The Gettysburgian Spring 2024 Magazine 1

GTheettysburgian

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Gettysburg College

Sweethearts

Meet Four of the 1,923 Married Gettysburg College Couples

- On Keeping You Informed -

By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor

Ihave found that writing an editor’s note is immensely more difficult than writing an article, probably because I have to focus on writing about myself in a way that seems nuanced and complex and worthy of being printed and posted all around campus. Despite the difficulty, these notes can also be a time to reflect, and I appreciate the time and space given to do so. Entering the spring semester of my sophomore year has been a whirlwind. I have found myself picking up more and more activities to hold close to my heart. Furthermore, I have been given opportunities that I never could have imagined. While that has all been amazing, I also feel more stressed and overwhelmed than ever. Throughout it all, The Gettysburgian has stayed by my side, along with the people that are a part of it.

While I have been on a whirlwind, so has Gettysburg College. Last semester saw a lot of shakeups. Provost Jamila Bookwala began her tenure and the work with President Bob Iuliano to move the school into a more cost-effective era. This led to the closure of The Gettysburg Review and the discussion of other changes, such as closing or merging some departments and reducing our adjunct faculty. These changes have caused members of the Gettysburg community to feel uneasy, and as we begin this new semester, questions about the future of the College remain. However, in the same way that The Gettysburgian has stayed by my side through my hectic moments, it has also been by the greater community’s side as well. We have worked to cover every event and hot topic of interest for our readers, from sports teams’ championships to weekly Student Senate coverage to changes in the College’s curriculum and so much more. In this magazine, we continue with our coverage. The changes to the Center for Global Education’s programs are explained, we dive into the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX, and we highlight senior’s post-graduation plans. As with every magazine, there is a mix of changes and emotions, all included in the hopes of keeping our readers informed and entertained.

I hope this magazine teaches you at least one new thing and keeps you curious about what this College and its members have to offer.

Until next time,

Ava Burchell, Staff Writer

By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor

By Sophie Lange, News Editor

By The Gettysburgian Editorial Staff

Ella Prieto ’26

Managing Editor, The Gettysburgian

By

Compiled by Laurel Bennett By Kenzie Smith, A&E Editor

By Terra Hobler, Opinions Editor

New Changes Made in the Center for Global Education

By Laken Franchetti, Editor-in-Chief

n an email sent to students on Feb. 12, the Center for Global Education (CGE) revealed changes that had been made to study abroad at Gettysburg College for subsequent academic years. These changes were made in an effort to develop a more sustainable and costeffective global study portfolio.

Last semester, CGE worked with the Global Study Programs Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of CGE’s portfolio. This was completed in an effort to remain a premier global study institution while also remaining sustainable for the College’s long-

“Given our strong commitment to deepening students’ intercultural fluency and preparing them for a global workforce, Gettysburg College has historically invested a greater percentage of its annual budget on study abroad than our peers. As costs continue to rise, however, it is important that we ensure we are being judicious with our resources,”

After the committee’s review, the College decided to cut 18 study abroad programs from its global study portfolio. There will still be access to 60 programs in 39 countries for students.

“Among those discontinued, every program either proved to have significantly lower student participation (0% - 1.95% of total study abroad participants) or CGE already offers a high-quality alternative program in the region of interest,” the email shared.

Interim Director of CGE Jesse Phillips further explained why these decisions were made and the factor expenses played in considering what programs were cut.

“CGE ultimately discontinued programs that were over our average program cost unless they met a specific and important need that otherwise could not be met through other study abroad programs,” Phillips said. “For example, although our program in Vienna has a cost that is above our goal, it is the only location where our Conservatory students can reliably take courses in their major, so we remain affiliated with that program.”

João Branco Chaves ’25 is currently participating in the Temple University at Tokyo program, which is one of the programs that has been discontinued for future academic years.

“Whereas I acknowledge some sadness in the removal of my current study abroad program of Temple University Japan Campus in Tokyo for future Gettysburgians, at the same time, I do believe that the current CGE changes truly will benefit the studying abroad experience of Gettysburg students,” Branco Chaves shared.

Branco Chaves recognized that CGE would be partnering with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which provides students greater access to opportunities at local universities in other countries.

“At the end of the day, with programs such as the ISEP, there is an effort to make sure students have a more immersive and cultural experience rather than sending students to American-based institutions and programs,” Branco Chaves explained. “When I decided to come to Tokyo, the Temple University program was the only program available here. However, if there was a program with a local university, I would have enrolled in that one.”

At a faculty meeting on Feb. 16, 2024, six new international student exchange programs were approved: two offerings at Yonsei University (Seoul, Korea) and the remaining offerings at the University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan); the University of Ghana (Accra, Ghana); La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) and the University of Salvador (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

In their email to students, CGE also revealed two new programs that would be available immediately: Intern Philly offered through Arcadia University and Trinidad & Tobago through Pacific Lutheran University.

Another change that arose following CGE’s portfolio review was the altering of certain programs, such as Gettysburg in England. This program originally included three weeks spent in London prior to the move to Lancaster University in Lancaster, England.

A faculty member from Gettysburg College would accompany the students in London and teach a seminar over the three weeks. Now, the seminar will be held entirely at Lancaster University and will not include a three-week stay in London.

“The cost of staying in London for three weeks was not sustainable, especially since students were not always in London during their seminar. Faculty are still able to use their program budget to bring students to London,” Phillips explained. “We are excited about this change as it will give students more time to become familiar with Lancaster University and Lancaster City prior to the start of the semester. This location will also give students and the seminar easier access to Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Lake District.”

· Temple University, Tokyo

· Arabic Language Institute at the University of Cairo

· IES Paris

· IES Madrid

· IFSA University of Queensland

During the fall of 2023, Professor of Art and Art History Felicia Else taught the London seminar of the Gettysburg in England program, and she commented on CGE’s decision to no longer offer the course in London.

“I enjoyed one of the best teaching experiences of my career as part of this program,” Else shared. “The students did love the London experience as did I. However, I completely sympathize with CGE’s budget constraints and can confirm that London is very costly, even more so than when I had visited some years ago.”

Associate Professor of Biology Ryan Kerney taught the London seminar in the fall of 2022, and he shared his thoughts on the decision as well.

“It is an inexhaustible city,” Kerney said. “However, one thing I found in our seminar was that by the end of [the] three weeks, everyone was tired of London, or at least central London. There are only so many museums and grand palaces that can be absorbed before priceless artifacts and significant works of art begin to lose their luster.”

Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Ian Isherwood is set to teach the seminar portion of the Gettysburg in England program this coming fall. He was informed that the London seminar had been cut from the program in a meeting with CGE staff in late October of 2023.

Isherwood was not involved in the discussion to cut the London seminar and had to rework the syllabus he had built, as it was created

suspended Programs

· IFSA James Cook UniversityTownsville

· IFSA James Cook University - Cairns

· IFSA Buenos Aires

with the intention of being in London for those three weeks. However, Isherwood has arranged for the seminar to begin in London.

“My original seminar was entirely based in London, so I had to scramble and rewrite my syllabus in a tight timeline. I have kept the same overall theme of Britain and the World Wars. Students will get three touring days in London, in addition to field trips in the north,” Isherwood said. “I would have obviously preferred not to cut what has been a highly successful part of a program that has lasted for over 20 years, but I am grateful to still get to teach our students and to be the resident director of the program.”

This change now allows for the seminar to include a greater number of field trips, as the budget for housing in London for three weeks can be utilized for student experiences instead.

“I have restructured my course to include field trips to Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, so students will get to travel to those cities and see how different regions of the U.K. memorialize the two world wars,” Isherwood shared. “Students will get a more localized learning experience about wartime Britain and its impact on history, society, and culture.”

“We anticipate these new offerings will not only diversify our suite of global study options, but also appeal to students who currently do not study abroad during their four years,” the email to students said.

Bookwala shared her thoughts on the decision to build short-term and semester-long programs led by Gettysburg College faculty members: “At present, we rely largely on third-party program providers for our students to study abroad and these programs come at a significant cost to the College. Our goal is to begin to build short-term and semesterlong programs that are led by our Gettysburg faculty. These programs will offer a range of study abroad options that vary in length and are outstanding in quality, all while bringing down expenses.”

Phillips expressed that students were looking forward to these new options that CGE is bringing to Gettysburg College.

A Colorful Celebration of Women’s History Month

By Ava Burchell, Staff Writer

t 1 p.m. on March 24, 2024, the cross-country course will be an explosion of color: the Gettysburg Color Run will occur in celebration of Women’s History Month. Students can participate in one of two ways. They can pay to run or walk through the course in their provided t-shirt and bandana, or they can buy packets of colored powder to throw on their

In addition to the run, there will be music from female artists playing, posters of impactful female-identifying faculty and students and tables representing the various co-sponsoring clubs, organizations and local womanowned businesses.

participating in the event,” explained Ferraro.

The purpose of this event is to host a unique celebration of Women’s History Month. Ferraro wants students of any identifying gender to remember the female faculty and family members in their lives who have significantly impacted them.

“It is also a way to acknowledge the hard work of the individuals who lead and participate in the clubs, organizations and departments who are co-sponsoring our event as well as the women business owners,” said Ferraro.

This event is being planned by Alexia Ferraro ’24 with help from Rachel Herr ’26, Emma Murphy ’26

“Several of the students I’ve spoken with are excited about the start of faculty-led experiences, as well as the potential new programs, especially in Ghana, South Korea and Australia. Students have been asking about these locations for a few years, and we are delighted to be moving down a path to

While some students may be excited about the changes, Phillips recognized that some will be disappointed that the program they were considering is no longer available. CGE is committed to supporting these students and guiding them to appropriate alternative programs that will meet or even surpass their goals. I am confident of that,” Phillips stated. “We are committed to global study being accessible to every student, and every major, and will be using that as our touchstone as we continue to update our global study portfolio.”

event through her positive past experiences with 5k races. She participated in a color run in high school and noticed that although

Ferraro has been in contact with a local female business owner who works with about 15 other local women-owned vendors. She is looking to have such businesses attend the

“The reason we have so many co-sponsoring organizations is to help bring a large number of people to the event but also to put a spotlight on the work they do on campus” -Alexia Ferraro, ’24

and Bishruti Patel ’26. So far, cosponsors include OSAGL, the Women and Gender Studies department, the Brown Nipple Collective, The Women’s Network, HER Campus, the Panhellenic Council and Gamma

The reason we have so many cosponsoring organizations is to help bring a large number of people to the event but also to put a spotlight on the work they do on campus. Each organization, if they can, will have a table at the event for students to ask questions about what they do on campus,” said Ferraro.

Gettysburg has various 5ks already, there has not yet been one with color. During her participation in the Eisenhower Institute’s Women in Leadership program, Ferraro attended a Women’s History Month 5k.

“At the event, there were so many people gathered together of all different identifying genders and it was great to see everyone come together and celebrate the women in their lives who have made an impact on them. On the bus ride back from DC, we could not stop talking about how much we loved

event and hold tables to sell and advertise their goods. Ferraro also hopes that these businesswomen will share advice on how to successfully own a business, what challenges they have encountered and how they overcame obstacles. She is also hoping to obtain a license to add a raffle component to the run.

To stay updated with news about the color run, students are encouraged to follow @gburg_colorrun on Instagram. Additionally, tickets for the run will be sold in CUB during lunchtime from late Feb. to early March.∎

Senior Spotlights: Post-Graduation Plans

Throughout my time at Gettysburg College, I have gained a great deal of knowledge from formal academia such as my coursework and lectures. Yet, another key takeaway I often reflect upon is my interactions with professors, other students, and general faculty. I have noticed that because Gettysburg is a smaller institution, the sense of community feels stronger. Seeing the same faces most days has encouraged me to build relationships and care more for our shared spaces. This small additional effort has provided me insight as to how impactful each member of a community can be. I am very thankful for this perspective while I prepare to enter Teach For America Hawai’i as a corps member following graduation. This specific region has a large focus on their core values of kuleana (responsibility), ‘ohana (family), and aloha (love). These principles resonate deeply with me, echoing the importance of a tight-knit community I've cherished at Gettysburg. I’m eager to bring this ethos to my teaching, fostering a sense of kuleana, 'ohana, and aloha in my classroom, which will ultimately aid in achieving our goal of providing education equity to underserved communities.

I will be starting medical school in August after graduation. While I haven’t officially decided on which school I’ll be attending, the support and opportunities I’ve had at Gettysburg have played a crucial role in guiding my path toward medical school. My time in the biology department, particularly my research experience with Dr. Powell, has not only broadened my ability to analyze scientific questions, but has also strengthened my confidence when tackling new and complex challenges. The guidance and encouragement from my professors have fostered within me an excitement for learning and a love of science that I will carry with me throughout medical school. I am incredibly grateful I get to continue studying something I am passionate about, and I am excited that one day I’ll be able to apply my knowledge to making a direct impact on patients’ lives. I hope to have a medical career that incorporates an understanding of how individual experiences and circumstances shape health outcomes so that I can address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. While I am sad to be leaving Gettysburg, I am excited for the next part of my life, knowing that my experiences here have equipped me well to take on this next challenge.

Compiled by Laurel Bennett, Features Editor

The guidance and encouragement from my professors have fostered within me an excitement for learning and a love of science that I will carry with me throughout medical school. - Sarah MacDonald, ’24

(Photos Will Oehler, Annie Bolenbaugh, Sofia Gutierrez /The Gettysburgian)

As I enter my final semester at Gettysburg, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for my incredibly supportive network of faculty and professors. I embarked on my college career knowing I wanted to study history and potentially attend law school. However, as I immersed myself in my courses and the Civil War Institute, I discovered a new path: public history. Public history introduced me to ways to connect with people and spread my love for the past. The Gettysburg network set me up with internships at the Seminary Ridge Museum, Musselman Library’s Special Collections and College Archives, and a paid research fellowship. These experiences provided a holistic view of public history as I used my talents to spread knowledge through online databases and published research. My internships introduced me to my passion for archival work, which I plan on studying further after graduation through a master’s program in library and information science with an archival concentration. I am immensely grateful to my history professors and the staff at the Civil War Institute for their constant support and for helping me discover the world of public history.

After I graduate from Gettysburg College with a biology degree, I'm off to graduate school to pursue a master's in animal science, all while continuing my work as a vet tech. I will be completing this one-year before heading to vet school, where I aim to specialize in either equine or small animal veterinary medicine. The hands-on research experience I've gained through labs at Gettysburg has been invaluable, teaching me how to gather, analyze, and interpret data effectively—a skill set essential not only for my upcoming academic endeavors but also for my future career. Being part of the pre-vet club has also been a game-changer. Since my freshman year, the club has provided opportunities to meet with veterinary schools, discuss the application process, and offered support that has been nothing short of invaluable. I'm looking forward to what the future holds and am deeply grateful for the pivotal experiences, the solid foundation, and the lifelong friends that Gettysburg College has provided me.

When I first arrived on campus, I knew that I wanted to go into some history-related field, but was unsure how to narrow that into a job that I would love. During my sophomore year, I began working as a Fellow for the Civil War Institute, which introduced me to public history. Through my fellowship at the CWI over the next several years, my eyes were opened to the sheer breadth of the field, including jobs at National Park Service sites, museums, archives, and in the private sector. Last summer, I worked at Gettysburg National Military Park as an Interpretation Intern (another position which I gained through the wonderful programs at the CWI). I enjoyed the opportunity to research, write, and regularly present five public-facing programs on topics including the historical memory of the Gettysburg battlefield and the daily lives of Civil War soldiers. This experience confirmed my love of public history and upon applications opening, I applied to several seasonal jobs with the NPS. I also hope to continue studying the Civil War Era and public history in grad school, having applied to related programs with the eventual goal of earning a Ph.D. in the field.

Christopher Mergner Jr. ’24 Teach for America Hawai'i

Sarah MacDonald ’24 Medical School

Carly Jensen ’24 Master's Program in Library and Information Science

Ilana Subramanya ’24 Master's in Animal Science

Emily Jumba ’24 Graduate School and the National Park Service

The 96th Academy Awards: History in the Making

By Kenzie Smith, Arts & Entertainment Editor

In the world of film, the Oscars are one of the highest honors. With the nominee announcement on Jan. 23, it was no surprise that blockbuster movies like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” made the list.

“Oppenheimer” was nominated for thirteen awards, while Barbie received eight nominations. Even with “Barbie” getting nominated for awards such as Best Motion Picture of the Year, Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress with America Ferrera, there was still an uproar on social media about Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie not receiving nominations for Achievement in Directing and Best Lead Actress, respectively. This response was likely coupled by Ryan Gosling receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, as well as the song “I’m Just Ken” winning best song at the Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 14 and beating both “Dance the Night” and “What Was I Made For,” also from “Barbie.”

Fans of “Barbie” instantly came to social media platforms, such as TikTok, to express their disappointment and frustration. Clips of Gosling’s reaction to “I’m Just Ken” winning best song started to

circulate, and people pointed out how he looked shocked, confused and even side-eyed the camera.

Many people said that “I’m Just Ken” winning this award perpetuated the patriarchal standards that “Barbie” was trying to push against. Then less than two weeks later, these same fans were met with the news that Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie had not been nominated for Oscar awards that they were expected to be nominated for.

This disappointment was also expressed by fellow “Barbie” cast members and other public figures.

In Gosling’s statement in response to being nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Gosling conveyed his gratitude at his own nomination but also stated, “But there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this historymaking, globally-celebrated film…

To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”

Ferrera shared a similar sentiment. Although ecstatic due to her own nomination, she shared with Variety that she was “incredibly disappointed” that Gerwig and Robbie were not nominated. It was hard for Ferrera to understand why the two didn’t receive the nominations when “Greta has done just about everything that a director could do to deserve it,”

and “[Margot’s] a master [at her craft].” Ferrera even called it “one of the honors of my career” to watch Robbie perform.

Even former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke up. She posted a message to Gerwig and Robbie on X stating, “While it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold, your millions of fans love you. You’re both so much more than Kenough.”

Clinton found some backlash with this post, however, as people responded criticizing her for refusing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza but being able to speak out about snubbed Oscar nominees. This brought forth a flurry of people calling the concern with the snubbed “Barbie” nominations a white feminism issue, not only for the focus on issues relating to film when compared to genocides but also for the feats that are being overlooked or ignored with the 2024 Oscar Nominations.

Within the “Barbie” nominations, if America Ferrera wins Best Supporting Actress, she will be the third Latina to do so. Gerwig’s “Barbie,” Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives” also form a trio of women-directed films that

have made it onto the Best Picture list. Progress with the Oscars is also indicated by Triet’s nomination for best director, following a year where this category had no women nominees. Triet is the ninth woman ever to be nominated

film editing for “Killers of the Flower Moon” makes her the most nominated film editor ever. If she wins this award, she will become the most awarded editor in history.

Emma Stone has also made be nominated for both Best Lead Actress and film “Poor Things.” Additionally, Thelma Schoonmaker’s nomination for achievement in

“Killers of the Flower Moon” also marks achievements for the Native American community within the Oscars. Star Lily Gladstone marks the first Native American actress to be nominated for Best Lead Actress. Canadian and Native American composer Robbie Robertson was also posthumously nominated for best original score of “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

The Black and Latino communities have also made history with this year’s Oscar nominations. Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown have been nominated for Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting

Domingo the second-ever Latino, the first gay Latino, the sixth Black actor, the second-ever Black gay actor and the second gay actor to do so. Domingo is not the only actor representing the LGBTQ+ community at the Oscars. Jodie Foster was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in “Nyad,” and if she wins, she’ll be the first out actress to win three performance Oscars. Notably, both Domingo and Foster played LGBTQ+ roles in the films they were nominated for. Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary’s “Nimona,” nominated for best feature animation, could also mark a major milestone for the recognition of LGBTQ+ storytelling if it were to win.

“There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globallycelebrated film.” - Ryan Gosling

Actor, respectively, for their work in “American Fiction.” These nominations mark the first time Black actors in the same movie have been nominated for these categories simultaneously. Wright is also the 22nd Black man to be nominated for Best Actor while Brown is the 19th Black man to be nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Afro-Latino star Colman Domingo was nominated for Best Lead Actor for his work in “Rustin,” and he is the first out Black and out Latino actor to receive this nomination. Winning this award would make

Although the fans of “Barbie” may have been massively disappointed with Gerwig and Robbie not being nominated for achievement in directing and best lead actress respectively, there are still many history-making nominations at this year’s Oscars that deserve to be recognized. It can be argued that the Oscars, and Hollywood itself, still have a long way to go to be fully representative and conscious of the hard work put in by underrepresented groups, but ground is being made, and this progress is important.∎

Gettysburg Colleg e

w e e t h e a r t s

By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor

Gettysburg College has proved to be a wonderful place to meet one’s forever person. With 1,923 (and counting) married couples alive today, the College makes it a point to celebrate relationships that begin here. Every year, the Office of College Advancement sends out Valentines to these special couples.For their wedding, however, the College sends these Gettysburg sweethearts Gettysburg College champagne glasses that read “Cheers to a Gettysburg Great Couple!” for use on their big day. Additionally, they send a card with blue and orange hearts joined reading “Best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness from all of us here at Gettysburg College” on the inside.

Another wedding tradition that the College does is send a Gettysburg College flag to any Gettysburgian at their wedding, encouraging there to be an alumni photo at the event around the flag. These images have circulated among many alumni spheres and serve as a sweet reminder of their undergraduate years.

Speaking on why the College provides special gifts for Sweethearts, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Joe Lynch said, “I think there’s the potential that alumni who are married to each other have an extra deep connection to the College and anything we can do to really remind them of that is worth doing.”

Four Gettysburg Sweethearts from four different generations (Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X and Baby Boomer) speak on their love stories at the College, highlighting just how special a place it can be. Each love story is different, with some meeting on campus while others did not get together until years after graduation. All of them, however, are filled with a sense of enchantment in a way that only Gettysburg can capture. As you read the stories, remember that your sweetheart could be just on the other side of Penn Hall.

Heidi ’94 and Gary Grassi ’94

In 1990 at Gettysburg College, a love story began to unfold for a now-married couple who first crossed paths as freshmen residing in Rice Hall, at the time a vibrant co-ed dorm. Amidst the bustle of campus life, Heidi occupied the second floor while Gary called the third floor home. Initially entwined in separate romances—she with a hometown boyfriend and he dating her roommate—their paths intertwined through a twist of fate when her roommate did not return after winter break.

Bound by shared moments and a common circle of friends, their connection deepened over the next few years. She would borrow his bulky word processor for assignments, and he would use her guest meals at Servo. As junior year drew to a close, Heidi bid farewell to her hometown beau, and Gary asked if she was coming back to campus to watch the seniors graduate. She took the train back to school from New Jersey and had arranged for a friend, who was spending the summer on campus, to pick her up. When Heidi got to the Harrisburg train station, Gary was waiting at the top of the stairs, having convinced Heidi’s friend to let him pick Heidi up. They spent all of graduation weekend together in 1993 and most weekends since. Now, 34 years later, their journey has evolved into a wonderful marriage of 25 years, blessed with three amazing kids and a treasure trove of nostalgic Gettysburg memories.

Delaney Borquist ’23 and Garret Donais ’23

Depending on who you ask, this story might begin in January 2020 or April 2022. It all started innocently enough during the spring semester of 2020 when a friend nudged Delaney, asking if there was anyone she thought was cute in her classes. Delaney's reply was sweet and straightforward: "Well, there's this guy in my environmental health class, but he's from New Hampshire, so he might be weird."

Fast forward two months and the start of a pandemic and the transition to virtual learning saw an end to their in-person interactions. Delaney found herself secretly wishing to be paired with him in Zoom breakout rooms and wondered if it was weird to respond to his discussion board posts. Back on campus, they kept bumping into each other in shared spaces, like puzzle pieces drawn together by fate. Whether it was their roles as a House Leader and an RA, their shared attendance at EI and GLC programs, or their mutual dedication to political science, their connection was obvious to everyone but themselves.

It took a bit of matchmaking from their friends to finally orchestrate a proper meeting, but once Delaney and Garrett started hanging out, they never really stopped. Perhaps it was Garrett's trove of selfies with politicians or simply their constant proximity that sealed the deal, but the rest, as they say, is history.

Together, they've journeyed from passionate disagreements about the superiority of New Hampshire to making it their home, from solo snapshots with politicians to capturing moments together, and from thanking Gettysburg for their union to cherishing every moment of it.

Bryan ’13 and Emily ’13 Barth

Emily and Bryan first met at an Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) and Sigma Chi mixer in 2010 (her Jason White OU jersey caught his eye, and she was stunned he knew who Jason White was), but they did not start dating until a few years after graduation in 2015.

Emily was living with ADPi sisters in Philadelphia, and Bryan was invited to their housewarming party. They reconnected and started dating soon after. He proposed in 2019, and they planned a wedding, postponed a wedding (due to COVID), got legally married anyway and eventually got to have their wedding in December of 2021 with quite a few Gettysburgians in attendance. Now they are living happily ever after with their dog Marlo in Delaware County, Pennsylvania!

Privatized Higher Education: Sustaining the Status Quo

By Terra Hobler, Opinions Editor

A s someone who grew up in an area with conservatives, I have often heard it said that college campuses across the country are riddled with “liberal indoctrination.” While I have always found this narrative slightly amusing, I could not help but simultaneously get annoyed by it. There is obvious irony in saying that higher education results in people becoming liberals, but as a student on Gettysburg College’s campus, I feel that is not the full story.

On March 14, 1964, Dave Radin met his future wife Claudia. Dave was an officer in his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, where he lived his junior year. Like most fraternities during that time, Lambda had a study break around 10 p.m. where the brothers would open the kitchen for what they affectionately referred to as “Late Chow.” On occasion, the social chairman would invite a sorority over to join in, and on that case, they would play music and dance as the cook made a sheet cake to be shared.

On March 14, the Sigma Kappa sorority was invited over. Dave knew a few Sigma Kappas who he’d seen around campus, including Dee Tisdale, Bev Merkin and Claudia Wells. He doubted that they knew him, but he was still excited to see how the night would go.

When they arrived, Dave found himself dancing with Claudia; however, he felt awkward and a little shy. After a few minutes of strained attempts to connect, he asked her if she knew how to thumb wrestle. Soon they were having multiple matches, which led to Dave proposing that the winner should get a kiss.

T hree kisses later, Claudia had to head back to Huber Hall, and Dave walked her back, holding her hand the entire time. At the end of the night, he blurted out, “Owl and Nightingale is doing Othello this weekend. Want to go on Saturday?” Claudia said yes.

T hat day was 60 years ago. Dave and Claudia married in September after her graduation. Fifty years later, on March 14, 2014, they returned to Gettysburg and re-enacted the whole evening.

(Photo Eric Lippe/ The Gettysburgian)

It is not only important but necessary that education pushes individuals to see problems where they might not have before. The solutions to these endemic problems offered at institutions of higher education are typically incapable of providing actual change. Operating exclusively through societally accepted channels of influence has historically been productive for those only wanting change to articles of current values, but rarely has it proven an effective means of dismantling systems of oppression in their entirety.

The curriculum of colleges and universities must be able to attract students, specifically students who can pay. These are private institutions, and as such they are driven by a desire to accumulate profit – even a non-profit institution still needs to make enough money to sustain itself. In order to maintain a steady flow of students, colleges and universities must preach neoliberal, reformist doctrine in order to not only appease prospective students and justify their financial fortune, but to justify the college’s own role as a profit-seeking arbiter of qualification.

Higher education is a well established part of our current societal order in the United States, yet remains exceedingly

unattainable to many Americans as a result of the steep financial requirements to attend them. Despite this system demanding economic privilege above all else, it is portrayed as being meritocratic through an intensive process of applications, acceptances and rejections. The myth of meritocracy is not exclusive to education, but it prevails in an exceedingly insidious fashion. Without free access to higher education, there is no basis to say that the institution is built on merit. This insistence on being a highly exclusive part of society serves the practical function of limiting those who can become “qualified” in the United States of America, which effectively results in a self-perpetuating class of individuals who have the authority of this arbitrary “expertise” to justify their beliefs and actions – an authority that is derived from the privilege bestowed upon them at birth.

W hile it may seem that I am entirely opposed to higher education, the truth could not be further removed. Education as a business is

corrupt, just like most privatized industries, but the artificial level of prestige awarded to those who can pay for it makes the higher education industry more sickening than most. In order to get a good paying job, a college degree is largely expected, and in order to achieve that, an initial level of financial fortune is required. Until higher education is made free and accessible to all, there is no future of change for these institutions. The self castration of the entire system is required for its own survival in a capitalist system.

The teachings of diverse ideas is self-defeating, and every inclusive framework undermines its own position as the sole arbiter of qualification. Higher education should be attainable to everyone, as the pursuit of human knowledge should be prioritized whenever possible. By artificially gatekeeping the amount of potential students with a paywall, we are denying ourselves of millions of potential geniuses, thus squandering our human potential. We cannot say we care about humanity without free higher education. We cannot say we prioritize the betterment of our people without free higher education, and we cannot say that we genuinely seek out the best ideas without free higher education. The institutions will not change without being forced to, and our societal priorities will not either. We created all of our social frameworks, and we can change or destroy them if we choose to do so.∎

Dave ’65 and Claudia ’66 Radin

Senior Spotlight: Libby Drew's “Being Alive”

By Ainsley Green, Staff Writer

OnFeb. 3, theatre arts and business, organization and management double major Libby Drew ’24 performed her senior capstone recital in Kline Theatre. The recital began at 7 p.m. and featured songs from a variety of different musicals that Drew explained encapsulated the theme of her performance: the joys and hardships that come with being alive.

Drew was accompanied on all of her songs by Collaborative Pianist of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music Dr. Scott Crowne. Members of the college community came out to support Drew during her project, a culmination of all her hard work over the last four years of her undergraduate career. Each song received lots of supportive applause, and the performance ended with a standing ovation.

The program consisted of songs from many well-known musicals, including “Wicked” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Drew gave her own insight into what the songs meant to her through detailed program notes which specified how the songs and their messages shaped her as a musician and person. Themes of love, loss, friendship, self worth, confidence and the company of others were highlighted in particular.

A favorite memory of Drew’s was when she finally came to a decision on how to “cap off [her] collegiate theatre experience.” In recalling the capstone’s creation, she said, “I stopped trying to do what I thought was expected of me and went with what I love.”

Certain songs from the performance were a crucial part of her music journey, spanning from

“Meadowlark” from the musical “The Baker’s Wife,” which was the first song she sang in vocal studio class in college, to “Being Alive” from “Company,” which was the song that served as the title inspiration for her capstone.

“The namesake for my capstone is a piece I believe is one of the greatest of Sondheim’s,” Drew stated in the program. “This song is all about the ups and downs of love, and the connection with another person or people that makes all of it worth it.”

Drew also sang “No One Is Alone” from “Into the Woods” with fellow singers and friends from performances put on by the theatre department: Adela Holahan ’24, Aiden Ludka ’24 and Logan Sodl ’24. The quartet’s friendship shone as they performed a piece about the power of having friends by your side throughout life’s trials and tribulations.

“Libby’s arrangement of the song was so fantastic, she did a great job,” Holahan said when asked about her experience working on this piece with Drew. “My favorite part of the whole process was getting to spend time together again.”

Drew and Holahan have worked together in College Choir and the production of “The Prom.”

“I am so lucky to be her friend,” Holahan said. “And I know she is going to go on to do awesome things.”

Reflecting on her time in Gettysburg College’s Theatre Arts Department, Drew explained that something special about the department was “the respect and support for every artist’s individual and personal expression of what their passion means to them.”

Drew also gave advice to younger students following in her footsteps: “Everything means something, and everything is worth it… That is the beauty of a small theatre arts department at a liberal arts college; there are so many opportunities, and there is a closeness between everyone that just doesn’t exist everywhere.”

When thinking about Gettysburg College as a whole, Drew said, “The connections that I have made, both in friends and mentors, are more meaningful than I ever could have imagined before I came here. I have learned that I am capable of more than I ever thought I was. I know that I will leave with so much love and support behind me, support that will continue to be there for many, many years to come.”∎

Gettysburg College’s Orange & Blue Club

By Zion Williams, Staff Writer

The Orange and Blue Club has played an important role in the expansion and prosperity of the Gettysburg Bullets by supporting student-athletes and providing the resources needed for success in their athletic and academic endeavors.

The Gettysburg College Orange and Blue Golf Classic is the club’s longest running fundraiser and is approaching its 32nd edition.

“Our mission is to help provide the best student-athlete experience possible,” said Director of the Orange and Blue Club Nick Poehler. “We help budget advance new programs, help with the fundraising efforts of athletic teams, and coordinate with coaches to help budget for far, non-conference games they may want to play.”

Every contribution to the Orange and Blue Club has a direct impact on the life of a student-athlete or a team.

According to Poehler, each year, after selling out, around 250 golfers participate in a day full of fun competition to support the athletic programs.

The Hall of Athletic Honor is Gettysburg Athletics’ ceremony recognizing the achievements of athletes over the past 100 plus years. The Orange and Blue Club participates in the planning and advisory council for the selection of athletes but does not have a vote in the matter so that they remain impartial as a fundraising entity.

The funds raised during this challenge go into buying new uniforms, equipment and securing more bus companies for team travel. These additional resources go a long way in making sure that studentathletes feel valued and ensures that they have the best environment to compete in.

“ We are always trying to give our teams the best, and our future goals are always towards this end,” said Poehler. “We want to help teams bring in championships and we are always looking for our next capital project.”

"Our mission is to help provide the best student-athlete experience possible.”

-Nick Poehler

For example, non-conference games are an important part of the experience of student-athletes. They can boost a team’s strength of schedule, giving athletes the best chance possible to qualify for national tournaments. They also provide spaces for teams to bond during long bus rides, hotel stays and team meals, which builds important chemistry ahead of or during the season.

“I love my job because every day is different, fun, and I get to work with great people daily,” said Poehler, who has been in his role for two and a half years. “[Currently], we are working on the details of the Golf Classic and we will continue working on the details of the next Hall of Athletic Honor selection and ceremony.”

“In addition to other alumni events, we facilitate the Bullets Team Challenge, which was originally part of Gettysburg Gives but is now our own version of it,” said Poehler. “This was the fifth year of the Bullets Team Challenge, and we raised over $500,000 in 36 hours across all our teams, athletic departments, and offices. It is now the club’s largest fundraising initiative.”

The Bullets Team Challenge provides student-athletes the chance to be directly involved with their team’s fundraising. Before the allotted 36 hours, teams strategize the best ways to reach out to alumni, families and any other connections. Most teams create social media campaigns to raise these funds and some go so far as to create fun TikTok videos to garner support.

The Orange and Blue Club recently secured full funding for the Musselman Stadium lights project. Soon, Gettysburg football, field hockey, men’s lacrosse and track and field will have the option to play at night.

“Building relationships is important and it starts with reaching out, attending games, and hosting alumni events,” said Poehler. “We swing by tailgates just to have conversations because it's very enriching talking to people [and] everyone wants what's best for the team.”

Gettysburg College’s Orange and Blue Club continues to be an essential resource to Gettysburg Athletics and its student-athletes. The club’s support is made possible by the continued resounding support from the greater Gettysburg community.∎

(Photo Eric Lippe/ The Gettysburgian)

A Look into the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX

By Sophie Lange, News Editor

The Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX serves to cultivate a community of mutual sexual respect and healthy relationships at Gettysburg College where every individual feels a sense of security and is free from harassment. Title IX is a federal regulation that aims to prevent sex and gender-based discrimination in educational settings that receive funding from the government, and it applies to any educational institution, including K-12 schools.

Title IX Coordinator and Director of Civil Rights Compliance and Education Amanda Blaugher explained, “In a nutshell, the regulations include how institutions must address reported sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, including providing supportive measures to those who are impacted by sexual harassment and misconduct.”

As Title IX Coordinator, Blaugher said that a large part of her position is coordinating supportive measures for students. These include issuing mutual no-contact orders, providing academic and housing accommodations and connecting individuals who have been impacted to resources such as Counseling and Wellness Services, medical care and Adams County’s Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence Service Agencies. Blaugher also assists students who are looking for more information about

criminal reporting options by working to connect them with the Adams County Victim Witness Assistance Program or the local detectives with the Gettysburg Police Department.

Beyond providing these supportive measures to those who have been impacted by sexual misconduct, Blaugher also supplies information about the options for resolution at Gettysburg College. These options include informal or formal resolutions and also the choice to not move forward with any resolution.

Blaugher expressed that, “Regardless of whether or not someone requests a resolution, they are still able to access supportive measures for the duration of their time here at Gettysburg.”

In addition to services for those impacted by sexual misconduct, the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX offers educational and training opportunities for students looking to reduce the risk of sexual violence on campus. Gettysburg College has received the It’s On Us Pennsylvania grant for the past three years and has been awarded it again for the current year. The grant funds much of the educational and awareness programming held by the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX on campus, such as bringing speakers to campus, tabling and ensuring that resources are available.

events focused on identifying healthy and unhealthy signs in a relationship.”

In the spring 2024 semester, they are bringing two speakers to campus; hosting a film screening with a panel presentation featuring the writer, director and producer and holding other awareness events such as Take Back the Night and the SAAM Day of Action.

The It’s On Us Pennsylvania Grant also allows them to offer student fellowships. Currently, the It’s On Us Student Fellows are working to bring an It’s On Us Chapter to the college. Blaugher said the creation of a chapter on campus “is another great way for students who are interested in getting involved with these events, and our It’s On Us events, to participate.”

It’s On Us Fellow Dylann Eck ’26 said the Fellows go through training on One Love, which teaches them about healthy relationships. Additionally, Eck said they held a tabling event in the College Union Building called the “Dos and Donuts of Consent,” where the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX handed out donuts and cards with information about consent. During this event, the office also provided students with free NightCaps, which are scrunchies that can be used to cover open beverages to decrease the risk of pills and powders being placed into a drink.

In the upcoming semester, Eck said they are “planning two

Student Worker Abby McMonagle ’26, works mainly at the front desk of the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX. When she is not sitting at the desk, she goes around campus putting up posters for programs that are held by the office.

McMonagle expressed that she feels the most important part of her job is that she is “the first face someone sees when they walk into the office, [and] regardless of why they are coming into the office, presenting a welcoming environment for anyone is important!”

help to meet the requirements that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets forth for student-athletes. The trainings also allow the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX to combat rape culture and create a sense of mutual respect at the college. Blaugher also provides training to all new members of Greek organizations on campus, as well as faculty and staff who are not Campus Safety authorities.

On this topic, Blaugher said, “I do try to ensure that every training or workshop that is provided meets the needs of the audience it is for, rather than just providing the same content over and over

IX’s website under “Title IX Data.” The most recent report is not yet published, but Blaugher was able to provide The Gettysburgian with a copy.

The total number of disclosures received by the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX for the 2022-23 academic year was 68. This number shows a decrease from the previous 2021-22 academic year with 72 disclosures. Additionally, the majority of sexual misconduct occurs in residence halls, which has been true since at least the 2015-16 academic year. Residence halls include College owned dormitories, theme houses and apartments.

Regardless of whether or not someone requests a resolution, they are still able to access supportive measures for the duration of their time here at Gettysburg. -Amanda Blaugher “ ”

According to McMonagle, the physical office has many resources, such as flyers, that inform individuals about the reporting process, the definition of sexual misconduct, the options for resolution and the rights given to individuals. In the office, some of the information is directed toward individuals identifying as male and/or LGBTQIA+ and the resources specifically available to them.

In addition to resources provided to individuals who wish to reduce the risk of sexual violence on campus, the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX offers training to each athletic team on campus during the fall semester. These sessions

again. The baseline concepts do remain similar in terms of definitions, how to report, what my office offers, etc., but I want to make sure that any call to action is applicable for the group.”

In terms of the training that the college departments and offices receive, the focus is on their obligations for reporting incidents, the way that students might disclose sexual misconduct and how to support those who have experienced sexual misconduct in the classroom.

Information and data regarding statistics on sexual misconduct at Gettysburg College can also be found on the Office of Sexual Respect and Title

When asked what she feels the most important thing for students to know about her office, Blaugher said, “It is important to remember that if they or someone close to them has been impacted by sexual harassment or misconduct, they are able to get access to supportive measures, even if they do not want to move forward with a resolution… It is also important for students to know that my office is available to anyone, I know that sexual harassment and misconduct can impact anyone regardless of their identities.”∎

Learning to Leave My Bubble in Berlin, Germany

By Vincent DiFonzo, Staff Writer

BERLIN, GERMANY—Almost every time I ride on Berlin’s metro system, the U-Bahn, I am reminded of one of the many little quirks of living in Germany— the German stare. For whatever reason, the German people are known to stare right at you in public. It’s not considered weird or rude. Instead, I’ve learned that it’s considered a social norm here. The advice offered by the staff here at CIEE Berlin is to simply stare right back at them. This is just one minor example of the many little changes that one adjusts to while living in a foreign culture.

I chose to study in Berlin because it's a massive and diverse place with so much to explore. It’s also an international city. About a quarter of people in the city are not German, and the city is home to many thriving immigrant communities. CIEE Berlin is located in the district Kreuzberg, home to a large Turkish-German community who popularized my favorite meal here, the döner kebab.

to get out of my bubble and learn about things and places I otherwise would never get to know. My goal in studying abroad should be to leave my personal bubble as much as possible and engage in what is unknown to me, but this is not always easy. Even in Berlin, I am still in the little American bubble of the CIEE building, and must actively challenge myself to get out and experience a truly different place than what I am used to back in Pennsylvania.

Germans to practice their English with me. Still, I try to practice my severely limited German when possible.

Postcard from Abroad: Greetings from Bath!

There are 8 billion people in the world, all with unique lives, feelings, experiences, beliefs and perspectives. Humans collectively speak approximately 7000 languages, practice 4000 religions and call 190+ countries home. Even just in Berlin, there are so many different cultural groups. The world is massive, and in my travels since arriving to study abroad in Berlin, I’ve had the opportunity to leave my personal bubble and see a small slice of it.

Studying abroad is allowing me

In living abroad, you will encounter so many little things that place you outside of your comfort zone. For example, when I attempt to speak what six weeks of beginner German classes has taught me, I am quickly reminded that Germans speak both better German and often even better English than me. I have mastered “Hallo,” “Danke,” “Bitte” and “Tschüss,” but in any further conversation, my American accent is quite obvious, which prompts the

Besides language, a surprising adjustment for me was learning how Germans get rid of waste. Back home it's simple—trash and recycling. Meanwhile, the Germans have a system: “blaue Tonne” for paper and cardboard, “Wertstofftonne” for plastic, “Biomüll” for anything biodegradable, “Restmüll” for general waste and “Glasiglus” for glass, which is further sorted by color. The Germans take their recycling seriously and the culture values environmentalism and discourages waste. And yes, I have accidently used the wrong bin many times since getting here. Despite discomfort, placing myself outside my personal comfort bubble is how I learn. Through the combination of an open-mind and a willingness to explore new ideas, studying abroad has shown me just how diverse our planet is. Humans are pragmatic, and naturally create ways to overcome the unique challenges facing them. By learning from places unfamiliar to me and highlighting cultural differences, I feel better equipped to deal with my own challenges in my own culture.

At the end of the day, if I leave Berlin with the same exact thoughts, ideas and perspectives as I did when I arrived here, then what would the point have been? Leaving my comfort bubble here in Berlin is not always easy, but it is so very rewarding.

By Zach Brooks, Staff Writer

BATH, ENGLAND—Hello, and greetings from the World Heritage City of Bath! I knew from my first day at Gettysburg College that I wanted to study abroad, but when I decided during the Fall 2022 semester to pursue graduating a semester early, I thought I would lose the chance to go overseas. Fortunately, the Advanced Studies in English (ASE) program has allowed me to curtail my coursework to fulfill my English Major requirements! The program does an excellent job at offering classes exploring diverse literary topics like "Black Fantastika," advanced writing Seminars like "Character Driven Proses," and others that take advantage of being in England like "The Writings of Virginia Woolf," which has a trip to the London neighborhood of Bloomsbury, home of the influence Bloomsbury group which Woolf was both a member of and influenced by.

However, as I have settled into living in Bath, I have learned to appreciate ASE beyond its academic offering, learning what makes Bath a World Heritage site.

From the ancient Roman ruins of their Baths–where the City gets its name, the 17th century Bath Abbey, a home of Jane

(Photo Vincent DiFonzo/ The Gettysburgian)

(Photos Zach Brooks/ The

Austin where she sets parts of "Persuasions" and "Northanger Abbey" or the gorgeous Georgian townhomes that line the streets of the City, there's the chance for cultural enrichment nearly around every street corner.

Bath is an English Hollywood in some regard, as it has been the filming location for many popular TV Shows and Movies, most recently having several “Bridgerton” filming locations.

#1 Royal Crescent, a museum in Bath, was the home of the Featheringtons, the Holburne Museum was Lady Danberry's mainson and many other streets,

cafes and corners also served as filming locations for the show! Pulteney Bridge, which offers gorgeous glimpses at the river that runs through Bath, was also a filming location for Javert's fatal plunge into the Seine in “Les Miserables.” I hope I spot someone famous in the Bath cobblestone streets during my time here.

For those of the STEM persuasion, Bath also made scientific history in 1781 when William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus from his backyard. I got the chance to tour the house where he made the discovery and stand on the very spot in his backyard where, using a telescope of his own construction, Herschel made history. It's funny to share that I live less than a mile from where a planet was found.

My favorite experiences while studying abroad have been a regency tea experience at the Jane Austen Center, visiting London's Chinatown during the Chinese New Year (only a short hour and a half train ride away!) and taking a bus tour to Stonehenge. Later in the semester, I look forward to exploring the European continent; while Britain may be an Island, there are many budget-friendly flights to other cities from nearby Bristol Airport or Heathrow. Some trains will take you under the English Channel to Paris! I may be here for four months, but that doesn't feel like enough time.

From exciting tourist spots to excellent academic opportunities, I am grateful to the Center for Global Studies and ASE for my time in Bath!

Postcard from Abroad:

Gettysburg Swimming Soaks Up the Sun on Florida Training Trip

By David Goldman, Sports Editor

While students stayed home to relax over their winter breaks, Gettysburg swimming came back to campus to get to work. However, their early return included a week-long training trip to Delray Beach, Florida. Here, they still practiced their craft but did so under 80 degree rays and just minutes away from the beach.

Early on Jan. 5, the Bullets packed the buses and journeyed to Reagan National Airport for their flight down to the Sunshine State. Once settled in, the swimmers began their training regime, and it was by no means easy. A typical day for the squad started with an 8 a.m. wake up call, followed by a hotel breakfast

the swimmers would return to the hotel. Some would cook dinner in their rooms, while others would go out to eat before calling it a night.

Alex McDonnell ’26 said that his favorite part was the post-practice meals he and his roommates would make: “We would get the music going and chef up and have a nice family dinner together, which was always nice.”

The Crossword

By Cassidy Haines, Social Media Manager

Across

4. Featured artist on "Northern Attitude"

5. Greek goddess of beauty and love

8. The battlefields have a lot of these preserved

11. Academic essays include research and critical __

and then on to the buses to Florida Atlantic University (FAU). The team practiced at FAU every day in a long course pool, which is double the length of the Bullets’ usual training pool.

After they arrived, they practiced for two hours and then were given free time when they arrived back at the hotel. The team would take this opportunity to catch up on sleep and to eat, and beach time was limited due to bad weather for the majority of the week. Around 4 p.m. each day, the Bullets would load up the buses again and go back to FAU for their second practice of the day. After another two hours of training,

In addition, each class had the chance to go out to dinner with each other, which was especially sentimental for the seniors on the team. For captain Natalie Wisniewski ’24, her nights always ended with some ice cream.

do all year and the turnaround from morning to afternoon practice, and then evening into another morning practice was exhausting and required a lot of mental fortitude,” said McDonnell.

When the weather finally did get better, the whole team took

“The practices were the hardest we do all year and the turnaround from morning to afternoon practice, and then evening into another morning practice was exhausting and required a lot of mental fortitude.” - Alex McDonnell ’26

the opportunity to hit the beach together between practices.

Although the week was a nice change of scenery and gave the swimmers plenty of bonding opportunities, it certainly was draining.

“ The hardest part of the trip was keeping a good mentality towards the end of the week as we got more tired,” said Wisniewski. Captain Declan Sheeran ’24 added that it was hard “staying motivated practice after practice especially with a lack of sun and a lot of rain most days.”

“ The practices were the hardest we

“Spirits were very high after days of [bad] weather and hard training. We were all pretty down bad so that saved us,” said McDonnell.

The Bullets left Delray Beach on Jan. 12 and returned to Gettysburg to prepare for the rest of the season. The training trip required a lot of focus that was meant to push the swimmers through the second half of the season and to get ready for conferences. Equally important to the training itself was the chemistry that was built upon through the countless hours together in a new environment.∎

13. Largest theme house on campus; multiple areas of study (abbr.)

18. In the center of campus

20. __ Coffee, new in town

21. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (abbr.)

22. Awful to step on, fun to build

26. Gettysburg's graduation ceremony

28. Also known as (abbr.)

29. Space located in Apple Hall (abbr.)

30. Adams County's claim to fame

33. Liberal __ college

35. Building closed for Fall '23

37. New marketing club on campus

39. Adventurers look for this star to guide them

42. __ knowledge or sense

43. Source of light; shorter name of a residential building

44. These were wiped out in a mass extinction

46. How are you? (abbr.)

47. Government agency prioritizing the environment (abbr.)

Down

1. Singer of "Flowers"

2. Yoda said, "Do or do not; there is no __."

3. __ Day; in the middle of February

4. They make kisses and lots of sweets

6. Birthstone for July

7. Building housing Hatter Planetarium

9. Government agency that researches outer space (abbr.)

10. A famous pink princess

12. Popular space in CUB for lecturers, events, showcases, and more

14. City in Italy and the Machine

15. Get ready with me (abbr.)

16. Reopened at the end of Fall '23

17. __ volleyball, basketball, badminton...

19. Order Ahead from Bullet (abbr.)

23. You __ do it!

24. Chicken Fingers at Bullet

25. __ Hall, where we are

26. A baby bear

27. Department Profs. Fee, Melton, and Salvini

31. Gettysburg's mascot, Billy the __

32. Office of Multicultural Engagement (abbr.)

34. Planet surrounded by icy rings

36. The current semester

38. Housing on campus; very chilly

40. __ Cart, usually on Carlisle St. at night

41. Before you committed to Gettysburg, you probably took one of these around campus

45. 2024 Grammy winner; SOS

Staff Photo by Sofia Gutierrez/ The Gettysburgian