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For once, a party school Flat Hat music reviewer Max Cea reviews Saturday’s performances
Featuring an exclusive interview with Andy Grammer
Vol. 104, Iss. 29 | Tuesday, February 10, 2015
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of The College of William and Mary
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14,950 apply to College Rises for 11th year in row caleb york The flat hat
Era of Good Feelings ALL PHOTOS BY CAROLINE NUTTER / THE FLAT HAT
College President Taylor Reveley, Chancellor Robert Gates ‘65 and Rector of the College James B. Murray J.D. ‘74 L.L.D. ‘00 give speeches to the College of William and Mary community.
Murray discusses significance of history, James Monroe’s legacy Abby boyle Flat hat managing editor
The College of William and Mary celebrated its 322nd birthday at the annual Charter Day ceremony, held Friday afternoon at William and Mary Hall. “Unless you’re Methuselah or perhaps a giant Redwood tree, 322 is really old, at least by human standards,” College President Taylor Reveley said in his remarks during the ceremony. “By 322, if you’re human, you’ve got no hair, no teeth, no nothing. But William and Mary, though created and sustained by humans, transcends human limits.” Reveley described the College as indestructible, robust, and “one tough phoenix,” but also mentioned
what he sees as the school’s most pressing philanthropic need: increasing the College’s scholarship endowments. In his introduction of Chancellor Robert Gates ’65 — who was on campus for the weekend’s events — Reveley emphasized that Gates attended the College after receiving a scholarship. While a student, Gates drove a local school bus to help pay for his education. Referencing his own story, Gates also stressed the importance of scholarships in his speech. “My brother and I were the first in the history of our family to attend college, and it was a scholarship that made it possible for me, a kid from Kansas, to come here, the alma mater of a nation,” Gates said. “It was an individual — just one — in the pantheon of
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William and Mary people, whose generosity helped make my William and Mary experience possible.” Gates concluded his remarks by encouraging those gathered to consider how they could make a difference at the College. Venture capitalist and former Rector of the College James B. Murray J.D. ’74 L.L.D. ’00 served as the ceremony’s main speaker, but did not address the College’s finances in his speech. Instead, Murray focused on the legacy of alumnus James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Monroe is often overlooked, Murray said, and yet students can take valuable lessons from his leadership in the early
The College of William and Mary is more popular than ever among prospective scholars. The 201415 school year marks the 11th consecutive year in which the College has received a record number of applicants for admission. Approximately 14,950 prospective students applied this year. However, even with a growing number of students applying, administrators said they have not drastically changed the admissions process in terms of how they review applications. “I think that the commitment to the review process has not changed per se,” Interim Associate Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admission Tim Wolfe ’95 M.Ed. ’01 said. “It certainly requires more time and can sometimes take a little longer than before to account for more applications. But fundamentally, that philosophy of how we view applications has not changed in any significant way recently.” Wolfe said he thinks several factors have led to the increase in the applicant pool. “Over the years, we have developed a very sophisticated prospective student communications platform,” Wolfe said. “I think that’s one component, and then I think our campus visitation opportunities continue to be a very strong part. So, to me, those two things would be the biggest factors but, in this profession, it’s always hard to point a finger at any one particular factor.” The 2013-14 school year marked the first time that the College, and numerous other schools across the country, completed the application process utilizing the new version of the online Common Application. During this time, the Common App came under criticism from numerous high school students for website glitches and bugs. This year, Wolfe said the quirks
See CHARTER DAY page 3
See APPLICATIONS page 3
williamsburg
Full board convenes Reiss transitions to Williamsburg presidency on campus safety New Colonial Williamsburg Foundation president brings diplomatic experience Martin talks security assessment Rohan desai flat hat News editor
The Board of Visitors convened Feb. 5 in a full meeting to discuss campus safety. The Board first covered campus safety and its various facets, including crime statistics, environmental health and safety, and health and wellness reports. Then they assessed the Title IX statute, Clery Act, and the process of reporting an incident of sexual assault. College President Taylor Reveley began the meeting with a statement on the importance of campus safety in relation to the sustenance of the College of William and Mary. “In my opinion, safety is very much like oxygen,” Reveley said. “If oxygen is in short supply or wholly lacking, everything fails in comparison and quickly dries to a halt. Safety is a primal responsibility for William and Mary and we are making every effort to ensure it for our people.” He added that the responsibility of maintaining a safe campus requires students, faculty and staff to not only be conscious of potentially hazardous situations, but to also behave as active bystanders in instances of violence or sexual assault. Vice President for Administration Anna B. Martin then spoke of the College’s assessment of overall campus safety. “On campus, during the day, 99.8 percent [of students] reported feeling safe, at night it falls a little bit to 95.6 percent,” Martin said. See BOV page 2
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eleanor lamb FLAT HAT Assoc. NEws Editor
Mitchell B. Reiss has been in the process of adjusting to his new role as President of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, since Oct. 6, 2014. The CW Foundation encompasses the
SARAH PERRY / THE FLAT HAT
Mitchell B. Reiss succeeded Colin G. Campbell as the president of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
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not-for-profit historic area nestled beside the College of William and Mary, as well as the corporations — including the hotels, restaurants and golf clubs — surrounding the town. Reiss will now serve as both President and Chief Executive Officer of these sectors. He succeeds Colin G. Campbell, who held the position for 14 years.
Alumnus Jim Murray’s remarks at the Charter Day ceremony focused largely on the heroic aspects of James Monroe’s life. What do we lose when we ignore the negative parts of our past? page 5
Reiss found out about the position when Campbell called him one day and offered him the job. Reiss, familiar with the College’s campus and administration due to previous work with the school, accepted the offer. Over the past few months, he has made the transition to President. “I was flattered and honored,” Reiss said. “Trying to understand how the units [of CW] worked separately and together is a full-time job.” Reiss previously served as the President of Washington College and held several positions at the U.S. State Department. Beyond these various roles, he has deep ties to the College community. At the College, Reiss has served as dean of international affairs, director of the Wendy and Emery Reves Center, vice provost for international affairs, diplomat-in-residence, Reiss and professor of both law and government. In his years at the College, he worked with several professors to expand international relations. His close ties to many faculty members and administrators were a factor in See REISS page 3
Tribe wins fourth straight
The College’s women’s basketball team won its fourth consecutive game Friday, downing Drexel 72-68 on the road. The Tribe lost its winning streak Sunday, losing to Hofstra 52-46. page 7