The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 4, 2014

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 12

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

President Hurley says no Greek life

Students gather following events in Ferguson | 11

In an email sent to the university community, Hurley put a hold on the Greek life discussion

JONATHAN POLSON Associate Editor

Ginny Clark /The Blue & Gray Press Students gathered in front of Lee Hall to join in 4.5 minutes of silence, to symbolize the four and a half hours that Mike Brown’s body was left in the street.

Freshmen living experience to change HOPE RACINE News Editor

The 2015-2016 school year will see a massive overhaul in residence hall assignments for incoming freshmen to the University of Mary Washington.

A majority of the residence halls on campus are scheduled to be reassigned next year for a multitude of reasons, including maintenance and the implementation of a new living learning community program.

The current changes will take Marshall Hall offline December 2015 to install air conditioners. Following this, Russell Hall will close in the Spring semester to receive air conditioning units, and any students housed in Russell will then be moved to Marshall.

Jefferson Hall will be allotted entirely for upperclassmen singles, along with Willard Hall. Bushnell, Custis, Marshall, Mason, Randolph, Russell, Virginia and Westmoreland Halls will all be specifically designated for freshmen.

The most controversial change will be for Virginia Hall, which will become co-ed for the first time in almost 100 years. In its place, Custis Hall will be designated for all female freshmen, with Ball Hall housing all female upper classmen.

“I’m not opposed to having gender-specific dorms, but Custis is pretty small. It might not have enough room for freshman girls,” freshman Jamie Broadhead said.

However, Christine Porter, director of Residence Life, said the change is need based.

IN THIS

ISSUE

“The fact is that we don’t have the demand for a 200 person all-female building,” Porter said. “Every year we put a ton of girls in Virginia who do not want to be there.”

According to Porter, she does not anticipate that very much will change.

“Statistically speaking, with the way our school is made up, the hall will still likely be majority female. It’s not going to suddenly switch to 150 men and 50 women,” Porter said.

The majority of the residence hall changes, however, focus around the new freshman living program.

The program, centered on the freshman seminar, will place incoming students in housing specifically designated to their freshman seminar of choice in an attempt to create a support system and community for new students.

“Studies show that students placed in intentional living communities feel more connected to their school and have a more positive experience,” Porter said. “By giving them all something in common, it will bring them closer together and give them a built in support system.”

The move is one of many the school is implementing to make the transition to college more enjoyable for students.

“The freshman seminar [arrangement] would be kind of cool. As an incoming freshman, you don’t know anybody. Living in a community where you have shared interests would make the adjustment easier,” junior historic preservation major Car •RESIDENCE HALL | 2

First Year Residence Halls for 2015-2016 Bushnell Hall Custis Hall (all female) Madison Hall (Gender neutral) Marshall Hall (offline Fall 2015) Mason Hall Randolph Hall Russell Hall Virginia Hall Westmoreland Hall Upperclass Residence Halls for 2015-2016 Alvey Hall Arrington Hall Ball Hall Eagle Landing Framar House Jefferson Hall (all singles) Madison Hall (Gender neutral) UMW Apartments Willard Hall (all singles) All Female Residence Halls for 2015-2016 Ball Hall Custis Hall

1922

Earlier this week, President Rick Hurley announced his intention to place a hold on the consideration of instituting a Greek life system at the University of Mary Washington.

In a campus-wide email sent out shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Hurley announced a “moratorium… on consideration of establishing such a system at UMW” while also addressing the recent Rolling Stone article depicting a horrific incident of rape at a University of Virginia fraternity house in 2012.

The article made national headlines in recent weeks and has made a major impact at UMW. “The University of Mary Washington will not tolerate this type of behavior,” Hurley said in the email.

In the article, UMW, a former a sister school of UVa., is mentioned in a line from “Rugby Road,” a U.Va. fight song laden with sexist lyrics and descriptions of rape.

The article was released at the same time that the UMW Student Senate and Student Government Association Executive Cabinet passed a motion to consider establishing Greek Life at the university.

“While I recognize that these organizations can have many positive attributes to offer for some students, I believe that now is not the time for us to move forward on any proposal to formally establish a Greek system at Mary Washington,” the email read. “If and when the time should be right to revisit this issue, we will do so – but it will not be in the immediately foreseeable future.”

Students at UMW have debated the possibility of Greek life extensively during this past month. The debate came to a head two weeks ago at an open forum, during which students on all sides of the debate packed into Lee Hall 411 to discuss the issue.

Student Senator Raymond Santavasci presented the original motion to consider instituting Greek life, which went on to pass through the SGA Executive Cabinet on a vote of 3-0-4.

“I respect President Hurley’s decision in the matter,” Santivasci said. “At the same time, I do believe that the students’ voice was put on silent in this case. One way or another, the student body should have been the ones making this decision, or at least had a voice in the matter.”

Paige McKinsey, president of UMW’s Feminists United on Campus, noted that addressing sexual assault at UMW is the most important thing to prioritize at this point in time.

“While as a club Feminists United is not for or against Greek Life, we believe that before any discussion of bringing •GREEK LIFE | 10

BHANGRA BEAT

ENDING ABROAD

DONE RUNNING

Bhangra delights students with dance competition

Former Viewpoints Editor ends trip with Shakespeare

Track and field coach winds down for retirement

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 12

NEWS THE

BLUE & GRAY

Residence Hall assignments to see overhaul next year

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.

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Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press Virginia Hall will end its 106 year run as an all female residence hall, and Custis Hall will take its place.

•RESIDENCE HALL | 1 ly Hussler said.

This program is an extension of the existing living learning communities, and has been a joint effort of Residence Life, the Office of Academics and the Office of Student Activities and Engagement.

“We want to be clear that no one is being forced into this program though,” Porter said.

There are multiple exemptions available for incoming students who do not wish to take part in the living community. Commuter students will obviously have exemptions, as well as anyone wishing to live in an all-female or gender neutral residence hall. In addition, if someone has a pre-requested roommate who is not in the same seminar, they will not have to live within the community.

“While we highly encourage it and will try to persuade students to take advantage of it, if a student doesn’t want to live with

small changes might occur based on need, though Porter said she expects it to become a large facet of the freshman experience at UMW. “We are also working on the concept of an upperclassmen student mentor leader who will serve not only as the orientation leader, but work with students throughout the year,” Porter said.

The new process will only have one effect on upperclassmen, as the housing registration process will change.

“Starting next year, upperclassmen will do all their housing selection online, just like class registration. Only freshmen will need to do their registration in person, at one of the various events we will have set up throughout the summer,” Porter said.

According to Porter, this type of living arrangement is very common at universities around the nation, and is only the most recent in a series of changes that Residence Life has made.

During the 2014-2015 school year, students in Eagle Landing were given the opportunity to live in mixed sex suitesthough according to Porter, only one apartment this year took advantage of that.

In addition, following George Mason University’s gender-neutral housing initiative last year, two other large schools within the Commonwealth have announced their plans to incorporate gender neutral housing in the coming academic year, a move that Porter says deserves some consideration.

Currently, UMW does not offer true gender neutral housing, and houses students by their biological sex. Even Madison, the Residence Hall reserved for gender-neutral housing, organizes students by biological sex within rooms, and serves more as a gender accepting community.

“I will certainly be engaging in conversations to see what such a change could mean for the community, and how it would fit in the school,” Porter said.

“STUDENTS PLACED IN INTENTIONAL LIVING COMMUNITIES FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THEIR SCHOOL AND HAVE A MORE POSITIVE EXPERIENCE.” -Christine Porter their community, they don’t have to,” Porter said.

As a joint initiative across multiple offices at school, the program will run for several years while it is assessed, and

University employee payroll process goes paperless HOPE RACINE News Editor

After a three-year initiative, the entire payroll method at the University of Mary Washington is about to go paperless.

Full-time employees and student workers alike will no longer be required to fill out paper time sheets each month, and instead will use the new MyTime electronic time and leave collector. The new system is accessed entirely by computer and will go into effect for students and wage employees by the beginning of the 2015 spring semester.

“Currently, the system is all done on paper and by hand,” said payroll manager Lynda Worthy. “It is very labor intensive, and there is a lot of room for error. We have needed an automated way for collecting information.”

Under the current system, employees fill out their time sheets by hand and give them to their supervisor to approve. From there, the supervisor must turn in all the sheets to the office of student employment. These sheets are all manually sort-

ed, recorded and the math done individually. They are then reviewed by a student employment manager, financial aid and workers from the payroll office. It takes about two days, per payroll, to completely go through the papers.

According to Lily Lee, the associate payroll manager, there are currently 676 student employees at the university. Each of those students turns in a paper copy of their time sheet, as well as all other administrative and staff workers at the school.

“The amount of time and paper that this

process takes up is astounding,” Worthy said.

The new MyTime system will require students to log into the database either at the beginning and end of their shifts, or at home from a personal computer. The login information will be the same as their student net ID and password for other campus accounts such as Canvas or Eaglenet.

“In the past there have been issues and mistakes with payroll for students because there was a lot of room for miscommunication and error between departments,” Worthy said. “At the end of the day, our main goal is to get people paid, and this new program will ensure that.”

Training for the new program will be held on Dec. 8, though it is not required for students – only supervisors.

According to Lee, the new program is rather intuitive and user friendly, but resources will be available to students who need help.

“Alerts will be sent to students’ emails reminding them to fill out their time information if they haven’t, and all supervisors will be

Sarah Graneda/ Flickr

•PAYROLL | 11

Thursday, December 4, 2014

SPORTS

UMW school spirit on rise in wake of basketball season hype

MIKEY BARNES Sports Writer

The 2013-2014 season for the University of Mary Washington’s men’s basketball team was one of many historic accomplishments. The men’s team, coached by Rod Wood, found themselves setting personal bests on many occasions.

Yet it was not just the team on the court reaching new heights. The fans in the bleachers were also breaking records on their way to setting a new standard, and from what we have seen so far in the current season, that standard has stayed true.

As many already know, the UMW’s men’s basketball team had one of the greatest seasons of any sports team at UMW. Winning the Capital Athletic Conference championship for the first time in 10 years, earning a berth into the NCAA tournament and advancing all the way to the Elite Eight round sparked the largest flame of school spirit seen in recent years.

Virginia Wesleyan arrived to their Sweet 16 game in a packed Anderson Center that was covered in navy blue and white. UMW students covered both far sides of each bleacher and refused to allow the opponent to leave victorious. The rowdy crowd propelled the Eagles past the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan 74-70.

History continued as UMW hosted the Elite Eight matchup against Williams College in front of yet another sold-out crowd.

Students waited outside of the Anderson Center early the morning of the game to try and obtain tickets purchased by President Rick Hurley. Sadly, the Eagles fell short to the eventual Division III National runner-ups.

Though the Eagles were defeated in that big game, the school spirit shown was something UMW athletics had never seen before. Due to their constant success last season, the men’s basketball program of-

UMW Athletics In the last few years, there has been an increase in school spirit, culminated by last year’s Elite Eight berth in the NCAA tournament by the basketball team.

ten found itself with quite the fan section.

With the addition of Athletic Director Ken Tyler and head of promotion Philip Pierce, UMW has seen its attendance at sporting events steadily increase over the course of recent years.

Led by a group of underclassmen, the excitement behind last year’s success seems to have had a carry-over effect into the current season. The men’s season-opening game against Lynchburg College saw the student section filled from the front to back rows with fans full of excitement for this year’s team. Though the Eagles fell short in that opening game against Lynchburg, the fans stayed supportive and were in Anderson the following day, screaming their heads off for their beloved Eagles in the

game against Randolph-Macon.

This support was felt by the players and coaching staff after each game, as new head coach Marcus Kahn was followed by his players after the game to the student section to thank the students for enthusiasm and support, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Freshman Jesse Jones is one of the leading members of the spirited bunch of Eagles. He is very confident in where the current level of school spirit lies.

“I’m a freshman, so I am unaware of the team last year, but I know that their winning record brought a lot of fans to their games,” Jones said.

While UMW’s fan section may not be the up to the standard of the Cameron Cra-

Wizards ride historic start to silence doubters The team’s 7-2 record (4-0 at home) was the Wizards’ The Washington Wizards are off to a hot best nine-game start in 40 start, to say the least. Their 11-5 record so years, surpassing the greatfar this season is good enough for second ness of former Washington place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. A legends such as Wes Unseld team who made the playoffs last year with and Elvin Hayes.

“I am not surprised in the a 44-38 record look as if they will have slightest by the team’s suca chance to exceed those high marks this cess,” said sophomore Wizseason. ards fan Will Ritter.

“Last year they acquired important players, and Bradley Beal and John Wall both got another year of experience under their belt.”

One of the biggest reasons for the Wizards’ success this year has been 24-year-old point guard and team leader John Wall, who has developed into one of the best point guards in the game. Last year he made his first appearance in the NBA All-Star game, and if he continues at his current pace Keith Allison/flickr will be a shoe-in again this year.

Veteran Paul Pierce rose to the accasion with his new team. “If Wall developed a jump shot SEAN KINSLOW Staff Writer

he would have a chance to be the best point guard in the league,” Ritter said. “Since he does not, he is only behind Chris Paul and Tony Parker in my opinion.”

Through 16 games he is averaging 18.2 points per game, 9.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds, all above his career averages. Wall has been an effective leader for this team on and off the floor, as a good point guard should.

One of the worries going into the season was how the Wizards would respond to the absence of starting shooting guard Bradly Beal. Beal missed the first nine games of the season due to a broken wrist. Despite the loss, the Wizards did not seem to miss a beat. The team went 7-2 during his absence and climbed to the top of •WIZARDS | 12

Weekly Scoreboard men's Basketball:

Nov. 22 vs. Hampden-Sydney (L) UMW: 57 HSC: 58 Nov. 25 vs. N.C. Wesleyan (L) UMW: 54 NCW: 57

Women's Basketball: Nov. 22 vs. Washington & Lee (WL/OT) UMW: 62 W&L: 64

Upcoming:

Men’s Basketball: Dec. 6 @ York (Pa.) Dec. 13 @ Virginia Wesleyan

zies at Duke University, the rowdy group of students surely put on a show for their team on opening weekend. With a student population of approximately 4,500 people, the UMW fan group is working to make to basketball games a much more exciting and supportive atmosphere despite being such a small university.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a spirited group of people, its really exciting,” Jones said.

Success has proven to be the catalyst for support, and last year is clear evidence for that. Though this season is not off to its best start, students are optimistic that success is in the near future for the basketball program. As long as games are being played, the fans will be there cheering.

Number in the News:

3,242

Pounds of food raised by the UMW Athletic Department as a part of the University’s Stop Hunger Food Drive to give to the Fredericksburg Food Bank. The softball team raised the most amount of food out of all the varsity teams, raising 1,196 lbs.

For more of the food drive, see page 10.

Women’s Basketball Dec. 6 @ York (Pa.) Dec. 13 @ Saint Mary’s (Md.) Men’s & Women’s Swimming Dec. 6 @ Gettysburg Invitational

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VIEWPOINTS

‘Buy fresh, buy local’ mentality livens up holiday menu

AlLICE BALDYS Staff Writer

Just prior to this Thanksgiving holiday, the mayor of Seattle did the unthinkable.

Yes, he pardoned Braeburn the tofurky.

But this year he was not the only one setting trends when it came to traditional holiday fare.

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey went vegan for the holiday, and his decision made national news headlines. For Americans that celebrate Thanksgiving without the turkey, the milk-filled mashed potatoes, bitter cranberries and pumpkin pie, there are luckily now plenty of alternatives.

As we enter the holiday season that is filled with similar meals, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate away from the traditional fare. However, there are many reasons to ditch tradition, aside from the fact that it is just, well, plain boring.

Ethically, one should worry about inflicting pain and the factory like conditions of mass meat producers on any animal.

Therefore, the buy fresh, buy local mentality exhorts the shopper to explore what is outside their own front door for seasonal freshness and lowered environmental impacts.

Grocery store meats travel 1,500 miles on average, and this raises the price of fossil fuels and food simultaneously, while also needlessly increasing carbon emissions.

When it comes to turkey, wild turkeys have the benefit of living free range, and, unlike store bought turkeys, they are able to fly.

Their conditioning and genetics causes them to weigh as much as 20 pounds less on average. It is a whole different bird from birth to plate.

So if consumers are not up to the usual frozen, genetically modified, artificially inseminated and mass produced product of major retailers, there are other options.

There are numerous kinds of poultry to fill in for the butterball bird, including a grease-covered goose weighing in at a hefty but manageable 8-12 pounds.

A delicate single-sized Cornish hen, a delicious pheasant or perhaps emu meat will do the trick.

Consider a wild turkey locally raised and prepared that is rich in dark meat and far leaner than its grocery store counterpart.

Then again, one might prefer a side of beef to that bird any day.

For those Americans avoiding meat altogether this year, there were a plethora of choices from the more traditional green bean casserole and butternut squash to Seiten, ‘the wheat meat’ stuffed with mushrooms and walnuts or quinoa – a protein rich grain.

The food allergy crowd can look forward to gluten free and lactose free delicacies, including braised kale, polenta with mushrooms and acorn squash with cranberry apple stuffing.

Delicious takes on the original fare are always there to be found. Maybe even vegan ice cream with that apple pie could be up your alley.

So as you are boarding trains, planes and cars this holiday season, consider the alternatives. As we look toward the holidays, cook beyond expectations.

4

Letter to the editor

Alumna speaks out against Greek life I am very proud to be an alumna of a university whose student community places a very strong emphasis on inclusion, tolerance and women’s rights.

A campus where gender studies is a prevalent area of study and domestic violence awareness month is marked visibly on campus every year, and red flags, denoting widespread participation in the red flag campaign, which raises awareness about dating violence on college campuses, dot every lawn.

When asked about the organization with the most visibility on campus I would proudly tell people that it is Prism, the LGBT alliance group that threw the most well attended events every year and actively worked to promote inclusion and acceptance.

While sexual assault seems to be a tragic inevitability in this world, I believe that it is no small coincidence that a university like UMW, one where Greek life has been banned since it’s inception, has much lower instances of sexual assault than schools where fraternities have too much power (wealthy alumni) and influence (professional lobbying groups) to be held accountable for their deplorable behavior.

When it comes to Greek life, I firmly believe that the heavily investigated and reported costs far outweigh the supposed benefits. I shudder to think that my beloved alma mater might soon welcome these hedonistic groups on campus for the first time.

Recent reports across all forms of media, including the scathing indictment of how the administration at UVa. has handled its issues with sexual assault make it all too apparent that something has got to change. A line from the recent Rolling Stone article that caught my eye: Rugby Road- beloved UVA drinking song:“All you girls from Mary Washington and R.M.W.C, Never let a Virginia man an inch above your knee, He’ll take you to his fraternity house and fill you full of beer, And soon you’ll be the mother of a bastard Cavalier!”

This is rape culture, and not only is it tolerated, but it is sung out loud under the guise of school spirit and tradition.

I think I stand with a majority of alumni when I say, no means no. In all senses of the phrase. We don’t want you. Take your rape culture elsewhere, preferably to federal court.

Valerie Lapointe Bullet Editor, 2009-2011 University of Mary Washington, Class of 2012

Editorial A call to administration: get serious about sexual assault Sexual assault is an often unacknowledged problem in society, and higher education’s response to the increased knowledge of sexual assault on campuses is particularly underwhelming.

The Blue & Gray Press finds the focus on sexual assault by the University of Mary Washington extremely important, but there is always more that can be done.

In September, Gov. Terry McAuliffe initiated a Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence to create practices for educating and preventing sexual assault on campus.

This led to the creation of UMW’s own task force on sexual assault, headed by the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

The university’s task force will develop “a plan that will ensure that UMW will be resolute in addressing the issues and building a campus climate conducive to the needs of all of our students,” according to a campus-wide email sent

by President Richard Hurley on Monday, Dec. 1.

While this is an important step in addressing the problems on campus, the editorial board of The Blue & Gray Press believes the issues regarding sexual assault on this campus and in society as a whole cannot be overcome by just the work of the task force.

Instead, the university community must find ways to break the mold of the stereotypical college environment.

In order to combat these issues, the administration must directly address sexual assault not only with the task force, but also through various resources on campus.

The university should hire a sexual assault coordinator to focus solely on student aid and support.

In addition, the conversation of sexual assault should always be open within our community, and the university should continue to educate students on consent and safe practices.

Sexual assault should not be shied away from in any aspect of this university, particularly within the classroom.

A larger 24-hour emergency hotline should be made available to students, with faster response time and more personal attention for victims.

Above all, there needs to be a better way for both handling cases of sexual assault and emphasizing awareness.

We should encourage victims of sexual assault to report their cases, but this can only be possible when a non-accusatory and non-objectifying community exists.

This includes not only UMW faculty and students, but campus and city police, as well as faculty at local hospitals and health centers.

While we are making these recommendations, we are in no way condemning the University for creating a task force, nor for putting a moratorium on Greek life, as these are both important actions.

In fact, the editorial board believes this is the beginning of a very effective and open conversation that will continue.

We hope that the university community never stops working to eliminate instances of sexual assault.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

China denies media outlets’ use of puns MONA OSMER Viewpoints Editor

If you thought the Chinese government could not constrict the rights of its people anymore than it already has in the 21st century, you are wrong.

As of Sunday, Nov. 29, China banned the use of puns, as well as any other form of wordplay in its media outlets.

David Moser, academic director for Chinese studies at Beijing Capital Normal University said, “I wonder if this is not a preemptive move, an excuse to crack down for supposed ‘linguistic purity reasons’ on the cute language people use to crack jokes about the leadership or policies. It sounds too convenient.”

He could not be more correct.

There is deep-rooted paranoia in the Chinese government, as it stands to usurp any form of resistance or transparency.

As there have been mass riots lately, it is not surprising that this motion to deny media outlets a sense of humor was enacted.

Satire and sarcasm allow simple comments numerous interpretations. It is in this way that societies that live under harsh restrictions are able to breathe. Political life is completely out of the hands of millions of Chinese citizens, and, as of late, they have demanded that change.

The ban of certain usage of language is just another slap in the face.

“The casual alteration of idioms risks nothing less than ‘cultural and linguistic chaos,’” argues the Chinese print and broadcast watchdog.

In addition, China banned hundreds of terms and phrases. Among the most notable is “May 35,” which arose as a trick to get around censorship of “June 4,” which is the day of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989.

News sources such as Business Insider have now compared the Chinese Government to that in “1984,” a popular novel written by George Orwell that encapsulates a pure dystopian society.

China’s intrusive government is indeed watching, and it is just a matter of time until the whole system crashes.

Now, more than ever, it is easier for grassroots organizations to gain ground and get their message heard, and I think that the “Umbrella Revolution,” which started during the protests in Beijing earlier this year, has shown that.

It is imperative that assemblies such as the Beijing riots continue; their demands have been warranted for years and it is about time that the Chinese government either stamp out the fire or realize that this new age of protestors have a force to be reckoned with.

MAKE Have a great winter break. The Blue & Gray Press’ next issue will be on Jan. 22.

The Blue & Gray Press Editorial Board Thursday, December 4, 2014

VIEWPOINTS

KATIE REDMILES Staff Writer

It seemed only fitting that the best day of my time in England occurred at the birthplace of my most beloved playwright, William Shakespeare. It was a day filled with Christmas, sex, violence and friends.

Every semester during the year the Advanced Studies in England program takes its students to Stratford-upon-Avon, where they stay in Bed and Breakfasts for two nights and three days.

During this time, the students get free admission into the Shakespeare properties, see three plays performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company and hear lectures on the plays by two experts from Oxford.

I have experienced moments, days and places during my time here that I could never have imagined the glory of. For fall break, I took a tour of Italy and saw the cities that even as young as five I dreamed of gallivanting through.

I witnessed the oldest testaments to human history I had ever seen, and I reveled in the inexplicable beauties humankind could create. I ventured to the underestimated and highly underrated literary treasure snuck in the mystic hills of Wales.

Tintern Abbey was all Wordsworth felt and described, and yet so much more, for the ethereal nature of the ruins and the earth surrounding it affects each person differently.

I could not shake its effect on me for several days after, and even now thinking on it, I can feel its eerie influence working through me. Yet, as refreshing and monumental as these times were, there was something missing that Stratford illuminated. In an attempt to have us meet other

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

Brits, Bath and Beyond

students on the program we don’t usually come in contact with, the program mixed up the groups who would stay in the Bed and Breakfasts together.

The result was instant, I found myself cracking jokes in the humor that has been passed over as obtuse or weird by the students I normally live with, but this time was received with boisterous laughter and similar humor in return.

I met people who shared the same interests with me, such as the importance of having intellectual conversation, to minute things such as sharing in the guilty pleasure TV show “Once Upon a Time.”

I sat around a table of eight during lunch, made up mostly of people staying in the same Bed and Breakfast as me, and was enthralled by the different conversations loudly happening at once. I was elated by the positive reception of my true personality.

We followed lunch with a walk around the town. Small as it was, the old wood and white houses that dominated the Elizabethan era made it feel like a stroll through the set of a movie. Every shop front was also covered in Christmas decorations and advertisements. Christmas starts in this country the day after Halloween since there is no holiday in between for them. We walked in and out of shops mindlessly, focusing more on the conversations we were having with each other. Even when we stopped in a magic shop to get “butterbeer” (it was an atrocious attempt) the conversation did not lag or cease to challenge my mind, although, being with people of similar interests, it did divert into intense Potter talk occasionally.

After hearing a lecture by my eccentric and beyond British Shakespeare professor, the new friends I spent the day with all went to a pub for dinner before heading to the show of the night. At dinner I felt my mind present, felt that I was listening instead of waiting to talk and felt that I too would be heard when I spoke.

Then we went to see the play. I sat next to the girl I became closest to during the day and had bonded with a bit earlier in the program. She too was as enthusiastic about theater as I was. Bouncing in our seats waiting for the show to begin, we excitedly chatted about what we hoped to see, yet our initial excitement could not have prepared us for the explosive awe we would be in by the end of the show.

It was a modernized adaptation of Shakespeare’s contemporary Webster’s “The White Devil.” Its power and sheer brilliance was so evocative that once the lights went black at the end the only response I could garner was to loudly laugh out a curse word.

No one, not even my two Shakespeare professors who are almost as old as Shakespeare himself, told me that was inappropriate behavior because they all knew that was the only way to behave after such an electrifying show.

The biggest reason for the show’s success was by far the gender bending of the villainous character Falminio. Supposed to be a brother pimping out his sister to survive in the hierarchal world, in this show became a diabolic sister giving a testimony to the harshness women experience living in a man’s world. With Falminio as a woman, the director highlighted the issue of

Katie Redmiles/ Facebook

women attacking other women and adopting the patriarchal cruelty within themselves in order to survive.

The sister Vittoria was also a huge contributor to the mind-blowing performance.

Her acting was so enthralling one could not look away even if they wanted to (except if Falminio was talking, in her tight pants and dark blazer), but it was her speeches written by Webster and the way they still resonate to a modern world that left my mouth agape the whole two and a half hours.

After the show, two of the new friends and I went to find our favorite actress, Falminio, and we borderline stalked her to a local pub to tell her what an amazing job she did. She was more than receiving and welcoming of our words.

We walked away from our great conversation, a little starstruck, and I was suddenly hit with the enormity of the moment.

I was in England, in the birthplace of the bard, I had just had my mind expanded through a great play and I was in company of friends. All of that combined brought about a strong resolution of happiness.

I was asked recently if this experience was what I expected, and no, it was not at all. As the days are dwindling, what I am taking away from this study abroad experience is that there are amazing places in this world that deserve notice and appreciation, there are places that just by seeing will affect you for the rest of your life and there are places that can only truly be experienced through full immersion.

Yet, despite the truth of travel and what one sees on these grand adventures, a place can never truly bring happiness without the people that love you and you love in return surrounding you.

Joe Scarborough provides perspective on Ferguson protests COLEMAN HOPKINS Staff Writer

One half of the duo on the MSNBC show “Morning Joe,” the very moderate Joe Scarborough, took an aggressive approach to the ongoing Ferguson situation, comparing Michael Brown to George Zimmerman and calling both of them “thugs.”

The ex-GOP congressman went on a long-winded tirade against what he saw as an effort to make “Michael Brown…the face of black oppression.” He followed up his first comments by calling out the “B.S. being spewed” on his own network, MSNBC. Referring to the fact that grand jury evidence went against claims that Brown had his hands up and that he was shot in the back, Scarborough entered into the next segment of his argument, saying that if anybody, white or black, “knocked over a store” and proceeded to curse at a cop before trying to take their gun they would be shot, “even [his] kids.” Taking his rant further, Scarborough said that the people on the left who are making a hero out of Brown are no different than those on the right who tried to make George Zimmerman into a 21st century John Wayne.

“There are so many great people to embrace as heroes in the black community,” Scarborough said. He further posed this question: “Deciding you’re going to em-

brace a guy that knocked over a convenience store and then, according to grand jury testimony, acted in ways that would get my children shot…that’s your hero?”

Scarborough also asked what sense it makes to burn down and loot black business and to hold up black men and women from getting to work. Scarborough then recommended that Roger Goodell, the embattled commissioner of the NFL, speak to the St. Louis Rams’ players who walked out onto the field yesterday with their hands up to the rage of the St. Louis Police Department.

Pointing out that the department had a

real reason to be outraged by the players’ actions, Scarborough expressed disgust with the ongoing misrepresentation of the encounter between Brown and Wilson that likely never involved anybody’s hands being held up. One point that Scarborough brought up is the distinction between Trayvon Martin’s death and Michael Brown’s; he sees the two cases to be entirely different, with one ending in justice and the other with racist murder. In the Brown incident, Scarborough says, Brown was the aggressor who brought about his demise by breaking the law, disrespecting a police officer and then attacking said police officer.

MSNBC/ Google Images

Joe Scarborough hosts a show on MSNBC and recently spoke out about recent Ferguson protests.

In contrast, Trayvon Martin was stalked through his own neighborhood by a man with a gun and a distaste for blacks living in his gated community and who brought about an inherently unbalanced fight.

In light of this, I believe that it is important to realize two things. Firstly that, based on the evidence, the legitimately egregious shooting was Martin’s, not Brown’s. Secondly, the looting and rioting are doing nothing to highlight the issues between the black community and the police, in Missouri and elsewhere; the rioting is only justifying the use of more force and is prolonging an uncomfortable tension Another key takeaway from Scarborough’s rant was his assertion that the media’s narrative that police are “just going around looking to shoot and kill black people” is doing a disservice to the police and the black community alike. I believe that there are things to be gained out of the Ferguson incident because clearly there are some issues that fall along racial lines.

Brown’s body should not have been left in a street for four and a half hours. It is never a good thing for a young person to lose their life, which is why it is imperative that steps are taken in Ferguson and elsewhere to educate young people on how to deal with police, who at the end of the day are not out to kill those people, but to protect them.

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LIFE

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

Bhangra Beat steps up the competition in annual event

Ginny Clark/The Blue & Gray Press Bhangra Beat on Nov. 22 brought together multiple schools to compete in the 10th annual event in the Anderson Center. VCU Bhangra won the competition.

GINNY CLARK Photography Editor

Smiles wide and knees high, bhangra teams from all over the state brandished their very best choreography in the tenth annual Bhangra Beat on Nov. 22.

Hundreds of students, faculty and families filled the Anderson Center that night to view competitive performances from Virginia Commonwealth University Bhangra, University of Virginia Di Shaan, Virginia Tech Bhangra, James Madison University Bhangra and William & Mary Dhamaal. University of Mary Washington Eagle Bhangra did not compete but performed as an exhibition team.

Hosted by the International Living Community, the event revolves around bhangra, a dance brimming with energy, life and jubilation.

While bhangra originates from the Punjab region of northern India and eastern Pakistan, the dance has since transformed to combine elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock. Over the past decade, bhangra has become an essential and much loved tradition at Mary Washington. Bhangra honors the multicultural community within our school and celebrates the diversity of our student body.

Framar residents Kevin Sol and Robert Kingsley emceed the event, providing charming banter and needle-sharp wit.

Fellow Framarian Zaïre Sprowal conducted the raffle in between acts. Prizes included a DVD of “Frozen,” a UMW scarf, a game of Apples to Apples as well as several other enticing rewards.

Over the course of the competition, different teams showcased distinct styles

and techniques. VCU Bhangra, for example, began their act with a rap. William & Mary Dhamaal, UVA Di Shaan, VT Bhangra and JMU Bhangra incorporated sapps into their acts.

The sapp or chhikka is a kind of instrument that folds and extends in an accordion-like fashion. Initially used to cut crops, the sapp pays homage to the heritage from which it originates.

When slapped together, the wooden instrument produces a loud clap sound which punctuates the rhythm of the song.

Some teams also used khundas in their acts. Not unlike a marching band baton, the khunda is a hooked staff used in bhangra to augment the visual element of the performance. Raised, lowered, twirled or pointed, the khunda greatly enhances the aesthetic of the dance.

As the judges tallied up scores to de-

termine the outcome, Kristen Tuxbury played the djembe, a type of drum originating from West Africa.

Having spent some time with Americore in Mali, Tuxbury spoke on the social importance of the djembe in daily work, in celebration and in grievance.

Tuxbury then proceeded to tell a traditional Malinke folk tale while expertly playing the drum.

After Tuxbury’s act, the top three teams of the competition were announced. VCU Bhangra earned third place. VT Bhangra landed their spot in second.

Finally, first place was awarded to JMU Bhangra. After the event, performers and their friends celebrated at Taj, a local restaurant in Central Park.

Dev Dazzles diminished crowd in Giant Production’s fall concert

CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

people are more hyped enough to do stuff instead of some random Thursday in November,” said Jakubek. “There were not a lot of people there and it felt like a middle school dance on steroids.”

Those who did go, however, witnessed a fantastic performance by one of the country’s best artists in her genre.

The crowd erupted into joy when popular songs such as “Like a G6” and “Bass Down Low” were played, resulting in many grade-school dance flashbacks.

The crowd enjoyed it so much that after Dev performed her last song and said her goodbyes, chants of “encore” echoed, demanding one last playing of “Bass Down Low.”

“The bands were very upbeat and very interactive with the crowd, which was fun,” Jakubek said.

Save the Arcadian and Mansions on the Moon were the opening acts for the concert. Save the Arcadian, which consists of many UMW alumni, drew huge support from the crowd due to their student ties.

The up-and-coming band put on a great performance followed by adoration from the hometown crowd.

“UMW is our favorite place to perform because it’s our home,” said Save the Arcadian pianist and vocalist Russell Michelson. “It’s always a treat to get to come back and perform for the fans who’ve supported us from the very beginning.

It was extremely heartening to have hundreds of fans come out early to see us open the show.”

Save the Arcadian, who recently released a new album, added Dev to a list of artists that the band has opened for, which also includes notable artists such as The Hunts, Gossling and Jukebox the Ghost.

“Similarly to our shows with those artists, opening for Dev presented us the opportunity to reach fans who wouldn’t have heard us otherwise,” Michelson said.

The reason for the low attendance is still up for debate, but many of the leading causes include timing of the concert as well as the choice of artist. Many UMW students did not think that Dev’s genre of music fit the preference of the student body.

“Something that more of us could relate to on a more modern basis, as opposed to something that came out in 2006 would have been a better fit,” said Jakubek.

UMW students can only sit and wait to see who is chosen as the spring concert act.

While many students may desire a dramatic change in artist selection, UMW will be hard pressed to find a more talented act.

“Filled” is hardly the term to use to describe the Anderson Center on the night of Nov. 20 when song artist and rapper Dev took the stage in front of a small, yet enthusiastic crowd.

Classic hits that many current University of Mary Washington students may recognize from their middle school and early high school days were performed alongside a dazzling light display in the later-than-usual fall concert.

“A lot of my friends were there so it was fun and the atmosphere was cool,” said freshman Alli Jakubek.

The abysmal crowd proved that the postponement of the concert from the traditional homecoming weekend probably diminished student interest in the event.

Approximately 300 people attended the event, which is a significant drop-off from last year’s homecoming concert that featured Grouplove.

Though the concert is traditionally held on Homecoming Saturday, following the sporting events, this year’s concert was pushed back to late November, leaving those with little interest in sports to sit and wait.

“They should have had it on HomecomGiant Productions/The University of Mary Washington ing Weekend when Dev came to the Anderson Center to perform for the fall concert. She is known for some popular hits such as “Like a G6.”

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

LIFE

Holiday gift guide 2014: A tool to giving inexpensive gifts walked around campus on numerous occasions and seen men dress their outfit down with a bowtie. It makes for a simple and generic gift that be found almost anywhere.

AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

Giving a gift can be stressful and expensive, especially for some one on a college budget. There are gift guides all over the Internet, suggesting expensive and lavish gifts. However, in this day in age everyone is on budget. While I have no money in my bank account, I also love to give gifts. To me it is just a small way to thank someone for being a great friend and a way to celebrate the season.

I sat down and looked through all of my favorite stores for gifts that you can get at under $30. Pictured are just a few gifts that I found.

4.Portable Lens: We live if an age where technology rules. Everyone can be a professional photographer with these portable camera lenses. They can just pop on the lens and take professional photos on the run. If you want to splurge you can get a couple as a gift. They come in multiple lends including Telephoto, Wide Angle and Macro lens.

5.Lush bubble bars: For the person in your life that likes to pamper themselves this is the perfect gift. These bubble bars range from $6 to $15 and can be crushed under running water to make a soothing bath. They all have different properties that allow them to do different things. The bubble bomb that is pictured makes the bath glittery and is soothing to the skin. They come in a variety of different shapes and colors so you can cater to the receiver.

1.Portable charger: I am always running out of phone battery. My phone is my life. It’s my personal assistant, note keeper, planner and a way to view all the emails that I get every day. I am sure most people can relate. This pocket charger is a way you can make sure your loved one never runs out of battery. You buy the charging piece and they can plug their cord into device to make sure they never run out of juice.

6.Coffee Mugs: Coffee mugs make a really cute and simple gift for everyone on your gift list. Stores offer a wide variety of fun designs and sizes. You can get one for everyone on your list. Pair it with their favorite coffee or K-cups for a simple and inexpensive gift.

2.Record: This is a great gift if the person you are getting the gift for has a record player. Not only do I think they sound better but they can be just an inexpensive as a CD. You can get most modern artists have records or you can get a classic artist. Records can be found everywhere from Barnes and Noble to antique shops downtown.

1. Charger, $20 Tillys.com. 2. Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour $19.95, Urban Outfitters 3. Bowtie, Virginia Southern, $25. 4. Portable Camera $20, Urban Outfiters. 5. Bubble bar, $6.95 Lush Cosmetics 6. Coffee mug, $12.95 Urban Outfitters

3.Bowties: From Dad to boyfriends to friends everyone needs a bowtie or tie for a special occasion. They offer a crisp look that can be dressed up or down. I have

‘Mockingjay: Part 1’ explodes on screen with emotion and suspense

Jennifer Lawerence plays Katniss Everdeen in “Mockingjay Part 1.” In this installment Katniss and the rebels use media propoganda to fight the capital.

AMANDA MOTLEY Life Editor

Following the cliffhanger of “Catching Fire” and the Quarter Qurell, “Mockingjay, Part 1” picks up where the previous movie left off. The series, based on the dystopian society created by Suzanne Collins, received a two-part-movie ending.

The movie opened with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) waking up and not being quite sure what happened to her.

She finds herself in District 13, a makeshift district in which President Coin (Julianne Moore) is in charge, and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has convinced Coin that Katniss is the key to dismantling the capital.

Katniss is not convinced she is really the key and is angry that she was saved instead of Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) and the other tributes.

She only agrees to help when she is taken to her own district. District 12 is in ruins, and she witnesses the burned skeletons as a result of the brutality in the capital.

Katniss believes that Peeta is dead until she sees him on a capital television network telling the rebels that their cause is a lost one.

Although there were dramatic battle scenes throughout the movie, set off with special effects and great CGI, the majority of the movie was fought through media propaganda.

Gail Hawthorn (Liam Hemsworth) tried his best to get Katniss through the aftermath of the games but later found that the games made her love for Peeta grow stronger.

Katniss’s otherwise hard nature was interrupted a few times throughout the movie when her softer side shown through. In one of the opening scenes she went back to her district and rescued her sister’s cat, stating, “You’re breaking my heart.”

Lawrence did a great job of portraying Katniss, exhibiting hard emotion without the aid of an extensive set, minimal makeup or toned-down costumes. Katniss and her strong personality was a role many believe Lawrence was born to play.

ScreenRelish/YouTube

There were also other characters that contributed to the larger picture and offered great performances. The many new faces found in the movie added great depth to each scene and made Collins’s book come to life.

Director Francis Lawrence and screenwriters Peter Craig and Danny Strong created a less dark and more unique movie for the last installment of the Hunger Game series. “Mockingjay, Part 1” does a remarkable job setting the scene for the final installment, which will be out in theatres November 2015.

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LIFE "Kaleidescope" Ringo Deathstarr, Colour Trip (2011)

After a good old-fashioned stalking session of a local musician’s music likes on Facebook for inspiration, Hasan ran across Ringo Deathstarr. A distorted and hazy love song, Kaleidescope demonstrates the lighthearted feel that this Beatles/Star Wars inspired band creates.

"Blank Space" Taylor Swift 1989 (2014)

A band based out of Washington, D.C., Hasan associates a feeling of nostalgia with this song due to its shoegaze vibe, a genre of music that emerged in the early 90s. “It’s pop with reverb and takes up space with a riff that you can focus in on,” he said.

Playlist Plug-in

By RUTH BORDETT Staff Writer

As a member of Divest UMW, Rabib Hasan, junior sociology major, takes a particular interest in serving as an activist on the University of Mary Washington campus.

Along with the rest of the campaign group working to have the UMW withdraw from its investment in companies that profit from the exploitation of fossil fuels, Hasan feels his passion for this environmental issue is reflected in his music choices.

In fact, Hasan draws a lot of his political views from the music he listens to, citing music as an interest that keeps him actively searching for new and intriguing, often independent-based bands.

"Nao Vou Parar" - LeAlmeida Although Lê Almeida’s lyrics are indecipherable to those who do not speak Portugese, Hasan points out that foreign bands create connections between countries through those who listen to and share their music. Running across the song after finding their record label’s SoundCloud account (Transfusão Noise Records) on a random search, Hanson was drawn to the “reverse delay and abstract sounds” included in the song.

"Deacon Blues" Steely Dan, Aja (1977) Melding the genres of rock and jazz together well, Wright places emphasis on the importance of having to “learn to work the saxophone.” Wright highlights his love for the instrument as well as the “great bass line” that he enjoys playing along with.

"Shoot the Singer" Pavement, Slanted & Enchanted: Luxe and Reduxe (1992)

Ever since a friend gave him a copy of Pavement’s greatest hits album, Hasan gives partial credit to Pavement for being the band that originally sparked his interest in music. After hearing the band on the soundtrack for the film, “The Perks of a Wallflower,” his appreciation for them was further solidified, along with a distinct association of their music with his former high school years.on the numbers seven and thirteen.

A guide to finals:

How to manage stress and get through the last week of school

Finals are stressful time for everyone, use these tips to help ease the stress.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Finals week, which will be occurring bFinals week, an often stressful time for students and faculty alike, will be taking place at the University of Mary Washington between Dec. 8 and Dec. 13.

Being a college student can be overwhelming, both with and without final exams.

According to an assessment conducted by the National College Health Assessment in the spring of 2013, 20.5 percent of male students and 17 percent of female students reported “feeling overwhelmed by all [they] had to do” in the past 12 months. In another finding, 8.8 percent of male students and 13.2 percent of female students had reported feeling “overwhelming anxiety” in the last 30 days during the semester.

According to freshman Jared Lam-

Steven S./Flickr

bourne, his stress comes from the grades that go along with exam taking.

“So stressed. It’s the difference between passing and failing a class,” Lambourne said.

Many students and faculty have solutions in their arsenal to cope with finals week.

For specific study tips, such as learning definitions, senior and mathematics major Marco Lavine begins his work early.

“I write down all of the definitions the week before. Then I look over them and write them down every day before the exam,” Lavine said.

Freshman Lauren Frautschi also vouched for studying early, suggesting, “I would say to space out studying so you’re not overwhelmed. And to space it out over the course of a few days so you’re not cramming.”

Junior business administration major

Sean Amico suggested taking frequent companies finals are not only limited to students. Faculty members experience it as breaks to process the information.

“It sounds counter-productive. I study well.

Mark Snyder, assistant professor music, for an hour then take a 20 minute break. It described the enormous volume of stuhelps,” Amico said.

The UMW Young Democrats are sell- dent assignments and exams he receives ing boxes containing a dozen Krispy from students and grades over the last few weeks of the semester.

Kreme doughnuts for $8. In “It’s a lot of work. addition, the group will de20.5 % OF MALE Hundreds of hours of liver the doughnuts to any location on campus.

STUDENTS AND grading,” Snyder said.

While there is a lot The members of the 17 % OF FEMALE of work involved, Snygroup themselves are strugder does not let it overgling with finals and the STUDENTS whelm him. anxiety that comes with REPORTED “I don’t feel stress. them.

It’s an unnecessary “[The word] stress“FEELING place to put yourself ful is an understatement,” OVERWHELMED into. It debilitates peosaid Benjamin Hermerdple,” Snyder said. ing, president of the Young

BY ALL [THEY] Dems and a senior political For students HAD TO DO” IN science major. juggling multiple Like Morris, senior geend-of-semester projTHE PAST 12 ography major and Young ects or exams, Snyder MONTHS. Dems member Amanda Orencourages them to not chowsky is overwhelmed allow stress to impede more with the projects due them from turning in prior to final exams. what they have.

“It’s not even the finals. It’s the paper “Sometimes you just have to let it go. that are due beforehand,” Orchowsky said, You get what you have done and just turn who has two 20-page papers due before the it in,” Snyder said. end of the semester.

Finals can be a difficult and often stressLack of sleep was a major issue some ful time for students and faculty. Senior students said they struggled with in study- music major Becky Brown is aware of this, ing for finals. for herself and for the students around her.

“Make sure you get sleep,” Orchowsky To alleviate stress, she and her roomsuggested, “pulling all-nighters does not mate played “I’m a Christmas Unicorn” do you any good.”

by Sufjan Stevens and sang along with Orchowsky also suggested creating it. Brown suggested allowing students to a to-do list to spread out the work and to make the best of what will be a stressful make studying less overwhelming. few weeks.

“If you have to plan out your schedule “If you give into the mania, it makes day by day, [do it.] That’s what I do,” Or- it easier... Accept everyone will be a little chowsky said. loopy, and enjoy it for what it is,” Brown The overwhelming workload that ac- said.

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NEWS Professor named Innovative Educator of the Year DAHLIA SOMERS Staff Writer

POLICE BEAT EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Teresa Coffman, associate professor of education is the proud recipient of the 2014 Innovative Educator of the Year Award.

Coffman received the award from the Virginia Society for Technology and Education. According to the VSTE, the purpose of the title is “to highlight and recognize innovative educational practices – especially those that champion the smart integration of technology.”

“Dr. Coffman is the consummate lifelong learner; she inquisitively stretches beyond her comfort zone, and continues to take delight in new learning experiences,” said Mary Gendernalik-Cooper, dean of the College of Education. “She employs highly constructive skepticism and infectious collegiality in all of her work.”

Each year the VSTE selects exemplary educators from nominations made throughout the state. For 2014, VSTE members and board members and the innovative special interest group elected professors for Teacher of the Year, Leader of the Year and Innovative Educator of the Year.

Gendernalik-Cooper said that she believes Coffman is the perfect representative for Innovative Educator of the Year since she “exemplifies the commitment to innovation and research-based teaching that all CoE faculty members share.”

The recognition can often have positive impacts on the educators’ professional lives.

“It allows me to share best practices and research with students and educators to try new and creative approaches and to think outside of the box in education,” Coffman said.

“This is all encompassing around how technologies and innovative thinking play an important role in teaching and student learning.”

The award formally recognizes and celebrates Coffman for her expertise and pedagogy.

As the author of “Using Inquiry in the Classroom: Developing Creative Thinkers and Information Literate Students” and “Engaging Students through Inquiry-Oriented Learning and Technology,” Coffman’s expertise is directed toward educational theory, pedagogy, technology in instruction and teacher preparation.

“Dr. Coffman consistently demonstrates her professional commitment to and passion for innovative teaching that is ground-

drug possession On Friday, Nov. 21, a student was caught with possession of marijuana on the 4th floor of Jefferson Hall at midnight. The student was given an administrative referral.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, a student, 19, was caught with possession of marijuana on the 2nd floor of Russell Hall at 7:30 p.m. The student was given an administrative referral.

sexual assault On Friday, Nov. 21, a sexual assault occurred in Bushnell Hall between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The case is pending.

University Relations Coffman is a professor in the college of education, and works to encorporate technology in her classes.

ed in compelling research,” Gendernalik-Cooper said. “Most distinctively Dr. Coffman brings these qualities to bear with her students in ways that encourage them to think differently about who they are [be-

in education and society at large,” Coffman said. “I am also involved in helping to develop Teacher Spot, an online community of practice for teachers in the College of Education at UMW and following graduation.”

In contrast, some viewpoints on an integration of technology in education are less than positive.

Jessica Wu, a junior business administration major thinks that additional technology is not the best direction of money and energy.

“I commend Coffman for the award because she’s trying to utilize Google Glasses in a classroom environment, which is innovative but seems costly,” Wu said. “I didn’t mind Smart Boards in high school, but Google Glasses in college seems the wrong direction to take to improve education. “ Coffman strives for an educational future supported by using the knowledge and tools at hand.

“I am heavily involved in inquiry-oriented learning,” Coffman said. “I critically examine the use of educational technology to engage and motivate students in the learning process, both at UMW and in the global educational community.”

“DR. COFFMAN CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES HER PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO AND PASSION FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING THAT IS GROUNDED IN COMPELLING RESEARCH.” -Mary Gendernalik-Cooper coming] as educators, and how their uses of technologies will shape transformational learning experiences for their own students.”

Currently, Coffman’s work in instructional technology revolves around Google’s Explorer program, specifically on a division that pilots a beta format of Google Glass.

“Specifically, I am exploring the use of wearable technologies as an immersive tool

vandalism On Saturday, Nov. 22, a student was reported vandalizing at Eagle Landing at 1:30 p.m. The case is pending.

On Monday, Nov. 24, a student was reported vandalizing at Willard Hall at 3:10 p.m. The case is pending.

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

The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredeicksburg 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.

Students stack up record amount in Thanksgiving food drive KATHRYN ERWIN Staff Writer

Since 2005, the University of Mary Washington has participated in the annual STOP Hunger Food Drive. Sodexo, the dining services company contracted by the university, hosts several community service initiatives, including the food drive that provides thousands of pounds of canned goods and food stuffs to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

The donations from the university food drive go directly to providing 2.8 million meals to feed needy residents in the community. The most needed items include canned tuna, salmon or chicken, canned fruit and vegetables, shelf stable milk, dry beans, canned pasta, peanut butter and cereals and paper goods.

Beginning last year, Dining Services and the Athletics Department collaborat-

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ed to make their individual food drives a team effort. The event took place throughout November, culminating in a total collection of 4,729 pounds of food – almost 1,200 more than last year. The Athletics Department alone collected 3,242 pounds, most of which can be credited to the women’s softball team, which brought in 1,196 pounds.

The Athletics Department participates in a conference-wide, week-long collection competition that coincides with the STOP Hunger Food Drive. Competing against schools such as Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Tech, the Athletics Department was able to increase their numbers in their partnership with Dining Services.

In addition to Sodexo and the Athletics Department, a number of campus groups lent a hand as well. The Simpson Library, which in the past conducted their own

canned food drive, placed collection bins throughout the building and posted fliers to promote the event.

The UMW Bookstore provided discounts to students who brought in a canned good when purchasing an item. The Eagle’s Nest and Seacobeck Hall discounted canned goods provided by Sodexo for sale throughout the week, some of which could be purchased with flex dollars on students’ meal plans.

Sodexo’s “Better Tomorrow Commitments” extends into other initiatives to stop hunger in the community. The company’s employees regularly supply leftover food to local shelters and community dinners through Micah Ministries in Downtown Fredericksburg.

The STOP Hunger Food Drive worked to inspire students to participate by providing a free pizza party to the athletics team and campus club that donated the most

pounds per person. The winning athletics team was women’s softball with 1,196 pounds. The winning campus club was the Alpha Mu Sigma service organization with about 150 pounds.

“It wasn’t about the winning and beating the other teams, it was more [about] helping out others and doing the most we could for them,” said Stefannie Asselanis, a junior math and education double major, as well as a member of the softball team.

The team traversed Fredericksburg neighborhoods twice, asking families to donate extra pantry items. As a result, they collected half a ton of canned goods.

“Collecting that much weight was a team effort and we all couldn’t be happier knowing that all of the food is going to a great cause,” Asselanis said. “We just hope to be as successful next year.”

Thursday, December 4, 2014

NEWS Students stand with Ferguson in moment of silence On Monday, November 23, a Missouri grand jury chose to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson on charges for shooting Michael Brown.

Following the decision, protests broke out in Ferguson and across the nation. UMW students took to campus and chalked in support of Ferguson protestors.

On Monday, Dec. 1, students gathered outside Lee Hall for four and a half minutes of silence, in memory of the four and a half hours Michael Brown’s body was left outside in the street.

Student veterans receive center LAUREN GRANT Staff Writer

Student veterans at the University of Mary Washington will have a new support system with the recently opened Veteran Resource Center.

The new center is the culmination of efforts by the UMW Association of Student Veterans, a newer organization recently started by senior David Helgran, who is also a Marine sergeant. Over the course of a year, the organization worked to create the resource center, which officially opened on Monday, Dec. 1 and is located on the first floor of Combs.

Doug Searcy, vice president for student affairs, worked to bring the center to fruition and is confident that it will be a valuable asset to the student body.

“We have many students in the veteran community who will benefit from the center and the resources it will provide,” Searcy said.

Prior to the center’s creation, student veterans lacked a coordinated support system for their varying needs. There was no specific coordinator to handle student questions about GI Bill education benefits.

As of now, the Veteran Center will provide support to over 400 UMW student veterans and active duty members at a central location. It will provide office space for the UMW Association of Student Veterans, peer counseling and an educational resources.

The new center comes with the support of UMW across the board.

“The UMW administration and board are very supportive of initiatives to support our veterans and have provided positive feedback about opening the center,” Searcy said.

Junior business major Patrick Onesty finds the creation of the Veteran Center to be a positive addition to student life and student applications in the future.

“UMW is trying to reach out to veterans who are not only more disciplined and diligent students, but also more stable tuition revenue streams, versus the traditional college student, and trying to diversify, it is a stable way of getting revenue,” Onesty said.

The Veteran Center comes at a time of change at UMW among revisions to the student handbook and new targeting strategies to be aimed at student applicants.

Payroll process goes digital

•PAYROLL | 11 able to help troubleshoot, as well as the help desk,” Lee said.

While the program should improve the payroll process, some students have doubts.

“I feel like it has the potential to go both ways. If it’s straightforward and easy to use, it could be great. But if it’s complicated or has a lot of issues, it could be a problem,” junior history and geography double major Zach Young said.

According to Worthy, the hardest part of the new system should simply be getting students to use it routinely.

“I think it’s important for students to get into the habit of immediately coming in,

logging in your time, and logging out when they leave,” Worthy said. “Otherwise their supervisor will have to go in and edit to make sure students get paid for 100 percent of the time they work.”

In addition to the ease of use, the new system will save the school money on paper, toner and ink, as well as provide concrete documentation for students who have concerns about their paychecks.

“You can go back and look at your past history and paychecks, and it logs that information forever,” Worthy said.

The program will go into effect in December, with full time employees transitioning to the program in February.

Greek life discussion put on hold

Mariah Young and Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press Following the grand jury decision last week, students took to campus to chalk in protest of the decision.

•GREEK LIFE | 1 Greek Life to UMW takes place, the issue of sexual assault needs to be addressed,” McKinsey said. “While the administration is taking some good steps to address this issue there is still a significant amount we can do to improve.”

McKinsey reiterated many of the concerns that she brought up during the Greek life forum.

“I don’t believe we should bring in an institution which is shown to increase rates of sexual assault on campus until we have fully supported victims and survivors currently on campus,” McKinsey said. “I appreciate President Hurley’s commitment to addressing sexual assault on campus and I would urge the UMW community to join together to confront this issue.”

Hurley emphasized the task force he appointed earlier this semester to “focus greater attention on these matters [of sexual assault] and to create a strategic plan to move UMW forward in this area.”

Leah Cox, special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion and UMW’s Title IX coordinator, heads the task force that is made up of members of UMW’s faculty, staff and student community.

“These individuals are deeply committed to making Mary Washington a better place and they bring critical expertise and experience to the work ahead,” Hurley said

in the email. “I am charging this group with recommending to me a plan that will ensure that UMW will be resolute in addressing the issues and building a campus climate conducive to the needs of all our students.”

McKinsey stated that supporting the task force and encouraging the UMW community to help find a solution to the issue of sexual assault is an important move.

“As the President of Feminists Untied, I am happy with President Hurley’s decision to place a hold on the Greek Life debate at UMW and instead focus attention towards addressing sexual assault and rape on campus.”

Santavasci also noted, as a Student Senator, that the necessity of combating sexual assault must be made a priority.

“I will continue to listen to my peers and pursue any issues they deem important,” Santivasci said. “One of these issues, sexual assault, I think it’s important we all focus on.”

Earlier this month, the Student Senate also passed a motion for the university to conduct a scientific poll to study the university community’s stance on Greek systems. That motion passed unanimously in both the Senate and the Executive Cabinet, but Hurley’s email made no mention of whether the university will still conduct this poll.

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SPORTS

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

Long-time track and field coach announces retirement following 2015

• 31 years as head coach at UMW • 45 Capital Athletic Conference titles • 22-time CAC XC Coach of the Year • 20-time CAC Track & Field C.O.Y • 49 NCAA All-American selections ALEX BLOOM Staff Writer

Legendary men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach Stan Soper announced that he will be retiring following the 2015 outdoor track season.

One of the most successful coaches in

University of Mary Washington history, Soper formally made his announcement on Nov. 25 to his team and colleagues.

Soper, the longest tenured coach in school history, spent 41 years teaching and coaching over the course of his career, 31 of which were spent at UMW. Undoubtedly one of the most proven and successful coaches in NCAA Division III track and field, Soper leaves with a heavy heart and no regrets.

“I have so many wonderful memories of my time here and have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with hundreds and hundreds of outstanding student-athletes,” Soper said in a press release. “I am very proud of what our program has accomplished, and I feel blessed to have been a small part of that.”

Although the an-

Throwback Thursday:

Stan Soper (back right) with the first team he coached at UMW in 1984

UMW XC/Track & Field/facebook

Scott Plukett Stan Soper ends the longest coaching tenure in UMW history and leaves behind an enduring legacy.

nouncement is bittersweet for the university, UMW Athletic Director Ken Tyler had nothing but praise for long-time coach.

“During his career, Stan has helped hundreds of student-athletes run faster and jump higher, but, more importantly, he has helped them become better people,” Tyler said. “Soper’s record of championships and coach of the year honors is incredibly impressive, but the number of successful alumni and the countless people he has positively influenced will be his most enduring legacy.”

Soper came to UMW in 1983 and has since racked up a combined 25 CAC championships in men’s and women’s cross country. He was also named CAC men’s or women’s cross country coach of the year 22 times. Soper led the track and field teams to a combined 23 CAC titles,

17 of which belong to the women. Soper was also named the conference track and field coach of the year 20 times.

“I am very proud of what our program has accomplished, and I feel blessed to have been a small part of that,” Soper said.

Along with conference success, Soper coached six NCAA Championship qualifying cross-country teams. He also trained and coached 49 All-Americans.

Soper is one of three active head coaches in the CAC to have been a part of its formation in 1989. Soper is also a member of the Frostburg State University Hall of Fame, where he graduated and competed for the school as a distance runner.

“I know my successor will come in and will move the program both forward and upward,” Soper said.

Wizards rise to No. 2 in Eastern Conference, show no signs of descent

•WIZARDS | 3

the Southeastern division.

“They played well and got over the .500 slump, made it to the playoffs and proved to the country and to themselves that they are a good, legitimate team,” Ritter said.

The Wizards appear to be a much more confident and consistent team this year.

Their bench has come to play every night and is one of the best in the Eastern Conference. The addition of 17-year veteran Paul Pierce has brought a strong veteran presence and accountability to the team. In addition to his leadership, Pierce filled in nicely in the starting small forward posi-

tion when Trevor Ariza left the team this summer in free agency. Other free-agent pick-ups, such as Rasual Butler and Kris Humphries are proving to be worthwhile moves for the Wizards as well.

“Butler is the third best three-point shooter in the league right now, percentage wise, and is lighting it up whenever he is in the game,” Ritter said. “He is the best off of the bench and makes every second count.”

Head Coach Randy Wittman has the Wizards playing at an extremely high level so far this season. If the team can continue to avoid serious injury they should be able to finish as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, putting them in great

shape to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs.

“They honestly have a shot of making the Eastern Conference Finals, and they are already the second best team in the conference,” Ritter said.

Keith Allison/flickr John Wall (left) and Paul Pierce (right) have helped the Wizards take the NBA by storm.

RISE OF EAGLE NATION

•SPIRIT | 3

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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