University to implement hazing education for student organizations
ANNA CHEN Audience Editor
VIRGINIA COLLEGES AND UNIVERsities are now required to pro vide hazing prevention training following the passage of Adam’s Law.
Joe Wheeless, director of VCU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said he plans to keep an eye out for any reports of hazing as student organizations, clubs, sororities and fraternities begin their recruitment process.
“The goal of this education is to make sure that they [students] can know and understand what hazing is and how to report it,” Wheeless said.
The training provides students with education on the effects and overconsumption of alcohol, Wheeless said. The education also includes information on how to identify hazing and the severity scale of different types of hazing, along with Virginia laws and VCU’s policies on hazing, according to Wheeless.
“The ultimate goal is so students can identify what hazing would be and what resources are available for reporting and supporting students who may experience hazing,” Wheeless said.
The ultimate goal is so students can identify what hazing would be and what resources are available for reporting and supporting students who may experience hazing.”
Joe Wheeless, director of VCU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Students interested in joining fraternities and sororities will need to complete the hazing prevention training, per Adam’s law, named after Adam Oakes who died due to alcohol poisoning as a result of hazing on Feb. 26, 2021. The General Assembly passed the bill, and it was subsequently signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in April.
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will keep track of student attendance. If the chapter is interested in the student’s bid, the office will do an eligibility check and share with the chapter if the student is eligible to join or not, according to Wheeless.
Along with hazing prevention training, the legislation requires Virginia colleges and universities to report any incidents and hazing violations to campus police or local law enforcement, according to the Virginia Legislative Information System.
See HAZING on page 3
Shooting near campus injures two students
KATRINA LEE News Editor
Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of South Laurel Street for the report of a shooting on Sept. 5 at 8:09 p.m., according to RPD an email statement.
RPD officers located two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both males were transported to a local hospital for nonlife threatening injuries.
The department did not comment on any developments on the suspects involved in the shooting.
A VCU alert was emailed to all students approximately two hours after the shooting at 10:13 p.m.
“The first suspect is a black male, with dreadlocks and no shirt. The second suspect is a black male, with a low fade haircut, wearing a white T-Shirt and black shorts. They were last seen driving a dark blue or dark green sedan. Last seen heading towards the university,” the alert stated.
The alert also stated Richmond Police are leading the investigation, and police have increased patrols in the area.
The university’s Division of Student Affairs sent an email to students yesterday afternoon, which consisted of an overview of the situation, safety reminders and links to mental health services. The email also confirmed the two individuals injured were VCU students.
“The students were near a large gathering of people on Laurel Street when shots were fired,” the email stated.
For more information, go to https://alert.vcu.edu/
‘WE’RE DEFINITELY ADAPTING’: Students adjust to relaxed COVID-19 policies
Student organizations greet students at New Student Convocation 2021. CT File Photo
Many students are maskless while they wait in line at the Starbucks located in the James Branch Cabell Library. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore
‘WE’RE DEFINITELY ADAPTING’:
Students adjust to relaxed COVID-19 policies
VARSHA VASUDEVAN Staff Writer
THERE IS A NOTABLE DECREASE
in VCU students who are seen wearing masks in the library, classrooms and around campus as the 2022 fall semester begins.
VCU made masks and face coverings optional indoors and outdoors on campus on March 21, according to the VCU Safety & Management website. There are also no longer physical distancing or masking requirements at events, according to the website.
Freshman accounting student Sylvie Bowman said they believe VCU is attempting to return to normalcy through more relaxed COVID-19 policies.
“It’s not like COVID[-19] is that much of a danger anymore, but it is still a virus, and we are still in a pandemic,” Bowman said.
Bowman said they didn’t feel as though they are missing out on any college traditions or experiences due to the pandemic so far in their freshman year.
“I would say it’s pretty normal, the college life, except for wearing masks occasionally, but that’s a precaution you take if you want to be safe,” Bowman said.
Bowman said institutions such as VCU have kept the more “convenient” outcomes of the pandemic, like implementing more technology into education.
“We’re definitely adapting, but I don’t think it’ll ever go back to the way it was before COVID[-19],” Bowman said.
Bowman said it was “a little weird” that VCU no longer required masks, but students could still choose to wear them.
“At the same time, teachers can also make a policy and say, ‘you have to wear a mask in my class,’” Bowman said. “I think that’s completely valid.”
The health risks and impacts of COVID-19 have significantly reduced due to the implementation of the vaccine and other medical aids; however, the virus is still considered an “ongoing public threat,” according to the website.
As of Sept. 1, there were 40,527 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Richmond City, according to the Richmond City Health District.
Currently, VCU strongly encourages receiving COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots and offers free COVID-19 testing on campus to its students and employees, according to the VCU Safety and Management website.
Stories of the week
national: Juul Labs will pay nearly $440 millions in settlement after a two-year long investigation into youth marketing.
international: Severe flooding in Pakistan leads to evacuation orders.
Student organization VCU CHAARG, Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions
To Recreate Girls, ambassador Izzy Gracias stated the club hosted weekly exercises and events for members.
CHAARG is following VCU COVID-19 guidelines and currently does not allow members that tested positive for COVID-19 to come to events until they test negative, according to Gracias.
“I do think things are returning to normal, but it’s been so long since we’ve had normal that normal is being redefined,” Gracias stated.
Freshman health services student Tobi Ojo said VCU should continue to emphasize the severity of COVID-19, but not enforce
a mask mandate on campus in case it caused division among students.
“If you don’t feel comfortable with someone having their mask, rather than trying to berate them for it, maybe pursue something else,” Ojo said. “I’m just concerned about the pushback with it. It gets annoying.”
Ojo said masks should be required if a student or class was in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
There is a sense of normalcy returning to VCU and was excited and nervous to begin their first semester at VCU, Ojo said.
“I do like the VCU culture of being able to add to the diversity and inclusion here,” Ojo said. “It’s like being part of a legacy.”
Students walk through the Compass on Sept. 6. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore
Students walk through the Compass on Sept. 6. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore
Students study in Grace E. Harris Hall. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore
1. Students walk through the Compass on Sept. 6. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore 2. Many students are maskless while they wait in line at the Starbucks located in the James Branch Cabell Library. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore
University to implement hazing education for student organizations
Continued from front page
Fraternities registered at VCU, such as Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Epsilon Mu and Lambda Chi Alpha, have been reported to the VCU Division of Student Affairs for hazing, according to the VCU Registered Student Organization Conduct Report. These fraternities have been put on suspension.
VCU student organizations, such as Filipino Americans Coming Together and the Vietnamese Student Association, were also suspended due to a report of hazing, according to the report.
FACT has been put on deferred suspension and is able to recruit, according to VCU spokesperson Matthew Lovisa.
Vidu Ramakrishnan, senior biology student and president of the Chinese Student Association at VCU, said hazing prevention education is “extremely important.”
“Everybody has different boundaries and different limits that they’re comfortable with,” Ramakrishnan said. “With what happened to Adam Oakes, it might lead to things being pushed way over the line and tragedies of that like happening.”
Ramakrishnan said it’s important for not just fraternities and sororities, but also for student organizations as well to understand the importance of hazing prevention.
“We are human beings at the end of the day and we’re all comfortable with [a] different level of things,” Ramakrishnan said.
As the president of his organization, Ramakrishnan said he wants to make his organization attainable and inclusive so everyone can join and be involved.
“I think it’s definitely important to have education about hazing because it can really lead to some unfortunate circumstances where people are pushed beyond their limit,” Ramakrishnan said.
Hazing education and prevention implementation:
Provides students with education on the effects and overconsumption of alcohol
Provides eligibility checks for potential members
Education on how to identify hazing and the severity scale of different types of hazing, along with Virginia laws and VCU’s policies on hazing
University required to report any incidents and hazing violations to campus police or local law enforcement
RACHEL MARCUS
Contributing Writer
Students study James River, use app to document different organisms
and spoken to us about their cultural history, as it’s associated with the river,” Vonesh said.
There were all a number of research projects to learn how the river functions embedded in the course, according to Vonesh.
FOOTPRINTS ON THE JAMES, A SUMMER semester VCU expedition class, studied the James River in order to learn about its human and natural history, according to the Footprints on the James website.
James Vonesh, environmental science professor and the course’s instructor, said Footprints on the James is an outdoor skills course focused on expedition planning. Vonesh has been instructing the class since it was first offered in 2014.
Environmental students, biology students and other majors came together and explored the James River, according to Vonesh.
This year’s expedition took place over 31 days and spanned over 200 miles, from May 23 to June 23, according to the Footprints on the James website.
Though the course is always studying about how the James River has “shaped cultures,” in past years, a cultural element has been involved, Vonesh said.
“We’ve met with some of the coastal plain, Native American tribes have come
We sampled insects as we traveled down the river, you can attract them into black lights and ultraviolet lights. We looked at how diversity and abundance of organisms changed as we traveled down the river.”
James Vonesh, environmental science professor
“This year, we looked at the emergence of insects and the insect diversity as we traveled down using black lights. We sampled insects as we traveled down the river, you can attract them into black lights and ultraviolet lights,” Vonesh said. “We looked at how diversity and abundance of organisms changed as we traveled down the river.”
The group used the app iNaturalist to carry out a BioBlitz over the course of the session. A BioBlitz is an event to identify multiple species in a certain area over a fixed time period, according to National Geographic.
Throughout the expedition, the group continuously added to the iNaturalist page with new pictures and information on different organisms they observed on the James River. Vonesh said the 2022 class made 6,000 observations of 500 different taxa.
The group’s iNaturalist page features hundreds of organisms, including the Carolina Wren, the American Eel, the Flathead Catfish and more.
Vonesh said that he and his colleagues want to make it possible for students to have a broad accessibility to the course. There is an application and interview process to join the course. Once that is complete, there are informational meetings, where alumni of the previous courses come and kind of talk about their experiences, said Vonesh.
The group learned about the wildlife as well as the river’s impact on human development, according to Oluwarotimi Johnson, student of the 2022 Footprints on the James class.
The daily expeditions varied in length, but were an average of 10 miles each day, Johnson said.
He also said the course gave him real-world experience outside of the classroom.
“We simply just travel from one campsite to another, stop in some areas our teacher deemed interesting to talk about,” Johnson said. “I had never experienced anything like this beforehand.”
He said that the expedition helped to strengthen himself, and he would recommend taking Footprints on the James.
Students in Footprints on the James, a summer semester VCU expedition class, studied the natural and human history of the James River. Photo by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves
Information compiled by Katrina Lee
KATRINA LEE News Editor
The university is not expected to meet enrollment expectations for the fall semester, causing the university to project a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
The university’s enrollment was around 29,000 students in fall 2021, according to VCU’s annual report. This year, enrollment is not expected to reach its 1% enrollment increase projection, according to Tomikia LeGrande, vice president for strategy, enrollment management and student success.
Falling short of enrollment projections is the result of multiple factors, such as COVID-19, LeGrande stated.
VCU projected to experience multi-million budget deficit
“VCU had aggressive enrollment forecasts. We worked to bring in as many students as possible resulting in our largest freshman class postCOVID[-19],” LeGrande stated. “We have also been focusing on growing our retention of students. While we achieved many of our goals we did not achieve our lofty targets.”
More than 600 incoming freshmen decided against attending VCU in 2020 after receiving their acceptance letters –– a near 30% increase from the previous year –– making first-year students the most significant part of an enrollment drop at the university during COVID-19, according to a previous report from the Commonwealth Times.
LeGrande also stated the competition for high school graduates between universities is highly intense.
“More and more of these students are choosing to forego college, even after applying and being accepted,” LeGrande stated. “Additionally, community colleges have been facing enrollment declines over the past few years, which directly impacts the pipeline of traditional transfer students moving on to four-year institutions.”
Immediate college enrollment in the United States has decreased from 69.1% in 2018 to 61.8% in 2021, according to Best Colleges.
LeGrande stated the shortfall in enrollment is isolated to a few schools within the university, which were expected to grow in enrollment this year.
“We are hopeful to enroll more students in the spring and refocus our efforts on next year’s enrollment,” LeGrande stated.
The approximate enrollment for the freshman class this year is 4,200 students, which is “comparable to last year’s freshman class of 4,151 students,” said university spokesperson Brian McNeill. Actual enrollment numbers will become available later this fall.
Virginia Tech is expecting to achieve their enrollment project this fall, according to VT Media Relations Director Michael Stowe.
“Interest in attending Virginia Tech has grown steadily in recent years. For
context, we experi
enced a record number of applications for a second consecutive year,” Stowe stated. “However, I can say that we anticipate that we will achieve our enrollment goal of approximately 30,000 undergraduate students in Blacksburg this fall.”
Stowe said definitive enrollment census data for VT will also be available later in the fall.
VCU’s Chief Financial Officer Karol Gray stated in an email the university will have to make up the difference for this deficit.
“The University plans to fund this shortfall with strategic reductions, as well as additional efforts in financial aid, and retention packages to grow enrollment and retain students,” Gray stated.
VCU is not planning to disengage from hiring faculty and staff despite the budget shortfall, according to Gray.
The university received just over $33 million from the state this year. Gray stated this money is to support the merit-based 5% salary increase for state employees of $13.7 million, central operating funds of $17.5 million and support for increased cost for O&M and the Rise initiative of $1.8 million.
VCU administration presented a range of tuition increases last May for 2023 between 3% and 6% for undergraduate and graduate students, following a three-year freeze on tuition, according to a previous report by the Commonwealth Times. VCU ended up keeping tuition flat for in-state undergraduates this year.
VCU is expecting to not meet enrollement projections this fall semester.
Photo by Ryan Dutcher
VCU is expecting to experience a multimillion dollar shortfall, a result from enrollment projection not being met.
Photo by Ryan Dutcher
On this day
On this day on Sept. 7, Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822.
‘Mother India’ art show celebrates Indian art
PEGGY STANSBERY
Contributing
Writer
Gallery5 opened its month-long art show
“Mother India” on Friday, Sept. 2 as a part of First Fridays — a monthly celebration of the local cultural communities in Richmond’s Art District and beyond, according to First Friday’s Facebook page.
“Mother India” highlights Indian art and culture. This is Gallery5’s fourth year holding this show. The Gallery opened in 2005 and has since worked to uphold its mission: to engage communities through the arts, according to the gallery’s website.
Prabir Mehta, Gallery5’s chair of the Board of Directors and creator of “Mother India,” said the exhibition is an “exact manifestation of the mission.”
As an Indian immigrant, Mehta said he has always felt a deep connection to India while simultaneously noticing the lack of representation Indians have in the arts. He then found himself with the opportunity to create a month-long show celebrating and sharing Indian arts, according to Mehta.
Mehta said those who attend the show will feel the essence of Gallery5’s mission: connecting the many communities of Richmond through art that inspires,
educates, creates dialogue and entertains.
Classical Indian vocals and instrumental music, traditional Indian blessings for the audience and a Bollywood Dance Party on “Mother India’s” opening night filled Gallery5’s stage, according to Mehta.
“This is going to be a night to remember,” Mehta said. “I’m very proud of the work that has happened and am looking forward to sharing India and Indian arts with the many folks who come through.”
Soham Apte, one of the musicians who performed at “Mother India’s” opening celebration, said Gallery5 has been the hub for cultural exhibitions and artists for some time now.
“I’m delighted that they have continued with the annual “Mother India” event driven to empower budding Indian artists and musicians,” Apte said. “This empowerment represents key rudiments towards social and cultural vitalization.”
Apte said he hopes people attending “Mother India” can understand that even though cultural experiences may be different, art represents and connects all human beings together.
“Uplifting and appreciating the beauty of cultural arts is cornerstone for understanding what really makes us so similar,” Apte said.
This is going to be a night to remember. I’m very proud of the work that has happened and am looking forward to sharing India and Indian arts with the many folks who come through.”
Prabir Mehta, Board of Directors chair at Gallery5
Fine art is included in the show alongside performance art. One of the artists showcased is Ruchi Gupta, a Richmond-based ceramic artist. She hosted an artist talk at the opening night of “Mother India.”
Gupta was born and raised in India and moved to the United States as an adult, she said. Growing up, Gupta said she always created art, but didn’t think being a full time artist was an option.
Gupta said she is joyful to be working as a full time artist after working in corporate IT for many years.
“There was a phase when I would say I am a project manager trying to become an artist, so it is a proud moment that I can call myself an artist without any explanation,” Gupta said. “It’s a very happy place.”
Gupta has worked as a full time ceramic artist for the past nine years in her home studio in Richmond. An article Gupta read about a studio potter while working IT in India sparked Gupta’s interest in ceramic art, she said.
Her ceramic art featured in “Mother India” is an interpretation of the way she sees, relates to and gets inspiration from Indian culture, Gupta said. Gupta’s pieces feature intricate details, eye-catching colors and written word.
Gupta’s work and the other art displayed at the “Mother India” exhibition will provide a window into Indian culture, Gupta said.
“I like the idea that it’s the fine art and the performance art,” Gupta said. “It’s not only visual, but the whole experience is there at the ‘Mother India’ show.”
Left to Right: Set of painted dishes displayed through glass. Painted portrait of a man hangs on the wall. Multicolored decorative drapery hangs from beams. Photos by Noah Mondon
People crowd around Ruchi Gupta’s artwork at Gallery5.
Photo by Noah Mondon
Student organization puts on fall fashion week
NATALIE BARR
Contributing
Writer
Students around campus took part in a creative fashion challenge wearing ani mal prints, earth tones, lace, throwbacks to the past and ideas of fashion’s future.
I think fashion is worldwide, and fashion is another unspoken language that we communicate with each other, and we let other people know, ‘this is who I am.
VCU student-led organization, Creative Production Collective, is an organization committed to bringing people together to gain skills needed for future goals within the fashion industry, according to junior
Inspiration for the fashion week themes
came from a fashion design project Brown worked on throughout the summer which focused on the concept of liminal space, major periods of humanity and periods of transition, Brown said. Fashion week themes were Jurassic World, Fairy Dystopian Core, Through the Decades and Post Apocalyptic, according to CPC’s Instagram.
said. “So, we were like ‘you know what, let’s make this space and start collaborating with other VCU art students, other disciplines within the art school and other people in RVA.’”
fashion merchandising student and CPC’s head curator Eli Brown.
CPC put on a four-day fashion week event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 to raise awareness and get students involved in the organization, according to Brown.
“The fashion week idea just kind of came to me because I found that it was the easiest way for people that knew nothing about CPC to get involved,” Brown said.
The collective wanted to hold an event that would be easy for the campus to participate in and draw attention to CPC, Brown said. The event led to the organization’s mixer welcoming new and returning members back to campus.
“We started with animals based off the Bible. And, then, it was … the metamorphosis of fairies,” Brown said. “Then, decades is the humanity that we’re experiencing now. And, then, post apocalyptic, is ‘what do we do when humans are gone?’”
Brown became involved with CPC spring semester through modeling and then became the organization’s model coordinator, they said. Since many of the original founders of CPC graduated last year, the reins were passed down to them to become the president of the organization, Brown said.
“I really believe in what CPC can do,” Brown said. “I just say come out to an event. I’m sure you’ll walk away with at least someone new that you didn’t know would be into the same thing as you, and I find that’s just life. We just wanted to create a space where that’s more readily available.”
Senior fashion design student and CPC’s creative director Rebekah Washington said CPC was formed during the spring 2022 semester by five VCUarts fashion design students: VCUarts alumni Michael Robinson, Adaora Okoye, Christianah Owolabi, De’Jah “Jamahzea” Willis and current student, Washington.
Washington said she and the other founders felt there were areas within VCU’s fashion department that did not allow for the learning, training and collaboration that the group was wanting. She said most of what was being taught in classes was a very “cookie cutter” and “commercial view” on designing for the fashion industry.
“A lot of us have very niche styles, and we knew what we were interested in — they weren’t able to teach us,” Washington
Washington said she uses fashion as a way of self expression and views fashion as “wearable art.” She said she hopes all students will see CPC as a safe space on campus and use the fashion week event to encourage others to dress up and wear styles that are different from their friends or classmates.
“I think fashion is worldwide, and fashion is another unspoken language that we communicate with each other, and we let other people know, ‘this is who I am,’” Washington said.
Junior English student Deloris Allotey said her aspiration is to break into the modeling industry. Allotey modeled for the first time last semester and decided to participate in the fashion week event to get more involved with modeling opportunities, according to Allotey.
“I was like, ‘okay, I need more attention. I need more people to know me. I need to be on somebody’s radar, somewhere. I need to be seen,’” Allotey said. “I want my face to be recognizable. I need to go to events. It’s like networking.”
Sophomore fashion merchandising student Jeanie Barratt heard about CPC last semester while modeling for the senior fashion showcase. Barratt said she did not know the fashion week event was happening and found out by posting a picture of her outfit to her Instagram story.
“I actually had posted my outfit of the day, and one of my friends reached out to me and was like ‘hey can you submit this for the fashion week’ because it kind of fits into the role of the fairy dystopian day,” Barratt said.
She said she liked the different themed days that challenged people to step outside of their style and try something new.
“I hope they do it more often,” Barratt said. “I feel like it allows a lot of different diversity in what we’re wearing on campus.”
Rebekah Washington, CPC creative Editor
1. Connor Andre and Asja Querin participate in Through the Decades themed day. Photo by Alessando Latour
2. Eli Brown participates in Post Apocalyptic themed day. Photo by Eli Brown
3. Eli Brown participates in Fairy Dystopian Core themed day. Photo by Eli Brown
4. Rebekah Washington participates in Jurassic World themed day. Photo by Rebekah Washington
1. Goonies (1985)
This movie is set in a typical neighborhood in Oregon where seven “mis-fit” kids live: Mikey, Brand, Andy, Mouth, Data, Stef and Chunk. Due to financial troubles, they go on a quest to find a hidden treasure. This adventure comes with many trials and tribulations, including secret caves. I don’t want to spoil too much, but this film was a staple in my childhood.
Available on Peacock
76% Rotten Tomatoes
The Martian (2015)
2.
This movie was based on the 2011 novel “The Martian” by Andy Weir. This film is not like other space-themed movies, because it’s meant to portray real life. Astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, leads this movie after being presumed dead during a failed mission to Mars. With little to no supplies, food or way to communicate to anyone, Watney fights to survive. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire two hours and 45 minutes of this movie.
Available on Netflix
91% Rotten Tomatoes
of films to watch
CHLOE HAWKINS, Spectrum Editor
Life of Pi (2012)
3.
This film is based on the 2001 Canadian novel by Yann Martel. It follows protagonist Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, played by Suraj Sharma, and his tiger. This wild animal and 16-year-old boy are the only survivors of a shipwreck. This movie takes you through their journey as they’re completely stranded in the Pacific ocean. You will leave this movie questioning reality, but in a good way.
Available on Amazon Prime
86% Rotten Tomatoes
4.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This classic 90’s romantic comedy is a must-watch. Personally, I “must-watch” it a little too much, but it’s such a nice comfort movie. Legendary celebrities such as Julia Stiles, Larry Miller and Heath Ledger appear in this film. It follows the romantic interests of Kat Stratford, played by Stiles, and Patrick Verona, played by Ledger, but what one of them doesn’t know is that there are stipulations that come with this relationship.
Available on Disney+
5. Beast (2022)
I went to see this movie last week, since it’s currently in theaters. It starts out slowly introducing a family of three: the father Nate Samuels, played by Idris Elba, and two daughters Meredith, played by Iyana Halley and Nora, played by Leah Jeffries. They are adventuring to a South African reserve. While it starts off as a cute family film, it quickly turns into a bloody thriller that exposes trauma in the household. The acting is impressive, and oddly relatable for the setting.
Available in Select Theaters
69% Rotten Tomatoes
6.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
This comedy-drama film is based on the 2012 novel “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” by Jonathan Evison. Benjamin, played by Paul Rudd, is Trevor’s, played by Craig Roberts, caretaker. In the movie Trevor is disabled due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The two characters embark on a road trip around the United States to see all the famous landmarks, but what they also find is lifelong friendship. Along the way they meet Dot, played by Selena Gomez. At the time I clicked play just because I saw her name, but the other two characters really make this one of the most heart-felt films on Netflix.
Available on Netflix
77% Rotten Tomatoes
Audrey’s Astrology: last retrograde of 2022
AUDREY FAUVEL
Contributing Writer
Hi fellow Rams! My name’s Audrey. I’m a senior at VCU, and I’ve been studying all things metaphysical for almost three years now. I’m really excited to write the astrology section and hope y’all find it just as interesting as I do!
The Full Harvest Moon will occur on Sept. 10, reaching peak illumination at 5:59 a.m., in the zodiac sign of Pisces. This may lead to new beginnings or spiritual awareness about your identity and could reveal some deep rooted emotions. The name Harvest Moon is linked to the time closest to the fall equinox rather than a specific month. The turning of the season into fall is when farmers would begin the harvest of their crops to prepare themselves for the winter to come, farming late into the evening using the light of the moon.
Mercury goes retrograde on Sept. 9 in the sign of Libra at 11:38 p.m., and it will remain in retrograde until Oct. 2 at 5:07 a.m. Mercury retrogrades typically cause periods of confusion and chaos around communication, travel and contracts. Be mindful of these aspects during this time. Try to avoid major life decisions and long road trips.
Aries (March 21 - April 20)
Money might unexpectedly come your way during this time; but try to save it for future use. Your love life should stay relatively the same, but just remember again to communicate calmly with your loved ones, especially as Mercury goes retrograde.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Watch out for a big argument between you and a loved one. Try to resolve the conflict, and the love between the two of you will grow. In terms of finances, your income should grow in the later half of this period as new streams of revenue unfold.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
You’ve been working hard these past two weeks. While the good work will pay off, be careful not to fall under too much mental stress from the workload. This period may bring some ups and downs within your relationships. As with many signs due to the Mercury retrograde, be mindful of communicating properly in order to avoid conflict.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
This time should bear good results in your career. If you’re also a student, just be careful that work doesn’t get in the way of your studies. This time might bring about some misunderstandings within your relationships. Remember to communicate with each other, and you will move forward with trust and confidence in your relationship.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
For those who are students, try to stay motivated with your studies, as you might find yourself feeling distracted. Keep your spending for important purposes, and try to avoid important financial decisions during this time. Be mindful of your fiery nature with your family members, as this may cause some family conflict.
Your career and financial sides should remain overall positive. This might even be a good time to change jobs, as long as you avoid signing any new contracts during the Mercury retrograde. This time might bring mixed results in your love life; again, be mindful of communicating with your partner.
It’s important to stay focused and practical during this time. Your finances and love life should stay relatively the same, but watch your health — as some of you may experience minor health issues
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
This time might bring financial challenges for you; avoid making big financial decisions or dipping into your savings if you can. Your love life should remain overall positive.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
This time should remain positive in the career and financial front, but be careful not to overshare your plans with others. You might have experienced some hardships between you and your partner these past two weeks. This time should bring about a lot more love and support on both sides, so keep your head up.
As long as you stay focused and avoid any controversy, your career life should bear some great results. Communicate calmly and respectfully, and your love life should remain positive during this time.
Feb. 18)
Finances may be a struggle for you during this time, but as long as you’re in control of your expenses and savings, all should be well. This is a great time for Aquarius students. You should see great results in your academics during this time.
March 20)
You might find yourself wanting to make a large purchase during this time. As long as you budget properly so that you have enough for the rest of the month, you should be alright. Avoid any large purchases that come with a contract during the Mercury retrograde. Along with that, communicate and spend quality time with your partner to avoid conflicts.
If your sun sign horoscope doesn’t resonate with you, try checking your moon and rising signs. Get your birth chart for free online to find your other placements.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Aquarius (Jan. 20 -
Pisces (Feb. 19 -
Stat of the week
VCU junior Kyle Weldon finished No. 19 with a time of 18:43.2 in the cross country opener in Mechanicsville, Virginia, according to
VCU women’s soccer scores first win of the season AGAINST WILLIAM & MARY
THAILON WILSON Staff Writer
The Rams defeated the William & Mary Pride 1-0 to mark the black and gold’s first win of the season after zero wins, one tie and three losses.
The Rams entered the game in a 3-52 formation, meaning three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards up front. Right off the gate, VCU applied constant pressure to William & Mary with attacks against the Pride’s defense.
VCU women’s soccer head coach Lindsey Martin said she credits the players’ hard work over the summer, which allowed them to continue running throughout the entire match.
That was my first collegiate goal ever, so that was pretty exciting. After we scored, I thought, now it’s time to keep a clean sheet.”
Natalia Santangelo VCU junior defender
“The kids are fit. They spend all summer coming in and making sure they’re ready,” Martin said in a postgame interview. “I think that we’re constantly checking to make sure they seem like they can sustain and go the distance.”
The constant running and pressure from offense kept the William & Mary
Pride constantly on their toes on the defensive side. The Pride could hardly get the ball away from their side of the field for the entire first half.
The Pride had their only on-target shot of the game at 27-minute mark of the first half by graduate student midfielder Addie Puskar.
The Rams continued the pressure until VCU junior defender Natalia Santangelo scored off an assist from freshman midfielder Kendyl Sarver at the 35-minute mark.
“That was my first collegiate goal ever, so that was pretty exciting,” Santangelo said. “After we scored, I thought, now it’s time to keep a clean sheet.”
After a 10 second countdown by the announcer, the first half ended with the Rams holding a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Pride started to ad vance their offense more at the start of the second half, but VCU graduate student Amber DiOrio blocked the shots from getting through.
DiOrio calls this defensive press “lockdown,” and it was constantly on display tonight versus the Pride.
“Our whole backline calls it lockdown defense because we don’t want them to score on us,” DiOrio said.
The pressure of VCU’s of fense worked well in the second half to maintain possession because as the game continued, the Pride’s de fenders moved forward, which allowed for easier counterattacks.
The Pride went into ultra-attacking mode at the end of the game and tried to score the game-tying goal.
The defense dispossessed the Pride’s advanced offense before the ball could even get towards the goal area.
DiOrio said she believes their mentality was the key to preventing the Pride’s plays and success in not getting goals.
“If we lose the ball ever, we want to win it back in five seconds. As soon as we lose it, just get the ball right back to us,” DiOrio said.
“That’s our mentality.”
Coach Martin said she was proud of finally pushing over the hedge to secure the Rams’ first win of the season after many competitive games to start the season.
“We’ve had good performances this season and we have come short of the full result of a win. So for us to be able to get that win tonight. I think the team deserves it,” Martin said.
Santangelo said she was also excited and proud of the first win of the season but is ready to go out and compete for
“We’re excited that we won this one. We’ll process it and then on to the next one and it is time to get into the groove and to make our mark on the A-10 [Atlantic 10],” Santangelo said.
The Rams will host the University of Pittsburgh Panthers on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Sports Backers Stadium. For ticket information, visit vcuathletics.com. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
VCU Athletics.
VCU junior Milica Bulatovic looks to advance and score in a game against the College of William & Mary on Sept. 1.
Photo by Jay Stonefield
VCU junior Aisha Maughan defends in a game against the College of William & Mary on Sept. 1. Photo by Jay Stonefield
CT SPORTS STAFF PRESENTS NFL season picks
CT SPORTS STAFF
Another NFL season is set to start on Sept. 8, marking another year on the gridiron. The defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, will face the Buffalo Bills, according to the NFL.
The Vince Lombardi trophy is up for grabs this season. After a wild free agency and offseason, read along for NFL season predictions from The Commonwealth Times sports staff.
Arrick Wilson’s Prediction
The Buffalo Bills will be the last team standing, winning the 2023 NFL Super Bowl. The Bills have a long history of unfortunate events in the past, losing four consecutive NFL Super Bowls in the ‘90s, according to Pro Football Reference.
This year will break the curse of Buffalo.
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, it kills me to say another team will win the Super Bowl. Unlike many other Cowboys fans, I have common sense — sense enough to understand how well-rounded the Bills are this season.
The offense is set with MVP caliber quarterback Josh Allen and All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The defense should be a force, along with the 2022 NFL Champion and newly acquired free agent signee, Von Miller. Miller signed with the Bills on a six-year, $120 million deal, according to the team’s website.
The team may have hiccups at the beginning of the season without All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White. ESPN stated that White was physically unable to perform, or PUP list. Without White, the Bills may lack, but I believe they will hold the trophy at the end of the season.
Olivia Dileo’s Prediction
The Steelers will win the 2023 NFL championship, because I have a good feeling about their off-season moves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers gained a new quarterback, Kenny Pickett, who was a first-round draft pick. Pickett will try to fill the shoes of previous talent of Steeler great quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who retired at the end of the 2022 season. Pickett is familiar with the city of Pittsburgh, due to his time at the University of Pittsburgh as their quarterback during his collegiate career.
Alongside this new quarterback, the Steelers have defensive linebacker, T.J. Watt. Watt was recently voted the sixth-best player by the NFL. Watt accumulated 22.5 sacks last season while winning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, according to the NFL.
With these talents, the Steelers are already looking in prime shape to take on any opponent and go a long distance this year.
Thailon Wilson’s Prediction Sairis Gonzalez’s Prediction
The Buffalo Bills are the biggest contenders to hold the Vince Lombardi trophy after this season. The Bills are coming into this season with top talent on offense that includes NFL quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Along with this explosive duo on offense, the offensive line was bolstered with the signings of free agent veteran linemen Mitch Morse and Rodger Saffold, according to the NFL. The Bills always had an explosive passing offense, but have had a weak running attack. They fixed this issue in the NFL draft, picking up the University of Georgia running back James Cook, according to the Buffalo Bills.
Alongside this explosive and slightly revamped offense, the Bills defense is elite as well. Their secondary contains the best safety duo in the league in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Alongside the duo, they have a — hopefully healthy by week four — Tre’Davious White, slot corner Taron Johnson and University of Florida standout firstround pick Kaiir Elam.
The defensive line has also gotten a boost with offseason signees Von Miller and Shaq Lawson, according to the NFL. This team, with all the talent inside of it, is an instant lock for the playoffs and will be a dangerous opponent for any team come playoff time.
My pick for this upcoming NFL season is the Green Bay Packers. Being a person that’s not super well known to football, I picked the team that looked consistent throughout their years. The Packers are that team, having the chance to be poised for a championship season.
The Green Bay Packers, with their tenured quarterback Aaron Rodgers, gives potential and hope for the team to win. Ranked No. 3 in the charts for the top No. 100 players by ESPN, reporters agree that Rodgers has defied age by staying consistently skillful. The Green Bay Packers have expanded in their offense and defense since the 2022 season, signing and drafting qualified players.
The Packers are ranked the No. 4 team to potentially win the Super Bowl. More specifically the odds for them to win are +1140, according to the Vegas Insider. I believe the Packers will have the chance to win it all this year.
The Buffalo Bills will break their long Super Bowl drought and claim the title this season. The Bills are oozing with talent on both sides of the ball, most notably their offense, captained by superstars, quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, both of which are top 10 players at their respective positions, according to the NFL.
The Bills defense should not be overlooked; however, they are trotting out one of the most formidable secondaries in the league. Safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are one of the league’s best pairings and established All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen is coming off of a spectacular season, where he threw for 4,407 yards and 36 touchdowns which was No. 8 in the league, according to Pro Football Reference.
Allen has the tools at his disposal to help him exceed expectations this year. In addition to Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis looks to be a budding star wide receiver. The addition of rookie running back James Cook, could help push Buffalo over the edge, ultimately winning them their first Super Bowl title
Illustration by Viv Rathfon
A new face up to bat:
VCU welcomes new head coach
THAILON WILSON Staff Writer
VCU LOOKED TO CLEMSON, SOUTH Carolina to hire longtime assistant coach Bradley LeCroy to fill the baseball team’s head coaching position.
LeCroy is taking on the role after the team’s second consecutive Atlantic 10 win.
“The administration support staff has been fantastic helping me get adjusted and answering my questions,” LeCroy said. “The current players have been outstanding.”
LeCroy is a former Clemson shortstop who became a tenured coach with over 15 seasons of coaching experience with Clemson, as well as over two decades of total baseball coaching experience.
Coach LeCroy worked under Hall of Fame coach Jack Leggett, when he first joined as an assistant, and he also worked with former Clemson head coach Monte Lee.
David Hood previously wrote about LeCroy for Tigernet.com, a website on all sports news revolving around Clemson.
LeCroy learned many different coaching techniques during his time at Clemson, and he was stellar at creating good relationships with players, according to Hood.
“He creates connections with players and he really gets to know them. He really likes to get to know his guys and work with them as baseball players, but also as young men,” Hood said.
VCU head coach Bradley LeCroy poses for a picture. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics
VCU senior outfielder AJ Mathis said he is already adjusting to the new coaching transition. Mathis said coach Lecroy will be a good leader for the black and gold, and he is excited to play for him.
“Coach LeCroy is amazing and I think this university really benefits from getting him and not only him, but this coaching staff in general,” Mathis said.
Mathis said he believes that as long as everyone puts in the work and follows LeCroy’s system, everything will move forward fluidly for the team.
“I feel like if everybody buys into his process and the standards that he holds, we can go far,” Mathis said.
VCU baseball is coming off a 42-win season with another A-10 championship, making it their third conference title since joining the A-10 Conference, according to VCU Athletics.
VCU junior outfielder Cooper Benzin has big expectations for himself and the team to run it back this year and win the A-10 title again — and to make it further than the team did last year.
“Our first goal is winning the A-10 regular season and then of course winning the tournament,” Benzin said. “Our mindset is getting us further than we were last year, so going to the Super Regional and going to Omaha.”
The Rams have recently started their fall training since coming back to campus, and LeCroy said he believes the desire to perform at a high level is already instilled in the team.
WOMEN’S SOCCER - VS. WILLIAM & MARY WON 1-0
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALLAT NAVY WON 3-1 Kristen Dickmann Invitational
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - AT UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY WON 3-0
Kristen Dickmann Invitational
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY - AT SPIDER ALUMNI OPEN 5TH OF 12
WOMENS CROSS COUNTRYAT SPIDER ALUMNI OPEN 7TH OF 15
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - AT MICHIGAN STATE LOST 3-2 Kristen Dickmann Invitational
MEN’S SOCCERAT NEW HAMPSHIRE LOST 1-0
SEPTEMBER 4
WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY - VS. LAFAYETTE WON 3-2
WOMEN’S SOCCER - VS. EAST CAROLINA TIE 0-0
LeCroy said he believes it is important to develop the team to win games, but also to develop the team for the players’ futures after baseball.
“We are here to develop young men into being successful past VCU. If they don’t get the chance to play professional baseball, we want to still be successful,” LeCroy said. “To do that you have to invest in people, and have good relationships.”
Along with being known as a successful player and assistant coach, LeCroy is a highly regarded recruiter who has been in the top No. 25 in national recruiting for the last ten years during his time at Clemson, according to Clemson Athletics.
“Our goal is to recruit at a high level here at VCU, but as soon as we get them here, we have to develop them and get them better,” LeCroy said.
CAREER STATS BEFORE VCU
LeCroy has over two decades of coaching experience. Including 15 seasons at his alma mater, Clemson. In 22 total seasons as an assistant coach at Clemson, Tennessee, Western Carolina and Anderson.
LeCroy has been a part of 18 winning seasons, 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, and an overall record of 756-520 (.592) Lecroy played at Clemson from 1997-2000
LeCroy’s first coaching job was at collegiate baseball at Anderson University, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator from 2001-02.
From 2006-07, LeCroy was an assistant coach at Western Carolina University
LeCroy served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for three seasons at the University of Tennessee from 2008-10.
SOURCE: VCU ATHLETICS
I feel like if everybody buys into his process and the standards that he holds, we can go far”
AJ Mathis senior outfielder
“They have a great work ethic,” LeCroy said.“They have great attitudes and a championship-winning mindset.”
Coach LeCroy said he is eager to take over the already established culture that VCU baseball has and work hard throughout the fall to prepare for the upcoming spring season later after winter break.
“I’m super excited. I think the players are as well even though it’s a long journey. We just started and we’ve got till February until opening day, but the work ethic, the culture and makeup of the team is outstanding,” LeCroy said.
Quote of the week
“To abandon a rmative action is to say there is nothing more to be done about discrimination.”
— CORETTA SCOTT KING
Got Dumplings brings variety to campus Nick’s Picks:
NICHOLAS BARAHONA Contributing Writer
WELCOME TO NICK’S PICKS.
Join me, Nick Barahona, on our journey through the city of Richmond where I review and showcase the di erent cuisines and restaurants in close proximity to campus, from the lens of a VCU student. To all new and returning Rams, I welcome you to an exciting time ahead lled with great deals and good eats.
Got Dumplings opened just over a year ago and has already made its mark on campus. Replacing what was previously Deep Run Roadhouse, this North Laurel Street location is an accessible spot for students on campus.
Got Dumplings adds yet another cuisine option for college students, bringing more diversity to the area and complementing its neighbors like &pizza, Chipotle, Cava, Panera and Five Guys.
Given its name, it’s no secret that dumplings are the highlight at Got Dumplings — but that’s not all it has to o er.
As you enter the restaurant, you immediately catch a whi of the dumplings being prepared in the kitchen. Dining in will lead to an open space with tables and plenty of seats to enjoy your meal.
What I really like about this space are the abstract lights hanging from the ceiling and the ancient Chinese paintings on the wall, which give o an ambiance of authenticity.
e menu options include dumplings, dumpling soup, noodle soup — ramen or udon — Asian street food, signature drinks, sides and combos that mix a few of these together. Pick from either the original pork, curry chicken, shrimp, chive and, for vegetarians, tofu dumplings. Dumplings are o ered steamed for the chicken and pork and fried for all other selections.
The Asian street food consists of either salt and pepper or chili sauce popcorn chicken, Japanese takoyaki or octopus dumplings and spicy dumplings that mix chicken and pork dumplings with a spicy house sauce.
As for the sides, Got Dumplings o ers white rice, fried rice, seaweed salad, edamame, cold peanut avor noodles and kimchi. All of these are great choices to go with dumplings or to enjoy by themselves. e real deals, though, are in the combo section: dumplings are o ered in a ve, six and 10 count with each combo having one or two sides to go along with it. I tried out two di erent combos: a ve fried pork dumpling combo with kimchi and a ve steamed curry chicken dumpling combo
with white rice. is came out to about $20 total with tip included — a great value for ten dumplings and a pair of sides.
I enjoyed both the fried pork and steamed curry chicken dumplings. The di erence between the fried and steamed options was the chewing consistency. e fried was slightly crispier and more avorful, while the steamed was softer and more chewy. I tend to always order my dumplings steamed, though I must admit that the fried dumplings hit the spot and were more enjoyable. e kimchi was an excellent pairing with the dumplings — it added just the right amount of spice and crunch, which made the entire meal for me.
Although the dishes are avorful, I would not rely on Got Dumplings to take care of a hungry stomach. It seems more of a snack or quick bite on the go. However, considering its convenient location, I could see myself coming here in between classes during one of my busier days.
In many ways, Got Dumplings is a breath of fresh air in the community. I’m excited to try their signature drinks, as well as their soups once temperatures begin to drop. Solid four out of ve stars on the day.
As always, eat up!
For all things food, feel free to check out @nxreview on Instagram and TikTok for many more recommendations and reviews.
A rmative action’s presence in college admissions is in danger, BUT
ISHAAN NANDWANI
Opinions Editor
iversity is almost certainly the buzzword of the 21st century for institutions of higher education.
It has been celebrated in charts on college pamphlets and brochures, lauded by admissions officers in presentations to prospective students and served as the focal point of countless schools’ mission statements.
There’s a reason why diversity is so sought after though, particularly at elite schools. ese institutions recognize that while Black, Latino and Indigenous students have historically been at a disadvantage in the education system, their perspectives and experiences are vital. A rmative action has been the solution to increasing diversity at prestigious universities and one that I believe to be essential.
A rmative action allows colleges and universities to consider an applicant’s race and background when making admissions decisions, although it forbids explicit racial quotas. Despite its bene ts, this practice has been frequently contested by those who argue that applicants should be evaluated by their credentials alone.
Frighteningly, despite its longstanding history in college admissions, a rmative action is at risk of being banned. On Oct. 31, the Supreme Court will hear two cases that could overrule this precedent.
e rst case alleges that Harvard University discriminates against Asian American applicants. e second case argues the
IT MUST BE UPHELD
University of North Carolina consistently uses race to give admissions boosts to underrepresented minorities. ese lawsuits were led by Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-a rmative action organization run by a coalition of students and parents.
Although lower courts have ruled in favor of Harvard and UNC and the Supreme Court has upheld a rmative action in the past, given the court’s shift to the right — exacerbated by the three justices appointed by former President Donald Trump — the danger of this precedent being overturned is real. We’ve already seen abortion rights stripped away and gun rights expanded; another controversial decision from this court would not surprise me.
The overruling of affirmative action would be catastrophic, both for our universities and greater workforce.
A rmative action has been consistently proven to be the most e ective way to increase diversity at selective colleges. At the University of Michigan, an institution that is not permitted to practice a rmative action by state law, diversity has su ered. According to a brief from the university in support of Harvard and UNC, Michigan has engaged in countless outreach e orts to increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. Enrollment of underrepresented minority students has fallen.
Diversity in itself is essential for a myriad of reasons. A racially homogenous student body would su er from not only a lack of physical dissimilarity, but also from an absence of diversity in ideas, worldviews and cultural perspectives.
Additionally, representation is essential — whether for the Black student who’s the only one of his race in his engineering lecture at Harvard, or the young Latina student who dreams of attending Brown but yearns to see someone like her admitted. If a rmative action is overturned, the mental health of underrepresented minority students may su er as their enrollment at elite schools plummets, leading to a vicious cycle that prevents these students from achieving the same success as their white and Asian counterparts.
e impact of this decision will also be felt in the workforce. We will see less underrepresented minorities who are physicians, lawyers and engineers. In the medical eld, my personal career path, studies have consistently shown that Black patients have better health outcomes when treated by providers that match their racial background. us, this decision has far reaching implications that extend far beyond the racial makeup of a university, a ecting something as sacred as one’s health.
e Supreme Court must confront this sobering truth when deliberating these cases this fall.
Ultimately, as the best method to increase diversity at selective schools, a rmative action is an essential aspect of the admissions process. We can’t let it die out.
Illustrated by Killian Goodale-Porter
Illustrated by Killian Goodale-Porter
Student Involvement by Nicole Hodge SOVO
Tabling by Shannon Fritz Expectations by Anthony Duong
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Katharine DeRosa derosakf@commonwealthtimes.org
MANAGING EDITOR Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves decamargg@commonwealthtimes.org
COPY EDITOR
Hollyann Purvis purvishm@commonwealthtimes.org
NEWS EDITOR Katrina Lee news@commonwealthtimes.org
SPORTS EDITOR Arrick Wilson sports@commonwealthtimes.org
SPECTRUM EDITOR Chloe Hawkins spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org
OPINIONS EDITOR Ishaan Nandwani opinions@commonwealthtimes.org
PHOTO EDITOR Alessandro Latour photography@commonwealthtimes.org
AUDIENCE EDITOR Anna Chen audience@commonwealthtimes.org
ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR
Killian Goodale-Porter illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org
STAFF WRITERS
Varsha Vasudevan, News Thailon Wilson, Sports Nicholas Barahona, Opinions
Clare Wislar Tess Wladar Solimar Santoyo designerssmc@vcu.edu
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Jessica Clary claryj@vcu.edu
CREATIVE MEDIA MANAGER Mark Je ries mje ries@vcu.edu
BUSINESS MANAGER Owen Martin martinso@vcu.edu
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
BE IN PICTURES
By Zachary David Levy
I OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES
By Zachary David Levy
By The Mepham Group
Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle
by Patti Varol and Joyce Nichols Lewis
Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Nichols Lewis
