The Commonwealth Times; September 5, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY VOL. 60, NO. 3

COMMONWEALTHTIMES.ORG SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

Full circle

Redshirt-senior forward Michael Gilmore and junior guard Marcus Evans returned to Virginia for “what college basketball is all about.”

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Junior guard Marcus Evans and redshirt-senior forward Michael Gilmore have traveled winding roads to arrive on Broad Street. Evans, a Virginia native, transferred from Rice University after earning All-Conference USA honors his freshman and sophomore years. Gilmore played two seasons under both Shaka Smart and Will Wade from 201416 before spending two years back home in Florida, finally returning to VCU to bring his collegiate career full circle.

Photos

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Stories on page 5

NEWS GRC bathrooms 3

SPORTS Soccer 8

SPECTRUM A Cappella 10

OPINIONS Ode to self care 11

2 The Commonwealth Times

Grant awarded to VCU for recruitment, retention of women in STEM SAFFEYA AHMED Copy Editor

Fuentes said more women teaching in these fields will provide role models and mentors to young women with interests in STEM. A VCU will recruit more STEM female more diverse representation in science and faculty members following the awarding of engineering careers, Fuentes said, will foster a $2.99 million grant. “creativity, innovation and competitiveness.”

Accorded by the National Science FounIn 2015, women filled 47 percent of U.S. dation, the “Overcoming Immunity to jobs, but held less than a quarter of jobs in Change: ADVANCE IT VCU” grant plans STEM, according to the U.S. Department to raise participation and advancement of of Commerce. The largest disparity for women in science, technology, engineering women in STEM field exists in engineering. and math fields.

According to data collected by NSF, from 1993 to 2010, the percentage of female engineers in the workforce only increased four percent, compared to increases of nearly 20 percent in other fields such as biological, agricultural and environmental life sciences.

When women are not

“ Why women are lacking in involved in engineering STEM field is a conundrum,” said Barbara and science, the needs, Boyan, Dean of the College of Engineering.

“In my generation, we were actively discourexperiences, desires aged. Over the past few decades, the imthat are unique to portance of having diverse perspectives in women may easily order to solve difficult problems has led to the recognition that women have a valuable be overlooked.” point of view that should be heard.”

Montserrat Fuentes, When it comes to engaging faculty in Dean of the College of science, math, engineering and technoloHumanities and Sciences. gy, VCU exceeds the national mark. Thirty-nine percent of VCU STEM faculty are “The disproportionate representation of women — four percent of which are miwomen in these important and wide-reach- nority women — compared to the national ing fields results in male-dominated pro- average of 33 percent of female STEM faccesses, programs and politics,” said Mont- ulty members, with only three percent being serrat Fuentes, Dean of the College of minority women.

Humanities and Sciences.

“To diversify STEM we first need to Leading the ADVANCE IT VCU grant, overcome the immunity to change,” Fuent-

illustration by Steck Von

es said. “(The grant) will transform VCU in ways that will effectively and systematically diversify its faculty.”

While VCU boasts above-average numbers for female STEM faculty members, ADVANCE IT VCU will boost those numbers by recruiting, retaining and advancing diverse female faculty. This grant follows a simultaneous increase in women pursuing STEM programs at VCU. For the 2017-18 academic year, women held a majority of seats in the biomedical engineering program. Women were highly represented in chemical and life sciences engineering, as well.

“When women are not involved in engi-

neering and science, the needs, experiences, desires that are unique to women may easily be overlooked,” Fuentes said. “With a more diverse STEM representation, scientific and technological products and solutions will be better designed to represent all users, and the direction of science and scientific inquiry will be guided by abroader array of experiences.”

Through the NSF grant, Fuentes said VCU plans to facilitate change by implementing new recruitment processes that extend a more diverse, representative staff, improve promotion and tenure policies and “facilitate professional opportunities for minority women. “

VCUarts professor loses battle with cancer Thursday LOGAN REARDON Staff Writer

many have shared their perspective with me about Albert, all of which are powerful.”

Ellingson recalled the words of one of Epshteyn’s former students, Kate Hancock, who said his teachings “pushed all of us to reckon with ourselves, to let go of our crutches and come out the other side stronger as artists.”

VCU professor Albert Epshteyn died Aug. 30 after losing his fight with an aggressive form of cancer. He is survived by his wife, Regina Oksinenko.

For a long time, Epshteyn was the first person students entering the Department of Communication Arts came in contact with. Trained for many years in Russian art education, Professor Epshteyn spent his time at VCU pushing students to meet their To my students, all I highest potential. want them to know According to the Facebook page “Pictures for Albert Epshteyn,” created in his that being so incredibly honor after his cancer diagnosis last year, demanding had only Epshteyn had “demanding standards and one purpose — I always integrity in student excellence.”

“Albert (Epshteyn) has brought a wanted them to be rigor of academic drawing and observation better, even better than of the human form to VCUArts,” stated the their teacher” Facebook page description.

TyRuben Ellingson, chair and asAlbert Epshteyn Department of sistant professor in the department of ComCommunication Arts munication Arts, said of his colleague that, time and again, Epshteyn relayed what a privilege it is to teach students.

“You don’t teach like that if you’re just “He loved teaching and he loved our stu- phoning it in,” Hancock said. “You teach dents,” Ellingson said. “Since his passing, like that if you really, really care about mak-

ing sure every student in your tutelage walks away with the skills they need.”

Ellingson said having this effect on people is every professor’s goal.

“There is no professor on earth who would not want that to be the consensus opinion of their impact on students,” Ellingson said.

In his final public statement, Epshteyn left a message to his former pupils explaining the reasoning behind his pedagogy, or teaching strategy.

“To my students, all I want them to know that being so incredibly demanding had only one purpose — I always wanted them to be better, even better than their teacher,” Epshteyn said. “I cherished my time in class and maybe they didn’t see it, but I always loved being around all of them.”

Epshteyn requested his body be cremated, without a viewing or ceremony.

A fund, called the Albert Epshteyn Scholarship, has been created in the professor’s honor through the VCU Office of Development and Alumni Relations. According to the Facebook page, donating to the scholarship is the best way to contribute to his legacy.

This portrait is how his wife, Regina, wants him to be remembered. Image courtesy of Pictures for Albert Epshteyn

CORRECTION In the Aug. 29 issue, two photos — for the articles “Rams tame Panthers for second consecutive victory” and “Bird isn’t the word amid city decision to confiscate electric scooters” — were attributed incorrectly to Erin Edgerton.

Jon Mirador was the photographer for those images.

Wed. September 5, 2018 3

GRC introduces new bathroom experience in traditional-style residence spaces NIA TARIQ News Editor Students living in the new Gladding Residence Center have more than a fresh place to sleep — residents also get the opportunity to use VCU’s first gender-neutral community bathrooms.

According to associate director of Residential Life and Housing Megan Becker, the co-ed bathrooms stemmed from the university’s desire to “cultivate a future where communities can flourish by understanding, embracing and celebrating diversity.”

The European-style lavatories do not include stalls; instead, there are floor-toceiling doors that separate every toilet and shower.

“The bathroom design provides privacy where needed while also allowing Residential Life and Housing the opportunity to provide flexible room space as the gender breakdown of accepted students can change from year to year,” Becker said.

This was not just an executive university decision. Becker said student input was solicited throughout the design phase of the building and that feedback was sought out from Residence Hall Association student representatives, multiple student focus groups around campus and design meetings.

“I think that having a place where everyone feels safe and comfortable to go to the bathroom is an important piece that we as a campus are working toward,” said Camilla Hill, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

According to VCU housing, GRC is the new home of the Lavender House, a queer-friendly space and inclusive community for LGBTQIA students that will have monthly programs sponsored by OMSA. Previously, the Lavender House was located in the Cary and Belvidere residence hall.

Other communities include Live WELL, LEAD Explores, the Emerging Leaders program, Mosaic, Outdoor Adventure, SPARK, Ramprenuer and VCux/ui.

Becker said the university does not currently plan to make any existing residence hall bathrooms gender-neutral. Instead, she

GRC bathrooms feature floor-to-ceiling doors with deadbolt locks in place of stalls for its showers and toilets. Photo by Jon Mirador said future residence hall construction may include gender-inclusive bathrooms depending on design goals.

Hill echoed the sentiment that future VCU facility designs will take similar steps when it comes to gender inclusion. Although VCU is not a pioneer in the move toward gender-inclusive facilities, she said the GRC design was a good start.

“I think that, as the buildings are built, this is probably going to be a new standard of what we should be doing for the university community,” Hill said. “It’s not like we’re leading the way, but I also think — in comparison to other schools in the South — we’re doing a lot of things better than a lot of other places.”

Some students were taken aback by the bathroom situation upon move-in. GRC resident Kamryn Haynesworth said that as a woman she feels it has been a hassle to maintain her privacy.

“I have to make sure I’m covered when I’m going in and when I’m going (out) just in case I run into a male. They had to make

the doors extremely heavy and covered,” Haynesworth said. “This is a freshman-only dorm. I feel like it was already a big enough change as-is and this just adds to it. I didn’t find out this dorm was co-ed until the day I moved in.”

Sources including the resident manuals and the VCU housing website mentioned that the community bathrooms would be co-ed before housing applications opened earlier this year.

“It’s interesting because I think that people are making a lot more of a big deal out of the bathrooms than they need to,” Hill said. “The only thing that people are sharing are sinks; washing our hands is not something that we have deemed in society as a private practice.”

On the other hand, Becker said the bathroom set-up has garnered a great deal of support.

“We were proactive in our communication and made sure to answer any questions about the bathroom design in the new facility,” Becker said. “There was also positive

feedback regarding the privacy of floor-toceiling locked shower and toilet areas within the shared bathroom space.”

There are two single-use, gender-neutral bathrooms per floor in GRC. Amid complaints of some of these bathrooms being unavailable for student use, Becker said some may be locked from the inside due to faulty locking systems. She said the target goal is to have the systems re-installed by the week of Sept. 17.

As for students who do not agree with using the bathrooms due to personal prejudices, Hill said to be mindful of the precedent VCU has in terms of diversity and acceptance with the university’s non-discrimination policy.

“I think that’s something that everyone needs to work through because part of going to college is being pushed outside of our comfort zone, to learn and to grow and develop as human beings,” Hill said. “I don’t really think we are asking much of people to just be respectful of other people’s right to privacy and go to the bathroom.”

Hopefuls welcomed as American Idol comes to Main Street Station DESTINY HALL-HARPER Contributing Writer When the nationwide search ends and live tapings begin, the famous question, “Who will be the next American Idol?” may be answered by someone from the Richmond area.

During the early morning of Sept. 3, hopefuls lined the steps of Main Street Station, awaiting their ticket to perform in front of American Idol producers for the preliminary round of auditions.

Registration began at 7 a.m. — with some people lining up several hours earlier — and the contestants moved into the building at 8 a.m. as auditions began.

The crowd was in the hundreds, covering the entire front steps of the building.

Auditioner Kelly Adam, a VCU freshman double majoring in music and environmental studies, was one of the hundreds waiting their turn.

“I want to be a famous musician,” Adam said. “Shows like this give artists a chance to show talent that otherwise wouldn’t be seen.”

Adam performed with her guitar and sang — she said she hoped to wow professionals and urge them to invest in her as an artist.

“Major producers and labels don’t know about me,” Adam said. “This could give me the exposure I need.”

One American Idol senior supervising producer, Patrick Lynn, said the number of people being selected for the show is not predetermined.

“We are going to take whoever we think would be good for the show and send them on to the next round,” he said.

The contestants were filmed by camera crews cheering as the tour bus moved past them. Certain eager acts could be seen with guitars, keyboards, bases and a variety of other instruments.

“The line this morning was pretty big,” Lynn said, noting that he could not even see the back of the crowd from the building.

“It’s a holiday, so everyone has the day off.”

Lynn said the auditions that are good enough for the live tapings will be turned over to the executive producer for possible entrance onto the show.

Richmonders gathered outside Main Street Station to get their shot at a taped audition for this season of American Idol. Photo by Destiny Hall-Harper

4 The Commonwealth Times

Monroe Park opening delayed again to mid-September LOGAN REARDON Staff Writer

Those in charge of the park renovations cite inclement weather for the incomplete project thus far. Photo by Shayla Bailey

Nearly two years after the park’s closure for renovations, Monroe Park remains off-limits to the public following another delay. Sept. 14 is the latest opening date.

While Monroe Park was supposed to open Aug. 29, the city announced it will be at least a few more weeks before the public can access the renovated park’s amenities.

The city blames the delays on the large amount of rain Richmond has experienced over the past few months.

“There was no way we could have anticipated such wet weather,” The Monroe Park Conservancy’s Instagram page said in a post. “We will be pulling the fences away mid-September.”

For regional planning and support agency Homeward, Monroe Park has been an important place to provide services to homeless individuals. Before the park’s closing, the City of Richmond asked Homeward to collect data on the impact Monroe Park had on local homelessness, said Homeward Executive Director Kelly King Horne.

“We wanted to make sure that when the park closed, if that was a critical ser-

vice, that people would be able to have their needs met,” Horne said.

Before Monroe Park closed for renovations, protests were held arguing that closing the park would have a negative effect on Richmond’s homeless population.

According to Horne, Monroe Park and homelessness are often linked more than they need to be.

“That’s a small part of the homeless service provision,” Horne said. “In city conversations around homelessness, there’s a tendency to believe that when Monroe Park closes, there won’t be any services to help homeless people.”

Horne said the majority of services provided for homeless individuals come from different organizations, programs and churches — both local and nationally.

Homeward’s main goal is to end homelessness. While services provided for the homeless through avenues like Monroe Park are critical, Horne said ending homelessness requires a more secure solution.

“We need individuals and families to have stable housing without a time limit,” Horne said. “We need to make sure our community has programs that meet the needs from what people tell us and then as a community.”

New sorority and fraternity chapters expanding to VCU ANYA SCZERZENIE Contributing Writer

cording to its website.

“We dedicate ourselves to the principles of: Intellectual Awareness, Social Responsibility, Integrity and Brotherly Love,” the group states in its credo — or statement of beliefs — on its website.

Gamma Rho Lambda has been referred to as the “first lesbian multicultural sorority,” according to its website. GRL is a relatively new sorority, founded in 2003 at the University of Arizona. The organization refers to its members as “siblings” rather than “sisters.” GRL is inclusive of trans women, trans men and “gender variant people of all sexualities and racial identities.”

GRL is a “social sorority,” providing support and friendship to LGBTQIA individuals. Currently, the group has 400 active members nationwide.

Dombert said interested students can reach out to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to participate in any organizations, though some chapters may require a higher GPA, according to Dombert.

Two new Greek organizations are establishing chapters at VCU this semester.

The fraternity Zeta Beta Tau and sorority Gamma Rho Lambda were approved for expansion by the College Panhellenic, National Panhellenic and Inter-Fraternity councils.

Four other sororities — Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Delta, Gamma Phi Beta and Phi Sigma Sigma — have also been approved for expansion by the CPC, though they are not yet established.

“Our students felt that these two organizations will bring something unique to our fraternal community.” said Lindsey Dombert, assistant director of the Fraternity and Sorority Life office.

Zeta Beta Tau, the world’s first Jewish fraternity, was founded in 1898. Throughout ZBT’s history, it merged with several other fraternities — Phi Alpha, Phi Sigma Delta, Kappa Nu and Phi Epsilon Phi. Though founded as a Jewish organization, ZBT became “non-sectarian” in 1956 and now accepts students of all faiths, ac-

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The sorority Gamma Rho Lambda will be joining fellow chapters of CPC organizations, such as Alpha Xi Delta (pictured). Photo courtesy of Mikey Mauling

VCU organization kicks off another year dedicated to fighting food insecurity

CHIP LAUTERBACH Contributing Writer RamPantry — an organization dedicated to helping food-insecure VCU students — provided a training session on the procedures behind one of the university’s humanitarian efforts.

“How many of you are return volunteers?” asked RamPantry president Kathryn Rowe. Dozens of people raised their hands.

First-time volunteer and VCU student Milton Gardner said he was interested in helping out with RamPantry because of the importance of the issue.

“People I know on a personal level (are) affected by food insecurity,” Gardner said.

Simply put, RamPantry is an ongoing effort to eliminate the threat of food insecurity faced by some VCU students.

Originally student-led, RamPantry is beginning its eighth year of operation, now under the wing of the department of Off-Campus Student Services, a division of Student Affairs.

“Food insecurity is largely a silent crisis,” Rowe said. “Those who are suffering often do so with little help from external resources, and those who are not suffering often are unaware of how pervasive this issue truly is.”

Rowe said volunteering with RamPantry opened her eyes to the fact that food insecurity can happen to anyone and it can be devastating to an individual’s life and academic potential. Student volunteers are needed — and trained — to assist anyone visiting the pantry and to accept donations from the greater VCU community.

Acceptable items for donation include food stuffs and hygiene products, which can be dropped off in the donation bins located outside the pantry. Suggested food items are canned foods, cereals and other non-perishables.

Open to all students who have a valid VCU ID, those in need can go to the Ram-

Pantry in room 121 of the University Student Commons once a week to get up to five goods — however, four canned goods count as one item. Also, according to the RamPantry website, students can take an unlimited amount of bread and produce.

Hours of operation for students are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Interested volunteers can sign up for single shifts each Friday at the same location.

RamPantry will participate in the FeedVA Day of Action on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. That day, students are encouraged to stop by the pantry to drop off donations.

Wed. September 5, 2018 5

Stat of the week

Women’s Cross Country opened its season placing fourth in the Spider Alumni Open.

Junior guard Marcus Evans set Rice and Conference USA freshman (685) and sophomore (665) scoring records. Photo by Erin Edgerton

Evans close to healthy return

JESSICA WETZLER Sports Editor

him from getting playing time this season.

The second injury was far less severe compared to his first, Evans said. unior guard Marcus Evans is recovering “I have nothing to worry about as far as from his second Achilles injury in the playing this season, it’s just a matter of gopast two years, but hopes to be ready ing through the process again and getting for the start of the season. everything done,” Evans said.

Evans, who played under head coach After injuring both of his Achilles, Mike Rhoades at Rice University, transfered there is less concern about the possibility a year ago and spent his first season with of re-injury.

VCU on the bench due to NCAA transfer “Now that I’ve had both of them done, regulations. Two years remain in his playing the doctor just told me I should have no eligibility, and since the injury occured in problems,” Evans said. “I was more worried June, RamNation is speculative as to when about that first one, because, like I said, it the two-time All-Conference USA selec- was worse. This one is just more of a nuition will be ready for action. sance more than anything. But no, I’m not “I’m doing well,” Evans said when asked worried. I’m just anxious to get back.” about the status of his recovery. “I saw the A typical day for Evans consists of liftdoctor not too long ago, so I’m on the last ing with the team, going to class and then stretch, really. Now it’s just about getting working with a physical therapist or trainer stronger. I lost a lot of strength when I was to build up his diminished leg strength. He in a boot and everything, but I’m close to does workouts with his coaches to stay in getting back on the court, so I should be shape so when the time comes to get on the good soon.” court, he’ll be ready.

There was never a point in time when “(The) main thing I’m working on now is Evans thought his injury would prevent just flexibility and not trying to compensate,

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because I haven’t been using my right leg for when I was in the boot. So just not trying to overdo it with the left and later on have something else (injured),” Evans said.

The energy that you saw last year, just the fans, just everything.

It’s exciting. It’s what college basketball is all about.”

Marcus Evans, junior point guard It has been a long time coming for Evans, who had to spend the 2017-2018 season on the bench watching his team reach for backcourt depth behind senior starting point guard Johnny Williams.

“It’s tough,” Evans said. “Obviously when you go through practice and you do

everything the team does, and then you get to the game and you can’t play, it’s tough.

But you just try to stay positive and try to get better so when you do get on the court you’re ready.”

Evans, as well as most of the coaching staff, team members and fans, all have their fingers crossed in hopes of his return. Upon getting cleared, Evans is looking forward to playing in the Siegel Center.

“The energy that you saw last year, just the fans, just everything. It’s exciting. It’s what college basketball is all about,” Evans said. “That’s the thing I’m looking forward to the most, just stepping on the court and playing in front of the fans in Siegel Center.”

Evans is not yet cleared to play, but says there is a pretty good chance he will be cleared before the season starts. He wants fans to know that when the time comes, they won’t be disappointed.

“I’ve been waiting on this for a while, and the team is more than excited,” Evans said.

“We’re a whole different team from last year, so I think the fans will have a lot to be excited about.”

Michael Gilmore: There and back again ZACH JOACHIM Executive Editor

G Redshirt senior forward Michael Gilmore contributed to VCU’s first Atlantic 10 Conference Championship. CT file photo

raduate transfer Michael Gilmore is beginning his second stint on Broad Street after two years back home in the Sunshine State. The versatile forward and Florida native played under Shaka Smart in 2014-15 and Will Wade in 2015-16 before transferring to the University of Miami and then on to Flori-

da Gulf Coast University in consecutive seasons. Gilmore, who went through the draft process before deciding to return to school, had 12 points on 4 of 4 shooting from the field in VCU’s 85-81, NCAA Tournament Round of 32 loss to Buddy Hield and the Final Four-bound Sooners of the University of Oklahoma in 2016.

See MICHAEL GILMORE on next page

6 The Commonwealth Times MICHAEL GILMORE

Full circle: Michael Gilmore’s journey back to VCU Continued from previous page What brought you full circle?

Honestly, just leaving here I felt like I had to at some point just for my athletic career, and then coming back with the opportunity to further my education in grad school and play for a great guy in coach Rhoades, and then being familiar with the program, everything worked out.

Tell me about your time back home.

When I came down to making the deciding factors of where I wanted to transfer to, it came down to wanting to be back in Florida, obviously I’d be closer to my family. So then the University of Miami, a very great school, and then Florida Gulf Coast is a really good school as well, so I thought of those two schools because I had an offer and opportunity to go to both.

How does not having a football team make VCU unique, with the primary focus on basketball?

loved it. Then with the opportunity to come back and relive it again, it was almost automatic.

You mentioned Johnny and Terry, Justin (Tillman) is gone too, that was your class back then. What’s this group of guys like that you’re coming into right now?

They’re a little bit different, I’m still kind of feeling them out honestly. But all in all they’re a really great group of guys. They’re invested in their time, they’re invested in their skill and the game. I think if we all just buy in and have the same type of goal, and I feel like that’s what we’ve been able to do, then we’ll be really good this year.

I think if we all just buy in and have the same type of goal, and I feel like that’s what we’ve been able to do, then we’ll be really good this year.”

Obviously with no football team, the number one thing is basketball, and then Richmond itself just I feel like loves the community and their Michael Gilmore, redshirtbasketball team. You can really feel senior forward that in the fanbase and everytime you go to a home game it’s sold out. So with that just the environment , the You declared for the draft as well, atmosphere, the people around are ac- Gilmore scored a career-high 12 points during the second round of the 2016 NCAA what was that process like and when tually invested, like from coaches, fans, Tournament. CT file photo did VCU come into the picture? whatever it may be.

All in all, this place (VCU) is one of a It didn’t seem like the moment was bigYou’ve played in the ACC and Atlantic The biggest thing, I think, was just the kind, really. ger than you in that circumstance.

Sun now, how does that compare to A-10 opportunity to get that experience. VCU competition? talked to me a little bit after the season (Laughs) No, it wasn’t but I mean it ended, and just said “Hey we have an was a really good game all in all. The atI think it’s honestly a really good con- opportunity, we understand what you’re mosphere was insane, I mean a Final Four ference (the A-10), people kind of knock going through, in terms of the professionteam with Buddy Hield, a pro obviously. it a little but in terms of competitiveness al career,” and I was really ready to gradand players and the elite level of skill, it’s uate college and play professionally. But You can really feel I still have Buddy Hield nightmares… really like one of the top-rated in the then with the opportunity to come back that in the fanbase country. The Atlantic-10 I feel like is a to VCU, to enhance my skill-set a little and everytime you go (Laughs again) So he really really did really good fit for me because I’m able to more, get a little bit stronger, and have his thing especially in the second half. It use my skill-set and my height and every- that one more year to just prepare myself, to a home game it’s was a really great game, a really competi- thing, it just adapts really well. it meant a lot. sold out. So with that tive atmosphere. All in all I think it was a just the environment, really good learning experience and con- In the first place, what brought you here, If you were telling your story to somefidence booster for myself. and why are Richmond and VCU such a body, like to the VCU fanbase, what the atmosphere, the good fit for you? do they need to know about Michael people around are You had 19 blocks at Florida Gulf Coast Gilmore? actually invested, like last year. I know front court depth is part Well out of high school I remember of the reason (VCU) brought you in, what getting a lot of recruiting calls. Coach So obviously the loss of my father my from coaches, fans, do you think you can add to the team in ( Jeremy) Ballard was the main one re- freshman year was kind of critical, he was whatever it may be.” that respect? What would you classify cruiting me, and I remember talks with a really big symbolic figure in my life yourself as — a stretch-4? him being like 30, 45 minutes. I never when it came to anything. So, just going Michael Gilmore, redshirtreally connected to any other coach like back and trying to reimplement all the senior forward I’d classify myself as a stretch-4, yeah. that. Then I got on the phone with coach things he taught me and trying to betAt Florida Gulf Coast I played a lot of Smart, and he’d sit there and talk to me ter myself for my little sister, my mother What do you remember from the Oklaho- 5 because it’s a smaller conference just for like 30-40 minutes. I could just kind who’s back at home, my older sister, whoma game? playing-wise, guys aren’t really as built. of feel the personality and the vibe, you ever it may be, and just try to make the With that I’ve learned in my five years could tell they were good people. I just best of the opportunities that I have.

That was one of the most surpris- how to play the post, how to play outing things of my life. I mean, I felt like side of it, so I mean just guarding and I worked hard for a lot of the stuff, but whatever, just instincts, timing and stuff with that I was kind of down on myself like that. I don’t have Mo Alie-Cox begoing into the end of that year, just the hind me anymore, so I have to try and way I was playing and everything. But I do what I can. remember we were kind of struggling just to gather momentum with our toughness, So that’s a responsibility you want to they were kind of bigger than us, the mo- take on this year? Being a rim protector? ment was kind of bigger than us.

I was just able to evaluate, see a lot of Yeah, definitely, being one of the most openings, and I trusted my teammates athletic guys on the team, I feel like beand trusted myself and that gave me the ing able to show that athleticism on the opportunity so I just made shots and defensive end by chasing blocks and retried to play as hard as I could to keep bounding and whatever that may be. that year going.

The CT sat down with Gilmore for a face-to-face interview. Photo by Erin Edgerton

Wed. September 5, 2018 7

tionally. That I know more kids, that I’m just increasing my knowledge of the players out there, and the programs out there and the coaches out there. So for me, it’s just knowing more and researching more and working more in that regard. But the passion and the work and the connections, that to me doesn’t really change.

ketball coaches with the NCAA and our student athletes. And really get to be on the insides of promoting women’s basketball throughout the country.

Is there anything that you’re hoping the new staff will be able to get most out of this season?

What are you looking forward to the most for this upcoming season?

Nerlande Nicolas (left) and Kirk Crawford (right) speaking with Sydnei Archie (center). Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Women’s Basketball staff expands for new season

JESSICA WETZLER Sports Editor

and nationally, and help us compete at the highest level.

Women’s Basketball head coach Beth O’Boyle kept busy this summer expanding her coaching staff for the 2018-2019 season.

Her additions and promotions have painted a fresh start for the upcoming season.

Nerlande Nicholas, who spent last season as an assistant coach, has acquired the title of recruiting coordinator. Richmond native Ka’lia Johnson is the new video coordinator and Erica Snow will join as a graduate assistant. Division 1 coaching veteran Terry Zeh is now an assistant coach and Mia Nickson is the new director of basketball operations.

When do you start the recruiting process?

What does the job Recruiting Coordinator entail for you?

Nerlande Nicolas: Really making sure that we start building really good relationships, especially locally with some of the programs here in Virginia and recruiting athletes that are going to help us on the court, but also be good students, be good citizens in the community. Recruit players that play under coach O’Boyle’s style and system. And just recruiting an overall well-developed young lady that will promote our program, represent us well locally

Volleyball goes 1-2 at Seton Hall Classic

NN: It never ends. There’s just different levels of recruiting and different tasks that you have as an assistant versus a recruiting coordinator. Everyone has their specific areas that they recruit from, but there can be crossover. But also, I guess starting the recruiting coordinator position, that entailed a little bit more organization in terms of tracking everyone’s players as opposed to the players from your area. And making sure that all of the recruits in your system are up-to-date and things are just running like a well-oiled machine.

What do you find is the biggest change between going from assistant coach to recruiting coordinator?

BO: Yeah, I think one of the things that is really important for us is the theme of us getting better every day. We had such NN: Winning games, having fun. a young team last year. And they’ve got a Coaching our young athletes, continuing ton of experience (now). And now this year to develop them. Making sure that they’re they’re a year older. Our player development continuing to develop off the court as well. and seeing them grow on the floor is one of Just teaching them great values and uphold- the biggest things for us. ing our culture.

What are you looking forward to the most?

What was the process for hiring all these new people with the staff?

BO: I think actually it’s probably seeing that jump. When you come in as a freshman, Beth O’Boyle: So one of the things your head is spinning. You’re here away that you see quite a bit in people’s coach- from home, you don’t have mom and dad ing careers is that they stay, they help necessarily there to walk you to class and build, they’re part of a university, part of make sure you’re doing all your things. And a program. And then what’s the next step now you’re finding out who you are withfor them with their career? So I’m very out some of those safety nets. So that first excited for coach (Karen) Blair and Jessi- year really sometimes can be overwhelming. ca (Imhof ) to have great opportunities at And then you add in the pace and the presMaryland and Princeton. So now it’s onto, sures that come with playing your first year.

“Okay, who can help VCU? And who can be And now you’ve gone through that, you’ve great additions to our programs here?” So learned that. And now we get to take the it was great to bring in Ka’lia as our new next step. And I think watching our playvideo coordinator. She had a great career at ers grow after having that experience unDuke and she’s from Richmond, so it’s fun der their belt is probably the most exciting to bring her back home. So then Mia came piece for me to see. in, she was an outstanding player at Penn State. She has an incredible work ethic and it’s great to have those guys onboard and really working with our team.

Do you find that the staff and the team are merging together well?

BO: Yeah, one of the things that is different about women’s basketball than some of the other sports is that we’re here all summer. The NCAA allows you to have eight weeks of practice. So our players got a lot of time with our staff and our new staff.

And that really makes a big difference.

NN: For me, recruiting is something that I think I like the most about being an assistant and coaching. There wasn’t a huge change in terms of passion and what I’m doing. For me, it’s more of getting organized and making sure that I’m a lot more aware of everyone’s kids, and not just the kids from my area. That I know more about the recruiting pool, nationally and interna-

Then you were named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors. What will that entail for you?

The Rams fell to the Panthers to close last season in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. VCU didn’t get anything going this time around, as Pittsburgh took the first set 25-16 and never looked back.

After a great game earlier in the day against Oklahoma, junior middle blocker Jasmin Sneed continued her big weekend as she provided five kills and three blocks, while hitting .357. Senior middle blocker Tori Baldwin added four kills and four blocks.

The difference in the match came down to hitting percentage. The Rams only hit .036 while Pittsburgh hit .307.

mance so far this season. After splitting the first two sets with Oklahoma, the Rams closed the third set with back-toback kills after a 25-all tie. The Black and Gold then closed the Sooners out in the fourth set, 25-20.

Sneed anchored the Rams defensively — he recorded 11 of the 17 blocks for the Rams Saturday afternoon. Sneed also registered eight kills to help the Rams on offense, and her performance helped VCU stand up defensively and take control of the match. The Black and Gold carried over their balanced offensive attack from the previous game, with six players making more than seven kills.

BO: Yeah, it’s exciting. The WBCA really does a lot with all of the divisions of women’s coaches across the country. From Women’s Basketball Head Coach Beth professional development to managing and O’Boyle. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics really trying to be a voice for women’s bas-

— Seton Hall’s 4-0 start in the final set to 15 was too much for VCU to overcome.

Offensively, the Rams fired on all cylinders with a .298 hitting percentage in the match. Junior outside hitter Vicky GiomRODNEY ROBINSON marini led the Rams offensively. GiommaContributing Writer rini spiked 16 kills, while hitting .324. Giommarini contributed on defense as well, Volleyball traveled to New Jersey over tallying six digs and a block on the day. the weekend to compete in a three-game Seton Hall’s offensive efficiency was series at the Seton Hall Classic, going the story of the match. Seton Hall hit 1-2 with a win over the University of .299, upping their total in the final set to Oklahoma and losses to the University of .643. Their offensive efficiency proved to Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University. The be too much for the Rams, leaving little Rams, who boasted the longest win-streak room for error. in the country last season, have started off Sneed led the Black and Gold on ofthe 2018 campaign 1-5. fense and defense, tallying seven blocks OKLAHOMA and 13 kills. The Rams had six players with SETON HALL After a heartbreaking loss to Seton six kills or more in the match, spreading PITTSBURGH Hall in the opening match of the event, In a nail biter, Seton Hall edged VCU the wealth on offense.

The undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers — the Rams cruised to a 3-1 victory over in a fifth, decisive set. ranked 14th in the American Volleyball Oklahoma for their first win of the season.

After losing the opening set 21-25, the The Rams will travel to the Sunshine Coaches Association — topped the Rams The Rams turned up the defense Rams rallied to take two consecutive sets State this weekend for three matches on in straight sets at the Seton Hall Classic, against Oklahoma. The Sooners hit only and grab the upper hand. After losing a Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8 in the sending VCU home with their fifth loss .182 from the field on Saturday, as VCU tight fourth set, Seton Hall grabbed the Home2Home Suites Tallahassee Seminole of the year. came up with their best defensive perfor- momentum in the final set to pull away Volleyball Invitational.

8 The Commonwealth Times

ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer

Women’s Soccer goes 1-1 in Iowa

Women’s Soccer visited the Midwest last week as the Rams took on the University of Northern Iowa Panthers and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, shutting out Northern Iowa on Friday and receiving similar treatment the Hawkeyes Sunday.

VCU holds a 3-2 record thus far in the 2018 season, blanking two of their opponents and racking up seven goals over five games.

The Rams began the season with a 2-1 record in a three-game homestand, with the offense averaging 1.4 goals and 15.6 shots per game.

IOWA Sunday afternoon found the Rams facing Iowa in the Hawkeyes’ home stadium.

VCU dropped the match 0-2 but put up a strong offensive showing, recording eight shots, four on goal. Senior goalkeeper Audrey Sanderson — one of four Black and Gold roster members to play all 90 minutes — made four saves throughout the game.

Senior midfielder Maddi Santo and junior defender Susanna Friedrichs paced

Improving to 3-1 with the win, the Rams took offensive control, holding an 18-8 advantage on shots and leading 13-5 for shots on goal. VCU recorded their second shutout of the season, with Sanderson making five saves.

Junior midfielder Alyssa Tallent kicked things off with a shot in the opening minute of the match, and her teammates followed that up with nine additional shots in the first half. However, the latter half of the game proved to be VCU’s turning point, as sophomore forward CiCi Fox and sophomore midfielder Karen Lohrmann teamed up with a pass.

Lohrmann sent the ball across to Junior midfielder Alyssa Tallent scored three game winners last year. Photo by Jon Mirador Graves, who beat the goalie with a shot for the first score of the game. the Rams with three and two shots apiece, Just seven minutes later, Graves again found NORTHERN IOWA with a pair of Santo’s attempts recorded as the back of the net to give the Black and shots on goal.

Friday’s match against Northern Iowa Gold a 2-0 advantage.

A delay for lightning in the area halfway showcased VCU’s resilience, as the Rams through the first half sparked the Hawkeyes’ emerged with a 2-0 victory on the road. The Rams will return to Virginia to visit Old offense as Iowa notched two goals in the After the Panthers shut out the Black and Dominion University Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7 closing half of play to secure the victory. Gold in the opening half at a neutral ven- p.m., and take a break for a week until they Freshman midfielders Olivia Hellweg and ue, senior forward Kelly Graves scored return to action at home Sept. 13 against Josie Durr recorded the Hawkeyes’ two twice in a seven-minute span to net the Howard University. scores, with junior forward Kaleigh Haus only goals of the match and her first of tallying four shots. the season.

Men’s Soccer keeps clean sheet in weekend homestand

VCU played a tough and physical game against the Big East opponent as the Owls were charged with 16 fouls and the Rams had 11.

“We grit our teeth and did our job right, kept fighting and, in the end, got the reNOAH FLEISCHMAN “Ryo did something that is very normal sult,” Giffard said after the Rams’ second Contributing Writer for him, he gets in a good position, then shutout of the season. “We didn’t have as Biska goes down, we get a service and we much control of the game (compared to last Men’s Soccer hosted two games over the fight and keep it alive,” VCU head coach week against Radford), we had to defend Labor Day weekend and walked away with Dave Giffard said. “Haji does what Haji for longer periods of time but it’s what you two more victories to move to 3-1 on the does, finishes the goal and that’s the game.” have to do to grind out results.” season, defeating both Temple University Haji’s game-winning goal marked his The Rams had an early scoring opportuand Santa Clara University 1-0. Both wins second of the season. nity as junior forward Biska Biyombo raced were propelled by star junior midfielder VCU came out of the second-half break down the pitch and sent a shot toward goal, Siad Haji. on the front foot, as the Rams outshot the but his effort was blocked by a Temple deBroncos 13-4 in the second half and 22- fender. Biyombo had two shots in the shut10 total. out victory.

SANTA CLARA Sophomore goalkeeper Mario Sequeira The lone VCU goal came late in the first Pregame showers left the playing surface earned his second straight shutout, recording half as Haji converted from the spot after at Sports Backers Stadium soaked, but it three saves against the Broncos. He had eight a hard Temple foul within the 18-yard box. did not stop the Rams from taking down shutouts last season en route to being named The 42nd minute tally marked the first goal the Santa Clara Broncos 1-0 Sunday night to the 2017 Atlantic-10 All-Rookie team. of the season for Haji, who had two all of in overtime. last year for the Black and Gold.

Haji tallied the game-winning goal in Sequeira was perfect between the goal TEMPLE the 97th minute to propel the Rams to posts, as he faced two shots and saved both. their third straight shutout victory. Junior The Black and Gold hosted the Temple Friday’s shutout was the first clean sheet for defender Ryo Shimazaki’s shot was deflect- Owls Friday night, earning their second Sequeria this season. ed by the Santa Clara goalie and Haji was straight shutout victory at Sports Backers The Rams have played 277 minutes of there to put the rebound home.

Stadium, 1-0. scoreless soccer during the three-game win

Field Hockey falls to American in double overtime JESSICA WETZLER Sports Editor

Junior midfielder Siad Haji earned Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week. Photo by Teresa Bricker streak. VCU will face Big 10 foe and nationally ranked Indiana University Friday in Bloomington. Indiana has not allowed a goal in 270 minutes through their threegame win streak.

“The key for us is not giving things away and keeping the score at zero,” Giffard said.

“Let’s not do something outside the ordinary and not give anything away, be in the right positions do your roles defensively.”

The Black and Gold entered the second period before scoring again — senior forward Emily McNamara snuck a shot in at the near post to hand VCU a 2-0 lead. This was McNamara’s fourth goal this season and the 52nd of her VCU career.

The Eagles followed very quickly as Annaka Groschinski was assisted by Lucy Whalley and Georgia Davies, hitting in a goal off a penalty corner. The Eagles gained back their momentum, scoring again after Carlotta Borcherding dribbled the ball to the corner and fed it into center.

With the score tied, the game eventually went into double overtime. The Rams came up short as AU’s Rafaela Rubbas scored the winning goal, ending the game 3-2.

Overall, The Rams played another impressive game despite the final scoreline.

VCU outshot the Eagles 13-8 and hit the most penalty corners, 7-3.

Returning home after a weekend away, Field Hockey hit Cary Street Field for the first time this season where they fell to American University 3-2 in double overtime.

The game started with freshman defender Litiana Field making her scoring debut, collecting her first goal with an unassisted shot from the top of the circle, claiming a lead for VCU in the first period.

Prior to attending VCU, Field was a member of the Australian Futures Team for two seasons and played in the New South Wales Australian Hockey League Squad. The Rams go back on the road to compete She also has experience playing Touch Rug- against The College of William & Mary on by and Australian Rules Football.

Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.

Senior midfielder Shannon Pereira started all 54 games and earned All-Atlantic 10 Honors in her three seasons at St. Francis. Photo by Elizabeth Humphreys

Wed. September 5, 2018 9

On this day

Israeli athletes were taken hostage by the Palestinian Black September Group at the Munich Olympics on Sept. 5, 1972.

From “Afterblunts” to “Audition”: VCU student experiments with R&B QUENTIN RICE Contributing Writer Richmond alternative rhythm and blues artist Shy Lennox will release his new album, “Audition,” Sept. 7, featuring his deep voice over smooth synthesizers and slow, clicky percussion, which provide a departure from the genre’s falsetto-dominated landscape.

This is my first project to the world, so I feel like it’s my audition.

If it flops, it flops. Onto the next.”

Shy Lennox, VCU student Born in Texas and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, Lennox cultivated a love for music and vocal performance that became his passion in high school.

“I was that choral geek that was in three different choral classes when you only needed one,” Lennox said.

Lennox started making music after he got to VCU when he met Andrew Brown — also known as captain pizza on SoundCloud — whom Lennox called his “executive producer.”

“Halloween night, freshman year, me and my friends were walking past some house

and they were playing music and I was like ‘Yo, that’s a dope song, happy Halloween,’” Lennox said. “And there was this immediate bro chemistry.”

The two started playing the guitar and singing together. That interaction turned into Lennox’s first single, “Afterblunts,” he said.

“Afterblunts” has garnered nearly 300,000 streams on Spotify. Lennox has high hopes that his next album, featuring six new songs, will see similar numbers.

“Now that I’m finally buckling down and creating a body of work, I think that this may be what I need to get my fanbase out there,” Lennox said. “I feel like this is what’s gonna make me pop.”

The name “Audition” is very intentional.

As an opera major at VCU, Lennox is no stranger to auditions.

“This isn’t just in the classical world,” Lennox said. “I feel like with friends, relationships, art, jobs, the concept of auditioning is so much bigger than the performing world. And this is my first project to the world, so I feel like it’s my audition. If it flops, it flops. Onto the next.”

In the future, Lennox said he wants to experiment with incorporating classical elements like timpani and operatic vocals into his music.

Shy Lennox is hosting a free, donation-based release show at Flora on Sept. 7 at 10 p.m. Half the show will be played with a live band, arranged by Lennox himself.

The other half will be DJ’ed by captain pizza.

Shy Lennox’ first single “Afterblunts” has nearly 300,000 streams on Spotify. Photo by Alivia Deihr

Six spots to check out on the first ‘First Friday’ of the fall semester KATIE BASHISTA Spectrum Editor Grab your umbrellas and head over to West Broad Street. this Friday for Richmond’s monthly First Friday art walk.

Dozens of shops and galleries along Broad will feature artists, musicians, bands, sales and exhibits to check out. Purchase some vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind art pieces or just stop in and see what Richmond creatives have to offer. While there’s plenty of places to check out, it’s hard to know where to start. Featured below are six go-to First Friday spots.

BLUE BONES VINTAGE: 322 W. BROAD ST. Sift through racks of vintage clothing, boxes of vinyls — both used and brand new — and jewelry while enjoying music from Dj Mikemetic. Blue Bones will be open until 10 p.m.

68 HOME: 5 W. BROAD ST. This vintage home goods store is hosting an art show for local artist Kevin Sabo from 6-9 p.m. Sabo will present a painting series titled “Faces.” Wine and music will also be provided.

ROSEWOOD CLOTHING CO.: 16 W. BROAD ST. Stop by Rosewood this First Friday to shop handpicked vintage clothing while sipping on a glass of wine. Upstairs, Rosewood will host VCU graduate Farrah Fox’s photo journal release. Fox’s book, titled “Making Space,” is a 204-page full-color book that features interviews and photos of 10 creatives in their studios. The book will be available for purchase at the release, but you can find more information online at farrahfoxphoto.com.

GALLERY 5: 200 W. MARSHALL ST. Gallery 5 will host “Glitter and Grit,” a group art show curated by Nico Cathcart featuring work from 11 artists. Georgie Isaacs and the 1960s girl group-esc band Shangri-Lords will also perform. Pieces, prints and jewelry will be available for purchase, and the Go Go Vegan Go! food truck will be parked outside for your culinary pleasure. This free event begins at 7 p.m.

the Cage” event from 6-9 p.m. Artists are from local middle schools and Art 180’s Atlas Teen Program. The exhibit will be open from Sept. 7 to Sept. 17.

ART 180: 114 W. MARSHALL ST.

BLACK IRIS: 321 W. BROAD ST.

Young creatives will showcase summer-long projects at Art 180’s “Freeing

Join Black Iris on First Friday for the opening of Broad Spectrum: The Artists

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of Sink/Swim Press. Sink/Swim is the brainchild of VCU graduate James Moffitt and emerged from Moffitt’s self-published book, “Swamp Gospels” released in 2009.

Sink/Swim functions as a small record label and this show will feature several of its artists.

10 The Commonwealth Times

Gothic Boredom Creeps Throughout “The Little Stranger” SAMUEL GOODRICH Staff Writer A large, dilapidated house on the hill, a once regal family now fallen out of grace and into despair, and secret pasts that haunt the poorly lit halls — these are just some of the Gothic fiction staples gloriously reproduced in Lenny Abrahamson’s new film “The Little Stranger.”

It’s enjoyable to see Abrahamson go from uniquely shooting a single room in the aptly titled “Room” to capturing the unerving isolating largeness of the regal home.”

Samuel Goodrich, Staff Writer But despite the loving homage to this aesthetic, the film comes across as a case of style rather than substance.

Faraday is a doctor in 1940s England whose obsession with the Ayres family and their mansion begins to entangle his life.

After being called to examine their young maid, Faraday becomes better acquainted with the fallen family and their decaying home. They fear the house is haunted by a spirit, too.

From a purely aesthetic perspective, “The Little Stranger” is delightfully Gothic. The

mansion is always creaking and crumbling, the color palette is muted and the general atmosphere is cold and callous. It’s enjoyable to see Abrahamson go from uniquely shooting a single room in the aptly titled “Room” to capturing the unnerving and isolating largeness of the regal home.

The actors excel at playing variations on dry, proper British society. Domhnall Gleeson expresses a lot with his visage, despite his normally static body. On the other hand, Ruth Wilson as Caroline Ayers is disingenuously lively, hiding her empty life.

While I wouldn’t classify “The Little Stranger” as a horror film, there are some horrific moments that leave an impact.

These scenes vary from uncomfortable and creepy to violent, and serve as the film’s most memorable sequences.

In fact, they are the only memorable parts of the film. Despite clear passion in the design and presentation of the film, there is a jarring lack of interest within the narrative. Many scenes drag on as characters quietly discuss their failed lives or subtly examine rooms and noises. The horror scenes are memorable because they manage to wake your senses when nothing else will.

That isn’t to say there is no intrigue, as the mystery of the house and nature of Faraday’s obsession were enough to keep me invested at first. Yet, the slow burn pacing kills any momentum these mysteries have, and equally burned away my attention.

The fim explores mainstays of the Gothic genre, like fear of changing times, controlling romances and possible hauntings which personify the traumas haunting the main characters. But there is also a clear theme of the dangers of nostalgia and how

it can cloud the present.

As a character, Faraday is obsessive and his reserved nature hides inward turmoil and jealousy. I still found it difficult to care about his connection to the family, being the titular “Little Stranger.”

Despite my lack of interest while viewing the film, I want to see it again to find new clues that might better unravel the mysteries within. I’m not sure it’s com-

pletely worth seeing in theaters; it might be better to watch at home where one can truly soak in the ominous mood.

The themes of abusing nostalgia and the haunting nature of the past are interesting at times, and I believe in better hands this could have been a more engaging look into those ideas. “The Little Stranger” ends up being unremarkable, beyond showcasing the production designer’s talent.

Illustration by Sammy Newman

A cappella group gears up after groundbreaking season GEORGIA GEEN Managing Editor The Ramifications say they didn’t know what they were getting into when they submitted to the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella — they became the first group from VCU to make it to the competition.

“The ICCA’s is the competition that ‘Pitch Perfect’ is based around,” said Ramifications Music Director Matt Malone. “It’s a real deal. It’s kind of the highest level of competition.”

Founded in 2010, the Ramifications — and the rest of VCU — came late to the collegiate a cappella scene compared to other universities’ groups founded in the 1980s and ‘90s. But last season, the group enjoyed its best dynamic yet and their voices “were really blending and working,” Malone said. The success from last year motivated the preparation of a full-length album to be released in the fall and an increased focus on the ICCA’s, which begin in January every year.

“We wanted to see if we could get that status (last year) — and we did,” Malone said. “Now that we have that status, we’re not resting on it, we want to keep pushing forward.”

A music education major, Malone is one of several group members arranging songs for performance, a process requiring him to rewrite instrumental parts for voice. But it’s important to stay away from instrument-heavy songs, Malone said.

“Trying to figure out how to manipulate 18 people’s voices to make something

Ramifications was founded in the Summer of 2010. Photo courtesy of Ellie Crump that is good to listen to, is competitive, is creative and also shows off everybody’s strengths, it takes a long time,” Malone said. “It’s always balancing what voice parts are singing what, what’s going to be lost, what’s important.”

Malone says a cappella music is sometimes “cheesy” — for this reason, the Ramifications stay away from all Taylor Swift arrangements.

“We’ve definitely moved to a much more refined music taste,” Malone said.

But there’s one childhood classic Malone would like to arrange — as of a few days ago — that pushes the definition of “refined”: “a really sexy, yet political, version of ‘Barbie Girl.’”

“It’s such an inappropriate song for the times now,” Malone said. “But it’s such a good song, so framing that right would be incredible.”

After a little bit of pushing, social media chair Ellie Crump said the group will perform a submission of hers, “Do I Wanna Know?” by the Arctic Monkeys. Inspired by singer Dua Lipa’s stripped-down cover of the song, Crump says she stages music for a cappella when she listens to it.

“I have a picture in my head that I’m trying to push into existence,” Crump said.

“I wanted to pick up and be super fast for most of it, but I want for the beginning to strip it down and be just super slow.”

Crump, a biology major with a back-

ground in music, is one of a number of group members learning musical arrangement from singers with a knowledge of the practice. That way, the ability won’t disappear once a few members graduate, Crump said.

“We’re at a place right now where we’re exclusively using our arrangements and that’s huge for us,” Crump said. “So getting as many people as possible who are going to remain in the group for several years to a point where they can be doing that is really important for us.”

For Crump, the Ramifications provide an escape from the stress of her major.

“This is really different for me in terms of what I’m doing day-to-day at school,” Crump said. “I’ve always said, I kind of need this to keep me sane.”

The community-esque and joyful nature formed by the Ramifications attracted treasurer Tiger Carrasco to audition for the group, which he did three times before making it in. Most a cappella auditions are competitive — at the group’s most recent auditions, six were accepted out of a pool of slightly more than 100. “ I really wanted to be in the group because I saw how much fun it was. I liked the music that they were producing and I just wanted to be a part of that,” Carrasco said. “Once I finally made it in, it was a lot better than I was expecting. I am so close with everyone and I really like what we do.”

The Ramifications can be found on Facebook and online at vcuramifications.com.

Wed. September 5, 2018 11

Quote of the week

Illustration by Mai-Phuong Bui

“[John McCain] did understand that some principals transcend politics. That some values transcend party.

He considered it his duty to uphold those principals and uphold those values."

— Barack Obama

Surviving the retention rate CAITLIN BARBIERI Opinions Editor As the second full week of classes comes to an end and new students start to find their places at VCU, I only hope they are not making the same mistakes my peers and I did.

Nearly 15 percent of the freshman class will drop out or transfer before the start of the fall 2019 semester, according to data collected by VCU Enterprise Analytic and Advanced Research. With a freshman class of approximately 4,600 students, that means about 700 of them might not return to VCU. While freshman year can be a lot of fun, it’s difficult to acclimate to a new environment and that transition often results in significant emotional challenges. To help combat the hardship of freshman year, parents and advisors constantly recommend the same basic tips for success: join a student organization, focus on school work, spend time with friends and don’t party

too much. While that’s all good advice, here’s some more specific suggestions VCU freshmen should adhere to.

Friday night playing card games with the CT Staff than going out to a party. You The transition into college can be ex- will change a lot in college. And as a result, tremely overwhelming and it is important your friend group will, too. Don’t spend too ADVICE ON SHAFER to spend some time alone to digest the much time worrying about friendships that If you’re trying to get breakfast at Shafer emotions of freshman year. As a freshman, will naturally fade. dining hall, go before 10:45 a.m. The kitch- I always felt I needed to be out doing someCOLLEGE IS ABOUT YOU ens transition to lunch around 11 a.m., so if thing because I was afraid of missing out. I you try to get there after 10:45 a.m., the only can assure you, by staying in and spending Throughout freshman year, you will see things available will be cereal and bananas. I a night alone, you are not missing anything. people getting jobs, going to the gym, jointhink breakfast is the best thing they serve Self-care is a critical part of a successful col- ing student organizations and working hard at Shafer, but that is a hotly debated topic. lege experience and it will save you from in class. But if you don’t want to do any of that third mid-semester breakdown. that, you don’t have to. When we see peers taking on several tasks, it often makes us AVOID THE LINES AT CHRISTIAN’S FRIENDS WILL COME AND GO feel we are not doing enough. The pressure On a Friday or Saturday night, the line Friendships are a big part of college but we feel to be doing more is completely at Christian’s Pizza is often pouring onto often they don’t last forever. Really, it’s im- self-inflicted. Your college experience is Harrison Street. For those late nights when pressive if they make it through the first yours. Don’t assume that because someone you’re craving pizza but don’t want to wait year. However, as one friendship fades away, is taking 17 credits, your 12 credits are not in line, go to Aladdin’s or Extreme Pizza. another is about to start. Part of college is enough. Don’t take on extra challenges out Aladdin’s is located at the intersection of getting to know hundreds of different peo- of a fear of being inadequate. Simply make Laurel and Broad Streets and Extreme ple and discovering what kind of crowd you your college experience what you need it Pizza is at Shafer and Broad Streets. Both like to be around. Freshman year, the par- to be. places serve good pizza and rarely have lines. ty crowd was my favorite group of people.

But now, as a senior, I would rather spend SPEND TIME ALONE

Ode to self care SHAUN JACKSON Staff Columnist

I’m not a very sociable guy, but I want to get out there and meet some new people and possibly find someone.

What are the best ways to take that initial step out of my comfort zone?

Recommended Start small. University, at times, can listening while be very overwhelming to handle, but not Do you believe people manifest/create impossible by any means. Get to know reading most of the issues they experience in the people in your classes and near your Over the summer, I met the perfect love and relationships? home, whether that be a dorm or some“Get Well Soon” guy who was crazy for me; I screwed Absolutely, with no doubt about it. I where off-campus. Get involved! I know Ariana Grande things up, he moved on and hasn’t have even been guilty of this recently! I sound like a cheesy after-school special, talked to me since. I’m not sure but I I’ve been speaking to this guy for about but you wouldn’t be reading this column think I love him. Even though it was two months, and I was having trouble (and I wouldn’t be writing it) if I hadn’t I’ve broken up with 90 percent of the just two months, missing him has been navigating whether we were actually dat- put myself out there and found a student people I have been with. What’s most affecting my life in terrible ways, I ing or ‘talking,’ just trying to get a sense organization I’m absolutely in love with. likely the issue? Should I feel like tried dating others and it doesn’t work. of where we’re going — if anywhere. But Take a deep breath. If it makes you feel there’s a central problem?

What the hell do I do? instead of having confidence and advo- any better, everyone is just as nervous Darling, not only are you painfully Do not fret, we have all fallen victim cating for myself and my feelings, I spoke and confused as you are. aware of the fact that there is a central to a summer love at one point or anoth- to everyone except him about the issue. problem, I also think a part of you does er! Pursuing him may not be the best Halfway through regaling my whole If you’d like to send Shaun a question you not want to admit that you are a part of option now, but a genuine and sincere debacle to my Uber driver, I realized I can submit them via email at Jacksonsk@ the central problem. I totally get it, we apology would let him know that you’re could assuage so much of my anxieties commonwealthtimes.org or anonymously are fed the same Nicholas Sparks-esque sorry for screwing up, and that you still and insecurities if I just spoke to him. So at Lascivious-Witch.Tumblr.Com/Ask sociological constructs that dictate what want him in your life if he wants to be I did. Did I get the answer I was hoping our love lives and relationships should there. Here’s where things get difficult: for? No. Do I have peace of mind and look like. When we get lost in all of that, if he still refuses to communicate with am I better for it? You’d best believe it. we never take the time to step back and evaluate ourselves to see what we can offer or contribute — or if we’re even fit to maintain a stable and healthy relationship. Take a look in the mirror, my friend, and you will find in yourself what you have been looking for in these relationships that have ended.

you, you have to let him go. There is not always a “because” or “why” in situations.

Sometimes in life, you have to be your own closure. It has to be intrinsic and organic. If you are going to heal, let it be glorious.

12 The Commonwealth Times THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Zach Joachim joachimz@commonwealthtimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Nia Tariq news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Jessica Wetzler sports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Katie Bashista spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org

Monday Belle Isle by McKenzie Bunting

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VLP Sour Patch Kids by Adam

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New semester in my hands by Nix Ni