OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_001.2.txt .L RtWt0tt PHI liiestndent ooice ofll’/nsiiington rind Lee University since 1897 zaé Spring Term saved Board sides with Burish Six week academic program remains with necessary BY KATIE J. HOWELL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Spring Term is here to stay. Washington and Lee’s board of trustees voted unanimously Friday afternoon to keep the six-week term a univer- sity tradition after university President Thomas Burish and other admin- istrators recommended the decision earlier that day. “We are keeping spring term, and I think it’s the right decision,” said Philip Norwood, rector of the board. The decision came after months of study and deliberation by faculty, administrators and board members. Money was the main factor for initially questioning the future of Spring Term. Norwood believes that the board has found a way to keep the shortened term a feasible option for W&L. Students and faculty can expect to see two major changes in the current way the thirty-three-year-old tradition is administered. Stu- dents will be expected to take a minimum course load of six credits during spring terms for three out of their four years at Washington and Lee. Students could take spring terms during their first three years, and then graduate in late April or early May of their senior year. Current students need not worry about these changes just yet, how- ever. A press release issued by the board announced that the improved 12- 12-6 calendar system will not take effect until the 2007 -2008 academic year. In order to prepare for these changes, however, the board expects the university to financially prepare for the change during the next few years. ' Norwood said that tuition hikes for both undergraduate and law students are a likely option for providing the funds to make the l2—l2—6 calendar system a fiscal reality for W&L. “The tuition hikes won’t be pertinent for the coming calendar year,” Norwood said. “The utilization of tuition dollars may be just as important as the hikes. This is all a function of limited resources and the allocation of those resources.” The university began studying the academic and financial implications of the current l2-12-6 calendar system after former president John Elrod announced that the school would move toward a five-course teaching load per year for faculty. He wanted to make the institution’s teaching loads comparable to peer schools in order to attract competitive faculty. The new 12-12-6 calendar that the board has selected will allow faculty to teach an average of six courses per year. Professors currently teach seven courses each year. Norwood said that the proposed system will also reduce the teaching load to 5.5 courses by the calendar year 2011-2012. Makingthis decisionhasnotbeenaneasyonefortheboard Studying Board shows support for Traveller, allots $181,000 BY PATRICIA BALLANTYNE sENIOR STAFF WRITER The Washington and Lee Board of Trustees voted to give the Traveller program $181,275 during their winter meeting last weekend. With this new money, Traveller will become a primary system of transportation for W&L students. “We will be able to put more vehicles on the road,” said Bailey Edwards, the Chair of the Traveller Commit- tee. Starting in the Fall of 2004, when this budget begins, Trav- eller willhave six contracted vans driving a route and up to four dispatched drivers. The committee will start getting these new vehicles together this year. “This is more than three times the number of vehicles we provide now,” said Edwards. “You will not have to wait as long to get a ride, most likely, under 5 min- utes.” Most of the current com- plaints toward the Traveller pro- gram address the lengthy wait that students must bare before finding a safe ride home. The Traveller Committee is deter- mined to apply this money to- ward a decrease in this delay. The Traveller Committee will also spend some of its gener- ous budget on cars for volun- teer drivers, “so that the weekly volunteers will no longer have to drive their own cars,” said Edwards. Students will be able to re- ceive rides from Traveller ev- ery night of the week. “This appropriation shows that the Trustees are deeply committed to ensure the safety of all W&L students,” said Edwards. But the Alumni Association also demonstrated strong support for the improvements to W&L’s safe ride system. Under leader- ship of President J immy Brooks, the Alumni Association has pledged to donate money to Trav- efler ‘ The money from the Alumni Association may be directed to- ward Traveller sponsored educa- tion programs. These would in- clude speakers, a possible con- trolled drinking and driving ex- periment, and pledges not to drink and driver similar to the Christmas Weekend successful effort. While students have orga- nized the Traveller Committee, advisor, Dean Dawn Watkins, has supported their dedication and worked closely with the committee. Dean Watkins serves as the administrative support for the Board of Trust- ees Campus Life Committee, which sponsored the Traveller proposal for the full Board’s vote. “It’s been my pleasure to work with the Traveller Cornmit— tee,” said Dean Watkins. “Under Bailey’s leadership the Traveller Committee has spent long hours examining and evaluating the cur- rent program to implement a plan that supports our students and encourages responsible decision making.” “This is a good day for W&L students. We worked hard to make Traveller better serve the W&L students, and we are pleased with the result,” said Edwards. hages and ossible tuition hike JEB BROOKS / THE RING-TUM PH1 DECISION. Executive Committee President Helen Hughes, RectorPhilip Norwoodand UniversityPrmident Thomas Burish discusthenew 12-12-6 calmrdar. the financial models prepared and presented by faculty and administrators has shownthatthe new 12- 1 2-6 model will be achallenging yet attainable goal. “Everything has a price Norwood said. “Among those price tags are not only the hiring of additional faculty but also more office space.” The university hopes to hire 15-25 additional faculty during the next three years. Norwood expects this change to carry a large price tag. “This is the type of thing where some donor could say, ‘I want to take this yoke off your shoulders, and I want to pay for all of it.’ We would need a $100 million Norwood said. “We’ve never had a donor that big.” While the above situation is more hypothetical than reality, the board expects to raise the money necessary to implement the calen- dar changes through tuition increases, endowments and a change in the pricing of university services like room and board. The law school will maintain its current calendar system with two fourteen-week semesters. For CAMPUS REACTIONS, see page 2 Three fraternity pledgeships suspended for allegedhazing incidents BY ERIN JULIUS NEWS EDITOR v Security is investigating three fraternities for suspicion of hazing. According to University officials, hazing is not congruent with University expectations of honor and civility and therefore threaten the preservation of the Greek system. “Should an investigation yield nothing the new member education processes would proceed. Should an investigation yield hazing by an individual, the case would go before the Student Faculty Hearing Board. Should it yield hazing by a group it would go before the Inter-Fratemity Council,” said Dean Watkins. Fraternity President and New Member Educators were informed of the expectations for New Member Education at the beginning of the eight—week period. N o hazing activity was specifically one of these expectations. EB ROOs H NG-TUM H .................... 2 0 MONDAY, FEBRUARY9, 2004 :1; The mew member activities have" been suspended to ensure the safety of new members, which could be jeopardized by the type of activities that have been reported to the University. According to University officials, the alleged conduct is in direct contravention of institutional policies. Freshmen men were encouraged to report any hazing incidents to the relevant fraternity leadership and to the Inter-Fraternity Coun- oil. The Inter-Fraterrrity Council’s policy on hazing is as follows; “N o initiation or pledge training activity shall constitute any physical or emotional hazard to the individual. Such potential hazards include alcohol abuse, dangerous physical exertion or exhaustion, physical or emotional violence, paddling and other types of abuse.” The University defines hazing as, “a harassing, excessive task associated with initiation or membership in an organization.” Dried blood, bandage found in Southern Inn meatloaf BY SARAHAMURRAY STAFF WRITER For most visitors, Mock Convention’s only irritation was the barrage of potatoes fiom the Idaho parade float. But one visitor from tauranttoinformthemanagerofthe incident The manager immediately removed the bandage from the table and offered the Irm’s apologies as wellasafreemealanddessert Parian refused the dessert, “the last thing thatIwantisadessertthatiscov— Alabama found cause to complain ered in WI-HT‘E whipped creme and when he un- . . RED berry embed a used the last thing that Iyvant IS a Sauce’ both of bandage in his dessert that is covered In WHITE which woukl be meatloaf at the Whipped creme and RED berry fine targets for 50UTh6m II1I1- sauce, both of which would be hidden DNA- Ranfiall fine targets for hidden DNA Pam“ has riot “Cade”ParIan,a filedacomplarnt first-yearlaw studentatSamfordUni- withtheV1rginiaHealth Department, versity, came to Lexington lastweek- whose regulations stipulate that res- endtoseeafarnilyfriend Parian and taurants’ food mustbe“safe and un- several others decided to have lunch adllltera "- at the Southern Inn between ‘Mock Though Paxian enjoyed Mock Convention events. Convention, he was less pleased Inthemiddle ofearjnghismeal, with the Southern Inn’s slow ser- Parian felt a strange, “not so meatloafey” object between his teeth. Removing it, he discovered that it was a bandage partly filled with old blood. Parian attracted the clientele’s attention by “screaming a profan- ity” and by calling across the res- vice. In fact, after several com- plaints to the staff, he joked with his party that the staff “is going to spit in your food if you guys don’t shut up.” Shortly afterwards, the food—bandage included——was delivered to the table. The South- ern lnn had no comment. OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_002.2.txt kg-9.. wrisnr WEE - -it ““""““""ers“'i"?”“vs’w‘srrv Li::.(t3""!;‘;‘i'T}IN, VA 244$ PAGE 2 pg ‘ti ??’i*‘i‘~5* Plans in place to improve safety of 1-81 BY PATRICIA BALLANTYNE SENIOR STAFF WRrrER Interstate 81 is still irnprov- ing despite statewide attention to long-terrn proposals. Transportation agencies are using technology to help in- terstate travel. And lawmakers are introducing legislation to in- crease the safety of I-81. As part of the Smart Travel Virginia program, Rockbridge County’s VDOT district is plac- ing three cameras on I-81 and one on interstate 64. They will be up this spring, but 26 more willfollow. “We have to make sure ev- erything is working with the soft- ware,” said Eric Goiton VDOT’s Public Relations Assistant for the Staunton district. “We will learn lessons when putting them up.” “In other parts of the state where cameras have been used, they’ve been very helpful,” said Sergeant Mike Honaker of the Virginia State Police. Drivers on I-81 can now see Road and Weather Information Systems (RWIS), which look like space-age little towers with ra- dio antennas. They detect the air temperature, pavement tem- perature, and wind speed. Their sensors count vehicles travel- ing in either direction and deter- mine tractor trailers from passen- ger cars. Both the cameras and RWIS give information for the six Changeable Message Signs , that now straddle the interstate in Lexington’s district. VDOT and the state police use these signs to relay messages about accidents and delays to oncom- ing traffic. “If you give motorists ad- vanced warning, maybe they can go a different way,” said Gorton. “And that cuts down the P delay, keeping the traffic mov- ing better.” “Basically, our View has al- ways been that highway safety involves three areas: education, engineering, and enforcement. The signs are more of an aspect of the engineering and education side,” said Honaker. “It does seem effective in communicating with the motoring public.” Legislation from Delegate Ben Cline and Delegate Chris Saxmon also target the currentl- 81 status. Saxmon is pushing for a pi- lot program for 1-8 1, which would last a year and involve a state- wide director to focus on safety for the interstate. Another one of his Bills would prohibit trucks from using the far left lane to pass in areas of more than two lanes. Cline’s recent I-81 House Bill calls for more police presence on the interstate. Not only does he want ten new Virginia state troop- ers, but he also pushes to fur- nish out-of-date cars to rest in the median and act as decoys to slow traffic. “Studies have shown that presence of police directly im- pacts speed, which directly low- ers the number of accidents,” said Cline. The third aspect of Cline’s proposal would require third passing lanes on steep portions of 1-8 1 , which would allow trucks to slow down. Honaker said that if people would obey traffic laws and the speed limit most of the interstate safety problems wouldn’t exist. “We’ve never been so fo- cused and committed as three agencies to make the interstates as safe as possible,” said Honaker. “The Interstate is safe now. These improvements are a normal adjustment to maintain the safe condition of the high- 79 way. BY CATHERINE SWAN sENIoR STAFF WRHER The V-Day movement will make its mark at Washington and Lee this week with the production of The Vagina Monologues February 11 and 12 in the Commons Theater. V-Day is an organized worldwide effort that seeks to stop violence against women. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of violence against women while supporting organizations that provide ser- vices to women affected by violence and sexual assault. The Women’s Student Law Organization is organizing the pro- duction of The Vagina Monologues, but other organizations, in- cluding KEWL and CAIR, are contributing to the V-Day efforts. Hidden Hero Ansel Senior Ansel Sanders is this week’s hidden hero for his excep- tional work on the 12- 1 2-6 Committee. Last spring Ansel and EC Presi- dent Helen Hughes formed 12-12-6, a_ group that could openly voice the opinion of the student body. 12-12-6 actively sought to influence the faculty when they made their vote earlier this year when they made their vote concerning the calendar. This vote influenced the Board of Trustees’ recent decision. 12-12-6 was made of a diverse selection of students, to give the most unbiased student voice regarding the calendar decision. Ansel acted officially as the liaison between the faculty and the actual com- mittee and was responsible for delivering the student proposals and reporting back to the committee withthefaculty responses. HIDDEN HEROES ' A ii s e 1 JORDAN ANDE-‘RSON’07 came to W&L from his ________________________________________________________ __ hometown of Weems, Vir- ginia because he was searching for a quality small liberal arts college and Washington and Lee fit the bill. Lacrosse was a huge draw as he enters as goalie for his fourth year. Spring Term was also among his favorite aspects of the school. It has “academic possibilities you cannot have at other times,” with the variety of classes and opportunities that professors offer specifically during the six week term. He also said that the student body is amaz- ing, that we are “what makes this place special.” Ansel is an English Major and said that he could not name a favorite professor if he tried; “it would be like picking names out of a hat, because they are all amazing,” he said. Following graduation, Ansel will be working with Teach for America, teaching middle school English up in Baltimore. As a senior, his advice to other students is to enjoy the opportunities and experi- ences here while you can. Also, take advantage of all the school has to offer. Thanks to the efforts of Sanders and the 12- 12-6 Committee, the academic potential will continue to be as diverse and enriching as possible with the retention of Spring Term. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 speaks for students STEVEN MARrNos / THE RING-7vMPH1 Heroics. As head of the 12-12-6 Committee, Ansel Sanders led student body input regarding Spring Term. The Ring—tum Phi solicits nominations for students, faculty and staff whom you believe to be Hidden Heroes. If you know of some- one who contributes quietly, please submit your Hidden Hero nomi- nations to phi@wlu.edu. Students react positively to calendar change type of people working for us,” “I think it’s phenomenal, it’s a good decision for the school, it preserves the character of the BY ERIN JULIUS NEWS EDITOR Saturday afternoon stu- dents receivedanemail announc- school,” said dents and fac— abroads and I can’t commit a ing the Board’s decision to pre- Tom Borda, I couldn’t ask for a group ulty there was whole semester, so Spring Term serve a modified version of the ’06,“I also like ample time for is good for that,” said Afsin 12-12-6 calendar. Campus reac- taking a 6- of Pe0P1€ who cared 30 input from the Yurdakul, ’06, an international tion seemed overwhelmingly credit Spring much about the students three groups,” student. ‘ positive. Term only and about the school said Brian Not all students were thrilled “I can’t tell you how im- three out of ' Castleberry, with the preservation of Spring I pressed I was with the way the four years so HELENHUGHES, ’04. “Student Term meeting ran,” said EC President when you’re a SPEAKING ABOU1->1-HERO ARD input was led “It’s been said that we would Helen Hughes after presenting senior gradu- by Ansel Sand- get out earlier and have a longer student views to the Board. “I ating you have RESIDENT ers and Helen Christmas break if it were a two- couldn’t askfora group ofpeople more time to Hughes who semester system,” said Megan who cared so much about the students and about the school. We’re very lucky to have this spend with your job or your in- temship. It’s a very good way to solve the problem,” he said. ay increases domestic abuse awareness on campus The Vagina Monologues were performed two years ago at W&L and were well received. Event organizers plan to continue support- ing V-Day events each year, either by a performance of the mono- logues or other events that promote awareness of violence against women. There are several ways students can support V-Day. The first is by attending The Vagina Monologues, this Wednesday and Thurs- day at 7:00 in the Commons Theater. Admission is $12 in advance, ‘ and $15 at the door. Donations will be collected for Project Horizon at each performance. Student organizations are encouraged to spon- sor a care package for families leaving the local shelter. The organi- zations are looking to raise $6000 from ticket sales and individual contributions. University Commons. 14 and March 6. Participate in the 2004 Literacy Campaign The campaign runs from Jan 19-March 12. - Book drive, with drop-off points at the W&L Library and the - “Lunch Bunch” at the Best Seller Bookstore. Children bring a bagged lunch and for a book reading and craft. Ages 4-7 from 11:00 - 12:00 on Feb 7, 14, 28, and March 6. Ages 8-12 from 12:00 to 1:00 on Feb Questions? Contact Steve Martinenza martinenzas@wlu.edu WA TCHFOR THE NEXT ISSUE or THE PHI MARCH 1! Need a rest from everyday life? Treat yourself to a luxurious full body massage by H 31" I’ 119', BA, CMT ‘Certified Massage Therapist Board of Nursing C'ert1'fl'ed 13 Years Experience Gift Certificates Make Great Valentine’s Presents! (540) 264-0063 ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!!! HOUSE FOR RENT “In the Country” Next School Term Lease begins June 2004 3654 Collierstown Rd. 4 Bedroom, fully furnished $1200/mo. Call Nancy Allison at James Wm Moore Real Estate 28 South Main St. - 463-7080 “The process was handled in the correct way. Once the Ad- ministration realized how big an issue this was to the alumni stu- Students of all backgrounds value Spring Term. “Although I’m already studying abroad, I want to do some other studying did a good job of expressing, in a well-developed manner, the stu- dent feelings,” he said. Murphy, ’07, “although I do like the six weeks to be able to go abroad,” she said. Correction In last week’s article headlined, “Donate to save Music Festival,” we incorrectly implied that the administration had cancelled Buf- falo Creek Music Festival because of liability concerns. Actually, the administration informed festival organizers that using frater- nity funds for the event violated national rules. Additionally, university officials began encouraging organizers to fundraise for the events in January. If you would like to contribute to the Buffalo Creek Fund, please contact Inge Hill at hillrn@wlu.edu. WE CAN DO IT! Repairs ~ Contacts COOL FRAMES! HOT LENSES! SHADES! reerrrew oarucczreore 20 years serving Rockbridge at 203 N. Main Street, Lexington 463-7440 Gr.-am Lstsnrrzttr RRNGEL i’£iA?E3rx’¥LE7£M\‘l2'ER i>.»tsrz~:r.1-'3 549-451-344? 309 N. thin St. Lexirigtori, VA 24450 OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_003.2.txt 1‘ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 '2 't:i~’.ix3::-"ii.-t.:i?a3 « « )lTORlAL Mock Con behavior inexcusable Provost Tom Williams’ letter (found on page four of this weekls Phi) causes con- cern for us. The behavior he relates in that letteris unquestionably egregious. The Wash- ington and Lee community has a responsibil- ity to the larger Lexington and Rockbridge area We-have a duty to behave like respon- sible adults. Our behavior at the Mock Con- vention Parade is apparently evidence that we are unable to do so. The images presented in the letter are ones more often associated with a Saturday night fraternity party than a Friday morning at a middle school. We understand that Mock Convention happens only once in our four years and that it is important to live up the event. But what possible reason can we have for behaving like iriibeciles? No wonder media coverage was sparse when these are the images we present. Don’t get us wrong, we thought Mock Con was an . otherwise smashing success. The behavior of a small nmnber of stu- dents, however, was less than acceptable. It is to those students that we now turn. We are role models for younger students in the community. A role model is not ar- rested at a middle school for drinking too much. A role model does not vomit off the back of a poorly constructed float. A role model does not leave beer bottles tucked be- hind a school bus. A role model does not relieve herself in front of a classroom win- dow. We’re the ones with egg on our faces this time. Last week, we did not portray our- selves as the responsible young adults we are. Instead, we acted less mature than the middle school students who gawked at our actions. Maury River Middle School: We are not able to apologize for the entire student body, but we can speak for ourselves. The staff of the Ring-tum Phi would like to apologize for any offensive behavior we might have en- gaged in. We hope other members of the stu- dent bodyarewillingtotakethesarne action. We are sorry. “The Secret Service is under strict orders that if Bush is shot, to shoot Quayle immediately.” ~Democratic Front-Runner John Kerry, during the term of George H.W. Bush. CAiEvANDiisoN OPlNIOl\5FDllOR mm m PAGE 3 more COURTESY or tmluaology.wlu.edu SPRING DIGGING. These archaelogy students were enrollediriAnthropology 377, afieldarrliaelogiral course offereddu.ririgSpririg Tenn, one of many savedbythe 12-12-6 decision Washington and Lee is a very unique school with a whole host of very old traditions. Some students find a few of our unique traditions questionable (understandably), such as our dominant Greek scene, or our decades—old alcohol culture. What we are all agreed on, though, is that those traditions that make Washington and Lee unique as an academic institution are hallowed, and must not be altered lest our beloved University lose its soul. Why does a student come to Washington and Lee instead of an Amherst or a‘ Williams or a Claremont—McKenna? What makes us different from all the rest? ' I can think of a dozen reasons, but they all tie in to one important piece of philosophy that the University adheres to— students come to this university to learn, and the goal is simply to al- low them to learn and_live in the most effective manner possible, “nothing more", and nothing less. What makes’ our school unique? Our classes are taught by the professors themselves (all of whom, without question, are experts who excel in their fields), and not by graduate students or teaching assis- tants. Our class sizes (for the most part) are very small, and you get a lot of individual attention should you desire it. Our Honor System is the best in the nation, and even though it’s only a very few students who are dismissed each year, the result is dramatic- The Honor System is a way of life for students, we all feel safe taking the word of our peers, and we enjoy privileges like self- scheduled exams. Additionally, Washington and Lee is one of the safest campuses around. The things that make us unique are of- ten the same things that make us strong. This Saturday, the Board of Trustees announced its decision on the fate of another of the institutions that make Washington and Lee unique— Spring Term. Though it only dates back to the 1970s, Spring Term creates many advantages for students, which I’m sure are all familiar to you by now— wider catalog, special study lli6iEiii~i‘§Mils“niéE programs, more classes in general, and so on. Though it has its costs (which we’re also familiar with), Spring Term provides unique opportunities and experiences to W&L students. For in- stance, in my own freshman Spring Term alone, I had the oppor- tunity to take a course in French history from a visiting Oxford professor. We, of course, will not keep our full four-year Spring Term as it exists today, but the need to change it is real, and there’s a very good case for the three-year Spring Term, as well as the other measures that are being implemented to cut costs. Still, our 12-12-6 schedule remains essentially intact. Many members of our community worked to save Spring Term. The hard work of both the 12-12-6 Com- mittee and our tireless Executive Committee can not be overestimated. A majority of the faculty, our teachers, stood up for us as well. But in the end, it came down to our administrators. ' 5 I And, I am happy to report this week, our administrators did not let us down. Though there was great fear that the President and the Board of Trustees might betray the students’ vision of a unique and special University, those fears proved unfounded. What President Burish has proven to us through his recom- mendation, and what the Board of Trustees has proven through their decision, is that they are not out to “Swarthmorify” Wash- ington and Lee. They have proven with more than words that they value the things that make our University’s academic expe- rience special. They have proven with decisive action that they place the students of Washington and Lee above both money and mere rankings in U.S. News. I can now look forward to many classes of students passing through Washington and Lee and sharing the same amazing and enlightening experience that I’m enjoying right now. For this, I thank and salute President Burish and the Board of Trustees. ‘ Editor in chief Assistant Editor News Editor Opinions Editor Asst. Opinions Editor Arts & Life Editor Asst. Arts & Life Editor Photography Editor _PHI Jeb Brooks Kyle Wass Erin Julius Caley Anderson Anne Finley Megan Morgan Chris Lauderman Cody Gabbard Asst. Sports Editors John Hyland Chad Kiewiet de Jonge Emily Edwards Kelly Jo Larsen Alexa Moutevalis Kate Zawyrucha Sarah Beth Campbell Vanessa Amess Aubrey Miner Production Assistants Copy Editors Paul Seifert David Seifert Stuart Presnell Rob Rain Thomas Worthy The Ring-tum Phi is published Mondays during the undergraduate school year at Washington and Lee Univer- sity, Lexington, Virginia. The Ring-turn Phi is a member of The Publications Board, but is otherwise independent The Ring—tum Phi welcomes all responsible sub- missions and letters. All submissions must be e-mailed to phi@wlu.edu or in the University Center mailbox by 5 p.m. Friday to appear in the following weeks edition. The Ring—tum Phi reserves the right to edit submissions for content and length. Letters and columns do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Ring-tum Phi Editorial Board. Advertising does not reflect the opin- ions of The Ring-tum Phi or its staff. This newspaper observes current court definitions of libel and obscenity. The Ring-tum Phi University Commons Room. 341 Washington and lee University Lexington, Virginia 24450 Telephone: ( 540) 458-4060 Fax: (540) 458-4059 Email: phi @wlu.edu Subscription rate $40 Business Manager Asst. Business Mgr. Circulation Director Asst. Circulation Dir. Distribution Dir To have loved and lost or never to have loved at all? I have been pondering the age old question of whether or not it is better to have loved and lost or to have never loved at all. I remember first being posed this dilemma in 8"‘ grade by my his- tory teacher, and I have yet to reach a conclu- sion. Thus far, however, I have tended to follow the path of choosing to not love at all. As a young girl, I wanted to be like a boy and carried myself like one, yelling in gym class and trying to be as aggressive as my short frame would al- low me because I thought they had all the fun. I always had an internal competition with them for some reason. It might have been the result of a negative experience as a very young child in which some boys in my neighborhood picked on me and would not let me play with their toys. When crying didn’t work to change their demeanor, I resorted to toughness. But as I grew up, I still maintained an emo- tional distance from boys because of my nega- tive experience. In middle school, relationships never made any sense to me because they lasted for about two weeks, if that. I remember having one crush for a whole year on just one boy (though I never talked to him) and thought it was very peculiar that everyone else’s crushes flue- tuated like fashion statements. So I just didn’t trust the entity of romantic relationships. Ihave begun to live in fear of a romantic relationship as a result of seeing my friends’ hearts break too many times in high school and college. I have dated, but I end those relationships quickly because I am very aware of how time affects a relationship’s progression despite my lack of personal experience. I end it just right — before I fall for a guy and ironically just when a guy falls for me. Yes, it is somewhat cruel, but m'y policy has always been me first, guy second, as harsh as that may be. Usually, my excuse for ending things is that the guy is immature, incon- siderate, has annoying habits, is arrogant, or just doesn’t get it. I am not saying that the guys weren’t what I just described, but I rarely if ever informed them of their disagreeable behavior and would just cut off communication without any explanation. Since the relationship hadn’t meant that much to me yet, I simply assumed it meant just as little to the guy and didn’t think I needed to offer any type of explanation. I can tolerate most things, but the one thing that Ihave the most difficulty grap- pling with is betrayal by any person within my circle. Ini- tially, I would simply act as if I didn’t care be- cause I also have my dignity to uphold. On the outside, I would appear untouched by the brutal behavior, but inside, I would be falling apart. Nothing is more painful in my opinion than a cold shoulder from a trusted friend. I have seen how it affects others, and I do not want the same to happen to me. Most of us at this age are emotionally immature and irresponsible, not re- alizing the painful consequences of our actions, ' and I take this into consideration wheneverl meet a guy. And once this reality hits me, I am handi- capped from opening any passageway into my heart. All doors and windows automatically shut. However, I wonder if I have perhaps missed out on the chance to be in love, or at least expe- rience young puppy love because of my barri- cading fears of being hurt. I have observed some very fruitful relationships that have lasted and are the epitome of what a loving and devoted relationship should be. When I see a truly happy couple or hear a good love story, my doors and windows creak open a small bit, but never all the way. Even when the love is real and devoted, there is still pain. My father’s love for my mother is an example of this. They were each other’s first love and met in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and fled together to Cambodia. Through their relationship, they had been each other’s support, strength, and reason to fight and survive the per- ils of the Cambodia/Vietnam jungles. But my mother died in Cambodia when I was two and to this day, twenty years later, my father still remem- bers her as though she had just died twenty days ago. He dreams about her, he speaks to her in his dreams, and she is in his every thought and ac- tion. He has never been able to love since, al- though he has dated. That was the biggest loss of his life, and he is still recovering. I doubt he will ever fully recover and move on. I once posed this question to him, and he said that he would rather have loved my mother and lost her than to have never experienced their love at all. So I am slowly, very, very slowly, widening the passageways because I do believe in true love. I hope that you all do too regardless of whatever pains you may have experienced in past and present relationships. Sometimes the pain is nec- essary and unavoidable, like long distances, but a lot of the times, the pain is unnecessary and sim- ply destructive, and it is this pain that you need, to abandon. As long as you remain in this rela- tionship, you will be as caged as me and miss out on the chance to really experience the real thing. One of my philosophies in life is to never settle for things I can unsettle, so my statement to you is‘ to never settle when it comes to love because unlike purses in Chinatown, the real thing cannot be imitated. OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_004.2.txt Male Bonding. Theater students, playing Hamlet’s Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, exemplify the fraternity emphasis on quality male time which makes plato Greek system discourages interaction between guys and gals MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 the day when the possibility of such relationships is more viable. The Greek system is amazing. It enables freshman to drink for free in the fall, and pay for it during pledgeship. And most of all it gives all students something to do ev- ery night, whether that be a band party, poker tournament, or just some random ac- tivity. I didn’t really understand just how great the Greek sys- tem was until I went back home and talked to some of my old high school friends who went to colleges where there were no fraternities. The sto- ries were terrible. A typical Friday or Satur- day night included finding a 21 year old to buy them a case of beer, then driving around all night, looking for a BYOB party so that they could drink their precious liquid. Sounds like fun huh? Fraternities don’t just give you a place to drink. They are so much more than that. Fraternities give every guy instant friends and roommates...wait... let me rephrase that. Fraternities give each and every guy instant GUY friends and GUY roommates. Letters to the Editor Dean Watkins seeks to clarify, correct article on Buffalo Creek. I want to make sure to note my extreme dis- agreement with two statements in the article “Donate to save Music Festival”: “The fundraising is a recent announcement by the adminstration that the festival could not con- tinue due to liability concerns.” and “The late announcement of the decision to discontinue the festival . . . .” Corrections: 1) Festival organizers were told by the Univer- sity in October that use of fraternity funds for the event violated national organization policies. 2) Festival organizers were told in Novem- ber by a national fraternity representative that use of fraternity funds for the event violated national organization policies. 3) I spoke with the key festival organizer in January and explained that the University encour- aged them to begin fundraising activities since it would not be possible for them to use fraternity or University money to support the event. We have NEVER said they can’t have their own festival - we’ve just said we can’t allow them to break policies to do it and we advised them of their legal responisbilities and risks they are incurring should they decide to offer the event As you can see by this timeline, festival organizers were informed one month into this academic school year and the institution should not be held responsible for late attempts at fund raising. S Sincerely, Dawn Watkins Dean of Students POTATOMAN ‘O7 perience, and examine how I It wasn’t until last week’s Ring-tum Phi, featuring an article by Tim Smith (you may know him as Absolut Fratlord), that I realized the imperfections of the Greek System. While his article, headlined “Theory of college evo- lution: changing your high school mold”, had nothing to do with the Greek System, it did get me to think back on my high school ex- have changed. Unlike many other people, I loved high school. It was fun and crazy, and the friendships I made during those four years will last a lifetime. I partied and even did a little work occasionally. Not much different from college I guess. But wait, more than half of my friends from high school were girls. I only have a handful of really good girl friends in good 01’ Lex. It took me a while to figure out just why this change from high school. Did a girl do me wrong, and now am I trying to avoid them? God no. Avoid girls? Moi? Not likely. DoI smell? Well yes, but it’s not like they run from me desperately looking for a clothespin to put on their nose to stop the unbearable stench from entering their airways. Then it hit me. The Greek system does not allow guys and girls to have close friend- ships. Before I go any further, I should prob- ably clarify something. I am not talking about hookup buddies, or even girlfriends, these things are very different from nonsexual, purely platonic friendships with a member of the opposite sex. The first semester is full of freshman guys trying to prove their masculinity to upper- classmen in fraternities in the hopes of re- ceiving a bid. These same guys try to im- press girls in a similar way. They lay down the “watch me shotgun this beer, vomit, and make an ass out of myself, but don’t worry in high school I drank a whole handle of vodka once, so I’ll be fine” routine. It is impossible to form a consistent friendship with a member of the opposite sex when you are passed out in the frat basement. After a little bit of college experience, freshman guys are thrust into the winter term, Generals ungentlemanly and un/adylike during Mock Convention. FILE PHOTO nic female friendships extremely difficult. Potato Man hopes for more notably, pledgeship. A lot of guys don’t even have time to shower (thus the reason I smell), much less start or continue friendships with girls. So once again, a nor- mal friendship with a female is put off until spring term, by which time a freshman has been fraternitized, and will forever be known as a frat guy, and is changed forever. I am not complaining by any means. I wouldn’t trade the friends that I have made through the fraternity for anything. I feel free to be myself now more than ever. And I sure as heck wouldn’t trade a Greek school for a non-Greek school. I like poker on Wednesday nights and band parties on Fri- days. Driving around looking for a bunch of cars in front of house where there might be a party just doesn’t sound like fun to me. I already did that...its called junior year in high school. But isn’t there someway to even the see- saw between male and female friends? If you can figure it out let me know. I don’t have time to figure it out now though, but I think if I hurry I might just be able to squeeze in a quick shower. Today I spoke with the principal of the Maury River Middle School, having called her to clear up some sto- ries I had heard from a variety of sources. Last Friday, the Mock Convention Parade formed in the parking lot of this school. She reported the following, based upon her first—hand observation Friday morning. 1) Washington and Lee students asked, and were granted permission to use the school’s bathrooms. After a while the noise and prevalent odor of alcohol resulting from this use caused her to ask the W&L students to leave, which they did. Shortly thereafter, our students found another entrance to the school and began to enter again, against her expressed wishes. 2) Washington and Lee students were urinating outdoors, visible from the windows of the school. 3) A Washington and Lee student was seen vom- iting from the back of a float while it was in the school parking area. 4) Beer was left in the school parking lot. I cannot imagine anyone here at Washington and Lee defending this behavior, in this place, as accept- able. The report of this behavior raises the following questions: How should we, as a community, express our re- grets and offer retribution to the Maury River Middle School? What should we do to assure we, as a commu- nity, behave with more respect towards our neigh- bors in the future? The great majority of what I heard and saw of this year’s Mock Convention was quite positive. Nonetheless, this does not excuse the actions de- scribed above. Sincerely H.T. Williams, Provost A WANTED: Summer Scholars Counselors June 30 — July 31, 2004 Are you looking for a great chance to be a mentor and to experience working with high school students while staying at W&L for the month of July? The Washington and Lee Summer Scholars Program is an exciting four Week academic program for approximately 150 rising high school seniors. We are looking for responsible students to help guide participants and to plan extracurricular activities such as talent shows, lip syncs, weekend hikes, trips to Goshen and more. ‘ For information about the position please contact Dr. Mimi Milner Elrod at 458-8727. You may pick up an application from her in the Summer Scholars Office located in the Hill House. The deadline for turning in applications is February 27, 2004. Moisronoceufis FEBRUARY 1 i & 12 7PM ELROD COMMONS THEATER $1 2 in advance $15 at the door All profits to benefit Missing Women of Juarez and Covington Shelter for Women DAV UNTIL THE VQOLENCE STOPS wa.am.-ajmamzm SPONSORED BY THE WOMEN LAW STUDENTS ORGANIZATION Peace Corps Life is calling. flfowfar will you go? Speak w/1’/7 a recru/"fer and retumeo’ volunteer at one of these 1/,oco/n/ng on-campus events and/eam why the Peace Corps /19 507/ me ‘tong/yes!/ob you7/ ever /ave/” Wednesday, February 1'! Information Table 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. John Elrod Commons Career Services Room 345 For more information contact Jason Kaneat 800-424-8580 or /7rane@,oeaceco/ps. gov. 800-424-8530 Information Session www.peacecorps.gc OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_005.2.txt JOHNHYLAAD AstrANrS1>oiusEnnoA FMAll:HYlAND@Ww.Pl)U MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 S . var‘ {}~Tt.?trtl)t- RT§ PAGE 5 Womens’ basketball drops three to ODAC competition BY ALLISON PERRY CONTRIBUTING EDITOR The Washington and Lee women’s basketball team lost three ODAC conference games this week to Roanoke, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and Guilford. 1 Roanoke slipped past the Generals, 50-47, last Sunday at home. The Maroons took control of the lead with only 0:50 left in the first half and contin- ued to stay ahead for the rest of the game. Roanoke reached its largest lead at 47-40 with 3:11 left in the game, but the Generals soon closed in on the gap. Freshman forward Jessica Hunsinger sank her shot to put the score at 49-47. But Roanoke’s freshman guard Cindy McGraw made a foul shot with only 0:25 left in the game to reach the final score of 50-47. Sophomore guard Louisa Feve scored a total of 15 points and had 9 rebounds for the day. Hunsinger totaled 13 points and 13 rebounds. Jun- ior guard Bethany Darinelly also contributed with 11 points. Leading the Maroons in points was senior guard Meghan McCue with nine points and three rebounds. McGraw totaled eight points and two rebounds for the game. The two teams were about even in shooting percentage from the field with 35 percent for Roanoke and 30.9 percent for Washington and Lee. The Generals had 15 turnovers, while the Maroons only had eight. The Generals lost another close game to Randolph-Macon Woman’s College on Tuesday, 57-41. Washington and Lee controlled the lead up until 10:09 in the first half, but RMWC turned it around and led 29-22 at the end of the half. The WildCats never let go of the lead, ending the game at 57-41. Senior forward Sarah Michaels totaled 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Generals. Hunsinger also posted 12 points and 15 rebounds. For the VVildCats, senior guard Amy Dameron tallied 19 points and 9 rebounds; Sophomore for- ward Megan Stensrud added 12 points to the score. The VV1ldCats dominated in shooting with 33.9 ARINOS BRING rr ON. Freshman Chris Halkitis takes on a defender in one of the team’s losses this past Week. Men’s basketball enters new slump after win BY SARAH BLOOM STAFF WRITER Despite coming off of a win to Roanoke, the men’s basketball team fell back in to a slump Wednesday when they took on Emory and Henry. The game was a close one (49-48), but the Generals couldn’t hang on for the win. Emory and Henry swished a three-pointer with 4.8 seconds re- maining in the game to secure the victory. Freshman Chris Halkitis lead the Generals with 16 Landes. Landes followed his teammate with 13 points. Next the team competed against 8th ranked Hampden Sydeny. The game ended in complete victory for Hampden Sydney (76-45). Though the game started somewhat slowly, the Hampden Sydney quickly took over the courts and never looked back. The Generals didn’t play without a good fight." Fresh- man Coleman Lyons earned 14 points for the Generals. Se- niors Hamill Jones and sophomore Matt Lawless each scored percent, compared to the Generals’ 24.1 percent. RMWC also had fewer turnovers with only 1 1. The Generals tallied 19 turnovers. Washington and Lee also lost on the road to Guilford on Friday, 69-38. The Generals briefly took the lead with 7:25 left in the first half when junior forward Emily Barker hit a jumper to put the score at 17-19. But the Quak- ers came back and took control for the rest of the game. Hunsinger tallied 14 points and 14 rebounds to lead the way for Washington and Lee. Michaels also added 12 points and 3 rebounds for the Gener- als. Senior guard Dara Burke totaled ten points and seven rebounds for the Quakers. Guilford shot 45.8 percent during the game and had 19 turnovers. Washington and Lee had 26 percent shooting from the field and 23 turnovers. The Generals are now 8-13 and 5-11 in the ODAC. Washington and Lee meets up with Lynchburg at home for another ODAC contest on Tuesday. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. COURTESY SPORTS INFORMATION LEADING THE TEAM. Freshman Jessica Hunsinger helped lead the team in scoring in recent games. Wrestling loses two at Albright tri-meet Albright Little (W&L), Fall 1:56 165- Joe Selba (JH) def. Walter 3 Hoyt (W&L), Fall :49 184- Rob Curry (JH) def. Max ALBRIGHT 39, W&L 3 149- Corey Little (W &L) def.Brandon Cuffee (AC), 10-5 165- Ezra Montesino (AC) def. Walter Hoyt (W&L), Fall 40 184- Eric Drew (AC) def. Max Courtney (W&L), 8-5 HE ING-TUM HI W&L vs. CENTENARY COLLEGEWRESTLERS Harris (CC), 12-4 Hoyt (W&L), Fall 2: 15 Courtney, Injury Default tri-meet results A JOHNS HOPKINS 58, W&L 0 149 -Tirn Hulme (JH) def. Corey Courtney (W&L), Maj. Dec. 13-2 149- Corey Little (W&L) def. Isiah 165- Ken Jacoby (CC) def. Walter 184- Keith Kubicek (CC) def. Max W&L SPORTS RELEASE READING, Pa. —- The Washington and Lee wrestling team dropped a pair of matches in the Albright tri-meet on Satur- day afternoon. The Generals fell to Cen- temiial Conference foe Johns Hopkins, 58- 0, before losing to Albright, 39-3, in non- conference action. Senior 149-pounder Corey Little. (Charlotte, N .C./Independence) recorded W&L’s (0-6, 0-4) only dual—meet victory of the day when he scored a 10-5 decision over Albright’s Brandon Cuffee. Little also picked up a victory over Centenary Col- lege grappler Isiah Harris. He won that bout with a 12-4 major decision. W&L will be back on the mat next Saturday at 12:00 noon when it competes in the Muhlenberg Quadrangular. COURTESYSPORTS RMA ON points. Also scoring for the Generals was sophomore Phil 8 points. SENIOR COREYLI'I'I‘I.E '1' W ’ S ’ HIS EEK S C *DULE Tuesday, February 10 Wednesday, February 11 Thursday, February 12 Friday, February 13 Saturday, February 14 Sunday, February 15 0 W Basketball vs. 0 M Basketball vs. 0 Open 0 W Basketball at 0 Wkestling at 0 Open Lynchburg--7 :00 Guilford-- 7:00 Rand0lph-Macon-- 7:00 0 M Swimming at Blue- grass--TBA Mennonite--7:00 0 Riding at Randolph- 4 0 M Swim at Bluegrass-- Macon Womens ’/LC Inv- TBA -TBA Muhlenberg Quad--12:00 0 M Basketball at Eastern (Ring-tum Phi . 5'|'$'l‘RAVEI..€OM Jnfilmwiws fituirdcaflawvpeeuke Sell 1?? 5, term Cash, Go Free! How ' 1-830~&€3-#84”? I mwwmrsmzi-.zom l Is anyone else depressed that We can ’t Waste our Weelren ds Wa telling football for six months? mag fiwtampm Reps #1 Spring Break Vacations! Cancun, Jamaica, Acapulco, Bahamas & Florida. Best Parties, Best Hotels, Best Prices! Group Discounts, Organizers Travel Free! Space is limited! Book Now & Save! endlesssummertours.com 1-800-234-7007 OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_006.2.txt - , L the week ending January 31. PAGE 6 W&L SPORTS RELEASE LEXINGTON, Va. — Washington and Lee se- nior Eric Ritter (Birmingham, A1aJMountain Brook) has been recognized as the Division III National Swimmer of the Week by CollegeSwirnrning.com for Ritter propelled the Generals to a 117-60 win over Marymount and an undefeated dual-meet sea- son with top performances in the 200 Back and the 400 Medley Relay. He emerged as the top finisher in the 200 Back (1253.79), but his performance in the winning 400 Medley Relay (3241.58) was the highlight of the day. Leading off the relay with the 100 Back leg, Ritter set a pool record with an NCAA “A”-cut time of 51.38. He joins Tim Stanford (‘86) as the only two Generals to hold records in the Cy Twombly Memorial Pool. Ritter and the Generals return to action on Feb. "=1-Jl73.ll'~¥-‘~”'°.El»v1?'l’.=’ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 SPORTS Ritter named Division III Swimmer of the Week Senior earns national recognition for Maiymount performance W&L SPORTS RELEASE LEXINGTON, Va. — The Washington and Lee men’s and women’s indoor track and field squads were in action at the VMI Winter Relays on Satur- day afternoon. The Generals combined for two-top- place performances a.r1d a pair of school records while competing against Division I and Division III competition. For the W&L women, sophomore Betsy Frayer (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) emerged as the top runner in the 3,000-meter run, besting all competitors with a time of 1 1:30.44. Freshmen Kathryn Brennan (New Orleans, La./ Isidore Newman) and Sara Behrnerwohld (San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Dana Hills) used their perfor- mances to set a pair of new standards for the Gen- erals’ program. Brennan vaulted to a program- record mark of 9’4.25” in the pole vault, while Indoor track teams compete against VMI on Saturday Two school records broken at competition Junior Meredith Walker (Travelers Rest, S.C./ Christ Church Episcopal), junior Ann Tompkins (McLean, Va./Potomac School) and freshman Hunt- ley Rodes (Nashville, Tenn./Harpeth Hall) were also among the Generals’ leaders. Among Division III sprinters in the 200-meter dash, Walker took sec- ond (29.24), Tompkins took third (29.60) and Rodes took fourth (29.82). For the men, juniors Nathan Johnson (Lexing- ton, Va./Rockbridge County) and Steven Chambers (Christiana, Pa./Octorara Area) led W&L with the top-two finishes in the 3,000-meter run. Johnson won the event with a 9:02.95 clocking, while Cham- bers crossed the tape second in a time of 9:14.11. Junior Chris Walker (Centreville, Va./Paul IV) took top weight—throw honors among Division IH participants with a distance of 44’ 5.25”, whilejun— ior Brian Krupczak (Cohasset, Mass./Cohasset) was Division III’s second-place finisher in the 55- meter dash with a time of 6.70 seconds. 13 at the Bluegrass Mountain Conference Champi— ' SpoRT5IN1=oRMAT1oN Behmerwohld clocked W&L’s fastest—ever 55-meter Both W&L squads retum to action on Sunday 7 onships. - SENIOR Emc RITIEK. dash with a 9.59 performance. at the Christopher Newport Invitational. , . . Support Generals athletics over feb break in your hometown » A Wrestlin A’/' ' . 9 S5 0’//) r M ns’ B06‘ij\:nnoi\'i’iel'.00 Pm Sat., Feb. 14 at Muhlenberg Quad (Baptist 8 ’ F94 27 .9/WU/I99 Easlel“ 1 00 Pm Bible, Elizabethtown, Muhlenberg) 12:00 pm 5 /” /fa//'0 “Were A 14 at -A ewalel . "/1, Feb ”3/ 76/1 ’ v sat.."’e ' b 1815- B” Sat., Feb. 21 Centennial Conference 339a/(/,,,1, , W99» 9 ' Championships 11:00am /”"’/<917'0/ia/ /‘$40/L”.<7/ii/.'5» ma“ Baseball Me ‘ . . , /7,9’ . Basie _ Mon., Feb. 16 at Oglethorpe 3.30pm 5;,’ F ac, \Noit\9“5 'dgewatet7-00 pm Wed., Feb. 18 at Emory 2:00 pm 9”’: 20<9/Gree/7sb0SSe ’' Wed”; .18 B“ Thu., Feb. 19 at Ogelthorpe 3:00 pm 0'0 330p Sat., Feb. 21 Villa Julie (DH) 12:00pm , ‘V 1 _ 1' ’ O Rea ity. , iiiiiii “I don’t have the V. _ : required courses The Johns Hopkin ost-Bacca ureate , ” premedical Prgg m for medical school. . graduates with st apply to the best , them the person science and mat courses ‘ academic advisin: If you or someone ou know wants to pursue a it career as a docto apply by March 1. For more informa n, visit " : www.jhu.edulpo*:sp ac or call 410-516-7748. ' IOHNS HOPKINS Post-Baccalaureate ‘ 13 Premedical Program Wash & Lee Post Bac 04 I x’ OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_007.2.txt PAGE 7 A P“ LIEE l/IECANMORGAN Ans&L.A~EmoR A ‘= FMAI:M()R(‘AlWl@WwH)U MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 More than Mainstream: independent woman Rian Lewis Someone pointed out that in all our discus- sion of rush and pledgeship, we had ignored one of the largest minority groups on campus: independent women. The issues facing indepen- dent women can be very different than those facing independent men. Rian Lewis knows those challenges well and has successfully navi- gated the social cycles of W&L without a Greek affiliation. A junior psychology major from Win- chester, Virginia, Rian has never regretted being an independent. A self described “turbo psyc- nerd,” Rian keeps herself busy through a wide array of activities beyond the Greek system: “I’m a bleeding heart liberal and an officer in Young Democrats. I am also a co- Chair of the Gay-Straight Alliance, a dorm coun- selor, a peer counselor, and am on the Multicultural Student Advisory Board. Oh and school,” Rian explains. Rian is glad she rushed. “It’s a fun experi- M ence,” Rian recalls. With a chuckle, she explains, “Rush is a game. It's people I’ve never met be- fore pretending to care about my name and where I’m from.” All in all, “it was very entertaining” and a memorable time. Rian came to W&L for a variety of reasons. MORETHANMAIl\IS'l'REAM . “It was the best school I got into. Initially I was very turned off by the idea of going to a school that I wouldn’t fit into—nostalgic for Reagan, Greek oriented. My dad went here though, and he encouraged me to give it a shot, so I thought, ‘What the hell?’” Arriving at W&L, Rian, like many freshmen knew little about Greek life. Lack- ing the ability to discern a Psifrom a ‘Delta, Rian decided to take a laid back approach to the en- tire system. She rushed be- cause it was something that she felt she should do—after all, everyone else did. At the end of rush week, Rian decided that sorority life was not for her. Withdrawing from rush is a decision Rian is glad she made. “I’m not committed to meetings and rush workshops or being forced into a so- cial circle,” Rian said, which is good for her busy schedule. Sorority t-shirts might be the one thing Rian misses about not being in a sorority. “I’ve never had a moment of regret at all, though I will admit that I have t-shirt envy. They are so clever and witty! W&L mainstream t-shirts just aren't as good.” Among her favorites are the Theta and company shirt, the Coca—cola themed tees, the KD shirt with Audrey Hepburn, and this year’s KD bid day shirt. Beyond the expansive amount of t-shirts she is missing out on, Rian’s experience as an independent has been a good one. Even the biggest challenges can be overcome she ex- plains. “You do have to go make an extra ef- fort to be social. You don’t have social events scheduled for you,” Rian says. To indepen- dent freshmen she issues the advice, “Being in a sorority is not the be all, end all at Wash- ington and Lee. Winter term freshman year is probably the hardest time to be an indepen- dent. All the girls are having their first mixers and socials, and they are going through pledgeship. Its gets a lot easier and you can have a very happy social life. You can have a very fulfilling social life without Greek letters.” Though an independent, Rian thinks the Greek system is necessary at Washington and Lee. “I think its good, and I think W&L needs it. What else would there be to do in Lex?” she laments. As a dorm counselor, Rian had an in- teresting perspective on Rush week this year. She is grateful for the opportunities that being a DC has given her. “I have eleven girls in four houses. I encouraged them all to go through STEVEN MARINOS TRING-7vMPH1 rush. I joked about rushing for the indepen- dents, but I wasn’t very successful. They all found the sorority that was right for them.” Valentine’s Day activities in the Lexington area BY MAGGIE SPEARMAN STAFF WRITER The Superbowl has been played, Mock Con has come and gone, and “Feb Break” is only days away. This could only mean one thing. Everyone’s favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, is rapidly approaching. While some people shudder at the idea of celebrating this ro- mantic day with that special someone, there are those people who look forward to it each year. For those of you who refuse to recognize Valentine’s Day, that is fine. This article is not for you. However, for the rest of you, regardless of your dat- ing status, read on. You may be thinking that Lex- ington is that last place you would want to spend this special day, but let me per- suade you otherwise. Couples in search of a ca- sual meal to those who want a weekend getaway, Lexing- ton has the answer. Those of you who want to kick of the festivities a few days early can attend the Washington and Lee Men’s Basketball game against Guilford on Wednesday, February 11 at 7 pm. It is “Valentine’s Cheap Date Night,” and the first 50 couples will receive free popcorn, soda, and candy. Game giveaways will also include dinner at the Wilson-Walker House, Fancy Dress tickets, and chocolates from the Cocoa Mill. Lexington is also host- ing the third annual Choco- late Lovers’ Weekend from February 13-16. People can enjoy a wide range of events throughout the weekend: carriage rides through downtown Lexing- ton, wine, beer, and choco- late tasting, and a pancake breakfast, just to name a few opportunities. If a simple dinner is more your style, the Sheridan Livery is the place to go. Chefs have prepared a special menu for Valentine’s Day weekend that includes a chocolate souffle topped with a rasp- berry sauce and fresh strawberries for dessert. In addition to these ro- mantic activities, Lexington also has an assortment of Valentine’s, Day gifts. Whether it’s for that special someone, a good friend, or even for yourself, Fun Foods and Accessories has the answer. You can show your significant other just how you feel with a packet of traditional conversation hearts or chocolate bars bearing the saying “I love you.” Get in the mood with scented candles or a jar of “Love Fudge.” Single girls, you can even purchase the ideal boyfriend at Fun Foods and Accessories. With a choice of Mr. Right, Lover Boy, and Mr. Perfect, you can “Grow a Boyfriend” in just seconds by placing this small figure in a cup of water and watching him ex- pand. Hopefully these ideas have motivated at least some of you to take advan- tage of what Lexington has to offer for this year’s Frfllll. .l:GlJfl1flf}' '13 »- 2004. M41 *9 n get--acwn_v for a Cl10'COl¢‘tl’£' Lover-'5 Wrcelzeiitl in Lexington}, X-"'ir__»,;*:x‘-Ilia! \‘¢'i.tl... |mcl2n;;';e.s st.1z'='ti'ng' at only $1359, you cnutt .1'l [orcl icy inies out on this sgwec-t clenl. Valentine’s Day. With a wide range of activities, at least one is fit for you. Whether it be an intimate dinner for two or a day of beer and chocolate tasting, enjoy your Valentine’s Day, it only comes around once a year. New play performed at Washington and Lee BY CHRIS LAUDERMAN A$lSTAN'I' ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR “Metamorphoses” weaves together love, trag- edy, change, and victory to incite the audience and seize their attention. The play is a contemporary version of Ovid’s Greek myths. What makes “Metamorphoses” unique is that it is performed in a pool. The play begins with the story of Creation. Following the Creation are eleven scenes. During each of these acts a character changes in some form. The cast is phe- nomenal in that they bring each of the eleven scenes to life. Seniors Brandon Waddell, Charlie Boisky, and Jeremy Mims stirred the audi- ence with their portrayals of many characters. Other cast members included Ligia Abreu, Bahskar Banerjee, Caleb Dulis, Ruth Esponda, Joseph I-Iarouni, Anna Heatwole, Kelly Kopicial ’96, Julian Ledford, Sarah Orvin, Sheryl Silvers, Paige Smith, and Victoria Stanham. Midas is the first scene in the play. Boisky plays King Midas. The gods grant him one wish. He wishes to change himself so that every- thing he touches will turn to gold. The god Bacchus, played by Banerjee, warns King Midas that it is a bad idea. He turns his daughter, played by Abreu, into gold — one of the many tragic ele- ments of the play. Orpheus and Eurydice’s scene is another tragic, but ex- cellent, part of “Metamorpho- ses.” Waddell plays Orpheus, a musician whose bride, Eurydice, dies on their wed- ding day. The story follows Orpheus into the underworld where he has gone to ask for . '. his bride back. Boisky, Smith, Abreu, Orvin, and Dulis act in the twisted tale of Pomona and Vertumnus. love with Pomona, but she ex- presses no interest. He then tells her a story about what happens to girls who ignore love. The myth of Phaeton was ' ‘ particularly amusing. Phaeton, played by Waddell, is the son of the sun, Apollo, played by Ledford. Phaeton is getting therapy for the deep hurt he ' has from being the son of the sun. Waddell’s acting was great and he had the whole ' audience in laughter during this scene. This play evokes many :‘:' emotions. It was funny one minute and tragic the next. “Metamorphoses” was an en- joyable piece of my weekend. I highly recommend this perfor— ' ' mance to the every student. There are only three showings of “Metamorphoses” remaining. They will be performed at The Lenfest Center for Performing 2. ‘ '. ' Arts tonight, tomorrow, and Wednesday in the small theatre. Feb Break The Ring-tum Phi wishes you a great LISTEN: 91.5 FM Let us help you look and feel Tom James Company Interviews? Internship? Special occasion? your best!! Vertumnus is in University A Cleaners THE CLEANEST OF THE CLEAN. CALL US FOR ALL or YOUR DRY CLEANING, LAUNDRY AND ALTERATIONS NEEDS . Short walk to W & L and downtown. Remodeled , 1885 Historic home on Institute Hill. New kitchen Great Service with all new appliances. 4 B/R, 1 1/2 Bath, storage If First-Rate Quality Custom and Ready Made Suits Washington and Lee Radio and Sports Coats Shirts, pants, shoes and all accessories HOME FOR SALE 704 N 0. Main St., Lexington ‘—‘—‘g—St"de"t Pack“ es & Gi t Certi icates Available Contact Adam Williams for an appointment or room and large laundry/workroom with washer.& with questions dryer. Shows like a model home. Asking $229,000. Call (540) 464-3738 540-815-1557 7 N0Yl3h Jeffefsm Street Adam.Williams@tomjamesretail.com , ' 463-3622 dry cleaning, laundry, alterations OCR::/Vol_106/WLURG39_RTP_20040209/WLURG39_RTP_20040209_008.2.txt PAGE 8 WORD MEGANMORGAN ARIs&L1EEEDIroR EMAt.M3RcANME@o