Bottom Shelf Review
Page 7
May 8, 2006
Adult Swim: A Wilson Trend Page 5
Wilson College
Senior Wills! Page 8
Wilson rallies against genocide Page 3
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
A Farewell to Professors! Page 4
Vol. XXXVII, No.9
THE
WILSON BILLBOARD The Importance of Tradition By Sara Kann As many of you may know, Wilson College is known for its traditions. As a freshman, it is drilled into your head about the past, and upcoming events that are referred to as traditions. These events are not the same as they used to be. Part of this is natural because traditions do have a tendency to change as they get passed from each class to the next. Every year, there is a unique twist put on the tradition as each class makes it their own. The other reason is that we are now forced to put stipulations on our traditions, for liability reasons, which I understand. What I do not understand is that, somewhere along the way, there have been rules added or changed in the Blue Book that limit the fun that students can have with traditions. I am not okay with that. For example, the present senior class didn’t raise much of a fuss when the incoming freshmen had to sign a waiver in order for them to be taken to Sarah Wilson’s grave, resulting in having to ask if they would come with us. Part of the fun in going to Sarah Wilson’s grave is the fact that, as a freshman, you don’t know where you are going. You are taken from your room, blindfolded, and put on a hay wagon. Last year, all the freshmen knew where we were going, had the option to not wear a blindfold, and were told that their transportation was to be a
Letter From WCGA President hay wagon. As an upperclassman, I just do not see the fun in that. But, nonetheless, the visit to Sarah Wilson’s grave turned out okay. Wilson faculty and staff have recognized the fact that there are insurance issues that force them to control our traditions. Another example is one that is a bit of a larger ordeal. We don’t know who or why, but we are no longer allowed to have any alcoholic beverages in a container larger than one liter. This poses a problem. Senior Bash, which is a huge party that the seniors throw between finals and graduation, has always had kegs and Riddle Punch. For those of you that don’t know, Riddle Punch is an alcoholic concoction that calls for a secret, traditional recipe, to be made in a trash can. Kegs are obviously larger than one liter, since their purpose is to be able to buy beer in bulk. Kegs are a lot less expensive, and a lot more sustainable, than buying cases upon cases of beer. As of right now, we do not know if this year’s Senior Bash is able to follow its tradition. This matter makes me livid. It is the duty of staff and faculty, upon their arrival, to adapt to our traditions, not change them. An important part of the decision to live on campus is because of the traditions. If the students are not allowed to live and enjoy their cially worth more than mention-
ing, then no wonder there is a mass exodus forming to leave campus. My position as a student and your president, allows, even requires, me to see both sides of the story. Here is where I stand. The purpose of WCGA is to have a student entity that works with Wilson staff and faculty in governing the lives of students. These rules have been changed, obviously without student input. Why have a WCGA to begin with then? If the administration holds the overall power to override any decision that we make, then why put myself and other members through this stress? I would just rather be a student and only a student. To be clear, I am not resigning my position, sorry! I just want to prove my point that WCGA is not used in the way that it is intended. I am open to comments or questions- you know how to get a hold of me. Sara Kann, WCGA President
Spring Fling ‘06
BobDickson “eats” a pie. Photo by Shanda Welte
It’s been a Wilson College tradition ever since anyone here can remember, and on Saturday, April 29th, students and faculty, along with their guests, came out to enjoy the plethora of activities at this year’s Spring Fling. Prior to the event, students appeared to be slightly doubtful and disappointed in the changes that were being made, with the dinner portion of the evening being in the dining hall, and the dancing portion in Laird Hall. When asked about the changes, Ann Wendel, the Director of Student Activities, said that after a trip to the Hankey Center,
By Heather Burke she found “that in the past Spring Fling was held in the dining hall”, and added that she was really trying to balance out Wilson tradition with practicality. From 11 to 3:30, students were able to get outside in the warm sunshine and hang out with friends. There were a bunch of activates- everything from air brush tattoos, antique photos, rock climbing, inflatable Twister and inflatable jousting, to keep everyone entertained. The brick walkway was lined with tables, each fundraising for a class or club. The freshman class provided snacks, the junior class made snow cones, and the senior class sold silver bracelets. The Drama Club with its “Jail” seemed to be the most popular, however, and throughout the day could be heard the screams and joyful laugher, as a different person was hauled off to the makeshift prison. Before dinner and dancing that evening, there was the tradition picking of May Court out on the green, and a few members of Orcasis preformed a May pole dance for spectators. Stu-
cont’d Fling pg. 7
W HAT ’ S I NSIDE News................................................Page 1-3 Classifieds...........................................Page 2 Features.........................................Page 4-6 Bottom Shelf Review.......................Page 7 Senior Wills.......................................Page 8
Dean Hendrickson smooches a donkey for senior class fundraiser. Photo by Shanda Welte