inGeneral Fall 2013

l a r e n e G in LEX BREWS

By Ellie Bold 3rd YEAR HOUSING

By Caroline Sanders

CADAVERS

By Noelani Schulmeyer

PLUS House Moms HAPPY ALUMNI

& Summer Adventures

InGeneral EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Liza Boldrick

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Eileen Small

LAYOUT MANAGER Jenna Faude

LAYOUT Lindsay Cates, Leslie dela Cruz, Olivia Davis, Bailey Ewing, Laura Lindsay Tatum

PHOTOGRAPHY Davis Bateman, Jenna Faude, Oliver Liu, Sarah Strunk, Scott Sugden, Kane Thomas

WRITERS Ellie Bold, Meaghan Latella, Peg Parnevik, Caroline Sanders, Noelani Schulmeyer, Scott Sugden, Iva Weidenkeller, Inga Wells

BUSINESS MANAGER Kyle Turpin FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: INGENERAL JOHN W. ELROD COMMONS WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY LEXINGTON, VA 24450

Table of CONTENTS InGeneral

01

Fall 2013

Letter from the

EDITOR

As managing editor of inGeneral, my responsibilities included taking a few meetings, doing a lot of editing, and deferring to the editor-in-chief when things got more complicated than that. I don’t mean to undersell my predecessor: as an editing and layout guru, she sacrificed a significant amount of time to teach me the ropes of running a magazine, from styling to budgeting to harassing the publishers to give us just one more day, please. She prepared me for the role of head honcho as well as anyone could have. But even with all of the over-the-shoulder InDesign lessons and hours spent poring over proofs, I was still—how do I put this?—somewhat removed from the reality of the process. At the end of the day, it was the editor-in-chief ’s magazine, and if I got in over my head, she, with all of the knowledge that comes from being a journalism major (turns out business administration doesn’t teach much about journalistic comma usage), would swoop in and save the day.

So when I found myself thrust into the role of editor-in-chief, charged with the tasks of finding a staff, assigning the stories, and on and on, it came as a bit of a shock. I borrowed dozens of back issues from the inGeneral office, hoping to find inspiration and instruction, which I kept in massive piles in the backseat of my car. The magazine was present, both in my thoughts and literally, all of the time. But, ironically, anytime I drove anyone somewhere, they’d inevitably say, “Wow, you must really like this magazine. What even is this?”

To which I’d reply through gritted teeth that inGeneral was a long-standing Washington and Lee tradition, dutifully run by many of their hard-working fellow students, for which I served as editor-in-chief. And then they’d answer, “Okay. Let’s go get some Waffle House.”

Clearly, inGeneral’s campus presence isn’t as tremendous as I and its staff might hope. But this brings me to my point: it should be. Peruse these pages and you will find thoughtful, in-depth stories covering important W&L topics, the innovative spirits of trail-blazing students, and of course comic relief. And let’s not forget the talented photographers and layout masterminds whose work frames each story. I realize that it’s up to us, the staff, to change those looks of confused indifference to ones of awed admiration. Under the guidance of our past editors, inGeneral has made incredible strides, and I believe improves with each new issue. As inGeneral’s newest editor-in-chief, I promise (due almost entirely to the impressive work of the diligent staff, of course) to oversee the continuation of this rise. So, without further ado, enjoy the latest—and let’s hope the greatest—issue yet.

Peace ‘n’ blessings,

03) Professor Advice BY: INGA WELLS

04) Top 10 BY: IVA WEIDENKELLER

05) Alumni Happiness BY: PEG PARNEVIK

07) Housing BY: CAROLINE SANDERS

09) Brewery BY: ELLIE BOLD

11) Cadavers BY: NOELANI SCHULMEYER

12) House Moms BY: MEAGHAN LATELLA

13) Student Summers BY: SCOTT SUGDEN Liza Boldrick

02

The Bookends guidelines for first years and seniors BY: INGA WELLS ‘16

W

up for an overwhelming amount of clubs, a comfortable lifestyle later on. But if the hile every year at Washington and instead suggests student’s heart isn’t in and Lee poses its own honing in on actual it, the far-off retirement unique challenges, the first interests. may not be worth and last years of college come with major “We all want to be We all want to be liked, the challenges of the adjustments and transitions. The freshmen but it should be liked, but it should be interim years. I’Anson come in wide-eyed and not fully sure of on our own terms,” is a proponent of a gap on our own terms. what to expect, whereas the seniors are I’Anson said. year post-graduation as preparing for that next great step. To calm -Professor I’Anson For Oliver, a preventative measure some fears and share their insight, Professors opportunity should against making the I’Anson and Oliver, heads of the biology and be the focus for first wrong decision. accounting departments, respectively, spoke year students. She suggests discovering “Students should take the time to with inGeneral to offer words of advice for new experiences and new people by trying understand if they are just fitting into an both of these classes. anything and everything W&L has to offer. expectation or if they are really passionate I’Anson believes the greatest struggle for She is an advocate for studying abroad early about their career choice,” I’Anson said. first years is learning to study effectively. To in one’s W&L career to take advantage of the Oliver offers the same advice to “follow remedy this, one must “utilize advisers and broader education available, and she herself your passion” coming out of senior year. This reach out to upperclassmen.” I’Anson often leads a trip to Denmark for first years every makes the difference between simply having sees gifted science students come in and not other spring term. a job and actually enjoying and striving to do work hard, thinking they know the basics As for the seniors, it well. Moreover, she encourages seniors to and are ready to tackle any I’Anson believes one not overlook this year of their education at introductory level course. should be completely W&L, but to really enjoy and take advantage Then, after they realize the Seniors have an of their last few courses at the school. Oliver material is more in-depth obligation to find ways sure of their next path.

Especially in the also thinks the seniors have an obligation to than they expected, last to help the next sciences, I’Anson often “find ways to help the next generation of minute work becomes, generation of stuspeaks with students students.” in her words, a “deadly dents. that think they were Although the seniors may seem minefield.”

- Professor Oliver born to become so old and the first years so young to one Socially, she believes physicians, but when another, these professors show that both first years should seek she asks them why, they classes are in transition, and, although this out groups with similar often do not have an answer. Many students comes with fear and unsteadiness, focusing interests to provide “a better grounding” begin grueling career paths, such as the long on one’s individual strengths and preferencbefore choosing whether or not to enter into road to a medical career, for the promise of es can go a long way. the Greek system. She speaks against signing

03

TOP 10

CLUBS

W&L

need THAT

founded

TO BE

By: Iva Weidenkeller ‘14

1. Cadaverettes It’s high time that the ladies of W&L have their own “secret” society. And since most of us will never know who is or isn’t a Cadaverette, it wouldn’t hurt for the frat houses to start locking their doors at night…

2. Squirrel Watchers They’re cute…and they’re everywhere, which is why keeping an eye out for those bushy-tailed little critters makes for such a logical pastime at W&L. 3. Barbours Anonymous Are you having trouble differentiating your jacket from those of your peers? Do you sometimes feel as though you’re adrift in a sea of olive green? Take a deep breath.

Calm down. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

4. Professional Procrastination It’s not the first time that a Professional Procrastination Club has been proposed at W&L, but this could be the first time that someone actually starts one…

5. Free Food on Campus As many already-established campus clubs have realized, the single best way to make sure students show up for an event is to promise free snacks. Free stuff is great.

AT

Food is even more great. FREE FOOD is the greatest. What better way to establish student camaraderie and bolster school spirit than to bond over complimentary cuisine?

6. Casual Drinking Club Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that you’ve been going out to parties every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night since O-week.

Your classes are a breeze and your grades are holding solid . . . but you’re left with a paucity of option for non-sober socialization on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights! Why should you have to limit your alcohol intake to three nights a week? Yeah, we don’t know either. Bottoms up!

7. Generals Speed Dating If you spend very much time around W&L students, you’re liable to hear one of us complain about the lack of dating culture at our school. Whatever the reason for this, it is only compounded by the fact that we are all exceedingly busy. No dates + no time = perfect environment for speed dating. Minimal time commitment, minimal emotional commitment, minimal hassle!

8. Miley Fan Club She may no longer be the cute little youngster that she once was, but most of us still hold a special place in our hearts for

grown-up Miley. Even when she’s roaming around on all fours with her tongue hanging out of her mouth, Miley (Ruscio, not Cyrus—get that image out of your head!) is still a beloved member of the W&L community.

9. Colonnudists Streaking the Colonnade is on the “To Do Before Graduation” list of many W&L students. Casting off your clothing and dashing down the historic brick passageway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or so I’m told. If you’ve successfully navigated the bricks in your birthday suit (bonus points if you managed to evade the Colonnade Cam!), then what better way could you celebrate than with a group your fellow Colonnade streakers?

10. GeorgeAndBob-Sled Team Although it comes as a surprise to many W&L students, it’s true nonetheless: in his youth, George Washington was an award-winning competitive bob-sledder.

He was forced to give up on his dream in order to become the first President of the United States and all that, but his passion for the sport never waned. It’s time that we honor his memory and re-colonize a Washington and Lee GeorgeAndBob-Sled Team.

04

RANKED: Our generation, dubbed Generation Z, is made up of ambitious young minds, born into a world laden with smartphones and governed by a constant flow of information.

Forbes magazine has dubbed us “Generation Z: Rebels With a Cause,” but how are we to take this claim? We’ve lived through economic downfalls, the war on terrorism, innumerable unveilings of new iPhones, and the decline of job opportunities. But more importantly, we’ve been given the task of solving all of these issues. So, which “cause” do we tackle first? As college students, our first hurdle is finding a job. After all, we’ve been taught that money equals success, and success equals happiness, right?

The New Haven Register published an article in 2012 that ranked colleges according to how happy and successful their students were after graduation. Beating traditionally “top” schools such as Yale and Harvard, Washington and Lee came out as number one. The article, titled “Happiness After Yale? You Bet, and Career Success Too, New Ranking Says,” highlights a new ranking system, the Alumni Factor, which focuses primarily on the end result of attending

W&L Stands #1 in Happiness and Success Post Graduation

these schools. Executive editor of the Alumni Factor, Monica McGurk, reveals that most ranking systems focus on the students attending these schools, their GPAs, and their majors, instead of emphasizing the students’ relative success after graduating. The Alumni Factor recognizes the rising demand for a better understanding of how a certain

[Parents] want to understand what return they’ll get on their investment.

- Monica McGurk Executive Editor of the Alumni Factor

college could benefit a student. “[Parents] want to understand what return they’ll get on their investment, if you will,” said McGurk.

Thus, the Alumni Factor endeavored to produce a compilation of school rank-

BY: PEG PARNEVIK ‘17 ings more accurately suited for students worldwide. In the past, high school students could only get a picture of current students.

Now, prospective students can view schools with even more insight than ever before by gaging how successful they will be by attending a specific college or university. So, the important question is, how did Washington and Lee become number one?

Through several interviews I conducted with Washington and Lee students, there were certainly two reoccurring reasons that surfaced: the alumni connections and the honor system. Some people may argue that Ivy League colleges will continue to receive applications from the best and brightest students across the globe. However, these students will be applying to schools such as Harvard based solely on their here-and-now reputations: they value the names of the schools more than their future happiness, and more than how successful they will be when they graduate. Washington and Lee, by distinguishing itself through its post-graduation reputation, has certainly earned its own place among the Ivies.

05 As the title of the new system suggests, previous graduates. The small size of the the Alumni Factor gathers a majority of their school also contributes greatly to students’ information from alumni: the more willing connections with alumni. an alumni is to recommend to their school, Perhaps the most significant contributor the higher the ranking. In fact, the Alumni to alumni happiness is the honor system. In Factor primarily uses surveys sent directly to one of his first speeches to the Class of 2017, the schools’ alumni. The surveys are divided President Ken Ruscio stated that at every into two parts, one that determines finanreunion the first thing alumni always ask is cial success (average income, percentage of whether or not the honor system is still in graduates making over $150,000, etc.) while effect, and if it is still succeeding in producthe other determines overall happiness, or ing honorable men and women. President wellbeing (“friendship development,” intelRuscio’s statement clearly indicates how lectual growth, etc.). Even more, the ranking much of an impact the honor system has on system observes intellectual and societal the W&L community. Unlike other colleges, development, preparation for career success, Washington and Lee places full trust in the and immediate job students, and relies on the opportunities. In supposition that students I believe the honor this regard, Washwill behave honorably and ington and Lee has system will guide us and responsibly. Students recan entirely unique ognize the significant place stay with us the rest of that honor has, and even relationship with its alumni. The alumni more so, they recognize the our lives. are responsible for costs of not being honor- Lindsay Castleberry the creation and able.

Class of 2017 maintenance of “The honor system countless programs affects us everyday as and buildings at Washington and Lee, such undergraduate students. Being a first-year as the Sophomore Internship Program, in student, a lot of the times I would queswhich sophomores are paired with an alumni tion my actions, thinking, ‘Is this against mentor who helps them find interviews, the honor code?’ Most of the time it was internships, and even jobs after graduation. something trivial, but I still worried. It goes “I think that our alumni system is to show you how much the honor system instrumental to our success. Everyone who really does impact our lives. We’ll graduate went to Washington and Lee loved it here, better people because of the honor system,” and they want new graduates to succeed. We said Garces. are the most successful coming out of college “The honor system here is unique because we are able to connect with alumni because it is entirely student driven, and evwho want to ensure that our futures are eryone takes it extremely seriously. The level prosperous. Our alumni have made amazing of trust on campus is something you don’t careers for themselves because W&L chalsee anywhere else. I believe the honor system lenges its students. Alumni want to share will guide us and stay with us the rest of our their success with us by being so open with lives,” said Lindsay Castleberry ’17. establishing connections,” said Karen SantaUltimately, the reason Washington na-Garces ’17. and Lee students have become successful Fortunately, because of the long-lastis because they understand the importance ing connections with alumni, graduating of honor, making them more attractive to Washington and Lee students almost always potential employers and happier overall. can find employment opportunities with

THE RANKINGS: alumni satisfaction after graduation

1.

WASHINGTON AND LEE

2. Yale 3.Princeton 4. Rice 5. College of Holy Cross 6. Notre Dame 7.Middlebury 8. Naval Academy 9. Military Academy 10. Stanford

THIRD YEAR HOUSING :

building community or killing tradition?

BY: CAROLINE SANDERS ‘17

are not a lot of opportunities for interaction.” Dean Evans, through work with the task force, made the discovery that students feel like W&L is becoming a commuter school of sorts. Upperclassmen drive to the parking deck, go to class, and then drive home. “People aren’t veryone loves Graham-Lees. As a freshman, multiple upperclassmen have told me how lucky I am running into each other as much as they used to.”

The administration believes that the proposed plan will increase to be able to call this beloved building home for the safety, security, and overall community atmosphere of the school. the next year. They reminisce on the golden days In addition, many students also feel positively about the move to of freshman year, living in the center of campus where a forgotten third year on-campus housing. textbook or phone charger was only a few flights of stairs away. They “The new idea will really help gender relations between upperloved (and hated) the constant, comforting murmur of voices that classmen.

Sophomore year, boys and girls are so separated. It would could be heard throughout the halls at any time of day or night. But be really nice to all live together again,” said Anna Justice ’16. most of all, they loved being surrounded by friends 24/7, ordering Lily MacGregor ’16 commented that it would certainly make late night pizzas in a gathering comprised of—believe it or not—both “living arrangements easier.” genders.

Lucy Wade Shapiro ’15 agreed. “Third year housing will make But what if students lived in on-campus, co-ed housing for more the campus more succinct and a central hub. It wouldn’t really take than just their freshman years? What if the Graham-Lees feeling of anything away from the country houses, but really just enhance the warmth and community continued throughout the entire span of college experience as a whole,” said Shapiro. Not all students, howcollege? ever, have positive opinions about the new proposal. Although they A task force put together by President Ken Ruscio, composed of enjoy the perks and community of living on campus, many freshmen alumni, trustees, parents, faculty, administration, and a student adviare currently looking forward to the freedom and comfort of living in sory board, sent a proposal to the Board of Trustees. They suggested houses. a total reform of on-campus housing. Some major changes would “Living off campus seems like such a Washington and Lee tradiinclude tearing down Woods Creek and Gilliam, repurposing Davis tion,” India Dial ’17 said. “It’s a big part of the school atmosphere.” as a health and counseling center, and completely renovating Gaines Armani Smith ’17 said that he does not beand Graham-Lees to have air conditioning, lieve upperclassmen should be forced to live on heating, common spaces, laundry rooms on campus.

“There are so many leases on houses in SOPHOMORE YEAR, each floor, and a kitchen. The most groundtown and out in the country that would be left breaking and controversial of the new housing BOYS AND GIRLS ARE propositions is to require third year students to SO SEPARATED. IT WOULD empty if juniors have to live on campus,” said Smith. Some landlords in the area agree with live on campus.

BE REALLY NICE this idea. The reduction of almost half of their The new on-campus housing complexes, TO ALL LIVE renters would be a serious loss of business and however, would differ greatly from the archaic TOGETHER AGAIN. could diminish the community feeling in and dorm styles already set in place for freshmen Anna Justice around the Lexington area. Washington and Lee and sophomores. The task force, when crafting Class of 2016 students comprise a large number of leaseholders their housing proposal, spoke in Greek Houses, and without their business, the future of the met with RAs, and asked upperclassmen what Lexington housing market is uncertain. type of housing they would like to see. The One of the greatest things about Washington and Lee is the group then proposed that apartments and town houses be built in the sense of community felt when walking the Colonnade or wandering undeveloped area beyond the football field. These homes would be through the main floor of the library or sitting down for a dinner at a hub of social activity; a place where students, as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Sidney Evans said, “can see and D-Hall. This bond could be strengthened by change, but also could affect and alter some old traditions. Only time can tell. be seen.” The complex would have amenities such as porches on each Ultimately, the Board of Trustees will make the final decision house, a party pavilion, sports courts, an outing club outpost, and a after examining all of the information. The announcement should be new pub and restaurant. made in the coming academic year. The new housing requirements, if “The bottom line was that we found a lot of students talking approved, will not be imposed on any current students; all incoming about a lack of community,” Dean Evans said when asked why these freshmen will know the expectations in advance. The plan would go proposed changes are being examined. “[Students] felt like there into effect no earlier than the fall of 2017 after the current freshman was a real divide that occurred after their first year. Men and women class has graduated. are separated into Greek houses and then move off campus. There

E

BY CAROLINE SANDERS ‘17

07

08

Brew New

a

TWO W&L STUDENTS ON THE PATH TO CREATE THEIR OWN CRAFT BEER

If you think Natty Light is the end all be all for college students, think again.

“Natty’s more on the scale of water,” Forrest Behne ’14 said.

Behne and Kane Thomas ’14 are looking to enter a growing industry in America after graduation: craft brewing. According to the Brewers Association, an American craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional. They produce 6 million barrels of beer or less a year, fewer than 25% of the

brewery is controlled or owned by a larger alcoholic beverage industry member, and they use traditional ingredients, especially malted barley. A hallmark of craft brewing is innovation: craft beers are often made with unique ingredients that produce an unorthodox beer flavor.

Behne made his first attempt at brewing this past January.

“It was way too strong. I didn’t dilute it like you’re supposed to with water,” he said with a laugh.

Nevertheless, it was fun, and he wanted to keep trying. His parents helped him get the initial equipment, and ingredients are cheap. To make a five-gallon batch the ingredients can be bought with less than $100. For a Natty quality brew, you could do it with $10.

Craft breweries have surrounded both Behne and Thomas since childhood. Growing up in Cincinnati and Seattle, respectively, it is part of their hometown culture.

Cincinnati was originally settled by German and Irish immigrants who brought their love of beer with them to the banks of the Ohio River. There are dozens of breweries to be found within Cincinnati proper at any one time, and the origins of the craft beer revolution have been traced to the city. The Boston Beer Company, the largest craft brewery in America and famous for its Samuel Adams Boston Lager, was founded

by Jim Koch, a Cincinnati native. His father was a fifth generation brewer and kept his family’s recipes from the 1870s, which Koch used to reintroduce “better beer” to America in the 1980s. Today, the main production facility for Boston Beer Co. is in Cincinnati.

“Cincinnati has continued to be a quieter, but substantial contributor to the craft brewing industry,” Behne said.

by: Ellie Bold ‘15

That may be because the Northwest has recently made huge strides in the industry, especially Seattle and Oregon. Behne said it was mainly due to their strength as a primary hop-growing region--the main ingredient in beer.

“It’s a cousin of pot, but legal,” Behne said.

Hop is the bittering agent and preservative in beer. Given that the craft brewing industry is based in using locally sourced products, it’s no wonder the Northwest has cultivated their niche as a region dedicated to producing local craft beers. Thomas is happy to embrace this culture as a native Seattleite.

“I’m a beer lover who comes from one of the biggest cradles of beer production in the world, the Yakima Valley southeast of Seattle,” he said.

Thomas is not only interested in brewing, but international trade, especially between America and Asia. The American craft beer market share increased by 28 percent last year, and sales increased by 90 percent. A large part of that is due to increased exports to Asia.

“China’s middle class if growing fast, and they’re demanding more luxuries,” Thomas said.

One of those luxuries is good beer.

Thomas met with Cascadia, a company that exports Seattle beer to Taiwan, last

09

summer and learned about the intricacies of the business. The craft beer trade between the northwest and Asia is thriving: Cascadia plans to double their production in the next year.

Thomas recently applied for a Fulbright grant to work as an English teaching assistant in Taiwan. While there, he hopes to learn the game of craft brewing in the region and become fluent in Mandarin, the first step towards doing business in the country. Another option is to open a brewpub while teaching.

“Take the risk and go for it,” was the advice Thomas got from his mentor over the summer.

Until 2006, no one was allowed to brew beer in Taiwan, and even after legalization it was not allowed in Taipei, the capital and largest market in the province. Brewers have to transport any beer into the city, or open a microbrewery outside of Taipei to sell onsite. Shanghai and Beijing are also expanding the brewery business, but the interior of the country and other parts of the coast are still developing. There are opportunities for foreigners there in entrepreneurship, but it’s network-based and you must know the language.

“You have to go there to figure it out…

Westerners want to think things about China but you can’t apply Western business

i

‘M A BEER LOVER WHO

COMES FROM ONE OF THE BIGGEST CRADLES OF BEER PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD, THE YAKIMA VALLEY SOUTHEAST OF SEATTLE.

practice to China. It’s just a different game,” Thomas said.

Conveniently, Behne is proficient in Japanese after taking classes at W&L and studying abroad in Japan. He’s been working at Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company here in Lexington for the past two summers, most recently with the brewer in charge of quality control and assurance.

While opening a brewery is his long-term goal, the biology major plans to work elsewhere first before following this dream.

It takes five years to turn a profit in a craft brewery because of the sheer investment it takes to get the equipment and space set up. Exporting is also difficult with the need to refrigerate the product constantly. Luckily, neither Behne nor Thomas are interested in joining the business for money.

“I just like to brew to brew,” Behne said.

Thomas agreed, and the excitement of endless possibilities of places and flavors in Asia are tempting. Thomas’s personal favorite craft beer is Stone IPA out of San Diego; Behne’s is Three Floyds from Chicago. In October, they brewed a new batch, a blend of Pilsner and American Wheat. “It’s nice and light,” Thomas said.

Watch out, Asia; these boys are headed your way.

10

Cadavers on Campus H

by: Noelani Schulmeyer ‘17

undreds of colleges and universities around the country have secret societies lurking through hidden passageways and buildings.

Some of the most notorious secret societies include Yale’s Skull and Bones, William and Mary’s Flat Hat Club, and of course Washington and Lee’s Cadaver Society. The New York Times once claimed that secret societies were “the highest non-scholastic honor within reach of undergraduates,” although, sadly, it’s an entirely anonymous honor. (This is almost equally as depressing as the scene in Argo when we find out Ben Affleck’s prestigious CIA award must remain confidential.)

Collegiate secret societies date back to 1750 when the Flat Hat Club formed at William and Mary. Some 250 years later, secret societies continue to thrive--even, you might be surprised to know, in W&L’s very own backyard.

There is little information on W&L’s Cadaver Society. True to the essence of the group, the paltry public documentation is not much to go off of; most of the student body’s current knowledge comes from personal sightings and rumors. We do know that the group started in 1957 and could possibly be linked with the Illuminati. So, the bigger question, rather than “Who are the Cadavers?” seems to be “Do they know Beyonce and Jay-Z?” The W&L website explains that the Cadavers are a secret group of pre-med students who “appear after dark” and wear “black capes and hoods.” But what really sets them apart is their hallmark, chillingly high-pitched voices--one upperclassman claims that they use voice changers to preserve their identities. Rumor has it (cue Adele music) that if you catch a Cadaver, the Society will pay for your medical school, in keeping with their philanthropic origins.

They have donated an exorbitant amount of money to the school and are officially considered

to be an anonymous group of benefactors.

(So I guess I don’t have to worry about the Cadavers going all Sorority Row on me.)

However, judging from my interviews with two anonymous students, the Society’s generosity is overshadowed by their sheer creepiness.

Despite their questionable reputation, most students are more intrigued by than frightened of the Cadavers. At the sorority houses--a favorite late-night haunt of the Society--residents even voluntarily open their doors to the Cadavers, who often go so far as to wake up sleeping sophomores.

“They threw some napkins up in the air and then drew their sign in ketchup and mustard on some of the tables in the dining area,” said one student about her encounter with the Cadavers.

“I think it’s cool that they just adventure around campus on Tuesday and Thursday nights,” said another student.

Let’s stop and think about this: a secret society, made up of a number only known to the group, travels around campus in masks and hoods. I mean, in early September, I had to walk from the Law School to my dorm building and hope I didn’t get attacked by a bear. Now, I have to worry about not encountering a group of high-pitched, masked students with hidden identities? I don’t think there are any freshmen orientation seminars on any of this. (But I wouldn’t know since I’ve missed almost all of the seminars. Sorry, Dean Rodocker.)

It seems like everyone found out about the Cadavers during their tours on campus.

Similarly, everyone also found out that they were not supposed to walk through the middle of the Graham-Lees pillars. I never learned any of this information, but to my tour guide’s credit, I was probably too busy taking pictures of squirrels. Anyway, consider yourself warned about the Cadavers.

Women House of the

a glimpse into the life of a W&L house mother

BY: MEAGHAN LATELLA ‘16

an administrator while raising my own children, so now it feels like I have finally gotten my chance to fully be just a mom.” ne of the biggest choices that a woman makes in life This is Miss Chris’s inaugural year as Chi Omega’s housemother. is whether or not to become a mother. Assuming the When a position opened up this year, both of her friends insisted role of mom is no easy task; it takes a special type of that she apply. They told her that they knew she would love workwoman to want to be a mother. Thus, it would take a ing in the house. Miss Chris admits that the job is so fun, “it often woman with outstanding motherly instincts to voluntarily act as a doesn’t feel like work.” mother to people other than her own children. Who am I referring Unlike her two comrades, Miss Nancy is the housemother of to, you wonder? The housemothers of W&L. I sat down with Betsy a fraternity. I asked her whether or not she felt that there was a Williams, Chris Miller, and Nancy Matson, the housemothers huge difference between being housemother of a fraternity versus a of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Chi Omega sorority, and Phi sorority.

Delta Theta fraternity, respectively. They gave “I don’t think there’s much difference,” she me insight into what being a housemother is said. “There is the added responsibility of dealing all about. with the parties that the boys host though…but Miss Betsy, Miss Chris, and Miss Nancy the boys are great. I feel blessed.” were all good friends before becoming Miss Nancy’s adult daughter came to visit her housemothers. Miss Betsy used to coach at the fraternity house when she first started the tennis at Lexington High School, and Miss - Chris Miller job. After meeting all of the boys, Miss Nancy Chris’s daughter was on the team.

House mother recalls her daughter asking: “Why couldn’t you Coincidently, Miss Chris went on to take over of Chi Omega Sorority have had this job when I was in high school?” the coaching job several years later and had When I asked each housemother what her Miss Betsy’s daughter on her team. favorite aspect of the job was, each of their Miss Nancy is a longtime friend of Miss Chris. Several years ago, answers was, perhaps unsurprisingly, similar: they all cited their Miss Nancy was taking a dance class in Buena Vista; knowing that personal relationships with the students living in their houses as Miss Betsy loved to dance, Miss Chris introduced her two friends the most rewarding part of the job. Any student who partakes in to each other.

Greek life at W&L will tell you how deeply they appreciate all that Miss Nancy has been a housemother for six years. Last year, she their housemothers do. I can assure the Greek community that encouraged Miss Betsy to apply for a vacant housemother position. the feeling is mutual; you all are the reason why these wonderful Miss Betsy told me that she would often listen to Miss Nancy’s women love their job. stories of how much she loved her job.

“It just felt like a natural fit,” said Miss Betsy, who is in her second year as a housemother. “I worked a lot as a teacher and later as

O

IT OFTEN DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WORK.

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To the lab?

Or to the woods?

the summer tales of a student

BY: SCOTT SUGDEN ‘15

A

t the end of every academic year, Washington & Lee students disperse to enjoy their few short months of summer vacation before returning for another semester. Some of us spend that time with our families, finding whatever job is available close to home.

Others find employment at a summer camp. Several take advantage of the many research opportunities available to them.

There’s no doubt that the academic world puts considerable pressure on us to do the last of those three. Take a stroll around campus and you won’t find many posters of your parents hoping you’ll come home or of summer camps seeking employees, but you will see several advertising summer research opportunities. Professors tell us that graduate schools strongly prefer applicants with undergraduate research experience, and every fall, departments advertise open research positions for next summer.

I have spent the past two summers working at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, a summer camp in northern Minnesota that leads wilderness canoe trips for 12-18 year olds. I intend to work there again this coming summer, against the advice of many professors and my faculty advisers. When I return to campus in the fall and hear my peers talk about their research experience or listen to faculty suggest I do research to advance my biology career, I’m forced to ask myself: why do I choose to return to camp despite the compelling reasons to do otherwise?

Darlon Jan ’15 has spent both his summers doing research and has thoroughly enjoyed them. His first summer he spent at W&L working with Professor Fred LaRiviere, and this past summer he had the opportunity to do biochemistry research at the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology. Jan said he was driven to research by “a lot of curiosity.”

“One of the reasons you go into science is to learn stuff,” said Jan. “Science is basically a research discipline.”

For Jan, research is his way of helping other people. The enzyme he studied at MIT is used in antifungal medications and may also be an antitumor agent, and the process of non-functional rRNA degradation he studied with LaRiviere is responsible for North American Indian childhood liver cirrhosis. By doing research, said Jan, “you know you’re contributing to society.”

Although Jan began research during his first summer, some people choose to wait a summer or two before committing a summer to academia. Eric Schwen ’15 worked at Tomahawk Scout Reservation in Rice Lake, WI, after his first year here, marking a total of five

13 years working at the camp. During his time there he ran the McCullum’s reasoning for not doing research is simple: “I’m not climbing tower and taught wilderness survival, woodcarving, interested in doing research,” he said. “It didn’t make sense to do pioneering, and climbing merit badges. This past summer he chose something when I wasn’t really interested in doing it.” By pursuing to do physics research with Professors Dan and Irina Mazilu rather other opportunities, which he described as “powerful” experiences, than return to Tomahawk.

McCullum is planning for his future in his own way. “Meditation “I would have enjoyed another summer,” said Schwen, but “after and yoga are… vitally important for my health and understanding of working there for five years, the additional experience of another my life,” he said. “My understanding of life is, you get one—follow year wouldn’t have added much.” your bliss.”

As a prospective physics graduate Which brings me back to my origistudent, Schwen also nal question: why do I work at summer acknowledged the pressure of his future camp? I return to camp every summer plans: “I need to have research experibecause it is what I am passionate ence to get into grad school, especially about. It is my “bliss.” Several of my coming from a small school like W&L favorite that’s not known for physics.” Although memories are from camp, and working - Jim McCullum he admitted that he “could have maybe there is one of the most rewarding Class of 2015 put [doing research] off to next sumexperiences I have ever had. I’m not mer,” Schwen said he is happy with driven to do research, and I know that his decision to move on from camp and that it is ultimately a better if I’m not accepted to a graduate school because of my choice to career decision. work at camp, I’ll still come away more than satisfied with how I Other students have chosen not to do research at all. After his spent my time. freshman year Jim McCullum ’15 worked in an Research can be a valuable learning experience, and it might inecovillage near Black Mountain, NC, and then pursued his yoga deed bolster an application for a job or graduate school, but research teacher is only one of many summer options available to college students. certification in Asheville. Last summer, funded by a Johnson Jan recognizes the value Opportunity Grant, he traveled between Malaysia, Taiwan, Illinois, non-research opportunities may have to the potential scientist. and Vermont as he learned more about meditation and permacul“Scientists have a hard time communicating with non-scientists,” he ture design. explained, and some aspects of science have become an “ivory tower” of complex ideas made inaccessible to non-scientists by complicated scientific vocabulary. Experiences outside the laboratory, interacting with people from all walks of life, can make you a better communicator.

Schwen admitted that although the camaraderie among the student researchers this summer was great, “summer camp was more fun.”

“If you’re just doing [research] solely because you feel pressure from a parent or a professor or your idea of your future,” said McCullum, “take a chance and look for another opportunity.” When we consider the different summer opportunities available to us, the final choice shouldn’t be a question of what we feel like we should do, but rather of what we want to do.

MY UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE IS, YOU GET ONE-FOLLOW YOUR BLISS.

Reflections of

COLORADO

“My friend and I were bored this summer and thought it would be cool to go on an adventure, something where we weren’t sure what would even happen the next day.

My brother and his friend had done something similar so inspired by that we bought some food and set off for a week. It was a stunningly beautiful place, full of surprises and new locations every day...”

- Davis Bateman ‘16 PHOTOS BY: DAVIS BATEMAN ‘16