The Sandspur Volume 124 Issue 22

Issue 22 • Volume 124 Thursday, April 19, 2018 www.thesandspur.org

@thesandspur facebook.com/ thesandspur

Photo by Ellie Rushing

Kiera McMeekan ‘19 created a change.org petition that has almost 700 signatures.

Student athletes fight to keep Anchor-R logo After the marketing department announced a plan to remove the anchor from the athletics logo, student organizers spoke up.

By Ellie Rushing

I

erushing@rollins.edu

n an effort to create uniformity and consistency across the Rollins brand, the Office of Marketing and Communications proposed to remove the anchor from the athletics logo; however, the majority of students, especially student athletes, are not happy with this idea.

Kiera McMeekan ‘19 created a change.org petition that received over 500 signatures in only one week. The petition is titled “Keep the Rollins logo as is” and asks people to sign in support of the current Anchor-R logo, calling on President Cornwell and the Rollins Marketing team to let students have a say in the matter.

According to Sam Stark, chief marketing and community relations officer, plans to change the logo began approximately five months ago.

The official logo of the college, which is not the Anchor-R, has already been changed and is in the process of being implemented across campus.

The sun symbol above the “Rollins” text was removed to simplify the logo. This is part of a larger plan to rebrand Rollins as a more academically prestigious college.

The Office of Marketing and Communications surveyed prospective and accepted students, and came to the conclusion that while Rollins was known for being a beautiful campus, its academic

prestige was not as highly noted; therefore, the marketing team set out to align Rollins’ brand with its academic goals.

INSIDE

• Opinion: Logo change undermines campus identity Page 3

There are a few reasons behind the change, one being to unify and simplify the many logos used throughout Rollins. Many organizations and teams use different logos on campus. While the soccer teams use the Anchor-R on their uniforms, the baseball team uses a gothic-style font.

From a marketing and brand-

ing perspective, the logo variation across departments on campus needs to be limited.

Moreover, Stark pointed out that there are two symbols within the athletics’ logo: an anchor and an R. He said this goes against the balance standards used when creating a logo.

“The anchor is bigger than the R and slashes through it,” said Stark. He said that, unless you are an insider, you do not really understand the meaning behind the anchor or a Tar. “There shouldn’t be a two-sided story to branding.

It needs balance.”

‣ See LOGO Page 2

2 • APRIL 19, 2018 Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

EXECUTIVE STAFF Ellie Rushing Editor-in-Chief

Christina Fuleihan Managing Editor

CONTENT STAFF Alex Candage Head Copy Editor Cameron Ochse Assigning Editor Lauren Bishop Maura Leaden David Smith Siobhan Nolet Copy Editors Alec Stanley Diego Medrano Kendall Clarke Staff Writers Kalli Joslin Alyssa Malto Section Editors Kalli Joslin Reilly Aback Anna Kjoller Web Editors

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Zoe Kim Head Designer Gracie Street Illustrator

The official college logo has been changed to the text shown in the bottom design. The sun shown in the original logo (top), which symbolized the college’s slogan “Fiat Lux,” or “Let there be light,” has been removed. The year Rollins was founded was added to the bottom.

LOGO ‣ Continued from Page 1 Since the Athletic Department created it around 10 years ago, the Anchor-R logo has been implemented all across campus; it is built into the floor of the McKean gym, student workout facilities, and book store and athletics merchandise.

When asked about the cost of the implemented changes, Stark did not have a specific number, but said that there will be a transition period of imple-

menting the logo that has not been identified yet. “When it is time for these divisions to do their next order, that’s when it would happen. There is not a forced action to order everything new,” stated Stark.

As the logo is built into the physical environment of the college, it is also ingrained in the identity of many student athletes.

“It differentiates us from everyone else,” said McMeekan, a women’s soccer player, member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and creator of the petition. McMeekan said

that the women’s soccer team just got their locker room redone, where the Anchor-R logo stands proudly on the wall and reads “Be her anchor” beneath it.

“That is something that we identify with. Why is it being stripped away?” she said.

The Office of Marketing and Communications understands that the anchor is important to students and said that they are not trying to take it away from anyone, just not presenting it as the forefront symbol. “We just need to be more conscious about how we share it externally,” said Stark.

Dana Wagenhauser Patrick Murray Page Designers

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

Director of Student Media

Dr. Leslie Poole Faculty Advisor Bibhas Pandey Bidhit Pandey Business Manager Jose Araneta Student Media Graduate Assistant Ujjwal Gupta Luis Diego Business Assistants

Accepts R-Cards!

ADVERTISING

“My favorite is spinach, tomato, and feta”

Locally Owned and Operated Orlando, FL 32751

OPEN 000-000-000

Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.

99 14 12

& Marbled Cookie Brownie

$

each

CODE 5041

LIMITED TIME OFFER

LIMITED TIME OFFER Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply. Code 5908

CARRYOUT OR DELIVERY Additional toppings extra.

LATE ©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.

©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.

1 LARGE ANY WAY! Large 1-Topping Pizza Choose any style with any toppings

Roger Lewis, your local Domino’s Manager STORE LOCATION

STORE LOCATION

Valid with coupon only at participating stores.

Maitland 1510 S Orlando Ave.000-000-000 STORE LOCATION

000-000-000 ORDER NOW AT DOMINOS.COM

2 LARGE

Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.

Large 3-Topping Pizza & Marbled 2-Topping CookiePizzas Brownie

99 13

$

Additional Toppings extra.

CODE 5364

LIMITED TIME OFFER

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Code 5909

Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply.

CARRYOUT ONLY Additional toppings extra.

Valid with coupon only at participating stores.

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.org

In response to this, Ziad Melhaoui ‘19, member of the men’s tennis team and president of SAAC, said, “So, it has to be a secret anchor to us now? Why can’t we let it represent us?”

Melhaoui and McMeekan found out about the proposed change for the first time at a meeting between athletic administrators and marketing last week. Melhaoui contacted other student athletes in SAAC, telling them about the proposed change and asking them in a poll if they agree with getting rid of the anchor—28 respondents said no.

Only two said yes.

McMeekan said that because of the uproar amongst her peers, and how stubborn she felt marketing was being about it, she wanted to be heard. That is when she created the petition. The marketing team has seen the petition and Stark said that he loves that there is passion for it.

Since the planning began five months ago, the marketing team has done many reviews with stakeholders, including students, different departments and faculty members, trustees, and alumni. Reviews have been mixed, but when the full story is shared about why the office wants to change it, people understood. “They understand the marketing and branding rational versus just the passion,” said Stark.

The office did not specify which student organizations were consulted during the planning process, but said that they plan to reach out to student groups like SAAC and SGA within the coming weeks.

Chandler Middlebrook ’18, a member of the Rollins softball team, said that she understood the reasoning behind the changes from the marketing perspective, but is frustrated with how it was communicated to the students. She said that she feels like it was a secret up until now, since the planning has been going on for so long. “If it’s not a secret, why has it been made to be one?

We just randomly find out about the logo changing and nothing is being communicated to the students wearing the logo,” she said.

Stark, a Rollins alumnus and former student athlete, said that he understood why students are so passionate about the logo. “I get it,” he said, “I am very invested in Rollins, but there is a higher marketing and branding issue that we have to resolve.”

Stark said that the logo change is not yet official, and the new brand guidelines will be announced in the next six to eight weeks.

3

Opinion: Logo change undermines campus identity Student finds meaning in Anchor-R logo, disagrees with marketing decision to change it.

Graphic by Gracie Street

By Paul Schattschneider

pschattschneider@rollins.edu

R

ecently, ideas were proposed to change Rollins’ iconic Anchor-R logo to a plain yellow and blue “R.” While this change may seem minor, it is one that undermines an important aspect of the Rollins community.

The decision was made by the Office of Marketing and Communications, who felt that the logo needed to be streamlined to help emphasize the academic prestige of Rollins. The meaning of the anchor created many questions as to its meaning and, therefore, was said to interfere with Rollins’ branding message.

Although these may be valid benefits of the change, the negative impact on the campus community may well offset and even outweigh these benefits.

As an incoming student, the anchor guided me toward finding my own path, interests, and passions here at Rollins. While our official motto may be “Fiat Lux,” I found much more meaning in a less official but just as important slogan used around the school: “Find Your Anchor.”

The anchor has come to symbolize an important part of my development here at Rollins and embodies much of what I think makes Rollins great.

Many other students, groups, and organizations have found similar meaning in the

beloved anchor. Whether by sporting the logo, chanting “Anchor Down,” or even wearing it prominently on sports uniforms, it has come to stand as a symbol for the school.

While the marketing team has emphasized that the anchor will not be entirely removed from the community, removing it from the logo that is meant to encompass the school’s image is absurd.

The anchor represents too much of this community to be removed from the school’s image.

The idea that it is distracting and unclear is not even relevant. Do we not want to communicate our strong sense of community and identity to prospective students?

Does it matter if it takes a cou-

ple questions to understand its meaning? The fact that it has a back story shows the uniqueness of Rollins.

While many great schools sport simple logos like the plain “R” favored by the marketing team, those at the top are far less streamlined than the team’s argument lets on.

Take Stanford University, for example, whose logo features an “S” covered by a tree. It is even more prominent than the anchor that is supposedly such a hindrance to the communication of academic prowess.

I proudly stand behind a logo that shows the strength of the community that I joined, not a bland letter that I could have as my logo had I gone to any other

generic state school. I chose Rollins because it differentiated itself and fostered a strong and unique community.

By removing the anchor, however, the Office of Marketing and Communications will be stripping a community of a symbol of its identity for the sake of conformity and simplicity.

We cannot merely sit back and let another campus change occur without our opinions considered. Kiera McMeekan ‘19 started a petition on change.org to fight the removal of the anchor. If you feel strongly about this change, sign the petition or reach out to administration to let your opinion be heard.

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of ‘The Sandspur,’ its staff, or Rollins College.

4

Violence rally features domestic abuse survivor, issues call to action Rally Against Violence brings together students and faculty to support sexual assault survivors.

Photos by Kira Bernhard Voices for Women was one of the many student organizations in attendance at the Rally Against Violence, hosted by Rollins’ Title IX team, including its coordinator, Oriana Jiminez (right).

By Kendall Clarke

R

kclarke1@rollins.edu

ollins held its fourth-annual Rally Against Violence which encouraged students and faculty to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, not just at the rally, but always. It featured a local survivor of domestic violence and abuse.

The rally, which has been an ongoing project of Title IX Coordinator Oriana Jimenez, took place on Mills Lawn and brought together the voices of many different departments and organizations on campus, creating a space for the support of survivors of sexual assault and for the education of allies.

The Rally Against Violence, said Jimenez, “is an uplifting, community building event where the campus comes together in support and solidarity for survivors of all types of violence and where we also present a unified front against different types of violence locally and globally.”

A series of speakers from the

Rollins and Winter Park community shared words of encouragement in support of the goals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The rally also featured a special guest performer, Aleise Delgado, a local singer and survivor of domestic violence and abuse.

Delgado performed a cover of “This is Me” from award-winning feature film The Greatest Showman.

Mariem Tabrez ‘18, Vice President of SGA, delivered a call to action for Rollins students.

“2,642 undergraduate students go to this institution.

That’s 2,642 voices, allies, bystanders, and possible prevention of violence,” said Tabrez.

“Whether it be gender violence, sexual violence, racism, sexism, or any other marginalization of a student or group, they all stem from a lack of acceptance and support. Anyone can be an ally.

If you see something, please say something.”

Rev. Shawn Garvey of the First Congregational Church of Winter Park provided pastoral

support during the event. Rev. Garvey led the rally in a moment of silence in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.

Rev. Garvey spoke of values to keep in mind during the month, and that people should carry forward in the fight to end sexual assault. “If we extend the love and the divine that resides within each of us outward toward one another in the way in we would desire to receive it, then all we can do is care for one another and the mechanisms and systems of violence would evaporate,” said Rev. Garvey.

Rev. Garvey concluded his speech with words of strength and encouragement as survivors and allies continue to seek justice. “If we can continue communally, regardless of our journey and from what path we walk, to come together to work in that endeavor, we will attain justice. We will find peace. And the world will finally be able to live in a state of joy,” said Rev. Garvey.

Many student organizations were present, providing educational material and hosting cam-

paign pledges.

The Interfraternity Council hosted the White Ribbon campaign pledge, an international movement of men and boys working to end violence against women, while Panhellenic hosted a table providing educational material on consent.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted a table featuring material on healthy relationships. SGA hosted the “It’s On Us” campaign pledge, a national movement to end sexual assault.

Off-campus organizations were included as well, such as Planned Parenthood, the Victim Service Center, and the Harbor House, a domestic abuse shelter.

Dr. Mamta Accapadi, vice president of student affairs, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of community when supporting survivors of sexual assault.

“Together, we can create a community where survivors of all types are supported and where people are empowered to actively intervene in potentially

dangerous situations in order to prevent violence from occurring,” said Accapadi.

As the month of April and the year continues, speakers hoped that the words and strength shared at the Rally of Violence will carry forward and inspire change.

For anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault, support is available. The Wellness Center provides confidential support through Victim Advocates in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (407)-6286340. For after-hours support, call Campus Safety at (407)-6462999, and ask to speak with a Victim Advocate.

The Office of Title IX is available to discuss options for filing and resolving a report of sexual assault and offers interim measures to protect survivors’ safety and well-being.

The Office of Accessibility services will also work with survivors to provide housing accommodations as necessary after an incident of sexual assault.

5

ADHD research wins Olin Library award Ada Spahija ‘18 awarded $500 prize for her undergraduate research.

Photo courtesy of Dorothy Mays Ada Spahija ‘18 stands between Wenxian Zhang (left) and Dorothy Mays after being presented the award.

By Kendall Clarke

T

kclarke1@rollins.edu

he first ever Olin Library Prize for Undergraduate Library Research was recently awarded to Ada Spahija ‘18. The $500 prize is a research award for students who demonstrate excellence in a sophisticated use of library collections for a research project.

Out of 14 total entries, Spahija won the award for her biology paper, “The Genetics of ADHD: A Review of Polymorphisms in Neurotransmitter System Genes.”

All currently enrolled undergraduate students who have completed a research project for a credit course at Rollins were eligible to apply. The prize is unique in that it focuses on the research process rather than the final product.

Its goal is to celebrate the research done by students and encourage more sophisticated research methods. Dorothy Mays, associate professor and head of public services at Olin Library, said that many Rollins students “have shown great creativity and diligence in their research, and we wanted to celebrate that.”

“As librarians, I’m afraid we often see students take the path of least resistance when doing research,” said Mays. “Good research involves a much more thoughtful approach in framing a research question, refining it throughout the search process, and looking at a problem through creative angles to find supporting materials.”

The winner was determined by a panel of six faculty judges: an Art History professor, an English professor, a Psychology professor, and three faculty librarians.

Mays was one of the judges.

The projects covered diverse topics, including “personal reflections, literary analysis, the use of primary documents to track historical movements, and several projects that analyzed videos and artwork for political messaging. The overall quality was very high, which made judging such diverse projects a real challenge,” she said.

However, Spahija’s project stood out from the crowd.

“Ada’s paper blended both technical excellence with the creative integration of historical material to look at aspects of ADHD. She made every judge’s short list...”

said Mays.

Mays also said that, “...we had a lively debate as we discussed the merits of each entry.”

Spahija shared her excitement for winning the award. “It felt like my hard work on the paper was validated.” She said that she plans to use the money towards paying off her student loans.

Since it was the first year that this prize was offered, the judges were elated by the response.

They enjoyed seeing the wide range of projects that students were working on. “We hope to sponsor this contest annually, and encourage students to keep their eye out for the Spring of 2019 when we do it again!” said Mays.

To enter, students had to submit a copy of their project along with a research statement of no more than 600 words describing their research process.

Research papers, artistic projects, or even videos were eligible for submission. The only qualification was that a project had to involve library research and had to have been completed in the last year.

Leftover Lentil “Meatballs”

By Kira Bernhard

kbernhard@rollins.edu

W

ith less than four weeks of the semester left, it is time to start thinking about cleaning out your dorm pantry. If you still have those canned beans around and want to get creative with how to enjoy them, this recipe is for you!

Time: 25 Minutes Servings: 12 Meatballs Difficulty: Medium Ingredients: • 1 Can Lentils, Drained • 1 Garlic Clove • 1 Egg • 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt • 1 oz. Cheese Blend • 17 Simple Mills Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers, crumbed • 1 tbsp Parsley • 1 tsp Thyme • 1/4 tsp Salt • Pepper to Taste

Recipe: 1. In a food processor, pulse the drained lentils and garlic to a puree.

2. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add in the eggs, yogurt, cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined 3. Fold in the crackers (which have been grinded down to a bread crumb consistency).

4. Scoop out one overflowing tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a one-inch ball. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used up.

5. Add “meatballs” onto a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Move the skillet around to shuffle the meatballs and cook until the outsides have browned (approximately five to 10 minutes).

6. Serve the lentil “meatballs” warm, or reheat them in a microwave or skillet to eat.

They should last for roughly three days in the fridge, if stored in a closed container.

6

Video project by Brianne Lint '18 shares stories of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Paintings done by Emily Richards '18 explore biblical feminism.

Painting done by Mallory Griffith '18.

Photos by Diego Medrano

Biblical feminism, vivid paintings presented by senior art majors CFAM's latest exhibition displays Studio Art Majors’ works until May 12.

By Diego Medrano

F

jmedrano@rollins.edu

rom biblical superwomen to sharing stories of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, seniors' artworks engage the mind and seduce the senses.

In preparation for graduation, the seniors in Rollins' Studio Art major have their artwork on display at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum (CFAM).

Many Biblical women are depicted as submissive victims of a brutally misogynistic era; the paintings of Emily Richards ‘18 breathe life into those women who stood up to their abusers.

Richards’ work gives form to biblical figures like Judith, who not only resisted violence and misogyny but killed the men who attempted to abuse her.

This female empowerment, which Richards learned about through her studies in art history, is what drew the artist to these women. Despite the thousands of years that separate them, Richards relates

to the women as a woman empowered.

Richards’ aim was to make these biblical characters relevant to us today. “I wanted to make these characters real modern women,” she said.

The style of Richards’ art echoes the Renaissance tradition of depicting famous biblical figures.

However, she does so in kitsch, a style of art that is often considered low-brow—the opposite of high art.

Kitsch, for example, is often used in advertising.

“Having my work on a museum wall when people call the style lowbrow makes me proud,” Richards said.

While Richards looked back thousands of years to find her subjects, Mallory Griffith ‘18 found hers in her own close circle.

Griffith photographs her subjects, often her loved ones, and then painstakingly replicates the photograph by painting it in dazzling colors.

“What I love most is that [the work] involved the people close to

me who I shared wonderful moments with,” said Griffith.

Griffith explained that her art encourages a playful attitude towards everyday life, one that she embodies herself. The vivid colors she uses help put a positive spin on things.

Griffith’s work and cheer will be here to stay, as Rollins has opted to purchase one of her works. The painting will be displayed on the central staircase of Olin Library.

Griffith hoped it will inspire people to think positively and have good energy while going up and down the stairs.

Tara Gallagher ‘18 is another artist who chose to work close to home; although, her work does not deal with people but with the objects in her life.

Gallagher photographed several objects she uses on a daily basis and placed them so they appear to be happened-upon. She explained that getting that happened-upon appearance was not easy, sometimes requiring up to 30 different shots.

Her photographs are minimal-

ly edited to appear natural; then, they are placed next to quotes from a book discussing similar subject matter.

Over the course of the semester, she worked with two to three objects a week. The photography was done using slow exposure, a technique effective in capturing movement and tiny disturbances in the environment.

Gallagher, who uses art to process things in life, wanted to make her work personal; she hoped it would reveal a lot about herself without losing subtlety or relatability. By having her artwork displayed in CFAM, she is also able to share her thoughts with us.

Sharing, and sharing stories in particular, is also one of the central themes in the work of Brianne Lint ‘18.

Lint captures her subjects both visually and with audio as they recount their experiences as women on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The photographs depict them in various frames throughout their stories, and the audio plays clips of their stories

that best exemplify their experiences.

The artist also wanted relatability to play a part in her work. She compared it to a more personal take on the stories often presented in big media.

“I love seeing it all come together and give the representation the subjects meant to give,” Lint said.

Capturing the truth as she received it was also a concern of hers.

To that end, she chose several different women to depict a wider variety of stories. While allowing for a variety of stories, Lint kept things focused enough so that stories do not become snippets, which are more easily forgotten.

Rollins' Studio Art seniors have put together a truly impressive exhibition that every student would benefit from enjoying and experiencing. The exhibition is called ə'fem(ə')ral and can be viewed at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum through May 12.

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of ‘The Sandspur,’ its staff, or Rollins College.

7 Science students receive stipend to research cell trafficking, computer chemistry Students selected for student-faculty summer research give insight on their upcoming projects.

By Maura Leaden

T

mleaden@rollins.edu

wo science students, Catherine Deuchler ‘18, a Biochemistry and Molecular Bio major, and Papaa Kodzi ‘20, a Pre-Engineering major, will work alongside faculty this summer as a part of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship program.

Rollins offers the program every summer and it gives students the chance to learn from their professors, conduct publishable reserach, and even get paid in the process.

Deuchler will be working with Dr. Jay Pieczynski, assistant professor of Biology. Kodzi is partnered with Dr. Samantha Fonseca, assistant professor of Physics.

Deuchler’s research will focus on the study of small proteins called kinesins, specifically called KLP-4. These proteins “carry things around in your cell, and so are responsible in part for cellular trafficking,” wrote Deuchler in an email correspondence.

In one’s neurons, which are the cells of one’s nervous system,

“they are also responsible for trafficking certain neurotransmitters, so we are looking at what mutations affect how they traffic certain neurotransmitters,” wrote Deuchler.

Kodzi will focus his project on computational chemistry and quantum physics. “We are trying to make a computer program to model electron tunneling trajectories. We are going to be using the Bohmian formalism to guide the analysis.”

Both Deuchler and Kodzi will be presenting their research at national conferences.

The process for summer research occurs “Each spring, [when] a faculty committee meets and reviews the proposals and based on the quality of proposals, [awards funding] to as many projects as possible,” as described on the program’s page on the Rollins website.

The program runs for eight weeks, and students and faculty are each given a stipend.

Students are also given the option of living on campus for the summer. The length of research extends past the summer period, as students continue “to do research, write papers and present

at conferences throughout the year,” explained the program’s webpage. Each project results in a peer-reviewed publication, “or the professional equivalent for scholarship in the arts, co-authored by the students and faculty member.”

Kodzi described the process of getting involved with the research program. Once he found out that the research program was offered at Rollins, he “immediately wanted to participate.”

Kodzi said, “I approached one of my professors and asked her about her research and whether she would be interested in partnering with me. Then I worked on writing a proposal that explained in detail what the plans were for the research.”

Deuchler was also interested in research from the start and said, “I think that one of the big draws of Rollins is the accessibility of the professors and their research to all students.” She described being interested in what her biology professor was doing in his “crazy intimidating lab.”

Overall, Deuchler is thankful for the experience. “I think one of the most valuable aspects of the research is getting to work

directly with a professor and being trained by them. Working with Dr. [Pieczynski] and being able to learn directly about this material is an incredible opportunity to have my limits as a student stretched and pushed to a more complete understanding of my field,” said Deuchler.

Deuchler advised students to, “Do it as soon as you can! If you get along well with a professor, ask them what their research is! Talk to older students to see about their experience with research, and take advantage of the small school environment!”

Kodzi emphasized the importance of starting early and leaving oneself plenty of time to prepare and edit one's proposal alongside one's professor. He said, “Be enthusiastic. Start Early. Schedule more editing meetings than you think you need.”

As an added benefit of participating in the program, the webpage said that it “enhances a student’s position when applying for competitive scholarships, fellowships, graduate programs, or employment opportunities.”

Students of any major are eligible to apply after their freshman year.

English Department hosts gun violence-themed poetry contest Haiku contest connects with upcoming Columbine Commemoration.

By Diego Medrano

T

jmedrano@rollins.edu

he Off-campus Student Association and the English department have worked together to spread gun violence awareness on campus through a haiku poem contest that leads into a commemoration event of the Columbine shooting.

The English department and the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society held a haiku contest with gun violence as its theme.

Jordan Boyd ‘20, a member of the Off-campus Student Association, came up with the idea and then approached Sigma Tau Delta about it. Boyd and the organization wanted to increase

social awareness through poetry. The haiku contest was devised in response, and its theme was chosen in preparation for the upcoming Columbine Commemoration.

The Commemoration will be held on Friday, April 20 on Bush Lawn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in remembrance of the Columbine High School Shooting of 1999. The Off-Campus Student Association, which is hosting the event, will provide details of school shootings that have happened since Columbine.

Winning poems from the haiku contest will also be read at the event, along with musical performances suited to the nature of the occasion.

The topic of gun violence has resurfaced powerfully due

to recent shootings around the country making the need for ending it so dire.

Using the tiny haiku acts in quite the same fashion as the 280 character limit in Twitter; it allows people to make concise, powerful statements.

“We hope that this contest will give the entire campus a space and opportunity to speak up about current issues without needing to write an essay... It's an easier commitment to make when someone doesn't have to rearrange their whole day just to say something about an issue they care about," said Barbara Padilla ‘18, president of Sigma Tau Delta.

To participate, students submitted their haikus to a link provided in the email about the con-

test. The deadline for submission was Monday, April 16, and it was open to all students, faculty, and staff. The winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, and the two second-place participants each get $25 gift cards.

While the English department has not had similar contests before, it already does have a bulletin board up in Orlando Hall where students can post their own poetry for National Poetry Month. Contests like these also help attract people to poetry.

Students are highly encouraged to attend the Commemoration if they are passionate about the gun violence in the United States.

Upcoming Campus Events April 19 ‣ Vocal Master Class:

Kevin Deas, Bach Festival Guest Artist, 12:30 p.m., Tiedtke Concert Hall ‣ Bicycle Day Movie Marathon, 6 p.m., Bush Lobby

April 20 ‣ Columbine Commemoration, 10 a.m., Mills Lawn ‣ Fishing Tournament, 10 a.m., Rollins College ‣ 9 to 5: The Musical, 8 p.m., Annie Russell Theatre

April 21 ‣ Pitch Perfect 3 showing, 7 p.m., Bush Auditorium ‣ African American Masterpieces: Symphonic Spirituals, 7:30 p.m., Chapel ‣ 9 to 5: The Musical, 8 p.m., Annie Russell Theatre

April 22

‣ African American Masterpieces: Symphonic Spirituals, 3 p.m., Chapel ‣ 9 to 5: The Musical, 4 p.m., Annie Russell Theatre

April 23 ‣ Winter Park Paint Out, 1 p.m., Cornell Museum Patio ‣ TPJ Speaker Dr. Alexander Student Discussion, 1 p.m, Bush 301 ‣ Boutique Greek Trunk Show, 6 p.m., Bieber-Bach Room

April 24 ‣ REP Finals Festival, 4 p.m., Mils Lawn ‣ Sauti, 6:30 p.m., Suntrust Auditorium ‣ Jazz Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Tiedtke Concert Hall

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of ‘The Sandspur,’ its staff, or Rollins College.

8 Upcoming Sports Events April 19 ‣ Women’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s tennis vs.

Lynn, 3:30 p.m.

Volleyball players join national team, set to tour Brazil Cason ’20 and Fletcher ’19 will head to South America with the USA D-2 team to compete against the country’s best.

April 20 ‣ Women’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Softball vs. Lynn, 3 p.m. ‣ Baseball vs. Barry, 6 p.m.

April 21 ‣ Women’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Baseball vs. Barry, 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. ‣ Softball vs. Lynn, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. ‣ Men’s lacrosse vs.

Palm Beach Atlantic, 7 p.m.

April 22 ‣ Women’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s rowing SIRA Championship, Oak Ridge, TN ‣ Men’s golf SSC Championship, All Day, Davie, Fla. April 23 ‣ Men’s Golf SSC Championship, All Day, Davie, Fla. April 24 ‣ Men’s Golf SSC Championship, All Day, Davie, Fla.

Photo Courtesy of Rollins Sports Rachel Fletcher ‘19 (right) and Cassidy Cason ‘20 (middle) were selected to play in Brazil on the USA D-2 volleyball team this summer.

By Paul Schattschneider

pschattschneider@rollins.edu

D

ue to their distinguished performance, members of the Rollins volleyball team will be heading to Brazil this summer. Cassidy Cason ’20 and Rachel Fletcher ’19, along with assistant coach Lisa Bushman, will join the USA Division II (D2) volleyball team in May to tour South America.

Team USA is comprised of 20 players selected from 15 D-2 schools. It will be split into two separate teams, one of which will be coached by Bushman.

The teams will compete in a tournament against the elite of Brazilian volleyball.

Despite having a tough season, the Tars have gained national recognition with these selections. Cason and Fletcher were selected due to their outstanding performances last season.

Cason, the main setter for the Tars, was a consistent force

in this position all season, playing in all 27 games. She averaged 10 assists per set, good enough for fourth in the Sunshine State Conference. Cason also recorded a team high 19 service aces, as well as 1,020 assists, 218 digs, and 42 blocks.

Fletcher, in her third season for the Tars, also recorded some solid statistics.

She, too, played in all 27 of this season’s matches, contributing 42 assists and 74 kills, and she led the team with 312 digs. She also achieved 13 service aces and 8 blocks.

Bushman, who has been on the coaching staff for three years, expressed her excitement for the upcoming trip.

“I know other players and

“

coaches who have participated with... USA Sports Tours & Events before and they have had amazing experiences, so I said yes without hesitation.”

Bushman, who will coach Cason and Fletcher’s team in Brazil, mentioned the impact that the tour will have on them.

She said, “Cassidy and Rachel both work so hard day in and day out to better themselves and the program, and I am so glad they are being recognized for their work. It will be an amazing experience this summer and will prepare the both of them to play against high-level competition next fall.”

Bushman also pointed out that taking part in such a pres-

Cason and Fletcher were selected due to their outstanding performances last season.

tigious event says a lot about the culture of Rollins’ volleyball program.

“Rollins Volleyball focuses on pursuing excellence every day in everything we do, and that kind of drive is what allows us to be prepared for opportunities like this. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded women is an uplifting environment where we can grow, take risks, and prepare for life outside of sport.”

The Tars hoped that they can continue to foster this culture and use opportunities like this Brazilian tour to find success both on and off the court.

By having leaders like Cason, Fletcher, and Bushman participate in this prestigious tournament, the Tars are building for the future and setting the foundation for upcoming success.

Cason, Fletcher, and Bushman will head to Rio de Janeiro with the USA D-2 team on May 14. Their first matches against professional and club teams begin on May 16.