11/30/23 Full Edition

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VOL 110 , NO. 7

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

WA K E F O R E S T ’ S S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 1 6

Lawsuit claims N.C. Senate maps are racially gerrymandered The storied history of N.C. redistricting battles enters a new phase DIWHU WZR UHVLGHQWV ¿OHG WKH ODWHVW ODZVXLW WKDW LV XQOLNHO\ WR EH WKH ODVW JAMES WATSON Arts & Culture Editor Two North Carolina residents are suing the Republican-led NC legislature over their recently enacted Senate district maps. The plaintiffs alleged the state’s new Senate district maps passed last month violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA), disproportionately harming Black voters in the northeast part of the state.

They say the Senate maps, which were just one set of district maps that were created last month by the General Assembly (including the NC House and the U.S. House of Representatives maps), are racially gerrymandered — diluting the votes of Black voters in the state’s historic “Black Belt” by failing to establish sufficient majority-minority districts.

The new congressional maps split the Triad up into four Congressional districts, virtually eliminating Rep. Kathy Manning’s (D) seat. The maps will likely face lawsuits, according to analysts. This case is the kickoff for the latest chapter in North Carolina's long history of redistricting litigation.

The lawsuit faces serious obstacles from the starting line, however.

On Nov. 20, a federal Appeals Court ruled that only federal entities could use Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to challenge gerrymandered maps. The same VRA provision undergirds the challenge in Matthews and countless other redistricting-based litigation.

By all accounts, the case is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, posing the most significant threat to the VRA’s efficacy since Shelby v. Holder removed federal preclearance rules in 2013.

The following week, on Monday, Nov. 27, a US district judge denied a request to fast track the lawsuit, which would have allowed for a hearing before the Dec. 4 candidate filing deadline.

has produced since 2020. that do not dilute the power of minority The maps the Republican majority voters. Current jurisprudence has practidrew in 2021 were tossed out by the then- cally achieved this by purposefully creatliberal-leaning North Carolina Supreme ing majority-minority districts around Court, who concluded the maps violated demographically cohesive blocks of voters. the state’s constitution in Harper v. Hall Similarly, putting a block of voters from and directed the appointment of a special racial minorities into a larger, white dismaster to redraw the district maps inde- trict — diluting their vote as a result — is pendently. Those maps were used in the illegal under federal law.

The focal point of the recent suit, the 2022 election.

Senate map’s District 2, encompasses a House Speaker Tim Moore sued to 41.

Nonetheless, the General Assembly either failed to conduct or failed to consider question the high-court’s ruling in 2022 part of North Carolina’s historic “Black a strip of fertile soil more than 100 by questioning authority to respect appointto itsBelt,” any Voting Rightstheir Act analysis with 2023 state Senate plan. miles long that historically housed a siga special master. This high-stakes test of nificant portion of North Carolina’s cotfederalism culminated in Moore v.

Harper 42.

Instead, the General Assembly enacted SB 758, which cracks North Carolina’s this summer. But while Moore wrapped ton industry and plantations. Today, many of the “Black Belt” counties have a Black, up, they Harpermultiple v. Hall districts, to the diluting Black Beltrelitigated counties across the ability of minority voters in those new Republican majority on the North voting-age population ranging from 3050% — well above the state average of CarolinatoSupreme Court andoffound the counties elect representatives their choice.

21%, according to the 2020 Census. relief they were seeking. In April 2023, In the 2023 maps these counties are dithe court outthethe 2022 maps 43. tossed Under map enacted by and SB 758vided (the “enacted map”), Senate District between Districts 1 and 2 —1 includes with the process restarted, meaning new maps the second district stretching from the needed to be drafted up ahead and of the 2024Counties, Northampton, Bertie, Hertford, Gates while Senate District 2 includes Virginia border near Interstate 85 toWarren, the election.

Outer Banks.

Halifax, Martin, Washington, and Chowan Counties.

Edgecombe and or Vance Counties the are in Instead of splitting “cracking” The latest challenge “Black Belt” between the two districts, Senate Districts 5 and 11, respectively. the plaintiffs suggest it would be feasible Section 2 of the VRA protects vot- to create a VRA-compliant majority-miers from votingbelow practices 44. discriminatory The demonstrative illustrates howdistrict the enacted map voters in nority out of thecracks area Black with minion the basis of their skin color. In the mal impact on the rest of the map. redistricting process,between states Senate are legally the Black Belt counties Districts 1 and 2: compelled by the VRA to create districts See Maps, Page 3

NC’s Redistricting, past and present The new 2023 North Carolina district maps were unveiled and passed within an extraordinary and controversial timeline of just one week, from Oct. 18-25.

Redistricting cycles coincide with the once-a-decade U.S. census, but this is the third set of district maps North Carolina

This map in the lawsuit shows the Senate district boundaries in the eastern part of the state with the majority of the Black voting age population.

Student Government and the Women’s Center start the Menstrual Access Project VIRGINIA NOONE Photography Editor

It can happen anywhere. It can happen at any time. You’re sitting in class and suddenly, you just know. Discreetly, you rise out of your seat and make your way to the door while strategically trying to keep your back to the wall. Then, it’s a game of luck.

You scan the building for a friendly, female face. If you’re fortunate, you can find someone to hand off the necessary item out of the public eye as if it’s a drug deal. If you’re less fortunate or can’t afford it, you’ll find yourself in a cramped bathroom stall shoving layers of thin, itchy toilet paper into your pants and praying it goes unnoticed.

Oh, the thrill of being a person with a period in a world in which women’s menstrual needs often go unmet and unspoken. On top of that, high prices and lack of resources create menstrual inequity and stigmatize having periods.

To combat some of this stigma and inequity, Student Government and the Women’s Center have collaborated to start the Menstrual Access Project. Since August, the program has placed 31 free menstrual product kiosks in 16 buildings around campus to help remove the economic pressures and stigma surrounding periods.

These dispensaries can be found by scanning a QR code to view kiosk locations across Wake Forest’s campus, including the ZSR Library, the English Department, the Art Department and the SAFE Office, among 27 other departments.

“It's just absurd that individuals cannot just have easy access, and it pissed us off,” Student Government Speaker of the House Michael Walsh said. “We’re glad the project is providing both that equity for disadvantaged students and also providing easy access for everyone.”

See Menstrual Access, Page 4

What's Inside

10

NEWS SG requests academic buildings to be open 24/7 Page Three

FEATURES Wake Forest twins share their stories Page Five

ENVIRONMENT Sustainable holiday gift guide Page Nine

OPINION Wente's address leaves calls unanswered Page Eleven

SPORTS Transfer portal claims two quarterbacks Page Fourteen

LIFE John Denver releases posthumous album

Page Seventeen

Old Gold & Black This column represents the views of the Old Gold & Black's Editor-in-Chief

One last letter from the Editor: Thank you I remember the first time I ever walked into the Old Gold & Black office. I was scared as hell.

I had only written a handful of news stories, and I didn’t know anyone on staff. I didn’t even know Benson had a fifth floor.

Someone showed me the ropes that night, and it gave me all the confidence I needed to see myself belonging there. My parting advice to my staff is to notice the people around you. Recognize that your skills and experience are a gift to pass on to others. As I often encourage you, leave this place better than you found it.

That first night in the office, I learned how the paper was made. Stories were pored over by editors, carefully designed on the computers and then printed out to be “walled.”

Stories pinned on the corkboard meant they were ready for publication. A few months later, I’d wall my first page as news editor.

There was no better feeling to me, perhaps other than seeing my name on the top of the masthead.

Being editor has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life. It’s rewarding in that I see the fruit of our collective labor. I hear the conversations our stories start, and I witness the change we affect. I see our publication’s content improve and gain more recognition. I watch nervous and insecure writers blossom into more confident journalists and people. The latter is always more important to me.

To me, the most fulfilling aspect of this job has been that it has strengthened my Christian faith, and in return, my faith has strengthened my leadership. A characteristic of God that spurs on my faith is His trustworthiness. Similarly, the pursuit of honesty and truth inspires my work in journalism.

A beloved Bible passage of mine is Phi-

lippians 4:8 — “...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” That’s what this job is about — reporting what’s true in hopes of creating solutions toward a more admirable, excellent world. That world isn’t here yet. In the meantime, we tell the truth.

Several people deserve a thank you for their support during my editorship. In this issue, you’ll read about my grandfather, one of the earliest influences on my love for writing. My last words to him were thank you.

I’ll say it again now. Thank you.

To my family, thank you for reading what I write.

To my friends, thank you for bearing with me when the newspaper had to come first sometimes. Thank you for believing in me more than I believed in myself.

To my fellow executive editors, thank you for being brilliant and leading the Old Gold & Black with tenacity.

To the editorial board, thank you for being boundlessly creative and good at what you do. Thank you for making this work fun.

To my adviser, Professor Phoebe Zerwick, thank you for your wisdom, advice and the home-cooked meals.

To my predecessor, Connor McNeely, thank you for trusting me with the paper you brought to new heights.

To my successor, Maddie Stopyra, you got this.

To the readers of the Old Gold & Black, thank you for giving purpose to what we do.

It’s sad to think these will be among the last words I write in the Old Gold & Black.

This paper has given me a place to belong on campus, and it’s given me work that I love to do. It’s been an honor.

Old Gold&Black THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY SINCE 1916

CHRISTA DUTTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF duttcd20@wfu.edu

BREANNA LAWS

AINE PIERRE

MARYAM KHANUM

SOFIA SCORDLEY

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA MANAGING EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

lawsbn21@wfu.edu

pierav20@wfu.edu

khanmg20@wfu.edu

scorse20@wfu.edu

>> NEWS Daniel Parolini, parodj20@wfu.edu Maddie Stopyra, stopmf21@wfu.edu Assistant: Claire O'Brien, obricc22@wfu.edu Maria Silveira, silvmt23@wfu.edu >> FEATURES Natasha Heisenberg, heisng20@wfu.edu Isabella Romine, romiie21@wfu.edu Assistant: Eli Leadham, leadey22@wfu.edu >> ENVIRONMENT Una Wilson, wilsui20@wfu.edu Ella Klein, kleiek22@wfu.edu

>> ARTS & CULTURE Adam Coil, coilat21@wfu.edu James Watson, watsjc22@wfu.edu >> PHOTO Virginia Noone, noonvc21@wfu.edu Evan Harris, harres22@wfu.edu >> VIDEO Asheton Ayotte, ayotag20@wfu.edu >> SOCIAL MEDIA Lucy Roberts, robels20@wfu.edu >> COPY CHIEF Josie Scratchard, scraja20@wfu.edu

>> OPINION Shaila Prasad, prassp21@wfu.edu

>> DESIGN CHIEF Oliver Hale, haleop21@wfu.edu

>> SPORTS Cooper Sullivan, sullcg20@wfu.edu Aaron Nataline, nataae21@wfu.edu Assistant: Sean Kennedy, kennsm21@wfu.edu

>> WEBMASTER Christina Tran, tranth21@wfu.edu >> ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ava Cofiell, cofiac20@wfu.edu

>> EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Aine Pierre, Chairwoman Dillon Clark, Sophie Guymon, Virginia Noone and Shaila Prasad, Members >> ADVISER Phoebe Zerwick, zerwicp@wfu.edu

>> POLICIES Our job as a newspaper is to be a platform for all voices, not just the ones we agree with. However, we reserve the right to reject advertisements that are vulgar, inaccurate, obscene or violate Wake Forest’s policies on nondiscrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion as they pertain to student organizations. We will also reject any advertisements that promote illegal activities according to the state of North Carolina.

Not only do we hold our newspaper and its contents to a high standard, but we also expect that those who choose to use us as an outlet for their ideas, opinions and skill hold themselves and their content to a high ethical standard.

The Old Gold & Black is published every other Thursday during the school year, except during examinations, summer and holiday periods, by Triangle Web Printing of Durham. The views expressed in all opinion pieces and advertisements contained within this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Gold & Black. As part of our commitment to reporting news fairly and accurately, we will not remove any previously published content online unless it is retracted. If an error in either our online or print content is brought to our attention, we will revise the originally published article with an appended correction. In order to facilitate thoughtful and appropriate debate, profane, vulgar, or inflammatory comments on our website are not allowed and will be deleted. Comments which incite violence, target individuals in a form of cyber bullying, or which promote ideas which vilify marginalized communities will be deleted, and proper authorities may be notified and involved. >> SUBMISSIONS The OGB welcomes submissions in the form of story tips, columns and letters to the editor.

Letters to the editor should be fewer than 500 words, and columns should be around 500 words. Send yours via e-mail to duttcd20@wfu.edu the Monday before publication. We reserve the right to edit all letters for length and clarity. No anonymous letters will be printed. >> ONLINE MEDIA Web: wfuogb.com Facebook: facebook.com/ogb1916 Twitter: @wfuogb Instagram: @wfuogb TikTok: @wfuogb Sports Twitter: @wfuogbsports

News | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 3

Maps: ϐ Continued from Page 1 The plaintiffs also asserted the legislature was well aware of their ability to create a majority-minority district in northeastern North Carolina. A letter given to the Republican majority by the Southern Coalition for Racial Justice (SCRJ) made that clear, they say. “[The letter] enclosed expert analysis finding evidence of racially polarized voting in the Black Belt counties in recent elections,” the lawsuit said, “and that urged the General Assembly to conduct its own examination of racially polarized voting.”

“Nonetheless, the General Assembly either failed to conduct or failed to consider any Voting Rights Act analysis with respect to its 2023 state Senate plan,” the lawsuit continued.

The 2023 maps, explained According to a report from the non-partisan Quantifying Gerrymandering group at Duke University, the new maps drawn by legislature are, “more gerrymandered and less responsive than maps struck down in

2021.”

“Under these votes, both proposed maps [from SB756 and SB757] would elect 11 Republicans and three Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives while the remedial [2022] map it replaces would have elected seven Republicans and seven Democrats,” the group said.

The report continued: “The proposed congressional maps are both highly nonresponsive to changes in the opinion of the electorate.”

The new congressional map upends a number of high-profile congressional seats, including District 14’s Rep. Jeff Jackson (D), who has gained popularity for his social media presence. Jackson responded to the elimination of his seat by announcing he was running for North Carolina’s attorney general. Current Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, will be running for Governor in 2024.

Closer to home, Rep. Kathy Manning (D), who represents parts of the Triad, though not the portion of Forsyth County in which Wake Forest resides, was drawn out of her seat. Manning has served since 2021 but is unlikely to win re-election with

the new district makeup. Wake Forest is represented by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R), who has been in Congress for longer than some Wake Forest students have been alive. She is seeking re-election in 2024.

The 2022 senate maps infamously split Wake Forest’s campus in half, giving students different representation depending on which dorm they live in. In 2023, that district, District 32, covers the whole campus.

This district is currently represented by Sen. Paul Lowe (D), who has served in the seat for almost a decade. He is up for re-election in 2024.

Gov. Roy Cooper, who is finishing up the second of his only two possible terms, expressed his outrage with the new districts in a press release following their passage.

“Drawn in the back room and armed with their new law that keeps their plotting secret, they have used race and political parties to create districts that are historically discriminatory and unfair,” Cooper said.

Phil Berger, the Republican Senate Pro Tempore, disagreed, suggesting Democrats just need to compete more in larger, rural districts.

“I think those are fair maps…There’s not

a defined legal standard of what ‘fair’ is.

And I don’t think you can come up with one,” Berger said on the “Tying it Together” podcast.

Cooper’s objections are moot under state law, however. In North Carolina, the Governor is unable to veto district maps. Such action wouldn’t have been feasible either, given that Rep. Tricia Cotham’s party switch earlier this spring gave Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly. Cotham was drawn into a favorable district with an almost seven-point Republican lean in the 2023 redistricting cycle.

It is unclear the path this case will take given the federal Appeals Court ruling, but in the short term, the maps are likely to remain. However, further litigation is all but assured.

Next week’s candidate filing deadline will likely be the first real glimpse into the full impact of the 2023 district maps — the culmination of N.C. Republicans’ nearly decade-long effort.

Contact James Watson at watsjc22@wfu.edu

ϐ Resolution lobbies administration for 24/7 access to academic buildings beginning Dec. 3 HARSHIL JANI Staff Writer

Wake Forest Student Government unanimously passed Senate Resolution 4 (S.R.4) on Tuesday, Nov. 14, requesting that academic buildings be open to students for 24 hours a day between Dec. 3 and Dec. 10.

The resolution was introduced by Speaker of the House Michael Wash, Physical Planning Committee Co-chairs Mason Zamboldi and Wyatt Strassmann, and Senator Sydney Cockerham.

Student government resolutions are non-binding, so administrators must follow their recommendations if they are to have their intended effect. The Physical Planning committee is slated to meet with administrators this week, and they’re “optimistic about getting a version of the resolution implemented.”

If its recommendations are followed by administrators, the resolution will open non-classroom spaces of Greene, Carswell, Kirby, Manchester Halls, and the Scales Fine Arts Center in a pilot program in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of the College. Students normally have access to academic buildings until 11p.m.

“We want to increase student access to space they already have,” Cockerham said.

Student Government also resolved to publicize study space availability during finals week, and the Physical Planning Committee will make future recommendations according to their assessment of the program’s success.

The Physical Planning Committee conducted a Study Space Survey in October, which found that 89 percent of respondents were unsatisfied with the current study spaces available on the Reynolda campus. Additionally, 40 percent of respondents identified that academic common areas are the most common places they study, and 85 percent study past 11 p.m. during finals and midterm weeks.

Strassman stressed the importance of feedback and mentioned, “[The survey] helped us confirm what we already thought.”

“I love studying in common areas, and according to the survey, plenty of others feel the same way. Nothing is more frustrating than when the library is full, and there is no place else to go besides your room,” Zamboldi said when asked about why implementation of this program is essential to him.

Their findings highlight a significant gap in study space availability, especially during late hours. Implementing S.R.4 is expected to bridge this gap, offering students more options and flexibility in their study habits.

“We’d like to spread out demand across campus to benefit all students and increase overall space, so students are able to find places and times to study comfortably,” Zamboldi said.

The resolution authors acknowledged the need for flexibility while coordinating with university administrators to address logistical and safety concerns.

Buildings usually require staff and security for various reasons, primarily to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Besides that, liability issues could arise if students sustain injuries in the building during hours when staff is limited.

To ensure these concerns are thought through, the bill authors have proposed a pilot program open to administrators’ suggestions and input. They hope this will help reach as close to ideal conditions as possible for students who are seeking study space.

“S.R.4 is written to address student needs on campus,” Strassmann said.

“The pilot program is not to affect safety issues adversely; the focus is solely on common space.”

Ensuring students are aware of this new provision is paramount to the bill authors, and Student Government plans

There are no incidents to report.

Contact Harshil Jani at janih23@wfu.edu

Evan Harris /Old Gold & Black

The resolution requested to open non-classroom spaces of Greene, Carswell, Kirby, Manchester Halls and the Scales Fine Arts Center.

POLICE BEAT •

to publicize the program through their weekly digest and other avenues in coordination with university administrators.

Assuming the logistics are sorted, the cochairs are confident that they can work toward maximum usage.

As students anticipate the roll-out of this program, the bill authors hope that it will not only meet the immediate demand for more study spaces but also lay the groundwork for a more accommodating and student-friendly campus in the future.

“We’re optimistic that this program will be implemented and will increase student satisfaction,” Cockerham said.

Page 4 | Thursday, November 30, 2023

Old Gold & Black | News

Menstrual Access: SG and the Women’s Center collaborate to combat menstrual inequity Continued from Page 1 High prices at Wake Forest and beyond In North Carolina, menstrual products are taxed at 4.75% with an additional 2-3%, as they are considered luxury goods, not essential. This is part of a phenomenon referred to as the “Pink Tax” or “Tampon Tax” that 30 states enforce. Additionally, the “Pink Tax” refers to most women’s products, such as razors, deodorant, face wash and toddler’s clothing, which are significantly more expensive than similar men’s products.

“The construct of the Pink Tax definitely adversely affects people who menstruate and need these items,” Assistant Director of the Women’s Center Hannah Rehm said.

At Wake Forest’s P.O.D. on Hearn Plaza, the price of menstrual products is even greater than the already lofty Target prices in Winston-Salem, with a pack of 10 “Always: Ultra-Thin” pads costing $4.99 and a pack of eight “Tampax Pearl: Super” tampons costing $6.29. Those identical products are sold at Target in a pack of 44 pads for $6.29 and a pack of 36 tampons for $7.99.

Before the Menstrual Access Project provided free products, many students had to buy pads at Wake Forest prices, which were about 350% more expensive for pads and 360% more expensive for tampons per unit, compared to local Target prices.

The National Organization for Women estimates that the average woman will spend $20 on menstrual products per cycle and will spend an estimated $18,000 on those products by the time they enter menopause. Furthermore, women in 2023 make an average of 82 cents for every dollar a man makes — meaning women must incur these additional expenses with, on average, fewer financial resources.

“

I love not only providing [menstrual products] for anyone that may need them, but I also feel like we’re promoting that it’s not something to be embarrassed about. — Nora Crouch

Dispensaries and departments Khelen Kuzmovich is the academic program coordinator of Integrative Student Services at the Wake Forest School of Divinity, where one of the project’s kiosks is located. She says the project has been effective and is a positive addition to the building, as she believes in destigmatizing menstruation.

“At the Divinity School, we’re all about justice, and that includes menstrual equity,” Kuzmovich said. “We wanted to display [the products] right here in our admissions suite — we’re proud of them.”

Divinity School student Nora Crouch agrees with the school’s sentiment and has often used them herself.

“I love not only providing [menstrual products] for anyone that may need them, but also I feel like we’re promoting that it’s not something to be embarrassed about,” Crouch said. “It’s just a natural thing that happens to people.”

In Farrell Hall, kiosks are located in the Student Engagement Suite on the main floor and the Employer Relations section (A05/A54). Service Desk Specialist Chandra Graham remembers the countless times students would come to her desk as a last resort. She said she would discreetly hand those students menstrual products behind the long, glass doors that sep-

Virginia Noone/Old Gold & Black

Dispensaries with an assortment of menstrual products have been placed in various buildings across campus such as the LGBTQ+ Center in Benson University Center (pictured).

arate the suite from the busy lobby.

According to Walsh, who began planning this project last year, the dispensaries are not located inside restrooms because they must abide by Wake Forest Facilities’ policy, which, according to Sizemore, places limits on what can be present in bathrooms due to potential accumulation of fecal matter. WFU Facilities did not respond to the Old Gold & Black’s request for an interview about the policy.

Amanda Horton works with Graham as senior associate director for Integrative Student Services at the School of Business. Horton is another advocate of the Menstrual Access Project and says she recognizes the need of students when it comes to menstrual product access. “[The Business School] had been purchasing menstrual products on our own and keeping them upfront so [they were available to]students, faculty, staff or guests,” Horton said. “Now, we’re part of a larger university project, and it’s very visible…. We’re already part of the campus-wide system, and students are more aware of it, so they can come in and access it at any point on their own.”

Next steps Organizers in Student Government and the Women’s Center are enthusiastic about the positive feedback regarding the project. They hope to potentially expand the Menstrual Access Project in the coming years.

“Student Government is a great partner of ours, and we will definitely love to see how the project goes because this is our pilot year,” Rehm said.

Part of these expansions include “Women’s Health 101,” a workshop where women can discuss female health questions to local health care providers in an informal setting.

The Menstrual Access Project is also working to address menstrual poverty in Forsyth County. Organizers will be holding “Period Packing Parties” once a month where students can help address menstrual poverty in Forsyth County by putting together packs of products that are delivered to schools and women’s shelters in the area.

Contact Virginia Noone at noonvc21@wfu.edu

Virginia Noone/Old Gold & Black

A kiosk with a variety of menstrual products is seen in the School of Divinity.

FEATURES

Isabella Romine, romiie21@wfu.edu Natasha Heisenberg, heisng20@wfu.edu Eli Leadham, leadey22@wfu.edu

OLD GOLD & BLACK

PAGE 5 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Twin tales

Five pairs of twins share their Wake Forest journey together JIMENA ELMUFDI Staff Writer

From exploring the longstanding question of nature versus nurture to the miracle of perfect DNA replication, twins have always been a source of fascination.

With more than five pairs of twins on campus as undergraduates, Wake Forest is host to a tight-knit student body, taking familial bonds to another level, and each set of twins has a unique story to tell.

Christian & Anthony Wing: Double or Nothing After being set on his dream school, Boston College, Christian Wing was sure he would spend the next four years in Beantown. But an enticing new offer from Wake Forest persuaded him to leave the Eagles and bet on the Demon Deacons.

“I remember Christian had already sent his initial deposit to [Boston College], so it was a very sporadic change of plans,” Anthony Wing (‘23) said.

Anthony Wing had already committed to Wake Forest. Niki Mclnteer, the admissions officer for Latin America, had remained in close contact with the twins. After receiving only one “yes,” she called to inquire about Christian Wing. Determined to welcome both on campus that upcoming fall semester, Undergraduate Admissions was quick to propose a counteroffer, increasing their scholarship with the condition that the twins commit together.

“Since the deadline for the deposit was that same day, we had to decide immediately,” Anthony Wing (‘23) said. “We sat on a call with our parents for hours, and after constant back and forth made our choice.”

Being part of a family of five meant that their parents would be paying three college tuitions simultaneously.

As the twins described, that’s a lot of money.

“We were both mindful enough to think about how much this would help out, and so we decided to take the offer,” Christian Wing said. “Looking back now, I don’t regret it.”

Christian and Anthony Wing’s dynamic relationship also complemented their college trajectory. They were, in a way, getting the best of both worlds. According to Christian Wing, while he focused on academics, Anthony Wing focused on the social scene. Soon, they were doubling each other’s networks.

“I was very immature my first semester, so the fact that I wasn’t 100% detached from my family kept me more grounded,” Anthony Wing said. “I needed an accountability partner.”

The initial contingent decision to go to Wake Forest together ended up working wonders.

Angelina & Sofia Remnek: The Sisterly Bond Arriving as a freshman at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was intimidating, to say the least.

Thankfully, for Angelina and Sophia Remnek, coming to Wake Forest together alleviated the disadvantages that came with the highly restricted campus.

“It was definitely helpful to have someone there that wasn’t only family but my best friend,” Angelina Remnek (‘24) said. “Transitioning into school together meant that we were able to lean on each other.”

Once strict regulations were lifted, their ability to explore college individually while still having each other’s backs became key.

“I think that as things started to go back to normal, our dependency on each other wasn’t as integral,” said Angelina Remnek.

The Remnek twins had distinct interests, and although they didn’t plan on pursuing their college careers jointly, Wake Forest just happened to be the place that appealed to them both in different ways.

“Academically, there’s no overlap whatsoever,” Sophia Remnek (‘24) said. “We both major and minor in completely different things.”

Alli & Claire Boehm: On the Same Track

There are identical twins that naturally look the same, and some that even go a step further in trying to be carbon copies of each other.

Then, there’s Alli and Claire Boehm.

Being identical twins has always fueled the Boehm twins’ efforts to be different from one another.

Initially, Claire and Alli Boehm had planned to go their separate ways for college. But, when Alli Boehm’s previous recruitment plans fell through, Wake Forest became her new option. This is when all hell broke loose.

“We were both runners and wanted to keep doing it in college, but we did not want to go to college together,” Claire Boehm (‘24) said.

On Christmas day, after Claire Boehm had already committed to Wake Forest’s cross-country program, Coach Ashley Bastron gave Alli Boehm a call to ask about her decision.

It looked like the Christmas spirit wasn’t working its magic in lightening the tension. Claire’s sentiments remained strong — she wanted to be her own person.

After extensive pros and cons lists and serious family discussions, the twins reached an agreement.

“The day after Christmas, I committed to Wake [Forest],” said Alli Boehm (‘24). “Claire [Boehm] was very mad at me.”

Alli and Claire Boehm weren’t the first set of identical twins on the track team. With another set of female identical twins, the coaches were used to working at double the pace.

“They were blonde runners like us, our same height, so when we came to visit, our coaches were very used to the idea of having a set of twins on the team,” Claire Boehm said.

From the athletics perspective, it gave the track team a charming look. According to Alli Boehm, whenever the media team would pair both sets together for a picture, the engagement on the social media posts was incomparable.

Halfway through college, a radical change of plans gave Alli and Claire Boehm a new sense of direction.

“I think that an important part of our story is the fact that Claire [Boehm] stopped running in the middle of our sophomore year,” Alli Boehm said.

This shift meant that for the first time in their lives, the Boehm twins had different daily habits and social circles, despite being in the same place.

“I think that change helped us a lot,” Alli Boehm

said. “We were able to have our own spaces, but we still lived together and had overlap.”

Lizzy & Deirdre Glynn: A Family Affair Fueled by the sense of family that is fostered at Wake Forest, Lizzy and Deirdre Glynn followed in their older brother’s footsteps and decided to continue the family legacy by choosing to come to Deactown.

“We both applied [Early Decision], so Wake [Forest] was the only school we applied to,” Lizzy Glynn (‘24) said.

Their older brother’s experience was a helpful model that made it easy for them to single out Wake Forest early in the application process.

“I know that Wake [Forest] considers themselves a family school, and having our brother connect us with people at Wake [Forest] was really nice,” Lizzy Glynn said. “There are so many people we know of that have come together with their twin. They do love their families.”

One of their cousins was also attending Wake Forest at the same time, giving the Glynn twins quite the support system. They both emphasized the importance of always putting family first.

“Having immediate family around you certainly added a sense of comfort during freshman year, but even now as seniors,” Deirdre Glynn (‘24) said.

Nadia & Olivia DeMarinis: A Package Deal Equally passionate about playing Division I soccer in college, Nadia and Olivia DeMarinis have always shared similar interests while finding ways to make those shared passions exclusively their own.

“Both Nadia [DeMarinis] and I wanted to play college soccer, so we worked hard to market ourselves as a package deal within the recruiting process,” Olivia DeMarinis (‘25) said.

Instead of working separately to reach the same goal, the DeMarinis twins knew the value of fulfilling their childhood dreams together.

“We both were offered a scholarship to play on the women’s soccer team, which immediately drew us to appreciate the program,” Nadia DeMarinis (‘25 said).

Being part of the women’s soccer team isn’t the only thing that the twins have in common. As studio art majors and entrepreneurship minors, the DeMarinis twins are a testament to the way a specific field of study can be easily personalized.

“It is interesting that in the same art courses, we can be given the same prompt, but each of our final versions takes a totally diverging path from one another,” Nadia DeMarinis said. “Even when we paint the same subject, our style is completely different.”

Prompted by their harmonious relationship, Nadia and Olivia DeMarinis started their own business Retro XO. “We take donated and thrifted clothing items and repurpose them as patches on hats, giving them a new life,” Nadia DeMarinis said. “I am the CEO, and Olivia [DeMarinis] is the designer.”

Nadia and Olivia DeMarinis are in it to win it together. Like a power couple, but make it twins.

Contact Jimena Elmufdi at elmujm20@wfu.edu

Jerome with his twin granddaughters, Christa Dutton (left) and Caroline Dutton (right) Jerome Michael White as a young boy.

Jerome with his wife Margaret

Still Writing What do our last words say about a life?

CHRISTA DUTTON Editor-in-Chief

A

year ago, my grandfather suffered cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19. He found himself in the hospital, and I found myself on I-40 East, heading home to see him for the last time.

My grandfather had never been healthy — bound to vices like tobacco in his old age. He was never one for vegetables or exercise, but what he lacked in health, he made up for in resilience. He’d been to the hospital many times before and had always come home.

After getting my visitor name tag from the hospital receptionist, I rode the elevator to the cardiovascular floor. A nurse met me in the hallway and decked me out in PPE — gloves, a gown and an N95 mask.

His body was in the hospital room, but I sensed his spirit was elsewhere. Life on earth had been a passage, and he was nearing home.

I was physically in the room too, but my mind was elsewhere, soaring through the past. I thought of all my memories with him. All the text messages. All the phone calls he’d made. All the phone calls I could have made. All the voicemails he’d left because sometimes I’d be too busy to pick up. I laughed under my N95 mask when I remembered how he’d always sign his text messages with “Papa Mike” as if I didn’t know who was texting me. He didn’t understand iPhone contacts.

My visit with him was strange. It was not unlike any

other conversation I had had with him before, but I could feel this one was different. It had weight.

He was visibly weak and could barely ask me questions. I could hardly answer because I was choking back tears.

What was there to say? *** My grandfather was a storyteller. He always joked with me that I should put his stories in “my paper.”

What he meant was this newspaper, the Old Gold & Black, of which I was news editor during the last few months he was alive. I know he’d be proud to see my name at the top of the masthead with his story finally in the paper — the last paper I’ll ever put out as editorin-chief.

He was an early influence on my love for writing.

While my parents were working full time, he often watched me and my siblings after school and during the summer. He surrounded us with stories.

He had one of those car DVD players that could be strapped to the back of the front seats. He would record Scooby-Doo episodes with his camcorder and burn them on DVDs, so we could watch shows on our drive home. Looking back, I realize how funny this was.

The drive was not long, and we weren’t rowdy kids.

There was no need to keep us entertained like that. I

think he liked hearing us laugh at the characters and gasp as the mysteries unfolded, and I think, secretly, he enjoyed them, too.

For an afternoon snack, he’d pop Hot Pockets in the oven, and we’d listen to him tell stories of growing up poor in rural West Virginia.

“

I know he’d be proud to see my name at the top of the masthead with his story finally in the paper — the last paper I’ll ever put out as editor-in-chief.

My grandfather was the ninth of his parent’s 10 children. He grew up in Van, which is one of those towns with people that could make it feel larger than it was. In 2020, its population was 138. There are university lecture classes larger than that.

Old Gold & Black | Features

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 7

Jerome, known as “Papa Mike” to his grandkids, was an early influence on the author’s love for storytelling.

Jerome White, the author’s grandfather, passed away in 2022.

Jerome with his wife Margaret

He told stories of playing in the mountains with his brothers. He told stories of his dad working in the coal mines. He told us about moving to North Carolina and meeting Margaret, the woman who’d become his wife and my grandmother. He told scary stories, funny stories and serious ones too. Most of them existed somewhere between fact and fiction, and the fun of it was discerning which was which. His stories commanded our attention, and his imagination never diminished.

My grandfather also told stories with his camcorder, which he used to do more than just record television shows.

From infancy to high school, he captured his grandkids’ upbringing, so we could watch our memories, as well as his.

I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Knightdale, N.C., which meant I had way more fun than “neighborhood kids.”

My siblings and I rode bikes through the woods. We went fishing. We played basketball and turned our driveway into PNC Arena. We’d go on golf cart adventures. And my grandfather was there, recording it all. He’d ask us interview questions and make us feel like movie stars.

What my grandpa was trying to do, I think, was remember.

He passed down his West Virginia stories to preserve them.

He also wanted us to know where he came from — how hard he had worked to raise children smart enough to build successful careers. His daughter, my mother, provided opportunities for his grandchildren — who would go on to be some of the first in our family to earn Bachelor’s degrees.

Today, a box of these videos sits in my parents’ living room.

When we are all home, we like to play one and marvel at how much has changed. We notice small things like how the kitchen is painted a different color now. Or how ugly my bobbed haircut at age nine looked. And how we all were so much younger.

We also notice big things. Like how bits of our childhood attitudes gave way to our adult personalities. I was loud.

Strong-willed. Independent. A little bossy. I’ve hopefully mellowed out since then, but many of my interests remain.

One video shows me running around the house with a notebook interviewing my family members. I still love to ask questions. ***

I recently watched a short documentary film by Jay Rosenblatt called “How Do You Measure A Year?” The film is a compilation of video footage that Rosenblatt took of his daughter every year on her birthday from age two to 18.

He asks her simple questions like “What are your favorite things in life right now?” as well as more complex questions like “What is power?” Her answers show how her opinions and circumstances shift, documenting how she’s changed over her life.

The documentary’s title is inspired by the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.” The lyrics go like this: Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles In laughter, in strife This song strikes me because years are composed of the little things — the sunsets, the cups of coffee, the inches. People tend to forget the little things unless they’re documented.

There’s a few home videos that are difficult for me to watch.

My grandpa is recording and trying to ask me questions, and I brush him off. As a child, I was much more interested in watching a television show or playing with my dollhouse than talking with my grandpa. Sometimes, his videos got old, and we all grew a little annoyed. Little did I know, those videos would mean so much to me as an adult. When we miss him, we can play the DVDs and hear his deep laugh once again. The videos give us our memories back.

The videos also help me remember what formed me.

The afternoons eating Hot Pockets, watching cartoons and listening to my grandfather’s stories made me who I am, year after year.

Toward the end, the song asks, “How can you measure the life of a woman or a man?” The song’s answer?

In truths that she learned Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned Or the way that she died *** A few days after that hospital visit, my mom called me.

She was in the hospital room with my grandfather as he was slipping away. She put the phone on speaker, put it near his ear and told me to say goodbye. Here had come the moment to say the last thing I’d ever say to a man who had meant so much to me.

“Thank you,” I said.

It felt like a shallow response. I had said “thank you” to the barista who made my coffee that morning and to the stranger who held the door open.

But what was there to say?

Even “I love you” felt insufficient. People say they love their favorite foods and their best friends. They say “love you” to horrible boyfriends and their parents, all the same.

I wanted to make sure he knew that I was thankful for him. That he changed me — for the better. That he gave me a love for storytelling. That he taught me how important it is to remember.

Perhaps our gratitude to a person lies not in what we say to them in a moment, for a moment is too fleeting to encompass a lifetime. It’s not what we say, but rather it’s in understanding what they’ve been saying all along.

Thinking back to that last conversation I had with my grandfather, the one in the hospital that felt so strange, I believe I told him everything I needed to say.

“How’s school?” he said.

“Hard, but good,” I said.

“You still writing?”

“Yes, papa. Still writing.”

Contact Christa Dutton at duttcd20@wfu.edu

ENVIRONMENT OLD GOLD & BLACK

PAGE 8 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Una Wilson, wilsui20@wfu.edu Ella Klein, kleiek22@wfu.edu

ϐ Gov. Cooper declares state of emergency, including Forsyth County ELLA KLEIN Environment Editor

hard it was to contain the fires.

“The fire itself is a hard task to control,” Watson said.

A wildfire ignited in nearby Stokes County on Nov. “The easiest thing to do in 18 continues to burn.

The fire began in the Sauratown Mountains, a popu- situations such as this is to allar place for hiking, swimming and biking in the Pied- low the fire to burn itself out. mont Triad. The range is named after the indigenous This is accomplished with Saura tribe that originally resided there and contains backfires, which are fires set both Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Park, in coordination with crew which are popular hiking spots for Wake Forest stu- placement to control burn areas, so the fire has no fuel dents and the club Outdoor Pursuits.

Before the fire on the Sauratown Mountain chain once it reaches it. Also, cutignited, a State of Emergency was already in effect for ting in fire lines well in adfires in the western part of the state. North Carolina vance of the fire where it’s Gov. Roy Cooper issued a State of Emergency on Nov. much safer to do so helps to remove the fuel, [so] the fire 8.

Photo courtesy of WFMY2 On Nov. 20, Cooper issued an executive order to will no longer be able to susinclude 16 other counties in the Piedmont Triad, tain burning.” ǡ Further attempts to con- ͻͲΨ Ǥ including Forsyth County. The emergency area was expanded because the North Carolina Drought Man- trol the blaze were heavily agement Advisory Council observed that the drought impacted by the lack of rain and humidity, creating around Sauratown Mountain.”

Officials evacuated several private homes along Sauconditions this month are the most extreme the state the dry conditions seen across western North Caroratown Mountain Road, as well as Mountain Youth lina.

However, some rainfall that happened early Tueshas seen since 2017.

Top Camp, a local summer camp. Camp Hanes, anday, Nov. 20, helped get a large part of the wildfire “The fires and the continued droughts across the other popular summer camp for young Winston-Sastate pose a risk to public health and safety, and we under control.

There were no reported injuries due to the fire. At lem residents, was also in danger of evacuation but was want to ensure that all residents and their property remain safe and protected,” Cooper said in a press re- times, more than 100 firefighters were working to deemed safe.

Jackie Sparnicht, a senior at Wake Forest and a Wincontrol the wildfire, which was hard to combat due to lease about the declaration.

This State of Emergency is in effect for 30 days, end- restraints created by the rough terrain. The smaller fire ston-Salem local, is an outdoor enthusiast who is sad department of Stokes County outsourced to neigh- to see nearby mountains ablaze, like they have been in ing Dec. 20.

As of Sunday, the wildfire that started in the Saura- boring fire departments, including those in Forsyth the past.

“I remember when Pilot Mountain caught on fire a town Mountains had spread over 800 acres and was County.

“Though we are different, we are the same, and with couple of years ago — that was really devastating for 90% contained. Wildfire containment is defined by how much of the fire has been encapsulated within a that, acted in the same fashion to assist in the efforts the community, and it’s sad to see that type of damage to control the wildfire in question,” Watson said. “Our happen again,” Sparnicht said. “One of my favorite containment line that the fire will not cross.

Bradley Watson, a fire investigator at the City of primary focus was to provide manpower and equip- pastimes is spending time outdoors, and a lot of the Winston-Salem Fire Department, saw firsthand how ment for structural protection to the properties on and time as a Winston-Salem resident you have to outsource to more rural areas like Stokes County.”

With incidents like the Weaver Fertilizer Plant fire in 2022 or the smoke that drifted into the east coast from the 2023 Canadian Wildfires, many residents are becoming increasingly concerned with exposure to poor air quality in Forsyth County.

“The largest health impact would be attributed to the smoke,” Watson said. “It is known to exacerbate health issues, mostly in regard to the respiratory system.…Other community and health issues could be runoff from firefighting operations, the logistics and management of people and equipment and the obvious effects of evacuations on the people and properties involved.”

Wildfires not only have serious strains on the local fire departments and personnel but also on the communities around them — especially those that have heavy tourism related to outdoor spaces, like state parks.

“I’m nervous as I feel like there’s been an uptick in fires around North Carolina recently — not just on behalf of the state parks but the communities around them,” Sparnicht said. “It’ll be interesting to see how further burn bans are implemented, and how other measures are put in as they don’t know what started the fires yet. Especially if that affects camping and hiking, which are some of the main attractions of the local state parks, and other privately owned businesses Photo courtesy of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly that cater towards the outdoorsy.” ϐ ʹͲǤ Ǥ Contact Ella Klein at kleiek22@wfu.edu

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 9

Environment | Old Gold & Black

Sleigh the holidays, give the gift of sustainability A gift-giving guide to make this holiday season eco-friendly and bright UNA WILSON & ELLA KLEIN Environment Editors

normally would throughout the year.

On average, Americans produce 25% more waste, or one million tons of extra waste, each week during the holiday season. This holiday season, show your friends and family you care about them (and also the planet).

If you’re feeling worried about overconsumption spoiling your holiday fun, fear not! We have compiled a guide to sustainable gift-giving to ensure your presents warm the hearts of your loved ones and keep the Grinch — also known as climate change — away from your hearth.

Winter is upon us. Car heaters are turned to their highest blast. Fall cardigans stay hidden beneath winter parkas and gloves. The jing-a-ling of the Salvation Army volunteers standing outside of Trader Joe’s gives a merry backdrop to the hordes of shoppers clambering to get their mittened hands on the sweet seasonal peppermint Joe-Joes. String lights twinkle above the pine-smelling Christmas tree pop-up stands on the side of the road. The aesthetic excitement of the holidays dazzles and brightens Winston-Salem’s bustling streets and storefronts.

1. Regift what you already have

“

Sometimes, the best place to shop for gifts is in the aisles of your own home!

Gifting personal items that you no longer use, such as hand-me-down clothing items or jewelry, not only saves you money but adds a personal touch to your presents.

An estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper get produced in the U.S. annually — nearly half of which ends up in landfills.

2. Homemade gifts show them you care The recent popularity of bunting made of dried oranges and foraged christmas wreaths have put sustainability-centered holiday decor and gifts on the map.

Many DIY projects are easier than one might think — like making homemade vanilla extract or hot-cocoa premixes in cute mason jars you can decorate.

The stresses of holiday gift shopping, however, can make that cheer feel more malicious than merry. The holidays are also notorious for encouraging people to buy and consume more than they

3. Make a donation in someone else’s name Giving money to a foundation or nonprofit that does work for a cause of personal meaning to you or your loved one can be a way to direct your financial resources to places where they are most needed. Most foundations will allow you to make the donation in the name of another person, which allows you to recognize and celebrate your loved one for the holiday season while placing your cash in hands that will use it for change. There are hundreds of nonprofit organizations on the local, statewide and national level accepting donations year-round — only a click away. Local environmental-focused organizations, like Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Yadkin River Keeper, deserve some holiday generosity.

4. Shop local Winston-Salem is home to many thriving local businesses, all with stunning holiday gifts to give your loved ones. Shopping locally not only reduces carbon emissions that come from shipping and travel but supports your community and local economy. Local shops like The Green House located on Poplar Street or Remedy Apothecary in Pfafftown make in-house balms, salves, can-

dles and tinctures, all which are perfect for the winter season. Piedmont Environmental Alliance, a local environmental non-profit, even has a useful list of Green Business Members that have a pledge to sustainability, including A/ perture Cinema, Camino Bakery and Village Fabric Shop.

5. Wrap your gifts sustainably An estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper get produced in the U.S. annually — nearly half of which ends up in landfills, according to a study at Sundale Research. To cut down on waste and retain the fun of unwrapping a surprise gift, opt for used cloths or scarves to wrap your presents instead of paper. Brown paper from old grocery bags can also be used to cover your presents without consuming plastic-coated, store bought wrapping paper. Brown paper biodegrades quickly and requires fewer resources to produce, as well. You can even use newspapers like this one — after you’ve read it of course. Saving your wrapping paper is also a great way to cut back on paper-related waste.

Small changes can add up to make a large impact on the wellbeing of the planet this gift-giving season. We hope this gift guide will help you jingle all the way to sustainable holidays ahead!

Contact Una Wilson and Ella Klein at wilsui20@wfu.edu & kleiek22@wfu.edu

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On average, Americans produce 25% more waste, or one million tons of extra waste, each week during the holiday season.

OPINION

PAGE 10 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

OLD GOLD & BLACK

Shaila Prasad, prassp21@wfu.edu

The views expressed in all opinion columns represent those of the article’s author, not the opinions of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board

The call left unanswered: A review of President Wente’s annual address DILLON CLARK Senior Columnist

Over the past few months, our Wake Forest community has faced a mountain of adversity and scrutiny. Students, faculty and the administration alike have been subject to significant pressure as the IsraelHamas war rages on. The combination of strong emotions — grief and frustration — and palpable social tension is exhausting and overwhelming for our community. As we navigate that crisis, the community also continues to reckon with its fall from the U.S. News & World Report rankings’ top 30 national universities. In such difficult and stressful times, we seek inspiration from our leaders, specifically from our university president.

On Thursday, Nov. 16, Wake Forest President Dr. Susan Wente had an opportunity to meet this expectation when she stepped up to the podium for her annual presidential address. While the speech had its high points, I still couldn’t help from feeling disappointed as I left.

Don’t get me wrong, it was not a bad speech. After all, Wente had the opportunity to celebrate a few well earned accomplishments. But in the past year, the struggles our community continues to face — between the tension of the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S. News Rankings — were not substantially addressed.

For example,Wente did not mention or address Wake Forest’s drop in the U.S. News rankings. To my knowledge, the last time Wente or the administration commented on the matter was in September, in an additional statement to the Old Gold & Black where she said, “We’re going to continue to focus on our values and our strategy, and we’re not going to change our mission based on what the U.S. News is doing, or what it’s deciding to measure.”

While it is true that such rankings fail to define us as a community and that our school has not declined academically in the past year, many members of our community have felt a sting of disappointment. So maybe we should care a bit. As a multi-variable evaluation of our school, the U.S. News ranking rightly pointed out flaws within our university — such as a lack of economic and social diversity.

During her address, Wente touted present initiatives that work to address some of these deficiencies, including the For Humanity scholarship — an initiative that has secured $50 million dollars in new scholarship support to help lower the barriers for deserving students.

Despite the increased criticism our university has faced for economic diversity, Wente did not respond or demonstrate any increased level of dedication to such flaws. It was portrayed as if we were content with our current standing.

Again, don’t get me wrong. The For Humanity Scholarship is a great initiative and a step in the right direction. But it by no means is sufficient to address the problem at hand. The U.S. News rankings proved to us that what we have now is not enough. We need to do more to address the lack of diversity at Wake Forest. This sentiment, however, was not put forth during her speech.

Furthermore, Wente did not sufficiently speak to the common feeling of grief, uncertainty and pressure felt by students, faculty and staff alike regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

Multiple times in her speech, Wente addressed the violence — urging the community to come together during this difficult time for communal grieving. She praised how students have modeled the creation of spaces for peaceful reflection, learning and prayer in this adverse time.

While her words are inspiring and urge us to come together in this time of suffering, they also did not sufficiently address certain anguish within the community. For example, the war brings difficulty for our professors within the classroom. Even on such an intense and sensitive issue, professors continue to be left without guidance from the administration about how to foster positive, productive and respectful conversations around the current conflict. Wente’s speech was an opportunity to guide faculty on how to approach this issue and share active steps taken by the administration, yet that call is still unanswered.

Wente’s speech did touch on some great improvements within our community. Wente and Wake Forest are undoubtedly dedicated to a brighter future — both on and off campus. We should be excited for what is to come.

For example, Wente announced a few exciting initiatives and developments. For example, Wente highlighted the university’s decision to create a childcare center after decades of advocacy from faculty and staff. The construction of the childcare center is a great investment in the Wake Forest community and serves as a great example of the good our community can accomplish through advocacy. In addition to

thewnew center, Wente spoke about numerous recent upgrades and investments on campus, including a $1 million investment this summer to renovate classrooms. Wente further elaborated on the university’s plan to invest in residential, retail and community services off-campus in Winston-Salem, including an initiative to redevelop the area surrounding Wake Forest’s athletic stadiums.

These developments and investments are exciting improvements to our university, and I commend Wente and the Wake Forest administration for their hard work and dedication.

But at the same time, only celebrating success ignores the bitter realities of the present. Without a doubt, the U.S. News rankings and the Israel-Hamas war put Wente in a tough situation. But the greatest leaders aren’t born in the easiest moments. Rather, they are born in moments of struggle — when they can offer light in a time of darkness.

The way I see it right now, our community is wounded by our struggles. We are tired. We are frustrated. We are anxious. This speech was Wente’s opportunity to nurture and care for these wounds. Yet, it was merely a Band-Aid. It covers the wound but does not heal it.

Wente’s speech mentioned the problems but did not address them. Now — more than ever — healing, care and active leadership are desperately needed. On that front, the speech did not answer the call.

Contact Dillon Clark at clardj22@wfu.edu

Zaina Singh/Old Gold & Black

Wake Forest President Dr. Susan Wente delivers her annual address on Nov. 16 in Brendle Recital Hall. Senior Columnist Dillon Clark writes that Wente’s speech fell short of his expectations.

Opinion | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 11

What is the best season on campus?

A love letter to spring’s vibrant air LOURDES LOPEZ Staff Columnist Wake Forest University awakens with a vibrant splendor as spring’s colors and picturesque scenes begin to embellish the campus. Far from the cold and neglectful ambience that winter embodies, spring creates a warm and welcoming embrace that creates the perfect backdrop for students’ academic pursuits and reflections.

As the magnolia blossoms unfurl and dogwoods paint the landscape with delicate petals, the university breathes in rhythm with the awakening world around it. Spring represents more than just a change in the seasons at Wake Forest; it represents the promise of gentle breezes and bright afternoons. It is a time when academic knowledge and the natural world come together to create a harmonious whole. As a lover of the outdoors, I find that this time of year always brightens my mood and makes my stressful academic workload not as daunting as it is during other seasons.

Although the vibrant scene and mood that spring creates at Wake Forest are reason enough to name it as the best time of the year on campus, the rebirth of the world after a long winter, the return of outdoor activities and the end-of-academicyear celebrations make the season truly unmatched.

Spring weather is unparalleled. It is the perfect combination between summer and fall as the temperatures are mild, like in the fall, but the skies are clear with bright sunshine. As winter relinquishes its hold, the arrival of spring ushers in more than just a change in temperature — it ushers in a shift in the collective mood and energy of the Wake Forest community.

The emergence of vibrant blooms and the subtle warmth in the air create an environment conducive to elevated spirits. During the spring, I feel surges of productivity throughout the day. Unlike during the winter, I am able to study and talk to my friends outside, taking in the rays of sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Moreover, the mild weather provides the perfect environment for increased outdoor activities, contributing to an increase in physical activity and social interactions.

You start to see more people throwing frisbees or playing spikeball on Hearn Plaza.

One of my favorite spring activities are the picnics my friends and I organize on Hearn Plaza or at Reynolda Village. The expansive lawns and inviting green spaces become communal gathering points, fostering a sense of camaraderie among students. Whether engaging in impromptu study sessions under the shade of blossoming trees or participating in recreational sports on sunlit afternoons,

spring weather is a catalyst for fostering connections and forging friendships.

Additionally, many of my favorite events take place during spring at Wake Forest.

One that immediately comes to mind is Wakeville — a student-led showcase and arts festival connecting all the art departments with each other and the rest of campus. Various dance groups, performers, bands and artists reveal to the student body all their hard work and incredible talents.

Thanks to the warm weather, many students also take trips with their friends to the beach or even the mountains. Some friends and I decided to go to Boonville, N.C., last spring semester, and it was the perfect getaway to destress from our workload and see the picturesque scenery. At the same time, the excitement for “beach weekend” is heightened, compared to mountain weekend in the fall. These are weekend trips organized by the Wake Forest fraternities, during which its members and selected attendees partake in many social and outdoor events. So as you can see, the spring season at Wake Forest is filled with engaging activities and events.

As the academic year draws to a close, the energy on campus becomes charged with a mix of accomplishment and anticipation for the future. Spring serves as a backdrop for various end-of-year celebrations, from academic recognitions to commencement ceremonies. These events contribute to a collective sense of achievement and pride, elevating the overall morale of the university community. The transition from rigorous academic pursuits to celebratory occasions during spring encapsulates the diverse dimensions of the university experience, further enhancing the positive atmosphere that permeates the campus.

Spring at Wake Forest is not merely a seasonal change but a transformative time that molds the energy of the university community. It is a time when the natural beauty of the surroundings converges with academic endeavors, fostering an environment in which the pursuit of knowledge seamlessly intertwines with the joy of communal existence.

As the university community basks in the rejuvenating embrace of spring, the collective spirit soars, creating an atmosphere where inspiration, connection and achievement flourish.

Contact Lourdes Lopez at lopelm22@wfu.edu

Fall’s leaves bring vitality SHERYL ZHANG Staff Columnist To me, fall is the one season of the year when Wake Forest turns so beautiful that it seems to enclose our campus. Fall always comes with the beginning of a new school year, it’s been embedded in my memory ever since. After all, it was in fall that I first started to like my life at Wake Forest.

I still remember the first time I came to this completely strange place as a freshman. It was early autumn. The sky was blue like an endless silk scarf without interference of impurities barring the soft clusters of white clouds. These fall clouds are like a kaleidoscope, changing their shapes and postures every second, updating with new chapters of a story that are seasonally defined. During my first year, I often regarded the window as a picture frame in this season, staring at Wait Chapel and the clear sky behind it like an oil painting. To this day, I am still entranced by the sights of Wake Forest in the fall.

It sometimes seems to me that fall at Wake Forest has even more vitality than the spring. While fall may not convey the vibrancy of life as overtly or directly as the emergence of new shoots and branches in spring, its energy is articulated through the metaphor of dormancy and the cyclical nature of life. This imparts a distinctive philosophy of nature and captures the enchantment of life.

Nothing is permanent. The fruits will ripen and drop in autumn, the leaves will turn golden and fall — all the vitality is hidden in the vast underground, waiting for the new year to burst again. The life of nature changes and reincarnates in this season, silently showing us that there is no need to hurry, life has its own rules and rhythms.

“Autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower,” philosopher Albert Camus wrote. This sentence always pops up in my mind every fall season.

Standing in the autumn wind, I like to listen to the dry yet colorful leaves freely fluttering in the air and then gradu-

ally falling all over the ground. As people hurry against the wind toward their destinations, the crunch of their steps follows.

Eventually, the leaves will decay, become broken pieces and sink into the soil silently, modestly. There is beauty in the process — the transformation of chaos to peace. This is also a song of life. The leaves choose to quietly integrate into the earth in autumn, waiting for another round of natural birth.

I have been at Wake Forest for three years now. I have sent away two senior classes, and I have become a junior, forced to confront the next stage of my life in the near future. It is true that the days of fall always bring people a sense of melancholy, aggravating my longing for home. As an international student, I lament how time flies and keep thinking about the past and the moments I spent with my family in weather like this. However, the natural philosophy of autumn also reminds me that the wheel of life never stops turning, maintaining the cycle and operation of life. It does not stop moving forward because a leaf is clinging to the branch, or because a person is nostalgic and stuck in the past.

Fall on campus makes me wonder if we should all live like the autumn leaves. No matter which direction they fly, they fly forward; no matter the land on which they fall, they melt into it, adapt and bravely wait till next spring.

Wake Forest has its own seasons. Each class of students will experience four years of growth until graduation and depart, just like the leaves bloom in the spring and fall in the autumn. As the old leaves fall, the new leaves will continue to bud and the everlasting cycle of life completes itself. No leaf will stay on this branch forever — it will always leave. However, I believe that the departure of each leaf signifies the coming new life. Even if we are afraid of the unknown and change, we must always face it and meet the potential it brings.

Each graduate has left a different trace on this campus — just like the fallen leaves leave a trace on the soil. They never truly leave; they just become a new leaf hanging on a different branch and accompany the campus in a more abstract form.

Contact Sheryl Zhang at zhans21@wfu.edu Shaila Prasad/Old Gold & Black

Page 12 | Thursday, April 13, 2023

Old Gold & Black | Opinion

Higher education must be more cautious when speaking out on public crises By unnecessarily taking positions on domestic and and international affairs, universities complicate their guiding educational mission JACOB GRAFF Contributing Columnist

Recently, the question of when, how and whether institutions of higher education (IHEs) should respond to both domestic and international crises — especially those that have little to do with their core education missions — has come to the forefront of national discourse. Today, international conflicts abound, with the most notable being those in Europe and the Middle East. But there are other issue areas like the ArmenianAzerbajaini conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Myanmar Civil War, where thousands have been killed in ethnic conflict, that get no attention from university presidents.

Why are some crises deserving of a statement of support and others not?

Wake Forest has a recorded, yet inconsistent history of commenting publicly on domestic and international issues beyond the two most recent crises. Former Wake Forest President Dr. Nathan Hatch openly discussed the Haitian earthquake in 2010 and the Atlanta mass shooting that targeted Asian Americans in a time of rising hate. The latter statement even took a stance on “gender violence.” Yet Hatch did not opine on all such events. For example,Wake Forest released no statement on the San Bernandino shooting in 2015 that killed 16 people. Half of that total were killed in Atlanta.

When it comes to statements, arbitrary decisionmaking opens the door for confusion on when, how and why schools comment on issues outside of their educational mandate. Clarity and consistency on this topic of public university statements are of paramount importance. Schools must adopt and make known a position of neutrality on political issues.

The decision to release a statement at all seems less than systematic. Wake Forest, along with the vast majority of IHEs, seems to struggle here. If it cannot, or will not, refrain from making statements on issues that may be captured by inclusive mottos like “For Humanity,” but fall outside of its core educational mandate, transparency is the best alternative. The school would

do well to establish and publicize criteria for their public pronouncements so students, staff, faculty, administrators and parents can know how Wake Forest sees its role in the rhetorical ecosystem of higher education and public crises.

The decision to make a statement is inherently political. As a result, there will be those who advocate for the university to refrain from commenting on all crises because it is difficult to establish a clear definition of when a statement deserves release. The Kalven Report, drafted at the University of Chicago in 1967, recommends that universities not adopt a “collective position” on “political or social” topics. But that does not mean that universities cannot offer messages of generic support to impacted individuals within the campus community. The University of Chicago itself sent out messages to students in the wake of Hamas’s attacks offering resources and guidance in light of the conflict. The university, therefore, must determine what statement adequately balances student need and institutional neutrality.

Crafting a public statement that satisfies involved parties while maintaining the university’s reputation is critical and difficult. Taking a stand on any isolated issue is inherently risky. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have both risen as the Israel-Hamas war rages on.

Statements that mention one without the other have been seen in the past as the university taking sides. The unavoidable reality is that any incomprehensive stance will be incongruent with a faction of the administrative, faculty or student body’s opinions, and effectively censure minority voices. All schools must take immense care in ensuring their speech does not limit that of others.

Wake Forest’s recent statements have been a mixed bag. On Oct. 10, the school released a short statement calling all violent acts “an affront to our shared humanity.” On Oct. 16, Wake Forest expressly condemned all terroristic and violent acts. But as the infamous motto says, “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” Since Wake Forest has no way to confirm that all members of the campus community fa-

Virginia Noone/Old Gold & Black

"When it comes to statements, arbitrary decision-making opens the door for confusion on when, how and why schools comment on issues outside of their educational mandate."

vor their expressed view, it should refrain from taking any stance on this war and others ongoing or in the future. Instead, all statements should center community members’ well-being and offer resources for support, as Wake Forest stated on Oct. 10, and continue to promote long-held tenets of academic freedom and free expression, as Wake Forest stated on Oct. 16.

Stated plainly, my advice to IHEs is this: Commit to institutional neutrality officially and publicly. Do not attempt to appease all viewpoints or with lengthy refrains on all the various forms of hate that exist. It is a thankless, impossible task. It is preferable to avoid such topics altogether. Short-and-sweet boilerplate statements will anger those who believe the university must take a stand on the issue du jour in the world. But they are essential to managing public expectations the next time a crisis strikes and the administration debates how to respond.

With the previous structure in place for all public statements on public affairs, the task of deciding whether to comment at all becomes simplified. It is still preferable that schools prioritize silence, because the more a school speaks out, the more likely it is that internal debate is stifled and external criticism is raised.

But if schools limit their statements to community well-being and refuse to take a stand, they should feel more comfortable in releasing comments on issues that impact students, faculty or administrators. Of course, education issues are political issues too, and pose problems regarding the question of public comment. As the Kalven Report argues, though, schools have a right to respond to social issues that “threaten the very mission of the university and its values of free inquiry.” Only within these limited parameters should IHEs take public stances on the social and political problems of the day.

When schools routinely promote value judgements rather than community support, they run the risk of outrage. Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia sent out an email on Oct. 8 — the day after Hamas’s terror attacks — condemning the violence in Israel and offering support to impacted members of the community. In an Oct. 20 editorial, the Georgetown Voice, an independent university news magazine, condemned the first statement for reducing Palestinians to terrorists — which it did not — and for not contextualizing Hamas’s terrorism — which it did not and should not. In this example, a relatively political statement, meaning one in which the deaths of only one side were acknowledged, was criticized for not being expressly political enough, albeit in the other, correct direction.

Yet even neutral statements, such as those made by Stanford University, faced pushback from “dozens of faculty [who] signed a letter demanding ‘unambiguous condemnation’ of the Hamas attacks.”

This advice, therefore, is not a panacea, and following it will not pacify all who have vested interests in making sure the university speaks the way they want it to. But it does provide the best balance between the values of the university, its campus community, and the outside world. Schools are too often paralyzed and confused by community demands on their public responses to crises. But they do not have to be. By committing to a policy of transparency in deciding when the university comments and brief neutrality in deciding how they comment, universities put themselves on a path to long-term public relations success.

These crises revolve around theories that have no clear answers, and gray value judgments sit uneasily in a world divided, engrossed in black-and-white thinking. Is violence against civilians ever justified? Is Russia exercising legitimate claims to historical lands? Ultimately, IHEs should have little to say on these topics.

For the sake of the university, these are questions for professors, not presidents, to answer.

Contact Jacob Graff at grafje20@wfu.edu

Cooper Sullivan sullcg20@wfu.edu Aaron Nataline nataae21@wfu.edu Sean Kennedy kennsm21@wfu.edu

SPORTS

PAGE 13 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Follow us on X @wfuogbsports OLD GOLD & BLACK

Football season ends on sour note with 35-31 loss to Syracuse

:DNH )RUHVW ¿QLVKHV ZLWK UHFRUG streak of seven consecutive bowl games ends

COOPER SULLIVAN Sports Editor For a football season full of missteps, shortcomings and glaring question marks, it was fitting that Wake Forest’s season finale, a 35-31 defeat to Syracuse (6-6, 2-6 ACC), included all three.

On Saturday, the Demon Deacons (48, 1-7 ACC) lost their fifth-straight game, earned the program’s worst record since 2015 and ended their seven-year postseason streak.

It’s a terrible trifecta, paired with the fact that Wake Forest is only two years removed from an ACC Championship appearance, which would lead many fans to believe the 2023 season was a total failure.

Head Coach Dave Clawson refuses to look at it that way.

“I’m not happy with our record, but these guys showed up every day,” Clawson said. “They prepared hard, they practiced hard, they played hard down to the very, very final play.”

He continued: “We’re not in the “happy-to-be-close” business, and I understand that we’re expected to win football games. We accept that expectation, but I am proud of our players. A lot of times you go through years like this, and you seem to give up. That never happened with this group.”

There were plenty of instances of this never-say-die mentality — like cornerback Jamare Glasker’s goal-line stand after a 15-yard leaping penalty from linebacker Jacob Roberts nearly gifted Syracuse another score before halftime, or quarterback Michael Kern orchestrating four touchdown drives to keep up with the Orange’s offense — but unfortunately, it was not enough.

Down four with 5:44 remaining in the game, Wake Forest forced Syracuse to punt for the first and only time all afternoon. Taylor Morin (7 rec, career-high 140 yds) returned the punt past midfield to set the Wake Forest offense up for the potential game-winning drive.

A five-broken tackle, 13-yard scramble

ACC SCOREBOARD AP Poll rankings in parentheses; as of Monday, Nov. 27 Records updated through Tuesday, Nov. 28

Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics

Quarterback Michael Kern posted career highs on Saturday; however, the offensive production was not enough to overcome Syracuse. from Kern (17-for-24, 261 yds, 3 TD, INT, 9 rush, 30 yd), two runs up the middle from Justice Ellison (11 rush, 38 yds, TD) and a defensive pass interference from a Syracuse defender put the Demon Deacons well in striking distance within the 10-yard line. Because Wake Forest failed a two-point conversion on the previous score — a beautiful back-corner catch from Wesley Grimes (3 rec, 31 yds, 2 TD) — Clawson and Co. were in fourdown territory.

After taking a third-down sack at the line of scrimmage, there was one play left. Evading pressure, Kern rolled out to his right and sent one last prayer into the endzone, a low thrown ball to Morin.

Defensive back Jason Simmons Jr. dove in front of Morin, intercepting the pass, extinguishing the visiting team’s hopes of a comeback and ending Wake Forest’s season.

“I could have potentially gotten Taylor Morin on rhythm,” Kern said about the final play. “I’m sure I’m gonna go back

and watch that on tape and wish you could correct things, but in the moment, I didn’t. Moved out, tried to get him a low ball and just missed a little bit.” “[Kern] was really clean,” Clawson said. “I mean, we didn’t have any turnovers till the fourth down one, and I can’t fault him for that. On fourth down you got to at least get the ball in the air and give yourself a chance.”

Clawson defended the decision to go for two after Grimes by saying he did not want the game to go to overtime.

“At that point, we hadn’t got a stop the whole day,” Clawson said. “And, you know, their kicker is better than our kicker. I just wanted to try to win the game in regulation, and if you go for two there and you get it, then you kick the field goal, you win the game. If you don’t get it, then you know you have to try to score a touchdown.”

With the exception of the fourthquarter stop and a tip-drill interception

by Roberts (7 tackles) and safety Nick

Men's Basketball Clemson Duke (7) Miami (8) UNC (17) UVA FSU Pitt Syracuse Virginia Tech Boston College NC State Georgia Tech Louisville Notre Dame Wake Forest

Women's Basketball NC State (5) Miami Louisville (22) Florida State (15) Georgia Tech Notre Dame (18) Syracuse Virginia Tech (9) UNC (24) Duke UVA Clemson Boston College Wake Forest Pitt

W-L 6-0 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 4-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 4-2 4-2 3-2 3-3 3-3 3-3

(ACC) 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

W-L 7-0 5-0 6-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-2 4-2 4-2 5-3 3-4 2-4 2-5

(ACC) 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Andersen (2 tackles, INT), Wake Forest’s defense struggled. The Orange offense put up 468 yards (224, pass, 224 rush), converted 12 of their 17 third-down attempts and was a perfect 2-for-2 on fourth down.

Because quarterback Garrett Shrader (219 tot yds, 4 tot TD, INT) was still recovering from undisclosed injuries, interim Syracuse Head Coach Nunzio Campanile employed four different players to take snaps, mostly in the form of a wildcat offense. That didn’t matter to wide receiver Damien Alford (4 rec, 126 yds, 2 TD), who burnt past the depleted Wake Forest secondary multiple times, including on a 47-yard pass from tight end Dan Villari (2-for-2, 51 yd, 13 rush, 51 yd, 1 rec, 13 yd, 2 tot TD).

“That’s what we were expecting the last two weeks with the opponents they faced, but they’re able to utilize [Ellison] more in the passing game, guess he was feeling better from whatever injury he had,” said safety Malik Mustapha, who finished with a career-high 13 tackles.

“We just didn’t execute on that level. We had to adjust, and on some plays, we made some plays, [and on other plays], we didn’t.”

With the win, Syracuse claimed bowl eligibility for the second-straight year.

For Wake Forest, the offseason starts earlier than years past. Had it won, Wake Forest would have secured the final of 82 bowl spots with only a 5-7 record due to its high Academic Progress Rate (APR).

Clawson said that meetings with the team to determine the course of action for the 2024 season begin next week.

Both Kern and Mustapha, who would be using their sixth and fifth years of eligibility, respectively, said they need more thought as to whether they will return to Wake Forest.

The NCAA transfer portal officially opens on Dec. 4, and NFL draft declarations will be soon to follow.

Contact Cooper Sullivan at sullcg20@wfu.edu WBB vs. Texas A&M 9 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 30 WBB @ James Madison 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3 MBB vs. Rutgers 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 6 WBB vs. UNC-Charlotte 6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 7 MBB vs. NJIT 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9 WBB vs. Norfolk State 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10

Old Gold & Black | Sports

Page 14 | Thursday, November 30, 2023

Transfer portal claims two quarterbacks ϔ Marucci to leave in May COOPER SULLIVAN Sports Editor

Stillerman: I’ve got the ‘Deacon Blues’ For some, being a Wake Forest fan this football season is truly heartbreaking MATTIE STILLERMAN Staff Writer

hoping that the Old Dominion game was just a fluke and the Demon Deacons would make my parents proud. Yet, alas, the Demon Deacons went down. Wake Forest had a million chances to win this game, but it came down to the fundamentals. The home team had five turnovers, threw two interceptions and had three fumbles recovered

by Georgia Tech. As the Demon Deacons lost 30-16, my dad and I held our heads in our hands. This is not what we needed before taking on the Clemson Tigers.

Hopefully, the bye week would help.

Mitch Griffis, Wake Forest’s starting quarterback for much of the 2023 season, intends to enter the transfer portal. The redshirt sophomore announced his decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday morning.

“I am incredibly thankful for my four years at Wake Forest,” Griffis wrote. “The friendships and memories I have created will last a lifetime. A special thank you to Coach Clawson and Coach [Ruggerio] for giving me an opportunity to live out my dream. I will always be a Demon Deacon.”

Griffis was the Demon Deacons’ starting quarterback for nine games but was benched for redshirt junior Michael Kern during the Nov. 11 loss to NC State. He did not appear in the final two games of the season.

Named a team captain at the beginning of the season, Griffis finished the year with 1,553 passing yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions, while rushing for 128 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked 34 times over the course of 9 games.

Redshirt sophomore Santino Marucci also announced his intent to transfer on X, an hour after Griffis did. As the third-string quarterback, Marucci appeared in three games during the 2023 season, but only threw a pass in one of them.

The Jacksonville, Fla. native was carried off the field after orchestrating a last-second comeback victory against Pitt on Oct. 21. Marucci threw for 151 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Both Griffis and Marucci will transfer from the team after graduating from Wake Forest in May 2024.

They will have two years of eligibility left and will be immediately eligible to play.

With the Griffis and Marucci’s departures, only two scholarship players remain in the Wake Forest quarterback room — Kern and freshman Charlie Gilliam. Jeremy Hecklinski, a three-star recruit from Walton High School in Marietta, Ga., will enroll early during the upcoming spring semester.

On Tuesday afternoon, Kern announced that he will be returning for his sixth and final year of college football on Instagram.

During a press conference before the Nov. 18 game against Notre Dame, Head Coach Dave Clawson said that next year’s starting quarterback will not be named in the spring, like Griffis was.

“It will be an open competition and whoever wins that job, whether they’re on the roster now or not on the roster now, will be the best quarterback.”

As the young daughter of two Wake Forest alumni, I used to wear a cheerleader uniform, put temporary tattoos on my cheeks and wave my black and gold pom poms high up in the air as I watched my favorite team play. I love the Demon Deacons.

But what happened to them?

As you have probably seen, the football team was not very good this season. At this point, after leaving most home games as defeated as those on the field, I need to feel the Old Gold and Black spirit again.

Experiencing this season has been like experiencing heartbreak — it’s almost like I have gone through the five stages of grief.

And I don’t know how much more grief my heart can take.

Contact Cooper Sullivan at sullcg20@wfu.edu

During this football season, utter confusion was a common sight from the student section, as was the case against Georgia Tech.

Weeks 1-2 — Denial At the beginning of every football season, my hopes and dreams were yet to be sacked; I’m an optimist and truly believe every season is our season. This year, I was not just the daughter of Demon Deacons, but I was a Demon Deacon myself. For my freshman year season, my hopes were higher and my dreams were bigger than ever.

The team started out strong with a 37-17 win against Elon at home. The student section was roaring, and the marching band was electric (shout out to my favorite cheer “How ‘Bout Them Deacs”) because the Demon Deacons were 1-0!

After an ominous thunderstorm at Allegacy Stadium the next week, the Demon Deacons brought down the inferior black and gold — the Commodores. How ‘bout them Deacs? 2-0!

What could go wrong?

Weeks 3-5 — Anger Nothing was going right when Wake Forest went to Norfolk, Va. to take on Old Dominion in Week 3. This game was infuriating to say the least. It seemed like the Demon Deacons had forgotten how to play football. Even though the Demon Deacons were favored to win by a significant margin, they were losing 17-0 at halftime. Somehow, the visiting team rallied and pulled out a 27-24 win.

Going into the parents’ weekend game against Georgia Tech undefeated, I was

Weeks 6-8 — Bargaining Even though they lost, I was so proud of Wake Forest for how they played in Death Valley. While it was not expected for the Demon Deacons to triumph over the Tigers, some amazing defensive effort held it to a close 17-12 final score — defense that gave me hope for Virginia Tech.

That hope was quickly squashed as the Demon Deacons were defeated 30-13 by the Hokies in Blacksburg, Va. When going through the bargaining stage of grief, people often start to feel guilty about their thoughts and ruminate over what could have been. I very much resonated with this as I saw my friends from home cheering on their winning schools. It got so bad that I was envying my friends at UNC! Y’all — I was so down bad that I was jealous of Tar Heels! These were dark, dark days. It is still bone-chilling to think about.

Luckily, the homecoming game against the University of Pittsburgh snapped me out of it. This game gave me many heart attacks and kept me on the edge of the bleachers until the end, but the feeling of singing “Mother So Dear” after so long was unmatched.

Weeks 9-11 — Depression The days became gloomy once more after the Demon Deacons went up against No. 4 Florida State, then Duke and NC State. The heat was harsh at the Florida State game, and the game was even harsher.

For lack of a better phrase, the Seminoles kicked Demon Deacon butt, with a final score of 41-16.

Even though we only lost by three to Duke, this game was even more excruciating. A win was dangled in front of fans

Evan Harris/Old Gold & Black

as quarterback Mitch Griffis scored some impressive touchdowns; however, the impressive plays were overshadowed by more unimpressive ones.

While the Demon Deacons had the chance to hold the Blue Devils, all chances of that were destroyed after an interception thrown by Griffis and back-to-back penalties on cornerback DaShawn Jones. These penalties put Duke on Wake Forest’s 15yard line and ultimately led to Duke winning with a 26-yard field goal.

Things were depressing.

On senior night, the Demon Deacons were obliterated by the Wolfpack, 26-6.

Looking at three-straight losses and a 4-6 record, I was heartbroken. Head Coach Dave Clawson expressed similar feelings for the team in his post-game interview.

“I just want to apologize to our fan base, our students, everybody,” Clawson said.

“That was just an awful, awful performance. We were flat, we had no energy… that was not even a competitive football game.”

Weeks 12-13 — Acceptance I must admit, I did not watch much of Wake Forest’s last two games, since I finally accepted that this was… not our season.

It was honestly too heartbreaking for me (and Clawson) to see former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman with a different shiny gold helmet at Notre Dame.

In Clawson’s press conference the week afterwards, he spoke about Hartman being honored on Notre Dame’s senior night with a Whitney Houston scoreboard homage.

“I’m like, you only dated him for a couple of months,” Clawson said. “It can’t be love.

We are the ones who love him. We had five years with him. You rented him for a season. They bought him and rented him for a year, and now they love him. When that video played, it’s just like, ‘Holy cow, this is where college football is.’”

The Demon Deacons were annihilated

by Hartman and the Fighting Irish, 45-7.

The final week of the season didn’t provide a much better feeling. Wake Forest lost to Syracuse, 35-31, securing an overall record of 4-8 and conference record of 1-7, and for the first time in seven years, Wake Forest would not be playing in a bowl game.

Offseason — The Cycle Restarts I know I just wrote a whole article complaining about the heartbreak through which the school’s team has put me, but I will always love the Demon Deacons. No matter what, I will wear black and gold and cheer loudly — next season and every season to come. I will continue to believe that every season will be the season we win it all.

Being a college sports fan is a wonderful roller coaster, and I wouldn’t want to be in any other student section. Clawson has transformed the team over the last decade, and I know he will be able to do it again. I know that one day I will see Wake Forest dominate the ACC. Here’s to next season and here’s to the Demon Deacons!

Contact Mattie Stillerman at stilmk23@wfu.edu

Sports| Old Gold & Black

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 15

ϐ Ǧ ǡ Four Demon Deacons score in double digits on the way to 71-56 victory COOPER SULLIVAN Sports Editor Heavy plates of mashed potatoes and gravy were still sitting in Wake Forest’s stomachs as they started Friday afternoon’s game against Charleston Southern. Wake Forest was sluggish, lethargic and losing going into the half, but after a quick rest, the Demon Deacons were rejuvenated, beating the Buccaneers, 71-56.

Thanks to an aggressive press defense, Wake Forest (3-3) was able to stuff Charleston Southern (2-4), holding the visiting team to zero points from the field during two five-minute periods. The Demon Deacons outscored the Buccaneers 43-24 in the second half, including 20 points from the free-throw line.

“It wasn’t a pretty game,” said Head Coach Steve Forbes. “But as a team that averages 78 points a game, [Charleston Southern] got held to 56, so that’s a positive.”

For the fifth time this season, four Demon Deacons scored in the double digits. Junior guard Cameron Hildreth led the way with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Redshirt sophomore guard Kevin “Boopie” Miller tacked on 14 points of his own, while junior guard Hunter Sallis and senior forward Andrew Carr tacked on 12 points each. Carr also corralled 10 rebounds for his first double-

double of the season and the sixth of his career.

After a back-and-forth of baskets for the opening 10 minutes, Charleston Southern gained control of the scoreboard. This was not necessarily because of the Buccaneer’s stellar shooting performance (12-25 FG, 4-11 3PT in the first half ) but rather Wake Forest’s inability to get any offensive rhythm going (10-25 FG, 4-9 3PT). During the firsth half, the Demon Deacons only scored on consecutive shots twice, and they had three consecutive missed shots three times.

“I thought we had the game going the way we wanted it to go in the first half defensively, and then it changed on four possessions,” Forbes said. “We went under the ball screen, they banged the three. We came back down, when we trapped the post or monster the post, the guy who was guarding the passer cannot leave the passer. It’s the easiest pass back out. We left him for some reason. They kicked it out, banged a three to make it a 6-0 run. They came down two direct-line drive layups.

Time out and it’s a 10-0 run.”

With three minutes remaining and the score 30-20, Wake Forest went on an 8-0 run, making the deficit two. There was still ample frustration with the performance, however.

“Honestly, we are a really mature team, so we just come into halftime, we usually

have those conversations ourselves, and then Forbes will come in and say his part,” Hildreth said. “We’re still working together, it’s still early in the season, we’re going to be fine.”

The home team was still a bit slow coming out of the locker room, until freshman guard Aaron Clark subbed onto the floor for the first minutes of his collegiate career.

On the first defensive possession involving Clark, he notched one of the Demon Deacons’ nine steals, setting up a Hildreth layup. Two minutes later, Clark recorded one of the Demon Deacons’ three blocks on the day, although it was quickly turned over by Miller and turned into a CSU score.

That basket by the Buccaneers put the visiting team in the lead for the last time.

Aggressive press defense by Sallis (3 STL), Miller (2 STL) and freshman forward Marqus Marion (2 STL, BLK) led to 15 forced turnovers and 11 points off turnovers, including an inbounds swipe under the basket by Miller that made the halfempty Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum crowd sound full.

“I think the press really sped them up a bit,” Sallis said. “It also allowed us to show a little bit of aggression defensively, and it kind of got us going. It brought a little bit of energy.”

The energy clearly carried over to the

other side of the court —Wake Forest scored 20 points in the paint and nine points in transition during the second half. If the Demon Deacons weren’t scoring on their layups, they would easily score from the stripe, going 24-for-27.

“We have guys that can [shoot threepointers], and that doesn’t mean not to take them — take what is given,” Forbes said. “Actually, we’ve been working really hard on driving-kick, and so we were looking for that, but we had angles to the basket. So we got there, and we have bigger physical guards that can get there. We did a good job of putting pressure on the rim and made free throws.”

It is still a big question mark as to how Wake Forest can create consistent basketball in both halves of the game — Hildreth thinks it is a combination of “being aggressive from the get-go” and finding a team identity — but Forbes knows his team needs it fast.

Wake Forest will finish the calendar year with six-straight home games, including against Florida (4-2) in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Tip-off is set for 7:15 p.m.

For photos of Wake Forest’s win against Charleston Southern, visit our website, wfuogb.com/category/sports.

Contact Cooper Sullivan at sullcg20@wfu.edu

ǣ +HDG &RDFK -HQ $YHULOO¶V H[SHUWLVH OLHV GHHSHU WKDQ RQ ¿HOG NQRZOHGJH CHRISTINA DENOVIO Senior Writer A mentor. A leader. A support system.

A life guru.

The field hockey team at Wake Forest gets all this and more from its Head Coach Jennifer Averill. Over 31 years, Averill has crafted a team so consistent and so successful that it’s a shame field hockey doesn’t garner attention the way college football does.

With a career record of 411-224-3 (about a 64% winning percentage) as a Wake Forest coach (431-256-6 including two seasons at Bucknell), Averill is the winningest female coach in Wake Forest history. The eight-time ACC Coach of the Year has cemented her legacy of achievements, and it’s one that will be appreciated for years to come both in and out of the athletics department.

What is it that makes her so successful, and why isn’t everybody doing it?

Averill doesn’t take the easy route when it comes to her coaching methods. If anything, she takes on the most challenges she can and adds more each season.

These challenges mainly include finding new methods to show support and care for her players in ways that few coaches do. In fact, field hockey knowledge is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Averill provides to her players. The gigantic block of ice below the surface is a system of emotional support and character-building that consciously informs the day-to-day decisions Averill makes about her team.

She explained what she sees as the big

Cooper Sullivan/Old Gold & Black

Jen Averill speaks with the sideline during a scrimmage vs. UNC.

picture: the real world, jobs and life. She doesn’t just want the young women she coaches to just become better field hockey players; she wants them to become the best humans they can be.

“Sports are a vehicle to develop a person,” Averill said to a Sports Journalism class.

She explained what she sees as the big picture: the real world, jobs and life. She doesn’t just want the young women she coaches to just become better field hockey players; she wants them to become the best humans they can be.

Averill is using tangible methods to attain these outcomes even during difficult times. The Demon Deacons finished the

2023 fall season with a record of 8-9 (1-5 ACC) — their worst season in six years.

Despite the disappointing numbers, Averill maintains her focus elsewhere.

“Everything is being driven by a result,” Averill said.

The decorated coach, however, chooses to go against the grain with her motto “CPR,” which stands for “character, process, results.”

The order of the letters is the most crucial part of this team slogan. Character comes first and drives the process, which in turn produces results.

To bring this motto to fruition, Averill prioritizes a strong coaching relationship with all of her players. She talks to each one every time they come off the field during a game, and at the end of the game, they must upload a verbal review of themselves, their coaches and their teammates’ performances to the team group chat. Averill calls this approach the “rule of three.”

This constant checking in with players goes beyond what happens on the field.

Averill keeps a careful eye on her players’ experiences on campus, in the locker room and at practice.

“Mental health must be a premium,” Averill said emphatically. She encourages her players to use the sports psychologists provided at Wake Forest even if their mental health is in a good place to be “proactive rather than reactive.”

“It’s the same thing as physical deficits, where we try to do prehab instead of rehab,” she said, further explaining her approach.

As much as Averill is available to support and guide her players, she also emphasized the importance of them developing their own independence, especially as they become upperclassmen.

“When a team is coach-led, there is this separation of players versus coaches,” Averill explained, “so we want players to have autonomy and influence on their experience.”

Averill values leadership in her players just as much, if not more, than her own leadership as head coach.

“When you’re constantly giving players the information and the right answers, you’re not helping them solve problems,” she said. “They’ve got to learn how to make decisions for themselves.”

This mindset once again traces back to her emphasis on developing the person, not just the player. Averill’s mission to produce future leaders demonstrates a reflection of Wake Forest principles, making it clear why she’s been here over 30 years.

The Wake Forest motto, Pro Humanitate, is meant to transcend the classroom or even the campus. It is an initiative instilled in all students, so that once they become alumni, they can spread their knowledge and resources across the world.

“Out of humility, I will step [off to the] side when someone can do a better job,” she said. But for right now, Averill plans to stay put and continue to develop a program to which she has dedicated her career.

Contact Christina DeNovio at denoca20@wfu.edu

Page 16 | Thursday, November 30, 2023

Old Gold & Black | Sports

It’s not just a sports team, it’s a culture From the Potato Famine to the Super Bowl, immigrants use sports fandom to assimilate into American culture VIRGINIA NOONE Photography Editor

You can grow up to be anything you want to be,” my father always said to me. “Just never a fucking Yankees fan.”

And so, I was raised to be a Boston sports fan. Despite my disinterest in all things sports-related and growing up primarily in West Virginia, my dog was subsequently named Fenway after Boston’s famous ballpark, my cat was named Papi after David Ortiz and my other dog was named Tessie after the Dropkick Murphys’ anthem about the Red Sox. “At least your brother isn’t named Brady or Pat,” my mother reminded me. “Things could be a lot worse.”

With time, I accepted that my predetermined destiny was to sport Red Sox hats and defend Tom Brady’s “Deflategate” scandal to the other kids at school. But I openly admitted that I only considered myself a “social sports fan,” implying that I would never watch the Boston teams play alone in my room. Watching sports was reserved for group settings only.

Waves of immigration produced die-hard sports fans Unsurprisingly, a cherished Noone family Thanksgiving tradition — one that 44.1 million Americans share — is turning on an NFL game. We gather around to watch the New England Patriots game and have a communal yelling match with the television where everyone seemingly forgets to pronounce the “R”s in every other word. Each year, my extremely Irish-American family relishes in this tradition — Boston sports have become our heritage.

My great-grandparents immigrated from Galway to Boston along with two million other Irish people who were desperately trying to escape the Great Famine. By 1850, the Irish made up 26% of Boston’s population, a percentage that doesn’t even account for other large immigrant populations such as Italians or Eastern Europeans that moved to the city.

Cities such as Philadelphia and New York experienced similar immigrant population booms during the Second and Third Waves of Immigration, which lasted from 1820-1920. Immigrants, such as my great-grandparents, began the process of cultural diffusion — much of which revolved around professional sports.

As the new immigrants began the process of assimilating into American culture, a new form of entertainment arose to prominence — professional sports. The National League and American League combined to form Major

Photo Courtesy of Virginia Noone

The Noones — Virginia (left), Gregory (middle) and Eleanor (right) — pose for a family photo on their way to cheer on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, circa 2008.

League Baseball in 1903, the National Football League was formed in 1920 and the National Hockey League was formed in 1917.

Often immigrants could not speak English and worked grueling labor jobs for low wages — typically for wealthy, Anglo-American men — but, on the field, it didn’t matter.

When the Red Sox were playing, class divisions dissolved, and the city became united in their newfound support for their team.

Immigrant cities subsequently became the strongest sports cities today According to Forbes in 2020, Boston was the best sports city in America. Philadelphia was ranked second, and Chicago was ranked fourth. Each of these cities was an immigration hub when their teams were founded, and sports fandom culture was created through collective support and interest in these games.

David Q. Voigt writes in his book “America Through Baseball” that baseball was “a primary vehicle of assimilation for immigrants into American Society and a stepping stone for groups such as Irish Americans.”

In fact, according to Voigt, if it weren’t for the Irish immigrants’ vocal anti-English sentiment, cricket would not have reduced in popularity, and baseball would never have become America’s pastime.

Sports have the ability to bridge the gap between personal differences and foster a connection with other fans, but it’s more complicated than just that.

Sports provide a sense of belonging and identity

Photo Courtesy of Virginia Noone

Virginia Noone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the University of Massachusettss-Amherst.

Second and third-generation immigrants lacked the sense of belonging to a country and culture that their parents and grandparents had or that Anglo-Americans had. Their traditions, names and languages were diluted and lost with the decades, which caused a loss of national identity.

Over 17 million Americans are of Italian descent, but only a little over a million people in America speak Italian at home. My great-great-grandfather named his son Sam, so he would appear less Italian, a phenomenon that was very common at the time. Immigrants were discriminated against because of their heritage and therefore worked strategically to minimize it.

This attempt to assimilate for social survival resulted in a loss of the sense of belonging with their children and grandchildren who were born in America. The National

“

Sports fandom is deeper than just a game. It has ingrained itself in our culture and heritage, no matter if you are a social fan like myself or if you bleed Celtics green like my father.

Library of Medicine notes that a sense of belonging is “a fundamental human need that predicts numerous mental, physical, social, economic and behavioral outcomes.”

Rooting for their city’s sports teams replaced their loss of heritage and gave immigrant children and grandchildren a cultural identity to connect to as well as a sense of belonging. They began to pass down this identity to their children; thus, the cycle of sports fanaticism continues.

My father is 100% genetically Irish. He doesn’t speak any Gaelic or celebrate Samhain, and he was not married under Lughnasadh. When I think back to my childhood, an image of him wearing his Kelley-green, Red Sox hat with a shamrock crystalizes. I remember throwing toilet paper rolls and tennis balls in the streets of Boston after the Celtics won the NBA Finals in 2008. The mythic gods of my childhood were not Cu Chulainn or Arawn — they were No. 4, Bobby Orr and Ted Williams. My siblings and I danced to Dropkick Murphys and cried together when the Patriots lost the Superbowl.

Sports fandom is deeper than just a game. It has ingrained itself in our culture and heritage, no matter if you are a social fan like myself or if you bleed Celtics green like my father. So when you begin to roll your eyes at the annoying sports fans in your life, remember it is a crucial part of their heritage — you might as well embrace who you were born to be and just put on the jersey.

Writer’s Note: This doesn’t apply to Philadelphia fans.

You guys are the worst, and no child should be subjected to being born an Eagles fan.

Contact Virginia Noone at noonvc21@wfu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE Adam Coil, coilat21@wfu.edu James Watson, watsjc22@wfu.edu

OLD GOLD & BLACK

PAGE 17 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

‘The Last Recordings’ has me feeling Rocky Mountain High (Again) John Denver’s posthumous re-recording offers refreshing takes on old classics AINE PIERRE Online Managing Editor Re-recordings and remasters have become something of a cause célèbre in the music industry. Country-turnedpop artist Taylor Swift has taken the world by storm with the re-recording and re-release of her back catalog — something she has smartly labeled “Taylor’s Version.”

The estate of John Denver, who died by plane crash in 1997, released a posthumous re-recording album “The Last Recordings” on Nov. 17 to considerably less fanfare than Swift’s have received. In fact, the one article I could find on the release, written by Steve Knopper for Billboard, is as much about Swift as it is Denver. For sure, there are comparisons to be drawn between the two. For one, they are the No. 1 and No. 2 artists on my Spotify all-time list. They both had a profound influence on my childhood. And, oh, yeah, right, they’re both prolific and wildly successful songwriters who grew so weary of their record labels and lack of creative choices that they decided to re-record their old classics.

This is my first ever music review, so bear with me. For this reason, I will leave it to my fellow Swifties to write the reviews of the long-awaited, seemingly soonto-arrive “Reputation (Taylor’s Version).” As the self-proclaimed vanguard of Generation-Z Denver fans, however, I feel compelled to put my thoughts down about this album.

As the Billboard piece mentions — and I agree — a notable difference on this album is the maturity of Denver’s voice. It is deeper, richer and more mellifluous than on his earlier recordings. As someone who has long preferred Denver’s ‘90s voice — and who almost exclusively listens to live recordings because of it — these re-recordings are very welcome.

What makes the re-recordings — or, in one notable case, breaks them — however, is the changes made to the music behind the words. For this reason, the album’s chef d'oeuvre is clearly “Rocky Mountain High,” where the addition of mature vocals, a twangy guitar and a whole lot of dimension — all while maintaining certain classic elements — offers a refreshing new take. For context, “Rocky Mountain High” has been one of my favorite songs forever — I literally have a photo of a rock with the lyrics carved into it in my childhood bedroom — but I have always hated the two-dimensional, boring original recording. In this version, Denver not only brings the dimension present in his live recordings of “Rocky Mountain High,” but he builds on it. I am electrified.

Some instrumental changes are minor but add to the mood of the song or, in some cases, text paint — matching music to the words being sung. In the opening track “Whispering Jesse,” a song I came to love while nursing a devsatatingly intense crush, additions of harmonica and orchestral strings increase the song’s pining quality. Denver also changes the emotional quality of “Sunshine on My Shoulders” — a song that has great personal meaning to me but never quite struck the right bittersweet note — to create a more uplifting song. However, the slow tempo and pining present in the singing still muddle rather than create an actual experience of emotional conflict.

A trio of re-recordings add bells to a mixed effect. On what is arguably Denver’s most famous track, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the slight addition of bells in the bridge is brilliant text painting, evoking a ringing telephone. In “Windsong,” a soaring ode to the breeze, the bells take a major role. It works, though, because it sounds like a wind chime and thus fits the song. It also meshes well with the addition of other nature-inspired sounds like the rustling of trees and the calls of birds. I will say, as an aside, that the flute that underscores much of the original recording is sorely missed here.

In “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” however, the bells detract from the song. The bell sound starts very small, and they

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Legendary acoustic folk singer John Denver posthumously releases a reimagination of his latest hits that were recorded shortly before his untimely death. seem to represent the tears of a long, tragic goodbye.

When the bells get louder and sharper, though, they eventually render the song unlistenable. Granted, crying is not controlled and can ruin songs, so maybe this is intentional. Either way, I’ll stick with the live version medley along with “Goodbye Again,” which is notably absent on this album.

In two cases, the orchestral changes completely change my experience of the songs for the better. “Dreamland Express,” for example, has always creeped me out. Perhaps this is because the track is one of Denver’s more overtly sexual (see: “You said,/ ‘Hey there, sweet daddy/ Everything is alright/For miles, there’s not a telephone line/There’s not a soul to disturb us/Don’t be nervous/ Just come and be mine.”) and, well, I was five when I first listened to it. In “Dreamland Express (John’s Version),” the removal of the background singer — who mostly just sings “oooh” — and the addition of a jazzy mix of piano and percussion creates a softer, more Denver-like song.

Similarly, “I’m Sorry” — a song I have always loved despite the fact that it is whiny and self-pitying — gets a maturity boost from an electric guitar, heavy percussion and slightly strained vocals. While the lyrics still come off as a non-apology, it at least sounds more heartfelt, like someone who believes they have tried their best and failed. This is hammered home in the last chorus, where the live-version note change on “More than anything else/I’m sorry for myself” plays up the singer’s anguish.

There are some songs that I firmly believe do not belong on this album. I love Denver so much, but “Perhaps Love” will never sound good with just his voice — it needs Placido Domingo. If Domingo was not available,

and he apparently was not, then the song should have been cut. There are also songs that, due to the deepening of Denver’s voice, were out of the singer’s range by 1996 when the recordings were made, like “Love Again,” one of two songs on the album, alongside “Jet Plane,” that pales in comparison to the original. Also, the relatively niche “Christmas for Cowboys” was an odd choice, considering the tracks that were left off.

Especially since these recordings predate me by six years, I’m not saying that Denver should have included all of my personal favorites — though, if he had, “Flying for Me,” “Come and Let Me Look in Your Eyes,” “How Could I Leave You Again,” “Darcy Farrow,” “Wild Montana Skies,” “Starwood in Aspen” and “Calypso” would be here. Other notable absences include “Poems, Prayers, and Promises,” the title song on his LP, “Annie’s Song,” arguably the greatest ballad ever written, “Fly Away” (though, like “Perhaps Love,” this song needs Denver’s co-collaborator, Olivia Newton John) or “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” which the Baltimore Orioles play at every home game. The addition of “Christmas for Cowboys,” “Dreamland Express” and “Whispering Jesse” (as much as I love the lattermost) are puzzling to me with these heavy-hitters left off the tracklist. Perhaps Denver was saving these for later volumes of re-records, plans for which would have been cut short due to his death.

For now, I will choose to assess what is here and not what is not. The re-recordings are mostly strong, fresh interpretations of old classics. And honestly, “Rocky Mountain High” was good, and that’s all I needed.

Contact Aine Pierre at pierav20@wfu.edu

Old Gold & Black | Arts & Culture

Page 18 | Thursday, November 30, 2023

Coming back to ‘Now and Then’ 7KH ODVW %HDWOHV VRQJ ZKLFK ZDV ¿YH GHFDGHV LQ WKH PDNLQJ LV PDGH SRVVLEOH E\ DUWL¿FLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH MATTIE STILLERMAN Staff Writer The Beatles is one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time. Made up of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, and kickstarted by Lennon and McCartney, the English rock band was formed in Liverpool in 1960.

While The Beatles have been overwhelmingly popular for over six decades, their time together was relatively short. On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney said in a press release that he was no longer working with The Beatles. The band formally broke up on Dec. 29, 1974.

The assassination of John Lennon on Dec. 8, 1980, assured the four Beatles would never collaborate on a song again. Their last song was believed to be “The End” — both literally and metaphorically — but the group persevered to continue to create songs in Lennon’s honor.

The Beatles Come Back Together After The Beatles broke up, Lennon continued to write and record music on cassette tapes at home. These demos would later be used by the band to create more Beatles songs. In the mid-1990s, Yoko Ono — Lennon’s widow — gave Lennon’s song demos to McCartney, Starr and Harrison. The three remaining Beatles decided to take the demos back to the studio to record two more Beatles songs in Lennon’s honor called “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.” The group worked in the studio together for the first time in over 20 years to release the two songs in November of 1995.

However, the band wished to bring one more of Lennon’s demos to life — “Now and Then.”

In the studio, the band struggled to combine their vocals and instruments with Lennon’s voice and piano.

In the Disney+ documentary, “Now and Then’ — The Last Beatles Song,” Starr explained, “When we started ‘Now and Then,’ it was very difficult because [Lennon] was sort of hidden in a way. In [Lennon]’s demo tape, the piano was a little hard to hear. And in those

days, of course, we didn’t have the technology to do the separation. Every time we wanted a little bit more of [Lennon]’s voice, this piano came through and clouded the picture.”

The lack of technology to separate Lennon’s vocals from the piano led the band to put off finishing the recording. After Harrison sadly died of lung cancer on Nov. 29, 2001, it was believed the song would never manifest. Little did they know then that modern AI (artificial intelligence) would create the impossible — the last Beatles’ song.

AI Makes ‘Now and Then’ Possible This song is five decades in the making. First, Lennon recorded a demo in the late ‘70s, and in the ‘90s the remaining members tried to record the song. AI technology in the 2020s has finally made it possible for the song to be made.

The Disney+ documentary released on Nov. 1, 2023, shows the behind-the-scenes of the creation of the song.

“In 2001, we lost George, which kind of took the wind out of our sails. It took almost a quarter of a century for us to wait until the right moment to tackle ‘Now and Then’ again,” said McCartney in the documentary.

Peter Jackson — a New Zealand film director and screenwriter — and his team were able to do what was thought to be impossible in the studio sessions in the ‘90s. During the creation of The Beatles movie “Get Back” on Disney+, Jackson was able to separate certain vocals from their instrumental accompaniments to create a clear sound.

“During the course of ‘Get Back,’ we were paying a lot of attention to the technical restoration. That ultimately led us to develop a technology which allows us to take any soundtrack and split all the different components into separate tracks based on machine learning,” said Jackson.

Jackson was able to solve the main problem The Beatles had with the first attempted recording in the ‘90s. Now Lennon’s voice was “crystal clear.” McCartney and Starr then got to work enhancing the song with new strings and bass.

“We had kept [Harrison]’s guitar parts from

‘95,” McCartney said. “And I thought, what I’d like to do is a slide guitar solo in [Harrison]’s style. It was really a tribute to [Harrison].”

Finally, on Nov. 2, 2023, the last Beatles song was released — ‘Now and Then.’

Meaning of ‘Now and Then’ “Now and Then” encompasses the relationship between McCartney and Lennon. The bandmates met in 1957 when they were 15 and 16. Initially, they respected each other’s music greatly and would collaborate equally on every song. They started to grow apart when their music styles began to differ. All of a sudden, these former teenage friends were writing spiteful songs toward one another. Ego had broken up these two. Jackson strongly believes that “Now and Then” is a love letter and apology from Lennon to McCartney. Even though they fought, they loved each other deeply.

Does AI Uphold the Integrity of Music?

With a new age of technology comes concerns. Does the use of AI uphold the integrity of the song? Is it a true Beatles song if the four of them did not record it in the studio together?

Sean Ono Lennon — Lennon’s son — says, “My dad would have loved that because he was

never shy to experiment with recording technology. I think it’s really beautiful.”

He continued: “It was incredibly touching to hear them working together after all the years that my dad had been gone. It’s the last song my dad and [McCartney] and [Harrison] and [Starr] will get to make together.”

AI made it possible for The Beatles, who broke up on rocky terms, to have the closure they needed. AI allowed them a redo.

“All those memories come flooding back,” McCartney said. “My God. How lucky was I to have those men in my life and to work with those men so intimately and to come up with such a body of music?”

Ego and fame broke The Beatles apart and led them away from what truly mattered to them — music and friendship. The Beatles believed that producing this song was exactly what Lennon would have wanted.

“To still be working on Beatles music in 2023, wow. We’re actually messing around with state-of-the-art technology, which is something The Beatles would’ve been very interested in” McCartney said. “‘Now and Then’ — it’s probably, like, the last Beatles song. And we’ve all played on it, so it is a genuine Beatle recording.”

Contact Mattie Stillerman at stilmk23@wfu.edu

Photo courtesy of IMDb

̵ ϐ ͷͲ Ǥ

Tanglewood Park kicks off the holiday season $ MRXUQH\ WKURXJK WZLQNOLQJ WUDLOV WKH SDUN V IHVWLYH VSHFWDFOH FRQWLQXHV WR WUDQVIRUP QLJKWV LQWR PDJLFDO PHPRULHV LYDIA DERRIS Staff Writer Tanglewood Park, nestled in the heart of Forsyth County, is a cherished destination known for its scenic beauty and year-round recreational offerings such as kayaking, horseback riding and fishing. The Festival of Lights, which runs through the park’s winding main

road, is one of the Village of Clemmons’ signature events, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate the holiday season in a magical setting.

A beloved tradition in Forsyth County, the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park has become a hallmark of the holiday season. With its fixed route through the park, the drive-thru lights festival takes participants on a journey that begins in the lower field along the picturesque

Photo courtesy of Forsyth County

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Yadkin River. The route winds past the historic Manor House, meanders behind the tranquil pond and concludes at the Red Barn Gift Shop adjacent to the charming "S'moresville." Here, festival-goers can indulge in hot cocoa while perusing handmade crafts and delectable foodstuffs.

Entering Tanglewood Park during the Festival of Lights is akin to stepping into a magical realm. The rainbow-tunnel seems to stretch for miles, enveloping visitors in a kaleidoscope of colors. Families, high school sweethearts on first dates and groups of friends piled up in the beds of pick-up trucks create a festive atmosphere enhanced by the immersive experience of technicolor lights and the melodic sound of bells playing in the background.

With each passing year, the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park continues to evolve and expand, offering a fresh experience for both first-time attendees and loyal visitors.

“We've gone from three miles to almost five miles of lighted displays, increasing the number of displays to 70,” Tanglewood Park’s Marketing & Events Team said in an interview with Forsyth Family. “To make each year a little diffe-

rent, for those who come every year, we add at least one new display to the festival.”

This year's additions include a captivating 3D star and an enhanced tunnel of lights, promising an even more enchanting spectacle. Seemingly already larger than life, the Festival continues to expand and develop annually.

The grand finale of the Festival of Lights is the much-anticipated Running of the Lights on Dec. 31. This unique event invites participants to welcome in the new year with a 5K race that kicks off at the stroke of midnight. Runners have the opportunity to embrace an active start to the new year while surrounded by the mesmerizing glow of holiday lights. The event culminates with a celebratory post-race New Year's Eve hot chocolate toast.

Tanglewood Park's Festival of Lights has become a cherished tradition, bringing joy and warmth to the hearts of all who experience its magic. As the holiday season approaches, Tanglewood Park invites the community to join in the festivities, creating lasting memories with loved ones amid the radiant glow of the season.

&RQWDFW /\GLD 'HUULV DW derrlf23@wfu.edu

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | Page 19

Arts & Culture | Old Gold & Black

Henry Winkler becomes himself 7KH (PP\ DZDUG ZLQQLQJ µ+DSS\ 'D\V¶ VWDU UHÀHFWV RQ D FDUHHU ZHOO VSHQW JAMES WATSON Arts & Culture Editor Emmy award-winning actor Henry Winkler, best known for his role as the iconic, earnest greaser, Fonzie (or, “The Fonz”) in the long-running hit TV show “Happy Days” paid a visit to WinstonSalem earlier this month to promote his new book.

Winston-Salem’s very own non-profit bookstore, Bookmarks, hosted the visit as part of the book tour for Winkler’s New York Times bestseller, “Being Henry,” which featured a mere 15 stops.

The “Barry” star’s new book focuses on his tumultuous upbringing, which included navigating dyslexia as a young child. The book contextualizes Winkler’s industry reputation as the “nice guy” of Hollywood, highlighting how that identity was actually forged through hardship. When he struggled with his (at the time) undiagnosed disability, Winkler never found refuge in his parents, who often resorted to calling him names.

“I was called stupid, lazy…I was called ‘dummer hund,’ which, if you don’t speak German, means dumb dog,” Winkler said during his talk.

He expressed disappointment in his parents

and urged those in the audience in similar roles not to make their mistakes.

“When you see your child have a problem, even if you don’t know the name of that problem, if you don’t know how to solve the problem, it is our job to make that child a little more comfortable. And not call them dogs,” he said. “When I found out that I was dyslexic, I was angry.”

In spite of these challenges, Winkler imagines his life would be quite different without his disability.

“I understand maybe if I didn’t have that struggle with my learning challenge, I would not be here with you tonight,” he added.

Winkler argued that disabilities like dyslexia too often define student success. A low grade in a geometry class was a thorn in his side during high school, but he still worked his way into Yale’s prestigious drama school.

“I will then also say if there are young people who are still in school, and they are struggling in this hall tonight, I will tell you, and you can take this to the bank: how you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are,” he said.

Before his diagnosis, he said he would often

project humor as a means of covering up a missed line or stumbled que here and there. That same brand of humor would follow him through his career, even into favorite roles such as the perennial loser attorney, Barry Zuckercorn in the early2000s FOX sitcom, “Arrested Development.”

When Winkler landed the role of The Fonz in 1973, he was still haunted by his childhood struggles. His interactions on-set were often informed by the way he was treated as a kid. The adult Winkler made attempts to make sure no one experienced the level of abandonment he felt as a child.

“I was being, for a lot of my life, who I thought I should be,” Winkler said. “And I was so boxed in by not letting anything come out of that other than my image of who I shouldn’t be too scared to change.”

The enduring legacy of Fonzie is something Winkler still holds very dear, even as other roles have garnered more critical acclaim. His character in HBO’s “Barry,” Gene Cousineau, earned him his first Emmy in 2018.

The event spanned many subjects, including the origins of the now-ubiquitous idiom “jumping the shark” (which, if you didn’t know, was a

Winkler original), the local favorite restaurant Mozelles and Winkler’s other work as a children’s author.

But even as Winkler enters the twilight years of his career, he still looks ahead.

“My dream is to get back to Broadway. I did one play, it opened and closed in seven days,” Winkler said. “One play ran for nine months.

I did another play that opened and closed that same night. So I am looking forward to doing that again.”

The talk concluded with a read-aloud passage of Winkler’s book, summarizing a career — and life — well spent.

“Only now do I understand that things come in their own time,” Winkler said. “You couldn’t have known then what you know now, that only the process of living gets you there. You must do work in order to eat the fruit of growing, of being.

In my late ‘70s, I’m trying very hard to live in the moment and enjoy every moment. I am thrilled and elated to be here now.”

Contact James Watson at watsjc22@wfu.edu

The Crossword EVAN LIPETZ Contributing Writer

Across 1. Natural Talent 5. A big holiday month, {abbr.} 8. A time traveling British Doctor 11. Mongolia and Myanmar’s home 12. Multiple piles of hay 14. Periods longer than eras 16. Restoration venture for sea turtles {abbr.} 17. Long-barreled firearm 18. A person whose family comes from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh

19. Feminine subject pronoun 20. ___ favor 21. ___ Miserables 23. Performed 24. Generator output {abbr.} 25. A pig’s home 26. Jamaican music genre 27. ___ to Joy 28. Lake Superior port 30. Caused some winter havoc, maybe 32. Prefix meaning “with/together” 33. The “:” of :-) 37. Less than a sunburn

38. Mariah is the queen of this in pop culture 41. Dude 42. Foot prefix {comb. form} 43. Actor McKellen 46. Cold season 49. Racing org. for Dale Earnhardt 52. Glass of This American Life 53. Holiday drink 55. Dot on a domino 56. “Tell me when you’ll get here” {abbr.} 57. Word before good, sale, or sure 58. Not just some

59. Chowed down 60. Belly 61. Ending of sudd- or ev63. “Later” in Spanish 65. Take up like a sponge 66. Passed away 67. Cut off 68. Relating to the butt 69. Multiple DvDs 70. Swift’s fourth studio album 71. Phone, casually

Down 1. Tired, per se 2. A strip of land connecting two land masses 3. Lightning bug 4. Alternative to bottled 5. Milk, for example 6. North Pole helper 7. Prison rooms 8. To marry 9. Lively folk dancing 10. Like some football kicks 12. Joe Jonas to Nick Jonas 13. Looks for 15. A hexagon is six-___ 20. California time, per se {abbr.} 22. Knows if you are naughty or nice 29. Uncircumcised 31. Desert watering hole 34. Puppy’s bark 35. Suffix with Japan or Taiwan 36. Heatlh class topic {abbr.} 39. Scar’s sidekicks 40. Watch closely 41. Like an old oak tree 44. Nail polish remover 45. Quick Learner 46. To marry a woman 47. 1996 Alanis Morissette hit single 48. ___-Royce 50. Friend of Tarzan 51. To yap aimlessly 54. Someone who adheres things 55. Summoned 62. NFL units {abbr.} 64. A holiday’s predecessor 65. Humpty Dumpty did this on a wall Contact Evan Lipetz at lipeek22@wfu.edu

Page 20 | Thursday, November 30, 2023

Old Gold & Black | Arts & Culture

Three poems by Enzo Menghini ENZO MENGHINI Contributing Writer

Contact Enzo Menghini at mengel21@wfu.edu