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August 29, 2017
COLLEGIATETIMES
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Virginia Tech faces historic rival West Virginia University at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, Sept. 3. Read what you need to know before the game.
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Hokie Pokie no more The Hokies are getting rid of a Saturday routine The “Hokie Pokie,” a once beloved Tech tradition, will not be performed prior to the fourth quarter in Lane Stadium this fall. CHASE PARKER assistant sports editor
Virginia Tech’s football venue is widely known for its rich traditions and ear-shattering chants. However, there will be a few changes to game days this upcoming season that will make Saturday afternoons in Lane Stadium feel a bit different. Beginning with Tech’s home-opener against Delaware on Sept. 9, the Hokies are going to be adding a couple new elements to their game day repertoire, with the majority of the changes taking place just before the start of the fourth quarter. As soon as the third quarter ends, the Marching Virginians will play VPI Victory March, with a blast from Skipper immediately after. Once the cannon blows, an honorary guest will lead the crowd in the classic “Let’s Go, Hokies!” chant.
The list of honorees has yet to be announced, but head coach Justin Fuente said that he is confident that the fans will be pleased with the dignitaries that have been chosen. “Hokie fans don’t come to games just to be entertained,” Fuente said in a press release. “They come to Lane Stadium to participate and help us win. I know the Marching Virginians, the Spirit Squads, the Corps of Cadets and our honorary guests and our fans will help electrify Lane Stadium for the start of every fourth quarter.” Of course, the fourth quarter is the most crucial part of each game. Historically, Lane Stadium crowds haven’t needed any extra motivation to get as loud as humanly possible, so one can only imagine how much more deafening the added aspects will make the fans for the final stretch of each contest. Another new change to game days in
Lane Stadium regards one of the most cherished dances in Blacksburg. The “Hokie Pokie” will no longer be played during the third-quarter stretch. Instead, it’ll just be performed sparingly during halftime performances. “We always look for ways to continue the strong traditions of Virginia Tech football while finding new ways to enhance the entertainment experience that makes game day in Lane Stadium so exciting,” said David McKee, director of the Marching Virginians, in a press release. “The Hokie Pokie will continue to be a part of the storied tradition of Virginia Tech, showing up multiple times per season in our halftime performances.” This change is met with opposition, however, as an online petition to keep the “Hokie Pokie” tradition alive during each home game has already gained over 1,700 signatures. On a brighter note, another ritual that will be making a return to both home and away games is the honorary No. 25 jersey. A tradition started last season by Fuente to honor former head coach Frank Beamer, the jersey number is assigned to the most outstanding special teams player of each week. Last season, the No. 25 uniform worked like magic as the player who was chosen to wear it seemed to have a breakout game each week. Whether it was Greg Stroman returning a punt for a touchdown against ECU or Sam Rogers having the game of his life against UVA, the jersey worked wonders week in and week out. This year will mark the team’s 53rd season playing in Lane Stadium. The Hokies boast an impressive 210–80–6 record since the stadium opened in 1965. Surely, game day traditions have played a major role in Tech’s home success over the years.
AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Lane Stadium, June 11, 2017.
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Virginia Tech will honor its legendary football coach during the season opener on Sunday, Sept. 3. CHASE PARKER assistant sports editor
it comes down to it, this is a battle between two Power Five conference teams, with both programs hoping to ascend to the top of their respective leagues. The Mountaineers went 10–3 and finished third in the Big 12 last year, and the Hokies went 10–4 and made an appearance in the ACC Championship game. “I think it has new meaning in that now we represent new conferences,” Beamer said. “I know we want to represent the ACC in a great way, so I think that adds to the importance of the game. So I look forward to it and I look forward to being a part of it.” With all of the changes that have taken place since the last time the teams played, Frank Beamer’s presence alone will be enough to bring back a flood of memories from the rivalry’s history.
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August 29, 2017 PAGE 3
ZOE SCOPA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Frank Beamer looks out on Lane Stadium during his last home game as head coach, Nov. 21, 2015.
and Mountaineers battled for supremacy in the Big East conference each year (1991– 2003). In 2004, the Hokies left to join the ACC. In 2012, West Virginia joined the Big 12. But the rivalry wasn’t intense solely because it was an interconference battle; it was intense because of the passion that each fan base had for its respective football program and because of the schools’ close proximity to each other. “Back in the day, we were in the same league, so it had that importance,” Beamer said. “I think it’s a game that needs to be played as often as possible because you’re the next state over, you both have great fan bases, we’re gonna fill their stadium and they’re gonna fill our stadium. There’s so many positives to playing this game that I’m happy to see it back on the schedule. I hope it can come back as often as it can in the schedule.” Sure, bragging rights are on the line, and so is the Black Diamond Trophy. But, when
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Frank Beamer is undoubtedly the most accomplished coach in Virginia Tech history. When it comes to the rivalry with West Virginia, the former head coach went 12–7, winning seven of the last 10 Black Diamond Trophies. With such success against the Mountaineers, it’s only right that the legendary coach is part of the game. The Tech athletic department agrees. That’s why he has been named Virginia Tech’s honorary captain for the return of the rivalry on Sept. 3. “I am deeply honored by Justin (Fuente) and Whit (Babcock) to allow me to be the honorary captain for this game,” Beamer said. “To be with a great friend, Don Nehlen, you know, we always got along great. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I
thought he did a great job there. Sometimes our fans didn’t get along so well, but I think even with that, I think there is a lot of respect from our fans for their program, and their fans, the same goes back the other way.” The same role for West Virginia will be filled by former Mountaineers coach Don Nehlen, the winningest coach in their program’s history, going 149–93–4 from 1980–2000. “I have all the respect in the world for Frank Beamer,” Nehlen said in a press conference. “Not only is he a class man and a great friend, (but) he did an unbelievable job at Virginia Tech and took that program to its greatest period of success. When the Mountaineers and Hokies got together to play, it didn’t matter whether either team was 10–0 or 0–10. It defined what a great rivalry it was.” At the peak of the rivalry, the Hokies
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Beamer named honorary captain
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The history of the heated rivalry Virginia Tech and West Virginia will face off at FedExField to write the next chapter in their history together. NATHAN LOPRETE assistant sports editor
The Battle for the Black Diamond Trophy makes its return this season. With Virginia Tech and West Virginia set to face off next Sunday at FedExField, the two teams find themselves ranked in the AP preseason top 25 poll. To learn more about the history of this rivalry you have to look all the way back to 1912. The Hokies drew first blood with a 41–0 win over the Mountaineers, but that would be the final win in the series until 1959. That included seven straight losses to West Virginia. From 1973 to 2005 the teams played every season and the battle between the two teams ramped up to the next level. The Mountaineers had won five of the last six games prior to Frank Beamer taking over in 1987 as the Hokies head coach. One of the challenges facing Beamer was the fact that Virginia Tech had not won in Morgantown since 1967. That streak ended in 1989 when the Hokies knocked off No. 9 West Virginia 12–10. Mickey Thomas, the Virginia Tech kicker, made four field goals en route to the upset. Virginia Tech went on to win five of the next seven games, including a 27–0 win in Morgantown in 1995. The rivalry intensified over the next few years as both teams started to gain national recognition. In 1996 the Hokies cruised to a 31–14 win. Virginia Tech was ranked No. 17 and the Mountaineers were No.
23. Virginia Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns. The Black Diamond Trophy was introduced in 1997, and West Virginia won the first matchup before the Hokies took home the trophy in 1998. Beamer, who will be one of the honorary captains for Sunday’s game, talked the importance of the trophy to both schools. “When we got together, both of us were ranked generally,” Beamer said. “It was such an important ball game from the Big East standpoint, from a next state over standpoint, from a fan base standpoint. We always made sure that we had the (Black Diamond Trophy) displayed in a prominent place if we had it, because we were proud of it. Again, the game has so much importance, then when you add that trophy … you wanted to make sure that thing stayed here at Virginia Tech.” In 1999, Virginia Tech came into Morgantown ranked No. 3 in the country. The Mountaineers had struggled all season, but West Virginia had its eyes set on ruining the Hokies national championship hopes. Both teams exchanged touchdowns in the second quarter, but that was all the offense until the third quarter. The Hokies took a 12–7 lead after the third quarter thanks to a Shayne Graham field goal and a safety from the Virginia Tech defense. Virginia Tech seemed to have the game in hand after Shyrone Stith rushed for a 6-yard score with just under five
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ZOE SCOPA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech fans in North End Zone celebrate a blocked kick during the Oct. 3, 2015, game against Pittsburgh that ended 13–17.
minutes remaining in the game. With the Hokies leading 19–7, West Virginia mounted a rally. Mountaineers starting quarterback Marc Bulger had been injured earlier in the game and Brad Lewis was now at the controls. Lewis took his team down the field and scored with 3:15 to play. The Hokies got the ball back with a 19–14 lead. However, Smith coughed up the ball and West Virginia took over in Hokies territory. With 1:15 remaining, Lewis found Khori Ivy for an 18-yard touchdown and it seemed as if Tech was in for a heartbreaking loss. Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick didn’t panic and led the team down the field. The big play came from redshirt-freshman quarterback as he scampered for 26 yards and into West Virginia territory. With five seconds remaining, Beamer called on Graham to attempt a 44-yard field goal and he nailed it. The “Miracle in Morgantown” kept the Hokies title hopes alive and broke the hearts of West Virginia. Beamer reflected on the game earlier this week at a press conference at Virginia Tech. “‘99 had so many implications to what was going to take place in playing in the
national championship game,” he said. “If Michael (Vick) doesn’t make that run and Shayne Graham doesn’t make that kick, then we don’t play for the national championship, so that has some great meaning.” Virginia Tech found itself ranked No. 3 again in 2000 when West Virginia came to town. In a 48–20 win, Vick accounted for just under 300 yards of total offense. West Virginia would get its revenge in 2002 and 2003 as it upset the Hokies both times. Virginia Tech returned the favor in 2004 as it beat No. 6 West Virginia 19–13. The Hokies won the last matchup, which came in 2005 when the Hokies were ranked third in the AP poll. West Virginia leads the all-time series 28–22–1, but the Hokies have won six of the last eight meetings. Virginia Tech and West Virginia are set to write the next chapter on Sunday night. With the history behind this rivalry, this game could set the tone for the upcoming season.
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BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Virignia Tech football team runs out onto the field at Lane Stadium to face Liberty University, Sept. 3, 2016.
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ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Bucky Hodges (7) and Sam Rogers (45) celebrate following Hodges’ score on the comeback win over Notre Dame, Nov. 19, 2016.
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The name game: Making a case for identity politics Left or right, identity-based rhetoric may be a key player in the field of contemporary political discourse.
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T
he modern political zeitgeist contorts slightly with each new international crisis or domestic policy crossroads. Rhetoric, however, has remained at the forefront of our democracy, immune to the evershifting political landscape. The ability to eloquently critique the state of our union — and compel others to feel similarly — without fear of reprisal is not only central to the founding ideals of our democracy but also critical to the survival of a country with diverse, postmodern interests. With the advent of identity politics, political rhetoric has changed drastically since the turn of the century. As race relations strain and gender norms undergo questioning, the voting public has divided into increasingly distinct factions. Movements that might have agreed a week ago can detest each other in an instant over the minutiae of their policies. Policy discussions have rapidly devolved into ad-hominem debates, and televised discussion panels have been replaced by talking-head screaming matches. This shift has been especially prevalent on college campuses, and was aptly summarized in “The Liberal Crackup,” a Wall Street Journal editorial by liberal author Mark Lilla. Per Lilla: “Classroom conversations that might have begun, I think A, and here is my argument, now take the form, Speaking as an X, I am offended that you claim B.” Conceding that this is anecdotal evidence, any college student would be hard-pressed to refute the foregoing claim. In fact, many pundits who have publicly decried the divisive nature of identity politics — from moderates like podcaster Adam Carolla to true conservatives like Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (LEFT) and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton participate in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Oct. 19, 2016.
— have been barred from speaking on some college campuses. These are indisputably inane measures taken to ensure groupthink; yet, the underlying rhetoric involved with this movement has an intrinsic value. There is much to be gleaned from the diverse circumstances and experiences of those who subscribe to identity politics. Certain segments of the population disproportionately experience racism, bigotry and sexism; why, then, would we not accept the experiences of these marginalized people as expert testimony in debate surrounding their circumstances? Using Lilla’s metric: There is nothing wrong with “speaking as an X” so long as you do not pre-empt the debate by being “offended that you claim B.”
The latter half of the argument is what makes the rhetoric of identity politics so untenable to larger, more moderate segments of the population. If the ultimate goal of political rhetoric is to convince ambivalent players of a point, then that point must be accessible. That is, it must be allowed to stand on its merit alone, and not hide behind the ability of its founders to disqualify rational opponents as bigoted. The human experience is ultimately a shared one; anger, fear and iniquity are all feelings and concepts understood by humans at large. Though the testimony of marginalized groups is invaluable in developing policy, the idea that one must have experienced inordinate marginalization to have an informed opinion on a pertaining
matter is unsound. Like any movement gaining traction, progressive identity politics is not without its blemishes. It has the power to lend a voice to the voiceless and a helping hand to the marginalized; the stories of iniquity in this country are worth sharing. But tampering with the expression of opposing ideals both compromises the American cornerstone of free speech and prohibits the galvanization of rhetoric through debate.
TRAVIS BAUER • opinions contributor • senior/civil engineering
Executive interference hinders state department Rampant miscommunication and chaos cast a shadow of doubt over the future of the United States’ foreign policy.
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senior adviser, Jared Kushner, has been on tour attempting to work out a peace plan in the Middle East. Tillerson is a pragmatic negotiator and the secretary of state; his abilities have been underemployed in part due to shameless nepotism. He has also had to scramble to adjust his statements regarding foreign policy after the press receives contradicting ones from the president. During the outbreak of the Qatar blockade, Tillerson urged Saudi Arabia and allies to ease the blockade, while Trump restated the Saudi’s accusation that Qatar funds extremists. After Tillerson expressed that military option for North Korea was on the table but not without extreme caution, Trump exclaimed that they would be met with “fire and fury like the world has never seen.” Rex Tillerson’s track record as CEO and currently as the secretary of state has displayed nothing but consistency and pragmatism. He has taken a sensible, unidealistic approach to foreign relations through strong relations with allies and austerity with aggressive nations. However, Tillerson has been unable to perform his duties to the fullest extent due to several internal factors; some of which include the White House’s’ repeated refusal to accept Tillerson’s department nominations, sending Kushner to negotiate peace in the Middle East, and it’s failure to coordinate foreign policy statements with President Trump. Tillerson’s skills will go to waste if people do not let him do his job. Without proper autonomy he will never be able to strengthen U.S. diplomacy like he has the potential to.
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ALEXANDER OYSTESE • opinions contributor • sophomore/BIT
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nited States Secretar y of State Rex Tillerson is no stranger to controversy. When President Donald Trump announced Tillerson as his nominee for secretary of state, media outlets and key politicians were quick to highlight Tillerson’s close ties with Russia, especially his receipt of the Russian Order of Friendship from Putin himself. An executive of a prominent corporation with Russian and other controversial foreign business ties joining Trump’s cabinet was a red flag to the public, but a closer look into Tillerson’s life shows a man of great integrity who achieves success through hard, honest work. Tillerson’s acquaintances recall achievements and stories that prove him to be a more complex figure than the public perceives him to be. Hardworking, humble and patient, but tough when he needs to be are all COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE words that describe Tillerson. His drive U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks during the second annual U.S.-Saudi and humility were noted long before he Arabia CEO Summit at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, April 19, 2017, Washington, assumed the title of CEO at America’s D.C. largest oil company, ExxonMobil. As a busser for the student union building in Syria. Contrary to Moscow’s theory action on ruthless dictators. Tillerson’s in Oklahoma State University at age that rebels were responsible for the no-nonsense approach is necessary 14, two years of hard work rewarded notorious chemical weapons attack that and should have been the strategy for him with a janitor position that paid killed 72 in Syria, Tillerson asserted all of his predecessors. Attempting to $1 an hour. Tillerson reflected that it that the attack was carried out by the negotiate with aggressor nations only “reinforced the dignity and value of Syrian government. His consistency enables them to demand terms from the honest work.” His patience and clarity with facts conveys the message that the U.S.; Tillerson’s unwillingness to work in presenting the evidence were at one U.S. will not work with any country with certain countries until terms are met signals an end to past lenience. time essential in uniting a jury to bring that enables authoritarian regimes. Overseas, Tillerson has effiTillerson’s predecessor, John a sexual predator to justice, according to an observer who spent a week Kerry, traveled many miles to meet ciently acted as the liaison between with Tillerson in jury duty. Former with authoritarians, only to be met the U.S. and foreign governments. But at home, Tillerson is faced with colleagues and foreign leaders alike chaos that hinders him from operknow not to ignore his stark demeanor: Tillerson is a pragmatic ating his department. A famously Whether he negotiated an oil deal in documented outburst detailing a Exxon’s favor or confronted a foreign negotiator ... his abilities have meeting between Tillerson and White aggressor, his fortitude did not go been underused due to blatant House aides revealed his frustration unnoticed. nepotism on the president’s over the continuous rejection of his Worries over Tillerson’s business part.” nominees to fill different positions dealings with Russia quickly vanished in the department, especially when since his April meeting with Putin and he was promised full autonomy from foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. From the start, he asserted that U.S.-Russia with constant failure and disrespect. President Trump. The White House relations would not improve if Russia His endless finger-wagging caused doesn’t seem to be willing to let him continued to support the Assad regime America to appear shaming but weak in do his job; Trump’s son-in-law and
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Historic football rivalry renewed Virginia Tech and West Virginia set to play for the Black Diamond Trophy for the first time since 2005. SARAH SEDWICK
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While week one is quickly approaching, Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente and his staff are making their final preparations for the first game of the season against longtime rival West Virginia. The two teams had previously been major rivals from 1952–2005, but the game hasn’t been played since. With both programs starting the season ranked in the top 25 (Virginia Tech at No. 21 and West Virginia at No. 22), it looks like the return of the rivalry game will pick back up right where it left off. “Ultimately our approach to every game is the same in terms of it being about our preparation and our emotion and our accountability to each other,” Fuente said. “But this is a little bit different in terms of I do think we need to take an educational step just to kind of paint the picture of what it’s like to play in a game like this that has been dormant for quite a while.” The quarterbacks will be front and center, as both teams will be debuting new signal-callers. The Hokies will start redshirt-freshman Josh Jackson, and the Mountaineers will be inserting junior-transfer Will Grier into the starting lineup. Grier, the former Florida quarterback, was cleared to play in the season opener on June 20 after being suspended from the NCAA halfway through the 2015 season for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. While at Florida, Grier won all five games he started before his suspension, throwing for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns along the way. On Tech’s side, very little is known about how Jackson will perform since he has never played in a college football
game. This is an advantage for the Hokies, as the Mountaineers have no film to study on the young QB. Defensively, the Hokies will have to keep West Virginia’s pro-style offense in check in order to have success. “In the history of Dana (Holgorsen) being there, he’s a masterful offensive mind,” Fuente said. “They have hightempo and they have good-skilled kids that can run. Defensively, they have a different scheme that they fully understand, that they have mastered and had success with for years; one that we won’t see again. They’ve got all three phases in place.”
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Their scheme gives you problems. It’s something you don’t see all year.” Brad Cornelsen offensive coordinator
A main concern for Tech’s offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen is figuring out how to move the ball on West Virginia’s defense, which played well last year. “Their scheme gives you problems,” Cornelsen said. “It’s something you don’t see all year, and certainly if you do see it, it’s only one time a year. That in itself creates some problems. They’re big and strong up front. They just kind of clog you up inside. They’ve got extra guys at the second and third level, so they’re trying to get everything to spill sideways.” The kickoff for the game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The game will be televised on ABC.
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Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds are said to be the most feared players on the defense for the 2017 season. CHASE PARKER assistant sports editor
Second-Team Preseason All-American by Sports Illustrated, and was also selected to the 2017 preseason Bednarik Award watch list, which is a trophy presented annually to college football’s defensive player of the year. “I kind of block things like that out,” Tremaine said. “Right now my mind is set on going to practice each and every day, you know, and getting better with this team and just doing what we can do to be the best defense we can become.” But even with all of the accolades and praise, Tremaine believes that he can always improve. In fact, the highly touted linebacker admits that he wishes that a little bit of Terrell’s high-motor would rub off on him. “Terrell definitely has a thing that other people don’t have,” Tremaine said. “He never gets tired. I wish I had it like him, but if I have to be honest with you, I don’t.”
Based on their family lineage, the two seem to be destined to play football at the highest level. Their father, Ferrell Edmunds, played in the NFL for seven seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. Trey Edmunds, their older brother, is currently a running back for the New Orleans Saints. But if you get past their intimidating size and ability to knock a grown man’s head off on any given play, you’ll see that Terrell and Tremaine are just your average set of brothers. “I try to pick with Tremaine as much as I can,” Terrell said. “Just being the aggravating big brother, you could say. I try to push his buttons and try to see how far I can push him until he just goes into his room and shuts his door.” @chaseparker_VT
August 29, 2017 PAGE 9
ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) is tackled to the ground by Terrell Edmunds (22), Oct. 27, 2016.
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It’s uncommon to see two brothers play on the same college football team. It’s even more rare to see them start on the same side of the ball. But it’s nearly unheard of for a set of siblings to be the two most feared defensive players on a team’s roster. That’s what makes the Edmunds brothers special. Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds have made a name for themselves at Virginia Tech; if you watch a little bit of game film, you’ll see why. The Edmunds brothers are known to be the hardest hitters on the team — or at least that’s what running back Deshawn McClease thinks. “The hardest hit I’ve ever taken in my life would have to be from Tremaine Edmunds,” McClease said. During a team practice, the redshirt-sophomore running back was handed the ball right up the middle before his cleat slipped off, which prevented him from being able to plant his foot in the turf. Plowing full-speed ahead, Tremaine collided with McClease, sending the running back crashing to the ground. “When you’re 6-foot-5, 240 pounds running a 4.4 or 4.5 (40-yard dash) and you hit somebody, they’re gonna feel it every time you hit them,” McClease explained. “It felt like I got hit by a train.” When asked who the second-hardest hitter on the team was, the running back quickly responded with, “Terrell.” The Edmunds brothers share the ability to deliver punishing blows to opponents, but other than that, the two are completely different. Terrell is the flashy playmaker. On the field, his motor never stops going. He runs sideline to sideline without missing a step, then finds ways to leap through the air to make diving interceptions. “I think athletically, he’s just different,” said head coach Justin Fuente. “He’s an incredibly hard worker, but I’ve never seen a guy that can’t get tired. He doesn’t. We know about the family, just great people in general, but there’s just something different about him.”
Tremaine, on the other hand, is the workhorse. He is Bud Foster’s “lunch pail defense” personified. He stays quiet, but never stops working to become the most powerful pass-rusher he can be. “Tremaine definitely has it all, the size and speed,” said fellow linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka. “He really can just do it all. Before he actually started playing, I told people that he was going to be the best to come through and play that position. I believe he’s working towards that and he’ll do that.” In 2016, the two combined for 195 tackles, 21 of which were for a loss, and forced five turnovers. With stellar play comes extra attention, which is exactly what the two have been getting throughout the offseason. Tremaine, in particular, is faced with some pretty lofty expectations for 2017. The junior linebacker was named a
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Edmunds brothers bring the boom
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Women’s soccer kicks off Virginia Tech’s women’s soccer team started the season undefeated at home against the University of Georgia.
BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES Women’s soccer kicked off its season with a win against the Georgia Bulldogs, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017.
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BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES Carly Settles (29, UGA) sends the ball upfield past Chandler McDaniel (2, VT), Aug. 27, 2017.
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Donors more than double contributions to school Individuals, corporations, foundations and others donated over $162 million to Virginia Tech in fiscal year 2017. MATT JONES editor in chief
In fiscal year 2017, Virginia Tech donors gave the university $162.28 million in new commitments and gifts, blowing away last year’s gifts by a significant margin. This comes as state support for the school is declining and enrollment is increasing dramatically. Almost 35,000 individuals, corporations, foundations and other entities contributed to the university in the fiscal year ending June 30, according to a Virginia Tech News release. This was a 62 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, when 31,516 donors gave $101.45 million to the university. That was only a 13 percent increase over the prior year. For comparison, the school averaged
only $46 million in donations annually between 1995 and 2000. Giving has increased dramatically in the last few years. “Hokies are driven to serve, and giving back is one of the most powerful ways that they show it,” said Charles Phlegar, vice president for advancement for the university, in a news release. “Our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, and corporate and foundation partners create tremendous opportunities with their generosity. We can’t realize our potential without them. We can’t thank them enough.” One of the important drivers of this second straight year of recordbreaking donations was alumni. This year, 12 percent of alumni donated to the university, with 1,800 more alumni donors than the previous year. Nine
colleges or programs raised at least twice as much from donations as they did in the previous fiscal year. Although donors are increasingly supporting the university, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not. This coming fiscal year, the state is expected to only contribute 17.4 percent of the school’s operating budget. Last year, that was 18.1 percent. Meanwhile, the school is growing rapidly. Over 7,000 students accepted offers to come to Tech this fall, beating the expected enrollment of 6,400. This has led to a housing crunch and strain on resources on campus. In June, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors raised tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates by 2.9 percent, which was the smallest annual tuition increase in the past 20 years. The university’s budget for the coming fiscal year, coming it at about $1.5 billion, increased 2.3 percent over the previous year. “The $162 million is fantastic,” Phlegar told the Roanoke Times. “But we’re already pressing to do better. It’s so critical for southwest Virginia.” Sands has made donations, both from alumni and other sources, a strategic
priority. He created the Division of Advancement, which Phlegar is now the head of, merging fundraising, alumni relations and communications departments into a single office committed to fundraising. The university hopes to continue the trend and grow donation revenue,
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Our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, and corporate and foundation partners create tremendous opportunities with their generosity.”
Charles Phlegar vice president for advancement
particularly from alumni. Sands announced in 2016 in his State of the University Address that the school aims to increase the alumni donation rate to 22 percent by 2022.
@Jones_MattRyan
PAGE 12 August 29, 2017
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BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES Burruss Hall.
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What’s coming to the Moss Arts Center this fall
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lifestyles
Demetri Martin, Yo-Yo Ma and Cheryl Strayed — oh my! See what the Moss Arts Center has in store.
GRETCHEN KERNBACH lifestyles staff writer
is “From These Woods.” The collection features work from 16 different artists, including associate professor of art at East Tennessee State University Travis Graves and founder of Buckeye Banjos Greg Galbreath. Additionally, there will be some pieces on display from Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture and
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We are hoping to capture the students’ attention.”
Ruth Waalkes executive director of programming, Moss Arts Center
Design’s Center for Design Research. According to the MAC, “students in the Center for Design Research worked with Rwandan students and craftspeople in order to create a number of furniture prototypes, some of which are on display in this exhibition. These furniture pieces continue to be used and produced at the African Design Centre, a new fellowship program based in Kigali, Rwanda.”
TUAN TRAN / COLLEGIATE TIMES Moss Arts Center
@Gretchthecatch
August 29, 2017 PAGE 13
“From These Woods” will be featured in all galleries. Furthermore, through Sept. 14–Dec. 9, “Pia Fries” will be on view in the Ruth C. Horton Gallery and “Radcliffe Bailey” in the Miles C. Horton Jr. Gallery and Sherwood Payne Quillen ‘71 Reception Gallery. Both of these exhibits act as the center’s fall exhibitions. Diana Cooper’s “HighWire” will remain on view until spring 2018. Following the Sept. 22 performance from Tango Buenos Aires, tango lessons will be held in the Cube. The event is free, but spots can be reserved through the box office. Other special events occurring this semester include a lobby display called “Nonprofit Superheroes of the New River Valley” on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. and the Virginia Tech Science Festival on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One more special event coming to the MAC this semester is still in the works. More details will be revealed later in the month of September. “VT students can also sign up for our rush seat program. By texting the word ‘ARTS’ to 31996, VT students are automatically signed up for the program. The day of a performance, we send out a mass text to this list with a time rush seats will be available for that day’s performance,” said Susan Bland, associate director of communication. “Students that get the text can show up at our box office at the identified time and if they have their Hokie Passport, they can receive a free ticket to the performance.” To learn more about the additional performances, exhibitions and events coming to the Moss Arts Center, visit artscenter.vt.edu.
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The Moss Arts Center (MAC) is bringing a whole lot of talent and fun to Virginia Tech this upcoming semester, including visits from comedian Demetri Martin, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and novelist Cheryl Strayed. In addition to the countless performances from traveling artists, there will be different art exhibitions rotating through and several hands-on special events taking place, some for purchase and some available for no cost. Another Hokie Hi Event will take place Sept. 7 at 7 p.m., featuring SyrianAmerican hip-hop artist Omar Offendum. Accompanying Offendum will be Egyptian musician Karim Nagi and Pakistani-American artist Saba Taj. According to the MAC, Offendum “was one-half of The N.O.M.A.D.S., co-produced the critically acclaimed FREETHE-P compilation, participated in the Arab Summit project, co-authored the Brooklyn Beats 2 Beirut Streets performance-lecture, and has been featured on major news outlets.” Offendum also has released a solo album, “SyrianamericanA.” Nagi has also released music, trademarking a unique style of Arabic music that combines electronica with acoustic instruments. As an activist, Taj’s addition to the two musicians brings a focus to racism and xenophobia. “We want to take programs to where the students are,” said Ruth Waalkes, executive director of programming at the MAC. “We are hoping to capture students’ attention.” Although the event will be held at the Eggleston Quad, it is still orchestrated through the MAC. However, in the case of rain, the event will be relocated to the Street and Davis Performance Hall’s Anne
and Ellen Fife Theatre. Additional performances include “A WILD Life” author talk with Cheryl Strayed, in which she will talk about her approach to writing and engage with the audience. Strayed’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling memoir, “Wild,” served as the basis for a movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern. The ticketed event will occur on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Virginia Tech’s School of Performing Arts will also be holding its performances in the Moss Arts Center. At 3 p.m. on Oct. 8, the Virginia Tech Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band will be masterworks and contemporary compositions. Also from the School of Performing Arts, the Virginia Tech Fall Choir Showcase performance is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. Those are only a couple out of many more shows to come this semester. To view the additional performances coming to Virginia Tech, visit artscenter.vt.edu. Of the exhibitions coming to the MAC, currently on view through Sept. 1
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How to make buying textbooks less terrifying Renting, buying used or simply waiting are just a few ways you can start the semester without breaking the bank. KATIE RICE lifestyles staff writer
College is expensive to begin with. Some days I feel like just walking onto campus drains my bank account. When I’m trying to figure out where my classes are and how difficult my class is said to be, the last thing I want to do is spend several hundred dollars on books I will only be using for four months. I have saved many a textbook thinking I will reread some chapters for fun. I have yet to do so. In the meantime, they make great stands for my flowerpots. In the interest of helping you retain enough money to add money to your meal plan in a couple months, I want to share some ways I have managed to save money on textbooks.
Rent
A large assortment of textbooks can be rented from the University Bookstore, BookHolders or Amazon. Renting a book that you will likely never open again is far cheaper than buying. This takes away the option to resell when the semester comes to a close, but it is almost impossible to get even close to a full refund anyway. Renting may turn out to be cheaper than buying and reselling. For example, “Business Law and the Legal Environment,” required for FIN 3054, is $349.95 new on Amazon. In contrast, renting the book until Dec. 20 is $54.80. Renting from BookHolders is $52.25. For “Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change,” Amazon and BookHolders have roughly the same price, except Amazon has a rental option and BookHolders does not.
Go paperless
Whenever possible, I rent my textbooks through Kindle. An account is free, and they have a nifty app to download to your phone. You can buy or rent eTextbooks. The rental can last as long as needed. The months are scheduled on Amazon, which causes the
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAT PIPER price to vary depending on the length of time. If you buy the book, it’s yours forever to access online, whether through a laptop, phone, tablet or an actual Kindle device.
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This might sound crazy, but wait as long as you can to buy books. Some classes do not even use the textbook.”
Wait
This might sound crazy, but wait as long as you can to buy books. Some classes do not even use the textbook. Unless the syllabus specifically states otherwise, you have at least a week after classes start to buy. Waiting gives you time to confirm with the professor that the book is necessary for the class. The book can be acquired almost instantly through Kindle with the assurance that it will be useful for the course.
Use the library
Having the electronic copy makes it easy to read on the bus with a phone, and you don’t need to clear more space on the desk because it’s already on your computer. Highlights stay even if the rental runs out. If rented or purchased again, the highlights and notes remain.
If you would prefer to study and do work at the library, and the textbook is carried there, why buy? Some textbooks are in the library, so it can’t hurt to check.
Don’t buy new
This is obvious to some and less so to others. Unless you need to buy new for the access code, buy used books. Used doesn’t mean ragged and torn.
Some other student probably just left it in a drawer last semester and wanted the cash from selling it. Do some research on whether the newest edition of the book has serious changes. Older editions can be over 50 percent cheaper. Many books are not read in their entirety through the course anyway. When the semester is over, sell on Amazon or to friends. If a friend is taking a class you already took and vice versa, figure out a trade that seems fair. Whether you prefer the smell and feel of turning pages, or the adjustable brightness of an electronic device, buying textbooks does not have to be as painful as it seems. Do the five minutes of extra research to compare prices and feel like a successful adult who gets good deals.
@Katierice_CT
Find a pickup truck, fill it with food, blast some music and whatever you do, don’t bring the frozen peas. GRETCHEN KERNBACH lifestyles staff writer
collegiatetimes.com COURTESY OF ANDREA PAPPAS
in some sliced cheese and a bottle of ketchup and mustard for toppings. Any other food you bring is your and your friends’ preference, but keep things simple. Small sandwiches and bags of chips are a classic tailgating go-to. Deviled eggs, not so much. So you have your cooler, grill, beverages and food. And that one weird friend you only invited for the use of his truck. What else should you bring? Now it’s time to contact that other weird friend who has really nice speakers. You can’t have a tailgate without music. I mean, you could, but what fun is it carrying on conversations with someone you can perfectly hear? Plug in your phone and start blaring Taylor Swift’s new single so everyone knows to come find you and smash your speakers.
I’d also suggest bringing some sort of first-aid kit, because we all know college kids like to do stupid things. Someone somewhere is going to smash a bottle of some sort, or somehow injure themselves playing cornhole; it’s safer to be prepared. Speaking of cornhole, it’d be smart to bring a few activities for your visitors to play. Whether it is just a table with red solo cups or a football, anything is better than nothing. Standing around and talking is only entertaining for so long. People will start to hate other people. Furthermore, it wouldn’t hurt to pack some cleaning supplies and trash bags as well. Some people suck and don’t clean up their own spills (or puke), therefore causing you to play mom. So set out some trash bags and paper towels for others to use at their convenience. A clean tailgate is a
happy tailgate. You may have gone through this whole article and have been thinking to yourself, “Gretchen, I am not even interested in hosting my own tailgate. This is useless.” If so, I’m also thinking, “Yeah, same.” So your best bet is to weave your way into a tailgate that looks fun and then blend in like you know everyone. Your best bet is saying you know a “Ryan, Matt, Sarah or Morgan.” Someone, somewhere is bound to have that name. Or even try and locate your friends’ parents’ tailgates. You already know they have the best food. Finally, have fun. And most importantly, be safe. I feel like I am required to say that for legal reasons. @Gretchthecatch
August 29, 2017 PAGE 15
It has been drilled into our heads since last school year. It has been hyped up for months now. It is finally here — our first football game versus West Virginia at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. If you happen to live under a rock, our Hokies will be taking on the Mountaineers on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. And if you happen to have been in a coma under that rock, the game will also not be at home. Rather, Virginia Tech is traveling to play at the home of the Washington Redskins. Since the game will be played at night, that gives you plenty of time to tailgate. So you better do it right. But just in case tailgating doesn’t come second nature to you, I have a few tips to ensure you have the best tailgating experience possible. First thing’s first: What should you bring? Bring someone who owns a pickup truck and convince them to drive you. You don’t have to like this person; you just have to persuade them into using their truck. You can’t tailgate with a Prius. Now you have to fill that truck. I’d suggest bringing multiple coolers for different kinds of drinks and frozen foods. No, I don’t mean frozen peas. I’m talking about hamburgers and hot dogs. If you bring vegetables to a tailgate, go root for WVU. We don’t want you here. Of course, a portable grill will need to go in the bed of the truck. Grilling food is a tailgating essential. To make things simple, stick to the basic meats. Vegetarians aren’t tolerated here, and there will be no grilling of veggie burgers. I mean it. Stick those hamburger and hot dog buns in a bigger tote bag for easy transportation. I would consider the bread to be equally as important as the meat — we aren’t savages eating straight up meat with our bare hands. Also throw
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What you need to properly tailgate the WVU game
PAGE 16 August 29, 2017
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