The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

MARCH 19, 2015

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 19

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

Class of 2015 commencement speaker announced

BOV denies request for subcommittee to explore divestment BOV | 10 “AS A BOARD WE ARE DEDICATED TO GREEN INITIATIVES AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH [DIVESTUMW] FOR A YEAR. WE DO NOT, AND I WILL REPEAT, DIRECTLY INVEST IN FOSSIL FUEL.” -Holly Cuellar, BOV Rector

SARAH GRAMMER Assistant News Editor

Jonathan Polson/ The Blue & Gray Press DivestUMW members gathered at the Jepson Alumae Center to ask the BOV about the decision.

Following Sweet Briar closure, UMW extends transfer deadline

Saving Sweet Briar The Save Sweet Briar fund is seeking $20 million in funds in order to provide the school with the financial ability to stay open and continue operating.

SARAH GRAMMER Assistant News Editor

Sweet Briar College made the unexpected announcement on Feb. 28 that the board of directors had voted to close the school at the end of the upcoming summer semester. The all female college’s Board of Directors cited insurmountable financial losses, as well as lack of interest in rural, private female colleges as the rationale behind the decision.

Current Sweet Briar students are being forced to transfer to different schools via a teach-out method. Schools including Mary Baldwin College, Lynchburg College, Randolph College and Hollins University have collaborated with Sweet Briar to offer

2015-2016 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION: PRESIDENT: Hannah Tibett

IN THIS

ISSUE

1922

expedited transfer applications. To make the transition easier on SBC students, the University of Mary Washington extended its transfer and admission dates until further notice.

A number of students, alumni and faculty responded to the news of the closure with outrage. SBC alumna Dani Humphrey graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in English and creative writing and said she was in shock upon hearing of SBC’s closing.

“No one had seen this coming. No one was informed on this decision; we had no red flags, nothing. The alumnae, students and faculty were all kept in the dark,” said Humphrey. “I tried so hard to keep myself together when I found out that it wasn’t a rumor, but that didn’t last long. I cried. A

lot.”

According to Humphrey, part of her concern was not only for the loss of her alma mater but for the current students.

“Those girls were just slapped in the face with a big, ‘you don’t matter.’ My heart broke,” said Humphrey.

Since the decision was announced, supporters all around the country have united under the movement #savesweetbriar.

“Over 20,000 SBC alumni around the country have joined the movement and the group has hired a Richmond based law firm, Troutman Saunders, to take on our legal case,” said Humphrey. “Chap Peterson has personally addressed the Board of Directors and President [James] Jones with •SWEET BRIAR | 10

VICE PRESIDENT: Alex Obolensky

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: Sarah Clay

ARH PRESIDENT: Ray Celeste Tanner

HONOR COUNCIL: Diana Inthavong

LEGLISLATIVE ACTION CHAIR: Sarah Campbell

INTERCLUB ASSOCIATION: Ethan Lane

JRB PRESIDENT: Juliet Narine

DUC COMMITTEE CHAIR: Zaire Sprowel

COMMUTER STUDENT ASSOCIATION: Miriam McCue

Fredericksburg native, Pamela E. Bridgewater was named as the commencement speaker for the University of Mary Washington’s 2015 graduating class.

After 34 years of service, Bridgewater retired in 2013 from the U.S. Diplomatic Service. During Bridgewater’s active duty at the rank of Career Ambassador, she was the U.S ambassador to three different countries, including Jamaica, the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Ghana. Bridgewater worked with President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama during her time as a U.S. Ambassador.

While working overseas, Bridgewater became the first African-American woman to be consul general in Durban, South Africa. Bridgewater’s service as consul general came during South Africa’s transition into a non-radical government.

Bridgewater has received many commendations for her service to international affairs and public policy. These include two Presidential Meritorious Service awards, the Charles Cobb award for Trade Promotion, Department of State Superior Honor Awards and the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award.

Bridgewater has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science. At American University School of International Service, Bridgewater completed coursework and was a candidate for a Ph.D. degree.

Bridgewater holds two honorary Doctorates of Law degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Virginia State University as well as a Doctor of Public Service from Morgan State University.

Programming clubs folded into new SAE sponsored board CHRISTOPHER MARKHAM Sports Editor

In the most recent in a series of changes to be implemented during the 2015-16 academic year, the Office of Student Activities and Engagement at the University of Mary Washington is implementing a new “umbrella system” with the goal of more easily organizing the funding of specific programming clubs.

The new system, called the College Programming Board, will encompass the three main production clubs on campus: University Programming Council (UPC), Giant Productions and Cheap Seats Cinema. Other existing clubs will also be brought under the umbrella for funding purposes.

According to Ethan Feuer, the director of SAE, the CPB will be a joint student-departmental led team made up of a student president, vice president and publicity manager. These three will manage an exec•CPB | 11

GET DIGITAL

48:15

HE SHOOTS...

UMW celebrates the opening of the Digital Auditorium

Senior Alex Bryant releases original album

Taylor Johnson scores big in men’s basketball

LIFE | 7

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 3

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 Alison Thoet

MANAGING EDITOR Mariah Young

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jonathan Polson

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Hope Racine Nephthalie Lauture

VIEWPOINTS Tess Osmer

LIFE Amanda Motley

SPORTS Chris Markham

ONLINE

Lauren Brumfield

PHOTO

Ginny Clark

ASSISTANT EDITORS Emily Hollingsworth Alex Obolensky Mikey Barnes

ADVERTISING TEAM BUSINESS MANAGER Cara Sexton

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jess Wu

FACULTY ADIVSOR Steve Klein

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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Virginia legislature passes campus assault reform bills EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Administration at the University of Mary Washington held an open meeting for students on March 11 in the Faculty and Staff Dining Room at Seacobeck Hall. The goal of the meeting was to get student and faculty input about UMW’s campaigns regarding sexual assault and how such campaigns can improve going forward.

Administration present at the meeting included President Rick Hurley, who opened and closed the event. Other administrators included Doug Searcy, vice president for student affairs; Marissa Miller, coordinator for prevention and advocacy to the office of diversity and inclusion; Jonathan Levin, provost; and Leah Cox, UMW’s Title IX coordinator and special assistant to the President for diversity and inclusion.

Approximately 15 students and faculty attended the meeting. Sarah Chamberlain, a senior international affairs major, said she hoped the meeting would address students’ concerns about the importance of clear consent and the growing awareness of sexual assaults on campus.

“We want to get an answer for a question we’ve been asking for several months now,” said Chamberlain.

The meeting comes on the heels of critical developments in two bills recently proposed in the Virginia General Assembly regarding university provisions for students affected by sexual assault. Within the bills, Virginia colleges and universities are required to have a multidisciplinary sexual assault response team for sexual assault cases.

In addition, the response team is able to override a student’s desire not to report the case if the team believes campus safety is at risk. The bills also have provisions for students affected by sexual assault to receive multiple options for help and for campus law-enforcement to have victim sensitivity training. The bills have been sent to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to be signed.

Hurley asked students their impression of the “Yes is the Key” campaign, which focuses on clear consent in intimate relationships. Hurley also announced the university was working on a video that questions the idea of non-verbal consent.

Students agreed consent should not be assumed, but believed the campaign should not only focus on clear consent, but also how to respect boundaries when someone says “no,” either verbally or non-verbally.

Other students said those who have been sexually assaulted before may freeze up and be unable to say “no.” Being able

Flickr Events at the University of Virginia earlier this year dominated the discussion on campus assault reform.

to recognize non-verbal cues could also prevent sex without clear consent. Christopher Kilmartin, a UMW psychology professor who has written extensively on sexual assault, said he believes that UMW should not only focus on the “Yes is the Key” campaign, but take quick and punitive action against students or faculty on campus who are perpetrators of sexual assault.

“IT’S GOING TO TAKE MORE TIME, BUT WE NEED TO BE MORE INTENTIONAL ABOUT IT.” -Doug Searcy “Teaching people about consent is not going to stop sexual assault,” said Kilmartin.

According to Kilmartin, 90 percent of sexual assaults that have been committed have been done by serial offenders.

UMW currently has sanctions in place that can be taken against sexual assault offenders.

According to Ray Tuttle, director of judicial affairs and community responsibility, anyone who commits sexual assault on UMW’s campus will have violated the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Sanctions toward offenders vary from warning to expulsion. These actions are based on the degree of the violation.

During the meeting, students also spoke about how to change college-aged students’ negative preconceptions of women.

Searcy said he believes that change needs to take place, but it will not be a quick fix.

“It’s going to take more time,” said Searcy. “But we need to be more intentional about it.”

Kilmartin proposed UMW back a peer-education program aimed toward men to challenge sexism.

“Men often act in sexist behavior to gain the approval of other men,” said Kilmartin.

According to Kilmartin, having a wide-reaching program that educates men on campus about sexism could create an atmosphere at UMW where both male and female students are respected.

Participants at the meeting also proposed having formal and informal support groups for male and female students who have been victims of sexual assault.

Hurley ended the meeting reassuring students that UMW is “upping [their] game” to combat sexual assault on campus.

Senior theatre and creative writing double major Tionge Johnson said she believed that the meeting went well, with faculty and students addressing the issue conscientiously.

“I was impressed by how well people associated with each other,” said Johnson.

According to Kilmartin, he was glad to hear Hurley say that while UMW is taking action, it will not come quickly and the university has a long way to go.

“We’ll wait to hear if the college is ready to invest their resources into [sexual assault education,]” said Kilmartin.

Obama presents Student Bill of Rights to combat debt

NEPHTHALIE LAUTURE News Editor

President Barack Obama announced a Student Aid Bill of Rights last Tuesday, March 10 in an effort to “help borrowers responsibly manage their debt, improve federal student loan servicing and protect taxpayers’ investments,” as stated in a White House press release.

The signing comes during a time when 70 percent of students, upon finishing their bachelor’s degrees, will be in debt of more than $28,000.

“One of the things that’s been uppermost on my mind is how do we make sure that every young person in this country who is willing to put in the effort can go to

college,” Obama said at the signing of the presidential memorandum.

Many students believe this is an important and necessary step for the administration to take.

“The Obama administration, since his last state of the Union, has shown an extraordinary commitment to education. The announcement of the Student Aid Bill of Rights is no different. I absolutely think it will make a positive impact on higher education in the U.S.,” said Benjamin Hermerding, a senior political science major and President of the University of Mary Washington Young Democrats.

“For too long, vulnerable young Americans has fallen prey to skyrocketing educa-

tion prices,” said Hermerding.

The Student Aid Bill of rights sets to create a responsive student feedback system, help borrowers afford their monthly payments and prioritize to meet the needs of student borrowers, stating that “every student deserves access to a quality, affordable education at a college that’s cutting costs and increasing learning, every student should be able to access the resources needed to pay for college, every borrower has the right to an affordable repayment plan and every borrower has the right to quality customer service, reliable information, and fair treatment, even if they struggle to repay their loans,” according to a press release from the White House.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

SPORTS

Men’s Rugby travels to Ireland for training

CARTER WALLER Staff Writer

The Men’s Rugby Club at the University of Mary Washington returned from Spring Break with extensive knowledge of the game they play following a ten-day trip to Ireland that lasted from February 27 to March 7.

The club toured the country by bus, traveling and staying in the Irish cities of Cork, Dublin and Ennis. In Cork, the club had a scheduled game against the University of Cork Con canceled at the last minute due to forfeiture by the opposing university. The University of Cork Con reasoned that it did not have enough players for the match, according to senior flanker Matt McAloon.

“In our last visit two years ago, we played against two different Irish teams.

Not only did we learn from them, they learned from us,” said McAloon. “There

are slight differences in American and Irish rugby, so it was a great learning experience for both sides. I felt a little disrespected by our opponent because it was scheduled four months beforehand and a big reason for why we organized the trip in the first place.”

Despite the game’s cancellation, the club’s itinerary provided plenty of other opportunities to expand their rugby knowledge. According to senior Danny Wehr, who plays the prop position, the team held a practice with Brendan O’Connor, a former professional rugby player for Munster of the Guinness Pro12 European rugby league.

“Mr. O’Connor gave a lot of great advice that he learned from playing professionally,” said Wehr. “He was able to connect with us person-to-person and was really a great mentor for the amount of time we had with him.”

The men’s team attended a Guinness Pro12 game in Cork between Munster and Glasgow, where Munster won 22-10.

“The Munster game was a great experience, and I think I speak for the whole team,” said McAloon. “Everyone was watching the players, seeing how they played individually and as a team. Watching how professionals attacked or defended in certain situations was very rewarding because I can incorporate certain aspects into my playing style.

In Dublin, the team held a practice with a coach of an Irish U-20 rugby team to expose more playing methods and tactics.

According to Wehr, his favorite experience from the trip occurred in Dublin.

“I had the best time during our participation in the wheelchair rugby event,” said Wehr.

Wheelchair rugby, or Murderball in the United States, is a game designed to resemble rugby, but uses a volleyball rather than a rugby ball. The wheelchairs are designed for contact, though physical contact between players is not permitted in the game.

“It was a really rewarding experience because of the things we have done since the club’s last trip,” said Wehr. “We donated jerseys to a wheelchair rugby team in Dublin last year, and when we arrived to the event this year, we were able to play alongside them and against them, which was great for everyone involved.”

The trip, according to Wehr, continued the team’s tradition of visiting the country every other year, and was planned by club director and former UMW rugby player, Tim Brown.

Mother’s Rugby/Facebook The men’s rugby club at UMW spent much of Spring Break in Ireland training for their spring season.

Men’s and women’s tennis start spring season off on right foot in California •TENNIS | 12 said Charles. “Whittier lost three of their starters from last year, so we took full advantage from the start.”

The No. 17 UMW men fell to the No. 19 University of Redlands 6-3 in the their final day of competition on Saturday, March 7.

“The team is looking good,” said Carey. “We have returned most of our starters from last year, giving us lots of experience and leadership.”

The No. 22 UMW women’s team took the court against No. 38 Whittier on Monday, March 2, with an impressive 7-2 victory.

In the doubles competition, the Lady Eagles saw a pair of doubles duos comprised of senior Alex Ritter and junior Mackenzie Smith along with junior Alina Suyama and freshman Kait Brogan claim doubles victories, putting the women up 2-1.

“I was really proud of the team against Whittier,” said Ritter. “It was our first outdoor match of the season with less than ideal conditions going into the match.”

To follow up on the early lead, the Lady Eagles won singles matches two through

WOMEN'S LACROSSE:

March 18 vs. Catholic University (L) UMW: 14 PSH: 19

MEn's lacrosee:

March 18 @ Ferrum College (W) UMW: 15 Ferrum: 6

six to add on five more points. Ritter won at two, freshman Caroline Mosberg won at three, junior Christina Gaul won at four, Brogan won at five and Smith won at six.

Following their first victory, the UMW women’s tennis ranked at No. 23 and went on to win over No. 31 Chapman 6-3 on Wednesday, March 4.

The Lady Eagles went to work early as they claimed a 2-1 lead over Chapman heading into the singles competition thanks to the duos Suyama and Brogan, and junior Shelby Harris and Mosberg. The UMW women also had strong singles matches from Brogan, Smith, Ritter and Harris to clench the team victory.

The No. 23 Lady Eagles then fell to No. 22 University of Redlands 3-6 on Friday, March 6 to finish off the California trip.

“Losing to Redlands was a tough way to end the week,” said Ritter. “However, we are staying focused on the main goal to win the Capital Athletic Conference Championships and to get into the NCAA tournament.”

Both the UMW men and women will return to the home courts on Friday, March 20.

BASEBALL: SOFTBALL:

March 15 vs. Shenandoah (W) UMW: 10 SU: 5

Men: Taylor Johnson, senior -First Team Eric Shaw, freshman -Second Team

Women:

Brianne Comden, sophomore -First Team Claire Haeuptle, senior -Second Team

March Madnesss is here!

Get in on the madness and fill out a bracket today. Cut and fill out a bracket on page 8 to keep up with the insanity.

Tennis duo earns CAC Athletes of the Week Honors Scott Buie

Kait Brogan

Sophomore Scott Buie earned CAC Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for his dominant performances in leading the Eagles to a 3-0 record this past week. Scott’s success was displayed by his three victories in singles matches and two in doubles.

Freshman Kait Brogan was named CAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week. Brogan went 2-0 in her single matches last week in the four and five spots. Brogan competed in the one spot for the doubles competition, defeating Southern Virginia.

Weekly Scoreboard March 18 vs. Southern Virginia (W) UMW: 6 SVU: 5

Eagles earn All-Conference basketball honors

Upcoming:

Softball March 19 vs. Bridgewater Home 3 & 5 p.m.

Track & Field March 20 & 21 Battleground Relays

Men’s Tennis: March 20 vs. Bates Home 4 p.m.

Women’s Tennis: March 20, 21 & 22 Blue & Grey Invitational Baseball: March 21 vs. Frostburg 3 & 5 p.m.

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VIEWPOINTS

Senior Alex Bryant is creating innovative music on campus

WhO IS ALEX BRYANT?

MONA OSMER Viewpoints Editor

• Home Town:

Reston, Virginia

• Academic Year:

Senior

•Major:

Business Administration

It always seems as if our passions find us or that what we choose to do with our lives chooses us, as if it were destined.

On February 24, Alex Bryant, or AB, released his first mixtape, “48:15.” His musical project has taken the campus of the University of Mary Washington by storm.

At a young age, musician and songwriter AB noticed his connection with rap music.

“When I was nine and ten-years-old, my friends and I were never outside playing ball.

We were inside making music,” said AB. Although he has already gained a local fan base, he remains humble.

He is enigmatic and complicated, his voice layered and versatile. When he talks about his passion for writing and performing, his whole being lights up.

“The first time I ever showed my friends a verse that I had written I was on a school bus. I performed my verse for them and the way they reacted to my work got me hooked. The jaw-drops and the yells of excitement made me want to pursue rapping, so I guess you could say it was all their fault,” said AB with a laugh.

Now, almost five years later, he admits, “I truly love to write, and it’s everywhere in my house. I even spent nine months where I was just by myself and my writing.”

Although he notes “there is a challenge in writing that is getting what’s in my mind onto paper in a clear way that people can relate,” it is his biggest accomplishment in “48:15.”

I have two personal favorite songs from the album. One of which is track nine, “October 22,” and the other being track three, “Pitted.”

These two songs are actually based on true events, and both songs accomplish the feeling of pulling the listener into the story, as if you are living with the singer, AB, in that moment.

“October 22,” with its heavy drum and

chime based beat, “was just a story about my roommate and I visiting a friend in Richmond,” tells AB. “We were hanging out, and all of a sudden we hear a bang on the door… the cops wanted to search the place for drugs and they kept us all in the house during their search. Everyone else in the house got caught up with charges except for me.”

In contrast, “Pitted” was much more spontaneous.

The song’s piano based beat is an original of DJ Mason Carlton.

“It was funny because the collaboration started off as a joke,” recalled AB. “Mason created an original beat from a popular YouTube video, and at the same time Tanner [a featured rapper on the mixtape] had a chorus. So I just so happened to decide that I would go home and write some lyrics.”

“I came back the next day and laid down my verse. This was all during the summer, and now it’s like we didn’t even know what we had. Everything fell together and it couldn’t have been better iming,” said AB. AB draws from a heavy influence of artist J. Cole and his firm belief that the human experience should steer away from materialism and focus on the relationships and connections between human beings.

“I want my listeners to know that I am just like them, and I am trying to figure out my life just like they are. I want them to know that they should live their lives and make sure they are okay with the decisions that they make,” said AB. His music is about being better. It is a project that includes original and clean beats, and it is simply too good for the radio.

AB is surpassing those who rise to the top using catchiness and a simple mind.

HIS MUSIC IS ABOUT BEING BETTER. IT IS A PROJECT THAT INCLUDES ORIGINAL AND CLEAN BEATS, AND IT IS SIMPLY TOO GOOD FOR THE RADIO.

•Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop

•Founded: July, 2014

•Favorite Artists: J. Cole, Ludacris, Andre 3000, Frank Ocean, Quest

Facebook/ AB STUDIONITE Tanner Roe Photography

Editorial: UMW should learn from Sweet Briar closing The abrupt closing of Sweet Briar College following the completion of the 2015 spring semester, announced just a few short weeks ago, set off a storm of anger, confusion and sadness not only among those in the Sweet Briar community, but also fellow universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since the announcement, many have reached out to offer support to those affected by the closing.

One school is the University of Mary Washington, which recently announced an extension of the transfer deadline to assist those currently enrolled at Sweet Briar College.

Being similar to Sweet Briar in their history and dedication to the liberal arts

and sciences, UMW has been a topic of discussion around Virginia. As fear and worst-case scenarios have filled the minds of many, UMW is wrongfully portrayed as the next potential victim of a closing, amid the increase of university costs and a decrease in freshman applicants.

Although a closing is not expected in the near future by any stretch of the imagination, students at UMW cannot help but speculate as to who can be next.

Sweet Briar students had no idea it was coming, so it is not unreasonable for students to think, “are we next?”

The reality of the situation is that UMW is not in any danger of an abrupt closure in the near future or beyond.

However, points should be taken from this matter that communication from school officials, the Board of Visitors and administration is key in preventing something like this from happening.

Sweet Briar students and alumnae were blindsided by the decision, giving them no chance to extend help or attempt to prevent the closing.

If the potential for a closure had been announced nearly a year in advance, it would have given students and alumni more of a chance to save their school.

Currently, $3 million have been raised to keep the university open, still well off from the goal of $20 million.

UMW students have already expressed their issues with lack of transpar-

ency with the Board of Visitors this year after many changes in residence halls, dining facilities and construction projects have passed without the consideration of the student population or alumni.

Amid the current metamorphosis of our university, ultimately benefiting UMW in its longevity, it is important for school officials to respect its students’ right to be well-informed of its activities and to be as transparent as possible with us. Sweet Briar has our best wishes, as the coming months will surely be extremely challenging, but we must not let their unfortunate closing go by without learning from it in order to prevent such a tragedy to our community.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

VIEWPOINTS Graduation opens a wide window of opportunity

Editor: Mona Osmer | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Racism accusations at University of Oklahoma, sheds light on issues here at UMW campus

SAMANTHA GROSS Staff Writer

I ended up at a party this weekend that was inhabited almost solely by University of Mary Washington graduates. This coincidence, as it turned out, was both panic inducing and depressing. I could hardly hear anything else amidst the shouts of “appreciate it while you still can!” and “life sucks after college” and “drink A LOT.” As a senior who lives in a perpetual state of anxiety about the rest of her life anyway, this was not reassuring.

It’s a pretty sobering moment when you realize that the path you have been blindly following since you were five is just over. You start off learning your ABCs and end up writing 15-page papers on gender equality in “Kill Bill,” but then what? No one tells you that part. Hopefully, you just know, but whether or not you know yet, everyone still asks you what your “plans” are.

Usually I try to laugh it off with a light, “Ha! Now that’s a great question. Who knows? Not me. Now did you say you wanted a medium or a large latte?”

Sometimes I find that this is a satisfying answer, but the majority of the time I can see the doubt and worry flit across their faces. How are you going to support yourself?

How are you going to amount to anything?

Why aren’t you more prepared?

Here is my question in response to this: why is there so much pressure on graduation? This is such a free time in our lives.

It is a crippling and anxiety-inducing kind of freedom, but it is freedom none-the-less.

Most of us do not have any real roots yet, and for the first time ever we have the choice to explore our personal lives instead of our academic ones. Why not take this time to teach abroad in Japan or farm in New Zealand?

Why not move to a new city where you do not know anyone and see what comes from that change? If there is any time to do these things, it is now.

At this point, it might sound like I am living in a hippy-dippy dream world where money, jobs and further education do not matter, but I can assure you that this is not true. Granted, not everyone is able to or even wants to run away and do weird, risky things. As the old and probably over-used saying goes, “Sometimes life just gets in the way.”

But if you are one of those talented and lucky people who get an amazing job right out of school, I am, begrudgingly, happy for you. I am also reluctantly, but genuinely, happy for you if you know what you love and are about to pursue that full force.

However, I also want to encourage the people who do not know what they are going to do with their lives and need something to tell the teachers, friends, family and strangers that are constantly barraging them with questions about their “plans.”

You are free. Do new things, meet new people, find out what you love before you seriously pursue it. Did you know that people will pay you to do cool things in cool places? Because they will. And people are impressed when you tell them that you’re thinking of living in Madrid for a year, so now you have something to get everyone off of your back. I’ve thought about this stuff a lot, and even though it makes me nervous, I appreciate how open this time is in our lives.

Embrace it.

S2magazine.com

The SAE chapter has since been disbanded.

University of Mary Washington

UMW students speak out about racism on campus.

Fox2now.com The Unitversity of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house has been shut down for good, sending students packing as of last Sunday.

ALEX SPENCE Staff Writer

March 7, 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of a major moment in the civil rights movement.

The march on behalf of voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama was celebrated across the nation.

However, not long after, on March 8, in the city of Norman, Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter caused quite a stir in the African American community.

OU officially closed their SAE chapter on Sunday, March 8, after a video surfaced that captured members of the fraternity singing a demeaning chant that included racial slurs and references to lynching.

The video was reposted on Twitter, with a comment attached that was directed at the president of the university, David Boren, and read, “racism is alive at the University of Oklahoma.”

In response, President Boren made a public statement saying he was “disgraced.”

He promised a thorough investigation that could result in expulsion for some of the university’s students.

“As they pack their bags, I hope they think long and hard about what they’ve done. It’s time we send messages that are very strong and clear,” said Boren.

Since this video went viral, multiple investigations have been conducted.

Several other incidences with members of the SAE fraternity have been brought to the attention of the headquarters, and each

is being investigated further, according to the LA Times.

The SAE chapters from both Louisiana Tech and the University of Texas are under investigation as well.

Allegations have formed concerning members in each chapter of the fraternity, but they have yet to be substantiated.

ALLEGATIONS HAVE FORMED CONCERNING MEMBERS OF THE FRATERNITY BUT THEY HAVE YET TO BE SUBSTANTIATED. There are some cases that the fraternity acknowledges occurred more than 20 years ago.

A member of the SAE headquarters commented on this, saying, “Although we cannot change the past, we can learn from the present and alter the future.”

While this statement is encouraging, it does not tell us what measures should be taken to begin to alter the future.

The SAE incident was public and appalling, but what about the more private cases of racism, such as inside a classroom?

What kind of actions are being taken against those who use racial slurs in a less public setting?

“I went to a predominantly white high school,” said Sierra Turner, an African American sophomore at the University

Mary Washington, who has experience dealing with the results of racism.

She explained that black students did not receive the same privileges as the white students did.

“For example, one time there were racial riot threats that were made by the white students, saying they were going to bring ropes to class and hang the black students,” she explained.

“Instead of going after the white students, the administration searched the black students for weapons before entering the school.”

Danielle Howard, another African American sophomore attending UMW, said she is astonished as to why the color of her skin makes such a difference in how she is treated.

“We’re people too, you know? But for some odd reason it’s hard for people to see us as equals simply because of the color of our skin. It’s such a strange thing, to hate someone because they don’t look like you,” said Howard.

If people think racism is a thing of the past, they are unfortunately mistaken. The incident at OU is living proof of this.

However, OU and the SAE fraternity are not the only places where it exists. Racism exists on our very own campus.

“I have heard of students having problems with racism on campus. I know recently there has been a lot of problems on social media involving racist comments,” said Turner.

Racism exists everywhere. And, as Boren noted, “It is time we send messages that are very strong and clear” that cannot be tolerated.

5

LIFE

Editor: Amanda Motley | blueandgray.life@gmail.com

ITCC celebrates Digital Auditorium opening with student showcase

Cartland Burge

Students and members of the community gathered to play video games and watch performances in honor of the grand opening of the Digital Auditorium.

AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

The University of Mary Washington Information and Technology Convergence Center has become a source of all things involving technology for the student body.

The newly opened Digital Auditorium, which is on the first floor of the ITCC, is no exception.

This past weekend, on Saturday, March 14, there was a vast celebration for the opening of the Digital Auditorium.

While the Convergence Center has been open all year for students to use, the purpose of the Digital Auditorium grand opening was to showcase the many differ-

ent abilities and uses of the space. It has the unique ability of holding the needs for multiple types of groups.

The Digital Auditorium can be used for classes, lectures or for entertainment purposes, which were all on display during the many events of the grand opening.

The auditorium is unique in the sense that it has two stories with full theatre seating that can be moved in and out based on the purpose of the event.

The room is one of the more technically advanced rooms in the ITCC due to the theatre lighting and equipment the room holds.

“The student body can benefit from the Digital Auditorium in many ways, de-

pending on how they choose to utilize it and take advantage of what it provides,” said Leah Tams, administrative assistant to the special assistant to the provost for teaching, technology and innovation.

Any student group on campus can use the auditorium. Students can reserve the space in the same ways that they would reserve a regular room in the ITCC. The idea of the space is to be versatile to the needs of the group.

“I would love to see student clubs perform or hold large discussions in the auditorium,” said senior English major Lauren Brumfield, who helped in promotion for the event. “It would also be cool to see Cheap Seats use it on the weekends.”

The opening was unique because it was also UMW Founder’s Day and Pi day. This past Saturday marked the 107th Founder’s Day of UMW. The equally anticipated Pi day was celebrated with pizza and activities surrounding the geometry-based holiday.

Events for the opening celebration included a free breakfast with cartoons and Mario Kart, Pi Day celebrations, Fall Line Blue Grass band, BellACappella, One Note Stand, The Undeniably Adjacent, UMW Eagle Bhangra and Save the Arcadian.

Lauren Brumfield is the online editor of The Blue & Gray Press

Pac Small Show offers unique spin on various dances

Ginny Clark/The Blue & Gray Press

Perfoming Arts Club performed their anual small show on Feb. 25, 2015 in Dodd Auditorium. The performance showcased a variety of talents and dances.

JULIANNE KUHN very poignant, and I enjoyed its simplicity Harry Potter theme song by Herk and end- beat.

Staff Writer and clean choreography as well.” ed with a line of dialogue from the “Harry Another performance, “A Little Latin UMW Eagle Bhangra, which performed Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” film.

Dance Break,” was particularly interestThe Performing Arts Club put on their first, put on a show that was vibrant and Many of the other dances in the itiner- ing in that it incorporated a story into the 2015 spring Small Show the Wednesday colorful in both motion and attire. The In- ary were more abstract, most notably a few dance. The story behind the dance is that before spring break in Dodd Auditorium. dian folk dance, from the Punjab region, interpretive dances. the choreographer, Julianna Saracho, was Multiple groups performed a menag- was especially popular with the audience, One in particular, a performance called inspired by her summer internship where erie of different dances with a diversity garnering cheers and applause even before “The Long Journey,” was performed by se- she would take dance breaks in order to of styles ranging from a Christian praise the dance began. niors and was especially well executed in recharge. dance routine to a Harry Potter inspired tap The last performance, which was also the complex choreography of the dancers The dance began at an office table, and dance. very well received, was called “Expecto as a whole. then broke out into a Latin-influenced hipJunior theater major Elizabeth Kump Patronum,” in reference to a protective The only solo performance of the Small hop dance. was enthusiastic about the performances. spell from the Harry Potter franchise.

Show was by Jocelyn Edwards, who choThe spring Small Show was an amazing “I loved it. All the performances were The routine was singular in its creative reographed her own routine, “Talk It Up.” demonstration of the talent of PAC, and an fantastic,” said Kump. “The beginning and theme, and the dancers came on stage Using elements of both ballet and hip-hop, entertaining showcase of UMW’s students’ end were especially strong, but my favorite wearing robes and carrying wands. The tap Jocelyn wowed the audience with grace- passion and creativity as a whole. one was the ‘In This Shirt’ one. I felt it was dance was done to a dubstep remix of the ful high jumps and pirouettes to a modern

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

LIFE

UMW Alumna visits campus to discuss NASA research

University Relations

Katie Murley lectured on campus about her graduate research in Antartica.

JULIANE KUHN Staff Writer

Katie Mulrey, an alumna of the University of Mary Washington, lectured recently on her graduate research conducted in Antarctica.

The Society of Physics Students sponsored the presentation, which occurred on Wednesday, March 11.

Mulrey started off the first half of her lecture explaining the science behind her experiment. While in Antarctica, she worked on detecting high-energy particles that made it to Earth, particularly cosmic

rays and neutrinos.

High-energy particles come from space, sometimes from supernovae, and are so energized that they can move faster than light when travelling through a medium.

They are also very uncommon, with high-energy neutrons sometimes appearing only once per kilometer every century.

Because high-energy particles are so rare, experiments with ANITA, or the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna, are necessary to detect them.

ANITA, the project that Mulrey worked on during her stay at the South Pole, uti-

lizes the entire continent to help detect the nights.

“I really liked the atmosphere. It was high-energy particles.

Once high-energy particles hit the ex- just a really chill place. Nobody locked pansive ice on Antarctica, they produce their doors, and we had gingerbread house radio waves due to something called the making competitions and dance parties and Askaryan effect. ANITA flies above Ant- stuff like that so it was really a fun atmoarctica attached to a balloon and uses an- sphere to be in,” said Mulrey Mulrey realized that she wanted to do tennae to gather data of the radio waves being emitted from the continent’s surface. physics when she took courses at UMW. Each balloon costs about $1 million. Once Current science students here at UMW, a balloon is taken out it cannot be used like sophomore Alex Stoneburner, may be again, so much of the time after ANITA on track to similar aspirations.

Stoneburner was enthusiastic about was built was spent waiting for the perfect how her own experiences correlated with weather for deployment.

Mulrey’s experiment After sending ANITA into the at- “I really liked the atmosphere. in Antarctica.

“I spent last semosphere, the re- It was just a really chill place. mester in New Zeasearch team took Nobody locked their doors, land in Christchurch 24-hour watches in shifts to monitor and we had gingerbread house and did volunteerthe data coming in. making competitions and ing at the Antarctica center and heard a ANITA flew above Antarctica for a few dance parties and stuff like that lot about the expediweeks, and then so it was really a fun atmo- tions going on down there,” said Stonewas cut off from its sphere to be in.” burner. “It was cool balloon to stop it Mulrey to hear about an exfrom going into the perience of someone ocean.

The work area was seven miles away who actually lived and worked through from McMurdo station, which is where them.

And, also to see how, as a science major Mulrey stayed for the duration of the exmyself, different things that we’re doing periment.

Mulrey referred to the station as being a here at UMW can be applied to projects combination of an industrial mining town, such as this.”

With UMW students and alumni alike college and a hippie commune in feel and function. Researchers lived in dormitories so excited about physics, the future of sciwith roommates, went to coffee shops and ence at UMW seems bright. bars on base and enjoyed communal game

CCI Puppy raiser club update ZOYA AHMED Staff Writer

Canine Companion International (CCI), or better known on campus as the CCI Puppy Raisers club is still going strong at the University of Mary Washington this semester.

Most students have seen the puppy walking around campus with yellow and blue vests.

That is Farrah, and she is a service dog in training under CCI. Farrah goes to class, attends events and even lives on campus.

CCI is a club where students raise puppies to become service dogs. The puppies are raised for about a year and a half by volunteers and trained to help people with disabilities.

The dogs are highly trained and taught to be very obedient. The trainer works closely with the Canine Companions organization to monitor the puppy’s progress and submit monthly reports.

Farrah was an addition to the UMW campus last semester. She is meeting all of the training requirements and has been on campus everyday for classes with her raiser, Abby Hannell.

She is about ten months old, and in the fall she will be going to advanced CCI training.

When Farrah leaves for training, there will be a new CCI puppy on campus. The new puppy raiser, Greg Genuardi, has been approved by both CCI and UMW, and he should be getting his puppy over the summer.

“The toughest aspect of our club is raising the funds required to support these dogs,” said Beth Harbower, the president of CCI Puppy Raisers at UMW. The organization is hard at work searching for new ways that they can raise money for training and taking care of the puppies.

CCI club

CCI sent out grant requests and has tapped into crowd-sourcing opportunities online, such as starting a GoFundMe account.

According to Harbower, they have also held multiple events on campus. Last semester they hosted a Fall Fest, and this past week they sponsored a bake sale. Profits from the sales grossed about $35. CCI said they have another event in the works for the month of April that will hopefully produce more lucrative results.

“CCI wants to let our campus know that we are an official club that is tied into the university,” said Harbower. “We are excited to see new service dogs on campus, but whenever you see the yellow and blue vest on a puppy, that is what a CCI puppy looks like.

Our goal is to keep gaining more puppies each year, but that requires more funding for our raisers.”

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KENTUCKY

HAMP/MAN

CINCINNATI

PURDUE

WEST VIRGINIA

BUFFALO

MARYLAND

VALPARAISO

BUTLER

TEXAS

NOTRE DAME

NORTHEASTERN

WICHITA STATE

INDIANA

KANSAS

NEW MEXICO ST.

WISCONSIN

COASTAL CARO.

OREGON

OKLAHOMA STATE

ARKANSAS

WOFFORD

NORTH CAROLINA

HARVARD

XAVIER

BYU/MISS

BAYLOR

GEORGIA STATE

VCU

OHIO STATE

ARIZONA

TEXAS SOUTHERN

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IOWA STATE

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GEORGETOWN

STEPH. F. AUSTIN 12

UTAH

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SAN DIEGO STATE

UNF/RMU 16

DUKE

BELMONT 15

VIRGINIA

GEORGIA 10

MICHIGAN STATE

ALBANY 14

OKLAHOMA

BOISE/DAY 11

PROVIDENCE

UC IRVINE 13

LOUISVILLE

WYOMING 12

UNI

LSU

NC STATE

LAFAYETTE 16

VILLANOVA

SWEET 16 THIRD ROUND SECOND ROUND

LIFE

‘Cinderella’ falls flat under recycled storyline

ALISON THOET Editor-in-Chief

She sweeps into the ballroom, smile plastered on her face, glitter glued to skin and skirt alike, flitting about in a twinkling blue dress more full-bodied than an elephant’s behind. This is the new “Cinderella,” an over-the-top creation floating out of the head of Kenneth Branagh, perhaps one of the most over-the-top actors and directors there is.

Branagh does indeed bring the age-old fairytale to life, showing the back story of how little Ella become known as “Cinder-Ella.” We all know the story: mother and father die, the perfect angelic girl is tragically abused by the evil step-mother and sisters, then Cinderella (Lily James of “Downton Abbey”) is saved through her marriage to Prince Charming (Richard Madden of “Game of Thrones”). However, Branagh does have the insight to dig a little deeper and answer some questions for his 21st century viewers.

Unlike Disney’s original, the audience actually gets to see Cinderella’s mother, the fair-haired, tragic beauty that she is. Ella’s childhood is full of butterflies and love until her mother dies after a few pathetic coughs.

Her father, unsuspecting dolt that he is, remarries. Now enter the most glorious character in the whole film: Cate Blanchett as Evil Stepmother, alias Lady Tremaine.

Her exquisite face shows all the contempt in the world for the young girl that

her husband loves more than anything.

Lady Tremaine is given more depth than the typical evil character (as is now in fashion with fairytale retellings, such as last summer’s “Maleficent”), and we learn of the death of the husband she really loved, which forced her to marry again in order to support her and her two perfectly ridiculous daughters.

Blanchett is draped in spectacular costumes that somehow match her coarse soul in color and form. Likewise, the evil stepsisters, Drisella (played by Sophie McShera of “Downton Abbey”) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger), have their characters plastered on their bright, often matching, costumes that paint them as nothing short of petty and silly. Their “accomplishments” are few to none, though their hobbies include prattling on about nonsense and making fun of Cinderella.

Regardless, the actresses put on a good show and provide some humor to the sometimes overly sentimental fantasy.

Branagh answers s o m e

questions that have long gone unanswered, including the whole glass slipper thing. In perhaps the greatest cameo of the film, Helena Bonham-Carter, as the bouncing and rather

questionable fairy godmother, paints the shimmering shoes as “really comfortable” and explains that no one else can wear them because they are magically fitted to Cinderella herself.

The idea of love at first sight is also slightly tweaked in this version, as Cinderella meets the prince/future king while he hunts the largest CGI stag known to man.

He stops her horse, she tells him to

leave her friend the stag be and spouts out some notion of courage and kindness, which is constantly shoved down the viewers’ throats throughout the film.

The prince, who introduces himself as “Kit” to hide his identity, is smitten, which explains why he decides to invite even the lowliest of women to his grand ball.

Cinderella gets to the ball with the help of a lizard and goose, both turned to men,

and the quintessential pumpkin as a carriage drawn by four white mice who have been turned to horses. Evil Stepmother finds out, locks up the heroine and everyone tries on the glass slipper. But Kit’s smoldering blue eyes cannot be deceived and he finds his true love in the end.

We’ve seen it before. Yes, Branagh gives us a little more depth, but I’m n o t sure how well his sappy lines, costume dresses and silly CGI set “Cinderella” apart from all of the other Disney remakes that have been flooding our theatres as of late. I admit I enjoyed the film, or at least my inner always-wanted-to-beprincess child did, and I am sure it was a dream to girls of a certain age now, but I do not understand the point of rewriting a princess story if nothing is going to be changed.

Cinderella demonstrates the “have courage and be kind” motto, but that forces her into a mode of slavery in her own home.

In addition, Disney is getting no better at creating the everyday princess. Lily James had to go on a partial liquid diet to fit into thimble-sized corsets. She is made heartbreakingly beautiful, and let’s be honest, no one is that nice.

I applaud Branagh for trying to break down the oh-so-complicated depth of Cinderella, but it seems he was more concerned with breaking the box office with a sappy, recycled hit, featuring a woman girls can only dream of becoming. If anything, the fairy tale was made less approachable for our generation than ever.

Everything you need to know about Netflix in March

DELLA HETHCOX Staff Writer

For March, Netflix has added more than 37 films and television seasons to keep up the tradition of binge watching through another month.

Fans of “The Office” and “30 Rock” rejoice, Ellie Kemper, who played Erin on “The Office,” is starring in a new show created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, only available on Netflix. Kemper stars as the titular character in “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” about a doomsday cult escapee who finds herself in New York City.

Fellow comedy star Aziz Ansari brings his “Madison Square Garden” stand-up comedy show to the masses this month in a new Netflix special. Watch Ansari tackle the issues of life with his own special brand of comedy.

If gender roles interest you, check out the 2014 documentary by David Sampliner, “My Own Man.” He takes viewers on his personal journey of finding his manhood as he becomes a first-time father.

Two Robin Williams films have been Damon as the famous fairy tale creating added as well. First is the 1998 classic brothers who must free a small German “Patch Adams,” in which Williams plays village from a witch’s curse.

Also new is “Teen a medical student who MY QUEUE Witch,” a 1989 film illegally treats patients starring Robyn Lively with comedy. Also as an unpopular high added was a recent school student who film of the late actor, discovers her ances2014’s “The Angriest try of Salem witches Man in Brooklyn,” and is suddenly bealso starring Mila queathed their magical Kunis and Peter Dinpowers. klage. Williams plays Like dragons? a character who finds “How to Train Your out he has only 90 Dragon 2” is now minutes to live after available and stars his doctor (Kunis) is the vocal talents of irritated with his attiJay Baruchel, Cate tude.

For a modern twist on a classic tale, Blanchett and America Ferrera. watch “Finding Neverland,” a 2004 film For a more recent film, try “You’re Not starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. You,” a 2014 drama starring Hilary Swank, Depp portrays J.M. Barrie and the author’s Emmy Rossum and Josh Duhamel. Journey relationship with the family that inspired with the characters as they navigate living “Peter Pan.” life with disease and disappointment.

“The Brothers Grimm” is a 2005 acHave you been wondering where Jamie tion film starring Heath Ledger and Matt Bell is? Try his new show, “Turn,” which

1.“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” 2. “Top Gun” 3. “Finding Neverland”

Flickr

debuted in 2014. Bell stars as Abe Woodhull, a farmer in New York who, with the help of farmer friends, forms The Culper Ring, a group of spies that aid America’s fight for independence. You don’t get a more American show than that.

The complete series of “A Different Word,” a spin off of “The Cosby Show” starring Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy, tackles sensitive issues such as race, class relations and the HIV epidemic in the 1990s.

Another complete series added is “3rd Rock From the Sun,” starring a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Lithgow and Jane Curtin. Aliens disguised as humans are sent to discover Earth and observe humans.

If you are behind on your show choirs, catch up with season five of “Glee” starring Lea Michele, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison. Follow along as students tackle life with the help of music and mentors.

Feeling nostalgic? Grab some popcorn and watch the classic Tom Cruise film “Top Gun” or Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day.”

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NEWS POLICE BEAT

Virginia lifts Uber restrictions

BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Edtor

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS

DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ TRESSPASSING

A student was reported with public intoxication at the Randolph Hall exterior at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. The EMS was involved and the student received an administrative referral.

A student was reported with disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice and trespassing at the Information and Technology Convergence Center at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. The student received an administrative referral.

A student was reported with public intoxication at Jefferson Hall on 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 15. The EMS was involved and the student received an administrative referral.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY A simple assault was reported on Thursday, March 12 at 11 p.m. The incident spanned from Nov. 11, 2013 to March 10, 2015, taking place in multiple locations on campus. The investigation is closed, the victim declining prosecution. An administrative referral was given.

An incident of assault and battery was reported at Eagle Landing between 10 p.m. and midnight on Sunday, March 15.

The investigation is closed, the victim declining prosecution. An administrative referral was given.

HARASSMENT

Telephone harassment was reported at Mason Hall between 10 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16. The case is pending.

DRUG POSSESSION

Two students found in possession of drug paraphernalia were reported at Randolph Hall at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. The students received administrative referrals.

An incident of trespassing was reported at 12:30 p.m. at Eagle Landing on Friday, Feb. 27. The case is pending.

VANDALISM

An incident of vandalism was reported at Russell Hall at 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. The case is pending.

An incident of vandalism was reported at Russell Hall at 1 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The case is pending.

An incident of vandalism was reported at Eagle Landing at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The case is pending.

An incident of vandalism was reported at UMW Apartments Building 3 between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The case is pending.

LARCENY An incident of larceny was reported at the UMW Apartments Building 8 between 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11 and 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. The case is pending.

A bicycle was stolen at Randolph Hall between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. The case is pending.

A bicycle was stolen at Alvey Hall between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. The case is pending.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Rape was reported at Eagle Landing between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. The investigation is closed. The case was referred to Commonwealth’s Attorney.

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

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press Uber allows riders to summon a driver using a mobile device app and is often less expensive than cabfair.

MADISON HANLEY Staff Writer

Uber, the transportation network system that allows members to connect with drivers in minutes, was recently permitted to legally operate within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor Terry McAuliffe signed two bills into law stating the legality of transportation network systems such as Uber and Lyft in the state of Virginia.

According to the Washington Post, under the bills signed by McAuliffe on Feb. 17, transportation network systems wishing to operate in Virginia must pay $100,000 for a license, and all of their drivers must pass extensive background checks, be at least 21 years of age and be insured and registered with the DMV. One of Uber’s main appeals is the ease of use. Riders wishing to use Uber simply load the mobile app, pick a destination and within minutes a driver will be waiting to provide transport.

Once the driver has arrived, the Uber rider will receive an arrival notification from their mobile device and will be driven to their desired destination. Typically, Uber fares tend to be cheaper than regular taxi companies, which makes Uber a popular alternative.

After the bills were signed by McAuliffe, major areas in Virginia introduced Uber into their community. Recently, Fredericksburg gained its first Uber driver, a man by the name of Arsenio who pledges to give the Uber riders of Fredericksburg a clean, safe and courteous ride, according to Arsenio’s Twitter page.

Fredericksburg residents have met the introduction of Uber with mixed emotions.

On one hand, some believe Uber could provide students with a cheaper and more efficient method to getting around Fredericksburg.

Kathy Taylor, a senior sociology major said Uber would be more convenient for students than the existing transportation system in Fredericksburg.

“Navigating around Fredericksburg would be a lot easier. When going out, it would be much more convenient than having to fight for the one cab,” said Taylor.

“I know a lot of my friends feel the same way.”

Not only would Uber provide the residents of Fredericksburg with a cheaper and more efficient method of getting around, but according to senior French and religion double major Ruth Bordett, Uber could provide students with a number of flexible part time jobs.

“I think a lot of students would do it since they could make their own schedule, and I would trust that a student would know the area well enough to get around,” said Bordett.

However, while many UMW students are excited about the prospect of a growing Uber community in Fredericksburg, others believe Uber may become a hindrance and a safety concern.

“The fact of the matter is, with Uber, students never know who they are getting into a car with,” said senior international affairs major Hanna Elesky. “It is important that if a student is using Uber that they exercise extreme caution.”

“WITH UBER, STUDENTS NEVER KNOW WHO THEY ARE GETTING INTO A CAR WITH.” -Hannah Elesky

Sweet Briar College community rallies to save the school, Virginia schools offer aid •SWEET BRIAR | 1 questions of concern.”

Within the first 48 hours, the group was able to raise $2 million in pledges toward their $20 million goal.

“The Board of Directors should have come to us for help. It’s our job to be there for our school and our fellow Vixen sisters,” said Humphrey. “We will not stand down anytime soon.”

Sweet Briar College is not the only small Virginia college that has been facing financial problems. Several colleges, such

10

as Averrett University in Danville, Ferrum College in Ferrum and Shenandoah University in Winchester, have decreased headcounts as the years go by. UMW’s enrollment rate is down by six percent, and it has fallen every year since 2010. In addition, the school is facing under-enrollment for the class of 2019.

Junior German major Emily Gage said she does not believe UMW students should be worried.

“We keep expanding on buildings and courses each year. Eventually UMW will no longer be considered a small school,”

said Gage.

However, Gage had a different opinion on the fate of the small private colleges.

“They probably will close because of the new expectations American society has for schools. They must be more expensive, they must offer certain courses and such,” said Gage. “Some small schools that are not well known cannot survive this type of inflation, and so probably a lot of schools like Sweet Briar will eventually close in the future just as schools have before in the past.”

Humphrey echoed Gage’s concern with

the fate of smaller, liberal arts colleges.

However, Humphrey believes that these colleges can be protected through hard work.

“I think this is a wake-up call for all alums that have attended small colleges around the country. If the school falls into the wrong hands, anyone could be next,” said Humphrey. “This isn’t just a fight to save an all-women’s college; this is a fight for liberal arts education. Choices matter.

Not everyone wants to attend schools like UVA or [Virginia] Tech. Bigger does not always mean better.”

Thursday, March 19, 2015

NEWS College Programming Board created •CPB | 1 manager. These three will manage an executive board comprised of student leaders of three committees that oversee both large-scale and underground programs, live music and movie screenings.

“There are a multitude of advantages for this new model, such as the ability for student committees to know their budget a year out, for increased collaboration and for long term calendar planning,” said Feuer.

A finance committee will oversee the money going in and out of the CPB, with funds going toward events such as UPC’s Winter Carnival and Beach Bash as well as Giant’s live concerts.

According to Feur the projected funding for Giant’s concerts will fluctuate around $9,000, while previous budgets have run from $100,000 to $200,000. The clubs will reportedly hold uniform budgets. Cheap Seats and UPC will likely have the same budget under the new organization.

“Multiple universities across the Commonwealth and nation have recognized the benefit of these programming boards, and have moved in this direction,” said Feuer.

“From discussing how to lessen the impact of budget cuts on student organizations, to devising means to increase collaboration and event scheduling, there were multiple conversations that led to the creation of this new system.”

According to Feuer, the goal of the new system is to establish well-balanced collaboration between clubs and its members.

The CPB will be student-run and student-led and leading members of UPC, Giant and Cheap Seats collaborate with the executive board to discuss what events they want for the year.

“One of the bigger changes reflected in the CPB model is the encouragement for collaboration between these three committees,” said Feuer. “Prior to CPB, each organization operated independently but we are all moving forward with a structure that brings these parties together under one roof.”

Notably left out of the umbrella was the UMW radio station, WMWC. Although WMWC does not use as much money as the other production groups, the lack of inclusion is one that may raise the eyebrows of those involved with the club.

According to Feuer, the Office of Student Affairs, with input from student leaders, chose a model that would be least disruptive, and easiest to implement.

“Among many benefits, smaller student organizations will gain a strong partner for collaboration in CPB,” said Feuer.

The CPB is a large shift from what UMW students involved in the impacted clubs are accustomed to and will take time for members to become acclimated with.

“Everyone here is excited for this new system,” said Feuer. “We think it offers students more opportunities to develop their leadership skills, to increase collaboration and to continue the tradition of a rich and dynamic programming culture here on campus.”

DivestUMW questions BOV’s decision Zakaria Kronemer.

“As a board, we are dedicated to green initiatives, and we have been working with On Wednesday, March 18, the Univer[DivestUMW] for a year. We do not, and I sity of Mary Washington Board of Visitors will repeat, directly invest in fossil fuels,” voted to deny the creation of a subcomsaid Cuellar, speaking to the group followmittee to investigate university divestment ing the meeting. “We are looking to make from fossil fuels. the maximum return on our endowment so The vote followed DivestUMW’s prethat we can continue to support scholarsentation at the February BOV meeting, ships and academic when they urged programs here at members to ex“WE WANT TO KNOW WHY the university.” plore options for Cuellar declined divestment.

THE BOV IS REJECTING THE further comment.

Multiple stu“They [the dents supported VOICE OF OUR STUDENTS, BOV] apparentthe club’s efforts, PRESIDENT AND ly concluded that as well as UMW THOUSANDS... IN THE they’d learned President Rick enough about the Hurley, who stated COMMUNITY.” subject,” said Hurthat he believed the ley after the vote. school should look “They have con-ZAKARIA KRONEMER into divestment. cluded that they’ve “I support the establishment of a subtalked about it enough, understand the iscommittee to provide the opportunity for sue, understand the request, but don’t feel members of the Board to gather more inthat there’s much more that they want to formation about the divest movement and say or do about it because their ultimate its implications for UMW,” said Hurley financial responsibility is they get the maxin an email to The Blue & Gray Press on imum return on investment for the instituTuesday, March 17 ahead of the vote. tion.”

After the vote, DivestUMW members Hurley echoed the BOV’s dedication to gathered outside the BOV meeting in order green initiatives as well. to ask BOV Rector Holly Cuellar about the “We don’t divest directly in any fossil decision. fuel companies, and they [the BOV] be“We want to know why the BOV is lieve strongly in the sustainable issues that rejecting the voice of our students, our the University is doing and are helping the president and thousands of voices in the cause,” said Hurley. community,” said DivestUMW member

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

SPORTS

Editor: Chris Markham | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Lone men’s basketball senior leads on and off the court

MIKEY BARNES Assistant Sports Editor

When he is not in the gym shooting hoops, senior captain Taylor Johnson can be found in Goolrick Hall lifting weights or elsewhere with girlfriend of two years, Claire Haeuptle.

“I really like lifting. I plan to do it a lot more,” said Johnson about his newfound free time now that his final season is over.

You may know Taylor from his great work on the basketball court, whether it be his ability to swish deep three pointers or his huge 1,000 point accomplishment against York in late January, but what many may not know is Johnson is a very humble guy, most concerned with the well-being of his peers and teammates than his own.

“The individual accolades are cool, but I don’t care much for them. It is all about the team,” said Johnson about receiving a number of honors, such as first team all-conference and reaching the 1,000-point mark.

With the constant support and mentoring of his parents, Greg and Emily, Taylor was molded into the well-rounded student-athlete he is today.

An Ashburn resident from Broad Run High School, Johnson played three years each of varsity basketball and soccer for the Spartans. After numerous years of competing in both with numerous travel teams and long hours devoted, Johnson made the tough decision to give up soccer his senior year and focus his energy on the true love of his life: basketball.

Starting at the age of four, basketball became a passion for Johnson almost immediately as he continuously shot around the hoop in his front yard. While most kids dreaded practice, Johnson continued up until his final year as a collegiate basketball player to be the first one in and the last one out of the gym. Johnson was fueled by numerous things in the sport of basketball, not just his love for the game but also all the criticism he faced, such as those who expressed he was too small and his guidance counselor who told him he would never play collegiately. The will in Johnson was too strong to fall to what others had to say about him.

A more cliche answer could not have been given when asked why he chose UMW, but it was clearly heartfelt.

“I wanted to play basketball somewhere, and I knew I would get the best education at UMW…I had a great time on the visit,

UMW Athletics

the guys were very welcoming, and they was promoted to the position of Director told me what a great coach Coach Wood of Athletic Facilities and was forced to was,” said Johnson. leave his position as the men’s basketball Coach Rod Wood played a big role in coach. Along with the departure of Wood both Taylor coming to UMW and why he was five seniors, all whom accumulatenjoyed his time here so ed big minutes. much.

With this being “TAYLOR HAS A “He was honest with the case, it meant me during my visit. He a number of new PERSONALITY was and is a big reason faces were coming why I enjoy basketball WHERE HE LEADS BY to the Anderson so much. He always including EXAMPLE....ON AND OFF Center, gave me advice and still a new coaching THE COURT.” does. I speak with Wood staff and nearly a every day,” said Johnwhole new basketson. ball program.

-Isaac Blue However, tough times This did not stop presented itself to both Taylor from givTaylor and Coach Wood. After Taylor’s ju- ing it all he had day in and day out on and nior year and the UMW men’s basketball off the court, which didn’t go unnoticed by programs best season in school history, his teammates.

Athletic Director Ken Tyler and Wood de“Taylor is a leader on and off the court by cided to go in different directions. Wood just being himself,” said sophomore team-

Tennis teams soak up sun in California during Spring Break JULIAN MENK Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington tennis teams opened their spring season by flying out to California during Spring Break to compete against nationally ranked universities Pomona-Pitzer, Cal Lutheran, Chapman, Whittier and Redlands. Both the men and women won two team competitions in California.

On Sunday, March 1, the UMW men, ranked 15th in the nation before the competition, took to the court against a strong 11th ranked Pomona squad, falling 5-4 in a very close match.

The Eagle men scored one point in the doubles competition taking down the second-ranked Ponoma doubles duo in the nation, courtesy of seniors Tyler Carey and Evan Charles.

“We want to be up 2-1 after doubles,”

Thursday, March 19, 2015

said Charles. “Otherwise, it will be tough to win the team match.”

On Monday, March 2, UMW men returned to win over No. 20 Cal Lutheran 5-4, winning five of the six singles matches.

“We were down three points at the end of doubles competition,” said Charles. “But with the help of freshman Eric Hurwitz clenching his single in 6-2 in the final set, we survived.”

On Thursday, March 5, the Eagle men, now ranked 17th in the nation, soared above the unranked Whittier Poets with a blowout victory 9-0, winning every match.

The Eagle doubles duo of Carey and Charles set the dominating tone with an 8-2 victory in the opening match.

“Our doubles performance was much better after the rough start to the week,” •TENNIS | 3

mate Isaac Blue. “Taylor has a personality where he leads by example, so I knew if I wanted to be good I had to watch and learn a lot from him. Taylor doesn’t say a lot, but when he does, we all listen and that’s why he’s a great leader.”

Taylor has faced other tough times throughout his collegiate career that pertain to injury. Around the time after winter break his sophomore year, Taylor began to feel a pain in his right foot. After seeing a surgeon, it was discovered he had a stress fracture in his right foot, something the x-rays did not show. Due to the injury, he was sidelined for two games, but decided to play through it after that because it “wasn’t getting any better.”

When not playing, Taylor decided to wear a boot to help avoid further injury.

Toward the end of his sophomore year, Taylor had a stress fracture in his pubic bone, which kept him out all summer and was forced to ease back into things for the following season.

In his junior year, the injury bug struck again for Taylor, as the stress fracture came back during winter break. His doctor told him it was in his best interest to not play and that he could injure himself much further. It was then that Johnson and Wood decided for him to only participate in the game and to sit with his protective boot on during practices. That was something that continued throughout the season, he would only shoot around in practice, not participating in scrimmages. His inspired effort throughout the year earned him the CAC Medal of Inspiration.

Senior year was not the most successful record wise for the Eagles but was successful for Taylor physically, as he was injury-free all year.

Taylor plans to take his leadership abilities with him once he graduates. His basketball days at the competitive level may be over, but Johnson said he is not done with the game he has fallen so in love with.

“When I go home, I plan to coach my brother Drew’s AAU team, the Loudon Basketball Academy alongside my father.

I also hope to one day coach my kids, whether it be my sons or daughters,” said Johnson.

For now, until graduation, Taylor will continue to lift weights, shoot hoops and spend more time Claire. The realization has sunk in now, and Johnson said he is ready to hang his up shoes and grab a whistle.

Three-time national champion...and counting

UMW Athletics

On Wednesday, UMW senior Alex Anderson placed second in the 200 IM with the second fastest time in NCAA DIII history of 1:46.46 at the NCAA Championships, continuing one of the greatest individual careers of any DIII swimmer ever. Anderson will also compete in the 400 IM on Thursday and the 200 butterfly on Friday, looking to defend titles in each and earn his fourth and fifth titles respectively.

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