The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

February 18, 2016

VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 16

PRESS

Dr. Troy Paino announced as UMW president: Here’s what you need to know

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

Social security numbers stolen from UMW students and employees

“America’s Coolest College President” -Washington Monthly

IZZY BRIONES Assistant News Editor

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

Announced aptly on President’s Day, Troy Paino has been confirmed by the University of Mary Washington to be its 10th president following Rick Hurley’s retirement on June 30. Paino will be on campus Friday, Feb. 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Chandler Ballroom at the University Center to meet students.

Paino is currently the President of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri after taking the role in May 2010. Paino teaches and specializes in American higher education, 20th-century cultural and social history and American legal history.

He has prior experience employed with universities, serving as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Winona State University in Minnesota from 2004 to 2008. Before that, he was an assistant professor of history at Winona State University in 1997 and promoted to professor in 2007.

Paino has practiced law in Indianapolis and received his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney. He also has a doctorate and a Master of Arts degree in American Studies from Michigan State University.

His experience with American higher education may have given him insight into the current issues that stu-

trumanuniversity/YouTube

Future UMW President, Dr. Troy Paino, rides tricycle in Truman University YouTube video.

dents faced. Paino said that he taught an interdisciplinary course last semester about the role of higher education in America’s democracy. While in the class, Paino said he heard students tell their stories about struggling to break even in order to get an education. Paino said he wants to explore this issue further at UMW. “After I get to UMW, I will learn more about our students, their debt burden, and their ability to pay back their student loans,” Paino said. “While there are no easy fixes to a problem that has been a long time coming, I am pretty familiar with the forces at play that has put access to a high quality higher education out of reach for far too many young people.”

Paino has made his mark outside of the university, called “America’s Coolest President” by Washington Monthly

for two videos, one that was featured on Huffington Post, detailing how he spends his holidays when students at Truman State University are on break.

In addition, TSU students reportedly refer to Paino as “T-Pain” and have recently expressed their displeasure with the leaving of their president, but congratulate UMW on securing a successful, fun president.

President Hurley has given Paino a positive endorsement. When reached for comment, Hurley gave a statement regarding Paino’s experience and what he will bring to UMW. “I am delighted that Dr. Paino has accepted the [Board of Visitor’s] offer to become our next president,” Hurley said. “He has the experience of being a president and has a strong academic background plus the demeanor and a

•PRESIDENT | 11

Relay for Life uses fun and games to raise money HOGAN LEPORE Staff Writer

On Feb. 9, Relay For Life joined the Office of Student Activities and Engagement in hosting another successful Bingo Night.

SAE attempts to have a reasonable amount of events available on campus for students each week. Every Tuesday night, Student Affairs hosts Bingo Night at the Underground where students can hang out, have fun and win prizes.

“Student Affairs did a great job of spreading awareness of what Relay For Life is and how they function,” said freshman Abigail Richardson. “As a person who has been afflicted by the terrible disease, I feel this event was terrific for the entire cancer fighting community.”

According to students, the night did

•RELAY | 11

IN THIS

ISSUE

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At the University of Mary Washington 4,100 student and employee social security numbers have been stolen in the past month and the school community was made aware of it on Friday.

Those who had their social security numbers stolen and their information compromised were notified through emails by the University and made aware of the situation before a schoolwide email was sent to other members of the UMW community.

On January 5, 2016 the University learned about the theft of a personal laptop reported by the victim, who will remain an unnamed employee.

The details reveal that while said employee was waiting at an Amtrak rail station, their laptop was taken from them.

What made this theft so detrimental, however, was the fact that a total of 4,100 student and employee social security numbers were on the stolen laptop.

This situation calls into question the university’s protocol and policy pertaining to the protection of personal information.

The university’s website states that something such as a social security number is “Personally Identifiable Information” and “Highly Sensitive Data.”

According to these classifications, it is stated that, “every caution should be used in protecting this information from authorized access, exposure or distribution…[and] should only be collected or maintained when there is an approved and authorized business justification.

Unless absolutely required for a particular business function, these personally identifiable data elements should never be collected, stored, shared or distributed.”

Director of media and public relationships Marty Morrison was reached out to for comment by databreaches.net about the above policy, specifically pertaining to the storage of this highly sensative data and personally identifiable information on an employee’s personal laptop.

“UMW’s policy prohibits storing personally identifiable information on laptops. Per the policy, social security numbers can only be stored in prescribed areas where additional controls

University Relations

•SSN | 2

FORMATION NATION

MAKING WAVES

REPEAT AGAIN

New Beyoncé song creates nation-wide controversy

Einstein’s theory of gravitational waves proven

UMW swim teams look to out-do themselves at CACs

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 12

LIFE | 6

NEWS

Editors: Sarah Grammer & Emily Hollingsworth | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Employee’s laptop containing personal information reportedly stolen at rail station

THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

•SSN| 1

MISSION

and safeguards are utilized. In this case, the policy was not followed,” Morrison said.

The breaking of policy and many questions sit unresolved; the most striking issue about this whole incident however, is the fact that it is not clear why this story had been hidden for a month from the greater community and was only recently shared.

In response to the issue above, Morrison stated that the University “notified the affected individuals as soon as we were able. When we learned of the incident, we immediately began an investigation and determined the laptop computer stored files containing personal

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

NUMBERS: • Jan. 5: Laptop is reported as stolen.

• 4,100: Students and employees affected.

Chris Markham

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Sarah Grammer Emily Hollingsworth

VIEWPOINTS Hannah Parker

LIFE Della Hethcox

SPORTS Mikey Barnes

ONLINE Ethan Tobin

PHOTO Alex Sakes

ASSISTANT EDITORS GlobalPanorama/Flickr

Kelly Emmrich Jacob Atkinson

Student Government Association Beat

Andy Unger Izzy Briones

ADVERTISING TEAM

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016

BUSINESS MANAGER David Concepcion

ADVERTISING MANAGER

• The SGA announced nominations for its new members during last week’s meeting. The nominations for president were Morgan James and Alex Clegg. Ethan Carter was nominated for vice president.

Natalie Furman

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

•

Vice President Alex Obolensky also motioned during last week’s meeting that the Ad Hoc Committee on Tuition Increases would be authorized to release reports and materials relevant to the course of their investigator.

The motion was passed.

•

The SGA held a special meeting on Wednesday night as the Executive Cabinet meeting, which normally meets on Monday, was cancelled due to snow. There were more than a dozen motions presented last week that were discussed during this meeting, including a few that would need to be decided before the BOV meeting Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19.

CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.

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Jamie McGuire, SGA secretary, move that Blackstone work with Sodexo to offer oatmeal on their menu. The motion was passed.

information of some current and former students, and employees. We decided to notify the larger community last week to clarify misinformation that had come to our attention.”

In response to the entire incident Morrison said, “We have taken appropriate action with the involved employee. And to help prevent this from happening in the future, we are re-educating our staff on the importance of handling personal information securely, and are evaluating the use of additional security processes and controls.”

This story comes as a large data protection concern for the community amidst a year wrought with fraudulent emails and spam messages.

Just this past week alone, many students have received emergency notices to appear in court, all of which have been sent by a fake account with a University of Mary Washington email address.

In response, the entire student body and faculty receives notices and warnings for small incidents such as these from the university; However, with a theft of 4,100 employee and student social security numbers the information remained unannounced for a month to the greater community at UMW. “I think that the school should have notified all students when they learned of the theft,” said junior international relations Cody Reynolds. “Given the nature of the contents on the laptop, the school was in the wrong to not immediately notify the students so that they may take the necessary steps to protect their identities.”

In addition, a student who had their social security number stolen (whose name will remain anonymous due to the situation) stated, “I felt I was notified in a way that lacked urgency, because I received a letter that went to my home address rather than to me. I don’t think that it should have taken them so long to share with the rest of the school however I can see how sharing this type of information with the greater community can create unnecessary panic to those that are not affected.”

DETAILS PROVIDED BY JAMIE MCGUIRE

Thursday, February 18, 2016

SPORTS

Coach’s Corner: Men’s lacrosse coach Kurt Glaeser KATE LARKIN Staff Writer

Kurt Glaeser has been head coach of the University of Mary Washington men’s lacrosse team for 24 seasons, and was head coach of women’s soccer from 1989 to 2007, but became a single sport coach in the 2008-09 season. Glaeser had a background playing lacrosse at the end of his high school career and throughout his college career. He was captain of his team during his senior year at Western Maryland College and played as a midfielder and an attack. After college, he continued on to play for several club teams.

Glaeser expects big things from the men’s lacrosse team this year and entrusts his hope in the young talent.

“I hope that the guys will continue to invest in the process of learning. We have a lot of energy and enthusiasm on the team, and a great team always starts with that,” Glaeser said. “I think that this year they will become smarter and more composed players. But, a smart and composed player with no energy or drive isn’t going to win games. We have to start with the hard work and the energy and then the composure will follow.”

at a college level. I think by the end of the year, we will be a phenomenal team, but the guys have to be patient and invest in the process of learning and getting a little bit better each day.”

As you said, a lot of the talent on the team is young right now. Do you expect all of the new freshman to have a positive impact on the team?

“I absolutely do. I think with a little conditioning that great things can be expected of them this year, and especially years to come. There’s so many different factors to put in; the speed of thought, the speed of play, learning how to avoid playing mechanically, and how to be a point guard.

Playing at the college level is a whole new game, and these factors take time to adjust to.”

You’ve been a coach here for a while now. What has kept you around for so long?

“I really like the Fredericksburg area. This job was insane my first 15 years here, I was a two sport head coach and I was teaching a number of classes. It’s gradually gotten less insane, but my gray hair was pretty much in place 15 years ago. Becoming a one sport head coach as opposed to a two sport head coach has helped keep the team more competitive. UMW admissions has also been very cooperative with the sports programs in doing what is necessary to keep us competitive.”

How did you feel about the end of last season?

“We were a strong defensive team, and to get to the semifinals for our conference and lose by one goal, just one goal away from competing in the conference championship, it was disappointing, but I couldn’t be too dissatisfied. Even if we lost that last game 7-6, I feel that we had a strong start to the season, but it’s hard to beat these big teams if you can only score 9 or 10 goals per game.”

The team lost a good number of seniors last year, how do you plan to move on from that?

What do you expect differently out of this season?

“On the defensive side, we lost everything at graduation. However, I think what everyone has been able to see in the fall and in the beginning of second semester is that we do have a lot of young talent, and that’s how you move on from losing

“I think that we are a lot deeper at midfield and attack this season. We have a lot of young talent, and it’s going to take a bit of time for those guys to figure things out

some strong players. I think that we have some good players who will be able to step up in the future. If one good player is injured, it won’t be the end of the game because we have a lot of players on our team who can pick up the fall. I also think that everyone will get more playing time this year, especially seniors and juniors who didn’t necessarily get a lot of time in the past.”

a lot about coaching in general and helped me in my methods. I learned how similar coaching and teaching are through this process. Coaching two sports from 1989 to 2007 was good for me in the sense that I was in one season of a sport at a time, but I couldn’t go to watch recruits for the next year play for the other sport. It was definitely stressful. Having coached and recruited both male and female teams, there are definitely some significant differences between the two. With the guys, I often felt that I had to be more forceful with my message in order to get it across.

The ladies seemed to understand without me having to go drill instructor on them.

On the other side of that, I feel like the guys do a better job of leaving personality conflicts off the field. They don’t seem to care a whole lot about whether they like you or not on the field as long as they can help you win games. I would stand by that statement under intense scrutiny.”

Tell me about your playing career.

“Well I didn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until I was a senior in high school, but I kept at it and worked on my game all the time, and I was also very fortunate to play with an amazing program and some guys who were headed to play at higher levels. My experience playing with them helped me a lot in college as well. I got a lot of playing time in college and had a lot of success.

I was captain of the team my senior year, and we won our conference championship.”

How did you feel about the first game of this season?

How was your transition from playing lacrosse to coaching it?

“We had a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the field, and when you have that many young guys on the field, there are going to be some mistakes made, especially so early in the season. If I could go back, I may have switched some of the positions around, but not all outcomes of a game can be drawn on paper, and I don’t think anything could have been done differently to change the outcome of the game. We’re going to be in a lot of close games, and the boys have to feel that pressure in practice to help adapt to the pressure of the game. It’s important for us to invest in the process, and do the little things well. As we get better at the little things, the wins will take care of themselves.”

“The transition from being a player to a coach was a long process for me. I was still trying to play at 25 years old, and I still physically could, but other life responsibilities came in like family and children. It was a brutal wake up call for me, but it showed me that at some point in time I needed to stop being selfish and take a bullet for my family and do the right thing. This was a tough transition initially because I’ve always thought of myself as an athlete until recently.”

What is the difference between coaching women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse?

“When I started coaching soccer, I had to learn a lot because my background wasn’t as strong. I think that having to learn about the game as I went along taught me

Winners and losers of 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend WINNERS:

MATHIEU WETMORE Staff Writer

Only the players can say they are happy the 2016 NBA All-Star weekend is over, as they finally get to leave the cold Toronto weather to continue training with their respective teams. After spending the weekend watching the top 24 basketball players in the world, NBA fans have to anxiously wait for next year’s All-Star weekend before they can relive it all over again.

From the “Splash Brothers’” three-point shoot out to Zach LaVine’s entertaining victory in the dunk contest, there is no better way to look back on the memorable weekend than to honor the winners and losers.

Russell Westbrook: The Oklahoma City guard did not disappoint Sunday night.

Westbrook took full advantage of the AllStar stage in showcasing his talents, by finishing with 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals in picking up a second straight MVP award.

Paul George: After missing last year’s event George was determined to make up for the lost time. If the East had won the game, there is no way George wouldn’t have been crowned the MVP. He finished with a whopping 41 points on the night, one point away from tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most points in an All-Star game.

stop the Warriors from winning it all again this summer.

The Dunk contest: Whether or not you agree with the outcome, this year’s dunk contest will be remembered as one of the best in recent times. Zach LaVine’s and Aaron Gordon’s combined performance raised the bar and took the dunk contest to unprecedented heights. Minnesota’s LaVine eventually won the contest when he pulled off a between-the-legs slam from the free throw line.

LOSERS (kind of): Jimmy Butler: Chicago’s guard wasn’t healthy enough to play this weekend, but imagine if he had been able to. Jimmy Buckets was on fire before he got injured, so fans can only imagine how his talent would have affected the All-Star game.

The Three-Point Contest: This weekend, Klay Thompson was able to do what few teams have accomplished this season: beat Steph Curry. For the first time in NBA history, the title was passed along from one teammate to another. If the “Splash Brothers” can stay this hot, few teams can

Tim Duncan: Who’s to say that Duncan will return and play next season? It would have been nice to see the five-time NBA champion retire as a 2016 All-Star.

Weekly Scoreboard

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Feb. 17 vs. SVU

(W) UMW: 87 SVI: 45

Upcoming:

Men’s Basketball Feb. 20 @ Penn State-Harrisburg Feb. 17 vs. SVU 3:00 p.m.

(W) UMW: 85 SVU: 45 .

Women’s Basketball

State-Harrisburg Feb. 20 @ Penn 1:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s Swim Feb. 19 CAC Championships @ St. Mary’s City, Md. 10:00 a.m.

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VIEWPOINTS

Homelessness lies deeper than lack of permanent residence ASHLEY RIGGLESON Staff Writer

In today’s tough economic climate, homelessness has become increasingly prevalent, and Los Angeles County officials have decided to do something about it, which leaves some to wonder if the county’s plan to end homelessness is really a responsible allocation of funds.

Obviously, fighting homelessness is a good idea, especially given its prevalence in the region, and this plan is a positive step in the right direction. Yet this proposal also has some major flaws and does not consider that homelessness is highest among marginalized groups and veterans.

A more efficient and comprehensive use of funds, then, might be to also invest in services specifically geared towards empowering these groups.

According to The New York Times, the plan improves access to services like public restrooms and showers and seeks to end homelessness by investing in inexpensive housing and appointing a city homeless coordinator. Although these services and affordable housing are certainly necessary, a more critical look at the population itself suggests that home-

lessness is not simply a result of lack of housing.

Famously, LA’s homeless population tends to congregate at an area known as Skid Row, a thoroughly gray depressing place where only peoples’ tents offer splashes of color. The area is, in addition,

according to “Los Angeles Skid Row,” an online brochure about the area.

According to The New York Times, the homeless population in Skid Row and throughout Los Angeles in general is growing—up to 12 percent from 20132015. This growth has prompted the county to take action. Officials hope that, if the plan is followed, the population of Skid Row will be reduced 25 percent by 2017.

The homeless population is not homogeneous, instead it is composed of a variety of groups. The statistics are startling, African Americans, for instance, compose up to 50 percent of the homeless population, Hispanics are at 33 percent last year, according to The Los Angeles Almanac. Homelessness is also high among veterans, people with physical disabilities and people who suffer from mental illness, according to The Los Angeles Almanac.

Garry Knight/Flickr This plan simply provides housing overcrowded, and homeless people must without access to other sorts of aid, and compete for limited space. The commu- does not ensure that people placed in this nity is reasonably diverse, although the housing could continue to live in it over number of African American males living time. It does not solve physical disability, on Skid Row is disproportionately high. mental illness, or racial marginalization, Women and children are also, unfortunate- and society can only solve homelessness ly, increasingly present in the population, if it also addresses these issues.

Course descriptions lack detail, Editorial: Enrollment increase leave students wanting more positive for admissions, negative PAIGE WALTON Staff Writer

The current quality of course descriptions is lacking important information and thus forcing students to select classes without all of the facts.

As college students verging on entering “the real world,” it is a disservice for us not to be given as much information as is available. When the information made available is insufficient, such decisions are forced to be made without total cognizance.

A possible solution would be for professors to submit a draft of their proposed syllabus ahead of time so that students could look over it and garner a better understanding of class expectations, possible costs, and so on.

The syllabus would be attached to the individual courses and viewed in Banner, with the understanding that the syllabus would be a draft and subject to change.

Currently, there is a tab labeled “Syllabus” when you click on a course to view but there is no enforcement or encouragement for syllabi to be posted.

With the expanding reach and increased accessibility to technology, it seems posting such information on an online format would present less of an issue than expecting such changes to occur with the printed version of the Undergraduate Academic Catalog.

By providing a syllabus ahead of time for students to view, the frenzied activity during add/drop week would be decreased

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and overall satisfaction with class placement would increase.

The courses students take can affect the career paths they pursue, the interests they cultivate and the overall satisfaction they feel. Like any important decision that has both time and money weighing in on it, students should be afforded the opportunity to seek out more information on potential courses to insure maximum understanding.

A glaring oversight in course descriptions rests in their inability to warn of potential costs associated with certain classes. In the case of several theatre classes, for example, there are large mandatory fees associated with the classes that are not explicitly stated ahead of time.

As a university that places emphasis on expanding one’s knowledge to all areas of matters, general education requirements take the form and shape through many avenues. In order to fulfill one requirement or another, a student may opt to take a theatre course over an English course, not knowing that the introductory theatre course would impose a mandatory fee of $45 due by the end of the second week.

The problem here rests not in the fee itself, rather in the void in the course description that makes no mention of even the possibility of such fees.

If course descriptions were to be expanded to include fees, students would then be able to better assess which classes make the most sense for them in terms of financial necessities and general education requirements.

Alex Sakes/ The Blue & Gray Press

for student experience In recent years, students at the University statistics that show the accepted GPA and of Mary Washington have become increas- SAT scores of incoming classes? ingly engaged in important issues surroundStudents are seeing clear signs that the ing administrative decisions. To list a few, university is making less efforts to admit in the past students have expressed their deserving individuals, because the quality displeasures towards administration regard- of students entering the community have ing the investment and exploitation of fossil noticeably sank. fuels on campus (DivestUMW), the lack of While the school is so concerned with diversity on campus (where the name ‘Uni- lowering transfer and drop rates, lowering versity of Mostly Whites’ stems from), and admission standards and permitting undethe newly announced tuition raise for the serving students into our community is not next academic year. These controversies solving those issues. have continued to spark frustrations around It is frustrating to be a part of a student campus. community where other students are more According to the university’s website, interested in participating at parties than in this year’s freshman class was the largest the classroom. It is also frustrating that the admitted to the school. The entering class entire student body is aware of certain inof 1,001 first year students may seem like dividuals who promote themselves as drug an extraordinary achievement, maybe indi- dealers and constantly harass women on cating the school’s rising popularity on the campus, yet the school does little to hold national scene however there is a deeper these students accountable for their actions. significance to this number that students When a student is notorious around campus are now beginning to voice their concerns for being these things and when it is obvifor. The decision of the school to widen its ous that more and more students are coming parameters of admitting students may be to our community seeking parties instead of detrimental to the academic and communal meaningful degrees, it is time admissions integrity of the institution. change.

What the university hides is that only a Because admissions is blinded by the fact few years ago, the size of freshman class that this past year brought the largest enrollwas so miniscule to the point that many ment of freshmen in UMW’s history, what first year students were being offered single they fail to see is the lack of quality some style living options. To boot, the transfer students have who enter the community. and drop-out rates within the school was So like before with DivestUMW, or the also a rising concern. frustration brought forth by the continual It seems that in an effort to never repeat raise in tuition, it is important for those stuthose once harsh realities, the school has dents who wish to keep UMW a communiincreasingly been lowering the standards of ty of higher learning and a place of strong admission. Today, students around campus community, we must speak out to the school are seeing a conspicuous gap of the quality over these issues. of students both academic and personaliAs a student body, we must not settle for ty-wise that are being admitted and to sim- standards admissions settle for. A converply put it, who don’t care to be here. sation between students and administration While the school is proud to announce needs to begin and we need to express our statistics such as the record By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS concerns for students who EDITORIAL BOARD number of enrollment this are being admitted and who past year, where are the bring a poor reputation.

Thursday,January February 18, 2016 Thursday, 21, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Hannah Parker | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Gravitational waves prove Einstein correct, reason not to defund NASA

HANNAH PARKER Viewpoints Editor

We always knew Albert Einstein was a genius- but did we know he would still be predicting the fate of science 100 years later?

Those who received the average high school science education would say no, but a group of scientists at the Laser Interferometic Gravitational-Wave Observatory thought differently.

Placing their time and effort into proving Einstein’s century-old Theory of General Relativity, they finally confirmed his the-

World Trending/ Google

ory through the first sound discovery of ripples in space-time.

But what does this mean? How is this relevant to us non-science people?

The discovery of gravitational waves means that we live in a galaxy where time and space are intertwined and are capable of stretching and bending. It gives scientists a basis for deeply investigating the wonders of the universe: black holes crashing together, detonating stars, and the beginning fabrication of the universe.

Still does not mean anything to you?

How about this, it took scientists this long

to prove a theory that was conceived a century ago so imagine all the other theories unproven and not yet conceptualized that could alter our state of reality.

The fact of the matter is there is an abundant amount about the universe that we still have not discovered, which means we do not know the effects it will have on the human race, which effects you.

Even if you are not a science person and the lengthy terminology trips up your general understanding, us non-science people can wrap our heads around the fact that the universe is uncontrollable and full of sur-

prises that we need to figure out if we want to continue living as a human race.

On a less detrimental note, the discovery of gravitational waves set science up to a new speed. It changes the game for all scientists regardless of their field of expertise.

Get it now?

Not all of us can be brilliant physicists and astrologists out there discovering gravitational waves, otherwise who would be writing this article, right? But what we all can get out there and do is make sure organizations such as NASA keep their funding.

According to the NASA budget estimates, in 2015 their budget consisted of $17.5 billion, a $200 million decrease from 2014. This year, NASA hopes to increase their budget to $19.3 billion.

When looking at the vast scope of all the organizations and aid facilities that the U.S. budget needs to cover, $19.3 billion going to projects that may or may not work out seems like a huge risk to many Americans that would like to take home their tax money.

But in retrospect, as stated above, funding to space programs is just as, if not equally important as funding to programs such as social security.

The universe is tricky, it has got a mind of its own, so the more we know the better off the human race will be now and forever.

Letter to the Editor : University should define

costs, allow students control over their money Here at Mary Washington we pride ourselves on rigorously searching for truth in our academic lives, and on the open warmth of our community outside the classroom.

We form our opinions based on evidence and are not afraid of any argument made in good faith. We produce graduates who are “engaged citizens,” combatting injustice, apathy, and incompetence with understanding and determination.

But that’s just part of what makes this place special. We are also well known as a “best buy” school, providing a high quality education at a reasonable cost. Or we were.

Ever increasing cost growth threatens to undermine our hard-earned reputation for affordable excellence, while blocking educational opportunities for low-income students, and loading down graduates with debt. No cheap branding – a la “it’s a yes-brainer” – can replace the practical appeal of an affordable education, which we are slowly losing.

Now if all this money was flowing to provide more and better-qualified instructors, the expense might be understandable.

But full time faculty compensation has stagnated nationally since the 1970’s, and the proliferation of underpaid adjunct professors has hurt both instructional quality and those attempting to become educators.

Instead, the number of non-academic and professional employees at U.S. colleges and universities has more than doubled in the past 25 years, according to the Department of Education. At this rate eighty-seven new administrators were hired every

single day from 1981-2012 in the United States. It’s no surprise that average tuition rose by 521% across the nation during that time.

This unhealthy bloat even affects the landscape of our campus. Buildings that once housed students are now only home to administrative offices or telemarketing-style phone banks. Now less than half our budget at Mary Washington is spent on instruction. However the amount of money spent on institutional support, “the most commonly used marker of administration” according to the Office of the President, has nearly doubled from below $5 million in 2012, to over $9 million last year.

During just my four years here, the cost of school for an in-state student has grown by 18 percent.

Given these trends, it is shocking that the Vice President of Administration and Finance doesn’t even know how to define who is an administrator, and has declared that “there are no current plans to pursue this question.”

Lately, the administration, that undefinable entity, has been more responsive.

They have taken steps to pull back the curtain on certain sorts of finances. Yet, they still will not offer a definition of their own.

Senior members of the administration are worried that burgeoning concerns about administrative accountability might make very well-paid administrators look inept.

Some seem to be more worried about damage control than solving the real problems faced by the student body. This is unacceptable, but unsurprising.

Last year Divest UMW’s demands for a vote on institutional divestment were ignored. The powers that be preferred to have the activists arrested. This year, when the Student Government Association requested that the Board hold a vote on divestment during their February meeting, the Rector and the Visitors disdained to even have a discussion on the motion. It’s a disturbing trend.

They may have good reason to slam the door on student activism. For one, our own President Hurley takes home more salary than the President of the United States receives. While success and competence should be rewarded in all walks of life, that sure seems excessive.

We cannot allow these ballooning overhead costs to be hidden in the shadows.

If gone unchallenged high salaries and unnecessary personnel will grow into a malignant cancer threatening not only the success of Mary Washington’s students, but even the stability of our university.

The Student Government Association is acting in order to ensure financial transparency and to hold decision makers accountable. The Senate has formed the Ad Hoc Committee on Tuition Increases, which will investigate what has been driving continuous cost increases, and determine how exploding student costs could be controlled through administrative budget cuts.

Students must have a say in determining how their money is spent. Firstly, the university should define who is administrator, and produce easily understandable materials which reveal the amount of funds wast-

ed on bureaucracy. The university should create a budget committee composed of students and faculty members, which has power throughout the budget process. We should place a temporary ceiling on salaries, so that students and faculty are not being squeezed to pay for ever higher administrative compensation.

If we unite, Mary Washington’s students can create a better university community, where we have more money in our wallets, and where our engaged citizenship is welcomed, not ignored or discredited. Together we can create a Mary Washington that embodies our ideals, while allowing students from all walks of life access to a quality education.

Sincerely, Alex Obolensky President, Student Senate Vice President, Student Government Association Noah Goodwin & Amanda Ritchie Co-Chairs, Students United Rabib Hasan & Kinzer Kan Co-Chairs, Divest UMW Zaire Sprowal Chair, Diversity and Unity Coordinating Committee Chris Dingus President, UMW Young Democrats

5

LIFE

Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Beyoncé takes political stance with latest song, “Formation”

ESTER SALGUERO Staff Writer

In the beginning there was New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina hit it was unrecognizable and that is how it has been for a while. Beyoncé’s new song “Formation” has stirred up controversy with its social commentary on the lack of governmental aid and government neglect, police violence and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The song also subtly recognizes queer black culture with the term, “slay” that was coined in the black gay community, according to New York Media.

Beyoncé’s first new solo song since 2014 was released on Dec. 6. At the Super Bowl, Beyoncé performed “Formation” with her dance crew dressed in outfits that resembled the Black Panthers look, National

Public Radio said.

It just so happens that this year also marks the 50-year celebration of the Black Panther formation, according to New York Daily News.

The dance crew members posted back stage pictures of themselves making the panther salute which sparked some controversy.

“I find it very wrong that she would make such a scene or statement when she knows millions of people are watching in a time where America comes together,” Stephanie White, a junior sociology major, said.

It is not the first time however, that this salute has sparked some controversy.

Much of Beyoncé’s performance included tributes to black history month like her Super Bowl costume that paid homage to Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl halftime show in 1993.

The theme in Beyoncé’s performance at the Super Bowl matched the activism

found in her music video and in her lyrics.

Some of the word play that Beyoncé uses in addressing racialization is found in the line “My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana, You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bama.”

Bama refers to the working class of Louisiana commenting on the classism and racism that her father lived through and her connection to these roots, New York Media said.

“I truly hope it gets people to think about the institutional racism that’s being called out,” said senior historic preservation major Miriam McCue. Part of the music video was filmed in New Orleans, according to the New York Media’s Vulture section.

It was there that the unforgettable visual of Beyoncé splayed across the iconic police car submerged in water after brought up traumatic memories for Maris Jones, a writer for the Black Girl Dangerous orga-

Warner Bros.

nization.

Jones found herself reliving the event after the first six seconds of the music video.

There is a strong history of New Orleans that can be found in Beyoncé’s video which has triggered controversies.

A portion of the audio was appropriated from a YouTube star known as Messy Mya who was shot and killed in the seventh ward of New Orleans in 2010, New York Media said.

Beyoncé subtly incorporates history behind New Orleans that has become examples for supporters of the black lives matter movement as a form of resistance against police brutality, according to New York Media. Students on campus have also recognized this message.

“After watching Beyoncé’s video, the message I got was one of not only black pride but also one of government neglect •BEYONCE | 9

Kanye releases new album “The Life of Pablo,” blows up news EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

Over the course of the week, Kanye West has taken on several roles at once. West is the artist behind his newest anticipated album, “The Life of Pablo,” which became available to the public a few days after its expected Thursday release.

He is the source of praise or disappointment, depending on the reaction, for his songs released prior to the album, “Wolves,” “Facts,” “No More Parties in LA.” Or, especially this week, he has become an uncomfortable figure through a statement concerning Bill Cosby’s innocence and another unwarranted attack on Taylor Swift in one of his newest songs, “Famous.”

“The Life of Pablo,” Kanye West’s newest album, was officially released Sunday morning, a few days behind its expected Thursday premiere at the Yeezy Season 3 fashion lineup at Madison Square Garden.

The album is now available on the website TIDAL. The album itself can be purchased for $20 or listeners can join a free 30-day trial and stream the album.

“The Life of Pablo” boasts a hefty list of artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Rihanna, Frank Ocean and The Weekend.

The album bounces back and forth from

6

scenes packed with noise and atmosphere and muted, almost minimalistic sound, describing the negative aspects of fame, the importance of faith, family, an artist’s life.

A few of the songs, “Ultralight Beam,” “Low Lights” and “Father

Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” feel heavily influenced by gospel and have beautiful, resonate lyrics, some sung by Kelly Price, Chance the Rapper and a choir. From “Ultralight Beam”: “But I’m looking for more /

West’s latest album art as seen via his Twitter account.

Kanye West/Twitter

Somewhere I can feel safe / And end my holy war / I’m tryna keep my faith.”

Other songs feel very personal, and their sounds muted. West talks about his negative experience with fame, sharing a childhood story about his cousin in the song “Real Friends.” “Real Friends,” like give the feeling, despite the instrumentals and additional vocals, that West is telling a story. That he is standing in a room, telling the listener his experience.

A large part of West’s craft is his sampling, and this album does not disappoint.

The synthetic and instrumental/vocal samples create the mood in the piece.

“T.L.O.P.” underwent more than a couple revisions before coming out. The name was changed several times (Initially called “So Help Me God,” it was then titled “SWISH” and most recently “Waves” before finalized with “T.L.O.P.” Several songs also were added and cut and changed completely. A new version of “Facts” by Charlie Heat replaced the version that was released a few month prior and with “Wolves,” Sia and Vic Mensa were dropped, replaced by Frank Ocean.

West’s album and fashion lineup were not the only reasons West has blown up the news.

•KANYE | 9

Thursday, February 18, 2015

LIFE

Mattel re-imagines Barbie, releases 33 new models, delights consumers

PATRICIA YATES Staff Writer

On Jan. 28 Mattel, Inc. announced a new line of Barbie Fashionistas that would include three more body types to go alongside the original body type; curvy, tall and petite.

The dolls come in multiple skin colors, clothing styles, facial structures and have different hair colors including blue and purple. The new line of Barbies is letting young girls have dolls that can look like them, according to the company.

Since 2012, Barbie has been losing money, and this may be their attempt at raising their profits again.

Barbie sales started decreasing in 2012, although it was only a 3 percent drop, followed by a 6 percent

drop in 2013 and a whopping 16 percent in 2014. That is more than a 20 percent sales drop in only three years.

In addition to falling sales numbers, Mattel has lost its rights with Disney and at the start of this year, they are no longer allowed to produce Disney Princess dolls.

That is estimated at over a $500 million dollar loss for Mattel, right on the heels of a continuous loss of sales in multiple assets, not just Barbie. Barbie is their second largest income, so it is no surprise they are trying to save her.

This year they are releasing 33 new Fashionista dolls. Not all of them are out yet, some are still coming out later this year, and some of

Mattel

the available ones are already sold out and on backorder on the Mattel website.

13 dolls are already out, four are taking pre-orders, and 16 are coming out later this year. Along with the new shapes and sizes of these Fashionista dolls, there will be new clothing sizes to fit.

The new clothes will not fit every doll, therefore swapping outfits will become more limited and costly. There are complaints and complements surrounding the dolls already. Many say that making these new dolls is a step in the right direction, but the dolls are not there yet.

Much of the controversy surrounds the ‘curvy’ dolls, with many people saying it is simply representing the average body from years ago and Mattel is just now getting around to giving people a normal looking doll.

The new dolls are not part of the “friends” series, instead they are Barbie, not a side piece.

Mattel

By making these new dolls stand alone and not be in Barbie’s shadow, but rather Barbie herself, Mattel has opened a new window for children. Since Barbie was created in 1959, she has always been thin, white and had a well-defined hourglass figure. This year the new dolls will be giving children new Barbie role models to look up to.

With the added variety of shape, height, skin tone and more, hopefully children and adults alike or anyone who buys the new Barbie will be able to see themselves and relate.

J.K. Rowling surprises Potterheads with script for new play

TESSA CATE Staff Writer

July 21, 2007 marked the beginning of the end as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” was released at midnight. Or at least Potterheads thought it did.

Potterheads of the Wizarding World have been in an absolute frenzy following the announcement made concerning the release of a new Harry Potter book, now the eighth in the franchise.

According to Pottermore, an interactive Harry Potter-based Internet site, the book titled “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is set for release on July 31, 2016. The date coincidentally coincides with both Rowling’s and Harry’s birthdays.

As both anticipation and excitement

build, so does confusion. Rowling tweeted to her followers on Feb. 11, “To be clear! The SCRIPT of #CursedChild is being published. #NotANovel #NotAPrequel.” Pottermore goes into more detail to explain that the book being published both digitally and in print is actually the script for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a stage play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, and is set to debut in London’s West End this upcoming July.

Our last interaction with Harry took place in the epilogue of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts with Harry standing on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters as he waved goodbye to his children aboard the Hogwarts

Express. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” picks up right where Rowling left off.

Young millennials spent their childhoods reading and re-reading Rowling’s tales of magic in their beds until they absolutely had to turn off the lights for bed. They raced into Barnes and Noble, robe and circular glasses-clad for the midnight book releases, leaving their parents in the dust and all the way out in the parking lot. They waited impatiently to turn 11 for their Hogwarts letters and were filled with a crushing disappointment when Hagrid didn’t break down their door and take them to Diagon Alley to purchase a wand and an owl.

J.K. Rowling gave them the gift of characters to grow up with, look up to

and learn from. Harry allowed them to stick by him from the very beginning until the very end. Hermione fought Wizarding World adversity and proved that what you do with your life matters more than where you come from. Severus Snape taught them what boundless and abiding love is and showed it through each and every one of his actions, even if it wasn’t apparent at the time.

These lessons and experiences have been held dear since the last book was released, but now fans have a new way to celebrate the magic that is Harry Potter. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” will give readers and theatre patrons a glimpse into Harry’s life post-Hogwarts and a way to keep the magic alive and well.

Tom Blunt/Flickr

7

LIFE

Klein Theatre ‘lets it go’ with latest student-delivered production

JOSEPH GARAY Staff Writer

It was a cold night, Thursday, Feb. 11, as audience members rushed into the University of Mary Washington’s Klein Theatre, located in duPont Hall, and filled their seats. Little did they know, the topic of the newest play “Frozen” would be just as bone-chilling as the cold night air they just escaped from.

The title of the play can easily mislead a person to think it is related to the recent animated film “Frozen.” However, it is not. There are no reindeer, no talking piles of snow with a carrot for a nose. Instead, the audience witnesses a story that is far more realistic and far more terrifying.

According to the UMW Theatre’s website, “Frozen” depicts what happens after a ten year-old girl, named Rhona, goes missing from a small town in England. The story focuses on the mother, Nancy, played

by Margaret Lewis, who retreats into herself and to a state of paralyzing longing for her daughter’s safe return.

The story of the serial killer, Ralph, played by Jake Crowley, also takes center

stage. His story is intertwined with that of Agnetha, played by Jackie Filicko, a psychiatrist from New York who seeks out Ralph for her research into the mind of a serial killer. It is through these characters that the play explores the possibility to forgive someone for an unthinkable act.

UMW Theatre’s rendition of Bryony Lavery’s “dark play about horrific circumstances” certainly makes the audience uneasy. This is particularly evident with the opening, where the audience is greeted with Agnetha as she is preparing to leave for England; watching as she breaks down crying.

This unease is further perpetuated by the fact that, for the majority of the play, none of the characters share a scene together; each delivering a lengthy monologue. The few interactions near the end proved to be some of the strongest scenes. Particularly when Nancy meets Ralph, and shows him pictures her daughter Rhona.

Despite the unease that this play creates, the audience is nonetheless transfixed, due in large part to the performances of the cast members.

The student cast: Jackie Filicko, Jake Crowley and Margaret Lewis, all did their best to tell this harrowing story. Margaret

Alex Sakes/The Blue & Gray Press

West returns to the public sphere

Lewis, in particular, did an amazing job, portraying Nancy, a mother who struggles to cope with the loss of her child and who, after many decades, faces her daughter’s murderer and does something that very few people would do—forgive him.

Crowley and Filicko both do a great job with their characters, Agnetha and Ralph.

Though they have the two roles that an audience is less likely to connect with and like, they effectively made the audience think about not only the victim but the murderer as well, making them ponder what could make a person do such horrible acts and whether there is room for forgiveness.

The play is also greatly helped by the set.

Though few people tend to take note of the set, it is hard to miss in this particular play.

It is a set of contrasts: from Rhona’s room, which was full of warmth and childhood belongings, at least at the beginning, to Ralph’s dwelling which was bare and cold.

The creators of the set clearly put thought into their work and it resulted in a great set.

“Frozen” opened on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 in the Klein Theatre. The play will continue through to Sunday, Feb. 21.

“Deadpool” breaks all the rules for all the right reasons

•KANYE | 6 A tweet and a referential lyric has caused discomfort among fans and the general public.

West posted a tweet last Tuesday that said “BILL COSBY INNOCENT !!!!!!!!!!”

The tweet created confusion and outrage for fans and other prominent figures. Cosby has been publicly accused of assault from more than 50 women, including drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand in his home in 2004, according to CNN. Additionally, in one of West’s new songs, “Famous,” which also features Rhianna, West says “For all my Southside --s that know me best / I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b-famous.” West had previously interrupted Swift’s winning the VMA award in 2009 for best female video, intimating that the award should have belonged to Beyoncé.

The lyrics in “Famous” prompted Swift’s

Notorious Nutts/YouTube

Stero Gum `

publicist to comment, saying that Swift was aware of her presence in the song and had cautioned him against releasing a song with a misogynist message.

Kanye West is a mixed bag for a lot of people, and this week has been no exception. “The Life of Pablo” may warrant a listen even if Kanye isn’t your usual cup of tea.

You can find more about the life of Yeezy at tidal.com and kanyewest.com.

Beyoncé captures nation’s attention •BEYONCE | 6 on issues that the media does not follow,” said junior English major, Maggie McMaken.

With the planning and skill that was put into this video by Beyoncé and her team who appropriated clips from works like the “The B.E.A.T.” directed by Abteen Bagheri along with audio from the documentary

by Sundance “Trouble the Water” she has become an activist.

“I would say she is an activist because she is bringing awareness and fighting for equal pride,” McMaken said.

From the looks of Beyoncé’s past achievements in creating conversation, another hit video should be expected to surface next year.

Consequences of Sound

CHRIS MARKHAM Editor-in-Chief

The year 2016 is stockpiled with some of the most anticipated superhero movies of all time. From both the DC and Marvel cinematic universes, major strides will be taken this year in both franchises as the new “arms race” of superhero movies is well underway.

Marvel struck first this year with one of the most heavily, and controversially, marketed movies in recent memory. “Deadpool” took over Valentine’s weekend with record numbers, and for good reason.

The “Deadpool” marketing campaign stressed the idea that this movie would not be like other superhero movies of the past.

Rated R, petitions were made for “Deadpool” to be censored enough to earn a PG13 rating to allow younger superhero fans to watch. By doing this, Deadpool would have strayed away from his comic books roots of being the edgy, anti-hero that you love to hate.

For the sake of the preservation of the character and straying away from traditional, worn out routes of past superhero movies, “Deadpool’s” ‘R’ rating allowed the producers to do the character justice and use a good amount of crude humor and raunchiness that was used to perfection.

The movie was the perfect mix of action and humor, with a hint of romance added in. There are parts of the movie that make you want to cry of sadness and others that make you cry from laughter.

From the opening title sequence to the after-credit scene, “Deadpool” is a nonstop

humor-filled thrill ride that is worth every penny.

Although Deadpool’s movie rights are owned by FOX and is a part of the X-Men cinematic universe, small parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is owned

by Disney and features The Avengers, were mentioned throughout the movie.

By doing this, they open the doors for a cross-over of the two franchises should movie rights be bought over by one or the other. An example of this occurred in 2015 when Disney bought the rights to Spiderman from SONY, and now the web-slinger is pinned to make his MCU debut in “Captain America Civil War,” another sure-to-be blockbuster superhero movie of 2016.

“Deadpool” is slotted to have a sequel and by introducing other members of the X-Men team in the movie allows for future X-Men movies to feature Deadpool should they choose to.

Deadpool uses the ability to “break the fourth wall” to add to his comic relief and even further distinguish itself from other superhero movies of the past by speaking directly to the audience at times.

He referenced previous Marvel movies, specifically Hugh Jackman as well as poking fun at Ryan Reynolds’ previous stints as superhero characters, particularly the failed “Green Lantern” of 2011.

Although those roles were one-and-dones, Reynolds has publicly said that he is willing to ride his new Deadpool role all the way to the end. And from the success of his latest movie, there’s no reason to believe that the end is in the near future.

9

NEWS POLICE BEAT

UMW hires returning employee as event coordinator

BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

Drug Possession Possession of marijuana occurred in Russell Hall on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 p.m. A student received an administrative referral.

Underage Alcohol Possession and Intoxication Underage possession of alcohol occurred at Mason Hall on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11 p.m. Six students received administrative referrals.

Underage intoxication occurred in Russell Hall on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1 a.m. An EMS was present and a student received an administrative referral.

Underage intoxication occurred in Bushnell Hall on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 11 p.m. An EMS was present and a student received an administrative referral.

The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public.

The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.

Great Lives/ UMW ORCA TV

KELLY EMMRICH Assistant Life Editor

Ali Gauch Hieber officially returned to the University of Mary Washington on Jan. 25 as the coordinator of community events. Since returning, Hieber has joined the events and conferencing team, the Great Lives series and the team for organizing graduation. Before her departure, Hieber was the associate dean of admissions.

“This has been a wonderful homecoming,” Hieber said. “My last work as associate dean of admissions was to enroll the class of 2016. I love the serendipity that I will have the honor of supporting a meaningful graduation ceremony for this same group of students.”

The Office of Events has coordinated the details of the celebration for the last 19 years at UMW. The provost’s office takes the lead and the community office provides the logistical support. This year students and guests will be able to tweet messages on a jumbotron before and after the ceremony. UMW started displaying tweets on a jumbotron for the first time in 2014, but this year will be the first year that the tweets will be displayed both before and after the commencement.

As for the Great Lives lectures, Hieber works with the director Dr. Bill Crawley to plan the best lectures for the

school, the community and the students.

The Great Lives lectures are a series that started in 2004. It invites speakers to lecture about historic figures, celebrities and different movements in history. Some of the upcoming topics will be Charles Darwin, Secretariat, and Dwight D. Eisenhower among several others.

“Biography is the most intimate approach to history and the most entertaining.” reads the UMW Great Lives web page, “UMW’s Chappell Great Lives lecture reveals how extraordinary people, some born to privilege and power, others from modest backgrounds, shaped art, literature, science, government and the human experience.”

Crawley has been a member of the UMW faculty for over 40 years and has been director of the Great Lives program since its inception in 2004.

He also teaches a course called ‘Great Lives: Biographical Approaches to History and Culture.’

“I will add my own touches and support the vision of Crawley,” Hieber said. “Changes in the series will be implemented in the planning for the coming year. Small changes happen every week, but might not be noticeable to the audience as a whole.”

Senior geography major Sequoi Phipps had attended a few of the Great Lives lectures last year and said the events bridge the University with the

Fredericksburg community.

“I think the Great Lives lectures are run very well,” Phipps said. “I think it’s very sweet that UMW involves the community.”

Phipps has also attended the undergraduate commencement in past years and will be involved with commencement as a graduating student. Phipps said she likes the traditions the event has kept, such as having graduation outdoors in Ball Circle. However, she would like senior students to start a tradition of their own.

Freshmen students created an outline of 2019 on the grass in Ball Circle, and students filled the outline to create the year 2019.

“That would be cool to have seniors do,” Phipps said.

Sophomore Lo McGee has seen events advertised on campus and Facebook. For her, she said that Facebook is the better option to garner student and community interest in events.

“I see a lot of their advertisements on Facebook, and I feel like that’s a better way to reach people,” McGee said.

Moving forward, the UMW community looks forward to what plans Hieber has for Great Lives, future graduations and anything else with which she will gets involved.

UMW campus fitness employees to attend expo in North Carolina KYRA KETCH Staff Writer

University Relations

10

Three University of Mary Washington professional staff members, along with six UMW students, will make the six and a half hour trek to University of North Carolina Asheville this Friday, Feb. 19. There, at the Southeast Collegiate Fitness Expo, university students and staff from across the region will gather to share knowledge, skills and exciting new trends in fitness.

The annual event is one that Kelly Shannon, interim director of campus recreation, has attended before. She and one of the UMW Fitness Center interns will present in front of 400 individuals their own knowledge on how to improve student life across the country.

“The topics of most of the sessions are either group fitness oriented or per-

sonal training oriented,” Shannon said.

“UMW does not currently have a personal training program so I think our students will benefit from that a lot, just seeing what other Universities are doing in terms of group fitness and personal fitness programs as well as their wellness programing.”

Shannon is excited to hear new ideas from the expo and bring back information that could benefit the UMW Fitness Center, its students and its staff.

“I’m looking forward to them being able to see and then share this information when they get back here. That’s the end goal really, is that we can grow our staff and create ideas to bring back to UMW,” Shannon said.

When asked what he was looking forward to most, graduate assistant for operations and lead cycle instructor,

•FITNESS |11

Thursday, February 18, 2016

NEWS

President Hurley, Landphair chime in on hiring of new president

Proceeds from bingo night benefit American Cancer Society

•FITNESS |10

•PRESIDENT| 1

great personality. He is exactly who we need at this point in our history.”

Also, Hurley said that he and Paino met before, and that it was a positive experience.

“Yes, I met him and totally enjoyed our time together,” Hurley said.

According to the news release by UMW announcing Paino as the next president, The Board of Visitors will hold a public vote to ratify the contract for appointment of UMW’s 10th president at its regular meeting on Feb. 18.

“With a career marked by overlapping academic interests and personal experiences, [Paino’s] life portfolio positions him well to lead our diverse, caring, and intellectually-curious students,” said Juliette Landphair, vice president for student affairs. “His academic pedigree brings the liberal arts to life (law, history, and philosophy) and in my experience, university leaders with such interdisciplinary intellectual interests really understand the intersections of the student experience, from the classroom to the athletic fields to the residence hall to the stage and finally, to their families back home.”

Landphair said that Paino will potentially continue the principles that Hurley established at UMW during his presidency.

“When it comes to putting students first, President Hurley will be a hard act to follow,” Landphair said. “With his experience, humor, and humility, Dr. Paino will continue that important legacy of President Hurley’s leadership.”

Katarina Soerensson, junior art history major, had read the email and was interested in Paino’s previous history as college president and dean.

However, she has concerns as he is not a Virginia resident.

“I feel like he will be a good fit, but I am a little worried, especially as he’s not from Virginia,” Soerensson said.

Kelly Paino, Troy Paino’s wife, reportedly has family who lives 50 miles from Fredericksburg, according to the publication Kirkville Daily Express.

Claire Merenda, senior English and psychology double major, saw the announcement regarding Paino but said she does not know very much about him. She said she hopes traditions that started with Hurley will continue with Paino, such as the ice cream social and the lottery dinner.

“I want the sense of community to stay here,” Merenda said. “Not just change because the president has changed.”

Paino will begin his office as UMW president on July 1.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Expo combines education and exercise

Sarae/Flickr

•RELAY |1

not have a dull moment. The hosts that call out numbers kept the vibe fun and interactive for the participants. The aspect of Bingo Night that is so interesting is the amount of dedicated followers it obtains. Every crowd member seems to know the lingo. For example, as the combination of the letter “b” and the number 11 are called, in unison, the entire crowd chants “Be eleven, be be eleven! Whoop whoop!” It was a very inviting and passionate crowd, providing what the students believe to be the perfect atmosphere for the promotion of Relay For Life.

In between every other game of bingo, Relay For Life members James Thomas Stewart and Greg Genuradi talked about everything from how the organization operates to how you can get involved. The cancer fighting organization also had a desk adjacent to the stage where anyone could get a pamphlet with more information, a donation jar along with cupcakes and candy and organization members who can help anyone become a part of the Relay For Life movement.

Winners of games received the general prizes from the school bookstore along with special Relay For Life prizes which included hats, shirts, thermoses, bags and cups.

All proceeds of the night went to the American Cancer Society.

According to their official website, Doctor Gordy Klatt, founder of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, started the event in May 1985 by spending a tiring 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

He ultimately raised $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern, cancer.

A year later, 340 advocates joined the overnight event.

Relay For Life is an event where each year more than four million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed

funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement. During an event, participants and even survivors of the disease celebrate what they have overcome. Contributors involved also remember the ones who have lost the fight to cancer and honor the ones who are still fighting. The events are life changing cancer fundraising events that help communities across the globe fight back against the lethal disease.

The University of Mary Washington Relay For Life organization reaches further than just UMW’s campus, in fact they promote their movement throughout the local Fredericksburg area.

Moving forward, the Mary Washington Relay team has numerous events until April. Recently, the group had a kick-off week of events in the Chandler Ballroom. Other great events that have taken place include the Spring Kickoff and the selling of baked goods on campus. Along with Bingo Night, Relay has other events for students to take part in the future, such as the Relay For Life Leap Into Fundraising Conference Call which begins on Monday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. The main event, the relay, begins Saturday Apr. 16 at 6 p.m. and ends on Sunday morning at 7 a.m.

So far, 20 teams and 128 participants have raised almost $7,000 for the UMW event.

For more information on the events on campus locate the group through Facebook, visit RelayForLife.org or visit the University’s official website and click the ‘student life’ tab.

Since Klatt’s first steps, the movement has grown into a world wide phenomenon. According to Relay For Life, the events have raised nearly $5 billion to help fight cancer and thanks to the support of volunteers, the American Cancer Society is helping to save more than 500 lives from cancer every day.

Brandon Smith said he is most excited for the team building aspect of the expo, which he hopes will help him and the others involved to grow.

“We’re going to be bringing a lot of student supervisors and young talent within the campus recreation department, and having them see and be exposed to a lot of different campus recreation programs from around the country will really help us to grow and better our program,” Smith said.

Smith’s colleague, Daniel Turner, graduate assistant for intramural and club sports added that he is excited to see the various recreation programs at other universities.

“I’m most excited for getting the opportunity to see the fitness side of campus recreation because [with my position] I don’t really deal with that, so I’ll be getting a more rounded opinion to help make our program better where I can,” Turner said.

Paddle boarding coming to UMW April 10

Turner, who is organizing a sunrise hike for the staff, expressed his excitement to see the sun peek up over the North Carolina mountaintops. “I’m also excited for the playlist on the way down” he said.

At the expo there will be stand up paddle boarding, Zumba, Body Attack, Body Combat, as well as other events.

However, the handful of staff and students attending are not the only ones who will benefit from these fun-filled activities. “We have a plan of offering stand-up-paddle-boarding to UMW starting April 10,” Shannon said.

The goal of the UMW Fitness Center staff, according to Smith, is making UMW a healthier and happier place.

“This is one more step in a group of many steps we are taking to revolutionize campus recreation for Mary Washington students,” Smith said.

Shannon agreed, saying that “there are a lot of really great changes that have already happened and a lot of changes that are coming up.”

With the expo bringing in even more exciting changes, Shannon shared her plan for next year.

“We’re planning on putting a bid in to host this conference here next year, so we will have everybody from the southeast region come see how cool UMW can be,” Shannon said.

The expo could potentially be an opportunity for UMW to see what other Universities are doing in the area of fitness and learn how to improve the school’s own programs and facilities.

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SPORTS

Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Men’s and women’s swim teams look to extend conference championship win-streaks

UMW Athletics

JOSEPH YEAGER Staff Writer

This weekend the University of Mary Washington’s swim teams will head to the Capital Athletic Conference Championship. The meet will include five other schools: Saint Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury University, Frostburg State University, Marymount University and York College of Pennsylvania. The UMW women went 9-0 this season and are looking to win the championship for the 26th time. The men went 7-1 this season and are looking to win their 22nd overall CAC championship. The women have won every single CAC championship since the conference’s formation in 1989, and are looking to continue their streak this weekend.

Both the men and women teams are excited for conferences. “I’m super excited for the chance to race fully tapered and shaved. I can’t wait to see what both teams will accomplish at CACs,” said

sophomore Kenyon Huber-Wilker.

Senior Stephanie Hallock will look to defend her titles in the 50, 100, and 200yard freestyles, as well as her Swimmer of the Meet award. Seniors Hannah Haggy, Katie Fargo and Abby Cox also will be defending relay and individual titles.

Junior Anna Corley is building off a positive Gettysburg Invite in December and looking to defend her conference 200-yard individual medley and 200-yard backstroke titles. Sophomore Megan Murphy looks to recapture the 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard butterfly titles that she won last season. Finally, freshman Emily Adams will be making an appearance in the mid-distance freestyles. The women look to repeat victories in all five relays, with seniors Hallock, Haggy and Fago all playing key roles to help win the championship and bring head coach Abby Brethauer yet another conference title.

On the men’s side, seniors Vance Solseth, Matt Garstka and Sean Mayer all look to complete their final year with

UMW Athletics

“I’M SUPER EXCITED FOR THE CHANCE TO RACE FULLY TAPERED AND SHAVED. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT BOTH TEAMS WILL ACCOMPLISH AT CACs” -Kenyon Huber-Wilker strong relay and individual performances.

Mayer is the defending the 100-yard freestyle champion, with Garstka and Solseth close behind. In the junior class, dynamic swimmer Dallas Tarkenton is looking to repeat his 200-yard IM and 100-yard butterfly titles, while teammate Tyler Gimple looks to push his 500-yard free title-streak

to three consecutive years while also defending his mile conference record against former record holder and teammate Zach Eisig. In the sophomore class Anthony Stephens looks to fill the void left by national champion Alex Anderson in the 400-yard IM, while Kenyon Huber-Wilker will build off last year’s team record in the 200-yard breaststroke. This season’s freshman class is led by Ricardo Bonilla-Vazquez who has been one of the most versatile swimmers on the team this year and will try to upset Tarkenton in the 200yard IM. The men look to defend all 5 relay titles and bring Coach Abby Brethauer her sixth consecutive conference title.

Many of the swimmers will be building off of personal best times they achieved during their mid-season meet, which include some NCAA B-cuts which qualified some swimmers for the NCAA championship in March. “This weekend we hope to improve on those mid-season times and put ourselves in a close races that we can hopefully win,” Brethauer said.

Way-too-early look at 2016 NFL Free Agency HOGAN LEPORE Staff Writer

The NFL games are now done with, however the NFL season never stops. As scouts look ahead to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis to watch the potential draft picks, fans and analysts who love to speculate look forward to free agency.

NFL Free Agency is very unpredictable due to the fact that no one knows what is going through the minds of all the 32 general managers across the league. Also, free agency is more about the drama than it is about the production as a result of free agency.

NFL free agency is quality over quantity when it comes to signings. As previous years have shown, teams who spend the most money in free agency do not see those investments pay off on the field.

The Miami Dolphins finished last season 8-8. According to Sports Cheat Sheet, in the 2014 free agency period the Dolphins spent a little under $460 million. $155 million on outside acquisitions, $126 million on extending contracts, $28 million on draft selections and $28 million on undrafted rookies. With a great deal of money spent on talent, the Dolphins

Thursday, January 18, 2016

seemed to be trending upward… until the actual games rolled around.

This past season Miami finished 6-10, two wins short of their previous record of 8-8.

The point is free agent signings do not always work. In fact, many successful organizations ignore outside hires and stick in-house and sign their own impending free agents, such as the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.

Even though free agency is not all it is cracked up to be, it is still fun to speculate. Although most of these impending free agents will be either re-signed by their previous organizations or franchised tagged, here are the top 20 soon-to-be free agents for the 2016 NFL Offseason.

Top-20 available players 1. Von Miller OLB

11. Lamar Miller RB

2. Muhammad Wilkerson DE

12. Kirk Cousins QB

3. Alshon Jeffery WR

13. Bruce Irvin OLB

4. Malik Jackson DE

14. Andre Smith OT

5. Josh Norman CB

15. Danny Trevathan ILB

6. Eric Berry S

16. Chris Ivory RB

7. Olivier Vernon DE

17. Doug Martin RB

8. Matt Forte RB

18. Eric Weddle S

9. Russell Okung OT

19. Janoris Jenkins CB

10. Cordy Glenn OT

20. Brock Osweiler QB

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