A new year usually brings analysis of the past year's trends and predictions of what will define the coming year. Here, I present an "In and Out List of 2010: U.Va. Edition."
In: Midwesternettes who specialize in demography. Out: Virginian men with Roman numerals at the end of their names.\nThis shift is not only symbolic for the historic first it brings, but also for the historic man about to exit stage right. Let me see if I can put this in more simple terms. John T. Casteen, III began his time as president of the University when many undergraduate students - including myself - were not yet born. It's been an interesting 20 years for the University. Try picturing Grounds without John Paul Jones Arena, the Aquatic & Fitness Center or - for better or worse - Hereford.\nThink about the student body around you. What does everyone look like? Where are they from? You might guess that almost all of them are upper-middle class, white students from the Beltway, the beach or the suburbs of Richmond. Now we have upper-middle class, white kids from other states, too! Oh, and some minority and international students attend the University as well, but not nearly enough to balance out the majority of the student population.\nTeresa Sullivan may have large shoes to fill, but I feel like her appointment is both symbolically and pragmatically significant. During this age of economic uncertainty, unprecedented interest in college and the Common Application, it is important for a school that values tradition to recognize the benefits of changing leadership to suit the times. Indeed, the University seems to be sending a clear message by electing an exceptional woman, an academic and an outsider as our next leader, as if it is trying to remodel itself as a progressive institution with historically academic roots.
In: Winning teams. Out: Embarrassment.\nTony Bennett has brought enthusiasm back to an arena tarnished by athletic loss. Now, it dances to the music of Virginia's dynamic defense on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, Al Groh, aka "The Guy in the Glass," walks away after nine seasons with the weight of job termination and a six-game losing streak on his shoulders, a hefty settlement in his pocket and nay a (good ol') song in his heart.
In: Talking about your feelings. Out: Swindling people.\nUndergraduate students of the humanities, rejoice! After suffering through the expansion of the obnoxious Commerce School (what was wrong with Monroe?) and the athletic facilities, things are looking up for lovers of the written word. (This offer only extends to students of politics, religious studies and history. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions may apply.) "The most ambitious undertaking on Central Grounds in a century," according to its Web site, the South Lawn Project is open on a limited basis this spring.
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An ode to running
By Malone Morchower | 4 hours agoIn addition to providing me with opportunities to connect with others around Grounds, I really value the way that running immerses me in time and place.
Khul Ke Nacho — a celebration of free-spirited dancing
By Malaika Rehman | YesterdayThe sea of attendees wearing desi attire and dancing joyfully throughout the night was a reflection of the thriving Pakistani community in and outside of PSA.
Holding onto every grain in the hourglass
By Mai Hukuoka | 2 days agoNow that I’m back at school, I have made it my mission to take note of the sneaky passage of time.
