were EVMS students who had earned their undergraduate degrees at the College.
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Although it would not be as expensive as schools like Virginia Tech that started their own medical programs from scratch merging the two would require quite an expenditure. “Those schools [who built their own medical schools] are knee-deep in red ink,” professor of kinesiology and health sciences and committee member Michael Deschenes said. “Maybe we could come up with our own model.”
In 2009, Simone, an outspoken lesbian from Jamaica, applied for a visa to the United States after being attacked violently by an anti-gay gang, according to the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. Homophobia runs rampant in Jamaica, so for Simone, being openly homosexual is “essentially a death sentence.” Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is still a serious issue, even in the United States. However, institutions of higher education that represent today’s young people and tend to be fairly progressive, often strive to create an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. The College of William and Mary is no exception. Last year, the College participated in a study called the Campus Climate Index, a national standard for measuring LGBT-friendly programs, policies and practices of universities. The College received 3.5 out of five stars, indicating a need to increase efforts to address the needs and concerns of LGBT individuals on campus. According to Margie Cook, assistant director of the Center for Student Diversity, many positive steps have been taken and integral students do not have major complaints about LGBTQ-based discrimination on campus. “Students are often having a positive experience with other students, and also with supportive staff and administration,” Cooke said in an email. Dylan Frendt ’14 and Dylan Lowery ’13 have been in a serious, open
See evms page 4
See pulitzer page 4
Michelle gabbro / THE FLAT HAT
The due diligence committee opened the floor to the public comment on the possible EVMS merger.
Although the addition of a medical school to the College is appealing to some, the committee feels there are many important factors to consider. “There’s a lot to know. This is a big, strategic decision that we face,” Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and committee member Jim Golden said. “It’s complicated. We want to continue to explore possibilities.” One of the biggest concerns raised by the audience and committee members alike was how to fund an emerging medical school.
Today’s Weather
Sunny High 55, Low 37
Inside opinions
One change every professor should make If professors don’t return our graded assignments, we won’t have the information we need to fix our mistakes. page 4
Inside SPORTS
Tribe downs Virginia Union for first win
Sophomore guard Kyle Kerstetter provides 14 points, six assists off the bench to power College to victory page 8
THE PULSE
The Flat Hat
| Friday, November 16, 2012 | Page 2
THE BUZZ
All The News that’s unfit to print
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Rolls-Royce is planning to build a new facility in Prince George County; however, it will not be for making Bond cars. The new factory will manufacture turbine blades for aircraft engines. The company announced in a press release the project will cost $136 million and create 140 jobs.
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newsinsight “
News Editor Katherine Chiglinsky News Editor Meredith Ramey fhnews@gmail.com
My guess is that, at this point, we will not have a merger.
—Michael Haleran, Provost of the College
BEYOND THE ‘BURG
Williamsburg Inn Executive Chef Travis Brust won first place in the World Food Championships held in Las Vegas last week. The World Chef contest, which lasts for two days, consisted of different culinary challenges such as processing a whole chicken in two minutes, mincing four onions as fast as possible, and inventing a new recipe for eggs Benedict. To win the final round, Chef Burst made a rendition of the dish he served when the Queen of England dined at the Inn in 2007. The Navy is discharging 11 members of a Norfolk-based unit for their use of spice, a synthetic form of marijuana. A spokesman for the Navy told reporters that two other sailors are facing charges for possession of 2C-1, a synthetic drug that produces psychedelic effects similar to LSD. The Washington Post reported that Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Brian Moran, D-46, will be stepping down at the next meeting of the Democratic State Central Committee, set to be held in Williamsburg Dec. 8. “I am pleased to report that the Democratic Party of Virginia is in a solid position to play a significant role in electing Democratic statewide tickets and making gains in the legislature in 2013,” Moran said in a statement. Virginia House Minority Whip Charniele Herring, D-46, has expressed her hopes to succeed Moran.
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Tuesday that Virginia posted a 15.7 percent revenue increase for the month of October. “While any increase in revenues is certainly positive … Virginia must look beyond these short-term increases and prudently prepare for how to weather any potential financial challenges in the coming months,” McDonnell said in a statement. According to The Washington Post, McDonnell also asked all state agencies to submit plans detailing how they will reduce spending by 4 percent in their departments by 4 percent in preparation for the new state budget.
A THOUSAND WORDS
COURTESY PHOTO / JISOO LEE
George Washington University was stripped of its ranking on the Best Colleges list after it was found falsely reporting the credentials of incoming classes.
GWU lies about admission statistics No. 51 on U.S. News and World Report’s annual Best Colleges list will no longer be home to George Washington University following the publicity of the university’s 10-years of faulty data reports to the magazine. According to The Huffington Post, the university falsely reported that 78 percent of its 2011 incoming students ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating classes. The actual statistic is 20 points lower at 58 percent. The university will be listed as “Unranked” in the next issue of the Best Colleges list. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, officials discovered the problem during an internal review of admissions statistics last summer. Universities collaborate on “Semester Online” program According to the Chicago Tribune, a group of universities announced their plans for a new online program Nov. 15. Semester Online is to be implemented next fall at schools such as Northwestern University and Duke University. The program would allow 20 students to tap into virtual online classrooms provided by the participating universities. The universities see the movement online as an opportunity for those studying campus to take additional introductory level classes.
Ban on affirmative action struck down The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Michigan’s ban on affirmative action illegal Nov. 15. According to USA Today, the court found the 2006 ballot initiative in violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. The initiative also addressed government contracting and hiring, but lawyers stated that the consequences for university admissions would be most significant. Fiscal cliff threatens university funding Colleges and universities across the nation fear a loss of funding due to the impending “fiscal cliff,” according to the Huffington Post. If President Barack Obama and members of Congress do not reach an alternative deficit-reduction plan by Jan. 1, there could be billions of dollars in spending cuts to educational institutions. Research universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology get the majority of their funding from the federal government, all of which are in jeopardy. However, Pell Grant programs are shielded from cuts. These programs provide federal funding for students with financial need, and none of the money needs to be repaid. It is expected that other scholarship programs will be affected by the cuts, however.
CAMPUS POLICE BEAT
anita jiang / the FLAT HAT
CORRECTIONS The Flat Hat wishes to correct any facts printed incorrectly. Corrections may be submitted by e-mail to the editor of the section in which the incorrect information was printed. Requests for corrections will be accepted at any time.
Nov. 12 to Nov. 15 1
Monday, Nov. 12 — A suspicious incident was reported at Capitol Landing.
2
Tuesday, Nov. 13 — An individual reported a hit and run at N. Henry St. and Rt. 132.
Nov. 13— A suspicious incident was 3 Tuesday, reported on York St.
4
The Flat Hat
Wednesday, Nov. 14 — An individual was arrested for suspected larceny or theft on York St. This was the individual’s third offense.
Nov. 15 — An individual was arrested on 5 Thursday, York St. for embezzlement greater than $200.
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News in brief President’s annual report released
College partners with Kellogg’s
College to host Civil War panel
College of William and Mary President Taylor Reveley’s 2012 report was recently released to the College community. This report includes a message from the president, feature statements from College community members, a fiscal report, and coverage of important news events that have occurred this year. Some such events include the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s participation in a maritime rescue in the Antarctic, the opening of the William and Mary Confucius Institute, and Rosemary Willis’s ’13 coronation as Miss Virginia. The report, which is available to the community online, also includes links and videos. The President stated that the review reflected another great year for the College.
The College community has made many efforts to raise awareness and relief for those who suffer from hunger. Dining Services recently partnered with Kellogg’s in a “Share Your Bowl” campaign, which stipulates that every bowl of cereal students eat will be matched by a bowl donated to The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. This campaign will run through Dec. 7. Another event to aid those in need is Campus Kitchen’s Turkeypalooza. This event aims to purchase 50 turkeys, as well as other Thanksgiving food, which will be given to community members in need. The Thanksgiving food will be distributed to selected neighborhoods Nov. 20.
The College of William and Mary and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission will host “The American Civil War at Home” on April 20, 2013. Sponsored by the Commonwealth’s American Civil War Commission, the two panel discussions will feature Civil War experts and is the fifth in a series of seven conferences. Eric Foner, DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, will present his award-winning book, “The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery.” The book won Pulitzer, Bancroft and Lincoln Prizes. movement. Other panelists will discuss the limits of emancipation.
Page 3
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Flat Hat
international
Students protest in European cities
William and Mary study abroad students join locals in protesting budget cuts
by ellie kaufman and ariel cohen flat hat staff writers
The steady rhythm of a protest march erased the standard slow beat of Sevilla, Spain on Nov. 14. Students, teachers, workers and trade union members marched past closed businesses through the main streets in step with thousands of citizens around the country and Europe in support of a general strike. Spain, and other struggling European Union economies including Greece, Italy, Portugal and Ireland, face a series of intense budget cuts from the European Union trickling down to country governments. In response, citizens from these countries closed business doors and took to the streets in demonstration of their ongoing frustration for one day. This is the second general strike in the past year in Spain alone. According to union organizers cited in Spain’s national newspaper, El Pais, 14.23 million workers went on strike for the day. Eighty percent of trade union members participated in the southern Spanish province of Andalucia with Sevilla as its capital. In Sevilla, all forms of transportation provided minimal services for the day while protestors flocked to the streets. The two main universities in the city, University of Sevilla and Pablo de Olavide University were both closed. Spain’s current unemployment rate stands at 25 percent overall, but spikes to 50 percent among the youth population. “The European Union is putting a lot of pressure on Spain and the Spanish government,” International Professor at Pablo de Olavide University Ana Claudio said. “I’m against the professor’s salary cuts, because for this year they are cutting our salaries by five percent.” The College of William and Mary study abroad program in Sevilla sends students to Pablo de Olavide for a semester exchange. Students attend the international school alongside Spanish students, and some students chose to protest alongside them on the day of the general strike. “The strike is protesting the budget cuts, which they protested by not going to work, but it really doesn’t make sense because their economy won’t get better if they are not working,” Ben Thomas ’14 said. “They want to make a lot of social changes
but at the same time their society is already so different from ours being socialist vs. capitalist.” Public universities countrywide face salary cuts for professors and tuition increases for students in attendance. The cost of tuition at these public universities ranges from 500 to 800 euros a semester. “I understand what they are talking about but at the same time they don’t understand what it’s like to pay $40,000 a year to go to college or how much we pay in taxes, but at the same time we don’t understand a 25 percent unemployment rate,” Thomas said. In Rome, protests are commonplace, but on this day, American students studying at John Cabot University noticed a violent change in the crowds gathering outside. “Protests happen here all the time, but this protest seemed out of the ordinary, mainly because of the helicopters. Everyone in my classes were freaking out,” American study abroad student at John Cabot University, Nicolle Draga said. The unemployment rate in Italy hovers around 11 percent, but the majority of those unemployed are young people or recent graduates. During the course of the day, the demonstration grew from a peaceful protest to violent riots complete with battalions and tear gas. “I appreciate it when people fight for their rights because they are fighting for me as well. Policemen are workers just like everyone else, yet we get separated and seen as the bad guys. People are only beaten if they attack the police force, otherwise we never use force,” Roman policeman Donato Zecca said. Protests vary from transportation strikes, to protests directed at tax raises or against austerity cuts in Rome, but the sentiment of the people on this day was in unison against all of it. The people were trying to send one clear message to their government. The huelga, or strike, in Spain held the same meaning. “There are a lot of people who are not content with the government’s actions, a lot of people who have been thinking about their discontent and who want change,” Claudio said. Sergio, a 14N organizer in Sevilla, believes that the problem is bigger than just the Spanish
courtesy photos / NICOLE PARABOSCHI
TOP: Protestors in Sevilla, Spain. BOTTOM LEFT: Josh Blum ’14 photographs the protest, joined by students at Pablo de Olavide University, the university in his exchange program. BOTTOM RIGHT: Protestors participate in the second general strike of the year.
government, but the country’s government is equally responsible. He stood among protesters passing out slips of paper emboldened with black words stating “sin presente, ni futuro” or “no present, no future.”
choose houston law
“Who do you want to fight more, the mother or the father?” Sergio said in reference to the EU and the Spanish government. “It is a protest for everyone. Students, teachers, workers, firefighters, everyone is here.”
Students raise health concerns due to mold MOLD from page 1
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wetness of a particular surface. If the walls or ceilings are dry, they then use a heat stress monitor called a QUESTemp to measure relative humidity and temperature. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping the indoor relative humidity under 60 percent. In the summer months in Williamsburg, the average relative humidity creeps into the mid70s, peaking at 78 percent this past September. Students from drier areas around the country often need to readjust to Williamsburg’s environment. “We have gotten health complaints, but a lot of times it’s hard to pick out whether that’s caused by the greater Williamsburg environment, specific buildings or other general health problems,” Student Assembly Sen. AJ Sapon ’13 said. If nothing suspect is found in the first two tests, Environment, Health and Safety will take air samples, which are sent to a lab and analyzed, a procedure that costs $100. Previously, Director of Environment, Health and Safety Sandra Prior hired outside workers to do air sampling tests for an additional fee. She has since trained herself and her staff, including five student employees, to do the testing themselves. “What they could do to help is take information about where mold hot spots are on campus,” Sapon said. “They could make it easier for students with allergies to choose buildings to live in that are low in mold content.”
However, Environment, Health and Safety is a small office, and it is in charge of several public health programs. “We have a huge responsibility and a very small staff to accomplish this. To go through all the buildings and the analysis of it would be cost-prohibitive,” Prior said. Student employees at Environment, Health and Safety have shouldered some of the responsibility. In addition to running testing, they bring ideas and problems to Prior. While students have worked to helped to combat the mold issues on campus, mold still affects them. Symptoms of exposure to mold include irritation, sneezing and sinus infections. “In severe cases you can have nosebleeds, fatigue. I’ve heard hair loss can be a symptom. Most people just have irritation, like a persistent cold,” said Prior. Environment, Health and Safety works extensively in the residence halls each summer to prepare them to house students. Throughout the year, monthly walk-throughs are performed to ensure that public areas are clean and safe. “There is no building that is bad to live in,” Prior said. “We want our students to go home in the same condition or better.” Keeping the room clean and not having plants or even carpeting from a different part of the country will also reduce the risk of mold. Education is also key to preventing mold. The SA plans to put together a pamphlet that will be given to students at orientation in the fall with information about the mold problem, signs to look for and proper housekeeping tips.
Average Humidity in Williamsburg
The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution. COURTESY PHOTO / WEATHERSPARK.COM
Williamsburg receives little reprieve from humidity that hovers around 70 percent year round, peaking in late September and hitting a low in late February.
Page 4
The Flat Hat
Friday, November 16, 2012
student assembly
Prestia updates Senate on state of finances
After examining total reserves, SA discusses future initiatives and on-campus events, initatives bY meredith ramey flat hat news editor
Secretary of Finance Brett Prestia ’15 updated the College of William and Mary Student Assembly senate on the state of their financial holdings at the senate meeting Nov. 13. As of Nov. 1, the SA reserves totaled $23,098.63. This figure reflects the deductions from all SA legislation before Nov. 1, including the $40,000 allocated to the I Am W&M Week Concert. “We got money back from the Dalai Lama,” Prestia said. “That’s really why we were able to afford spending this much [on the I Am W&M Week Concert].” The SA is working to shift
unused funds such as these back into their reserves. The SA Activities and Events account totaled $27,779 as of Nov. 1. The account funds a number of organizational events during the academic year, including the Middle Eastern Student Association’s Peace in the Middle East Week and Kappa Alpha Psi Sorority’s Bra-lloween Run. Other SA accounts remained unchanged from Prestia’s previous financial update. The Competition Fund sits at $12,078, the Conference Fund at $12,210, and the Off Campus Account at $3,671.50. “Any student organization can apply for [these funds],” Prestia said in response to a question from
Senator Drew Wilke ’15. SA President Curt Mills ’13 addressed the senate about various future events and efforts, including the renewal of the Publications Council contract, the upcoming debate on the budget and the I Am W&M Week artist. “We are closing in on the artist that was discussed,” Mills said. “I think that there’s a good chance that we’ll still be able to pull it off.” The senate discussed ongoing initiatives including quarter machines, an SA film series and promoting Swem publications on campus. SA Vice President Melanie Levine ’13 shared the SA sponsored STI awareness video. This video is part of the new SA film series.
HAYLEY Tymeson / THE FLAT HAT
SA members gather to discuss the funds they have to work with to put on events for the remainder of the school year.
lecture
Middle East panel talks racial profiling, revolts Students hosts alumni and graduate students to discuss issues and conflcits in Middle East
by veronique barbour flat hat STAFF WRITER
The Middle Eastern Student Association hosted a panel discussion about issues and conflicts in the Middle East Nov. 13. The panel included six alumni and graduate students of the College of William and Mary who discussed their views on what is happening in the Middle East. Club President Teymour Moinzadeh ’14 posed four questions to the six panelists regarding the Middle East to target their views. The panelists opened with a discussion about the racial profiling that has occurred at airports following the events of 9/11. “I believe that ethnic profiling by the government has one purpose — to break people apart. We, as a society, actually allow this,” Fulbright Scholar and Arabic House tutor Raneen Abu Khadra said. Vahid Dejwakh J.D. ’15 expanded on the issue. “You might not be of the minority being targeted, but it is important to still stand up for each other’s rights because when one minority is targeted, all minorities are targeted,” Dejwakh said, “I would like to see a change in the concept of what an American is. We are Americans no matter where we are from. We are all here in this country together. I do not think racial profiling is acceptable in any situation.” The panelists voiced their opinions about the protests advocating for democracy in the Middle East. Atif Chodbury J.D. ’15 , who has been interested in Middle Eastern relations his entire
life, feels the countries in the Middle East have their own reasons for protesting. “Different people revolt for different reasons,” Chodbury said. “They want the same things as we do. Many countries have never had an election, and they are fighting and dying just to have that. I think we [the United States] can take the time to connect with them.” Mohammad Torabinejad ’11 believes the people in the Middle East are transitioning and need time to adjust. “Democracy takes time and we have to let societies and countries deal with that in a way that respects their views,” Torabinejad said. Panelists discussed whether the United States should intervene in conflicted countries like Syria. Dejwakh feels that the United States should take a hands-off approach to the conflicts in the Middle East. “I think on one side we want to see the [United States] play the international police,” Deiwakh said. “However, the world might be better if the [United States] took a step back and let other countries evolve.” Chodbury expressed his desire for action in between getting involved and taking a step back. “We are involved in the Israel and Palestine conflicts,” Chodbury said. “We have the leverage over Israel to push them to change their policies; however, we don’t have to put our men and women in uniform in danger every time a massacre happens. We have to be practical but proactive.” Khadra’s felt differently, stating that the United
NIc querolo / THE FLAT HAT
The pressing issues going on in the overseas were discussed by concerned students at a panel held by the Middle Eastern Club.
States should have complete involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. “Whatever happens in the Middle East affects the [United States]. Reforming to [U.S.] foreign policy affects the Middle East,” Khadra said. “However, the [United States] will have to better study the matters going on in the Middle East as opposed to how they did after 9/11.”
Peace in the Middle East Week continues with more festivities including movie showings, concerts, political talks and bake sales, all to promote the culture of the Middle East. “We wanted people who were not that much older than us to talk to show that they are involved, so that other students can realize that they can get involved, too,” Moinzadeh said.
College shows LGBTQ tolerance PULITZER from page 1
Residence Life Student Staff Selection Academic Year 2013 - 2014
INFORMATION MEETINGS
Want to be an RA, HA, PA, HR, GRA, CD, HD? Learn about the process, eligibility, application timelines, Q&A. Hear from current staff about their positions and how the job impacts them. While not required, candidates are encouraged to attend one of the sessions .
Day
Date
Time
Location
Monday
November 19
6:30pm
Sadler Center Commonwealth Auditorium
Monday
November 19
10:00pm
Unit L Basement Lounge
Tuesday
November 20
7:30pm
Dawson Hall Basement Lounge
Monday
November 26
8:30pm
Jamestown South 1st Floor Lounge
Wednesday
November 28
5:00pm
Landrum Hall 1st Floor Parlor
Sunday
December 2
6:30pm
Tazewell Hall Basement Lounge
RA - HA - PA - GRA - HR - CD - HD Website with All Pertinent Information
http://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/employment/student/index.php
Apply Online Only: Dec 3– Jan.14 (Noon)
relationship for over two years. This semester, Frendt transferred to the College. For most of that time, the relationship has also been long distance. The couple expressed their satisfaction with the LGBTQ-friendliness of the College. “The tolerance toward gay people here is great,” Lowery said. “Literally everyone is at least accepting here.” Frendt compared the College to his former school, Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, where he experienced moments of intolerance. “Once, [Dylan and I] held hands there, and one guy walks past us and gives a disgusted expression and goes ‘what the hell,’” Frendt said. “Here, even the ‘bros’ won’t do anything in front of my face.” The two acknowledged that not everyone at the College is particularly pro-LGBTQ. “There are people here who aren’t
necessarily comfortable, but they’re respectful,” said Frendt, “[The College] is tolerant and that’s the goal. Everyone here manages to do that.” Non-LGBTQ students also noted the College’s general atmosphere of tolerance. “I’d say, as with any large group of people, there’s a diversity of opinions on gay rights,” Felix Schapiro ’15 said. “But on the whole, I think William and Mary is a very accepting and open place.” However, the College still has several areas that it is trying to improve. The College boasts a number of resources for LGBTQ students, including an on-campus residence to accommodate individuals of diverse sexual and racial backgrounds, and the William and Mary Gay and Lesbian Alumni Organization, which provides support and creates connections among LGBTQ students, faculty, and alumni. However, there is still more to be done. “The Campus Climate Index has helped
us to identify our strengths as well as areas of needed improvement,” Cooke said in an email. “There are still some policies and services that need to be revised.” In the Campus Climate Index’s breakdown, the College received its lowest scores in LGBT policy inclusion. For example, the College does not extend health care coverage to employees’ same-sex partners or have a standing advisory committee to handle LGBT issues. The College also ranks low in campus safety, with no training provided to campus police with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Nonetheless, countries like Jamaica have a lot to learn about LGBTQ acceptance from communities in America. At the College, it is apparent that the norm of acceptance towards the LGBTQ community is strong, and although there is work yet to be done, there is a striking difference between the comfort of LGBTQ individuals like Frendt and Lowery to Jamaican outcasts like Simone.
Forum discusses med school connections EVMS from page 1
The College and EVMS would need to look to the state to fund this merger, since neither institution is willing to allot a large financial sum to the merger. In order to receive a grant from the state, the proposal for a medical school must by approved by the College, the College Board of Visitors, EVMS and the General Assembly. The state has been ambivalent
about the merger thus far. “The state does not see a problem, [but] no one said, ‘Wow, that’s what we need to do!’” Halleran said. Another major question raised at the forum was whether the implementation of a medical school would detract from the liberal arts core of the College. Deschenes brought up the argument that the College’s association with EVMS may change the way people view the school as a whole.
“‘William and Mary’ is a brand name, and [EVMS] is well aware of [it],” Deschenes said. Halleran expressed his belief that the integration would neither enhance nor disparage either of the two entities. However, the wide variety of opinions regarding the merger leads to more ambivalence about the deal. “I don’t think it inherently is a plus or a minus. Alumni have been mixed. [It] depends on what we do with it,” Halleran said.
The Due Diligence Committees for the College and EVMS are still weighing the effects of joining the two programs. However, students pining for a medical school for the College should not hold their breath. Many important factors still have to be negotiated and decided upon. “My guess, is at this point, we will not have a merger,” Halleran said, voicing in his personal opinion, not that of the committee.
opinions
Opinions Editor Ellen Wexler fhopinions@gmail.com
The Flat Hat | Friday, November 16, 2012 | Page 5
Staff Editorial
Inequality in 2012 I
By Patricia Radich, Flat Hat Graphic Designer
One action to improve professor quality Professors probably do not return exams because they want to reuse them and do not want future students to have a leg up in their class. It is easy for a student to share his old test with a student who is currently in the class. In fact, many Greek organizations have test banks of old exams that current students can use to study. The simple solution would be to The Flat Hat craft new exams for each semester the course is taught. If a student reused parts of an old essay that he or she wrote for a similar assignment, it would be deemed plagiarism. Professors Having trouble getting in touch with your professor? The are essentially doing the same thing when they reuse old Huffington Post published a Princeton Review list Saturday of exams. Furthermore, using a friend’s old exam to study from the nine colleges with the most accessible professors, and it did can be a great tool for students to use to prepare themselves for not include the College of William and Mary. However, despite the format and difficulty level of a test. not being in elite company, professor accessibility does not Another potential reason some professors do not return seem to be a big problem at the College: Most professors hold students’ graded material is because they want to have the regular office hours and are responsive to email. I have not heard exams on record in case there is a dispute over the grade. many student grumblings about being unable to get in touch These sorts of disputes seem rare to me, and in my cynical with professors, and last year 10 professors at the College even opinion, they are largely used as a cover for professors ranked in the Princeton Review’s top 300, providing a strong lead not wanting to create new tests. However, if this truly is a for other professors to follow. But the College’s faculty members problem, there are several simple are not perfect. If administrators are solutions. The best would be for the truly concerned with the education professors to post the answer key to College students are receiving, they The exercise of learning the Blackboard, keep students’ scantrons, should ensure that professors at the information and how to express and distribute the hard copy of the College find a way to return students’ it is futile for the student if exam. Another solution would be for examinations and assignments. the result is simply a number. the professor to give back the exams Tests and assignments determine for a class period to go over answers how well students understand and and have students return the exams at are able to communicate material the end of the period. in relation to their peers. However, the exercise of learning the Failure to return graded material is a widespread problem information and how to express it is futile for the student if the result is simply a number. Giving the graded material back — with in higher education, although it is generally limited to large lectures at the College. Nevertheless, this is one small step that comments, in the case of written assignments — allows students the College could take to improve its students’ educational to see what information they did not understand and gives them experience and show prospective students that learning is the better insight into how to improve in the future. Professors who College’s greatest priority. Students should be encouraged to do not return exams usually allow students to look over their tests learn from their mistakes and how to fix them without major during the professor’s office hours, but often these office hours obstacles. Addressing this problem probably would not bring conflict with a student’s schedule and by the time they are able to us much closer to the top 10 in accessibility, but it would help schedule an appointment, the information is no longer frelevant prepare us for this time next year when the Princeton Review to the course material being studied. Furthermore, a professor’s publishes a top 10 list in teaching, dedication or innovation. not returning graded material results predominantly from laziness, and that can be easily remedied. Email Max Cea at mrcea@email.wm.edu.
Max Cea
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n 1945, Marilyn Kaemmerle ’45 wrote a heavily publicized editorial in The Flat Hat urging the College of William and Mary to integrate. Although Kaemmerle was removed from her position as editor-in-chief of the paper and nearly expelled, students at the College rallied in support of integration. While our historical campus has a long tradition in celebrating the past, we must continue to move forward and be progressive in our actions. The struggle for social equality has not been won. Today, we are faced with issues of discrimination based on sexual orientation. We encourage the student body to work together to ensure all members of the College community are given equal rights and protection. On this campus, we pride ourselves on our acceptance of others; however, the Campus Climate Index last spring showed that equal health benefits are not being extended to homosexual members of the faculty and staff at the College. Furthermore, the Index reported that the Campus Police have not been trained to handle gender identity issues. If we are truly accepting of all our peers, then we should demand the College resolve these injustices. As students at the College, we should not settle for nearly equal or slightly better than other universities. We must hold ourselves to our own standards, for the benefit of both the College and its community. As support for social justice for the LGBTQ community continues to grow, our outdated policies will discourage faculty and students from coming to the College. The College already does not pay professors as much as many other higher education institutions do. By enforcing these discriminatory policies, the school runs the risk of appearing even less appealing to many prestigious members of academia. By setting a strong example of social equality, the College can distinguish itself among other universities and prove it is home to a diverse and forward-thinking faculty and student body. This editorial is being run after an election season that resulted in two states — Maine and Maryland — approving same-sex marriage. While such legislation may be a long way off for the commonwealth of Virginia — one of two states in the United States to have amended its constitution to define marriage in terms of one man and one woman — we should not lose sight of our goals. The College has a duty to protect all members of its community without regard to race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. The divide on this issue is largely generational, so we as students need to let the College’s administration know we want social reform. We are proud of the strong LGBTQ voice on campus, but this voice alone is not enough to enact social change. A united movement from all corners of campus will resonate more strongly with members of the administration and encourage them to change these discriminatory policies. Students at the College must do their part to remain at the forefront of social reform and pressure the administration to do the same. The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Flat Hat. The editorial board, which is elected by The Flat Hat’s section editors and executive staff, consists of Katherine Chiglinsky, Elizabeth DeBusk, Katie Demeria, Jill Found and Ellen Wexler. The Flat Hat welcomes submissions to the Opinions section. Limit letters to 250 words and columns to 650 words. Letters, columns, graphics and cartoons reflect the view of the author only. Email submissions to fhopinions@gmail.com.
Flat Hat Opinion Polls How should Williamsburg City Council change the three person rule? They should abolish it:
68%
They should lower the square foot requirement so 4 people can live in a house: It’s fine the way it is:
21%
11% Poll By Zach Hardy
What to do if your parents are shouldering the cost of your education Chris Weber
Flat Hat Assoc. Sports Editor
If you’re Anna B. Martin or the employee who monitors Banner during registration, life has been rough recently. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson would beat either of you in a popular election — and he won exactly 1 percent of the vote. Still, Martin and that Banner employee don’t win the “most unpopular” vote on campus this fall. So who — or what — does? Tuition hikes. In any election, the key to success is sending a message that reaches a universal audience. For everyone who takes a class at the College of William
and Mary, the cost of tuition directly affects you. Martin only affected those without the sense to own an umbrella, and the Banner employee’s unpopularity is short-lived. Tuition hikes, however, are here to stay. Most of us complain, but many of us probably don’t feel the hikes in everyday life. Our wallets stay padded thanks to our benefactors. Here’s looking at you, Mom and Dad. Many of us simply forward the “tuition due” email to our parents and mumble “thanks” sometime later. Many of us only think of tuition as a check, a few more dollars gone from Dad’s vault. We don’t understand where the money comes from, only that Mom’s hair gets grayer every time the check is due. It’s time to take a step back and appreciate what our parents do for us. While we fight hurricane-force winds and curse Banner, our parents search for ways to make ends meet. All with a
smile on their faces. That isn’t to say tuition hikes affect only those signing the dotted line; rather, we’re affected as students, too. Watching our parents keep us in school, despite a less-than-ideal economy and rising tuition costs, we wonder if the benefits of education are really worth the price. While our parents feel the financial burden, we are burdened by guilt. Too often, discussions of declaring majors and job openings revolve around one statistic: beginning salary. It makes sense — students have every incentive to make as much money as soon as possible since they want to pay back their loans so Mom and Dad have enough to live comfortably. Quick money, unfortunately, is usually earned in a job or profession you hate. Quick money also brings about a vicious cycle: You work, pay off debts, have kids, then pay for their education. Then your kids go to school,
work and pay off debts. Working to pay off debt, only to put your kids in the same situation, doesn’t solve anything. What does work? Graciously taking the opportunity your parents gave you to go to college and using it to find
what you love. Your kids will learn from your example and do what they love. Suddenly, tuition hikes aren’t the most unpopular agenda on the ballot because now, they’re worth it. Email Chris Weber at cmweber@ email.wm.edu.
Graphic by Lindsay Wade / the Flat hat
variety
Variety Editor Abby Boyle Variety Editor Sarah Caspari flathat.variety@gmail.com
The Flat Hat
| Friday, November 16, 2012 | Page 6
Prince Charming. Rumplestiltskin. Rapunzel. All your favorite characters brought together before the law. ALL PHOTOS BY COOPER NELSON / THE FLAT HAT
Clockwise from top: Rumplestiltskin (Greg Marinelli ‘12, J.D. ‘15), the judge (chancellor professor of law Fred Lederer), Providence Classical School students, Prince Charming (Nandor King J.D. ‘15) and his attorney (Melaney Fradette J.D. ‘13).
BY KATIE DEMERIA FLAT HAT EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Sitting at the head of the court, the judge began introducing each side of the case to the jury. After naming the plaintiff, he paused and sighed. “Your highness, if you would please not wave to your many admirers.” Prince Charming put his arm down but couldn’t resist flashing another quick smile at the fifth and sixth graders who made up the jury. Students from Providence Classical School attended “A Fractured Fairy Tale” Nov. 14, a faux trial between Charming, played by Nandor King J.D. ’15, and businessman Don Pieman, played by Dominic Littman J.D. ’13. The event was hosted by a public service organization at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, the Center for Legal and Court Technology. “Today we’re going to tell you the truth, and we’re going to try to make you laugh,” Fred Lederer, chancellor professor of law, CLCT director and the trial’s judge, said. “We want this to be entertaining, we’ll see how well we do.” The story behind the trial was created by a number of members of CLCT, although Lederer was largely responsible for the event’s organization. This was the second fairy tale trial production this month, and a third production is planned for the spring semester. “Several weeks ago we had 90 kids in here from four or five different schools,” Mary Beth Dalton, Law School administrative assistant and court bailiff, said. According to Dalton, Lederer’s hope for the event was to engage the community with the law school. When addressing the children
before the trial, Lederer emphasized how he and the others involved in the case were trying to educate the kids and teach them how the law really works. “Much of what’s on television about the legal system is all wrong,” Lederer said. With equal goals of informing and entertaining, many aspects of the trial provoked giggles from the children watching, and the case itself did not necessarily have a right or wrong side. It all started when Charming woke up one morning covered in hair. “And I thought I looked good before,” Charming said. It was thick, golden hair, and it covered him from head to toe. He was, as those on trial testified, positively beastly. “Prince Charming was the prince who had it all,” Melanie Fradette J.D. ’13, Charming’s attorney, said. “The perfect royal fiance, happy parents, an upcoming contract for a crystal ball show, and something that made him a social lion of all the kingdoms. Something no other prince anywhere had: he was a beast. We are here today because the defendant took that away from him, making his worst nightmares come true.” After drinking water polluted by potions from Pieman’s Gargantuan National Manufacturing Corporation, all of Charming’s fur fell off. He lost everything, bemoaning the worst of his losses in a tweet on the social networking site Mocking Jay: “Undone by Catherine; dropped because I’m no longer a social lion.” That was when he decided to bring Pieman to court. Lederer began the trial by emphasizing the fact that although a member of the royal family was part of the case, they were not to
INTERFAITH POTLUCK
ALL PHOTOS BY JOHN LEE / THE FLAT HAT
Members of the Hillel, Muslim Student Association and the Campus Ministries at the College of William and Mary met for an interfaith potluck dinner Wednesday, Nov. 14.
treat him any differently. “In this court, and in this kingdom, all men and women are equal before the law,” Lederer said. “Therefore, he is not entitled to any special treatment here. He is to be treated like everyone else, and although it may be customary elsewhere in the kingdom, you will not stand and bow when he takes the stand if he chooses to testify, as I believe he will, and you will evaluate his testimony the same as you would any other normal person. That is true for anyone else who testifies, even if they, too, are royalty. This is very important: All people are equal under law.” While the entirety of the trial was accurate, slight adjustments were made to adapt to the case’s imaginary style. Every time a witness took the stand, they had to swear to tell the simulated truth and to be as entertaining and brief as possible. The first witness brought to the stand was Rapunzel, played by Amanda Hamm J.D. ’15. After overhearing Pieman talking to his employee Rumpelstiltskin, played by Greg Marinelli ’12, J.D. ’15, Rapunzel posted the entire conversation on the social networking site FaceScroll. Pieman ordered Rumpelstiltskin to dump specifically colored tanks into the river, unaware that he was colorblind. It was unclear whether the wrong tank had been dumped, thus polluting the water. Rumpelstiltskin said he was working a triple shift and operating on lack of sleep supplemented by the energy drink Grimmbulls. Pieman claimed the long hours were necessary because there was a lot going on at the factory and all the animals needed to be fed. “And everyone knows, Griffins eat people when they get cranky,” Pieman said. Three juries were assigned to the case, the first two made up of children, the third reserved for the adults watching. It’s a testament to the ambiguity of guilt surrounding the case that every single jury was split in its decision. The first was a hung jury, the second leaned slightly in Charming’s favor, while the third leaned heavily in favor of Pieman. The children paid careful attention throughout the entirety of the trial and left still talking about the different characters involved. Many had grown especially excited when Charming took the stand, and one of his frequently repeated line garnered giggles from the audience. “Yeah, magic is awesome.”
On the record
The Flat Hat
Friday, November 16, 2012
Good Kid, m.A.A.D City— Kendrick Lamar BY ZACH HARDY FLAT HAT ONLINE EDITOR
Kendrick Lamar’s newest studio album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d city” is a mainstream breakthrough for the rapper, who has been steadily releasing mix tapes since 2005. The production is slick, the lyricism is smart, and the guest-appearances are spot on. Lyrical themes revolve around Lamar’s internal conflict between the violent, material culture of Compton and his attempts to break the cycle of poverty and drunkenness he was born into. The album’s title thrusts the challenge of maintaining moral integrity in an amoral world to the forefront of the listener’s consciousness. Lamar laments the way his friends encourage debauchery in “The Art of Peer Pressure,” rapping, “I got the blunt in my mouth / Usually I’m drug-free, but shit, / I’m with the homies,” over a slow, droning beat. His momma tells him, “It’s gonna burn you out,” but she doesn’t seem to understand that drugs and money are all his peers really care about. The rest of Lamar’s family doesn’t help, either. If you heard “Swimming Pools” at a unit party and thought it was just another drinking anthem, then you’re dead wrong. It’s a contemplative song about the temptations of alcohol and how many of his family members have succumbed to them. The hook — “First you get a swimming pool full of liquor, then you dive in” — becomes a grave, sad statement as soon as Lamar raps, “Now I done grew up / Round some people living their lives in bottles / Grandaddy had the golden flask” in the first verse. The cover art sums up his culture’s propensity for shameless substance abuse — a family and young child crowd around a 40 oz.
sitting prominently on a table. On the standout title track “Good Kid,” Lamar calls this materialism a “mass hallucination, baby” over a sensual, psychedelic beat produced by The Neptunes, who have also produced big hits such as “Drop it like it’s hot” and “Hollaback Girl.” He asks if we want to reverse society’s “ill education” and “reconnect with your elations.” Lamar’s solution: Give up the alcohol, give up the “grownup candy for pain” and pay attention to your inner consciousness. Talk about a complex dude. As with any great musician, Lamar sounds like he is working on the cutting edge of his craft within the tradition of great artists who preceded him. Since the modern rap scene is no longer characterized by East and West Coast feuds, his influences are as dynamic as the album’s lyricism and production. “Backstreet Freestyle” is a pure tribute to Lil Wayne’s both-middle-fingers-inthe-air fire that made “A Milli” and “No Ceilings” so great. He flexes his story-telling muscles on the first track “Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter,” which recalls the great New York Mafioso rappers of the ‘90s. Lamar gives Nas a nod when he raps, “I’m a dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death” on “Sing About Me, I’m dying of Thirst,” a line from “NY State of Mind” off of Nas’ “Illmatic.” After borrowing similar lyrical themes of internal conflict and production styles, Lamar pays his debt to Kanye on “m.A.A.d city” with the line, “Projects tore up, / gang signs is thrown up,” originally heard on Kanye’s track “We Major” off of “Late Registration.” I could go on, but it should be clear Lamar knows he wouldn’t be anywhere without the diverse canon of great hip-hop artists. To make a long story short, if you’re a fan of great rap, “Good Kid, m.A.A.d city” is an exciting, complex and thoroughly modern album that deserves your attention.
COURTESY PHOTO / WWW.BET.COM
Page 7
LOTUS — CHRISTINA AGUILERA BY ABBY BOYLE FLAT HAT VARIETY EDITOR
Christina Aguilera is on a mission. After her 2010 album “Bionic” underperformed and became the first of her English audio albums not to receive a Grammy nomination, she is clearly on the quest for a hit. Unfortunately, this ulterior motive gives Aguilera’s latest album, “Lotus,” a desperate feel at times, despite the fact that her vocals are as impressive as always. Many of the tracks on “Lotus” are definitely meant for the dance floor. “Let There Be Love” and “Your Body” are two standouts in that category, featuring catchy choruses and infectious beats. Songs like “Make the World Move” — a duet with CeeLo Green, although he’s barely in the song — and “Army of Me” are more forgettable. “Army of Me,” in particular, lacks originality and sounds as if it could be sung by Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez or even Rihanna. Even the lyrics are lackluster: she begins the chorus with the lines, “One of me is wiser / One of me is stronger / One of me’s a fighter / And there’s a thousand faces of me / Yeah and we’re gonna rise up,” which all sound like they’re straight out of songs we’ve heard before, maybe even songs by Aguilera herself. Most of the upbeat dance tracks on “Lotus” seem specifically engineered to be played on the radio — it’s like Aguilera is just throwing them all out there at once, hoping one of them sticks around long enough to become her next number one. Aguilera is at her best when she can freely showcase her powerhouse voice that is honestly unparalleled by many of today’s other popular singers. On “Sing For Me” and “Blank Page,” she’s able to do just that, and the results are
impressive. The simple pairing of Aguilera’s voice with a piano is enough to call to mind one of her biggest hits to date, “Beautiful,” which reminds us that a strong voice and powerful lyrics are enough to create a great song. If only there were more tracks like these on “Lotus” — tracks in which Aguilera could show off her huge range without competing with loud, pounding noise in the background — then the album might be more memorable as a whole. Instead, the ballads sound slightly out of place sandwiched between the album’s many dance tracks. The message of “Lotus” is clear: Aguilera is looking for a comeback. Over and over again, she sings about redemption. In “Best of Me,” she sings, “My walls crumble within / But I’ll take it all on / And get up when I fall / Till the last curtain call.” This idea of barely hanging on but somehow surviving is repeated throughout the album. While the concept is empowering in theory, Aguilera actually sounds bitter most of the time. Although a few tracks break up the tension, the whole “you can’t bring me down” attitude gets tiresome, especially toward the end of the album. In a world where artists who can reliably deliver good live performances are becoming increasingly rare, Aguilera is already a standout. However, “Lotus” doesn’t do Aguilera any real favors in terms of distinguishing her from the pack of current female pop singers. If only she would stop trying so hard to score another hit and actually focus on creating an album doing what she does best — harnessing that amazing voice — then maybe Aguilera would have a better chance of coming across as original instead of as desperate to remain relevant. And that would be an album worth listening to.
COURTESY PHOTO / WWW.BLOG.SYRACUSE.COM
CONFUSION CORNER
Appreciating the simple things
Moments of bliss in canceled class and free food
Dasha Godunova
confusion corner columnist
In Introduction to Psychology, I recently learned about human capacity for experiencing moments of utter bliss. They accompany life-changing events, such as completing a marathon, reaching the top of a mountain, or publishing a New York Times bestseller. We as college students can enjoy similarly blissful experiences. Alhough what we feel may be a bit different than the emotions of a mountain climber at the summit, they are wonderful nonetheless. Academically, there is nothing better than watching the clock tick down until there are 10 minutes remaining in class, only to have the professor announce that the lecture will end early that day. A similar feeling occurs upon seeing an incredibly long line at the cash register, only to have the lane next to you suddenly open and the cashier look straight at you, saying “next, please?” Discarding all of the notes, study guides and scribbles we will never have to memorize again right before heading home after exams is another blissful college experience. It’s also satisfying to close about 3,586 of your tabs, knowing that the Maji Maji Rebellion of some year in some nation is no longer your concern. Emails from professors can be wonderful too, but they can also be terrible. The terrible subject lines, such as “hurricane force winds,” and “Dalai Lama,” followed by sentences like “does not merit class cancellation,” are better left ignored and unread, like the many Student Happenings emails we stop paying attention to once they stop listing events with free food. But if the email starts with “several of the questions were a little convoluted,” or, “you may not have had enough time, so extra points will be added on to your final grade…” it’s like you just ate out at an incredibly expensive restaurant where the manager offers to pay for drinks and dessert. The dining halls can be unpredictable. You can expect long lines and mediocre food, and there is no worse sight than someone else taking the last chocolate chip cookie. Fortunately, there are also those redeeming moments, like when a fresh batch comes out of the oven and you’re first in line, or when that pot of soggy french fries for the last half
hour is replaced by another magical pot of fresh, crispy and salty fries. Besides food, academics and taunting hurricane class cancellations, there are also the rare states of bliss only a few of us will get to experience, like waking up at 6:55 a.m. for 7 a.m. registration, only to cuddle back in bed five minutes later with your ideal schedule a reality. Or it’s the knowledge that you just received an internship, grant or job and will be able to go home for break and deftly explain your successes to any family member bold enough to question your grades and summer plans. Last but not least, it is Family Weekend when your parents have missed you so much that no pair of shoes, trip to the grocery store or Starbucks latte can be denied. Bliss also exists in also the small moments: You decide that watching an episode of the Walking Dead outranks your need to do that 63-page Socrates reading, then you go to a sparsely attended movie screening, where you get to take the several remaining boxes of Dunkin Donuts and cheesy pizza. The trifecta is rounded out when your 8 a.m. professor emails you the night before to announce that due to unfortunate circumstances, he or she regrettably will have to cancel class the next morning, and the scheduled pop quiz will be postponed to a later date. The important thing to take away from all of these examples is that small, wonderful moments of bliss happen around us each and every day. It may have taken a psychology lecture to remind me of the fact, but I hope I’ll never forget it. Dasha Godunova is a Confusion Corner columnist and credits the free box of donuts she received this morning with the inspiration for this article.
LIZZIE DABBS / THE FLAT HAT
sports The Flat Hat
Friday, November 16, 2012 | Page 8
Although it ended quietly, senior forward Mallory Schaffer’s career at the College was something to behold, and remember
LASTING
LEGACY
FILE PHOTO / THE FLAT HAT
Jared Foretek
Flat Hat Sports editor
A
round this time last year, as the fall sports season was wrapping up, William and Mary fans witnessed the end of a great Tribe career. Jonathan Grimes ’12, star running back and one of the best ever to wear the green and gold on the gridiron, had just finished his career with an outstanding performance in the College’s win over rival Richmond.
Since then, Grimes has moved up to the highest level attainable in his sport, but Tribe fans find themselves in a similar position this year. When the women’s soccer team fell in the semifinal of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Nov. 3, it marked the end of one of the most impressive soccer careers this school has ever seen, that of senior midfielder Mallory Schaffer. Two days before, the Pennsylvanianative was named CAA Player of the Year for the second straight season, having dominated the conference with machine-like consistency in her junior and senior seasons. Back in 2011, Schaffer led the league in points with 40 (16th in the nation), 10 more
than the runner-up, and goals with 17 (No. 11 in the nation) in 22 games, while coming just five assists short of the conference-lead. In her senior season, Schaffer’s 23 points and 10 goals in 20 games were good for third in the conference in both categories. What makes her individual statistics even more astounding is that she accumulated them on outstanding teams with plenty of other scoring options. In both seasons, the team finished the regular season atop the conference, and in 2011 the College claimed the CAA title in the tournament. But her numbers don’t paint the full picture of her importance to the College. Schaffer was never just a
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
College earns first victory Kerstetter provides 14 points, six assists off the bench BY MICK SLOAN FLAT HAT STAFF WRITER After a pair of heartbreaking losses to open the season, William and Mary earned its first victory of the season Wednesday, dropping a 78-44 thrashing on Virginia Union at Kaplan Arena. The Tribe (1-2) never trailed against the Panthers, rolling to a 40-23 halftime lead and never letting up. The College dominated from the start and jumping out to a hot start by snatching an early 16-6 lead. The College outpaced the Panthers the rest of the game, relying on consistent shooting and forcing 36 Virginia Union turnovers. While impressed with the win, head coach Debbie Taylor saw the need for improvement, especially with regard to turnovers, as the College gave the ball away 24 times. “I think we need to play with a little bit more discipline,” Taylor said. “Obviously, we scored some points, and I think defensively we played hard, but we’ve got to do a better job taking care of the ball. We are having turnover problems, and most of our turnovers are unforced, so once we start taking
JOHN DAVID KENNEY / THE FLAT HAT
Sophomore guard Kyla Kerstetter poured in 14 points.
better care of the ball, we are going to be a very good team.” The Tribe earned a key spark off the bench from sophomore guard Kyla Kerstetter, who netted her first four shots and scored nine first-half points. The sophomore shot 6 of 11 from the field to log 14 points and six assists on offense, for the game. She also led the defensive effort with a game high eight steals. “Coach Taylor also tells me to be that spark off the bench. I’m fresh legs when everybody else is tired, so that gives me an advantage,” Kerstetter said. Although Virginia Union threatened to steal the lead with a 10-0 streak to tie the contest at 16, the Tribe unleashed a 24-7 run of its own, scoring 11 consecutive points near the end of the first half to build a commanding 40-23 halftime lead. In addition to Kerstetter, the Tribe’s first half barrage was led by sharp performances from senior guard Janine Aldridge and junior forward Kaitlyn Mathieu, who combined for 18 points in the first half alone to spur the Tribe. Aldridge led the Tribe with 15 points on a 6 for 13 shooting performance, adding in three assists and plenty of steady ball-handling as she led the College against the full court pressure. “Our goal was just to rip through their press and make them take it off,” Aldridge said. The Panthers attempted to gain some momentum in the second half with full court pressure, but the Tribe quickly adjusted, working the ball up-court quickly with each possession. The Tribe increased an already fast tempo to intense speed by shooting early in each possession and racking up 34 shots in the second half. The Tribe also made a clear effort to move the ball into the post in the second half, earning 18 foul shots after playing the entire first half without taking a trip to the charity stripe. Senior forward Emily Correal hit five free throws on her way to notching nine of her 13 points in the second half. Both sides saw their shooting percentages decrease across an occasionally frantic second half. The Tribe committed 24 turnovers in the game and rushed several shots throughout the period, often abandoning the more successful, pass-heavy offense that they showed in the first half. Despite the turnovers, the Panthers never threatened the Tribe’s lead as Taylor’s squad cruised to a fast-paced but comfortable win. The Tribe will be playing away from home for the next six weeksbefore returning to Kaplan Arena Jan. 3 to take on Winthrop. The Tribe hopes to build on their first victory and improve their ball control and overall discipline on both sides of the ball.
great player on a great team; she was a great player leading a great team, essentially single-handedly winning the conference trophy in 2011 with one of the most clutch performances a College player has ever put on in any sport. After the Tribe got a bye through the first round of the tournament, Schaffer scored the Tribe’s only two goals in its 2-1 win over Delaware. Then, she scored the only goal of the championship game against Virginia Commonwealth in overtime. It was essentially the incarnation of the old adage: Big players make big plays in big moments. It was also nothing new; her six game-winners in 2011 were the most in the conference
This isn’t to say her sophomore season wasn’t also outstanding. After breaking in with four goals and two assists as a freshman, Schaffer led the Tribe with 10 goals and 23 points in 2010. Like Grimes, she was always humble in uniform, deflecting praise onto her teammates and often seeming simply surprised at her play, despite the fact that by the end nobody else was. It’s a shame that her wonderful career and the College’s wonderful season came to such a heartbraking end this year with the Tribe losing on penalty kicks to Hofstra. But ultimately it’ll be an afterthought,to Schaffer’s legend.