This post was submitted by Pallavi Matta.

News and Web Editor

The president's dining room features a long table.

In early July, 2 College Hill welcomed two new residents: Dr. Robert Casey and his wife, Robyn Allens. Dr. Casey, the ninth president of the college and the former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Rollins College in Florida, is the eighth president to live in the three-story home.

The house, completed in 1889, is located across from the theater on McDaniel’s campus. It has housed every college president since the second president, Thomas Lewis. Former President Dr. Joan Develin Coley lived in the house for six years before moving to an off-campus home with her husband, Lee Rice, in 2006.

For all current McDaniel students, this will be the first time that a college president has lived on campus. “The president’s house is an important component [to campus],” said Casey, who also noted that a president’s house was built while he worked at Rollins, and he saw firsthand the positive effect it had on the campus.

Senior Lauren Fischetti also seems to share Casey’s feelings: “It really shows that he wants to be a part of the community. We have a deep and rich history that should be celebrated and he’s jumping all in.”

Casey said he first saw the house October 2009, when he visited the campus for his first interview. He was impressed by the central location of both the president’s house and the office.

Casey’s former home was in a more private location, he joked, so he and his wife have had to adjust to shutting their blinds at night. However, he also noted that he loved the commute. He went home for lunch for the first time ever on his first day as McDaniel’s president. Casey spoke with Dr. Coley about her experiences in the house. They shared one experience in common already; they both got locked out on their first day in the house.

As in previous years, the first floor is used mostly for entertaining guests, the second is living quarters for the president and his family, and the third is a small apartment with an office for Dr. Casey. Casey has plans to open up the house to students and already envisions turning the third floor into a movie room for students’ use, with comfy chairs and a big screen.

Susan Leahy, a local interior designer who previously worked with Dr. Coley on the house, helped Casey and his wife decorate their new home. Dr. Casey said he wanted to maintain much of the original Victorian style. The biggest challenge was integrating his belongings – especially a large collection of folk art– with the furnishings of the home.

Vice president of Administration and Finances, Ethan Seidel said that the operating budget for the 2009-10 school year had already been approved when Coley announced her retirement, which meant it was too late to set aside funds for president’s house renovations. Recent updates were so minimal that the costs fit into the campus improvements portion of the normal operating budget, explained Seidel. However, not all of the additions to the home were financed by the college. Casey said that his wife and he paid for items they didn’t feel were appropriate for the college to cover such as his refrigerator, explaining that Robin and he are particular about fridges.

The couple also hopes to make the house environmentally greener by following the campus environmental plan created by McDaniel’s Greenterra environmental club. Changes linked to this greening effort include removing the garbage disposal and replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones. Casey’s environmentally friendly plan extends to his presidential car – a Prius hybrid. Casey and Allens look forward to students’ return to campus so that it feels like a “real” campus. They also hope to open doors to their new home soon.

From right, President Dr. Roger Casey, his wife Robyn Allers, and family cat Little.

Dr. Roger Casey

President

My name is Roger Casey. Along with my wife, Robyn Allers, and our entire faculty and staff, I’d like to say, “Welcome home, returning students, and welcome to McDaniel, first-years.” When I walk the Hill, you’ll see me proudly wearing a green button that says, “I am McDaniel.” I hope you will wear one, too. Collectively, we are all McDaniel College, and I am delighted to begin this academic year as McDaniel’s ninth President.

What’s so great about McD? We’re one of only forty Colleges That Change Lives, and we do so through our personalized interdisciplinary curriculum (The McDaniel Plan) and phenomenal faculty-student collaborations in teaching, research, advising, and even crab-eating. Our diverse community is engaged in hundreds of opportunities. In fact, we’re ranked as one of the Top Ten colleges in community service. Anyone can get involved in the arts at McDaniel. We host a nationally renowned folk-arts festival, Common Ground on the Hill. Innovative January courses take students to Spain, China, Cameroon, Belize, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Japan, Turkey, Greece . . . . Want more internationalization? Then study all year at our European campus, the only American university in Budapest, Hungary. We believe in environmental sustainability. Even our mascot is green! And speaking of The Green: where else can you tailgate in a drive- in stadium? Finally, location, location, location: we’re an hour or less from Baltimore, DC, PA, WV, VA, the Chesapeake, Amtrak, and the global connections of BWI. And yet you won’t be fighting rush-hour traffic to get to class. So if four years aren’t enough here, stay and get a masters from one of twenty programs.

See what a privilege it is to say, “I am McDaniel.” In just my first week here, I encountered alumni who have argued before the Supreme Court, had books written about them, taught as an endowed professor at Harvard, conducted cutting-edge biomedical research, started Fortune 500 corporations, and won a Pulitzer Prize. That was Week One. Couple such alumni with the amazing accomplishments of our student-centered faculty and staff and your own impressive achievements and it’s easy to understand: 1) Why we have all chosen to be part of this phenomenal college, and 2) Why I am deeply honored to serve as your new president.

I’ve been asking many different people hard questions to gain a clearer understanding of our collective vision for McDaniel’s future. So when you see me, stop me and tell me yours. Two goals are already clearly important to me: 1) Improving the image and reputation of McDaniel, and 2) Enhancing the quality of student life, especially our residential and student-life facilities.

When it comes to the first goal, you can help profoundly. Despite all the great opportunities here, I don’t think McDaniel has nearly enough swagger. So get some swag and swagger. We live in an age of super connectivity. Like me, most of you publish on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. (I invite you to follow my Tweets @DrRog; or friend me, and I’ll friend you back.) How often do you use your social networks to spread the word about interesting things on the Hill? I challenge you to use your status bar or your Flip cam to make the rest of the world as aware of this great community as we are. Every time we post something positive about McDaniel, the value of our college brand and ultimately the value of your diploma rises. (And every time we say something negative, the reverse is true. Let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot!) Wear Green; speak Green; act Green. You are McDaniel; shout about it.

Have a great year, Green! I’m honored to serve as your President.

Co-Commentary Editor and Assistant Web Editor

I almost didn’t join the staff of The McDaniel Free Press freshman year. I was intimidated by the collegiate level, even after my great experiences with newspaper in high school. On a whim, though, I attended the second staff meeting of the year, and the atmosphere was so energetic and welcoming, I was hooked. I stayed after that first meeting to speak with faculty sponsor Lisa Breslin, who quickly ushered me over to Art Director Ashleigh Smith ’10 upon hearing that I was proficient with Adobe InDesign. Ashleigh and I stayed outside the Writing Center and talked for over half an hour about both the paper and life at McDaniel. I knew that this was an environment where I belonged, and I dove right in. Joining the Free Press was my best decision of freshman year. This one action resulted in so many benefits. I grew as a writer. I met amazing people. I found leadership and networking opportunities. I also learned many useful skills, such as video editing and interviewing techniques. It was all so easy, too. I just expressed interest to either Lisa or whatever student was in charge of my area of interest, and they were more than willing to set me on the right path. During my first semester, I was not only a staff writer, but a member of both the layout and copy desk staff, and I loved it. When my level of coursework got heavy, it was easy to cut back on Free Press commitments by writing a simpler piece or just focusing on layout that week rather than doing everything. Let me tell you, that flexibility was vital to the preservation of my sanity. You really can do as much or as little as you have the time or the desire for. I took the practicum class next semester because I enjoyed it all so much. This allowed me to get even more involved. We learned how to use iMovie, and then I created a 60 Seconds video about whether students felt they got what they paid for at McDaniel College. The class reported on Snowmaggedon as it unfolded. We took candid photos of life on campus and learned how to write interesting and informative captions. I helped two seniors create the senior issue of the paper, which was challenging, but a lot of fun. The Newspaper Practicum does require more work than just being a member of the staff, but I enjoyed it so much I’m signed up for it this semester. My favorite Free Press experience of freshman year was definitely the CMA conference in New York City. Senior Kim Williams, Junior Megan Robinson, and I listened to speakers like Terry Moran from ABC News, attended sessions about the future of newspapers, and got to take a look at the papers of other colleges from across the country. It was a fun, enlightening, and unforgettable experience. Interested in joining the McDaniel Free Press? Come to one of our meetings, held in the Writing Center on Monday nights. If you can’t make it, talk to Lisa Breslin, whose office is located right across from the Writing Center in Hill Hall. Hope to see you there!

The country music group Lady Antebellum is shown.

Lauren Miller

Blog Editor

Maryland may not be the musical mother load as say Nashville, New York or LA, but if you know where to look and what you’re looking at there’s plenty of quality music to be consumed in and around McDaniel.

CONCERTS AND EVENTS TO CHECK OUT IN AND AROUND MARYLAND:

1. September 4, 2010: Pat Benetar at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD

2. September 5, 2010: Allstar Weekend at the Maryland State Fair.

3. September 10, 2010: Lady Antebelleum at the York Fair in York, Pennsylvania. For more info visit: http://ladyantebellum.com/tourdates/2010-09-10/york-pa

4. September 11, 2010: Selena Gomez and the Scene at the York Fair in York, Pennsylvania. For more info visit: http://selenagomez.com/event/show/york-fair

5. September 18, 2010: HFStival 2010 at Meriwether Post Pavilion. This year’s lineup includes Third Eye Blind, Billy Idol, and Everclear among other bands. Visit: http://www.merriweathermusic.com/schedule/ to buy tickets and for more info.

6. The Maryland Renaissance Fair: It begins August 28th and runs every weekend through October 24th. For more info visit: http://www.rennfest.com/

LOCAL-ISH BANDS TO CHECK OUT:

1. Victory By Revenge — www.myspace.com/victorybyrevenge

2. Hot Spur — www.myspace.com/hotspur

3. All Time Low — www.myspace.com/alltimelow

4. The Dangerous Summer — http://www.myspace.com/dangeroussummer

5. Oh The Story — www.myspace.com/ohthestory

To stay up to date on concert happenings during the school year make sure to check out http://mcdanielfreepress.com/lauren/.

Features Editor

The saying, “Broke College Students” was formulated for one reason: It’s true! With inconsistent daily class schedules, it can be very difficult to get a decent paying job with enough hours. Then there’s the tuition bill, a rather intimidating number which far exceeds the life savings of most students.

After that whopping tuition bill, students face expenses linked to all the room essentials: Bedding, an alarm clock, a television, various toiletries, and of course, clothes.

With all of these money-dissolvers combined, many students end up feeling eternally broke. However, there are some steps that can be taken in order to save money rather than waste it.

• Use your meal plan. All students without kitchens are required to have one and it is already paid for, so you may as well get your money’s worth.
• ind a campus job (especially if you receive a Work Study Award).
• Buy used books online. Amazon and Half.com have some great deals.
• Skip out on the drinking. It will save money, calories, and a possible alcohol citation.
• Take advantage of on-campus events. Most of them are free, and the ones that do cost money will be far less expensive than most off-campus entertainment.
• Open a savings account. When you get paychecks, deposit them and forget them. It will definitely pay off later.
• Don’t carry cash or cards around. It’s tempting to spend money if it’s readily available, so keep it in the bank instead of the pockets.

“I have a hollowed out book in my bookshelf and about once a week I put in 5 or ten dollars. By the end of the semester, I am packing my books and I say ‘Oh wow, money!,” said John Maddrey ‘11.

“I try not to buy a lot of coffee from the Budapest Cafe, I have a coffee maker in my room, but remember it has to have automatic shut-off!,” said Samantha Lambert ‘12.

More than at any other time during my 37-year career here on the Hill, I can most relate to what the seniors are going through right now. I, too, will be “graduating” soon, stepping into the next phase of my life. A big, somewhat mysterious adventure awaits and it is at once exciting and a bit scary to contemplate. I know I am prepared to seize the opportunities that come with my retirement, thanks to all that I have learned as a member ofthis College community, and, especially, from what you students have taught me.

Your boundless curiosity, courage and compassion – even in the midst of the sometimes confusing and challenging changes that come with profound personal growth – has always inspired me. Every day, you demonstrate what it means to put the liberal arts in action: you’ve founded clubs for lovers of cheese, alternative films and skydiving; immersed yourselves in the cultures of Budapest, Cameroon, China and Italy; created haute couture out of trash; crashed records on the athletic fields, and volunteered your time and energy for an array of good causes, including a Nicaraguan clinic and the local Boys and Girls Club. You’ve proven that everything is possible when you work smart – even becoming the College’s first quadruple major, as Eric Lemmon did, with studies in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry.

In each of my roles here, first as professor, then Graduate Dean, then Provost and, for the past decade, President, I’ve relished the chance to get to know many of you and to watch with an insider’s perspective as you set about making this campus, and the world, a better place.

I remember, during the early days of my “freshman year” as President, the moment I first realized what a wonderful neighborhood I had moved into. It was the morning I accidentally locked myself out of the President’s House. Clad only in my nightgown and bathrobe, and without a cell phone, I had no choice but to traipse across the lawn to the nearest student residence. I knocked on the door and was greeted with a smile by a wonderful student; she invited me in while she called Campus Safety, and then we shared a good laugh over the mishap.

This campus is indeed my cherished community. And membership in it is something that I – we all – will take with us. At Commencement, I will receive McDaniel’s highest form of recognition: an honorary degree that will make me a member of the Class of 20 1 0, and forever Green and Gold.

I look forward to continuing my education as I read about you, and all of your accomplishments, in the pages of The Hill magazine. Remember that there is no place like McDaniel- and that it’s all of you who make those words ring so true.

McDaniel Dance Troop, Photo by Evan Ticknor:

Lee Anderson wins Mr. McDaniel, Photo by Evan Ticknor:

Students Gear up to Play Frisbee, Photo by Omar Brown:

Thanks to our Free Press Seniors for their years of service! Photo by Sam Segal:

Editor in Chief

The spring semester for the Alpha Nu Omega Sorority was supposed to be filled with community service, fundraisers, weekly meetings, and social events but that all changed after an investigation was launched by the McDaniel Administration after a student reported an incident directly to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Elizabeth Towle.

The investigative process was started a week before Spring Break and started with a phone call to the sorority’s president. Throughout the weeks to come the “Omegas” were unsure of the process or why the investigation was taking as long as it did. With promises made to hold different community service events and the administration telling the group during the investigation they could not meet as an organization many of their promises to the community were broken.

An anonymous Alpha Nu Omega sorority member said, “It’s frustrating, stressful, and embarrassing.”

As a result of the long investigation not only were the girls unable to congregate as a sorority but they were forced to join the housing lottery which essentially meant they would lose their floor in Blanche Ward Hall. Our source noted that they did not technically get housing “taken away” by the administration but because it took place over the time period that housing was being chosen for the following year the girls had to enter the lottery system.

When the investigation was finally over the administration left the girls with three options: Rebuild as a group, which according to the sorority will give them the opportunity to change and make additions to their current constitution. However it is an eight step process which will mean meeting with faculty and following benchmark points. “It’s good but it just takes a lot of time,” the source said. The second option laid out would be “to go National.” It is an option that the local sorority is looking into but having mixed feelings about. They just recently celebrated their 30th anniversary and there is a certain pride that they take in still being a local McDaniel Chapter. The last option given by the administration is one that the sorority is not even considering and that is completely dismantling or in Greek terminology, “dying out.”

When the administration was reached for comment Towle said, “I’m not going to comment on any investigation that has or hasn’t happened. If the community needs to know they will know whether that is the sorority telling them or me telling them.”

The sorority was told to make a decision by April 30 and according to our source have recently decided to rebuild. This means their current pledge class is given the option to rebuild with the sorority if they choose to.

While for some it may seem the hard part is over, the sisters are now facing a tough road ahead that will change the future of their sorority as well as patching old wounds that this investigation has left. The girls can now only think of what the semester could have been like and although they’re looking forward to a bright future the lingering feelings from the long investigation are still fresh.

“It might be nice if there was [an investigative] process in writing, not just for us but for other organizations,” our source said, “I want Greek life at McDaniel to thrive and in the future have organizations work with the administration to make it better. Greek life does have a place on campus just like clubs and sports. It just needs to be correctly monitored so it can live on.”

Towle had similar to say about the future of Greek Life, “I hope it continues to grow as a community because I think for students who are interested it a good way to get involved. I want to see Greek Life continue to grow.”

It has also been recently confirmed that the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity is also currently under investigation. When asked to comment a member of the fraternity told the Free Press they were “not able to comment at this time,” but “would be free to talk once the investigation is over.”

Editor-in-Chief

The main difference that sets Local and National Greek organizations apart is one simple fact: for local sororities and fraternities, they are the only of their kind. For National, they have other chapters in colleges all across the country.

According to McDaniel College students, this can be both a benefit and a drawback. Jessie Largent, senior and vice president of Alpha Nu Omega (Local), loves that “if you talk to another Omega, you know she went here and you can talk to her about the campus. We just had our 30 year reunion, and when I talked to some of the alumni, I felt like they are us, just 20 years older.”

Abby Walker, member of Phi Alpha Mu, likes the fact that they are unique, and think it provides a great connection with alumni. “We have over 1,000 wonderful alumni, who are all really supportive,” she said.

On the other hand, the benefit of being National is the increased amount of alumni, which provides for better networking opportunities. “I have sisters all around this country,” said Elyse Sparks, junior and vice president of Phi Mu. “I can search ‘Phi Mu’ on Facebook and find any of my sisters. I actually did that once and found a girl I went to middle school with that had moved to Tennessee and joined Phi Mu at TSU!”

Jordon Doss, junior and president of Alpha Sigma Phi, loves being able to wear his letters and run into brothers of all different ages. “They will recognize you as a brother and then ask about your chapter, tell you about theirs and exchange stories. It is an instant connection,” he said.

Other differences between the two are the price of dues and the governing body concerning the constitution and budget, philanthropy, and membership quota. National organizations have a quota of 50 members; locals can stay smaller.

According to Doss, new members pay a pledge fee of $99, an initiation fee $250, and then a lifetime membership fee of $250. “The most expensive thing is insurance but we can reduce that cost by keeping our GPA up, living on a substance free floor, attending national events, and just staying out of trouble in general,” said Doss, who added that he believes his fraternity has the lowest dues on campus.

Largent enjoys the fact that her local sorority governs themselves. They can change their constitution when they deem necessary, which helps them stay current, and they decide their own budget. Local organizations also do not have a set philanthropy, or one organization that National chapters raise money for. This way, Largent says, they can do more local service and pick the projects that are important to them.

“One of our members, Lee Oliver, wanted to raise money for the Leukemia Society, in honor of a friend’s sister that had Leukemia,” said Largent. So the sorority became involved with the Lacrosse team’s Terror Trot fundraiser.

Doss finds the national fraternity very helpful, especially in order to provide insurance and assistance to the chapters. “They offer programs that send a national representative to our campus to see how we’re doing and help us to improve. They also just helped us to set up an endowment fund for our chapter…it will grow over the years and gather interest that we can then put towards education needs of the chapter,” he said.

If a local organization runs into trouble, it is the school’s administrative body that deems what punishment is necessary. If a national organization does the same, a national representative comes in to talk to the school.

“The college is in control of the local group,” said Amanda Rose, who was the Assistant Director of College Activities at McDaniel for 5 ½ years. “When a national group is investigated the Headquarters for that group is notified of the situation. Consequences depend on the violations,” she said.

These could include suspension of certain privileges like wearing letters, community service, alcohol or hazing education, re-vamping the groups new member education program, among others (More thoroughly explained in article on investigation of organizations).

Organizations may switch from Local to National, and this requires researching all possible sororities/fraternities and finding the one that fits the group best. Then the group would apply to have a colony established, and if everything goes smoothly during a trial period, then the colony is made into a chapter.

McDaniel College has six National Greek organizations – Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Delta Rho, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Mu, and Phi Sigma Sigma. Local organizations on the Hill include Alpha Nu Omega, Alpha Gamma Tau, and Phi Alpha Mu.

Features Editor

For an individual student who has violated college policy, the guidelines for what to expect are clearly outlined in the student handbook. However, when investigations into Greek organizations occur, this is not the case.

The investigation process can begin in a number of different ways. Associate Dean of Student Affairs Elizabeth Towle says, “The Hazing Hotline tends to be the most common way an investigation begins because they don’t need to say who they are when they leave a message. At the same time, when I hear anything that might be potentially happening in a group we follow up on that to determine.”

Towle responds that what happens to a group while under investigation “depends based on the circumstances and from the information I receive. We want to act to prevent any potential risk to personal safety.”

“When a group is being investigated, all chapter activities are suspended until the outcome of the investigation. This means there is to be no chapter meetings, activities, socials, community service projects or new member activities. The group’s involvement in campus activities is also on-hold until the outcome is known. This is done to allow time for information to be gathered to determine the validity of the reported information. This way if there are valid concerns the situation can be solved without any further incident,” says Amanda Rose, the current Coordinator of Student Life at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, the Assistant Director of College Activities at McDaniel from December of 2003 to August 2009, and a member of Phi Mu.

Towle says that for a group that is found responsible, “There’s a whole continuum from some very basic educational sanctions to help the group recognize and understand where they might have gone wrong to prevent it in the future up to ‘for these set of reason we can no longer recognize you.’”

Towle says that the time period involved in an investigation “depends. It truly varies based on the situation.”

Rose says that it generally takes two to three days to schedule individual meetings with members of the group and continues, “I tried to get those meetings completed in 2 days. It all depended on the students’ schedules… Once we came to a decision I would meet with the chapter president and give them a letter with the decision and any sanctions given. How long should a group expect to wait to hear a decision? From start to finish I would say 7- 10 business days… but there could always be things that could change that.”

Rose says, “When I worked at McDaniel, there was not a written investigation policy” and adds that “I left in August 2009, so I am not sure if any policies changed since then.”

When asked if the guidelines for the process of investigation are written down, Towle responds, “No. There is for individuals and that’s in the agenda book.”

The process for individual students is easily accessible for anyone interested in looking it up. The 2009-2010 student handbook says that “the following summary of the most common processes used to address matters of student misconduct are offered so that the College community may become familiar with the process in general,” (67).

In response to being asked how a group should know what to expect if under investigation, Dean Towle says “typically what happens in the case of an individual or a group once I get information, the first person I call in is the president or the individual student and say based on that information this is how the college is proceeding.”

Towle was asked: “Do you think there should be written guidelines to the investigation process written down and available to students involved in Greek life? How things proceed with individuals is in the agenda book, but is there anything available for sororities or fraternities to refer to while under investigation?”

She responds, «While there are no procedures currently included in the Handbook, once a complaint is received regarding an organization, the first person contacted typically is the president or head of the group to inform him/her of the concerns and explain how the College will gather the necessary information about the complaint.”

In regards to the investigation process, as Towle says “Our administrative process is in place to maintain the health and safety of the community.”

Co News Editor

Mold on indoor surface areas can cause serious health problems including throat infections, eye irritation, memory loss, chronic body aches, and more. Surface mold that can cause these types of illnesses have been found on McDaniel’s campus in this past year.

Different cases of mold have been reported in various buildings. George Brenton, the Director of Physical Plant, explained that his office receives two to three mold complaints a year. He said that the office tries to deal with the work order as fast they can and based on the severity of the complaint. Brenton explained that his office receives over 5,500 work orders in a school year.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said he found large amounts of mold in his dorm room in ANW, along the back walls of his closet. This student said he notified Residence Life about the issue, and a staff member was sent to remediate the mold the same or next day. This student expressed satisfaction with the speed and manner in which the mold was cleared up.

Garden Apartments appears to be another building susceptible to mold. Sophomore, Shelby Parenteau said there is mold growing in the windowsills of her common room and two of the bedrooms. Shelby’s housemate, junior Mike Mandel, said that he reported the mold to his resident assistant but has received no response to the issue.

Brenton acknowledged the presence of mold in the Garden Apartments. He said his office is unsure of the cause of the mold outbreaks so far, but that the contractor of the apartments is investigating the cause. Although he suspects the cause to be related to the recent renovations of the building, the new air conditioning system, and the damage to the gutters.

Another student living in a different Garden Apartment reported mold growing on her windowsill, against her bed, to her resident assistant in February. After receiving an email from an area coordinator assuring her that the mold would be taken care of, it took the school over two months to clean up the area. Brenton explained that cases like this are often caused by miscommunication between the Residence Life Office, who receives the complaints, and the Physical Plant, who solves them.

In her email she explicitly mentioned that she believed the mold to be the cause of some chronic illnesses she had been suffering from including headaches, a common health effect of mold exposure. Although the student has not been diagnosed with mold allergies, an associate at Hanover Express Care Doctors Office said a person does not need to have mold allergies to be medically effected by mold.

However, there are some campus members that have been diagnosised with mold allegories that did come into contact with mold on campus, professor Priscilla Ord reported that she suspected mold was growing in the staircase below her office, on the ground level of Hill Hall. While Ord’s health was not affected by the outbreak, she expressed concern that if the mold were to reach her office, it might.

Ord said she first contacted the physical plant when she noted the ceiling and window were wet. Bobby Anderson, English Department Secretary who also witnessed the mold outbreak, said that she noticed the area was hot. Anderson said that after the heat and dampness were prevalent for a while, a visible mold began to appear. Anderson said the mold covered parts of the wall and ceiling.

Ord said that although there was a long break in time between her initial complaints and the visible remediation of the mold, she believed the Physical Plant to be working on the problem. Indeed, Brenton confirmed that the Physical Plant began working on the remediation process gradually.

Brenton explained that for cases of large mold outbreaks, such as the one in Hill Hall, outside mold remediation specialist company INX-Tech are used. He said that initially INX-Tech tested the air for allergens, and determined them to be non-toxic.

He then said that solving the cause of the mold outbreak, a leak in a steam pipe, was tricky because it broke during winter. Brenton explained that to fix the pipe the heat had to be turned off in two buildings, and so his office had to plan to fix the pipe when the least amount of people would be in the building. Eventually however his office was able to fix the leak in the pipe, stopping the cause of the mold growth.

Brenton explained that INX-Tech cut out parts of the wall and floor, and removed a bench penetrated by the mold. He said the wall was then sealed with a primer called Bulls Eye 1-2-3, which is a mold resistant stain killer, and the bench was replaced with a wooden box to better cover the steam pipes.

Brenton said that the manner in which the mold is taken care of depends on the severity of the mold. He said that mold in smaller amounts, is typically treated with a liquid substance of bleach and another chemical, and then sealed with a mold resistant paint. Although he noted that an outside expert is always consulted on how to handle different mold outbreaks.

The correct remediation process of mold is disputable. Brenton said that INX-Tech advises to his office that if the drywall is dry and has not been damaged the surface can be treated, and does not need to be removed. However, Ivelin Kostadinov, an associate at EHI Mold Remediation Incorporated, said that mold always needs to be cut out of the surface it is growing on in order to prevent it from returning.

The Environmental Protection Agency website said that the proper treatment of mold does in fact vary from case to case, and can differ based upon professional opinion. However, the EPA website does advise against using bleach to treat mold, especially in living areas

Many campus members have strong opinions about the mold issues on campus. Parenteau said she wishes the school would’ve built the Garden Apartments correctly, so that the mold wouldn’t be an issue that needed correction. Sophomore Timmy Connors, would like to see the school improve ventilation in mold prone areas, and senior Ashleigh Smith added, “I want [the school] to take care of the building that I’m paying to live in.”

But not all was well on this tender Wednesday afternoon. While the world had its new beginning, one member of our campus sadly met his end.

Danny Hughes Jr., one of the newly bought fish at the writing center, was found gasping slowly on his side at the bottom of his tank. His thinning brethren swirled around him, while he slowly slipped into darkness.

Danny Hughes Jr. was only here for a few days’ time, but in his short stay here at McDaniel, he truly left his mark. All who saw his gaping, unerring stare were immediately changed. They were calmer, and somehow happier. This was just the kind of effect Danny Hughes Jr. had on all of those around him.

On April 7th, hours after his untimely departure from the living, Danny Hughes Jr. was ceremoniously memorialized by his surviving friends after his body was briefly used for a prank involving a pencil sharpener. On a traditional Roman pyre, made of computer paper, pencil shavings, index cards, and a staple box, Danny Hughes Jr. was burned.

Since then, all but two of the original 20 fish brought to the Writing Center for an April Fool’s Day prank have passed, but none were as influential as Danny Hughes Jr. Danny Hughes Jr. is survived by his father, Danny Hughes Sr., his friends at the Writing Center, and the two remaining goldfish, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. All who wish to pay their respects may do so any time at the McDaniel College Writing Center in Hill Hall.

Maire Hunter

Staff Reporter

Many people on campus shudder just hearing the word “allocation.”

All they can think about is paperwork, waiting, receiving less money than requested, or getting denied altogether.

Hopefully all that is about to change.

An excerpt from the new Allocations FAQ sheet hints at what we should be expecting next year.

“Devised by the SGA, the allocation process is system of disbursing funds to campus organizations that meet the stated guidelines…This process is implemented to ensure fairness to all campus organizations and to encourage fiscal and event planning for entire academic year.”

Revisions of the allocation process are not quite finished, but so far the changes indicate some major shifts that the incoming Student Government Association’s executive board is hoping to implement. The overarching plan is to see allocation money used to impact as many students as possible, increase the transparency of the SGA’s workings, and encourage better accountability all around.

The Organization Council was held Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. Under 20 club leaders and proxies attended, presumably because it was held at the same time as the annual Ridington lecture. The Hispano-Latino Alliance (HLA), Asian Community Coalition (ACC), Allies, Outdoors Club, and at least two Greek organizations were some of the groups represented.

The SGA is eager to see the relationship between the SGA and the student body grow, as well as the relationships between clubs. By giving preference to groups who choose to co-sponsor events, larger and better planned functions will be held, which will allow funding to reach more students.

The SGA total budget for 2009-2010 was $___, 59% of which was used for allocations. The projected budget for 2010-2011 shows $38,700 with 51% going toward allocations. The decrease was necessary in order to make room for new campus projects and continuation of the older ones, like the installation of the flat screen TVs this year.

The changes in the bylaws and requirements are all moves toward “using money more effectively and efficiently than ever before,” says Dean Gerl, who attended the Organization Council. Details about the new process, and many other SGA documents, should be available on the Student Intranet by the end of the semester at http:stuintranet.mcdaniel.edu

In an e-mail after the meeting, president-elect, Nick Bender, wrote that he thought “the meeting was informative, and it was necessary to get the new changes out to clubs and organizations before the start of next semester so they can have ample time to strategically plan for the upcoming academic year.”

Bender was also pleased with the feedback he received, and hoped he adequately responded to the “tough questions,” since he wants “to make this process as clear cut and transparent as possible.” The SGA plans to hold another session for clubs who were not able to attend or need help understanding the changes.

Bender also outlined the new regulations about what the SGA would and would not be funding next year, most notably: no direct donations to charity, food for regular meetings, or traveling expenses for groups smaller than 30 students.

There was some concern during the meeting about whether these changes would negatively affect smaller groups.

Kim Trang, the secretary of the Asian Community Coalition (ACC) has been frustrated with the process. The few meetings she has been able to attend have made her think “that the whole process is not organized. Only a few organizations are represented, either because the meeting times are inconvenient or because clubs feel like [the] SGA is not helpful.”

The executive board is certainly eager to dispel these feelings.

Graduating president Ben Cowman has seen the allocation process change over the past few years, but is confidant that the additions to the process will help. He hopes that as clubs start to plan and budget more efficiently, funding requests will become more accurate and successful.

“It’s always a struggle to try to be as fair as possible,” but he hopes that once students learn the new regulations they will find that they were made to “be inclusive” and encourage planning.

“Everyone, including the SGA, needs to be more accountable about how money is spent.”

Dean Gerl, Vice President of Student Affairs, hopes to see better transitions from year to year and more effective record keeping in the future from the clubs and the SGA, which would make spending trends more visible and accountability simpler. Students leaders have “the responsibility to learn” the new process and the SGA has “the responsibility to fix” any issues that may come up.

As to the monthly status reports, Dean Gerl does not think it is too much to ask. It gives the current organizations a chance to assess their own events and budgeting to see what worked well, and future groups the ability to reference the reports and learn from the past.

What’s the take-home message? Yes, there are changes that will require clubs and organizations to fill out more paperwork and stay in better contact with the SGA, but these measures will ensure that allocated money is spent appropriately and will reach the greatest number of students.

New Club Requirements:

Submit a budget outlining revenue (from dues, anticipated fundraising, donations, and contributions from academic departments, ODMA, etc.) and their expenses (from promotional materials, registration fees, etc.)

Plan to participate in at least one community service event each semester

Sign a contract once funding is approved

Submit a monthly status report about how money was spent

Total Allocations of the 2009-2010 Budget $22,177

Active Minds $200

Allies $280

Amnesty International $470

Art Club $319

Asian Coalition $300

Black Student Union $1,500

Canine Puppy Club $330

Cheese Club $1,042

Christian Fellowship $640

College Libertarians $475

Commuters $800

Dance Company $50

Environmental Action $750

Flying Disc $225

Flying Disc United Peoples $220

French Club $100

Hispano-Latino Alliance $2,500

International Relations $570

Jewish Student Union $450

Justice League $500

MD Student Legislature $1,500

MSEA $300

Outdoors Club $1,030

Palabras 2 Words $200

Phi Alpha $150

Phi Delta Theta $1,000

Phi Sigma Sigma $900

Psychology $600

Relay for Life $350

Senior Class $2,500

Sophisticated Ladies $160

Ultimate Frisbee $461

Up ‘Till Dawn $1,000

Women’s Issues Group $325

Staff Reporter

Every year students look forward to the 24 hour period in spring when they have an excuse, other than studying, to stay up all night.

Relay for life is, according to the Relay for Life website ( www.relayforlife.org ), “The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length”.

At McDaniel Jodi Feehan, Senior, plays a large role in the production of Relay. An event that some may take for granted as a fun night is actually the culmination of a lot of work done by the Relay committee.

“The chair/president starts organizing the next years relay during the summer. Once returning to school the committee meets and starts thinking of new ideas for the next years Relay,” said Feehan. “It takes leadership and a lot of hard work to put this night together. Everyone works together to make this night happen!”

Feehan has worked on the Relay committee for three years. She has been a committee member, the luminar chair, and this year she is the president of the whole event. For her Relay is not just about fundraising. It’s about remembrance. “Relay is not only a fundraising event but a time to remember,” said Feehan. “Cancer never sleeps which is a reason why the Relay is a 12 hour walk. There are tons of schools that participate in Relay. Most people have either known someone who has battled cancer or have a loved one who has to fight this disease.” Which, she says, makes Relay an event appealing for most people.

For her personally this event is about remembering her grandmother and high school friend who both lost their battles with cancer.

Students aren’t the only ones getting in on the act. Faculty also participates in this yearly event. “This year it was my goal to have more faculty and staff involved with Relay. We have an Admissions team that has been the number one team fundraising wis, and we also have a professor from the EPE department,” said Feehan. “I hope we can continue to involve the whole campus in this amazing, life changing event.”

This year’s Relay was held April 30th-May 1st in Bair Stadium. Not only was there a lot of walking, but there was also a moon bounce, an inflatable movie screen, various clubs performing, games and activities throughout the night’s event.

“Relay is a great opportunity to thank, remember and fight back to those who have battled or lost their lives to cancer. Relay is one night that everyone can come together to celebrate, remember and fight back,” said Feehan.

Staff Reporter

The month of April was vital for returning McDaniel students, as the housing lottery took place on several dates throughout the month.

For those students who paid their housing deposits by the strict deadline of March 12, the lottery process was generally a positive one. Sophomore Kelly Clancy was very pleased with the way the lottery went for her, as she got the option she wanted without having to even attend the lottery.

“I had class, so my other group members just took my I.D. to the housing lottery. We tried for North Village, and I was a little nervous for the next round when we didn’t get it,” said Clancy, “but then we pulled a number for Gardens and got it!”

Clancy is excited about her living arrangements next year in a five person Garden Apartment, and was enthusiastic about the Housing Lottery Process, noting that “It’s a stressful process – but it really pays off.”

McDaniel’s lottery process “is largely based on seniority, which provides priority to students based on their anticipated date of graduation,” said Michael Robbins, Director of Residence Life.

The process for dorm room selection is slightly different from apartment selection, but both involve seniority as well as the drawing of a lottery number to differentiate between people with the same anticipated graduation date.

To students who argue that the process is unfair, Robbins said, “I would encourage them to come in and talk with me or go to Student Government Association and see if other students agree and would be interested in meeting with me as a group to talk about their view point, possibly do some assessment of the student body, and look into making changes.”

Robbins is already looking into advertising the lottery process next year in new ways that may grab students’ attention more, such as Facebook. Robbins said that he has “already talked with SGA about using their Facebook site for next year.”

“Simple” was how Junior Jared Ginsberg described the lottery process. “We just picked numbers, and I ended up getting a single in a 4-person Garden for next year. I’m excited!” said Ginsberg.

To Michael Robbins, “the easiest part is for the 95% of students that get what they want in the lottery. The hardest part is working with the students who did not pay their deposits on time, don’t have a roommate in mind, or who are rising juniors/seniors who had their heart set on a particular location that did not work out.”

One thing that McDaniel students can feel at ease about as opposed to other larger colleges and universities, is that they will always have some type of campus housing guaranteed.

Although the Housing Lottery for the 2010-2011 year has come to an end, Robbins wants to remind students who will have to participate in next year’s lottery that it “is a lot like registration – everyone needs to pay attention to email announcements about it and keep those dates and times in mind. If someone does all that, then they are likely to have smooth sailing.”

For more specifics about the Housing Lottery Process, please visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/6581.htm .

Staff Reporter

American Sign Language (ASL) is not a universal language. In fact, there are many different signed languages around the world. Just as there is a multitude of spoken languages, such as French, Spanish, German, Russian, etc., there are just as many signed languages. With every spoken language, more than likely there is a signed language. Italian Sign Language or Lingua Italiana dei Signi (LSI), Spanish Sign Language or Lengua de Signos Espanola (LES), and French Sign Language or Langue des signes Francois (LSF) are just a few examples.

A common assumption is that ASL should be a universal language so that everyone would be able to communicate more freely and understand each other. This is very true and I wish we all could understand everyone. But it isn’t the case. This same argument can be made for spoken languages. Wouldn’t it be easier to understand everyone if the world only spoke one language?

Of course! But that just isn’t the case, and everyone holds their own language dear to their hearts. The same is for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who use ASL to communicate. It’s a beautiful language and if we were forced to only use French sign language, part of our culture would be destroyed.

This is the last edition of Deaf Savvy and I am glad I was able to share a culture with you that means so much to me. Have a great rest of the school year, and think about learning a little ASL to communicate with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community here on campus!

Kim Williams

Features Editor

A new coffee house is being opened by Ms. Sherri Joseph, who says “We hope to be up and running by June 1.”

Joseph says that the coffee shop, Birdie’s, will sell “all coffee, espresso and tea drinks available- iced and hot – including our very own signature “Birdie’s Blend”- a fantastic Costa Rican coffee. Smoothies, juices and soups, sandwiches and baked goods. Some featured items will include a hummus plate and freshly baked muffins and brownies.”

Sophomore Anna Martin says, “ As a coffee drinker and lover, I approve of any business that is dedicated to this delicious concoction.”

Junior April Ruthke says “I feel that everyone is already hooked on the Station and Starry Night Cafe.” So why should students venture to Birdie’s once it opens?

Joseph says Birdie’s will have “free Wi-Fi- and inviting atmosphere, plenty of room to socialize and study. We will feature two artists every other month and live music and poetry weekly. McDaniel students will receive a 10% discount with valid ID.”

Martin adds, “If the coffee house opens, I will definitely visit—there is no doubt.”

For anyone who shares Martin’s opinion, keep an eye out. Joseph says “the location is still to be determined, but we are looking at several spots within easy walking distance of McDaniel on Main Street.”

Staff Reporter

Bored by Glar?  Unsatisfied with Sandella’s?  Disappointed that Fourth Meals are only available after 7 pm?  As early as next semester, the answers to all of these questions could be a resounding negative.

Students can anticipate many changes to dining services, effective Fall 2010.  Plans are in the works for dining hall renovations, changes to meal plans, and an overhaul of the menu at Sandella’s.

A group of administrators met mid-April to begin the design phase of dining hall renovations.  Members of the committee included Dean and Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Gerl, Vice President of Enrollment Management Florence Hines, Director of Auxiliary and Conference Services Mary Jo Colbert, Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Improvements Ed Sell, and Vice President of Administration and Finances Ethan Seidel.

Possible work to be completed this summer would include minor changes, such as painting and replacing light fixtures.  More intensive work could possibly happen over the next Jan term, in which case the Forum would be used as a temporary dining facility.

“It’s safe to say that when students arrive in the fall, they’ll see some changes,” said Dr. Seidel.

Beginning this summer, trays will no longer be available in Glar.  In October, the SGA conducted a survey that led them to recommend a Jan term trial of traylessness.  The McDaniel Food Committee concurred.  SGA passed the Official Resolution of the SGA “Trayless” Policy in Englar Dining Hall on March 22, according to which “the consensus of the student body supports a ‘trayless’ policy and implementation thereof” and “a ‘trayless’ policy would be reflective of a college policy that encourages stewardship of resources and our commitment to sustainability.”

Changes to the structure of meal plans are anticipated to begin in the fall. There will be an option for an unlimited meal plan.   This plan, costing $2,100 a semester, includes unlimited entrance to the dining hall, 3 guest passes, $50 debit dollars, and 40 Fourth Meals.  Additionally, meal equivalencies will be added.  Similar to Fourth Meals, meal equivalencies will come out of a student’s total allotment of meals for the semester.  Students can use them to eat at Sandella’s at any time throughout the day that it is open for business.  It is unlikely that meal equivalencies will be available at the Pub, because it’s limited capacity would not be able to handle the increase in patronage.  There has not yet been any decision made on how many meal equivalencies will be allowed per meal plan.

To go along with this change, the menu at Sandella’s will be totally revamped. The current menu was chosen by students back when Merrill Fitness Center was constructed.  McDaniel is working with Sodexo to come up with a new menu that will include a more varied range of selections. There are plans to invest money for more panini-style sandwiches.  Additionally, Sandella’s will introduce items such as soups, salads, deli selections, and regular pizza offerings.  A “grab and go” option will also become available.

“There are several venues in the dining hall to voice your concerns, likes, and dislikes.  We would also like student involvement with the Food Committee.  It meets the first Tuesday each month at 3 pm in the dining hall,” said Dr. Colbert.

Heather Gorsuch

Staff Reporter

Looking to boost your resume or earn internship credits? Volunteer at two local nonprofits: Access Carroll or Deafmd.org!

“Access Carroll is a free primary care facility for Carroll County residences with low income, more specifically those with income 200% below the federal poverty level,” said Founder, Dr. Robert Wack.

According to the Executive Director, Tammy Black Access Carroll is an independent organization, yet is collaboratively supported by the Partnership of Healthcare in Carroll County, Carroll County Hospital, and the Carroll County Health Department.

According to Wack, there are 15-20 thousand uninsured people in the county. Many employees are provided healthcare through their jobs, but due to the high cost of living and today’s economy they can’t afford to have money docked out of their pay.

Access Carroll is a recipient of the Maryland Community Health Care Resources Commission. The State Committee provides grants to help aid the organization. “It provides us with high end care we could never get before for our patients,” said Black.

With an average of 70 new patients a month, Access Carroll was provided a new home located on Route 27. This new establishment will be double the size of their current residence on Main Street. The new location will include seven exam rooms, a large waiting room, a dental care suite, a pharmacy with an electronic health record unit, and practitioners will have their own offices. At the current location, practitioners share a small office that makes it difficult to have one-on-one conversation with patients.

According to Black, “This will allow more private, confidential patient conversations; an ideal setting to give folks the respectful, dignified, and peaceful environment to communication their very intimate healthcare issues.”

Access Carroll plans to move into their new location by the end of this year. With a larger location, there is going to be a greater need for more volunteers and donations to keep it running. Senior Lauren DiNatale volunteers at Access Carroll after learning about the opportunity through a friend.

“I believe that even with the small amount of work that I can do at Access Carroll is one less thing that someone else has to worry about, ultimately it will help more patients receive the medical care they need faster and more efficiently,” said DiNatale.

DiNatale plans to go into the medical field and a Physician Assistant. While gaining more experience in the medical field, she is able to contribute to the community in a positive way.

“This experience will provide me with a greater depth of understanding of patient needs and help me become a better clinician in my future career,” said DiNatale.

Deafmd.org in another nonprofit organization located in Carroll County. The concept of creating a website that contains videos, where interrupters are signing medical information for people in the deaf community was created in 2002 by Casey Davis. The website was finally launched in 2008 and now contains 500 videos covering over 200 health care topics.

Like Access Carroll, this organization operates off of donations and volunteers. In order to raise funds, Davis set up a sponsorship program, where companies can place adds on the website for a small price. According to Casey Davis, “We’ve had 177,000 visitors since day one. I hoped that if each visitor donated $1 we wouldn’t need funding,” said Davis. Davis explained that donations go towards paying their employees, malpractice and liability insurance, web/video hosting, out reach efforts, and creations of new topics.

Junior Jordan Doss is currently volunteering at Deafmd.org. Doss is an ASL minor at McDaniel and finds this experience very beneficial for him. “The more exposure I have to the language the better,” said Doss.

Like DiNatale, Doss is volunteering to give back to the community. “I enjoy helping others so this seems like a perfect way for me to help others while doing something I am interested in.”

Besides having a passion for ASL, Davis enjoys photography. This past winter, Davis took several photographs of downtown Westminster during the blizzard. In order raise additional funds he is selling the 16×20 matted photographs on his websites. They can be purchased for $120 each.

To donate or find more information about volunteer opportunities contact Tammy Black at tblack@carrollhospitalcenter.org or Casey Davis at Casey@DeafMD.org.

Staff Reporter

There have been rumors circulating that foretold the end of Sodexo at McDaniel College. To find out the truth, I talked to Dr. Ethan Seidel, Vice President of Finances and Administration.

Q: Is Sodexo’s contract up for renewal?

A: The contract is structured in a way that either party can discontinue the relationship at relatively short notice. We have had a long standing and good relationship with Sodexo, but the contract is not a long-term contract. So in a sense, the contract is always up for renewal, but there are not plans to discontinue the relationship between us.

Q: What factors influence the decision of whether or not to continue the relationship?

A: We review quality of service, cost, customer satisfaction, et cetera on an ongoing basis.

Q: Who is involved in this decision? Can students be involved, and if so, how?

A: The evaluation process is ongoing and students are continuously involved through the SGA committee, and through the opportunity to submit napkin board comments and to participate in web-based surveys from time to time.

Q: How long has the college had contracts with Sodexo, and to what expense?

A: We’ve had a contract with Sodexo for around twenty years now. It’s probably not a good idea to divulge financial terms of the relationship for competitive reasons.

Q: Are other companies being considered at this time?

A: No.

Q: Why has Sodexo been chosen over other companies in the past?

A: Extent of experience, large market share in high education, purchasing power, large management pool from which to select, and responsiveness to client requests.

Co Editor in Chief

Dr. Robert Lemieux’s Health Communication class has taken on quite an unusual assignment for the typical undergraduate student. Lemieux and the 16 students enrolled in his class are in the process of working on health campaigns for two local Carroll County organizations.

After discussing their options, the class agreed to work with Access Carroll, a healthcare provider for residents of Carroll County that are under or uninsured, and DeafMD.org, a website that provides health information to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population.

Early in the semester, Dr. Robert Wack, Director of Pediatric Services at Frederick Memorial Hospital, and Casey Davis, founder of DeafMd.org, stopped by to speak about their respected organizations and hear the innovative ideas of how the students could help.

Because the class is only a semester long, Lemieux had to stress to the students that they needed to focus on projects that could be done in a timely manner.

“It’s very important to stress our timeframe…we don’t want to say to our clients ‘sorry we didn’t have time to finish,’ that makes everyone look bad,” Lemieux said.

With time ticking away the students focused their attention on their main goals for each organization. The students involved with the Access Carroll campaign realized that donations and volunteers were what they wanted to focus on. Creating a new television commercial and raising funds for the health organization was where they felt they could most help. Those involved with DeafMd wanted to revamp their current website’s opening video as well as their Facebook page and newsletter.

An afternoon visit to the Access Carroll office in downtown Westminster and frequent emails and class visits by Casey Davis gave the undergrads all the fuel they needed to start working.

Within a few days the DeafMd Facebook page was revitalized thanks to students Andrew Carr and Saralyn Silbert.

“It’s something simple enough that we can do, but it will really help spread the word about DeafMd,” Silbert said, “It’s the little things that all add up.”

With only one student in the class completely familiar with video editing, the students knew they were up for a challenge when it came to shooting the commercial for Access Carroll and the new opening video for DeafMd. Senior Oliver Onyskow led a group of students as they underwent many hours in the studio creating and editing the videos.

While the projects are still underway, it is certain that the students enrolled in Health Communication 3381 have learned a great deal of what it takes working for a real health organization and that is exactly what Lemieux was hoping for.

“I hope the students have a better understanding of an area of health and culture that they didn’t previously understand or appreciate. I hope the students take that with them and continue to be involved in their communities when they leave here.”

If you’d like to get involved and donate or become a volunteer at Access Carroll visit their website at http://www.accesscarroll.org/help.asp or call them at 410-871-1478 and be sure to check out http://www.deafmd.org/ where the class’ new video will be uploaded shortly as well as their revamped Facebook page.

Staff Reporter

There has been a lot of promulgation of the “Clean Up Sodexo” project on the Internet of late. This project, initiated by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is meant to raise awareness of the many issues that Sodexo allegedly hides.

According to cleanupsodexo.org, Sodexo’s workforce lacks access to affordable heathcare, faces racial discrimination, and fear retribution when reporting concerns. The company also supposedly fails to provide nutritious meals.

Sophomore Lydia Hubble agrees with this last allegation, and says, “The food is cold and high in cholesterol. It feels like I’m biting into fat whenever I’m eating anything.”

Sodexo’s website emphasizes the company’s commitment to helping college students make healthy eating deicisions. “Sodexo is proud that it uses zero trans fat oils for all frying in our campus locations,” claimswww.sodexousa.com.

Nonetheless, McDaniel students overwhelmingly harbor negative feelings about the food offered in Englar Dining Hall.

“The food sucks and is too expensive, but I do not blame that on the employees,” says freshman Ashlynn Parker. “The [Sodexo] workers at McDaniel seem pretty happy, so I don’t know if they face problems here.”

According to the SEIU, some Sodexo workers cannot afford the health insurance that the company offers. Also cited are examples of wage theft, discrimination lawsuits, and unsafe working conditions.

Tom Mackall, Vice President of Employee and Corporate Relations at Sodexo, posted a blog as a rebuttal to the “Clean Up Sodexo” campaign. He says that the SEIU is blaming the impact of many unrelated issues on Sodexo, which is misleading.

“Many independent organizations recognize Sodexo for its success in creating a diverse and inclusive work environment,” said Mackall.

He also explains that Sodexo workers earn wages that are “competitive within the industry,” and employees have access to a variety of health plans to meet their needs.

According to Dr. Ethan Seidel, Vice President of Finance and Administration at McDaniel College, Sodexo employees get the same raises at the same times as McDaniel employees in the same jobs. He explains that Sodexo is “just paid a flat fee to manage our food services. There’s no profit incentive to cut corners.”

Parker says, “I’d be very upset if [the claims against Sodexo] were true, because the workers try to connect with the students. They are kind of like family.”

Contributor

Ever had questions about rooms for club meetings, fundraising, or where to put up posters? If so, you have probably met Mitchell “Mitch” Alexander, the Director of College Activities for 21 years and the man with all the answers. The “go-to guy” for everything related to campus activities and clubs, Alexander is located in the College Activities Office across from Glar.

Alexander has a Masters in Administration Education from McDaniel, along with a Bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in education from McDaniel. Not only does he have a staff member’s perspective of the college and its rules, but he also has the firsthand experience of a student at McDaniel.

Alexander is an “advocate for the students,” says Erica Immler, the Operations Supervisor for College Activities who oversees Decker College Center and helps him plan events. Alexander estimates that about half of the clubs come to talk to him for help or information. He says it’s usually about room availability, how to access their account, how to get more members active, or to see if ideas they have are possible to set up.

Sophomore Bryannia Bongiorni, who works in the College Activities Office, says that “ without Mitch, certain aspects of campus life would be very unorganized.”

Knowing what students want helps Alexander to coordinate and facilitate between students and the college at large. He has a direct or indirect hand in two-thirds of all the events that happen in Decker, with “at least three events that happen every two weeks” through College Activities or CAPBoard.

Some of the events he organizes are: trips to New York City, Spring Fling, CAPBoard movies, guest speakers, bands in the Pub, and the Blood Drive. His favorite events are Spring Fling week and the trips to New York City. Alexander especially likes New York trips because it brings students to another town full of cultural enrichment. He says, “it’s fun to see students in a different environment.”

Along with organizing events, Alexander is a liaison between the students and the college. Senior Russell Morin, who started the Ultimate Frisbee Club, says that for a very busy individual, [Alexander] seems to also be extremely available to help my club and I can only assume all the other clubs on campus.”

When asked what club’s events surprised him the most this year, Alexander said that the Up ‘Til Dawn event and the Taste of Asia dinner were very successful and surpassed the previous years attendance. He also liked the innovative ideas of the Cheese Club’s Cheese Ball and the Residential Assistants’ Michael Jackson dance, both of which showed an interest of students in dance-type events.

With all these activities to plan and oversee, Alexander is a very busy man. However, he always has time to talk to students. Bongiorni says there are many students who talk to Alexander. “He knows so many people, and is always willing to help in any way he can. ”

Alexander can always be seen at events held by the College Activities Office or CAPBoard, usually staying late into the night so that students can have late-night activities.

“I often see Mitch leaving campus well after normal work hours, and back in the college activity office early in the mornings” says Morin, “and always participating in the events with a smile.”

Alexander says his favorite part of his job is “interacting with the students, faculty, and staff.” It is this dedication to the students that makes him such a great person and so good at his job.

When Alexander is able to go home for the night, he goes back to his wife Mildred and two children—an 18 year-old son, Blake and a 12 year-old daughter, Paige. In his free time, he enjoys traveling—his favorite family vacation spot being Myrtle Beach.

If he isn’t traveling, Alexander enjoys reading, watching television, and especially going to the movies. He can’t get enough of 3-D movies and saw both “Avatar” and “Alice in Wonderland” in 3-D. Luckily for Alexander, he can watch “Avatar” again during Spring Fling week at the drive-in movie at the football stadium.

Contributor

Four young men smile up from an old black-and-white photograph from the 1920s. Frozen for one moment in time, they sit together on a fence, beaming, all the promises and opportunities of the future shining before them.

This, says dedicated College Archivist Barbara O’Brien, is her favorite item from the Archives. Even among the collections of diaries from past college presidents and the research and accomplishments of McDaniel alumni, this picture stands out. It represents the beginning of a story for all four students, and stories—whether from real life or from a good historical novel—fascinate her.

Originally an English major, O’Brien avoided history at all costs during her years at Green Mountain College in Vermont. She grew up in Connecticut, close to New York City, and preferred reading Shakespeare in school to learning about boring historical events from a textbook. After graduating from Green Mountain, O’Brien moved several times around the U.S. before settling in Maryland with her husband and two high school-age children. It was then, while she was volunteering at the Farm Museum in Westminster, that history finally began to appeal to her and she made the decision to go back to college.

Initially unsure of where to go with her second degree, O’Brien studied history at UMBC and says she just “fell into archives,” becoming fascinated with the interesting stories she could find there. This newfound love of history ultimately led her to McDaniel where she has worked for the past ten years, a welcome change from her former job working with retirement plans at T. Rowe Price.

This change turned out to be a good one for McDaniel as well. Her co-worker in the library, Access Services Librarian Jane Sharpe, says that thanks to O’Brien the “Archives are in better condition and better organized than ever.”

Sharpe says that O’Brien is always ready to share an interesting item or piece of information she comes across in her work. Driven by her own interest in the stories she finds and a willingness to share her knowledge with others, O’Brien works with students and faculty alike and encourages them to take advantage of the unique resources the Archives hold.

“I don’t know of anyone else at this institution who can do what she does,” says History Professor Bryn Upton, who admires her expertise and enthusiasm for the archives. O’Brien enjoys discovering unexpected and intriguing facts connected with the college and wants to make sure students know that they can do the same.

“Luck favors the prepared mind,” is her personal motto. “Opportunities happen,” she explains, and you have to be ready for them when they do. She sees this proven time and time again in the stories she finds in the archives, stories of McDaniel alumni who went on to accomplish extraordinary things — some of the first women doctors, influential cancer researchers, and educators who traveled the world.

Apart from her job, her love of reading, and keeping in touch with her family, O’Brien’s thirst for knowledge keeps her busy learning watercolor, knitting, and cooking new foods from different countries.

With such an appreciation for the way opportunity shapes our lives, O’Brien faithfully follows any new story she acquires for the Archives, watching the interesting turns they take as they progress.

“It’s kind of like a puzzle,” she says; she enjoys putting the pieces together even though she never knows if it will end up complete. Any piece of the story, even just the beginning, is enough.

So it all comes back to the picture of four boys on a fence, a moment captured so long ago and still surviving today, partly due to the care and expertise of Barbara O’Brien. She makes it possible for students to access the wealth of information that is kept there, keeping snapshots of the old generations alive while helping the new generations create histories of their own.

Staff Reporter

She is an adventurous backpacker, a world traveler, a wife, a mother, and a soon-to-be first-time grandmother.

She is Patricia “Patty” Williams, the Director of Financial Aid at McDaniel College. From grants and scholarships to federal loans to government paperwork, she is a hard worker for the sake of McDaniel students.

Born in California and raised in Minnesota, Williams moved around a good bit before settling outside Westminster. While her father was in the Navy, she became accustomed to a life of spontaneity and travel and it shows.

“The financial aid world is one of constant change,” says Ellie Geiman, Associate Director of Financial Aid. “Patty is able to turn on a dime and keep up with everything from the change of the economy and how it affects students to the ever-changing government regulations.”

For Williams, there is no average day of work, even after 16 years at McDaniel. “There are a wide variety of things that have to be done depending on the time of year,” she says.

No matter how hectic things are in the Financial Aid Office, Williams stresses that “the students come first.”

When sophomore Megan Robinson was considering transferring last spring, her final decision was solely based on what her financial aid package would be. However, she needed to decide whether she was staying at McDaniel before financial aid packages for returning students were expected to be completed.

“When I discussed my issue with Patty, she told me that she would figure out my package early so I could make a decision,” says Robinson. “My financial aid ended up being even greater than I anticipated and I decided to stay!” Her situation resulted in a great outcome because of Williams going above and beyond to help her.

“To me, Patty Williams is literally the reason that I am at McDaniel College right now,” comments Robinson.

Christine Mathews, also a McDaniel staff member, has been walking with Williams almost daily on their lunch breaks since December of 1995.

“I guess the walking tradition started because we both know that we do so much better in our jobs if we get some exercise in the middle of the day,” says Mathews. Their walks are not always in perfect weather either.

“Yes there have been a couple of times over the years when we have come back to campus soaked through – but it was also kind of funny,” reminisces Mathews.

Off campus, Williams is even more adventurous. “Both she and her husband are very active in the Mountain Club of Maryland,” says Mathews. Williams loves hiking and backpacking off the beaten path. She has traveled to the Swiss Alps twice, to Italy, to remote areas of the wilderness out west in the U.S., and various other places.

She ventured to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and saw everything from a grizzly bear to a moose. This summer she is hoping to go to Scotland with her husband.

Asked if she would ever leave her job, Williams replies honestly, “No, not for another job. For early retirement or opportunities to travel? – Yes!” Her sense of humor along with her passion for adventure is apparent.

Back home, Williams is a proud wife, a mother of one, and is extremely excited to become a grandmother in three months. “My daughter doesn’t want to know the sex of the baby, and she’s not telling us about names either,” says Williams.

Williams cares a lot about McDaniel students, but is also able to separate work from her personal life and doesn’t take work home with her. “I do that purposely so that I can be refreshed,” says Williams.

Williams always makes sure to help keep everything in the Financial Aid Office running smoothly. Her continuous dedication, reliability, and charm are just a few of the reasons why she is admired by McDaniel students and faculty. Patty Williams cares, and that is apparent in how she runs her life both at home and here at McDaniel College.

Staff Reporter

Have you ever considered what it would be like to attend college in the same town where you grew up? For some students, McDaniel is not a home away from home, but a home within their hometown.

Of the 1,254 students who reside on campus, 131 have roots in Carroll County. That’s about one in ten.

“I’ve never felt the need to get away like some high school kids do,” Nate Adamczyk says. “Besides, living this close allows me to run home every weekend so my mom can do the laundry.”

Adamsczyk noted the ROTC program and “mountain of financial aid” he received as key factors in his decision to attend McDaniel. Some of the money was through the Carroll County grant of $2,000 that is given to all residents of Carroll who choose to attend McDaniel.

Casey Dunn did not always share Adamczyk’s confidence in the idea of attending a school so close to home. “I was worried I wasn’t pushing my boundaries enough, and that I wouldn’t be getting the full college experience.”

Living on campus, however, changed his mind. “It’s great attending a college 30 minutes from home. I get to be independent when I want to, but I also get to go home every few weeks if I want,” he explains.

Forest Fleischer also saw the benefits of attending a school close to home, though she admits, “At first a lot of my friends would tease me for being a townie, but after a while they realized the advantage of having a friend who was familiar with the area.”

Adamczyk concedes, “There will always be the townie stereotype. That is, until the other students want to know where they can find food at one in the morning or what the fastest way to Frederick is.”

Inside information from a townie

Best coffee shop: Westminster Station

Best desserts: Starry Night Bakery

Best non-chain restaurant: Legends Cafe

Best place to go on a run: Tahoma Farms

Best place to hike: Hashawha Environmental Center

Best place to relax: Bennett Cerf Pond

Megan Hildebrand

Staff Reporter

While most kids his age are worried about getting into college, Alex Martin is already taking college courses at McDaniel, has published two books, and has his own paranormal activity business.

Martin, a senior at Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, PA, is enrolled in dual enrollment in order to obtain college credit. So far he has taken Introduction to Astronomy, Calculus 1 and Introduction to Psychology. After graduating from high school Martin will attend Dusquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Martin has published two books and is currently writing his third. The science fiction novels are a part of a four part “Shadows Cycle” series. The first novel, Shadows, took Martin about eight months to write, but it was not as easy as he thought.

“I started writing back in June of 2004; however, I gave up the same day I started, but when I found the papers 1.5 years later in December 2005, I continued writing,” says Martin.

In order to get his book published Martin looked through “Writer’s Market,” a service that allows writers to connect with literary agents, but eventually Martin used a website that allows writers to self-publish their books.

Martin is currently working on his third book of the Shadows Cycle, but with the success of his previous two books Martin is looking for another publisher.

“I was surprised to find out that he was seventeen, and he had published not one but two books,” says classmate Heather Gorsuch, ’10.

Along with his writing career Martin also has his own paranormal activity investigation company. This company uses special equipment to investigate whether there is paranormal activity or not.

For more information about Alex Martin’s novels please visit www.theshadowscycle.webs.com . To find out more about OPS Paranormal Investigations please visit www.opsparanormal.webs.com .

Commentary Editor

It is possible that some of you reading this have recently encountered the name Alex Knepper in popular news sources. It is also possible that some of you have even read his March 28, 2010 article in the American University Eagle as it spread throughout the Internet and made waves across the national news scene and caused storms of outrage. Finally, it is possible that my response to this article will only be another drop in the ocean of that outrage. Despite this possibility, I feel the necessity to continue.

In this article entitled “Dealing with AU’s anti-sex brigade,” Mr. Knepper, among other claims, most notably argues that “date rape” is not, in fact, rape. What? Let’s rewind that and review, shall we? Although this is not always an accurate indicator, if the crime is included in the name of the act, there’s a good chance it’s a crime.

But, I admit, that’s not enough. Let’s look at the example Mr. Knepper uses of a typical date rape situation and determine if it qualifies as rape. “Let’s get this straight,” Knepper declares, “any woman who heads to an EI party as an anonymous onlooker, drinks five cups of the jungle juice, and walks back to a boy’s room with him is indicating that she wants sex, OK?” I don’t know how many of you are familiar with jungle juice (it’s a college campus, so I’m assuming a large portion), but this particular concoction is frequently comprised of a juice-esque liquid and whatever cheap liquor can be obtained. This often includes grain alcohol. To take a page from Knepper’s book, let’s get this straight: THAT SHIT CAN MAKE YOU GO BLIND. And not like “inspiring Ray Charles-blind.” More like “I keep tripping over/injuring small children-blind.” At best, five cups worth of jungle juice will make your face go numb. At worst, a bunch of small children have bruises because of you. At what point in that experience does a person have the capacity to indicate consent. Simple answer: they don’t. That’s what rape is: sexual intercourse without that person’s consent. Simple rule of thumb ladies and gentleman (because a man can be raped too): no definitive consent=don’t do it.

In the course of his article, Knepper also offers a blistering critique of feminism in which, he implies, the feminist movement is attempting to make women more powerful than men. Let’s be clear: that’s not feminism. Being a feminist simply means that an individual believes that men and women should be politically, socially, and economically equal (or at least have equal opportunities to succeed in any or all of these categories). Feminism means you believe everyone has the right to choose their own destiny. Believe that? If you do, congratulations. You’re a feminist. Now you can be as pissed off as I am about the things Knepper said.

First of all, Knepper compares feminism to Pat Robertson. Given this particular individual’s frequent criticisms of the feminist movement, such a comparison seems a stretch. Second of all, he labels feminism a “religious dogma.” For those of you who haven’t taken an introductory religion course (or haven’t actually lived on this planet), that’s not true. In order for a set of beliefs to qualify as a religion, it must possess three basic characteristics (often referred to as the ABC’s of religion). These are: A)ssures salvation, B)elieves in a precise theology, and C)onverts non-believers. At what point does feminism assure salvation? No feminist ever told me I would go to heaven for supporting the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Furthermore, anyone familiar with the myriad of different feminist movements (including but not limited to womanism, LGBT-focused feminism, anarcha feminism, radical feminism, liberal feminism, Libertarian feminism, and environmental feminism) can hardly claim that feminist theology is “precise.” I might be able to give Knepper the “converts non-believers” category. After all, I believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed, why don’t you? Maybe you should reconsider whatever you’re about to say to that.

Third, Knepper completely abuses the idea of “social construction theory” (which, by the way, has not been “disposed of by neuroscientists and psychologists” and is actually correctly termed “social constructivism” or “social constructionism”). In fact, I could be wrong, but I’m fairly certain Knepper isn’t talking about social constructivism at all. Social constructivism is devoted to the study of how social phenomena like stereotypical gender roles (i.e. girls are nurses and boys are doctors) become widely accepted traditions. It is not completely focused on the study of gender roles, but that study is part of the wider social constructivism structure. Nowhere could I find in my admittedly brief research before writing this response any theory that argued that “men are essentially born as eunuchs, only to have wicked masculinity imposed on them by an evil society.” I did happen upon some interesting findings in the field of gender identity research that claimed individuals do not develop a functional gender identity until they are 2 or 3 years of age. As far as I can ascertain, that particular study has not been “disposed of” by neuroscientists and psychologists. Questioned, maybe. In a competitive scientific world some questioning is inevitable. But it hasn’t been disregarded. Perhaps if Knepper had done a modicum more research than the poor uneducated sap who is writing to you now, such a mistake would never have been made, and readers would have been more likely to take his opinions seriously.

Fourth, Knepper offers to his readers a series of what he calls “pro-sex views.” Personally, I wasn’t aware anyone over the age of puberty was not pro-sex. There are those who advocate celibacy before marriage, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with saving yourself for marriage. But that isn’t to say that after marriage you can’t bump uglies like there’s no mañana. According to Knepper, “the goal of contemporary feminism and Gay Party activism is not to explain sex, but to abolish its passion.” This passion, according to Mr. Knepper, is characterized by “spontaneity, raw energy and control (or its counterpart, surrender).” I will agree with Mr. Knepper on several points: sex can in certain situations be improved by “spontaneity” and “raw energy.” Furthermore, if your own individual sexual preferences include the possession of “control” or the act of “surrender” in that situation and you can find someone else who will give their consent to be your “counterpart,” feel free to act out those fantasies. But that does not mean that such sexual practices are always, 100% of the time, appropriate (as Mr. Knepper implies). But, a sexual relationship of mutual respect, love, and caring is. It may sound naive to some of you for me to say that. It may even seem unnecessarily obvious to others. However, it has to be said. Sex doesn’t always have to include the “inherently gendered thrills of fetishism, sadomasochism, kink or cross-dressing” as Knepper argues. Sometimes sex isn’t about simple gratification. Sometimes it’s about expressing the feelings you have for a person in the most intimately physical way possible, which makes Knepper’s glorification of “anonymous sex” seem a bit shallow and immature. One has to wonder if Knepper has ever experienced a mature, responsible relationship himself.

Finally, Knepper “altruistically” offers five of his favorite books on sex and gender: “The Myth of Male Power” by Warren Farrell, “The Sexual Spectrum” by Olive Skene Johnson, “Vamps and Tramps” by Camille Paglia, “Philosophy In the Bedroom” by the divine Marquis de Sade, and “Who Stole Feminism?” by Christina Hoff Sommers. The first has most often been used (wrongly, it would appear from my brief research) as the anti-feminist Bible. The second unabashedly uses personal stories to bolster scientific findings (and, if you’ve ever taken a psychology class, you know that anecdotal evidence doesn’t actually represent evidence). The third is written by an author that argues that in order to “revamp” feminism “the lady must be a tramp” and calls the idea that homosexuals are born gay “ridiculous.” The fourth is just creepy, but again, if you’re into that kind of stuff, feel free to check it out. Finally, “Who Stole Feminism” is by a woman that once claimed that feminists were “just mad at the beautiful girls.” Personally, I find the idea that a movement devoted to promoting equity and respect between the genders requires impropriety to be successful counterintuitive and ridiculous. Furthermore, the idea that homosexuality is any more reversible than heterosexuality is offensive. Finally, the idea that feminists are just ugly girls jealous that they aren’t more sexually appealing is a stereotype. I looked it up.

But, again, I have only performed the briefest research in preparing to write this article. I could be wrong about everything I believe. However, like Alex Knepper, I have the right to tell anyone who disagrees with me to suck it in a public forum.

Staff Reporter

Hidden underneath the freshman boys’ dorm, Rouzer Hall, and tucked in the corner past the vending machines is the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA) where she sits in her dorm-room size office doing all she can to meet students’ needs and promote diversity all over campus.

As Acting Director of ODMA, Mahlia Joyce does her best to spread, support, and encourage diversity and multiculturalism across the McDaniel campus. A number of students have come to Joyce with ideas to make The Hill a more diverse environment. With her guidance and inspiration, she makes it possible for students to make significant improvements to the college.

“She has inspired and empowered students to change things they wanted to improve and to seek answers to questions that needed resolutions” says Dr. Debora Johnson-Ross, a professor in the Political Science department and a friend of Joyce’s, as well as one of her former teachers.

“She hasn’t been in the office long, but has accomplished a great deal with limited resources and a big heart,” according to Johnson-Ross.

Raised in Westminster, Joyce and her younger brother were brought up by a single mom with help from her grandmother and mom’s friends. At the time, there were very few African-American families in Westminster, so the Joyces were well known around their neighborhood.

“I couldn’t get away with much,” explains Joyce, “because it would’ve gotten back to my mom.”

After high school she decided to stick around Westminster and started attending McDaniel in 1992. Joyce studied abroad in Chili during her spring semester sophomore year, but instead of coming back to school the next semester, she left to follow a career opportunity in Washington, D.C. at the Latino Transitional Housing Partnership. In 2001, Joyce returned to McDaniel to finish her Spanish major while picking up another major in Religious Studies and also working as an Assistant in what was then called the Office of Multicultural Services.

After graduating in 2003, she continued through McDaniel’s graduate program while working as a substitute teacher for Carroll County Public Schools the first year and then moved to The Gateway School in Westminster where she taught Spanish for five years.

In 2008, she returned to McDaniel as the Director of ODMA. During her first year as Director, Joyce was still teaching at Gateway, but was able to give the college her full attention in 2009. Since then she’s barely had time outside of work to do much other than rest and watch television.

Joyce’s personal connection to Westminster is clear. That connection is one of the main reasons that Joyce is so driven to help the students attending now and in the years to come. The programs she sets up spread diversity and multiculturalism while supporting and coordinating student groups that serve the needs of diverse student populations. Her affection for both Westminster and McDaniel College is seen in her everyday attitude and interactions with students.

“She genuinely cares about students,” says junior Andrew Rauch, a student worker in Joyce’s office. “She listens to any student who comes in to talk to her, and she tries to make all students feel welcome in her office and on campus. She has a lot of interesting ideas, and a conversation with Ms. Joyce is always enjoyable.”

The main program that Joyce is involved in is the Multicultural Students Weekend. During this time, Joyce says admitted high school students from a “self-identified multicultural background” get an overnight experience of what life at McDaniel College is like. Some students plan on attending before they come for MSW, while others make their decision based on this weekend. For this reason, it is Joyce’s job to set up the visiting students with host students around campus. These volunteers open their rooms to the prospective students, take them to and from the events, and hang out with them during free time. Most importantly, the student volunteers share their experiences at McDaniel and shed light on both the positive and negative aspects of the college.

Joyce says she usually has a lot of first-year volunteers who came to MSW and say that they “want to share the same experience they had with prospective students.”

Always on the look-out for responsible and caring students to help host, Joyce admits with a chuckle that sometimes she has to beg for their help. Joyce added “we each have something divine inside of us. Most days I try to connect with it, in others and in myself.”