Issu - Randolph

YJ
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Volume 95; Issue 12
April 23, 2010
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA
The Yellow Jacket
The Official Student Newspaper and Student Voice of Randolph-Macon College
Campus Vandalism Climaxing S p e a k i n g
by Tommy Proffitt ‘11
Culture Editor
and Anna Perritt ‘11
Copy Editor
Visiting Artist’s 2009-10 Costs
Work Destroyed Exceed $80,000
Campus Safety officers disVandalism on R-MC’s camcovered an original sculpture
pus, as on other college campusbuilt by Payne Visiting Artist Soo
es, is a constant problem and this
Sunny Park was vandalized on
year has been no exception.
the morning of Saturday, April 9.
According to Linda Neale,
The damage to the piece has
Operations Manager of the Camleft members of the Randolphpus Safety Office, this year’s reMacon community reeling and
cord of reported vandalisms is
many are describing the incident
close to the numbers from the
as an embarrassment and a dis2008-2009 school year.
sapointment.
As of this writing, there are
The piece titled “Non-Buildover 160 reports of vandalism
ing Structure” was shown as part
for 2009-2010, meaning R-MC
of the “Departure: Models and
might have more vandalism cases
Drawing” series, which looks to
this year than last year if certain
highlight the process of creating
patterns of behavior continue.
art.
Maurice Kiely, Assistant
Park had shown the piece at
Director of Campus Safety, says
Photo courtesy of Katie Shaw
various other installations before
that by campus definition, vandalism incoming to R-MC; each time Park erected the peice in a different
cludes anything from trashcans knocked over to flowers being
way.
pulled up to mirrors ripped off of cars or windshields being
Katie Shaw, curator to the Flippo Gallery and adjunct profesbroken with rocks.
sor of art, says many students were involved in the re-construction
“The majority of the vandalism happens during the school
Continued on page 2
Continued on page 3
Special Interest Houses Decided
Kappa Sigma loses house for 2010-2011 year
by Holly McNutt ‘10
Staff Writer
Special interest housing selections
for the 2010-2011 school year were decided recently, allowing two special interest groups to have a house, but leaving
the Kappa Sigma Fraternity without one.
R-MC offers three special interest
houses for students, not including the
International House, a permanent special
interest house that any student may apply
to live in.
During school year, the Cobb House
was “on-loan” to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and under supervision of Greek Life because Kappa Sigma’s original house, Blincoe
House, was demolished as part of the college’s Master Plan.
However, Kappa Sigma was not granted
permission to live in a special interest house
for the upcoming school year, one reason
being because their current special interest
house was not properly maintained.
The fraternity may re-apply for a house
for the 2011-2012 school year if the conditions given by the college are met during the
2010-2011 school year.
A member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, John Endean said he is thankful his
fraternity is allowed to live in the Cobb
House for the remainder of this school
year.
He added that the fraternity is moving
forward in a positive direction and hopes
to be eligible for a house in the 2011-2012
school year.
For the upcoming year, the Cobb
House will be occupied by Brothers 4
Change and the current Theater House will
remain the same. Occupants of the tennis
house have not been decided at this time.
Benefit Concert Raises Over $460
Mu Phi Epislon raises money for CJSTUF
by Derek Gayle ‘11
News Editor
A benefit concert for the CJ’s Thumbs
Up Foundation (CJSTUF) was held by Mu
Phi Epsilon Thursday, April 15 in RandolphMacon’s Alumni Gym.
The event managed to raise over $460
for the foundation, which was created in
honor of Ashland and R-MC community
member Charlotte Reynolds.
“It’s the repeated events like this help
the total amount raised for CJSTUF creep
up into an amazing total,” Roger Reynolds,
founder of CJSTUF said. “We will have no
trouble distributing the initial $10,000
to families of children being treated at
VCU’s Children’s Medical Center and the
surplus funds will give us a head start on
eclipsing that amount next year.”
Five groups performed at the concert,
which included an array of musical styles
from people in and around the R-MC
Community.
The first group to get the audience
swinging was R-MC’s own Jazz Ensemble.
A rock band led by Anthony Williams, Hank Holmes and Blake Muller
performed next, providing a distinct
Continued on page 3
Image courtesy of CJSTUF
Out Silently
LGBTQ Week
Comes to Campus
by Becky Johnsen‘10
Editor-in-Chief
Last week, members of the R-MC
community noticed extensive advertising featuring a particular acronym: LGBTQ Awareness Week. This publicity
came in the form of posters, emails,
facebook groups and even a large structure outside of the campus library.
After all, this acronym represents
an integral part of the R-MC community. LGBTQ is an acronym which
encompasses the diversity of sexual
preferences, standing for “lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and questioning.”
And the past week was dedicated
to spreading awareness about LGBTQ
issues. “The purpose of the week is to
recognize the LGBTQ community as a
legitimate one and as one with a history
and a place in our greater community,”
remarked Elizabeth Gauthier, a veteran
member of the Organization for Sexual
Minorities and Allies (OSMA).
The week’s events were co-sponsored by OSMA and the Office of Student Life. These groups began planning in the fall to bring several events
to campus.
For example, the Office of Student
Life orchestrated the 12:12 Diversity
Luncheon. Bates-Pratt explained that
“it was a luncheon discussion amongst
faculty, staff and students, and was entitled ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, R-MC’.
During this session the participants had
an informal discussion regarding the
status of LGBTQ students on campus.”
The other main event was co-hosted with the Career Center. Bates-Pratt
mentioned, “we invited Alex Gant,
from the Washington, D.C. based nonprofit LGBTQ Career Development
organization ‘Out for Work’, to speak
about the special issues that come up in
the college to career transition for LGBTQ students.”
Finally, the Office of Student Life
set up a campus-wide display which encouraged the community to stop using
the word “gay” in a negative context.
As another part of the week’s
events, OSMA Members also installed
a memorial which highlighted the stories of dozens of victims of hate crimes.
Junior Chris Mollen, who designed and
built the memorial last year, was responsible for bringing it back to campus this year.
“While the memorial certainly isn't
inclusive of every hate crime that has
occurred against the LGBTQ community I think that its strength is that it
doesn't just include gays or just lesbians, but instead includes someone from
every orientation, including straight,”
explained Mollen.
“I have seen the number of people
that do stop and read the memorial and
Continued on page 2
YJ
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Page Two
News & Notes
“Othello” by William Shakespeare
The R-MC Drama Department presents Shakespeare’s
tragic tale of jealousy, deception and murder Wednesday,
April 28 through Saturday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. in Cobb
Theater. Tickets are $5 to the general public, but free to the
R-MC community. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Call (804)
752-7316 for reservations. The production is directed by
William Magnant with a set designed by Jason Depre.
SGA Update
by Robert Thomas ‘11
Advertising Manager
Meeting 20: April 6, 2010
•
•
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Destroyed Art, cont.
of the students who helped construct
the piece, says she was grateful to
help work closely with Park, but the
vandalism has left her feeling disappointed with the students responsible.
“I want all students to know that
this is not an art thing,” Knabel said.
“This is a gift that someone wanted
us to have and someone stole it from
the school.”
Director of Residence Life and
Housing and Judicial Affairs Rodney
Bardwell says he too feels strongly
about the incident.
“I’m extremely disappointed,”
Bardwell said. “I would think that a
liberal arts school would appreciate
art.”
However, many are looking at
the incident in a positive light.
“The sculpture continues to do
exactly what it was meant to do,”
Shaw said. “In it’s original form and
it’s assembly on campus, the object
served as a point of reference where
conversations about community
could take place.”
With the sculpture gone, Shaw
says, discussion has turned to a serious problem on campus
“Now, in it’s absence, there are
conversations taking place about issues in our community that need to be
addressed including respect for ideas
and self-expression,” Shaw said.
According to R-MC Campus
Safety, the piece was monitored
heavily, with officers checking on it
every two hours. They also say the
damage most likely occured sometime after midnight.
and Rachel Johnsen ‘13
Staff Writer
The following business was discussed at the Student Government Association
meetings of April 6 and 13.
Athletic Director Denis Kanach Announces Retirement
R-MC Director Athletics Denis Kanach announced his retirement April 8 after six years in the position and over 40
years with R-MC Athletics. Kanach will be officially departing on June 30. For a special commemoration for Kanach,
keep an eye out for our next issue on May 7.
of the piece when Park arrived on
campus. This unique experience is
something Shaw says was the intent
in bringing Park to campus.
“The people who work here, faculty and staff, have the student’s best
interests at heart,” Shaw said, “and we
want to provide you with different experiences.”
However, because of the vandalism, Shaw says experiences such as
this may be greatly affected in the future.
“I will not plan any more outdoor
exhibits,” Shaw said. “(The vandalism) limits what you can experience
about the creative process. It’s unfortunate that we aren’t able to share
thoughts and skills freely with one
another.”
Raymond Berry, professor of arts
and chair of the Studio Art Department, says that he is disappointed by
the vandalism and says he compares
the vandalism to theft.
“It’s very disappointing that this
effort done by a very successful artist was vandalized,” Berry said. “We
don’t have it there anymore, it’s as if it
was stolen. It’s a violation no different
than if someone stole something from
you.”
And Berry, like Shaw, says he
thinks this vandalism will have a profound effect on what the arts department and the campus will be able to
bring to campus in the future.
“It means that we aren’t going to
be able to do this for a while,” Berry
said.
Shaw says she hopes people realize more than just a sculpture was
affected. Many people were involved
in helping bring Park to campus, constructing the piece, and, now that the
piece has been vandalized, dealing
with the destruction.
“There are a lot of people involved in making that happen,” Shaw
said. “You don’t always see that.”
While students and the Art Department were heavily involved in
bringing the piece to campus, departments like Physical Plant, Campus
Safety, Human Resources, the Board
of Trustees, Marketing and Communication, all have been largely affected by the destruction, according
to Shaw.
“Everyone’s just disappointed
and embarrassed,” Shaw said.
And many students and members of the faculty and staff have expressed their feelings as well.
Lauren Knabel, senior and one
April 23, 2010
NEWS
•
•
•
•
The annual Passing the Gavel ceremony will take place on April 28.
The Senior class gala plans are coming together well.
The Junior class has a Locks of Love event coming up.
The Sophomore class has a blood drive event coming up.
RHA has purchased board games for the residence halls—a check-out system with the
RA’s may be instituted.
The Student Affairs Committee reported that Dean Azdell is still looking into the possibility of Senior-only parking near the townhouse residences.
The administration recommends no change in the current drug policy.
The Food Committee reported that the new order system in Macon Coffee will save
an estimated 17,000 sheets of paper per month—further improvements are still being
considered.
The Food Committee reported that the college has already received proposals for a
weekly meal plan that does not include meal time zones.
Amendment 7, making the Commuter Association a voting member of SGA, was
scheduled for a vote at the next meeting.
Bill 22, which would have clarified eligibility for an SGA Honor Cord as requiring at
least two full terms as a voting member of SGA, failed after a lengthy discussion and
multiple attempts at amendments.
The new brochure proposed by the Admissions and Retention Committee was approved by SGA to be sent to Dean Azdell.
Meeting 21: April 13, 2010
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The Student Affairs Committee is still looking into making textbooks available in the
library.
Concerns over computer lab availability in the library are still being considered.
Amendment 7, making the Commuter Association a voting member of SGA, was
passed.
The Student Affairs Committee was tasked with looking into extending the weekend
hours of the Brock Center.
The Academic Affairs Committee was tasked with looking into the issue of procedures
to apply in the event of instructor tardiness or absence during classes.
The Sophomore Class agreed to donate an adjustable date stamp to Sarah Hamby’s
office, in order to cut down on time for including dates on approval stamps for flyers
to be posted around campus.
Nominations for student members for next year’s college committees are currently
being sought.
Amendment 8, specifically mandating that the SGA Director of Publicity must receive
website management training from Brent Hoard, was proposed and set for a vote at the
next meeting.
The Finance and Administration Committee was tasked with investigating possible
improvements of the campus emergency call boxes.
The Finance and Administration Committee was tasked with investigating concerns
over the slipping hazard posed by the surfaces outside Copley and Thomas Branch
when wet.
James McGhee agreed to investigate measures to address student concerns about the
lack of options at many college functions for students with special dietary requirements (vegetarian, kosher, etc.)
The Food Committee was tasked with investigating the possibility of allowing students who remain on campus during breaks to use their meal plans during that time.
LGBTQ Awareness Week, continued
hopefully what it conveys is that the people
on the memorial are people just the same
as us.”
The primary event organized by
OSMA was the Day of Silence (DoS), a
national movement held on Friday, April
16. OSMA described the event as follows:
“On the National Day of Silence hundreds of thousands of students nationwide
take a vow of silence to bring attention to
anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools.”
The DoS culminated in a Breaking of
the Silence in the Campus Center. There,
R-MC community members assembled to
show their support for people of all sexual
orientations. Seniors and long-time participants Seth Haley and Mayjean Deem also
shared the history of the event and the im-
portance of promoting LGBTQ awareness.
“It was really nice to see people you
wouldn't expect to be there come and support the cause,” shared freshman Mariah
Rodgers, a key organizer for the event.
“It was emotional for me to see so many
people there from so many different organizations. The unity of the people really affirmed my decision to come to this school.”
The DoS was widely recognized as a
success; according to the Office of Student
Life, the attendance at the Breaking of the
Silence event was the largest it had ever
been (at 75-80 attendees).
However, Sophmore OSMA member
Violeta Valdes still sees room for future
discussion. “There are topics and messages
that need to be addressed but very rarely
are brought to light in a constructive and
structured manner. There are those moments when an insult is dished out and in
that situation you can’t do anything to fight
back. Why? The dynamic is an elusive one
to define and even harder to counteract.
The week has given a time and a place to
address topics.”
According to several members in
OSMA, the organization fully plans to continue similar events to promote awareness.
In addition, Bates-Pratt asserts the
importance of advocating full diversity,
“The Office of Student Life wants to continue to support and coordinate programs
and events that encourage a diverse and
respectful community that embraces all of
its members.”
YJ
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April 23, 2010
NEWS
MPR Events Honor Sexual Assualt Victims
Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night Raise Awareness
by Whitney Petticolas ‘13
Staff Writer
In honor of victims/survivors and to
raise awareness of sexual assault on the
campus of Randolph-Macon College, Macon Peer Response sponsored the Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night on
April 6-7, 2010.
The Clothesline Project event allowed
students to make a shirt in honor of a victim/survivor of sexual assault. These shirts
were then displayed in the Brown Campus
Center for the Take Back the Night event.
Take Back the Night was the topping for the awareness of sexual assault.
Departments, such as Campus Safety,
the Counseling Center and Hanover Safe
Place, were present to give brief speeches
about their services.
Senior Associate Dean Kathryn Hull
was present to give a short speech of statistics and to express the support the of the
R-MC community.
Image courtesy of USaid.gov
“I try to be one of first to help them folks,”
said Dean Hull in her speech.
Afterwards the floor was open for victims/survivor or friends of to share their testimony. The intensity of the event set in and poems were read by
MPR members to encourage, inspire and to lighten
the weight for those who wanted to share their testimony.
Melissa Mowry was the first to share a testi-
mony of a friend who is a survivor of sexual assault. Many followed behind her, in
expectation to share their story or inspired
by others who stepped up before them.
MPR members stood close by with
a tissue box and friends followed closely behind their friends ready to embrace
them in their tears.
Stories of guilt and fear for siblings
and others were told in these testimonies.
Others gave declarations of “it’s not my
fault” and “being strong.” Tears were
shed, anger was expressed and laughter
was even involved.
“No one can control who you are going to become,” says Charlene Smith, a
sophomore who got up to express words
of respect and gratitude towards those who
had spoken.
Following the event a march around
campus was held in declaration of “taking
back the night.”
2009-2010 Vandalism Costs, Continued
year,” Kiely said. “Unfortunately, most of
these vandalism cases are unresolved.”
The $80,000 worth of vandalism
charges President Lindgren mentioned in
his recent email to the campus community sounds excessive. However, the figure
makes sense when broken down.
“It’s the labor that makes it add up,”
explained Neale. A broken window, for example, may only cost $60, but it can take
a member of Physical Plant two or three
hours to replace it, making the total cost of
the repair $150-$200.
The DSX System, the swipe machines
for the ID cards that allow access into
buildings, cost about $1,000 a piece for
each machine. Add to that the labor costs,
and bashing in one card reader turns into a
large expense.
Rodney Bardwell, Director of Residence Life and Housing, says there has
been an increase in vandalism this year inside the dorms.
Little things like peepholes being taken
off the room doors, trash on the floor of the
halls, toilets clogged with paper towels or
ceiling tiles being written on all count as acts
of vandalism. If no one comes forward, the
entire hall splits the fee involved for these
damages.
Bardwell is concerned about some of
the bigger vandalisms, such as taking down
the exit signs or using the fire extinguisher
inappropriately.
“Meddling with life safety equipment
is dangerous and you can be charged criminally,” Bardwell said.
When a fire extinguisher is used, the
alarm goes off and fire fighters respond.
Bardwell pointed out that fire fighters have
the jurisdiction to arrest individuals who
cause a false alarm and that these people can
be prosecuted.
Kathryn Hull, Senior Associate Dean of
Students, says there is too much vandalism
on R-MC’s campus.
First Sigma Tau Delta
Chapter Inducted
by Dan Lutz ‘13
Staff Writer
Sigma Tau Delta had their
first inductions ever on campus
Sunday, April 11 at the Henry Clay
Inn.
The English Honorary Society inducted 25 new members and
elected Jocelyn Carver ’11 as their
acting president for next year.
The Society is something not
only new to campus but historical
as well.
Students who were inducted
are now able to apply for scholarships, write papers and have other
members critique them and have
their work published in the various journals that the society has.
“It’s refreshing and thrilling to be part of such a brand
new group with such an amazing
group of people,” said Carver.
Sigma Tau Delta will be
working along other English
groups such as the Washington
Literary Society to promote the
Image courtesy of Gustavos.edu
English language not only on campus
but in the surrounding Ashland area as
well. The group will do various types
of fundraisers to raise awareness.
Sigma Tau Delta will help these
students as they go on in their lives
to the working world by giving them
countless numbers of resources.
The society has various types of
workbooks, handbooks and publishing opportunities to help make sure
that the members of the society succeed in whatever they choose.
“I truly believe only a small percentage of students participate [in vandalism]
and I’m amazed those few don’t respect
our community. The whole student body
pays for what few do and that’s sad,” Hull
said.
Both Bardwell and Hull encourage
students to report information on any vandalism activities via the online silent witness report forms on the Campus Safety
page of R-MC’s website or by having a
confidential conversation with Bardwell.
He can be reached in his office in the
HIVE of Mary Branch.
Students with information leading to
judicial proceedings can be awarded $250
for their help.
“It’s just so senseless,” concluded
Bardwell. “You wouldn’t do this at your
house. I’d like to think that R-MC is the
students’ home away from home and that
it would be respected as such.”
CJSTUF Concert, Cont.
sound some describe as a
loud “Jimi Hendrix” style
that the audience didn’t seem
too familiar with.
Singer/Songwriter Clay
Motley mellowed the audience with his acoustic guitar,
performing various covers,
as well as original songs with
a pop feel.
Another R-MC trademark, the Ujima Gospel
Choir, performed with their
usual harmonies and upbeat
pieces.
The concert wrapped
up with an Americana duo
from R-MC: Professor Gayla
Mills and her husband, Gene.
Playing some original folk,
country and bluegrass songs,
the Mills dedicated their song
“Last Lullaby” to Charlotte.
“Rachel and I were so completely moved that MPE would
even think of hosting an event
like this and then pull it off with
such good music,” Reynolds
said. “We have felt very strongly supported by R-MC from the
very beginning of this journey.”
Another benefit concert for
CJSTUF, “The Spring Concert
Dessert Tailgate” sponsored by
R-MC alumni, will take place
on May 1 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
in the Old Chapel parking lot.
“It’s a perfect example of
how every little bit means an
awful lot,” Reynolds said.
YJ
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The Yellow Jacket
Volume 95; Issue 11
April 9, 2010
Becky Johnsen ‘10
Editor-In-Chief
[email protected]
Robert Thomas ‘11
Business/Advertising Manager
[email protected]
Katie Newton ‘10
Features Editor
Jessee Perry ‘11
Politics Editor
Derek Gayle ‘11
News Editor
Tommy Proffitt ‘11
Culture Editor
Lara O’Brien ‘12
Sports Editor
[email protected]
Anna Perritt ‘11
Copy Editor
Zachary Basham ‘10
Distribution Manager
Staff Writers
Jen Green ‘10
Chris Lambert ‘10
Holly McNutt ‘10
Bill Allen ‘10
William Magnant ‘10
Alex Stevens ‘10
Liz Gauthier ‘10
Jasmine Harris ‘12
Maggie Yoder ‘11
Whitney Jones ‘11
Kellianne Mullin ‘12
Dan Lutz ‘13
Rachel Johnsen ‘13
Whitney Petticolas ‘13
Felix Schneider ‘13
Anne-Line Crochet ‘13
Professor Gayla Mills
Faculty Adviser
Printed at the Progress-Index
in Petersburg, Va.
The Yellow Jacket is published
bi-weekly. Written materials or
letters can be submitted to the staff
through the R-MC Office of Student Life, P.O.Box 5005, Ashland,
VA, 23005 or at yellowjacket@
rmc.edu
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Opinions expressed herein are
exclusively those of the writer/
editorial
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All unjustified articles are the
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Get the latest news,YJ updates and weather.
Page Four
YJ
est. 1915
April 23, 2010
NEWS
NATIONAL NEWS UPDATES
Unslumping the Market JMU Students Incite Riots
Dow Jones Goes on the Upswing
nomic climate of Italy, Portugal and Spain
will affect the Euro in the coming months.
The Dow has increased by around
68%
since this time last year, an incredThe
Dow
ibly
promisJones Industrial
ing
amount
to
Average
rose
anyone
who
above
11,000
has anything on
points on Monday
Wall Street.
for the first time in
Unfortu18 months.
nately,
due to
Broken down
basic
economat Monday’s closics, it is known
ing, the Dow held
that the draout at 11,005.97.
matic increase
The increase was
of the Dow will
8.62 points or
begin to slow
0.08 percent. As
shortly with less
is the norm, the
growth over the
other
domestic
Photo
courtesy
topnews.in
next year. The
markets reflected
Dow
high
of
14,000 points
the Dow average as the Stanexisted
during
the
housing
market
bubble,
dard & Poor increased just over two points
at
its
highest
in
October
2007.
and Nasdaq went up almost four.
It will be very interesting to see how
Overseas the European markets did
the
S.E.C.’s filings against Goldman
not increase by more than a small margin,
Sachs
for mortgage fraud will play out in
varying between no increase and two points
the
climate
of Wall Street in the coming
overall.
weeks
and
months
as more information is
The increase here in the U.S. was due
provided.
to the Greek government being given aid by
by Whitney Jones ‘11
Staff Writer
many European countries for their debt criInformation gathered from the
sis; however, the markets overseas did not
New
York Times “Dow Finished Above
find the news worthy of any dramatic fluc11,000”
by Javier Hernandez from
tuation.
April
12,
2010.
This news from overseas is beneficial as
there is some speculation on how the eco-
Philly Mick Wins Augusta
Tiger gives poor performance
by Whitney Jones ‘11
Staff Writer
cheeks and in his eyes as he hugged her, their
three children and spoke to the press.
She had been on bed rest all week leading
In an unusual change on the leader up to his championship round and came out to
board, Phil Mickelson won
show her support
his third Green Jacket at
as he played the
Augusta National this past
18th hole.
weekend.
Their
beHe knew he had won
havior is what is
as he went to the 18th hole
called a united
and made birdie, placing
front, and it was a
three strokes ahead of evrelief to see it diseryone else for the day with
played publicly
5 under 67. His tournament
without seeming
score was 16 under 272,
artificial.
the best score seen at the
The
major
Masters since Tiger Woods
distraction at this
in 2001, when Woods was
golf event was the
in his prime.
absence of Tiger
Woods finished fourth,
Woods’ wife Elin
but had teased everyone
and his poor perwith his occasional eagles
formance.
during the rounds of play.
Many peoMickelson’s enthusiasm
ple would call it
Photo courtesy ESPN.com
over his victory was cherkarma, but othished by not only himself, but also
ers blamed his clubs, the
his caddy and wife.
weather and the grass.
It is unusual to see such a long emWhenever there was a spare ten seconds,
brace between caddy and golfer – but to the missing wife and meager golf performance
understand how Mickelson plays is to were analyzed and critiqued.
know him – as Jim “Bones” MacKay has
One would like to hope that the game will
worked with Mickelson since 1991.
be the focus in the coming weeks, as Woods has
Many people would admit that Mick- already signed on for the Quail Hollow Chamelson’s clear show of emotion over his pionship, set for April 29 in Charlotte, NC.
wife Amy’s cancer (as well as his mother,
The Quail Hollow tournament is ironic,
who is also battling breast cancer) was re- as Woods said during an interview with CBS
freshing over the robotic mannerisms of analyst Peter Kostis that he needed time off to
the Tiger Woods camp.
evaluate his performance and his next move.
Mickelson had visible tears on his Clearly, he just can’t wait to get back out there
Annual Springfest turns violent
by Anna Perritt ‘11
Copy Editor
is as large as the party gets, and regular attendees as well as the police were not preThe annual Springfest block party at pared for such an influx, said The Breeze.
Students and residents of Forest Hills
James Madison University (JMU) turned
spent
Sunday picking up the leftover trash
violent on April 9 and 10 when partygoand
debris
from the previous night’s festivers refused to leave the area, located in the
ities.
In
another
attempt to mend relations
Forest Hills subdivision where students
with
the
community,
the Student Govlease townhouses.
ernment
Association
President,
Candace
For safety reasons, the JMU text alert
Avalos,
made
an
apology,
said
The
Breeze.
system informed students they needed to
The
SGA
also
spent
their
meeting
last
clear the area. According to a CBN news
Tuesday
discussing
the
Springfest
riot.
The
report, the management of the townhousintent is not to lay blame but to brainstorm
es
called
solutions,
the police
Avalos told
because
The Breeze.
they could
These
no longer
events
also
control the
spurned
an
crowd that
internal
inhad begun
vestigation.
to
light
Harrisondumpsters
burg
City
on
fire
Police
are
and throw
investigating
bottles and
the
events
rocks
at
of
Saturresidents’
day
night
in
vehicles,
an
effort
to
windows
Photo courtesy The Cavalier Daily
evaluate
how
similar
cases
in
and houses. Because the
request was ignored, police moved in to the future can be handled differently, Police Lt. Kurt Boshart told The Breeze.
disperse the partygoers.
This is not such an unusual occurrence
Over 200 city and state police ended
for
JMU,
however. A 2000 alum commentup using rubber bullets, beanbags, teargas
ed
on
The
Breeze’s April 8 article regardand even pepper spray to break up the
ing
increased
police presence at the then
crowd of over 8,000 people comprised
upcoming
Springfest.
He said that when
of not only JMU students but those from
he
attended
JMU,
“the
police broke up a
other campuses as well. The partygoers
similar
party
with
tear
gas.”
Multiple other
refused to leave and fought with police,
students
who
commented
on
The Breeze’s
throwing bottles and even heaving a cinwebsite
mentioned
this
2000
tear gas inciderblock at a SWAT member in an attempt
dent.
to break the shield, reported The Breeze,
According to WHSV News, 35 offiJMU’s student newspaper.
cers
in riot gear used tear gas on partygoers
The ensuing riot resulted in 24 arin
August
2000 after a dumpster was set on
rests, a stabbing, property damage and
fire
in
Village
Lane. Forest Hills is in the
multiple injuries, said The Breeze.
same
area
of
Harrisonburg.
Several students were taken to RockAn article on Associated Content’s
ingham Memorial Hospital but there were
website
suggested that the fact that this
no serious injuries to officers or partygoyear’s
Springfest
was promoted on Faceers.
book
was
a
factor
in the large increase
In a later article, The Breeze said that
of
attendees
this
year.
Other such parties
out of the 24 arrests only 15 were JMU
promoted
on
Facebook
led to similar situstudents, but the police anticipate making
ations
where
the
crowd
grew so large it
more arrests as they continue examining
turned
violent
and
police
had
to break it up.
videos and photographs from the weekDaniel
de
Vise
of
the
Washington
Post
end. Youtube has been the main source
seconds
this.
for these images.
“Mayhem is not all that uncommon at
Originally, Springfest was scheduled
spring
college festivals,” Vise said in his
to be in Fox Hills Townhomes. When stuApril
14
blog.
dents learned that police would be heavily
patrolling the area, the party shifted down
to Forest Hills. Usually a turnout of 2,000
Page Five
YJ
est. 1915
FEATURES
April 23, 2010
Randolph-Macon Expands Network Connections
“Nothing they’re doing is revolutionary,” Conners said. “They’re just using the
latest technology.”
Randolph-Macon College’s motto is “BeConnors says she perceives parallels
lieve in the moment of connection.” Between between colleges venturing into social netFebruary and June 2009, R-MC expanded its working and stunts tried in the past.
connections by launching Web sites on Face“A couple of years ago, colleges sent
book, Twitter and YouTube.
out CDs and DVDs instead of brochures,”
R-MC’s YouTube channel has seven sub- Conners said. “They could put video and
scribers, its Facebook has 1,433 fans, and its audio on them, looked more up-to-date.”
Twitter has 340 followers, as of this writing.
Even if R-MC’s own homepage is not
“I’ve heard we had a Facebook and Twit- the most visited, Conners says R-MC still
ter, didn’t know about YouTube,” said alum- has its own foot in the door with using the
ni James Murray. “I don’t use any of them, social networks to their advantage.
though.”
“Facebook is used from the minute
However, Joan Conners, Professor of students express interest,” Conners said.
Communications at Randolph-Macon, says the “They get invited to a Facebook group
question of whether or not R-MC’s supplemen- when they are accepted, then another group
tal Web sites are successful is moot, because the from their OLs (orientation leaders) and
move to social networking is a natural progres- then more from different organizations.”
sion.
When looking at R-MC’s Twitter, users
by Derek Gayle ‘11
News Editor
will notice the similarities between R-MC
tweets and updates from the school’s Web
site: they are the same. Updates on Twitter
are the same condensed blurbs as stories on
the Web site. There is even a link to the full
story on the Web site for every tweet.
“People who use Twitter might not go
to the Web site regularly,” Conners said.
“Twitter is more passive, you don’t have to
go seek it out. The update comes to you.”
Professor of Journalism at R-MC Mary
Ann Owens incorporates Twitter’s use into
her journalism classes.
“It was a class project last summer,”
Owens said. “Each story needed a Twitter
entry, a summary in 140 characters. It takes
a new way of writing.”
Owens says she wants her students to
learn how important using Twitter as a news
source can be.
“During the Iranian election last sum-
mer, the only information in and out of
the country was Twitter and Facebook,”
Owens said. “Totalitarian countries can’t
shut down information flow. It’s the way
of the future.”
However, R-MC’s reason for using
these Web sites might just be to keep up
with the times and the students.
“If they didn’t do these things,
they’d look out-of-date,” Conners said.
“They’re the same motivations they always have. They’re just taking advantage
of the technology.”
Owens says she believes the Twitter and Facebook craze will continue to
be influential on the way information is
presented.
“It’s information without boundaries,” Owens said.
Thoughts on Author Margaret Atwood’s Lecture
by Katie Newton ‘10
Features Editor
On April 14, Randolph-Macon College
was privileged to host renowned author Margaret Atwood.
This was brought to us by the combined efforts of the R-MC Merrill Munyan Fund, The
Washington Literary Society, the English Department and the Women’s Studies Program.
Atwood is the author of more than forty
works and has won many awards for them including the Booker Prize and the Giller Prize.
While many would categorize her as a sciencefiction novelist, she prefers to say that she
writes “speculative fiction.”
Her newest novel, “The Year of the Flood”
(2009), is not a sequel but a “simultaneal” to her
2003 Giller Prize winner, “Oryx and Crake.”
Atwood spent the majority of the night discussing her newest novel and presenting some
of the characters through selective readings.
Luckily, I was able to attend Atwood’s
lecture. The thing that resonated most for me
was her emphasis on the environment. She began her talk discussing how many credit her as
R-MC Summer
by John Endean ‘12
Contributing Writer
Interested in staying on campus this
summer? There are a few options out there
for you.
SURF Project - Known as Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships,
the SURF program provides students with
the opportunity to research with professors
within their major during the summer. The
SURF program is from June 8 through August 8, and it serves as a full time job opportunity. Students work 40 hours a week, and
students are housed within the townhouse
apartments free of charge. Meals, however,
are not provided, and students have the option of buying into a summer meal plan.
On-Campus Jobs - If you have a
job on-campus and work more than 20 hours
each week, you may live on campus during
the summer with the cost of housing covered
for you. Meals however, are not covered,
and you also have the option of buying into
a meal plan. However, this does not apply to
off-campus jobs.
Summer School - If you are planning on taking classes this summer, you are
going to need to do several things. You will
need to not only pay for the summer classes
you are taking, but you will also need to
pay for a summer meal plan, as well as for
summer housing. However, this can be very
expensive. If you are interested in attending
summer school this summer, please be sure
to contact Dr. Trammel for additional information.
This, as we
being, through her
are already beginbooks, an advocate
ning to see, results
for oppressed peoin droughts, a deple.
crease in the food
While
I’m
supply and wars
sure that is true,
over climate, food
she reminded the
and water supply.
audience,
“withWhile
opout a viable planet,
pressed people are
there will be no opsurely of concern,
pressed people to
Atwood
seems
defend.”
confident that they
Her
literary
are relatively well
works, and her lectaken care of comture, both focused
pared to the envion the realities of
ronment.
the unpredictable
Of all charichanges that are octable
donations,
curring in our physshe relates that
ical world.
97% go to human
Many of these
Photo courtesy redpencildesign.ca
causes, while the
issues are the readditional 3% are split pretty
sults of social problems including the fact that the Earth’s population evenly between cats and dogs and the enis becoming too large for our planet to sup- vironment.
In light of her lecture, it is easy to see
port.
why she considers her books speculative
fiction and not science fiction. It is clear
that there are a lot of changes taking place
due to the stress placed on the Earth by our
human impact, and no one is quite sure
what will happen.
In “Oryx and Crake,” Atwood proposes several possible outcomes, including involuntary sterilization and the creation and
release of diseases to monitor the human
population.
While these ideas may seem a little excessive or far-fetched, for those who were
able to attend her lecture I think she conveyed that these measures (or others like
them) are very possible in the future of the
planet.
While I would have enjoyed a little
more discussion on the book “Oryx and
Crake” as advertised, I found Margaret Atwood’s lecture very thought-provoking.
She has effectively used fiction as a
way to convey the importance of our toll
on the environment and implicitly demands
that her readers begin thinking about the
future ramifications of our existence.
YJ
Page Six
est. 1915
April 23, 2010
FEATURES
Honoring the Class of ‘10: Senior Spotlights
Katie Newton
Arba Williamson
by Faith Hall
Contributing Writer
Undergraduate Research Fellowship
(SURF) Project at R-MC. His project
involved researching brook trout in a
The most interesting fact about stream near Harrisonburg, Virginia.
senior Arba Griffith Williamson IV is Williamson, Dr. Gowan and another
that he is five and a half years old. Born SURF student studied trout movement
on February 29, Arba only has a real during the summer months when the
birthday every four years.
trout were searching for food.
During his
With all that exfour years at Ranperience under his
dolph-Macon,
belt, what is WilWilliamson has
liamson planning to
become known
do after graduating
as a funny, laid
from Macon? If he
back and welldoes not get a job, he
liked person—in
claims he will “move
fact, he was this
home and take advanyear’s
Hometage of my parent’s
coming King. An
hospitality. Also, beactive member of
gin a book club.”
Sigma Alpha EpWi l l i a m s o n i s
silon, Williamson
looking forward to not
has served as the
having homework. He
House Manager,
will miss fixing things
Social Chair, and
in the SAE house and
New
Member
free cable.
Educator of his
For fun, WilPhoto courtesy Arba Williamson
fraternity.
liamson enjoys buildWilliaming furniture, being outside, and giving
son will be graduating with a B.S. in massages to strangers. He also likes
Environmental Studies and a minor to hide things so that he can find them
in Chemistry. This past summer, he later. For example, Williamson claims to
worked for the Virginia Department of have money in the pockets of all of his
Environmental Quality. His work in- jackets.
cluded collecting water and sediment
One day, Williamson would like
samples from the Chesapeake Bay.
to visit India. In the meantime, you can
Two summers before that, Wil- find Arba working outside or staring out
liamson was accepted for a Schapiro his window at the SAE house.
is here at R-MC.”
R-MC has prepared Newton for her future job
hunt
by letting her do her own SURF project here
As a chemistry major and a prospective
on
campus,
which eventually led to her being able
forensic scientist, senior Katie Newton is a
to
participate
in an Internship with the Virginia
frequent visitor to the Copley Science Center.
Department
of
Forensic Science.
However, equipped with an additional minor
Newton
says
she has spread herself to the
in Women’s Studies and a variety of talents,
breaking
point.
She
has worked with the Yellow
Newton will be anything but a typical scienJacket
as the features editor this
tist.
year,
was
inducted into Sigma
Newton originally
Tau
Delta
(the
English Academcame to R-MC for a
ic
Honors
Society),
participated
few key reasons.
in
the
Students
for
Environmen“I wanted to go
tal Action and has worked as a
to a small school that
tutor in the writing center.
was close to home, I’m
Newton’s plans for the fufrom King George, Va.
ture
include attending VCU in
which is a little less
the
fall
and working towards
than an hour away,”
her
Masters
in Forensic Science.
Newton said. “I also
She
says
her
Chemistry major
came here because I
here
at
Macon
has given her acwanted to play softball
cess
to
opportunities
she says
collegiately, which I
she
wouldn’t
have
gotten
elsedid my first two years
where.
here.”
“The curriculum here is
Finding this here
very
hands-on and I have been
at R-MC was easy for
Photo courtesy Katie Newton
able
to
use instruments that others
Newton, who thrived at
do
not
even
see
until
grad
school,” Newton said.
the small school environment.
Although
she
has
a
bright
future ahead of her,
“I’ve learned a lot as a student at R-MC.
Newton
says
there
are
a
few
things
she will miss
First of all, I’ve learned to appreciate the eduabout
Macon.
cation that we receive here. In my first year
“I’ll miss being able to walk anywhere on
or two I was envious of the comparatively
campus
in a matter of minutes, being able to wash
minor demands placed on my friends who atfive
loads
of laundry at once, sitting in Estes for
tending larger universities, and thought I was
entirely
too
long, living in an environment where
at a disadvantage because my courses were
many
of
my
friends are just a short walk away and
much more challenging,” Newton said. “I’m
late
night
roadtrips
to Sheetz,” Newton said.
grateful now that I was challenged, and realize how much better our quality of education
Going on Sabbatical:
The Continued Education of
R-MC’s Professors
by Lara O’Brien ‘12
Sports Editor
As students, we hear about professors
going on sabbatical all the time, but what
is sabbatical? Who gets to go? How often can you go? Well, thanks to our always
helpful faculty, the Yellow Jacket was able
to dig up some answers.
Sabbatical is program available at
nearly every college/university in the nation. Rather than teaching straight through
their professional life, professors at Randolph-Macon College are able to take a
semester to a year of study either at home
or away. A professor is able to apply for a
sabbatical once every eight years, so that
each seven years of teaching is followed by
a year of scholarship.
Sabbatical has a significant purpose
for the often over-worked faculty. Besides
allowing a professor a chance to refresh
themselves through a change in scenery
and responsibilities, faculty is able to move
into new areas of research and take on
large projects that could not otherwise be
tackled. This year of study allows a professor to return invigorated and prepared with
new ideas for their classes and research
projects on campus. These new ideas and
new knowledge are extremely advantageous to the student body that is able to
learn from these professors.
Those going on sabbatical for the
2010-2011 school year include Professors
John Thoburn, Joan Conners, Todd Munson and Evie Terrono. Each of these pro-
by Dan Lutz ‘13
Staff Writer
fessors will be exposed to new experiences
and information, returning to campus prepared for their classes in 2011-2012.
Dr. John Thoburn of the Chemistry department will be travelling to England to
study at the University of Cambridge. He
will be performing research with Dr. Johnathan Nitschke to study “supramolecular”
chemistry. This involves, according to Thoburn, “designing and building molecules
that can adapt their structure and function to a changing environment in a manner conceptually analogous to evolution of
biological molecules and processes.” These
projects are extremely exciting adventures
into the field of chemistry and we wish Dr.
Thoburn the best of luck in England. He will
be travelling with his entire family, which
will mean not only adventures in chemistry,
but also in new homes, schools and cultures.
The Thoburn family is excited for the opportunity, and they are definitely lucky to have
the experience.
Overall, sabbatical is an excellent opportunity for faculty and students. As faculty
members are able to pursue their deeper,
more time-consuming passions, students are
able to learn much more from these rested
and continually educated professors. Allowing professors to continue learning even after they have completed their schooling is a
fantastic asset that our school is able to take
advantage of. Good luck to those going on
sabbatical in the coming year, and we look
forward to welcoming home those away currently.
Page Seven
GREEK SPEAK
•
•
•
•
•
•
Alpha Gamma Delta
Lauren Wood and Ashley Harper were
both recognized for Phi Beta Kappa as
freshmen.
Ashley Harper was also elected sophomore rep for the Honors Association.
Jacqueline Laundon was accepted to teach
English in France in October, and invited
to join Pi Sigma Alpha.
Jacqueline Laundon was also initiated
into Phi Beta Kappa, along with Nikki
Carroll and Becky Johnsen.
Erin McNeil and Maryanne Dalla Valle
were invited to join Alpha Kappa Delta.
Olivia Masser was initiated into Omicron
Delta Kappa.
Alpha Phi Omega
• APO participated in Macon-a-Difference
Day on Saturday, and the massive turnout of brothers was dispersed among
Adopt-a-highway, handing out flyers for
the annual Spring Cleaning service project, assisting at opening day for Little
League and tending to gardens in the
community.
• Mayjean Deem, outgoing chapter president, won the prestigious Ira L. Andrews
Spirit of Fraternalism Award. Congratulations Mayjean!
Delta Zeta
• Three members of DZ are being inducted into
the Sociology Honors Society AKD! They are
Katie Dunn, Elise Handler and Kayci Williamson. Congratulations ladies!
• Kat Chapman got into Loyola and Boston
College Graduate School for social work.
Congratulations Kat!
Greek Week 2010 Kicks Off with Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day and the beginning of Greek
Week, Campus Events Committee, Students for
Environmental Action and Residence Housing Association presented the 2010 Earth Day Celebration
on Saturday, April 17, featuring two-man sound-machine Big Gigantic and mash-up artist White Noise.
Greek Week continued through Friday, 23 with various events to unite Greek life and spirit. For more
in-depth coverage of all Greek Week events, keep an
eye out for the next issue, May 7.
CORRECTIONS
Kaitlyn Allan’s name has mispelled in Greek Speak
for the past two issues. We sincerely apologize.
Want to write for the YJ?
Our very last meeting of the year will be Monday,
April 26 at 9 p.m. in Upstairs Campus Center
It’s never too late to
write for the paper!
YJ
est. 1915
FEATURES
April 23, 2010
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Badey
by Jessee Perry ‘11
Politics Editor
We attend class. They lecture and assign work. We
transportation rider category.
grumble and turn it in. As a generalization, we know
Aside from his extra-curricular interests (includvery little about those who teach us here at Randolphing canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, hunting
Macon College. For example, how many can say they
and fishing), there is a lot more to Badey. Possibly one
know their professor’s background, current research
of the most fascinating things about Badey is his sheer
or what they enjoy about teaching us?
enjoyment for teaching. He “likes watching students
This first spotlight will shine on a faculty memdevelop writing, speaking and critical thinking skills
ber who served nine years in the
over time and seeing them ultimately
U.S. Air Force. He has worked
apply those skills to a particular probas a security policeman in the
lem. As a professor, it is gratifying to
fields of nuclear security, reknow that you may have had a small
source protection, training, law
part in a student’s development.”
enforcement and drug enforceOn the other side of the spectrum,
ment. In addition, he has served
Badey gets “frustrated by students who
on hostage negotiations teams.
try to get by with as little work as posAfter his stint in the military,
sible and squander the opportunity that
this faculty member finished his
has been created for them.”
Ph.D. at Ruprecht-Karls UniThe combination of favorite and
versität Heidelberg in Germany
least favorite parts of professorhood has
which allowed him to spend five
probably shaped Badey’s style of teachyears as a visiting and adjunct
ing. For those of you who have had a
professor at the University of
class with Badey, you will know the
South Florida in Tampa while
general opinions of him range from terteaching courses at St. Leo’s
rifying to hard to possibly resembling
Photo courtesy rmc.edu
College and Hillsborough Com“the punisher” when he is fresh off his
munity College.
bike. From his own perspective, Badey sees this as
Any guesses as to who this faculty member is?
having high expectations. He feels that, “while [he]
Political Science and International Studies professor
may be demanding, [he] has never sent away a student
Dr. Thomas J. Badey.
who has asked for help. . . if [his] reputation causes
After reviewing Badey’s background the most obsudents in my classes to work harder than they norvious question is why did he choose Randolph-Macon
mally would, [he doesn’t] mind being called a curCollege? Similar to the students, Badey found R-MC
mudgeonly old #@*&^!”
to be a “beautiful campus, [with] great colleagues,
That being said, while we all focus on papers, life
manageable class sizes, and one-to-one student-teachand pushing forward, so does Badey. While working
er interactions.”
on an article on the differences between types of secuLittle known facts about Badey may include that
rity walls and their impacts, as well as beginning rehis favorite author is John le Carré and as a child he
search to examine the impact of generational changes
wanted to be a policeman. But one more well-known
on terrorist organizations, his goals are pretty much
fact is that he rides a motorcycle.
the same as ours. He is “trying to keep up with all
Specifically, he rides a 2005 Honda Shadow Aero
the papers, presentations and exams (that [he] has to
which he hopes to upgrade to a Harley touring bike.
grade) and make it to graduation.”
As a professor he does not fit the standard profile for a
Seeing that Badey is as least one professor who
motorcyclist; especially since he does not ride with a
is not all that different from his students (if you take
crew “…yet.” Badey finds that “there are three types
away the degrees, experience and published works)
of bikers: those that ride for recration, those that ride
perhaps we should take a cue from him. Other than
for transportation and those for whom motorcycles are
working hard in school, we need to remember, “life is
a way of life.” If you have ever passed Fox parking lot
too short to smoke cheap cigars!”
on an average day, you would know Badey fits in the
Spring 2010 Fashion Trends
by Whitney Jones ‘11
Staff Writer
The keyword for this spring’s fashion trends is
“energize.” Spring 2010 still nods a head at the current economic situation, but is vastly more relaxed
compared to other seasons of the past year.
It is still mostly about investing in wardrobe over
numbers of items or price. Vintage is still tres chic, as
are the classic pieces that we all rely on.
For example, “Town & Country” had an entire
spread in their March 2010 issue of the fashion trends
of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and how they still are
prevailing today!
Examples of classic fashion include Chanel’s
2.55 “classic flap bag” which has many affordable alternatives, the Boat and Tote L.L. Bean bag, the Ralph
Lauren or YSL work dress, the Lilly Pulitzer shift and
the Burberry trench.
Bright, bold colors in accessories are big again;
look out for platform stiletto heels, jewelry, and handbags. Nautical pieces from rope and canvas details to
sailor stripes are big on everything from hats to shirts
to pants to shoes!
Wearing military pieces is great, but be sure to
not wear them altogether which would make you look
awkward on a campus like R-MC. Try to invest in a
quality army-style jacket – J. Crew has some great
cotton pieces for Spring-Summer 2010 as does American Eagle.
If you want to invest in a quality piece, check
out the ones by Marc Jacobs. The army jacket looks
very chic with a neutral-colored miniskirt and your
studded sandals a la Carrie Bradshaw from last summer.
Speaking of neutral, all shades of neutral in all
kinds of fabric are going to be appreciated with these
warm spring temperatures. Try it in cotton, linen or
silk-blends for a light, Moroccan feel (have you seen
the Sex and the City 2 trailer? Patricia Field always
seems to be ahead of the trends).
If you are girly-girl, peach tones, polka dots,
bows, ruffles, gold/platinum/silver gilt, lace details
and flowers are the way to go.
If you are a tomboy, military details, olive green
and khaki shades, canvas messenger bags and saddle
shoes or brogues are the best ways to express yourself while updating your style.
If you have more city flair, neon colors, sparking
crystals, tribal prints, leather fabrics, fringe details
and athletic wear are the best approach.
Hitting up H&M or Target is the best way to go
if you are on a budget, or if you want to go with an
out-there trend but do not want to spend the heavy
cash.
My other favorite go-to inexpensive shop is the
BP (BrassPlum) aka juniors department at Nordstrom. You know you are getting fashionable pieces
(duh, it is Nordstrom), but it is higher quality than
lower-priced stores.
Page Eight
YJ
est. 1915
POLITICS/OPINIONS
Destruction of a Masterpiece
Student expresses disappointment
Is this really what we have come to? To
echo President Lindgren and other administrators, this is a respect issue and a matter of repuTo My Fellow Students:
tation. The fact that a piece of art is not safe on
I must admit I am disappointed and this campus is sad and reflects poorly upon all
ashamed. Considering you attend a prominent of us as a student body and as a community.
college, I assume that since you were accepted
R-MC’s reputation is the face it shows the
to this institution you are of good moral char- world beyond Ashland, Va. It is our good name
acter and high intelligence. Perhaps I have mis- that attracts future students and prospective
judged.
donors. To tarnish this at all negates some of
Sometime late Friday night or early on the the good things about this campus it has taken
morning of Saturday,
R-MC students, faculty
April 10, a sculpture
and staff members years
erected outside of
to spread to others outside
Pace Hall for the
of our region, state and
new exhibition in
country.
the Flippo Gallery
R-MC will follow
was damaged.
you throughout your
The artist spent
life. When interviewing
most of the previfor a job, the boss wants
ous week preparing
to know you received a
for the opening, of
quality education that has
which the sculpture
trained you to handle the
Image courtesy wikimedia.org
was a main feature.
responsibilities you will
Because the sculpture was damaged, the admin- take on in your position. Seeing R-MC on your
istration was concerned it might get even more application should mean that yes, you did earn
destroyed and decided to dismantle it.
that degree and are mature enough for the job
Let us consider the various ways this act at hand.
was rude. To the artist, we have said that her
Socially speaking, R-MC follows you, too.
creativity was not appreciated. To future artists This is your alma mater, your second home,
who want to exhibit here, we have said their the place that really helped mold you into the
work may not be safe. To the donors and patrons adult you are (or soon will be). People will infer
that financially support R-MC’s artistic endeav- things about your character based upon the fact
ors, we have said their efforts were in vain. To that you graduated from this college.
the students who helped build the sculpture, we
What message do you want to send out?
have said we don’t even respect our friends.
What reaction do you hope to see on your boss’s
By damaging this sculpture we have de- or new friend’s face? Are you comfortable with
stroyed the work put forth by various faculty it being a look of disappointment?
and staff who went to the effort of organizSadly, a few bad decisions by a small group
ing this event. You should know that behind of students can affect the view the world has of
the scenes there are individuals, committees, us Yellow Jackets. I challenge all of you to deboards, etc. that devotedly work in their free cide to be the better person, the honest person,
hours to arrange for interesting and unique ex- the type of person with the strong character of
periences for us students to enjoy and engage in those that came before you. I challenge you to
while attending school. Not showing up to such live up to the high moral standards our alumni
events or carelessly damaging them is a blatant have set for us.
show of rude behavior.
by Anna Perritt
Copy Editor
April 23, 2010
Cap and Trade Policy:
What is in the U.S and why
by Whitney Jones ‘11
Staff Writer
Before cap and trade was recently linked to climate change, it was
first mentioned as part of the 1990
Clean Air Act, assisting in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions which
subsequently decreased in the occurrences of acid rain (from coal-burning
power plants).
First off, cap and trade is not a
focused carbon tax, which is a common misconception. Cap and trade is
an industry and economy wide control on a specific kind of pollution.
In a February 28 New York
Times interview, Senator Lindsey
Graham (R-SC) said that “Cap-andtrade as we know it is dead, but the issue of cleaning up the air and energy
independence should not die – and
you will never have energy independence without pricing carbon.”
Senators Graham, Kerry and
Lieberman have proposed a focused
carbon tax to promote green energy,
as well as promoting funding for
nuclear development throughout the
U.S., and offshore drilling permits.
A more recent NYT article about
the Kerry-Graham-Lieberman bill
from March 25 claims that the Tea
Party followers oppose the bill as it
represents the Big Government.
The main issue with the bill is
that someone will have to pay for
what is being proposed and it may fall
to the states to do so, which is laughable (Virginia affording anything
progressive when we can’t even keep
teachers in our public schools? Ha!).
Plus, our economy has still not
recovered, which is obvious when
you look at our unemployment rate
and Wall Street.
Here is what I think: I think this
bill is a great idea. I am concerned
with how it plans on paying for itself.
I dislike offshore drilling because unless they do some exploratory work
first, I sincerely doubt there is that
much oil so close to the shore.
I like the concept of nuclear power, I just know that living near one is
not the most comforting thing in the
world and is not the greenest option
out there (have you ever been to Lake
Anna? 72 degree water is not natural,
people!).
I greatly disliked the WaxmanMarkey bill from last year, as they accommodated the oil and gas industry
who do not need to save money (their
profits from when gas prices go up
makes me nauseous).
I wish we had more wind turbines
somewhere (maybe a good way to use
those mountains they keep blowing
the tops off of in KY/WV/VA? See
ilovemountains.org to see what I am
talking about) to promote clean green
energy.
I think the rebates people get for
solar panels, energy star appliances
and green home improvements is a
joke, and I think we should get more
money back.
I think utilities are too expensive in some cities and not expensive
enough in others. I would like us to
look into sincerely developing more
productive forms of ethanol as they
do in South America.
I think every state should have
the same emissions standards as California. I want the air quality, water
quality and gas prices to improve. I
do not need to hug a tree to make you
guys understand how I feel.
R-MC Alcohol Policies Impact More Than Thought
A Student Reviews His Case and R-MC Policy
by Alex Hoskins ‘11
Contributing Writer
My name is Alex Hoskins, and I am currently a junior
here at Randolph-Macon College. I am a student with a
cumulative grade point average of 3.82.
I am a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. I am a
student who works part time as a server at Ruby Tuesday
in order to alleviate my parent’s financial burden in respect to my college education.
I’ve been recognized by Phi Beta Kappa (having a 3.5
GPA or higher by the end of sophomore year), Pi Sigma
Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), and Omicron
Delta Kappa (Leadership Society).
However, I’m a student who has an issue with alcohol. In September, I had my first alcohol violation on
campus here at Randolph-Macon College (i.e. the student
who “faceplanted” on the railroad tracks). And just over a
month ago I was involved in a single car crash, which was
preceded by a night of heavy drinking.
Ironically, this second incident took place off campus,
yet the college now tells me that I have to serve judicial
sanctions for something I did while outside the physical
boundaries of this institution.
The following have ensued since my DUI charge: I
have attended two arraignments in Henrico General District Court and I will ultimately face the legal consequences of my irresponsible decisions. However, in addition to
these charges, R-MC has slapped me with its judgmental
policies from all sides.
I was informed that I could not serve as a Resident
Assistant next year. I was informed that I needed to resign
And now here I am again, being slapped with viofrom my post as an executive member of the Inter-Fraterlations
by an institution that seeks to maintain its image
nity Council. I was informed that I would not be able to be
over
the
well-being of its students.
rehired as a tutor at R-MC’s Writing Center (even though
While I can empathize with some
I got a perfect score on
of
the
college’s decisions in respect to
Va.’s writing SOL test
my
offense,
I don’t see how tutoring
and a 730 out of 800 on
someone
in
writing has anything to
the writing SAT).
do
with
my
private
social life.
And to top it off, I
Moreover,
the
college’s inabilwas given a second juity
to
follow
up
after
my first offense
dicial violation, which
demonstrates
that
if
sanctions
are fulentails paying the colfilled,
the
college’s
obligation
to its
lege $100 and serving
students
is
“done”
(whether
or
not
the
10 community service
student’s
individual
problem
has
achours.
tually been addressed).
Needless to say,
So, while the college may tell
this institution’s polime
I’m
not worthy to hold any sort
cies are quite frustratof
leadership
position here at R-MC,
ing. After my first viothere
are
a
few
things they can’t take
lation in September, I
away
from
me.
Photo courtesy brainandspinalcord.org
was ordered to have an
They can’t take away the fact that I’ve
outside substance abuse evaluaworked
my butt off to have a 3.82 GPA. They
tion. My evaluation occurred and the counselor reviewed
can’t
take
away
that
fact that I plan on going onto bigger
her analysis with me before sending the college a copy.
and
better
things
after
leaving this judgmental institution.
So, did I ever have a follow-up by the college in
And
lastly,
they
can’t
take away that fact that I will
respect to my evaluation (which requested individual
never
recommend
this
institution
to anyone from here on
counseling due to the fact that I have a substance abuse
out.
problem)? No, not ONE person at this “respectful” instiCall me a raging, irrational drama queen. Call me
tution contacted me about the college’s or community’s
whatever
you want, but to me, I’m simply a student who
substance abuse/counseling resources. Thus, all those
disagrees
with this college’s failed policies and will thus
sanctions were simply to fulfill R-MC policy and uphold
make
my
voice
heard in hopes of preventing future abuses
its image rather than actually look out for a student’s best
by
this
institution
in the future.
interests.
April 23, 2010
YJ
Student Speaks Out Against Fishtales
Page Nine
est. 1915
POLITICS/OPINIONS
Based on First Amendment Fishtales Violates Student Liberties
by Greg Manuel ‘10
Senior R-MC Student
will display how getting used to living in a
fantasy world is not preparing students for
society as well as tremendously hurting the
retention rate at this school. Consequently,
In no way does this article mean any
this devalues the degree of every Ranharm to the exceptional and hardworkdolph-Macon
ing faculty,
graduate.
staff and
There is an
adminisold amendment
tration of
that is reguRandolph
larly discarded
M a c o n
and routinely
College.
not defended.
No college
It is the ever
is perfect
so precious 1st
and I wish
Amendment.
to address
For the sake of
problems
this article, I
and inconwill be discusssistencies
ing how Ranin school
dolph- Macon
policies. I
College policies
thank the
have
denied
school for
paying
students
allowing
Photo courtesy moneyteachers.org liberty and First Amenda disgruntled student to
ment rights. The First Amendment guarexpress himself in a safe, healthy manner.
antees the right to assemble and the right
Thank you, Randolph Macon College.
to free speech. Even if the violations I
Liberty is a principle of political phidescribe do not affect you personally, one
losophy that identifies the condition in
needs to be actively engaged in defending
which a person or entity (corporation) has
the message it stands for. If you decide to
the right to act according to his or her own
not participate in defending liberty, you
will. It is the absolute, fundamental reason
could be the next to lose it.
the United States was formed and concluRecently while walking through our
sive reason for the Constitution most of
degenerative, Bosnian war-torn campus
us have pledged allegiance to. Liberty is
center, I noticed that there were many Tsomething taken for granted and often not
shirts with communist slogans, sexual
defended or exercised properly. A definicontent, allegations of rape and proclamative belief of liberty involves the right to
tions of other expression. People including
be free from outside force and coercion.
me became somewhat uneasy looking at a
This article has two purposes. To excommunist workers emblem but I then replain that getting used to things is wrong.
alized that I need to support people’s freeOver time, anyone can get used to anydom of expression, First Amendment and
thing; even violations of your first amendliberty in all cases, regardless if I agree
ment rights and your liberty. Secondly, I
with them or not. Although I find some of
the material unnecessary, I commemorate
freedom of expression and the outlet of
sentiment it provides. Therefore, I support
Section III, Article B of Fishtales which
states “students and student organizations
have the right to the freedom of discussion,
of expression, and to orderly support of
causes of interest to them as long as they
do not disrupt the essential operation of the
College.”
It is very, very dangerous to apply
a document only when you feel like it.
Currently, to place literature and posters
around campus, you have to get approval
from the Office of Student Life. The policy
is that the office has to inspect the material
and put a stamp on it. The stamps are to
control how much paper is put up on campus and to make sure people who put it up
also take it down. Message boards should
be a vehicle for expression in college and
the stamps could be used to post material anywhere else (walls). Let me get this
straight, I can’t place flyers on a college
campus without someone telling me it’s
O.K.? That’s censorship ladies and gentlemen.
Now I understand not wanting literature placed all over campus trees, walls,
etc., but regulating what is put up on particular message boards and how long it can
be up is wrong. I should not have to ask for
permission to exercise my First Amendment rights. This is a violation of my First
Amendment, Fishtales and liberty. Why
the coercion?
There are many unnecessary, hypocritical control policies going on at this
school that neglect this document and turn
the document itself into a hypocrisy and
rather worthless article of writing. Why
are fraternities not allowed to have ‘mixers’ on campus? Is the school really going
to tell me who I am allowed to hang out
with? Peaceful assembly anyone? Read
the Student Organization and Greek Life
document. If it was mandatory to read as
a freshman, I would have contemplated
transferring.
It makes a mockery of being 21 and a
mockery of anyone who inspires to ever be
21. It’s a high school document. No shots,
no kegs, no liquor, no squeeze bottles, no
drinking games that promote inappropriate drinking behavior. Get out of here man.
The document should say this: “If you are
under 21 drinking is prohibited. If you are
over 21, please drink responsibly and all
laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia apply.” It is almost laughable how detailed
the alcohol policy is and how almost nonexistent a policy on fighting is.
Fishtales is a weak document that does
not protect students. It is a document that
controls students and puts the school in
a position of infinite power. The opening
paragraphs are for student’s rights and the
rest of the document tells one what they are
not allowed to do.
It does not even have a formal, acceptable policy on rape. The document
says “sanctions are open.” Sanctions are
a fine or punishment of enforcement used
to provide encouragement for obedience to
the law. Really? Can the document at least
define what will happen if such an atrocity
occurs? The same case goes for the whole
alcohol policy in Section I. If a group has
an open party and alcohol is given out,
there are no definitive measures of what
will happen. While the document does list
sanctions it deems appropriate for each
violation, what is to stop the school from
doing whatever they feel since “Sanctions
are open.” Once again, this is a violation of
one’s liberty.
Continued on page 10
Supreme Court Retiree Freshmen Housing Selection:
by John Endean ‘12
Contributing Writer
with antitrust law, Stevens was appointed as a Supreme Court justice in 1975,
as a replacement to the departing justice
One of the longest tenured Supreme
William Douglas.
Court justices, Justice John Paul Stevens,
Justice Stevens oversaw many sigrecently announced that his
nificant Supreme Court castime on the bench has come
es, and during his tenure, he
to an end. Stevens, at 89
held a largely moderate votyears of age, is the fourth loning record.
gest tenured justice that has
He
is
particularly
served on the Court.
known for holding an active
He had previously been
stance on several liberal isthe only current Supreme
sues particularly abortion
Court justice to have served
rights, rights for homosexuwith three Chief Justices:
als and issues concerning
Justices Berger, Rehnquist,
federalism.
and Roberts.
He is perhaps best reIn a letter to President Photo © Uscourts.gov membered as being a strong
Obama, Justice Stevens andissent of the Supreme Court
nounced that his exit from office would
case Bush v. Gore (2000), as he argued
follow the conclusion of the 2009-2010
against the Court’s ruling to keep the
term.
recount of votes in Florida during the
The legal career of Justice Stevens
widely publicized and controversial
is an extensive and storied one. Stevens,
2000 Presidential Election.
a graduate of the University of Chicago,
Other court cases in which Steattended Northwestern School of Law,
vens played an active role concerning
wherein he received his Juris Doctor and
the death penalty, such as in Gregg v.
graduated magna cum laude.
Georgia (1976), in which he and other
Following his strong academic perjustices allowed the practice of the death
formance at Northwestern, he was recompenalty in the United States.
mended by several of the faculty memThere has been much discussion
bers to participate in a Supreme Court
as to who will replace the departing
clerkship, and during the clerkship, SteStevens. Early speculation regarding
vens worked closely with Justice Wiley
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a
Rutledge.
replacement has been debunked by the
Following the conclusion of the
Obama administration. But it is quite
clerkship, Stevens worked for a law firm
clear that whoever is chosen to replace
for a number of years, and soon after was
Stevens has some big shoes to fill.
admitted to the bar. Following some work
The Thomas Branch Tradition
recommendation, and no essay that must be
completed.
Having to do all three of these this year
Thomas Branch is generally known made me realize how much time and effort it
as the upper classmen dormitory as well as takes to live in Thomas Branch.
home to the Career and Counseling Center.
I along with many other male students
After a recent poll,
sat at their desks
Residence
Life
and typed away
and Housing has
their essay to gain
elected to permit
entry to this selecincoming
freshtive housing opman to select Brock
tion.
Residence Hall as
The fact that
their desired place
freshman are able
to live during their
to just check a
freshman year.
box on their housThis
recent
ing
application,
change in policy of
saying that they
permitting incomwould like to live
ing freshman to choose their Photo courtesy rmc.edu in Thomas Branch, without havresidence there has some upper classmen ing to do any extra paperwork at all disgrundisgruntled.
tles both upperclassmen and myself.
As a freshman who lived in Thomas
I believe that if the incoming freshman
Branch first semester, I have little room to should have to do a bit more work if they
talk. I was placed into Thomas Branch in the want to live in such a selective branch of
beginning of the year as an incoming fresh- housing. I understand that I never had to do
man, not knowing the process that upper- anything to get into Thomas Branch first seclassmen went through to live there.
mester; however, I was placed there because
I was oblivious to the fact that they had there was not enough housing on campus for
to not only fill out another application, but freshman boys.
also get a recommendation from a professor
My solution? Have the incoming freshand write and extra essay saying how they man fill out an extra piece of paperwork to
would benefit from living in Thomas Branch. show why they would benefit from living in
This year, as some may know, incoming this dorm. I think that this is a simple solution
freshman have the chance to live in Thomas that will help the housing process become a
Branch.
bit fairer.
The catch? They have no paperwork, no
by Daniel Lutz ‘13
Staff Writer
Page Ten
YJ
est. 1915
OPINIONS
Is it Just Spilled Milk?
Insights about the story
sented accurately.
It is surprising and frightening how
up-to-date and how controversial the isThe late 1970s: the day before his sue of homosexuality still is and how few
fortieth birthday, in the New York sub- things have changed since the 1970s. Let
way, the insurance agent Harvey Milk us for example consider California, the
state in which Harvey Milk has been acgets to know Scott
tive.
Smith.
After same sex
This is the bemarriages
were legalginning of a love
ized
in
2008,
half a year
story that will
later,
the
Supreme
Court
change his life. Tojudged
them
to
be
congether they decide
flicting
with
state
rights
to start a new life
and they were abolished
and move to San
again. Still, even today,
Francisco, where
same-sex marriage is
they start to run a
legal only in five of the
shop.
fifty states: Connecticut,
At the beginIowa,
Massachusetts,
ning their neighNew
Hampshire,
Verbors are skeptical
mont
and
Washington
about their gay reD.C.
lationship, but step
We are all human
by step, mainly due
beings
and we should all
to the funny and
have
the
same rights. To
optimistic Harvey,
see
that
women should
they become more
have
the
same rights as
and more popular
men
have,
one does not
Photo
courtesy
collider.com
and their shop beneed
to
be
a
woman. To
comes a meeting point for the gay scene.
be
able
to
acclaim
Blacks
should
have the
However, police brutality and antisame
rights
as
Whites,
one
does
not
need
gay behavior is still something they have
to
be
Black.
to cope with all the time. Also, the state
To see that the rights that apply to hetof California tries to implement a bill
erosexuals
should also apply to homosexu(proposition 6), banning homosexuals
als,
one
does
not need to be homosexual.
from teaching. As a consequence, Harvey
Neither
am
I
female,
nor am I Black or hotries to engage politically and runs for the
mosexual,
however,
still
I strongly believe
Californian State Assembly and after failthat
anybody
who
is
should
have the same
ing several times, eventually gets elected.
rights
I
have.
Together with mayor Moscone, he
Being heterosexual does not make you
is successful in fighting proposition 6.
a
superior
being. In front of the law and as
However, this leads to their assassination
far
as
human
and civil rights are concerned,
through the town councilman Dan White.
it
should
not
matter whether you are male,
Sean Penn is more than great in playfemale,
black,
white, gay, straight, educating Harvey Milk and acts with a precied,
uneducated,
rich or poor.
sion and intensity that previously seemed
Instead,
everybody
should be equal.
unimaginable to me. It is great that the
One
only
needs
to
look
at
the fact that in
movie does not depict Milk as being the
the
US
only
one
in
ten
states
allows sameperfect hero. His good as well as his bad
sex
marriages
to
see
that
we
all
have a long
qualities, like his being chaotic, are repreway to go.
by Felix Schneider
Staff Writer
April 23, 2010
Fishtales Opinion Continued
No drinking games? Social events
can’t be longer than 4 hours? These repressive measures do have good intentions.
We don’t have drinking games because
people will get drunk and do stupid things
and events are shorter to prevent tremendous intoxication.
If you’re 21, you can only bring six
twelve ounce beers and absolutely no liquor to a party. From a safety perspective,
this is fine.
But we are in college everyone. We
don’t need to be told how much to drink
if we are 21, we don’t need to be told if
we can have drinking games and we don’t
need to be told when to stop having a good
time. This is a violation of liberty and unnecessary coercion.
I can go on and on about this document known as Fishtales and how it means
absolutely nothing to me. I advise everyone to read it, apply the concept of liberty
to it and then ask oneself “is this what I
literally bought into?”
Policies in Fishtales are causing students to live in a fantasy world. It tells us
that after four hours of enjoying ourselves,
we have to stop. These policies teach obedience. Obedience is bad. Obedience leads
to a lack of innovation, ingenuity and poor
social skills.
Respect and duty are good. Respect
and duty are what I am doing right now
with this letter for the newspaper. The
submissive atmosphere certain policies
endorse are too much. It prepares us for a
world in which we have to be told what we
can and cannot do.
College is a time for personal growth
and figuring things out in a safe environment. These conditions are necessary to
enter the real world prepared for all its
challenges. Academically, this school goes
beyond the call of duty to prepare someone
for multiple fields.
However, current policies and guidelines make a mockery of what the real
world is. The strategies exemplified by
these policies take my money, my parent’s
money and our student loans and turn them
into a bad social investment.
Furthermore, these repressive policies
along with our inadequate campus center
are causing the retention rate at this school
to become significantly bad.
People leave this school for many reasons and the administration is overlooking
the obvious. There is no form of passive
entertainment and the school’s repressive
policies simply make being a student here
not enjoyable.
Not only do I have to rely on myself
and my fraternity for social interaction, but
I don’t even have the tools, infrastructure
or support of the school to have fun peacefully.
Why would anyone ever want to pay
so much money to have such a useless
campus center and be treated like an overgrown baby?
These bad retention rates hurt your degree. Now don’t get me wrong, grades and
money are a big part of the low retention
rates at this college.
However, I recommend everyone read
how ridiculous Fishtales really is, notice
how ridiculous our campus center looks
and ask yourself if both these things are
part of the problem or solution.
Our money, our parents’ money and
our student loans allow us to be here. We
chose and pay to be here and we deserve a
better product.
We are in essence shareholders of
Randolph-Macon who deserve information
and dividend reports. We all pay lots and
lots of cash to be stakeholders and deserve
to not have such childish policies forced on
us.
Take care of your clients RandolphMacon; that check is not coming if things
don’t progress.
NOTE
Opinions expressed
herein are exclusively
those of the writer/
editorial
board and do not reflect the
views of the R-MC administration, faculty,
staff or college itself.
All unjustified articles
are the
opinion of the writer.
A Letter to the Editor: Response to “A Stricter Honor Code”
by Dean Lauren Bell
Associate Dean of the College
Dear Editor:
I have just finished reading the article
“Stricter Honor Code Considered,” which
appeared on the front page of the April 9,
2010 issue of the Yellow Jacket Newspaper. I am stunned to have been quoted as
saying that a stricter honor code “could
decrease the size and diversity of the student body,” since when I met with the
reporter on March 2—five weeks ago—I
was never asked to comment on the impact on student body diversity.
In reality, I have nothing to do with
the administration of the Code of Student
Conduct and see only a small number of
all Academic Integrity Code violators in
hearings before the Academic Integrity
Council; the overwhelming majority of
alleged academic integrity offenses are
handled by instructors. Likewise, I know
of no office on campus that tracks sta-
tistics related to the demographic traits of
students charged or convicted under either
code. Therefore, it would be impossible for
me to comment on the impact of reinstating
the old honor system on student body diversity, because I know absolutely nothing
about conviction rates for minority students
under either the Code of Student Conduct
or Code of Academic Integrity—or under
the old system, for that matter.
With regard to student body size, I
simply noted that an honor code with sanctions of only suspension or expulsion could
work at cross-purposes with the College’s
efforts to increase the size of the student
body and to retain students.
There are several additional ways in
which the article was misleading. First,
the fact that the Trustees asked for a presentation about what we do does not mean
that they were interested in reinstating
the College’s former honor code system.
They simply sought information, which I
provided to them, and which I and other
deans have provided to them on this same
issue from time-to-time. Second, the as-
sertion that the Code “could become somewhat stricter” due to SGA’s discussions is
also misleading. SGA is free to discuss and
encourage changes to the Code of Academic
Integrity and Code of Student Conduct—and
I am personally pleased by SGA’s interest in
more stringent standards of student academic
honesty—but SGA does not have the authority to change either code. In fact, the Code
of Academic Integrity can only be changed
by majority vote of both the faculty and
the student body, and there currently are no
pending proposals to change the document.
Finally, the article conflates the procedures
used by the Judicial Board with those used
by the Academic Integrity Council. There are
important procedural differences between the
two panels, but the article fails to identify or
address them.
I applaud the Yellow Jacket’s efforts to
raise awareness of important issues like the
College’s conduct codes. But these codes are
so integral to what we do at the College—
develop students’ minds and characters—and
can have such a huge impact on students’
academic and social lives that it is impera-
tive that students receive only clear, accurate, and timely information. I hope that
the Yellow Jacket will take care to correct
the misinformation that was shared with
students through the article in the April 9t
issue. In the meantime, students wanting
more information about either the Code of
Student Conduct or the Code of Academic
Integrity should consult the online version
of Fishtales for the most up-to-date versions of these codes and should ask questions of their professors, RAs, the Dean of
Students’ Office or the Provost’s Office as
needed.
Sincerely,
Dean Lauren Bell
Associate Dean of the College
The Yellow Jacket staff and its editors and
freelancing reporters from advanced newswriting work hard to bring accurate news to
the R-MC community. We apologize for any
on-the-record or misquote-of-context misunderstanding.
April 23, 2010
YJ
Special Review Edition: Movies and More
est. 1915
Page Eleven
CULTURE
“How to Train
Your Dragon”
by Robert Clemo ‘10
Contributing Writer
Scorsese’s
“Shutter Island”
by Jessee Perry ‘11
Politics/Opinions Editor
“How to Train Your Dragon” is one of those films
Hollywood has run the existential gambit constantthat both young and old audiences will enjoy. Set in
ly producing movies that warp our reality and prompt
a mythic Norse village constantly losing their sheep
a multitude of questions leading to self-examination.
to marauding packs of dragons, “How to Train Your
Some people may have experienced their first HollyDragon” is about a Viking boy, Hiccup, who seeks the
wood-induced existential crises after seeing “The Marespect of his father, the village chieftain by slaying a
trix,” “The Truman Show” or, for the late-bloomers, “I
dragon.
Heart Huckabees.” As a philosophy major I am sure my
However, Hiccup is not exreality was warped long before I
actly suited for battle. Still, in the
saw the new soon-to-be existential
midst of a routine attack on the
classic “Shutter Island”; however,
town, he manages to knock the
this is one movie that truly blew
rarest and most dangerous of all
my mind.
the marauding dragons out of the
Without giving away the endsky using a catapult and weighted
ing, all I can really say is this is
net. He discovers where the draga movie wherein Leonardo Dion went down, and upon finding
caprio’s character (Teddy Daniels)
it, releases the ropes out of pity
falls entirely apart. The movie
for the creature. Long story short,
starts with Federal Marshall TedHiccup "trains" the dragon as a pet
dy Daniels being assigned to go
and names it "Toothless." Along
to Shutter Island to investigate a
the way, he learns the reason for
patient disappearance. Shutter Isthe dragons' attacks on his villand is a mental hospital for the
lage, and in the process discovers
violent and criminally insane. As
something about the dragons that
the movie progresses, Daniels’
changes everything. In addition to
flashbacks and dreams indicate
all of this, there is the obligatory
some serious past trauma but
romance. This, however, is not
staying true to Martin Scorsese
overplayed and therefore blends
style, the audience is misled until
into the overall storyline seamthe last ten minutes of the film.
Image courtesy i mpawards.com
lessly.
While the movie is fairly long, the
I really enjoyed the solid animation, the strong stoplot line alone and twist ending has been enough for the
ryline, and the characters. The character of Toothless is
film to rake in over $123 million since its release in mida bit like a cross between a cat and a bird. In fact, all of
February. In addition to the plot, the acting is gripping
the movements of Toothless were quite familiar to me,
enough to deliver an earth-shattering blow to any viewer
as a cat owner. The relationship between Hiccup and
before the credits begin to roll.
Toothless begins as an opposition that, over the course
A psychological-thriller that can only be described
of the film, grows into a mutual understanding and fias “The Truman Show” meets “One Flew Over the Cucknally kinship.
oo’s Nest” will leave even the most skeptical audience
This is a heartwarming story with interspersed exmember stunned. In addition, the movie only gets better
treme action sequences, hilarious tomfoolery and, yes,
with time. The second time around left me left me just
some emotional moments. Truly a great film for anyone
as stunned as the first time despite knowing the ending.
to see, “How to Train Your Dragon” is a delight for the
Grab your sense of self and hold on tight because afsenses. 5/5 stars.
ter this storm you will be grasping for a shred of clarity.
Comic to Film
“Kick-Ass” Review
by Merilee O’Neil ‘13
Contributing Writer
Do you like action movies? Are you a fan of witty banter? Have you flirted with super hero movies, but haven’t
really had a chance to sink your teeth into the genre? Then
“Kick-Ass” is the movie for you. The film serves as a love
letter to comic fans and action movie nuts.
“Kick-Ass,” directed by Matthew Vaughn with screen
play by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn, was adapted
from the Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s comic book of
the same name.
The story follows sixteen-year-old comic book fan
Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) on his journey to become
the world’s first real life superhero, Kick-Ass, and how the
world reacts to his decision. Things take an interesting turn
as, suddenly, the mob is after him and other superheroes fill
the streets, including Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse),
Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Hit-Girl (Chloe Moretz).
The action sequences, frankly, kick ass. They are numerous and spectacular, filled with all the pretty violence
any action fan could hope for. They leave the audience sitting onthe edge of their seats, in awe of the screen, and begging for more.
And in true comic book fashion, the heroes trade quips
just as fast and furiously as they trade blows, tossing around
one liners that Spider-Man would be proud of. Even the noncostumed characters shine in the humor department, stealing
scenes and the major characters thunder with a well placed
quip or two.
But “Kick-Ass” is a comic book movie, and it is very
outwardly proud of that fact. Filled with superhero references, watching it felt like an Easter egg hunt for the comic book
fan, casual or otherwise. From Cage’s Adam West impression and Mark Millar comics being read in the background to
a cameo appearance by comic co-creator John Romita Jr., the
film offers something for everyone to find and enjoy.
However, in some ways, the movie failed to deliver on
its promise of ‘superheroes in the world today.’ There are
certain scenes that are completely implausible and ridiculous, and not in a good way. Sometimes, one can’t help but
think ‘this is impossible,’ and during these moments, the
scene and dramatic tension are lost and the audience is unable to enjoy part of the movie.
All in all though, the move is an enjoyable start to superhero movie season. It is a fun, quirky movie for the wannabe
superhero in us all. And if you like the movie and would like
to learn more about the world of “Kick-Ass,” check out the
original comic book for a whole new experience.
Book Review: “Oryx and Crake” Flippo Review
by Katie Newton ‘10
Features Editor
While the front and back covers
of my copy of Margaret Atwood’s
“Oryx and Crake” radiate praise for
the novel, and may encourage you to
want to pick it up and read it, I think
you should do so only after being
warned of what you’re getting yourself into.
I must admit that prior to reading
this book I was unfamiliar with Margaret Atwood and her prize-winning
bestsellers. I only knew that this book
was supposed to be about a dystopian
society, as it was assigned for one of
my classes.
It becomes clear immediately
that the world Atwood is describing is
not like the world that we live in; we
know this because the main character,
through which we are told the story, is
named Snowman, lives in a tree and
talks to himself.
What does not become clear,
however, it what is actually going on.
Atwood makes little to no effort to explain what is going on at the beginning
of the story, and eventually the reader
figures out that the reason things seem
confusing is because Atwood has
plopped you down near the end of the
story, chronologically.
The story then becomes a mixture
of flashbacks to Snowman’s childhood
when he was still known as Jimmy,
and segments of the present with a lot
of references to people and events that
eventually connect the two time periods.
For the first several chapters, I felt
lost in the chaos of broken memories
and intriguing descriptions of what
was occurring in the present. It took
me a while to be completely sure that
the narration was actually going in
that order.
If I had known from the start that
the book would jump around chronologically, I would have been better
able to pay attention to the actual details, instead of just feeling lost and
trying to figure out what was going on.
Looking back though, it was that confusion that kept me turning the pages,
waiting to see if the next piece of the
puzzle would make the big picture
clearer to me.
Eventually, the flashbacks catch
up to the time right before the beginning of the book and all of the references and intermixed anecdotes finally
all fit together. But, was it worth the
wait?
Yes. No. I don’t know. If what
I just described seems appealing to
you, then you should definitely read
the book. There are a lot of very interesting aspects of the book regarding current social problems and projected technological advances that
could actually become possible in
the future, and Atwood challenges
the reader to face the very real consequences of both.
My emphasis on the chronology should not take away from the
fact that that Atwood, in writing this
book, was extremely innovative and
that the book itself is very thoughtprovoking. The chronology, however, is a hurdle that the reader must
overcome in order to appreciate the
real message and implications of
“Oryx and Crake.”
Having read this, however, consider yourself armed with the knowledge required to appreciate this
book, one of Atwood’s bestsellers. If
the mixed timeline seems confusing,
it’s because it is. Had I been warned,
it would not have taken away from
the book at all, and perhaps I could
have appreciated it as yet another innovation on the part of Atwood.
by Robert Thomas ‘11
Business/Advertising Manager
Randolph-Macon College’s Flippo Gallery is hosting a
new display of artwork entitled “Departure: Drawings and
Models” from April 9 to June 4. The collection includes a variety of two- and three-dimensional pieces by artists Kendall
Buster, Tara Donovan, Soo Sunny Park and Jack Wax.
There are over twenty pieces on display, ranging from
more traditional paint and graphite images to one innovative
sculpture that consists of aluminum and egg cartons. A wide
variety of pieces incorporate innovating and curious variations of conventional style, such as an untitled piece by Park
which uses incisions in the paper itself, rather than leaving
graphite, paint, or other substances on the outside.
Several pieces in the collection are on loan, courtesy of
the Reynolds Gallery and the Markel Corporation, while Park
has visited Randolph-Macon herself in order to contribute to
this exhibit. Students looking for a quiet break from studying and writing papers—or for a quick trip indoors amidst the
heat—should consider dropping by to take a look at the pieces
in this collection right inside Pace-Armistead Hall.
The individuals involved in this exhibit would like to
extend a special thanks to the Reynolds Gallery, the Markel
Corporation and Ladell and Jean Payne.
Gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, and by appointment. A second reception will
be held on Saturday, May 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Questions about the exhibit, or about the Flippo Gallery in
general, may be directed to Katie Shaw at [email protected].
YJ
SPORTS
est. 1915
Men’s Lacrosse
The Yellow Jacket
Page Twelve
April 9, 2010
Volume 95; Issue 11
The Official Student Newspaper and
Student Voice of Randolph-Macon College
Intramural Champions
byLara O’Brien ‘12
Sports Editor
The Yellow Jacket lacrosse team has
continued playing hard the past couple
weeks, splitting their past two games with
a win and a loss. Though the team fell behind Lynchburg in the last few minutes of
play, Neumann proved to be no competition.
These games left Macon 2-2 in the conference and 6-5 overall.
On April 7, the Jackets travelled to
Lynchburg where they led most of the night
until finally losing in the end. Within the first
two minutes of the game, the Jackets led 2-0
thanks to goals by Tyler Midwinter and Taylor Wicke.
The Hornets scored one on the Jackets which was quickly retaliated by Patrick
Egan and Brian Rowe. Going into the half,
the Jackets led 5-3. Josh Merwin and Brian
Rowe picked up two more points for R-MC
coming out of the intermission.
Unfortunately, Lynchburg picked up the
pace, scoring three on the Jackets. Jake Leddy, Billy Rowe and Midwinter picked up the
team’s final three points before Lynchburg
pushed ahead to end the game 13-11 over
the Jackets. Goalkeeper Jason Crawford also
made an impressive 17 saves against the
tough Lynchburg attack men.
Three days later at home the Jackets
made up for their late in the game loss to
Lynchburg with a clear victory over Neumann on Saturday. The entire time shone
in this game with great scores and excellent
saves.
Billy Rowe led in scoring with 4 goals
to himself, followed by teammates Leddy
and Merwin each with 3. Midwinter, Brian
Rowe and Wicke were each responsible for
2 goals. Midwinter and Leddy were also
leaders in assists with 4 and 3 respectively.
Adam Liberto and Crawford combined for
14 saves throughout the game. Leading 10-1
going into the half, the Jackets continued to
pull ahead for a final score of 19-7.
After a pair of great games, the Jackets
are ready for more action as the school year
and season come to a close. R-MC looks forward to some great games in these last few
weeks.
by Jessee Perry ‘11
Politics Editor
Compiled by
Holly McNutt ‘10
Staff Writer
The Randolph-Macon College Intramural Athletics Program is proud to
announce its 2009-2010 champions thus far. Congratulations to all teams. The
champions are pictured below.
2010 A-League Basketball
Champions: Savages
Joe Page, Jemehl Williams,
Jordan Davis, Anthony
Stamper, Terry O’Neil,
Otis Kay, Donte Boone,
Will McCadden
Team members not
pictured:
Kevin McMichael, Vince
Murphy, Jacai Colson,
James Richardson
2010 B-League Basketball
Champions: Meatheads
Ian Overstreet, Wes Witmeyer, Byron Overstreet,
Colin Moe, Jeremy Bowry,
Jim McGuckin,
Trey Haddon, Patrick Moses
This season has been a mixed bag for
Randolph-Macon Women’s Softball. Currently, overall standings are 15 wins and
11 losses, with conference standings being
11-7. Recent losses have been to Lynchburg
and Bridgewater; however, these ladies
have dominated Guilford, Sweet Briar and
Eastern Mennonite.
With a batting average of .369 Laura
Bauer is the season leader for the Lady
Jackets. With 67 at bats, 12 runs, 28 hits
and an overall batting average of .373, Michalann Camp is the runner-up for season
leader.
In the conference, Randolph-Macon
Softball is holding down 6th place.
In the games against Guilford, R-MC
rallied in the 6th inning to collect four runs
to finishout the double header. Against
Sweet Briar, Bauer pushed the Jackets
ahead with her grand slam in the second
game.
Unfortunately, Bridgewater took advantage of an error to gain an early lead
which resulted in a loss for the Jackets.
Women’s Tennis
by Lara O’Brien ‘12
Sports Editor
The Yellow Jackets have been playing
well this season though they are struggling
for victory over larger teams.
On April 9, the Jackets faced Salem
College in an 8-1 loss. Jane Oh defeated her
competition in straight sets in singles. Chelsea Jones and Jane Oh lost in a close competition in doubles.
2009 Floor Hockey
Champions: TBD
Will Corney, Sam Flynn,
Mary McCarthy, Jamie Shifrin,
Chris Picarde, David Dutton,
Tripp Howerin, Patrick Nugent,
Brad Neubeck, John Lynn,
Monica Jenkins
Men’s Tennis
by Bobby Thomas ‘11
Business/Advertising Manager
2010 Inner Tube Water Polo
Champions: Team BK
Men’s Golf
John Webb, Patrick Dugan,
Andrew Krause, Chris Picarde,
Patrick Nugent Will Corney,
Brad Neubeck, Joe Varner
Team members not pictured:
Sam Flynn, David Dutton,
Teddy Wavell, Michael A.
Urbanik, John Lynn
by Whitney Jones ‘11
Staff Writer
R-MC golf competed on April 5-6 at the
Glenn Heath Shipbuilders Memorial Tournament, which took place at Ford’s Colony
in Williamsburg, Va. While the team of five
attending scored a total of 627 or +51, they
had a strong second day of game play. This
strong finish pushed the Yellow Jackets to a
score of 305 on day two after an otherwise
moderate day one. What is most impressive
is that of the five teammates attending, three
placed in the top 20 out of 69 contenders.
The team improved their score by 17
strokes on the second day of play. The Shipbuilders Memorial is the sixth tournament of
nine where Randolph-Macon has finished in
the top five teams or better.
The April 18 ODAC tournament will
take place at Bay Creek Resort in Cape
Charles, Va., concluding an otherwise strong
golf season for the Yellow Jackets. The Fords
Colony Marsh Hawk course is a par 72 that
runs 6650 yards.
Women’s Softball
2010 Individual
Tournament Champions
Doubles Racquetball:
Mark Lotts and Chris
Lucha
Racquetball:
Brian Bates
Ping-Pong:
Felix Schneider
All Photos courtesy
R-MC Athletics Department
R-MC’s Men’s Tennis team is now
closing out their season with a mixed record. Although the team has faced a series
of losses this season, there have been a variety of individual achievements.
Since the last issue of the Yellow Jacket, the team has unfortunately seen defeats
against Roanoke, Ferrum and HampdenSydney.
Despite the disappointment of a 1 win,
9 loss record this year, players are hopeful
that the team will have a stronger performance in the future.
Senior Jim Sweet says the upcoming
replacement of the college’s tennis courts
is a positive development and identified
Sophomore player Frank Donnelly as a rising star on the team.
This season the team has seen three
new Freshmen join, including David Dutton, Nick Lapres and Chandler Weston.
Meanwhile, the team will bid farewell to
four seniors: Robert Howerin, Job Merkel,
Chris Picarde and Jim Sweet.
Although many of this season’s results
were disappointing, we look forward to seeing them in action again in the Spring of
2011 and wish them well as they continue
to train in the mean time.