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Women in STEM share stories of perseverance in maledominated field, encourage women to pursue excellence

EMMa kINgkEO Staff Writer

On March 15, six women from varying STEM fields convened in the Digital Auditorium for a panel as part of UMW’s 2024 Women’s History Month Celebration. They advised students on how to overcome gender discrimination, achieve a work-life balance and become successful in difficult careers based on their real-life experience in the workplace.

The panel was hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and OPTICA,—a “society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field” of which UMW has a chapter.

The panel pertained to trends caused by the lack of female representation in STEM fields. As a woman working in physics, an extremely male-dominated field, Shraddha Agrawal was the only woman in many of her classes at the Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences—an institute affiliated with the University of Mumbai. Once she found a position in experimental atomic physics, she was the only woman in her lab for three years. While this has been a typical experience for women in STEM for generations, Agrawal recommended that women persevere in the field with confidence and competency.

“I think the best way to get around is by just exhibiting your competence and mastery over the field that you’ve chosen,” said Agrawal. “And if you choose to be confident about it, then nothing should be able to stop you.”

The panelists also addressed the difficult deci-

sion to go into STEM at all in light of gender discrimination in the field. In addition to the heavy workload, there is also the matter of making time for family; many women struggle with working in the STEM field because of its extremely time-consuming nature.

Kari Soniat, a data analyst and director of analytics for the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, struggled with establishing herself in her career as a single mother. Even in the information technology field—where jobs can often be remote and flexible with odd hours—she has decided to stay where she is for the sake of her family—despite being able to be in a higher position.

“It does have to be a conscious choice that you make, and you have to stand up and say ‘I’m not going to do this or that because I choose my family first,’” she said. “And you may lose opportunities, but I agree that ultimately the better choice [is] choosing your family.”

Karen Inman, a fractional CIO of several companies, never thought she would end up in information technology. Though she was never intrigued by technology growing up, she was heavily interested in science as a child and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geology. However, through a one-off attempt at solving a computer program on the job, she found her calling and recommended

UMW clubs collaborate with local Fredericksburg shelter

Empowerhouse for Women’s History Month donation drive

krIStEN hOWard Staff Writer

In honor of Women’s History Month, the UMW chapter of NAACP, Women of Color and the Latino Student Association have collaborated with Empowerhouse and the UMW Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Student Association to create a donation drive through which they will collect items for women in need both on campus and in the Fredericksburg area.

Donation boxes for the drive are located in various buildings around campus, such as the James Farmer Multicultural Center, the Honors Commons in Lee Hall, Combs Hall and Katora Café. They will be open for donations until the end of the month.

The donation drive is the product of a collaboration with various student clubs, organizations and associations alongside Empowerhouse, a local shelter centered

around supporting and helping victims of domestic violence.

According to the Empowerhouse website, their mission is to empower “survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope.” Additionally, their vision is to create “a diverse network of community members working together to promote safe relationships, homes, and communities.”

In anticipation of the drive, Empowerhouse provided the clubs with a list of items they needed and what was best to be donated. The list included cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, menstrual products, adult clothing, children’s clothes, gift cards and used cell phones.

Nahjah Wilson, a junior political science major and president of UMW NAACP explained the purpose of donating products on the list from Empowerhouse.

“We also are trying to get more warm things that could

Six women in STEM fields talked about their career successes and difficulties. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Donation boxes accepting menstrual hygiene donations are located in various buildings on campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Friday, March 22, 2024

The Editor-in-Chief

Weekly Ringer Editorial

Staff

Norah Walsh

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associate Editors

Callie harkins

Emma Brennan

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News Editor

ky huynh

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Opinion Editor

Margaret Jackson

weeklyringer.opinion@gmail.com

Life Editor Charlie Li

weeklyringer.life@gmail.com

Sports Editor abbey Magnet

weeklyringer.sports@gmail.com

Online Editor davy Washington

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Photography Editor abbey Magnet

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Faculty advisor

Sushma Subramanian

ssubrama@umw.edu

Panelists impart confidence and competence

that others do the same.

“Find something that’s interesting and that you have passion around,” Inman said. “I think what has kept me in this space is intellectual curiosity. Every time I turn around, there’s a new problem to solve. There’s something new and exciting to learn.”

Agrawal also noted the importance of mentors in furthering one’s proficiency, regardless of the student’s level of learning.

“It’s important to have mentors who you could talk to,” she said. “That will allow you to solve certain problems and also get the experience without actually going to the experience yourself. I think reaching out to people and building those relationships to get into a field is very important.”

Similarly, Inman recommended asking questions and learning how to seek out mentors. To her, many professionals enjoy sharing their expertise, and mentoring helps both the student and the teacher by enriching their understanding. From her experience, students should not be concerned about bothering them or being rejected.

“What I have found is that people love to share their knowledge about what they have,” she said. “They want to help you be successful. It’s very rare that you find someone who’s really trying to put you down.”

Regarding secondary skills needed to be successful in STEM, technical systems designer Lauren E. Johnson recommended taking unnecessary classes to expose oneself to a broader way of thinking.

“Try taking a course that has nothing to do with your major,” Johnson said. “Because the more diverse skills that you have getting out into the workforce, the more marketable you’re going to be.”

Patrice Wilmont, the deputy chief information security officer of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, added to this notion by depicting

how her introverted tendencies harmed her growth. Missing and ignoring opportunities to create connections and interact with others hindered her success.

“It didn’t come naturally to me to build those relationships,” she said. “And as I evolved and really learned to do that better, my job got better.”

“What I found is that people love to share their knowledge about what they have. They want to help you be successful. It’s very rare that you find someone who’s really trying to put you down.”

- Karen Inman

The students who attended the panel found the speakers encouraging and practical as they connected to at least one element of the panel.

Junior chemistry major Amina Walcott said that the panel was eye-opening regarding the ever-changing requirements of the STEM field. As a chemistry major, she has no experience with coding or software development, so its rapidly increasing popularity has led her and many others to feel pressured to learn.

“I think that computer science is going to be really important [in our professions],” Walcott said. “It’s an important asset to have, and I don’t have it.”

“I liked how they had diverse people in different academic, kind of coming from different academic fields to the actual workforce,” said Lordina Agyekum, a junior biomedical sciences major. “So just having that insight really helped out.”

Donation drive collects menstrual products

help women who were in domestic violence situations,” she said. “So that would include getting them different gift cards so they can start buying stuff for themselves.”

The Empowerhouse website, as well as a QR code posted on the boxes themselves, offer a list of donations that would best support their cause.

Paula Perez, a junior psychology major and the president of Women of Color, believes that this drive is significant not only to Empowerhouse but to UMW as well.

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Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette d’auria ‘22

“This event was originally just supposed to support Empowerhouse, which is a very local women’s drive, but they provide for women and also children, families and single moms all the supplies they need,” she said. “But it expanded to the community on campus with the help of women and gender studies.”

According to Perez, the menstrual products that get donated will be divided between Empowerhouse and UMW Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Student Association so that those around the city and on campus have access to these goods.

“Whatever we get from the donations when it comes to menstrual products, half of that will be split into Empowerhouse, but also bring back to the community,” said Perez. “So there’s products in the women’s bathroom or family bathrooms, just so it’s there in case someone needs it.”

Junior political science major Kaylah

Lightfoot realized long before the drive began that she wanted to “meet the needs of women more especially when it comes to feminine hygiene products.”

Ensuring that menstrual products are available, in addition to considering the variations of products needed, plays an important role in this drive. Regarding donated menstrual products, Lightfoot considered the current offerings in the bathrooms around the university.

“We understand that women need all the different variations and sizes [of] both tampons and pads. The big issue was that the school only gave us liners”

- Kaylah Lightfoot

“Feminine hygiene products were always important when it comes to tampons and pads, but there’s also the idea of sizing of pads,” she said. “We understand that women need all the different variations and sizes [of] both tampons and pads. The big issue was that the school only gave us liners.”

While NAACP, WOC and LSA are the main three clubs working on the women’s drive, the Gwen Hale Resource Center as-

sisted with research and donations, and SGA also contributed to the drive.

According to Perez, working with the clubs required a massive collaborative effort that came with some difficulties, but they were able to rely on each other to bring the drive to fruition.

“We have to be on top of it, or if not, we might forget something,” she said. “But I will say, so far it’s been really nice working with NAACP and LSA because even if we mess up or we forget one thing, they’re able to be like ‘oh no, don’t worry about it. I got you, you got this. I got you covered.’”

During the planning process, Perez found a greater sense of community through working with like-minded and passionate individuals.

“Something I fully, really realize is that we all kind of go through the same thing,” she said. “You’re not the only one and you’re very much united in a sense.”

She continued. “I think it’s just seeing how close connected the community is—I can see it firsthand.”

Lightfoot echoed similar sentiments about the collaboration.

“Because I’ve been part of different planning committees where it’s just like ‘oh, everybody’s names on there’ but the work isn’t equal amongst everybody,” she said. “So being part of this was just like ‘oh, the work is actually equal and we’re still able to manage other bits of our own vision as well.’”

FrOM donation, PagE 1

Op-Ed: Animal research at UMW is not inhumane

kEShaNNa JOhNSON, NOah harOLd, Sarah BaxtEr, ELIzaBEth FOLtz, LO gaN MILLEr & FLaVIa PINEda

Contributing Writers

We are students currently enrolled in PSYC 413, a senior seminar in which we investigate the behavior of living nonhuman organisms—in our case, laboratory rats. We feel we must address the recent opinion piece in The Weekly Ringer that decried “inhumane” animal research on UMW’s campus. The article to which we respond reflects an undesirable position built on ideology rather than facts. The author quotes an anonymous student who is not an expert on rats nor the functioning of laboratories; does not use a scientific source as a guide for proper living conditions but instead an independent blog called Little Grabbies; irresponsibly conflates the research of various disciplines; and cannot make the case that there are any “innovative alternatives” in studying organismal behavior.

The article leads by presenting the student’s concerns about the conditions in the University’s rat laboratory. This student states it was “obvious” that the rats were “eager to stretch and explore and were limited by the lack of room to move freely and the absence of any toys.” Such statements reflect a poor understanding of a rat’s world and blatant ignorance of laboratory guidelines. The author transitions to discussing the size of UMW’s mouse cages and cites a pet blog as an authority. First, mice and rats are different animals. Second, the rat housing in the UMW Psychological Science building is approximately 160 square inches, in which two animals—each approximately 240 grams in weight—are placed. Under these circumstances, the eighth edition of “The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” recommends a minimum of 29 square inches of floor space per animal—this means we could house five rats in each cage, but we house them only in pairs, so there is more than enough room for them to be comfortable. Rats are also social creatures, so it is recommended to house them together; doing so will positively affect their ability to cope with environmental stressors. Quoting an anonymous student on these matters, without any attempt to ask an expert, is disingenuous on the part of the author.

Further along, the author suggests there has been a transition from the use of animals to other alternatives. However, it is important to distinguish between pharmaceutical research, cosmetic laboratory testing and behavioral laboratory observations—lines which the author carelessly blurs. Investigating the free behavior of a rat is markedly different from injecting them with experimental drugs or performing research on cosmet-

ics. Lambert suggests that “innovations like in vitro cell testing, computer simulations and organ-on-a-chip technologies now provide valuable data without resorting to animal exploitation.” First, experimenting is not synonymous with exploiting. Second, this statement is only true for some forms of scientific research, of which organismal behavior is not one. Behavior cannot be understood by looking at cells through a microscope, measuring tissue growth or counting colonies on a petri dish. Additionally, computer simulations and artificial intelligence as surrogates have their limitations; any such programs can be only as sophisticated as current data and are unlikely to aid researchers in discovering breakthroughs in psychological science. Furthermore, these programs can serve only as a model for research already completed by observing living organisms.

The University of Mary Washington follows ethical guidelines on what research is allowed with vertebrate animals. These guidelines are provided in the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” and are in accordance with federal policy established by the U.S. Public Health Service. The University’s Institutional Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is tasked with evaluating research proposals and is required to follow the applicable laws concerning the welfare of vertebrate animals. The aims of the IACUC are labeled as the “three R’s:” that of reduction of the number of animals used; refinement of the techniques to minimize pain and distress; and replacement of animals with lower species or non-animal methods.

Twice a year UMW’s IACUC requires a veterinary visit, a review of the institution’s program and a meeting with all committee members to inspect animal facilities. There is no reason for ongoing veterinary presence on campus—i.e., “real-time oversight”—as health issues are rare and our animal facilities are small compared with large research institutions. Lambert accuses the IACUC of bias because committee members with conflicts of interest vis-à-vis the committee’s business are not allowed to vote on specific matters. The implication is that the author would rather have scientists on the committee voting on the permissibility of their own research proposals, which is clearly inappropriate.

The University of Mary Washington provides opportunities for students to gain experiences that enhance professional consideration after graduation. Psychology is a competitive field in which students with experience working with live animals may be more marketable for graduate programs. This may be especially true of students who desire to become experimentalists, and we as students are glad to have this particular learning opportunity available to us at UMW.

Decision on stoles reflects University’s core values

MartINa PUgh Staff Writer

On Feb. 22, the University Faculty Council approved a change in stole regulation, allowing students to wear up to two stoles at graduation, as well as expanding the types of official stoles included in the University’s graduation regalia.

Previously, Honors Program students and first-generation students were permitted to wear one stole for their respective academic accomplishments, which meant they had to choose which parts of their identity they felt deserved to be showcased.

There was an inherent hypocrisy within the previous regulations, as the University pridefully encourages a holistic view toward students inside and outside the classroom. However, the restriction on stoles suggested that accomplishments outside of the Honors College and being first-generation were not entities warranting such recognition.

Students could have gotten their degrees from any institution, but they chose UMW and their individual experiences are what make UMW the place it is and will continue to be. For that reason, the change in stole regulation is a step in the right direction for UMW and how it celebrates its students.

Individuals within the Student Government Association, NAACP, Class Council and the Campus Programming Board voiced their beliefs that stoles should be more accessible to the student body as a representation of what they have been able to accomplish beyond academia. The University’s rigid guidelines on regalia before the change

often enforced an uncomfortable sense of uniformity that shoehorned individuals into boxes that the University usually praises them for dismantling.

UMW Class President and junior political science major Shadwick Yoder said that the previous restrictions on stoles were “another one of those tight regulations.”

He continued, “That is out of character for UMW because you are supposed to be individual and express yourself and all of these very good aspects and attributes of a liberal arts education.”

With this new freedom, commencement will be more about “all that you were able to do and accomplish as a student here because of the support of faculty and staff,” said Nathan Francis, a senior political science major.

SGA President Jaylyn Long, a senior biomedical science major, said “UMW is also a place of individuality. And so I don’t think any of my peers would be upset or frustrated if I looked like an individual because I had individual experiences.”

When asked about the importance of stoles as opposed to cords, Long, said, “I want an identifiable marker that says I’m more than just a name on a card. I am a student. I have had a lived experience here. I have had many accomplishments”

Currently, the change has been implemented; however, there is still a lack of information present on the website regarding how individuals and their organizations will obtain stoles not offered by Mary Washington.

There are multiple routes the University could take that would help streamline the process of students finding stoles for their respective organizations, such as a resource list for students to find and acquire stoles for

their organizations. Other institutions, such as Christopher Newport University, refer students to specific sites, while Virginia Commonwealth University provides students with direct access through their Barnes and Noble bookstore connection.

Additionally, Mary Washington has over 100 clubs and organizations, and it would be overwhelming to expect them to create individual stoles for all of them. However, the University should fund the creation of specific stoles for elected officials for students who acquired positions through campus-wide elections.

Students who engage in activities outside of academia spearhead the institution’s ability to be considered a well-rounded environment. There is no student life on campus without students to facilitate it, and the university should be proud that students who have chosen to volunteer, create events, or work for the university want to showcase pride in their experiences.

The change in regalia comes just in time for the class of 2024 to showcase all they have accomplished at graduation on May 11—despite their pandemic-altered college experience. The decision to expand the regalia that graduating students may don is a step in the right direction, for the work that students do during their undergraduate careers deserves to be recognized as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

“I think that sending us off in a way that we feel like we have celebrated what it is that we have been able to accomplish while we were here is deeply important to graduating seniors and I think would make for stronger alumni,” said Jenny Wolfe, a senior political science major.

Spring blooms blossom on campus: Students reflect on the nostalgic natural canopy that covers Campus Walk

graCE WagNEr Staff Writer

What Brings Mary Washington To Life?

There are many things that bring life to Mary Washington’s campus when spring approaches, such as playing frisbee on Ball Circle, sunny rugby games on the Battleground and picnics outside with friends. There is much blooming out of the cold winter, and the most lively of them by far is the beautiful tree and plant life surrounding us. If you take a look outside, you will see many trees beginning to blossom and flowers sprouting up. From the towering hollies outside of Ball Hall to the sprawling daffodils surrounding Combs, our campus is filled with life growing right below our feet.

Deciding on UMW

What drew you to Mary Wash? For many students, it was the natural beauty on campus.

“Our campus canopy is the reason why many potential students and their parents are so taken with UMW when they first visit,” said Holly Chichester, the director of landscape and grounds at UMW.

Tours in the spring can be the selling point for potential new Eagles. Our trees offer so much more than just aesthetics and beauty—they bring us together as a community.

Some students were enamored with the campus’ beauty when they first toured, which contributed to the myriad reasons they wanted to attend UMW.

“My tour was during the spring season and there were flowers and trees everywhere, and I love that,” said freshman Nusibha Choudhury about her first impressions of the campus.

She continued, “I know that for my mental health, walking around outside in nature is very helpful so that was one of the biggest things that drew me to UMW.”

What Trees Mean to Us

“Trees give us a sense of place and even security. This encourages social interaction and friendships, a benchmark of the college experience,” said Chichester.

Not only do our trees offer so much to us on campus, but they also allow us to connect with each other even more.

Our grounds are beautifully maintained, which encourages community members to walk along and through our campus, often bringing their adorable children and dogs in tow. Their presence helps build a community connection that keeps UMW from being closed off from the rest of the Fredericksburg population.

“Our UMW trees tether us to the community, not just the surrounding neighborhoods, but the entire City of Fredericksburg,” said Chichester.

UMW’s Urban Forest

Planting trees is an ongoing mission at Mary Washington.

“Last year we planted 30 trees on the main campus in partnership with Friends of the Rappahannock,” said Chichester.

Not only is planting trees a requirement of the University’s association with the National Arbor Day Tree Campus Higher Education fund—of which we are one of only ten colleges in the state to be a part—but it also offers many opportunities for students to build strong connections while leaving their mark on campus.

“In years to come, they can visit the campus trees they planted and check the progress, knowing they’ve played a big part in enhancing our UMW urban forest,” said Chichester.

We as students have many opportunities to get involved in making our campus even more green. There is the UMW Tree Festival in October and Arbor Day, which is part of Earth Week in April.

“Both events provide opportunities for students to earn some sweat equity, so to speak, and help us plant trees for the future,” said Chichester.

Planting trees is essential to creating the campus environment that UMW strives for.

“Our campus’s commitment to planting trees shows that we prioritize the environment especially because the trees are native all throughout, as well as other native plants [and] flowers,” said freshman Lucy Hagerman.

Welcoming Spring’s Gifts

As colleges and universities continue to prioritize sustainability and student well-being, integrating and preserving trees within campus landscapes must remain a key priority.

By recognizing and investing in the value of trees, colleges can create greener, healthier and more vibrant environments that enrich our future. Trees provide numerous benefits, ranging from enhancing the physical environment to improving mental health and fostering a sense of connection with nature as well as each other.

As a college, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example in nurturing and safeguarding the natural resources that sustain us all. We must continue to appreciate, protect and celebrate the invaluable role of trees in shaping the character and vitality of our campus. Mary Washington would not be the same without its trees and we must do our best to appreciate and nurture the environment that we have created here.

Spring blossoms welcomed students to campus after spring break. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

The trees on campus create a natural canopy as they regrow their beautiful leaves. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

White buds have covered much of campus as the weather improves. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Non-traditional students follow degree dreams at UMW

MaNdY SOUza Staff Writer

College life for traditional students is a full-time experience that consumes their day with studies, activities, sports clubs and all the perks that come with residing on or near campus. This is when many young adults leave home for the first time, meet new friends and make memories that last a lifetime.

For others, life may follow an alternate path. Some may enlist in the military to serve their country, and others might start families early or dive directly into the workforce due to personal decisions or life situations.

For students on this less-trodden path, UMW offers the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Program to adult learners who want to earn a bachelor’s degree but have constraints that preclude them from participating in a traditional university experience.

“It has always been my lifelong dream to complete my degree! I am determined this time to achieve it. I am doing this for [myself].”

- Phyliss Johnson

To be admitted to the BLS program, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements: be at least 24 years old as of the first day of the term in which they intend to enroll, be a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, financially self-supporting or have legal dependents other than a spouse.

BLS students can choose from a variety of majors within UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences as well as the College of Business. Such majors include: leadership and management, managerial economics, criminal justice and a student-designed special major.

According to Fairbanks, there are 162 BLS majors at UMW, and 44 have declared the leadership and management major, a multidisciplinary major designed exclusively for the BLS program. Students may pursue this major entirely online, as all of the requirements have online options, though some offer in-person sections in the evening for students who prefer a hybrid schedule. Courses take place during a 16-week semester or accelerated 8-week semester, depending on the subject to accommodate the needs of non-traditional students.

According to BLS Associate Director Kristen Fairbanks, the general education requirements for the BLS program are more flexible than the other programs at the University.

“BLS waives the requirement to study a foreign language and engage in career preparation and out-of-theclassroom experiences,” said Fairbanks. “We understand that the last time some of our students took a foreign language was sitting in their high school Spanish classroom some 40 years ago!”

These accommodations reflect that the program seeks to work with students in light of their alternative situations.

“We also recognize that they often have had careers, military service, or other experiences outside of college that make them different from a traditional 18-year-old coming to UMW,” said Fairbanks. “That experience is valuable, and BLS recognizes that.”

Returning to school later in life can be very challenging and stressful, as many adult learners are working full time, managing households, raising families and burning the candles at both ends. There is not enough time in the

day to get everything done, and having to think about doing coursework or commuting to campus to attend a class is an unrealistic expectation for many.

“The main constraint for BLS students is time,” said Fairbanks. “Most of our adult learners are coming back to pursue their Bachelor’s degree while juggling full-time work, commuting, child care, and other family responsibilities.”

Sean Kayton, a BLS student and veteran who served in the U.S. Army commutes about an hour from the UMW campus and works an hour north.

“I often drive down after work to attend an evening class and then drive the hour home,” he said. “It is expected, but the challenge does become getting anything done on those days since it eats up the entirety of an evening.”

Phyliss Johnson, who is scheduled to graduate in 2025, compared the experience of being a BLS student to the act of juggling.

“Juggling is a difficult task. A juggler is throwing things up in the air [but they are] only catching one object at a time and throwing it back into the air,” she said. “And, that is what we as adult learners must do. We need the mindset and determination to see it through regardless of what new obstacles may come into our lives. As an adult learner, our biggest constraints are brain overload and a full plate of work life and home life responsibilities.”

Kayton, who served in the U.S. Army as a signals acquisition and exploitation analyst, compared balancing work and classes to his training in his Military Occupational Specialty.

“The training for that MOS was a good starting point since it was challenging and technical but not much different from taking a college course,” he said. “This special blend of time management is pretty similar to what I am doing now, and although it is still a stressor in my life, it made it something I have done before, thus less intimidating.”

He continued, “I had already begun a degree while I was in the army, but life and career stress made me put it on pause. When I got a new job with a better schedule it was something I wanted to finish both for my personal satisfaction and for career growth.”

The major provides students with the necessary core management and advanced critical thinking skills required to be effective and intellectually agile leaders in today’s business environment. The peripheral courses in ethics, organization and communication round out the major, adding to the well-balanced foundation that students will obtain; this enables them to participate productively in the workplace and community.

“We’ve seen our students advance in government work, entrepreneurship, law school, and often see graduates go on to UMW’s MBA program, as well,” said Fairbanks “Some go into teaching, many into management roles, and some even work as freelancers in art, music or writing careers.”

For students whose lives have taken them on a less traditional route, UMW’s BLS degree program gives them a chance to follow their dreams and complete their degrees.

“Some of my family and friends ask me why now? You are almost getting ready to retire. You don’t need it because you have already worked all these years without it,” said Johnson. “My response: It has always been my lifelong dream to complete my degree! I am determined this time to achieve it. I am doing this for [myself].”

The BLS program accommodates non-traditional students’ paths to graduation by waiving some requirements.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Balancing academics and managing adult responsiblities is difficult in its own respect. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Crime Column

kY hUYNh News Editor

attempt Grand Larceny auto

On Feb. 29 at 3:00 p.m., there was a case of attempted grand larceny auto at alvey Parking deck. This case is pending.

Author Johnette Howard goes “All In” on Billie Jean King’s lifelong activism

aMaNda ShEWard Staff Writer

On Thursday, March 14 in Dodd Auditorium, the Great Lives Lecture Series welcomed journalist and author Johnette Howard, the bestselling author of “All In,” a biography about Billie Jean King. Throughout the lecture, Howard not only talked about King’s tennis career but also how she used her platform in sports to make her mark on the world.

During the lecture, Howard recalled a time when she met with King to discuss the autobiography and she made a joke about her successes. King asked, “Did you know I’m the OG?”

Vandalism

On March 6 at 10:16 a.m., there was a case of vandalism at Mason hall second floor. This case is pending.

According to Howard, King did not just want to be a known tennis player, she wanted to make a difference. King noticed the stigmas and barriers women faced during the 1950s and 1960s and told her mom that her calling was tennis and she would use her role as a player to create a platform for her advocacy. King realized her generation had to inspire women and young girls, which she did in light of the significant influence of the civil rights movement.

Although King was a successful tennis player, she also had to persist to prove herself.

When the Civil Rights Act passed,

Title IX had a prominent impact on women, as it made discriminating against someone’s race or gender illegal. Since the Act passed, King has inspired girls around the world by believing they can do anything they put their minds to.

Hana Kimmey, a senior majoring in biomedical science on the UMW’s Women’s Tennis team, wants to keep learning from King so she can inspire the next generation of tennis athletes.

King created the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation to end discrimination and focus on gender and LGBTQ issues. In 2018, she married Ilana Kloss.

Katherine Armstrong, a sophomore business administration major highlighted how King has always been a voice and role model for younger generations and encourages her to follow suit.

Vandalism

On March 18 at 5:30 a.m., there was a case of vandalism at Woodard hall. This case is pending.

“She has such a strong presence, even at her age today—showing up to camps and events and continuing to inspire the next generation,” she said. “So I hope we can carry on her legacy and continue to improve how sports is viewed for girls.”

King accomplished tremendous feats following her entrance into professional tennis in 1968.

During the Battle of the Sexes tournament in 1973, King played against Bobby Riggs, a successful male tennis player. According to Howard, during the match, King said, “If I beat him that would be so embarrassing for him.”

In fact, she beat him, and once she did, she changed the world of tennis; she showed young women that they could play sports and compete against men.

In 1974, King founded “womenSports,” the first magazine dedicated to women in sports, and in 2006, the U.S. Open dedicated its tournaments to King and renamed a stadium in Queens, NY—one of the world’s largest public tennis facilities—to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center King was not just an inspiration, but she was also an activist.

“[King] is an inspiration when it comes to women’s sports,” she said. “She really bridged the gap in gender equality and has inspired me to be a voice for others.”

After King retired in 1983 from the sport, she stayed an activist.

Howard said, “When Billie fights for equality she fights for everyone. When she sees protesters, she does not just see protestors, she sees voters too.”

Catherine Nguyen, a senior mathematics and chemistry double major, found the lecture more enthralling than expected. During Howard’s lecture, she was encouraged to do more activism based on King’s life story, especially as she anticipates entering the professorial world come May.

“Billie Jean’s life was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be,” she said. “To see where she came from and how far she has come since then— through education and through sports—I thought it was interesting and inspiring.”

Nguyen said, “I shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things and new opportunities, especially now since I’m going to be graduating.”

Howard spoke on King’s tennis career and it’s impact on women’s sports at Dodd Auditorium. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Howard wrote a bestselling autobiography “All In” about King. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Pool renovations leave club swim high and dry

ErIka LaMBErt Staff Writer

On March 18, the pool in Goolrick Hall closed for renovations until August, leaving the UMW Club Swim team high and dry. However, there is a plan in motion to keep them afloat and dive back in when the pool reopens.

With Club Swim still recovering from the low attendance during COVID-19, the pool closing poses an additional barrier to the team’s growth and success. During the pandemic, the team adhered to guidelines that limited the number of swimmers allowed in the pool, which limited how many swimmers were able to attend practice.

Prior to the closure, Club Swim practiced three days a week for an hour and a half and held time trial events to record swimmer’s times. Additionally, in an effort to increase engagement, the club team was planning a swim meet with several other universities in

Virginia, which had to be canceled in light of the pool’s closure.

While Club Swim has not yet been financially impacted, David Nichols, a junior geology major anticipates a future decline in membership.

“The pool renovation hasn’t impacted our budget directly, but this hit to our team as we are reestablishing it will likely reduce influx of new members,” he said. “Most of our team’s funding comes from dues so this might be a loss in the future.”

The email from Jessee recognized that the closure impacts many swimmers and other patrons but that Campus Recreation has “worked closely with our athletics teams, club sports, and frequent users to minimize disruptions during their seasons and training schedules.”

To provide a pool to UMW Club Swim members, UMW Campus Rec is working with the Massad YMCA, which is approximately 2.5 miles from campus.

Despite the setbacks, some club members are grateful the University has made an effort to find an alternative option.

Claire Bergren, a junior English: Creative writing major and one of the captains of UMW Club Swim, said, “Luckily, the school and the campus rec team are willing to work with us to keep our club alive.”

However, this poses complications for the team in terms of transportation to and from the YMCA once they acquire their passes; the team will also have to find times during which they can practice. Even though the team is small, they were previously allotted three lanes in the Goolrick pool for practices.

In addition to waiting on their passes, the team’s schedule will be further delayed because the Massad YMCA is conducting repairs on their pool from March 24 to April 1.

In the meantime, the team continues to look for alternative ways to practice, even if they cannot swim.

“We have talked about doing dryland days or running on local trails,” Nichols said. “Since the gym is included with tuition and the running trail is free, there should be no additional costs for non-swimming training.”

However, these alternatives also pose a problem to several swimmers on the team.

Hanning said, “Several swim club members have injuries that prevent them from doing any other exercise, and for some members, swimming is important for stabilizing their mental health.”

Although hopeful about UMW’s support for the club in the future, Bergren pointed out a suspicion.

“To me, it seems a little bit fishy that as soon as the varsity team’s training schedule has ended [and] the pool needs to be emergently shut down,” said Bergren. “I’m not sure Club Swim’s training schedule is a top priority.”

The pool renovation project began in the summer of 2023 with an evaluation of the facilities and some mechanical repairs. According to Jessee’s email, the anticipated project on the pool will “provide a better experience for all its users.”

The next phase of renovations requires draining the pool to check the drains and systems, replace missing tiles, ensure the pool is code-compliant and replace the pool deck.

Mary Wash baseball triumphs in double header

rYaN hIggINS Staff Writer

On March 16, Mary Washington’s baseball team faced off in a doubleheader against John Carroll at UMW’s V. Earl Dickinson Stadium. Starting at a deficit against their rivals, the team took home victory in both games against the visiting university.

Behind by four runs at the end of the fifth inning, the Eagles made the proper adjustments needed to secure a comeback in the first game. They scored four points in their sixth inning to tie the game up and secured their victory in the eighth inning by scoring their fifth and final run of the game. Later that same day, they won their second game against John Carroll with a final score of 5–2.

Kelly Swiney, the Eagle’s head coach, spoke about his expectations going into the game.

“When you play the first game of a series you’re always expecting a tough battle,” said Swiney. “I thought we started off a little slow at the plate, struggled there a little bit, but then obviously to be down four to nothing and have a comeback victory is a great game.”

“Starting off the game, it was a little quiet,” said Tommy Murphy, one of the team’s assistant coaches. “We were putting hard hit balls together, we were pitching it well and it just wasn’t counting to runs.”

About the team’s strategy in the sixth inning when they scored four runs, Murphy said, “We applied pressure; we tried to play the game as hard as possible, and it worked out in our favor.”

According to Murphy, the team from John Carroll had a strong pitching game with a lot of mix-ups that demanded in-inning and atbat adjustments throughout the game.

Based on the performance in these games, Murphy expects to implement additional focus on skill and starting the game strong in future practices. For example, the players will focus on batting and getting points earlier in the game, cleaning up their defense and improving so that they can peak at the end of the season when it’s most important.

Griffin Graham, a junior majoring in business administration, was on the field as a right-handed pitcher during the game.

According to Graham, a solid mindset going into these games is vital. To find this headspace, he works on mental preparation and visualizing success before a game through “throwing bullpens throughout the week, keeping the body right and mental preparation, … [and] visualizing going out and dominating the game.”

A couple of players stood out to Swiney, such as freshmen Oliver Martin and Charlie Grove, who were good at-bat and contributed to the team’s success alongside Jamie Kotula, Griffin Graham and Tommy Martinez.

Being on the field, Graham noted who performed outstandingly during the games.

He said, “Oliver Martin and Charlie Grove, our catcher and second baseman—they just had big-time plays coming through and big-time moments.”

Swiney hopes that more of their supporters come out to see the games as the season continues.

“I know we’re getting better weather, so hopefully we can get more and more people out to the stadium,” he said. “We just love to have the students, the fans, everybody in the community out to support us. We appreciate it. When they do come out, we notice.”

University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule

aBBEY MagNEt Sports Editor

Men’s Tennis (9-2)

March 20 vs. Centre (8-1)

March 23 @Swarthmore

Women’s Tennis (3-4)

March 23 vs. Southerwestern (texas)

March 24 vs. Case Western Reserve

Men’s Baseball (15-4)

March 19 vs. East. Mennonite (18-6)

March 23 vs. Mt. St. Vincent

March 24 vs. Mt. St. Vincent

Women’s Softball (11-7)

March 19 vs. East. Mennonite (5-3) vs. East. Mennonite (7-1)

March 20 vs. Randolph (9-6) vs. Randolph (8-4)

March 22 vs. gettysburg

Men’s Lacrosse (5-4)

March 23 @Marymount (Va.)

Women’s Lacrosse (2-5)

March 20 @Shenandoah (10-9)

March 23 vs. Messiah

Men’s Rugby (6-6)

March 23 vs. Guelph

March 30 @kuztown

Women’s Rugby (5-3)

March 23 vs. William & Mary vs. Virginia Commonwealth

March 30 vs. Mid-atlantic Conference

games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite

Full schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.

The pool’s water slowly drains during renovations. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer