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The Wooster Voice 4/28/2023

Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft Has Parted Ways with College

Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities no longer employed at the College
Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft Has Parted Ways with College
Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities no longer employed at the College

College Adjusts Sick and Vacation Time in New Staff Handbook

Sam Boudreau, Editor in Chief

Moving Forward with Uncertainty

Colin Tobin, Managing Editor

A Final Viewpoint Simply on the Art of Trying

Geoffrey Allen, Viewpoints Editor

Viewpoint: It’s Been Real, Sports

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

Giving Thanks

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief

Seasonal Depression, Who? Students Soak Up the Sun!

Brianna Becerra, Contributing Writer

A Farewell from our Editors-in-Chief

Finding an Artistic Voice: Evolving Oneself Throughout a Career

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor
“Jimmy Durante,” a wire sculptor by artist Alexander Calder (Photo courtesy of The Calder Foundation).

Aya Daniako’s “DNK” Teaches Us about Love, Heartbreak and Self-Worth

Namara Rwakatare, Contributing Writer

Senior Sendoffs

Former Scot Shusterman Making Waves in MLB Media

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor
Jordan Shusterman in his senior year at The College of Wooster (Photo courtesy of College of Wooster Twitter).

Sports Roundup: Women’s & Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball & Softball

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor

For Wielansky, WBC was Shining Moment: “Unreal”


Wielansky makes a play during the World Baseball Classic in Miami (Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro-USA Today Sports).

The Wooster Voice 4/21/2023

House Parties Across Campus Spark Increased Law Enforcement Presence

Campus Safety cites “an uptick” in complaints from nearby neighborhoods as reason for increased surveillance
Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
A group of college students look on as officers from Wooster PD and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department make their rounds on Beall Avenue (Photo: Samuel Boudreau ’23).

John Stuart Mill Forum Hosts Debate on Abortion

Audrey Pantaz, Contributing Writer

Meeting for Student Feedback on Conduct Process Canceled

Julia Garrison, Contributing Writer

Cartoon of the Week

Viewpoint: Better Understanding the C-Store

Viewpoint: How Deleting Instagram Can Change Your Life

DASA Throws a Fun and Inclusive Ball for All

Zach Perrier, Contributing Writer

Goats and Yoga: Not a Ba-aa-aa-d Way to De-Stress

Grace Pryor, Contributing Writer
Students gather in the residential quad for Goat Yoga (Photo courtesy of Craig Akiri ’23).

Scotlight: Jeff Gershman

Features Editor Alex Nathanson ’24 sits down with new Director of Bands at Wooster, Jeff Gershman. Parts of this interview were cut due to space.

Murderous Melodies: A History of the American Murder Ballad in Folk Music

Haley Huett, A&E Editor
The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl” is a modern murder ballad (Photo courtesy of Country Fancast).

Appreciating Appreciation: Music is for All, No Matter Your Knowledge

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor

Native Plants in Northeast Ohio: A springtime guide

Caroline Ward, S&E Editor

Five fascinating plants of the world

Zoë Jurkowski, S&E Editor

I.S. Spotlight: Katiasofia Gonzales

“Stressed Out and Struggling to Concentrate: The Relationship Between Cortisol Reactivity and Cognitive Control in College Students”

Scots Boast Three Champions in All-Ohio Meet: Finish Sixth as Team

Morgan Kromer ’23 participating in the pole vault (Photo courtesy of Wooster Athletics).

Softball Halted by Division Rival Wittenberg: Denison Ahead

Julia Jennings ’26 and Stephanie Griffin-Sanchez ’24 confer at second base during a pause in play (Photo courtesy of Craig Akiri ’23).

Turf Project: A Short Term Obstacle, but a Needed Change

Construction for the new turf field at John P. Papp Stadium is underway (Photo courtesy of Craig Akiri ’23).

The Wooster Voice 4/14/2023

Wayne Webster Leaving for Albion College Presidency

Interim President Wayne Webster is leaving his post to serve as Albion College’s 18th president beginning in July
Left to right: Interim President Wayne Webster pictured at the student-center ribbon cutting with Alegnta Mezmur ’23, Noah Golovan ’23, and Kennedy Pope ’23

Look through our categories to read more of our stories this week!

The Wooster Voice 4/7/2023

College announces new mascot: The scottish terrier

The terrier replaces the Fighting Scot, criticized for representing European imperialism
Zach Perrier, Cartoonist
Left to right: Idris Nemsia ’25, Byera Kashangaki ’24, Giselle Rivera ’24, Aimee Hernandez ’25, and Stephany Miranda ’23. (Photo Courtesy: Craig Akiri ’23).

Mission and Outcomes puts conduct process under review

Julia Garrison, Contributing Writer
Grace Braver ’23 spearheaded reform in The College of Wooster’s conduct process (Photo courtesy: Samuel Boudreau ’23).

Affordable Housing Shortage Poses Risk to College Employment

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief, and Gianna Hayes, News Editor
(Photo Courtesy: Craig Akiri ’23).

Viewpoint: Concerned Alumni on Wayne County PCC

Alex Delong ’22

Viewpoint: Critique on Lowry Layout

Zach Perrier ’25

Viewpoint: Prioritize Campus and Community Interactions

Ubuntu: Unifying Through the Celebration of Diversity

Morgan Hunter, Contributing Writer
Image of the Flag Procession at ASU’s Ubuntu. Photo courtesy of Morgan Hunter.

Scotlight: Laura Sevilla ’24

Features Editor Alex Nathanson ’24 sits down with Laura Sevilla ’24 to discuss academics, screenplays and the end of junior year.

Letting Inspiration Find You: An Exploration of Artistic Influence

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor

Annual Spring Dance Concert Returning to The College of Wooster

Haley Huett, A&E Editor
Performance from the 2022 Spring Dance Concert. Photo courtesy of The College of Wooster.
Inline image

Recycling at The College of Wooster: A Two-student Operation

Zoë Jurkowski, Science and Environment editor

I.S. Spotlight: Brendan Ortiz ’23

A row of crops growing in a greenhouse at Akron Cooperative Farms, where Ortiz ’23 spent last summer last summer teaching a hydroponic workshop. Photo courtesy of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Scots Look to Flip Script as Conference Competition Begins

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor
First-year catcher Colin Leslie steps up to the plate in a game against John Carroll University. Photo courtesy of College of Wooster Athletics Twitter, Photographer: Matt Dilyard

Men’s Lacrosse Rolls Over DePauw with Comeback Win

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Photo courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Scots Softball Opens NCAC Play Chasing a Title

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor
Photo courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 3/3/2023

Over 100 People Observe 1,000th Day of Protest for Racial Justice

NAACP and other organizations call for reform in Orrville Police and take stance against censorship in Wayne County Public Library
Hudson Davis ’24 and Jade Green ’23 protest for racial justice downtown (Photo courtesy of Sam Boudreau ’23).
Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief

Student Center Ribbon Cutting in the Wake of Lowry’s Legacy

Photo Courtesy: Youtube. Richard Bell cutting ribbon, Toni Clark to immediate right. (Courtesy: Youtube).
Julia Garrison, Contributing Writer

Wooster Students Protest “Cop City” in Atlanta

Audrey Pantaz, Contributing Writer

Viewpoint: It’s Still Not CheatGPT

Jessica Israel ’24, Lina Boughton ’25 and Minh Phan ’24

Viewpoint: Remember the History behind Words

What’s the Protocol for Gun Violence?

Ideas, Memories, Hopes: Great Decisions Lecture

Bernard Bischoff, Contributing Writer

County Honors First Black Professional Football Player

Alex Nathanson, Features Editor

Ask McWoo: Anonymous Advice

Scots in Harmony to Perform at ICCA Quarterfinals this Saturday

Haley Huett, A&E Editor

“Cocaine Bear” Review: The Adventures of Pablo Escobear

Jack Cheney, Contributing Writer

Expanding Taste to Connect: Conversations to Build Relationships

Morgan Graham, Contributing Writer

Let’s Eat! Faculty and Staff Share Favorite Recipes

Men’s Basketball Eliminated by Wabash in Devastating Fashion

Jamir Billing ’25 handles the ball in Wooster’s loss to Wabash (Photo Courtesy of Wooster Athletics).
Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

Scots Split Opening Day Doubleheader against Grove City

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor

Player POV: Women’s Lax Opens Season against JCU

Molly Kershner, Contributing Writer

Students Push Back Against Inclusion of Pregnancy Care Clinic in Student Resources

The faith-based resource has been listed in reproductive health services posters around campus
Julia Garrison, Contributing Writer
Posters hung by Wellness Center including the Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne County, shown here crossed (Photo courtesy of Julia Garrison ’25).

Uptick in Theft from MacLeod’s Leads to Increased Security

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2023-02-23-at-8.29.29-pm.png
Photo Courtesy: Craig Akiri ’23

Viewpoint: MSU isn’t just “Unthinkable”

Content Warning: The following viewpoint discusses topics of gun violence and school shootings
Mitchell Ecklund ’23

Viewpoint: Submit to The Goliard

Chloe Wright ’23

The Less You Show Up, The Less We Club

Adkhamjon Janobiddinov ’26

Theater I.S. Production: From the Script to the Stage

Morgan Hunter, Contributing Writer

Try Something New: Check Out Historical Fencing!

Emilie Eustace, Features Editor

Dear McWoo: Anonymous Advice

Musicians and Composer Beware! The Curse of the Ninth Symphony

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor
Ludwig van Beethoven, the first victim of the curse of the ninth symphony. Image courtesy of National Geographic.

Change the Course of a Victorian’s Life Every Sunday with Woo91

Elizabeth Heatwole, Contributing Writer
Advertisement for “Songs That Would Kill A Victorian Child.” Image courtesy of @songstoplayavictorianchild on Instagram.

Wooster Researchers Speak on East Palestine Train Derailment

Aftermath of the derailment in East Palestine, OH. The spill of toxic chemicals resulted in the contamination of soil and air in the local environment. Image courtesy of USA Today.

I.S. Spotlight: Ash Arons

Environmental Studies Major, Class of 2023

A Warm Winter: Should We Be Concerned?

Zoë Jurkowski, S&E Editor
Winter temperature outlook, 2022-23. Image courtesy of NOAA.

Track & Field Impress at Heptathlon and Pentathalon

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Men’s Basketball Wins on Kurt’s Last-Second Stunner

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor
Turner Kurt’ 23 saves the day for Wooster with last-minute shot. Image courtesy of Craig Akiri ’23.

Scots Fall as They Regroup Ahead of NCAC Tournament

Payton MacLean, Contributing Writer
Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 2/17/2022

Digging the New Digs: Woo91 Up and Running with New Studio

Ryan Gretlein, Contributing Writer
Woo91 will stream from iHeartRadio on weekdays and weekends. Zach Perrier ’25, Emma Place ’24, Chloe Wright ’23, Tori Dipasquale ’26, Twyla Roberts ’25, Lain Patton ’26, Alex Nathanson ’24 and Grace Pryor ’26 meet for Woo91’s weekly meeting. Image courtesy of Samuel Boudreau ’23.

Shamp Responds to Critics of Late-Night Dining

Gianna Hayes, News Editor

To Rebel is to Conform


David Dunn ’23

A Cockmouse? No, Just a Pile of Hair

Locker Room Floors (Photo Courtesy: Dylan Kretchmar ’25).

Staffing Shortages Continue to Hit Campus Dining Hard

Audrey Pantaz, Contributing Writer
Boo Bears baristas working. Image courtesy of the Boo Bears Instagram @boobearsbrew

Great Decisions Lecture Examines Russo-Ukranian War

Ryan Greitlin, Contributing Writer
Lt. General Mark Hertling. Image courtesy of Great Decisions.

Students Share Thoughts on Late-Night Dining

Gianna Hayes, News Editor
Image courtesy of @dineatwooster on Instagram.

Viewpoint: The New Big Calculator

Gustav Bourdon ’26

Viewpoint: Values of Studying Abroad

Geoffrey Allen ’23

Viewpoint: The Critical Commonness of Concavity

Ethan Walling

Scotlight: Phil Olsen

A Playlist to Pluck at Your Heartstrings: Love Songs for Every Mood

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor and Haley Huett, A&E Editor

Breaking Up with Capitalism and Tuning into True Love

Elizabeth Heatwole, Contributing Writer

College Introduces its First Electric Vehicle to the Campus Fleet

Caroline Ward, Science and Environment Editor

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): What is it and How Can You Cope?

Zoë Jurkowski, S&E Editor
Image courtesy of http://www.vantagefit.io

Wooster Hosts Annual Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
The College ’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee hosted the North East Ohio Special Olympics Basketball Tournament (Photo Courtesy: Langston Hood ’23).

Men’s Basketball Wins Tight Game over Rival Wittenberg

Men’s Basketball has notched thier fifth consecutive over rival Wit- tenberg. They look to use the momentum from this win to cement thier first-place ranking in the NCAC torunament.
Courtesy of Wooster Athletics

Incoming President Sits Down With The Voice

President-elect Anne McCall discusses diversity, international students, and community relations
Lark Pinney, Editor-in-Chief; Samuel Boudreau, Editor-in-Chief; Kaylee Liu, News Editor; Gianna Hayes, News Editor
Image Courtesy of Samuel Boudreau ’23

Viewpoints from the Editors

Channeling the Essence of Las Vegas in Wooster

Elizabeth Heatwole, Contributing Writer
Image of the Elvis impersonator who made a guest appearance at WAC’s Viva Las Vegas Casino Night. Image courtesy of Elizabeth Heatwole.

Scotlight: Britta Treau ’23

Features Editor Alex Nathanson ’24 sits down with Britta Treu ’23 to discuss her major, involvements on campus and advise for effective communication.

Oscar Nominations Announced! One GMDS Major’s Guide

Colin Tobin, Managing Editor
Oscar nominations for this year’s ceremony have been released. Image courtesy of NBC News.

Looking for Something to Do? A Defense of the Movie Night

Haley Huett, A&E Editor

Wonderful Winter Weather

Students share their perspectives on the winter ambiance
Photo by Harvey Reed on Pexels.com

Women’s Basketball Lose to First-Place DePauw

Peter Foulke, Sports Editor
Women’s basketball lose to first-place DePauw on Saturday, Jan. 28. They play at Denison on Tuesday Jan. 31 as they search for their first NCAC win. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Men’s Basketball Loses to Oberlin, Breaking 35-Year Streak

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer
Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Swimming and Diving Dominate in Dual Meet

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

Martin Luther King Day Commemorates His Legacy

Speakers highlight “the fierce urgency of now” and urge students to take action
Gianna Hayes, News Editor
Local elementary schools created art for the College’s Student Center (Photo courtesy of Gianna Hayes ’26).

Incoming President Answers Questions from Community

Kaylee Liu, News Editor
President-Elect Anne McCall held a virtual Q&A meeting, moderated by Board of Trustees Chair Sally Staley and Interim President Wayne Webster (Photo taken from The College of Wooster Youtube Livestream).

Viewpoint: Don’t Bury or Burn Me, Plant Me

Jennifer Maynard, Contributing Writer
Courtesy: Jennifer Maynard ’23

Viewpoint: A Tale of Two Committees

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
Courtesy: Samuel Boudreau ’23

The Lunar New Year: Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit

Grace Pryor, Contributing Writer
Image of students participating in the Lunar New Year event. Photo courtesy of @woochinesedept.

Scotlight

A weekly inside look at the unique faces and personalities that make up The College of Wooster Community

Features Editor, Emilie Eustace ’24, sits down with Isabel Manche ’23 to discuss her I.S. advice for younger students and other pressing matters.

The Goliard’s Covers Brings the Party to The Underground

Haley Huett, A&E Editor
Linat Westreich ’23, singing with the Sexy Villains, engages with the crowd at Party Anthems Covers. Image courtesy of Kaylee Liu ’23.

“Essential Matter” is the CWAM’s Newest Art Exhibit

Izzie Corely, Contributing Writer

An Interview with Wooster’s New Science Librarian, Ian McCullough

Zoë Jurkowski, S&E Editor
Ian McCullough, Image Courtesy of The College of Wooster

Winter in Wooster: Answering the Hypotheticals No One’s Ever Asked

Caroline Ward, S&E Editor
Image by Alia-Moosvi via DeviantArt

Men’s Basketball Stops DePauw’s Win Streak

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
With a decisive conference win on Saturday Jan. 21 against DePauw, the Scots solidify their first place ranking in the NCAC. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Women’s Basketball Falls Valiantly Against Denison

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
A valiant effort was made in the match-up against Denison. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 12/9/2022

Strategic Planning and Priorities Advisory Committee prepares for Academic Program Review (APR)

APR aims to balance the College’s budget deficit

Tyler Rak, Chief Copy Editor
Photo Courtesy: The College of Wooster

College adjusts staff health insurance and sets sight on student meal plans

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
Marjorie Shamp, Director of Campus Dining & Conference Services, and Jason Stevenson, Executive Chef of Creative Dining Services (CDS), meet with students to discuss food and dining at the College.

The Morals and Ethics of Keeping a Mummy

Izzie Corley, Contributing Writer
(Photo Courtesy: Tyler Rak ’24)

My Thoughts on “House of the Dragon”: It is a Den of Disappointment

Judith Topham
Judith Topham ’23

Soup and Bread: The Campus Community Gives Back

Gianna Hayes, Contributing Writer
Image of students volunteering at Soup and Bread in Kittredge Dining Hall. Photo courtesy of Gianna Hayes.

RSL Celebrate the Holiday Season for All

Holly Shaum, Staff Writer

Arts and Entertainment Presents: 2022 Wooster Wrapped

Haley Huett, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Cleveland Museum of Art: A Look into the Pre-Columbian Period

Nathan Budge, Contributing Writer
Queen Lady K’abel’s Stela (Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art).

BFFF: Best Furry Friend Forever

A Remembrance
Patrick Estell ’23

Scots Swim and Dive Stands Out at Wooster Invitational

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Several swimmers for the Scots impressed at the Wooster Invitational, resulting in the women’s team finishing in second place overall and the men’s team finishing in third place overall. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Women’s Basketball Falls in Close Road Contest

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor
Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Men’s Basketball Defeats DePauw, Improves to 4-1

Thomas Pitney, Sports Editor
Turner Kurt ’23, Najee Hardaway ’23 and Jamir Billings ’25 had standout performances and led the way for the Scots in their 68-54 victory over DePauw. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 11/18/2022

Students perform at Culture Show

Students showcase their talents and creativity in a celebration of their cultures

Wooster Orbits Oberlin by Overcoming Obstacles

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Wooster Athletics

Viewpoint: Sometimes You Just Need A Little Motivation

Ellen Mcallister ’24

Viewpoint: Music For November

Matthew McMorrough ’25

Viewpoint: Try Something New: The Great Vodka Red Bull

Haley Huett ’23

Showcasing Ta-Irty-Bai: Uncovering Her History at Woo

Tyler Rak, Business Manager
Students view Wooster’s mummy, Tai-Irty-Bai, during last week’s mummy viewing at the Art Museum. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Rak ’24)

Scotlight

Features Editor Emma Shinker ’24 sits down with Emily Mendoza ’23 to discuss the Culture Show, ISand Latinx community at Wooster.
Emily Mendoza ’23

Songs for a Sunday: Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”

Colin Schrein, A&E Editor
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Norah Jones’ album “Come Away With Me.” (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia).

“Missing Indigo” is an Independent Study turned rock album

Haley Huett, A&E Editor

A quick guide to the emerging, political solarpunk genre

Jonathan Logan, S&E editor
Solarpunk aesthetics permeate many mediums including, most notably, commercials. Chobani’s recent ad campaigns have heavily favored this style. Artwork by @freecondo.

Retrofitted Wooster waste-water facility generates renewable energy

Caroline Ward, S&E editor
The City of Wooster’s retrofitted waste-water facility (photo credit: biocycle.net)

Cross Country Ends Their Season Strong at Regional Meet

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor
Elise Greenwald ’25 was on of the top seven Fighting Scots to trudge through the snowy Holland course last Saturday. Image courtesy of Eric Johnson ‘25.

Women’s Basketball Falls in Second Game of the Season

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

The Wooster Voice 11/11/2022

Monthly Campus Climate Report for October Released

The campus climate report reflects real dangers facing students
Kaylee Liu, News Editor
Graph depicting campus climate reports over the last three academic years. Graph courtesy of Kaylee Liu.

Wooster Adoptee Student Union holds First Meeting

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
Zoe Seymour ’23 and Maud Bulman ’23 at the first Wooster Adoptee Student Union Meeting (Photo Courtesy: Sam Boudreau ’23).

Why it’s Not Called a Chicken Pot Cake

Miles Rochester

To Anyone Needing the Reminder: You Are Not Your Friend’s Keeper

-Mudiwa Mungoshi ’24

The Coziness of Autumn Felt at Fall Fest

Elizabeth Heatwole, Contributing Writer
Photo of the Chardon Polka Band playing at Wooster Activities Crew’s Fall Fest event. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Heatwole.

Scotlight: Douglas Richardson

Douglas Richardson ’23

Fall into step at the Fall Dance Concert

Izzie Corley, Contributing Writer

Lose her? I hardly know her! Drake and 21 Savage’s new album

Zach Napora, Contributing Writer
Cover art for Drake and 21 Savage’s recent album, “Her Loss” (Photo courtesy of Complex)

Me, Myself and I: Wooster Students Self Portraits

Jen Mynard ’23

Wooster Students Compete at the ISS-Hosted Mini-World Cup

Thomas Pitney, Sports Editor
Team Côte d’Ivoire’s offense, driven by brothers Louis Sehr ’25 and Jim Sehr ’25, led the way during their championship run at the Mini-World Cup. Image courtesy of Jill Munro.

Women’s Volleyball Falls to Kenyon in NCAC Playoffs

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

The Wooster Voice 11/04/2022

Mark Gooch, College librarian, runs against Representative Scott Wiggam

Mark Gooch runs against incumbent Rep. Wiggam to represent Wayne County in the Ohio House of Representatives
Kaylee Liu, News Editor & Holly Shaum, Staff Writer

College recieves gift to hire a sustainability coordinator

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
Greenhouse Club, a longtime advocate of sustainability at Wooster, celebrates the College’s push to hire a coordinator (Photo courtesy: Cory Horgan ’23).

Remembering the Significance of Kids’ Books

Ellen McAllister ’24

Religion as a Relationship, Not as a Means

David Dunn ’24

Just Pee in the Shower!

Geoff Allen ’23

An Autumnal Abundance of Altars and Ancestors

Ellen McAllister ’24
Image of a pagan altar with a green witch influence at RSL’s Altars and Ancestors event. (Photo courtesy of Ellen McAllister)

Scotlight: Martin Zwergel 

“Andor:” “Star Wars” dives into “serious” drama

Orion Bress, Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of StarWars.com

Buckle up! Arctic Monkeys releases “The Car”

Arctic Monkeys released their seventh studio album, “The Car,” on Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Variety)

Reimagining American political organization through watersheds

Jonathan Logan, S&E Editor
All of the major watersheds in the contagious United States. Each of these can be further divided into smaller watersheds know Hydrologic Cataloging Units. Photo courtesy of USGS.

Retrojournalism: the Science & Environment section’s first article

Jonathan Logan, Science & Environment Editor

Wooster XC Surprises at Conference Championship Meet

Matthew McMorrough, Contributing Writer
Both the Wooster men’s and women’s cross country teams had standout performances at the NCAC Championships. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Football Stages 26-Point Comeback Against Wittenberg

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
The Scot’s offense and defense stepped up throughout the game, as Wooster outscored Wittenberg by a score of 37-13 in the second half. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Field Hockey Ends Season With Impressive Road Win

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 10/28/2022

Midterms walk-to-vote event supports local elections

Students walked to the polls and discussed why voting is important
Alex Nathanson, Contributing Writer
Students outside Wayne County Election Board after participating in the walk-to-vote event. Photo courtesy of Alex Nathanson ’24

Students raise issues at Board of Trustees Meeting

Colin Tobin, Managing Editor
Courtesy: Flickr

Viewpoint: It’s Time to Work on Your FASFA Again!

Jennifer Weeks, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Financial Wellness Coordinator
Jennifer Weeks

Viewpoint: Free and Open Conversations are Good

Orion Brees ’24
Orion Brees ’25

Viewpoint: I am the Comfort Show

Will Christopher ’25
Will Christopher ’25

Sustainability Season: Carving Wooster-Gown Squash

Ellen McAllister, Creative Editor
Evelyn Trumpey ’24 (left) and Zoe Jurkowski ’24 (right) participate in squash carving. Image courtesy of Ellen McAllister.

Annual BSA Ball Showcases Wooster’s Black Joy

Micah Morrow, Contributing Writer
Students enjoy the 2022 Black Students Association Ball. Image courtesy of Micah Morrow.

“Promises:” Saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders’ final masterpiece

Courtesy: The New Yorker
Ian MacLaughlin, Contributing Writer

“Can I speak to the MGMT?” A 15th anniversary celebration

Zach Napora, Contributing Writer
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of MGMT’s “Oracular Spectacular” (Photo courtesy of In Review Online)

Musical Avenues through Students’ Lens

Drag Fab
Ash Arons ’23

Tie against Wittenberg Leaves Scot’s Playoff Chances in Limbo

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer

Volleyball Heats Up at Emory Classic Invitational

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

Football Dominates in All Phases Against Hilbert

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor
Wooster’s defense obstructed any and all attempts by the Hawks’ offense to move the ball, only allowing 236 total yards and seven points. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 10/7/2022

Faculty committees role out plans for the 2022-2023 academic year

Holly Shaum, Staff Writer
College aims to balance budget deficit, prompting concern from faculty committees. Photo courtesy: Photo Courtesy: Matt Dilyard and Abbi Tarburton ’22.

Shared governance chapter establishes leadership positions for 2021-2022

Kaylee Liu, News Editor
Inspired by sentiment against the College’s outsourcing of the dining and custodial departments, the AAUP chapter has elected several leadership positions for the 2021-2022 academic year (Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Logan ’22).

Viewpoint: Activism Then What?

Elizabeth Hall, Contributing Writer
Photo Courtesy: Sam Boudreau ’23

Viewpoint: The dining hall and its staff deserve better

Keegan Smith, Contributing Writer
Photo Courtesy: Sam Boudreau ’23

The Importance of Recognizing “M&Ms”

Emma Shinker, Features Editor
Photo of Michael Miyawaki, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, holding a sign with a microaffirmation (Photo courtesy of Michael Miyawaki).

Scotlight: EB Fluharty

Emilie Eustace, Features Editor
Emilie Eustace ’24 sits down with EB Fluharty ’24 to discuss Wooster Activities Crew (WAC), The POT and life inside and outside of Wooster!

“Women Who Rock:” Covers returns to Wooster’s Underground

Haley Huett, Arts & Entertainment Editor
From right to left: Alex Galbraith ‘25, Colin Schrein ‘25, Jen Mynard ‘23 and Gabby Gajdos ‘23 perform “The Way I Loved You” Photo courtesy of Haley Huett ’23

Netflix’s adaptation of “The Sandman” is a dream come true

Izzie Corley, Contributing Writer
The Sandman (Photo courtesy of The Conversation)

Grounding Climate Futures in Wooster’s Meteorological Past

Jonathan Logan, Science & Environment Editor
Across the United States, precipitation levels will change dra- matically through the millenium. Northern states are projected to become significantly wetter. Figure courtesy of NOAA.

A Fall-themed Q&A with Wooster’s Science Editor

Caroline Ward, Science & Environment Editor
While corn and its derivative products are very good, raw, unprocessed kernels claim many lives every year in the United States. Photo courtesy of Wallpaper Flare.

Women’s Soccer Fires on All Cylinders to Defeat Oberlin 4-2

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Naomi Mann ’24 earned NCAC Athlete of the Week for an eye-popping stat sheet that included one goal and two assists. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Wooster XC Competes at Muskingum Invitational

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer
Drew Robertson ’25 turned in an impressive performance at the Muskingum Invitation, finishing seventh overall in the men’s race. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Field Hockey Falls to Marian University, 4-1

Zach Napora, Contributing Writer
After the talented Marian Sabres proved to be a little too much for the Scots, Wooster looks forward to its upcoming match against Earlham College. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The Wooster Voice 9/30/2022

New year, same problem: Dining and libraries adjust to staff shortages

Samuel Boudreau, Editor in Chief
As an understaffed dining team adjusts to new equipment, a staff member looks on. Photo courtesy of Samuel Boudreau ’ 23.

Students protest overturning of Roe v. Wade

Kaylee Liu, News Editor; Holly Shaum, Staff Writer
Students continue to protest against anti-abortion legislation and rulings in the United States (Photo Courtesy: Sam Boudreau ’23).

Campus Safety Cracks Down on Parking  Locations

Ethan Sieber, News Editor
Courtesy: iStock

Delirious Thoughts on the Changing Seasons

Matthew McMorrough, Staff Writer
Courtesy: dailymotion.com

Another Plea to Reconsider Howard Lowry’s Legacy

Irene Jordan Dardashti, Contributing Writer

Racism, Antiracism, and Woo: Jason Reynolds Visits Campus

Image of Kennedy Pope ’23 and Cam Love ’24 interviewing Jason Reynolds. Image courtesy of Mike Schenk via The Daily Record.
Grace Pryor, Contributing Writer

Students Get “Turned On” to Safer Sex Practices

Gianna Hayes, Contributing Writer
students looking at the various tables set up at Sex on the Quad. Image courtesy of @scotwellness

Expanding the genre: how one show is changing science fiction

Orion Press, Contributing Writer
“The Expanse,” available on Amazon Prime (Photo courtesy of denofgeeks.com)

A suggestion: don’t be afraid to try some lo-fi

Jack Freer, Contributing Writer
The quintessential “Lo-fi Girl,” a common feature of You- tube lo-fi tracks (Photo courtesy of BBC)

Starry, Starry Night

“Big”

Karmellah Buttler (kbuttler25@wooster.edu)

night sky

Cody Clark (cclark25@wooster.edu)

I used to mix up my t’s and my c’s
scars in the sky, stars on my chest and my thighs like a celestial game of connect the dots

I feel the stars of everywhere i’ve been hit, cut my wounds like a kaleidoscope
I’m so ill, but i’m pretty

I see the scars that tore open the sky
scars that hold the secrets that i’ve only told my body in the mirror shaking as we sew ourselves together, together

Dr. Nieberding (mnieberding@wooster.edu)

Moony night

Matthew McMorrough (mmcmorrough25@wooster.edu)

A sunny day
Where hunger swallows Patience sours
From arduous hours
Spent just looking out at plains

A night sleepless Each the same

Nothing ruminations Lead to nowhere save for rain

Reddened eyes dilate
The memories stare back Untouchable, flawless
So I just cough and spit and hack and wake unrested

The sunset looks of candy, sweetly unsparing
Doze away now with oughtness, saccharine, thoughtless

As Above, So Below

Gianna Hayes (ghayes26@wooster.edu)

Beneath the stars we all became friends
Celestial bodies watched over us,
Blessing our midnight picnic
Some of us friends, some of us more
Stars clustered, dodging clouds and cold night sky,
huddled together, their brightness bouncing off each other We stared through this mirror, letting it stare right back into us Sharing our music and favorite words,

We made our own constellation
They say the stars we see from earth are really from the past, thousands of years before us Perhaps we’re the same, for friendships with such stellar people never felt so natural.

Photo of the Carina Nebula Taken by the James Webb Telescope

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

Wooster alum, Kirsten Larson ’08 works on the telescope!

Men’s Tennis Bounce Back and Battle at Big Red Invitational

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor
Alex Drews ’23 led the Men’s Tennis team with three wins at the Big Red Invitational, beating opponents from from Kenyon College, Capital Unversity and Ohio Northern. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Womens Volleyball Fall to NCAC Champs Wittenberg

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Despite Wooster’s loss, Sydney Fitzcharles ’23 climbed into the Top-10 for career digs. If she continues on her current trajectory she will continue to climb higher. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

Scots Football Shut out by nationally ranked DePauw Tigers

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer
Courtesy: Wooster Athletics

The Wooster Voice 9/16/2022

Campus-Wide Mask Mandate Reinstated

Holly Shaum, Staff Writer
Photo by Sam Boudreau ’23

On the afternoon of Sept. 13, College of Wooster students, staff and faculty received an update regarding the campus’ COVID-19 policies. The latest policy change is a return to a campus-wide mask mandate for all indoor public spaces until Sept. 20, at which time health measures will be reassessed. This counters the previous strategy of the Community Health Taskforce, which had decided to instill a mask-optional policy starting on Sept. 7. The short timeframe between switching from mask-optional to mask-required policies may not bode well for the coming colder weeks and months.

The driving factor behind the Taskforce’s sudden decision is the COVID-19 community level transmission in Wayne County bumping back up to “high” towards the end of the day on Sept. 12. This classification takes into account infection rates and hospitalizations across the county. The Community Health Taskforce continues to make its decisions based on guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and collaboration with the Wayne County Health Department. 

Wooster’s students, staff and faculty were also given updates on access to the bivalent vaccine. The Taskforce met with the Wayne County Health Commissioner Nick Cascarelli and Director of Nursing Patricia Reining to review campus health and safety protocols, as well as further plans to distribute bivalent COVID-19 boosters in the near future. Anyone who wishes to receive the latest COVID-19 booster should keep an eye out for more information to come about free on-campus vaccination clinics for all students, staff and faculty. 

Wooster students have become accustomed to ever-changing protocols by the College to control the spread of COVID-19 on campus. When asked about her opinion on the new regulations, Abby Thomson ’24 said, “Obviously it’s disappointing to have to be wearing masks again. However, it’s a small concession to protect people’s health, which is the most important thing. I think the administration’s response to the rise in cases is appropriately measured, and fairly consistent with the precedents set under President Bolton.” 

According to the campus Community Health Dashboard, 49 Wooster students were in isolation as of Sept. 11, and there were 59 positive cases on campus as of Sept. 10. Students, staff and faculty can pick up masks or rapid tests at the Lowry Center Information Desk, Andrews Library Circulation Desk, Wellness Center Doors A and D and Ruth Williams Hall Stockroom. For now, it seems like the Wooster community should get comfortable with wearing masks on campus for the foreseeable future. 

Black and Gold Weekend and local events guide for The College of Wooster community

Ethan Sieber, News Editor, and Colin Tobin, Managing Editor
Photo Courtesy: Photos by Matt Dilyard, Anna Russell ’23, Megan Tuennerman ’22, Ryan Seaton-Evans ’23, and Zion Vital ’24, The College of Wooster

On The College of Wooster’s campus, the temperature is cooling down, the leaves are starting to turn and students are back to immersing themselves into their studies, which can only mean that Black and Gold weekend is right around the corner. The College’s annual alumni and family weekend is a Wooster staple that allows past, present and future generations of the campus community to come together. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend with friends and family, here are some of the biggest events to look forward to:

All Weekend:

From 11 a.m.-4  p.m., check out the exhibit titled “Contained: The Art of Holding It Together” at the Ebert Art Center, which portrays 3000 years of containers created and used by humans.

On Friday:

Go see the Wooster Chorus perform a concert under Dr. Lisa Wong at 4:30 p.m. in McGaw Chapel.

A special Black and Gold Happy Hour at the UG will be open to students, alumni and family (over 21) from 7-9:30 p.m.

On Saturday:

Alumni, current students and families are invited to a Tailgate Lunch in the newly renovated Lowry Center.

Cheer on the Fighting Scots football team as they take on the Wabash College Little Giants at 2 p.m. in Papp Stadium.

On Sunday:

Due to inclement weather , March Through the Arch, the tradition of Wooster first-years walking through the Arch at Kauke Hall, was delayed for the Class of 2026 and will now be held Sunday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m.

Upcoming Events in Wooster, Ohio:

  • Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market – Sept. 8 to Oct. 8
    • Held every Saturday in the Historic Downtown Wooster Square
    • Local produce, honey, tea, dog treats, flower bouquets, plants and more available
    • Live music
  • Woosterfest – Sept. 30 to Oct. 1
    • Annual Oktoberfest-style festival
    • Organized by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
    • Held in downtown Wooster
  • Fall Shop Hop – Oct. 18 to Oct. 31
    • Passports can be completed and returned for the chance to win up to $100 in Downtown Dollars
    • Oct. 23 – Participating businesses will offer Fall-themed specials and features
    • Oct. 23 – Live performances
      • 1-1:45 p.m. – Cedar Valley Cloggers
      • 3-5 p.m. – Rare Vintage
  • Window Wonderland – Nov. 19
    • Window decorations in downtown Wooster
    • Voting on best display between Nov. 19 to Nov. 20

Queen Elizabeth II and The College of Wooster

Staff Report
Courtesy: Wikipedia

On Sept. 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor II passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by the Royal Family. To reflect on her legacy, the Voice looked through the archives to uncover past articles and stories regarding Her Majesty. 

Voice Archives Dec. 12, 1952

Al Smith receives a letter back from the Queen’s personal secretary after being named King of Dogpatch, a title given out at the Sadie Hawkins dance.

“Dear King Al..” 

Al Swift, Wooster’s King of Dogpatch for 1952, undertook as part of his coronation ceremonies to send a “royal” greeting to Her Britannic Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England. A formal acknowledgment of his note was received by the young king a week or so later, addressed to Livingstone Palace, and sent by the Queen’s personal secretary. While the Queen herself had not signed the reply, it was sent on the royal notepaper, suitably embossed, and will provide a happy reminder to Swifty of his temporary elevation to “King for a day.”

April 16, 1953

Dr. J.H. Cockburn Chaplain to Queen in Chapel

Dr. James H. Cockburn, former Moderator of the Church of Scotland and Director of the Department of Reconstruction and InterChurch Aid of the World Council of Churches, will speak in Chapel on Thursday, April 16. 

Dr. Cockburn is also a Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and has frequently represented his church at international and ecumenical meetings. During his many visits to the United States, he has lectured throughout the country. At present, he is finishing a tour which took him throughout the South, the Mid-West, and the Eastern Seaboard. 

In 1948 he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Yale University. He has also received the degree of Doctor of Theology from Prague University and is an Honorary Professor at the University of Budapest, Hungary.

Oct. 18, 1957

Wooster student, Eleanor Elson, plans a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a mass where Queen Elizabeth II will also be in attendance.

Off-Center Kauke

Sophomore Eleanor Elson has a big weekend ahead of her. She will be going home to Washington, D.C., where her father is pastor of National Presbyterian Church, which is President Eisenhower’s place of worship. 

Sunday morning a special guest at the church will be Queen Elizabeth II, who will attend with the Eisenhowers. Eleanor will sit in the pew with the first family and the royal entourage. She also plans to attend several embassy parties in honor of the young monarch. 

Eleanor is no stranger to such events, for she has seen dignitaries come and go many times. But this is something special, for how often does the English Queen go to the Scotch church?

Voice archives Oct. 25, 1957

Eleanor Elson had the opportunity to attend Washington’s National Presbyterian Church where President Eisenhower goes with the visiting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Dignitaries Converge in Washington; Eleanor Elson Hobnobs With Royalty 

“On the Occasion of the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as guests of the President of the United States and Mrs. Eisenhower.” 

Such was the heading on the church bulletin at Washington’s National Presbyterian Church last Sunday, where Wooster sophomore Eleanor Elson was attending the service in the company of British and American dignitaries. Her father, Dr. Edward Elson, is pastor of the famed church where President Eisenhower worships. 

“It was so thrilling,” says Eleanor of her weekend at home. She had opportunities to see the Queen at the church service and at a football game Saturday, observing especially the beauty of the young monarch.

She sat two rows behind the Queen and Philip at the church service, amidst such dignitaries as Chief Justice Warren, two other supreme court justices, John Foster Dulles and five other cabinet members, and numerous diplomats, including the Pakistani Ambassador, who came with his Washington wife. 

In the church announcements Dr. Elson paid tribute to the special guests, remarking that “in Scotland, they are considered Presbyterians.” The service featured English hymns and, on special request of Ike, the choir sang “God Save the Queen.” The sermon centered on a theme of world peace, and the Duke nodded his head when Dr. Elson once quoted an Archbishop of Canterbury. 

“It was exciting to see Dad getting ready,” says Eleanor, who mentioned that Washington was in rare form for the state visit. She said the city was alive with large, expectant crowds anxious for a glimpse of the popular young monarch. “It was a fairy tale atmosphere,” notes the blonde sophomore, who has seen many a notable visitor to the capital city. 

At the Maryland Duke football game Saturday, Eleanor saw the Queen from a distance. She noted that Maryland Gov. Theodore McKeldin was very excited when his team made gains, but the observing Queen (it was her first view of football) remained calm. “She is the epitome of dignity,’ says Eleanor, “and the Duke is more casual and relaxed.” McKeldin later claimed that the monarchs were happy about the upset Maryland victory. 

At the game a man presented the Queen with a $15,000 mink coat and she also received a full carload of other gifts. She stopped at a supermarket on the return to the city, surprising late shoppers. 

A State Department protocol sheet is one of Eleanor’s souvenirs of the weekend. It contains such pertinent information as correct titles, appropriate place cards, smoking rules, anthems, ladies’ gloves, dress, and flag display. The circular, which was sent to all entertaining Washington matrons, notes, “The Queen likes Rhine wine, sherry, and Canada Dry ginger ale. Prince Philip may ask for Scotch whiskey and soda water or Gin and tonic water.” Also, Queen. Elizabeth and Prince Philip prefer short, simple meals.”

The Royals After Elizabeth?

Gustav Bourdon, Contributing Writer

At 18:41 London time, the official Twitter account of the United Kingdom’s Royal Family put out a simple message. It read, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” With that message, the Royal Family announced to the public that the nearly 71-year reign of Elizabeth Windsor II, Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, had come to an end. 

The immediate bureaucratic effects of this, however, are limited compared to if, for example, President Joe Biden or Prime Minister Liz Truss had experienced a similar series of events. Although Queen Elizabeth II was technically the United Kingdom’s head of state, her practical powers were almost non-existent: While the British government was technically Her Majesty’s Government, this phrasing is now merely symbolic.

However, Queen Elizabeth II had served as an excellent symbol over her 71-year reign, managing to shift with the times over those years while also managing to seem engaged yet detached. Most people can remember an anecdote of her staying in England during the Second World War to train as a medic, or her taking the crown prince of Saudi Arabia off-road driving at a time when women weren’t allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia and, “the Crown Prince implor[ing] the Queen to slow down,” yet her scandals have been remarkably few.

With her death, the United Kingdom and the Royal Family has lost an incredibly powerful symbol, and while the United Kingdom will survive, the Royal Family, at least in its current state and importance, will not.

Queen Elizabeth served as an anchor for the royals, her symbolic power keeping them in the spotlight. With that anchoring lost, the Royal Family is cast adrift. King Charles III isn’t the wry, perfectly neutral, symbol his mother was: He’s directly involved himself in issues such as climate change and sustainability, and is noticeably less detached than Queen Elizabeth. While this might be a step towards pushing issues he cares about forward, it also is a step back from Queen Elizabeth’s personable neutrality. Instead of being the eye of a political hurricane, the crown becomes one more voice in the whirlwind.

In addition, this forms an intriguing contradiction of the crown’s theoretical powers in comparison to the Crown serving as a symbolic cog in the system. When Queen Elizabeth gave her royal assent to a piece of legislation approved by Parliament, the public did not know her opinion of it, if she whole-heartedly agreed with it or actually hated it, and only approved it because that was her only practical option. 

With King Charles if, for example, the Conservative majority in Parliament voted in a bill that contradicted his public environmentalism, that would become fodder for headlines, and underline both how useless the crown is and how powerful it could theoretically be, eroding the perception of the crown as an institution.

At the same time, it would be impractical to turn the crown into simply a marble statue, dispassionately looking down on the United Kingdom from Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth was broadly admired, but her reign was not perfect: After the death of Princess Diana, the Royal Family, entrapped in protocol, was accused of seeming cold, and public perception of the crown wavered. Queen Elizabeth managed to actively balance both of these two extremes, and became, in the process, an ideal.

Of course, it is possible that this is pessimism, and that King Charles III will manage to find his own tightrope walk to balance on, holding the Royal Family up for another generation, or that a future King William will manage to develop that same balance that his grandmother had. However, that will not be easy for either of them, or for any future Queens or Kings. The fact that Queen Elizabeth II managed to almost perfectly balance being detached and being engaged, slipping so few times in the process, is remarkable, and any future royals have nothing but a perfect symbol to be compared to.

Florida Man or Swag Like Ohio?

Naomi Zahid, Contributing Writer

Picture this: raining almost everyday and mosquitoes everywhere, then suddenly, it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside. That is a typical day in Florida. Even though I have only been here in Ohio for about three weeks now, I have grown a bit accustomed to what it is like to be somewhere where the weather forecast is not a guessing game. Being here in Wooster has been a bit of a culture shock, having seen so little and yet so much.

As a freshman from the class of 2026, my move-in was smooth, but it’s been hard to find things that feel like home. Compared to Miami, I can’t find a lot of things that I am used to seeing near me. At home, I was surrounded by many different restaurants that could provide me with a taste of exquisite cultural foods, from Ethiopian curry platters with injera to Mexican food trucks with homemade tacos. I miss my mom’s cooking, especially her pho and her beef curry. Lowry can’t compare to the food options I had at home, too; although some of those food options are just so good, especially the chicken noodle soup. 

The fields of corn remind me of the many farms I would pass on my way to school in South Miami, yet they’re so different because Florida doesn’t have hills. Even the parties are different, and no one can throw a party like a Miami party. The scenery has been amazing, and I am so happy that I can wear a hoodie comfortably, yet I still miss being able to smell the rain and humidity of the Florida air.

Something I wasn’t really expecting to see here in Wooster was a live drug deal. Now hear me out, I was simply downtown with my friends, and we drove past a random guy doing a drug deal at a corner. I was so astonished. I always thought that that would only happen in movies. However, I’ve probably seen it happen in Miami as well. 

Contrary to the goofy memes of Florida and Ohio, both places are so beautiful in their own respects, especially the nature that surrounds both cities. One aspect of Ohio that I don’t really get in Florida is being able to see the night sky. It’s hard to see it back home, and it’s only slight stars if at all. Here, I get to enjoy late night walks with my friends and being able to see the sky when it’s super dark out. Yet, I miss understanding the whole context when I see a daily “Only in Dade” post on my Instagram feed. 

One bad thing that I’ve noticed is that, because we are all in proximity with each other, we can all get sick easily. Especially with COVID still around, all my friends have gotten it and are quarantining themselves right now. I’ve been trying my best to not get it by always wearing a mask, even in my own dorm room, which really makes me miss having my own space. I miss having my shower, and I miss my dogs. It’s even hard doing a long-distance relationship. But I am trying my best to make the most of it here. Moral of the story is, there’s no better state because both are great in their own ways. Ohio has snow and Florida has heat. But I’ll enjoy my stay anyway.

Bring us bagels, bring us life

Eli Cantrell, Contributing Writer

Bagels: the window to the soul. Existing since the 1600s, they’ve proved to be a long lasting and much loved source of sustenance. So why is Lowry Dining Center lacking so hard in the bagel game? 

It took time for the lovely bread circles to make their way into the new dining center’s regular options, but once present, they’ve proven insufficient to satisfy the cravings of Wooster’s ravenous students. Oftentimes, a hungry soul will find themselves faced with disappointment as they stare down an empty bagel case. Even worse? A delicious bagel, ruined only by a thin layer of mold. 

Lowry claims the title of “heartbreaker” as it leads students on with false promises of circular goodness. Let’s say you DO get your hands on a bagel though — your next challenge is a spread. Oftentimes students are left with a bagel, naked and exposed, with no tasty topping to fill out their meal. Peanut butter and other spread packets are increasingly limited as demand grows. 

With long lines and lukewarm meals, having a quick and accessible meal option is essential to the integrity of Lowry Dining Center. You can slice the bagel, butter it, make a sandwich, eat it plain, toss it in the toaster. A jack of all trades, yet so often understocked. 

I believe, from the deepest corners of my soul, that Lowry needs a proper bagel station in order to sustain the student body. I’m talking asiago cheese, cinnamon raisin, salt, pumpernickel, sesame seed — the whole nine yards. I want gallon tubs of peanut butter, butter, cream cheese and any schmear a hungry heart could desire. Imagine trudging in from a long wait in a rain-riddled line to the smell of fresh, warm bagels. Imagine slicing through the soft skin and into the delicious flesh to reveal a fresh canvas, waiting for your artistic eye to paint on your spread of choice. Perhaps you chose to toast it first, warming yourself from the inside out to counteract the hypothermia that’s starting to set in as you’re still dripping dry. Perhaps you keep it cool, focusing instead on the natural texture and taste of the beautiful little innertube. 

You deserve happiness. We all do. For $71,000 a year, we’ve earned a good selection of bagels. You could buy a three-motor Tesla Cybertruck with that money, or a small house in a big city, or a big house in a small town. Better yet, you could buy 35,500 bagels, and treat yourself to 97 bagels a day. 

Wooster students deserve a proper selection of bagels, and my soul will never rest until such a selection is achieved. Bring us bagels. Bring us life. 

Scotlight: Gabby Gajdos ’23

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, my name is Gabby Gajdos. I use she/her pronouns, and I am a senior environmental studies major with a minor in music from Strongsville, Ohio.

What made you choose to major in environmental studies?

I’ve always struggled with figuring out what my passions were. There was always pressure on me to be passionate about music, but I was always very unmotivated to practice. Going forward with that, it’s very hard to find a career in music if you’re not practicing often — I just felt like that wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I figured out my major by just looking beyond that and seeing what else I was interested in. I really liked taking a biology class in high school that was about water conservation and different types of conservation so that kind of guided me to environmental studies. 

Can I ask you about your IS, or are you still figuring it all out?

Yes, you can ask about my IS. I’m still sorting out the details but overall I am looking into songs about certain environmental topics and seeing what the most popular themes are within them.

What else are you involved with on campus?

I am involved in Wooster Activities Crew (WAC) — I’m on the exec board where I serve as the music director. I am also Vice President of the Goliard, part of the orchestra and I work at the UG. 

Tell me a bit about your position in WAC as the music director.

With my position in WAC, I am the one who is behind the scenes, in charge of planning all of the big music concerts we have on campus, including Party on the Green and Springfest. A lot of people don’t realize that a lot of the planning we’re doing is three to six months in advance. So, I spent this past summer meeting with our advisor and figuring out what artists to bring to Wooster for Party on the Green, what other recreational activities would be fun for the event and potential themes. Once we figure that out, WAC comes together as a team to actually execute those logistics and it’s a really great feeling.

Who is your favorite artist you’ve helped bring to campus?

I found Wallice through a list of different up-and-coming artists online. I had never heard of that band beforehand, but I instantly fell in love with them. Then, to bring them to Wooster and see a bunch of my peers fall in love with the band was such a surreal experience. Since I also relate to a lot of their lyrics and they’re just a very fun personality set, I think that that was one of the best choices for Wooster.

What do you do as VP of the Goliard?

For vice president of the Goliard…this is a very new position to me. The Goliard is still trying to figure out what the position entails and just how to be a club in general. A lot of clubs really struggled through COVID and now we have to re-figure out what the club is and what our goals are. So through that, I think I am helping with the event planning, just kind of applying what I know from WAC to the Goliard, and also making sure that all the things I love about the Goliard are still happening.

Do you have a favorite Wooster memory?

One of my favorite college memories is playing at the Breakup Covers in February last year. I loved the crowd and the energy in the room.

What’s something that has been bringing you joy recently?

Spending time in the campus garden. I am in Sustainable Agriculture and I have friends trying to put together the gardening club. It’s a very mindful activity and it’s just fun to be a part of nature.

Anything you want to promote?

Yes, the first Covers is Sept. 30 and you can grab the Goliard literary magazine when we’ll be tabling over the next few weeks. And keep an eye out for WAC events.

The hottest scene: party on the green

Morgan Hunter, Contributing Writer
Photo Courtesy: The Wooster Voice

The results are in: the boogie was back on campus and a bit more metal this year. Another semester means another opportunity for our campus community to attend an outdoor concert put on by the one and only Wooster Activities Crew (WAC). With fun and entertainment for every type of person, Party on the Green 2022 was most certainly the biggest party of the season. For anyone who may want the down-low on this high-profile event, here’s what you need to know.

         Festivities kicked off last Saturday on the Residential Quad at 6 p.m., although many people arrived early in anticipation. Participants could find many booths and stations that had a selection of carnival-esque food, the biggest hits being pretzels and snow cones. WAC members could be found at stations with all sorts of prizes to help folks get into the concert spirit. With a long line well into the night, the henna station proved to be a crowd favorite. For anyone who wanted more physical fun out of their Party on the Green experience, there were plenty of inflatables to enjoy, manned by dedicated WAC members and volunteers alike.

         As the music started around 7 p.m., attendees flocked to the stage to see the highly-anticipated student opener: Tonal Whiplash. The band is a College of Wooster staple, made up of guitarist and vocalist Shane Byrne ’23 and drummer Artemis Swanson ’23. The two are known for both their innovative covers of alternative and rock songs and their intense and spirited originals that can be felt in the soul. One fan, Peter Barker ’23, described this act as the most fun they have had at a music event. “I especially liked the tie-ins that are specific to Wooster,” they explained. “Those especially made it feel special.” 

         The second act was Cleveland rapper Kipp Stone. His lyrics were well received and hard hitting, a pleasant surprise for those disappointed by the rapper who came last year. He performed his hits alongside his DJ, who was making his performance debut and even surprised the audience with a live freestyle rap. Towards the end of his set, Stone shared that Wooster was “probably [his] favorite place to perform” before introducing a new song that will be released in the near future.

         Finally, it was time for the main event: the headlining band Pom Pom Squad. The band, started by lead vocalist and guitarist Mia Berrin, was highly anticipated, especially due to their unique combination of intense sound and passionate lyrics. Their wide variety of influences and dedication to being the representation they hoped to see in the music industry made them a perfect fit for Wooster’s community.

         As the sun sets on another successful WAC event, many recount that it is disappointing that more students didn’t make the effort to come out and enjoy the festivities. One student in attendance, Ben Read ’23, mentioned that “The only thing is there’s not enough people, that’s the only issue.” 

The members of WAC work tirelessly leading up to and throughout the day of events such as these, yet many are unphased by these numbers. “In terms of turn-out, it was about what I expected it to be,” WAC member Willow Thomas ’25 explained. 

“I’d approximate attendance was around six hundred plus students,” commented Sarah Toby, assistant director of student engagement and advisor of WAC. “This was probably one of our best turnouts in attendance since pre-pandemic.” 

While it’s very unfortunate that so many Wooster students missed out on an event as memorable and successful as Party on the Green, never fear! It is only more of a reason to keep an eye out for whatever excitement WAC is planning next. 

Wooster Golf Sets Records and Receives Multiple Accolades

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor
A picture of the 18th hole at the Pine Hills Golf Club, where the Wooster men’s golf team competed in the Baldwin Wallace Invitational. Image Courtesy of Sam Norris ’25.

The women and men belonging to the College of Wooster’s golf program took to the road for a weekend invitational trip. The female Scots traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to participate in the Transylvania Fall Invitational, while their male counterparts stayed closer to home, commuting to Hinckley, Ohio to compete in the Baldwin Wallace Fall Invitational. Both teams, playing in their second event, looked to make a name for themselves and prepare for conference play. 

The women performed exceptionally well over the course of their two-day tournament, resulting in broken records and a third place finish behind two nationally ranked teams. The Scot women’s players shined, with Melissa Burtscher ’24 and Ada Pan ’26 leading the pack with tying low scores of 72. Burtscher not only impressed her teammates and peers with her low score, but she also posted the second eagle in Wooster’s program history on the first hole of the course. Through the first day of the tournament, Wooster had tied its program low round record at 318. Phenomenal play on the second day led to this same record being broken by a whopping 11 strokes, finishing the day at an extremely impressive 307. When playing 36 holes in one day, the average human might ask how it is possible for a golfer to stay consistent. For Pan, a Division I transfer and NCAC Athlete of the Week (for the second straight week), this experience was just another day on the course. “I have played a lot of 36 holes in one day,” Pan admitted. “Additionally,” she continued, “our school provides a pretty great practice space for us, which has been a huge help in preparing for tournaments.” Pan, whose favorite hole on the course was the eighth, believes that this performance is only a glimpse of what the team can accomplish. 

While the women triumphed in Kentucky, the men found their swing at Baldwin Wallace, also placing third place in a highly competitive field. A notable performance came from first-year NCAC Athlete of the Week Gabe Guthrie ’26, who shot an even par at the tournament. Guthrie, who sank two birdies this weekend, led the Scots’ “A” squad, as well as topping all other Division III athletes at the event. Another great round came from David Dennis ’24 who led the “B” squad with a score of 77.  

Sam Norris ’25 shared his thoughts about the current squad and why this year is a special one for the Scots, claiming that “this group has some of the best team chemistry and also some really great depth.”  Part of that chemistry could be credited to the fact that this is the first time during Norris’ time at Wooster that a team captain was named. “They’ve stepped up,” Sam said, praising the team’s leaders, “and it can only get better not having any seniors leaving us after this year.”  The women will once again try to break records at the Heidelberg Fall Invitational on September 16-17, while the men will move forward from a positive weekend and strike again at the Mount Union Fall Invitational on Sept. 24-25. Go Scots!

Women’s Tennis Opens Season at Kenyon Invitational

Langston Hood, Senior Sports Writer

The Wooster women’s tennis team traveled to Gambier, Ohio to partake in the Kenyon Invitational, where the newly-minted Kenyon Owls hosted eight teams from Ohio and beyond in a two-day tournament. Along with Wooster, Case Western Reserve, Carnegie Mellon, Denison, John Carroll, Otterbein, Oberlin and Indiana University of Pennsylvania met for Kenyon’s version of the U.S. Open. Although the weather evaporated Sunday’s portion of the singles matches, Wooster embraced the difficulties and salvaged what they could from a weekend of hard fought matches. 

Saturday began with a series of tough singles matches for the Fighting Scots, as first-year Sarah Mashaal ’26 fell to Olivia Eckels ’25 of Otterbein University in a three set match (6-7, 7-5, 5-10). Eckels would go on to defeat Abby Aitken ’24 in straight sets (6-3, 6-1) as she played the villain more than once over the course of Saturday’s proceedings. Otilia Oita ’24 was also defeated in her singles matches against Lalasa Nagireddy ’25 of Kenyon in a three set battle (7-6, 3-6, 4-10). Oita would also fall to Asha Shukla ’26 of Case Western, in her second singles match of the day (2-6, 5-7). 

Despite the tough start, Oita remains confident that the rest of the season will see the Fighting Scots return to their winning ways. Oita reflected positively on the invitational saying, “this weekend, we played some really good schools and we all had close matches. I have high hopes for another regional ranking this year after seeing how the team elevated its game. I think it’s going to be an exciting season!”

Wooster found success in the singles portion of the Invitational later in the day as sophomore Janaki Jagnnathan ’25 recovered from a first set deficit to fight off Chloe Ku ’24 of Case Western in a close match (6-7, 6-3, 10-8). This came after Jagannathan dropped her first match against Anika Joshi ’26 of Carnegie Mellon, who dominated Court Three on Saturday, defeating each opponent that she faced. 

First-year Cherry Patlolla ’26 also picked up a win for the Scots defeating Felicity Kolb ’26 of John Carroll in dominant fashion, dropping only three games (6-1, 6-2). Patlolla faltered in her following match, an all-out war, with Sofia Zafiropulos ’26 of Denison as the two battled for the Court One throne (6-4, 4-6, 7-10). Abby Aitken ’24 tallied a win for the Fighting Scots as she defeated another John Carroll Blue Streak in dominant fashion, allowing Anna Vitale ’26 to win only three games in their match (6-3, 6-0). Aitken reflected on her experiences off the court that the invitational provided, speaking to the team’s camaraderie and the way the invitational brought them together. Aitken said, “my favorite part about playing in the Kenyon Invitational was getting to cheer on my teammates and having my teammates cheer me on. These really long tournaments are great for team bonding.” 

This unity was on full display as Saturday drew to a close with the Scots winning two of their doubles matches, claiming victory. The Wooster pairing consisting of Abby Williams ’26 and Katie Materick ’23 defeated a pair from Denison in a close match that finished 8-7. Aitken and Mashaal followed suit, laying waste to Vitale and Emma Boreman ’26 of John Carroll by a score of 8-5. These matches would bring Saturday to a close as the first day of the invitational ended. 

Sunday would play host to a strange set of circumstances as inclement weather drove play back inside, forcing the singles portion of the invitational to be called off as the outdoor courts were no longer playable. The day began with a rocky start as the doubles teams of Oita/Jagannathan and Patlolla/Nguyen both lost to teams from Case Western in convincing fashion. However, Patlolla/Nguyen found their stride in their next match, defeating a Kenyon pair in a nail-biting 8-7 victory. In the Scots’ last action of the weekend, Williams/Materick defeated an Otterbein team by a score of 8-6. 

Although the Fighting Scots struggled to find consistent results at times, the team remains positive and looks forward to broadcasting their resilient spirit as the season continues. Aitken reflected on the invitational in a positive manner, saying that she feels the team’s best tennis is ahead of them. “I’m looking forward to playing more matches in the rest of the fall season, but also getting to play with my teammates in the spring as well. We really bond as a team during these long weekend tournaments because we are spending so much time together celebrating wins, supporting after losses, and having so much fun.”

Wooster returns to the courts on Saturday, Sept. 17 in a home match against the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets!

Men’s Soccer Falls in Close Contest with Westminster

Eliot Barrengos, Contributing Writer
The men’s soccer team is optimistic that their hard work willl eventually pay off on the scoreboard, and players are emphasizing the importance of finishing goals to win games. Image courtesy of Wooster Athletics.

The fifth game of the men’s soccer season did not end in a victory, but the Fighting Scots remained resilient. The Scots, who entered the day looking to secure their first victory of the year, played a close game that seemed, at one moment, like it had the makings of a comeback. Unfortunately, the Scots fell to the Westminster Titans by a final score of 2-1 last Saturday afternoon. The game was scoreless throughout the first half thanks in large part to the work of junior goalkeeper Jason Prather ’24, who saved three shots in the first half, including a penalty kick, to keep the game knotted at 0-0.

The two teams traded blows in the second half, with Westminster drawing first blood on a goal by forward Tyler Caterino ’22 scored in the 67th minute. The Fighting Scots responded quickly to the deficit, with their lone goal scored by Elliot Miller ’26 just three minutes later. With 20 minutes of play remaining, Miller lined up at the top of the 18-yard box for a shot on goal. After scoring, he rushed to the corner of the field followed by his teammates as he leaped and punched the air in celebration. In a close game, the first-year starter had chosen a dramatic moment to score the first goal of his college career. Miller described the feeling as “pure joy” with his family in attendance, adding that, “it was special having them there and being able to pick them out in the stands after the goal.”

With just under 20 minutes left in a tied game, it seemed as though Wooster had a chance to secure their first win of the year, but Westminster would have the last laugh when Connor Schmidt ’25 secured the victory for the Titans with a goal in the 81st minute. Down by one with nine minutes to go, the Scots were not able to rally again to push the contest into overtime. Despite the tough loss, the attitude remained positive in the Scots’ locker room. As Prather put it, “we have dominated our games in the run of play. Now we need it on the scoreboard.” Miller described the effort on Saturday as “fantastic,” saying that, “everyone is putting 100% into each game …unfortunately, the results aren’t falling for us currently, but we are putting in the work at practice to get better as a team and prepare for Wednesday.”

To change the outcome in their future matches, the Scots will have to produce more offense. Wooster managed one goal on Saturday and has scored just four times all season. Overall, they have been outscored by their opponents 7-4. The players feel that their process is solid, but have not quite yet yielded the offense they need to finish off a win. Prather said he felt the team “played hard [and] “executed what we wanted in the broadest sense [but] lacked the finishing detail [we] really needed.” Miller added that the focus needs to be on “not only creating scoring opportunities but finishing them as well.”

Westminster’s rally means the Fighting Scots are still winless. The men’s soccer team has now dropped back-to-back games after losing to John Caroll last Thursday. After Saturday’s loss, Wooster’s record fell to (0-3-2). The season is still relatively young, and the mindset remains the same for the guys on the field. As Prather put it, “it’s a long season and, as much as we want that one back, we gotta keep pushing forward.” 

Wooster will have another chance in front of their home fans on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.  against Defiance College. Come support the Scots as they play their Black and Gold Weekend match.

The Wooster Voice 9/9/2022

COVID-19 spreads as masks become optional


Holly Shaum – Staff Writer

The first weeks of the fall semester have been marked with highs and lows.
Students returned to campus to find a new dining hall but were also faced with an
outbreak of COVID-19.
As of Sept. 5, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Wayne
County at a level of medium risk of infection for COVID-19. This comes as the
number of hospitalizations has increased in recent weeks. As of Aug. 30, there were
31 positive cases on Wooster’s campus. Due to this spike in cases, Wooster
extended its campus-wide mask mandate until Sept. 6, signaling to students and
staff that the pan-demic is not fully behind us. From Sept. 7 onwards, masks will be
optional in all spaces except for the Longbrake Student Wellness Center and on
College transportation, where they will remain mandatory. Kevin Lowry, the COVID-
19 prevention facilitator, maintained a hopeful outlook, stating that he “was
expecting about a two or three percent infection rate,” but given students returning
from across the country and the world, “the less than one percent infection rate
that we are currently seeing is pretty good.” Reflecting on the outbreak last year,
Lowry suggested that multiple factors contributed to it, including visitors from Ohio
State University, which maintained “a fairly robust [COVID-19] level” and large
events like I.S. Symposium. To prevent further outbreaks, Lowry stated that the
College would not be allowing visitors to stay overnight in residence halls or in
campus housing.
This increase in infection coincides with a related issue: the College is suing its
insurance provider for losses incurred during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Wooster joins 57 colleges and universities, including fellow Ohio institutions Denison
University and Kenyon College, in bringing forth the lawsuit. The plaintiffs seek a
declaratory judgment against the insurance company, alleging that the losses they
incurred are covered under the policy and the insurers are responsible for paying
up. Additionally, the plaintiffs claim the insurance company breached their contract
by denying coverage for their claims. The lawsuit has yet to be settled.
Looking ahead, the CDC and the White House are moving forward with plans for a
fall booster campaign centered on a new vaccine. This latest booster shot, known as
the “bivalent” booster, specifically targets the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of COVID-19,
which were not addressed by the original booster vaccines. According to the CDC,
Ameri- cans will be considered up-to-date on protection against the virus after
receiving the bivalent booster, regardless of the number of boosters received
previously. The bivalent booster will be offered from Pfizer and BioNTech for people
12 and older, as well as Moderna for adults 18 and older.

Until these new booster shots are available or COVID cases start to decrease across
Wayne County, students should continue to follow the guidance provided by the
Wellness Center and other health personnel.

Bat infestations and bites plague
student residence buildings

Over 50 bats found in dorms and houses without
air conditioning or recent renovations
Samuel Boudreau – Editor in Chief
A Little Brown Bat captured in Compton Hall after residents sought
rabies shots from local hospitals (photo courtesy: Mei Daly ’26)

At the end of her first week at The College of Wooster, Celena McCabe ’26 noticed
an unusual mark on her leg. “I decided to check myself,” said McCabe, “and I saw a
weird little mark.” She drove to the Wooster Community Hospital, where medical
professionals told her she was bit by a bat. “I was technically bitten on the 26th of
August,” said McCabe, “but I did not figure out [that I had a bite] until
the 29th. The hospital, how- ever, was out of rabies shots, a fact later confirmed by
The Wooster Daily Record. With the absence of rabies vaccines, McCabe traveled to Lodi, Ohio, to receive an initial dose of the rabies vac- cine along with six shots of
immunoglobulin. According to records from the Wooster Community Hospital,
McCabe continues to receive the rest of her rabies vaccine doses in Wooster.
McCabe, a third-floor Compton resident, did not see a bat in her room but frequently
saw bats flying throughout Compton’s hallways. Across the hall, Mei Daly ’26 noticed a bat on her windowsill on Sunday, Aug. 29. The bat disappeared from her room, but after taking
a nap later in the day, she noticed a swelling bite on her leg. “My friend was bitten
by a bat on Friday night,” said Daly, “because I knew other people who had been
bitten, I knew this clearly was not a mosquito bite.”
From Aug. 12 to Sept. 5, Campus Safety reported 52 bats in residential spaces. Bat
infestations in the College’s dorms and campus houses made headlines throughout
Northeast Ohio and eerily echoed bat infestations in the early portion of the 2021
fall semester, where a total 42 bats called various residence and academic buildings
home, confirmed by Campus Safety. “What we are seeing this year is bat pups
following insects to eat,” said Beau Mastrine, Director of Facilities Budget & Project
Ad- ministration. “The birth rate appears to be higher than normal this year.”
In a breakdown of which dorms had bats, campus safety reported that Holden had
30 bats, Westminster Lodge had 5, Kenarden Lodge had 4 and Wagner Hall had 1. “I
know that we have had a few students bitten in Compton Hall,” said Joe Kirk,
Director of Campus Safety, “but in those cases the students have not seen the bats,
but woke up with bat bites so Compton Hall is not on this list, but we have had bat
issues there.” All of the dorms that were reported by Campus Safety to have bat
incidents — Holden, Wagner, Kenarden, Compton and Westminster — are all dorms
without air conditioning. When asked how the bat entered her room, Daly said the
tiny mammal entered through her window screen. “I did not take the screen out or
anything,” said Daly, “I just put my fan in front of the window.” “There was a nice
little hole in my screen,” they continued, “and they can fit through about a pencil-
sized hole.” Mastrine said that there are multiple reasons for bat infestations in
residence buildings. “To clarify, bats are gaining access due to doors being left
open, damaged screens and AC units that are not approved to be installed,” said
Mastrine.
On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Dean Cliff Bobbit, Dean Ashley Reid, Kirk, Facilities Staff
Tom Lockard (ONDR Nuisance Wildlife License Professional) and other college staff
held a meeting in the Compton main lounge for residents to provide information on
the current bat situation in the City of Wooster and on campus. They also discussed
efforts to seal up building envelopes with screens or door props and other
preventative measures. “This is an opportunity to talk about what to do if you see a
bat in your room or common space,” said Jake Marion, Assistant Director of
Residence Life, in an email to Compton resi dents. “College protocols for bats, our
work with Wayne County Health Dept. to test bats, and our commitment to
supporting students.”
At the meeting, McCabe shared a message with ad- ministrative members “We pay
the same as students living in non-hazardous environments,” read the statement.

“This school is very costly and we deserve and pay for fair treatment. Students
alleged that they were being forced out of our room due to fear of more bites and
that they spent the night on the floor of Bornhuetter Hall. “Wooster wants to give all
their students equality,” said Daly, “it is not equal for us to be paying the same
amount as people in A.C. dorms…”
Along with dorms, multiple houses had bat infestations from early August to
September. Houses with bats include Lewis House (3 bats), Colonial House (2 bats),
Corner House (1 bat), Troyer House (1 bat), Keiffer House (1 bat), Miller Manor (2
bats), Yost House (1 bat) and Gable House (1 bat), according to Campus Safety.
Lewis House residents claimed that an additional two bats entered their house. “A
lot of them came through our window screens and not properly sealed holes in the
attic door and pipes,” said Ann Venditti ’24, a Lewis House resident.
Colonial House residents, home to the Women of Im- ages executive board, had to
temporarily relocate them- selves due to bat infestations. “We believe the bats
brought in insects that have caused members of the house to relocate,” said Aku
Unvu ’25, co-President of Women of Images. “This experience has truly changed my
out- look on the College and how it treats its students.”
Kenarden and Wagner, have not been renovated since 1991. When asked if Holden,
Compton or West- minster received past full-scale renovations, Mastrine answered
“N/A.” In 2012, Dober Lidsky Mathey (DLM), a campus planning firm, published a
“Campus Plan” for The College of Wooster, calling to “[r]enovate exist- ing student
housing, one or two buildings per year on a schedule that will allow the College to
complete renovations within the next 10 years.” The firm conducted a survey of the
student-body regarding housing conditions and recommendations. The document
stated that “The sequence of housing to be renovated are: Wagner, Compton,
Andrews, Douglass, Bissman, Holden, Armington and Stevenson.”
Arthur J. Lidsky, President of DLM, stated that when most Colleges have renovation
plans, “whether it’s in a master plan or not, it’s really dependent on fundraising and
what the funds are that might come in and will help advance a particular project.” “I
really don’t know what the situation is [at Wooster],” he said, “but there is a real
dependency upon funding and donor interests in what they would like to put their
name on.”
Eight years later, in 2020, Hastings + Chivetta, an architectural firm that specializes
in campus master planning, developed an update to the College’s 2012 Master Plan.
Hastings + Chivetta’s involvement in an updated plan dates back to November 19,
2019, when the firm visited campus to discuss the plan with the campus
community.
According to their web- site, Hastings + Chivetta created a 10-year list of priorities
in the following or- der: (1) New 12-court tennis complex on the Wooster Inn site (2021 2022), (2) Phase 1 Replacement of Program Houses in the North, South or East Residential Precincts (2023), (3) Renovate Burton D. Morgan Hall to accommodate relocating Communication Sciences & Disorders from Wishart Hall (2025-2026), (4) Construct Parking and a New Grounds Facility on University Street between Spink and Gasche Streets (2024), (5) Expand and renovate Freedlander Theater and renovate Wishart Hall (2025-2026), (6) Renovate Papp Stadium with New Entry Plaza, Grand stands and replacement of Artificial Turf & Track Surface (2027-2028), (7) Phase 2 replacement of Program Houses in the North, South or East Residential Precincts (2029-2030), (8) Phased renovation of Holden Hall (2030-2031).

“A master plan is to help the College set priorities,” said Mastrine. “It’s up to the
College to put those plans in place as funding is available.” Mastrine said facilities
presented a plan to the Board of Trustees in February. “I would expect at our next
board meeting we will get some direction on next steps for the housing plan.”
Mastrine also said that the College is taking steps toward a Holden Hall renovation.
“We are beginning to have conversations about Holden Hall.” The College’s 10-year master plan does not include renovation plans specifically for Compton, Wagner, Douglass or Bissman. When asked about other first- year dorms mentioned in the 2012 plan, Mastrine re- sponded that “…in the master plans of the past, [they] were listed, but currently there are no plans in place.” When reflecting on her bat encounter at the College, Daly said she was on the brink of leaving the College. “I was telling my mother if one more thing happened,” said Daly, “I’m leaving.”

“ Wooster wants to give all their students equality. It is
not equal for us to be paying the same amount as
people in A.C. dorms…”

– Mei Daly ’26

How I Relived a Year in Six Painful Days

Mudiwa Mungoshi – Viewpoints Editor

Was I sure I wanted to buy those crochet hooks and knitting needles? And what about the
yoga mat? Maybe I also wanted to buy some hair gel and other items I knew I would
definitely not need once I escaped the four walls of my room that had become my isolation nation. I tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022. In the six days that would follow, I experienced the equivalent of a year of quarantine. Remember how 2020 began? With all those Happy New Year messages and “20/20 vision” memes? Well, that’s essentially how I began my semester. And then came along the pandemic that began as ‘nothing to stress over,’ only to turn into the reason we all took up Fortnite dancing as a career. So, here I was, stuck in my room alone. The first day was easy-I felt like a pro. What could the next six days show me that I didn’t already know? Nothing. So, I breezed through it. I emailed my professors, did what work I could, arranged my room, and made appointments for Microsoft Teams meetings with various people. I was unstoppable. The second and third days moved in the same way. And then came day four, or three, depending on how you count. I woke up at 7:30 a.m., and went back to sleep at 8:00 a.m. I woke up again at noon and decided I wanted to knit. It had been seven years since the last time I had knit anything at all, but here I was. Not only that, I was convinced I could knit myself a scarf in one day. I also decided to continue crocheting a blanket I have been working on for over a year now. Safe to say I made a lot of interesting decisions that day. And I paced. I paced my room at least 500 times. I began to feel so incredibly antsy… so apart from the world that was Wooster. In many ways, this made me glad. Ultimately, though, it had me suffering at the thought of not being able to ask my friends to grab a meal, or not being able to ask a professor a question in class about
something I didn’t understand. Looking back, I also reconnected with myself. Parts of Mudiwa I hadn’t checked in with in a very long time be- came familiar to myself once more. And I realized how much we take for granted. Even though life can be a maelstrom of madness, it’s nice to have people near when we need it most. And sometimes I do need that. So to anyone in isolation or quarantine, I hope you find yours.

It’s Time to Pay the Piper: The Grim
Realities of Working as an RA

Savannah Sima

One of the most invaluable resources for any insular liberal arts campus, especially in a rural environment, is labor. Where are we able to sufficiently hire the labor necessary to maintain an almost totally insular campus? Internally. Who exactly becomes the necessary potential candidates for hire when an entire campus must sustain its own operations internally? Students.
This campus, operated and maintained by the staff and the Wooster community, also de-
pends on a particular pool of students for tasks we lack employees to complete – Resident Assistants (RAs). On top of existing responsibilities for our roles (on-call shifts, programming, floor meetings, weekly staff meetings, etc.) RAs take on tasks ‘as assigned’ per our contracts. Across RAs, I think there is widespread agreement that we have to take on tasks as needed for different residents, communities and to help one another out as the year progresses. RAs are not compensated disproportionately, we receive similar pay. And yet, the issue is the workload. The inequality is between RAs themselves in their workloads.
RAs receive a graduated stipend every year that increases from 50% to 70% with each
semester you work as an RA. Except, RAs are not actually directly paid this stipend, it is
applied to our room & board, even though we lose the ability to work 10 hours for the
College to make money from other campus roles each week.
This ‘RA hour cap’ has made many senior RAs resign in the past (around three RAs re signed just before this semester due to financial instability posed by the role), in order to make money to fund their college degree or take on a role related to their field that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise due to our inability to work be- yond 10 hours per week for another role. RAs have raised this issue nearly every semester that I have been an RA, but the College has not aided Res Life in finding an equitable way to increase our pay to be more in line with the work we complete (trainings, closing, move-in, on top of weekly hours worked that surpass 10 as soon as you have an 8:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. on-call shift) without taking away financial aid from RAs.
This hours cap, use of a stipend instead of actual pay, in tandem with the dissimilar amount of work RAs perform across roles, has completely burnt out a significant number of RAs. Many of us have expressed a desire to quit to be able to work to make revenue to cover the rising out-of- pocket costs of college, but we are now dependent on a stipend that isn’t even enough to cover our room & board to be able to attend college at all. RAs that cover their cost of attendance and necessities themselves struggle to do so, and this in- ability to cover costs shows in the capacity of different RAs to be fully present for their respective communities. The role that economic class plays in our ability to be present as RAs is scarcely acknowledged beyond RAs that have to work multiple on-campus and off- campus jobs being reprimanded and questioned under our past director. RAs do not have an equal capacity to be present due to our pay structure and dissimilar backgrounds, which is worsened by the varied workload that an RA may receive from their community. First-year RAs engage in more programming, lockouts, on-call shifts and resident guidance across the board because that is what first-year communities need. Some
RAs have 20 direct residents while others may have 50. Some RAs have to design
programming by themselves for entire buildings or bring existing communities together with unique programming. Some RAs have to do little to no programming because of existing programs. The wide variance in work performed week-to-week after all-staff meetings and trainings makes the RA role plainly inequitable and exhausting for many students. This is no to mention the varied workloads that RAs have for their course-work, respective degrees and extracurriculars on top of other strenuous responsibilities and challenges outside of the RA role. All Res Life Pro Staff have expressed their sup- port for raising our wages and Johnathon Reynolds even proposed a new RA plan to cover our room & board that covered the cost of a double room entirely at Wooster with a tiered increase in board that mirrors the increase in our current stipend.
This new pay scale would exist alongside the current stipend that RAs are given per
semester. Though, this increase in pay would include modifications to our capacity to work
in other roles on campus. That was shot down by our budget committee. Why, after all of
this agreement and recognition of the strain that our method of pay disproportionately
places on students, and support given by the administration and our own staff, are RAs
constantly rejected for a raise in pay by governing bodies like the budget committee? This
campus effectively runs off of the labor of students, students who typically cannot say no to additional income to be able to send money home or cover their own cost of attendance. The College of Wooster is even underpaying their RAs in contrast to our sister schools (Ohio Wesleyan, Kenyon, Oberlin, Denison) when we comparably take on more work than RAs at other institutions. This campus runs off of the labor of students, it is time to actually pay these students equitably.

Disclaimer: The aim of the Viewpoints section is to provide
our readers with a view of the diverse and varying opinions
that make up the campus community. The views and
opinions expressed here are those of the individual authors
and not necessarily of The Wooster Voice. We do not censor viewpoints on the basis of the opinions they express; this means that we will occasionally print viewpoints that some
readers find offensive. We welcome responses to viewpoints
but ask readers to recognize that these views are not
necessarily our own.

Hot Takes: What Students Think of New Lowry Student Center

Emma Shinker – Features Editor

Last Saturday, The Wooster Voice sent a survey to the student body asking students to
share their experiences with the newly renovated Lowry Student Center and new dining
contractor, Creative Dining Services. Respondents were asked to rate 9 different aspects of the remodel and the switch in food services out of 5 stars. They were then given a chance to explain their answers. The survey brought in 321 responses. 

Variety of Food (2.98 average rating)
The variety of food received a very mixed response. “Sometimes I think the variety of
food is great, other times it seems like only a couple things look even remotely appetizing,” commented Emma Downing ’24. Other students, such as Alexis Kelbley ’23, were disappointed in the lack of consistent options. “They have the same food every week!” they said. “And my safe options (i.e. the sandwich station that had quesadillas and good sandwich options and stir fry) are no longer there.” Another common response was that stations are frequently closed, making it difficult to access a variety of food.

Taste/Quality of Food (3.34 average rating)
Student opinion in this category was extremely varied, with some students unhappy with
bland dishes and undercooked meat, and others excited about what they saw as an improvement from previous years. Seth Whitehead ’24 commented that “the quality has become less predictable,” which seemed to be a trend, with many students writing about both positive and negative experiences.

Accessing Menus/Using the FD Meal Planner App (2.62 average rating)
While many students said that they hadn’t used or didn’t know about the app, others
raised questions about its usefulness. “Many of the listed options are unavailable in the dining hall, hours for meals are not listed, and the app has extra things to click on before you can even see the menu,” said Lauren Kreeger ’23. “Additionally, ingredients can differ from what’s listed, or be unavailable to read.” Some respondents also pointed out that the menus for both Knowlton and Boo Bear’s are no longer accessible. Not everyone has had a bad experience, though. Kelsey Mize ’26 said the app “is easy to access and has the menus laid out very nicely.”

Seating/Dining Experience (3.97 average rating)
Many of the responses to this prompt were contradictory. The addition of booths, the
amount of seating and the ability to easily eat with a large group all received both positive and negative comments. Linnea Kedziora ’22 said, “I like the little booths that are the perfect size for one or two people,” but Ava Siegel ’25 thought the atmosphere was “overwhelming, cramped and loud.” Students also noted that the layout of the dining areas is more complicated, resulting in crowds and confusion. That being said, numerous responses complimented the look of the new building.


Access to Food Options Past 8 p.m. (2.49 average rating)
The main concern with access to food past 8 p.m. was the lack of variety, especially for
students that want healthy options. Other students worried about only being able to spend flex dollars after 8 p.m. However, many expressed hope that the options would increase with the opening of the basement of the renovated building and the relaunch of the C-store.

Sustainability (2.34 average rating)
Most comments about sustainability regarded the frequent use of plastic cups and plates,
though many students noted that they recognized that understaffing has been an issue. Although students were disappointed with the amount of single-use plastic, some were happy that the “real” plates and silverware were coming into the rotation occasionally. 

Building Accessibility (4.17 average rating)
Though this category received a higher rating than any other, many students noted that
because they were able-bodied, they were not able to accurately or fully evaluate the
accessibility of the building. Despite this, some concerns were brought up about the long lines stretching outside and the lack of a button to open the main doors. Others were excited about the dining hall’s new location on the first floor. 

Access to Vegetarian/Vegan/Allergen-free Options Relative to Previous Years (2.92
average rating)
While some students expressed discontent with the lack of vegetarian and vegan options
(and the disappearance of the campus favorite vegan chocolate chip cookies), some were
satisfied. Allergen-free options were a similar story. “While they added the Zone, they took away many other foods that gluten free people could eat,” said Ellen McAllister ’24. “It has been very difficult to find a balanced meal.” Other students worried about the open containers of nuts and the fact that full ingredient lists are not easily available.

The Wooster Voice reached out to Marjorie Shamp, Director of Campus Dining, about
student concerns. “Unfortunately, we were provided with a very short window of time to set up and move into Lowry Dining Hall,” Shamp responded. “This has us very far behind in getting organized, and we are still receiving training on some pieces of equipment, and need to hire additional staff to support this large facility.” Though not all of the new equipment is operational at this time, Shamp said campus dining has “a great menu planned with more stations open and a great variety, so stay tuned.” The opening of MacLeod’s Convenience Store and Coffee Bar on Sept. 10 will provide options for meals such as “grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, hot sandwiches, smoothies, coffee drinks and more,” Shamp added, explaining that this will hopefully reduce lines and provide more late-night options. The FD Meal Planner app is also a work in progress. “We are
still working on loading our menu information into the software that supports FD Meal Planner. This will improve.”

Overall, the survey demonstrated the wide range of attitudes on campus towards the
campus center renovation and the switch to Creative Dining Services. The impacts of the
changes in regard to accessibility, seating, sustainability and food options are all up for debate as Campus Dining adjusts to the new year.

Scot Spirit Day Showcases the Campus Community

Emilie Eustace – Features Editor

On Friday, Sept. 2, the Oak Grove was roaring with energy as Scot Spirit Day was held
for the 2022-23 school year. Student leaders showcased over 120 organizations at the event through various displays, active member discussion, flyers, enticing handouts and performances in hopes to inform and recruit potential new members. As this is the one event on campus that allows all organizations to gather together at once, Scot Spirit Day continues to prove the strength of the college community. Featured organizations were asked what their goals were for the upcoming year, both internally and externally. Here were there responses:

Douglas Richardson ’23, President of Xi Chi Psi: “Our goal as a group is to build a bigger community internally and externally in our fraternity. We are really planning to implement more DEI trainings, sexual safety trainings and party safety into our activities this year as well. We are working on getting our numbers up because COVID really shrunk the size of our group. We are all kind of stepping out of our boxes, in a way, for rush this year because it is the first one with some normalcy back, so we are just really excited to grow this year!”

Veda Massanari-Thatcher ’23, President, and Emily Hasecke ’23, Secretary, of the Sexual Respect Coalition: “Our biggest goal this year is to build an inclusive and safe community for everyone on campus. We would also like to collaborate with other clubs to fully serve the campus community through increasing sexual safety and comfort at Wooster.” Isabel Manche ’23, President of Neuroscience Club: “As with many other academic clubs, we are still rebounding from COVID and getting back to our pre-2020 activities, so we would like to start a lot of those back up. There seems to have been a lot of interest in Neuroscience Club at Scot Spirit Day, so I look forward to a much more active year.” Yatzari Venzor ’23, President, and Sammie Burke ’23, Vice-President, of the National
Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association: “As a group, we hope to make our major and organization more well known on campus. We are one of the few STEM majors that are not in Williams, creating a break in the STEM community on campus. Although we are still in Wishart, we hope to become more widely known on campus.”

Mae Kroger ’24, Vice-President of Knot Another Fiber Arts Society: “We really like to just
get together as a community to learn how to be creative and procrastinate our other work a little bit. We have fun and productively procrastinate through knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, embroidering and anything you can think of in the fiber arts world.”
Claire Berlin ’23, member of the Greenhouse Club: “We are looking to be actively involved
in promoting sustainability on campus, educate the campus on how to recycle properly and get back into our club activities that we had to stop due to COVID.”
EB Fluharty ’24, Social Media Manager of Wooster Activities Crew (WAC): “This year
WAC hopes to put on a large variety of events for all students to enjoy! We want to increase our membership this year, so we can put on more fun events and grow as a team. WAC is also collaborating with a few other student orgs and is very excited for these upcoming events .” Angelina Bolivar ’24, member of COWBelles: “Performing at Scot Spirit Day has made me so excited for the rest of our events and performances that will be held throughout the year. We had a large turnout for auditions, and I think that we have built a really strong group this year. As a treble group that is incredibly inclusive to all members, I have a feeling that our goal of growing close with one another will be easily accomplished this year.” It is apparent that many groups on campus are excited to navigate the upcoming year, having the most normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic, and have many goals set for their members and the campus as a whole. If you did not have the chance to stop by Scot Spirit Day and would like to look into all of the organizations represented on campus, check out
https://wooster.presence.io/.

The return of the slasher film:
Releases and remakes in 2022

Haley Huett – A&E Editor

The movie ends and the credits roll. The lights come up in the theater (or you jump off your couch and turn them on before you get too scared). You clutch your keys and look over your shoulder as you walk to your car. At home, you check to make sure the door is locked and that a killer hasn’t taken up residence in your closet. Is there a monster under your bed? Horror films leave audiences frightened long after they have ended. They tap into the distinctly human fear of the other. Ghosts, demons, monsters and murderers enter into familiar spaces to disturb the normalcy and peace the audience expects from them. Summer camps become killing grounds. Suburban homes become hosts for the demonic. However, the ability of horror films to terrorize us extends past the gory murders and the jump scares we see on-screen. Rather, the power of horror films derives from its reflection of societal fears back at the viewer – whether we notice it or not. The types of antagonists featured in scary movies represent the dominant concerns within
society, especially those which plague Americans. Some of the earliest horror movies featured conventional monsters. Vampires, werewolves and other creatures evoke the fear of predators, and the horror films of the early twentieth century built from the corpus of folk tales that capitalized on this fear. In the 1960s, horror shifted from the supernatural to the psychological. Influences from the Cold War and McCarthyism bore a collection of films fascinated by a voyeuristic killer, such as in “Psycho” or “Peeping Tom.” Released in the same decade, “Rosemary’s Baby,” released shortly after the birth control pill became widespread and accessible, explores fears of sexuality and reproductive rights. In 2016, the rise of home invader films represented xenophobia and the fear of foreigners which were reflected in political rhetoric throughout America. One of the most popular sub-genres of horror is the slasher film. It features a single killer that systematically stalks and murders a group of people. Popular in the 1980s, the slasher represents those who have been ostracized by society and tend to correlate with a rise in conservative ideology. The slasher is juxtaposed with the normal members of society that he targets. Considering that many slasher films feature a killer who is motivated by rage and revenge, the
killer exacts revenge against these inheritors of social stability and security. The sub-genre’s origins in the 1980s are linked to Reaganomics and the associated rejection of social responsibility. Classic slasher films include “Halloween,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th.” These films helped establish the genre and are responsible for creating the tropes associated with this type of movie. This year, horror has returned to the concept of the slasher. In fact, these classic slasher films have been revitalized and remade by Hollywood in 2022. A remake of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was released in February of 2022 and “Halloween Ends,” part of the “Halloween” franchise, will be released in October. The “Scream” franchise was revisited in 2022, with the release of “Scream 5.” Another slasher film released this year, A24’s “X,” about a group of pornographers who are murdered on a rural farm, will be followed by its prequel “Pearl” in September.  The slasher has returned. This year has shown a renewed fascination in the subgenre of horror, dominating the releases this year. Horror is the mirror into society’s greatest and deepest fears. What are we reflecting into it?

Album of the Week: 15 Years of Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago”

Colin Schrein – A&E Editor

This summer, Bon Iver’s seminal album “For Emma, Forever Ago” reached its 15th year
since its initial release on July 8, 2007. Justin Vernon, Bon Iver’s mastermind and primary
songwriter, released this album after a winter retreat to his father’s old hunting cabin in rural Wisconsin. What came out of that cold isolation was a sparse, yet rich, set of songs that reflected the thoughts of a man turned inward. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It is beautiful all the way through and touches on a wide variety of emotions ranging from sorrow and sadness to acceptance and hopefulness. The first track on “For Emma, Forever Ago” is “Flume,” a song which many find relatable and touching, but it is hard to pinpoint why. The lyrics give a deep sense of vulnerability, which is consistent throughout a lot of Vernon’s words. As he sings “I wear my garment so it shows/Now you know,” Vernon gives himself up to the listener. Starting off the album with such an authentic track allows the listener to be open to a plethora of feelings
throughout the whole LP.  “Skinny Love,” perhaps Bon Iver’s most widely known song, is a true tear-jerker. Composed only with the use of an old resonator guitar, a soft kick drum and Vernon’s raw and emotive voice, this song lays the cards on the table. Vernon sings of a broken relationship and the effect that another person can have in your life. Vernon explained what the term “skinny love” means in a 2011 interview with Pitchfork: “You’re in a relationship because you need help, but that’s not necessarily why you should be in a relationship. And that’s skinny. It doesn’t have weight. Skinny love doesn’t have a chance because it’s not nourished.” Justin Vernon paints a painstaking picture with “Skinny Love.” A picture of love gone astray from what it hoped to be. One cannot help but feel touched in some way by this track, as not many artists delve into such an exposed view on relationships. There are love songs and then there is “Skinny Love.” Endcapping “For Emma, Forever Ago” is “Re: Stacks,” which closes the album on a subtle and bittersweet note. This track tinges on remembrance and acceptance, as Vernon recalls times past and returns to emotional tranquility. At the tail end of such a heart-wrenching album,
“Re: Stacks” is a summation of sorrow and personal anguish. In a lofty falsetto voice Vernon sings, “Everything that happens is from now on/This is pouring rain/This is paralyzed.” Acceptance is truly what makes so much pain worth it in the end. Taking what you have experienced and learning to become at ease with it is the point that Vernon reaches by the end of the album. “For Emma, Forever Ago” has personally touched me where no other album has and it has spread its influence throughout the works of many subsequent artists and songwriters. Through its tough-love honesty and barebones construction in a cabin in the woods, this album is one that will always have a place in my heart. As we all return to campus this year, things can seem overwhelming and you might not feel like you will be alright, but this album proves that we can turn a seemingly ceaseless hurt into a blessing.

The STEM distinction in a liberal
arts academic community

Jonathan Logan & Caroline Ward – S&E editors

Science, technology, engineering and math: the disciplines now synonymous with educational progress grouped together under the acronym STEM. American interest in each individual field has always existed, but it was the competitive brinkmanship of the Cold War that compelled studies like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 1969 to compare the mathematical and scientific abilities of students in similar countries. A nuclear arms race and space race between the developed superpowers then ensured that each field would remain important in the public’s eye for generations to come. 

The acronym “STEM” was first used in 2001 as an offhand moniker by a Department of Education official. U.S. representatives Vernon Ehlers and Mark Udall consolidated its place in the American vernacular in 2005 with the formation of the “STEM
caucus” in Congress. Thus, owing to their perceived economic importance and national security implications, the fields were matched and happily married to one another as initiatives, clubs and programs now suffuse academic institutions. Students at The College of Wooster might think of the STEM Zone, a “learning community” sponsored by the STEM Success Initiative (SSI) or Minorities in STEM (MiSTEM), a “student lead organization with the goal to promote underrepresented minority and neurodivergent student involvement”
in STEM fields. However, STEM in higher education is perhaps more discordant with
the traditions of the liberal arts than they are in modern, professional forms of education. Example: engineering and technology do not fall under the umbrella of liberal arts but are
considered professional disciplines by most institutions. In addition to the sciences and mathematics, the liberal arts have also housed the humanities, social sciences and creative arts.  The question of utility leads many to ponder the economic feasibility of pursuing a liberal arts education in recent years. A growing list of colleges and universities, like the University of Akron and Ohio Wesleyan, are nixing humanities programs in the name of saving money or allocating more funds to STEM departments. This actualizes the sense that the gap between the classically liberal arts fields of, for example, the physical sciences and history is much wider than it really is. Thus, one might finally question whether or not STEM is an acronym used to brand the perceived economic utility of a degree, and whether or not the distinction is creating divisions between the humanities, social sciences, creative arts and science and math at liberal
arts institutions. These divisions may not be explicit, but could instead exist in less apparent unspoken forms. The Voice asked students from varying disciplines at the College whether they feel that there is an academic division at Wooster.
Mia Mann ’24, a junior history and anthropology major responded: “I do feel that there is a large gap between the humanities and STEM majors; I don’t believe that The College of Wooster is necessarily unique in this particular sort of division, but it is certainly apparent nonetheless.” On the contrary, some students, such as Bolanle Oladeji ’23, a senior computer science major, contended that “I do not think there is a sense of academic
division at Wooster, at least not in my experience. I think this is because we are at a liberal arts college and everyone has experienced at least a class in almost all the disciplines.” Many respondents reframed the question by elaborating on existing divisions due to the structure of many degree programs at the College: majors tend to form cohorts as they approach independent study and complete their liberal arts requirements. Zoë Semersky
’23, a senior biochemistry and molecular biology (BCMB) major suggested that “because this is a liberal arts institution though, students on either side of STEM or the humanities/social sciences must engage in a broad range of coursework. I’d
acknowledge that these spheres should not exist independently.” She continued with “I would say more of progressive isolation than academic division. As you progress through a degree, I feel like it becomes comfortable to tuck into the department of a given major.”
Max Forhan ’24, a junior archeology and classics double major echoed this sentiment, saying “I would say yes, there is some academic division at Wooster. It may not take the form of division between individuals, but I think there is some unspoken barrier between STEM spaces/clubs and humanities spaces/clubs.” Many students alluded to this unspoken barrier, and, for some students, it focused on the inaccessibility of interdisciplinary study. Morgan Malone ’23, a senior political science major, explained “I do wish, however, that students got to be exposed to fields of study that they are not typically exposed to. As a political science major, I have little to no information about the STEM studies or courses.” STEM majors like Semersky concur:“It’s equally important to acknowledge that STEM (and especially BCMB) can appear intimidating to outsiders, but we are taking steps to appeal to and welcome those from other areas.” However, bridging this gap is difficult, made no less so by the disproportionate value placed on STEM and non-STEM fields
respectively. STEM fields are not only perceived as politically and economically more valuable, but STEM-related careers are typically valued greater socially. A Pew Research Center poll found that 58 percent of U.S. adults believe that “compared with
jobs in other industries, jobs in science, technology, engineering and math attract more of the brightest and most qualified young people.” Moreover, 60 percent of those
respondents who held jobs in non-STEM-related industries believed the same. Mann agrees that their major, history, “is commonly known but frequently written off as a waste of money, or regarded as a field for aspiring professors and/or high school teachers.
More than a few times, upon mentioning my major choices to other students, I have been met with a comment regarding the lack of financial stability I will face upon graduation. STEM professions, on the other hand, are viewed as stable financial choices and respectable fields to follow in order to support a family in the future.” The same Pew poll also found 71 percent of U.S. adults believe that jobs in STEM offer higher pay. Kayla Stevens ’23, a senior anthropology major added that “there is still the commonly held view that non-STEM majors are ‘easier,’ or don’t help us develop solid skills for post-college life. I haven’t heard this said directly by anyone at Wooster, but I do whether those who aren’t humanities or social sciences majors feel this way at the [College].” While students interviewed by The Voice generally expressed little to no explicit disrespect toward their major, some pointed out that the culture of various departments lends itself to assumptions. In that vein, Mann said “I will not pretend there are no associated stereotypes that we humanities students associate with specific disciplines, but I will also say that such stereotypes are not reserved specifically for STEM majors and are also attached to various humanities archetypes as well.” Mann also stated: “I would say that my peers in humanities hold great respect for STEM students because we all acknowledge the difficulty that comes with the course requirements and the competitive nature of those fields.” Oladeji offered a STEM perspective: “I think generally, some people might have the sense that STEM is maybe harder to study than the humanities. But I think Wooster students realize that we all are in different fields and having an understanding of the humanities as a STEM student helps me become a more well rounded individual.” A
statistic published by the previously mentioned Pew report found that 53 percent of respondents feel that STEM professions are more well-respected, with 54 percent of those holding non-STEM jobs concurring. Every department maintains its own identity, carefully curated through course offerings, language and research. The long-term challenge for departments at liberal arts colleges, in terms of sewing up or avoiding academic divisions, will be to determine to what degree they collaborate with other departments from other disciplines. A 2019 Forbes article authored by the President of Alma College, Jeff Abernathy, argued that collaboration between two or more disciplines at small liberal arts institutions is “absolutely necessary.” While STEM takes center stage and economic progress remains at the center of many political conversations in the world of hyper specialization, the liberal arts can set itself apart by championing collaboration.
Dr. Karl Feierabend, chair of the chemistry department at the College, offered his opinion on promoting research across the disciplines: “For a liberal arts institution to thrive, I think it’s critical that collaboration between the traditional academic divisions be encouraged and incentivized. I’m proud to have colleagues in chemistry and biology who have formed scholarly partnerships with faculty in the arts. Whether it’s creating FYS courses that reach across disciplines or advising double majors, interaction with our colleagues in humanities and arts helps us demonstrate the value of a Wooster education.” What constitutes a STEM field and what that definition implies will continue to be debated for years to come, especially as technology stokes potential conflict in cases such as U.S., Taiwan and China. But in small-town Ohio, students across all disciplines and backgrounds at The College of Wooster voice an array of feelings on perceived divisions between STEM and humanities, social sciences and creative arts. With falling
enrollment rates in small, liberal arts colleges and a current culture deeply invested in the success of STEM, these institutions are presented with both a predicament and an opportunity: to re-establish themselves as collaborative, interdisciplinary institutions with STEM in consensus, not contradiction, with their ethos.

Fighting Scots Crush Gators in Second Straight Win

Langston Hood – Senior Writer

(Image Courtesy: Wooster Athletics)

The Fighting Scots women’s soccer team took the field on Sunday, Sept. 4, eager to pick up
where they left off in their second half comeback against Marietta College. Wooster’s midweek fixture resulted in a tie after the Scots managed to come back when trailing by two goals in the second half against a talented Marietta squad. However, Wooster did not intend on showing the same mercy to the Allegheny College team that rolled onto Cindy Barr Field on Sunday afternoon. Nothing could have prepared Allegheny for the destruction that would meet them. Senior Teddi Farson ’23 scored first in the 14th minute, notching what would be the game winner and the first of many goals for the Fighting Scots. The Gators could not muster an answer to the Wooster onslaught as they managed a mere four shots in the first half, while the Scots bombarded the Allegheny goal with 16 shots. A second shot attempt from the Scots found the back of the net in the 25th minute, as Naomi Mann ’24 joined Farson in opening her goal scoring account for the new season. Mann had the following to say about the game, “I am super proud of the team’s performance this past Sunday! Last year when we played Allegheny, it was
very neck and neck the whole game, but we ended up winning due to a penalty kick opportunity at the very end. However, this year was a very different story as we dominated the entire time. The offense, midfield, and defense all did their respective part which allowed us to score a lot of goals and get the first shut-out of the season! I can’t wait for more games, and Roll Scots!” Before the Allegheny Gators could regain their senses, Farson registered her brace in the 27th minute as the Scots ran away with the game. Meanwhile Allegheny continued to flounder as the Scots would see the first half come to close with a three goal advantage. Dominance is one word that could be used to describe the thrashing that Wooster handed Allegheny in the first half and they would emerge from the locker room eager to pick up where they left off. Wooster would find their fourth goal by way of Hallie Krzys ’25 in the 60th minute to give the Scots a four goal advantage and further dampen the spirits of an already wounded Allegheny side. Despite the four goal advantage, Wooster remained solid in all aspects of the game. The defense continued to keep Allegheny at bay, as the Gators’ offense only managed two shots and neither threatened the Wooster goal. First-year Kameryn Nelson ’26 recorded her first clean sheet, stifling all three Allegheny shots on goal in the first half and commanding the defense that
refused to let Allegheny manage a clear cut chance in the second half. Additionally, Wooster managed to improve on their fouls committed as they played a much cleaner second half. 17 minutes after Krzys’ goal, Emma Jaros ’25 added another goal to continue the thrashing of Allegheny, but the Scots would not stop there as they continued to put the Gators under siege. Julia Struck ’26 put the final nail in the Allegheny coffin, finding the sixth goal of the afternoon in the 80th minute thanks to some pandemonium in the box. Struck reflected positively on her experience saying, “it feels amazing to be a part of such a positive and supportive team! Coming in as a first year is intimidating, but the uplifting team culture allows for success on the field. Sunday’s game proves how the team atmosphere is going to set us up to win this season! There is nothing better than scoring my first collegiate goal surrounded by the most incredible and determined teammates! Roll Scots!” Luckily for the long-defeated Gators of Allegheny, the game would come to a close before Wooster could score again. The high octane offense seemed to take a break, managing just two additional shots on goal after Struck’s finish. Farson commented on the weekend saying, “the win this weekend was more than the big score. It was awesome to see so many different players put the ball in the net and to see a few players get their first collegiate goal and our first year goalie get her first shutout.” Wooster looks poised to fight for the NCAC crown once again, which they have become accustomed to in the Geordie Brown era. With the usual suspects Farson, Krzys and co. supplying goals and a strong class of first-years ready to join the fight, the ceiling for the Scots
is sky high. 

Your Fighting Scots women’s soccer team will see the field next on Wednesday at Muskingum at 7 p.m.

Football Comes Back to Win Opener against Geneva

Thomas Pitney – Sports Editor

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the Fighting Scots’ football team took a two-hour bus ride to Geneva
College to take on the Golden Hurricanes in their opening game of the season. Though they fell behind early, the Scots demonstrated their resilience, determination and grit to start their season in the win column with a 33-25 victory. During the first quarter and half of the second, it was the home team who dominated the game. Though the Golden Hurricanes stalled on the opening offensive drive, they quickly regained momentum by forcing and recovering a fumble from Wooster’s Captain quarterback Mateo Renteria ’23 at the Scots’ 31-yard line. Geneva’s offense barreled into the endzone four rushing plays later, but a missed extra point attempt only gave the Golden Hurricanes a 6-0 advantage. On the Scots’ next drive, Geneva intercepted Renteria, and the Golden Hurricanes’ ensuing 28-yard touchdown drive stretched the lead to 13-0.  The beginning of the second quarter went no better for the Scots’ offense, as they were forced to punt at their own 42-yard line. The Golden Hurricanes capitalized on this opportunity, growing their lead to 19-0 after an 85-yard march to paydirt. Facing adversity with 6:43 remaining in the second quarter, Wooster dug deep and began to find its stride. As tight end and Captain Cole Hissong ’23 put it, “there was definitely a lot of frustration after the first two drives, but I believe our ability to calm down and reset is due to the leadership and experience that we have on the offensive side of the ball.” Hissong helped lead the charge on the Scots’ next possession, catching passes for 23 and 28 yards during the Scots’ first touchdown drive of the season. Hissong’s number was called again, as he muscled his way into the endzone on a successful two-point conversion trick play to cut the Geneva lead to 19-8. When asked about the two-point conversion, Hissong noted that “the two-point play was something we’ve had in our back pocket for a few years and just haven’t had the opportunity to run in a game. We’ve repped it dozens of times in practice, so we were able to execute when the time came.”  Wooster continued to build momentum when Kobe Nadu ’24 recovered a fumble in Geneva territory. Renteria then slung a 34-yard pass to Andrew Hammer ’25 on the next play for another Wooster touchdown. Head coach Frank Colaprete went back to his bag of tricks to convert another two-point attempt and cut the Geneva advantage to 19-16 by halftime. This time, wide receiver Troy Baughman ’23 completed a pass in the endzone for the conversion. The Scots’ offense got off to a fast start in the second half, seizing a 23-19 lead on a nine-play, 66-yard touchdown march, capped off with a 13-yard strike from Renteria to Baughman. Though they were outscored 23-0 since the middle of the second quarter, the Golden Hurricanes rebounded on their first drive of the second half, as six running plays enabled them to find the pylon and retake the lead at 25-23. Unbeknownst to Geneva, this would be their last score of the game, as the Scots’ defense swarmed the Golden Hurricanes’ triple option rushing attack for the rest of the game. After a defensive stop and short Geneva punt gave the Scots excellent field position with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter, the offense continued to produce. On this drive, the Scots turned to running back Andrew Yanssens ’23 on six straight rushing plays for a combined 38 yards and finished the drive with a 5-yard Renteria rushing touchdown. 
During the fourth quarter, the Scots’ defense continued to shut down Geneva, allowing
the Scots to tack on a field goal with 8:33 remaining to extend the lead to 33-25. A last gasp Hail Mary pass attempt by Geneva was extinguished when defensive end Brandon Holt ’23 had a game-ending sack. Hissong credited the Scots’ defense for their resiliency, saying that “it took longer than we would have liked, but we settled in and were able to execute down the stretch with the help of some big stops from the defense.”  
Looking forward, Hissong is excited about building the on-field trust with his quarterback needed for the Scots to be an elite offense. “Playing with Mateo, who will soon be statistically the best quarterback in school history, has allowed both of us to gain a lot of confidence in each other. I have a lot of faith that he will get his eyes in the right place at the right times, and when the ball comes my way, I know he has the trust that I will make a play. There’s a lot of room for growth for both of us and it’ll only get better from here on out.” If this senior leadership team continues to exhibit the grit that they showed in their opening match, then the Scots will be well on their way to a memorable season. 


Wooster will once again hit the road to take on Hiram College on Saturday, Sept. 10 at
12:00 p.m. and try to improve their record to 2-0 on the season.

Scots Volleyball Builds Teamwork, Even in Defeat

Miles Rochester – Sports Editor
The Scots fell in all three of their matches at the Mount Union Invitational and hope
to bounce back in the NCAC/MIAA Crossover Tournament Image courtesy of
Wooster Athletics.

This past weekend, the College of Wooster women’s volleyball team took to the road,
traveling to the University of Mount Union to participate in the highly competitive Mount Union Invitational. First game jitters circulated the Scots’ bus as they prepared to compete against the formidable hosts of the tournament.  

A deciding factor of many volleyball games is a team’s ability to work as a group, but
unfortunately in the Scots’ first match, this sense of togetherness was nowhere to be found. Sydney Fitzcharles ’23 noted that “it was evident everyone on the court was not working as a cohesive unit, but rather six individuals.” Frustration bubbled over as the Scots lost in straight sets to begin their season with a loss, but with two more games to play the next day Having a short memory was crucial to moving on from this loss. 
Despite the result of the first game, every single Scot had been in this situation before.
With no first years on the roster, Wooster possesses a uniquely experienced squad. This
comparatively small roster has its benefits and shortcomings. One member of the team
expressed their concern regarding the health and longevity of the team saying, “we do not have the depth in every single position that we did last year. That depth would be able to carry us through the conference tournament if one of our key players got hurt.” However, bringing in fresh faces to the roster introduces a new set of difficulties such as getting acclimated to new players, team building and the feeling of having to start from scratch. According to the players, Coach Sarah Davis consciously made this roster decision and displayed genuine excitement for the team being able to pick up where they left off after last year’s postseason success. The long season will prove to be challenging for the Scots but if they can make it through unscathed, the team will reap the benefits. While the volleyball season can be long and taxing on the body, the length of the season
also allows teams ample time to figure out how to build chemistry and find their form. According to Fitzcharles, immense growth was noticeable during the second day of the tournament, in which Wooster first took on a 17th ranked Otterbein. In this match, multiple members of the team felt as if a deeper trust in each other was starting to bloom. Even with the improvements in teamwork, trust and communication, Wooster came up short, losing to their opponents 3-1. The second match of day two and the last match of the tournament against Alma College ended with
the same result.  The losses on day two sparked dialogue amongst the athletes on the topic of complacency in the context of winning sets versus matches. Fitzcharles and Trinity Harmon ’24, summarized this conversation, saying that “we felt that winning the set during the Otterbein match made us content, even though there was a whole match to be played.” They also noted that “almost always, if you allow yourself to give in to that feeling, you’ll end up losing.” The team decided that none of them were content with the results of this weekend and moving forward they will strive to be more disciplined. 
A defining characteristic of a successful team is their ability to weather unfavorable
results with a positive attitude and growth mindset. This mindset was certainly present in the Scots’ disappointing, but pivotal weekend away. 

Members of the Wooster community will have the chance to see the Scot women’s response on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. when they face Capital University at home. Harmon declared that “we will come out at our first home game with a fire lit underneath us, and a chip on our shoulders. The Scots are hungry for a win!” 

Former Scot Shusterman Making Waves in MLB Media

Jordan Shusterman in his senior year at The College of Wooster (Photo courtesy of College of Wooster Twitter).
Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor

One night this past February, I was sitting at my desk, procrastinating on my psychology homework. My poison of choice in putting off my work tends to be podcasts, of which I am an avid listener, specifically of Major League Baseball (MLB) podcasts. But baseball is not played in February and, on this particular night, I was having trouble finding something worth listening to. I had recently stumbled upon a new podcast from Sirius XM and I figured I’d listen to their newest episode on previewing the international tournament known as the World Baseball Classic. 

About an hour into my procrastination expedition, the two hosts, Jake and Jordan, began to banter about how Jordan and one of the players on Team Israel shared an alma mater: The College of Wooster. I had to pause the podcast and scour the internet to confirm this new information. Was it really true that one of these baseball media members had gone to Wooster? Indeed it was. Not long after, I reached out to Jordan Shusterman to tell him what a big fan I was becoming of his work. 

As a baseball fan, a Wooster student and an avid consumer of baseball media, I was eager to see if I could find a way to write about Jordan and his journey to the baseball media world. What I discovered was that Jordan wasn’t exactly planning on becoming a member of the Baseball Writer Association of America. In the fall of 2013, when he stepped onto the campus of The College of Wooster, he was planning on majoring in geology, but he eventually switched over to communications studies, a major that better fits his current profession. Cespedes Family BQQ, the brainchild of Shusterman, and his high school friend, Jake Mintz, are staples in the baseball Twitter world. Initially, the blog mostly featured baseball satire and memes (the name is derived from a video from the early 2010’s in which former Athletes and Mets outfielder Yoneis Cespedes is seen roasting a whole hog over a fire). The blog, which has evolved into a Twitter account with over 142,000 followers and their podcast, appropriately named Baseball Bar-B-Cast, has netted Shusterman and Mintz jobs writing for Fox Sports as MLB analysts. The podcast, which has had multiple variations, is now under the umbrella of Sirius XM with hour-long episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. When I spoke to Jordan last week and gushed about the podcast, he told me that they had started the podcast mostly as a way of keeping in touch while the two went to different schools. “Jake and I started doing it in high school 10 years ago,” said Shusterman. The two started with a website then moved to twitter almost a decade ago Shusterman continued saying that in college the podcast “was just a way for us to stay in touch. It wasn’t meant to be a podcast that anybody else listens to. It was like, we’re having fun with this. We are having the opportunity to interview people just because we’re sending them DMs and they’re like, “Sure”, I’ll come on your podcast.” 

After Wooster, Jordan was hired by Cut-4 (a baseball satire website owned by the MLB). From there, he and Jake found themselves hosting a show for DAZN, a sports streaming corporation, out of the MLB network studios in ​​Secaucus, New Jersey. Their show known as “Change-up” aired on the weekends through the 2019 season and what followed were two of the most tumultuous years in baseball history, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 99 day MLB owners lockout in 2021 and 2022. 

The podcast, which didn’t find a true home until the duo signed with Sirius XM last fall, will get its first real run this season. “With the lockout ending in the middle of March, like it was so crazy with our Fox Sport stuff,” in the chaos of the lockout Jake and Jordan decided to “just put the podcast aside. And so that’s why we did not podcast for most of last season, because we don’t want to just start this recklessly. We want[ed] to find a home for it.”As an aspiring sports journalist myself, I was hopeful that Shusterman might be able to help me understand how he got to where he is now, and what young people in my position could do to carve out our own space in the baseball media world. But as any journalist will tell you, there is no perfect model of how to do it, in journalism or in life. “The problem is now, because in some senses, it is so easy to start your own podcast and start our own blog. You would think it would be easier in a sense, and I think that is true. But you’ve got to do it because you love it. And then you’ve got to make good impressions on people that are in those positions. And then you gotta find a way to separate yourself, I guess, is the best way to say it.”

Sports Roundup: Women’s & Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball & Softball

Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor

Baseball: 

After a tough loss to Dension two weeks ago, the Scots bounced back to win four straight conference games against Ohio Wesleyan and DePauw. Leading the way for Wooster was Ryan Kramer ’26, who went 8-15 last week, good for a .533 average. The torrid stretch at the plate netted the rookie third baseman the NCAC Athlete of the Week award. The Scots dropped a non-conference game on Sunday at home against Heidelberg University but will have the chance to play in the next two competitions against Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Mount Union before taking on Hiram College this weekend at home for conference play. Wooster will finish conference play against Wabash for senior day on Saturday, May 6 before the NCAC tournament gets underway. Congratulations to the Wooster baseball team on their season and to seniors Owen Barnard, Dane Camphausen, Dean Brown, Christian Johnston, Steven Leicht, Ian Leon, Riley McErlean, Ethan Samangy, Hayden Sherry, Ryan Sullivan and Jack Whitehouse on the completion of their college baseball careers! 

Softball:

The Fighting Scots Softball team will travel to Hiram College on Saturday to take on the Terriers in conference play. It will mark Wooster’s last matchup with a conference opponent prior to the NCAC. Wooster, who at the time of this writing, has a 6-4 record in conference play (good for a .600 winning percentage) sits in fourth place in the NCAC standings, trailing DePauw, Denison and Ohio Wesleyan. The doubleheader against Hiram (4-6 in conference play), as well as the doubleheader against the 3-9 Oberlin Yeoman on Wednesday, April 26, should serve as a good opportunity for the Scots to tune up their play and collect some wins against two opponents at the bottom of their conference before tournament play begins next month. The Scots will wrap up their regular season schedule against Case Western Reserve University on Saturday, May 6. Congratulations to the Wooster softball team on a great season and seniors Stacey Harris, Kylie Schmitz and Addie Tagg on the completion of their college softball careers!

Men’s Lax:

The College of Wooster men’s lacrosse team currently sits in fourth place in the NCAC. After starting their season with 11 consecutive victories, the men’s team dropped three of their last four games against all the conference opponents. Despite the recent bumps, the Scots are well-positioned to put up a valiant fight within their conference tournament. With just two games remaining on Thursday, April 27 and Saturday, April 29 they’ll have an opportunity to cement their success within conference play. The Scots possess a 12-3 overall record (.800) and a 3-3 conference record (.500) and Thursday’s game will be especially pivotal for the Scot’s conference fate as they trail Dension (second place 4-1). The NCAC tournament will get underway on Wednesday, May 3. Congratulations to the Scots’ men’s lacrosse team on a wonderful season and congratulations to seniors: Teddy Berner, Max Fletcher, Joey Harris, Tucker Joseph, Adam Meyer, Atticus Moats, Mason Poisson and Ryan You on the completion of their college lacrosse careers! 

Women’s Lax:

The College of Wooster women’s lacrosse team possesses an astounding .714 winning percentage in overall play with a 10-4 record the Scots have had a successful season. They’ve struggled to find the same mojo in conference competition, with a 1-3 record with their sole win coming against the last place Wittenberg Tigers. Wooster sits in fifth place behind Kenyon, Dension, Ohio Wesleyan and DePauw, but they will have two more opportunities to assert themselves in conference play with games against Ohio Wesleyan (3-2) on Wednesday, April 26 and Oberlin (1-3) on Saturday, April 29. The Oberlin game especially will be a key test for the Scots as they are deadlocked with the Yeoman in the conference standings, and a win would be helpful for tournament seeding. The NCAC tournament will get underway on Wednesday, May 3. Congratulations to the Scots women’s lacrosse team on a wonderful season. Congratulations to seniors: Clare Leithauser, Jill Murray, Hannah Shaw, Britta Treu and Anna Truong on the completion of their college lacrosse careers!

College Adjusts Sick and Vacation Time in New Staff Handbook

Sam Boudreau, Editor in Chief

In March of 2023, The College of Wooster released a “Staff Handbook,” containing important information on the general policies, rules and procedures of the College of Wooster’s staff, along with employee privileges and obligations. To clarify, the handbook’s policies, rules and procedures apply only to the College’s “staff and administrative employees of the College.” Additionally, custodial and dining staff are no longer regulated by the College’s staff handbook since they are no longer employees of the College. Melissa Anderson, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Strategic Initiatives and Secretary of the College, said that this year’s handbook contains “big changes,” regarding the College’s vacation and sick leave policies. Under the vacation- benefits section of the 2015 handbook, the edition proceeding the 2023 edition, the policy reads that “[f]ull and part-time employees (at least 1,000 annual hours) begin to earn vacation from the date of hire.” The policy continues that “[t]he vacation year starts with the employee’s hire date.” In the 2015 handbook, exempt employees, meaning exempt from overtime pay, accrue 1.83 days per month of vacation time, with a maximum allowance of 44 days of vacation time. According to the 2015 report, non-exempt employees negotiated their sick time with the department head. Through the first 10 years of employ- ment, the vacation rate for non-exempt employees was one day per month. After 10 years, vacation time earned per month increased by a quarter every five years, according to the 2015 manual. Regarding sick time, the 2015 manual reads that “[p]aid sick leave is to be used for personal absences resulting from personal illness, childbirth or hospitalization.” The policy continues that paid sick leave may be used for medical appointments scheduled during work and absences from work to care for a dependent / immediate family member who is ill. For exempt employees, anyone working “at least half-time (1,000 annual hours) are eligible for sick leave during personal absences result- ing from day-to-day illness, doctor appointments and/or caring for an ill dependent/ immediate family member.” The purpose of sick leave is to provide a nor- mal paycheck in the event of a medical emergency. After working for one year at the College for 30 hours per week, exempt employ- ees were eligible to receive salary payments under the College’s salary continua- tion plan during a medical emergency, according to the 2015 handbook. For non-exempt employees, sick leave accrual followed the same framework as vacation time. The College also has a “Sick Leave Pool,” where College employees may voluntarily add vacation and sick time to a pool for employees with medical emergencies. Building off the 2015 handbook, Anderson said that HR wanted to bring “equity” to vacation and sick time by overcoming differences between hourly and annual salary employees. “One of the things we wanted to do is bring better equity to the administration, for example, of our vacation and sick leave,” said Anderson, “so prior handbooks, there were disparities between the vocation and sick leave accrual rates between hourly and salary employees.” In this spirit, the College’s new sick and vacation time policies read that “Full-time employees with vacation benefits accrue vacation time at a rate of 1.83 days (14.67 hours) per month – or 22 days (176 hours) per year – subject to maximum accrual of 45 days (360 hours). Employees work- ing less than 40 hours per week and at least 20 hours per week will accrue vaca- tion time on a prorated basis.” Employees who work less than 40 hours a week receive vacation time on “a prorated basis.” The same rate applies to sick time, where “College staff who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 annual hours are eligible for Paid Sick Leave at a rate of 1.83 days (or 14.67 hours) per month. According to Anderson, changes to sick and vacation time caused the most con- cern from faculty and staff members who reviewed the staff handbook in February. One staff member famil- iar with the situation said that one staff member quit from their position, partly due to changes in vacation and sick time. “They’ve made it so everybody that’s hired from day one earns the same amount as a guy hat’s worked there 25, 30 years, as far as what’s com- ing to them as far as vaca- tion and sick pay,” said the source. Anderson, however, said that the new vacation and sick time policies will not have staff members lose their accrued sick and vacation time. “Nobody lost any vacation or any sick leave accrual with this change,” she said, “if you are a salary, you stay the same, if you are an hourly below a certain years of experience, you gained.” New to the College’s 2023 policy is a “corrective action policy” which strives “to give employees a reasonable opportunity to improve their performance whenever productivity, quality, efficiency or behavior falls below an acceptable level or when employees fail to abide by College policies and rules governing appropriate conduct on the job.” This 2023 policy looks to promote “productivity and morale,” rather than strictly disci- pline. A copy of the correc- tive action policy is avail- able on HR’s website. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced a growing amount of the workforce to start to work from home, the 2023 manual implements a “Flexible and Remote Work Policy.” Employees may apply for a flexible and remote work schedule through the College’s HR website, but adjusted work sched- ules will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The College also added a new anti-bullying policy.

For Wielansky, WBC was Shining Moment: “Unreal”

Wielansky makes a play during the World Baseball Classic in Miami (Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro-USA Today Sports).
Eliot Barrengos, Sports Editor

Baseball is known as a game of failures; in order to survive in it as either an observer or as a participant, you’ve got to be able to take perspective. For Michael Wielansky, an 18th-round selection of the Houston Astros in the 2018 MLB Draft out of a division-III program, perspective is required daily. It’s hard to overstate the grit that is required of those who inhabit the space between amateur baseball and major league baseball. The minor leagues, as well as independent baseball leagues, are filled with guys chasing their baseball dreams. Some are star prospects with multi-million dollar signing bonuses, some are former big league veterans still holding on to their careers and some are baseball lifers – grinders – dedicating their lives to baseball. 

Wielansky, a lanky middle infielder who can arguably be characterized as the best baseball player to come through The College of Wooster in program history, has embraced this kind of baseball no man’s land. Every day is a grind and he finds himself subject to experiential rules to test out before being implemented at the big leagues level. He is, by every measure, a baseball nomad. It’s been a winding path since his name was called in the 18th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball amateur player draft. A pandemic interrupted his minor league development, and just as he reached the Triple-A level (just one promotion from the big leagues), he saw his playing time reduced before an eventual release by the Astros in the spring of 2022. After a short stop with the Long Island Ducks, Wielansky cemented himself as the everyday second baseman for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. 

For Wielansky, the label of D-3 has never stopped him from pursuing his dreams. Sure, he’s had to embrace the idea of “Baseball Nomad” more than some, but as he puts it, “I always thought it doesn’t really matter where you come from. Your talent is your talent and they’re gonna recognize you for it.” 

His thinking proved right. While in Panama over the winter, a required stop on the journey of a baseball lifer, Wielanksy received a direct message via Instagram from Peter Kurz, the General Manager of the Israeli national baseball team, posing an odd question: “Hey, are you Jewish?” Luckily enough, Wielansky is Jewish on both sides of his family, and after confirming so with the Kurz, Weilanksy found himself on the preliminary 50-man roster for Team Israel and they prepared for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). 

The WBC is a relatively new fixture in the baseball world but a rapidly growing one –  the equivalent of the World Cup but for baseball. The most recent edition of the battle for international baseball supremacy took place this past March with Japan defeating the United States in the final round. 

For Israel, the tournament proved to be an opportunity to grow the game both at home and for the Jewish-American baseball community. After continued communication with Kurz, Wielansky found out that he had made Israel’s 28-man roster for the round-robin tournament. So, in early March the former Wooster star found himself starting again at shortstop, this time on a Major League Field in Miami. 

Wielanksy described the experience as “so cool just being around those guys, you know, watching ’em every night on TV and now, you know, you’re 40 feet away in the other dugout. So it was surreal, honestly.” The WBC gave Wielansky the chance to rub shoulders with major league veterans who he had grown up watching, like hitting coach Kevin Youkilis, and manager Ian Kinsler (whom Wielansky has resonated with as a hitterish middle infielder). 

The tournament wasn’t just a chance to meet childhood heroes, but also an opportunity to prove himself against the best competition in the world. Wielansky, who only saw action in two of the four games that Israel played, held his own. In the one game he started against the Venezuelan National team he went 2-4 with two singles and scored Israel’s lone run in the affair. 

In the third inning, he turned a slick double play with the second baseman to retire Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr, as well as Yankees second baseman Gelybar Torres. Wielansky put it best describing the game by saying “They’re obviously the best of the best… but I mean, [you] realize that you’re not that far away from being there. It was pretty cool knowing that like, hey, like I can compete with these guys too.” 

As much as the experience meant from a baseball perspective, it was also “special” from a personal perspective. The Jewish baseball community can sometimes feel few and far between, and for the shortstop “having an entire team full of guys who really share the same values and, and the same experiences was actually really cool.” 

Baseball requires perspective, and when you step back and look at Michael Wielanksy’s baseball story, you can see that he’s made a career out of proving his doubters wrong. Of using whatever label he has, whether that be D-III player, career minor leaguer or baseball nomad, as “fuel” he said, “It kind of fired me [up] to go and prove people wrong.” It’s that grit and determination that make Wielansky so special; it’s his work ethic as well as his talent that helped take him from Art Murray field in Wooster to playing at Loan Depot Park in Miami. But despite it all, Wooster still holds a special place in the infielder’s heart. “I’ve done a lot of cool things, seen a lot of cool places, and baseball’s taken me very far, in my life in general. But…the best experiences and the best stories I have still really come from Wooster. You know, at the pro level, you don’t really get that family feeling that you get at Wooster. It’s hard to compare that to anything I’ve done after the fact.” 

Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft Has Parted Ways with College

Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities no longer employed at the College
Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft Has Parted Ways with College
Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities no longer employed at the College
Julia Garrison, Contributing Writer

In email correspondence with The Voice on April 24, Dean Cliff Bobbitt confirmed that Dr. Amy Franklin-Craft is “no longer at the College.” The email to The Voice comes after four weeks of investigative reporting on the College’s overall conduct process. 

The Voice began chronicling the conduct process in March and monitoring the changes that would be implemented to both the conduct process and the Scot’s Key at large in an article entitled “Mission and Outcomes puts conduct process under review” published on April 7, 2023. Grace Braver ’23, Vice President of Scot Council, provided information about the importance of the revision of the Scot’s Key. Braver also stressed the work that was done by her fellow members of Scot Council, and the support of Deans Ashley Reid and Cliff Bobbitt.  

“The [deans] have been absolutely amazing and supportive in my process to review and revise the conduct system,” Braver explained via email with The Voice. “They also want a system that better serves the student body and are willing and actively engaging in conversations with students.” Braver explained that the deans were helpful and forthcoming, which made the process of putting the conduct process under review easier. 

The conduct process was put under review earlier this year after Scot Council presented proposed changes to the Scot’s Key and the conduct process to the Board of Trustees at the Missions and Outcomes meeting on Feb. 23. This presentation to the trustees in attendance consisted of proposed changes that the Council would like to see come to Wooster, alongside comparing the current conduct process to other liberal arts schools in the Great Lakes Association. The Voice article published following the Missions and Outcomes meeting also featured attempted correspondence with Dr. Franklin-Craft and other members of Wooster’s Faculty & Staff Conduct Committee. Although The Voice had originally asked to have Dr. Franklin-Craft respond to questions via email, Dr. Franklin-Craft requested a meeting to “learn what [the Voice correspondent is] hoping to write about beyond the three questions … provided,” and that she would “most likely want to respond in writing.” Dr. Franklin-Craft was scheduled to meet with The Voice before the article was sent for publication; however, just hours before the meeting was supposed to occur, she canceled, citing that “a colleague and [her were] preparing for an extensive issue that [would] be occurring over the next two weeks. We are running out of time.” Not soon after this correspondence, but past the deadline for the article’s publication, Dr. Franklin-Craft asked if she could respond to The Voice’s questions originally posed to the entirety of the Conduct Committee. However, she never followed up with responses to the questions posed.

Following the publication of the April 7 article, Dr. Franklin-Craft sent an email to Wooster’s student body that invited students to share their feedback on the conduct process and the Scot’s Key on Monday, April 17, 2023, in Lowry Student Center at 8:00 p.m. Students arrived at Lowry Student Center at 8:00 p.m. to an empty room, with no members from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities present. The meeting was never formally canceled, but when referring to 25Live, the College’s events calendar, the event seemed to have been rescheduled to the following week on Monday, April 24. 

With the cancellation of the meeting published in the paper with no official rescheduling, The  Voice reached out to Dr. Franklin-Craft once more to receive a comment on why the meeting was  canceled, when it would be rescheduled and if it would be recorded. This email inquiry received an automated reply, explaining that all inquiries should be forwarded to Dean Ashley Reid, who is serving as the Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Franklin-Craft’s information had been taken off the official staff directory and The College of Wooster websites without any official announcement.  

The Voice reached out to Human Resources (HR) to inquire about the removal of Dr. Franklin-Craft’s profile on all Wooster-related directories. HR provided no comment on this issue, and when asked to confirm if Dr. Franklin-Craft was no longer employed by the College, they explained that they are not “able to verify employment status without signed consent from the individual the inquiry is regarding.” Upon traveling to the Dean of Students’ wing in Lowry Student Center and inquiring about a directory of offices, the office of the Dean of Students (which includes the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities) was unable to provide a directory of offices and when asked about reaching Dr. Franklin-Craft, was forwarded to Deans Reid and Bobbitt. Later in the afternoon, Dean Bobbitt confirmed via email that Dr. Franklin-Craft was no longer “at the College.” 

Dr. Franklin-Craft’s departure from the College comes after a storied history of tension with  students. Nearly two years ago, a change.org petition was anonymously started by a “concerned  student at Wooster” titled “Review Amy Franklin-Craft’s position as the Director of Student  Rights & Responsibility.” This petition had over 700 signatures from students, alumni and other online supporters. Comments, referred to as “reasons for signing” on the website, included  different perspectives from students and parents, either anonymous or public. One comment  explained that Dr. Franklin-Craft does “not act in students’ interests nor does she enact policies 

legitimately beneficial to the College.” More comments used phrases and words like “unprofessional,” “abuse of power” and “unfair” throughout. 

Around the same time of this petition, The Voice’s 2021-22 Editor-in-Chief Aspen Rush  published an article entitled “C.O.W. Clarifies Inconsistent Conduct Enforcement,” which followed the clarification of the conduct process after “a series of conduct violations that were questioned by students.” Rush’s article explained that the conduct policies were re-explained in an email from Johnathon Reynolds, Director of Residence Life, to all students. In this article, past Scot Council members expressed the need for consistency in the conduct process. Rachel Catus ’22 explained that “there is often confusion or misinformation being spread due to a lack of consistent functioning.” This point has also been brought up by the present members of Scot Council in their presentation to the Board of Trustees. 

On April 24, 2023, Scot Council hosted a meeting in “lieu of [the] conduct meeting” that was  previously scheduled. Dean Bobbitt was in attendance, as well as Scot Council members,  namely Noah Golovan ’23 and Grace Braver ’23. At this meeting, Scot Council first fielded  questions about what non-Council meeting-goers would like to see changed about the conduct  process. The Council then shared the PowerPoint that was shared with the Board of Trustees  during their March meeting. 

Currently, there has been no job posting or replacement search for Dr. Franklin Craft’s position  as the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Deans Reid and Bobbitt are currently assuming the responsibilities of the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.There was no information provided to The Voice on the nature of Dr. Franklin-Craft’s departure from the College at the time of publication. 

A Farewell from our Editors-in-Chief

Traditionally, the Editors-in-Chief end their years at The Voice with interviewing one another. Per tradition, Editors-in-Chief, Lark Pinney ’23 and Samuel Boudreau ’23, interview one another to discuss their lives and The Voice: past, present and future.

LP: Do you want to introduce yourself? 

SB: Yes. My name’s Sam Boudreau, I’m a senior sociology major and I also played trombone in the band here.

LP: Where are you from? 

SB: I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

LP: How long have you been working for The Voice?

SB: I’ve been working for The Voice since my sophomore year. I started as a senior news writer. How about you introduce yourself?

LP: I’m Lark Pinney, I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’m a senior political science major, Spanish and religious studies minor.

SB: And when did you start The Voice?

LP: I also started my sophomore year. I started as a Features editor, and then after that, I was managing editor.

SB: What have you learned about yourself working for The Voice? What have been some of your favorite memories from your time with The Voice?

LP: I have learned to not listen to the imposter syndrome: the voice in your head that says that you were not the best fit for the job or you can’t do it, that kind of thing. I have learned to trust the people that I work with – the people that I guess supposedly I’m the boss of, but we’re not bosses per se. We all work for a team. So I learned to trust the team a lot and then also trust myself that I have valuable things to add and a valuable perspective. And my favorite memory is like a genre of memory, but when it gets late and we all get kind of goofy, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder than some of our Tuesday layouts. What about you? 

SB: I think the number one thing I’ve learned is just to keep moving forward. There’s going to be weeks that are bad and it’s going to be difficult at times, but I think it taught me that some things are also out of my control. There’s just like sometimes you kind of got to be okay with not being able to accomplish everything. Also, I’ve just learned a lot about journalism in general, that being consistent is really hard to do. Whether it’s good or bad, you should be proud of yourself for getting through something like this. I would say my favorite memories are  just whenever it’s a good edition and just kind of being proud of that. Just being proud of us producing something. Obviously not every week is perfect, but we do our best to produce something. And whenever I think something is good, it feels good to distribute that. It makes you feel good and it makes you feel like you’re doing something with a purpose.

LP: Are there any specific achievements or editions that you’re particularly proud of?

SB: I’m just proud of stuff that gets people talking. I think my proudest achievement is just being here with you. Like just knowing we finished the paper for our time. I feel like it was difficult for a lot of reasons starting out, but I’m really happy because there were a lot of times this semester where things were not going well and there’s some papers that were just not great editions, but I’m really proud of seeing a positive retention. I feel like most of the people are coming back, I’m really proud of who we hired. I feel like they got a really good outlook. I really feel like the proudest moment for me is that we inherited kind of a difficult situation on a lot of fronts, but I really think through it all we’ve published some really good editions and hired some good people and they’re coming back. So I think that’s what I’m most proud of. Yeah. What about you?

LP: Yeah. Similarly, I feel like we don’t give ourselves enough credit for straight up publishing 20 editions a year in the middle of moving offices. We started using new software this year, too. I’m proud of when we write stuff that people get mad about, that people want to talk about, that is the truth. Even if it’s not super pretty to hear or to write about. I also am really proud of our team. I think people like coming to work with us and we like working with them. And I think that we’ve created a newsroom that trusts and respects each other, which I think is important and we’ve made some really awesome friends.

SB: What do you hope to accomplish or who do you like to be after college and specifically after The Voice?

LP: I am excited to be an alumni who reads The Voice. I’m excited to see what this new team does. They’ve got some really cool, big plans. And then, personally, I just hope that I’m happy. I’m really excited about the grad school program that I’m going to do, and I feel like what I’m going to do really aligns with my values of being a helper. So I just hope I go up and up. What about you? 

SB: I’m excited to end this chapter. It’s been a lot of work, and I’m excited to be able to reflect on it and look back. I think to be part of the student newspaper is pretty cool, and I’m so proud of the work we did and it’s going to be cool looking back on that work in like 10 to 20 years. I’m also excited just to read it and not make it. I’m excited to not be responsible for making it or help them make it. I think The Voice just taught me to always just like, remain calm. Not just while reporting, but also like in the office. Just try to remain calm, just keep my cool and just kind of approach life and just be someone involved in the public. What was the most difficult part about The Voice, particularly as Editor-in-Chief?

LP: It is difficult to be responsible for it all…to be the one that people would come to if something wasn’t right or if we made a mistake. Not that that happened very often, or we were super worried about that. But I think knowing that it’s up to you was hard. Like we couldn’t really blame it on anybody else. I don’t think either of us are inclined to do that but, it was up to us to make sure that there was a paper every week and there was no one above us to make sure that that happened. So that just means you have to be there and you have to have your brain on. You have to be thinking. And I know you and I both found that a little bit exhausting. But rewarding. I don’t think it was like a material thing that was difficult. I think it was like the attitude about the role. What was the hardest part for you?

SB: It’s tough for me. I think the hardest part, one, is being responsible for grammatical errors. There’s always like one misspelled word and that’s upsetting. And also I just don’t think I’m a great administrator. I think I like doing journalism, but, honestly, what I learned about being Editor-in-Chief is that really it’s not about being like a good journalist at all. It really has to do with being a manager, obviously. And like, I also think I’m a pretty shy person – I’m pretty passive. So it’s tough for me to – not that it really ever happened – like lay down the law or something like that. Like, I’m just not comfortable doing that. So that was difficult. Also just dealing with being the one responsible is difficult. And being consistent too. One week you feel like it’s a great edition. And I’ve noticed that during the next week it’s tough to stay consistent because next week doesn’t feel like it’s good or something. What’s your favorite edition and story at The Voice?

LP: I love it when we push the envelope. We weren’t in charge, but that protest edition last year was so cool. I love that stuff. I am a personal fan of The Vice. I do think we do a good job with that. In addition to all of our fantastic hard hitting journalism, I think making people laugh is quite valuable to me. I think the stories that ask the hard questions about what’s going on and why and that kind of stuff. I love to read the news stuff that you guys work on, asking the tough questions and holding people accountable.

SB: Yeah, I think the protest edition was such an interesting moment in the College’s history and, whether we were right or wrong for doing that, just the fact that we did that. I think about whether The Vice is a good or bad thing, but I love The Vice because it’s just utterly ridiculous. It’s one of those things that we’re to look back on and be like, what the hell was that? But, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Favorite stories? I thought Maggie’s article on Lowry was just amazing on a journalism level. I also think Mudiwa’s story in the protest edition – it was a viewpoint – was one of most beautiful things to read.

SB: What would you tell first year Lark heading to The College of Wooster? 

LP: Oh, that’s a good question. No one is actually having that much fun in the first semester of their freshman year. Even if they seem like they are, they’re probably not having that much fun. So you are not the only one not having that much fun and you quite literally just have to go through it and it will get better. And it will get more fun. Just naturally things will fall into place. But the only way out is through. And eventually you will have a very fulfilling, meaningful college experience. But man, I do not envy first semester freshman year me. Everything was just so different and so new. And it felt like everybody else knew what they were doing and. But it turns out that almost everyone felt that way, but no one was talking about it. So, what would you tell yourself?

SB: I would just say just trust yourself. Yeah. Just trust yourself. Trust like where you come from. Keep that in mind. Keep your family and your hometown kind of in mind and those kinds of things. And those are kind of like your anchors, I feel like. And no matter how, there are definitely moments here at the newspaper where I’ve messed up\didn’t do the right thing. There’s things maybe I could have done better, but as you said, you just kind of go through it and you just kind of go.

Moving Forward with Uncertainty

Colin Tobin, Managing Editor

Especially during my first two years in Wooster, there were a lot of moments of self-doubt where I would question whether I made the right choice by not going to a college closer to home, and constantly thought about going back. Was Wooster the right choice? Living alone in a bland dorm room during the COVID semesters left me plenty of time to contemplate this question. Sitting here while writing my last piece for The Voice during my last few weeks at the College, I can confidently say that I cannot imagine what my life would look like without the people I’ve met, friends I’ve made and memories I’ve shaped here.

Junior year provided a fresh start where I met most of my closest friends and got the opportunity to join The Voice in a role at the office, which gave me something to look forward to every week. Looking back, joining this organization was one of the best decisions I could’ve made, and I never would’ve expected it to have such an impact on my life. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with some of the smartest, most determined people I know, be a part of something that made me feel connected to the College as a community and creatively express myself. The combination of everything during my last two years gave me the feeling that my time spent here had a purpose and, as I began to truly love and appreciate my time this past year, it’s all almost over.

As I move on from Wooster, I know that I will probably continue to ask myself the same questions about making the right choices during the next chapters of my life. Like many others, I’m sure, I have a great deal of fear of the unknown in terms of what comes next. My mind keeps going back to the beginning of “The Graduate,” when an overly anxious Dustin Hoffman is being bombarded with the daunting question, “what are you going to do now?” by people he barely knows, and not having a concrete answer in place. However, my experiences here taught me that it’s not worth it to overanalyze the past or think too hard about the future; it’s all what you do with the situation you’re in and the decisions you make from there.

Seasonal Depression, Who? Students Soak Up the Sun!

Brianna Becerra, Contributing Writer

The sun is finally shining again in Northeast Ohio, and Wooster students have been taking full advantage of it. Over the past few weeks, students have been finding any reason they can to enjoy more time outside. Whether it be outdoor classes, sitting on the quad with friends or even eating meals outside, the seasonal change in temperature has been welcomed by the Wooster campus.

For the entirety of the week before last, campus came to life. The monotony of bundling up to walk across campus was momentarily put on hold when the temperatures reached the upper 60s and 70s. Winter jackets were tossed aside as students and professors alike donned lighter clothing for the first time since fall semester.

Shorts, t-shirts and flowy dresses were abundant on campus. Students took full advantage of the sunshine to start working on a tan, or even hang out and play games on the residential quad. The Oak Grove was full of hammocks, with students catching up on sleep or working on classwork while suspended between the trees.

The reception to this change in temperature was overwhelmingly positive, and Aster Smith ’25 changed their daily routine to enjoy the warmth.

“I laid out in the grass and did my homework because the sun fixes all of my problems,” said Smith.

Not everyone is a lover of warm weather, as Elizabeth Kotora ’25 did not shift her daily schedule to accommodate the warmer temperatures. 

“I hate sweating,” she shared. “I can’t look cute in the summer, I don’t know how to dress for warmer weather.”

Though warmer temperatures are not Kotora’s cup of tea, she did appreciate the changes on campus. 

“Everyone was in a better mood, that was nice to see,” said Kotora. “The days you see the most people are I.S. Monday and when the weather is warm.”

Kotora is not alone in noticing a shift in the mood on campus, as Judith Topham ’23 agrees that sunshine has gone a long way in making the semester more bearable.

“I don’t even realize that I have seasonal depression until the sun comes out,” Topham joked.

Topham is also a student athlete, and she runs track during the spring. Not only has the better weather changed her attitude about classes and coursework, but it has also changed how she feels about her spring sport.

“Warm weather made me so much happier to run,” said Topham.

The change in weather has been welcomed by many spring athletes, as they are accustomed to colder temperatures during their season. Athletes were not alone in appreciating this change, and even the campus squirrels seemed to be enjoying the warmth.

With the sun finally shining and temperatures climbing, the doom and gloom of finals season seemed to be forgotten for the majority of last week. The campus is being shocked back into reality with a cold spell hitting this week and last, but hope is not lost for a warm remainder of the semester.

Viewpoint: Journalism is Not for Everyone!

Kaylee Liu, News Editor


I haven’t learned much from working at The Voice for three years, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that journalism isn’t for me. I guess I’ve also learned that punctuality isn’t an elementary skill for most people, and that, even worse, grammar belongs in the stratospheric realm of tertiary education. I realize the irony of that statement. That said, I’ve had a great time working here. Four years ago – before we moved everything to our shiny new computers – we used to sit in the cramped basement office in the old Lowry copy editing everything by hand with many different colored pens. Not to name names, but we’d often get yelled at (affectionately) for making mistakes, especially with regards to punctuality and grammar. I like to think that I – and the current editorial board – have broken the cycle of loud, slightly aggressive newsrooms, particularly when it comes to raising voices at 18-year-olds. Still, I look back on that first year with nothing but fondness. Honestly, it was fun getting yelled at. It gave a sense of urgency to the project. I spent my second year in The Voice on Zoom, waking up at 6 in the morning to attend the editorial board from bed. I’d barely talk, and when I did, I’d whisper into the microphone because my throat was dry, as there was no interval between opening my eyes and logging onto the call for a drink of water. My champion in those dark times was my co-editor Lark, who is now my friend, but also my boss, who steered us through those meetings with the poise of someone who’d been awake for at least eight hours. Technically she’ll just be my friend by the time this is published. Things finally improved for me this last year, when I got to come back to the office and stay up past my bedtime wrangling with InDesign (the software we use to create the paper). In many ways, it was worse than working from the comfort of my bed. I guess the one good thing is that I got to talk to everyone else in the office, but then again, I used to Zoom in and talk to people anyway. So, I suppose it was a downgrade in the end. Still, I’m grateful for the time I spent here, because the only thing worse than working at The Voice is not working at The Voice. Special thanks to my co-editor Gianna, my friend-boss Lark, my friend-colleague Haley and all my other friend-colleagues.