The Weekly Ringer

$30 million donation benefits STEM departments

Class of 1959 alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers has gifted UMW a $30 million donation specifically to benefit the university’s science, technology, engineering and math programs. The donation, coming from Rodgers’ estate in Huntington, N.Y., after her death on July 18, 2022, is the largest gift ever given to the university and will carry on her legacy as a leader in the field of electron microscopy.

The donation will be put directly into the university’s STEM departments: biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and environmental sciences, computer science and math. Students in these fields will have more opportunities for individual research projects working alongside faculty members, both during the school year and during the Summer Science Institute, a 10-week science research program that provides participating students with room, board and a stipend.

The donation will also create four additional Alvey Scholarships, which provide out-of-state undergraduate students with full tuition, fees and room and board for up to four years.

“This will help many students who are struggling to pay for school,” said junior mathematics major Emma Schieda. “These are great opportunities for people who live out of state because I know there is a significant difference in the in-state rates versus out-of-state tuition.”

Preference for Alvey Scholarships is given to students who intend to pursue STEM fields and performed well in such classes in high school. The scholarship also prioritizes female students “to encourage them to pursue STEM fields where they have been historically underrepresented,” according to UMW’s website on fullride scholarships.

“I think those scholarships would be really beneficial to incoming students,” junior biology major Grace Williams said of Alvey Scholarships. “Qualifying for a scholarship like that would require a very high grade point average and competitive college resume, but I think a decent number of students here already had that coming into the university, despite the high acceptance rate.”

The donation makes UMW one of the most funded undergraduate research institutions in Virginia, as well as a notably well-funded institution in the country, according to Executive Director of University Communications Amy Jessee.

Graduating from Mary Washington College in 1959, Rodgers earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Following her studies, she worked as a

chemist and microscopist for the American Cyanamid Company and as an electron microscopist at Philips Electronic Instruments. After marrying James D. Rodgers in 1969, she served as an independent consultant to FEI, a premier provider of electron and ion-beam microscopes and tools for nanoscale applications, according to her obituary.

From her first donation of $50 in 1980, Rodgers gifted the university nearly $39 million over her lifetime. Through Rodgers’ donations, 85 UMW students have received various awards, according to the university’s press release. After gifting the university a transmission electron microscope in 2004, she even trained faculty and students how to use it. In 2014, the university recognized Rodgers with an honorary doctorate of humane letters, an honorary degree for those who have made humanitarian and philanthropic contributions, according to her obituary.

Students in STEM fields were pleased to hear of the recent donation and are hopeful that it will bring improvements in their areas of study.

“The money could go to new classes, more samples and new lab technology,” said freshman environmental science major Ned Mangum. “As an environmental science major who is interested in water resources and energy, more classes in the subject specifically, as well as more research opportunities would be ideal.”

Although the Jepson Science Center, built in 1998, recently underwent renovations and upgrades, James Farmer Hall, the mathematics and computer science building, was built in 1940 with an addition completed in 1960. Some students with classes in James Farmer Hall hope that the building will receive updates as well.

“Within the STEM program, I think the donation should go toward improvements in the math building,” said Schieda. “The building is very old and could use a lot of updates.”

Rodgers’ impact will be felt by students for years to come.

“These STEM scholarships are great,” said Mangum. “A lot of people don’t have the money for STEM, and making it affordable is helpful to helping those who can’t normally study it.”

Staff Writer

Seniors Emily Landry and Abigail Algeier utilize Mary Washington’s lab equipment. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Thursday, March 23, 2023

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Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22

“Dear Colleagues: Title IX Exhibition” displayed in Simpson Library

KATY ROSE PRICE Staff Writer

From March 6 to April 28, Simpson Library is displaying historical items and information to recognize Women’s History Month and the recent 50-year anniversary of the 1972 Title IX Education Amendment. The charge for the exhibition was led by the Director of the Center for Prevention and Education Marissa Miller and sponsored by UMW Athletics, the Office of Title IX and ADA Compliance and Simpson Library.

“When we think about 50 years, the stuff that made the news highly focused on athletics,” said Miller. “I don’t think people know that the law wasn’t created for that. But it ended up changing

sports for women and girls across the country—it made some major strides.”

Walking through the double doors into the library, students are met with an array of multicolored images and objects, stacks of “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller, a timeline documenting Title IX’s history and a hand-constructed “50,” made up of a collage of UMW’s memorable achievements related to gender equality. There are also two pieces in the exhibit commissioned by a local artist, Isla Berge McFadden.

The exhibition also includes information regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Month, occurring in April, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, occurring in October. One side of the exhibit is focused on the history of Title IX, Miller said, and the other side is focused on activism and campaigns.

The exhibit displays information about activism and campaigns, led by and participated in by UMW students, including Denim Day, Take Back the Night, the Red Sand Project, The Clothesline Project and Step Up!, all of which focus on education, awareness, prevention and intervention for survivors of sexual violence.

On the activism side of the exhibit, there’s a microphone to represent Take Back the Night demonstrations. During Take Back the Night, “individuals usually speak out about their experiences and encouraging folks to shatter the silence and kind of break the cycle and come forward and start your healing process in a way,” said Miller. “That’s my favorite side in terms of having it represent the different things that acknowledge our space.”

SEE EXHIBITION PAGE 7

Video project showcases UMW’s rare books

Within the walls of Simpson Library is UMW’s own collection of 2,000 rare books, including many first editions and signed volumes. This semester, Antonio Barrenechea, professor of English and faculty liaison for special collections, and Nick Onorato, a senior communication and digital studies major, are creating a series of videos highlighting books in UMW’s collection.

“A rare book is a book that is both scarce and desirable,” said Barrenechea. These books may either be scarce “due to a limited print run, or through the ravages of time. Sometimes it’s both.”

Barrenechea and Onorato’s first video spotlights George Orwell’s “Nineteen EightyFour.” The library owns a British first edition of the book from 1949 in the original dust jacket.

Next up is “Ulysses” by James Joyce. “It’s really old,” Onorato said. “Some of the pages aren’t cut fully and still connect, the bindings are torn apart, it’s really interesting.”

UMW holds a first edition copy of “Ulysses,” the 552nd book in the first print run from 1922.

“A rare book in the collection is also desirable in that it holds historical importance for readers,” said Barrenechea. “In the case of ‘Ulysses,’ it is one of the greatest novels ever written and a summation of modernist literary experimentation, a masterpiece that also survived an obscenity trial.”

According to Angie Kemp, head of special collections, the collection contains works that are centuries old.

“Our oldest book dates back to 1496,” she said. “It’s been rebound, but we also have books

from the 16th and 17th centuries. Probably one of the biggest strengths of the collection is the James Joyce collection, which includes the first edition of the ‘Ulysses.’”

Onorato shoots and edits the videos, while Barrenechea talks about the books. They hope to produce four videos, highlighting different rare books to bring awareness to UMW’s special collection.

“I would like to make UMW students and faculty more aware of their own treasures,” said Barrenechea. “I would also love to have more outside scholars be aware of how strong our collections are—particularly in Joyce studies.”

Onorato also hopes to bring attention to the special collection, as he learned about the collection in Barrenechea’s first-year seminar class examining “Dracula.”

“The main reason why we’re doing these videos is to make people aware,” said Onorato. “The only reason I know about it is that I had Dr. Barrenechea for my FSEM, and he brought our class there because he showed us ‘Dracula.’”

Barrenechea and Onorato have enjoyed the project, despite its challenges.

“Trying to get a feel for the holdings in the collection takes time because there are around 2,000 books in the collection,” said Barrenechea. “Familiarity for me involves touching, opening, and studying the books. It is difficult to write substantively about our holding strengths without that.”

This project developed through Barrenechea’s love of books.

“Aside from living in bibliophile heaven—as you can tell, I love books, have always loved books—I’ve thoroughly enjoyed corresponding with

The exhibition is in the Simpson Library. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

KY HUYNH Staff Writer

Antonio Barrenechea examines a rare, first-edition copy of “Nineteen EightyFour.” Simpson Library /Youtube

Staff Editorial: Proposed Florida bills threaten free speech and protections for journalists

Two recent bills in Florida, House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 1220, propose legislation that would attack journalists’ credibility and make it easier to sue them for defamation. If passed, this legislation would have harmful impacts on journalism in the state and potentially on the federal level as well. The Weekly Ringer editorial board stands against any such legislation, as these bills represent widespread attacks on First Amendment rights. Although concerning for many reasons, the main point that makes these bills stand out is how they broaden when someone could sue for defamation. By definition, defamation is the act of damaging one’s reputation by communicating false statements about them, but it is regularly—and incorrectly—argued to pertain to when negative comments are made about a person. To avoid this, legal precedent has made defamation hard to prove in order to prevent people, and especially journalists, from being sued for reporting and making such comments.

Related to additional protections afforded to journalists, the 1964 case New York Times v. Sullivan set the precedent that in order to prove that a public official was defamed, the public official must prove “actual malice.” In journalism, this means that a journalist would have knowingly published false information or had a “reckless disregard of the truth.”

Filed on Feb. 21, Florida HB 991 would take away the requirement that public figures prove actual malice “when the allegation does not relate to the reason for his or her public status,” according to the bill. Therefore, if a public official were criticized for something unrelated to their government work, such as an action they took in their personal life, it would be much easier for them to argue defamation.

Perhaps even more concerning, the bill also proposes that in defamation cases, “a statement by an anonymous source is presumptively false for purposes of a defamation action,” which means that information obtained through anonymous sources would be discredited at first glance. This attacks journalists’ credibility by invalidating anonymous sources automatically.

In journalism, the standards of when anonymity is granted are high, and such a request is only permitted when there are serious interests at stake. In our personal experience, we have granted anonymity to resident

assistants who fear losing their job for speaking with us, as well as to students who are willing to provide quotes relating to sensitive matters, such as cheating, which could land them in serious trouble with the school and ultimately have a negative impact on their overall reputation. Anonymous sources are also vital when reporting on violent crimes on campus, as it allows survivors to share their stories without the threat of retaliation.

If we were to invalidate these commentaries by having to automatically determine that they were false, we would be missing influential and highly important perspectives on campus that need to be represented and reported on. Journalists should be trusted to decide when anonymity is necessary. Immediately discrediting the words of anonymous sources removes journalists’ power to give voice to the voiceless, effectively silencing journalists and the sources they aim to protect through anonymity.

In addition, a second bill filed on Feb. 27, SB 1220, elaborates on the standard for unidentified sources of a defamatory statement. When a journalist reports a defamatory statement attributed to an anonymous source, the subject of said statement only has to prove that the journalist was negligent in reporting such. This dangerously lowers the standard needed to prove defamation, indicating a lack of trust in journalists to properly choose reputable sources and decide when anonymity is necessary.

This means that journalists who are trying to represent a slew of different perspectives and interests in their work—while also attempting to protect people who may fear for their reputation or job status if named—would be at fault if the statements given by anonymous sources were found to be defamatory. This standard only perpetuates censorship, for people already have to seek anonymity to avoid persecution for their words. If journalists could be damaged by reporting these statements, then they may choose not to use anonymous sources at all.

These bills have the potential to be destructive on the federal level as well; if they make it to codification in Florida, they will most likely end up in the U.S. Supreme Court for being in violation of the First Amendment. If the court decides this bill is constitutional, it could overrule New York Times v. Sullivan, taking away journalists’ established protection from wrongful defamation suits.

Journalists at all levels, from high school to the most esteemed publications, make mistakes. But when we re-

alize we’ve made a mistake, we always strive to correct it. The world we report on is confusing and ever-changing, and in trying to keep up, we have to move quickly. To have no room to make mistakes will discourage journalists from pursuing the daring, groundbreaking work that holds our institutions and elected officials accountable.

As journalists, we understand the pressure of ensuring that we report the truth, and we especially understand the need for freedom of speech as we complete this task. In addition, we are bound by ethical standards, which, according to the Society of Professional Journalists, make us responsible to “Seek Truth and Report It,” “Minimize Harm,” “Act Independently” and “Be Accountable and Transparent.” Furthermore, as journalists, we understand the influence and privilege of being protected by the First Amendment and other related legislation that allows us to freely speak, even if we choose to speak out against our government. We realize that this is a privilege that not everyone has, and it is a pinnacle to American democracy that must be upheld.

This staff editorial was led by Norah Walsh.

Letter to the Editor: Gen-ed courses are valuable

I write in response to Chad Fancher’s “Major Specific Requirements…” (March 16, 2023), arguing that more Gen Ed courses should be offered that count towards the major in order to eliminate what Mr. Fancher calls “unnecessary classes that detract from the true focus of their studies and will most likely not be applicable to their career in the long run.” Thinking back on my student experience, I don’t believe I ever met such a class.

For better or worse (maybe mostly worse!), college is divided into disciplines, which makes it seem like all the knowledge in any one discipline exists in an entirely separate compartment from all the knowledge similarly compartmentalized in another discipline. English is English, and biology is biology. Unless you happen to be interested in writing about nature and the environment, in which case, well, English is biology (and ecology, and

a lot more besides). I dare say, biology is also English, and not only because biologists need to write well.

To shift to another science, when atmospheric chemist Dr. Joe Francisco of the University of Pennsylvania spoke earlier this semester at UMW on acid rain and related climate and environmental issues, he paused at one point to ask why it is that we know so much about the impact of acid rain on climate and yet still find it so hard to mobilize people to do anything about it. He directed the question to me, knowing that I’m from a humanities background, and I responded, “failure of imagination.” That’s where literature, art, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies and so much more besides, including perspectives rooted in environmental justice, come in. We can’t keep separating science and culture or we will never develop the tools to capture people’s imagination with respect to the

urgent crises we face. Similarly, those of us in disciplines like English need to better understand the scientific foundations of these crises. You just don’t know at the age of 20, and sometimes even at the age of 60, exactly what knowledge-tools you’ll need in life. That’s why Mary Washington, like all of the best liberal arts colleges and universities, emphasizes both breadth and depth in our curriculum. Explore the whole curriculum, or at least as much of it as you can. Take courses that pique your interest. You never know what you’ll learn until you learn it, and you never know in advance how what you learn, especially in a class that exposes you to new ways of thinking, can change the trajectory of your intellectual development.

Jonathan Levin Professor of English and Chair, Department of English

The Weekly Ringer is the independent student newspaper at UMW. Jess Kirby / The Weekly Ringer

Photo essay: Spring came early this year

ABBEY MAGNET Staff Photographer

Spring came early this year, with many ups and downs in the temperature and general weather conditions throughout February and March. As a result, UMW’s campus has started to bloom, even if we’re still layering up before leaving our rooms. Though it is still mid-March, we are already seeing plenty of sunny days with flowers blooming left and right. Flowers typically begin to bloom in April; however, since there have been many unusually warm days lately, spring has come early. Trees have begun to fill with leaves, and the flowers blooming beautifully around campus have been a welcome sight. The sun has been shining, giving an exquisite glow to the pathways and people on campus. Though it is a bit early to be seeing spring fully come to life at Mary Washington, the warm weather we have been treated with sporadically has given students the opportunity to spend more time outside while becoming one with nature.

UMW’s flower beds located along Campus Walk are filled with sun-dappled purple and yellow flowers. Every student has walked past these flower beds at one time or another, but they may not have noticed them until now as the flowers bask in the natural sunlight. This unnoticed beauty gives the students and staff a much-needed boost to remind them that good things are on the way.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Buds are seen alongside small white flowers as they all begin to bloom on campus. These simple, elegant flowers add more color to UMW’s already dazzling campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

UMW students flow in and out of Monroe daily, but the soon-to-be spring flowers give them a chance to stop for just a minute to appreciate our budding campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Small white flowers bloom by UMW’s Bell Tower. Mary Washington’s iconic landmark becomes beautifully decorated in spring, encouraging visitors and students to step outside and focus on our campus’ natural beauty. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Outside of Arrington Hall, one of the residence halls on campus, students can be seen reading and enjoying the beautiful weather underneath a stunning pink tree. As spring begins, UMW students are eager to get out of their dorms and work outside while soaking up some vitamin D. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Students reflect on the nightlife in downtown Fredericksburg, or lack thereof

MADISON MCCALLUM Staff Writer

No matter if you’re a transfer student or came to UMW right out of high school, we all made the choice to come to a Division III school in the small city of Fredericksburg, acknowledging the obvious drawbacks that would come along with it—especially in regards to student nightlife.

The nightlife here is very routine. Week after week, students pile into the same bar and move in a pack-like formation to another location every few months. It seems as if every year a new bar is the go-to, bouncing back and forth between Jay’s Downtown Sports Lounge and Brock’s Riverside Grill. Regardless of where the students choose to go on their Saturday night, I can’t help but hear constant complaints from peers regarding the nightlife. I must admit, I am sometimes disappointed seeing the same exact people every time I go downtown on a Saturday night, too, but we don’t necessarily have the largest student population to interact with. Because students tend to frequent the same couple of bars, here’s a breakdown of the most popular spots and the pros and cons they offer on a night out, as well as a few honorable mentions around town.

Jay’s Downtown Sports Lounge

Jay’s Downtown Sports Lounge seems to be the “it” place this year. Even I admit that, at the start of the year, the bar’s reopening was something to be excited about. The bar’s casual atmosphere and younger crowd make it an easy place to feel comfortable while enjoying a few of your favorite beers or mixed drinks. Between competing in arcade games, fighting for the high score on the punching bag, capturing a moment at the photo booth or schooling your friends in a game of pool, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your time here. But here’s a warning: if you use the photo booth, be prepared for drunk townies photobombing and harsh looks from blondes in hot pink tank tops with their hair slicked back into high ponytails. Regardless of your feelings about the addition of arcade games replacing the traditional dart boards, Jay’s attempt to keep up with current trends and make their customers happy is noticeable, and it makes for a fun night out.

on top of the automatic amount. You could just read the pieces of printer paper taped behind the bar stating, “Automatic 25% gratuity added,” but even English majors have a hard time reading after a couple drinks. Recently, the automatic gratuity has been increased to 30%, along with a $5 or $10 cover charge through cash or Venmo upon entry on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, leaving many with a bitter taste in their mouths about visiting the bar—and I don’t mean the watermelon sour that they offer on their menu. Because of the extra fees associated with Jay’s, it leaves students with a choice: go to another bar and not be surrounded by their peers, or stay home.

“I like Jay’s, or at least I used to before the new changes,” said senior business administration major Noah Adcock-Howeth. “Recently it feels like they’ve been allergic to smart decisions. The cover is absolutely idiotic, and I’ve got no interest in paying just to get in the door. It’s a nice place, but if they think that spot is worth a cover charge they need to look in the mirror and see what the world sees.”

Brock’s Riverside Grill

Back in the day—in this case, the year 2019—Brock’s lured customers in with $1 beers, enticing broke college students to stumble into their bar every weekend. Even after this deal ended, the bar continued to accumulate a large following and even opened up an outdoor patio during the warmer months. Following the reopening of Jay’s, the student traffic through Brock’s began to calm down, picking up sporadically on random nights throughout the month. The upside to Brock’s is that they only charge a cover fee on Saturdays past midnight, and your admittance includes indoor and outdoor options with seating, allowing customers to move around freely.

However, as the college crowd claimed the bar as its own, Jay’s began to make changes that have turned some away. At the start of the school year, gratuity was something that the customer had control of as they paid their bill. However, as the bar’s popularity grew, they began adding an automatic 25% tip on customers’ bills. Although this is not an excessive amount to some, many customers were unaware of this and would tip

“I like Jay’s, or at least I used to before the new changes. Recently it feels like they’ve been allergic to smart decisions.”

-Noah Adcock-Howeth

Billiken’s Smokehouse has been a staple of UMW nightlife for years. Ian Chapman / The Weekly Ringer

Jay’s Downtown Sports Lounge is one of the most popular bars for students in the area. Ian Chapman / The Weekly Ringer

Brock’s Riverside Grill used to be a hotspot for students but has fallen in the rankings lately. Ian Chapman / The Weekly Ringer

Life

Thursday, March 23, 2023

FROM NIGHTLIFE PAGE 5

Despite the reputation of having more expensive drinks, the cost of drinks at Brock’s is almost identical to Jay’s and doesn’t include an automatic gratuity charge. However, with a bar this large, there is a wider variety of clientele. As a young woman, it is seemingly impossible to move around Brock’s without having to combat creepy comments made by older men who live in town, which is seen as a major turnoff to many—as it should be. Although a variety of people can be positive, it can be stressful having to worry about whether or not somebody’s grandpa is going to make a comment about your low-cut top. The bar also attracts a sizable military crowd, and as much as I respect those who serve our country, I’m not going out with my friends to serve as their entertainment for the night as they tail me walking around the bar.

“Many of the townies try to get too handsy not only with me but my friends,” said senior biomedical sciences major Michela Attianese.

In addition, some of the fellow bargoers seem to lack social cues and knowledge of how to exist in a public setting, as well as normal conversation skills. “I have seen a lady that was high on some type of drug partake in sexual activities with a man at the bar and then proceeded to tell me she built all of Fredericksburg and forced me to put her number in my phone because she said she wanted to hire me,” said Attianese.

Honorable Mentions

Despite the seemingly endless and redundant routine of visiting the same bar until the student body is either deterred by drama that occurred there, rising prices or looking for a change, there are other bars in the area that can offer a reprieve from the chaos of the aforementioned spots. Many of these other bars seem to be used as pre-gaming locations, where students have a few drinks before heading to their final destination, which tends to be Brock’s or Jay’s. From belting out T-Swift at Fork N’ Biscuit, dancing to live music at Billiken’s Smokehouse or enjoying the rooftop bar at Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant during the warmer months, it seems the only variety this school leans towards is where

their first few drinks come from. These pre-game spots are not open as late as Jay’s and Brock’s, which has proven to be one of the main reasons they do not gain as much traction, hence why I’ve shunned them to the honorable mentions category.

Finally, the place where few dare to venture: Spirits American Bar and Grill. Admittingly, many of us have stumbled up the bar’s uneven, creaky stairs once or twice following a long night out. However, despite the layout that would seem to be enticing to a younger crowd, the bar seems to bring in a more eccentric crowd of strange townies, which has proven to be a turnoff to college kids.

Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant has a bar on the roof of the restaurant. Ian Chapman / The Weekly Ringer

Simpson Library displays exhibit on history of Title IX

Given time and staffing constraints on the specific anniversary of Title IX, an exhibition wasn’t possible last year. However, the Center for Prevention and Education still wanted to fully celebrate the monumental anniversary before it was technically over, as the official 50th anniversary was June 23, 2022.

“I’ve only heard positive responses,” Trish Greene, head of access services and outreach at Simpson Library, said of the display. “I have seen people looking at the cases and all the stuff in there. One thing I liked about it is there’s lots of different objects to look at and lots of different stories and information.”

For Miller, the 2011 Dear Colleagues letter, which imposed new mandates for how schools adjudicate sexual misconduct, stands out the most.

“The biggest thing coming from the 2011 Dear Colleague letter is that every school needs to have a Title IX coordinator,” said Miller. “The reason why that stands out

the most is because, for me, that is really what put all campuses on the map.”

This exhibition is larger than many other exhibitions that have been displayed in Simpson Library.

“It’s definitely the most full display we’ve had,” said Justin Mundie, a senior computer science major and employee at Simpson Library. “I think it definitely brought more attention to it and it’s really informative. I think it would definitely be cool to continue getting more involved exhibitions here.”

The Title IX exhibition highlights the significant progress that has been made in providing equal access to employment and educational opportunities, while also pointing out the improvements and

work that remains, requiring continued awareness, advocacy and education.

Not only that, the exhibit speaks to UMW’s legacy as a whole.

“A lot of Mary Washington’s mission connects to really thinking about how we can make worldwide change,” said Miller. “And so even when I think about bystander intervention, and when I teach that, it goes beyond just campus and so if we’re seeing something that we’re concerned about, it should have an effect on the greater Fredericksburg or wherever you may go, because you take our honor code with you, you take our code of conduct with you, you take out values with you. And so just because you’re not on campus doesn’t mean you can’t act.”

Rare Books Spotlight Series highlights Orwell’s “1984”

FROM BOOKS PAGE 2

current and past faculty members and librarians trying to piece together the story of rare books at Mary Washington,” he said. “Tying documents in the university archives to the actual reminiscences of these people, who have given kindly of their time, has been great. I have also enjoyed working with Nick Onorato.”

As the project has progressed, Onorato has gotten more comfortable with the process of creating content.

“I feel like I’m more on top of things,” said Onorato. “After the first video I’ve been really in the groove. Honestly it’s kind of fun—I think this semester working on these projects I’ve gotten a lot of practice in with Adobe, and I feel really confident in the program. It’s also pretty cool to just hang out with Dr. Barrenechea.”

A year ago, Barrenechea was awarded the William Reese Fellowship at the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley for his research project on rare books: An Intellectual History of Literature of the Americas.

Onorato encouraged students to visit the library’s special collection, as it offers more than rare books.

“Definitely come check it out, it’s really cool,” said Onorato. “Even if you’re not into antique books or old collections, you can look at the previous UMW student newspaper archives if you want to do a project on the school’s history.”

Barrenechea highlighted the beauty of printed texts.

“The connection with William Reese, a preeminent bookseller at Yale University—where I received my Ph.D. in comparative literature—inspired me to do more with our own rare books at Mary Washington,” he said.

Crime Column

CALLIE HARKINS News Editor

Destruction of Property

On March 21 at 10:57 a.m., there was an incident of destruction of property at the University Tennis Center. This case is pending.

“I think the digital age can make us underestimate analog books,” Barrenechea said. “No one would deny the power of access to the words comprising a novel on a laptop. However, the art of the novel—and certainly the context of original reception—remains tied to the tactile and immersive experience. In many cases, the physical copy—its proportions, weight, cover art—invite us into a particular type of experience.”

The exhibtion also includes information regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Month, occuring in April, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, occuring in October. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

“I would like to make UMW students and faculty more aware of their own treasures”

-Antonio Barrenechea

The display depicts activism and campaigns, including Denim Day, Take Back the Night, the Red Sand Project, Step Up! and the Clothesline Project. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

“A lot of Mary Washington’s mission connects to really thinking about how we can make worldwide change.”

-Melissa Miller

Indoor track NCAA All-Regional honorees: Rajai Walton & Reese Creadon

Staff Writer

Two UMW track athletes, Reese Creadon and Rajai Walton, were recognized for their all-regional performance during the indoor season in the 60-meter hurdle races and high jump event, respectively. The U.S. Track & Field & Cross Country Coach Association announced the names of the athletes who ranked in the top five of all events in the 2023 NCAA Division III Track & Field season at the beginning of March.

“I’m actually very honored to have received this one,” said Walton, a senior business administration major. “I’ve received a lot of awards over the years, but this is my first time earning an award of that significance for high jump. I’m definitely going to cherish it.”

University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule

great athlete,” said Walton. “So if I had to say anything else, I’d say I’m really looking forward to his future. I think it’ll be great and I look forward to watching.”

Despite excelling in different events, the two share the same drive for success and improvement in their sport.

Both Creadon and Walton have dedicated themselves to their sport for many years, which has earned them awards, honors and positive reputations amongst teammates. The skills that each of these athletes possess have served not only as qualifiers but as inspiration and knowledge to their fellow teammates.

“Reese and Raj contribute to the team as leaders by focusing on the little details that lead to big improvements overall,” said fellow track member Jessica Oberlies, a sophomore environmental science and Spanish double major. “Reese is always encouraging to his teammates in the weight room, raising the team’s standards and expectations for one another. Raj has been a good leader and mentor for some of the younger athletes on the team by teaching them better form or techniques, especially for high jump.”

Creadon also admires all of the work Walton has put into the team and led his underclassmen teammates as a senior.

“I’ve always known him to be just an incredible athlete,” Creadon, a junior political science major, said of Walton.

Walton stumbled into the world of high jump unintentionally. Discovering the event as a middle schooler who had joined the track team for fun, it took a few years before he took to the event as he was quite apprehensive at first.

“I was kind of short at the time but I really

enjoyed the aspect of jumping higher than other people,” he said. “I kinda took that and just used it to my advantage.”

This accidental discovery of his passion became a defining feature in Walton’s life; he plans to continue competing at least for the next two or three years, as he still has some eligibility left due to COVID. He is continually setting higher goals for himself and has his eyes set on the big stage.

“With that being said, I think I still have a chance of becoming a much bigger athlete,” Walton said. “If everything goes correctly, I can see myself at a future world trials competition or somewhere similar.”

But in the meantime, he is still focused on his final season ahead of him.

“In my remaining time I’d like to qualify for nationals,” said Walton. “Last year was the first year I missed it and it kind of sucked. Hopefully, I can get back out there and qualify by the end of this season. If so, I’ll try my best to win the competition or become an All American.”

“Track is a cool sport because there is not just one skill that makes you successful at it,” said Oberlies. “Depending on your event, you have to combine speed, with strength, with jumping ability as well. The two of them demonstrate what it means to be wellrounded in terms of ability to do well in multiple events.”

Outdoor Track and Field

March 17-18 @ Washington & Lee

Carnival in Lexington, Va.

March 25 @ Doc Jopson Invitational in Bridgewater, Va.

Women’s Lacrosse (6-4)

March 22 L vs. Washington & Lee (11-19)

March. 25 @ Messiah

March 29 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.)

Men’s Lacrosse (4-5)

March 18 L @ Washington College (6-14)

March 25 vs. Marymount (Va.)

March 29 @ Bridgewater (Va.)

Women’s Tennis (3-5)

March 18 L vs. Trinity (Tex.) (3-6)

A passionate decathlon athlete, Creadon hopes to further his accomplishments not only throughout the remainder of his time in college but beyond his career as an Eagle as well. This is Creadon’s first collegiate athletic honor, yet awards were not on his mind when running his race—he was simply focused on the outcome of the race in front of him.

“It was not something I thought about until after,” said Reese. “I can’t become complacent just because I ran a good race.”

March 22 vs. N.C. Wesleyan

March 31 @ Kenyon

Men’s Tennis (6-3)

March 16 W @ Averett (7-2)

March 21 W @ Franklin & Marshall (8-1)

March 25 @ N.C. Wesleyan

Softball (12-6)

March 22 W vs. Stevenson (5-2) L vs. Stevenson (3-4)

As far-reaching as his goals may seem, the people he has surrounded himself with make them feel more attainable, Walton explained. The motivation from both his teammates and coaches has helped him improve and grow in many aspects, both on and off the track.

“I really feel like they’re the reason that I’ve had the success that I’ve had,” Walton said. “Without those key people in my life, there’s no way I would have been as focused or as driven as I am today.”

When asked about his teammate and fellow award winner, Walton reflected on watching Creadon grow and settle into the sport, finding his comfort zone.

“I think Reese is a great person and a

Creadon has always operated under that mindset as an athlete. Feeling as though there was a fire under him to keep pushing himself and winning throughout his high school career allowed him to remain very focused, he said.

Like Walton, he is intent on continuing to run and train for decathlons until around the age of 28 which, based on his own research, is around the time when male track athletes hit their peak.

As far as his next couple of years as a collegiate runner, he plans to fill his time perfecting and improving in the hurdles now that he has received this award, as well as bettering his skill sets in both indoor and outdoor track.

“Everything just has to come together, I know I am capable of doing that,” said Creadon.

March 25 @ Washington College

Baseball (14-6)

March 19 W vs. John Carroll (10-3)

March 25 vs. Alfred St.

Men’s Rugby (3-7)

March 11 W vs. Guelph (29-15)

March 25 vs. Siena @ Columbia, Md.

Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage.Full schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.

EMILY HEMPHILL Sports Editor

SHELBY GRAY HERZOG

“I’ve received a lot of awards over the years, but this is my first time earning an award of that significance for high jump. I’m definitely going to cherish it.”

-Rajai Walton

“Reese and Raj contribute to the team as leaders by focusing on the little details that lead to big improvements overall.”

-Jessica Oberlies

Rajai Walton’s college best in the high jump is 2.06 meters. UMW Athletics

Reese Creadon’s personal record for the 60 meter hurdles is 7.15 seconds. UMW Athletics