THURSDAY 2.22.24 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
FBI reports increased hate crimes BY ISAAC FICK ihfick@vwu.edu
Hate crimes in educational settings, including college campuses, are on the rise, as discovered in a special report from the FBI released this January: “Reported Hate Crime at Schools: 2018-2022.” While Clery Act data shows that the hate crimes at Virginia Wesleyan have remained at zero, the national increase has drawn attention to the issue. VWU’s student handbook defines a hate crime as “a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an actual or perceived offender’s bias against race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability.” The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), which is responsible for collecting and publishing this data, defines the term similarly.
“School and college campuses were the third-most common site of reported hate crimes from 2018 to 2022, after homes and roads or alleys, according to the FBI,” Breaking News Reporter Minnah Arshad wrote in a USA Today article. Included within the student handbook is VWU’s Freedom of Expression Policy. This policy outlines what forms of expression are acceptable on campus. It is stated that “the University prohibits expression considered unlawful or that which violates institutional policy or disrupts essential University operations.” In response to the FBI report, senior and president of the Student Government Association on campus, Eddie McDonald, provided his insight. “Virginia Wesleyan is definitely not immune from these forces that are going across the whole nation,” McDonald said.
See HATE CRIMES Page 3
Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle Data is sourced from the FBI report entitled “Reported Hate Crime at Schools: 2018-2022.”
Women’s Basketball COVID-19 remains positive persists BY COY CAMISCIOLI clcamiscioli@vwu.edu
McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle Senior guard Mekayla Clarke tosses a pass in a game against Randolph-Macon College on Feb. 17 in TowneBank Arena.
The 2023-2024 season has not been kind to the Marlins Women’s Basketball team. Their record sits at 3-22 as of Feb. 20 with just two games left to be played in the season. The Marlins will end up missing the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament this season. They have not made the conference tournament since the 20192020 season. As of Feb. 20 the university posted a message on the school website that they were looking to hire a head coach for the Women’s Basketball team; according to the job posting applications will be reviewed immediately. Despite the upcoming change
of coaching staff, the team has remained positive in their outlook, especially concerning the youth of this team. Nine of the 13 players on the roster are first-years. The Marlins have just one fifth-year, Logan Carter, and no seniors. Outgoing Head Coach Quntashea Lewis discussed her thoughts on the team’s progress. “I know that we are not showing a lot of progress in the wins and losses column, but we have grown a lot from our first game to our most recent,” Lewis said. While seasons like these can sometimes force a team apart, Lewis sees the positives that come from it.
See BASKETBALL Page 8
VFIC environmental Ethics Bowl supported by initiator Jane P. Batten BY AIDEN CROGHAN accroghan@vwu.edu
The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Ethics Bowl hosted at Hollins University on Jan. 25 and 26 focused on a theme of “Ethics and the Environment.” Virginia Wesleyan students attended the tournament and competed in debates against four other teams, three of which they won. The “Ethics and the Environment” theme at this year’s Ethics Bowl resonates strongly with the student population, as well as with young
people as a whole. Junior and Ethics Bowl member Casey Bennett expressed this sentiment. “I thought the theme was really pertinent, because I know, especially here, we stress the need for thinking about environmental issues and the longevity of the environment and how we interact with it,” Bennett said. “I was happy because there’s a lot of cases where your stance can’t just be pro-environment.” Junior and team member Abigail Villacrusis agreed that it is a necessary topic. “I
BY RHIAN TRAMONTANA rjtramontana@vwu.edu
The graduating class of 2024 was the first to enter the university under COVID19 restrictions. Now, four years later, the COVID-19 pandemic still has lasting effects on the world and the education of university students. However, the world has adapted. The Washington Post reported on Feb. 13, 2024, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning on removing the five-day quarantine period for those who test positive for COVID19. The article reported, “people would no longer need to stay home if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication and their symptoms are mild and improving.” CDC data shows that COVID-19 now follows general trends of influenza in terms of hospitalization rate. However, COVID19 rates for the 2023-24 flu season have been significantly greater than flu rates. The change in isolation rules is starkly different from when current seniors entered in Fall 2020. Restrictions led to some classes being held asynchronously and students were required to wear masks and stay six feet apart.
See COVID-19 Page 3
Brian Hollar|Courtesy Ethics Bowl team junior Christian Palmisano, junior Casey Bennett, junior Abigail Villacrusis and senior Rowan Stuart compete at Hollins University. thought the theme was very relevant to current issues,” she said. Villacrusis also said that she appreciated the
nuanced cases presented to the team. “I was a little worried that everything would just be like, ‘Oh well of course
we should defend the environment,’ but they did a good job of getting
See ETHICS Page 2
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Divine Nine Greeks thrive despite low enrollment -- Page 5
Double Standards made clear by Super Bowl -- Page 6
“Eleanor’s was a hole in the wall down in Norfolk. It was a fairly ‘homey’ feeling place with a very sweet staff.” -First-year Ashlyn Boykin
“I’ve always wanted to give back in some sort of aspect or way, and this fraternity is a great way to do it.” -Junior Judah King
“They complain she has ‘ruined’ football, when in reality she has contributed positively to the sport.” -Editor Kara Hopkins
Eleanor’s puts a moral in the story --
through lessons for seniors
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Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
News
Eating disorder awareness sparks campus conversation BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu
During January Term, Dr. Taryn Myers, professor and chair of Psychology, teaches “PSY 385: Psychology of Eating Disorders.” The topic is fresh in the minds of students who took the class, and particularly relevant for Eating Disorder Awareness Week, spanning Feb. 26 to March 3, the topic of eating disorders has received an increase in attention. For many college students, disordered eating and body image struggles are a lived reality. “It is a big issue for college students,” Myers said, “and certain things about college can really influence it.” According to a 2023 article published in Child Mind Institute, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) estimates that “between 10 and 20% of women and 4 to 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder, and rates are on the rise.” Myers acknowledged the vulnerability of college students to the issue. “I think there’s just a lot of stress already going on in college, and then you’re thrown together in an environment where your peers become way more influential,” Myers said. The Child Mind Institute article wrote, “The challenges of college life, adding pressure to underlying mental health issues, create what Alison Baker, MD, calls a ‘perfect storm’ for these disorders, the most common of which are anorexia and bulimia.” The article continued, “The storm occurs when the realities of college life—increased workload, less structure, and more focus on peers—collide with anxieties, learning issues, or poor selfesteem.” According to Myers, potential contributing factors don’t end there. Myers has extensively researched risk factors for developing eating disorders, much of which focus on the influence of media. “I study things like social comparison to images of celebrities, images on social media,” Myers said. One example of media influence is the “Freshman 15,” a college weight gain stereotype that plagues the minds of many individuals entering this new stage in their life. “The really interesting thing to me about the ‘Freshman 15’ is Seventeen magazine made it up,” Myers said. “They published
an article about the ‘Freshman 15’ and how to avoid gaining it, and it was the first time anyone had used that term.” She said that this kind of media is often linked to dieting fads in association with their advertisers, and is not based in science. Myers, through both her course and research, aims to shed light on the issue and identify paths to create a brighter outlook. Myers’ research includes the identification of protective factors that encourage a more positive body image, but also the examination of risk factors that serve as obstacles to doing so. As for the structure of the January class, Myers said, “I made it entirely discussion based. We read a lot of primary source material…, but also we read two different autobiographies by people who have struggled with eating disorders themselves, so that the students get a chance to experience what it’s like for them through their writing.” As Myers teaches this course to college students, she recognizes the prevalence of the material to this demographic. Senior recreational therapy major Riley Walton said she appreciated Myers’ approach. Walton said that the material resonated closely with her experiences, so it was better coming from someone knowledgeable and understanding of sensitivities regarding the subject. Walton pointed out the social pressure incoming college students often face. “I just feel like everybody tries to meet these standards that society sets for us in order to feel like they belong and fit in,” Walton said. Having been a part of the field hockey team, Walton has observed the realities of body image issues manifesting in college athletes. Walton said that while more conservation and advocacy should be done externally, the course did create a positive environment for discussion. Regardless of background knowledge, Walton encourages people to take the course. Myers has taught this class for years, and has gotten to observe many students’ responses to these takeaways. “People really get passionate about it. And I really appreciate that, and they start relating it to their lives and people they’ve seen that they might need to kind of reach out to you and try to help them get support,” Myers
Dr. Taryn Myers |Courtesy Dr. Myers conducted a study on the link between dolls’ figures and body dissatisfaction of the children that played with them.
ETHICS CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 variety in the type of cases,” Villacrusis said. President Scott D. Miller and Trustee Emeritus Jane P. Batten were both in attendance at this year’s Ethics Bowl. Batten has a long history as a supporter of the VFIC Ethics Bowl. Batten’s son, Frank Batten Jr., is also on the board of trustees for the VFIC. The VFIC tweeted, “The VFIC was pleased to honor Jane Parke Batten at the Ethics Bowl Dinner held at @HollinsU on 1/28 for her long history of support for educational institutions. She and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr., were instrumental in providing early support for the
Ethics Bowl program.” Batten was honored at this dinner for her dedication to higher-education, as well as to the Ethics Bowl itself. According to Miller, the VFIC dinner set a fundraising record, earning $75,000 for scholarships. A press release from VFIC explained that this goes toward VFIC students from the Roanoke/Southwest Virginia and Southeast Virginia/South Hampton Roads regions. Miller spoke on the personal significance the event had for him and Batten. “This event, beyond being an academic competition, embodies the vital role of ethics in shaping the minds and characters of students across Virginia’s selective private colleges and universities,” Miller said. “For
said. Myers said that a course she took in college inspired her development of PSY 385. “I ended up doing an independent research project after I took that course based on the paper I wrote for the class, and then that sort of sent me on my professional trajectory, essentially,” Myers said. Considering the impact it had on her life, Myers said, “My hope is that it will have an impact that way on other people’s lives.” Junior biology major Marco Molino took the class out of personal interest. Molino said he hoped this class would provide him with some background knowledge to help those close to him who have been affected. As for the content of the course, Molino said it largely focused on “understanding the systems that can lead to the development of eating disorders.” He said that it provided him understanding on how these factors could range from large-scale systems in modern America to environmental pressures to familial dynamics. Molino also spoke on how eating disorders might not have anything to do with the food itself. “A big part of why people develop eating disorders is a loss of control, and that can take a lot of different forms,” Molino said, and one way that individuals will exert control is over food. Molino said that the “Freshman 15” stereotype can inflict too much pressure on students in a time of adjustment. He said that it creates more to focus on in addition to all the stress of managing a busy schedule and trying to succeed in college. Molino pointed out that “the likelihood that somebody has or is struggling with some level of eating disorder, or has some weird relationship with food or their body” is quite high. In addition to the plethora of data out there from experts in the field, Myers research supports this statement. “I found typically somewhere between a quarter to a third of my samples would meet criteria for an eating disorder,” Myers said. VWU Counseling Services provided their insight, emphasizing the point that help is available. Director of Counseling and Student Health April Christman and therapist Brandon Foster spoke on certain related challenges that college students face and the resources they offer to help overcome them. Christman explained the “learning gap” that often takes place for students making their own entirely independent dietary decisions for the first time, but there are also an array of factors beyond that. “There’s a lot of factors that influence the body at that time, and when those are reflected in weight or body measurement, that can trigger insecurities in people,” Christman said. She also addressed common misconceptions. “And it’s not just the stereotypical young female students. It’s everybody,” she said. Christman described the fear of the “Freshman 15” as a “pendulum swing.” She said, “The fear of it is so great that we find that there’s more restrictive behaviors associated with their eating, or they experience that and then there’s a lot of self deprecation… because of the weight gain that they might see.”
Jane Batten to attend this year’s event, especially when it was held at her alma mater, Hollins University, and dedicated in her honor, was profoundly meaningful.” Miller also highlighted the contributions of Batten and her family. “Jane and her late husband’s foundational support for the VFIC, including initiating the Ethics Bowl and the creation of the Frank and Jane Batten Trophy, underscores their lasting legacy in promoting ethical engagement among students,” Miller said. “Their contributions have not only facilitated the practical exploration of ethics but also highlighted the importance of moral considerations in every aspect of life.” To attend the event, Miller
Foster spoke on social media’s effect on body image. “I know specifically, the type of social media we consume is a big factor, so that’s going to be something I always recommend people to take an inventory of,” Foster said. Christman and Foster explained the approach they would take if a student with body image or eating struggles were to seek out counseling services here. They said it begins with some general assessment and identification of potential contributing factors, such as trauma, anxiety, control issues and more. “There could be a lot of ways or causes that could trigger the behavior of a disordered eating pattern, so we kind of want to have an idea of what that is, before we dive into how do we treat it,” Christman said. “When we look at an eating disorder, it’s characterized by a disruption in behavior, thought, and attitudes related to food, eating and body weight or shape or how a person views their self-image,” Foster said. Beyond that, the counselor would help the individual address the problem and instill coping strategies. “It’s going to be some form of dialectical behavioral therapy where we’re monitoring the influence of each of those things. And we can have coping skills to address those influencing factors, so it’s not manifesting in the eating,” Christman said. Not only did they shed light on how individuals can help themselves, but also on ways students can work to create a better environment for each other. Ultimately, Christman pointed to kindness and understanding. Christman said, “If someone is struggling with eating and they have a little bit of food on their plate, or if they’re struggling with eating, and they have a lot of food on their plate, and we might say to a friend say ‘oh, wow, you’re gonna eat all that’ or ‘is that all you’re eating?’” She pointed out that although people might not always be aware of the impact their words have, “It’s like a knife to some people to hear something like that,” Christman said. She advised sensitive approaches for those who suspect a friend may be struggling. “That would, I would say, be more of a private conversation where we pull our friend aside and say, ‘Hey, are you in this space to have a more serious conversation?’ And if they are, just lead with concern,” Christman said. Christman said a conversation might begin with something like, “I’ve been worried about you, because I’ve noticed you haven’t been eating a lot. Are you okay?” Foster highlighted the importance of support systems. “It’s good to have a support system to be able to talk about these things. And you know, on our campus, we’re fortunate there’s so many caring individuals. They can help lead them in the right direction.” Christman and Foster underscored that while college is a transitional period that presents many challenges, help is available in many forms and getting better is possible.
and Batten took a private jet to Hollins University. Bennett and Villacrusis acknowledged the environmental aspects of plane travel. “I think we need to be careful to not paint one action of a person as indicative of their entire efforts on the environmental front, because I’m sure she’s [Jane Batten] done much more than many people in getting students to talk about ethics, environmentalism, and the importance of talking about these issues,” Bennett said. He also shared his belief that people must be viewed through the larger picture of their actions, and not based on one single action. Villacrusis noted that plane travel in any form has environmental consuequences. “For the average person, the
largest part of their carbon footprint is if they’ve ever taken a plane anywhere,” she said. “And so it did kind of feel odd to have them take that, especially when it’s within the state, so it wasn’t a particularly long flight or anything.” President Miller said, “In 33 years as a college president, I have been fortunate enough to have many good friends who have invited me to join them on their private planes. This was one such opportunity and didn’t cost the University anything,” regarding the use of the jet as a means of transportation. The presence of Miller and Batten in support of the Ethics Bowl illustrated the importance that they place on the event and the opportunities that it presents to students and their education.
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Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
HATE CRIMES CONTINUED FROM PG. 1
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Dr. Panitz presents on the historical relationship between African-American and Jewish communities. McDonald further illustrated his point. “I think we're a small enough campus where hate crimes might not necessarily be applicable. I definitely think there has been at least an increased perception in amounts of hate speech and stuff like that. So I think it can definitely happen on our campus, and it's important to recognize that,” McDonald said. McDonald provided context for how he feels about the way VWU treats the possibility of hate crimes on campus. “I think when it comes to actual crimes, our school is really, really good at enacting a pretty robust policy that's outlined in the Student Handbook. So it's a pretty strong standard that they go through, when it comes to stuff like assault, or vandalism, or violent crimes of that sort,” McDonald said. Being a former student athlete, McDonald said he believes that extra emphasis should be placed on athletics. “I think student athletes should be held to a higher standard than regular students because they're representatives of the school and because playing a sport here, while definitely people work for it, it is a privilege,” McDonald said. “I definitely would like to see our athletic department take a little bit more of a proactive approach when it comes to education and disciplinary action in regards to hate crimes and hate speech,” McDonald said. Senior Vice President Keith Moore provided an administrative perspective on this issue. “You have a right to say and feel and express, but at the same time, you have to also make sure that you're not offending and disrupting,” Moore said. Using Clery Act data, VWU reports any hate crimes that occur on campus, which amounts to zero reported. Moore felt that the absence of hate crimes on campus is largely due to the students. “I think that it's not even our prevention methods. It's our students. Anything that is good, it's because of our students,” Moore said. Moore elaborated on this point. “We have rules and regs and policies and everything in place, but that's so that people know and understand... I really do credit our students with the community that we have, because they are respectful, they do appreciate one another and there's a real sense of community,” Moore said. Although Moore said that a hate crime on campus would certainly elicit the involvement of external authorities, one internal policy that is often enacted in cases of student conduct violation is a review in front of the Community Arbitration Board (CAB). Moore explained that the university places a particularly high emphasis on due
COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 “[COVID-19] definitely changed how I learned,” senior Ashleigh Lockard said. “Most of my first-year classes were online and I remember my econ teacher saying ‘I am making it open notes because I can’t tell if you cheat or not.’ It made classes seem easier than I was expecting.” Senior Franklin Washington felt the effects of COVID-19 through personal interactions. “It was very difficult for them to meet friends to meet more people because we have to wear the masks, which hinder the sounds,”
process, with a system that involves “an opportunity for people to be properly notified,… a student rep, a faculty rep and an administrative or staff representative,” along with a board that reviews the decision. Moore said that “when a decision is finally rendered, there are seven individuals from the community that had a say in how it should be managed or resolved. And I think that that brings real merit to our system.” However, not every method for preventing discriminatory actions on our campus involves policies and due process. Some place a greater emphasis on conversation. One resource that may be associated with addressing hate crime prevention or similar issues on campus is the Robert Nusbaum Center (NC), located in Clarke Hall. According to the Center’s website page, “frequently the most contentious and polarizing moments in American civic life are related to issues in religion, politics, race, gender, and sexuality.” These topics prove relevant, as an article from NBC News by Isabela Espadas Barros Leal points to how recent campus hate crime data reflects that the top three most targeted demographics consist of Black, LGBTQ and Jewish people. The VWU website page also says “the NC equips and empowers students and community members to be leaders and citizens who value diversity and who understand how the reconciliation of our religious, racial, and ideological differences create meaningful opportunities for civil solutions to difficult and urgent problems.” Dr. Craig Wansink, Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center said, “The thing that influences me the most is what [the NC] tries to do, is try to get people to think and act in ways that acknowledge the inevitability of conflict, but not the inevitability of that creating dissension.” Wansink followed this comment with a quote from Viktor E. Frankl, “Between stimulus and response, there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” After mentioning that centers like the NC are relatively uncommon on college campuses, Wansink said, “I'm just grateful that Virginia Wesleyan took a stand to do something like this, you know, every university and every college faces all sorts of pressures, and all sorts of needs, and all sorts of opportunities.”
Wansink explained how the NC serves the community. “We try to bring people together who disagree with each other and create an environment where they can actually communicate where there's not screaming or shouting or anything like that,” Wansink said. Kelly Jackson, associate director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, also included her perspective. “The Nusbaum Center is an inclusive and safe place for everyone and we are a resource to help students to develop skills, to have more civil dialogues and then also to learn about important issues,” Jackson said. Much of the NC’s community involvement consists of hosting lectures on campus with keynote speakers. For example, the event on Feb. 16 entitled “A Jew, a Christian, and Spiritual Audacity: The Leadership of Allies during the Civil Rights Era,” welcomed Dr. Michael Panitz to share his perspective on the historical relationship between the African-American and Jewish communities. Jackson explained her thoughts on how the NC can serve as a prevention method towards hate crimes. “I think by bringing people together who have diverse perspectives to hopefully generate more understanding across diversity and hopefully build more compassion and empathy for each other,” Jackson said. Jackson elaborated on this point with a motto of her own. “You can't hate someone you get to know well,” Jackson said. She emphasized that people are more complicated than they first appear, and furthering understanding is a necessary process for the center. “We're all very complicated individuals. And we're all products of our environment and life experiences, but if you can take the time to get to know people outside of your little nuclear world, it's really hard to hate them,” Jackson said. Wansink concluded by sharing advice. “You have got to get people to stop dominating, to stop and actually think, otherwise it doesn't matter if people are on the left or the right, whatever that means, mob mentality takes over. And not many people are immune to that even though we all believe we are,” Wansink said. Although VWU itself does not reflect the increase in hate crimes, conversation surrounding the topic still proves relevant as educational institutions navigate the national problem.
Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle Data is sourced from FBI report entitled "Reported Hate Crimes at Schools: 2018-2022."
Washington said. “Then also being six feet away from people that made it more difficult with interactions with people.” Washington spoke about how pandemic restrictions made the transition into college difficult for those who entered in Fall 2020. “Transferring into the first year of college experience is pretty difficult,” he said. “A lot of them felt depressed or mad or anger or sadness because they didn't get the full senior year of high school experience.” A study entitled “Two years COVID-19 pandemic: Development of university students' mental health 2020– 2022,” published in Frontiers, a psychiatry journal, performed a
systematic review of 16 studies, all of which “reported more feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and distress than before the pandemic.” Lockard felt the stress from minimal personal interactions outside soccer. “My worst memories were feeling like I was trapped and couldn't do anything, almost like jail,” Lockard said. “Campus always seemed so dead, we had to take our food to go from the caf, I felt very isolated most of the time.” Students who violated pandemic regulations were subject to potential removal from campus. “I wasn't really involved in anything my first year, but I just remember friends
Rhian Tramontana|Marlin Chronicle Data sourced from CDC databases shows trends of COVID-19 and Influenza hospitalization rates.
Ashleigh Lockard|Courtesy When Lockard entered VWU as a first-year (left), students had to mask up in accordance with protocols. Four years later, Lockard experiences her senior year without these restrictions (right). and teammates getting kicked off campus for hanging out in each other’s rooms,” Lockard said. Despite the negative aspects, Lockard found positive perspectives to the pandemic through talking to hall mates. “With all the restrictions we had to be creative on how we could hang out,” Lockard said. To avoid repercussions, Lockard and her friends enjoyed each other’s company from six feet apart. “We weren't allowed to go into each other's room, even though we lived in the same hall. Most of the time we would hang out in the doorway for each other’s rooms in the hall, play games, or just chill,” Lockard said. Washington found a positive spin on the pandemic in that
it gave him time to focus on classes and homework. “I felt like it has positively contributed to my academics because I was able to focus more on meetings, there were less distractions to focus more on the projects,” Washington said. With the difficulties of the pandemic, seniors graduating this May have grown and succeeded in many aspects. “Us still being in school with all those difficulties and struggles and obstacles that we had to go through literally shows this generation’s strength,” Washington said. As the CDC and university continue managing the aftermath of the pandemic, seniors graduating in May will move on and continue their life experience with the lessons from COVID-19.
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Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
The
MARLIN CHRONICLE Editor-in-Chief Rhian Tramontanta rjtramontana@vwu.edu Managing Editor Carey Seay clseay@vwu.edu News Editor Lily Reslink lbreslink@vwu.edu Community Editors Victoria Haneline vfhaneline1@vwu.edu Carey Seay clseay@vwu.edu Opinions Editors Kara Hopkins knhopkins@vwu.edu Madelyn Yale mgyale@vwu.edu Sports Editor Colette Kearney cmkearney@vwu.edu Sydnee Washington sawashington2@vwu.edu Weekender Editors Calee Lukowski crlukowski@vwu.edu Sasha Saxon ansaxon@vwu.edu Illustrations Editor Hailey Benders hjbenders1@vwu.edu Online Editor Josue Maradiaga jmmaradiaga@vwu.edu Copy Editor Kirkland Butler kwbutler@vwu.edu MK Morris Larkin mmorrislarkin@vwu.edu
Community Campus hosts vibrant ecosystem BY KYLON LEWIS & CAREY SEAY khlewis@vwu.edu & clseay@vwu.edu
When choosing a college or university, students look for a place where they fit in, can feel comfortable and are able to thrive academically. Students want a place they can call “home” for the next four years. Students often find that college campuses aren’t just about studying and classes; they’re also home to long-lasting memories, friends that become family and a variety of wildlife. From chirping birds, to active squirrels, to flocks of geese covering the many campus lawns, wildlife adds a special touch to campus life here at Virginia Wesleyan University. Every morning, as students are getting ready for their day, the campus comes alive with the sounds of birds chirping, geese honking and car horns beeping at various critters attempting to cross Smith Drive. “One of the beautiful things about this campus is that we have all of this property and a lot of it is wooded, so [it provides] lots of different types of habitats,” Assistant Professor of Biology Marielle Postava-Davignon said. “It has fostered a really nice diversity of organisms that are not only great for nature in general, but for us to observe and enjoy and study.” Many colleges, such as VWU, strive to make their campuses more wildlife-friendly. VWU has gardens and outdoor spaces created specifically to emphasize wildlife in our community. “There are a lot of good places for us to go on campus where students can see [wildlife],” Professor of Biology and Environmental Science and Director of Accreditation and Coordinator of Sustainability Management Maynard Schaus said. “Back towards Lake Taylor and the hiking trails that are through the woods and some of the duck ponds that are on campus and even the gardens around Greer, there’s a lot of wildlife that comes in through those habitats.” Of the vast variety of wildlife found on campus, Canada geese are of the most common. Although they are often considered a nuisance
Engagement Editor Chloe Booher crbooher@vwu.edu Mars Johnson ibjohnson@vwu.edu Marketing Directors Emily Moody egmoody@vwu.edu Advisor Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu
Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle
Kathleen Vanden Berg|Courtesy Praying Mantis feeds on a butterfly in the Marlin Meadows outside of Greer.
Dr. Marielle Postava-Davignon|Courtesy Praying Mantis (same as photo on left) is trapped in a spider’s web near Greer.
because they impede traffic and leave behind feces, they play an important role in the sustainability of the environment. “They eat grasses, but they do it in a way, because they’re adapted to the environment, where they’re picking out dead and dying grass,” Postava-Davignon said. “It’s a doubleedged sword because they actually do some good things. There can be good and bad sides to a lot of critters.” Native to Virginia Beach, muskrats are a newly discovered species on campus. Like geese, muskrats have both beneficial and harmful impacts on our campus environment. “The problem with [muskrats] is they love to burrow, and that’s a real structural problem,” Greer Environmental Sciences Center Gardens Horticulturist and VWU alumnus Skyler Lattuca said. “When you have ponds and infrastructure so close together, they might be creating a den under the sidewalk. All it takes is a couple of years, and that whole thing is going to collapse.” Because the muskrat is native to the Virginia Beach area, it is more difficult to manage their population on campus; however, VWU has been working with organizations such as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to create solutions. Of these solutions, flagging their nests and dams has been the top priority thus far. When it comes to invasive species, such as the Emerald Ash Borer, though, solutions don’t come as easy. These insects present threats to the health of Ash trees, which are abundant in the Wesleyan forests. “Because we have such a high concentration of [Emerald Ash Borers] and Ash trees, [Ash Borers] pose concern for the campus’s biodiversity,” junior Biology major Marco Molino said. “Obviously, we have
a really big problem with invasives, but we’re working on trying to isolate where there are known spots that have infestations of Emerald Ash Borers and trying to understand how they could get to us through different forest corridors.” Although species like the Canada goose, muskrat and Emerald Ash Borer can sometimes be harmful to our campus environment, they are a part of our community. Students are encouraged to take action when it comes to the issues they pose. “The more the students start learning and expressing their own ideas of ways to maybe combat this problem, the more Virginia Wesleyan will do something in favor of your opinions,” Lattuca said. “Until that point, though, they’re just going to act in whatever way they see fit.” The same goes for aiding the University when it comes to maintaining the well-being of our campus wildlife. One step students can take involves assisting with the VWU wildlife database, a site created to form a comprehensive list of species found on or surrounding campus. Students are encouraged to utilize the iNaturalist app in order to make entries to add to the database. “As we get word out about the campus biodiversity database, I think it’s a great thing for people to engage with each other and kind of participate in this type of citizen science where we can get people reporting on what they see so that we know what’s there,” Postava-Davignon said. “If you see something, say something, because the more we know, the better.” By taking care of the environment and appreciating the wildlife that inhabit it, students can protect its well-being so it’ll be there for future generations of Marlins to enjoy.
Bethany Arrington takes over UREC office BY DANIELA ANGELES GALVAN dangelesgalvan@vwu.edu
The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University. Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Batten 217. Signed submissions are welcome, but subject to the discretion of the editor. Letters are not edited for content, but may be edited for length and mechanics. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff of The Marlin Chronicle or Virginia Wesleyan University. The Marlin Chronicle Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757.455.3311
“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution. Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.” --Scott D. Miller, Ph.D President
In the bustling halls of VWU, a returning face has joined the scene, stepping into a fresh role with the aim of transforming the landscape of recreation and wellness on campus. Meet VWU alumna Bethany Arrington, the newly appointed Director of Recreation and Wellness, whose journey from student to staff member is marked by resilience, passion and a commitment to serve the community. Arrington’s path to her current position was not a conventional one. Graduating in 2021 with a degree in Sports and Recreation Management, she initially harbored dreams of becoming a pilot, fueled by a childhood passion for flight. However, life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during her freshman year. Undeterred by this setback, Arrington redirected her focus towards her newfound love for recreation, drawn to its ability to bring joy and fulfillment to others. “Like most people who go into college, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do... I was planning on pursuing [flying], but then I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” Arrington said. “I just tried to think about what else made me excited. What else did I enjoy? And that was recreation.” After completing her undergraduate studies, Arrington pursued a master’s degree at Old Dominion University, where she delved into research aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for youth with Type 1 diabetes. During this time, she discovered her passion for working with college students, igniting a desire to return to her alma mater and make a difference in their lives. Arrington’s love for travel and her dedication to her role as the Director of Recreation and Wellness are evident in her commitment to creating a positive atmosphere within the Jane P. Batten Student Center. She oversees various
McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle aspects of the facility, including the plaza desk, fitness center, pool, lifeguards, UREC and intramurals, ensuring that every area exudes positivity and offers an unparalleled experience for students. Arrington’s commitment to student development extends beyond recreational programming, as she actively seeks to provide valuable opportunities for students who work in the Batten Center. “I want to offer the staff an opportunity to not just be able to show up for work but gain skills and be able to grow their leadership style, as well as build their resume,” Arrington said. In addition to her focus on staff development, Arrington is dedicated to incorporating student input into the center’s recreational programs. “I’ve been encouraging students to stop by my office and share their thoughts on what they’d like to see in our programs,” Arrington said. Arrington has actively engaged with students, seeking their input on recreational activities and events. “I went to one class and had all the students
write down on sticky notes what they would want to do, what they want to participate in, what their friends would want to do,” Arrington said. Arrington acknowledges the value of students’ perspectives, recognizing that they bring fresh ideas to the table. “Around five students mentioned they want to do foursquare, which isn’t necessarily something I would have thought of on my own,” Arrington said. Looking ahead, Arrington envisions a future where the recreation and wellness center serves as a hub of activity and connection for students, providing not only opportunities for physical activity but fostering personal growth and development. “I want our center to be more than just a place to work out; I want it to be a catalyst for positive change in students’ lives,” she said. Moreover, as Arrington settles into her new position, her impact is already being felt among the staff and students alike. Junior Savannah Combs, a supervisor at the Batten Center, works directly under Arrington’s supervision. “She’s come in like guns blazing, doing a bunch of things that haven’t needed to be done, and she’s actually doing it,” Combs said. “Bethany has made it clear that staff accountability and shared responsibility are non-negotiable, and that’s respectable.” Combs reflected on Arrington’s leadership style and highlighted the importance of open communication and mutual respect in fostering a positive work environment. “Compromising and understanding each other’s perspectives can go a long way in ensuring that we can operate better as a team,” Combs said. As she navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, Arrington remains dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the Marlin community leaving a lasting impact.
The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Thursday, February 22
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Divine Nine Greeks thrive despite low enrollment Historically Black fraternities and sororities stay active on campus through robust community support and philanthropic ideals.
BY VICTORIA HANELINE vfhaneline1@vwu.edu
Four Greek organizations from the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), an umbrella council that comprises nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, have a presence on campus. These organizations, despite their combined membership comprising nine people, still have a strong spirit and passion for what is, to many of them, a centurylong tradition of community support and outreach. Junior Judah King, president of VWU’s Phi Alpha chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, founded in 1906, appreciates the opportunities of the fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, of which King is currently the only member of the VWU chapter. “I’ve always wanted to give back in some sort of aspect or way, and this fraternity is a great way to do it,” King said. He mentioned volunteering at a food bank with the alumni chapter of Norfolk, as well as other volunteer activities, such as a voting drive. King appreciates the support from the alumni chapter. “As one person, you can only do so much,” he said. Other organizations share this commitment, including Alpha Kappa Alpha, a storied organization founded in 1908, of which the chapter on campus contains three members. “We recently did a clothing drive for two organizations,” said junior Kaiya Jenkins, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Jenkins estimated that they gathered about 60 pounds of clothing for both charitable organizations. All three members, Jenkins, sophomore Madison Hayes and senior Leiah Stokes, were brought in by the alumni chapter of the organization in November of last year because there weren’t any currently enrolled members to bring them in. “It’s like our ‘job,’ giving back to the community,” Hayes said. Referring to its tradition and community of alumni engagement with their Greek organizations, the National Pan-Hellenic Council proudly states on its website, “This is a Lifetime Commitment!” Justin Carr, an alumnus of Norfolk State and member of the Norfolk Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, was on campus Feb. 6 to help with the Meet the Greek event. Carr said that he helped out to “promote brotherhood,” and proudly wore his Alpha jacket. He was happy to discuss the history of his organization, of which he was very knowledgeable. Carr said that notable members of the fraternity have included Thurgood
Marshall and Jesse Owens. “Everywhere you go, it’ll be an Alpha man in your history lesson,” Carr said. “Martin Luther King, he was an Alpha.” When asked about intake struggles, he mentioned several requirements the fraternity has. Members have to be registered to vote and COVID-19 vaccinated. Both Carr and King mentioned an Alpha slogan, “a voteless people is a hopeless people.” To that end, one of the longest lasting Alpha events is voting drives. “We had to fight for significant values to even get the right to vote,” Carr said. “A lot of fraternities like to put a lot of work into making sure we uphold that right today.” Carr praised King for his involvement in the school voting drive, as well as the voting registration efforts of the fraternity. With a tight-knit community across the country, members of these organizations join for the camaraderie it offers. Another historically Black sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, was founded in 1920. The campus branch has two members, but a wider community. “You know someone just by being in the same org,” Destiny Gaspard, a junior and the vice president of Zeta Phi Beta, said. She said that she really enjoyed “having people out there that I know.” This is an experience Gaspard said the sorority provided her. “If I need to call somebody, they’re always there for me,” Christopher Mitchell Jr., a senior and polemarch—a position equivalent to president—of Virginia Wesleyan’s Kappa Alpha Psi, said. He is the polemarch of the Eta Omega Colony Chapter at Virginia Wesleyan, a fiveyear-old colony of the fraternity that has
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Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle ABOVE: Junior Judah King and Justin Carr at the Student Involvement Fair. BELOW: All members of VWU’s Alpha Kappa Alpha at the Student Involvement Fair.
been around for over a century. Mitchell described his line brothers, who he learned the history of the fraternity with, as “lifelong brothers.” Students involved in these organizations don’t tend to see membership numbers as an issue. “We don’t do recruiting,” King said. He described a recruitment process that focused on knowing prospective members well. “We want to get to know you as a person first,” he said. “When people think of this organization, they think of good things,” King said. He
said one of the factors of recruitment was that he wanted to uphold that reputation. Jenkins and other NPHC fraternity and sorority members didn’t see their numbers as low at all, in a small school like VWU where even the largest Greek organizations have a few more than a dozen members. “We don’t expect hundreds of girls,” Jenkins said. “It’s a small population.” Despite the low enrollment numbers of the nine historically Black Greek life organizations at VWU, each chapter is determined to continue spreading community support and outreach.
Opinions
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Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
‘She has “ruined” football’ BY KARA HOPKINS knhopkins@vwu.edu As everyone has heard, Taylor Swift is dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift’s media attention in games and the idea of the couple has stirred controversy in the football community, but it has even made its way to local news channels. If we look deeper, the details of this scandal drive home the point that there is embedded misogyny and a double standard in society. It shows that in the public eye, the discomfort of men is more important than the struggles of women. This double standard has been exemplified in the football sphere far before Kelce and Swift’s relationship. Liking football can be seen as tame, but the fandom lifestyle is called cultish. While NFL fans scream in the stands, screaming in a concert is criticized as obsessive. NFL fans wear merchandise and even make their team the theme their man caves. Meanwhile, spending money on a t-shirt for Taylor Swift can get me ridiculed for being crazy, when in reality I am doing the same thing as NFL fans. This can be further shown in the criticism of ticket prices of Swift’s Eras Tour in late 2022. Boys that I went to school with, the media and even members of my church congregation were baffled at how much people were spending on tickets. I recall those I talked to, mostly men, saying it was stupid to spend that much money on a performance. However, according to CBS News, Super Bowl tickets reached up to $12,000. Now, men are complaining about something traditionally feminine, Taylor Swift, being advertised to them during a broadcast. Meanwhile, women every day are suffering in silence while traditionally masculine hobbies are thrown in their laps. A great example of this is my early career working at a water utility company. I needed to make money, and I enjoyed my job, but to keep it I had to appear interested and engaged in 40 hours a week of “bro talk.” If I wanted to join a conversation, chances are I had to fall upon hobbies and ideologies that were traditionally masculine such as sports, firearms and cars. I had to attend work events with themes tailored to men. While I do hold some traditionally masculine hobbies, like fishing, I had to be interested in things that I did not like during the work day. I did all of this just to avoid appearing off-putting
and mean. I had to play a part to seem tolerable to my coworkers. If I did not speak during conversations, I was boring and rude. If I did not show up to events, I was impolite. I had to adapt to their ignorance at the age of 15. Meanwhile, NFL fans are complaining about femininity in microdoses. The New York Times found that on average, Taylor Swift is shown for 0.46% of the hours-long broadcast. That is 23 seconds per game. But this still makes some fans angry. They burn vinyls, make signs and create AI images of gruesome, inhumane things. All of this is just to prove a point that they don’t like femininity displayed in traditionally masculine spaces. I could have lashed out and burned hockey sticks and basketballs in front of my co-workers who spoke non-stop about the sports. But I have been trained as a woman to keep quiet about things that bother me. It seems to me that women are forced to comply with the society that men have created, but men can complain and gain immense media coverage. It’s shocking to me the level of attention this issue has gotten when issues that are targeting women’s quality of life right now are not receiving this amount of air time or this level of passion. Their complaints surrounding a broadcast that occurs once a week outweighs the struggles women face everyday. They complain she has “ruined” football, when in reality she has contributed positively to the sport. This season, she has influenced many women to start watching the broadcasts, a goal long-held by the NFL. According to SportsPro Media, female viewership rose 9% for the Super Bowl, the best it has ever been on record. If we look at the data, most of this is likely because of Swift’s appearances in games. The New York Times reported that the Chief’s games had five percent more viewers on Sunday nights than any other NFL team, and in addition Kelce’s jersey sales went up by 400%. Her influence also reaches social media, where the NFL and their associated brands push Swift-related content to promote the sport to a female audience. These posts often go viral, reaching more than just those interested in football, or Swift. The official NFL Twitter account even added the phrase “Taylor’s Version” to their bio, a play on her re-released albums. She has influenced social media trends and in turn influenced a new generation of football fans.
Kara Hopkins|Marlin Chronicle Because of her influence, Swift has increased revenue for the NFL, adding $331.5 million to the franchise according to Apex Marketing Group. These are all positive impacts, supported by quantitative data. However, it is disregarded in the conversation of her impact amongst some NFL fans. They focus on their personal opinions of Swift, rather than the fact that she is inspiring women to be interested in the sport they enjoy so much. This is a deeper issue that falls into how society views women, their interests and their struggles. Those who say that it’s not that deep are the same men who are painting “F Swift” on their nails, making signs and wishing sexual assault on Swift. Those who say that it’s not as deep as double standards and sexism are the same ones dramatizing this issue. They are reverting to personal attacks on Swift, instead of trying to fix the issue they find so unbearable. At this point, it’s not about disliking Taylor Swift as a person. It’s sexism hidden in the roots of our society and our media. Kara Hopkins is a first-year majoring in Media and Communications and Environmental Studies. She enjoys taking care of her many plants, freshwater fishing and watching movies. Kara can be contacted at knhopkins@ vwu.edu.
International students battle to find transportation BY YUNA MATSUURA ymatsuura@vwu.edu
My name is Yuna Matsuura. I am a junior and majoring in art. I was in Lakeland University Japan, and I transferred to VWU in Aug. 2023. I would like to say the transportation provided by
Yuna Matsuura|Courtesy
VWU is not really sufficient. However, I have never felt inconvenienced by transportation when going outside of school so far. I have mainly three options of transportation: (1) asking a friend to take me by their car, (2) using the university’s store run service every Wednesday or (3) using Uber taxis. These are the advantages and disadvantages of each. The transportation I use most often is having a friend drive me to the grocery store. It was around midterm of my first semester that I made friends who would take me somewhere. Until then, I had been using the store run service provided by the university. I only have one friend who takes me to the grocery store, but since I am not good at speaking English, it is really helpful for me to practice improving my daily conversation skills. Another disadvantage is that if I go to the grocery store by the university’s store run, I only can go to Target or Walmart. Sometimes I want to go buy items needed for art classes. I cannot get these at Target or Walmart, but I can get them cheaper at Hobby Lobby or Dollar Tree. For international students, it is a little difficult
to find these stores by yourself unless you ask a local friend to tell you about them. On the other hand, I feel sorry for my friends if I ask them to take me out almost every day or week because my friend is also a university student, and I know she has a lot of assignments. Therefore, the store run service is helpful to use without feeling sorry. Also, it takes all international students to the store at a scheduled time: every Wednesday at 7 p.m. As I mentioned before, the disadvantage is that they only go to Target and Walmart. In addition, they take all international students in one van, so the ride is not very comfortable when it is crowded. Since we are going in a group, we have a set end time, so we are not able to take our time and look around. I always decide what I want to buy beforehand, and only look at what I need. It may be an advantage to be able to move around efficiently and not have to waste money. However, I used to go to the store run because I didn’t have classes on Fridays, and last semester, the store run was at 7 p.m. every Thursday. This semester, I have class on Thursday at 9 a.m. and
there are many new international students. Therefore, I feel using Uber is the most convenient these days. On the other hand, it takes time and money. One time I called Uber on a rainy day and it took 30 minutes. I have not really felt it myself, but my parents who live in Japan think the U.S. Uber taxis are unsafe, and do not want me to use them as much as possible. For this reason, I avoid being alone to ensure safety and go with international students and Japanese friends to share the cost. In conclusion, each mode of transportation has advantages and disadvantages, but I have not felt any major inconvenience and I am using the current means to the fullest. If I had to make a suggestion, it would be good if there were more variations in days, times and places we can go, in addition to the current store run. Yuna Matsuura is a junior and Art major. She enjoys drawing on her iPad, spending lunchtime with her friends and using the school sauna. Yuna can be contacted at ymatsuura@vwu.edu.
Voting offers power for change BY CHRISTOPHER MERCER-GARRETT cjmercergarrett@vwu.edu To me, voting is, in a sense, an obligation. There are people who have put their lives on the line for us to have access to voting rights. When we vote, we aren’t just talking about people who sit in chairs and look pretty. Officeholders impact society. When we vote, we are talking about people who have a say in our health care, criminal, environmental and education systems. With that being said, while voting is a great power, there is room for destruction of the progress that has been made through history. I can honestly say that it is convenient to vote the way our friends and family vote because it is comfortable. However, above all things when voting, humanity comes first. I question the character of the candidates before jumping on the bandwagon. What are their views on war? Would they hold a fellow party member accountable for actions that are unethical or unjust? When legislation is introduced, are they willing to cross the aisle and make a compromise? Truth be told, leadership is not a position that should be given to someone just because they are “strong with words’’ and willing to “fight” by causing division in the
Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle nation. Leadership sets the precedent for what is going to happen in the future. Without a future, there is no tomorrow! The Presidential Primary Election in Virginia will take place from March 5 through June 18. This process
is simply just allowing Virginia voters from different parties to select a Federal Candidate to represent their party. This determines who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the national campaign after all states have submitted their votes. The Presidential Election will take place Nov. 5. It is important that universities get involved as they’re also impacted by legislation and funding such as VTAG (state financial aid) and FAFSA (federal financial aid) procedures. VWU’s Wesleyan Engaged Department does promote Civic Engagement events around campus such as Polls & Popcorn as well as tabling events in Batten. Students should be on the lookout for information! This election is crucial considering that humanity is on the line. Women’s Rights, Civil Rights, Equity and Public Safety are also important issues that will be impacted by this election. We will be sacrificing a lot if we don’t vote! Vote. Humanity. First. Christopher Mercer-Garrett is a first year majoring in Criminal Justice. He stays involved in Student Engaged activities as well as Campus Vote Project Fellow. Christopher looks forward to voting without hesitation and can be reached at cjmercergarrett@vwu.edu.
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Sports
Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Men’s Volleyball starts off first season on rocky note BY SYDNEE WASHINGTON sawashington2@vwu.edu
The year of 2024 brings excitement as the recently installed program, Men’s Volleyball, begins its season. The team is coached by the exact same coaching staff as the successful Women’s Volleyball program. The task of building a new program itself is arduous, and to juggle it with the task of maintaining another accomplished program seems nearly impossible. Head Coach Karissa Cumberbatch acknowledged its difficulty, yet she manages with the help of her coaching staff. “It’s long days for me, and I don’t get much time off, but we manage… There are three on the coaching staff, so we try to split up some responsibilities on the weekends and make sure we’re showing face and we’re everywhere we need to be,” Cumberbatch said. Despite the overwhelming responsibility that comes with coaching multiple teams, Cumberbatch did mention an advantage to overseeing both programs. “They are very supportive of one another and have grown some amazing relationships out of that. I have seen in other programs where one coaches the women, one coaches the men, and sometimes they have nothing to do with one another,” Cumberbatch said. With the first half of the men’s season just about finished, their record stands at 2-8, with most games ending in a set of 0-3 and sometimes 1-3. “I was not shy when I made our schedule. Randolph Macon is a top 20 team; Marymount is a top 20 team. We’re gonna play Southern Virginia, who’s ranked third in D3 right now… we’re playing people that we are going to see and be like, ‘In three years, that is where we want to be,’” Cumberbatch said. First-year members of the Men’s Volleyball team Aiden Parker and Carlyle Campbell commented on this record. “I think that despite that record, we’ve faced pretty solid opponents, and
McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle First-years Carlyle Campbell (front) and Matthew Shepphard (back) wait for a serve in a game against Carolina University. I think our coach is giving us good competition,” Parker said. “With every loss comes something we should improve on.” Campbell agreed, and said, “For a first year team, we’re really good, but we could do better.” Upon a closer look at the results of the team’s games, the point differences within sets are relatively close, and there is usually less than a ten point difference between the Marlins and their opponents. For a new program to be able to keep up with seasoned competition, it must have promising talent. However, Cumberbatch sees the lack of seniority in the program as the problem. “I think the biggest challenge is just the women have been around for a long time, so there’s always senior leadership kind of that has established some pregame rituals… the boys have to start new and figure that all out on their own,” Cumberbatch said. Her players agreed, as Parker
noted the necessity of “building a culture.” Parker said, “We have no seniority and we as a group need to apply that culture for ourself.” Campbell added that they lacked “emotional consistency” and said, “We need to gather our heads and lock in when times are tough.” They also both acknowledged the need to “give each other grace.” Despite these weaknesses, the team is confident in its abilities. “I mean, we are extremely talented,” Cumberbatch said. “Our talent, our athletic ability is for sure something that is amazing that we were able to bring in that in our very first year.” Parker and Campbell also talked about the athletic capacities of the team. “Our defensive capabilities are really strong. We have a lot of really tall defenders… Even on offense, we have raw, athletic players to get the job done when needed,” Parker said. Campbell said, “We thrive
when the other team is talking trash… we respond well to negative situations.” Adding on to the competitive nature of the team, Parker said, “We have loud personalities on the bench that bring the fire… It helps to have a motivating bench… when they are not there you know because their presence is missing.” Improving the weaknesses of the team and building upon their strengths is important; however, it is equally important to do the same for the coaching staff. “The two assistant coaches have that off-the-court relationship with us that the head does not… They are personable, they are really down to earth, we can talk to them, they are there for you,” Parker said. “The team and Coach K need to be more vulnerable… all three help us to be better players, just lacking the emotional aspect and close relationship with [Coach K].” Campbell commented on the nature of Cumberbatch’s coaching, and said, “I trust Coach K. I may not like or love the tough love at times, but I do not take it personally because I know she’s not going to steer me in the wrong direction. That’s how I was raised, so I am used to it… it does push me to be better.” In light of her strengths, Parker said that Cumberbatch is still talented. “There have been times where someone has told me to do something, and I tried it a lot and it did not work, but Coach K told me one simple thing and I immediately saw improvement,” Parker said. “There’s a method to her madness. She knows what she’s doing.” Cumberbatch acknowledged the need to build better relationships with her players. “I think it’s gonna take me time for them to trust me… I don’t think I have the whole group just yet,” Cumberbatch said. “[It] takes time to build bonds and create chemistry with one another… I think we’re getting there but it’s just going to take a minute.” The Marlins won their most recent match and are now 3-8, and have won two straight games. Follow their journey to see how the season plays out for the team.
Students react to golf simulators in previous racquetball courts
Sasha Saxon|Marlin Chronicle First-year Avery Barnes practices in the golf simulator. BY COLETTE KEARNEY cmkearney@vwu.edu
On Jan. 17, President Scott D. Miller announced the opening of the Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center, two state-of-the-art golf simulators for VWU’s golf team. The center was donated by Eric Nyman, an alumnus of the university and a member of the Board of Trustees. Nyman is also the CEO of Revelyst Outdoors, which owns the golf company Foresight Sports. After a conversation with Miller, Nyman wanted to do something for the golf team.
The simulators were donated by Foresight Sports. The center, which is located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, includes the simulators, lockers for the players, couches, chairs and TVs for the players to enjoy. The simulators sit in the rooms that previously held the racquetball courts. “The simulators are essentially an electric range that allows us to play golf courses, practice like we’re out on the range, but at the same time it collects our data,” Director of Men’s and Women’s Golf Tom Hall said. The ball and club data collected by the simulators makes it easier for the coaches and players to correct their mistakes and help improve their game. First-year Haley Davis commented on her favorite parts of the simulators. “You can select the course you want while adjusting any condition that you might play in. For example, you can adjust the weather, the altitude level, wind speed and direction, and even time of day,” Davis said. According to Davis, a lot of the courses in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), have hills and mountains and now the players can replicate those courses in a couple clicks. “These
functions really help to visualize my shot and ball flight under these conditions that I might not be able to see here in Virginia Beach,” Davis said. Henry Handley, a senior who used to be an avid racquetball player, commented on how he feels about the courts being taken away for the simulators. Handley would try to play once a day with his friends, most of whom he met through playing racquetball. When he found out that the courts were being taken away, he said he was shocked. “It seemed like a decision that was made without consulting the students at all. It feels like the university did not care that they were robbing a group of enthusiastic students of a fun and welcoming community,” Handley said. Along with a few other students, Handley tried to see if one of the demolished courts could be returned. “We were told to find somewhere else to play racquetball,” Handley said. Handley also said he felt that the removal of the racquetball courts is not only bad for the students and recreational sports, but it also puts a wider divide between students and the leaders of the university. “The higher ups have sent a message to campus loud and clear: If they make a
decision about our home, then we better just deal with it,” Handley said. Despite Handley’s objections, the Golf team is excited for the opportunities that the simulators present. With this space for the Golf teams, they can now focus on growing the team and recruiting players. “It’s more about the quality of the recruits that we’re bringing in,” Hall said. Hall wants to make sure the players they recruit are ready to play at an elite level when they arrive at campus. The goal is eventually to win the ODAC Championship. “We’re probably not there yet, but I think with having these new facilities, it’s going to give us the opportunity to bring in more competitive recruits,” Hall said. Davis echoed similar words to Hall. She believes that because of their technology they are ahead of most programs. “With these new additions, there is not a doubt in my mind that we will start to grow more and closer to a full roster as well as add more hardware to our shelves,” Davis said. The golf teams start their spring season at the Pfeiffer Spring Invite from March 3 to 5 in Misenheimer, North Carolina.
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Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle BY COLETTE KEARNEY cmkearney@vwu.edu
As an Eagles fan since birth, I was upset that we lost in the Wild Card round of the 2023 playoffs, and I was even more upset when at the end of it all the last two teams standing were the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. I was honestly not looking forward to this Super Bowl, and I am not a fan of either team, but I was not surprised either of them made it. After the Eagles lost, I was hoping it would be the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens fighting for the Lombardi Trophy. I also thought that no one would really watch the game itself, but boy was I wrong. According to Associated Press, this year’s Super Bowl views beat last year’s by 7%. In addition, the game was the most viewed program ever, with an average of 123.7 million viewers. I thought the game was pretty boring during the first half. The first drive of the game ended in a fumble by San Francisco, which was recovered by Kansas City. I expected Kansas City to do something with this opportunity and score, but they didn’t. San Francisco’s second drive was not much better than their first drive. After back-to-back penalties on San Francisco’s offensive tackle Trent Williams, they ended up not scoring. When the first quarter ended, I thought the rest of the game was going to be similar. I expected to be really bored watching it, but I was wrong. It ended up being one of the best football games I had ever watched. After being down 10-0 towards the end of the second quarter, the Kansas City Chiefs came storming back and went into the last quarter only down by three. The most impressive part of the comeback was Kansas City’s kicker Harrison Butker’s field goal kick. The 57-yard kick is the longest field goal kick in Super Bowl history. After a touchdown and three field goals in the fourth quarter, regular time ended and the game went into overtime. It was only the second Super Bowl to do so. Overtime annoyed me; the rules for overtime in the Super Bowl are different from during the regular season. In overtime during the regular season, each team gets a chance of a possession, the catch is that if the team that got the ball first scores a touchdown, they will win the game right then. The rules for overtime in the Super Bowl give both teams a chance at a possession, even if the team who wins the coin toss scores first. Kansas City took advantage of San Francisco getting the ball first and scored a touchdown to end the game and won their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history. I was cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs for multiple reasons. First, because even though I am an Eagles fan, I have a soft spot in my heart for Travis Kelce, not as a player but as a person. Second, because I did not think they would actually win. Third, I rooted for them out of spite for my 12-year-old cousin, who happens to be a 49ers fan. With that being said, when Kansas City actually won, I was annoyed and wished they hadn’t. It is embarrassing to be defeated by a team whose players have no respect for their coaches, that came back from a 10-0 deficit and most importantly, to lose to Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers should learn from this, and make a run next season.
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Thursday Febuary 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Track and Field breaks records BY BRIAN MADDEN bvmadden@vwu.edu
The Marlins Track and Field teams started 2024 with record-breaking performances. On Jan. 19, at the Marlin Invitational, first-year Natasha Tate took first place and broke the school record in the women’s 60-meter dash with a time of 7.83 seconds. Junior Jalen Davis broke the record in the weight throw and took first place at the Marlin Invitational with a mark of 15.44 meters. Sophomore Jordan Hall broke another school record and took second place in the men’s 400-meter with a time of 49.45. Head Coach Dillon May provided insight about Davis’s record. “I think that’s the first time someone has broken 15 meters in weight throw since I think 2018,” May said. The record is special to May because the previous record breaker had gone on to Virginia Commonwealth University, a NCAA Division I program. Throughout the season, the Marlins compete in different events and even the track can vary. In indoor meets, the track is only 200 meters as opposed to 400 meters outside. At the indoor meets, the NCAA standard is banked 200 meters. Banked tracks create a slope on the turns making it so the runners do not have to slow down as much. Because not everyone runs on banked tracks, it is seen as an advantage, and time gets added on because of it. Some of these records were recorded on a flat track, which goes to show how impressive all these personal records and school records really were. Hall broke the school record in the 400, and is the first person in school history to break 50 seconds in the event. Assistant Director of Men’s and Women’s Track K’Vonte Scott was notably impressed by Hall’s records. “[Hall] just recently broke 49 again, so now, like he said, there’s only been one person to come close to it and they ran 50 point something,” Scott said. Following the record-breaking performances at the Marlin Invitational, the Marlins kept the momentum going
as they placed fourth at the Oceanfront Invitational on Jan. 19-20. Leading the Marlins, Davis took second place in the weight throw event with a throw of 14.88. Sophomore Carlos Lamoso followed behind Davis, coming in fifth with a throw of 14.18. In the 60-meter hurdles, firstyear Semaj Conquest finished in fourth place with a time of 9.31. For the Women’s Track and Field team at the Oceanfront Invitational, Tate tied her school record in the women’s 60-meter with another time of 7.83. When competing at the Richard Drake Invitational on Feb. 9, the Marlins, yet again, broke another record. The men’s team broke a school record by taking first place in the 4x400 meter relay. The runners who took first and broke the record included junior Aaron Raynor, sophomore Isaiah Bullock, sophomore Izaiah Braxton and Hall. They came in with a time of 3:21.45. Hall had another successful meet and took first in the long jump and fourth in the men’s 400-meter dash. For the women’s
team at the Richard Drake Invitational, Tate broke her own record in the women’s 60-meter with a time of 7.80. She also came in third place in the women’s 200-meter, setting another VWU record with a time of 25.71. Tate was named ODAC Track Athlete of the Week on Feb. 6. During the winter season, the team lifts heavier, leading to stronger bodies by the time the outdoor season comes. “When we transition from indoor to outdoor as long as we are not dealing with a lightning delay, or you know a lot of wind or anything like that, times typically pick up,” May said. May talked about the importance of the indoor season and that it essentially gets the runners in the groove leading into the outdoor season. He said he expects the times to become better barring a little dip in March because of cold weather, so it will be exciting to see how the Marlins continue to add on to their successful year so far. The 2024 Indoor ODAC Championships will run from Feb. 24-25 in Roanoke, Virginia hosted by Roanoke College.
James Hill|Courtesy Sophomore Jordan Hall, sophomore Isaiah Bullock and first-year Quincy Dunn warm up on the track during the Richard Drake Invitation on Sunday, Feb. 4.
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McKenna Howenstine| Marlin Chronicle Fifth-year Logan Carter shoots the ball over Randolph-Macon defenders.
BASKETBALL CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 “We have a lot of freshmen who are getting on-court experience early on in their careers and I believe that will really help us moving forward if we can hold that core group together,” Lewis said. The team has been able to play their younger talent consistently to get them experience. “It’s frustrating because we do have a lot of talent, but it is just young talent. Most recently, we have games where we are starting three freshmen, which is very different from other teams,” Lewis said. The ODAC line-up currently consists of eight teams with 10 or more wins, which can make it tough to compete with a roster of so many underclassmen. Junior captain Jada Norman gave her input on leading such a young team. “It’s different playing with a majority of freshmen. I wouldn’t say it has made it more difficult, but there is more of a learning experience and we have to take things a little bit slower,” Norman said. Norman has said that she has seen a lot of growth from the first semester of college to the second, on and off the court. “I have made sure to be really patient with them, as that helps me take a step back and be able to teach them in any way that I can,” Norman said. Even with the way the season has gone, Norman has enjoyed being around such a great group of people. “Being a junior now, I can say that this is the best group of girls in terms of personalities on the team, which has made it easier for everyone to get along with each other and to keep the good vibes through this season,” Norman said. When asked about the future of the program, Norman expressed her motivation and goals for next year. “This is not the end. We will come back next year and we are going to keep working and we are just going to keep getting better,” Norman said. The captain guard ranks third among the team in steals (27), while also knocking down the second most 3-pointers among the team (14). One of the many first-years, Cora Barger, shared her thoughts on the season. “As the season has progressed, we have started to learn how to work together better and the older girls have really helped by being there for us during this season,” Barger said. The first-year guard made sure to point out that the main reason behind the record for this season has been the youth of this team, and that they will continue to progress together. Barger has appeared in seven games for the Marlins this season as a first-year. Sophomore captain Meadow Dyke is doing everything she can to push the team through these tough times. “I am just trying to keep everyone motivated. I understand that this is not an ideal first season for the freshmen, but I make sure to push and encourage them every day,” Dyke said. Along with the inexperience of the team, injuries have not been kind to the players. “We don’t have a very big roster, and we are dealing with some injuries right now, so it can be tough to manage and work with what we have through games,” Dyke said. While emphasizing that this year is not done yet, Dyke explained her current thoughts on the team moving forward. “The expectation is that we will all be back, so we are just trying to build as much chemistry right now to carry that into next season,” Dyke said. Fifth-year Logan Carter spoke with hope regarding Lewis’s departure and the future of the team. “I think it’d be great for the team to have some new positive energy come in and switch things up,” Carter said. The Marlins face challenges as they navigate a young team and adjust to a new coach, yet their spirits remain high.
Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
THEWEEKENDER
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Embroidery promotes representation BY MJ MATTHEWS mjmatthews@vwu.edu
Art is all around us. Just around the corner on the Old Dominion University (ODU) campus, Barry Art Museum hosts all sorts of treasures. This month, “The Dawn Is Ours” exhibit — a series of South African textiles inspired by Amanda Gorman -– is on display. This exhibit alone is worth the 20-minute trek, but the museum’s whole host of creative treasures and unique ambiance gives extra incentive. As people walk into a sunlit foyer, they are introduced to the museum by the art of music. Students, professionals and hobbyists are all welcome to book a slot to perform on the BAM baby grand piano. Additionally, the museum hosts “Coffee and Contemporary” every Thursday afternoon, where flutists, pianists and others perform for museum goers, with complimentary coffee as concessions. The museum’s most densely packed galleries hold glass art blown, sculpted, laminated, cut, sand-blasted from majority American and European artists. They also have a wide collection of dolls, from several cultures and generations. From Victorian baby dolls to 1960s Barbies, the gallery brings something interesting for everyone. Museum staffer and ODU student Lili Nguyen commented on the doll collection. “It’s like one of the main attractions because Mrs. Barry, one of the donors for the museum, she also really likes dolls. It’s like a lot of her personal collection.” While the doll collection is a must-see, Nguyen’s current favorite showing is the Chesapeake Bay Marine Collection of cnidarians and other marine life. In honor of Black History Month, Barry is displaying an exhibit of Leginah Ndabambi’s textiles, “The Dawn is Ours.” Inspired by Amanda Gorman’s 2021 presidential inauguration poem, Ndabambi created artistic representations of imagined dialogue between Gorman and traditional
MJ Matthews|Marlin Chronicle Upper left and lower right: Native Embroideries by Leginah Ndabambi. Lower left: Cityscape Bowl by Jay Musler. Upper right: Night at the Attucks Theater by Maizelle.
figures of Ndabambi’s community in Zimbabwe. Each of the 23 textiles in this collection presents a different scene of imagined dialogue, including not only lines
from Gorman’s poems, but other words of peaceful affirmation, much in relation to the Black Lives Matter movement. Ndabambi watched Gorman recite
the inaugural poem from her cell phone, thousands of miles outside the U.S., in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite the distance and radically different cultures, Ndabambi felt connected – so much so, that she brought Gorman into her own memories, intertwining the poet’s prose with the prominent people of her own life. She intended to lift the spirits of young African women, encouraging them to “do their best,” with Gorman’s spirit serving as an inspiration for young women across Africa. In depicting Gorman amongst elders and ancestors within her textiles, Ndabambi bridges the gap between artistic expression and survival. While textile art is expressive, the ability to sew and embroider is also a major survival skill for those in poverty, and it was the main supportive skill of yield in Ndabambi’s family for over 30 years. This series of artwork has a lot to say in the name of hope and humanity. One of the museum staff members, Laniey, a student at ODU who has worked at Barry since ‘22, spoke on how showstopping the exhibit is. “A lot of people have come in like saying, ‘Oh, we’re here to see the textile show we heard about,’ and actually last Friday, we had what we call ‘Unites.’ They’re just like little events we do once a month,” Laniey said. “It was to celebrate Black History Month, and these [textiles] were actually one of the two like showstoppers of the night.” This exhibit’s caliber of intrigue compliments the rest of the galleries in a comfortable manner, but maintains individuality in its cultural relevance and unique media. The gift of art and expression serves as an educational and enriching opportunity for all those who dare to explore it. Laniey has seen herself “go through a lot of personal growth since starting to work here.” Who knows what you’ll find if you let yourself look. I strongly encourage you to get out there and see some art, especially at Barry.
Eleanor’s puts a moral in the story BY CALEE LUKOWSKI crlukowski@vwu.edu
Eleanor’s Norfolk is a small independently owned bookstore and bottle shop located in an outer neighborhood of Norfolk. Last September, the shop celebrated its second year. The shop is coowned by Erin Dougherty, Anitra Howard and Ren Johnson. The initial owner, Erin Dougherty, founded Eleanor’s Norfolk just after the COVID-19 pandemic. Dougherty was working at a local bar just before the COVID-19 lockdown. Due to the lockdown, Dougherty was suddenly without a job and said, “It was the first time as an adult that I was financially insecure.” The seemingly bleak situation allowed for a wondrous opportunity for Dougherty. “I’ve always loved books
and bookstores…but I like the beverage industry, I like the service industry, and that community aspect,” Dougherty said. And so Eleanor’s Norfolk became a book and bottle shop, combining two of Dougherty’s passions. According to the website, Eleanor’s Norfolk “is a radical neighborhood bookstore & bottle shop that also acts as a safe space for community activism, engagement, and learning.” The shop aims to “amplify traditionally underrepresented voices and encourage those seeking to be a more active part of their community by offering opportunities for education and conversation.” The shop may be small, but it’s a mostly open floor plan, with light color walls, warm wood shelves and floors and beautiful
Calee Lukowski|Marlin Chronicle Co-owners Ren Johnson (left) and Erin Dougherty (right) pose in their store. Third co-owner, Anitra Howard, is unpictured.
Calee Lukowski|Marlin Chronicle The cozy Eleanor’s Norfolk bookstore is located at 806 Baldwin Ave #1, Norfolk, Va. 23517.
artwork that makes for a lovely atmosphere. “Eleanor’s was a hole in the wall down in Norfolk. It was a fairly ‘homey’ feeling place with a very sweet staff,” first-year Ashlyn Boykin said. While being a warm, inviting and quaint little store, Eleanor’s Norfolk also strives to be inclusive to people from all walks of life. A statement from Eleanor’s Norfolk’s website says, “We’re here to build up community, not to tear down.” The website has various different points of interest, one being the curated books list. This list has many links to books for just about anyone. There is a wide variety of reading lists on topics ranging from feminism and cultural histories to young adult fiction. Another great aspect of Eleanor’s Norfolk is the multiple book clubs they host. Each is unique in the topics they cover and the meeting times; there really is something for everyone. Once again, the website does a wonderful job at advertising and promoting the many activities offered at Eleanor’s Norfolk. Eleanor’s website offers some insight into the different book clubs they host regularly. The “Intersectional Feminist” book
club meets monthly and discusses books over a wide span of genres. The “Radical Studies” book club also covers a wide variety of genres and meets monthly. The “Speculative Fiction” book club meets bi-monthly and covers books ranging from fantasy to science fiction. Another book club offered at Eleanor’s Norfolk is called “Revolution is Sexy” and meets quarterly to discuss romance novels in community-led discussions. Although the store is relatively small at the moment, Dougherty has expressed a desire to possibly expand in the future. “So we would like to be able to host events and like classes and skill shares and stuff like that in the space while we’re open. So there’s an expansion at some point that’s going to have to happen,” Dougherty said. Dougherty also expressed that these are long term plans. Though space may be limited, that doesn’t stop Eleanor’s Norfolk from holding events that are reasonable for the size of the building. Besides the book clubs, Eleanor’s Norfolk regularly hosts several different “step study groups.” These tend to be on a large range of topics, some of the
most notable are study groups on abolition and on Palestine and the current conflicts there. The store also hosts readings, themed yoga events and even wine tastings. The store also claims to take a very feminist approach when it comes to its overall theme. This approach can be seen in the decorations, such as paintings from local artists and the choice of books adorning the shelves. Dougherty said that although the original plan was just to hint at feminism, the end product magnifies the idea that feminism is a much broader subject. “Feminism can be this more inclusive, big umbrella scope that so many things can fall under,” Dougherty said. When it comes to the community, Eleanor’s Norfolk seems to be a hit. Online reviews tend to be full of enthusiasm and appreciation. One review said, “I could ask for nothing more in a bookstore. An incredibly curated selection, local wines, beers and ciders, along with an eclectic collection of art and journals, etc. for sale. Not to mention the book clubs, community events, and the delight that is Erin, the owner!” Eleanor’s Norfolk is a lovely and welcoming spot to find a new book, to relax with friends or to discover something new.
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Thursday February 22, 2024 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
THEWEEKENDER
Less Than’s future is eco-conscious
Jennifer Mejia|Marlin Chronicle Less Than’s refill station, full of concentrated cleaning and hygiene products in glass dispensers. promotes reuse in order to BY JENNIFER MEJIA minimize one’s carbon footprint. jpmejia@vwu.edu This alone supports sustainable Less Than is an eco-conscious consumption, but the store also store and refill shop that offers offers eco-friendly alternatives sustainable products ranging compared to traditional retail from household and personal stores. care products, to pet supplies, With five stores in Virginia cosmetics and even baby and two stores in North Carolina, care items. The store reduces the Less Than mentality and packaging wastes and instead its focus on sustainability are
growing along the East Coast. Their Norfolk location is only 20 minutes from campus and provides a refill station for those who wish to use it. If Norfolk isn’t your preference, Less Than is also in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Richmond and Midlothian, as well as Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Chris Simmonds, the owner of Less Than, and an Old Dominion University alumnus with a degree in Psychology and in Behavioral Health, was inspired by his upbringing in the U.S. Virgin Islands to cultivate a zero waste shop in the 757 area and completely change how people shop. “We didn’t treat waste the same way it’s treated here in the U.S.,” said Simmonds. This ideology manifested itself into an online business that adopted a mobile shop component during the COVID-19 pandemic. “That’s how Less Than came about being able to buy products that were made sustainably from good companies, sustainable practices, clean ingredients, vegan whenever possible, while being considerate of the planet,” Simmonds said. The store became a way for Simmonds to connect with individuals interested in living sustainably and help them along their journey in such a consumerist
society. Even the method of acquiring local products to sell is coupled with partnerships that help small businesses expand. This change in his career, from running a mental health agency to owning a shop, truly resonated with his desire to prioritize behavioral health. “It’s a continuation of the idea of giving people the tools necessary for them to live the life that they want to live and make these things accessible on a community level, not just on the internet,” Simmonds said. With small businesses closing or being limited due to the pandemic and social distancing, Simmonds opened Less Than in its first brick and mortar shop in the Ghent neighborhood in Norfolk. They struggled initially with a lack of foot traffic and synergy with neighboring businesses, but Simmonds’s outlook was always optimistic with hopes for future expansion. The shop has been met with great success, with shops opening in areas such as Northern Virginia in the near future. In Norfolk, where it all began, Less Than has definitely reshaped the local community’s shopping habits and encourages students to start too. Reducing waste and using ecofriendly products helps the planet and your body, and it can help reduce some long term costs. The
pricing on green merchandise can border a college student’s level of affordability, but it also reduces the need to repurchase products when you could use the refill station located at most of the Less Than stores. Simmonds understands that there is competition, especially in pricing. “If we have something that a competitor has, and our ingredients are better, and our packaging is better, and our practices are better, then it comes with an understanding that the price is going to be different,” Simmonds said. “It doesn’t matter your age, or your gender, or your socioeconomic status, you’re typically going to brush your teeth every day, you can wash your hands, wash your dishes, face and more. So we’re really in the community for everyone,” Simmonds said. Less plastic, fewer chemicals, less processing, less waste than before, Less Than is a futuristic way of shopping for everyone who desires to make a difference in their sustainable lifestyle choices and take a part in their environmental responsibility. Less Than is rooted in assisting people in living in a more meaningful and intentional way. To find out more information, patrons can go onto their website, GoLessThan.com.
Students form A Man to Cook For BY SASHA SAXON ansaxon@vwu.edu
Graduating in May, seniors Alex Cain and Brooke Underwood, have not only left their mark on campus–navigating positions of leadership while pursuing multiple degrees–but even on the local music scene. The pair of friends, alongside guest singers and musicians, formed their band, A Man to Cook For, featuring Underwood as the vocalist and Cain on the guitar. The unusual name reflects the band’s unconventional blend of genres, punk, indie and folk. “If you made a triple venn diagram of those styles of music, we would be in the middle,” Underwood said. Around campus, one might see Underwood in the Marlin Ministries lounge, working as a Resident Assistant, singing in choirs Camerata and Vox or leading the weekly campus worship band. She is currently pursuing a double major in Marketing and Music Entrepreneurship while balancing off campus jobs and the duties that come with being a member of the Batten Honors College. Within a different realm of interest, Cain–also a member of the Batten Honors College–will be graduating with a dual degree in Biology and Latin with a chemistry minor. As a member of esports, he serves as the captain of the League of Legends team while academically he is president of the Classics Club, a member
of five pedagogical honors societies and works in the Learning Center. He frequently joins Underwood and Marlin Ministries, volunteering time and assisting in the worship band’s endeavors on and off campus. Cain’s fraternity brothers from Sigma Nu have enjoyed both supporting and playing alongside the band. Junior Matthew Jung joined them for a performance, playing bass. “Especially when we have friends pop out to see it, it just creates a different feeling,” Jung said. Because of Cain’s interest in poetry and composition, he began teaching himself guitar in his sophomore year. “I kind of started playing guitar with the intent of getting to the point where I could write songs,” Cain said. Because of their existing friendship and Underwood’s prior experience with singing, Cain turned to her for help. Their music partnership formed over lyrics a few semesters before they began singing off campus, but their notoriety can be traced back to Cova Brewing Company’s weekly open mic nights and Phi Kappa Tau Fest, just last spring. For the last year, the two of them have played at off-campus locations with vastly different vibes such as STUFT Mexican restaurant, the Abbey Road Restaurant at the oceanfront, the Big Pink non profit music club in Hampton Roads and South Beach Grill, where a large group of
Alex Cain|Courtesy From left to right, senior Alex Cain, senior Brooke Underwood, first-year Luke Arters, first-year Aiden Croghan and junior Matthew Jung playing at South Beach Grill. Virginia Wesleyan students came out to support the show. First-year Luke Arters served as their percussionist, on drums, as the group performed a set list of covers and originals to an audience of over thirty people. “Playing that show was one of the best things I’ve done in college. Seeing everybody come out and support my friends and me was amazing,” Arters said. A Man to Cook For has carved a place for itself amongst local artists while remaining inclusive. “Basically, we play with anyone who also likes music and wants to go play,” Underwood said. This sentiment is
echoed by her band member, “At its core, anyone who wants to come is welcome,” Cain said. The band intends to continue networking and playing together, locally. Already, they’ve met plenty of local bands that have offered to assist in recording some original songs, it’s just a matter of determining what songs. “The music scene here is good, almost everyone I’ve met is friendly and really open to talk,” Cain said about their newfound musical connections. The band is currently working on social media in order to promote performances and encourage student support.
Landon Crooks|Marlin Chronicle