The Commonwealth Times; October 13, 2021

NEW FRATERNITY, SORORITY LIFE DIRECTOR TAKES OFFICE

Greek life recruitment halted until next semester

KATHARINE DEROSA News Editor

JOE WHEELESS, THE NEW DIRECTOR of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, took his position on Monday, according to university spokesperson Michael Porter.

Before coming to VCU, Wheeless was the assistant director of Student Leadership Development at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Wheeless stated in an email. He also worked in fraternity and sorority housing at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, according to William & Mary’s faculty website.

“My overall goal is to work with the students to strengthen and build a fraternity/ sorority community that adds value to the VCU community and a student’s college experience,” Wheeless stated.

Wheeless has a degree in broadcasting from Western Carolina University and

became active in Greek life during his undergraduate years, according to William and Mary’s faculty website.

The first thing I want to do is work with the governing councils to create a recruitment process to happen in February 2022.”

Joe Wheeless, Director of the

“I had a great experience during my undergraduate years that I decided to stay at Western Carolina University (WCU) and obtain a master’s degree in College Student Personnel,” Wheeless stated. “That was the start of my career in student affairs.”

report released on Aug. 5. One recommendation included the hiring of a new director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

VCU is further investigating certain recommendations from the report, including the development of a diversity, equity and inclusion plan for Fraternity and Sorority Life, revamping the big brother program and revising and expanding the recruitment process, per the internal report.

Office

of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Wheeless stated he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity his second semester of college and joined the leadership team.

The university has been working to implement various recommendations from external reviewer, Dyad Strategies, since its report detailing Greek at life at VCU was released on Aug. 2. VCU hired Dyad Strategies as a result of the death of freshman Adam Oakes on Feb. 27 at a Delta Chi fraternity event, where Oakes’ family says he was hazed. Eleven people were indicted on Sept. 24 in connection to Oakes’ death. All were indicted for “unlawful hazing of a student” and six were indicted for “purchase, giving alcohol to a minor.”

The Dyad Strategies report included 14 recommendations. Some are currently being implemented, per VCU’s internal

RICHMOND FASHION WEEK 2021 RETURNS

SAHARA SRIRAMAN Spectrum Editor

MODELS WEARING BRIGHT FLORAL patterns, mesh and feather sleeves and sequined tuxedos, paraded down the runway. These are just a few pieces designed by a variety of local designers, businesses and shops from the Richmond area that are featured in the fall 2021 show for Richmond Fashion Week.

The 13th annual RVAFW, which took place from Oct. 4-10, featured events throughout the week that included a twoday RVA Sneaker Fest event and a dinner

served by Les Crepes, a local restaurant in Carytown, during a local boutique fashion show. Event organizers then topped off the week with a finale runway show.

Jimmy Budd, the executive producer of RVAFW, stated that this year’s fashion week was special because the Richmond community came together to celebrate arts and fashion.

“I think this year has been so unique because it has tested how resilient we can all be during this pandemic and how to persevere through these challenging times,” Budd stated.

See FASHION WEEK on page 7

The diversity, equity and inclusion recommendation will be researched next fall by the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff and the offices of Multicultural Student Affairs and Institutional Equity, Effectiveness, and Success, according to the internal report. Expansion of the recruitment process will be deferred to the Fraternity and Sorority Life director, per the internal report.

See GREEK LIFE on page 4

Richmond model Taylor Creeden wears a dress from Nikki Mine.

Photo by Alessandro Latour

Model Kim Peerman poses on the runway wearing pieces from Sisters’ Boutique.

Photo by Alessandro Latour

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

Stories of the week

national: Three U.S. economists, David Card, Joshua Angrist and Guido Imbens, won the Nobel Prize in economics for research on labor economics. international: Over 600,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Brazil; this is the second highest worldwide number, falling only behind the U.S.

NEW COVID-19 PILL REDUCES RISK OF HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH BY HALF

DAVINA EFETIE

Contributing Writer

MERCK PHARMACEUTICALS announced its new COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir, which reduced the risk of hospitalization and death of patients with COVID-19 by about 50%, according to its website.

According to the announcement, at the interim analysis of the study, 775 patients with confirmed cases of “mild-to-moderate” COVID-19 were either given molnupiravir — an “investigational oral antiviral medicine” — or a placebo treatment at random within five days of symptom onset.

Among the patients who were given molnupiravir, 7.3% were hospitalized within 29 days as compared to 14.1% of the placebo-treated patients. By day 29, there were no reported deaths from the patients who were given the pill, however there were eight deaths in patients who received the placebo treatment. In consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recruitment is being “stopped early due to these positive results,” according to Merck’s website.

Gonzalo Bearman, chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases at VCU Health, stated vaccines are the “most important intervention to prevent COVID-19 infection, severe disease and death.”

“If approved by the FDA, this treatment [the pill] could be an additional option for the management of COVID-19,” Bearman stated in an email.

Bearman also stated that he can’t determine whether students at VCU would

receive the pill treatment as the school would need formal direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and approval from the FDA on who should receive the treatment.

new pill receives approval or Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.

It took the FDA roughly nine months to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, according to the FDA website.

“In addition to this agreement with the U.S. government, we are actively engaged in numerous efforts to make molnupiravir available globally to fulfill Merck’s commitment to widespread access,” stated Robert Davis, chief executive officer and president of Merck, in the announcement.

COVID-19, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Of these people, 0.7% have developed COVID-19, 0.025% have been hospitalized and 0.0074% have died.

Regardless of vaccination status, Fauci explained that the pill should be given to individuals who generally are infected with COVID-19.

Junior English major Timothy Weisser said he’s fully vaccinated, however he expressed that he is open to the idea of the pill treatment if possible.

“I’m kinda looking forward to it, because I know it was concerned with certain people that have a fear of needles and shots who are being prevented from getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” Weisser said.

He further expressed that he hopes the pill would make individuals yield to more preventive measures provided.

Merck announced that the U.S. government will purchase approximately 1.7 million doses of molnupiravir as soon as the

In the hopes of getting the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization to approve of the pill, the company also expects to produce 10 million courses of treatment by the end of 2021, with more doses anticipated in 2022 as they have been producing molnupiravir “at risk,” without being approved yet, according to the website. According to Merck, if approved, the pill would be the first antiviral pill for treating COVID-19.

White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci mentioned in a CNBC press conference that the public should give the FDA time to carefully go over the data submitted by Merck as they are working hard on the approval and to make the kind of determinations for Emergency Use Authorizations.

“I don’t want to get ahead of them. I can’t predict when it will be, but I can tell you one thing. They will do it as quickly as they possibly can,” Fauci said.

As of Oct. 2, about 5.2 million Virginians have been fully vaccinated against

Despite the results of the new pill which are “quite good,” it shouldn’t reduce the need for vaccination as no drug is 100% effective, Fauci said. He expressed that it is better to not be infected rather than getting infected and depending on a drug for protection against “advanced diseases.”

University students are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine unless they have health or religious exemptions, according to a university announcement. Of the student population, 95% are fully vaccinated, while 96.3% of employees are fully vaccinated, according to VCU’s vaccination dashboard.

Some students, 4%, have been exempted from getting the vaccine because of health or religious reasons. Of employees, 2.6% have submitted exemption requests and 1.1% are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 cases are decreasing at VCU, with the total number of cases declining from 482 cases in May to 249 in October of this year, according to the university’s COVID-19 cases dashboard.

“The best way to avoid getting into a hospital is to not get infected. The best way to not get infected is to get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

I don’t want to get ahead of them. I can’t predict when it will be, but I can tell you one thing. They will do it as quickly as they possibly can.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House Chief Medical Advisor

VCUPD RELEASES ANNUAL SAFETY REPORT FOR 2020, robberies and assaults down from 2019

MAE OETJENS

Contributing Writer

THE VCU POLICE DEPARTMENT recently released its 2020 annual safety report for the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, as well as areas of Richmond that are close to campus.

The report is required to be conducted and released due to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The information in the report was gathered and released by VCUPD.

The safety report includes statistics on crimes reported on and around VCU’s campus in 2020. The 2020 report saw a dramatic 50% decrease in sexual assaults and robberies. Drug abuse arrests decreased from 131 in 2019 to 39 made in 2020. There was an increase in motor vehicle theft from six arrests in 2019 to 13 in 2020. Arson arrests increased as well, seven made in 2020 compared to one in 2019 and two in 2018.

“The mission of the VCU Police Department (VCUPD) is to provide a safe and secure learning, living and working environment for the students, faculty, staff and visitors to VCU,” VCUPD stated in the report. “This mission is accomplished through the development of various community-based crime prevention strategies and initiatives, in conjunction with traditional law enforcement and progressive community policy practices.”

Senior Savanna Dennis expressed concerns for students of color because of the police presence on campus. Dennis said although the university is primarily white,

many students identify as “BIPOC” which means Black, Indigenous and people of color.

“I don’t think that they [VCUPD] are what makes our community safe,” Dennis said. “They [students] feel unsafe because they know these police officers can take any actions against them.”

“The more transparency in understanding the community has about what the police department is doing and the more that they can be a part of that conversation, the more likely trust is to build,” McDougle said.

McDougle said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s start in 2020, many students were not living on campus. Black Lives Matter protests also took place in Richmond, which may have affected numbers seen in the report, McDougle said.

“The rise in violent crime in the Richmond metro area is an increase we’re seeing in urban areas around the country so I am concerned about that,” McDougle said.

The report did not include information regarding the death of VCU student Cody Woodson. Woodson was shot and killed on the 400 block of Gilmer Street on April 5, according to an announcement from Gail Hackett, former provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The investigation into this case is ongoing, according to the Richmond Police Department.

The report details safety tips and services that are available to students and definitions and breakdowns of various crimes and how many times incidents may have occurred on campus or in “noncampus” areas. “Noncampus” is defined as “a building or property owned or controlled by VCU that is not reasonably contagious to the main campus,” according to the report.

Robyn Diehl McDougle, an associate professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs who studies police-community relationships, said she believes the report is important to VCUPD’s relationship with the students and community.

Senior Aviva Clayman said she believes VCUPD’s presence adds to the gentrification of Richmond instead of helping the community.

“VCU needs to do more to actually train its students on how to safely live in a city, rather than just police presence,” Clayman said.

VCU campus safety services include the Emergency Reporting Telephone System, RamSafe, campus security officers and several units of VCUPD. The Emergency Reporting Telephone System (ERTS) is a way to contact VCUPD on campus. RamSafe is a transportation service provided by VCU that provides free rides around both campuses and runs from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.,

according to VCU’s department of Parking and Transportation.

To prevent crime for on-campus students, VCUPD suggests always locking doors and windows, being careful who is allowed into private properties and preventing anyone from duplicating keys. For off-campus students, the department suggests rekeying locks after a previous tenant has moved out, installing deadlocks and lighting entrances at night.

The safety report is public and available to be viewed online at VCUPD’s website.

Yellow Emergency Reporting Telephone Systems are located around campus for students to use in emergencies.

Photo by Jay Stonefield

A satellite VCU Police station stands in the center of Monroe Park on VCU’s campus. Photo by Jay Stonefield

VCU needs to do more to actually train it’s students on how to safely live in a city, rather than just police presence.”

Aviva

Clayman, senior VCU student

New Fraternity and Sorority Life Director takes office, Greek life recruitment halted until next semester

Continued from front page

The original decision to halt recruitment

“until further notice” was announced on Sept. 3 by Dean of Students Reuban Rodriguez, a week after the university’s student organization fair on campus.

Recruitment activities for Greek life organizations have been officially postponed until a projected start date in February 2022, according to Porter. The decision was announced to the Greek life community on Sept. 22.

“The first thing I want to do is work with the governing councils to create a recruitment process to happen in February 2022,” Wheeless stated. “Once I can see a recruitment cycle take place, I will want to work with the governing councils to identify opportunities for improvement for the next recruitment cycle.”

There is no official start date for recruitment for when it resumes in February, according to an email from university spokesperson Tom Gresham on Oct. 11.

Other recommendations are being referred to specific work groups, consisting of various university community members,

including faculty, students and advisors, Porter stated in an email.

There are five work groups: Health and Safety; Recruitment, Intake & Member Education; Roles and Responsibilities and Purpose; Hazing Policy; and University & Community Relations, according to Porter. Each group has two heads, who are university faculty.

“The workgroups are comprised of individuals who bring particular expertise and experience to the subject matter and areas of evaluation,” Porter stated. “Each workgroup was provided the general recommendations and climate survey information generated during the external review completed by Dyad and the internal assessment.”

Any student who becomes aware of underground recruitment can report it to the university, according to the announcement from Rodriguez. The university is under obligation to investigate “all reports of unauthorized activity,” according to Porter.

“Findings that a chapter is responsible for unauthorized activity may result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct against the chapter, up to and including permanent loss of recognition,” Porter stated in an email.

VCU professor, alumni received national award for research surrounding music, productivity

KATRINA LEE

Contributing Writer

VCU ALUMNA KATHLEEN KEELER was inspired to conduct research about the effect of music on productivity after witnessing music’s effect on productivity in a work environment and in her own personal work experience.

“After my undergrad, I got an internship at this small consulting firm where everyone there listened to music while they worked. It was so nice,” Keeler said. “It changed the work environment and how we interacted with each other. From there, I got interested in music’s impact on productivity and wanted to know more.”

Keeler, now a professor at Ohio State, partnered with Jose Cortina, a VCU management and entrepreneurship professor, to research this topic. The findings were published in a 2020 article titled “Working to the Beat: A Self-Regulatory Framework Linking Music Characteristics to Job Performance.”

The article, which analyzes the effect of music characteristics on job performance and productivity, has received national recognition. This year, it won the Academy of Management Review’s 2021 Best Article Award, which is a yearly award given out to one article that “has a clear and important contribution to the field of management,” according to the Academy’s website.

The article also explores music characteristics, such as key, musical complexity, tempo and volume, and the effects they have on

executive functions, such as inhibitory control and working memory.

“The journal in which the paper was published in is considered to be one of the best journals in the field of management,” Cortina said. “It’s really an honor to have been chosen for this award.”

Inhibitory control is described in the paper as the capacity to focus on a certain subject while deterring other temptations. Working memory is using short-term memory to achieve a goal, according to the paper.

The article further explains the impacts on these executive functions and if they lead to positive or negative effects on productivity and performance outcome. For example, “music that is slow and/or played at a low volume likely facilitates working memory but impairs inhibitory control because these characteristics lead to low arousal and expanded attention.”

“We propose that music influences executive functions by affecting attentional breadth. The resulting breadth of attention, in turn, fuels executive control

over the cognitions and behaviors that lead to performance,” Keeler and Cortina stated in the article.

Keeler and Cortina said that they conducted a systematic review of existing research on cognitive psychology, neuroscience, music in medicine and more. They then connected that research to what they knew about organizational sciences.

“We were able to combine existing research pertaining to those two fields to make connections and draw propositions,” Keeler said.

The report also discusses how listening to certain types of music can negatively impact productivity during different types of tasks such as complex tasks, routine tasks, idea generation and vigilance and quality-control tasks.

Vigilance and quality-control tasks are tasks that require “extreme focus and sustained attention,” according to the article.

“For some kinds of tasks, some kinds of music are helpful while other kinds of music can be harmful for productivity,” Cortina said. “This paper delves into music’s effects on those different kinds of tasks.”

Listening to music while studying can help with memory and energy, and provide stress relief, according to an article by Colorado State University.

Freshman graphic design student Benjamin Wood said he listens to music when he studies, and that sometimes it does help him focus while other times it doesn’t.

“The music I listen to tends to fluctuate. I usually prefer something acoustic or instrumental. Sometimes it helps me focus, but certain types of music can be distracting,” Wood said.

Freshman art foundations student Noah Birkeland talked about how he likes listening to lo-fi music while trying to actively read, and indie rock or alternative if it’s homework that doesn’t require close attention.

“Music doesn’t really distract me, only if I am doing something really mentally strenuous or if the music itself is especially distracting,” Birkeland said.

Keeler and Cortina hope that this article will help organizations gain an understanding of music’s effect on productivity, which may lead to them using music as a means to enhance task outcomes.

“I think it offers an opportunity for employees to really think about what music is best for them based on the guidelines that we offer, such as how higher key music produces positive emotions,” Keeler said. “This will also hopefully convince managers it’s okay that people are listening to music at work because they are probably able to focus better.”

Student Chris Berczek listens to music while using a computer in the Cabell Library. Photo by Alessandro Latour

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is located in the University Student Commons. Recruitment for Greek life organizations is on hold until February of 2022.

Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Stat of the week

Volleyball freshman setter Katrina Davis has been named the A-10 Rookie of the Week for matches played Oct. 4-10.

FIELD HOCKEY’S SUCCESS CARRIES ON FROM LAST YEAR’S CONFERENCE WIN

ARRICK WILSON

Contributing Writer

AST SEASON, THE FIELD HOCKEY team took home the Atlantic 10 Conference championship title after defeating the Saint Joseph’s Hawks 2-0. This time around, the Rams have continued the success from last year’s championship, ranking second among other A-10 teams.

The Rams started the season off with a 2-1 loss to American, but came out in their second game, bulldozing Villanova 7-1. Junior forward Lonica McKinney led the Rams with a career-high four goals, and senior back Janne Wetzel, sophomore back Ashlyn Hughes and freshman forward Maggie Goodwin all scored a goal. Wetzel has led the team with seven goals and McKinney has also had five goals for the season.

For games played Aug. 30-Sept. 5, McKinney was named the A-10 Field Hockey Player of the Week and graduate midfielder Maite Sturm was named the A-10 Defensive

Player of the Week. Wetzel was also named the A-10 Field Hockey Player of the Week for games played Sept. 13-19.

The Rams are being led by Wetzel, who is sixth in the A-10 rankings in average shots per game at 2.90, sixth in shots on goal with 20 points, fourth in goals with seven points, second in game-winning goals with three points, third in average points per game at 1.60 and 10th in defensive saves per game at 0.10.

Other Rams leading in the Atlantic 10 categories include McKinney, Maite Sturm, senior back Litiana Field, graduate midfielder Svea Sturm, senior midfielder Lynea Gregory and freshman back Carolina Mujica-Robles.

Currently,

the women’s field hockey program is ranked No. 33 among all national Division I teams in the country. The Rams will be back in action on Sunday, at St. Louis University.

Junior forward Lonica McKinney competes against Davidson College in a conference game on Oct. 9. Photo by Megan Lee

The team huddles before an offensive corner against Davidson College. Photo by Megan Lee

Senior back Litiana Field passes the ball during a conference game against Davidson College. Photo by Megan Lee

The team celebrates after a goal against Davidson College. Photo by Megan Lee

Fifth year midfielder Maite Sturm dribbles toward the VCU offense against Davidson College on Oct. 9. Photo by Megan Lee

PHOTO STORY

GAME RESULTS

OCTOBER 6

MEN’S SOCCER - VS. DUQUESNE

WON 4-1

Atlantic 10 Conference

OCTOBER 7

VOLLEYBALL - AT DAYTON

LOST 3-1

Atlantic 10 Conference

OCTOBER 9

MEN’S SOCCERVS. SAINT LOUIS

LOST 4-1

Atlantic 10 Conference

FIELD HOCKEY - VS. DAVIDSON

Top 5 VCU women’s basketball games to look forward to this season

ARRICK WILSON

Contributing Writer

BEFORE THE 2020-21 SEASON, THE women’s basketball program made it to back-toback Atlantic 10 championships, losing in both. The saying is “third time’s a charm,” and when the Rams made it to the championship for the third time, they took home a ring.

The black and gold took home their first A-10 cham pionship after defeating the Massachusetts Minutewomen 81-69. This year should bring an other challenge for the Rams, as they try to bring another cham pionship ring to Richmond.

Along with games, Ram fans should also look for the return of graduate guard Taya Robinson, who was an A-10 All-Conference First Team member, an A-10 All-De fensive Team member, and last year’s leading scorer for the Rams. Another player fans should look for is sophomore Sarah Te-Biasu, who was a part of the A-10 All-Rookie Team and third-leading scorer for the Rams.

With a new season on the horizon, here’s a list of games to look forward to this season, with a mix of A-10 championship tournament rematches, homecoming games, nonconference and rivalry matches.

The annual VCU homecoming is shaping into play as the Rams will play the Blue Raiders at their opening game. The last time the Rams faced the Blue Raiders in 2019, the Rams suffered a loss of a huge deficit, 86-63. This game should not only be an opening party for the Rams, but a celebratory win for homecoming week.

The rivalry between VCU Athletic teams and Old Dominion University teams continues. Last season, the Monarchs defeated the Rams in overtime 81-76. Then, ODU senior Victoria Morris led the Monarchs past the Rams with a career-high record of 31 points. Te-Bisasu and then-senior Sydnei Archie led the Rams in points with 18 and 17 points respectively. Fans can look forward to the rivalry game this fall after such a close loss last season.

This game will open the A-10 conference play for the Rams. Last season, the Rams defeated the Explorers 63-62 in an overtime thriller in February. Madison Hattix-Covington, now a redshirt senior, led the Rams in points with 15 points and Te-Bisasu also had 13 points. This game should set the tone for the rest of the conference play, as the Rams look to better their 10 wins and five losses

Before last season’s game against the Spiders, the Rams had defeated Richmond in five straight games, but the Rams ultimately fell to the Spiders 69-64 on Jan. 24. Even though Robinson scored a team-high 16 points, it wasn’t enough to hold back the Spiders. This season, the interconference rivalry will be tested again as the Rams try to reclaim dominance over their intercity rival.

The 2020 reigning Atlantic 10 champions, Dayton, entered the 2021 A-10 championship as the No. 1 seed. The Flyers’ conference record in 2020-21 was an impressive 12 wins with only one loss. The Rams upset the Flyers in a back-and-forth contest for the championship in 2021, 56-50. This season, it should be another highly contested game that will be televised on ESPNU. The Flyers should be on the lookout for 2021 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year, graduate guard Araion Bradshaw, and A-10 All-Conference First Team member, graduate guard Jenna Giacone. This game is one of the few that will be televised for the Rams.

This season will be interesting for the Rams, as they will play in front of 7,500 rowdy spectators in the Stuart C. Siegel Center for the first time in over a year. This season, the Rams will attempt to bring their second A-10 championship win and advance to their fourth straight A-10 championship game.

The Rams will open up their season with the annual black and gold scrimmage on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. The game will be played at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. For ticket information, visit vcuathletics.com.

WON 5-0

Atlantic 10 Conference

VOLLEYBALL - AT DUQUESNE

WON 3-0

Atlantic 10 Conference

OCTOBER 10

FIELD HOCKEYVS. GEORGETOWN

LOST 1-0

MEN’S TENNIS

OVERALL 8-6

ITA All-American Championships (Tulsa, Okla.)

WOMEN’S TENNIS

OVERALL 0-2

ITA All-American Championships (Charleston, S.C.)

MEN’S TENNIS

OVERALL 8-10 River City Tennis Open (Henrico,

WOMEN’S SOCCERVS. DAYTON

WON 3-1 Atlantic 10 Conference

OCTOBER 12

GOLF 6TH OF 12

Carolina Collegiate Invitational (Spartanburg, S.C.)

Va.)

Graduate guard Taya Robinson looks for the pass against La Salle on Feb. 18. Photo by Megan Lee

Homecoming — VCU vs. Middle Tennessee: Nov. 12 (TBA)

Atlantic 10 — VCU at Richmond: Feb 2 (TBA)

Atlantic 10 — VCU at Dayton: Feb. 13 (TBA)

Atlantic 10 Conference Opener — VCU at La Salle: Jan. 1 (TBA)

VCU vs. ODU: Nov. 21 (TBA)

Women’s basketball huddles during a Feb. 1 conference game against George Washington. Photo by Megan Lee

Redshirt senior Madison Hattix-Covington takes a free throw during the 63-62 final game against La Salle in the 2020-2021 season. Photo by Megan Lee

On this day

• RVA • Fashion Week

RICHMOND FASHION WEEK 2021 RETURNS: local designers express themselves through fashion

SAHARA SRIRAMAN Spectrum Editor

Continued from front page

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE SPRING RVAFW was the first time they implemented in-person events primarily outdoors. They included socially distanced fashion events throughout the week and used virtual streaming equipment for indoor events in order to reduce the amount of people in a closed space as much as possible.

RVAFW has been an annual Richmond event since 2008, meant to feature the area’s models, designers, businesses and stylists. The event highlights small businesses throughout Richmond through a variety of interactive events and activities throughout the week.

This year’s finale show took place on Sunday at the Bon Secours Training Center, featuring 10 designers based in the Richmond area, including Verdalina, The Suit Brother, Liznel, Sisters’ Boutique and 707 Fine Clothing.

The event was hosted by Miss Virginia 2021 Heather Marie and NBC12 anchor Anthony Antoine. Every designer’s line was very personal, each drawing inspiration from different parts of their lives and personal experiences, according to the hosts.

“All of the designers were so creative but so unique at the same time,” said attendee Taniqua Jones, who said she’s a longtime supporter of the show. “Everything was beautiful in its own way.”

The show featured models of varying body types, racial backgrounds and heights.

“I thought it was very inclusive, very diverse,” said Britney Reynolds, a VCU alumna and spectator of the show.

“I loved that they showed women and men, different cultures and ethnicities.”

Budd stated that it was great to have the week’s events completely in person after two years of having the event online. He stated that although it was extremely difficult to plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, the work paid off.

“We saw this pandemic affect everyone one way or another and I think our team has strengthened exponentially throughout this pandemic behind the scenes which has allowed us to spread so much positive energy to our community and to keep people motivated in pursuing their dreams during these difficult times,” Budd stated.

Gabriela Fernando, an employee from Lex’s of Carytown, said the bridal boutique was part of the run way show earlier in the week where they were able to showcase some of their pieces.

“It was amazing to be part of fashion week ourselves and show case some of the latest fall styles,” Fernando said.

Lex’s of Carytown dressed Marie for the night in a black and green mesh, sequined Johnathan Kayne gown.

Fernando said that although the boutique wasn’t part of the finale runway show on Oct. 10, she was thrilled to see all the different designers showcase their work.

“As far as having more attendees in person and a major runway show, I would say it has been very refreshing and encouraging for the future of event planning and people taking necessary precautions to be safe as we continue to navigate through this all,” Budd stated.

All guests were required to wear masks when entering all events throughout the week, while staff members were given face shields to wear, according to Budd. RVAFW decided to require all guests, designers and employees to follow the same rules, due to the different businesses maintaining different safety guidelines.

“RVA Fashion Week is about inclusivity and I just really appreciate that and it’s real ly beautiful,” Fernando said. “We’re all coming togeth er after being apart for almost two years because of the pandemic and I think it’s really beautiful to see all the latest fashion from our community.”

Kay Woodson, a model who walked for multiple designers — including Kill the Seam and Liznel — during the finale event,

said she was glad to have a loud and engaging audience to walk for during the night.

Now that RVAFW is over, Woodson said she has mixed feelings about the week being wrapped up after working toward it for so long.

“It was a great week, all seven days

In 2019, Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history with her 25th medal at the World Championships.

I think this year has been so unique because it has tested how resilient we can all be during this pandemic and how to persevere through these challenging times.”

Jimmy Budd, Executive Director of Richmond Fashion Week

Richmond Fashion Week’s fall 2021 finale runway show took place Oct. 10. RVAFW has been an annual event since 2008. Photos by Alessandro Latour

Model Meadow Batcheldor walks down the runway at Richmond Fashion Week wearing a dress by designer Liznel. Photo by Alessandro Latour

Photo illustration by Gabi Wood

VCU JAZZ FESTIVAL SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT AND FACULTY TALENT

MACKENZIE MELESKI

Contributing Writer

THE VCU JAZZ DEPARTMENT MADE A RETURN to the stage on Thursday as students and faculty hosted the first jazz orchestra concert in front of a live audience since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event took place at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts. Three jazz orchestras performed at the show with the first two composed of VCU students. The first orchestra that performed was Jazz Orchestra II and it consisted primarily of upperclassmen jazz students. The second group, Jazz Orchestra I, consisted of underclassmen students and non-music majors. The faculty band then closed out the performance.

The concert was free and open to the public, with many students’ friends and family in attendance. Among those present was Madysen Prater, a VCU freshman whose friend, Nick Dancey, was a part of Jazz Orchestra I.

“I haven’t been able to see any live orchestra performances since high school,” Prater said. “It’s really cool to experience again.”

The students and faculty practiced throughout the fall semester for the performance. According to professor Taylor Barnett, who teaches jazz trumpet, jazz improvisation and jazz history, the majority of the time spent in class goes towards preparing for this performance.

“My favorite part of teaching music is seeing everything come together on stage,” Barnett said.

The Jazz Orchestra II played four songs and was directed by professor Toby

SAHARA SRIRAMAN Spectrum Editor

A diamond-shaped mural with a teal Sankofa iconography-inspired image sits surrounded by thick red and yellow lines, creating color contrast that immediately catches the eye. The large mural funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative sits at the intersection of West Marshall Street and Brook Road.

In September, ART 180, Gallery5, Walter Parks Architects and the city of Richmond came together to begin the process of painting a large-scale painting on the street, which was funded by a grant meant to reimagine public spaces through artwork, according to the initiative’s website.

While over 200 different cities applied for this grant, Richmond was one of 16 cities chosen to pursue the project. The project is funded by the initiative’s $25,000 grant; Venture Richmond is also giving an extra $5,000 to the project.

Vaughn Garland, the director of community programs and partnerships at ART 180, said they decided the project should take place in Jackson Ward because of the complex history surrounding the area itself.

“Jackson Ward has a very unique history, a very important history that is sometimes overlooked,” Garland said.

The mural is a Sankofa image, which originates from the Akan people in Ghana, designed by local artist Chris Visions, located outside ART 180’s Atlas gallery. ART 180 is an organization that partners with Richmond Public Schools to develop a variety of free or low-cost programs for underprivileged students, allowing them to practice and cultivate their art skills. Visions is leading an ART 180 teen program taking place during the fall, and is also an Edward Dean Robinson Artist Residency teaching artist.

Whitaker. Following a short intermission, the Jazz Orchestra I played four more songs, including “The Queen Bee” and “Ya Gotta Try” by Sammy Nestico. They were directed by Antonio García, director of jazz studies at VCU.

The VCU jazz department faculty closed out the night with a total of seven songs. Among those in the faculty band were García on trombone and Barnett on trumpet.

For students and faculty this was the first time they had performed in front of a live audience since February 2020, and for many underclassmen this was their first time performing in front of a live audience at all. The concerts that had taken place during the pandemic were livestreamed through the VCUarts website.

Musicians at the performance wore masks at all times, taking them off only when they were about to play their set.

“The audience is equally as important as the performers themselves,” Whitaker said.

Art institutions, Richmond team up for painting project funded by grant

Gallery5 is an art center that exhibits progressive, innovative artwork located in Jackson Ward. Walter Parks Architects is an architectural company that specializes in “rehabilitation” projects of historic properties around Richmond.

The project includes three parts: the mural, a parklet and a pedestrian plaza. Garland said that while the main mural of the Sankofa image is completed at the intersection, the artists are planning on having a second phase of the project. The painting will continue down both Brook and Marshall streets and a pedestrian Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza will be redone in the next few weeks in partnership with Gallery5, according to Garland. Garland said, as of right now, the entire project is set to be completed on Nov. 5. He said this project is important for Richmond because it gives people a connection through a communal space they all use — the streets.

“It’s important that Richmond continues to move forward in many ways that also includes the streetscape and what the streets look like, and returning some of those spaces back to public space,” Garland said.

He said that it was crucial to have an experienced artist like Visions because he brings a fresh interpretation of this project, allowing Visions to use his own experiences when overseeing the project.

“Not only is this a good thing for people to relax, which is the idea of the parklet, but it means something in terms of our vocabulary, our language going forward,” Garland said.

Garland said he thinks that this project will continue the conversation around improving more public spaces around Richmond for people to enjoy.

“It’s been an all-encompassing … one of those moments where we could see, potentially, projects like this in the future because

“The students were missing out on a big part of the experience of performing.”

The jazz department will be hosting more performances in November 2021, and all future concerts will be livestreamed as well as performed in front of a live audience. Jazz Orchestra I will be performing on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. and Jazz Orchestra II will be performing on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.; both performances will be held at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall.

For Barnett, the return to live, in-person concerts is a milestone for the music school.

“This is really an affirmation for all the hard work and perseverance we’ve done to get here,” Barnett said. “We’ve worked so hard for the past two years to keep music alive.”

now we’ve kind of set up a situation where we’ve learned from each other,” Garland said. “I think it’s been deeply rewarding in many ways.”

Zoe Perry, a painting and printmaking sophomore, stated she’s not surprised that Richmond has been recognized for its rich arts and culture because of the number of talented artists that reside here.

She stated she’s thrilled that ART 180 students were a part of the actual painting process because the arts are usually not considered essential, meaning a lot of young artists aren’t given many opportunities to cultivate their artistic talents. She stated it is important young artists are given the ability to do what they love.

“Art gives a way to communicate to all kinds of people since it transcends language and education level, and I know this isn’t a profound idea, but even those with visual or auditory disabilities can utilize art to communicate,” Perry stated in a direct message.

She stated this overall project has been beneficial for the Richmond arts community because it highlights both the talents of these students and the abundance of talent within the Richmond arts community. She stated that, as an artist herself, she knows how crucial practicing art can be for artistic growth and discovery.

Perry stated that she believes this project will highlight the diverse and expansive talent the Richmond arts community has, and will allow it to be showcased and appreciated beyond the city.

“I think this project will continue to push Richmond’s reputation of being a home for creative expression especially in terms of uplifting the voices of marginalized communities,” Perry stated.

At the intersection of West Marshall Street and Brook Road, a new art installation was painted on the asphalt by Richmond Public Schools students. Photo by Alessandro Latour

A VCUarts jazz ensemble performs a song at the Oct. 7 Jazz Festival at the Singleton Center. Photo by Alessandro Latour

My favorite part of teaching music is seeing everything come together on stage.”

Taylor Barnett , VCU Jazz professor

Richmond Night Market celebrates community, emphasizes creativity during in-person season

JIANA SMITH

WHEN ADRIENNE COLE JOHNSON

and Melody Short co-founded the Richmond Night Market in 2019, their goal was placemaking — creating a space in which marginalized communities, namely women and people of color, could see themselves represented in the city’s growing arts scene, according to Johnson.

“We wanted to remind folks that we are here, and we belong here,” Johnson said.

The Richmond Night Market takes place every second Saturday of the month from 5-9 p.m. during its seasonal run from July to November. It features live music, children’s activities, a vendor marketplace and a live painting section called the Maker Space.

Despite the cloudy weather on Saturday, people of all ages gathered at the Richmond Night Market in Shockoe Bottom in search of live music and unique items ranging from jewelry to candles. This month’s market was the organization’s fourth gathering this year. All markets for the 2021 season, which started in July, have been held in person.

Johnson said the Night Market team was excited to return to an in-person format.

“I think what a lot of people have been missing is the ability to engage and build community, so it’s nice to get back to that this year,” Johnson said.

In 2020, the organization shifted the Shockoe Bottom-based market into a virtual event due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in March and the instatement of state mandates that prohibited large gatherings.

The virtual markets were livestreamed through platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and through the Richmond Night Market website, featuring virtual interviews with vendors.

There are so many wonderful creators and artists in the Richmond area. To be selected as one they saw fit, that they would like to be a part of their event, I’m very grateful for that.”

Amiri Richardson-Keys, co-founder of the Artists Revealed Through Service Community Center

Johnson said she attributes the success of the 2020 virtual markets to customers’ desires to connect with friends and family during the pandemic.

“I think the need to connect with those you love was so much more important, so you found people getting really creative and doing some unique gift giving,” Johnson said.

Shockoe Bottom, the Richmond neighborhood where the monthly event takes place, was an intentional and significant setting choice for Johnson and Short. In the 19th century, it hosted one of the largest slave markets in the country, according to Johnson.

“When you look at what it was juxtaposed with what it is, we really wanted to honor the history in a way where we’re hopeful that we’re making our ancestors proud, to be honest,” Johnson said.

Ron Brown, who has attended each market this year, said he enjoys interacting with vendors and other guests.

“It’s a nice, friendly atmosphere, great music, and the people who have put this together have done a great job,” Brown said. “Every time they have it, I come out.”

Changes have been made to the Richmond Night Market to prioritize participant safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to Johnson. Besides encouraging guests to wear masks and social distance, organizers have reduced the number of vendors for the market this year from around 40 to about 25. They have also shortened the season from April through December to July through November, according to Johnson.

“We always suggest that people follow the proper mitigation strategies, and that we are mindful of our interactions and dealings, because we are still in a pandemic,” Johnson said.

The Maker Space specifically has seen a transformation as a part of new safety measures. Before the pandemic, the area was an interactive art space where guests could create together on one large art board. This year, the Maker Space has been highlighting local Richmond artists, who are tasked with creating a piece live at the market.

This month’s featured artist is Amiri Richardson-Keys, a VCU painting and printmaking senior and co-founder of the Artists Revealed Through Service (ARTS) Community Center in Midlothian. The community center hosts arts-based community events for all ages.

Richardson-Keys said he was “honored and humbled” when he was selected to be this month’s featured artist for the Maker Space.

“There are so many wonderful creators and artists in the Richmond area,” Richardson-Keys said. “To be selected as one they saw fit, that they would like to be a part of their event, I’m very grateful for that.”

Live music was provided by DJ Liphe, DMV rapper Cane and R&B artist PHNX. Brewer’s Sessions, which records live sessions of Richmond music artists at Brewer’s Cafe, recorded for the premiere of their fourth season.

Vendor and abstract muralist Ron Stokes said that he plans to continue attending Richmond Night Market events in the future.

“I think the city of Richmond loves it,” Stokes said. “I hope it just gets bigger and bigger.”

For the market schedule and list of participating vendors, visit richmondnightmarketva.com.

EDITOR'S LIST OF FILMS TO WATCH

“Something Borrowed” (2011)

Rachel, a serious lawyer, never confessed her feelings to her university crush, Dex, who’s now marrying her best friend, Darcy. When Rachel tells him how she feels, which leads to a mistake that could ruin both their lives and relationships with Darcy, she must decide what she wants and what she’s willing to do to get it.

Available on Netflix | 15% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Lovebirds” (2020)

Starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae, this romantic comedy follows a couple’s relationship, that’s on the brink of ending, as they accidentally get framed for a murder they didn’t commit. They are faced with all kinds of obstacles as they do everything they can to clear their names while dealing with their rocky relationship.

Available on Netflix | 66% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Danish Girl” (2015)

Taking place in Denmark in the 1920s, artists Gerda Wegener and her husband Einar, must reevaluate their relationship and love for one another as Einar transitions into a transgender woman named Lili. After unsuccessful searches for a “cure” for Lili, the couple decides to undergo Lili in one of the first sex-change operations.

Available on Netflix | 67% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Proposal” (2009)

This classic romantic comedy, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, follows an intense, work-driven boss as she claims she’s engaged to her assistant in order to elude deportation. When the pair travels to Alaska to meet his family, they must find a way to seem like a real couple while dodging deportation officials out to prove their engagement is a scam.

Available on Amazon Prime Video | 44% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Upside” (2017)

When a wealthy quadriplegic finds the perfect caretaker in a parolee who’s struggling to reclaim his life after prison, they form an unlikely friendship amid their vast differences. As the two are exposed to a life that is different from theirs, they find that they might have more in common than they originally believed.

Available on Hulu | 43% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Devil All the Time” (2020)

Taking place in the 1960s, this star-studded thriller — including Tom Holland, Sebastian Stan and Robert Pattinson — follows various sinning characters as they carry out crimes, some extremely violent, fueled by rage, revenge and religion. Arvin Russell, played by Holland, is one of the less disturbed characters who will do anything to protect his family.

Available on Netflix | 64% Rotten Tomatoes

Have suggestions for our watchlist? Email spectrum@ commonwealthtimes.org.

Staff Writer

An artist works on a painting at the Richmond Night Market’s live art Maker Space. The event took place every second Saturday of the month during its July to November season. Photo by Lily Doshi

The live art Maker Space was a feature of the Richmond Night Market. Photo by Lily Doshi

Quote of the week

MONICA ALARCON-NAJARRO Contributing Writer

This story discusses details of sexual harassment and sexual assault. It may be triggering for some readers.

IT WAS A BRISK EVENING WHEN MY roommate and I decided to walk home together from a house 13 minutes away on campus. Our discussion was filled with laughter and lighthearted conversation as we passed Cary Street Gym and headed toward our home.

I noticed a man with a camouflage jacket and black jeans standing on the sidewalk staring at his phone. His daunting shadow followed our trail, to which my roommate then nudged me and quietly whispered to keep an eye on the guy who seemed to be following us.

As we continued walking, the man yelled and asked, “Do you girls go to VCU?” At this moment, my heart sank. I knew, as women, this could end one of two ways: my roommate and I could get sexually assaulted or harassed. I had always been taught to never say anything factual to someone who I don’t personally know, especially a man on the street.

The next few moments were a blur as my mind was racing to think of what could happen next. I vaguely remember him asking where we lived and my roommate asking him why he was following us. My roommate remarked that he could either get pepper sprayed or leave us alone. “Watch your next step,” I added. He crossed the street and left us alone.

The way this encounter ended is not the same for most women around the country and the world. As women, we are never truly left alone.

According an analysis from the World Health Organization, from 2000 to 2018 across 161 areas globally, 1 in 3 women

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT,

women are never truly left alone

“have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence or both.”

That same analysis reports that 6% of women globally have been sexually assaulted by someone other than their partner.

For a woman, the streets at night are an unthinkable conversation to have. The endless hypotheticals of whether I could get kidnapped, sexually harassed or assaulted are ones that I avoid just by deciding not to go out at night without a friend.

Even in broad daylight women are harassed, whether it be getting honked at or getting catcalled. Regardless of the clothes they’re wearing, women are still sexualized.

It’s shocking to know that a man can dehumanize a woman solely because of her body, causing them to act in ways that are disrespectful toward women.

To feel uncomfortable in your own skin after being harassed is a disgusting feeling I would never want anyone to experience. As women, we are conditioned to be cautious and to protect ourselves from men. Yet, why aren’t men ever taught to treat people with respect?

It’s common decency to respect another human being and to not shout degrading names as they walk by. After all, it seems that women are always treated as objects, whether it be due to the hypersexualization

of our bodies on social media or the idea that men think they can do whatever they want without consequences.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, college women ages 18-24 are three times more at risk to experience sexual violence. They are also twice as likely to get sexually assaulted than robbed.

These women have families — they could be your sister or your mother. As far as we’ve come in society, you would think that there would be a higher push to protect women.

I urge all of you to always make sure that your friends, regardless of gender, never go home alone on campus.

As of now, VCU has over 350 Emergency Reporting Telephone Systems which are located throughout campus. These systems are designed to be accessible if you need to get in contact with the VCU Police Emergency Communications Center if you are in danger.

Students can also download the RamSafe app on their phones to get a ride home safely. Their operation hours on Monroe Park campus are from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week.

If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault or harassment, you are not alone. There are resources on campus that provide nontherapeutic support such as VCU’s advocacy services, which is available to students and is completely confidential from VCU police and the university.

As a community, we have to stick together to keep each other safe. Notify the police if you see strange activity happening around campus and make sure your peers get home safe. Sexual violence is real and victims should not be hidden in the shadows of their predators.

GET OUT AND VOTE: WE CAN’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF VOTING

ISHAAN

NANDWANI

Contributing

Writer

IT’S OFFICIALLY THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER — that means warm-ish weather, spooky season and of course, the gubernatorial election in Virginia.

Every year, we gather to pay homage to one of the cornerstones of our democracy: the right to vote. This year, millions of Americans will head to the polls to cast their ballots for state offices, exercising this sacred right.

Last year, we witnessed the largest voter turnout in U.S. history, with 155 million Americans casting their ballots during the presidential election; a brilliant display of people participating in our government. There’s no doubt that the stakes were incredibly high, with our country enduring an unprecedented division and a massive push from both sides of the political spectrum to get every voter to the polls.

On campus, I felt a strong sense of urgency to vote. Tables from voting organizations on campus were set up to help register students around Cabell Library and Monroe Park. Conversations surrounding the election and voting flooded the lines at Shafer Dining Court and the Cabell Library Starbucks. Countless students took to social media to post selfies with their infamous “I Voted” stickers.

But this year, I’ve seen none of that.

The tabling and registering of students, critical conversations surrounding the election and social media push toward voting is almost nonexistent.

While it’s understandable that nonpresidential elections do not receive the same media attention as local elections given the scope of their impact, we cannot understate the importance of voting in local elections when there is so much on the line.

On the ballot in Virginia this year, we’re electing a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. In Richmond City, we’re electing a new representative to the Virginia House of Delegates.

The issues and platforms run by each of these candidates directly affect us. In the gubernatorial race, Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin is a Trump loyalist, strong opponent of abortion and has fought against gun control legislation.

The Democratic nominee is former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and Princess Blanding, sister of Marcus-David Peters, is running as an Independent representing the Liberation party. McAuliffe is advocating for issues including health care for all and investing more money into education. Blanding is advocating for a progressive platform that calls for greater criminal justice reform and racial justice.

These issues have significant implications for people across Virginia, and we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to what’s at stake.

Sophomore international studies student Ailita Whalen stated that she plans to vote

by mail in this upcoming election because it is most convenient for her as a college student, and urges her peers to get out and vote.

“I think it is more important to vote in local elections than presidential elections. The major changes that impact us happen from our local representatives and legislation,” Whalen stated in an email.

Issues that federal politicians discuss — housing, health care, minimum wage — are actively implemented by local representatives, effecting the change that we see in our communities. Therefore, the importance of participating in local elections with regards to the direct changes we see in our lives cannot be understated.

Whalen added, “If more people voted in local elections, I think we would have much more satisfying legislation and leadership.”

Early voting is currently open in Virginia, and in-person early voting closes on Oct. 30.

If you’re a VCU student on the fence about voting in this upcoming election, or voting isn’t something that’s been on your mind because of the lack of attention the election has received, let this article be your sign to go out to the polls and vote.

Whether your plan is to vote by mail or in person, we all deserve to be heard on Election Day, Nov. 2. Let your voice ring loud and clear — vote.

“Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.”

— Aristotle

Illustration by Anna Yang

Illustration by Tia Blumenau

Anything is Edible Once by Jesse Beck

Naps Always Win by Anthony Duong

Possortunity by Loki Bischoff

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