Author: The Herald
New Junior Student Trustees
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff After a close runoff election, it was decided that Hobart student Albright Dwarka ‘21 and William Smith student Audrey Platt ‘21 would be the newest student additions to the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Board of Trustees. The Student Trustee position consists of aiding the Board of Trustees in decision making and voting and acting as a student voice … Continue reading New Junior Student Trustees
Barnes and Noble Moves In
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff It is official: the College Store will be closed as early as June 1 and replaced with Barnes and Noble College. BNC, which operates hundreds of campus bookstores nationwide, is tasked with renovating the HWS store and updating its website, as well as managing merchandising and day-to-day affairs. Interim President McGuire maintains that the Colleges’ partnership with Barnes and … Continue reading Barnes and Noble Moves In
Search for New Chaplain Nears End
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff The search for a new chaplain and dean of Spiritual Engagement has been in full swing in the months since Chaplain Maurice Charles left his position to be with his partner, Cliff Chan, who accepted a position at Emory University. Professor Nan Crystal Arens, who co-chairs the search committee with Julianne Miller, director of the Abbe Center for Jewish … Continue reading Search for New Chaplain Nears End
“Fraternal Forever”
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Staff ** This article was updated on April 5, 2019 following performances of Fraternal Forever and the April 5 issue of the Herald. ** March 8th and 9th the Phoenix Players presented their new play, Fraternal Forever, written and directed by Donovan Hayden and produced by the Phoenix Players. Countless others worked toward creating and putting the play out to be seen … Continue reading “Fraternal Forever”
Now What: Davis Gallery Exhibit
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor The Davis Gallery’s current exhibit Now What?! Advocacy, Activism and Alliances in American Architecture since 1968 is a departure from the paintings and sculptures usually on display. This gallery, which is the first architecture focused installment the Davis Gallery has hosted, is an interactive exhibit which invites visitors to fill in the gaps on a timeline of the history … Continue reading Now What: Davis Gallery Exhibit
Creative Writing and Trias at HWS with Professor Melanie Hamilton
On this episode of The Seneca Scene, we welcome Professor Melanie Conroy-Goldman Hamilton. Professor Hamilton has served as chair to the English department and helped create the Trias program. Talking about creative writing on campus, Professor Hamilton showcases the various outlets and resources for writers. Listen to the full episode below and be sure to subscribe to The Seneca Scene on iTunes and on Spotify to … Continue reading Creative Writing and Trias at HWS with Professor Melanie Hamilton
“The Herald” Welcomes Back Josh Horowitz ’98
On this special episode of The Seneca Scene, we welcome Josh Horowitz ’98, former Editor-in-Chief of the Herald, who is a current MTV News correspondent and host of the TV show After Hours and the podcast Happy Sad Confused. Josh talks with current Herald Editor-in-Chief Alex Kerai ’19 about his time at the Herald and the long-lasting impact of that experience on his career in entertainment. Reflecting on his time at HWS, … Continue reading “The Herald” Welcomes Back Josh Horowitz ’98
Honor Societies at HWS
This week on The Seneca Scene, Leslie Colunga and Sergio Perez talk about William Smith and Hobart Honor Societies. The two of them share their personal tales and passion for campus leadership. Students, be sure to listen for inside tips on how to gain entry to the societies! Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on all events and happenings on HWS campus. Listen to … Continue reading Honor Societies at HWS
Inside Look at Student Government
This week on The Seneca Scene, Eva Catanzariti of William Smith Congress (WSC) and Grant Emerson of Hobart Student Government (HSG) talk about their roles as Presidents of the WSC and HSG. Both of them give an exciting look into precisely how the meetings, elections, and budget allocations work for each community. Be sure to listen for the new changes that have been made to … Continue reading Inside Look at Student Government
Inside Look: HWS Judicial Board & Campus Activities Board
This week on The Seneca Scene, we explore two organizations that have a massive impact on student life, yet are relatively unknown. First on is Denzel Degollado ‘19 to talk about the Judiciary Board at HWS. Next is Lorena Robelo Lara ‘21 who was recently elected president of the Campus Activities Board. If you want to get involved, CAB open board meetings take place from 1:30 pm … Continue reading Inside Look: HWS Judicial Board & Campus Activities Board
Commencement Speaker: New Yorker Executive Editor Dorothy Wickenden ’76
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced today that the 2019 Commencement Address will be delivered by Dorothy Wickenden ’76 L.H.D. ’14. Currently the Executive Editor of The New Yorker, Wickenden is an accomplished novelist, journalist, and editor who has an extensive career covering national news and has been noted as one of the most influential women in journalism. Wickenden has … Continue reading Commencement Speaker: New Yorker Executive Editor Dorothy Wickenden ’76
HWS Announces Next President
By Alex Kerai ’19 & Grace Ruble ’21 Editor-in-Chief & News Editor Dr. Joyce Jacobsen was announced on Friday, Feb. 8 as the 29th President of Hobart College and the 17th of William Smith College. The introduction took place on campus in the L. Thomas Melly ’52 Lobby of the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts to a standing-room only crowd. Jacobsen comes to the Colleges after serving … Continue reading HWS Announces Next President
Introducing President Jacobsen
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief On Friday, Feb. 8, just hours before she was announced as the next President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Dr. Joyce Jacobsen sat down for an interview with the Herald. In a wide-ranging interview, Jacobsen discussed how she learned about HWS, her cat Putters, and her academic career. Dr. Joyce Jacobsen comes to HWS after 26 years at Wesleyan … Continue reading Introducing President Jacobsen
Deeper Look into the Presidential Search
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief On the morning of the presidential announcement, the Herald spoke by phone with John Isaacson, the founder and Chair of search firm Isaacson, Miller. Mr. Isaacson was integrally involved in the presidential search and answered some of the Herald’s questions about the process and what it was like to work with HWS. Mr. Isaacson and his firm have been assisting … Continue reading Deeper Look into the Presidential Search
Welcome Back Concert
By Wren Andrews ’21 Arts & Entertainment Editor Walking into the Welcome Back Concert was something I had not anticipated doing this year. After reviewing last year’s concert featuring A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, I was reluctant to take my chances on Jay Sean and Jay Critch. Comments from last year describing “the entire room [as] a gross mosh pit” are, for obvious reasons, effectively … Continue reading Welcome Back Concert
Sodexo: History & Concerns
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor & Staff Writer Saga food isn’t the greatest. At least, that’s what everyone says in continual complaints about dining on campus. But what about Sodexo — the company that runs Dining Services and Buildings and Grounds? Although I won’t argue that complaints about food aren’t warranted, there are many reasons that students should be more concerned about the company … Continue reading Sodexo: History & Concerns
Free Speech on Campus
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff In November 2017, the Young Americans for Freedom invited its first speaker to campus. Nonie Darwish, the founder of Arabs for Israel, was widely accused of Islamophobia during her remarks in the Sanford Room, prompting a debate among students over how the campus community should balance free speech with its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The … Continue reading Free Speech on Campus
The Tech Behind “#TheBallantineDays”
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Staff #TheBallantineDays, directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Heather May, is one of the spring Theatre Mainstage productions. It is one that theatre students have been writing and helping to make as they go along. The three main playwrights are May, Thomas Perry ’19, and Izzy Ingram ’19 – though the idea came from last year’s devising class. It all … Continue reading The Tech Behind “#TheBallantineDays”
Walkway for William Smith Hill
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff Ever since I could walk, my Dad would constantly remind me that the fastest way to get between two places is in a straight line. This idea is partly why Nuzhat Wahid, previous William Smith Class of 2022 president and current William Smith Congress vice president, decided to construct and establish a walkway up the infamous William Smith Hill. … Continue reading Walkway for William Smith Hill
The Student Trustees’ Role at HWS
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Staff Student Trustees are an important part of our school’s system, and a role not enough people vote for. With the upcoming election for the new junior Student Trustees (see the timetable above), the Herald met with Gavin Gross ’19 and Caitlin Lasher ’19, our senior Student Trustees to learn more about their role at HWS and on the Board … Continue reading The Student Trustees’ Role at HWS
New HSG Constitution
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Staff On Jan. 29, Hobart’s student government proposed and passed a long list of changes to the Hobart Student Government Constitution. The changes passed with 75 percent of the vote by Hobart students. The Herald met with Ryan Skinner, Hobart Student Government’s vice president at the time of the constitution revisions, to find out more about the changes. Ryan explained … Continue reading New HSG Constitution
The HWS Music Scene
By Wren Andrews ’21 Arts & Entertainment Editor Welcome to the Geneva Music Series – a column focused on illuminating the musical venues, artists, histories, and opportunities across Geneva, both on and off campus. For this issue, we interviewed Dylan Bennett, who gave us a unique perspective on music at HWS – as a member of one of HWS’ student bands, St. Clair, and a … Continue reading The HWS Music Scene
Sustainability at HWS
By Yellie LaBare ’19 Special to the Herald In 2007, HWS President Mark Gearan signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which charged the Colleges with a new task: carbon neutrality by 2025. Although bold, this act was crucial in the forward momentum of the Colleges’ sustainability, and 12 years, two solar farms, and countless program initiatives later, the Colleges are well on … Continue reading Sustainability at HWS
ResEd & Housing Updates
By Ani Freedman ’22 Chief Photographer & Herald Staff With housing selection season underway, students are buzzing with excitement, nerves, and questions regarding where they will be living in the 2019-2020 school year. Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are most likely looking to upgrade their living situations, but rumors have been stirring on campus regarding the possible uncertainty of off-campus housing, overcrowding, and the mystery of … Continue reading ResEd & Housing Updates
Davis Gallery: Art & Labor Collection
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor On Feb. 1, the Davis Gallery celebrated the opening of its new Art and Labor Collection. The exhibit features works from HWS’s own collection. Art and Labor is Visual Arts Curator Anna Wagner’s first collections curation project at the Colleges and features works by artists such as Kara Walker, Käthe Kollwitz, Arthur Dove, Frank Romero and Stacey Robinson, as … Continue reading Davis Gallery: Art & Labor Collection
Meet Taylor Brorby: New English Faculty
By Tayah Payne ’22 Herald Staff The Herald recently sat down with Taylor Brorby to discuss his role as a new TRIAS Post-Graduate Teaching Fellow in the English Department and what projects he has been working on. He is teaching Creative Writing and is offering a course in Advanced Environmental Nonfiction Writing this semester. A graduate of Iowa State University originally from North Dakota, Brorby … Continue reading Meet Taylor Brorby: New English Faculty
Zahra Arabzada on Activism and Triumph from Geneva to Afghanistan
This week on the Seneca Scene Zahra Arabzada tells her story of her life as a runner, starting in her home country of Afghanistan, and how her advocacy has impacted women in the United States as well as her home. Recounting her reasons for running in hijab in the U.S. and her work to advocate for female sports in Afghanistan. Zahra shares her incredible tale, … Continue reading Zahra Arabzada on Activism and Triumph from Geneva to Afghanistan
HWS President Announced
Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced today the next person who will serve as the 29th President of Hobart College and the 17th of William Smith College. Joyce P. Jacobsen was named to the role at a ceremony on campus in the L. Thomas Melly ’52 Lobby of the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. Jacobsen will be the first female president of Hobart and … Continue reading HWS President Announced
EMS Chief Ryan Klimkewicz: Keeping HWS Safe
Discover the team of college students working around the clock for your safety in this interview with Ryan Klimkewicz. As the chief of EMS here at HWS, Ryan oversees more than twenty students and liaises with various community resources. Taking some time from his sleepless schedule, Ryan gives us some insight into what life is like juggling the responsibilities of college and EMS. He also … Continue reading EMS Chief Ryan Klimkewicz: Keeping HWS Safe
Brett Pasternak on Organizing the Welcome Back Concert
Behind every Welcome Back Concert, Brett Pasternak is working tirelessly to bring the entertainment and excitement to campus. In this interview, Brett discuses the joys and challenges of music management and the unique opportunities that working at HWS has provided him with over the years. There are also some crazy insider stories and advice for aspiring musicians! Listen to the full episode below and be … Continue reading Brett Pasternak on Organizing the Welcome Back Concert
Chaplain Maurice Charles & Cliff Chan Reflect on HWS
Before the beloved duo in the Chaplain’s House – Chaplin Maurice Charles and his partner Cliff Chan – left campus in January to move to Atlanta, The Seneca Scene sat down with both of them to discuss their time at HWS, spiritual life and engagement, fond memories, and what’s in store for them next. In this long and wide-spanning interview, the two of them managed to … Continue reading Chaplain Maurice Charles & Cliff Chan Reflect on HWS
Jeremy Wattles on Community Service & Learning
This week The Seneca Scene visited Associate Director for the Center of Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) at the Colleges: Jeremy Wattles. In one of his final interviews before departing the Colleges for Colgate University, to serve as the Director of their Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education, Wattles discusses the work he has completed at HWS and the influence of Emeritus President Mark D. Gearan … Continue reading Jeremy Wattles on Community Service & Learning
A Discussion with Political Groups on Campus: YAF & YAL
This week The Seneca Scene hosts a conversation with two student leaders who are on the boards of political groups at HWS: Alex Dubin ’20 from Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) and Josh Harper ’19 from Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). This episode was recorded before any of their recent events this semester and focuses on their groups’ missions and ideals. The Herald and Seneca Scene maintain their commitment to … Continue reading A Discussion with Political Groups on Campus: YAF & YAL
Culture of Exhaustion
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a friend in the library and she looked over at me and said “You know what the Herald should cover? The culture of exhaustion on this campus.” She continued to explain to me that she felt a good number of students at HWS faced pressure from a myriad of … Continue reading Culture of Exhaustion
Voting on Campus: From U.S. Congress to William Smith Congress
By Olivia Rowland ‘21 Copy Editor Almost a month after the midterm elections, students had the opportunity to vote in another election, this time for the executive board of William Smith Congress. But the atmosphere surrounding both opportunities for civic participation was unmistakably different. The HWS community put a lot of effort into mobilizing for the midterm elections. By Nov. 6, HWS Votes and the … Continue reading Voting on Campus: From U.S. Congress to William Smith Congress
Chief Diversity Officer Search
By Ryan Skinner ‘19 Herald Staff Last spring, amid a flurry of emerging vacancies at the colleges, it was announced that Interim Chief Diversity Officer Solomé Rose would be leaving the position she had held since March of 2016 to join Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York. Her exit prompted a series of emails from more than a dozen faculty members congratulating Rose … Continue reading Chief Diversity Officer Search
Hobart Deans Envisioning Change
By Ani Freedman ‘22 Photography Editor Over the past year or so, HWS has had some noticeable administrative changes across various offices and departments, including a new interim president, professors joining and retiring within various departments, and of course new additions in the Dean’s Office. A notable aspect of these changes for Hobart College students is the appointment of Interim Dean Khuram Hussain and Interim … Continue reading Hobart Deans Envisioning Change
‘No Exit’ Comes to HWS
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief What do three random strangers, locked together in a room for eternity, have in common? In Jean-Paul Sartre’s 1944 classic No Exit they are there to torture each other in the afterlife. On Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. the play will be performed in Williams Studio (located in Williams Hall) with all-student actors and a student production team. It … Continue reading ‘No Exit’ Comes to HWS
Gib Shea: First-Year Class President
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff Through correspondence with Gib Shea ‘22, the newly elected Hobart class president as of October 2018, I was able to gain a greater perspective about his background, as well as his outline for the future of the class. As a student and active community member, Gib talked about the different roles he plays on campus, as well as his … Continue reading Gib Shea: First-Year Class President
HWS-Technos Exchange Program
By Will Fletcher ’20 Herald Contributor For two weeks this past June, Professor Gabriella D’Angelo, William Smith sophomore Carly Shiever, and I were able to travel to Japan free of charge to participate in an international exchange program. The trip included interactive workshops at Technos College, which is outside of Tokyo, a three day stay at a traditional Japanese onsen (a hot spring with baths), … Continue reading HWS-Technos Exchange Program
The Geneva Music Scene
By Wren Andrews ’21 Arts and Entertainment Editor Geneva overtly touts itself as “The Lake Trout Capital of the World,” home to the Geneva Panthers, the quintessential college town surrounding Hobart and William Smith Colleges. As students, we are exposed to Geneva in a more intimate view than most ordinary onlookers, but many may be surprised to find out that Geneva is also a city … Continue reading The Geneva Music Scene
Drag Show: A New Tradition
By Reed Herter ‘22 Herald Staff This year was the second time that a drag show has taken place on campus. This year, it was hosted and headlined by The Vixen, from Rupaul’s Drag Race, and was in the Bartlet Theater. It was headed by the LGBTQ+Resource Center. Drag shows are often seen as a part of queer culture. The performances consist of people dressed … Continue reading Drag Show: A New Tradition
‘Art Now’ Exhibit
The students in the Studio Art senior seminar completed a major part of their capstone experience with artist talks and a gallery opening on Thursday, November 29. The students – Niki Russell ‘19, Caroline Mackin ‘19, Bradley Grayson ‘19, Rachel Geiogamah ‘19, and Katherine Dymes ‘19 – collected pieces that were representative of their artistic journeys. In a short presentation, they each discussed their evolution … Continue reading ‘Art Now’ Exhibit
Makayla Pydych ’19 on Community Service Involvement and Engagement
This week The Seneca Scene welcomes senior Makayla Pydych who is majoring in English and Education, and pursuing the Masters of Arts in Teaching, for a discussion on her work in the Geneva community throughout her four years at HWS. Join us for this chat where we learn more about Makayla’s work with Geneva 2020 – and Geneva Reads and the newly launched Geneva Writes – … Continue reading Makayla Pydych ’19 on Community Service Involvement and Engagement
Sarah Walters ’19 on Varied Interests at HWS and Beyond
This week The Seneca Scene welcomes senior Sarah Walters who is majoring in Genocide, Human Rights, and Peace Action for a discussion on taking action and how to remain committed and involved through both campus and global life. Join us for this chat where we learn more about Sarah’s work with PLEN and the Genocide and Human Rights Symposium and how they relate to the arc … Continue reading Sarah Walters ’19 on Varied Interests at HWS and Beyond
Mental Health Awareness with Dianna Paige ’19
This week The Seneca Scene welcomes senior Psychology major Dianna Paige for a discussion on mental health and how to help others both on campus and off. Join us for this chat where we learn more about the resources available on campus, the various signs of depression, how to discuss trauma, and the purpose of trigger warnings. You can also watch all of Dianna’s TED talk for … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness with Dianna Paige ’19
The Coordinate System: History & Context
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief When William Smith gave about $475,000 to the Trustees of Hobart for the founding of William Smith College for women on December 13, 1906, the college was to be coordinate with the “men’s department” and under Hobart’s Board of Trustees. The coordinate agreement is unique among American colleges; it is touted by the Colleges as being in place for exploration and … Continue reading The Coordinate System: History & Context
Coordinate System Viewpoint #1
By Noah D. R. Feeman, Class of 2016 “What does Coordinate mean to you?” How many HWS students (alums, staff, faculty, passers-by, families, friends, neighbors, invested local businessmen, the stranger on the street) come and gone, have been asked this question? How many different pieces of school promotional material have contained some version of this phrase; how many of us have had it sprung on us … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #1
Coordinate System Viewpoint #2
By Kels Veeder, Current Student Though it occurred well over a year now, my most prominent memory at HWS is still the first day of Orientation. Walking through the Hobart matriculation tent alone was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life; being ignored by the Alumni Association and having to endure questioning side glances made it immediately clear that I did not belong … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #2
Kavanaugh Walkout
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor On Oct. 4, the voices of HWS students chanting “Kava-what? Kava-no!” over the South Main Street overpass joined the voices of those across the country who participated in the #CancelKavenaugh Walkout Against Patriarchy. The walkout protested Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court in the wake of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegations and offered support for Dr. … Continue reading Kavanaugh Walkout
Coordinate System Viewpoint #3
This piece was written by a student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. I walk across campus alongside 5-10 other families on my first tour as a prospective student of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In the first few steps the coordinate system and the “four main differences of The Colleges” are mentioned. It sounds really cool that women have unique opportunities, but for some … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #3
Coordinate System Viewpoint #4
This piece was written by a sophomore non-binary student currently enrolled at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. When I decided to come here, I was in the process of accepting my identity as a non-binary person. I struggled with the idea that I was not, in fact, a woman, despite knowing deep-down that I did not fit into the binary idea of gender. Being a … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #4
Tackled by School Administration
By Nicola Russell ’19 & Makayla Pydych ’19 Herald Contributors On March 30 this year, Hobart and William Smith Colleges officially announced the building of a new indoor turf field for the school’s varsity sports teams, funded through Hobart Lacrosse Alumni donations. The development would create an additional winter space for varsity athletes to practice. However, this indoor turf field is being built on what was once … Continue reading Tackled by School Administration
Coordinate System Viewpoint #5
This piece was written by an upper-class Hobart and William Smith student. I am a non-binary student. “Genderqueer, also known as non–binary, is a catch-all category for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine—identities which are outside the gender binary and cisnormativity. Genderqueer people may express a combination of masculinity and femininity, or neither, in their gender expression.” (Wikipedia, 2018) I am strong … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #5
Campus Connections
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Contributor The Campus Connections Program is a newly instituted service for first-year students. It takes all first-year students and pairs them up with a mentor on campus. These mentors are staff members who volunteered, and they “are the people not interacting with students on a daily basis,” as John Young, the Dean of Admissions, put it. The purpose of the … Continue reading Campus Connections
Coordinate System Viewpoint #6
By Cameron Gaynor, William Smith ’14 When I was looking at colleges back in 2008-9, I wasn’t out to myself as transgender and non-binary, let alone queer at all. I’d grown up in simultaneously a very gendered and non-gendered world. I am an only child, assigned female at birth, and grew up competitively horseback riding. I was a Rhetoric and English enthusiast and so many … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #6
Coordinate System Viewpoint #7
This piece is written by a senior Hobart and William Smith student. The Coordinate System and Beyond: What HWS can do Better As a transgender student, I despise the coordinate system. That is not to say that I do not recognize why it exists, nor am I ignorant of the struggle it would take to remove it. So, this article shall be separated into two … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #7
Coordinate System Viewpoint #8
This piece was written by a recent graduate of Hobart and William Smith. The following list of questions is the best way that I’ve found to express my experience, and that is all I have to contribute right now. Questions I asked myself on a daily basis when I came out as transgender on the HWS campus: Do I have to leave William Smith if … Continue reading Coordinate System Viewpoint #8
William Smith Congress Reaching Out
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor “We never really leave our roles,” says Eva Catanzariti ‘21, Vice President of William Smith Congress. “What we want to do is take issues that students care about on campus and take them out of just conversations with friends, and bring them to the next level where we can figure out how can we support you going forward and … Continue reading William Smith Congress Reaching Out
Student Voter Engagement
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor The Herald’s coverage of Hobart class president elections in last month’s issue revealed that most students were apathetic when it came to voting. With the midterm elections coming up in less than a month, students have another, arguably more important, chance to let their voices be heard. But will they vote? In short, the data is not promising. Young people … Continue reading Student Voter Engagement
Competitive Gaming Starts on Campus
By Jackie Steinman ’20 Herald Contributor The new E-Sports Gaming House opened on Pulteney Street with its ribbon-cutting ceremony just a few weeks ago. E-Sports refers to video gaming competitions in which individuals or teams can play against one another at the amateur, collegiate, or professional level. Overwatch and League of Legends are two games that have their own professional leagues and have led the … Continue reading Competitive Gaming Starts on Campus
Intercultural Affairs Center
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Staff Exciting times are upon the International Affairs Center. The center, which creates a supportive place for international students, will soon be under renovation. Ideas and plans for the new renovations have already began. “The process is following the timeline,” says Alejandra Molina, one of the directors of the International Affairs Center. This timeline started in the spring of last … Continue reading Intercultural Affairs Center
Gravitational Waves with Professor Steven Penn
This week The Seneca Scene welcomes Professor of Physics Steven Penn to discuss the discovery of gravitational waves and his work with LIGO on coating design for the interferometer detectors. Join us for this chat where we learn more about Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, the collision of black holes and neutron stars, and what this discovery means for our understanding of the Big Bang. Listen … Continue reading Gravitational Waves with Professor Steven Penn
Fribolin Farm and Food Systems with Sarah Meyer
This week The Seneca Scene welcomes Sarah Meyer from the Finger Lakes Institute to discuss the Fribolin Farm, sustainability, community garden, upcoming events, and beekeeping. Join us for this half-hour chat where we learn more about the HWS campus farm and its mascot, along with ways you can get involved on campus with Campus Greens or the Eco-Reps. Don’t forget to follow the farm on Instagram … Continue reading Fribolin Farm and Food Systems with Sarah Meyer
First Impressions from the Classes of 2022
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor According to the “Welcoming the Classes of 2022” article published by the HWS Update before the new class of First Years arrived on campus, the Classes of 2022 include “class presidents, all-star athletes, engaged volunteers and inspired artists.” Statistically, this same article identified that 40 percent of the Classes of 2022 applied to HWS Early Decision, 25 percent identify … Continue reading First Impressions from the Classes of 2022
Title IX Update
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor Last April, the Herald published six articles about Title IX and sexual assault on campus. The series investigated how reports of sexual assault are handled on campus in addition to the campus culture around the issue. The Herald found that there seemed to be less openness to discussion about sexual assault on campus than there was in 2014. In … Continue reading Title IX Update
Beginning Again: The Presidential Search
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Managing Editor When an individual is appointed to the presidency of an institution of higher education, he or she takes on the responsibility to guide the institution into the future. This year, Hobart and William Smith Colleges face the challenge of selecting the person who will not only represent the alumni, faculty, staff, and students of the Colleges, but also represent … Continue reading Beginning Again: The Presidential Search
Elections Reveal Apathy
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff This year’s class president elections were defined by a continuing trend of uncompetitive elections, voter disengagement and revealing defects in the electronic ballot. As the vice president of Hobart Student Government, I have made the unusual decision to publicize some limited data from the elections. I believe this is a necessary course of action because only through a shared … Continue reading Elections Reveal Apathy
Lasher: ‘And So There I Was in Poland’
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Contributor On August 27, the greater population of Hobart and William Smith Colleges gathered in the Vandervort Room to celebrate the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Featuring remarks from esteemed alums, student leaders, and HWS faculty, the ceremony presented inspiratory comments for the Classes of 2019, as well as words of welcome for the Classes of 2022. To commence … Continue reading Lasher: ‘And So There I Was in Poland’
Orientation
By Henry Duerr ’21 Herald Staff Orientation. For some, it marks an exciting new chapter in life. For others, it’s a tooth-grinding formality. Regardless of background, all students, be it First Year or transfer, undergo the process. Except this year, the incoming Classes of 2022 had a few things changed for them. Tanner Arnold, one of the two student Orientation Leaders, spoke to me a … Continue reading Orientation
125 Years: the Smith Opera House
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor For six weeks over the summer, HWS students Gretty Hollister ‘20 and Austin Jennings ‘19 assisted Associate Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth in researching Geneva’s own Smith Opera House. Woodworth, who has performed and directed at the Smith and serves on the Board of the Opera House, said she wanted to “focus on the history of the building as … Continue reading 125 Years: the Smith Opera House
New William Smith Deans Outline Vision
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Contributor As of July 2018, two out of the three William Smith deans will have stepped into their roles within the past few months. However, despite being new to William Smith administrative roles, both Assistant Dean Kelly Payne and Assistant Dean Lisa Salter are far from inexperienced. Both Dean Payne and Dean Salter bring their experiences of teaching and advising … Continue reading New William Smith Deans Outline Vision
Faculty Work on Display at the Davis Gallery
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Managing Editor This month, the Davis Gallery began its 2018-2019 exhibition lineup with the Faculty Exhibition, featuring artworks in sculpture, printing, photography, drawing, digital rendering, fashion, installation, and textile arts. This collection displays the wide range of talent held by the faculty of the Department of Art and Architecture. The Davis Gallery usually features the work of one faculty member each … Continue reading Faculty Work on Display at the Davis Gallery
‘Love/Sick’ from HWS Theatre
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Contributor My first time walking into the Gearan Center was an impressive feat – the scope of the building is huge and intimidating. After wandering the halls for a while, I was finally able to find and talk to Professor Chris Woodworth, the director of HWS Mainstage’s fall production Love/Sick, written by playwright John Cariani, author of the critically acclaimed … Continue reading ‘Love/Sick’ from HWS Theatre
Fostering Conversation & Self-Confidence: an Interview with Eye-to-Eye Chapter Leader Isabelle Jeppsen
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Managing Editor On the first Friday of the new school year, students wander from one table to the next at the Involvement Expo, writing their names down on mailing lists. For many students, signing up at the expo is the first step toward finding a community where they can explore their passions alongside like-minded peers. But Isabelle Jeppsen ’21 had her … Continue reading Fostering Conversation & Self-Confidence: an Interview with Eye-to-Eye Chapter Leader Isabelle Jeppsen
The State of the Colleges with William Smith Dean Kaenzig
In the final of its State of the Colleges series, The Seneca Scene welcomed William Smith Dean Lisa Kaenzig to discuss William Smith advancement opportunities, the achievement gap, and plans for the future of the institution. In the last two weeks we have spoken with Interim President Patrick A. McGuire and Interim Hobart Dean Khuram Hussain. In conversation, Kaenzig spoke about the values of Hobart … Continue reading The State of the Colleges with William Smith Dean Kaenzig
The State of the Colleges with Hobart Dean Hussain
In Part 2 of its State of the Colleges series, The Seneca Scene welcomed Interim Hobart Dean Khuram Hussain to discuss Hobart traditions in the changing academic environment. Last week we spoke with Interim President Patrick A. McGuire and next week we will also speak with William Smith Dean Lisa Kaenzig. In conversation, Hussain spoke about the values of Hobart and William Smith, traditions of Hobart … Continue reading The State of the Colleges with Hobart Dean Hussain
The State of the Colleges with Interim President McGuire
To start the 2018-2019 Academic Year, The Seneca Scene welcomed Interim President Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D. ’12 to discuss Hobart and William Smith Colleges as we begin the academic year. It is the first in our three-part series on the State of the Colleges. In the next two weeks we will also speak with William Smith Dean Lisa Kaenzig and Interim Hobart Dean Khuram Hussain. In … Continue reading The State of the Colleges with Interim President McGuire
Year in Review with Quinn Cullum
It’s been quite a year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges! As we look ahead to the Classes of 2018 Commencement, News Editor Quinn Cullum ’18 walks us through the events that have defined this past year in news. In her wide-ranging interview, Cullum discusses the resignation of President Gregory J. Vincent ’83, the instatement of Interim President Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D. ’12, the Herald‘s … Continue reading Year in Review with Quinn Cullum
Continuing Progress: Moving HWS Forward with Pat McGuire
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief When Emeritus Professor of Economics, Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D.’12, was named as Interim President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, it was another homecoming for the thrice-retired Professor. Having lived in Geneva since 1968, McGuire has served the Colleges for over 40 years. After retiring as Professor of Economics, McGuire was tapped by then-President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D. ’17 to … Continue reading Continuing Progress: Moving HWS Forward with Pat McGuire
An Interview with Gregory Vincent: What’s Next?
By Theodore Nappo ’18 Herald Contributor On Tuesday, April 24, the Herald sat down with the Gregory J. Vincent ’83, former President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In his first sit-down interview, we discussed the accusations of plagiarism that resulted in his resignation. Vincent seemed relaxed in person; he was not focused on the past but rather looking ahead to the future. When asked … Continue reading An Interview with Gregory Vincent: What’s Next?
Seven Individuals Cited in Fake ID Bust Downtown
By Dan Bristol ’18 and Alex Kerai ’19 Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief Seven individuals were cited for possessing counterfeit identification or criminal impersonation two weeks ago in an enforcement operation by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department, and the Geneva Police Department, several of them were students of the Colleges. The operation featured several undercover officers working with door people … Continue reading Seven Individuals Cited in Fake ID Bust Downtown
President Gregory Vincent Resigns
The Board of Trustees at Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced on Friday, April 13 that President Gregory J. Vincent ’83 would be resigning as the 27th President of Hobart and the 16th President of William Smith. The announcement comes in the midst of an investigation into claims that President Vincent plagiarized parts of his 2004 dissertation, which was completed for a Ed.D. degree at … Continue reading President Gregory Vincent Resigns
Seating Opinions: Commencement 2018
At the end of March, the Classes of 2018 voted to decide between joint seating and processions for commencement or separate seating and processions by college. The debate prompted discussion about gender differences and inclusivity within the coordinate system. To shed greater light on the discussion the Herald asked three campus leaders and active participants in the conversation to express their views in print. Their … Continue reading Seating Opinions: Commencement 2018
Seating Opinions: Bex Czajkowski
At the end of March, the Classes of 2018 voted to decide between joint seating and processions for commencement or separate seating and processions by college. The debate prompted discussion about gender differences and inclusivity within the coordinate system. To shed greater light on the discussion the Herald asked three campus leaders and active participants in the conversation to express their views in print. By … Continue reading Seating Opinions: Bex Czajkowski
Seating Opinions: Jackie Fisher
At the end of March, the Classes of 2018 voted to decide between joint seating and processions for commencement or separate seating and processions by college. The debate prompted discussion about gender differences and inclusivity within the coordinate system. To shed greater light on the discussion the Herald asked three campus leaders and active participants in the conversation to express their views in print. By Jackie … Continue reading Seating Opinions: Jackie Fisher
Seating Opinions: Alex Santiago
At the end of March, the Classes of 2018 voted to decide between joint seating and processions for commencement or separate seating and processions by college. The debate prompted discussion about gender differences and inclusivity within the coordinate system. To shed greater light on the discussion the Herald asked three campus leaders and active participants in the conversation to express their views in print. By … Continue reading Seating Opinions: Alex Santiago
Social Space & Social Responsibility in Fraternities
By The Herald News Team As with many other colleges and universities, fraternities play a dominating role in social life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and, as a side effect of their social role on campus, are frequently tied to instances of sexual assault. The 2017 Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey found that of the 46 students who self-reported … Continue reading Social Space & Social Responsibility in Fraternities
Troubling Statistics of Campus Sexual Assaults
By The Herald News Team The National Criminal Justice Reference Service published two reports under the U.S. Department of Justice, one in December 2000 and another in December 2007, which highlight troubling facts about campus sexual assaults: nationally in more than 90 percent of rapes and unwanted sexual contact incidents on campus, the student did not report. This is based on the December 2000 report, which … Continue reading Troubling Statistics of Campus Sexual Assaults
Trias Astounds
By Wren Andrews ‘21
Staff Writer
It wasn’t an exceptionally nice evening out—it was rainy, dark, and cold. However, despite the weather, a reasonably-sized swarm of people were walking in the direction of the Hirshson Ballroom. Inside was a completely different world: the room was bright, and full of light and energy as much as it was full of people. As Associate Professor of English Kathryn Cowles said, people were “hanging from the rafters,” standing in the aisles, sitting in places where no seats were left. The sheer number of students in attendance was an incredible anomaly, especially for this campus, but it was a crowd well-deserved for a poet as incredible as Danez Smith. Continue reading Trias Astounds
Mosaic New York
By Alex Kerai ‘19 & Quinn Cullum ‘18
Editor-in-Chief & News Editor
Beginning first in the 2014-2015 academic year, Mosaic New York is a small theatrical company that writes and performs pieces in an effort to create dialogues on campus and in the Geneva community related to social justice issues. Associate Professor of Theatre Heather May continues to work as the founder and Artistic Director of the company with the support of the Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Theatre. Continue reading Mosaic New York
The Many Worlds of Godot
By Abbey Frederick ‘20
Staff Writer
This April, HWS Theatre will be undertaking the production of one of the twentieth century’s most famous and fascinating plays. Continue reading The Many Worlds of Godot
Blue Lights at HWS: A Complicated Necessity
By The Herald News Team Referred to by Marty Corbett, director of Campus Safety at HWS, as “rarely used,” the blue lights and call boxes on the Hobart and William Smith campus exist as a safety measure to protect members of the HWS community in the event of an attack. Both the lights and call boxes contain emergency buttons that can be pressed to directly contact … Continue reading Blue Lights at HWS: A Complicated Necessity
Meet the William Smith Trustee
By Claire Joshi ‘21
Herald Staff
On March 5, it was announced that Gianna Gonzalez ’20 won the March 2 election for the new William Smith Junior Trustee. On March 9, Edens Fleurizard ’20 was announced as the new Hobart Junior Trustee following a run-off election. Continue reading Meet the William Smith Trustee
Respect on Campus: Power of the Human Voice
The author of this piece requested that it be published anonymously as it contains sensitive and personal reflection “What do you do on the weekends? Get hammered and go home with someone?” This disrespectful and generalized comment was made to me by a male student on the yellow couches of the first floor of the library, a public space for all to use. Following that … Continue reading Respect on Campus: Power of the Human Voice
Letter to the Editor 4-6-18
By Professor H. Wesley Perkins
Department of Sociology
I write in response to Phoebe MacCurrach’s March 2, 2018 Herald article titled “HWS Social Norms and Just Facts.” Ms. MacCurrach is not happy about the 20% of students who engage in unintended sexual activity as a result of drinking during the academic year, the 27% who are not offended by sexist comments, and the 21% who do not use a designated non-drinking driver.” Neither am I, nor are others who work in the field of health promotion and risk prevention, nor most people who simply care about themselves and others. I applaud her concern about these potentially harmful behaviors. I wish she had taken the simple step and a few minutes of her time, however, to speak with me or my colleague, David Craig, about our Just Facts information (we routinely invite students to do so and our doors are open) before launching her apparently uninformed critique of our work. Continue reading Letter to the Editor 4-6-18
Free Speech Discourse on Campus
By Phoebe MacCurrach ‘18
Herald Staff
On the Friday before spring break at noon, President Gregory Vincent ’83 sent out an email with the subject “Diversity of thought and the First Amendment Right to freedom of speech.” The email addresses his belief in the importance of complying with the community standards, he even included a link to an online version. Continue reading Free Speech Discourse on Campus
Classes of 2018 to Have Joint Graduation Seating
By Dan Bristol
Managing Editor
Through a decisive vote last week, the Classes of 2018 decided to make this year’s commencement ceremony on May 13th a joint ceremony with Hobart and William Smith students sitting and graduating together. This marks the second year in a row that students from both schools will be seated together, returning to a graduation arrangement more familiar to President Vincent ’83 and his peers from the 70s and 80s. Continue reading Classes of 2018 to Have Joint Graduation Seating
A Culture of Respect?
As policy, the Herald follows Associated Press guidelines and does “not generally identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted…except in unusual circumstances.” The four interviews with survivors of sexual misconduct on this campus were conducted on the record, and the Herald will not identify those victims of sexual assault and harassment. Instead we have given them the opportunity to choose a pseudonym with … Continue reading A Culture of Respect?
William Smith Walkout
By Grace Ruble ’21
Herald Staff
March 8, 2018 was International Women’s Day. This year, many Hobart and William Smith students celebrated by participating in a walkout and rally on the Coxe steps and then marching to a rally in downtown Geneva. The walkout and Coxe steps rally were organized by a group of William Smith students including Hilda Agyekum, Kerry Bartholomae, Madeline Cook, Bex Czajkowski, Loretta Hauslauer, Alex Holmes, Sydney Hummel, Lara Johnson, Megan Mahar, Morgan Neils and Ainsley Rhodes. Continue reading William Smith Walkout