The Gettysburgian - March 22, 2019

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Volume CXXI, No. 12

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Friday, March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

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Satisfactory Fraternities, Above Average Sororities: Greek Evaluation Reports Released

-Full story on Page 2-

Examining President Riggs’ Time as a Professor at Gettysburg College B y T hea T oocheck J ulia C hin

and

Janet Morgan Riggs graduated with Gettysburg College’s senior class of 1977 with Princeton University on the horizon before her. At age 22, Riggs never expected that she would return to Gettysburg’s campus in four years, and this time, not as a student.

After earning her Ph.D. in Psychology from Princeton, Riggs returned to Gettysburg College in 1981 as a professor, an occupation she retained for the next decade until 1991 and intermittently until her appointment as interim provost in 2006.

Riggs had everything lined up; her grad work, the data for her dissertation, and several job interviews had all been completed. So when Gettysburg offered a yearlong teaching position to replace a faculty member who was on sabbatical, Riggs, at age 26, said yes.

“This would be a good place for me to come back while I was finishing my dissertation and to get some really good teaching experience,” Riggs

Blasts from the past These archived “blasts from the past” were compiled by copyeditor Shannon Zeltmann utilizing Special Collections in Musselman Library.

remembered thinking.

Her familiarity with the college’s Psychology Department and the fact that her husband was studentteaching in the area were additional selling points that convinced her to take the job.

Riggs was warmly welcomed into her alma mater’s Psychology Department; however, she recalled, laughing, that it was a bit awkward at times, as people would often mistake her for an undergraduate student.

Still, she remarked, “It was an easier adjustment than I would have imagined,” and she was surprised at her own enthusiasm for her newfound profession.

Though Riggs hadn’t planned on staying more than a year, one of her fellow faculty members did not receive tenure that year, so she applied for the position. She was happy to accept the subsequent job offer because, during her first year, the college had provided the supportive environment she needed to be able to finish and defend her dissertation.

“It made me realize that this is the kind of environment I really

wanted to have a career in,” said Riggs, “This balance of teaching and research, focus on undergraduates—it just felt right to me.”

She elaborated, “I think our faculty as a whole have a very distinctive way of combining teaching and scholarship. And so the desire to be really excellent in teaching but to be deeply engaged in one’s discipline I think is a fantastic combination. And engaging students in some of that research and creative activity is probably one of the best learning experiences that I’ve ever been offered, and I think that we do that so well here.”

“I loved teaching,” Riggs said. “That’s a thing I’ve always missed…I enjoyed

being in the classroom with a small group of students and really getting to know them…I just really liked that close relationship with students.”

While Riggs has received multiple awards for her work, she mentioned being especially touched by the Student Senate Appreciation Award, which is now known as The Dr. Ralph Cavaliere Endowed Teaching Award.

“That really meant a lot to me because it came from the students,” she reflected.

“There’s nothing quite like being in that role of faculty member and building those close relationships with the students and helping to inspire their interests. I just find that to be so gratifying. It’s a piece

of my life that I will always cherish, having had that experience,” Riggs admitted.

While she has not been able to keep in touch with all of her former students, she said, “It’s really fun, once in a while, for me to hear what a former student is doing.”

In retrospect, she found it hard to pick a favorite class but ultimately shared that Experimental Methods would be high on her list. As with most other disciplines’ methods classes, this one Riggs described as one that all the Psychology majors were required to take but still dreaded anyway because of its notorious difficulty.

Nevertheless, Riggs “kind of liked the challenge of converting students, helping

them to understand why these skills were so important and that they could acquire them.”

Riggs taught a number of social psychology and education courses during her professional time at Gettysburg, all stemming from her college major.

“One of the reasons I was drawn to social psychology as a student was that I felt it helped me understand everyday life and daily interactions, and I found that to be fascinating,” she explained. “It’s hard for me to even separate the way I think about the world—anything— from the social psychologist in my head.”

This week in 1969, The Gettysburgian reported that a Dickinson professor gave all his students As to protest grades in classes.

At the beginning of the semester, he told his students in Modern Fiction they would all receive As for the class, no matter participation.

Students in the class felt they were a bit more relaxed, knowing they did not have to worry about grades, but they still put time into the class. The professor felt like grades were arbitrary and did not help students open their

minds to new topics, instead they focused too much on the grade. Administration at Dickinson would not allow this, and had the professor give students a pass/fail grade for the class.

This week in 1979, the English Department came up with a new writing contest for students, to recognize three outstanding students in any major. There would be three categories the best students could be placed in depending on their work—humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The

three winning students were awarded $165. A panel would review the entries, and each one had to be 10-12 pages in length. The department hoped it would emphasize the importance of writing skills in any career.

This week in 1984, Parents’ Weekend had been renamed Family Weekend.

The planning committee considered making a siblings’ weekend for brothers and sisters of students; however, most students thought their parents should be included in a weekend like that. So,

to have everyone on campus at once, they changed Parents’ Weekend to a Family Weekend, so parents, brothers, and sisters could all visit together. The committee was excited to try out the first family weekend.

This week in 1999, changes were being made the dorms for the new century.

Student needs were changing through the years, so several organizations on campus were trying to follow the changing tides of the 21st century. A groundbreaking ceremony took place for the

new Quarry suites, the first groundbreaking on campus in 20 years. The groundbreaking was done

by President Haaland, the Chair of the Trustees, and others. The new buildings also had seminar rooms, for residential programs, which other dorms on campus are not able to do because of lack of space. Huber Hall was also changed from being a First-Year residence only to allow upper class students to move in.

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THE GETTYSBURGIAN

NEWS Annual Cost of Attending Gettysburg College Nears $70,000 Page 2

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Friday, March 22, 2019

B y B enjamin P ontz E ditor -I n -C hief

The Board of Trustees has approved an increase in the comprehensive fee to attend Gettysburg College for the 2019-20 academic year that falls just short of the $70,000 threshold. Tuition, room, and board at for the T h e c o l l e g e ’ s a n n u a l f e e s f o r t u i t i o n , r o o m , a n d b o a r d ( G r a p h i c b y T h e G e t t y s b u r g i a n / S o u r c e : C o l l e g e F a c t B o o k ) next academic year will be $69,850, a 3.5 percent increase from 2018-19’s total of $67,490.

The comprehensive fee includes tuition, an unlimited meal plan, and the lowest rate for a room on campus. It does not include the cost of transportation, books, or other personal expenses.

About two-thirds of college students receive need-based financial aid. In 2017-18 Calculated projections assuming a 3.5 percent increase for the next 10 years; Note: There has been no confirmation of such a (the most recent year for planned increase; this is merely a projection of what would happen on the current trajectory (Graphic by The Gettysburgian) grants — reached 48 percent 2017 interview with The percent increase. the cost to households of a by 2024-25, and $90,000 which data is available), f o r t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 2 1 Gettysburgian, President Since the 2010-11 market basket of consumer by 2028-29, according the average need-based such that, on average, the Janet Morgan Riggs said academic year, the annual goods and services, 1.5 to The Gettysburgian‘s award was $40,147, which college collected $33,909 that the college’s long-term increase has gradually percent higher than 12 calculations. (Note: These represents 61.5 percent of of that year’s $65,210 goal is to move annual declined to its current rate, months prior. projections do not account that year’s comprehensive comprehensive fee. tuition increases in line but it has stayed at 3.5 A s s u m i n g for expected inflation, which fee. On the whole, the Static Progress Towards with the consumer price percent since the 2014- a n a n n u a l 3 . 5 p e r c e n t has averaged between 1.5 college’s discount rate index (CPI) and that “we’re 15 academic year. The increase, the college’s and 2.0 percent annually in — the portion of tuition G o a l o f C u r b i n g s t a r t i n g t o g e t t h e r e , ” February 2019 Bureau of comprehensive fee would recent years.)

T u i t i o n I n c r e a s e s revenue the college devotes but this marks the sixth Labor Statistics report put eclipse $70,000 by next

I n a M a r c h to financial aid through consecutive year of a 3.5 the CPI, which measures academic year, $80,000

Five Sororities Score Above Average, A P r i m e r o n Seven Fraternities Rated Satisfactory P r e s i d e n t i a l B y K aley M ichael S taff W riter

All but one fraternity - Sigma Chi - received a “satisfactory” rating per the 2018 Chapter Evaluations, whereas the Office of Student Activities and Greek Life (OSAGL) deemed all sororities except Gamma Phi Beta “above average.”

Unlike last year, when Sigma Sigma Sigma obtained a “Gettysburg Great” rating, this year’s chapters did not reach that benchmark. Albeit point values are increasing, ranks for the chapters are not.

Evaluation reports for each chapter of Greek life varied, but a large reason for the slow progression was the lack of documentation.

Chapters received few points for categories because they failed to turn in the necessary paperwork by the deadline.

According to Jonathan Allen, Director of Student Activities and Greek Life, the main reason for the missing documentation was that students were “incredibly busy.” Therefore, they were unable to submit progress they might have potentially made, and suffered point deductions from the five hundred point quota they were challenged to attain.

Greek organizations’ drop-in point values as a result of this problem are “not indicative of a downward trend.” Allen defended the chapters, stating that they see the evaluation as a “guiding tool but [their] vision can be better.”

Sororities did not have the responsibility of building an infrastructure prior to evaluations due to panhellenic pre-established education expectations.

Fraternities were not as lucky, which accounts for their lower scores.

Allen contends that although OSAGL sends out deadline emails and walks through paperwork with Chapter Presidents “piece by piece,” attendance sheets, risk management event reports, and service hours go undocumented.

Former IFC director, Allen works closely with the chapters on campus to

provide strategic planning, goal-setting, and collaborative models. Alumni advisors, organizational headquarters, and the other office employees at Gettysburg work to improve Greek life on campus via workshops with emerging leaders and other hands-on approaches.

Fraternities and sororities at Gettysburg College have been evaluated since 1998. After Dean of Students Julie Ramsey implemented a new committee in 2013, one that would establish a rubric with multiple categories, Greek life on campus began to strive to meet many standards.

Among the benchmarks from the 2013 committee were academic achievement, intellectual engagement, community engagement, member recruitment and retention, and organizational management.

The college used this standard for four years until a recent committee was formed to make adjustments to the evaluation process.

Starting in January of this year, an updated manner of evaluation was put into effect to measure Greek life while simultaneously helping chapters showcase their value to the college. The evaluation committee expects that students are adapting and contributing to the Gettysburg College community; the campus climate should be regularly bettered by Greek life.

Allen recalls when Greek life demonstrated improvements to overall campus wellbeing a year ago when chapter presidents came forward and requested more sober monitor training.

Subsequently, OSAGL, in conjunction with students, developed a wristband system and orange armbands that adorn members at fraternity parties.

GPA Reports showed that Phi Kappa Psi was the frontrunner of the fraternities in both the spring and fall. Having reinstated their chapter only two years ago, their victory over similarly-performing fraternities like Sigma Chi and Lambda Chi Alpha is a

great achievement.

Sororities continued their record of achieving higher grade point averages than the fraternities at Gettysburg, with Alpha Delta Pi securing first place with a 3.62 term average in the fall.

According to Allen, the GPA improvements can be attributed to bettered academic plans, alongside the involvement of academic advising. Scholarship chairs also aided in improving academic support among the fraternities and sororities.

Sororities acquired one violation of conduct the spring of 2018, while fraternities scored misconduct in every category except “Providing Alcohol to an Underage Individual.” This was a slight improvement for the Panhellenic groups, who experienced two incidents in the spring of 2017, and a one point addition for IFC.

Greek organizations’ low amount of misconducts are indicative of the 80% drop off in violations since 2015.

Allen notices that chapter leadership today is much stronger than it was four years ago, as evaluations are showing members the college’s expectations.

Better connections have been established, especially through the support of alumni advisors who are aligning the actions of Greek life with the goals of the institution.

Alpha Chi Rho, Alpha Tau Omega, and Phi Kappa Phi decreased their scores by nearly two hundred points since 2017, which alarmed the board and made them question if those chapters were continuously making an effort to improve.

Alpha Chi Rho presented despite missing important information such as goals and achievements.

They also suffered the loss of an academic advisor, which Allen noted was a very important part of the evaluation process.

Students receive more points based on how well-established the relationship is between chapter faculty advisors and the chapter itself. Some faculty advisors meet with their designated chapter once

a semester, while others are so involved that they are alumni initiated. If a chapter shows that they are actively seeking an advisor - through emails, phone calls, etc. - then the point value is taken out of the evaluation.

Evaluations are also dependent on oral presentations that are given in front of the evaluation committee. Phi Delta Theta’s larger group behooved them, which was commended by the committee. Other fraternities did not experience the same positive feedback. Phi Gamma Delta disappointed the board with its chaotic presentation and lack of preparation, while Gamma Phi Beta was chastised for a presentation without visuals. Lambda Chi was commended for its superb presentation, being noted as “well-organized” and “easy for panelists to follow what the presenters were saying.”

Citizenship and Social Justice programs have improved primarily through sororities, who naturally gravitate toward conversations surrounding sexuality and gender. Allen admitted that “sometimes chapters do not recognize that they can be involved in [citizenship and social justice] conversations.” He does not believe fraternities are avoiding the topic of equity, as Sigma Chi was the first to implement an inclusion chair.

He also claims that round table discussions are helping to bring light specifically to the topic of religion.

In terms of the future of Greek life at Gettysburg College, Allen and his associates are still finalizing their strategic plan for the next five years. Review by the Board of Trustees began in the fall of 2015, which Allen claims continues to be a “good opportunity to take a step back.”

Allen notes that some important items in question for the plan regard Greek life’s work at engaging alumni, focusing on student safety, and pushing the community to improve diversity and equality. The public version of the plan will come out to the Board of Trustees in May.

Primaries with Jim Merrill ‘94 B y N icole D e J acimo S taff W riter

Jim Merril came back to Gettysburg College for the first time since 1995 when asked by the Eisenhower Institute Fielding Center to talk about “his experience working as a consultant and adviser for presidential campaigns.”

He worked on the campaigns of George Bush, Mitt Romney, and Marco Rubio.

Just after graduating, he worked in the Governor of New Hampshire's’s office. His work in the Governor's office lasted until he contacted some friends working on the Bush campaign. Soon enough, he was running the New Hampshire campaign plan.

M e r r i l emphasized the importance of New Hampshire’s influence on the primaries and final election. Due to the history of town meetings and its small size, politicians are forced to make closer connections to the voters of New Hampshire.

Since 1952, it has had an early election, and the outcome of that election has “created and broken presidential candidates.”

Merrill told a story about a small diner called Red Arrow in NH that many candidates will visit to talk to locals about their mission and goals. This personal connection, as well as honesty from candidates, are critical for New Hampshirites when voting. Especially, because New Hampshire is an “open” state meaning that a voter does not need to be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote.

Another factor

that is unique to New Hampshire is their legislators do not get paid more than $100 a year.

This ensures that no one is running for the money, but because they care deeply about the well-being of their state. Also, all of their terms are for two years.

The state wants people to be accountable, and it allows for fresh faces to be frequent.

W h e n t h e floor was opened up to questions from the audience, one student was concerned with New Hamshire’s way of more personally getting to know candidates. Would it affect their decision on how well the candidate could actually lead?

Merrill validated this concern but assured the audience that New Hamsherites are very politically educated.

He quoted a study that said 35% of people from New Hampshire discuss politics every week, which is quite high compared to the national average of 20%.

Finally, a student asked for advice about joining a campaign team themselves. Merrill advised the audience to “stay humble, be present, and show up.”

He explained that, in order to be successful in this field, you must be able to communicate well orally and in writing and that working hard can open up a world of opportunities. If anyone is interested in following in Merrill’s footsteps he encouraged the students to reach out to him as he will “always look out for fellow Gettysburgians.”

THE GETTYSBURGIAN

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Faculty Offered $2,000 W G S L e c t u r e S e r i e s : to Develop Courses for Textbook Affordability and Proposed Business Major the Open Access Solution B y B enjamin P ontz E ditor -I n -C hief

Two weeks ago, the Academic Policy and Program Committee (APPC) reviewed a proposal for a new business major and said it needed more interdisciplinary connections. Towards that end, the Provost’s Office has offered members of the faculty that are not part of the Management Department $2,000 to develop courses that would meet the requirements of the major, an email obtained

by The Gettysburgian shows.

The solicitation, sent via the Faculty and Administrator Digests, invites proposals “that seek to clearly bridge the study of business with other disciplines.” It was first posted on the Digest on Feb. 13, which was before the Management Department’s original proposal to APPC, and was posted again on Mar. 6, which was after the Feb. 26 presentation to APPC.

“All courses developed are expected to be submitted to the APPC during the 2019-2020 academic year, and offered within two years of approval,” the email said.

“Those proposals identifying which of the learning outcomes the course can meet will be given highest priority for future development.”

Provost Chris Zappe said in an interview that he hopes the monetary incentive will spur faculty that have expressed interest in working with the Management Department, which is developing the major, to take the time to develop course proposals.

“If you want to cultivate change in

curriculum,” Zappe said, “you need to create opportunities for people to collaborate and to spend time developing courses.”

Zappe added that a similar incentive was offered several years ago for faculty to develop first-year seminar courses. Without that incentive, he does not know whether a sufficient number of courses would have been developed to make firstyear seminar participation mandatory, a step the faculty took last month.

Under this plan, faculty submit proposals to the Management Department through March 15, which will make recommendations to the Provost’s Office.

Associate Provost for Faculty Development Jennifer Bloomquist and Zappe will make the ultimate decisions to allocate money to proposals that have a substantive connection to the proposed major, Zappe said. He imagines there will be fewer than ten approved courses.

Release of the money is not contingent on the faculty approving the proposed business major. That proposal will come before APPC for a second time next week and would require approval at the committee level before a vote of the full faculty.

The proposal is for business to be offered only as a dual major similar to the current functioning of the public policy and international affairs programs.

Presently, the management department offers a major in Organization & Management Studies (OMS), and business is offered as a minor.

“It is pretty clear that prospective students and parents are looking to study business as more than just a minor,” Zappe said, though he noted that he wants to be sure any new program leverages interdisciplinary connections rather than becoming a boilerplate business major.

“I want this major to be distinctive.”

Ultimately, according to the Faculty Handbook, it is the faculty’s job to develop the college’s curriculum and approve courses, majors, and programs.

That some faculty members will receive additional compensation for fulfilling that duty irks Patrick McKenna ’20, who chairs the Student Senate Academic Affairs Committee.

“I don’t think we should be doling out multiple thousands of dollars worth of handouts for something that normally is part of a professor’s job,” McKenna said, “and that I would hope there’s enough interest among faculty to propose and teach business courses if there’s going to be a new major that is sustained.”

Zappe agreed that it is the faculty’s job to develop the curriculum, noting that administrators such as himself can only encourage faculty to build a new academic program and that this incentive is merely a way to do that.

“We’re not just paying faculty to develop new courses,” he insisted.

“We’re encouraging faculty to spend time on this at a time when they have competing priorities.”

Eisenhower Institute Panel: ‘The Role of NATO in U.S. and European Security’ B y T aylor -J o R usso S taff W riter

On Thursday, Feb. 28, the Eisenhower Institute (EI) hosted a panel discussion on “The Role of NATO in U.S. and European Security” as a part of the Undergraduate Fellows program at EI. The policy debate on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) featured three different and distinguished panelists and a notable moderator. The discussion was meant to let different policy makers and affiliates offer their insights on the security aspect of NATO and deliberate on a greater level than its surface.

Col. Christine Stark, a retired military police officer, was the moderator of the debate in charge of maintaining structure and fundamentally mediating the three panelists who had differences in opinion. Col. Stark encouraged students to think about the way they would re-imagine NATO during the talk, in a way to place yourself in their shoes.

The first to present their opinion and argument was Col. Mark Bucknam, United States Air Force (USAF) retiree and current professor of National Security Strategy and Course Director at the National War College.

Bucknam argued that not only is NATO necessary

and successful, but also that the U.S. should further press its NATO allies to participate more in NATO through economics and involvement. He added that it is necessary for the U.S. to be the leader and stand up, because no other country will.

E. Wayne Merry, a senior fellow for Europe and Eurasia at the American Foreign Policy Council, was next to present his contrasting opinion. Merry based his argument off President Eisenhower’s initial wants for NATO, where Eisenhower hoped the U.S. would be out of Europe within ten years, whereas we obviously are not. Merry believes the U.S. involvement in Europe and NATO in general is creating psychological dependency, where he compared it to giving someone crutches and never taking them away, leaving them with the crutches for life. He believes it is necessary for the U.S. to remove the crutches and reform the transatlantic relationship by removing the current European mentality where Europeans view NATO as an economic interest and instead encourage respect from the Europeans to the European Union.

The third to present his opinion was Col. Robert Colella, USAF retiree and adjunct professor at the Naval War College. Colella primarily believes that NATO is

beneficial, however agrees it needs significant reform. He theorizes that the strong continue to do what they can, while the weak continue to do what they must, therefore the strong should help the weak in the most efficient way possible. Colella understands that the winds are shifting out of favor for NATO, however he doesn’t think the question is whether NATO should change, rather if NATO will reform while it can.

The panelists then had the chance to address each other’s arguments. Bucknam started by countering Merry’s perspective stating that Europe is not developed enough to remove ourselves. He continued by saying NATO is more valuable than the security aspect, but also in economics, as well and that should not be disregarded.

Merry asked why the U.S. must provide protection for small economic benefits.

He ended by saying the U.S. is lucky to be a continent and an island because on the North and South we are bordered by weak countries, where on the East and West we are bordered by fish. Colella finished the discussion by suggesting if we remove ourselves, Europe will result to developing nuclear weapons, therefore the focus should be on adding members to NATO and altering the landscape.

B y K aley M ichael S taff W riter B o u n c i n g back from spring break, the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Lecture Series brought into discussion the topic of textbook affordability through Sarah Appedu ‘18. Now the Scholarly Communications Assistant at Musselman Library, the first-generation college alumna is using her skills to communicate textbook affordability through the viewpoint of social justice.

Her presentation, entitled “Textbook Affordability is a Social Justice Issue: How Open Textbooks are Paving the Way to Equality in Higher Education”, sought to challenge students in their understanding of human rights and the right to education. Citing Article 126 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Appedu noted that education is meant to add to the full development of the human personality, and strengthening respect for human rights as a whole.

When asked if students felt that they have the power to change textbook affordability, the members of the WGS 120 class remained silent. Only one student raised her hand, perhaps suggesting that the ever-increasing issue of the price of textbooks seems helpless to students at Gettysburg College.

Recently, when the library asked the entire student body what they thought of textbook prices during Open Education Week, responses such as, “A joke,” “Wack,” “Tuition is already expensive enough,” and “My pell grant doesn’t cover this sh*t” were recorded on the poster board. There were so many responses written that employees had to take down parts of the display to fit all of the students’ thoughts.

Appedu revealed that she was most affected by the Pell Grant comment, which is only given to students with exceptional financial need.

This means families who make less than fifty thousand dollars a year, though most times the six thousand dollar grant is given to families with salaries less than twenty thousand. Sixteen percent of the Gettysburg College student body receives the Pell Grant, but almost all students struggle to pay the price of their textbooks each semester.

The cost barrier to higher education in the United States kept 2.4 million low and moderateincome college-qualified high school graduates from completing college in the previous decade. The average borrowing debt nationwide is $28,650 and almost $37,000 in the state of Pennsylvania. When it comes to Gettysburg College, the average borrower in the class of 2017 owed $32, 323. This debt was shared by 62% of the class, while 38% were lucky enough to graduate bereft of debt. The cost of their books was not included in this statistic, although some paid upwards of $1,000 each semester.

Those studying in the Arts & Humanities paid the least amount for their textbooks, but students with classes like Chemistry and Biology were plagued with textbook bills that were hundreds of dollars. As a result, students

Sarah Appedu, Scholarly Communications Assistant at Musselman Library (Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College) will take fewer courses, not agricultural plantations.” register for a specific course, Another textbook in Canada drop a course, withdraw described the Trail of Tears from a course, earn a poor as “Moving out, when grade because they could not European settlers arrived, the afford a book, or even fail first nation peoples agreed a course. As Appedu said, to move to different areas “When parents compare to make room for the new their student debt to the price settlements.” of their students, they often Open textbooks do not realize that the cost pose a solution. Or, one in of textbooks has increased the making. 100% free to by a thousand percent since read - though people need to 1970.” write, edit, and publish them

U n l i k e o t h e r - these books are often made consumer goods, textbooks by non-profit organizations are a compulsory purchase, to provide students with free, so students are being told digital, and easy to share what to buy. People are information. The books forced to buy them by the aim to compete directly school, and faculty are with commercial textbook not always aware of how publishers. Via companies much their books cost. like OpenStack, books are Some faculty who know being priced as low as $55, the costs of their required and science textbooks are books have few options, hundreds of dollars cheaper as some other books might for students. not have the professor’s The most expensive desired material or could book on their website is be outdated. This is taken a $55 chemistry book. It advantage of by publishing should be acknowledged companies, who maintain that open textbooks are high prices by publishing not always perfect, nor frequent new editions, available across all areas. creating monopolies, and They are created particularly pairing physical books with for the most enrolled and online access codes. Before, expensive classes. The 5 new editions were released R's of openness include: every four to five years. In retain, reuse, revise, remix, recent years, that number and redistribute. Companies has dropped to every two that make open textbooks years. Additionally, online a r e s h a p i n g t h e w a y access codes were created students afford textbooks b e c a u s e s t u d e n t s w e r e and utilize them to alleviate buying and renting from the economic pressures of each other, and reselling textbook affordability. their access codes. By using Appedu is very these, publishing companies proud of her job. Her parents remain in control of their could not afford to go to profit. These maladies cause college, and her mother buyback values to plummet. moved from rural Idaho to Books that are listed for New York hoping to find over one hundred dollars on more resources. Her father the bookstore website can dreamed of being a rockstar be sold back for only three and attended community dollars. college to get an accounting

Some textbooks, degree, but could not afford despite being hundreds of the cost of the degree dollars, discriminate and combined with the estimated include falsified information. student loan debt. Her Women in the field of mother was recently laideconomics take six months off and is searching the job longer to be published, but market for the first time since a time tax causes females to 1998. She uses her parents be less likely to get tenure to motivate her and wants to or have representation in make them proud by helping the field. There are subject other students achieve headings for homosexual, affordable education. When lesbian, and gay, but no she graduated, Appedu “felt subject heading for queer. wrong just reading her own T h e r e a r e m a n y s u b - name on that piece of paper.” headings under criminals like She wants to do what her African-American criminals, parents were not able to do.

C h i n e s e - c r i m i n a l s , She encourages students to Hispanic-criminals, but think critically about whose there is no heading for voices are being taught, white-American criminals. talk to administrators, One textbook in particular, discuss issues of textbook w h e n i t e x p l a i n e d t h e affordability with peers, Atlantic Slave Trade, said, create or participate in “Patterns of Immigration: research projects, and study The Atlantic slave trade student published interest brought millions of workers research groups. With effort, from Africa to the southern textbooks can become more United States to work on affordable.

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Students Weigh Impeaching Senate Executive Board Members for Fiscal, Political Conservatism B y G auri M angala N ews E ditor

At the Monday, March 18 meeting of Student Senate, many concerns revolving around the diversity and inclusion were brought to the floor.

The conversation was sparked by the reintroduction of a previously tabled amendment that included a change in language regarding grounds for impeachment of senators.

Senator Ivana Lopez Espinosa ‘19 argued that removing the phrase “and/or if their values are not aligned with the mission and values of the Student Senate as outlined in the preamble of the Constitution of the Student Senate or the mission and values of Gettysburg College during their time in office” would allow for senators to have a more free rein to create legislation or vote in ways that would go against the pillars of Gettysburg College, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, and freedom of speech.

“Over the last year and a half we’ve seen several issues where certain clubs, for example International Club has been denied money for Burgburst and they were only offered $15 for their decorations when it’s actually a huge event,” said Lopez Espinosa. “LASA has had difficulty accessing funds.

Hillel last semester when they were asked to come

look for senate recognition several students voted no -- which is fine to not have them recognized, but there’s like a little bit of issue there… When [Japan] Culture Club came to ask for recognition there was the conversation that we should just have several -or just one group to embody all of these cultures.”

According to Secretary Marisa Balanda ‘21, who provided the minutes from the November 12 and November 26 Student Senate meetings, International Club had requested $1,639.01 from BMC and was allotted $997.51, $187 of that was for decorations.

International Club then returned and requested $255.39 and was allotted all of it, including $27.85 for decorations and $65 for two swords.

Senators and executive board members in attendance appreciated Lopez Espinosa’s remarks, agreeing that the issue of senators doing the best for their constituencies was and continues to be an important goal, but suggested that it is not one to be solved by the impeachment process.

“I don’t think that the impeachment process really would affect diversity,” remarked Parliamentarian Abby Hauer ‘21 to The Gettysburgian after the meeting. Hauer explained that, as parliamentarian, she felt that the language revolving around values should be removed because

in the National house and senate “you cannot impeach somebody for their beliefs.”

In a statement Lopez Espinosa provided to the Policy Committee and edited for publication in The Gettysburgian, she stated, “The reason I and many of my peers and colleagues find an issue with removing that language from the Impeachment process may seem a little dramatic, but please try to understand where we are coming from. Removing the language from the Impeachment section of the constitution may provide clarity, however it allows for the argument that other sections of the constitution should be altered… When making other constitutional amendments, Senators may be inclined to remove values and mission from other sections of the constitution...Please keep in mind; there are members of Senate who have directed micro-aggressions, discriminated and expressed prejudice towards specific members of our college. On top of that, some partake in cultural appropriation.

These action[s] are ignored but they do not go unnoticed.”

Anna Perry ‘21, whose preferred pronouns are they and them, doubled down on Lopez Espinosa's arguments and contended that impeachment is something that students are considering and that the issue needs to be taken seriously.

“I feel like because

I’m white it’s super necessary for me to reiterate arguments that people of color make so that they are listen to,” they noted to The Gettysburgian.

After Perry’s comments in the meeting, Senate moved towards finding way to add the word ‘values’ back into the statement.

Perry went on to state that many students, specifically minority students, have considered impeachment for executive board members, namely President Nick Arbaugh ‘20 and Treasurer Haley Gluhanich ‘19, whom they consider to be overly conservative politically and fiscally in Senate budgeting.

Perry considers impeachment at this point in the semester “very unlikely.

That being said, we don’t know what Senate is going to look like next year or in two years.”

In regards to impeachment of any senator of the governing body, Arbaugh stated, “I think that would be a very unfortunate path for the Senate to go down.”

Many students choose to voice their opinions regarding diversity in Senate during the student concerns section of meetings.

Arbaugh considers the time useful for students to be candid about their feelings regarding the campus: “We do our absolute best to set up an environment where everyone is able to say what they are thinking in a successful manner…

There’s always going to

be passion. It’s important to not mistake passion for something worse.”

Perry recognizes that some of these impassioned statements are not coming across as well as one would hope.

“Every white student in that room needs to understand that people of color have been forced to listen to the white perspective their entire lives,” Perry said.

“The status quo is wrong, help us fix it. The status quo uplifts white people, but we are attacking the status quo, we aren’t attacking you.”

During the student concerns section of the March 18 meeting, Melanie Pangol ‘21 said, “I want to petition senators to attend different groups, organizations because it might be a misconception. There might be a lack of knowing what the club is about. Therefore, I want and I petition for senators to attend different clubs you have attended to expand your knowledge.”

Pangol did not respond to a request for comment.

Perry cited an instance in Fall of 2018 where they felt that Arbaugh was making unilateral decisions about the appointment of senators and committee chairs.

Perry asked Arbaugh in a Student Senate meeting if he had been seeking the consultation of the entirety of the executive board, to which he said yes.

“Immediately after two executive board members came up to me and said ‘he’s been really terrible

and not checking with us... we are not complicit with this,’” explained Perry.

Perry identified the two executive members to Secretary Marisa Balanda ‘21 and former Clubs Liaison Laryssa Horodysky.

In a statement to The Gettysburgian Balanda said, “[a]t the beginning of the school year, I was frustrated with some of the ways in which the executive board was making decisions; however, since then, I have communicated my concerns to the rest of the executive board. Since I have communicated my concerns, I have felt fully included in all decisions made by the executive board and do stand behind all of their actions.”

Arbaugh stated, “We have continually worked to improve our communication and efficiency on the executive Borrd over the course of the year, and I’m confident that we have. I’m also entirely confident that we have followed the Constitution to the best of our ability.”

Hauer agreed that Arbaugh consulted the entire executive board when making appointments throughout his term.

Moving forward, Arbaugh intends to stay the course in how he handles Senate business.

He said, "We are going to continue to try to be as attentive and engage with as many concerns as people have in general as possible."

Student Senate Argues Over the College Reverses Course, Will Impeachment Process for Senators Wait to Decide on Arming DPS B y G auri M angala N ews E ditor

The Monday, March 18 Student Senate meeting saw a merrygo-round of motions during the discussion of the tabled constitutional amendment of the previous meeting. The amendment, which changed a few clauses throughout the constitution, worried some senators due to its removal of a clause within the impeachment proceedings explanation.

Senators argued that the removal of any phrase citing that violating the values of Gettysburg College may allow voting members to abuse their power, specifically in committees like Budget Management Committee (BMC). The rules of order were disbanded and a lively, disorganized conversation began.

Senator Jack

Lashendock ‘20 moved to split the question, allowing the quorum to pass the rest of the amendment and send the clause regarding impeachment back to committee.

E M S c l u b presented information on how to stop traumatic bleeding and how to use the new kits that will be added soon to public spaces.

Gettysburg College Quiz Bowl was allotted $310 for an entrance fee for the national quiz bowl competition in Philadelphia. It is the club’s first time making it to nationals.

A s e c o n d constitutional amendment dictating that any candidate that wishes to run for Student Senate President or Vice President must

February 26, 2019 (Tuesday) ●All Other Offenses: Harassment: Telephone Disorderly Conduct: Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Photo at Breidenbaugh Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR ●All Other Offenses: Harassment: Telephone Disorderly Conduct: Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Photo at Schmucker Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR ●All Other Offenses: Harassment: Telephone Disorderly Conduct: Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Photo at Schmucker Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR

February 28, 2019 (Thursday) ●Liquor Laws: Underage Consumption, Liquor Laws/ Underage Possession at 223 Carlisle Street; Closed - Referred to SRR ●Drug Abuse Violation/Possession/Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 127 Chambersburg St; Closed - Referred to SSR ●All Other Offenses: Harassment: Telephone Disorderly Conduct: Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Photo at

have previously served as a voting member or committee chair was tabled.

Many students discussed concerns of microaggressions and racism on campus.

Melanie Pangol ’21 called on Senators to attend different club meetings, specifically clubs promoting diversity.

CLAC committee chair Rock Schwartz ’22 announced that there had been an incident of racism that had been recorded and sent to the college two weeks ago and that the college was yet to do anything.

Sustainability chair Nadine Snyder ’21 announced that an opinion regarding the banning of plastic bags on campus will be coming through, and that it has the possibility of being enacted by the college.

B y B enjamin P ontz E ditor -I n -C hief

A proposal to situationally arm trained officers in the Gettysburg College Department of Public Safety that was initially set for a decision this spring will now remain on ice until President-Elect Robert Iuliano takes office in July.

Current President Janet Morgan Riggs ’77 announced the delay at last Thursday’s faculty meeting, at which she noted that conversations to date have been characterized by a tenor of “caution.”

The initial plan was for Vice President of College Life Julie Ramsey and Executive Director of Public Safety Bill Lafferty to make a recommendation to Riggs in March and for her to make a decision during the spring semester.

DPS Crime Log

Schmucker Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR

Riggs cited conversations with Faculty Council, which suggested that the full faculty ought to have the chance to discuss the matter at a regular faculty meeting, as important to her decision to pause the process.

In an email, college spokesperson Jamie Yates added, “The College has heard a variety of perspectives on this proposal, and we want to be sure we have sufficient time for continued consultation with the College community. It’s an important decision and not one we want to rush.”

R i g g s acknowledged to the faculty that Gettysburg has become an outlier among peer institutions, most of whom have either sworn police departments or armed campus security.

Lafferty echoed that sentiment in an

interview in January during which he said the plan — which calls for trained DPS officers to be armed at large-scale campus events such as graduation as well as during a potential active shooter situation — was a sign of the times.

“It’s not about who we are. It’s about where we are,” he said during a presentation to the Gettysburg College Student Senate.

Senate later passed an opinion endorsing the proposal.

While Iuliano has not made any public statements on this matter specifically, among his responsibilities at Harvard has been oversight of the Harvard University Police Department, a sworn law enforcement agency whose officers are armed.

Iuliano takes office July 1.

March 11, 2019 (Monday) ●Drug Abuse Violation: Possession: Marijuana at Apple Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR

March 1, 2019 (Friday) ●Liquor Laws: Underage Consumption, Liquor Laws: Underage Possession at Huber Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR March 12, 2019 (Tuesday) ●All Other Offenses: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Sigma Alpha Epsilon; Closed - Referred to SRR March 2, 2019 (Saturday) ●Drug Abuse Violations: Possession - Marijuana at 102 W. March 14, 2019 (Thursday) Water St.; Closed - Referred to SRR ●Liquor Laws - Underage Possession at Hanson Hall; Closed ●Drug Abuse Violation: Possession: Marijuana/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Phi Delta Theta; Closed - Referred - Referred to SRR to SRR March 4, 2019 (Monday) ●Liquor Laws: False Identification Card at Public Clery: 200 March 17, 2019 (Sunday) ●Disorderly Conduct: Urinating in Public at Campus: Exterior Block Carlisle Street; Closed - Referred to SRR Outside McKnight Hall; Closed - Referred to SRR March 8, 2019 (Friday) ●Drug Abuse Violations: Possession: Marijuana, All Other Compiled by Kaley Michael, Staff Writer Offenses, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Lamba Chi Alpha; Closed - Referred to SRR

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Puerto Rico Tour: College Choir Brings Back the Sea for Upcoming Concert B y J ulia C hin S taff W riter

It’s 4:45 a.m. on a Saturday, and the first day of Gettysburg College’s spring break is quiet, save for a stirring on the second floor of Schmucker Hall.

In Choir Director Dr. Robert Natter’s office, there is a cardboard box flocked by students.

Winter coats and dorm keys are dropped into the box without a second glance: these are items the Gettysburg College Choir will not need where they’re headed.

A few hours later, their plane touches down amidst a tropical landscape of palm trees and blazing sunshine, and most of the choir begins to pull out sunglasses and Spanish phrases in anticipation of warm sand between their toes. Hola, Puerto Rico.

In the Gettysburg College Choir, there is no such thing as a spring break without song. The choir tours for the weeklong academic break each year, usually travelling by bus through the states with concert stops and homestays along the way.

However, from March 10-16, the vocal ensemble took flight and travelled the extra miles, as they do every four years, to their 2019 tour destination: Puerto Rico. As a sophomore, I am wrapping up my second year in College Choir and can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for this past week, an unforgettable experience I’ll always cherish.

As soon as we dropped our luggage off at

the hotel in Condado, we sought the sea like crabs scuttling to water. If I had to associate tour with one memory, it would be of the ocean: blue, infinite, and constant. From our first afternoon on the island, every land-locked Gettysburgian fell in love with those depths of clear aquamarine.

This passion for the sea is reflected in the hallmark piece of our concert repertoire, “La Puerta Intima,” an original collection of songs commissioned by the Gettysburg College Choir. This composition by former alumnus and chorister Matt Carlson ‘13 was set to three poems by Puerto Rican writer and social rights activist Julia De Burgos, entitled “Amaneceres,” “Almamarina,” and “Mar.” In English, they translate to “Dawnings,” “Seasoul,” and “Sea,” respectively. De Burgos’ poetry sweeps over a vast range of feelings, reflecting upon dawnings in the poet’s soul as she bursts with a million proletariat hymns as well as the incredibly strong allure of the sea and its livid blue hue.

Only hours after stepping off the plane, we held our first concert and the world premiere of these oceaninspired pieces at the Iglesia San Francisco de Asis, a Catholic church with an appropriatelycolored pastel turquoise interior. In addition to Choir Director Dr. Robert Natter and Coordinator of Music Education Dr. Brent Talbot, the new director of the Sunderman

Dr. Robert Natter cheeses with students from both the Gettysburg and Puerto Rican choirs at the Escuela Libre de Música (Photo courtesy of the Gettysburg College Choir) Conservatory, Dr. James concert venues. Because atmosphere of reverence Rican songs in Spanish to English showtunes D a y , a c c o m p a n i e d t h e a significant majority of and tradition. choir on our Puerto Rican Puerto Ricans identify A s i d e f r o m from Hamilton and The adventure. A professional as Roman Catholic, the churches, the choir also Greatest Showman, the guitarist, Day provided choir often attended Mass sang at a handful of Puerto y o u t h c h o i r s a l l g a v e the simultaneously lilting in Spanish at churches Rican schools in “cultural a m a z i n g p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d i n s p i r i n g g u i t a r like St. Francis before exchange” concerts with w o r t h y o f s t a n d i n g melodies that Carlson’s f o l l o w i n g t h e w o r s h i p their choirs. We would ovations.

The gratitude pieces called for. service with a concert for s i n g s o m e s o n g s f o r

W h i l e w e h a d the congregation. them, they would sing was mutual, as all of come to the island to Even those of us some songs for us, and t h e s e s t u d e n t s s e e m e d make music as a choir, we who had been to Catholic sometimes we’d even sing s o g e n u i n e l y h a p p y to receive us in their were also there to educate Mass in the States were together! ourselves on Puerto Rico quick to distinguish Latin A t e a c h o f t h e homeland. As we were as a cultural community. A m e r i c a n i n f l u e n c e s three schools we visited— singing, they smiled and Though Puerto Rico is a i n t h e s t y l e o f t h e s e P o n c e H i g h S c h o o l , applauded for us; one girl U.S. commonwealth, we cathedrals and chapels, E s c u e l a E s p e c i a l i z a d a in the front row even kept soon discovered a culture often ornately decorated d e B e l l a s A r t e s d e her hand over her heart so rich and distinctive and featuring a variety B a y a m ó n , a n d Es cu e l a throughout our whole set that it felt like a different o f i c o n s a n d s t u n n i n g L i b r e d e M ú s i c a — w e to convey her admiration.

After every country. architecture. Yet, no were amazed by the

T h e i m m e r s i v e m a t t e r h o w s i m p l e o r l e v e l o f m u s i c i a n s h i p cultural exchange concert, n a t u r e o f t h i s y e a r ’ s embellished they were, and passion for singing we always chatted with the c h o i r t o u r w a s l a r g e l y each sacred space exuded the students exhibited. students, often breaking -Continued on next paged u e t o t h e s e l e c t e d a n a l m o s t t a n g i b l e From traditional Puerto

Dodging the Bullet: Becoming an RA for the Fall Semester Co-sponsored by Project Gettusburg León, Katia and Nina Cardenal performed an emotional set-list on Wednedsay evening (Photo courtesy of Logan Grubb)

Nicaraguan Duo Share Songs of Love and Hope B y P hoebe D oscher A ssistant N ews E ditor

Katia Cardenal and her daughter, Nina, graced the College Union Building Ballroom stage with only a guitar and two microphones in hand on March 20 at 7:00 p.m. The Nicaraguan pair performed emotional songs in Spanish, some written by Cardenal and her brother, that shared common themes of love and hope.

Cardenal and her daughter left Nicaragua in June of 2018 in a time of government-caused violence and repression. They have been performing in concerts around the world, speaking up for their beliefs, ever since.

After a three-month hiatus in Norway, she continued her tour with us to sing songs with messages about protecting the environment and human rights.

During the performance, Cardenal introduced each song in English, including an

anecdote about how the song came to be or its importance in her life. She then quoted some of the lyrics, translating them to English, to explain the meaning behind the poetry.

Audience members received programs containing many of Cardenal’s common songs with lyrics in both English and Spanish for reference. The audience also had the chance to read Cardenal’s biography and learn more information about one of the co-sponsors, Project Gettysburg León.

Although many of the songs were written

by Cardenal’s late brother, Salvador, she performed one of her first original songs, “Mariposa de Alas Rotas.”

She explained that this song helped her face her fear of being a female singer and songwriter. She shared the message of the song: we are all like a butterfly with broken wings; we all have the ability to fly in a storm.

Some of Cardenal’s

music connected back to her Nicaraguan roots. She remembers a time when she would visit Lake Nicaragua as a small child, admiring the trees and luscious island and learning to crawl on the sand. Now, her songs contain messages about preserving the Earth, such as “Canción de Fuego,” a song that gives the silent trees a voice so that others may know that they are being turned to ashes.

Overall, Cardenal wished to instill hope in each listener and inspire love in others’ hearts. She spoke about the political strife in Nicaragua and the power of bad people in the world. One song in particular was about planting flowers of hope and love in a land of war and divided people.

Cardenal and her daughter poured their hearts out for Gettysburg with their songs and inspired the audience to spark change in the world through hope and love for all.

B y C ameron D’A mica S taff W riter

I b e c a m e interested in applying for a position as a Resident Assistant (RA) on campus fairly early in my very first semester at Gettysburg. My initial inclination to find an on-campus job stemmed from my need to cover normal expenses at college, but it turned into a much more important part of my experience at Gettysburg.

I first considered the position of RA when I talked to a current RA who had only great things to say about her experience. From there, I talked to my own RA who continued to encourage me to apply. At this point, I was just starting to become interested and a lot still held me back.

After seeing how helpful and important my own RA was in my initial transition to college life, I realized that I wanted to make a similar impact.

What started as a simple interest in college employment turned into a desire to help make a difference on campus and to improve and assist in a great first-year experience.

I began and

finished the application process over winter break, and interviews started in the spring semester. Creating a resume and cover letter was new to me, but it really helped me to prepare for the future, and I am sure it will not be the last time I have to go through the task of formal job applications.

The interview process was a little nerve-racking. I wanted the job so badly, and I put a lot of pressure on myself initially. When I got there, it was much easier and more natural than I expected. I became content with the amount of time and energy I put into applying, and knew that I tried my best, regardless of the outcome.

When I found out that I was hired for next year, I was ecstatic. Along with this excitement to assist firstyears in their transition to Gettysburg College life, I also developed new worries. I wonder how I will handle new and challenging situations with residents that I have never encountered before, but I trust that training will prepare me for these new situations

and that I will have plenty of resources and help from other staff members.

I hope that being an RA for first-year students will prove to be as rewarding and fun as I expect, but I am sure there will be challenges along the way, such as balancing a busy schedule with new and important responsibilities and learning to handle difficult and unfamiliar situations that I may encounter. Still, I am much more eager and enthusiastic about this experience as a Resident Assistant than I am nervous or worried.

I am extremely excited for next semester and all of the new challenges and opportunities that I will encounter!

Editor’s Note: This article is part of the 2018-19 edition of our series “Dodging the Bullet: The First Year Journal,” in which The Gettysburgian‘s staff members from the Class of 2022 share stories, reflections, and perspective on their first year experience. (-M. Neiman)

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Riggs Discusses Time as Professor -Continued from Page 1-

Julia Chin ‘21, Ethan Fielding ‘22, Brittney Sedgwick ‘ 21, and Ben Fruchtl ‘20 say their goodbyes to the ocean with a sand castle on the last morning of tour (Photo courtesy of the Gettysburg College Choir)

College Choir Finds Home in Puerto Rico -Continued from previous page-

into song and laughing together with our newfound friends.

I’ll never forget one sophomore named Nicole, who had a long conversation with us and gushed about how thrilled she was that we were there. We talked about choir, life, and musicals; after half an hour, Nicole felt like an old friend.

Often, our itinerary got slightly delayed because of how engaged students from both choirs were with one another: no one wanted to say goodbye! After leaving Bellas Artes, one member of our choir immediately received a snapchat from several of the school’s students with the caption “We miss you already!”

I feel that I speak for all of the Gettysburg College Choir in saying that we are so grateful to have participated in such a heart-warming and music-making bridging of cultures with these exemplary youth. We, too certainly miss them already!

Besides making new friends and receiving occasional language lessons from our resident Spanish major Caitie Glance ‘20, College Choir found Puerto Rican culture in the area’s brightly colored buildings of San Juan, fried snacks at a fritter stand, and the rhythms of a bomba drum.

With the three professor supervisors heading the trip, our headcount totalled 36 Gettysburgians in Puerto Rico; however, we’ll never forget our lucky number 37, Hector Arizmendi Laguer. An archaeology student at the Universidad de Puerto Rico Carolina, Laguer served as the choir’s tour guide through the streets of Old San Juan, Ponce, and Loíza for the entirety of our tour. He told us about the mythological gods of the rainforest, the best coffee shop in the old city, and the origins of different Puerto Rican dance rhythms.

We learned that much of Puerto Rico’s melting pot

came from three major cultural influences: the indigenous Taino, the Africans, and the Spanish, each with a key presence in certain areas and city art sculptures.

Some other highlights of the trip included a traditional Bomba dance class, a Catamaran cruise and snorkeling in the Caribbean sea, and of course, the food.

Tostones, guava, and congri all became part of our basic diet, but there were absolutely no complaints there, especially when flan came around for dessert just about every night. Sweet, savory, and salty, nothing could beat the taste of Puerto Rico!

However, truly understanding Puerto Rican culture isn’t just about the light but also the dark. After Hurricane Maria, the island had a detrimental lack of tourism in the following year as many businesses were closed down.

During our stay, we were able to attend a few presentations given by nonprofit microlender companies as well as working-class citizens.

Through their voices, we gained a perspective and insight into the ways that people are still trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods after such a shocking natural disaster nearly a year later. It was truly miraculous to hear the story of how one woman’s schoolhouse barely survived the hurricane, yet she still refused to give up hope.

As she and her colleagues rebuilt the classrooms, students came back within two weeks and began to provide hope for a future community.

The last concert was held in a local church on Friday night, with a humble audience of four, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way. The intimate space seemed perfect, reflecting those individual interactions and personal connections we had made along our journey that week.

Everyone was feeling bittersweet with sad smiles as Dr. Natter gratefully thanked each of our attendees and asked

them their names before the concert began. It may have been our best performance yet, proving that music is something that blossoms within us, not dictated by audience or venue.

At the end, a woman named Cherry thanked the choir for the music we created and told us that we would always be welcomed to Puerto Rico, our home as well as hers. Her words inspired a lot of choir members, who, already emotional within the context of this final concert, teared up during the subsequent encore of “La Borinqueña,” the Puerto Rican national anthem. It was a moment none of us will ever forget.

Ultimately, the time came to leave Borinquen behind, as well as the sea, sand, and sun. Back in Gettysburg now, most of the choir has lamented about how they’d give anything go back and have another meal of rice and beans.

Though we were all saddened to leave behind our second home in San Juan, we are looking forward to the finale of our tour journey this weekend. At 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, the College Choir will be performing the Puerto Rican Tour repertoire at their Home Concert in Christ Chapel and saying one final farewell to the sea. Though we are no longer with the land we have come to know as “the daughter of the sea and sun,” we preserve her memory in this final chapter of our tour.

Muchas gracias, Puerto Rico. You will always be in our hearts.

More firsthand details and photographs of our adventures can be found on a forum for online blog postings created by several members of the Gettysburg College Choir during their 2019 tour.

Editor’s Note: The link for the online forum for the College Choir’s 2019 Tour can be found in the version of this article of The Gettysburgian’s website.

(-M. Neiman)

This personal connection to the curricular material is what inspired Riggs to conduct psych studies on expectancy and confirmation. Her research later prompted her interest in the ways that she could raise the expectations of all students. In particular, she referenced “selfhandicapping,” describing a scenario in which students withhold effort from a task due to a fear of failure.

Riggs was determined to combat this possibility and actively searched for ways to motivate students to put their best foot forward without always viewing failure as the probable outcome.

Throughout her time at Gettysburg, Riggs has consistently been impressed by her fellow faculty members: “Their enthusiasm for their work then carries into the classroom, and that is contagious. And I think our faculty do that so well!”

When asked what sets Gettysburg faculty apart from others, the first thing that came to Riggs’ mind was the unique combination of scholarship and teaching found in the classroom.

“The desire to be really excellent in teaching but to be deeply engaged in one’s discipline I think is a fantastic combination,” she said. “Engaging students in some of that research and creative activity is probably one of the best learning experiences that I’ve ever been offered.”

She has also seen the demographics of the faculty shift for the better. In the nineties, the administration

pursued an interest in hiring more women. There were few enough women in her early teaching years that they would “get together for dinner—there might be eight of us around the table.” She appreciated that they could freely share perspectives and be supportive of one another.

She was part of the movement that pushed for daycare for professors’ children and paid maternity leave; she personally had to take unpaid leaves of absence when she had her three children and later struggled to find childcare for them. These struggles helped inspire her research on perceptions and expectations of caregiving and professional parents with respect to gender stereotypes.

Still, Riggs recognizes a need

to continue diversifying the faculty in terms of race and ethnicity. In light of this fact, she also noted that Gettysburg is changing for the better.

“When I see the faculty who are arriving today and their perspectives and the disciplinary expertise they bring, I am just so impressed,” she remarked on the subject.

Riggs has seen the campus change dramatically over the years, from changes in the faculty to the widespread introduction of technology in the classroom. Overall, her experience has been a positive one, and she has always loved her work. She is a Gettysburgian through and through, declaring proudly, “I don’t think you can beat Gettysburg!”

President Janet Morgan Riggs taught at Gettysburg College as a professor of Psychology (Photo courtesy of the 1983 Spectrum)

Allison Closs Talks Danny DeVito, Film Industry, and More B y M addie N eiman F eatures E ditor

Allison Closs ‘22, also known as the “Danny DeVito Prom Girl,” experienced a new development in her monthslong association with the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor when, during an interview with DeVito on March 11, latenight talk show host Jimmy Kimmel held up one of the now-famous photos of Closs and her cardboard cut-out DeVito prom date.

“I had a lot of trouble getting a date,” said Closs, explaining what prompted her to take a lifesize cardboard cut-out of DeVito to her high school senior prom in May 2018.

During her sophomore year, she had an awful experience with a fleshand-blood date who turned out to be quite rude. After spending some time searching for a new date for senior prom, Closs thought, “Why don’t I just take a cardboard Danny DeVito?”

Contrary to popular

Allison Closs ‘22 brought a cardboard cut-out of Danny DeVito to her high-school senior prom (Photo courtesy of Allison Closs)

opinion, Closs’s love for DeVito was not her primary motivation for choosing her unconventional date.

“People always characterize me, when they do stories about this, as ‘She was this super-fan of Sunny,’” said Closs, referring to DeVito’s TV show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, “And, at the time, I had only seen two episodes. I’ve watched all of them now, of course.”

Closs, who explained that she has a reputation for breaking the status quo and pulling wacky stunts, wanted to make her classmates laugh and to challenge the “gotta get a date, gotta get a date” concept of high school proms.

Before the dance, her parents were skeptical but supportive of her idea.

Her friends reacted similarly, although they seemed more hesitant to believe she would follow through.

Arriving at the prom with “Cardboard Danny” dressed in a tie and boutonnière and pulled along on a scooter by a leash, Closs turned heads and unintentionally began a viral phenomenon.

PennLive and other local journalists, who were present to cover the prom, photographed Closs and her date. From there, local news, with the consent of Closs, passed the story to The Associated Press, which again requested Closs’s permission to publish.

“A lot of people think that it just happened -Continued on next page-

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Friday, March 22, 2019

“Danny DeVito Prom Girl” and Aspiring Director Shares Her Story -Continued from previous page-

overnight and that I got kinda blindsided,” reflected Closs.

“Like, ‘I go to the dance with Danny DeVito and the next day I’m on The Talk.’ But the whole time, they asked permission... Each step there was a choice.”

Once the story ran, it spread like wildfire. To name a few, The New York Post, E! News, Vice, and Time magazine have all covered Closs’s story. She even went international, appearing in an article published by the BBC.

In June, Rob McElhenney, a co-star of DeVito’s on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, tweeted at Closs: “Hey Allison - I heard you took cardboard Danny to Prom. What a coincidence.

He took cardboard Allison to Paddy’s…” Attached to the tweet was a photo of a cardboard cut-out of Closs standing next to a very real Danny DeVito on the Paddy’s Pub set of his TV show.

“It took a second for it to process,” Closs recalled.

“I see a picture of a human and a cardboard person, and one of the people is me and one of the people is Danny.

It took a second to process.

Wait, it’s reversed! I’d seen pictures of me and Cardboard Danny so often at that point.

I was like, ‘Wait a minute.

Something’s off about this one.’ I was very excited.”

McElhenney was not the only person to reach out to Closs via social media about her much older prom date.

“A big part of the story is that I’m single,” Closs said. “So you get a lot of guys trying to hit up my DM’s...I’m not bothered by it. I just think it’s funny.”

Some of the attention that Closs has gotten has been less flattering, but their comments do not faze her.

“People try to roast my appearance. I’m not offended. I think it’s hilarious...It’s like looking at yourself from a different perspective,” she reflected.

A summer of making news headlines led to Closs’s first in-person appearance on daytime TV show The Talk in September.

Closs remembered being in Spanish class at Gettysburg College on a Wednesday when her mom called her with the news.

The Talk producers wanted to fly her out to Los Angeles on Sunday, film the show on Monday afternoon, and fly her back to Pennsylvania on Monday night.

According to Closs, the producers told her the show was covering the top viral memes of the summer.

Immediately, Closs was suspicious that the producers withheld their true intentions.

She recalled texting her groupchat for the Gettysburg College marching band drumline: “I said, ‘Hey, so I can’t get to practice because I’m going to be in L.A. filming an episode of The Talk.’ The best response was from our section leader.

He said, ‘That is the fakest sounding true statement I’ve ever heard.’”

After interviewing Closs on the show, The Talk hosts gifted her with “a Danny DeVito for every occasion,” or multiple cut-outs of DeVito from his different acting roles. Closs refers to these cut-outs as “Matilda Danny,” from DeVito’s film, Matilda; “Spooky Danny,” from DeVito’s role as the Penguin in Batman Returns; “Twins Danny,” which also includes a cut-out of Arnold Schwarzenegger, from their film Twins; and “Taxi Danny,” from DeVito’s sitcom Taxi.

These now accompany her original “Classic Danny.”

On the talk show, Closs soon found that her earlier suspicions were well-founded. After being introduced to four cardboard DeVitos, she met the man himself. They hugged and took some photos together but talked for only a short time afterwards.

“I think he could tell that I was in a state of shock,” she said, “and he didn’t ask a whole lot of questions because I kind of forgot how to make words happen. I regret that so much. I wish we could’ve said more.”

Although she enjoyed meeting DeVito, Closs was especially grateful to meet DeVito’s agent after the show. The woman gave Closs her business card, and Closs, an aspiring director, was quick to follow up with an email, asking if DeVito had any summer projects that she could join.

Currently in talks with DeVito’s agent, Closs hopes that she will spend the summer working on the set of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

At Gettysburg College, Closs is pursuing a double major in Cinema and Media Studies and Video Production, an individualized study program. Currently, she is enrolled in Video Production, World Cinema History, Japanese Cinema, and Spanish 202 -- the last one “because I have to.”

“Sometimes it feels like a class,” she reflected about her video and cinema courses, “but most of the time, it’s just like a club that you get grades for. I genuinely love what I do, and I look forward to that sort of stuff. If I’m sick and miss a class, I’m devastated. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe I missed out hour-long discussion of Seven Samurai from 1954.’”

Closs is most

Closs appeared on daytime TV show The Talk, on which Danny DeVito (Photo courtesy of Allison Closs) interested in comedic films, Williams, has made a deep though she has some qualms impact on her. She appreciates about the way the public often his support of her aspirations receives them: “Everyone and enjoys seeing him almost loves comedy, but nobody every day. really respects it. All the best For Closs, the picture wins at the Oscars, attention that has received they’re always dramas.” over the past months has given

According to Closs, her a feeling of validation, not enough people realize both in terms of her film the effort that occurs behind industry dream and her own the scenes in the editing and self-confidence. writing of comedies.

Closs, who admitted

Closs a l s o that she was not very popular appreciates films that take in high school, explained, risks. She would love to “I feel like sometimes it work on a Wes Anderson comes off like I’m bragging or Quentin Tarantino film. about this sort of thing, but Tarantino “definitely allows it genuinely makes me feel for experimentation, doing really good when I hear, things outside the norm,” ‘Yeah, Allison, you’re weird according to Closs. in a good way.’ And I think,

Whenever she gets ‘Thanks, I really needed that the opportunity, Closs tries today.’” to further her career in the As she navigates film industry. On campus, she the positives and negatives works on GburgTV, which that come with her newfound is undergoing a reboot. At fame, Closs always has her the moment, Closs is writing Danny DeVito cut-out as her for shows that will air next “guiding light” -- literally, semester. Her ongoing project since she has a spotlight on is “Gettysburg Ghosthunters,” him where he stands in the a parody of ghost-hunting TV window of her second-floor shows.

Stine Hall dorm room.

Closs’s advisor Meeting DeVito for GburgTV and professor in person was a surreal for Video Production, Jeff experience for Closs, and her

she met the flesh-and-blood unreal encounters do not seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Nearly a year after taking DeVito to the prom, Jimmy Kimmel showed Closs’s photo on his late-night show last week.

On her Instagram, Closs encouraged Kimmel to invite her to come on the show next time. She also thinks it would be incredible to appear on The Ellen Degeneres Show or Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Recently, The Jonathan Ross Show, a British comedy talk show, asked Closs for her permission to use her photos on an upcoming episode.

Closs marveled at the way public interest fluctuates: “The story can just blow up so many times.

It blows up, and then it’s calm again.”

Whether or not her name is in the headlines, Closs works constantly at achieving her dream of becoming a director and at appreciating herself as “weird in a good way.” Of course, it helps to have Danny DeVito -- real or cardboard -- by her side.

Musselman Updates: Library & Information Science Summer Externship and Human Library B y M usselman L ibrary

The Human Library: Everyone Has a Story

On Wednesday, March 27, Musselman Library will host the Human Library.

What is it? The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers. It’s a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered. Through onone-one or small group conversations, books and readers will have a chance to challenge prejudices and stereotypes and learn about different perspectives.

All “books” will

be available in the Apse in Musselman Library.

When you borrow a human book, you will sit down with them at one of the library tables, and talk and listen for up to 20 minutes.

More information is available on the Human Library Guide on the Gettysburg College website.

Click on the “Meet Our Books-2019” tab to learn more about the stories available.

“Book” topics range from living with grief to grow ing up in poverty to raising goats. Human Library 2019 is shaping up to provide fascinating

conversations. You don’t want to miss it!

If you want to make sure you have the opportunity to “read” a particular book, click on the “For Readers” tab to sign up to reserve a book.

Or swing by during the program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m. in the Apse of Musselman Library (main floor), and read whoever is available.

The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Engagement, and is part of Stop Bias at the Burg.

Careers in Library & Information Science A Week-Long Summer

Externship

A r e y o u interested in the field of library and information science?

Bryn Mawr, Gettysburg, Haverford, L a f a y e t t e a n d Swarthmore College Libraries are seeking students to participate in a week-long, paid externship on the Bryn Mawr College campus (May 20-24, 2019).

The goal is to introduce students from underrepresented groups to the field of library and information science and to promote the American Library Association’s fundamental values of

distance) will be covered.

The Gettysburg student extern(s) will have the opportunity to be employed in Musselman Library in fall 2019, as well.

Apply online by Sunday, March 31, 2019.

Questions?

Contact Janelle Wertzberger, Assistant Dean of the Library, jwertzbe@gettysburg. edu, 717-337-7010.

Editor’s Note: The online application link for the externship can be found in the version of this article on The Gettysburgian’s website. (-M. Neiman)

Editorial Staff The Gettysburgian

Editor-in-Chief, Benjamin Pontz ‘20

News Editor, Gauri Mangala ‘21

Managing Opinions Editor, Josh Wagner ‘19

Sports Editor, Charlie Williamson ‘19

Arts & Entertainment Editor, Katherine Lentz ‘20

Lead Copyeditor, Lauren Hand ‘20

Features Editor, Maddie Neiman ‘21

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. A cohort of up to 10 students will participate (1-2 from each campus).

The week will include presentations, discussions, readings, and field trips - this is not a traditional job shadowing experience!

Together externs and librarians will explore career options and connections between librarianship and pressing social issues.

Participants will receive a $500 stipend. Housing, meals, and transportation to/ from Bryn Mawr (from Gettysburg or a similar

Director of Photography, Mary Frasier ‘21

Copyeditors, Jessica Greenman ‘20 Phoebe Doscher ‘22 Joseph Maguschak ‘22 Emma Love ‘22 Cameron D’Amica ‘22 Advisor, Tom Barstow

THE GETTYSBURGIAN

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 8

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Review: Captain Marvel This Week in Cartoons B y E than C annistra S taff W riter

Captain Marvel is about an intergalactic war, occurring in the 1990s, between two alien races, the Kree and the Skrulls.

The Skrulls are a race of shape shifting aliens that infiltrate planets and slowly take them over. The Kree are fighting against the Skrulls to stop their reign of tyranny across the galaxy.

The central protagonist of Captain Marvel is Carol Danvers, also known by her alien name, Vers. Vers is a member of a Kree military team known as Star Force, and their job is to prevent the Skruls from taking over more planets.

However, something goes wrong during a Star Force mission, and Vers ends up on Earth where she will eventually unlock secrets about her past.

One of the best aspects of Captain Marvel is the movie connects to several of the other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of the best examples of this occurs when audiences see the start of Nick Fury’s and Phil Coulson’s relationship.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have seen these two characters on screen together since the first Iron Man movie back in 2008. However,

we never got to see how Coulson and Fury became such good friends. Captain Marvel provides us with some insight into how this relationship started and why Coulson is one of Fury’s most trusted agents.

The last 30 minutes of the film also provide some significant connections to The Avengers that were really well done. To avoid spoilers, I can’t say exactly what they are, but I will say you will know them when you see them.

The casting of Brie Larson as Carol Danvers is another example of perfect casting by Marvel. Brie Larson was more subtle in her performance which I enjoyed because it matches what the character is going through during the movie.

Danvers has no memories of her past life on Earth, which results in her having a dull personality. While her personality is more dull at the beginning of the movie, she still demonstrates some of the classic wit that we have come to expect from Marvel movies. However, as the movie progresses, Danvers learns more about her life on Earth, which results in her original personality gradually coming back throughout the film. I enjoyed the evolution of Carol Danvers’ personality throughout the film, and

I believe that it allowed Captain Marvel to grow as a character.

The only criticism that I have about Captain Marvel is that the first act of the film is very hard to follow. The editing is very choppy which results in a disjointed first act. There is also an action sequence that takes place within the first thirty minutes of the film that was very poorly done. The scene was lit in a very dark way that made it difficult to see what was happening during this particular action sequence.

The movie also takes a long time to get into the story.

However, when captain Marvel gets to Earth, the movie picks up and these issues are resolved.

Overall, Captain Marvel is another solid entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie connects to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in some very clever ways. The casting of Brie Larson was perfect in my opinion. She brought a subtlety to the performance that I believe was needed for this particular character.

The only problems I have with this movie is that the first act of the film does not have good pacing.

However, these issues are resolved after the first act.

Comics by Danielle Sicotte

8/10

The Hollywood Faces Behind the College F e a t u r e d F i l m s Admissions Scandal i n G e t t y s b u r g Comic by Francesca Costa

Majestic Theater “Apollo 11” 1 hour, 33 minutes – G

The 1969 NASA mission to land on the moon undertaken by Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins is portrayed through large format film footage never seen before.

Friday - Saturday (3/22 - 3/23) - 4:15 PM and 7:15 PM Sunday (3/24) - 2:15 PM and 5:15 PM Monday (3/25) - 4:15 PM Tuesday - Thursday (3/26 - 3/28) - 4:15 PM and 7:15 PM “Capernaum” 2 hours, 6 minutes – R While serving prison time for a violent crime, Zain, 12, sues his parents for neglect.

Friday - Saturday (3/22 - 3/23) - 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM Sunday (3/24) - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM Monday - Thursday (3/25 - 3/28) - 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM Felicity Huffman (left) and Lori Loughlin (right) (photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) B y J acqueline M c M ahon S taff W riter

Actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are now facing criminal charges after the FBI busted the largest college admissions scandal in American history. The FBI sting operation nicknamed “Operation Varsity Blues” has resulted in the arrest of 50 suspects, including Huffman and Loughlin. At the center of the scandal is William “Rick” Singer, a college admissions counselor who accepted bribes from parents in order to get their children into some of America’s most elite colleges and universities, including Yale, Georgetown, and Stanford. Singer accomplished this by misrepresenting students’ test scores, bribing college officials, and forging documents to fabricate athletic credentials for students who were actually not involved in sports.

Huffman of Desperate Housewives fame is accused of paying $15,000 in bribes to inflate her daughter’s SAT score.

Meanwhile Lori Loughlin, best known for her role as Aunt Becky on the 90s sitcom Full House and its revival Fuller House, is accused of paying $500,000 in bribes to have both her daughters designated as recruits for crew at the University of Southern California, though neither of her daughters rowed.

Both women have been charged with the felonies of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Loughlin’s husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, was also indicted. Huffman is married to Shameless star William H. Macy, however Macy has not been indicted and there is no proof that he was involved at this time.

Currently no students have been implicated in the conspiracy, though

Loughlin’s daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli (a social media influencer also known under the name “Olivia Jade”) has recently come under fire for comments she previously made on her YouTube channel, saying she did not care about school and wanted to go to college only to experience the party lifestyle. Since the scandal, Sephora announced that it would end its makeup partnership with Olivia Jade, and Loughlin was dropped from the upcoming final season of Fuller House. Hallmark also severed ties with Loughlin and episodes of When Calls the Heart, the show she starred on, were pulled from the schedule.

Hallmark later announced that When Calls the Heart would continue production without Loughlin.

If convicted, Huffman and Loughlin could face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Gateway Theater

FRIDAY MARCH 22ND THRU WEDNESDAY MARCH 27TH **NO SHOWS AFTER 8PM MONDAY THRU THURSDAY** **BARGAIN TUESDAY – ALL SEATS $5 – ADDITIONAL FEE FOR 3D** US R NO PASSES (1:10) (4:10) 7:10 7:40 9:50 WONDER PARK PG (1:45) (4:45) 7:15 9:25 FIVE FEET APART PG-13 (1:15) (4:15) 7:05 9:45 CAPTIVE STATE PG-13 (1:25) (4:25)

TYLER PERRY’S: A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL (1:35) (4:35) 7:15 9:50

PG-13

CAPTAIN MARVEL 2D PG-13 (1:00) (1:30) (4:00) (4:30) 7:00 7:30 9:50

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD PG (1:20) (4:20) 7:10 9:45

THE GETTYSBURGIAN

OPINIONS Page 9

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Note: The opinions published in this section are those of the individual writers and are in no way representative of the views of The Gettysburgian staff, The Gettysburgian or Gettysburg College.

Stigma and Stereotyping within Study Abroad

By Jesse Shircliff Guest Columnist

What Gettysburg needs—at least what everyone likes to say Gettysburg needs— are “thoughtful dialogues,” “diverse opinions,” and a “means to enhance a more welcoming environment.” If you agree, then Let’s Talk about It.

Let’s Talk about It is new weekly series on campus offering opportunities to talk about real life. The first discussion tackled stigma and stereotyping within study abroad, titled: “Gettysburg Students and their Basic Ass Study Abroad Choices.” The event was co-sponsored

by Gettysburg African Student Association, Latin American Student Association, and Muslim Student Association. Makkah Matthis imagined this discussion forum, and the study abroad topic was suggested by Grecia Patino who overhead two students discussing their

study abroad choices:

“I would never study in Africa or Latin America…why would anybody go there?” When Patino inquired further, the student had little to defend their reasoning.

Rather, they just did not want to visit countries in those areas.

P e r h a p s Gettysburg fits into a larger trend: statistics from the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) report that American students were more likely to visit European nations (54.4%) compared to Latin America (15.5%), Asia (11.6%), Oceania (4.4%), Africa (4.0%), and the Middle East (2.1%) in 2017. At the same time NAFSA suggests that minorities are less likely to study abroad given that Caucasian students were over represented in study abroad programs with 56.9% of total postsecondary enrollment and 70.8% of total U.S. students abroad.

With individuals

from the associated clubs representing programs across the globe, the discussion that followed was precisely the kind of civil discourse this campus community so desires.

Edith related that the event represented a number of perspectives and debate over the decision to choose one country over another.

She stated: “My fear was that it would be one-sided… but we had people from many different programs. When the debate swayed one way, there were people saying, ‘no, this isn’t the case’ and offering a different perspective.”

Instead of one basic story, there are a number of reasons that students choose “basic” countries. Some students simply need a high level of comfort, and perhaps they believe Europe is a little easier to visit. For example, hygiene and food are points of cultural clash and discomfort, so this concern is minimized for countries that are

more well known.

Also, majors can be restricting: art majors have few options beyond Europe, and students from health science, too, are limited to locations like Denmark. Further, students may be looking for a culture where they will not feel like an outsider, and programs with strict language requirements are offlimits to many. Edith mentioned that Chilé’s program in physics conducted courses entirely in Spanish. When asked what positions were taken on the college’s study abroad options, Edith stated: “We didn’t necessarily say that Gettysburg should change or add more programs, but… I think it was implied.”

It was also discussed that individuals from disadvantaged demographics study abroad less. Participants wondered whether those who strongly identify with their community may not be as eager—or as able—to fly away for the

semester. Representing minority groups in abroad experiences may take place outside the college.

There was one resounding concern: “There is a stigma against Africa, Latin America, and Asia that these places are too culturally different, dangerous, or something else that it means they’re not worth discovering.”

Participants believed that interacting with members of less-popular countries may be an effective way to de-mystify such programs. By learning about a country from someone who’s been there, students might see that it’s not as different or as dangerous as it seems.

It is also important, Edith said, to remember “the stigma is not yours, it comes from society.”

I asked Edith her final thoughts on traveling to a basic country, and she responded: “As long as you have a valid reason to go, go. But don’t go to a ‘typical’ place based

on stigmas.” Studying off campus is life-changing experience and an opportunity to challenge stereotypes before you’ve even selected the program.

Why don’t you chip in? With the world swirling around, you shouldn’t wait until the “easy discussion” comes along—the things which need discussed are rarely easy—and Let’s Talk about It has plans to grow and continue, first by adding community houses into its network and expanding into more of the student body.

The group is taking a hiatus over Spring break following March 2nd’s discussion of blackface and its lingering presence in politics, academies, and fashion, but keep an eye out for the next event so you too can join a conversation.

Edith Tea is the vice-President of GASA, leader of the Bombsquad, and studied abroad in Santiago Chilé.

Responses Requested: What M o d e r a t e D e m o c r a t are our institutional values? N e e d e d t o W i n i n 2 0 2 0

By Joshua Wagner Managing Opinions Editor

It seems that every semester there is some event in our campus community that forces us to pause and consider Gettysburg College’s institutional values.

Four years ago posters were circulated around campus decrying “anchor babies,” and backlash ensued. During his 2016 campaign, Bernie Sanders rallied in Bream Gym calling for a grassroots revolution led by young people. In 2017, Robert Spencer spoke in our ballroom, and students organized a Muslim Solidarity Rally on the Steps of Pennsylvania Hall. After the 2016 election, we were forced to consider the lengths to which we would go to protect DACA students.

More recently, a trustee has resigned after a yearbook photo surfaced depicting him in a Nazi uniform. The far-spread ramifications of Greek Life – both good and bad – have been an evergreen dispute as well.

At the end of fruitful careers, the retirement of coaches, professors, past provosts, community leaders, directors, and even presidents allows us to consider the influence that individuals can have on our values.

Sometimes we have occasion to consider our institutional values during celebratory moments such as convocation or graduation.

During convocation, firstyear Gettysburgians are informed that they are joining a community with the highest principles and ideals to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Four years later at commencement, those same students gather with

a greater appreciation of the privilege afforded to them by a liberal arts education.

After four years, graduating seniors may still be unsure what are the institutional values maintained at Gettysburg College. The Board of Trustees and Faculty Council elucidated the current rendering of Gettysburg College’s Mission Statement in 2016:

“Gettysburg College is a residential, undergraduate college of the liberal arts and sciences that prepares students from across the nation and ar ound the globe to pursue lives of personal and professional fulfillment and to engage the complex questions of our time through effective leadership and socially responsible citizenship.

This statement is grounded in the core values of the institution: • The worth and dignity of all people and the limitless value of their intellectual potential; • The commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment; • The power of a liberal arts education to help students develop critical thinking skills, broad vision, effective communication, a sense of the inter-relatedness of all knowledge, sensitivity to the human condition, and a global perspective, all necessary to enable students to realize their full potential for responsible citizenship; • The enrichment of the traditional liberal arts and sciences curriculum with the most promising intellectual developments of our time; • The free and open exchange of ideas and the exploration of their ethical and spiritual dimensions;

• The value of a lifelong commitment to service, and the role of the College in both providing an example of public service for students and fostering a commitment to service among our young people; • The value of ethical leadership that is inclusive, collaborative, and directed towards effecting change for the greater good; • Our conviction that a residential college best promotes the sense of community, central to a liberal arts education, in which personal relationships between students, faculty, and staff can flourish.”

This statement serves as a living document in that it can be stretched or compressed when necessary. Our commitment to an inclusive learning environment and sensitivity to the human condition was tested

by Robert Spencer.

Continued leniency towards toxic social communities on campus question whether the worth and dignity of all people are exalted as proposed. Conflicts between these goals have caused serious consternation amongst students, at one point requiring the development of an institutional philosophy on freedom of expression.

As the Managing Opinions Editor of the Gettysburgian, I pose this question to you.

What are our values as a student body? If you respond, then perhaps the class of 2019 will be able to graduate with that knowledge.

Opinions pieces and replies can be sent to Josh Wagner at wagnjo08@gettysburg. edu

Dissent or support?

Then write about it!

If you want your opinion to be heard, send an article to the Opinions Section and reach our hundreds of print and thousands of online readers. Email editorials to Josh at wagnjo08@gettysburg.edu.

By Steven Gibbs Guest Columnist

Between the longest government shutdown in history, the looming special council probe, and the faux-crisis at the border with subsequent executive overreach to acquire border wall funds, President Trump continues to dig a deeper grave for himself. By all outward appearances, the stars are perfectly aligned for a democratic president in 2020. Unfortunately, the Democrats are currently mired in their own grave-digging.

Recently, selfdescribed democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has thrown his hat into the ring for democratic nominee for president.

Despite not winning the nomination in 2016, Sanders proved to be quite popular among younger and far-left Democrats and netted over 40% of the primary vote against Hillary Clinton. Upon his 2020 announcement, he managed to raise almost $4 million from individual donations in just half a day; more than double Kamila Harris, with $1.5 million in 24 hours. He is also credited by many for having pushed the Democratic Party further to the left than the Obama era, and he himself more or less admitted this in an interview on CBS This Morning.

There is no doubt that the excitement around Sanders is considerable, but perhaps this a more of a curse than a blessing. He and other far-left figureheads like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DNY) may give voice to younger, more radical voters, but by-and-large they alienate moderates and swing voters – the people who gave Trump the victory in 2016. The simple fact is that the majority of Americans do not think that socialism is a good idea, in the same sense that most do not think that fascism or theocracy are good ideas: these ideologies are seen as antagonistic to American democracy and the constitution.

Moreover, the people who embrace them are seen as morally bankrupt, grossly incompetent, or both.

From a partypractical perspective, the danger of embracing radical viewpoints is that doing so gives the other side free ammunition to attack the whole of the party, as if to say the whole of the other party supports dangerous extremism. Since Cortez’s victory for New York’s 14thdistrict in 2018, Fox News and other conservative media outlets have been dominated by wall-to-wall commentary of almost comical demeanor on the young congresswoman.

It is akin to the selfproclaimed prophet who stands on the street corner proclaiming that the end is nigh; in their eyes, the communists have invaded American soil and are after our precious bodily fluids.

T h e s a m e principle applies to President Trump, whose empowerment of far-right ideologues and toddlerlike rants have earned him endless disdain not just from every corner of left-leaning media, but also from many who initially supported him.

Moderate Republicans are looking on in horror at what their party is becoming under such a figurehead, and antiClinton swing voters are shaking their heads and wondering if they should’ve stayed home in 2016. In this sense, the Trump presidency might be considered a cautionary tale to the Democrats – a warning to not exploit dissent with a flamboyant-tough-guy candidate, or else the people who could carry their party to electoral victory might find themselves betrayed.

It seems that the Democrats’ strategy for 2020 is to capitalize on the anti-Trump sentiment and rally those in their base who stayed home in 2016. By extension, they’re counting on the center-right moderates and anti-Clinton swing voters to be the ones who stay home, too disgruntled

by Trump to vote for him again. They think that any candidate, even a farleft fringe one, will gain victory easily. In reality, this overconfidence could easily produce a similar scenario to 2016, where the anti-Clinton moderates become antiBernie moderates. At that point, there is a lesser chance that Trump can be defeated.

Looking beyond demographics, what propelled Trump to victory in 2016 was a fear of the other candidate.

Trump knew about this fear, he exploited it, and he could easily do it again if his opponent is a declared socialist – a dirty word in the minds of many Americans. Just consider the mention of socialism in the 2019 State of the Union and the chamber’s reaction to it. This doesn’t just apply to socialism either.

Many of the currently declared democratic candidates are decried as being either too similar to Hillary Clinton, or underachieving paperpushers who lack experience. While it’s true that no candidate is perfect, the 2016 question is rearing its head again: Is this the best we can do?

If Democrats really want to give Trump the sound defeat that he deserves, then they should pick a candidate that will appeal to a wide range of Americans, not just a radical wing of their party. The best way to do this will be to go for someone moderate; someone whom Trump cannot reasonably attack.

Such a candidate would be able to cast a wide net of support and gain the numbers needed to win. If that means forgoing promises of free healthcare and free college, then so be it.

Despite tensions from different policy agendas among moderates and Democrats, nothing is more important than getting Trump out of the Oval Office. Now is not the time to do any moral grandstanding.

Now is the time to win an election.

THE GETTYSBURGIAN

SPORTS

Page 10

Bullet shot:

Morgan Clauser ‘19 (Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College) B y C andace M eans S taff W riter

S e n i o r Softball team Pitcher Morgan Clauser struck out a careerhigh 13 batters on March 16 to get the win against Ramapo College over the team’s Spring Break trip to Florida.

Clauser surpassed her previous gamehigh in strikeouts by three and posted her third shutout of the season.

A f t e r Clauser’s stellar performance, she was named Centennial Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday.

She fell only one strikeout short of the program’s record, and the most since Aileen Reilly ’18 in a 2017 game against Franklin & Marshall.

Clauser started the game with a walk in the first inning but bounced back and fanned the next six batters. She only allowed two hits and three walks.

As one of two pitchers on the team, Clauser knows the importance of staying healthy and keeping in shape.

However, she does have freshman Skylar Spinner to help eat up innings. In a preseason interview with Corey Jewart, Clauser mentioned the importance the freshmen have on the team.

“Skyler is coming in as a pitcher which is a huge role, because you can’t just have one pitcher.

All of the rest of the first-years are all working very hard and learning our program, the coach, the team and are great additions to our programs already.”

As a senior, Clauser’s favorite memory from last year was hosting regionals.

“It was just a fun experience, and obviously none of us had experienced it before, and we had nothing to lose, and we were playing some of the best players in the country.”

The Bullets have their home opener on Thursday, March 21, against Lebanon Valley College.

♦

Friday, March 22, 2019

Men’s Lacrosse Takes Down Eastern

By Garrett Glaeser Staff Writer

This past weekend, the Men’s Lacrosse team concluded its out-ofconference play with a 9-5 win over Eastern after beating #16 Washington and Lee the previous Wednesday.

The Bullets, now ranked #9 in the most recent USILA Coaches Poll, enter Centennial Conference play this Saturday with a top-10 matchup against #8 Ursinus.

At this point in the season last year, the Bullets were ranked #5 with an impressive 7-1 record and wins over #1 Salisbury, #15 Stevenson, and #4 York. Their only loss at this point was to W&L, where the Bullets fell 13-8.

Sitting at a record of 6-2, the Bullets may appear in a situation not too different than last year, but the journey has been far from the same.

This season, Gettysburg has fallen to #1 Salisbury and #6 York, wins that last year were pivotal to the team’s #1 seed in the southern half of the NCAA bracket. Though the Bullets still beat then #19 Stevenson, the win against the Mustangs is not extremely impressive, considering Stevenson has dropped to 1-5 on the year and out of the top-20.

However, avenging the loss to W&L from last

Junior Defenseman Mitch Wykoff tallied seven ground balls and scored his sixth goal this season (Photo courtesy of David Sinclair)

year was crucial in returning to the top-10 (the Bullets were ranked #11 at the time of the game). In a tight mid-week affair, the Bullets held on to win 14-13 after a furious 4-goal rally from the Generals in the fourth quarter.

In conference play last year, the Bullets went a perfect 8-0 during the regular season but fell to Dickinson in the Centennial Championship game 9-8.

This season, the Bullets will look to do much

of the same but will face tough-ranked competition along the way. In the USILA’s most recent rankings, four Centennial teams were ranked in the top 20 - #8 Ursinus, #9 Gettysburg, #10 Dickinson, #17 Franklin & Marshall.

Ursinus, one of the surprise teams in DIII lacrosse this year, has looked impressive, remaining undefeated at 6-0. The Bears have signature wins against Stevenson, Cortland, and Christopher Newport, all

teams that were ranked in the top-20 at the time of the games.

Last year, the Bears were a woeful 3-11 on the year, 2-6 in conference.

However, they experienced a change in culture with their previous head coach of nine years, Jamie Steele, stepping down at the end of last year’s season.

Former assistant Gary Mercadante, who served as defensive coordinator from 2009-13 and then head coach

at Delaware Valley from 2014-18, has taken over the helm and has quickly changed the program’s trajectory.

Because of Ursinus’s success this year, what may have been in previous years an easier matchup to start conference play has turned into a heavyweight bout for the Bullets.

The winner of Saturday’s game will be in prime position to control its destiny in hopes of hosting the conference playoffs, an honor Gettysburg enjoyed last year.

The Bullets made it all the way to the National Semifinal last season and lost a heartbreaker to Salisbury 8-7. They finished the season 19-3 and recorded the second most wins by the lacrosse team in school history.

With just two losses to top tier opponents, the Bullets can still foreseeably find themselves in a similar position as last year come playoffs. Though they cannot expect to be the #1 seed in the south (that honor will mostly likely go to Salisbury), they can ostensibly be the #2 seed, if they win out and capture the Centennial crown.

After Saturday’s game, the Bullets will continue their tough conference schedule the following Wednesday on March 27 as they travel to Franklin & Marshall.

Softball Splits Spring Break Games

Senior Morgan Clauser tossed a 2-hit shutout against Ramapo College. (Photo courtesy of David Sinclair)

By Brody Tennant Staff Writer Over the 2019

Spring Break, the Gettysburg College Softball team traveled to Florida for its annual trip, going 3-3.

To begin the trip, the Bullets took on both the College of Wooster and Washington University in Saint Louis, both for the first time in program history.

During game one, the Bullets scored quickly on junior Sarahrose Jonik’s lead-off homerun at the top of the 1st inning. At the top of the 4th inning, senior Meredith Taylor tallied a homerun of her own, giving the team its 3-0 lead, which was how the contest ended.

Senior pitcher Morgan Clauser pitched a complete shutout game for the second time in two days, bringing her record to 4-0 so far this season.

In their second game, the Bullets had a much more difficult time.

The game started out close but took a turn in the top of the 5th inning.

Washington only held a 1-0 lead, but in the 5th they scored six more runs, bringing the lead to 7-0.

In the bottom of the 5th, sophomore Brynn Griffith collected the team’s third dinger of the day, scoring the team’s only runs of the game. Washington scored three more runs, winning the game 10-2.

Two days later, the Bullets began their second double header of the Florida trip, taking on Plymouth State and Montclair State.

The Bullets saw a couple scoring opportunities early in the game against Plymouth State but were unable to take advantage of them.

Clauser saw her first loss of the season after giving up 10 hits and 5 earned runs, 7 runs total.

After 6 innings, the Bullets were down by 6 runs but did not go down without a fight. They cut the deficit down to 2 runs but could not complete the comeback, losing 7-5.

In the second game of the day against Montclair State, the

Bullets had much more success. In the 1st inning, they put up a 6 spot. In the second, the Bullets added 3 more on a solo homerun

by Meredith Taylor and a two-run homerun by junior Rachel Julie. The Bullets took the contest 9-1.

To end the Florida trip, the Bullets took on Ramapo College and William Paterson University in their third double header of the week.

Clauser racked up 13 strikeouts against Ramapo College, a career high and one short of the program record. It was also her third shutout of the season. Backed by two homeruns by sophomore Shelby Baker, the Bullets took the game 4-0.

Game two was a tight race for the duration of the game, neither team ever being ahead by more

than 2 runs.

After an RBI single by Meredith Taylor, the score was tied 1-1 until the 4th inning. That was when William Paterson took a 2-1 lead, not lasting long, as the Bullets took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the inning.

In the next two innings, William Paterson scored 3 runs to take a 5-4 lead.

The Bullets came close but could not retake the lead and dropped their final Spring Break game.

After their home opener, the next game for the Bullets will be this Saturday, March 23, at Mary Washington.

T H E U N I V E RS I TY O F S C R A N TO N

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This weekend in Gettysburg College Sports Saturday, March 23rd

Women’s and Men’s Track & Field at Elizabethtown Invitational-TBA Baseball at Penn State Berks - 12 p.m.

Softball at Mary Washington - 12 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse vs. No.8 Ursinus - 1 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Ursinus - 1 p.m.

Sunday, March 24th

Baseball vs. Gwynedd Mercy - 12:30 p.m.

To get the full spring 2019 Athletic Calendar Visit gettysburgsports.com