The Sandspur Volume 123 Issue 24

Issue 24, Volume 123 Thursday, April 27, 2017

Fiat Farewell to Our Fellow Seniors

Page Page #2 •• SECTION OPINION

Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

EXECUTIVE STAFF Lauren Waymire Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Mariano Managing Editor Micah Bradley Production Manager

CONTENT STAFF Amanda Grace Head Copy Editor Minoska Hernandez Morgan McConnell Rebecca Candage Copy Editors Eric Hilton Kalli Joslin Section Editors Christina Fuleihan Ellie Rushing Staff Writer Kalli Joslin Nolan Brewer Web Editors

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Shaayann Khalid Head Designer Victoria Villavicencio Zoe Kim Maliha Qureshi Designers

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

General Manager of Student Media

Dr. Bill Boles Faculty Advisor David Neitzel Business Manager Jose Araneta Student Media Graduate Assistant Kennedy Butler Student Media Intern

ADVERTISING

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.org

Cover Art Designed By Shaayann Khalid ‘17

Thursday, September 11, 2017 2014 Thursday, April 27,

The blissful struggle of overcommitment While college students are often harped on for their overcommitment to friends, classes, and organizations, being heavily involved also has a positive side.

Christina Fuleihan

Staff Writer

This has been an article I have been meaning to write for most of the semester. Given that the theme of this piece is overcommitment, there is a certain irony involved in knowing that the delay may have been caused, in some part, by an overcommitment on the part of the author.

But, the real reason why this piece has continued to be postponed or delayed consistently for the last few weeks is simply because overcommitment happens to be one of my largest concerns at the moment, so this is not necessarily an easy piece to write as my views on the matter tend to be conflicted.

We are all college students, with dreams and passions and many, many interests. Some of us may have an easier time prioritizing some of those interests than others, while some, like me, dread neglecting some of our interests in favor of others.

Overcommitment can come in many forms. Some people have a difficult time saying, “no;” others simply want to finish what they started, and there are a cluster of those who use overcommitment as an excuse to justify procrastination. Whether it be academic pursuits or extracurricular activities, service or networking—these are all enriching experiences and are very valued in a liberal arts education.

On the other hand, when does the multiple obligations and responsibilities we have set up for ourselves simply come to be too much?

As college students, we should be pursuing our passions, discovering the pieces of ourselves that make us who we are, treading new grounds, and building a foundation for our future. I have always been proud

of the diversity of my pursuits, defended the significance of my passions, reveled in a wide range of interests spanning such diverse fields as the arts, biology, philosophy, and neuroscience.

However, I have slowly been coming to the realization that there are only so many hours in the day, and we are all merely human. We need sleep, and it could be nice to have an extra hour or two in a day to go to the gym or enjoy a causal conversation with a friend you have not seen in a while.

But, despite the sleepless nights and stressful schedule, I am having a hard time accepting that overcommitment is a bad thing. (While I condemn resume-building, some of us are uniquely invested in all of our activities.) Even when so many people are able to condemn the lack of leisure time, I resist easily categorizing overcommitment into the same category of skills college-students should strive to manage, i.e. time-management and communication skills. It is not that I do not realize how it can be problematic, or that I can pretend that this is not an issue that directly pertains to me, but rather, I fail to see how following your interests and pursuing your passions can be so terrible.

I have heard all of the warnings before—multiple times, actually.

People consistently caution against burning out, sacrificing sleep, and neglecting one’s physical and mental health. While it is true that some people eventually come to dread that which they once loved to do—as even the most rewarding activities can come to be seen as a burden under the strain of various other pressures—I have a hard time accepting that I need to do less when I am also doing what I love and learning every step of the way.

I do acknowledge the fact that, to some degree, overcommitment can seem less focused, and it is always possible that by failing to prioritize one thing over another you risk ineptitude and sloppiness. Despite this, overcommitment does not mean a lack of prioritization and does not have to become synonymous with reduced effort, neglect, or carelessness. In fact, most people who tend to overcommit do so because they care too much, so carelessness should not even be a concern!

Perhaps not everyone will agree with me, but I do not think that we can so easily critique overcommitment or denounce it as a sin. We all do it on occasion, some of us more than others.

As long as one is not neglecting

themselves, losing sight of their goals, or sacrificing hard work and effort, overcommitment should be an endeavor that we applaud, rather than offhandedly judge as disillusionment. It might be nice to have someone express interest in some of our involvements, rather than denouncing them with a simple, “why?” Trust me when I say that there are reasons to everything. I would not do anything I did not believe in or have some investment in.

While overcommitment might not be for everyone—after all, having lots of leisure time can also provide a lot of advantages and benefits—it is not necessarily an issue, either. Leisure would mean nothing if there came to be too much of it.

Corrections from Volume 123, Issue 21: The article “College media flooded with polarized commentary in wake of student suspension” referenced the Central Florida Post and characterized it as a “conservative news source” concerned with “protecting Christian values against Islamic ideals.” We are unable to find the standard website archival records that would have enabled us to verify the latter quote. We stand by the remainder of our article.

The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur, its staff, or Rollins College.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Page 3 • FEATURES

Lambda Chi unable to fill house, moves out of Cross Hall Fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha will be moving out of their on-campus living space, Cross Hall. The space will be open to applications for use to all on-campus organizations.

Jojo Peloquin

Writer

For the past several weeks, Lambda Chi Alpha was rumored to lose their house. As of last week, Lambda Chi and the office of Residential Life and Explorations finally confirmed that Lambda Chi has opted out of living at Cross Hall. On Tuesday, April 18, I spoke with Leon Hayner, the Senior Director of Res Life, who explained that Lambda Chi was not able to fill their house to 80% capacity, so the chapter decided to opt out

of living on campus for the following year. Leon mentioned that Residential Life and Explorations generously offered to reserve a section of rooms for the chapter, if they decided they would like to live in the same area. The chapter is quite familiar with this accommodation since they reserved a section of Elizabeth Hall until 2015.

Now that Lambda Chi has officially left the house, the dorm will be turned into a residential hall for the 2017-2018 school year. The dorm was made available for all students that have

completed their first year of college, meaning Cross will become a co-ed dorm.

For the following year, any student organization that would like to use Cross as their organization’s living space is able to submit a proposal to Residential Life and Explorations. The organization must include how it would benefit from living on campus and how it fits in with the Rollins College and Res. Life mission statements. Even though the house was used as a Fraternity and Sorority life house in the past, the house will not be

utilized exclusively by FSL; any organization on campus is able to occupy the house for the 20182019 school year.

Lambda Chi’s chapter sparked a conversation about living arrangements for upperclassmen living on campus. One of President Cornwell’s main focuses is to create more living and learning communities on campus, so students are able to live on campus longer. President Cornwell’s strategic planning committee is teaming up with Res. Life to plan where the new dorms would be built, how

much money it would cost, and how this would impact the campus.

President Cornwell believes the purpose of attending a small liberal arts college means students should be immersed in their community; they should be living on their campus to get the full liberal arts experience.

To achieve this, President Cornwell is looking to extend the required years on campus from two to three. As for Lambda Chi, their chapter may be able to fill another house after the project is completed.

Rollins SWOT identifies key areas for improvement The Rollins strategic planning initiative has resulted in new policies for the rFLA system and the declaration of majors.

Micah Bradley Production Manager During the past year, Rollins College has been undergoing a strategic planning initiative known as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Recently, the SWOT summary report was published, and several changes are coming to the college next year that will affect students as a result of this strategic planning.

Generally, the college needs to focus more on its mission and dedication to the liberal arts.

President Grant Cornwell noted that, “The main thing we need to improve upon is deepening and broadening each and every student’s engagement with our mission.”

“We are not alone in this, but our focus should be on doing all we can to insure that students have a strong and deepening sense of purpose in their studies. The opportunity to pursue a liberal education for global citizenship and responsible leadership is a privilege that is not to

be taken lightly.” Continued the President.

Perhaps most important to students is how this will affect the rFLA system. This system was implemented in 2014, and this year the last of the students under the old general education system will graduate. Since its inception, the plan was to re-evaluate the system during the 2017/2018 academic year to see if it is positively impacting student learning.

SWOT indicated that the neighborhood curriculum needed “attention,” according to Dr. Jennifer Cavenaugh, Dean of the Faculty. “This summer the Dean’s office will work with the Director of General Education to plan for a systemic evaluation of the rFLA curriculum to be conducted during the academic year,” said Dean Cavenaugh.

“Based upon that assessment the faculty will consider 1) if the curriculum should be continued and 2) what changes need to be made in order to improve learning outcomes for students as well as student and faculty ex-

perience.”

Any major changes to the rFLA system will most likely occur in the 2018/2019 academic year. Some minor changes have already been implemented, including eliminating the 150 level class requirement. Students now must take one 100 level class, three 200 level classes, and one 300 level class.

Cavenaugh also noted that “Other changes include revising neighborhood descriptions and cutting back on co-curricular experiences.” These changes are based on student and faculty feedback and course surveys.

Also affecting students is changing how majors are declared. Students will now enter with their major listed as “Exploring” or “Exploring—x [Major Name].” This motion was passed by the CLA faculty in late March. After taking two classes in the major and classes from other areas of the college, the student must fill out a major declaration form that includes a reflection on why the major has been selected. The “Conceptu-

al Underpinnings” listed in the “Task Force Report” for this change include that “Students should experience a variety of classes at Rollins College before declaring a major” and that “Major declaration should be accompanied by a thoughtful reflection by the student.”

This major declaration change is being made for two additional reasons: departments need to know how many students they will have so that they can staff properly, and some departments have more students enrolled than their optimal number. Departments that have more students than optimal, according to “The Task Force Report,” “will determine autonomous curricular measures to reduce the numbers. The plans will be brought to the Curriculum Committee.”

Cornwell had an overall positive view of the process, noting that “Perhaps what was most surprising is the confluence in thinking between students, faculty, and trustees. We really do know Rollins well. We know our strengths. We know those things

we need to improve. And we all value Rollins and our shared purpose very deeply.”

According to the Strategic Planning page on the Rollins College website, the Board of Trustees will review and approve many of the proposed strategic initiatives in May and implement the approved initiatives in June.

In May 2018, the college will formally assess the initiatives that were implemented, and in Fall 2019, they will renew the process.

Other topics covered by SWOT, as listed on the SWOT BlackBoard Page, include the mission and structure of the Holt School, a new facility for Crummer, a new facility for CFAM, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, post-graduate success, on-campus housing requirements, graduation rates, faculty compensation, and data stewardship and analytics.

To see The Sandspur’s full coverage of SWOT until now, visit: [QR Codes] There were two or three articles on this.

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Thursday, April 27, 2017

Page 4 • FEATURES

Senior staffers bid farewell to ‘The Sandspur,’ reminisce on time spent a strongly connected group of people who truly care about Rollins and the work they do. Everyone puts in their all to make The Sandspur successful and I’ve seen it from the very beginning. I loved reading everyone’s pieces and then seeing it all being put together into the creative work that these papers are. Every member of the team has given all their love to create something

unique together and share it with our peers and beyond. I’m so happy to have witnessed the magic and to have been a part of it behind the scenes.

Thank you to The Sandspur and thank you to Rollins for allowing me this opportunity.

Yes, I’ve gained valuable experience for the future, but I’ve also gained much more than that, and I’ll never regret it.

Sandspur, and in my sorority. It is easy to dismiss people at Rollins, especially during such divisive times as these. “People suck,” is actually one of my life mantras, because a lot of times people are just genuinely terrible. But other times they can be amazing—capable of fascinating conversations, boundless compassion, and even the cleverest of sarcasm (which is not an inferior form of humor). I would like to channel the spirit of Fox Day friendliness and say thank you for your friendship.

In my four years at Rollins, I rarely felt as productive as when designing for The Sandspur. It’s all about that immediate gratification: I create something that is immortalized in print only a few days later (even if it is not all that great). But The Sandspur is not really just about the newspaper.

It also about the people behind it as well. A staff that is not only extremely funny, but also smart

and passionate about what happens – not just in Rollins, but also in the world. Thank you to this amazing team for being who they are, despite how weird they can get, and for making my Monday nights all the more enjoyable. It has been such a blessing to work by your side.

To the Rollins students who actually read The Sandspur (yes, all ten of you): thank you for not letting your fellow students’ work go to waste. Newspapers are a way to encapsulate moments in time; I know I remember some memorable editions from my freshman and sophomore years.

To the rest of you (who most certainly will not read this): the best of luck. College is said to be the best four years of your life, which is something I am about to discover whether is true or false.

I hope that, at the very least, you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.

ery day.

The Sandspur played an imManaging Editor portant part in shaping me as As my final year at Rollins a writer. I learned that if you comes to a close, this is the third exclusively think of news as reflective piece of writing I’ve dry and boring, then... your had to do—and I’m sure it won’t articles are going to come out be the last. Although, really, it’s dry and boring. News isn’t just never felt as if I’ve ever had to do information scrolling past on a anything for The Sandspur. From television screen. It starts with day one it was a choice. It was a what our eyes see, the reactionchoice to heave myself up those ary thoughts produced by our five flights of stairs every Mon- brains, and then the critical observations and dialogues that day for Article Assignment.

It was a choice to keep com- come out of our mouths. We— ing back even after I wasn’t se- people­—are at the center of lected to be a copy editor my news, and articles will always be first semester. It was a choice to infinitely more interesting if they apply to be Head Copy Editor stay true to that fact. I try not when I was only a rising soph- to write about events that take omore. And it was one heck of a place, but about the people that choice when Lauren Skyped me made those events a reality in while I was abroad last spring the first place. Journalisms isn’t and asked me to be her Manag- newscasting; it’s storytelling.

I’ve learned to be unabashed ing Editor for this academic year. in sharing my writing, thoughts, The most important choice and ideas with the campus. I of all was choosing to follow learned how to brazenly share through with it every week, evthose ideas effectively.

As my role in this paper grew to more and more of an executive level, I started seeing the value in every piece of information that passed me by in the whirlwind of day-to-day. The words “Ah, that would make a good article” became a favorite flavor on the tip of my tongue.

I sought to give our paper the best, and to help our staff realize that our paper deserved the best.

As a freshman I came to The Sandspur and found role models; as a senior I didn’t think that anyone would ever come to the office and find me as any sort of role model.

But I look at the faces around the table during Article Assignment stuffing their mouths with pizza, avoiding direct eye contact with me as I pester them to commit to an article, and I feel the warmth of students who have found a home in our attic, despite my awkward leadership.

I couldn’t have chosen anything better.

Minoska Hernandez

Copy Editor

When I first joined The Sandspur as a freelance writer, it was a way for me to build up my portfolio and gain writing experience for the future. I am happy to say that it has become much more than that.From freelance writer to staff member, I’m honored to have been a part of such

Victoria Villavicencio Designer After three years as a tour guide, I have told hundreds of people about why I chose Rollins. My story stays the same: it was the only school I visited that I could picture myself studying at. But that is not necessarily the reason why I chose to stay. Like many others do in their freshman year, I once considered transferring. As someone who has lived in different cities and different countries, I am well aware that moving to a new place, although hard, is not impossible. Replacing people, on the other hand, most certainly is.

I found my people at Rollins. Human beings who are kind, generous, smart, funny, and passionate about what they do. People who genuinely believe they can help the world. I found them in my classes, in my RCC, in The

Alexandra Mariano

Photo courtesy of Sianna Boschetti

Photo courtesy of Lauren Waymire

Page 5 • FEATURES Lauren Waymire

Editor-in-Chief

I found my way to the Sandspur office as a wee freshman for the first article assignment of year, bright-eyed and bushytailed, and found my tribe. They were weird, a little cynical, and had heated debates about the Oxford comma. The Sandspurians also pushed for honesty, quality, and integrity, something that we’ve tried to uphold above all else.

Now more than ever these components are crucial, not just in how we publish papers but in how we conduct ourselves.

We fail ourselves when we don’t tell the truth (or fail to gather all of our facts). We fail ourselves when we do mediocre work if our best can be achieved. We fail ourselves if we put anything above the strength of our character.

My parents, who are also my two biggest cheerleaders and motivators, imparted to me that integrity is the only thing that is truly ours in this life. This is something that my fellow newspaper dweebs have understood.

The last few years have made me incredibly proud of our staff and the work that has been poured into each issue.

I so look forward to seeing what the incoming staff has to offer as we leave our legacy in

more than capable hands (Go Ellie!). They will be tasked with not only carrying on the quality that Micah and I have tried to implement during our tenures as Supreme Leader of the Spur, but also addressing a new kind of socalled journalism that threatens to undermine the integrity and credibility of all news sources with pernicious aims and prejudice. We may be an eight-page weekly college newspaper for a very small student body but we will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards I hope that I’ve given to the Rollins community a fraction of what I have received in my time here. I have felt mentored and uplifted at the precise moments that I most needed it. When your own family is a few thousand miles away it’s a blessing to have a surrogate one so close by.

These four years are not to be wasted. As I can attest, they go by quickly. Get involved.

Find your people. Take up a new hobby. Champion a cause. Write an article for The Sandspur (or be Micah and write 100). Your dorm is a safe space but your possibilities there are limited. Make friends. Go outside your comfort zone. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, Tars, for shaping me to be the okay punk I am today. Fiat Lux.

Micah Bradley

Production Manager

Goodbye, Sandspur.

On the first day of my freshman year, I walked up the intimidating five floors of the Mills Building to enter The Sandspur office for the first time.

As usual, there were a ton of people at the first meeting and a white board full of ideas.

I signed up to write a piece­­—I think it was on freshman orientation—which was frankly so bad the staff at the time didn’t even publish it online, much less in print.

Undeterred, I started taking the pieces that literally no one else wanted to write: campus news. I quickly became better at reporting and interviewing for these pieces, putting large amounts of time into some of the most boring (but informative!) articles your lovely student newspaper publishes.

I worked my way up to being Editor-in-Chief last year, which is something I did not think I was capable of, but somehow managed to pull off passably well.

To me, my greatest accomplishment as the leader of this newspaper was refocusing us even more to fulfill our motto, “Everything Real. Everything Rollins,” by publishing campus news and events in a timely fash-

Thursday, April 27, 2017

ion.

We still have a long way to go, but the growth that I have seen at The Sandspur over my four years has been incredible.

Reciprocally, my growth has been more than I ever thought possible—I have changed from a shy freshman into a campus leader and writer, and I have developed my own voice and learned to trust that I have something to say.

To next year’s executive staff: you all will do amazing and wonderful things. I have amazing faith in each and every one of you.

Ellie, you will do a phenomenal job as Editor. It’s not an easy job, I know, but just yell at people and send passive aggressive emails, and you will be fine. Sianna, you will kick ass. I don’t really have anything else to say.

You know how highly I think of you. Rebecca, you are a fantastic editor and will be a Head Copy Editing Rock Star. Just do me a favor and remember the Oxford comma and to italicize ALL movie titles.

This is my 100th article for this paper, not counting the first one they didn’t publish. I have loved every single one of them, and every single person I’ve worked with.

You all have made my time at Rollins wonderful. Bye.

Eric Hilton

Section Editor I joined The Sandspur my freshman year at to please a cute classmate I was attempting to woo. Little did I know I would spend the next five semesters working and interning for the paper. I began as a simple section editor, quietly working every Monday and attempting to avoid the wrath of then Editor-in-Chief Greg Matteson. Over time, my confidence and appreciation for the paper grew and I began to write articles for the paper.

My sophomore year, I became the news editor for The Sandspur and my appreciation for the paper reached its peak.

I got to dive deep into the paper and get a hands-on feel for how to cover organizations on campus. Moreover, writing for the paper has given my the confidence to express my opinion, even on controversial issues.

But the thing I enjoyed the most and will miss above all else is the people. I’ve had so many good times with the people who dedicate their precious time to keeping the Rollins community informed and entertained. To the future of the paper, best of luck.

You are all talented, wonderful individuals who will elevate the publication to even greater heights. I look forward to reading your work.

Page 6 • FEATURES

Thursday, April 27, 2017

BYOB and Rollins students rake in BBQ at the FSL scholarships Rollins students Karina Barbesino ’18, Ben tailgate

Wozniak ’17, and Alyssa DeLucia ’17 received Rollins Fraternity and a Boren, a Fulbright, and a Goldwater Sorority Life hosted a tailgate scholarship respectively this year. on behalf of the women’s

by Dr. Decker in the Modern Award, an undergraduate scholChristina Fuleihan lacrosse game on April 20, Staff Writer Languages and Literatures De- arship that funds study-abroad partment. Wozniak explained, opportunities for undergraduEvery year, Rollins students “[My study abroad experince ates to areas crucial to American featuring 4 Rivers catering are recipients of some of the to Munich, Germany in Spring national security initiatives, Kamost prestigious scholarships 2015] exposed me to the beauty rina Barbesino will be studying and Rollins’ first-ever BYOB awarded nationally. This year of the world outside of my own abroad in China next semester has been no exception, as our students’ stellar academic and extracurricular activities have been recognized once again. Karina Barbesino ’18, Ben Wozniak ’17, and Alyssa DeLucia ’17 are just the newest additions to the ever-expanding pool of accomplished Rollins awardees. Dr. Jay, who heads the Office of External and Competitive Scholarship Advisement, has continued to serve as a great resource and advisor to these and many more students throughout their Rollins careers.

These scholarships are incredibly competitive and can often serve as defining accomplishments well past one’s undergraduate career. So, congratulations to these students! The recognition is well deserved.

Our students have unique and diverse backgrounds that serve to enrich the Rollins student experience. Wozniak describes himself through his music, saying, “I am in love with music. It was part of my upbringing, and it will always be present in my life. I have been playing guitar and singing since I was eight years old; writing and playing music is the best way for me to emote.” Wozniak will be serving as an English Teaching Assistant and a cultural ambassador in Germany, as a recipient of the Fulbright. He was encouraged to apply for the Fulbright

community, and it was a huge influence in my decision to apply to the Fulbright Program. Getting accepted into the Fulbright Program has given me more confidence in my accomplishments and my work ethic. It has shown me that I am ready to be a cultural ambassador.”

Barbesino is an artist at heart and can often be found sitting outside of the library porch sketching, but she also has many passions. Barbesino said of her future career goals, “I haven’t narrowed down on a single specific job yet but the dream jobs would be in the cyber security arena with a focus on policy for the CIA, a Foreign Service Officer, or a linguist in the Intelligence Community. In the more imminent future I hope to get my masters in security studies from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service.”

Barbesino described her own application process: “I had never even heard of Boren until Dr. Jay mentioned it at a Fulbright information session last year. It had slipped my mind completely until I heard of other friends applying for it and decided to shape my study abroad around it. For such a small college, Rollins has vast resources and every faculty member wants to see you succeed so they go out of their way to help.”

As a recipient of the Boren

and has committed to working in a federal national security job after graduation for at least one year.

Meanwhile, DeLucia is an accomplished chemistry major and the first Rollins recipient of a Goldwater Scholarship in the last five years. The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduates who have clearly demonstrated an interest in pursuing a research career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.

Rollins continues to influence students to strive towards the ideals of global citizenship Rollins so highly values, even after alumni have already matriculated. While DeLucia is incredibly invested in pursuing a PhD candidacy in the future and was unable to study abroad as an undergraduate, she is planning on applying for the Fulbright scholarship as well so that she can have the opportunity to do laboratory work in a foreign country more focused on green chemistry.

Rollins College continues to be an empowering source of support for our students, creating opportunities and helping students succeed. As Wozniak concluded, “I am excited to start this new chapter to my life, and I would like to thank the Rollins community for their unwavering support and encouragement.”

Congratulations Boren Award Fulbright Scholarship Goldwater Scholarship

Karina Barbesino ‘18 Ben Wozniak ‘17 Alyssa DeLucia ‘17

Cameron Ochse

Writer

This past Thursday, FSL held a tailgate to gather students for the upcoming women’s lacrosse game. The different fraternities and sororities partnered up to help out with the event, as well as to make sure students were present and participating.

The event featured free food from Four Rivers and also allowed alcohol on the premise so long as the container was checked in at the front.

This is the first time that alcohol has been allowed at an on-campus tailgate event, showing that the FSL community is reaching out to trust the student body.

Overall, the tailgates often act as great ways for students to bond and prepare for the upcoming game. Greek life is especially promoted at these events, since sororities and fraternities partner up to set up games and food. This year, the pairings were Chi Omega and Lambda Chi Alpha, Chi Psi and NCM, Phi Delta Theta and ADPi, SAE and KD, Alpha Omicron Pi and X-Club, and DZ and TKE. Together this community

“

set up games like corn hole and football and allowed students to mingle in easy situations over free food and excitement for the upcoming game. Additionally, the new rule allowing alcohol at the event not only shows how the FSL community is trying its best to trust students but also allows students to bond over a drink.

The tailgates usually come together to support the team playing that evening, which happened to be women’s lacrosse.

Once the game begins, the students attending the tailgate walk over to the field to support and cheer on the lacrosse team as a group.

It’s best to attend these events as early as possible so you can get food while you still can, since Four Rivers ran out after about an hour or so.

However, there was still a stall selling hot dogs and other food set up for students who came later in the tailgate. The tailgate serves as a fun and relaxed way to partner up with another Greek organization and encourage school spirit at the women’s lacrosse game.

Overall, the tailgates often act as great ways for students to bond and prepare for the upcoming game.

Greek life is especially promoted at these events, since sororities and fraternities partner up to set up games and food

Page 7 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Spoken words on gender, sexual identity

Self-proclaimed poet, Kavi Ade, visited Rollins on April 20 to present spoken word poetry on being a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Cameron Osche

Writer

This past Thursday, poet Kavi Ade visited Rollins to share some of their poetry. Ade was brought to Rollins by the Student Leadership Forum, presented by Rita Bornstein. Students gathered in Bush to listen to Ade’s poetry and opinions on gender identity and race in contemporary America.

Ade is a spoken-word poet from Philadelphia, who has specialized in social justice and gender studies. The poetry presented by Ade had clear connections to their life, covering complex issues such as gender identity, race, stereotypes, suicide, sexual assault, and family. As a transgender individual, Ade has faced difficulties throughout their lifetime in getting others to accept them. Ade mentioned that they especially had difficulties with their family, since both religion

and cultural backgrounds left their parents with complicated views on transgenderism.

Ade mentioned that in order to cope with the rejection they initially faced from their family, several years passed where Ade did not speak to their parents.

This separation allowed both Ade and their family to grow more tolerant, although there were still arguments to come.

However, Ade said that now they are much better with their family.

Ade also spoke often about black culture in America and the recent social movements which have erupted. They spoke about the connection and rage that many black individuals faced during these movements, and the toll it can take on someone’s mental state. After witnessing both the emotional and physical beatings that can occur during these movements, it becomes difficult to remain in these situ-

ations.

The black identity mentioned by Ade also covered ideas such as toxic masculinity in the black community. Many black men have expectations placed upon them to be hyper masculine; therefore, black individuals who identify as queer will often face harassment from their own community as a result of their sexuality or gender identity.

Ade was very connected with their audience, speaking to members between poems and telling stories that either related to the creation of a poem or something that was just crossing their mind.

They welcomed questions and were very open about their past and the struggles that they and others have faced as a result of their identity. Ade was incredibly friendly and open, as well as a talented poet whom covered complex emotions and mindsets, which is often difficult to do.

Bach Festival brings ‘Vive la France’ to Knowles

Rollins hosts Bach Festival on April 22 in Knowles Chapel, where the ‘Vive la France’ concert was presented.

Diego Medrano Writer It was my unusual privilege on April 22 to attend the Bach Festival’s Vive la France concert in Rollins’ own Knowles Memorial Chapel. The Bach Festival Society, which saw its birth at Rollins in 1935, per the evening’s playbill, prides itself in “bringing world-class talent to the Winter Park community.” What better place to display said talent than in the ominously lit, imposing halls of Knowles Chapel? As I took my seat against the right wall, a gracious pillar obstructing my view of three quarters of the orchestra, I felt a sense of grandeur that left me feeling dwarfed and underdressed.

The concert opened with Camille Saint-Saenes’ Morceau de Concert, Op. 94, featuring Kathy Thomas leading on the French horn. From the first few strokes of conductor John V. Sinclair’s hands, I could hear a majesty that had no trouble filling the massive space of the chapel. The clear ringing of Thomas’ horn heralds a grand sweep from the string ensemble in resonant highs and thundering lows. It sounded patriotic to me in the moment, and were I less enraptured, I may have deigned to salute the orchestra.

Claude Debussy’s Nocturnes followed after some applause.

Nuages, or Clouds, the first piece, had an insistent and rolling consistency to it that I sank into. The cellos and double basses gently hummed through my whole body. Fetes, appropriately Holidays, had the same sedating and carrying quality of its namesake, so much so that I was stolen by dreams halfway through.

At that point, I noticed the choir (which I am ashamed to admit I had thought was just another section of the audience up until this point) rise from their seats, and my voice caught

as I felt theirs preparing. They boomed like a thunderclap as they sang the suitably titled Gloria, as per Francis Poulenc. This glorious hymn led into a softer, more personal Laudamus te, “We praise you.” The strings here sounded almost humble. It was here that the astounding soprano Sherezade Panthaki took the stage for Domine Deus, an almost ominous piece recognizing Lord God’s supreme sovereignty. Panthaki’s clear and skyscraper-high tone was likely be heard from Valencia College.

Domine Fili unigenite, followed by Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, followed by Qui sedes ad desteram patris concluded this section of the concerto, in which equal measures of awe and fear of God resonated in every note.

Not every section stood out to me, but really, not all of them needed to.

The concert closed with a rendition of Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. The intermission allowed me to stretch my legs and process the grandeur of what I had just heard, and as I returned to my seat, I had a burning curiosity to hear the voice of Michael Dean, the baritone leading this section.

I am not disappointed; the ideal counterpart to Panthaki’s soaring soprano, Dean’s voice runs low, and fluid like the depths of the ocean. I was completely captivated, in particular during Libera Me, a mournful but dignified piece with a fantastic melody.

The rest of this section spoke to me very little, and felt like a subdued ending when matched against the first half of the performance.

I would say that I have a sober and objective appreciation for the skill and precision it took to execute a concert of such caliber. I would also say I personally lack the personal attraction to such performances, and lack the abneeded to critique them with any real fervor.

Page 8 • SPORTS

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Tars advance to SSC semifinals The men’s tennis team won against Florida Southern but lost to Barry University on April 20. They will now fight for the SSC’s third place title.

Ellie Rushing

Staff Writer

The perseverance and strength the Tars demonstrated last week earned them a spot in the next round of the Sunshine State Conference tournament.

Fourth-seeded Rollins defeated Florida Southern, ranked number five at the time, in an epic comeback, marking it the second time in the past week that the Tars overpowered the Mocs.

With the win, #28 Rollins improves to 11-9 on the year, and advance to the SSC Tournament Semifinals.

The Mocs end their year ranked #38 nationally, with a 1011 overall record.

The meeting started in favor of Florida Southern, who stole the first two doubles wins; however, Francesco Racanelli ’19 and Ziad Melhaoui ‘19 made sure Rollins avoided a loss, defeating Southern’s Blaine Miller and Jose de Sario, 8-5, in the third spot.

From there, the Mocs also

won the first singles match, pursuing a 3-1 lead. But, Sami Kirberg ’20 and Patrick Sell ’17 won back-to-back, putting the Tars back on the board.

The score remained tied at 3-3, and it looked in favor of the Mocs before Rollins’ Cody Gubin ’19 recovered from an epic set back. Losing the first round 2-6, Gubin ultimately finished the last two 6-1, 6-4, proving his ability to remain concentrated and mentally strong.

Florida Southern continued to fight. They won the next match, tying the score for the second time at 4-4. However, their good luck could only get them so far.

Daniel Fore ’19 ended up pulling through for the Tars in the end with a win in the fifth position. The Landsberg, Germany native fought long and hard and overcame a first set loss to win the series 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Rollins’ ability to overcome initial deficit earned them a spot in the next round of the tourna-

ment, facing top-seeded Barry University. Unfortunately, the Tars were unable to overcome the top-seeded team and were defeated 6-0. Barry improved 20-1 on the season.

Although the Tars did not clinch the SSC title, they will have to turn around and prepare for another highly ranked opponent in the SSC Tournament third place game.

Rollins will take on the loser of the matchup between second-seeded Saint Leo and third seeded Lynn.

The Lions are 12-3 on the year and ranked third in the country, while the Fighting Knights are 18-4 and sit at #8.

Rollins looks to clinch a spot in the NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Selection Show, set to air on Tuesday, April 25. If Rollins is not chosen to continue with their season, it will be the end of the road for two seniors, Patrick Sell ‘17 and Anton Bettink ‘17. For more information on the men’s team visit rollinssports.com.

Photo Courtesy of to Jim Hogue Photos