THE
BLUE &GRAY
PRESS
February 14, 2019
VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 16
1922 Students utilize and benefit from a variety of therapy groups at UMW’s Talley Center
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Amanda Smith Staff Writer
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that “one in five college students experience a mental health condition, with 75 percent of all mental health conditions surfacing by the age of twenty-four.” UMW’s Talley Center wants to promote awareness of resources and
Group therapy is proven to have psychological benefits. Amanda Smith / The Blue & Gray Press
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
process, they really benefit from the solutions to students on campus and group, but also find when they give it a emphasize they have access to these fair chance they really enjoy and want so they can cope and overcome their to continue the process,” he said. struggles and stress in college. One UMW psychology professor Emily highly recommended outlet, according Stanley said, “In general, an advantage to UMW’s Talley Center, is group of group therapy is that it allows people therapy. to practice the skills they are working Group therapy is offered to any and on with the other group members and all students attending the university, to get ideas and feedback from the and all are encouraged to reach out by group appointment members. so the “In general, an advantage of group It also lets counsellors can refer therapy is that it allows people to practice people know that them a the skills they are working on with the they are group that other group members and to get ideas not the could help. The Talley and feedback from the group members.” only one struggling Center with runs about -Dr. Emily Stanley things.” seven to There eight unique are groups per additional psychological benefits to semester that offer a variety of outlets. participating in group therapy. According to Dr. Tevya Zukor, “We’ve all been members of groups Director of the Talley Center and – from our families of origin to school, certified group psychotherapist, work and social settings,” Jeremy students get over their initial Schwartz, a LCSW psychotherapist intimidation at sharing their story with said in his 2017 article in US News. a group of strangers pretty quickly. “Because of this, group therapy comes “When students open up to the
Students in the expressive art group use art to express their mental health. Amanda Smith / The Blue & Gray Press
very close to our real-life experiences, providing a realistic setting to work through real-life problems.” Students at UMW have said that group therapy can be an impactful experience. According to UMW psychology and special education major Megan Suprise, “group therapy can be more rewarding than individual therapy. Connecting with other people can be weird, but if you hear what they have to say, •GROUP THERAPY | 2
Residence Life to hire new assistant director evaluating each one very individually and not only determining what kinds of skill sets we can benefit from, but On Thursday, Feb. 7, Mary where can we also use current skill Washington administrators met in the sets within department to complement Colonnade that,” said Dean Room to Fleming. interview “There are a lot of different He went a potential on to add that roles this person plays... I would candidate for “There are a say generally, someone with the position lot of different of Assistant initiative, someone who wants to roles this person Director of plays... I would collaborate with those Residence say generally, Life. This within the department and someone with was the campus partners, and someone initiative, third of such who is student focused – that’s someone meetings. who wants to Although very important.” collaborate with Dean Dave those within the Fleming, the department and Assistant -Dean Dave Fleming campus partners, Dean of and someone Resident Life who is student and Housing, declined to comment focused – that’s very important.” on any individual candidates, he did According to Fleming, the outline some of what he would like to responsibilities of this role center on see in a candidate for the position. coordinating Resident Assistants (RAs) “It’s difficult to tell you what I’m and Area Coordinators (ACs) as a looking for in a candidate because direct supervisor, involvement in RA candidates come in with all sorts of recruitment and assessment, forming different skills and qualities. It really Living Learning Communities, and depends on the candidate. We’re supervising •RESIDENCE LIFE | 11
AUGUSTUS GROHMANN Staff Writer
Jaime Opanashuk was recently hired as UMW’s new confidential victim advocate. Marty Morrison / University Relations
UMW welcomes new Office of Title IX Victim Advocate
Laura taylor Senior Writer
After receiving a grant from the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women, the University of Mary Washington hired Jaime Opanashuk to be the new victim advocate. Prior to moving to Fredericksburg, Opanashuk was a United States Probation Officer. Opanashuk has been either a victim’s advocate or a probation/parole officer throughout her entire career.
IN THIS
ISSUE
“As a probation officer, I supervised offenders to increase survivor/ community safety,” said Opanashuk. “As UMW’s confidential advocate, my role is to provide services directly to survivors of domestic violence, stalking and relationship abuse so they can make informed and empowered decisions for themselves. However, my motivation in each role was the same: Increase community/victim safety and support victims of crime.” In her role as victim advocate, Opanashuk is a confidential resource for • VICTIMS ADVOCATE | 10
Ted BUNDY
NORTHAM BLACKFACE
Netflix original falls short of expectations.
Virginia governor’s humiliating blackface past.
LIFE | 7
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SENIOR DAY
Women’s and men’s basketball win their senior day games.
SPORTS | 12
NEWS THE
BLUE & GRAY PRESS
MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.
EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Closs
Associate Editor Ginny Bixby
Managing Editor Ryan Brauch
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Kate Seltzer
VIEWPOINTS Grace Winfield
LIFE Lucas Burkholder
SPORTS Jack Hagn
ONLINE Ronic Ngambwe Harry Fisher
PHOTO Cayley McGuire
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Therapy groups at Talley Center filled above capacity they could bring things you relate to and that can ultimately help you.” Group therapy can be more rewarding than one-on-one sessions, according to JAMA Psychiatry. They say “it is believed that psychotherapy delivered in a group format may generally result in better outcomes for patients due to the additional exposure of social stimuli and interaction within the group format, than those in an isolated one.” Dr. Zukor agreed. “The research has shown that between individual talk therapy and group counseling, that group counseling has a better long-term progress on a person,” he said. “When we think about it, it makes a lot of sense; we are social beings we like communicating.” Stanley said that group therapy removes the sense of being alone but that individual therapy can also be beneficial. “Depending on the reasons why someone has gone to therapy sometimes individual therapy makes more sense, and sometimes group therapy makes more sense.” For coping with these stressors, the Talley Center has provided specialized groups for students that might need another way to express how they feel. The most recent addition to the therapy groups offered is the expressive arts group. Student are given the opportunity to create art projects to show their feelings. “The expressive arts group helps students find an outlet for expressing themselves that words cannot explain,” Zukor explained. During these sessions, students attempt to explain their mental health through creative thought in art forms of drawing and paper crafts. One task
•GROUP THERAPY | 1
Group therapy sessions at the Talley Center are growing in popularity. Amanda Smith / The Blue & Gray Press
students were given was to create an image that shows what their minds are going through daily. “It is quite unique to this school,” Zukor said.
“Both are really important populations, so we literally are borrowing chairs from other offices,” Zukor said. The Talley Center is pleased to offer help to so many students, but there are some concerns. “It’s good news and bad news, because there are some groups that are beyond capacity,” Zukor said. For student who are looking for “We are fitting them all in because problem-solving groups, Zukor also it is important to us to help so many highlighted the Talley Center’s new students. I love that our students use “adulting” group, where participants and value our therapy groups, but at the learn life skills same time, I like paying do wish we “Connecting with other people bills and didn’t have getting their can be weird, but if you hear what so much cars serviced. they have to say, they could bring demand According for these things you relate to and that can to records groups. We from January, have a lot ultimately help you.” the Talley of students Center groups that are such as the struggling -Megan Suprise sexual abuse in life right survivors now and that and LBGTQ therapy groups are in is a concern. Overall, we want to help high demand, with an attendance rate our university’s students recover.” estimated around thirteen consistent Students struggling with mental members for each group. Most therapy health or interested in group therapy groups are supposed to be capped to are encouraged to call the Talley Center around eight students per session. at (540) 654-1053.
“I love that our students use and value our therapy groups, but at the same time, I do wish we didn’t have so much demand for these groups.” -Dr. Tevya Zukor
Potential ecological research facility to be developed along Rappahannock River
Vincent Smiroldo Staff Writer
UMW could soon offer a hands-on research experience to students through the development of an ecology park on the Rappahannock River. Buck Cox, an environmental engineer, entrepreneur and Fredericksburg native hopes to make this project a reality by teaming up with Virginia Tech and local volunteers
to develop the Rappahannock River Ecology Park. The facility would offer opportunities for students to get realworld experience and prepare for a future career. Kieran Burns is a senior at UMW with a geography major, environmental sustainability minor and GIS certification. He is currently a GIS intern at the City of Fredericksburg Environmental Planning Department.
Much of Burns’ day-to-day work and environmental science labs are similar to opportunities that could be found at the ecopark. “I think that the ecopark would bring an out of classroom experience that’s even better than you can get in a lab,” Burns said. “It will also give UMW a learning experience that most other universities don’t have.” Faculty •Rappahannock| 11
CORRECTIONS for THE Week
PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
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SPORTS
Senior Shelby Sencindiver reflects on rugby career
ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer
Virginia native, Shelby Sencindiver, had not played rugby before beginning her freshman year at Mary Wash four years ago. That, however, did not curb her ability to develop an unbridled passion for the sport. Now you can spot her playing scrum half as #9 or occasionally fullback as #15 at matches. Sencindiver acknowledges that she took the cliche of trying new things in college very seriously, and decided dabbling in the demanding contact sport of rugby would fit the bill perfectly. She joined the team her first semester at the university in fall of 2015. Now a senior finishing her studies in international affairs and geographic information systems, she noted with nostalgia and enthusiasm this spring will close out her fourth and final year in the program. She regards rugby as the first sport she has taken a serious interest in,
Tackle made by Sencindiver against ODU.
and she also loves to share rugby with others. “Rugby is a tough sport at first, but anyone can do it,” said Sencindiver. According to Sencindiver, the try out process is simply putting yourself out there and communicating with Coach Kris Kabza. “No previous experience is required,” she said. “I surely didn’t have any when I joined.” Life as a student athlete comes with its challenges, especially effectively managing the time available out of class and practice. “I keep a calendar and a planner [to keep] me organized and [assist] in managing my time. It also helps to meet with my professors, often. Many of them help me organize myself and keep me on track,” said Sencindiver. Even though she is a busy senior balancing work, school, and extracurriculars, she still finds to time to do the things she loves. Being artistic, she mainly composes and plays music on her guitar during her free time, but also enjoys painting on occasion. Sencindiver noted in addition to time management, her tenure as a rugby player has taught her Mike H. / Rugby Photographer a myriad of
lessons that carry over into and benefit her day-to-day life. “Rugby has taught me how to communicate, problem solve, and maintain my patience. It’s a very complex and demanding game--much like life is,” said Sencindiver. She loves the teamwork aspect of the sport and fondly regards her team members as “a pretty awesome group of ladies.” It is evident the team holds a strong sense of community given the way Sencindiver talks about her comrades. Her favorite memory of her time on the team involves her teammates. It took place earlier in her career on the way down to the 2016 National Championship in South Carolina. She said, “Nothing beats traveling with your team. The bus ride there and back was full of many priceless memories.” She said that these memories were made sweeter jamming out to “All Star” by Smashmouth. When specifically asked what the rugby team means to her, Sencindiver affectionately responded, “My rugby team at Mary Wash means everything to me. I’ve been honored to play with these amazing ladies for four years. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my best friends, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” You can catch Sencindiver and the UMW Women’s Rugby Team’s first match of the season this Saturday, Feb. 16, at James Madison University or Feb. 23 against Old Dominion University at home.
Volleyball coach Matt Troy serves his way out ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer
Women’s volleyball coach, Matt Troy, has stepped down from the head coach position, as he has accepted a full-time coaching position with the Division III volleyball team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Assistant Athletic Director and UMW employee of 23 years, Clint Often, had complimentary words to say about his departing colleague, “Coach Troy brought a great winning culture to UMW.” Often was not exaggerating about him facilitating a “great winning culture.” Under Troy’s guidance, the women’s volleyball program garnered many victories to boast of. These include participating in three NCAA Championship tournaments, winning Mary Washington the Capital Athletic Conference for the first time in over 20 years, and maintaining a record of 13357. “He has been a terrific coach, colleague, and team member for the Department of Athletics. This opportunity is a great one for him and his family, and we wish him all the best,” said Often about Troy. Troy is no stranger to Johns Hopkins’ volleyball program. He spent 2010-2012 coaching the Blue Jays in the part time position of head coach before coming to Mary Washington in 2012 as the full time coach. Now that his previous position at Hopkins has been moved to full time status, he is returning and resuming coaching in Maryland. Peyton Dunow said that it is an emotional change and that the resignation did come as shock, but has
even brought the team closer together. Department’s search for a new head She continued on to say, “Coach Troy coach will be underway this spring. was a great coach who was committed to Assistant volleyball coach, Emma Olson, challenging us and pushing us to be the will be stepping up as interim head best. He taught all of us so much and we coach this spring until a new candidate is will miss him a lot but we wish him all decided upon. the best at Hopkins.” The way Catullo speaks of her, she Another team member, Kennedy is definitely up to the job. In addition to Stukes, echoed Dunow’s sentiment that being assistant coach, Olson was also a it was shocking adding, “Everyone is student athlete at Mary Washington from coping differently, it was hard and still 2013-2017, under the guidance of Matt is for everyone just wondering each day Troy during her time as volleyball player. who is going to come in and be the new Her other accolades include being an coach and who will better the program NCAA All-American. just as well as Coach Troy did.” She Though Troy left big shoes to fill, also described Troy as having been an it will be exciting to see one of Mary encouraging and uplifting coach, and Wash’s own step up to the plate, and sends her well-wishes as he assumes his set the women’s volleyball team up to new post at Hopkins. continue its streak of success. Patrick Catullo also spoke to the Olson was unavailable to make a positive impact Troy has left behind. comment. The Interim Director of Athletics said, When asked if there were any final “Coach Matt Troy has been a great words he would like for Troy to hear, colleague over the last six years and has Director Catullo responded, “I would been instrumental in creating a nationally like to thank Matt for his service and competitive volleyball team,” echoing dedication to the department and I Often’s sentiment, and adding, “he has wish him the best of luck with his new been a terrific mentor to his staff and position.” student-athletes.” John Hopkins is obviously gaining a valuable asset to its athletic program, but what are the next steps for the Mary Wash volleyball program? Catullo assures that the volleyball team will conduct business as usual while the Athletic Matt Troy is leaving with a record of 133-57. UMW Athletics
University of Mary Washington Sports Schedule
Men’s Basketball (17-7)
Nov. 13 W vs. East Mennonite (89-73) Nov. 17 W vs. Guilford (79-77) Nov. 18 W vs. Ferrum (76-60) Nov. 26 L @ Washington and Lee (94-78) Dec. 1 L @ Lynchburg (69-64) Dec. 2 W @ Randolph (75-66) Dec. 5 W @ Va. Wesleyan (99-88) OT Dec. 8 W vs Marymount (Va.) (65-54) Dec. 17 W @ Shenandoah (80-74) Dec. 29 W @ John Carroll (76-64) Dec. 30 L @ Roanoke (83-67) Jan. 2 L @ Frostburg St. (87-77) Jan. 5 W vs. Christopher Newport (69-61) Jan. 9 W vs. Salisbury (84-70) Jan. 12 W @ Penn St.-Harrisburg (69-61) Jan. 16 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (79-67) Jan. 19 W vs. York (Pa.) (74-62) Jan. 23 W vs. Southern Virginia (75-73) Jan. 26 L vs. Frostburg St. (90-70) Jan. 30 L @ Salisburg (79-66) Feb. 2 L @ Christopher Newport (80-66) Feb. 6 W vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (83-72) Feb. 9 W vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg (68-62) Feb. 13 W @ Southern Virginia (66-41) Feb. 16 @ York (Pa.)
Women’s Basketball (12-12)
Nov. 9 L @ Elizabethtown (56-54) Nov. 16 W vs. William Peace (73-43) Nov. 17 L vs. Johns Hopkins (50-47) Nov. 20 W vs. Lynchburg (64-49) Nov. 27 W @ N.C.Wesleyan (83-75) Dec. 1 W @ Meredith (57-50) Dec. 4 L vs. Randolph-Macon (65-60) Dec. 8 L vs. Marymount (Va.) (59-43) Dec. 15 L @ Washington and Lee (67-64) Dec. 18 W vs. Edgewood (55-27) -In San Juan, Puerto Rico Dec. 19 W vs. Va. Wesleyan (63-41) -In San Juan, Puerto Rico Jan. 2 L @ Frostburg St. (54-40) Jan. 5 W vs. Christopher Newport (66-53) Jan. 9 L vs. Salisbury (57-48) Jan. 12 W @ Penn St.-Harrisburg (77-56) Jan. 16 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (65-60) Jan. 19 L vs. York (Pa.) (69-64) Jan. 23 L vs. Southern Virginia (66-58) Jan. 26 W vs. Frostburg St. (59-45) Jan. 30 L @ Salisbury (49-41) Feb. 2 L @ Christopher Newport (62-42) Feb. 6 L vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (48-34) Feb. 9 W vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg (66-28) Feb. 13 W @ Southern Virginia (66-53) Feb. 16 @ York (Pa.)
Full Schedule not listed above. Post season not included. Bold indicates home game.
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VIEWPOINTS
Northam misrepresents Virginia amidst blackface photo scandal THOMAS SKEER Staff Writer
As horns blare on I-95, a reminder of Virginia’s bigoted past waves in the wind as a massive Confederate flag oversees the drive through Stafford, Virginia. Unfortunately, the flag is not our only reminder of Virginia’s controversial history as racist pictures of Governor Ralph Northam surfaced from his days in medical school. Any level of racism is intolerable in today’s society and with Northam being an elected official of Virginia, he ascribes his racist ideals onto all of the Virginians he represents. Northam, who has been in office since 2018, has lived in Virginia all his life. He attended Virginia Military Institute and then Eastern Virginia Medical School before joining the Army Medical Corps. In his 1984 medical
school yearbook, Northam and another classmate are shown in blackface and the KKK’s iconic white robe. The caption of the picture reads, “There are more old drunks than old doctors in this world so I think I’ll have another beer”. Since the pictures have surfaced, Northam has addressed the issue and apologized. “I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now. This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians' faith in that commitment,” Northam told CNN. Being sorry for the past does not change the fact that Northam and his colleagues engaged in something as
A 1984 yearbook page for Gov. Ralph Northam shows two men in racist garb, though it is unclear which of the men is Northam.
Huffington Post
blatantly racist as blackface, and even found humor in the KKK. The picture that Northam chose to be a part of was offensive and completely in opposition of what this nation stands for, equality for all. The picture brings back sharp memories of a time when the United States of America was not so united, a time when our fragmented nation was at war with itself over owning another human-being and a time that many had hoped was long in the past. While Northam has had a strong record of support for race-related issues and shown a broad African-American backing during his political career, the photo putting Northam's political career on the brink of collapse also brings to light his past with racial issues. It was revealed during Northam's 2017 campaign that his ancestors had owned slaves that worked on a plantation, and his alma mater currently displays Confederate iconography. Perhaps more shocking than the picture itself and his troubling past is Northam’s decision to not resign from his position as Governor. "I am committed to continuing that fight for the remainder of my term," Northam told CNN when asked about regaining the trust of Virginians. The audacity of his resolve to regain the trust of Virginians is not something to be admired but rather embarrassed about. His egregious error in judgement of dressing in racist attire shows his true colors which then reflect poorly on all that call Virginia home. His steadfast nature has sparked outrage from both parties and several
African American civil rights groups who have all been extremely open about their disdain for the picture. "Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay," NAACP President Derrick Johnson tweeted. "No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the @NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor @ RalphNortham." Despite all of the uproar from party lines and civil rights activists, college is a time for all people to make mistakes. For some, the mistake could be not studying for a big test and for others it could be a drunk-in-public charge. The important thing is to learn and grow from the mistakes and not let the past repeat itself. In Northam’s case, however, a blatantly racist picture is too great of a mistake to go unpunished in this day and age. As Governor, Northam represents all of the citizens of Virginia with how he conducts himself. His ignorant and ill-humored actions reflect on how the outside world perceives this state. With the blackface and KKK picture surfacing, Virginia as a whole has been painted as a backwards and intolerant state to those who are not from the area. The onlookers now see the state for its past Confederate roots instead of the equitable and honorable fruit the state now bears. As a Virginia native, I know that the state’s history does not define the present state, and Virginians cannot let the actions of one man define who they are. After all, Virginia is for lovers.
Corporate hypocrisy: why companies need to adapt business practices to match advertised ideals ALICEN HACKNEY Senior Writer
When a company releases products and advertisements supporting feminism and other equality based issues, it doesn’t always mean that they actually believe in the business practices that go along with it. Often we see commercials that make us feel warm, like we’ve stepped away from injustice and inequality and might actually be being sold something worthwhile that we can support. In some cases, companies actually possess good intentions, like Nike. The multi billion-dollar company signed Colin Kaepernick following his exile from football, and in the last few years has also hired mostly minorities. However, most business’ practices don’t line up with the beliefs they claim to hold close. Gillette released a commercial on January 13 denouncing toxic masculinity and the faculties by which such masculinity teaches future generations. As the camera pans across a slew of men standing at grills repeating “boys will be boys” over and over again, it appears that Gillette
actually has listened to one or two debates in social media comments over the surface issues of toxic masculinity. However, as a business they don’t follow through on their message of equality. At Walmart, the price for a pack of 8 Gillette Sensor3 Men’s Disposable Razors costs $8.99 while a pack of only 3 Gillette Venus Disposable Razors costs only a few cents less at $8.88. While the message of the advertisement stands for a positive ideological shift that is appreciated for the most part at face value, the company hasn’t done enough to make things right within themselves. Warner Music Group is owned by men and has a number of other labels under it also mostly owned by men. Their top artists and most advertised artists are almost all male groups, while they produce female artists who don’t get nearly as much promotion or air time. In the UK, Warner Music Group employs men in their top earning quartile at 74 percent while employing women at only 26 percent. This gap does begin to close further down in pay ranking, though the gap never
actually closes. “The workplace is a feminist to Women In Music, one of The female artists associated issue, you just can’t disentangle the music industry’s leading with Warner Music Group that,” said Dr. Kristin Marsh, nonprofit organizations. preach female empowerment UMW professor who teaches “When we exclude, we lose often. Artists like Lizzo, a the Gender and Work course. opportunities,” said Dr. Rosalyn rapper who is known for “Historically that’s what it’s Cooperman, UMW professor celebrating body positivity in about as a social movement. who teaches Women and Public her music videos and for songs In the 70’s that was the focus, Policy. “All communities work like “Juice” and “Truth Hurts” getting your foot in the door better with inclusion.” that have strong feminine is already better than it was, It’s time companies back the themes; Madonna, the best it isn’t equality but it’s better. policies they claim to support in their advertisements, equalize selling female recording artist There’s more to accomplish, but the cost of men’s and women’s of all time according the the it’s a step in the right direction.” products and close the gaps Guinness World Records; GIRLSCHOOL is an that the norms of patriarchal and Hayley Kiyoko, a force organization centered on culture are so akin to. It doesn’t for LGBTQ+ representation giving opportunities to female matter much what a company in music. These women have musicians. In the world, only claims their beliefs are if they done so much socially and 30 percent of musicians are don’t uphold them, so it’s up musically to push women’s female, and in the U.S. alone to consumers to hold them equality forward while the label only 15 percent of record label accountable. that employs them holds on to members are female according patriarchal business practices. Feminism has been accomplishing leaps and bounds of what its original goals stated. In the workplace women have been taking strides to approach leadership positions and workplace respect alongside numerous organizations focused on helping them get there including the National Organization for Women (NOW), Girl Up, and the American Business Women’s Gillette razors for women are still more expensive than Flare.com Association. men’s razors.
Thursday,January February 2019 Thursday, 21,14, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Staff Ed: Seven reasons why you “shouldn’t” vaccinate your children Since the beginning of the year, more than 100 individual cases of measles have been reported in ten states. In light of this exciting news, the Blue & Gray would like to provide you with a comprehensive list of why you should never vaccinate your children. 1. Someone told you vaccines cause autism. In 1997, Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a study that linked the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to increased rates of children with autism. He has “doctor” right there in the title! Well, he did. He’s since had his
USNews.com
By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD medical license revoked because of massive credibility issues associated with the study, which was ultimately retracted. Numerous subsequent studies have found no correlation between vaccines and autism. But, actress Jenny McCarthy, your great aunt Shirley and your neighbor Dave (not Sketchy Dave, Nice Dave Who’s Always Really Excited To See Your Wife But Never Really Warmed Up To You) are all excellent sources whose limited medical knowledge should influence all decisions you make about your child’s health. 2. Now, you don’t have to outright say you hate people with disabilities. You can instead just say “I’d rather my kid die from a preventable disease than have any sort of disability,” which is obviously much better. 3. Home remedies are much more fun than traditional vaccinations. Natural cures for preventable diseases like whooping cough include vitamins, honey, mushrooms and just plain eating right. So much more fun than a boring old shot! Also much, much less effective, but honestly? Worth it. 4. We as a society should just toughen up.
A fun thing about measles is that it’s super easy to prevent and incredibly difficult to treat. Our parents told us that we should always work hard and that sometimes we can’t take the easy way out, and we’re pretty sure this is exactly what they meant. 5. Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity. In many cases, natural immunity – that is, actually getting sick from a disease – is stronger than the immunity you get from a vaccination. Of course, contracting measles results in a one in 500 chance of death, while the odds of experiencing a severe allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine is less than one in a million. We’re not totally sure how numbers work, but we’re confident vaccines are bad. 6. “Herd immunity” will prevent massive outbreaks of preventable diseases, so long as enough people continue getting vaccinated. Thanks, other people’s kids! 7. My kid genuinely cannot receive vaccines because of an autoimmune disorder or illness. No worries there! The rest of us will keep your child safe from previously eradicated diseases! No collective danger he- Oh. Oh we see the problem. Oh dear. We really are truly sorry.
Student calls for additional Talley Center staff to better accommodate needs TAYLOR MOONEY Staff Writer
Mental health issues on college campuses across the country have drastically increased over the past five years. For that reason, the University of Mary Washington needs to allocate more resources toward on-campus mental health services. The transition from high school to college is an extremely stressful and anxiety-provoking time. For the majority of people, it is the first time they are away from home. Not to mention, the stress of new relationships, social life, and the tougher academic course work. That is why having good mental health is crucial for every student’s success. Unfortunately, mental health issues on college campuses are skyrocketing. According to the American Psychological Association, in 2016, 52.7 percent of college students reported feeling that things were hopeless, and 39.1 percent reported feeling so depressed that it was hard for them to function at times. This was a dramatic increase from 2013, where only 44 percent of students reported struggling with their mental health. These statistics translate to the UMW campus as well. “Each year we end up seeing anywhere from about 15-20 percent of the student body roughly,” said Dr. Tevya Zukor, director of the on-campus counseling center at UMW, the Talley Center. “What we know is that the national trends of collegiate mental health are there tends to be an increase just about every single year of anywhere from about 10-20% in demand. We track that; we see that here, but we also see
that nationally.” Many students who have attended the Talley Center, however, have not had an accommodating experience. Senior biology major Gabriella Carillo stated that after her initial appointment, she didn’t end up getting an appointment to see anybody for three weeks. It was this time between appointments that only seemed to worsen her condition. “They can’t see you weekly, you have to wait two weeks to be seen, and I was only being seen about 45 minutes every two weeks.” During the time between appointments, she stated that, “I was having episodes of really high anxiety, and so I wanted to be able to go in and say hey, I really need to talk to someone, can you give me some advice on what to do to feel a little bit better, but it was really difficult to get that done.” One factor that would help alleviate this problem is adding more staff to the Talley Center. “If anyone ever says, would you like more staff, could you see more people with more staff, yes, I think that would be phenomenal. But at the same time, I am deeply appreciative of this University and their support of mental health,” said Zukor. “Do I know of any university across the country who is adding new clinicians at the same rate the demand is increasing? I don’t.” While no students are ever turned away from the Talley Center, only students with the most pressing needs, such as thoughts of suicide are prioritized. “About 20% of the students that we end up seeing every day end up coming in on a crisis or walk-in basis, meaning that their appointment didn’t exist at the beginning of the day,” said
Zukor. “We see those people always the same day.” For students on campus, knowing that there is a place for them to go right away if they are having a crisis is comforting and can be extremely beneficial. However, for students who are having issues that are considered non-critical, like anxiety attacks, the spaced scheduling is creating more problems rather than solving them. Carillo is skeptical of how the severity of each student’s crises is determined by the center. “How is my situation not as bad as somebody else’s? Is it because I’m not suicidal, is it because I’m not suffering from depression, is it just because I have anxiety and not something else?” said Carillo. Carillo is not the only student who is experiencing these feelings. One anonymous sophomore communications major, stated “I think they [Talley Center] should have more options for
Counseling room at the Talley Center.
different types of appointments. They would ask me if I was in crisis or I was depressed but some people aren’t either and just want someone to talk to and help them through things.” Overall, the Talley Center provides the best care they are capable of to all the students who seek out their services. At the same time, it is almost impossible for them to adequately meet the needs of every student. As mental health issues are becoming more and more prevalent, the number of resources must increase to fulfill this need as well. Having both a healthy emotional and mental state is paramount to overall success in college, and beyond that, life. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and be the best they can be. Any member of the UMW community who is struggling with their mental health deserves to be provided with as many resources they need in order to achieve success, and that begins by hiring more staff.
Ivory Ball / The Blue & Gray Press
5
LIFE
Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Themed housing for freshmen misses the mark
CHLOE MARTIN Staff Writer
The freshman housing process has proved controversial among students. The specific goal of the university in putting together a program like this is to create a home-like environment where students can have intellectual discussions outside of the often rigid classroom environment. This intention is noble, though many students may question the overall effectiveness of such a complex endeavor. Sophomore Rebecca Young from Randolph Hall particularly struggled with freshman housing application, as her Freshman Seminar (FSEM) survey form did not make it to the university both times that she tried to send it. Because of the relationship between the FSEM and a student’s Students have mixed views on the relationship between FSEM choice and residence hall placement. residence hall, this resulting lack While students acknowledged contention between Mason and Randolph of available FSEM courses also led to the flaws of the FSEM-based living Halls over a shared microwave. While limited housing options when she finally situation, they also were able to describe she didn’t think that the FSEM lived up got the issue sorted out, though she had committed to the university very early in her senior year of high school. Freshman Sara Powers of Virginia Hall said that her only real grievance with her residence hall was that she never really got to know the other students that she was living with. “I feel like there wasn’t that sense of community unless you went and sought it out,” she said. “I’m friends with people from my FSEM because I met them in my FSEM, not because I met them in my their freshman residence hall with some to its fullest potential, she acknowledged Res Hall. That sense of community that’s fond memories. that many students would go out and supposed to be there just isn’t there.” Skahen noted one instance in build that sense of community within Freshman Kayley Blackwell from particular where there was humorous their residence halls on their own. Mason Hall noted that even though she did not feel that it was the fault of the university, she did not feel any real sense of community in her freshman housing arrangement. She also expressed that the conversations from her FSEM were never brought back home to Mason, and did not create those lasting connections that many students expected. Melanie Skahen, a sophomore who previously resided in Randolph Hall, noted that the sense of community varies from hall to hall, even if that is just the perception. “Randolph is very much ‘keep to yourself,’” she said. “It’s not like Virginia where everyone’s got their door open and is like ‘come on in’ all the time. It’s just not like that in Randolph.” Virginia Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus.
“I feel like there wasn’t that sense of community unless you went and sought it out.” - Sara Powers
Marshall Hall is one of the premiere freshman dorms.
Emily Sanborn / The Blue & Gray Press.
Emily Sanborn / The Blue & Gray Press.
Christine Wehner, a freshman in Russell Hall, gave perhaps the most positive account of her living situation. “It worked well for me,” said Wehner. “I’m not going to make any broad assumption that it worked well for everyone, but it worked for me. You know, I’m a little more shy so it was helpful to have that contact with people sort of built in. It’s easier to spend time with the people you live with, so that was really nice. Knowing that I could talk to them about something specific to start a conversation like our different assignments or the FSEM professor or whatever was helpful. I found it to be quite helpful, having this smaller community of peers to interact with.”
UMW
Students are placed in residence halls according to their FSEM.
UMW
Thursday, February 14, 2019
LIFE
Netflix’s “The Ted Bundy Tapes” fails to live up to the hype ETHAN BLOUCH Staff Writer
I wasn’t particularly interested in watching “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” when it dropped on Netflix on Jan. 24, mainly due to the excessive media hype around serial killers that seems omnipresent. However, while the overall documentary has some serious structural issues, there’s no denying how baffling and interesting a lot of Ted Bundy’s story was. The documentary was, for the most part, fairly dull for the first two episodes. This was primarily because there seemed to be no driving force behind it- the audience is already aware that Bundy is eventually caught, and the details building up to his capture don’t seem to have any driving ideas or concepts beyond presenting the facts. You hear Ted Bundy’s friends talk about how much they liked him, his voice laying over footage, and occasionally learn something interesting about his past, such as an association with the Nixon campaign. Still, my dislike of Bundy as a narrator and the documentary’s strong focus on him, prevented me from getting emotionally invested and instead led to me becoming bored. These initial episodes may have been more frightening focused more on the victims of Ted Bundy, who here exist mainly as footnotes to his story. The only emotion I felt in the first two episodes was some sadness when hearing about
Ted Bundy was first arrested on August 16, 1975.
the fates of the girls, such as how eight of their bodies were dumped into the mountains like garbage. In contrast, look at something like the book “I’ll be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” by Michelle McNamara, which is deeply rooted in investigation along with being empathetic and entertaining. Furthermore, it had a point to talking about the murders- the author was clearly making a genuine effort to capture a
Wikipedia
murderer, rather than glorifying the tragedy. If you want a story about how a real life serial killer came to be, or what their childhood and friends were like,
become interested in the series with episodes three and four, which deal with Bundy’s behavior while the whole world had its eyes on him. There were numerous instances when I couldn’t
“Anyone hoping to gain any understanding or deeper meaning behind Bundy’s crimes is going to be disappointed.” - Ethan Blouch you can check out “My Friend Dahmer,” the graphic novel by John Backderf. It satisfies one’s interest in the morbid details along with providing empathy and ideas for the reader to think about. Unfortunately, the documentary isn’t really as interested in the people affected by Ted Bundy’s actions as it is in gaping at his ability to appear like a normal person, usually accompanied by a close up shot of a picture of him, with menacing music playing. While the documentary itself was poorly constructed, I found that I did
“The Ted Bundy Tapes” aired January 24 on Netflix.
Netflix
believe what I was seeing was true. Ultimately, Bundy became more interesting when his actions showcased the errors of law enforcement and when he did things that went against the grain of what I expected of a defendant in a courtroom and a prisoner on death row. However, anyone hoping to gain any understanding or deeper meaning behind Bundy’s crimes is going to be disappointed- they were atrocities committed to innocent women by a sick man, and there is no more meaning to be found to it.
Netflix is releasing a Ted Bundy movie staring Zach Efron.
Billboard
7
Weekend Events Thursday • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Great Lives: Billie Holiday @ Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
Friday • COAR Variety Show @ Dodd Auditorium, 6:30-9 p.m. • Undeniable Adjacent Improv Comedy Show @ HCC Digital Auditorium, 8-10 p.m. • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.
Saturday • Colors of Africa @ Chandler Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m. • A Star is Born @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.
CONNECT WITH US NOW ON SNAPCHAT AS WELL The Blue & Gray Press
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LIFE
No “Sweet Victory”: Maroon 5 disappoints at the Super Bowl SAMUEL WEINSTEIN Staff Writer
One of the latest ideas that gained huge traction on the internet was a request to have Maroon 5 play the song “Sweet Victory” from SpongeBob SquarePants at the Super Bowl halftime show. The death of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob, in November 2018 triggered the creation of an online petition to honor Hillenburg with a performance of the song at the Super Bowl. The petition quickly garnered support with over 1.2 million signatures. With such support, the NFL and Maroon 5 stood to gain so much from playing the song for the millions of SpongeBob
fans, and they seemed primed to do so. From gifs tweeted by the stadium hosting the event, to journalists who reported seeing clips of the episode being played while Maroon 5 practiced, it seemed like the people’s wish would be granted. After “Harder to Breathe,” “This Love,” and an Adam Levine guitar solo, it appeared that the petitioning had paid off. SpongeBob, Squidward, and the rest of the Bikini Bottom Band appeared on screen, and the trumpet intro to “Sweet Victory” began. For 10 seconds it seemed that all was well, but then the screen and tune changed. The intro to Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” began as a CGI meteor headed for Mercedes-Benz Arena.
The creator of SpongeBob, Stephen Hillenburg, passed away in Nov. 2018.
Billboard
Freshman biology major Laura McCann said, “Sicko Mode is an awful song, and to tease ‘Sweet Victory’ just to play that is awful.” Other students didn’t particularly care whether or not “Sweet Victory” was played but were displeased with the halftime show nonetheless, such as freshman business administration major Luis Gavignano who said, “The halftime show was lackluster.” Many are calling out the NFL for seeming to promise that “Sweet Victory” would be played. “It was a bad publicity stunt to tease it,” said freshman English major Elena
Macdonald. The NFL is part of the entertainment industry, and the entertainment industry relies on their fans and viewers to continue tuning in to their programs. By not following through the NFL has lost the respect and trust of many people who just wanted to do something special for someone special to them. Stephen Hillenburg left behind a legacy of love, imagination, and fun with SpongeBob, and the NFL’s choice to give him some recognition with the clip was good, but to his fans and supporters it was a snub, not an honor.
Maroon 5 let many fans down by not playing “Sweet Victory” at half time.
Billboard
Kickback and Chill: Our top Rom-Coms for Valentine Day
1. “Love Actually”
6. “10 Things I Hate About You”
2. “Naked”
7. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
submitted by Jack Hagn, Sports Editor submitted by Ryan Brauch, Managing Editor
3. “The Princess Bride”
submitted by Harry Fisher, Online Editor
4. “The Proposal”
submitted by Lucas Burkholder, Life Editor
5. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” submitted by Kate Seltzer, News Editor
submitted by Grace Winfield, Viewpoint Editor submitted by Lauren Closs, Editor-in-Chief
8. “Clueless”
submitted by Ginny Bixby, Associate Editor
9. “Pretty Woman”
submitted by Ronic Ngambwe, Online Editor
10. “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”
submitted by Meaghan McIntyre, News Editor
9
NEWS POLICE BEAT Jaime Opanashuk takes on new role to help
students recover from past trauma
MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors
Petit Larceny Between January 30 at 9:00 a.m. and February 3 at 9:00 a.m., a computer drive was stolen from Monroe Hall. This case is pending.
Hit and Run On February 1 between 12:50 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., there was a hit and run where the driver failed to report on Thornton St. and College Ave. This case is pending.
Vandalism On Saturday, February 2 between 10 p.m. and 11:41 p.m., a fire exit sign was vandalized in Randolph Hall. This investigation is pending.
•VICTIMS ADVOCATE | 1
stigmatized for speaking out about sexual and dating violence. The nation’s largest anti-sexual
About 44 percent of all students have experienced some form of relationship students who are dealing with the abuse by the time they graduate. aftermath of being sexually assaulted Marissa Miller, or are in an unhealthy relationship. Interim Title IX When a student needs more Coordinator, is “As UMW’s confidential advocate, my role is to information about their situation, enthusiastic about Opanashuk is the person they go to. provide services directly to survivors of domestic The victim advocate is exempt from violence, stalking and relationship abuse so they having Opanashuk as victim advocate. being required to report incidents to can make informed and empowered decisions for “We are excited Title IX. for the community themselves.” Explaining legal rights, providing to continue to learn emotional support, and exploring more about our options for services both on and off -Jaime Opanashuk victim advocate,” campus are part of Opanashuk’s role said Miller. as the victim advocate. Promoting violence organization, RAINN, Dr. Laura Wilson, the chair of her services are not explicitly in the job summarizes the importance of the Committee on Sexual Assault, description, but Opanashuk works to supporting survivors in a statement was unable to comment on the staff get the word out to students who may that reads “Sexual violence can have addition in time for publication. need support and an advocate. psychological, emotional and physical The UMW Committee on Sexaul “I may contact organizations, such effects on a survivor. These effects Assault was formed as part of the as law enforcement, medical or Title aren’t always Task Force against sexual assault IX at the student’s easy to deal during President Hurley’s term. direction,” said with, but with Currently, the committee reviews the “However, my motivation in Opanashuk. the right help best practices related to sexual assault “I can also each role was the same: Increase and support they on college campuses and works to take the time community/victim safety and can be managed. update the list of priorities with an eye to accompany Learning more toward continuing the prevention and support victims of crime.” a student to can help you intervention processes of sexual assault medical and legal find the best crimes. proceedings.” -Jaime Opanashuk form of care Opanashuk works at the Talley Opanahuk’s to begin the Center for Counseling Services and goal as victim healing process.” at the off campus agencies RCASA advocate is to ensure that students According to various anti sexual and Empowerhouse. Students can stop receive support and options throughout assault organizations, the national by to schedule an appointment or call their healing process while supporting statistics reveal that one in five (540)-654-1053. the university’s goal to foster an women and one in 16 men are environment where students are not sexually assaulted while in college.
An update on construction taking place on campus
Jepson is currently under construction and is on schedule to be completed in fall 2019. Seacobeck, which is the future home of the College of Education, is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2020. The Blue & Gray Press
Arrington Hall: After being shut down for renovations in fall 2018, Arrington has been reopened to upperclassmen. Alvey Hall: Closed for the time being, the University is working to figure out its plans for Alvey Hall. Willard Hall: Willard Hall is on schedule to reopen, and offer doubles, for freshman by 2020. Jepson Science Center: Jepson is on track to be complete by the end of fall semester 2019.
The renovation of Willard Hall is scheduled to be complete in fall 2019, and will reopen to offer double rooms for first-year students by 2020. Ivory Ball / The Blue & Gray Press
10
Seacobeck Hall: The future home of the College of Education, the University hopes for Seacobecks renovation to be done by the end of 2020. Thursday, February 14, 2019
NEWS
Environmental science students and faculty hope to see new ecopark members
•Rappahannock| 2 could also
take advantage of the resources provided by the new ecopark. This includes hands on research that would apply to class material and important environmental factors that are being researched. Environmental science professor John Tippett served as executive director of Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) for 20 years. He said students would benefit from the development of the facility. “I think it’s hard to beat the experience that comes with working on a real-world project with meaningful implications for the community,” he said.
Students would also be able to take advantage of internship and volunteer opportunities through the ecopark.
to meet the demand of internships and a facility like this would help to meet the demand for environmental focused
“I think that the ecopark would bring an out of classroom experience that’s even better than you can get in a lab.” -Kieran Burns The FOR has previously offered internships and opportunities to UMW students. The FOR has not been able
internships. “The potential opportunities could include water quality and sediment analysis, wildlife and ecological studies, pollution prevention and restoration projects, environmental policy analysis, and community education,” Tippett said. These are just a few of the types studies that would be conducted by students and other researchers. The ecopark would be located close enough to the university to change the dynamics of the environmental science classes offered. Keith Mellinger was recently appointed as the Dean of Arts and Science A new project of developing a ecology park on the Rappahannock River has recently been introduced. Mathematics in the summer The Free Lance-Star of 2018. He spoke on a
possible vision for the ecopark. “I know that the donor [Buck Cox] is passionate about Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock, and that he would like the facility to focus on both research and education.” The ecopark would also allow for more research to be done on the Rappahannock ecosystems and their conservation. Much of the inspiration for the Rappahannock ecopark stems from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach. This facility conducts research on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and how it can be improved. The hope is that this facility would be up to the standard of the Environmental Center in Virginia Beach. The Rappahannock River facility would be able to conduct experiments on the ecosystem that eventually leads into Chesapeake Bay. Many details about the future of the ecopark remain uncertain. According to Mellinger, it is still too early to determine the extent and nature of Virginia Tech and UMW’s involvement with the project. Cox has previously mentioned that if this facility is built in Fredericksburg that other departments at UMW could be involved with planning. It could offer business students an opportunity to be involved with a large scale development project. Additionally, the ecopark needs time, funding and a finalized location to break ground.
Residence curriculum seeks to expand living learning communities •RESIDENCE LIFE | 1
Residence voice for the RAs, because protocol The second and third types of that they are more likely to graduate,” Curriculum. is very important and that’s all very Living Learning Communities said Fleming. Residence Curriculum is a concept good, but we should be making come in the form of Themed Living A similar sentiment is reflected on in Residence Life that is based on the sure that resident’s voices and RAs’ Communities, which are largely the UMW website, which states that, notion that education should not stop voices are heard. Communication student organized and Department “We know that students who live in when a student leaves the classroom, is super important when it comes Sponsored Communities, which are close proximity to their classmates and that there are things to be learned to improvement within ResLife and organized by individual departments. have a richer and more rewarding by living in Although most students were experience because learning does not proximity to exposed to Living Learning stop at the classroom door. In fact, “Residence Curriculum is something I didn’t Communities in the form of other students. research shows that students who “Residence experience a small class featuring close realize existed until I became an RA…I think it’s Freshman Seminar Communities, Curriculum very few have had regular interactions with a faculty member on intentionally made very subtle, so residents interaction with them outside of weaves through topics of shared interest during their everything we their freshman year. Many of first semester get better grades and are don’t know it’s happening, yet still gain the do here,” said the students asked about Living more likely to complete their degree in knowledge that comes from that.” Fleming. Learning Communities were a timely fashion.” When asked completely unaware that they Wills feels that there should be about the notion were able to form their own more options for upperclassmen to -Sabine Wills of Residence Living Learning Communities stay in Living Learning Communities, Curriculum, RA in the form of Themed Learning but does not feel that they should be Sabine Wills said, Communities. mandatory. “Residence Curriculum is something outside of ResLife.” Residence Life is looking to “I have heard some things about I didn’t realize existed until I became Another potential change that is increase student knowledge about them, and, mostly good things an RA…I think it’s intentionally made being considered with Residence Life, the option of still residing in a Living honestly, I think there are plenty of very subtle, so residents don’t know it’s and would fall in line with campuses across happening, yet still gain the knowledge the responsibilities of the the country that comes from that.” future Assistant Director, is that put a lot “We know that students who live in close Wills feels that going forward, it is the creation and expansion of of investment important to make sure the Residence Living Learning Communities proximity to their classmates have a richer and into having Curriculum emphasizes providing a for upperclassmen. more rewarding experience because learning Living Learning platform for students voices. The idea of a Living Communities,” does not stop at the classroom door. “I think there is an opportunity Learning Community is said Wills. “I right now in the hiring of an AD and an umbrella term that can know that the hiring of two area coordinators as be applied to one of three there are some -UMW Website well as of course, the regular hiring different types of cocampuses that do of RAs, there comes an opportunity curricular residential learning those exclusively. I for new perspectives and new voices experiences. The first type, don’t see anything to be heard, which I think is gonna be which the majority of UMW students Learning Community after freshman wrong with LLCs, but I do think the good no matter what,” said Wills. “I have experienced, is based on the year. universities where you have to live in do think that whoever becomes the Freshman Seminar classes and the “Our goal is to get as many a Living Learning Community are a new AD and whoever the new ACs residential structure based around students as we can in Living Learning little excessive. I think there definitely are should provide a little bit of a them. Communities, because the data shows should be more options for them.”
Thursday, February 14, 2019
11
SPORTS
Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
UMW varsity basketball scores big on senior day
ETHAN RATLIFF Staff Writer
Last Saturday, Senior Day for men’s and women’s basketball, the Eagles beat the Penn State–Harrisburg Nittany Lions. The women’s team shut down Penn State-Harrisburg, holding them to only six second-half points. The Eagles were led by their three seniors Jordan Pamlanye, Alannah Miller, and Meghan Comer. Pamlanye helped push the Eagles past the Nittany Lions with her 15 points and 11 rebounds. Miller and Comer contributed to the Eagles’ 66-28 win as well, as Miller finished with 5 points and Comer with 10. The men’s team also recognized their four seniors: Johnny Cronin, Jacob Williams, Tyler Withers and Sekai Walker, by starting all four players who have been with the team since their freshman year. After a small 4-0 lead by Penn State–Harrisburg, the Eagles pulled ahead and went on to lead by 10 points for most of the game. In the last two minutes, a series of shots drew the Nittany Lions within two points of UMW, but the Eagles pulled ahead with free throws by Jacob Williams and Da’Shawn Cook, making the final score 68-62 Eagles. Cronin and Williams shared player of the game with each scoring 20 points, a career and season-high for Williams, who was already at his previous record,
Senior day was a big success for both women’s and men’s varsity basketball.
18 points, when he stepped up to the free-throw line in the last 0.5 seconds of the game. “Of course I was a little nervous, I was going for twenty points, I’ve never had a twenty-point game yet.” said Williams, when asked about his final shots. “I was excited I could make that, I’ve been practicing my free throws with my coaches and that practice let me make it and hit [my career high].” Earlier this season Johnny Cronin surpassed his career-high in points against Virginia Wesleyan, in which he scored 24 points over the course of the
Johnny Cronin, #33, has 12.9 points per game and 9.9 rebounds per game.
UMW Athletics
Jordan Pamlanye, #5, has 11.6 points per game and makes 68.9 percent of free throws.
UMW Athletics
UMW Athletics
supported me throughout. It’s a testament to all the work put in by everyone, not just me. I hope that they all take pride in it as well.” Coach Kahn has been with the Eagles basketball program for four years after coaching at Cabrini College from 20082014. He has led the Eagles to the CAC championships three of the four years he has been the head coach. Also in attendance was UMW alumni Mike Lee, who was inducted into the UMW Hall of Fame the day before the game. Lee, who graduated in 2007, holds records for three-point baskets in a game, three-pointers in a career, and three-point attempts in a game, season, and career. He received the award for CAC Rookie of the Year in 2004. Lee and other alumni attending were seated courtside and recognized during half time. Both men’s and women’s teams play their final two regular season games at Southern Virginia University on the Feb. 13 and at York on the Feb. 16.
game. This game is his second highest point total for the season. Cronin was named CAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week on Jan 21, two weeks before Senior Day. “It was great to get the win, especially with all of the families and alumni who attended the game,” said Cronin after the game, “For me personally, I know the hard work that this team puts in every day, and that is why every chance to play and win with my teammates is so special to me. It’s been a really fun journey, and I am excited to finish it out the right way with these guys.” The game also marks head coach Markus Kahn’s 300th game win in his coaching career. “I haven’t thought too much about winning 300 games,” Kahn said regarding his achievement, “I know that one day, I’ll look back at it, and I’m sure it’s something that I will be proud of. I think that it speaks mostly to how fortunate I’ve been in my career to be surrounded by the people that I have. There are a lot of people responsible for those wins. The players, coaching staffs, Meghan Comer is a guard for women’s varsity. and my family that have
Jacob Williams scored 20 points, a career and season high.
UMW Athletics
UMW Athletics
Club Sports Scoreboard Club Field Hockey Feb. 16 @ Virginia Commonwealth University TBA Thursday, February 14, 2018
Club Women's Soccer Feb. 16 vs. Longwood University TBA
Club Women's Volleyball Feb. 16 @ Virginia Commonwealth University TBA 12