Monday, November 5, 2018 I Vol. 115 Iss. 14 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM The GW 2018-19 basketball Hatchet season preview pages 3-7

The next generation: Women look to maintain dominance, men begin journey to rebuild BARBARA ALBERTS SPORTS EDITOR

oth of GW’s basketball mings contributing double-digit scor- territory. teams feature young ros- ing and minutes in each game of their While both teams share a similar ters led by third-year head final seasons at GW. makeup in roster and leadership, the coaches, but the men’s and Women’s basketball head coach two programs have near-opposite ex- women’s programs are on Jennifer Rizzotti said she won’t com- pectations, which have fueled different B two different trajectories. promise her high standards for the attitudes. The men’s team enters the 2018-19 young team as they enter a program Under Joseph, the Colonials are season coming off its worst record in that is no stranger to defying expecta- slotted to finish 13th in the conference five seasons and is trying to develop tions. The team pocketed its seventh this season – marking a nine-year low. new personnel to rebuild the team. On Atlantic 10 Championship last season Joseph said the second-to-last pick was the other hand, the women’s squad despite entering the tournament as a “fair assessment” given the play- will utilize new faces to patch holes in the No. 5 seed. Ahead of this season, ers lost in the offseason, but the men their championship-or-bust program. they’ve turned their focus to finding have an opportunity to spend the year The young rosters are a new look roles for new players and defining building a foundation for future suc- for GW programs – which have relied how their offense will operate in the cess. on the contributions of veteran return- absence of last season’s leading scor- “We’ll have five seniors next year ers for years. ers. and four talented juniors and guys The men have boasted leaders on On the other side, in his third year who have been four-year starters, the court like the senior trio of Patri- as one of the youngest Division I head three-year starters,” Joseph said. “Our cio Garino, Joe McDonald and Kevin coaches in the country, Maurice Joseph program is in a really good space right Larsen in 2016, forward Tyler Cavana- leads a men’s team without a clear now for the future.” ugh in 2017 and guard Yuta Watanabe person to turn to when the team needs On the women’s side, the Colonials in 2018. In the last three seasons, the quick points. In addition to the offen- are expected to finish third, which Riz- women’s program has had a lineage of sive hole, the team carries three fresh- zotti said was a “compliment” that top players like forward Jonquel Jones men and two transfers that they will in 2016, followed by forward Caira be forced to rely on up and down the Washington and guard Brianna Cum- court who have yet to be tested in A-10 See WOMEN Page 7 Honors program director to step down after nine years in position ALEC RICH, search for an associate pro- outside the classroom have ILENA PENG & vost for special programs included hikes to Harpers LAUREN PELLER and the Mount Vernon Ferry and social outings to REPORTERS academic experience, who, the Shakespeare Theatre once hired, will oversee the with students. The head of the Univer- search for a new honors pro- “It’s getting to know stu- sity Honors Program will gram director. The search dents outside of the class- step down at the end of the will be internal, she said. room that has been the high- semester after almost a de- “We hope the future light of my time working as cade in the role. director of the honors pro- the director of the honors Maria Frawley an- gram will bring the same program, and it’s the part nounced last week that level of commitment and of the job that I’m extremely she will leave her position enthusiasm that Dr. Frawley sad about letting go of,” she as executive director of the brings to the role,” Murphy said. program and return to the said. But Frawley’s tenure English department next Frawley said her expe- was not without challenges. fall after she takes a one-se- rience as director has been She oversaw the program’s mester sabbatical. Officials “extremely rewarding,” and move to the Mount Vernon DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR and faculty said Frawley she was able to both work Campus in 2011, which stu- Saru Duckworth, the president of The Store, Student Association President Ashley Le, Izzy has improved the stature on the administrative side dents said fostered a discon- Moody, the SA’s vice president for sustainability, and Sage Wylie, a Food Institute fellow, all serve of the program during her of the program and also nect between the program’s on the task force. tenure, increasing student interact academically with students and other fresh- retention rates, boosting re- faculty and students. men. search efforts and support- “When you’re at the “I have maintained our ing students and faculty head of the program like commitment to all of our Students, officials work together in after two student deaths in this, you have obligations to students to continue to of- 2014. be overseeing the academic fer classes at Foggy Bottom new group to tackle food insecurity Frawley said her de- side of things but also very and to maintain a pres- cision to step down was invested in student affairs ence in our townhouse, KELLY HOOPER after realizing that several their GWorld daily for items “difficult,” but she wants and student life, so, for me, which has been so vital to STAFF WRITER food-based organizations, like laundry, food and print- the program to see a leader that has been ideal,” she our sense of community,” like the GW Food Policy ing, she said. who can bring a new per- said. she said. “I’ve just tried to Students launched a task Institute, which conducts Combating food insecu- spective to the program. She said that when she role model a spirit of do- force last week to gauge the research on food and sus- rity was listed as one of Le’s “A new person, fresh to first stepped into her - posi ing our best to make things prevalence of food insecurity tainability, and The Store, priorities for the year. the program, is going to be tion in 2009, the retention work, even when we face on campus. GW’s food pantry, often do She added that the group able to see things anew that rate for the program stood hurdles.” The task force, comprised not convene to discuss food will compile a report of rec- I, because I am so immersed at roughly 40 percent. But After two honors stu- of students, faculty, staff and insecurity. ommendations by early next in the program, can no lon- over her tenure, Frawley dents committed suicide in administrators, convened for “The conversation about semester that will “propose ger see,” she said. “I don’t has dropped the GPA re- West Hall in 2014, Frawley the first time Wednesday to food insecurity began way tangible actions” to combat have a wishlist of things quirement from 3.4 to 3.0 said she hired more staff in discuss how to tackle food too long ago without getting food insecurity. She said that I didn’t accomplish, and made the curriculum the program’s Mount Ver- insecurity on campus and a lot of attention from the ad- the task force will give the but I do think that new en- less “restrictive” – changes non Campus office to foster laid plans for research into ministration, and I think that recommendations to ad- ergy and new perspectives she said have helped boost a sense of community. students’ spending habits the lack of focus did not help ministrators and develop a can galvanize people to roll the retention rate to about “I learned a lot about cri- and partnerships with din- students,” Le said. “I hope plan for student leaders to up their sleeves and tackle 90 percent. sis management, and I had ing vendors. Students said the food insecurity task force advocate for low-cost meal problems.” Frawley said she has a lot of conversations with the group will issue a survey will just place a bigger focus options. Ingrid Creppell, an as- bolstered the program’s students and with parents, by the end of the semester on this issue at GW, how At the group’s first meet- sociate professor of political visibility on campus and and I think the simple fact of asking students how often prevalent it is.” ing Wednesday, about 12 science and international improved the diversity of being available to talk and they load extra money onto She said student leaders students, faculty and offi- affairs and the deputy- di course offerings. She said be open to conversations on their GWorld or run out of in the task force will work cials – like Bridgette Behling, rector of the honors pro- that as director, she has a myriad of concerns that money, which will help them with the Office of Institu- the director of community gram, will serve as the in- worked to infuse more re- people raised was most es- produce a set of recommen- tional Research to send out support and leadership, and terim director, according search into the department sential,” she said. dations on how to curb food a survey to the student body Brittany Abraham, the pro- to an honors program blog by establishing a program insecurity. by the end of the semester gram coordinator for special post. that pairs faculty with hon- Student Association measuring student senti- operations at the Center for Terry Murphy, the dep- ors students to conduct re- GWHATCHET.COM President Ashley Le said she ments on dining affordabil- Student Engagement, who uty provost of academic search. for more on Maria originally wanted to form ity. The survey will ask ques- affairs, said the University She said her most mem- Frawley’s impact on the group over the summer tions like how students use See STUDENTS Page 9 is currently conducting a orable moments as director H the honors program

THE GW HATCHET’S GUIDE TO THE 2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS PAGES 1213 November 5, 2018 • Page 2 ADVERTISEMENT THE GW HATCHET THE GW HATCHET BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW November 5, 2018 • Page 3 sophomore guards exhibit opposite styles, feed off chemistry on the court

WILL MARGERUM third on the squad last season backcourt, it kind of brings STAFF WRITER with 67 assists in his fresh- together everyone else.” man year despite starting just As sophomores and two Sophomore guards Terry 11 matches. of the team’s more experi- Nolan Jr. and Justin Mazzulla In his time on the bench, enced returning guards, Maz- occupy the same position and Mazzulla could be seen slap- zulla and Nolan are likely to bring the same infectious en- ping the court and yelling at see more time together this ergy to the hardwood – but his teammates while waving season while contributing to the men embody nearly op- a towel in the air to rally the a guard-heavy lineup that posite styles of play. squad. Meanwhile, Nolan prioritizes tough defense and Mazzulla, the team’s ball started on the court from his a fast-break offense. handler, plays a gritty and very first college contest and Teammates said with defensive-minded game cen- maintained a cool outward Mazzulla and Nolan at the tered around hustle and con- appearance on the floor, let- top of the key together, they’ll stant energy, while Nolan, the ting his polished shooting remain a cohesive unit that team’s top returning scorer, and defense speak for itself. carries the same intensity, but has a smoother flow to his Nolan saw more min- carves out specialties on op- performance. But together, utes as a rookie, averaging posite sides of the court. the duo feeds off each other’s 29.4 per game and making “They bring a lot of en- energy on both sides of the 31 starts. The second-year ergy, positive energy, espe- floor. starter has the potential to be cially on the defensive end “When we’re together, it’s one of “GW’s all-time greats” that translates to the offensive great,” Nolan said. “The way and he fine-tuned his skill set end,” junior forward Arnaldo I play, the way he plays, we even further over the sum- Toro said. “They’re just fun to both have one common goal mer, Joseph said. play with because you have and that’s just to win.” “He’s been able to kind of fun, you enjoy the game and OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR Head coach Maurice Jo- refine his game and become good things happen.” Sophomore guards Justin Mazzulla and Terry Nolan Jr. occupy the same position and bring the seph said Mazzulla is the “ul- a little bit more polished as Redshirt junior guard same infectious energy to the hardwood – but the men embody nearly opposite styles of play. timate glue guy” who will de- opposed to just athletic and Armel Potter said Mazzulla’s fend any position on the floor talented,” Joseph said. style of play is driven by his Nolan said the trust be- “Me and Terry play well making significant jumps in and do the “nasty things” the The duo balance out each energy, and that motivation tween him and Mazzulla on together because we’re the their level of play this season team needs to win games. other’s strengths and weak- can be seen translated to the court can be attributed to same type of people and we after improving their shoot- “He’s always going to do nesses and can rally the team Nolan when they are on the a close bond stemming from just know and have trust in ing and ball handling during the gritty things, he’s always behind the central force they hardwood together. their start at GW together. each other,” Mazzulla said. summer workouts. going to do the tough things,” create when running up and “Mazzulla is a real energy The connection allows the “We always have that click “They spend a lot of time Joseph said. “That’s who he down the court together. guy, he plays off of that, get- two to rely on each other, be and that bond and it’s so together on and off the court, is, that’s kind of ingrained in “When we play together, ting defensive stops and ev- honest on the court and push powerful that we don’t even I feel like it’s going to be really his DNA.” our chemistry is just phe- erything,” Potter said. “He each other when they know need to say anything.” good,” Potter said. “It’s going Mazzulla – a captain for nomenal,” Nolan said. “Be- can get guys like Terry Nolan the other can do better, Maz- Joseph said both Mazzul- to pay off at the end in the fu- the team this year – ranked cause of our chemistry in the going.” zulla said. la and Nolan are on track to ture.” joseph emphasizes same high-speed play, aggressive defense for third year

BARBARA ALBERTS play free this year,” Nolan pieces on its offensive end, SPORTS EDITOR said. the Colonials lost many of The Colonials averaged their key defenders in the In his first season as of- 12.8 turnovers per game offseason. ficial head coach and second while allowing opponents to 2018-graduate guard at the helm of men’s basket- score 14.3 points each match Yuta Watanabe was the ball last year, Maurice Joseph off giveaways. Joseph said team’s best perimeter de- said his team would focus experience paired with new fender and tallied 200 re- first and foremost on the de- players in the team’s back- bounds and a team-leading fensive end while pushing court will allow the Colo- 54 blocks last season – earn- the pace offensively. nials to maintain their speed ing him the title of A-10 De- He repeated similar man- in games. fensive Player of the Year. tras in the opening weeks of With a season of college Graduate student forwards OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR the season, but the strategy basketball under their belts, Patrick Steeves and Bo Zei- Junior forward Arnaldo Toro drives to the basket during a men’s basketball exhibition against failed to work as intended Nolan and Mazzulla should gler also provided stability Catholic last month. for the Colonials. The 2017- be in better shape to run the on the interior defense, as 18 squad finished with its floor and already looked Steeves averaged 5.3 re- worst record in five years more comfortable in their bounds per game and Zei- and Joseph said he was dis- positions during an exhibi- gler tallied the second-most appointed with the showing. tion game last month. blocks on the team with 36 makeshift interior Despite the lack of suc- Redshirt junior guard on the season. cess, Joseph will return to the Armel Potter, freshman Despite holes in the same game plan as last year guard Shandon Brown and team’s returning defense, provides challenge for – with the expectation that sophomore guard Maceo Joseph said he is still look- GW’s newest additions will Jack will also be able to ro- ing to challenge opponents be the difference that allows tate in at the guard position, by protecting the hoop men’s basketball the Colonials to successfully which should lend itself well better than any team in execute his vision. to the quick play Joseph ex- the A-10 and is confident KERRI CORCORAN Sophomore guard Justin when the Colonials were “We’ll space the floor a pects from his team again in the ability of returners CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR Mazzulla said the frontcourt out-rebounded 48-46 despite little bit more, we’ll play with this season, he said. like Mazzulla and leading- players will be most crucial facing off against a smaller greater pace on a regular ba- “Across the board, we rebounder junior forward Men’s basketball may for the team when they face Cardinal lineup. sis now that we have the per- have depth in our backcourt, Arnaldo Toro to make sig- have the third-shortest play- off against taller teams who Toro posted 13 boards sonnel to do so,” Joseph said. depth that we didn’t have in nificant jumps. ers on average in the confer- run a more slowed-down of- through his 22 minutes in “The defensive end won’t the past,” Joseph said. “Be- Last season, GW ranked ence, but the roster pieces fense. the matchup, but he was change, we’re in fact going to ing up-tempo is not just the ninth in the conference in together a frontcourt it has “They’re always going the only GW player to break try to increase that now that personnel, but the depth that field goal percentage defense lacked in recent years. to be useful, no matter what, double digits on the boards. I have more interchangeable will be able to sustain that.” and allowed opponents to The team measures up to even if we have guard play,” Behind him, Langarica and pieces.” Redshirt junior guard out-score them by an aver- an average of 6 feet 4 inches Mazzulla said. “We’re al- redshirt junior guard DJ Wil- Sophomore guards Terry DJ Williams and freshman age of 2.9 points per game. with 6-foot-8-inch junior for- ways going to need that one liams both grabbed seven Nolan Jr. and Justin Maz- forward Mezie Offurum, at But in their exhibition ward Arnaldo Toro, 6-foot- big person down low to fight rebounds. zulla are the only returning 6 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 6 game against Catholic – a 9-inch sophomore forward and get rebounds.” After the exhibition, members of the backcourt inches tall, respectively, are Division III program – last Javier Langarica and 6-foot- Toro – who led the team Joseph called his team’s who have previously started the tallest players who could month, the Colonials al- 9-inch freshman forward last season in offensive re- rebounding performance for GW. potentially see action in the lowed the Cardinals’ top Marcus Littles helping boost bounds with 88 and overall “unacceptable,” but said he With young players han- backcourt. What GW lacks scorer to put up 28 points the tally and making up the rebounds with 229 – will be believes when Littles joins dling the ball last year, the in height in the frontcourt, it against them while being team’s interior. The three a fixture on the floor for GW. the lineup it will remedy the Colonials were forced to slow looks to make up for in big out-rebounded 48–46. stand alone on a backcourt- With two years of experience missing presence down low. down their speed because of players who have the athleti- The performance heavy team that has lacked a under his belt, he will play Littles missed the game due mistakes Joseph chalked up cism to make moves on the showed GW still has room true big man for three years. “heavy minutes” in the front- to an ankle injury suffered in to inexperience. Ten teams court. for improvement if the team Nine of the team’s ros- court this year, Joseph said. practice, but is expected to be in the Atlantic 10 finished the “I believe that our philos- is looking to satisfy Joseph’s tered players are listed as But Toro will be fulfilling ready to play in GW’s season year with more field goal at- ophy is for us to go small,” goal and become a top de- guards, leaving only five Co- more of a stretch-four role – opener against Stony Brook tempts than GW – something Nolan said. “That’s our fensive program. lonials who could potentially occupying the perimeter on Nov. 6, according to an ath- players said they do not ex- thing, so I feel as though if “The defensive end is not see minutes down low. While offense – as opposed to a letic department spokesman. pect to happen again. we would play big, it would going to change drastically the team has historically traditional power forward or Out of the three primary “Last year we played a kind of be playing into the for us,” Joseph said. “We’re lacked post players, the lop- center that would remain on post players, Littles is the lot slower and had a lot more opponent’s hands.” still going to try to aim to be sided position split is slightly the block. most traditional example of sets, so coach will just let us While GW has gained a top-five defensive team.” lessened for the 2018-19 sea- “Finding the balance a big man, and will play a son from last year, when GW playing inside and outside significant role in increasing carried one additional guard is going to be the key, being the Colonials’ success off the on their squad. able to know when to score glass when he is cleared for Head coach Maurice Jo- inside and being able to score play. seph will understandably outside and taking advan- With Toro at the front- play to the strengths of his tage of opportunities,” Toro court’s core, Langarica and guard-heavy team and em- said. Littles will see the bulk of phasize scoring in transition Toro’s ability to play on GW’s minutes at the four rather than a post-heavy of- the block and along the pe- and five positions. Williams – fense. But it remains to be rimeter makes him a prime who led the Colonials in scor- seen how the team’s front- candidate for Joseph’s up- ing against Catholic – can also court will function in the fast- tempo game strategy, but transition to a forward role if play strategy and how many leaves the Colonials poten- necessary, he said. forwards he will typically tially vulnerable to losing “Depending on the situ- keep on the floor at one time. offensive rebounds when the ation of the game, if we’re Even with the addition junior is pulled away from playing against a team with of Littles as a true big man, the basket. bigger size, we may need a the Colonials still fall on With Toro crashing the bigger frontcourt,” Williams the shorter end of teams in boards from the perimeter said. the Atlantic 10, who aver- and likely to be surrounded Despite the uncertainty age 6 feet 4.76 inches. GW by four shorter Colonials at of how the forwards will fit and Saint Louis are the only any given time, opposing this year, Toro said the team two teams in the A-10 with- teams with more height are is ready for the challenge. out a player over 6 feet 10 likely to outplay GW under “We’re not the biggest inches tall, but the average the glass. team but I think our grit is in MADELEINE COOK | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER height on the Billikens’ ros- This problem was fore- there,” Toro said. “If we care Head coach Maurice Joseph said the Colonials will return to the same game plan as last year ter is nearly 1 inch taller than shadowed in an Oct. 28 ex- and we show grit, we should – with the expectation that GW’s newest additions will be the difference that allows the team to GW’s. hibition against Catholic, be good.” successfully execute his vision. November 5, 2018 • Page 4 BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW THE GW HATCHET women’s basketball maintains defensive focus while redefining offensive strategy

BARBARA ALBERTS rebounds per game last sea- her,” Rizzotti said. “There- SPORTS EDITOR son – the fewest in the confer- fore, there is a little bit of dip ence – but Rizzotti has tabbed in terms of getting some of Head coach Jennifer Riz- redshirt sophomore forwards those easy buckets she could zotti defines her game style Sarah Overcash and Olivia provide for us.” simply – you can’t play of- Gumbs and freshman center Rizzotti said the team was fense if you don’t have a rock- Kayla Mokwuah as players “very in sync” with each oth- solid defense. who will be expected to boost er last season and could rely The Colonials allowed the that number this season. heavily on their half-court of- second-fewest points scored “There has been a really fense, but this year’s squad, against them in the confer- big emphasis on our defense which returns just five play- ence last season and took and our rebounding from the ers who saw game time last home the Atlantic 10 Cham- start,” Rizzotti said. “And we season, features new faces pionship despite shooting seem to be in a much more that aren’t quite on the same 38.2 percent from the field, advanced place than we were page to execute that style. good for 11th in the league. in October of last year.” This season, the team re- Women’s basketball’s de- The team will hold on to turns three of its starters in se- fense has been a centerpiece its defensive prowess, but nior guard Mei-Lyn Bautista for the squad for years, and will need to shift its focus to and fowards senior Kelsi Ma- entering into her third year at fill holes in its offense with- honey and sophomore Neila the helm, Rizzotti continues out 2018-graduate guard Bri- Luma. to focus on getting stops on anna Cummings. Sophomore forward Chy- the defensive end to ensure Cummings led the team na Latimer and sophomore success. in points per game (14.3), guard Lexus Levy will be ex- “We’re going to have to minutes per game (34.3) and pected to contribute more off play off of our defense and ranked second in rebounds the bench than last season to OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR off of our transition,” Rizzotti per game (5.7) while starting help make up for the loss of Women’s basketball’s defense has been a centerpiece for the squad for years, and entering into said. “That will allow for eas- in every contest last season. offensive production, Rizzotti her third year at the helm, head coach Jennifer Rizzotti continues to focus on getting stops on the ier baskets so that we don’t Rizzotti introduced a five- said. defensive end to ensure success. have to work as hard as we out, quick style of play last But the addition of red- did last year to score.” year that eventually evolved shirt sophomore forwards In conference play alone, to best fit Cummings place Sarah Overcash and Olivia ball and she will look to take the frontcourt like herself, the team’s frontcourt erring the Colonials were the tough- as an all-around solid athlete, Gumbs as well as freshman advantage of their height and Luma and Mokwuah can on the young side, it is yet to est team to score against, hold- Rizzotti said. center Kayla Mokwuah gives physicality under the glass. guard the post, but also play be seen how they will fair on ing opponents to a league- Without Cummings in the team the ability to play “I like what I’ve seen so far on the wing and stretch the the block. leading 54.1 points per game the mix, the team is not as far a post-oriented offense that in that we can play the high- floor more than they did last “For all of us, the key is and 30 percent shooting from along offensively as it was was lacking last season with low, we can look for the inside season. our defense,” Mahoney said. beyond the arc last season. this time last season, Rizzotti Mahoney and then-senior game, but we can also step “There’s just a lot of tricks “There’s going to be some While the team has ex- said, but the roster carries the forward Kelli Prange slotted those guys out and have them to it,” Mahoney said. “Not a times for any team where hibited defensive excellence, pieces it needs to craft a new in a stretch-four position. be comfortable in the five-out lot of people are used to that your shots aren’t falling. But crashing the defensive glass style on the offensive end. Rizzotti said having Over- as well,” Rizzotti said. nor are they able to defend if you can withstand with is the weakest link on GW’s “We changed our offense cash, Gumbs and Mokwuah Mahoney – who led the against it, which is so exciting your defense and make sure protecting front. The Colo- a lot to suit Bri’s versatility, in the low-post gives the team team in three-point shooting to play.” that they’re not outscoring nials averaged 22.5 defensive we don’t have anybody like more flexibility to play inside- last season – said players in But with the majority of you, it’s going to be key.” sophomore forward finds commanding presence despite quiet nature

KERRI CORCORAN all but two games for GW last season CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR and recorded 217 rebounds to make her the second-best freshman re- Head coach Jennifer Rizzotti said bounder in the conference. she has to remind herself every day Employing her athleticism and that her stand out forward is just a versatility, Luma has been able to sophomore. carve out a coveted position on the Neila Luma found herself in the squad as player who can take on var- starting lineup for the Colonials last ious roles. Although she is rostered year, where she fought for a team- as a forward, her speed allows her to high 217 rebounds in her freshman slide into the guard position. campaign. Now heading into her “Neila is so athletic that she can second season, the quiet, focused almost play a guard position,” senior forward is expected to play a com- forward Kelsi Mahoney said. “She’s manding role at the center of the ac- not going to be put in that position tion for the Colonials. a lot, but there’s certain instances Rizzotti said she will count on when she will.” OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR HATCHET FILE PHOTO Luma to rebound and score as she When practices began this fall, Fourth-year forward Kelsi Mahoney and guard Mei-Lyn Bautista provide stability for a women’s basketball is the returning underclassman with Rizzotti began pushing Luma to team that returns just five members of last season’s active roster. the most experience – averaging 26.9 speak up on the floor to take her minutes per game last year. But as a game to the next level. top returner on the court, Luma will Luma said recently in a play-call- be forced to raise her voice to help ing drill in practice, freshman guard senior women’s basketball duo lead an inexperienced squad. Maddie Loder was calling plays on “That’s something that I’m work- her own when Rizzotti shouted to ing on,” Luma said. “Just not getting Luma from the sidelines to step in in my own head and being able to and take more control. guides young roster communicate more with my team- “I shouldn’t have to let her do mates when they really need me.” it on her own,” Luma said. “Since I The head coach began recruiting know the plays, I know what we’re WILL MARGERUM said. “It’s not about how you For the team’s four freshmen, Luma when she was just a freshman trying to do and I should be there to STAFF WRITER look or how you score, it’s about Bautista and Mahoney’s knowl- in high school and Rizzotti was still help her out.” how does your team look when edge and reliability have made leading the squad at Hartford, Luma Despite not being the loudest Fourth-year guard Mei-Lyn you’re on it. And Mei and Kelsi the transition into college basket- said. voice on the court, Luma’s work Bautista and forward Kelsi Ma- make everybody look better.” ball easier. Rizzotti then extended an offer ethic and quiet presence on the court honey provide stability for a While Bautista got the re- “They’re some of the best to Luma when she was hired at GW speak volumes to her teammates. women’s basketball team that sponsibility of playing heavy leaders that I’ve seen,” freshman two years ago, and Luma decided to Freshman center Kayla Mokwuah returns just five members of last minutes immediately as a fresh- guard Maddie Loder said. “They follow her, she said. said Luma has been instrumental in season’s active roster. man, stand-out forwards like work so hard all the time, they “When she made her transi- leading by example to show under- The seniors have won two 2016-graduate and current never, ever take a play off.” tion here, she told me that she still classmen what is expected of a play- Atlantic 10 Championships fol- WNBA player Jonquel Jones and Sophomore forward Neila wanted me and I was like, ‘I love this er in the program. lowed by NCAA tournament ap- 2017-graduate Caira Washing- Luma – who averaged 26.9 min- school, I love the area, I love her,’” “She’s definitely a more quiet pearances and have played in utes on the court as a rookie Luma said. leader compared to someone like postseason competition every last season – said she looks With her second season under Mei, but how she does lead is with year they have been in the pro- up to the duo for their vocal Rizzotti about to start, Luma said she her actions and how she plays – con- gram. Their experience will be 65 leadership. She said watching was able to “learn what this program stantly working hard, constantly pivotal heading into their final the duo play has influenced is all about” and gain confidence in hustling,” Mokwuah said. campaign at the Smith Center victories her growth as a player, and herself playing under Rizzotti, which Freshman guard Tori Hyduke surrounded by a squad look- she has especially looked to contributed to her successful first said as a new player, she appreciates ing to defend its conference Mahoney as a mentor as they year in the program. the example Luma has set for her re- championship despite return- 2 ran alongside each other in “She has put a lot of confidence cruiting class, but would like to see ing just five members of last the frontcourt last season. in me and she’s told me many times her be more vocal on the court once season’s active roster. championship Rizzotti said the team’s that I just can’t doubt myself,” Luma the season starts. “We want to make sure best offense is made up of said. “Sometimes you would like her that they know what they’re games Luma and Mahoney are to- Luma was anticipated to contrib- to step out and tell us what to do,” doing right and know what gether on the court in a five- ute right away and quickly became Hyduke said. “But just seeing how they’re doing wrong,” Ma- out lineup. an integral part of the women’s bas- hard she works even in her quiet honey said. “Half the battle is Mahoney said she and ketball team under the glass, starting manner helps a lot, too.” knowing what they’re doing in their tenure Bautista are “best buds” wrong so we can fix it.” both on and off the court The two players are the and their ability to be hon- only members who played un- ton carried the floor as Mahoney est and open with each other der former head coach Jonathan watched on and matured as a on the floor helps them be more Tsipis – who helmed the program player from the bench. effective. from 2012 to 2016 – and the only Last season was the first time As the duo heads into their ones with more than two years of in their careers Mahoney and senior season, they shoulder the experience in the program under Bautista found themselves in the weight of the defending A-10 head coach Jennifer Rizzotti. starting lineup together and both Championship team. With one “We know the offense in and players averaged more than 27 final chance to punch their ticket out, we know the defense in and minutes on the court. to the Big Dance, their under- out and we’re striving to be per- Their differing paths to prom- classmen teammates said they fect and get our teammates to feel inence mean each senior can of- have Bautista and Mahoney in comfortable,” Mahoney said. fer unique advice to teammates mind when they take the court Directing a group that in- based on their own experiences, because they want to help the se- cludes nine rostered under- Bautista said. niors wrap up their careers on a classmen and lacks substantial “When it comes to being high note. A-10 experience, Bautista and a leader and giving advice to “We want to get to another Mahoney’s consistency on the these younger guys, they can get NCAA tournament for Mei floor is a “confidence boost” for two sides from it,” Bautista said. and Kelsi, that would be the the team and helps get Rizzotti “They can get the side that knew perfect way for us to cap it off “through the week,” she said. what it took to play all four years for them,” Loder said. “That’s OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR “They make players around – and the side that’s, ‘hey, I had to definitely in the back of our Heading into her second year, forward Neila Luma is expected to play a command- them better, and that’s the ul- work hard every day on my own minds – it’s what we’re build- ing role at the center of the action for the Colonials. timate compliment,” Rizzotti hours to make sure I play.’” ing toward.” THE GW HATCHET BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW November 5, 2018 • Page 5 Men’s basketball lacks clear option for go-to scorer

BARBARA ALBERTS ugh and went on to MADELEINE COOK | ketball experience on defense.” SPORTS EDITOR average 5.1 more terry nolan jr. SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER under their belts Nolan and Mazzulla also points per game and may provide have the potential to be scoring For the first time in at least than the next Co- guard the answer to the threats for the team this season 21 years, men’s basketball en- lonial on the roster. team’s scoring after improving their shoot- ters the season without a re- This season deficit – but both ing game over the summer and turning player who averaged when it’s crunch are just as unpre- working on their offensive play, double-digit points. time and the dictable. Williams Joseph said. The lack of depth in offen- team needs quick was never a heavy Mazzulla said the Colonials sive power corners the team points, Joseph scorer at Illinois will play to their strengths by into relying on players who are tabbed sophomore and Potter aver- running offense in transition in- largely untested in the Atlantic guard Terry Nolan aged double-digit stead of running sets to get one 10 to pick up the slack. Jr. and redshirt ju- scoring at Charles- person the ball to score. Year after year, the Colonials nior guards Armel ton Southern, a Big Of the 2,225 total points GW have had reliable, high-scoring Potter and DJ Wil- South school, but scored last season, about 43 players including 2018-gradu- liams as players he has not been tested percent were picked up in the ate forward Yuta Watanabe and would feel com- against A-10 oppo- paint. But the Colonials’ offense former graduate student for- fortable taking nents. looks to be even faster on the ward Tyler Cavanaugh, who the shot down the Junior guard court compared to last season, averaged 16.3 and 18.3 points, stretch for GW. Jair Bolden, who when GW amassed double- respectively, to carry the of- “The fact that I transferred out digit fast break points in seven fense in their final year at GW. can’t answer that of the program in games. The program’s 2016 NIT Cham- with just one par- dj williams April, was the only Joseph said Potter can use pionship team was carried by ticular guy is a guard Colonial other his speed to find his way into the senior trio of forward Kevin good thing for us OLIVIA ANDERSON | than Watanabe to the paint and penetrate defense Larsen and guards Patricio Ga- this year,” Joseph PHOTO EDITOR average double- to find the hoop while also capi- rino and Joe McDonald, who to- said. “Now I feel digit points last talizing on the long-range shot. gether averaged 35.2 points per like we just have season with 11.2. “I can score the ball from all game. a greater wealth of Then-graduate three levels, three-point, mid- But this year, the team lost talent.” armel potter student forward range, finish at the rim,” Potter 67 percent of its offensive out- Nolan is the guard Patrick Steeves said. “We have a few players put in the offseason – the third team’s top scorer rounded out the who can score the ball in differ- year in a row roughly two- returning from top three averag- ent ways.” thirds of the Colonials’ offense last season, where ing 9.9 points per Williams, who dropped a has walked out the door. Unlike he averaged 9.1 game for GW. team-high 15 points for the Co- in previous seasons, there is no points per game as “We’re work- lonials in their exhibition game single player who is the clear a rookie and 3.2 re- ing right now to against Catholic last month, option to shoulder the scoring bounds while Pot- develop that go-to said the versatile guards and load for the men’s team. ter and Williams person, but right forwards in rotation should cre- With the team’s top return- sat out last sea- now our style of ate points for GW despite lack- ing scorer averaging single- son due to NCAA play has changed ing one go-to person. digit points, GW’s offensive transfer rules. The from last year to “For us it’s not going to be MADELEINE COOK | production will be more spread redshirt duo has SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER this year because one person because we have out than in past seasons among been practicing we have different so much depth, the focus isn’t players who have yet to test with the program players, different on one person,” Nolan said. their mettle on the floor, head for a year now, but their train- last season, but also scored five people, more agile people,” “I think other people will step coach Maurice Joseph said. ing has yet to translate on the points or fewer in five confer- sophomore guard Justin Maz- up so I don’t really think that Watanabe was called upon to court. ence outings. zulla said. “Scoring by com- we have a go-to scorer because start all 33 games last season to Nolan reached double-digit Potter and Williams both mittee is going to be beneficial we’re all capable and we’re all make up for the exit of Cavana- scoring totals in 12 contests have two years of college bas- because we’re going to be better depending on one another.”

lexus levy bautista tries to set tone guard for the future of women’s basketball in final year

BARBARA ALBERTS & second-best in the Atlantic “When Mei is on the KERRI CORCORAN 10. She did not commit a floor, the energy is so much CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITORS single postseason turnover different than when she’s on her way to helping the off,” Loder said. “She makes Senior guard Mei-Lyn Colonials capture the A-10 such a huge difference that Bautista knows she won’t Championship last season. we all have to learn from it.” be a Colonial forever. “I have a senior point Her ability to lead goes That’s why she’s head- guard who’s playing the beyond her position. De- ing into her senior season best basketball of her ca- spite playing as a point with the goal to leave a reer and is completely in guard her entire college legacy in the women’s bas- sync with what I want, how career, Bautista’s in-depth ketball program that will I want to play and what I knowledge of the game outlive her. The outspoken want to do,” Rizzotti said. has made her a valuable re- HATCHET FILE PHOTO guard may not hold any But Bautista still has source for players in all po- Sophomore guard Lexus Levy is one of two underclassmen who will be called upon to help run program records, but she’s work to do before she sitions on the court. the floor behind senior guard Mei-Lyn Bautista this season. known as a “fiery” leader hangs up her buff and blue “Mei will tell me how to on the court with a win-first uniform at the end of the post up, how to rebound,” mentality and constant de- 2018-19 season. She aver- 6-foot-4-inch freshman cen- sire to challenge herself. aged 8.1 points per game ter Kayla Mokwuah said. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STRUGGLES WITH “That’s one of my big- last season, a total Rizzotti “She’s a small point guard, gest goals,” Bautista said. said she expects to increase but she knows it.” “When I leave here, I want this year to fill the scoring As the true floor gen- the mentality that I have to void created by the depar- eral for the Colonials, Bau- LACK OF POINT GUARD DEPTH be set in stone for them.” ture of 2018-graduates Bri- tista’s energy is matched by her selfless nature as she “WHEN MEI IS ON THE FLOOR, THE pushes her limits and sup- ports teammates to do the AGAM MITTAL In the shooting guard and reduce wear-and-tear ENERGY IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT THAN same, redshirt sophomore SENIOR STAFF WRITER position, Tapias shot 29.8 on her body. WHEN SHE’S OFF” forward and fellow captain percent from beyond the arc Bautista said she has Sarah Overcash said. Head coach Jennifer – good for fifth on the team been “heavily relying” on MADDIE LODER “She wants to give ev- Rizzotti occupied the point – while averaging 23.0 min- Levy to fill in the backup FRESHMAN GUARD eryone else a shot,” Over- guard position during her utes on the court and start- point guard role behind her. cash said. “She will pass up famed collegiate and profes- ing all but two of GW’s 33 Levy, a 5-foot-6-inch her shot and be even more sional careers, but her own games. guard, appeared in all 33 Bautista, now one of the anna Cummings and Kelli excited when you score.” squad lacks depth in the po- Cummings was the games last season averag- team’s three captains, was Prange, the top two scorers Bautista said spend- sition. team’s leading scorer, av- ing 16.5 minutes per game. A called up as a sophomore last season. ing the last two seasons Freshman guard Tori eraging 14.3 points, 5.7 re- three-point specialist, Levy to run the floor behind a Freshman guard Mad- under Rizzotti, one of the Hyduke and redshirt sopho- bounds and 34.3 minutes converted 27 three-pointers trio of experienced guards die Loder – who is expected most accomplished point more guard Sydney Zam- per game. She was the only last year, the fourth-highest in head coach Jennifer Riz- to play as a backup point guards in women’s bas- brotta were slated as the next Colonial to start every game mark on the team. zotti’s first year leading the guard this season – said she ketball, put her in the best in line to run the floor be- for GW and shot 43.7 percent The other option to fill program. uses Bautista as a model for possible position for her hind senior guard Mei-Lyn from the field. Even though the point guard position is As she’s grown, Bautista her own development as a final season. Bautista, but an ACL injury she was not a traditional Loder, a 5-foot-11-inch fresh- has taken full ownership of point guard in the program. “She always tells me, has rendered Hyduke un- point guard, by the end of man who adds height to the the point guard position, During her own fresh- ‘you’re doing great right able to play and Zambrotta – the year the team relied on position’s typical profile. starting all but one matchup man year, Bautista averaged now but be better, you can a transfer from Louisville – is her to handle the ball and Loder, who said she has last season. In 20 of those over 11 minutes per game off always be better,’” Bautista forced to sit out this season run the offense in several played in the point guard contests, she committed the bench and dropped a to- said. “She’s never content due to NCAA transfer rules. scenarios – often when the position since fifth grade, one or fewer turnovers tal of 95 points – mostly from and satisfied with me, and With Hyduke and Zam- game was on the line. was initially told to expect to and owned a 2.8 assists her 25 three-pointers, good that’s why I think that’s brotta out of the realm of Now, GW’s lack of depth be playing in an off-ball role to turnover ratio that was for second on the squad. who I am right now.” possibilities, the responsi- and experience in the back- at GW but has now adopted bility of running the floor court leaves a hole and begs a mindset to be ready for ev- behind Bautista will instead the question of who will be erything. fall on sophomore guard handling the ball when Bau- “I have great other point Lexus Levy and freshman tista must inevitably take a guards, Mei and Lexus, and guard Maddie Loder, Riz- break. even Syd who played at Lou- zotti said. Rizzotti decided to call isville,” Loder said. “She’s “Neither one of them are on Levy and Loder as relief unbelievable at just telling true point guards, but both players because she has high me what she sees so I can of them have experience expectations for both of them work on that. It’ll be hard, but playing point, and I’ve chal- and thinks they can run the I think I’m ready for it.” lenged them to step up their floor better than most of the Bautista, who has run the game,” Rizzotti said. team when needed, she said. floor for GW since her fresh- Rizzotti said she’s confi- Bautista, who ranked man year, acknowledged the dent with Bautista taking the 14th nationally with a 2.82 learning curve that comes reins running the floor, but assist-to-turnover ratio last with the position for the she admitted it is “scary” to season, saw the court for an young guards coming up think about the lack of depth average of 32.9 minutes per behind her, but said she ex- at the position. game and was the only Co- pects her teammates to be Last season, the Colo- lonial to be named to a Pre- able to step up. nials relied on then-senior season All-Conference team “It isn’t easy coming off guard Camila Tapias to run prior to this season. the bench and running a mei-lyn bautista the floor, but as the season Despite her obvious team, because it’s not just guard progressed, Tapias fell into an prowess in the position, the any position, it’s the point off-ball guard role while fel- Queens, N.Y. native said guard position,” Bautista low fourth-year guard Brian- she needs more of an “even said. “When we have a back- OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR na Cummings and Bautista split” in time on the back- court, both of us should be Senior guard Mei-Lyn Bautista wants to impress her win-first mentality onto her teammates this split time running the point. court so she can stay fresh able to run the team.” season to help shape the culture of women’s basketball at GW for years to come. November 5, 2018 • Page 6 BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW THE GW HATCHET men’s basketball rookies use Athleticism to overcome experience

BELLE LONG forwards Bo Zei- MADELEINE COOK | MADELEINE COOK | Joseph said al- my personality of what I want REPORTER gler and Patrick SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER though he doesn’t our program to represent, how I Steeves. clear 6-feet, Brown want to play,” Joseph said. A trio of men’s basketball “He’s a huge displays charisma To round out the new fresh- freshmen will try to use a com- body, we need on the court and man class, Offurum – a 6-foot-6- bination of height, strength and someone like that,” “thinks he’s 6-feet- inch forward – will be expected confidence to make up for their sophomore guard 9-inches and 240.” to use his ability to shoot well, inexperience at the college bas- Terry Nolan Jr. “The energy excel in transition and defend ketball level. said. “He’s kind of is something you down the line to become a dy- Eleven inches separates the like Arnaldo Toro can always control, namic threat on the court. shortest first-year player from in a sense but he’s whether you’re “I know coach brought me the tallest and the three players just more filled.” playing good or here to be an athlete wherever hold various positions on the Littles was a bad,” Brown said. we need help and to just fill that court – but together, forwards top-150 prospect “Other guys feed spot and make up for any defi- Marcus Littles and Mezie Offu- out of high school, off of it too, then ciencies that the team is hav- rum and guard Shandon Brown when he led his you start to see ing,” Offurum said. bring a much-needed combina- Neumann Goretti guys that aren’t as As a senior at Georgetown tion of energy, size and versatil- team in Philadel- outgoing start to Prep in Bethesda, Md., Offurum ity to the court for GW. phia to four state show some emo- averaged 11.8 points and 6.7 re- Head coach Maurice Joseph titles. He averaged tion and it’s sort of bounds per game and helped said the three rookies’ skills 9.6 points and 7.4 a chain reaction.” his school win its second con- play into the team’s uptempo rebounds per game shandon brown mezie offrum The Boston na- secutive Interstate Athletic strategy, which will be a hall- as a senior. guard forward tive was regarded Conference title. mark of the team’s showing this The freshman as one of the top His combination of size and season. sat out the team’s prospects in the athleticism has drawn Joseph to Joseph said each freshman Oct. 28 exhibition area and averaged compare the first-year player to fills a hole left by a former against Catholic 17.7 points, 14 as- 2018-graduate Watanabe, who player and they will begin to with an ankle in- sists and 2.3 re- made his NBA debut with the solidify their roles in an effort jury, but will be bounds per game Memphis Grizzlies last month. to rebuild over the next couple available for the marcus littles during his se- “Mezie Offurum is one of the years. team’s season forward nior year at New more talented freshmen we’ve “We’ve added pieces that opener against Hampton School. had here in a while, extremely we’ve lacked,” Joseph said. Stony Brook Tues- The guard led his versatile, he can play in the “We’re continuing to put the day, according to team to a champi- open court, shoot the ball, and pieces together to really ensure an athletic depart- onship and mul- play and guard multiple posi- that our future is set up for suc- ment spokesman. tiple playoff runs. tions,” Joseph said. cess.” The squad Joseph said According to their team- At 6 feet 9 inches, Littles struggled to re- Brown is one of the mates, this year’s class came plays larger than his name im- bound against the most “mentally- into the offseason with the same plies. Tied as the tallest rostered Cardinals, which ready” freshmen determination and toughness as Colonial, Littles fulfills the role Joseph said could he has ever seen the rest of the roster, allowing of a true big man – a position be remedied by and his leader- them to fit in right away. the program has not seen since Littles’ presence OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR ship on the court “If they come onto the court 2016-graduate forward Kevin on the floor. earned him cap- and put in the work and have Larsen, Joseph said. “My goal is to tain votes from his that fight and grit then it’ll be He will be key for the Co- hopefully rebound to the best Coming in nearly a foot teammates before playing a sin- a good fit into our culture and lonials in filling the rebound- of my ability, and be the strong shorter at 5-feet-10-inches, what gle college game, Joseph said. we’ll have that platform of fight, ing gap left by the departure presence in the paint that we Brown lacks in size, he makes up “He’s tough as nails and grit, being great,” sophomore of guard Yuta Watanabe and need,” Littles said. for with energy and confidence. he’s a guy that kind of reflects guard Justin Mazzulla said. transfers look to change freshmen boost height college career trajectory for women’s basketball roster

maddie loder as colonials guard AGAM MITTAL positions in high school, “Offensively, he’s a SENIOR STAFF WRITER and I played point guard, guy who can pull smaller and not a lot of people guards and go around Two transfers hope to know that,” Williams bigger forwards,” Joseph revive their college careers said. “I can facilitate as said. “So he has versatil- in Foggy Bottom, search- well, and I can be a great ity there.” ing for a fresh start as ma- defender, which is some- Williams stormed out jor contributors for men’s thing I want to prove to of the gates in an exhibi- basketball this season. people.” tion game against Catho- Redshirt junior guards He entered his ca- lic last month, where he DJ Williams and Armel reer at Illinois with lofty defined his first game as Potter arrived at GW last expectations, as he was a Colonial by scoring a year to play for head coach touted the No. 64 recruit team-leading 15 points. Maurice Joseph after stints in the 2015 ESPN 100, “His ability to score at their previous schools but played sparingly for around the rim is tremen- did not meet their expec- the team. He appeared dous,” sophomore guard tations. The duo brings in only 17 games as a Terry Nolan Jr. said. “His kayla mokwuah mayowa taiwo experience to a team with sophomore, including postgame is, I want to say, center forward no four-year seniors and two career starts, and had NBA-level.” a young but eager back- a career-high of just nine Potter, a 6-foot-1-inch OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR court that has yet to prove points in a game. combo guard who can it can handle a fast-paced As a recruit Potter was both score and distribute transition offense. an unranked, two-star the ball, will be a good BELLE LONG pactful role. guard, so coach understands “I definitely see this as guard and did not make fit in an offense trying to REPORTER The Orono, Minn. native that there are still some a second opportunity so I as many waves as Wil- pick up its pace from last was a 1,000 point scorer and things I need to work on,” can finally show what I’m liams during the recruit- season, Joseph said. The rookie class for averaged 25.5 points and Taiwo said. “But she really “He brings a tre- women’s basketball adds 8.3 rebounds per game dur- wants me to keep rebound- mendous amount of height up and down the ing her senior year at Orono ing and work on defense.” speed and dynamics roster, allowing the squad to High School. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, “I definitely see this as a second with the ball,” Joseph make up for some of its inex- Rizzotti has Loder shift- Mokwuah is the tallest Co- opportunity so I can finally show said. “He’s a blur perience and lack of size in ing into the backup point lonial by 3 inches and the in transition, he has previous seasons. guard position, even though team’s first rostered center what I’m capable of and how I great quickness in the Three of the four first- she said she was told during since Sara Mostafa in 2013. half court and has the year players boast notable the recruiting process she As a senior at Wilbraham & can impact the team.” ability to get his feet size for their position. At 6 would be playing an off-ball Monson Academy in Wil- in the paint almost at feet 4 inches, freshman Kayla role. braham, Mass., she averaged DJ WILLIAMS will.” Mokwuah is the team’s first “It’s just a little bit of a 19 rebounds per game. REDSHIRT JUNIOR GUARD In their time away rostered center since 2013. mindset change,” Loder “She is a great shot- from the floor last Forward Mayowa Taiwo, said. “When she calls on blocker and will add that to season, both guards who clocks in at 6 feet, has you, you have to be ready.” our resume,” Rizzotti said. said they took the op- been practicing as a guard Standing 5 inches taller “When she’s in the game, capable of and how I can ing process. portunity to tune up their and guard Maddie Loder than starting senior point she’ll be able to protect the impact the team,” Wil- During the same pe- play and get game-ready is 1 inch shorter – adding guard Mei-Lyn Bautista and rim better than anyone we liams said. riod, Potter was a major ahead of their return to considerable height to the more comfortable matching had last year.” The two transfers are contributor at Charles- the game. team’s backcourt. up against players on the Although her role will next in a long line of im- ton Southern, but the Big A seat on the bench Although a learning wing, Loder brings a distinct likely be limited this season, pactful players who have South program garnered gave Potter a bird’s eye curve is to be expected dur- style to the position. Bautista Rizzotti said it is rare to se- restarted their college just 21 wins between the view that he said im- ing a player’s first year said her differences allow cure a player at Mokwuah’s careers in Foggy Bottom. 2015-16 and 2016-17 sea- proved his mental game against college competition, the Colonials to play a more height that can be as effec- Forward Isaiah Armwood sons while Potter was on and gave him a new per- head coach Jennifer Rizzotti well-rounded game. tive below the hoop as she is led GW to a 25-9 record the roster. spective to apply to his said the class will be “thrown “She’s definitely going on the perimeter. during the 2013-14 sea- The Buccaneers held own in-game decisions. into the fire” and needs to be to be someone who con- Although Hyduke is son, his final as a Colo- a losing record of 9-21 “I was watching a lot ready at a moment’s notice tributes offensively and de- sitting out this season, the nial, and forward Tyler during Potter’s fresh- of body language, the to step up on the court for fensively which is what I’m guard said she will spend Cavanaugh helped the man campaign. The way people reacted to the Colonials. excited about because I take her year on the bench Colonials to a program- rookie made 25 starts this and that,” Potter said. “You can’t really predict pride in defense and so does studying up on strategy best 29-10 record and an and averaged 13.8 points “Those were the things I what a freshman is going to coach Rizzotti,” Bautista and helping teammates NIT Championship in in 30 minutes per game was really paying atten- do until they’re out there. said. “Her length is perfect by keeping a watchful eye 2016. Others have come to earn All-Big South tion to that I knew I had They’re all gifted,” Rizzotti when we’re guarding a big- over their play. from mid-level programs Conference Freshman to work on myself in or- said. ger guard.” Loder and Mokwuah and thrived, playing key Team honors. der to be the best me on The fourth freshman, The third-year coach said they have been ex- roles after transitioning to Despite the players’ the court.” 5-foot-6-inch guard Tori Hy- tabbed Taiwo – a forward pected to learn quickly, but the Atlantic 10. disappointing pasts at Di- During Williams’ year duke, fills a more traditional who averaged 13.7 rebounds the coaching staff and other Williams hails from vision I programs, head off the court, he said he point guard profile, but will per game in her final year players have been helping the Simeon Career Acad- coach Maurice Joseph hit the gym to work on sit out the season due to in- at Rockbridge Academy in prepare the freshmen for col- emy in Chicago, where said Williams and Pot- his conditioning and im- jury, Rizzotti said. Maryland – as someone she lege play so they can jump in he played alongside NBA ter are ready to come off prove his jump shot since Given that multiple can count on to average five the game when called upon. lottery pick Jabari Parker. the bench into important his days at Illinois. backcourt players graduated or more rebounds per game. “We don’t know how Parker once compared positions on this year’s “I think the notion at Il- in the spring and an ACL in- Despite being rostered as much we’re going to play so Williams to fellow Chi- roster. linois was that you can sag jury dropped Hyduke – who a forward, Taiwo has been we just have to be prepared cago-native and current Joseph said Williams, a off me and let me shoot a was primed to be one of the practicing as a guard, she for anything,” Loder said. New Orleans Pelicans 6-foot-7-inch guard, stands jump shot and just live team’s main ball handlers said, adding more height “Whether that’s five minutes center Jahlil Okafor, call- out for his ability guard up with it,” Williams said. – over the summer, Rizzotti to the perimeter alongside or 25 minutes, we have to be ing him “next in line.” and down the court on the “But I don’t think people will be looking first to Loder Loder. ready to play our best bas- “I played all different defensive end. will want to do that now.” to step up and take on an im- “This is my first year as a ketball when called upon.” THE GW HATCHET BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW November 5, 2018 • Page 7 ‘synonymous with success’: How a-10 coaches size up women’s basketball

BARBARA ALBERTS tough matchup for the Patriots. SPORTS EDITOR “She definitely has shown that in a short time that you can put your stamp on a very Teams spend hours studying film, scouting good program and continue to make it grow,” players and sizing up opponents before game Milleson said. day rolls around. Conference play for wom- Fordham head coach Stephanie Gaitley – en’s basketball may not begin for months, but who has spent a combined 23 seasons coach- in the Atlantic 10, the competition’s eyes are ing in the A-10 – called GW’s program “syn- turning toward GW. onymous with success.” A-10 coaches said head coach Jennifer “You always feel like they’re going to be Rizzotti’s reputation of success at the coach- in the mix, always hanging around to make a ing level and championship “pedigree” as a play for the title,” Gaitley said. player at UConn have helped her set the tone Fordham tied GW for third place in the at GW to continue its tradition of winning. conference preseason poll and will kick off its Before Rizzotti took over the program, the conference play against GW – a match Gaitley Colonials were thriving under head coach said she anticipates being decided in the final Jonathan Tsipis, who led the Colonials for four five minutes because both teams are vying for seasons. In Tsipis’ final two years, the Colo- the same conference standing. nials went a combined 55–11, culminating While Gaitley said the team is fundamen- with a conference title and an appearance in tally sound across the board, senior guard the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Mei-Lyn Bautista has shown up on her radar Rizzotti got off to a hot start during her first as the team’s “unsung hero.” season in 2016-17, when the Colonials came “What I like about her is her fire and her away with the regular season crown, before leadership,” Gaitley said. “I think she’s a great being knocked out of the A-10 Championship extension of Jen.” in the quarterfinal. The head coach returned FILE PHOTO BY DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Saint Louis head coach Lisa Stone said for her second season ready for redemption Other Atlantic 10 coaches said head coach Jennifer Rizzotti’s reputation of success at the coach- Bautista is like a “mini coach” on the floor and and clinched the A-10 Championship title to ing level and her championship “pedigree” as a player have helped her continue the tradition of the team’s backbone. score a spot in the NCAA Tournament, an winning at GW. “When you have your toughest kid as achievement she credited to the “tradition” of your point guard, good things are going to winning she inherited in Foggy Bottom. in the last four years and seven in program tion that we’re going to be a hard team to play happen,” Stone said. “She’s their leader and “GW’s women’s basketball team is prob- history to lead the A-10 in championship titles. against.” they’re going to go as far as that girl will lead ably one of the most disciplined teams in the The program with the next highest number of La-Force said Rhode Island’s game against them.” conference,” Rhode Island head coach Daynia tournament wins is Saint Joseph’s with three. GW last season was one of the better matches Even with GW coming in as the defend- La-Force said. “For coach Rizzotti to recently Coaches around the league said GW’s of the year because the Colonials competed at ing A-10 champions, coaches were hesitant get to GW and win a championship, I think relentless defense and its versatile, speedy a high level of play for the full 40 minutes. to call the Colonials the team to beat because is more of a testament to the players and their offense is a reflection of the work put inby “GW always demands that you play at a for many, they see the A-10 as competitive willingness to buy in and be disciplined.” Rizzotti to get players to buy into her system high level,” La-Force said. “If you’re a team enough that it’s anyone’s game. The team jumped in preseason poll rank- and trust her as their leader. Others said the that can bring that to the game, it’s definitely Stone said this season’s squad, new faces ings this year, coming in tied with Fordham Colonials embody discipline and consistency, going to call for a good game.” and all, “hands down” should be able to keep for third after being picked fourth and six in which feeds into their success. George Mason head coach Nyla Mille- up the same level of success as years past be- previous years, a slight dip from the first- and “I’m glad that they feel that way about us son, who enters her sixth season helming the cause of Rizzotti’s leadership. second-place picks it received in the 2015-16 because we feel the same way about our op- program, said GW’s physicality paired with “They’re going to play to win every game and 2014-15 seasons, respectively. ponents,” Rizzotti said. “It forces me to imple- a defense that will “take advantage of every and that comes from their coach,” Stone said. GW has won three A-10 Championships ment that level of discipline and that expecta- mistake” has historically made the Colonials a “She’s a winner.”

Women’s Basketball women fill holes, while men develop young players

1. Duquesne From Page 1 and forward Mayowa Taiwo – expand GW’s the chance to develop together like the senior ability to play high-low and inside ball. trio from the 2015-16 season. Joseph said his 2. Dayton While new additions help boost the over- current personnel also have the chance to puts a target on their back in conference play all height of the roster, the team’s backcourt mature together and produce a champion- T3. Fordham – a sentiment opposing coaches in the A-10 behind Bautista is thin without an experi- ship down the line. echoed. enced backup ball handler. Loder and soph- “We’re a program right now that’s on the T3. George Washington The team returns just five members omore guard Lexus Levy will need to step rise,” Joseph said. “We have a young group 5. Saint Joseph’s from last season’s active roster and will be up and run the floor to give Bautista a break of talent with no seniors that’s going to grow forced to rely on green players – like fresh- after she averaged 32.9 minutes per game old together.” 6. VCU man guard Maddie Loder or redshirt sopho- last season. The team’s most experienced player is more forwards Sarah Overcash and Olivia “There’s a target on our back because junior forward Arnaldo Toro, who has been 7. Saint Louis Gumbs – down low and occasionally in the we beat out a lot of teams that think that we in and out of the team’s starting five since his point guard position. With a majority of her stole the championship away from them,” freshman year. Toro had a team-leading 6.9 8. George Mason team untested in college play, Rizzotti said Mahoney said. “Obviously we don’t see that rebounds per game and started 27 matches the team’s youth will not excuse mistakes or because we worked our butts off and came as a sophomore. 9. Massachusetts losses. into it with a mindset of winning and bring- Toro said the team’s preseason place- 10. Richmond “It tests my patience a little bit more, but ing home another trophy.” ment has motivated them to exceed expec- I won’t lower the standard, and they know Despite the lack of experience, the tations this season and the young roster will 11. Davidson that,” Rizzotti said. “They’re either going to women had extra time to get their feet wet find success as they mature. figure out how to live up to that standard as this summer when they embarked on a 10- “We know what we can do and we know 12. St. Bonaventure young players or they’re going to fail and day foreign tour playing four figure it out next year. That’s where we’re games in Spain. 13. Rhode Island at.” Rizzotti said she will never Although both programs run parallel lower the standard of disci- “they’re either going to figure out 14. La Salle to each other in inexperience and coaches pline and skill in her program who have finally settled into their programs, and the incoming team’s rela- how to live up to that standard as the expectations for each team could not be tive inexperience is no reason young players or they’re going to fail Men’s Basketball more different. to start that now. “I need to make sure that and figure it out next year.” Rising to the occasion my expectations are about 1. Saint Louis Four freshmen and six sophomores com- growth and patience,” Rizzotti jennifer rizzotti prise the bulk of the women’s basketball said. “I’m still going to be de- head coach, women’s basketball 2. Saint Joseph’s team and represent the youngest squad Riz- manding the best out of them zotti has coached thus far. and a level of consistency that 3. Davidson Rizzotti will see a challenging year ahead is really hard to meet as fresh- 4. George Mason but is determined to live up to last season’s men and sophomores.” for sure we’re going to prove a lot of people success, she said. wrong,” Toro said. “I think it’s wide open for 5. Rhode Island “Last year was really critical for me, and Arming themselves for the future us, we have a great opportunity to have a I feel like our staff worked really hard to buy A championship might not be in the im- good team in this league.” 6. Dayton them in,” Rizzotti said. “And winning at the mediate future for the men’s team, but Jo- In an effort to lessen the learning curve, end adds that credibility.” seph said he sees a lot of parallels between the Colonials spent the entire summer in 7. VCU Redshirt sophomore forwards Sarah the 2016 NIT Championship squad and the Foggy Bottom, working out for the season Overcash and Olivia Gumbs, and sopho- men on his hands now. while fostering a connection among players. 8. Massachusetts more forward Neila Luma are three mem- Larsen, Garino and McDonald spent all For the Colonials, the season looks like bers of women’s basketball’s young core. four years in the men’s basketball program an uphill battle getting experience under the 9. St. Bonaventure The team’s returning core – senior guard together and after going 14–17 their rookie belts of young players while building a foun- 10. Richmond Mei-Lyn Bautista, senior forward Kelsi Ma- season, they went on to record three con- dation for the team, Joseph said. honey and sophomore forward Neila Luma secutive 20-plus win seasons – including a “Having a team with no seniors can be a 11. Duquesne – will again be relied upon heavily to contrib- 29–10 record in their final season in 2015-16. good thing or it can be a bad thing,” Joseph ute minutes on the court. The trio will also be “Those guys stuck with it and stuck to- said. “But I’m looking forward to the future 12. La Salle called up to increase their point production gether and ended up having the most suc- of our program.” to fill the void left by Cummings, who aver- cessful year in program history because they The men’s team kicks off its official sea- 13. George Washington aged 14.3 points per game. got old together,” Joseph said. son hosting Stony Brook 7 p.m. Tuesday. The The Colonials’ incoming crop of fresh- Every player on this year’s lineup has at women’s team travels to James Madison 7 14. Fordham men – especially center Kayla Mokwuah least two years of eligibility left, giving them p.m. Thursday to start the 2018-19 season.

Men’s Basketball Home game Away game Basketball Hall of Fame tip off Cancun Challenge A10 Championships

NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR.

6 Vs. Stony Brook 7:00 PM 1 At Princeton 4:00 PM 6 At Saint Joseph’s 2:00 PM 6 Vs. VCU 7:00 PM 2 Vs. St. Bonaventure 4:00 PM 8 Vs. Siena 7:00 PM 5 Vs. Towson 7:00 PM 9 Vs. Dayton 7:00 PM 9 At Richmond 6:00 PM 6 At Fordham 7:00 PM 11 At Virginia 2:00 PM 9 Vs. George Mason 2:00 PM 8 Vs. Valaparaiso 4:00 PM 12 Vs. Richmond 4:00 PM 13 Vs. Saint Louis 6:30 PM 17 Michigan 12:00 PM 13 First round 1:00 PM 16 At La Salle 8:00 PM 16 At Duquesne 12:00 PM 18 South Carolina 1:30 PM 14 Vs. Howard 7:00 PM 14 Second round 12:00 PM 20 Vs. Massachusetts 7:00 PM 18 Providence 4:00 PM 22 At Harvard 2:00 PM 20 Vs. Duquesne 4:00 PM 15 Quarter nals 12:00 PM 24 Vs. Manhattan 4:00 PM 23 At Davidson 7:00 PM 23 At VCU 2:00 PM 29 Vs. American 2:00 PM 16 Semi nals 1:00 PM 28 Vs. UVM 7:00 PM 26 At George Mason 7:00 PM 26 At Rhode Island 7:00 PM 17 Championship 1:00 PM Women’s Basketball NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. 1 Vs. Memphis 2:00 PM 3 At Saint Louis 2:00 PM 8 At James Madison 7:00 PM 2 Vs. Monmouth 2:00 PM 2 At Richmond 11:00 AM 5 Vs. Fordham 11:00 AM 11 Vs. Princeton 2:00 PM 6 At George Mason 7:00 PM 6 Vs. Villanova 7:00 PM 9 At Rhode Island 7:00 PM 5 First round TBD 14 Vs. Maryland 7:00 PM 12 Vs. Dayton 12:00 PM 10 Vs. Saint Joseph’s 12:00 PM 9 At USF 2:00 PM 18 At Iona 1:00 PM 16 At La Salle 5:00 PM 17 At Dayton 12:00 PM 8 Second round TBD 22 Georgia Tech 4:00 PM 19 Vs. George Mason 2:00 PM 21 Vs. Mercer 12:00 PM 20 At Massachusetts 7:00 PM 9 Semi nals TBD 23 NC State 4:00 PM 23 Vs. VCU 7:00 PM 29 At William & Mary 2:00 PM 27 At Duquesne 2:00 PM 24 Vs. St. Bonaventure 12:00 PM 27 Vs. Towson 7:00 PM 10 Championship TBD 31 Vs. Davidson 12:00 PM 27 Vs. Duquesne 7:00 PM

EMILY RECKO | GRAPHICS EDITOR WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK How many faculty and staff responded to an institutional culture survey last month p. 9 FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “While this issue has largely sat on the back burner for the past two years, it is time for students to revive the discussion about unlimted Metro passes for students.” OpinionsNovember 5, 2018 • Page 8 —JACOB TAFRATE, A HATCHET WRITER published Nov. 1 STAFF EDITORIAL It is time to rename the Marvin Center Building names are don’t know much about schools, Georgetown Uni- largely symbolic. Univer- Marvin and may not be af- versity and the University sities and other organiza- fected by the fact that he is of Pittsburgh have recently tions plaster the names of the namesake of our student changed buildings that were prominent leaders, donors center, but he should not be named after individuals as- and other highly-regarded honored on campus. sociated with slavery and fi gures on buildings to hon- He was the longest serv- the Tuskegee experiments, or an individual’s achieve- ing president, heading GW which conducted human ments. But at GW, the Uni- from 1927 to 1959, but his trials on black men with- versity elected to name the legacy is overshadowed out their informed consent. Marvin Center after former by the fact that he pushed The University should fol- University President Cloyd against desegregation and low in the footsteps of these Heck Marvin and in doing had a silencing nature to- schools by bravely remov- so, decided to celebrate a ward students and staff ing former leaders from racist. who disagreed with him. their monuments if they During his tenure as Although some students were given pedestals they president, Marvin doubled from minority groups were don’t deserve. enrollment, tripled faculty admitted during Marvin’s If administrators decide size and increased the en- term, he restricted these stu- to change the name of the dowment eight times over. dents to night courses as he Marvin Center, it could be a Those numbers are sig- believed that students per- watershed moment for other nifi cant, and past Univer- formed best when they were buildings with controversial sity presidents and admin- in a “homogenous group.” names. The task force, while istrators have supported As president, Marvin also focused on the student cen- celebrating him by having often punished students for Cartoon by Maggie Grobowski ter, is also scrutinizing other his name plastered outside criticizing him and his ad- buildings like Lisner Au- and inside the heart of GW. ministration. ditorium, which declined But the former president The current administra- When the building was so much more. The pur- on his students. Students entry to black patrons. Each also employed racist poli- tion at GW may not have named after Marvin in 1970, pose of this building is to have supported renam- and every building that the cies and attitudes toward his decided to name the Mar- students protested and those bring all types of students ing the building for years task force wants to evalu- own students, administra- vin Center after a man who protests have ceased to end together for a myriad of rea- and a university president ate should be addressed on tors and faculty. was racist, but they have more than 40 years later. sons. With that in mind, it is should stand behind their a case-by-case basis and the Student Association the power to change it – Task forces and forums especially inappropriate for students, but if he wants to University should be re- leaders pushed for admin- and they should. Ignoring have encouraged adminis- the former president’s name support the current name sponsive on whether they istrators to re-evaluate the this fact and ignoring the trators to change the name to be attached to such an – like former University agree with the group. Marvin Center and other requests of students, who of the student center for integral part of campus. In Presidents Lloyd Elliott and Renaming a building buildings with controver- have advocated this change years, but it shouldn’t take a time when administrators Stephen Joel Trachtenberg doesn’t change history. But sial names last year. Un- for years, is unacceptable. multiple meetings spanning are working to create a more – he should say so, because to uplift an individual who fortunately, the task force To continue to celebrate this years to determine that this inclusive campus, it is unac- as the spokesperson of the advocated against certain stalled before the group man, who did not stand for man is not a representative ceptable that administrators University his standing students on the basis of could off er any suggestions the values of the University, that GW should be proud leave his name on a platform should be know, so students race and did not represent for new names, but leaders is disrespectful to the GW of, and we must change the that is intended to bring the can be informed on how he the University’s values is relaunched the group last community. name immediately. community together. has responded to their re- an insult to former, current month and plan to work di- This is not the fi rst time The Marvin Center With this rebooted task quests. and prospective students rectly with administrators students have advocated serves as the student cen- force, University Presi- Changing building alike. It’s time to fi nally lis- and faculty to spark mean- the University to change the ter, but its also an unoffi cial dent Thomas LeBlanc has names on college campuses ten to students and change ingful change. name of the Marvin Center, dining hall, popular study a chance to make a lasting is not a new phenomenon. the name of the Marvin Most students probably but it should be the last. space, conference area and and meaningful impact In fact, two of GW’s peer Center. Essay: Trump’s new defi nition of The University must continue gender would make me invisible advising students who take on

t’s a scary time to be that I didn’t fi t in the box I’d genetic makeup. transgender in America. been put in. I had been steal- The administration is 18th credit Trust me, I speak from ing my brother’s clothes since attempting to chase trans Iexperience. elementary school and when- people back into the closet hen students adviser and tacked on academically now that Rates of violence against ever my friends and I would by making it nearly impos- register for a fee of $1,500 to a stu- they have the option to the transgender community play house, I always wanted sible to legally transition. This courses in the dent’s tuition. When take an 18th credit in or- are at record highs, and Presi- to play the brother. People new defi nition would pre- Wnext few weeks, it will the new policy is imple- der to keep up. Now that dent Donald Trump has tried around me threw the label vent transgender individuals be the last registration mented in the fall, stu- this credit is free, it will to ban transgender people “tomboy” at me and fi gured from being able to change that they are restricted dents will be able to become the standard from the military. Now, the that it covered all the bases. their gender markers on le- to 17 credit hours. The choose 18 credits worth for students rather than Trump administration is While there are plenty of gal documents like birth cer- next time students race of classes without super- an extra academic chal- waging a war on the legal girls that enjoy activities that tifi cates, driver’s licenses and to register for courses, vision included in the lenge. defi nition of gender in an at- are labeled as being for boys, passports, eff ectively eras- they will be able to take price of tuition. Some students may tempt to erase transgender I’m not one of them. But say- ing transgender people from an 18th credit complete- Students were previ- prioritize saving time people from our country’s ing I’m a boy feels almost as public life. This new defi ni- ly free of charge. But this ously required to sub- and money over saving narrative. No matter what wrong as saying I’m a girl. tion would also indirectly roll decision may have unin- mit a form and report their academic record. this administration says, we It took me a while to acquire back anti-discrimination pro- tended consequences. their grades to take an But graduating a year aren’t going anywhere and the vocabulary I needed to tections for trans people. At the recommen- 18th credit. This system early with the help of an we certainly won’t go quietly. articulate what I am, but once The consequences that dation of the Student was designed to en- 18th credit while toting I fi gured it out, my life made would come from this in- Association, the Board sure that students who a terrible GPA is not a Kris Brodeur a lot more sense. While I am correct defi nition of gender of Trustees approved a were already struggling worthy trade. transgender, I’m not trans in would be tragic for the trans- resolution allowing stu- academically could be If students are re- Columnist the way most people may un- gender community. We are dents to take an 18th stopped by advisers quired to get approval derstand it. already a vulnerable group credit that will be in- before taking on extra before enrolling in a I’m genderqueer, a term that is subject to harassment cluded in their tuition. work that would likely sixth class or 18th credit, We need your love and used to describe certain in- and violence on a regular While this is a great de- overwhelm them and they will make sure they support now more than dividuals who fall outside basis, and this move by the velopment that will limit further their academic make an informed deci- ever. Especially for individu- of the male-female binary. Trump administration would the financial burden decline. Without over- sion and not succumb to als who are still closeted, it’s The best way I can explain only increase the dangers that placed on students who sight, students are able the pressure of another mentally and emotionally my experience to others is my community faces. want to expand their to take the 18th credit course. While this extra exhausting to have to con- that on a scale from one to Something the Trump course load, it is essen- free of charge and free of step might seem tedious stantly fi ght for your right to fi ve, with one being someone administration seems inca- tial that GW continues academic support. to students who are ca- exist. We don’t want much, who feels 100 percent female pable of understanding is to vet who is taking an For students to truly pable of taking 18 cred- but especially in light of and fi ve being someone who that I was born this way. I 18th credit and help en- benefit from a free 18th its, it is essential that ad- these discriminatory political feels 100 percent male – I’m can’t just wave a magic wand sure that this decision is credit, GW must rein- vising departments in all moves, we just want the same somewhere between a three and make myself comfortable a sound academic and state some sort of the re- schools at GW continue basic human rights awarded and a four. While I can try to being a man or a woman, be- personal choice for each view process for taking to vet the students who to those around us. explain what it is like to be cause that’s not who I am. individual. 18 credit hours of work. seek to take 18 credits For a good portion of my transgender, I can’t necessar- My state of existence out- The lack of supervi- and help them in the pro- life, I’ve felt diff erent. Diff er- ily represent the community side of the binary is a strange Jack Murphy sion when taking on an cess so they can achieve ent from my classmates, dif- as a whole, because every limbo to be in, and I know 18th credit could lead academic success. ferent from my family and person’s journey is diff erent. it’s near impossible to un- Writer to students enrolling in GW has a responsibil- diff erent from what is con- The Trump administra- derstand from an outsider’s an extra class for all the ity to monitor the num- sidered normal. Growing up, tion is currently attempting perspective. But that’s just wrong reasons. With ber of courses students I didn’t understand why my to redefi ne gender as “a bio- the thing: I don’t ask for un- Most students take GW’s cost of attendance select just as it has a re- brother and all of his friends logical, immutable condition derstanding, I simply ask for about 15 credits per se- rising so high, many may sponsibility to monitor were allowed to run around determined by genitalia at basic respect. mester, which translates seek to graduate early by the content of the courses shirtless during the summer birth.” As a genderqueer in- Respect my right to live into fi ve three-credit loading their schedule they select. As GW pre- while I had to keep my top dividual, my identity would my best life both privately classes. For students who with six classes, poten- pares to allow students on. In my mind, I was one be completely erased. and publicly. Respect my opt to take 18 credits, the tially saving thousands to take 18 credit hours of the guys, too. I did every- Not only is that thought right to use a public restroom, workload is more time- of dollars. While that in the fall, the University thing my older brother did, extremely distressing, it is without being sneered or consuming and the stress may be cost effective, must create a system for from trying a variety of sports also dangerous because the stared at like I’m a monster. levels of taking six classes it will lead to students advising students who to tagging along to Boy Scout new defi nition spreads false Respect my right to use a rather than fi ve is clear. burning out quickly or opt to take a heavier events. I didn’t see any reason information to the masses name that might not match To be considered a full- not getting to fully de- course load to continue for us to be treated diff erently and invalidates transgender my birth certifi cate. Respect time student, individuals velop during their col- to fulfill its quintessen- from one another. people and their experiences. my pronouns when I fi nally must take at least 12 cred- lege years as they are tial responsibility to en- Unfortunately, society Several studies have proven get the courage to ask you to its and anything fewer intended to. sure the academic and had diff erent expectations for this defi nition to be false, as call me by they or them, in- is considered part-time GW’s competitive overall prosperity of the me. I did ballet and tap danc- the scientifi c community has stead of she or her. enrollment, which is not atmosphere – as shown student body. ing, cheerleading and fi gure agreed that genetics, genitals Respect my right to exist. eligible for fi nancial aid. by its infamous “in- —Jack Murphy, a fresh- skating. I painted my whole and hormones do not defi ne —Kris Brodeur, a junior Taking an 18th credit ternship culture” – will man majoring in political world pink. But in retrospect, gender. The brain defi nes majoring in international af- previously required ap- likely pressure students science, is a Hatchet opinions there were plenty of signs your gender, not anatomy or fairs, is a Hatchet columnist. proval from an academic to overload themselves writer.

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GW Hillel extends support to students in wake of Pittsburgh shooting SARAH ROACH ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR ewsNovember 5, 2018 • Page 9 N After a fatal shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue last weekend, student leaders CRIME LOG in GW Hillel knew it was in their hands to help students SIMPLE ASSAULT, PANHANDLING find solace on campus. Off Campus Members of GW Hillel 10/24/2018 – 2:30 p.m. said that after a man walked Closed Case into the Tree of Life syna- gogue and killed 11 people on A female student reported to the GW Oct. 27, leaders in the organi- Police Department that an unknown zation offered support to stu- subject ased her for money, grabbed dents throughout last week, her waist and pushed her. GWPD starting with a vigil last Mon- recommended that she also file a report day and open hours in the with the Metropolitan Police Department. Hillel townhouse throughout Off-campus incident the week for students to walk in and talk with staff. Student leaders said they feel a re- DRUG LAW VIOLATION, LIQUOR LAW sponsibility to provide GW’s VIOLATION, WEAPONS VIOLATION Jewish community with the support and mental health District House GABRIELLE RHOADES | HATCHET PHOTOGRAPHER 10/25/2018 – 8:27 p.m. resources they need after the tragedy. Sophomores Abigail Alpert (left) and Talia Pfeffer (right) attended a vigil last Monday hosted by GW Closed Case “Whether you’re Jewish Hillel to honor the victims of a fatal shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. GWPD and housing administrators or not Jewish, it was defi- responded to District House to conduct nitely a shocking event,” Ana ended the week holding a ter, the international Hillel organizations like the Anti- an administrative search. Officers found Levy, a fellow for GW Hillel, moment of silence during organization began holding Defamation League, a Jewish alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia and a said. “I think the more im- their weekly Shabbat dinner workshops for campus lead- organization that educates switchblade. portant thing is that the GW Friday and hosting a discus- ers at university chapters, like people about anti-Semitism, Referred to the Office of Enrollment and the community is really strong, sion on anti-Semitism during the University of Pittsburgh, or through roundtable dis- Student Experience and the most uplifting thing Shabbat lunch Saturday. to learn how to respond to cussions with students in the for me was to see students Zachary Bernstein, Hil- safety threats. GW Hillel stu- Hillel townhouse. THEFT II/FROM BUILDING support each other through- lel’s holiday chair who trav- dent leaders said the interna- “It’s really important to out the week.” eled to Pittsburgh Tuesday, tional organization has not understand all sides of what Lerner Health and Wellness Center After Monday’s vigil, said visiting the synagogue in reached out to them to host occurred and discuss to make 10/30/2018 – 8:15 to 10:30 p.m. student leaders said they the aftermath of the shooting workshops. sure people understand what Closed Case opened the Hillel townhouse, was “one of the hardest days” Bernstein added that happened,” Goldberg said. GWPD received a report from a male located at 2101 F St. NW, for of his life. He said the trip was given his role planning Hillel “The important thing is to student that an unknown suspect stole his students to talk with staff and a way for Jewish students to events, he struggled to deter- make sure history doesn’t iPhone 6 from the court while he was play- fellow students. Students also “stand together in the face of mine how to tone down the repeat itself, is to make sure ing basketball. focused their “Tea Time Tues- tragedy” and show support typically “upbeat and hyper” people know, and not only No suspects or witnesses day,” a weekly discussion as a united Jewish commu- mood of Shabbat dinner and for Jewish students, for any- event for Jewish members of nity. decided to hold a moment of one on campus to be able to the LGBTQ community, on “What was very emo- silence. understand this.” —Compiled by Valerie Yurk talking through the aftermath tional was when we went to “My job is to keep run- Since the shooting, Gold- of the shooting. the synagogue where it ac- ning services like normal and berg said student leaders on University President tually happened, and there for people who say my job the Hillel executive board Thomas LeBlanc issued a were policemen and barri- now is to go to services and have not yet held a formal statement Monday condemn- cades with reporters behind show that the Jewish people meeting because “people are ing the attack on the Jewish them across the street and go on – my job is to create that still really upset,” and they community. there were 100 or so people space,” Bernstein said. want to wait until students Students to research Twelve students joined from all across the country Emily Goldberg, Hil- have had time to grieve be- Rabbi Dan Epstein, the senior in the middle of the street lel’s programming chair, fore taking any further steps. Jewish educator at GW Hillel, singing songs and melodies said moving forward, she “We’re just trying to food insecurity on a trip to Pittsburgh where and psalms and crying to- wants to hold educational understand that individu- they visited the synagogue gether,” he said. “That was sessions for students to un- ally, and in the coming week, From Page 1 ent student groups, like where the shooting occurred really, really emotional and derstand anti-Semitism and we’re hoping to have times first-generation students, and attended funerals for difficult.” discuss the aftermath of the where people can gather in and how many healthy two of the victims. Students Outside GW’s Hillel chap- shooting with speakers from the townhouse,” she said. help manage The Store – and cheap food vendors attended the meeting, Le are currently available on said. campus. Cissy Petty, the dean “The collective stu- of the student experi- dent voice demanding More than half of faculty, staff respond ence, Michael Tapscott, recognition of these is- the director of the Multi- sues and changes in our cultural Student Services campus food landscape Center and members of is also a major strength of to institutional culture survey the Nashman Center for the body and will contin- Student Engagement and ue to drive its direction,” working for GW. Public Service are also Moody said in an email. The steering committee part of the task force, she Sage Wylie, a Food In- of the GW Faculty Associa- said. The Nashman Cen- stitute fellow and mem- tion, an independent group ter hosts the Hunger and ber of the task force, said of faculty who often chal- Homeless Awareness the group discussed how lenge the administration’s Week every November. to define food insecu- agenda, published a letter Tapscott said his inter- rity at the University by Oct. 15 calling questions on est in the committee in- considering factors like the survey “generic.” Pull- volves helping members nutrition and affordabil- down menus asking faculty of the task force develop ity. She said the group to rate their level of agree- an “easy, timely and af- currently uses the U.S. ment and disagreement to fordable” food service Department of Agricul- statements like, “I get the in- that meets each student’s ture’s definition: “reports formation I need at the Uni- “cultural and spiritual of multiple indications versity when I need it,” were needs.” He said he wants of disrupted eating pat- hard to answer because it students to spend time terns and reduced food wasn’t clear what they were enjoying food that com- intake.” asking, the letter states. plements students’ family Wylie contributed to The letter from the Facul- and cultural traditions. a Food Institute report ty Association added that the “I would like to see released in January that $300,000 spent on the survey the strengths of the GW found that GW’s dining and consulting work with community enhanced program is “setting stu- the Disney Institute could by the opportunities dents up to fail.” have been used to benefit that come with the joy, “Right now, students other areas of the University, memories and comfort will be working towards DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR like the salaries of part-time that is associated with setting the foundation for Guillermo Orti, a professor of biology, said the survey is an example of GW’s top-down leadership faculty who receive “Mickey the best form of delivery the research which will culture because the survey was created without any input from staff or faculty. Mouse” wages. for good, healthy food,” take place in the future,” Guillermo Orti, a profes- Tapscott said in an email. she said in an email. MEREDITH ROATEN prove culture. questions, which asked sor of biology who is on the Before officially Saru Duckworth, the NEWS EDITOR Officials said last month about topics ranging from steering committee of the launching the task force, president of The Store, that the Disney Institute whether employees under- Faculty Association, said SA leaders and leaders of said the student mem- More than half of faculty would use the findings of the stand their roles to if they the survey is an example of The Store hosted a town bers will mainly take on and staff responded to the surveys to form focus groups comprehend the University’s GW’s top-down leadership hall on food insecurity the “nitty-gritty work” of University’s survey on em- and conduct interviews to long-term vision, respon- culture because the survey last month where stu- conducting research on ployee culture, marking the obtain more in-depth data dents could choose from was created without any in- dents voiced concerns how many students run end of the first phase of an about the culture. The Uni- the “agree,” “disagree” or put from staff or faculty. about running out of out of GWorld dollars effort to overhaul the culture versity will then decide “neutral” options, according He said the questions, dining cash and a lack before the semester ends of GW. whether to rehire the Disney to screenshots of the survey like those asking about the of healthy options on and how much money University President Institute, hire an external obtained by The Hatchet. clarity of the University’s GWorld. they add to their account Thomas LeBlanc announced group or use GW employees Sylvia-Marotta Walters, values, are so vague that Food insecurity has on average each semester. last month that the Univer- to design an action plan to the chair of the Faculty Sen- faculty can interpret them in been an increasing con- She added that the sity would partner with the institute change. ate executive committee different ways, which could cern on campus since the data collected from the Disney Institute to issue the Changing the “transac- and the leadership team for result in bad data. University switched to survey will be used to first institutional culture sur- tional” culture at GW has the culture assessment, said “You can use it to manip- an open dining plan two draft recommendations vey in recent memory, which been one of LeBlanc’s priori- the survey is the first step ulate the outcome of what years ago. In response to for improvements to din- he said would allow officials ties since he first arrived on required to make tangible you think you want to see student complaints about ing at GW, like potentially to make decisions about pol- campus last year. change. She said a 30 per- or what you want people running out of GWorld expanding GW’s partner- icies and procedures backed “The findings from the cent response rate is typical to think they see,” he said. dollars early in the se- ship with SAGE Dining by data. While officials said survey will inform the de- for most surveys, and she is “When the data is ambigu- mester, officials upped Services, which operates the survey had a more than velopment of a data-driven “gratified” that employees ous, you can craft whatever the amount of dining dol- the dining hall on the 50 percent response rate and plan to improve the univer- know how important the re- information you want out of lars on students’ GWorld Mount Vernon Campus, received mostly favorable sity’s culture,” Hamilton sults of the survey are. this data.” cards in February. to also serve on the Foggy reviews, 15 faculty and em- said. “We are thankful to “It will be a long process, Katrin Schultheiss, the “We wanted to make Bottom Campus. ployees said in interviews everyone who responded to but it will be worth it, and it chair of the history depart- sure we know what Officials closed Foggy that the questions were not the survey and pleased that will be something that all of ment, said the survey could we’re doing, and we’re Bottom’s only dining precise enough to gauge more than half of our faculty us can appreciate,” she said. have been more useful if just students, sometimes hall, J Street, in 2016 in their experiences. and staff participated.” Marie Price, a profes- questions varied for different we don’t have enough favor of an open dining University spokeswom- Hamilton declined to sor of geography and the types of employees instead experience, so we wanted system in which students an Lindsay Hamilton said specify how many faculty re- other faculty member on the of asking the same questions to make sure that faculty can spend GWorld at any the response to the survey sponded to the survey. leadership team, declined to to faculty, staff and adminis- are involved,” Le, the SA dining partner. has been “overwhelmingly The survey featured 18 comment. trators. Some questions ask- president, said. “We really want to positive as members of our questions with drop-down But in interviews, 15 ing whether common spaces Izzy Moody, the SA’s make sure that any re- community understand the menu responses and two faculty members said the were appealing were appli- vice president for sus- sults or any action items motivation for the project is open-ended questions that survey’s questions were too cable across job descriptions, tainability who worked that come from this are to assess and ultimately im- asked about what is going vague to answer properly. she said, but there were some with Le over the summer really coming from the prove our institutional cul- well and what could be im- They said more open-end- that did not apply to her. to outline the task force, data that we see, so we ture.” She said officials will proved about employee en- ed questions would have “That just suggested that said the group will dis- don’t know yet because use the results of the survey gagement, leadership and provided a better forum to they didn’t really know how cuss topics like how food we don’t have that data,” to measure progress as of- the student and family ex- provide detailed accounts a university is organized,” insecurity affects differ- she said. ficials make changes to im- perience. In the drop-down of their experiences while she said. November 5, 2018 • Page 10 NEWS THE GW HATCHET East Asian department proposes Korean studies major JESSICA BASKERVILLE seemed sort of incomplete,” tion.” REPORTER she said. “If we have a Ko- Immanuel Kim, a profes- rean major, it will complete sor of Korean literature and The East Asian Languages the department and it will be culture, was hired this semes- and Literatures department is well-balanced in the depart- ter and said he is currently expanding its offerings in Ko- ment as a whole.” teaching Korean Literature in rean studies. Shoko Hamano, the chair Transition I. He said student The department submit- of the department, said the interest in visiting and learn- ted a proposal for a new department has had ongo- ing about Korea is increasing, Korean languages and litera- ing discussions with faculty “so we want to keep up with tures major last month and over the past few years about that and provide a platform hired two new faculty mem- proposing the Korean studies for them to actually declare a bers who specialize in Korean major. She said the depart- major.” studies this semester. Faculty ment held a unanimous vote Kim said Korean studies in the department said ex- in August to officially submit is attractive to students who panding offerings in Korean a proposal. are interested in politics and studies will meet increasing “No East Asian depart- culture, citing student interest student demand and allow ment is complete without a in popular music groups like students to explore Korean Korean major,” she said. “Ko- the Bangtan Boys, along with culture and current events, rea has been a key player in current political affairs be- which have influenced poli- the history and culture of the tween the United States and tics in recent months. region.” Korea. He said his position Elizabeth Chacko, the as- More than half of GW’s helps to fill “critical program sociate dean for undergradu- 12 peer schools do not of- gaps,” since he specializes in ate studies in the Columbian DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR fer a minor or major in Ko- North Korean literature and College of Arts and Scienc- The East Asian Languages and Literatures department submitted a proposal for a new Korean rean studies, while four offer cinema. es, said the proposal for a languages and literatures major last month. Korean minors. New York “A lot of changes are hap- Korean studies major was University is the only one of pening in Asia, and North submitted last month, and Miok Pak, an assistant boosted student interest in Korean language and litera- GW’s peer institutions to of- Korea is constantly on the officials are “considering professor of Korean lan- the language. ture, four elective upper-level fer both a major and minor. news,” he said. “It’s impor- it.” Chacko declined to say guage and linguistics, said “There is interest among courses and two upper-level Hamano said the two new tant to talk about internation- when it would be possible to she led the proposal for the students who want to con- courses outside of the pro- faculty members were hired al relations and all of these offer the major. new Korean studies major tinue to more advanced lev- gram. She said the new ma- this semester with the as- national security talks, but “We have a minor in Ko- and submitted it to officials at els and maybe have a minor jor will involve courses like sumption that CCAS would also the cultural humanities rean with about 20 students, the start of the semester after and major but because of Readings in Modern Korean soon approve a Korean stud- aspect as well, and to really and there appears to be suffi- seeing “how much demand their school situation, they and Advanced Korean Con- ies major. give North Korea a human cient interest now to consider there is from students.” There can’t do that,” she said. “I versation and Composition. “Understanding Korea is face rather than some kind of a major,” she said in an email. were 62 students enrolled in feel like, if we do have it here The department currently extremely important,” Ha- demonic mask.” She said the new faculty Beginner Korean I in fall 2016, at GW, we will definitely offers seven types of Korean mano said. “The intercon- Insung Ko, a teaching as- that were added to the de- but that number increased to have more outreach effect studies courses, including nections between various re- sistant professor in the Ko- partment are trained in Ko- 74 the next year and 104 this within the D.C. area for the Korean Culture Through gions in East Asia have been rean language who was also rean literature and language, fall, according to the GWeb students who are interested Film and Introduction to Ko- dynamic, and Korea has been hired this semester, deferred allowing the program to offer Information System. in Korean studies.” rean Linguistics. in the center of this flow of to Pak, the assistant profes- more courses on a diverse Pak said the recent “viral” Pak said the Korean major “Korean studies was the ideas and people, and adding sor of Korean language and range of topics like Korean spread of Korean culture, pop will require 39 credit hours only one in the department a Korean major is a must for linguistics who submitted the art, history and business. music and politics has also consisting of four courses on that had only the minor, so it GW as an academic institu- proposal. Student organization pushes to include Palestinians on birthright

NORA VEDDER community and about Is- and not its political conflict REPORTER rael, and we believe students with Palestine. need to be hearing Palestin- Tali Edid, the president A student organization ian stories and narratives in of GW for Israel, said J Street wants students to engage order to fully understand U should instead encour- with Palestinians during a and engage with Israel in a age students to explore the traditional trip to Israel. meaningful way,” she said. West Bank, a territory that J Street U at GW, a pro- Yoni Slater, a member separates Israel and Pales- Israel student group that ad- of J Street U, said the peti- tine, and further their under- vocates for a two-state solu- tion launched during the standing of the region rather tion to the Israeli-Palestinian organization’s “Breaking the than incorporate Palestinians conflict, launched a petition Silence” event last month, on birthright trips. Oct. 23 advocating for GW when J Street U chapters at Instead of including Pal- Hillel’s birthright trips to other campuses, including estinians on birthright trips, include visits with Palestin- Johns Hopkins and Tufts she said students should ians to discuss the Israeli- universities, launched a simi- apply for Hillel’s Building Palestinian conflict. Students lar petition. Members of the Bridges program. Now in in the organization said they group have promoted peti- its second year, the Building OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR Junior Jocelynne Simbana, the director of engagement for First Gen United, said being a first- hope that by including con- tion by tabling in Kogan Pla- Bridges program is hosted generation student is sometimes like “walking blindly into a room” because students don’t know versations about the Israeli- za and posting the petition during spring break and in- how to navigate college because they don’t have family members to give them advice. Palestinian conflict during on social media channels, cludes a trip to Israeli and birthright trips, students like Facebook, Slater said. Palestinian territories to help will be better exposed to the “It’s been really amazing students better understand “complexities” of political is- as a national movement to see the conflict. Student group kicks off weeklong sues in Israel. everyone’s growth and prog- “I think J Street should Student leaders from J ress, reaching people and invest their time and energy Street U declined to say how numbers which really show into encouraging students to event for first-generation students many signatures the petition how much we really want extend and travel through- has garnered since posting this change,” Slater said. out the West Bank to bet- LIZZIE MINTZ group will also host a party student is not something you it on Facebook nearly two Jacob Zionts – a member ter understand the peoples, STAFF WRITER with food and games in the can see physically, some- weeks ago. of the organizing committee cultures and societies of the Marvin Center, where staff thing your ethnicity might be “We hope that birthright for GW’s Jewish Voice for region, instead of petition- Students are hosting the and faculty will also be in able to show,” Simbana said. can serve as an opportunity Peace, an organization advo- ing an organization that only first-ever weeklong celebra- attendance. The week will “It affects you deeply, but it’s for us to be curious, to learn cating for Palestinian human serves as a provider, not an tion of first-generation stu- wrap up Friday with a “navy something that nobody’s go- and to discover Israel,” the rights – said members of the itinerary planner,” Edid said. dents starting Monday. blue out,” where students ing to know, and we thought petition states. “Discovery group support the petition Adena Kirstein, GW Hil- Members of First Gen can wear navy blue in sup- that was very important to means seeking out voices that because discussions with lel’s executive director, said United GW, a group that port of first-generation stu- bring awareness to that.” we do not necessarily agree Palestinians could shed light members of Hillel are in advocates for and supports dents, and members of First Sophomore Arielle Jor- with. Discovery means get- on the “political nature” of “constant contact” with stu- first-generation students, Gen United will distribute dan, the director of finance ting a little bit uncomfortable.” the trip. dent leaders from J Street U organized the inaugural fliers on the Marvin Center for First Gen United, said the Birthright is a program But he added that mem- and “appreciate” the orga- first-generation week which terrace describing the group, organization has spent the that offers free 10-day trips bers of JVP disagree with J nization’s attempts to forge will take place through Fri- student leaders said. fall “rebranding” its group for Jewish young adults be- Street U’s proposal to “mere- connections between Pales- day. Students said events Prifti, the president of to focus on ways student tween 18 and 32 years old to ly ‘meet with Palestinians’” tinians and Israelis. held throughout the week, First Gen United, said the leaders can tout the large learn about Judaism in Israel. because he said that partici- She declined to say which include a bake sale week is an extension of the number of first-generation During the trip, participants pating in birthright trips re- whether she thinks conver- and ice cream social, will help First-Generation College students on campus. Jordan celebrate Shabbat together inforces the political interests sations about the Israeli- students who are not first- Celebration, a national event said that while she is not a and visit historical sites in Is- of the Israeli government, Palestinian conflict should generation students better held on Nov. 8, when univer- first-generation student, she rael, like Zionist heritage and which funds a portion of be included in birthright understand their experiences sity officials are encouraged is an ally for students in the Holocaust learning sites. birthright trips. trips and what the group’s and build community among to launch programs or host organization. Shira Wolkenfeld, the “If members of J Street conversations with J Street U first-generation students. lunches for first-generation Over the summer, the co-chair of J Street U, said U are serious about resisting leaders have entailed. “Not everyone knows students. executive board of the group members of the group ini- the occupation, we believe “We continue to believe what a first-generation stu- Prifti said the group decided they wanted to ex- tiated the petition because it’s more powerful to refuse a in the power of GW Hillel dent is, not everyone knows wants to commemorate tend the daylong national they view birthright trips as free trip than to participate,” birthright trips to engage our what it means to be first gen,” what it means for students event into one week and an extension of GW’s Jew- he said. students in thinking about junior Sara Prifti, the presi- to be the first person in have been planning the ish community and want to But some Jewish student Jewish identity and values, dent of First Gen United, said. their family to go to college. events for about a month, ensure that all narratives re- groups said Palestinians considering the deep power “We want to take this oppor- About 14 percent of the un- Jordan said. garding the Israeli-Palestin- should not be involved in of being a part of a Jewish tunity to highlight, ‘OK, this dergraduate population at “Our goal is to support ian conflict are represented. birthright trips because the community and working to is what it means, this is who GW is made up of first-gen- and celebrate,” she said. “J Street U students care trip is meant to teach young build a strong and lasting re- we are, and we’re just here to eration students, Prifti said, “Since there’s already a day deeply about the Jewish Jewish people about Israel lationship to Israel,” she said. share and celebrate.’” citing data from the Center celebration, why not make it The group will run five for Student Engagement. into a weeklong event?” events this year, starting with “We looked at that and Jordan said the executive a bake sale Monday, where said one day is certainly board hopes to have a “large proceeds will fund the orga- not enough to celebrate and turnout” for all of the events nization’s future program- share the first-gen narrative and include students from ming and events. and highlight what it means the organization – which is Students will host a “post to be a first gen on campus,” made up of 125 general body about it” session Tuesday in Prifti said. members – and other mem- Kogan Plaza, allowing stu- Junior Jocelynne Sim- bers of the GW community. dents to write about what bana, the director of engage- First Gen United is pro- it means to be a first-gen- ment for First Gen United, moting the events using its eration student on a Post-it said that being a first-gener- Facebook page and newslet- note and tack it onto a poster. ation student is sometimes ters and emails from the CSE. Eventually, the Post-it notes like “walking blindly into The group will also hold will form the number “1,” to a room” because students a social media campaign represent the first student in don’t know how to navigate throughout the week where a family to attend college. college or the “norms” of col- students can post about their Students said the group lege life because they don’t first-generation experience will also hold an ice cream have family members to give using #FirstGenForward or social for first-generation them advice. #GWFirst, she said. students Wednesday in the First-generation week, “It’s important for the Thurston Hall lounge. Offi- which student leaders start- GW community to know cials housed a group of first- ed planning last month, is that this is not just an organi- generation students on the the first iteration of an an- zation based on being a first- DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR eighth floor of Thurston Hall nual event that will be held generation college student,” Jacob Zionts – a member of the organizing committee for GW’s Jewish Voice for Peace, an orga- for the first time this year. on the week of national first- Jordan said. “We do have nization advocating for Palestinian human rights – said members of the group support J Street On Thursday – national generation day, she said. other people in the organiza- U’s petition. first-generation day – the “Being a first-generation tion.” THE GW HATCHET ADVERTISEMENT November 5, 2018 • Page 11

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alumni, former STUDENT LEADERS BACK students running SILVERMAN IN contentious for congress D.C. COUNCIL RACE ANAHI HURTADO & PAIGE MORSE LEILA GIANNETTI, REPORTERS LIZZIE STRICKLIN & SIDNEY LEE REPORTERS

In one of the only contentious local races in the midterm elections, current and former students involved with local politics are backing incum- bent Elissa Silverman for one of two gil Cisneros (D) D.C. Council at-large seats. Running for: Representative for California’s 39th District Silverman, I-at-Large, is fac- Graduated from GW in: 1994 ing off against restaurant owner and Democrat Dionne Reeder, a Chance of winning: 5 in 9 first-time Council candidate, in a contentious race that attracted at- tention after Mayor Muriel Bowser endorsed Reeder in September. Students who worked with Silver- man on local governing boards said she has been a “champion” for students and has been the most ( ) accessible council member. tatiana matta D “Elissa is someone who is willing Running for: Representative for California’s 23rd District to go to bat for students and she has Graduated from GW in: 2018 proven that time and time again,” COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER ELISSA SILVERMAN Chance of winning: <1 in 100 alumna and former West End and Foggy Bottom Advisory Neighbor- Elissa Silverman, I-at-Large, is facing off against restaurant owner and Democrat hood Commissioner Eve Zhurbins- Dionne Reeder, a first-time Council candidate, in a contentious race. kiy said. Harnett and Zhurbinksiy said chair and to educate the voters about Support from students one of the principal reasons they what I’ve been working on for them Zhurbinskiy said Silverman has back Silverman is because she fund- over the past four years,” Silverman long been a champion for students, raises from D.C. residents and does said. like when she introduced legislation not accept donations from corpora- Despite the close race, the D.C. neal dunn (r) last month that would establish a tions. Silverman has criticized Reeder native said she is running on a cam- District agency providing lower-in- for accepting money from businesses paign to make living in the District incumbent terest loans to D.C. college students. and PACs – but the difference in less burdensome financially – es- Running for: Representative for Florida’s 2nd District Silverman also opposed a 2015 bill to strategy has led Reeder to continu- pecially for college graduates – by Graduated from GW in: 1994 expand the GW Police Department’s ously outraise Silverman. creating more jobs in key industries, jurisdiction off campus, Zhurbinskiy Reeder raked in in $118,000 be- making housing more affordable and Chance of winning: >99 in 100 said. tween Oct. 11 and Oct. 29, while the reducing student loan debt. Zhurbinskiy said Silverman is incumbent raised $71,000, The Wash- Reeder said the contentious race one of the “most accessible” council ington Post reported Tuesday. shows she is a “credible” candidate members because she attends more who is able to challenge an incum- ANC meetings than any other mem- Where the candidates stand bent. ber of the D.C. Council. Silverman said her platform “I must be doing something right, “She is really willing to go into focuses on making the District a quite frankly, because you don’t usu- the communities and listen to people more affordable place to live for ally get this much negative press gretchen driskell (D) with concerns and not feel the pres- students, workers and families, around a local at-large race in D.C.,” sure of appeasing big money do- while Reeder said she wants to she said. Running for: Representative for Michigan’s 7th District nors,” Zhurbinskiy said. focus on improving employment Reeder said she wants to develop Graduated from GW in: 1987 James Harnett, an ANC commis- opportunities and ensuring that better relations with college students Chance of winning: 2 in 5 sioner and junior, said he knocked D.C. college alumni stay in the in the District and encourage them on doors for Silverman’s campaign, city to work after graduation. to become more involved in the D.C. adding that students should support Silverman said the race has community. She said education is Silverman because she supports and displayed the clear contrasts be- “critically important,” and if elected, represents D.C. residents’ interests. tween her labor-friendly views and she hopes to establish a system to He said Silverman is honest and Reeder’s business-focused interests connect young college graduates willing to advocate for those who of- to voters. Silverman sponsored the with employment opportunities in ten get neglected by municipal poli- Universal Paid Leave Amendment D.C. so they will stay in the city after tics and policy because of factors like Act of 2016, which will provide paid graduation. julia brownley (D) socioeconomic standing or religious leave to all D.C. workers by 2020 – a “I think it’s something that we incumbent background. law Reeder has criticized as “burden- have to focus our attention on and “When it comes to standing for some on businesses,” The Post re- make sure that not only are we edu- Running for: Representative for California’s 26th District what’s right, she is always there and ported Oct. 25. cating properly, but we also are en- 1975 is one of the few people I can rely on “I’ve welcomed the opportunity gaging students on college campuses Graduated from GW in: to always be a voice for what’s right,” to defend my work on paid family around their civic responsibility,” Chance of winning: >99 in 100 Harnett said. leave and to defend my work as labor Reeder said.

EMPLOYEES SHATTER susan wild (D) DONATION RECORD FOR Running for: Representative for Pennsylvania’s 7th District Graduated from GW in: 1982 MIDTERM ELECTION CYCLE Chance of winning: 19 in 20 ARIEL WEXLER ning for the Senate in Alabama, are federal government and see the ef- REPORTER listed as top recipients for donations fects of the current administration and maintained their spots on the firsthand. In the last month before the mid- list since September. Jacob Neiheisel, an associate pro- term elections, GW employees do- University President Thomas fessor of political science at the State nated thousands to some of the most LeBlanc donated $2,700 to Shalala’s University of New York at Buffalo, competitive races in the country. campaign in October, adding to the said during the midterm election As of Nov. 4, two days before the $5,400 he donated earlier in the year. season, liberals in heavily Democrat- morgan murtaugh (r) election, employees gave $287,077 Shalala served as president of the ic areas like D.C. don’t have compet- – adding about $100,000 to total University of Miami from 2001 to itive races nearby, so they give their Running for: Representative for California’s 53rd District contributions in a month’s time, ac- 2015, where LeBlanc served as pro- money to causes where the funds Graduated from GW in: 2015 cording to federal election commis- vost before becoming president of can be used to win toss-up races. Chance of winning: <1 in 100 sion data compiled by the Center for GW. “We’re becoming a little bit more Responsive Politics. The total is the Alumnus Gil Cisneros, a Demo- polarized as a country politically, most donated by employees dur- crat running for the House of Repre- and the stakes appear to be higher,” ing a midterm election cycle since sentatives in California, dropped out Neiheisel said. “And so you’ll have at least 1990 – a record folks being more en- initially set when they gaged.” had donated more than He added that $170,000 in September. $287,077 GW’s location makes Candidates in some “the stakes seem darren soto (D) of the most conten- has been donated during the 2017-18 higher when you’re incumbent tious races around the election cycle closer to the seat of country in Texas, North power than if you’re Running for: Representative for Florida’s 9th District Dakota and Missouri re- anywhere else in the Graduated from GW in: 2004 ceived more than $20,000 from indi- of the top 10 campaigns to receive United States, really.” viduals at GW. donations from employees, where Michael Malbin, a professor of Chance of winning: 59 in 60 Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat he stood at No. 3 in September. Cis- political science at the State Uni- running for Senate in Texas, was neros, now at No. 13, has received versity of New York at Albany the sixth-highest recipient of do- more than $4,000 in donations from and the co-founder and executive nations from GW last month gar- employees. director of the Campaign Finance nering a total of $9,402. O’Rouke The Democratic Congressional Institute, said donating to faraway is running against incumbent Sen. Committee and the Democratic Sen- races has become easier because of Ted Cruz, R-Texas – a state that atorial Campaign Committee were advancements in technology that has historically voted for conser- the top two groups to garner dona- have made digital donation plat- elizabeth warren (D) vative candidates. tions from employees. forms more accessible. Sens. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. More than 1,500 employees had He added that because faculty incumbent and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., both donated more than $170,000 to po- are educated about politics and incumbents running in red states, re- litical campaigns by the end of Sep- work in the heart of D.C., it’s easier Running for: Senator for Massachusetts ceived more than $7,000 and $8,000 tember. Employees donated about to get involved in political races that Attended GW in: 1966-68 from employees, respectively. $100,000 to candidates and political are important across the country, not Chance of winning: >99 in 100 More than 80 percent of total groups during the last midterm elec- just in their backyard. contributions went to Democratic tion cycle in 2014. “What’s coming together is a candidates. Political science experts said GW high-importance election, high- All chances of winning were determined using Other candidates like Donna employees may feel inclined to do- intensity emotions or passion with FiveThirtyEight election trackers as of Nov. 4. Shalala, a Democrat running for the nate to outside races during a partic- platforms that make it easy to get PHOTOS COURTESY OF CANDIDATE OR VIA FACEBOOK, FLICKR House of Representatives in Florida, ularly heated election cycle because the information you need to become and Doug Jones, a Democrat run- they are geographically close to the involved,” he said. THE GW HATCHET MIDTERM ELECTION GUIDE 2018 November 5, 2018 • Page 13 aNC elections

Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are local governing bodies that advise the D.C. Council on public policy issues like traffic, sanitation and zoning. Foggy Bottom is located in ANC 2A, one of 41 ANCs in the District. Trupti patel LIA DEGROOT the D.C. Council repealed deemed them a nuisance and REPORTER last month. safety hazard. She said scoot- Patel is running un- er operators should respect Trupti Patel, a bartender contested to replace Marco residents by following safety at a restaurant on M Street Guzman, a state tax editor rules, and scooter compa- and a political activist, is assistant at Tax Notes, who nies should provide training running for the Foggy Bot- decided not to run for re- to users and fine riders who tom and West End Advisory election. Patel said she is run- violate a safety law. Neighborhood Commission ning for the commissioner “If the company wants seat 2A03 on a platform she spot because the debate over to come into the community said would bring residents Initiative 77 showed that local and wants people to be able together to solve local issues government wasn’t listening to use their products, then I and increase a sense of com- to residents’ concerns. feel like they should be the munity. “It was really frustrating ones to make sure their prod- Patel, 41, who received a for me, personally, to just see uct is being used responsi- master’s degree in political how disconnected I felt our bly,” Patel said. management from GW, has political leaders were from Patel said she is also run- lived in the neighborhood the needs and wants of D.C. ning to address personal for 16 years. She has spent voters and citizens, and so I safety concerns in the Foggy her career working on po- slowly got very involved,” Bottom and West End neigh- litical campaigns advocating she said. borhood. She said she will for gun restrictions, acces- Patel said the presence of advocate for better lighting sible health care and the im- electric scooters in the District on streets so residents feel plementation of Initiative 77 has also sparked a conten- safe walking at night and said – a ballot measure intended tious debate in the neighbor- she wants to build a sense of MARGARET WROBLEWSKI | HATCHET PHOTOGRAPHER to increase minimum wage hood, as many residents use community so residents are Trupti Patel, a bartender at a restaurant on M Street and a political activist, is running for the for tipped employees that them for affordable trans- watching out for each other’s Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission seat 2A03. voters approved in June but portation, but others have safety. nicole goldin ANDARA KATONG turned to the District in 2009. as well as the folks that have been engaged in REPORTER Goldin said her previous work studying setting up the dog park,” Goldin said. various city governments through her educa- Goldin said she aims to increase commu- Nicole Goldin, an adjunct professor in the tion abroad will help her succeed on the com- nication between the ANC and the surround- Elliott School of International Affairs, is run- mission because she has seen how commu- ing neighborhood to make West End residents ning in an uncontested race for the Foggy Bot- nities can come together in different ways to aware of opportunities to support issues they tom and West End Advisory Neighborhood find solutions to a multitude of government are passionate about. Residents have previ- Commission seat 2A02, which was left vacant problems. ously participated in community-wide dis- after Commissioner Rebecca Coder’s death “I have tried to listen and learn and be part cussions about transportation issues and con- earlier this year. of the conversation, and I think that’s what cerns about noise and safety. Goldin, 45, who is also a senior associate will help me be a good commissioner,” Goldin She said she has had initial conversations at the Center for Strategic and International said. with current ANC members about adding or Studies, is running to represent the area north Goldin said the most prominent prob- setting up more mailing and distribution lists of Pennsylvania Avenue and L Street. She said lems facing her jurisdiction are the absence of to ensure residents hear directly from the com- she will work to increase park space in her ju- parks, fields and parking spaces, in addition mission. risdiction and boost communication between to transportation congestion. She said Ward 2 Goldin added that her experience as an GW and the ANC. has the fewest community garden plots in the adjunct professor in the Elliott School’s Inter- Goldin studied East Asian studies at Union District, and she would like to plant a commu- national Development Studies Program has College from 1990 to 1994, and then attended nity garden in her section and work with local allowed her to establish connections in the American University for the next two years, residential groups that are interested in im- GW community that could help garner more where she received a master’s degree in in- proving public green spaces, like the Friends interest in the ANC from students, faculty and ternational relations. She spent one year pur- of Francis Field. staff. COURTESY OF NICOLE GOLDIN suing a degree in development studies from “I’m in a lot of learning mode right now She said she will increase the University’s Nicole Goldin, an adjunct professor in the Elliott the London School of Economics and Political and having a lot of conversations with the or- involvement with the ANC by adding more School of International Affairs, is running in an Science and four years studying economics at ganization, the Friends of Francis Field group, events held at GW, like the recent ANC town uncontested race for seat 2A02. the University of London, but eventually re- that has been working on developing the field, hall held at the Marvin Center. jeri epstein

ANDARA KATONG fessionally, she has ample time Internet Travel Network, REPORTER to devote to the commission. now GetThere.com. Epstein She said she was im- also was formerly an execu- Jeri Epstein, a longtime pressed with other cities that tive director at the nonprofit resident of the West End have built small houses for organization The Ambit community and member of the homeless and added that Foundation, which provides the board of trustees at Arena she hopes to address traffic support for veterans. Stage, is running unopposed congestion in her neighbor- She said her work run- for seat 2A06 in the Foggy hood by exploring options ning philanthropy efforts for Bottom and West End Advi- like restricting parking dur- veterans in the D.C. area for sory Neighborhood Commis- ing rush hour. nearly three years makes her sion. “My generation was the more sensitive to and sympa- Epstein, 72, said Commis- one that agreed that we were thetic for people experiencing sioner Florence Harmon – Ep- going to work and be moth- homelessness in the District. stein’s neighbor who decided ers and not give up any- “These people are veter- not to run for re-election this thing,” Epstein said. “When ans who didn’t come out the year – asked her to run be- I stopped working profes- way they hoped, so I’m hop- cause Epstein is a longtime sionally, I thought this was ing to get a little understand- D.C. resident with knowledge the time I’d give back to the ing there finding a little way of community functions. community.” to help them,” Epstein said. Epstein, who currently Epstein worked in mul- Epstein said she also serves on the board of trust- tiple states as a foreign lan- hopes to increase community ees at Arena Stage, a nonprof- guage high school teacher participation in local politics it theater based in Southwest for 15 years and served as the by working with apartment D.C., said that since she has vice president of sales and buildings’ operating commit- DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR reached the point in her life business development for Jeri Epstein, a longtime resident of the West End community and member of the Board of Trustees tees to encourage residents to where she is not working pro- three years at a startup called at Arena Stage, is running unopposed for seat 2A06. attend ANC meetings.

Local entrepreneur takes on ANC chairman LIA DEGROOT Asian and Pacific Islander meetings short and their lo- REPORTER Affairs from July 2017 to cations consistent – since last September 2018. She said she year, the meetings have typi- In the only contested race is now a board member at cally been held at the West in the Foggy Bottom and West the Potomac Plaza Terraces, End Library – which he said End Advisory Neighborhood where she connects residenc- increases residents’ involve- Commission election, inter- es in her apartment building ment in the ANC. He said resi- national entrepreneur and and representatives from the dents have suggested moving community leader Elena Son mayor’s office and the Met- the meetings regularly, but is attempting to unseat cur- ropolitan Police Department. having inconsistent meeting rent chairman William Ken- Smith has worked with places can become confusing. nedy Smith in district 2A04. constituent services, like the Smith said the ANC Son said she is focused Office of the People’s Coun- needs to find better ways to on finding ways for the com- sel on Operation Pipes, which communicate with residents, munity to cohesively solve is- aims to replace gas infrastruc- like using listervs and post- sues like personal safety and ture that has disrupted houses ings in buildings instead of homelessness. Smith, who in the historic district. Smith relying on the Foggy Bottom has served on the commission has also collaborated with oth- Current – a local newspa- since 2015 and was elected er ANCs by organizing town per – to communicate with chairman in January, said he halls to address transportation residents. He said listervs aims to continue improving concerns, like dockless bikes help young people become constituent services like hous- and traffic congestion. DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR engaged but may exclude ing, infrastructure and trans- International entrepreneur Elena Son is running to unseat current chairman William Kennedy older residents, so posting portation, and building and Where the candidates’ Smith in the only contested race in the Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood ANC information in apart- restaurant licensing issues. views split Commission. ment buildings would help Son said she wants to hold include everyone. Candidate backgrounds ANC meetings in local apart- Son, 45, said she has ment buildings to engage ANC meetings difficult, but “Being closer to the public and to mobilize the commu- lived in Foggy Bottom since more residents in the com- increasing direct communica- and representing the pub- nity and make it as one single GWHATCHET.COM 2011 and served as the com- mission. Residents have busy tion with residents will help lic and being in their space unit rather than different for more on the race missioner for Mayor Muriel schedules, which can make engage constituents in neigh- rather than somewhere else is buildings,” Son said. between Elena Son and Bowser’s Commission for committing time to attend borhood issues, she said. the best way to communicate Smith said he tries to keep H William Kennedy Smith THE GW HATCHET CULTURE November 5, 2018 • Page 14 courtside culture: How students support GW sports meet the musicians behind the smith center’s soundtrack

GRACIE JAMISON Student-athletes have sound, so if you’re playing REPORTER their own individual tastes, E-flat the entire time, they’re Toney said, so he shows up not instantly gonna pull it out A pregame workout two hours before the game to just from the rhythm alone,” isn’t the same without audio play their favorite songs. The he said. pumping into the eardrums, women’s basketball and vol- and student-athletes know leyball teams are more likely ‘the fans have to see that this musical rush better than to let “poppy songs” slip by, you’re fans too’ anyone. while the men’s basketball Connor Bryant, a senior On the sidelines in the team is more stingy with their studying international af- Smith Center, a crew of music song picks, he said. fairs and economics and the makers work together to pro- “I try to keep my ear to conductor of Colonial Brass, vide the soundtrack during the streets and hear what the said he has to be ready to sporting events. In prepara- students want to hear, so I can play the high-energy pieces tion for the upcoming basket- make it a fun experience for during game time while ball season, we sat down with everybody,” he said. staying loud and “anchored musicians to find out what it He said the newer hip- in the beat.” takes to energize athletes and hop songs that get the men’s He said one of the band’s pump up a crowd. basketball team focused are go-tos is the White Stripes’ not always crowd-pleasers “Seven Nation Army,” which ‘I know how it feels to be there like classic rock tunes “We has a jumping bass line that is and want to get into the zone’ Will Rock You” or “I’m A Be- instantly recognizable. Dior Toney, a former liever,” so Toney gets those “It’s loud and it drives, walk-on guard on the men’s songs out of his system early and it really wants to make basketball team who gradu- on in the day. you get up and go,” he said. ated in 2006, is known as DJ “I can get out all the GRAEME SLOAN | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Bryant said in a tradi- Dior and is the man behind songs that I usually can’t A group of musicians, including members of the Colonial Brass, work together to provide the tional music performance, the music blasting through play during the games, so soundtrack during sporting events in the Smith Center. there is a “90 percent” in- the speakers. Toney is respon- that I can please them and vestment on musicality, sible for playing recorded that way they can get in you going.” rock tunes from the ‘70s and cal lines, a driving beat and which involves staying on music at basketball and vol- their zone,” Toney said. ‘80s to more recent throw- a repetitive post-chorus that pitch and blending with the leyball games, and got his “Once they open the doors, ‘the audience has to backs of late ‘00s to last de- establishes “tension, buildup orchestra. But with a pep start as a jockey while work- I can make it more family- recognize the songs’ cade’s pop music. and release,” he said. band, he said, performance ing at the now-defunct bar, friendly, you know.” Charles Cevallos, an assis- The pep band’s catalog He said commercial mu- is given precedence over McFadden’s. Having been a student- tant events and performance consists of industry-pro- sic has recently adopted a perfect playing. “It used to be really rock- athlete himself, Toney said he coordinator in the music de- duced stock arrangements “sing-rapping” melody used “People need to look at ing in here,” he said. “I was understands how much mu- partment, was a conductor and melodies set by students by artists like Ariana Grande you and they need to see that pretty much the energy on sic can mean to the players. for Colonial Brass in 2017 that are unique. Common that makes it difficult for new you are into it,” Bryant said. the bench, so I wanted it to “It’s familiar experience,” during his final undergradu- tunes include Taylor Swift’s tunes to translate into band- “They can’t look at you and get back to that because when he said. “I know how it feels ate year. Cevallos said the “I Knew You Were Trouble,” friendly arrangements with- think, ‘oh that could be some I would come to the games to be there and want to get breakdown of Colonial Brass’ Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and out a singer. musicians they hired off of it didn’t have as much of the into the zone and also to have music selections during his Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love,” “The audience has to rec- the street.’ They have to see same energy.” certain songs that really get tenure was a mix of classic characterized by melodic vo- ognize the songs by how they that you’re fans too.” colonial army leadership continues the quest to engage a student fan base MARGOT DYNES to find a place in the fan com- dance records for the arena CULTURE EDITOR munity. and bridged the gap between “I want everyone in the student-athletes and fans by Ask a student about students’ section, whether helping men’s and women’s school spirit, and they may they’re in Colonial Army or basketball players host pizza say it’s in short supply. not, to feel like they are in- parties and season primers But current and former cluded and to feel like they at freshman residence halls, leaders of Colonial Army, the have a place where they can she said. student fan section, said they go, a broader GW commu- “Sometimes your hard have spent the past few years nity, and just be themselves,” work definitely does not pay trying to change the narra- Glass said. off in terms of getting stu- tive of GW’s stale reputation As the organization’s dents out,” Bell said. “And as a school that doesn’t care new leadership heads into I think if you focus solely about sports. their first year at the helm, on the numbers, you might Karl Pederson, a senior past leaders said the fun job be disappointed more often studying history and politi- sometimes requires students than not.” cal science, took the reins as to think outside the box to Nassim Touli, a junior the organization’s president engage their peers. studying exercise science this year, but served on the Kate Bell, who graduated who served as Colonial Ar- executive board during his in 2017 with a bachelor’s de- my’s outreach director last sophomore year. His high gree in philosophy, served as year, said he is “super excit- school had a strong football the group’s president for two ed” for the new leadership. fan base, so when he arrived years. When Bell came to GW Touli said he anticipates Ped- at GW he wanted to continue for Colonial Inauguration, erson and Glass will have a to be stationed on the front she was told there was “ab- great season, given the po- line supporting athletes. OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR solutely no school spirit” at tential fans that come with a “I waited in line for Sophomore George Glass, the vice president of Colonial Army, has showed up to every home bas- GW and her struggle to find larger freshman class. two hours and was able to ketball game since his freshman year wearing a shark mask and hot dog suit. a niche her freshman year The biggest “barrier” for watch the men’s team beat drove her to the Smith Center. students who wish to get in- No. 6 ranked Virginia from Delta Tau Delta, which past game since his freshman lous themselves,” Glass said. “It is tough to dismantle volved, Touli said, is confu- the second row,” he said in Colonial Army leaders said year wearing a shark mask “You need to put yourself years and years and years of sion about how the student an email. “After that I was may give him a leg-up as a and a hot dog suit. out there, be a little crazy, people buying into the idea body plays into the Colonial hooked.” “man on the inside” who can Glass, who is studying have a little spunk and get that maybe we don’t have as Army. But he said that ev- Given his years on the rely on his brothers to get in- political science, said he ac- out of your comfort zone.” much school spirit as other ery student can join just by executive board, Pederson volved during the season. cepted the “Fan of the Year” Glass said his plans to people think that we do,” showing up. has the institutional knowl- Pederson was looking for award at the Georgie’s last improve Colonial Army this she said. “It’s a slow process “If we can get you to one edge of what has worked for a vice president who isn’t year wearing the shark head year include allowing fresh- but a worthy one to try to game, if the game is good the student fan club in years afraid to push the envelope, with a suit and tie. men to apply for executive chip away at.” enough and you’re hav- past. and he found that in sopho- “They can see you do positions and having more During Bell’s time doing ing enough fun there, then He also has spent years more George Glass, who has something ridiculous, they “person-to-person” interac- an occasionally “thankless we can get you to another,” as a fraternity brother at showed up to every home feel the need to be ridicu- tions with fans who have yet job,” she broke home atten- Touli said.