BRUNSWICK, MAINE

Bowdoin Orient
THE NATIONS OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY PUBLISHED COLLEGE WEEKLY VOLUME 141, NUMBER 1 BY ZOHRAN MAMDANI
ORIENT STAFF

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

College vacates 45 Maine St. owner faces criminal charges over April re NESCAC title following mens hockey hazing
BY LINDA KINSTLER
ORIENT STAFF

Bowdoin became the first institution in NESCAC history to voluntarily vacate a NESCAC Championship following the discovery that hazing occurred at a mens ice hockey initiation event on May 11. The revelation was a dramatic turn of fortune for a team that only three months prior had been riding high after defeating Williams to capture the programs first-ever conference title. What exactly happened at the initiation, however, remains unclear. The Deans Office learned of the initiation on the morning of May 12 and alerted the Department of Safety and Security, which promptly launched an investigation. According to a former member of the team who agreed to speak to the Orient on the condition of anonymity, the players were notified of the investigation that evening. Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster declined to elaborate on the exact details of the event. Foster did report that the investigation quickly revealed that the in-

AARON WOLF, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

WHAT LIES BENEATH: The twisted pile of rubble left in the immediate aftermath of

the blaze (top) is a far cry from the empty lot that remains four months later (bottom).

Please see HOCKEY, page 2

Close to four months after the April 17 fire at 45 Maine Street, the buildings owner Orville Ranger has been issued with both a civil and a criminal summons. He is expected to stand trial in the coming months, and will appear at a dispositional conference scheduled for November 17. Its the lowest class of crime, its punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000, said Brunswick Police Department (BPD) Lieutenant Mark Waltz of the criminal summons. Waltz went on to say that Ranger will be tried for not having a proper alarm system in the building, a violation of public safety laws. Additionally in order to comply with building standards, youre supposed to have two clearly marked ways of egress on the second floor, which Waltz said that Ranger had not installed. Waltz explained that in his 14 years at the BPD, Orville is the first person to be charged with a criminal violation for his failure to follow the fire safety codes. This is the first timebut our position, and that of the Brunswick Fire Department (BFD), is that its serious and when youre being told you need to make upgrades to your building, youve got to make upgrades because peoples lives are at stake, he said. But for the grace of God, there was no one killed in this facility. Preceding the fire, the BFD spent two years pressuring Orville

to make the necessary upgrades. During this process, there were multiple meetings held between the BFD, Orville, and the State Fire Marshalls office. BFD Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Emerson, who was the departments representative on the case, could not be reached for comment. BFD Fire Chief Ken Brillant stated that he was not in a position to comment as he did not participate in the process. There were a lot of frustrations on the behalf of the fire department because theyd been trying to work with this guy for a couple of years and they werent getting any satisfaction, said Waltz. And then one of the very things he was warned about, the fact that it could make it difficult for people to detect the fire and escape, ended up happening. Rangers defense attorney Peter Detroy, of Portland-based law firm Norman Hanson DeTroy, became involved in the case soon after the fire, when Rangers friends suspected he might face criminal charges. He went on to describe the legal history of the case. The case was initially brought in West Bath. We, as we do in every case, entered a plea of not guilty, and then the case was set in Portland. Thats an internal administrative decision, not one that I made. Yet, while the case may continue in Portland, many of the issues are still sorting themselves out in Brunswick. For the two dozen former residents of 45 Maine Street,

Please see FIRE, page 3

Remembering A. Leroy Greason, Hurricane Irenes bark far worse than her bite former president of the College
BY ELIZABETH MAYBANK
ORIENT STAFF

BY ERICA BERRY
ORIENT STAFF

For many in the current Bowdoin community, the name Greason may only evoke the image of the glossy tile of the Colleges swimming pool. Yet the man behind the name A. Leroy Greason, former Bowdoin professor, dean and president died in Brunswick on August 28, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the lives of many individuals and the College itself. Next Tuesday, September 13, Greason would have celebrated his 89th birthday. Born in Newport, R.I., he grew up in Wellesley, MA, and graduated from Wesleyan University in 1945. Greason seved as as student government president and was a member of Phi Betta Kappa. In 1952, Greason began teaching at Bowdoin as an English professor specializing in 18th century literature. He took the position while still finishing his doctorate at Harvard, which he received in 1954. In an online memorial to Greason, John E. Simonds 57 praised

his sense of humor, his classroom skills in making 18th century England come to life for us, his understanding of the priorities of 20-year-olds, his respect as a former college swimmer for athletics and his patient smile which made him seem more approachable than others of his colleaguesPolite and good-mannered yes, but also tough and direct. John Cross 76, Secretary of Development and Community, is a third-generation employee of the College, and grew up as close family friends with the Greasons. He recalls hearing how his grandfather lobbied for Greasons initial hiring, sensing his notable charisma and intelligence. Frank Thomas 61 also eulogized Greasons teaching, calling his classes the most intellectually invigorating he ever experienced. He seemed to know instinctively what you were all about as a person and could reach you deeply with his spacious, tranquil mind that

Please see GREASON, page 4

Hurricane Irene struck the College campus on the evening of Saturday, August 27, leaving minimal damage in its wake. By the time it hit Maine, Irene had been downgraded to a tropical storm. According to Associate Director of Facilities Operations Jeff Tuttle, the storm left the College with two fallen trees, only one power outage and no physical or material damage. Pre-Orientation and Orientation were also unaffected by Tropical Storm Irene. The storm seemed to peter out, we did not have the winds that were projected. As it got closer and closer to us, the forecast changedless rain and wind, said Tuttle. The wind speeds were not what we were anticipating, which is a good thing. In anticipation of the storm, Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols said the campus prepared for worst. It didnt happen to the extent that it could have, but we still had to plan to the same extent, said Nichols. That is invaluable training for our campus emergency management team and overall campus emergency preparedness. Associate Director of Safety & Security Carol McAllister said, Not only did

LINDA KINSTLER , THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

IF A TREE FALLS: The hurricanes lone casualty lies on the quad hours before removal. we plan and train and exercise in the scope of the College, as the scenario dictates, we also pulled in members of the local community [for] their impact and feedback. Nichols and McAllister said they worked closely with Brunswick Police Captain Mark Waltz and Topsham Fire Chief Ken Brillant, along with local emergency managers and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The College here can be considered a resource to the local community and we can also rely on the local community as a resource to us. Its a real partnership, said McAllister. In preparation for Irene, Tuttle said Facilities tested their critical generators, particularly in Hubbard and Thorne, placed sandbags in low-lying areas like lower Moulton Union, chained or

Please see HURRICANE, page 3

MORE NEWS: CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

Over the summer, various College facilities underwent modications to reect both safety and spacial concerns.
Page 3.

A&E: STUDENT EXHIBITION OF MAINE ARTWORK

Light and Water , the multimedia brainchild of Rusack Coastal Studies Fellow Rachel McDonald 12, is on display in the Fishbowl Gallery of the VAC through September 14.
Page 9.

SPORTS: SOCCER KICKS OFF SEASON

After last years landmark season, the mens soccer team looks to go one step further with a NESCAC championship this year.
Page 10.

TODAYS OPINION
EDITORIAL: A few changes
Page 13.

1st CLASS U.S. MAIL Postage PAID Bowdoin College

The

news

the bowdoin orient

friday, september 9, 2011

Diversity initiatives include index and new O-week events

BY MARIYA ILYAS
ORIENT STAFF

In an effort to raise awareness of instances of discrimination on campus, the Office of Student Affairs has introduced a Campus and Community Index and made specific changes to the first year Orientation program. The Index is an electronic mechanism for people to report bias incidents, said Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster. Since its official launch, four reports have been submitted and of those, two have been published. These posts are viewable only to those with a Bowdoin account. The first published report of the year is about homophobic language that was scratched into the door of a room in Stowe Inn. Foster added that these efforts are aimed at teaching students about instances of discrimination, harassment and bias, as well

as bringing an end to these acts in the community. The idea for a campus index came from two places: a NESCAC deans meeting last December and a community meeting following the bias incident in Coles Tower in late April. Foster explained that once a report is submitted online, an email is immediately sent to both him and Associate Dean of Multicultural Student Programs Leana Amaez. Then, depending on the nature of the incident, appropriate action can be taken. The Index is meant to supplement the existing resources available to students who have experienced discrimination. We still have support systems and the same level of avenues of support available to students, he said. This is just a chance for people to report things and inform people quickly. In terms of Orientation week

programming, Bowdoin has historically invited outside performers or speakers to discuss the subject of diversity. Theyve always missed the mark, said Amaez. Similar to Middleburys program called Voices, Bowdoin added Perspectives to Orientation this year to showcase the incoming class diversity. It was really interesting and kind of nice to hear the voices of people in the class that I may or may not get to meet, said Ashley Talbot 15. George Ellzey 13, the summer intern who organized Perspectives, directed and wrote it. The mission is to celebrate diversity in the class, whether its a minority student or majority student, said Ellzey. Ellzey was approached by Amaez at the end of last semester to help revamp the diversity component of Orientation.

People dont get into a dialogue about multiculturalism and diversity at Bowdoin, said Ellzey, and Perspectives lets them know that its OK to talk about it. The second major change was an activity called Unpacking Differences and Building Community led by Amaez and Associate Director of Residential Education Ben Farrell. The goal of the three-part workshop was, according to Amaez, for first year students to have the opportunity to meet one another and engage in conversations about diversity. If Bowdoin didnt care about diversity or this issue, they wouldnt want to revamp the Orientation program, said Ellzey. To me, thats a big step for Bowdoin making the effort. The Campus and Community Index is accessible at the following address: http://www.bowdoin.edu/studentaffairs/community-index/index.shtml

Check out the Orients companion blog for breaking news, more features and multimedia.
bowdoinorientexpress.com

HOCKEY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
cident was an unambiguous case of hazing. College policy defines hazing as any activity that is part of an initiation, participation, or affiliation in a group that includes coercive, illegal, or academically compromising behavior. The Student Handbook additionally stipulates that hazing includes encouraging or requiring a person to consume alcohol, drugs, or foreign or unusual substances. Former captain Kyle ShearerHardy 11 wrote in an email to the Orient that there certainly was drinking involved, but no hard alcohol. Just kegs and wine coolers... it was more of an end of year party that happens annually. The former player who requested anonymity corroborated that no hard alcohol was present. In the weeks and months following the party, rumors began circulating that laxatives or other drugs were consumed, though Director of Athletics Jeff Ward said that to his knowledge, neither were involved. Shearer-Hardy also wrote that he was not aware of any laxatives at the initiation, but added that after all the information arose, it seems as if someone may have tried to add them to the mix. Im not sure if it was meant to be a joke, or if they were accidentally put in someones drink, he wrote. To my knowledge, as someone who was relatively sober at the event, I had no idea they were being used. The initiation event itself was a toned-down version of the annual tradition, according to Shearer-Hardy. But it was an initiation nonetheless, he wrote. They never endangered people, there were no hurtful intents in anything they were doing, said Ward. Many of their actions, in different settings, would have been quite common on campus...it was more the settingand the whole power dynamicthat was the problem. President Barry Mills announced the decision to vacate the championship in a May 21 post on the Bowdoin Daily Sun. Mills wrote that the team had willfully disregarded the Colleges policy prohibiting hazing. No team members

were expelled as a result of the investigation, though some players faced individual sanctions, the nature of which Foster declined to disclose. With their recent actions, the team has lost the right to be recognized as champions, wrote Mills. Compounding the problem was the fact that team members were not forthcoming when confronted about the incident. According to Foster, team members were dishonest in their characterization of the events when initially questioned about the details of the initiation. Foster said the collusion on the

In my eyes, we are and will always be the 2011 NESCAC Champions.

KYLE SHEARERHARDY 11 FORMER HOCKEY CAPTAIN part of the team to cover up what had happened was one of the most disappointing facts in the investigation, and that had there not been dishonesty, the outcome of the disciplinary action might have been different. Originally when confronted about the event, we did give a blurred version of the truth [and] left out a lot of details, wrote Shearer-Hardy. At that time, partly due to the fact that the party was off-campus and that it had taken place weeks prior...we did not feel the need to disclose every detail. But looking back on it, we definitely made a big mistake. Foster said that every member of the team, with one exception, was dishonest in their characterization of the events. A member of the team who was unsettled by what had happened came forward, and thats how we were made aware of the situation, he said. Mills then worked with Foster, Ward, and Head Coach Terry Meagher before deciding to vacate the championship. The College then communicated their decision to the NESCAC executive committee. We had a conversation, and most of us were pretty like-minded, said Ward of the deliberations that went into the decision. NESCAC Associate Director Dan Fisher said that in the 20-year history of the NESCAC, which began holding championship games

in the 2000-2001 academic year, this has never happened before. According to Ward, had the College not decided to vacate the championship, the NESCAC would most likely still consider the team league champions. Its really up to the institution to self-police, said Ward. The decision to vacate the title is a clear move on the part of the administration to communicate the gravity of hazing practices to both athletic and non-athletic student organizations. The Colleges hazing policy underwent a major revision in 2008 following an investigation into allegations of hazing on the sailing and womens squash teams. The administration found the womens squash team had engaged in mild hazing in 2006, but did not find that the sailing team was involved in hazing. Because the investigation occurred years after the alleged incidents, disciplinary action could not be directly taken against the perpetrators, and the teams were ordered to participate in educational programs about hazing on campus. Our punishment was so severe less because of their actions and more because the issue is so important, said Ward, who added that the senior members of the team had played a large part in the event. Retroactively vacating the championship ensured that the graduating team members were made to face the consequences of their decisions, he said. Ward added that multiple NESCAC schools had encountered similar, though perhaps less public, incidents of hazing. There is never a perfect solution and there are ranges of responsibility, said Ward. There were people on the team who werent even there. Current team captains Tim McGarry 13 and Graham Sisson 12 declined to comment. However McGarry, in an email to the Orient, wrote, We are working on moving past the issues of last spring to the best of our ability and while keeping in mind what we learned from the experience, we hope to put the past behind us. Said Ward, At this point, theyve paid their price and they deserve to be allowed to move on. Nevertheless, the decision to va-

BY CLAIRE AASEN
ORIENT STAFF

MATT RASMUSSEN, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

HOUSE OF GLASS: The Buck Center for Health and Fitness trophy case, missing what would have

been its newest addition.

cate the title has not been altogether well-received by team members past and present. I dont understand the punishment, said former team captain Jim Cavanaugh 98. It doesnt make sense considering the season was over and the school infraction had no relation to their achievement. I do think it was wrong to take away something that we had achieved together after countless hours of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, wrote Shearer-Hardy. Cavanaugh said he didnt think the decision would affect the programs recruitment efforts going forward. The kids that are going to Bowdoin know that the program is going to be strong regardless of whether theres a banner up, he said. Regardless of whether theres a trophy...theyre still the best team of last year. I think Bowdoin officials handled the situation very well, wrote former captain Sebastian Belanger 08 in an email to the Orient. I am glad to see that nobodys career was ruined over this incident and that every returning player will get a chance to compete at the NCAA level this season. Meagher said that former team members and alumni had expressed that they understood the Colleges course of action with regard to the disciplinary action. I feel that those who have been in touch with me trust us to do the right thing going forward, said Meagher. The program did take a hit, and yes, it was embarrassing, he said. It was confusing, below the standards of the program. On the other hand, you may say the program is not just about winning and losing, so the [hard stance] could enhance the reputation of the program. Championship title or not, last season was a landmark year for the mens ice hockey team. It was a season that started out with much promise: first there was success, then in the middle third adversity...losing some close games, said Meagher. What made this team really exciting is how the leadership stepped forward...Last seasons stretch run was special. So many big plays at key moments. In my eyes, we are and will always be the 2011 NESCAC champions, wrote Shearer-Hardy. This years team, meanwhile, is looking forward to what promises to be a successful season. We cant wait to start, said Meagher. We all will be disappointed if we are not a player in our league and hopefully beyond.

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

news

Summer renovations improve facilities across campus

BY MARIYA ILYAS, SOPHIA CHENG AND KATE WITTEMAN
ORIENT STAFF

FIRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

life is gradually starting to assume a sense of normalcy. So basically from not getting any calls or requests now, we feel that everyone has found a new place to live and all their emergent needs were met, and everything is back on their normal day-to-day lifestyle, said Director of Emergency Services for the Midcoast Maine Red Cross Paul Clark. Unfortunately, he continued, what happens with us is that once they get established, they dont contact us anymore. Clark did go on to explain however, that, in some ways, life could never return to normal for some residents. They dont have things that they used to have around thempictures, clothing, all that. So it is the transition thats tough to get over, he said. Although he has not recently received any requests for help, during the initial stages of the transition, calls were coming in en masse from the former residents. In order to satisfy their urgent needs, Red Cross officials interviewed each effected resident, and then supplied them with an ATM card, pre-loaded with between $500 and $600, although there was no set amount that someone could receive. The affected residents were also placed in a hotel until they could find more permanent housing. Clarke went on to thank all those who donated. The local people came through, he said. Even with three apartment building fires, the donations that came in paid for everything. However he did caution that with the end of one tragedy, could come the beginning of another: Now were going into the fire season, when people start using wood stoves and Christmas tree lights, stuff that can cause more of a problem. Detroy, on the hand, is looking to the future with hope, as he looks to resolve the case at the dispositional conference instead of the trial. I always think that if people are reasonable you could reach some kind of resolution, he said.

Coles Tower Following a string of thefts that hit various tower rooms last year, three cardaccess doorstwo in the lobby and one in the basementhave been installed. The new doors restrict elevator access to authorized students, faculty and staff, according to Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols. These doors are designed to give the towers residential floors the same level of access control as other residence halls on campus, Nichols wrote in an email to the Orient. Nichols wrote that the Tower has always presented access control challenges because it is a multi-use facility containing administrative offices on the first and second floors. This upgrade allows access to the textbook store and offices while isolating elevator access, wrote Nichols. [The doors] are serving a purpose because I know there were a lot of thefts last year in some rooms just because of the lack of security, said tower resident Caroline Ciocca '12. I was surprised by them when I got back, but I dont think theyre too much of an inconvenience. Before, anyone walking on the street could get into the Tower so if they got into any room, they [had] free range, said Ciocca.

Nichols wrote that the entire project cost approximately $22,000, which covered the installation of three doors, wall construction, a new sprinkler, and electrical and card access hardware. These doors provide a secure layer of protection during business hours when the main lobby doors are unlocked, and a double layer of security after business hours, wrote Nichols. Moulton Union Moulton Halls light room is sporting a new look. Last years collection of small tables has been replaced by three rows of longer tables resembling those in Thorne Hall, and a new counter has been installed along the back wall. According to Director of Dining Services Mary Lou Kennedy, space has always been an issue in Moulton. We see students wandering around with their trays looking for places to sit down, said Kennedy. Kennedy worked with Unit Manager of Moulton Dining Lester Prue, Associate Director of Dining Ken Cardone, and Facilities Project Managers Dan Welsch and Ted Stam over the summer to create the new seating plan. The shift created 28 new seats augmenting the dining halls capacity to 380 students. As freshmen we often eat in big groups with our floors, Alana Menendez 15 said. Its convenient to have long

tables so that we dont have to separate. I like the stools on the back wall because its good for studying while eating breakfast alone, said first year Jackson Bloch. While first years seem to enjoy the new layoutwhether its because they are unfamiliar with the old setting or because it reminds them of their high school cafeteriasmany other students are not pleased with the change. It was a lot cozier with the small tables, said Minnie Kim 14. Now I feel like Im in a high school cafeteria. They need to change it back to how it was before, said Raven Seymone Johnson 13. They didnt ask for student input or conduct any surveys, they just did it over the summer. Johnson also mourned the lack of privacy. Anyone can sit next to you and listen to your conversations now, she said. Cardone noted that the new seating arrangement appears to be more convenient for the cleaning crew. They would always have to move the tables and wind around, he said. Now they can make use of the cleaning machines. We would do anything to keep our students happy, said Prue. Its also important to provide a good work environment for our staff. Kanbar Hall Over the summer, the offices of Health Professions Advising, Student Fellowships and Research and Off-Campus Study (OCS) were relocated to the first floor of Kanbar Hall to maximize student access to those offices. The previous locations of these offices will be converted into faculty offices, primarily for the government, history and economics departments. In a campus wide email that was sent out on August 27, Dean for Academic Affairs Cristle Collins Judd wrote, this new location provides a more convenient and coordinated home for these co-curricular advising services right down the hall from the curricular support services offered at the Center for Learning and Teaching. It makes a lot of sense to have our three offices together, said Director of Student Fellowships and Research

Cindy Stocks, whose office used to be in Banister Hall located in the Chapel. Banister is in the center of campus and thats a great thing, said Stocks. But a lot of people think it is in the McKeen Center, not BanisterEverybody knows where Kanbar is, she said. The first floor of Kanbar Hall is also home to the Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) that offers programs such as peer mentoring and tutoring, study groups and study skills workshops. It enhances [a students] academic experience through a variety of different needs clustered together, said Stocks. According to Stocks, Room 110, where all three of the buildings new organizations are located, is spacious and welcoming. I love the common area where students can hang out, she said. Judd said that this set-up should help students navigate through different services more easily. What students will find is that their life is simplified in terms of getting the advice they need, she said. C-Store Students who frequent the Bowdoin Express convenience store in Smith Union probably noticed that the shop underwent a major upgrade over the summer. The most eye-catching change? The walls, once painted a nondescript color, are now a lively yellow. I think it looks a lot fresher and lighter than it used to, noted Lily Rudd 12. Many students have noticed a change in the quality of food sold. It just seems a lot healthierbut that doesnt mean better, remarked Julie McCollough 14. With the new organic and vegan options, however, people have also noticed a steeper price. I really like some of the new products, especially the healthier ones. At the same time, this means that some are more expensive, which isnt necessarily my favorite thing, said Lily Shapiro 12. In terms of lay-out, not much has changed. There is one fewer aisle, which opens the space up. I love the new layout, said Kate Kearns 14.

HURRICANE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
moved outdoor picnic tables, and prepared portable water pumps in case of an emergency. Bowdoins coastal properties were also prepared for the storm. Boats and a portion of the dock were pulled in from the Bethel Point Sailing Center and a research boat was pulled in from the Coastal Studies Center. Tuttle said his number one concern was the safety of students. According to Tuttle, Facilities management had 16 additional people remain on campus to help along with the usual weekend staff. Nichols said that IT was also available for overnight support. The campus provided housing in local hotels for the additional staff members who do not live in close proximity to the campus. The storm first hit campus Saturday evening and continued into late the following day. Tuttle said the only significant power outage was in Howell. A transformer blew, leaving residents without power for about an hour in the dorm. He attributed a falling power line to the power outage. Within an hour, Facilities provided Howell House with a portable generator. Aside from Howell House and a few flickers and brownouts, the College experienced no major loss of power, according to Tuttle. Perhaps the most noticeable sign of Irenes impact was a large tree branch that fell down on the Quad that Sunday afternoon. Tuttle said the tree looked like it had some internal rotting that heightened its susceptibility to the storm. President Barry Mills wrote in an email to the Orient that he happened to be on the quad at the time of the falling branch. I walked onto campus just near the museum and heard a loud roar. I thought it was thunder and then this very large branch that was most of a tree crashed down. A number of students in the first year bricks heard the crash and

came out to check it out. Excellent timing on my part, wrote Mills. Maya Rieselbach 15 was also on the quad at the time of the crash. I wasnt expecting it at all because it wasnt that windy out. It just kind of creaked and fell. Later I thought that it couldve been really bad, she said. One tree also fell on Longfellow Avenue and another one on Federal Street. McAllister said she believed the campus response to Tropical Storm Irene went very smoothly due to preparedness, training and meetings with the Campus Emergency Management Team (CEMT). Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Katy Longley chairs the CEMT, which met prior to the storm for contingency and logistical planning. Every time you have an event, be it weather-related or another type of event, it gives you an opportunity to improve, so the next time you do an even better job, said Longley. You cant plan every detail and you have to be flexible. Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Scott Hood wrote in an email to the Orient that the CEMT meeting allowed the College to think carefully about what we would do to make sure everyone was safe and to maintain critical College operations during and immediately after the storm. In order to easily alert the campus community on storm developments, Hood and the College set up a website on the Bowdoin homepage, to publish critical updates. We did this a couple of years ago with swine flu (and before that with avian flu), and both worked well and efficiently to provide up-to-the minute information to the Bowdoin community, wrote Hood. This is important because, generally, people react well in emergencies if they have accurate and current information. The College promoted the website through email and social media. Hood wrote that parents positively responded to the website. Nichols said that a thorough debriefing of the Campuss response to Irene is planned for October.

Sexual misconduct policy receives minor revisions

BY ELIZA NOVICK SMITH
ORIENT STAFF

While many of the changes this year are visibly noticeable, one of the most important improvements to life at Bowdoin is invisible to the naked eye. Per federal order, Bowdoin has revised its sexual assauly and harrassement policy, though Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster said the changes are slight. The changes come in response to a letter that the Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education sent to all educational institutions that receive any federal funding. The letter reminds said institutions of their responsibility to provide all students with an educational environment free from discrimination, and unequivocally asserts that sexual harassment and sexual violence fall under that umbrella. Bowdoins Student Sexual Misconduct Policy was already largely compliant with the code prescribed by the federal bureau; this, said Foster, is not the case at many other schools and universi-

ties, where the letter precipitated really extensive revisions. In a late August email to the student body, Foster articulated the shifts. Under the revised policy, sexual harassment falls under the category of sexual misconduct and is therefore under the jurisdiction of the Student Sexual Misconduct Board rather than the Judicial Board. The updated policy is more comprehensible, user-friendly, and articulate. The Student Sexual Misconduct Board is comprised of members of the Judicial Board and of the faculty, all of whom receive special training from Meadow Davis, the boards advisor. The Board receives all complaints of sexual misconduct in which a current Bowdoin student is the accused perpetrator. If the complainant opts for formal resolution, a hearing panel is comprised of one student and one faculty member on the Board. All institutions that receive federal funds are beholden to the terms of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and are now reevaluating their policy.

The letter only catalyzed minor changes at Bowdoin because the College undertook a systemic revision of its stance on sexual misconduct almost five years ago. Foster explained that prior to the redrafting, very few cases of sexual misconduct were brought to any kind of official attention. However, he said that the administration recognized that just because there werent cases being brought didnt mean they werent going on. After much research, development and engagement with many organizations within the Bowdoin community, the current policy was agreed upon. The policy is modeled in large part on the approach taken at the University of Virginia, which has, according to Foster, received a lot of positive reaction. In the past five years, many more cases were brought up, which Foster points to as a sign of the policys effectiveness. I think we were in a good place to start, and this was an opportunity for us to make our policy ever clearer and even better than it was before, said Davis.

news

the bowdoin orient

loud noise coming from 10 Cleaveland Street. Friday, September 2 A student in Osher Hall damaged a lobby security camera. The student will be assessed repair costs. Saturday, September 3 A neighbor reported loud noise coming from Helmreich House during a registered event. A fire alarm activated at Harpswell Apartments, the likely cause was dust in the detector. A town resident called in a noise complaint at Pine Street Apartments. Sunday, September 4 A fire alarm pull station was activated on the fourth floor of Maine Hall. The building was evacuated and the fire department responded. A student admitted to accidentally pulling the alarm. Students reported that homophobic remarks were uttered at them at a local diner. A professor encountered a flying squirrel in an elevator in the Searles Science Building. The professor was able to capture the rodent, albeit receiving a bite on a thumb. The squirrel was safely returned to the wild in Frostbite Falls. Damage was reported to a basement stair railing and a basement bathroom at Baxter House, following a registered event. Monday, September 5 A fire alarm at MacMillan House was attributed to a faulty alarm. A student reported the theft of a black Specialized hybrid bicycle

friday, september 9, 2011

from outside Brunswick Apartment S. An Osher Hall student complaining of foot pain was escorted to Parkview. Tuesday, September 6 A room smoke detector in Helmreich House was activated by marijuana smoke. A security officer checked on the wellbeing of an emotionally upset student at Stowe Inn. A fire alarm at Chamberlain Hall was attributed to a system malfunction. A student who became dehydrated at the tennis courts was transported to Mid Coast Hospital by Brunswick Rescue. Wednesday, September 7 A football player with a leg injury was escorted from the practice field to Parkview. Thursday, September 8 Obscene graffiti was discovered scrawled on the podium at Kresge Auditorium. Facilities Management removed the marks. Maine Law Update Beginning September 28, texting while driving in Maine will be against the law. There is a minimum fine of $100. Text messaging is defined as reading or manually composing electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages and emails, using a portable electronic device. Emergency legislation now in effect: It is a civil violation to possess certain synthetic hallucinogenic drugs (so-called bath salts). A first-offense carries a $350 fine.

SECURITY REPORT: 8/22 to 9/8

Monday, August 22 A staff member reported the theft of a purple Schwinn Delmar bicycle from outside of Coles Tower. The fire alarm at Harpswell Apartments was activated by a student cooking. Brunswick Fire Department responded. Tuesday, August 23 A student left a bike outside of Stowe Inn for ten minutes, and when he returned the bike had been stolen. The bike is a blue Specialized Globe Vienna bearing Bowdoin registration 03136. Wednesday, August 24 An elderly man fell in the Museum of Art pavilion. Brunswick Rescue responded and transported the man to Parkview Adventist Medical Center. Burnt food in the kitchen of Osher Hall was the cause of a fire alarm. The building was evacuated and Brunswick Fire Department responded. Monday, August 29 The College learned of the arrest of a male Bowdoin student that occurred in Freeport on July 4. The student, who was staying on campus during the summer, was intoxicated while attending a fireworks display, and was arrested for disorderly conduct. He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail in Portland; he subsequently paid a $100 fine in West Bath District Court. A security report was filed with Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. A first-year student used a false ID card at Hannaford Supermarket to purchase beer and hard liquor. The alcohol was then furnished to other first-year students. A security investigation report was filed with the Dean of Student Af-

SOPHIA MATUSZEWICZ, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

fairs. In intoxicated first-year student was escorted out of the convening dinner at Thorne Hall. Tuesday, August 30 Loud music was reported coming from the third floor of Stowe Inn. Brunswick Police warned three students for possession of alcohol by a minor at the corner of Maine and College Streets. The matter was referred to Security. A security officer on patrol observed an intoxicated female student outside Brunswick Apartments. The officer checked on the students wellbeing and then brought her to her residence where she was left in the care of a house proctor. Wednesday, August 31 An intoxicated female sophomore in Coles Tower was transported to Parkview by Brunswick

Rescue after she was found to be unresponsive from consuming a bottle of wine. A housekeeper reported a suspicious man in the upper parking lot of Stowe House Inn at 4:30 a.m. A security officer located the man, who turned out be a student smoking a cigarette. A security officer checked on the wellbeing of a dehydrated female student who had a dizzy spell on the Coe quad after working out at the Buck Fitness Center. Two refrigerators and a filing cabinet were illegally dumped at Harpswell Apartments. The items appear to belong to a local resident. The matter was referred to the Brunswick Police. An ill student was escorted from the Health Center to Parkview. A neighbor complained of

GREASON
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

COURTESY OF DOUG BOXER-COOK,

1922-2011: Former Bowdoin professor,

dean, and president A. Leroy Greason

listened as much as it elevated ones general critical skills, said Thomas. In 1962, Greason became the colleges inaugural Dean of Students, moving to become the dean of the College four years later, though resigning in 1975 to resume teaching full-time. Yet while Greasons passion lay with his students, when asked by the Trustees to serve as the 12th president to the College, he accepted and launched an immensely productive executive career from 1981-1990. Greasons years at Bowdoin were marked by the wider sociopolitical tensions of the age, from anti-war protests and the switch to coeducation to the Colleges reevaluations

of fraternities and the role of distribution requirements. President Barry Mills said it was Greasons spirit of measured, thoughtful judgement linked to a very genuine sense of civility that guided the school so successfully during those years and still inspires the administration today. Under Greasons presidential guidance, the size of the faculty was increased from 100 to 125, the number of tenure-track female professors became equal to the number of men, the alumni fund was doubled, and the scholarship endowment fund was boosted by $15 million dollars. The endowments compound annual growth rate was roughly 11.5 percent for the ten years he was in office. Furthermore, according to Cross, while the Colleges grading system had been high honors, honors, pass and fail for the previous 10-12 years, towards the end of Greasons term he generated a return to the letter grades used today. And while there had been no distribution requirements other than fulfilling total credits and major requirements, Greason instated distribution requirements. in an effort to challenge students and bolster exploration in wider areas. He also oversaw the development of the Asian, Arctic, and Environmental Studies programs to expand the interdisciplinary curriculums of the College. Greasons memorial service occurred last Friday morning at Brunswicks First Parish Church. Mills, who was a student when Greason was dean, delivered a eulogy, as did

Greasons eldest son Randall. Mills described the ceremony as full of both Brunswick and Bowdoin community members, noting that there was a good deal of fun music during the service that was played that reflected back on him He was a big fan of Gillbert and Sullivan. The memories noted on Greasons online memorial span from those appreciating his work in the Brunswick communityvolunteering at Meals on Wheels, teaching Sunday school classes, and serving as a trustee for numerous charities and organizationsto the smallest gestures of kindness and joy remembered decades later. My roommate, Holly, found his glove in one of those many Brunswick snowdriftsit had a label with his name, and so she was able to return it to him. He left such a warm, grateful message on our answering machine...he was a humble, thoughtful person, wrote Elizabeth Millan 90. I remember an Appleton-Hyde water balloon fight in the fall of 1962. Dean Greason appeared and from some window the cry get the Green Dean rang out. Roy greet[ed] the shower with a wave and a laugh, wrote Andy White. Greason is survived by four grandchildren and his three children, Randall, Katherine, and Douglas, while his wife Pauline Polly Schaaf Greason, predeceased him in 2007. His online memorial can be accessed at the following site: http://rememberingroygreason. wordpress.com/.

the bowdoin orient

FEATU RE S

friday, september 9, 2011

Admissions welcomes 2015: smallest class in three years

BY NORA BIETTETIMMONS
ORIENT STAFF

Unlike the Class of 2014, whose unusually high yield rate led to a recordbreaking class size of 510, the Class of 2015 is the right size485, said Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Scott Meiklejohn, who also noted that everyones much happier with a smaller number of first year students. The new students officially moved into their dorms on Saturday, August 27; some were returning from PreOrientation trips, while others were arriving on campus for the first time. Orientation events began that day and continued through Tuesday, August 30. The first of these events was the traditional welcome speech given by President Barry Mills in front of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. This years Orientation schedule included two new events spearheaded by Associate Dean of Multicultural Student Programs Leana Amaez. These programs were intended to emphasize the diversity of the first year class. Associate Director of Residential Education Ben Farrell also assisted in organizing one of the events, a program called Unpacking Difference to Build Communities. [They] sat down in a semi-large group and talked about their hopes and fears, Farrell said of the first years. The fears were all very similar: being away from home being able to handle the academic rigor.

ALEX PIGOTT, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

CHEAP SUNGLASSES: Osher Hall rst years Bryce Ervin and Brock Cassidy conclude their Orientation at the annual Inter-House Olympics.
When we opened it up for discussion, they said it was great to hear that so many others had the same hopes and fears, Farrell said. The groups then broke down into even smaller units of six or seven students, and answered personal questions in discussions facilitated largely by Residential Life student staff members. Another new part of Orientation programming included Perspectives, a play written and directed by George Ellzey 13, which drew on first-hand accounts from the first years to showcase the interests, sexualities, ethnicities, and other characteristics of students in the Class of 2015. As a whole, the Class of 2015 has a similar geographic and racial make-up compared to previous classes. The only difference worth highlighting is that this years class is a little more international, said Meiklejohn. Twenty-one countries are represented in the first year class, four more than in the Class of 2014. Another significant change in the numbers for this class came from a lower melt numberthe amount of students who withdraw over the summer because they are admitted off the waitlitsts to other colleges. Bowdoins melt number is usually twice the number of students who defer enrollment to take a gap year. This year, however, the trend was reversed; 21 students deferred to take a gap year, while approximately a doz-

en students withdrew to attend other schools. Personally, Im a big fan of gap years, said Meiklejohn, so Im happy to see the number [of students taking them] get a little bigger. Residential Life also saw some changes in numbers because fewer students requested chem-free housing this year. In the past two years, weve had enough demand for chem-free housing that weve run over into other buildings, said Director of Residential Life Mary Pat McMahon. This year, the demand for chem-free housing fit Hyde, but did not need extra floors. Due to the smaller size of the class, Residential Life was also able to dequint Coleman Hall and convert all the triples in West and Osher Halls back to doubles. New students benefited from a normal-sized class when it came to choosing courses as well. According to the Office of the Registrar, there were more than enough spots for students in first year seminars. After Phase II registration, only three first year students opted not to take a first year seminar during the fall semester. I dont say best class ever, smartest class everstatistically [this class] is as strong as any other class, said Meiklejohn. But its a very great and talented group, and were very excited about the students who chose Bowdoin.

China Rose: serious bargain, Star Wars originals beat new Blu-ray but prepare for a food coma
MEDIUM GREY
BY DAVID SHUCK
COLUMNIST

GOOD SANDWICHES
BY STEVEN BORUKHIN
COLUMNIST

Its the off-season place. Its where you go when you dont feel like caring and its time to eat your feelings. When asked if its good, you sheepishly respond, Its not not good. Its an MSG-filled gluttonous adventure that will leave you passed out on your couch for days. Placed just a stones throw from campus, Asian restaurant China Rose provides Brunswicks premier greasy Chinese buffet fix. The only real way to get there is to pile a bunch of your friends into a car so that it is extra uncomfortable on the way back. Its a lazy Sunday, youre still feeling the night before, but big dogs gotta eat. The building is divided into two areas, the restaurant and a cocktail lounge. We veer right to steer clear of the tinted windows of the lounge and head into the restaurant. The smell of greased woks and cheap Asian sauces consumes you and attaches instantly to your clothes. Youll get a few looks from the locals but dont let that throw you off. The hostess carefully guides us through the buffet to our table. Already, I see some gems. I find the largest plate and carefully plan out my attack. The buffet is divided into doublesided rows of heating trays with all the cheap Asian classics like General Tsaos chicken and fried rice. I start at the front and work my way up.

I go for a trial plate first, a little bit of everything, and then see whats worth going back up for. The first tray of food was a disappointing attempt at sushi. I decided to pass up on the cream cheese roll. I also skipped the salad bar and soups because I know better. Thats not what I came here for. I finally make it to the fried dumplings and load up on the pork dumplings and what appears to be a shrimp shumai. If youve had cheap, greasy dumplings before, I dont need to tell you how good they are. I keep going and find some interesting dishes like soy-ginger squid, which, though overcooked, was one of the highlights. But heres the kicker: pepperoni pizza and mozzarella sticks. Outrageous. I skip the pizza, but Id be lying if I said I passed on the sticks. There are some assorted fried pastries that take up one of the rows. Youre here to let loose, but you still have to be able to walk out. Continuing on, I come to the meat. The orange beef was ignorantly over-sauced, as were many of the other meat dishes, but when tossed and coated with pork-fried rice, it still hits the spot. Go for the imperial pork riblets and various lo miens. At the end of the meal, you sit proudly in your seat and think how you really took them for a ride with how much you ate. This all-you-can-eat spot will only run you $6.95 for lunch and $11.95 for dinner, but Im sure it only cost them $3 to make my whole meal. Taste: 2 stars Authenticity: 1 star Value: 5 stars Overall: 2.5 stars

Medium Grey will be a biweekly column devoted to current trends in the film and television world. Topics might span reviews, breaking news in the industry, or more general issues facing the medium. Im your columnist, David Shuck 12, a film studies minor, aspiring filmmaker, and copresident of the Bowdoin Film Society. Ive worked on both the development and production side of major network television, and recently returned from a semester of film production abroad at FAMU, the Czech national film academy in Prague. Please note that movie talk is based almost solely on subjective opinion, and this column is just that. Like most people born in the last 30 years, Star Wars was as much a part of my childhood as losing baby teeth. I had the costumes; I had all the cool toys (yes, even Boba Fett); I had a Millennium Falcon birthday cake; and my VHS tapes were practically falling apart from repeat viewings. My obsession peaked at age seven with the 20th anniversary rerelease of the original trilogy in the summer of 1997 starting with A New Hope (1977). When the day finally came, I remember sitting forward in my theater chair, salivating as that signature yellow type scrolled by. I knew all the lines, so there were few surprises until Luke, Obi, and the gang are walking through a loading bay on

Tatooine and, out of nowhere, saunters Han Solo and an odd CGI facsimile of Jabba the Hutt. They were prattling on about events we had just seen, and the poorly-animated Jabba was a stuttering gaffe in an otherwise believable world. This was not on my VHS tape; something was amiss. I felt wronged. The universe I thought I knew so intimately had disappeared. That scene was not the only casualty. Director George Lucas peppered in many other additions and alterations throughout the trilogys re-realease. Well hes been at it again. The high definition Blu-Ray edition of all six Star Wars movies arrives Friday, September 16, with even more computer-added changesincluding a CGI Yoda to replace the puppet used in The Phantom Menace. Darth Vader now yells Noooo! before he throws Emperor Palpatine down the shaft, and new editing will settle with certainty whether Han or Greedo shot first. All six films are also slated for a digital 3D theatrical release starting with Episode I: The Phantom Menace this February. Its not uncommon for a director to revisit an old work for another crack at his or her filmsee Francis Ford Coppolas Apocalypse Now: Redux (2001) or one of the dozen versions of Ridley Scotts Blade Runner (1982). Lucas, however, is notorious for making tiny alterations over the course of decades to his films and even more so for discarding everything but the most current adulterated version (see South Park episode Free Hat). Lucas influence seeped into the 20th anniversary release of Steven Spielbergs E.T. (1982), which saw

the guns of the FBI agents in pursuit of Elliotts bike digitally transform into walkie-talkies. Spielberg had the sense, though, to put both versions on the DVD. Lucas, on the other hand, wants to completely reedit viewers perception of his original films by only allowing access to modified Special Editions. In a 1997 interview, Lucas claimed that film is a living medium and should continue to be altered as the director sees fit, that the definitive version is whatever has been most currently realized by the maker. I disagree. When a film releases to the public, the contribution of the filmmaker ends. Viewers, like my sevenyear-old self, often develop a deep connection to a work and undermining it with annual alterations only insults and alienates the audience. Such grumbling may seem petty; theyre only miniscule changes, and Lucas does own the copyrights to the films and thus has the right to do with them what he pleases. And to be fair, there are a significant number of technical and audio improvements that do add to the viewing experience (the old lightsabers used to look really cheesy). But, with the exception of used VHS copies, it is impossible to buy or see the original Star Wars that screened in theaters 34 years ago. Lucas had nearly all of the original film prints destroyed after they were digitally transferred for the 1997 edition. Personal taste aside, the erasure of such an influential piece of Western culture is a great loss. Come February, youll have to tell me how Star Wars looks in 3D because this time around I wont be the first in line.

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

features

TALK OF THE QUAD

OUR BIG APPLE

n July 4th, 2011, at around 9 oclock, a crowd gathered on the balcony of Professor Steve Cerfs penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The sun had already set over the Hudson River, and the buzzing flock of old and new friends, neighbors and relatives, teachers and professors, spry young Bowdoin students and wiser ex-Polar Bears were eagerly anticipating the imminent fireworks display, scheduled to blow, well, any minute now. Steve Cerf, professor of German for 30 years, current department chair, last years Common Hour speaker, opera enthusiast, social butterfly, and culture guru, is a veritable institution at Bowdoin. He has hosted the Independence Day party every year from his apartment in New York and always invites a colorful range of characters from inside the Bowdoin bubble and out. At the party, he busied himself between the kitchen and twittering with the guests on the balcony while his spouse, Ben Folkman, co-creator of Switchedon Bach, the immensely popular, firstever synthesized version of the Baroque composers better known pieces, was on hamburger-grilling duty, chatting with the crowd of Bowdoinites and other distinguished personalities. Cerf, a legendary charmer and matchless mingler breezily played the crowd, acting the perfect counterpoint to his tall, ponytailed, musically-inclined partner Ben, who, though slightly less visible, played an equally important role in keeping the mood fresh. Cerf and Folkman have been married since their ceremony in Santa Cruz, California in 2008we are legalschmiegal now, said Cerfbut theyve been partners for over 30 years. Folkman comes up every fall to lecture in Professor Cerfs popular course Literary Imagination and the Holocaust on relevant composers, including Shostakovich, Hindemith, and Wagner, but for most of the year, he lives in the couples New York apartment, which is filled with more thick rugs, cushiony furniture, slapdash bookshelves and stacked records than they have room for. On the July 4th bash, Cerf said, If youre talking about an older couple like us, its really la recherche du temps perdu, a walk down memory lane. Or like a superannuated Bar Mitzvah. He

paused. And of course, its Bowdoin on the Upper West Side. By sunset, the guests were still lounging inside the apartment, beginning to claim the hotly contested spots at the balconys edge overlooking the river, where the fireworks would be set off of barges a few miles downtown. The company Cerf and Folkman invited was an impressive group, counting among their numbers 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Music winner John Corigliano, New Yorker book critic Joan Acocella, and coloratura soprano opera singer Harolyn Blackwell. There was the old neighbor and intimate friend of legendary author Paul Bowles from his years in Tangier, Morocco, and even an ex-Radio City Hall Rockette, now in her seventies, with elaborately done-up makeup who sat composedly by the door in an extravagantly flowing dress, covering, undoubtedly, magnificent legs. Bowdoins finest were also reppin strong: classics professor Barbara Boyd and her husband, and former Bowdoin professors Helen Cafferty and Richard Korb all attended, along with a smatter-

ing of current students and alumni for whom Cerf has been a teacher, an advisor, and a friend. They included, among others, New Yorkers Bob Paplow 81, Sally Hudson 10, Gabe Faithfull 13, Emma Stanislawski 13, Leah Weiss 11, as well as Evelyn Miller 73, who also happens to be the mother of Adam Mortimer 12. (Let it be noted that A d a ms mom said

nothing at the party to embarrass him.) The crowd hummed in the darkening evening, and the last red light streaking the wisps of cloud deepened into black over New Jerseys mock skyscrapers across the river. Bottles of craft beers clinked against wine glasses and a warm breeze wafted the smell of charcoal off the balcony into the endless free air beneath the perch high above the New York cityscape. And thenjust before the city went absolutely

darkthere they were! The fireworks exploded overhead like psychedelic umbrellas, funky geodesic domes, popping 3D spirographs, brilliantly colored. You could hear snippets of conversation: Fantastic. Marvelous. Better than last year. Worse than last year. I want dessert. Cant you pay attention to anything for more than five minutes? Afterwards, the guests lined up for peach cobbler, cheesecake, and a dozen other assorted sweets. Everyone gathered inside as Ben sat at the piano and sang a humorous Gilbert and Sullivan tune, and the guests all joined in for a raucous America the Beautiful. The schmoozing continued as the evening lengthened, the hour approached eleven, and finally, satiated with good food, wine, company, and the best, or worst, fireworks s h o w since last year, the guests drifted home one by one, each leaving Manhattans little Bowdoin a little smaller. -Samuel Frizell

ZO LESCAZE, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

ON COLLEGE RANKINGS

ne would not think, meandering around campus, that Bowdoin students are particularly lustful. Maybe it is the pastels of the omnipresent sweatpants or perhaps the relative unpopularity of sun dresses, but whatever the reason, students here just dont seem libidinous in the manner of those at Arizona State, Berkeley, or Miami. Such trivialities as reality, however, have never given pause to the editorial staff of The Daily Beast. And so, the Beast decreed that Bowdoin College was the fourth-horniest institution of higher learning in the

land. Never mind the methodology; that would ruin the fun, wouldnt it? Luckily, Bowdoin was not the friskiest college in the NESCAC that honor went to Wesleyan, which enjoyed the top position. In contrast with Bowdoins place on the list, this makes sense. After all, we are talking about a university that produced Craig Thomas and Carter Bays of How I Met Your Mother fame (both class of 1997, and the creators of the insatiable Barney Stinson); Matthew Weiner of Mad Men acclaim (class of 1987, and who brings to the table his surname and Don Draper); and Michael Bay of Transformers notoriety (class of 1986, and responsible for turning Megan Fox into the sex object of the decade). Sex aside, the College hasnt fared as well in other rankings. Forbes began rank-

ing the overall quality of colleges in 2008, evaluating liberal arts schools alongside major research universities, and when Bowdoin came in at No. 15 in that inaugural rankingahead of Dartmouth and Stanfordfew complaints were raised. But when the College slipped to No. 38 last month, the critics came out of the woodwork. Using the braggarts listed in Whos Who in America to measure the achievements of our alumni is crap, one alumnus told me, referring to the component which comprises 10 percent of a schools ranking. Others have grumbled over Forbes reliance upon ratings from RateMyProfessor.com (these ratings register heavily at 17.5 percent of the Forbes formula), noting that most Bowdoin students instead use an internal course review system to register their satisfaction or displeasure.

Yet criticizing the methodology of the Forbes rankings insinuates that the rankings actually measure something; in fact, the entire enterprise is resting on a faulty premise. In this case, the assumption is that Bowdoin is comparable to West Point, which is in turn comparable to M.I.T. Its like trying to rank spaghetti against sushi and baklavaeach offers an entirely different experience. When it comes to food, of course, Bowdoins cuisine dynasty is unrivaled: Numerous mentions in The New York Times, multiple finishes atop the Princeton Reviews best campus food list, and tales of crme brle and lobster for the folks back home. Certainly some might lift their noses at such a claim to glory; tasty food doesnt earn a school the glamour that accompanies, say, a bowl

game on ESPN. However, considering the scandals rocking college football, perhaps its preferable to dominate in an endeavor where controversy doesnt involve boosters and tattoos and cars and prostitutes, but instead the occasional Monday sans meat. Given the pride surrounding the Colleges elite dining offerings, an outsider might have expected some uproar when Bowdoin dropped to No. 2 in the Princeton Review standings this summer. But students stayed calm. They knew that even the most sterling institutions occasionally falter, and that its not worth fretting over a single downgrade. If only equities traders thought similarly. -Nick Daniels

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Weeknd blows up social media with new album, House of Balloons
THE HUM & THE BEAT
BY SAM FICHTNER
COLUMNIST

If youve been following the summer music blogosphere or Drakes Twitter, or if you happen to frequent the Toronto club scene, chances are that youve caught a listen of the nocturnal, electric and spaced-out voice of The Weeknd on his breakthrough album House of Balloons. The Weeknd is the stage name of Abel Tesfaye, the 21-year-old Canadian mastermind behind one of the years darkest projects: a nine-song mixtape released for free online in March. At its core, House of Balloons is an R&B record with slow guitar and bass melodies swooning under Tesfayes enigmatically female voice, which soars and whispers mysterious sweet nothings and morning-after recollections. While R&B historically tends to be more thematically focused on vulnerability in politics, love and self-image, The Weeknd paints pictures of drugged-out lofts and clubs, filled with over-confident, highly emotional young lovers, viciously colliding with one another. House of Balloons pulls a tricky number in combining the most affectionate vocal and tonal qualities of traditional R&B with the pure, explicit essence of hardcore rap lyrics: the result is a powerful, strange

SOPHIE MATUSZEWICZ, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

HOUSE OF BALLOONS LIFTS OFF: A new Canadian musician with R&B style grows in popularity due to social media like Twitter and Facebook.
dance mixtape. I enjoy listening to the album as a tale of one night. From the opening track High For This to The Party & The After Party toward the middle of the night, the album ultimately ends with The Knowing, an aggressive, resentful ballad about a partners infidelity. To get a better visual on the world at work here, look no further than the music video for one of the standout tracks, What You Need, which documents the wasteland of a loft long after the party has peaked. While critics have compared The Weeknd to artists such as R&B star The-Dream and R. Kelly, the tracks on House of Balloons dont sound like the pop hits The-Dream has produced nor are there any characters or punch lines of Trapped in the Closet; in this nocturnal world, there seem to be no smiles and no identities. While Tesfayes tales of debauchery keep listeners focused and enticedbring the drugs baby I can bring my pain / bring your body baby I can bring you famesome

of the most arresting moments on this record are when Tesfaye lets his voice move wordlessly, sometimes swelling, howling and screaming for minutes with just a beat and chord progression. These moments (see The Party & The After Party) bear resemblance to the female vocal solo on Pink Floyds The Great Gig in the Sky, where so much is said without the pressure of picking the right words to say; its sex, its pain, its post-adolescent transgression in musical form. House of Balloons is an eclectic album, with samples from Aaliyah, post-punk rebels Siouxsie & the Banshees and modern day dream pop icons Beach House. With these pieces, the album feels strikingly modern, as well as a bit emotionally nostalgic with the force of what could be a new sound for R&B. Back in March, however, nobody knew The Weeknd. House of Balloons was one of millions of mixtapes circulating on the Internet. But The Weeknd stands as an example of how rapid online press can function, of who you know and who knows you, and who tweets or blogs about you, can make or break your reception. A few awards, an appearance on Entourage, and over 100,000 Facebook likes later, The Weeknd has achieved success, and with a recently released sophomore mixtape, Thursday, doing just as well, his newfound audience awaits his third mixtape, entitled Echoes of Silence.

WBOR 91.1 FM

Mario Jaime 14 and Nicole Love 14

What song makes you most nostalgic for your childhood? MJ: When I was a little boy, my Ma had an album that had a bunch of disco hits played on Spanish guitar. Fernando by ABBA was one of the songs on this album. NL: My mom played a lot of Motown, especially Diana Ross and the Supremes, so I would have to go with Where Did Our Love Go? Best musician of all time? MJ: Dan Bejar. His Destroyer project is completely ridiculous. He makes pop songs with just this crazy menagerie of influences. Horn arrangements, jazz breaks and all these huge orchestral blasts just make those songs huge. Hes also everywhere, too, like in The New Pornographers. NL: After a lot of thought I would have to go with Sufjan Stevens. I even enjoy his more experimental stuff like in his latest album and he manages to incorporate a lot of different elements into his music. Also the fact [that] he went to school two miles from my house in Michigan makes him a god in my eyes because [he] is living proof [that] people from my town can thrive in the arts. Whats your guilty pleasure song? MJ: Grease in its entirety. NL: All I want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. Best back-to-school jam? MJ: Every Goddamn Thing by Khanate. NL: A Little More Time by Zox. Most profound lyrics? MJ: And when I get f***** up / I do the best to make myself not f*** up again / My heart and my lungs do / Why cant I do the same for everyone I love too? (from Laughing Hieroglyphic by Avey Tare). NL: I used to have a pretty nice spine, but I neglected to give it a name / so each time I tried to straighten it, I couldnt get its attention (from Crane Your Neck by Lady Lamb The Beekeeper). If you were to be married tomorrow, what song would you want playing during your first dance? MJ: Dont Stop Now by Queen. NL: Green Eyes by Coldplay. Most romantic line from a song? MJ: And I want to touch you like the seed touches the soil, / I want to hold you like the milk holds the spoil (from Up in the Rafters by Lady Lamb The Beekeeper). NL: When I saw you piss on the rug, my heart fluttered / and I knew it was love, true love (from
COURTESY OF MARIO JAIME AND NICOLE LOVE

DJs OF THE WEEK

Love at First Fright by Murderdolls). Favorite song of the summer? MJ: Since I only just listened to Endless Summer by Fennesz this summer, I would name him again, but thats cheating. So, Iznae by 6th Borough Project. NL: Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean. Song that reminds you of Bowdoin? MJ: Spanish Flea by Herb Alpert.

NL: Shots by LMFAO. What album will stand the test of time? MJ & NL: You Forgot It in People by Broken Social Scene. Favorite driving album? MJ: Badlands by Dirty Beaches. NL: The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. What lyrics are stuck in your head now? MJ: I just have Keyboard Cat stuck

in my head, actually. NL: And when their own walls they will a-crumble, / And all the systems will be discumbumbled... (from Through The Roof N Underground by Gogol Bordello). -Compiled by Jordan Daniel Lantz Tune in to Late Night Lovin with DJs Nicole Love and Mario James every Monday night from from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. on WBOR 91.1 FM or stream online at wbor.org.

a&e

the bowdoin orient

friday, september 9, 2011

Lil Wayne album lacks luster, Watch the Throne shines

MUSIC TO MY EARS
BY RYAN ERSKINE
COLUMNIST

Welcome back to another school year! Since my primary objective is to share awesome music with my readers, I have decided to widen the scope of this column beyond hip-hop releases to better achieve this goal. While hip-hop is certainly a big part of my life, it is by no means the only genre of music that excites meI look forward to sharing other genres as well. Of course, you can still expect hip-hop reviews and recommendations about hip-hop, starting today with my discussion of the August 29 release, Tha Carter IV. Though I am a big Lil Wayne fan, I found the latest addition to the Carter series to be a bit of a disappointment. Blunt Blowin and Megaman are good songs in the traditional Lil Wayne sense: solid beats and strong lyrical couplets that are fun to rap along to. But no song comes close to living up to the hype that erupted with the release of the albums first single 6 Foot 7 Foot. Aside from its fierce beat, 6 Foot 7 Foot boasts adept wordplay (real Gs move in silence like lasagna) and unforgettable lyrical flows from both Lil Wayne and Cory Gunz that are truly addictive. Ironically, the next best song is Interlude, which does not even include Lil Wayne, but rather features winning verses from Tech N9ne and Andre 3000. After listening to these two songs, it becomes clear that the rest of the album is somewhat forgettable. One can only listen to so many

COURTESY OF JOSHUA MELLIN

LIL WEEZY LOSING STEAM: Tha Carter IV lacks the impact of its predecessors while Kanye West and Jay-Z strike gold.
Lil Wayne songs before the constant barrage of joke-like couplets lose its novelty. But more than anything, it seems like Lil Wayne put much less effort into the rest of the album than he did its first single. Nothing illustrates this more than Lil Waynes decision to feature T-Pains Auto-Tuned voice in How to Hate. After all, Jay-Z already made it clear in 2009 that we had witnessed the D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune). But Lil Wayne disrespects Jay-Z in other ways too; he even takes a lyrical jab at Jay-Z in the song Its Good. Lil Wayne appears to be responding to Jay-Zs line in H.A.M: Really you got baby money, referring to Lil Wayne (a.k.a. Weezy Baby)s fortunes. Lil Wayne responds to Jay-Zs jab with the rhyme, Talkin bout baby money? / I got your baby money / Kidnap your b****, get that howmuch-you-love-your-lady? money. Lil Wayne is evidently describing a scenario where he kidnaps Jay-Zs wife, Beyonc, and gets a massive ransom. Whether or not this will turn into a full-blown lyrical fight between these two artists is up for debate, but as it stands, Jay-Z clearly wins this round. Kanye West and Jay-Zs recent collaborative album Watch the Throne is a much stronger release, exuding the production quality of Kanyes My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and including impressive layering of instrumentals as well as the incorporation of odd, but wellplaced samples. N****s in Paris, one of the albums

strongest songs, begins with a quoted sample from the movie Blades of Glory, while Gotta Have It uses a recurring flute melody and an altered vocal sample as part of its beat. Additionally, Who Gon Stop Me features a sample from the popular dubstep song I Cant Stop by Flux Pavilion. Such samples exhibit not only production creativity, but also the care and effort that go into a collaborative album between two of the biggest names in the rap industry. Although these tracks and Otis might get the most radio play, the rest of the album is strong as well, due to its overall cohesiveness. Each song is stylistically different, yet the album tells a compelling story about the incessant influence of wealth and fame on these rap veterans. On New Day, the rappers explore the effects of their celebrating on their unborn sons, made all the more poignant by Beyoncs pregnancy. But the albums strength also arises from the fact that it is a collaboration between Jay-Z and Kanye West. Two very different rapping styles fused together on one album keep things interesting and lively. Plus, it was already clear that such a combination was going to be a hit after their previous collaborative efforts on Monster and Run This Town. My only complaint is that the album starts off much stronger than it finishes, which might reflect the diminishing freshness of a project so heavily focused on bragging about its creators success, money and fame. Even so, Watch the Throne is a successful album, and a musthear for any hip-hop fan. On a final note, definitely check out Mac Millers new single Frick Park Market in preparation for his upcoming album, Blue Side Park, due to be released November 1.

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

a&e

Behind-the-scenes: BCMA student jobs

Two students assist museum curator with Yangzi River exhibition.
BY JORDAN DANIEL LANTZ
ORIENT STAFF

ALEX PIGOTT, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

WATERMARKS: Coastal Maine inspired the summer artwork of Rachel McDonald 12 that is currently hanging in the Visual Arts Centers fishbowl.

Waves of light & water: Rachel McDonald

The shbowl sees sun and surf with Rachel McDonalds collection of summer artwork inspired by light and water.
BY AMANDA MONTENEGRO
CONTRIBUTOR

This past summer Rachel McDonald 12, a visual arts and art history major, created a body of work inspired by the Maine Coast. McDonalds exhibition is on display in the Fishbowl Gallery located in the Visual Arts Center. McDonald received a Rusack Coastal Studies Fellowship, which allows students in various disciplines to explore the coastal environment. The fellowship enables students to conduct research or create art that explores the relationship between the countless forces affecting the coast. McDonald narrowed her focus to concentrate on light and water as both her subject matter and the process in producing her pieces. Visiting Assistant Professor of Art Meggan Gould acted as McDonalds advisor this summer. The [pieces] that I am most drawn to are the more abstract pieces, where the intersection of light and water in the underlying image and in the process itself mingle[s] in their abstractions, said Gould. The exhibition includes 20 pieces

in which McDonald combined cyanotype photography with watercolor. These pieces are McDonalds first extensive project using these two techniques. Id only used the cyanotype process once before, said McDonald. I had worked with watercolor in the past, but combining the two processes was completely new to me and took a good amount of experimentation to create a style and effect that really appealed to me. To create these pieces, she initially took digital prints and then converted the images into negatives. She then painted a cyanotype solution, which reacts to natural light, on the paper where her final images would appear. After placing the negatives on top of the paper, she put the pieces outside in the sun for 15 minutes. McDonalds dependence on nature caused some difficulties due to the erratic nature of Maine weather. I was basically living for the sun this summer, said McDonald. We all know how unpredictable the weather is in Maine, so that became something of challenge. My last week or so of the project was filled with partly cloudy days in which I had to seize every possible sunny moment, no matter how fleeting, said McDonald. The weather was not the only difficulty McDonald came across during her artistic process. It took me quite a while to figure

out how to use both media together without one overpowering the other or seeming unnecessary, said McDonald. I never quite knew what it would look like until after I developed the piece so that element of surprise was exciting, if frustrating at times. Gould added, There was a long period during the summer when we werent sure how, technically, she was going to be able to successfully integrate media, and the process took a substantial amount of trial and error. Although the process was tough, McDonalds work this summer was both an academic and personal success. I think the summer as a whole was a substantial accomplishmentto propose a project without really knowing how it will turn out, and to feel ones way through conceptualizing and executing a body of work like this is, an amazing experience, said Gould. I thoroughly enjoyed the project, said McDonald. It was a wonderful experience to get to spend the entire summer just focused on my art. Thats something Ive never done before. I was really excited to get a taste of that. I had the most amazing summer ever getting to know the coast of Maine inside out and taking my art in new and exciting directions. The exhibition will be on view in the Fishbowl Gallery through September 14.

This summer the Bowdoin College Museum of Art (BCMA) offered an educational opportunity for two Bowdoin students to become engaged in museum work from the other side of the velvet ropes. Juniors Molly Clements and Max Brandstadt served as student educational assistants and assisted Curator Joachim Homann in preparing the exhibition, Along the Yangzi River: Regional Culture of the Bronze Age from Hunan. The show, which is running from September 1 to January 8, features artifacts from the Chinese Bronze Age, many of which come from 2000 to 221 B.C.E. This gave the students the opportunity to understand how a museum works on the inside, said Homann. The students [had] access to the museum behind the scenes. Brandstadt and Clements were involved in a variety of tasks at the museum. One task was to immerse themselves in research to create a timeline of each individual artifact and formed a presentation for it. Working at the museum this summer was an invaluable experience, said Clements. It was so fun for me to research some of my favorite pieces in the museum. In addition, Homann took Brandstadt and Clements to New York City to visit the Chinese exhibit first-hand at the China Institute and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Homann reflected on the experience as a great opportunity to see how the BCMA has a place in the network of the worlds museums. While only a select number of students are able to work at the museum during the summer, there are other opportunities to become involved with the collection during the school year. Homann said the museum wants to integrate students as much

as possible. The Student Museum Advocacy Cooperative (SMAC), led by Elizabeth Tarr 12, supports the BCMA by creating events and tours and by inviting classes to the museum. Joining SMAC or becoming a student educational assistant like Brandstadt and Clements are just a few ways to become involved with the museum. Homann said that the BCMA wants to make opportunities that allow students to be a part of museum work. The museum is in the process of opening positions for curatorial assistants this year. Homann, who said he has had many positive experiences working with Bowdoin students, believes the students perspective enhanced the Yangzi River show for the better. The student assistants helped with the technical aspects of the exhibitions cell phone tour. The tour consists of text messages that are sent to visitors cell phones, providing descriptions of each piece The tour contains audio featuring the narration of Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols. Homann marveled at the creativity of the students to obtain such a beloved College employee as Nichols for the narrator. It is so amazing, said Homann of the tour. You cant tear yourself away. In describing who makes a good assistant, Homann said that he looks for a student who understands procedures and planning and constantly adjusts to demands. Other attributes of an effective assistant include people skills. These are important, because of the interaction with visitors. Homann emphasized the fact that assistants at the museum work with faculty, students and the Maine public. IN addition, students have the opportunity to interact with the national and international public due to the BCMAs reputation. A successful summer leaves Homann anticipating working with more Bowdoin students in the future, adding that the museum wants to build on working with students with energy and ambition.

Maine event: Hoppers lighthouses illuminate museum

Whitney holdings on view together for the rst time.
BY EVAN GERSHKOVICH
STAFF WRITER

The Bowdoin College Museum of Arts exhibition, Edward Hoppers Maine, is one of its most successful to date. Andrew W. Mellon Curator Fellow Diana Tuite co-curated the exhibition with Director Kevin Salatino. Tuite remarked that in the exhibits first month alone, approximately 15,000 people have visited the show, whereas annual attendance is usually around 25,000. The exhibition showcases the works that Edward Hopper painted or drew over the course of nine different summers in Maine between

1914 and 1929. The shows subject matter may account for its local popularity, but it has reached audiences far from Brunswick. The exhibion has made headlines in The Washington Post, on MSNBC, and in the Japanese newspaper, Mainichi Daily News. Tuite said that the show has been a goal of Salatinos since day one. I think it was a show that Kevin, when he arrived here in 2009, was really surprised had not happened yet, said Tuite. Viewers familiar with Hoppers later works will be thrilled by the unprecedented gathering of his coastal paintings in the exhibitions first room, the Bernard and Barbro Osher Gallery. Thirty of the 32 small oil paintings Hopper painted over the course

Approximately 15,000 people have visited the show, whereas annual attendance is usually around 25,000.
DIANE TUITE BOWDOIN COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

of four summers on Monhegan Island between 1916 and 1919 hang on the walls. These paintings have never been seen together, Tuite said. They have been sitting in the Whitneys storage room since Hopper passed away in 1967 and were donated to the Whitney by his widow. Seen together, these works show

Hoppers intense observation of nature and expresses a motif of Maines rocky shoreline. According to the exhibitions catalogue, these paintings represent his most sustained meditation on a single theme. To Tuite, these paintings portray Hopper as a very cerebral artist who meditated intensely upon his work. Indeed, Hopper made conscious stylistic changes as he matured as an artist. The group of 30 small oil paintings at the beginning of the show feature audacious painterly brushstrokes resonant of Impressionism while maintaining a darker side through the use of intense color. The rest of the exhibit, however, is more typical of the mature Hopper: lighter colors and more controlled brushstrokes fill large-scale oil and

watercolor paintings. The later works are not only more familiar to most viewers, but they display much of what Hopper set out to do as he matured, which, Tuite said, was to play with space, shadow and obstacles to vision. It seems that this desire to work with space and shadows led Hopper to make the claim that his aim in painting has always been the most exact transcription possible of [his] most intimate impressions of nature. As two visitors passed by this quotation, which is painted on a wall in the first gallery space, one asked his companion, Have you ever been to Monhegan? The companion did not respond, but the visitor continued, Well it looks exactly like this. Edward Hoppers Maine will be on view through October 16.

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the bowdoin orient

SPO RTS

friday, september 9, 2011

Field hockey prepares to open 2011 campaign at Wesleyan

BY MADISON WHITLEY
STAFF WRITER

After clinching three of the past four NCAA championships, the womens field hockey team is gearing up for what looks to be another season of success. Despite the loss of six seniors, the team returns seven starters from last years NCAA title game, including two All-Americans, senior captains Ella Curren and Katie Herter. Also returning are several leading scorers including Liz Clegg 12, Kassey Matoin 13 and Cathleen Smith 13. Head Coach Nicky Pearson will be leading the team once again after having been named 2010 DIII Coach of the Year for the third time in her career. And with eight first years joining the team this season, the players are excited to work together to defend their title and add to their legacy. The Polar Bears entered the preseason at the top of the pack, having earned 33 of 46 first-place votes in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Preseason Poll. They look to become the first D-III field hockey program in history to win four national titles in a five-year stretch. I think our teams success has placed a target on our back, but this is a challenge that pushes our

CHENGYING LIAO, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

BLACK V. WHITE: Kassey Matoin 13 prepares to strike the ball in an early season practice. The team hopes to make history and win four titles in ve years.
team to try harder, said Curren. We enter every game, scrimmage and practice knowing that every team in D-III wants to beat us and that pushes us to play harder. While the team may have a steady record, it will have to work hard to retain its standing in the league. The NESCAC continues to boast the most competitive teams in D-III and includes five other nationally-ranked squads. The key to another successful season, Curren said, is to acquire a strong foundation by emphasizing and sharpening our most basic skills such as passing, receiving, one-on-one defense and shooting. From there, she added, we evaluate what has been successful in past seasons and what we need

to focus on for this season. We look to improve each year by paying attention to the details, working hard in practice and setting clear goals for ourselves and our team. This formula has clearly served the team well in the past. After suffering last seasons only loss to Tufts, Bowdoin went on to win the NESCAC title game against the Jumbos just two weeks later. Subsequently, it conquered Babson, Lebanon Valley and Skidmore before reaching Messiah in the D-III championship game, which was decided in penalty strokes. With three national titles under its belt, Bowdoin is currently tied for third in total D-III field hockey championships, behind The College of New Jersey (nine) and Salisbury (five). The Polar Bears hope to advance toward the top of that list, beginning this season as they travel to face Wesleyan. Other games to watch in the next few weeks include a September 24 face-off at home against sixthranked Tufts and subsequent home games against nationally-ranked Hamilton and Amherst, before the team travels to Trinity. We cannot take any game or practice lightly, said Curren. Every game will be a battle, she added. But we are ready to rise to the challenge.

Mens soccer looks to build on past success In time for fall sports season, With ve of the teams seven athletics unveils new website leading scorers returning,
Bowdoin aims to stay on top
BY RYAN HOLMES
STAFF WRITER

BY PETER DAVIS
ORIENT STAFF

The mens soccer team heads into the 2011 season in a highly enviable position. For the first time in program history, the Bowdoin mens soccer team is ranked third in the country in the National Soccer Coaches of American Preseason Poll. The Polar Bears have much to be proud of coming off their best season in school history. They won a record 15 games, a trip to the NESCAC championship game, and a trip to the NCAA Division-III Final Four for first time ever. This years team promises to still pack a punch, with five of last years seven leading scorers returning, along with 12 veterans of the NCAA semifinal game against Lynchburg last year. Though he acknowledges the teams considerable achievements last season, Coach Fran OLeary is keeping his focus forward. Last year was great, but thats history now, he said. The key for us is how we grow. If we grow complacent and lazy, the NESCAC is such a tight league that we could fall back to sixth place really quickly. We have to be committed to growing in confidence and skill. We have to remain calm and positive, as that was the key to last years team, he added. Both OLeary and his players cite the squads experience, skill, and

ALEX PIGOTT, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

GOING ALL OUT: Goalkeeper Eric Edelman 13 lunges for the ball in practice this week.
spirit on and off the field as its key strengths. We have a group of unselfish, unspoiled lads who work hard for each other, said OLeary. Thats a very good trait and will stand us in good stead. We also have a lot of guys whove been around for bad results and have always shown an ability to rebound. Forward Michael Gale 13 echoed this feeling, applauding his teammates work ethic. Weve got a real mentality and are ready to work hard, he said. You cant have a great season if you dont have a great group of guys playing with you. The mens soccer team opens its 2011 campaign on the road against NESCAC rival Wesleyan this Saturday. The Cardinals have plenty of reasons to seek revenge after last season, for Bowdoin shut them out 1-0 in the regular season and adding

Please see SOCCER, page 12

While most fall athletes spent the last weeks of summer gearing up for the upcoming season, the sports information office was hard at work on a different kind of offseason workout: redesigning the athletics webpage. Sports Information Director Jim Caton worked with a team of students on the project, in conjunction with Presto Sports, a company which hosts numerous collegiate athletic websites. The teams collective effort produced a fully-revamped athletics website just in time for the new year. One of Catons chief priorities in the redesign was to integrate more photo and video galleries to produce a better multimedia experience. Its definitely a visual refresh, Caton said. Our content has always been great, driven by the fact that here at Bowdoin we have very, very successful teams. Teams successes drive visitors to the page, he added, but what keeps them there is a slick-looking, user-friendly format. Bowdoin athletics had perhaps its most successful season ever last year, and the athletics website was viewed by more than 400,000 unique visitors. Caton hopes the new design, coupled with athletic success, will increase traffic on the site.

For Caton, the biggest challenge in creating any athletics website is making the experience enjoyable for a wide array of visitors. Its tricky to accommodate every type of viewer, he said. Our main goal was to improve the functionality of the site, and at the same time, make it more visually appealing. When the College last redesigned its athletics website in 2008, the sports information office had less access to high-quality photos and videos, and didnt have the capacity to host them. On the new site, photos and videos are featured much more prominently. The Polar Bear logo now looms large at the top of every page. Despite the new look, Caton said that the most feedback he has received since the site went live on August 15 concerned the photo archives located on each team page, and not the redesign itself. In these archives, team photos from both the past and present can are viewable. Some of Bowdoins oldest teams, including mens baseball, mens track, mens tennis, and football have team photos that date to as early as 1884. While Caton has been pleased with the launch of the new site, he is even more excited for the new sports season to begin. Its always been the best part of my job, said Caton. The sprint to Memorial Day is just around the corner.

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

sports

11

Smith takes helm as mens tennis coach Gould shines in opening

BY DYLAN HAMMER
STAFF WRITER

After a successful season in which the mens double team of Stephen Sullivan 11 and Oscar Pena 12 won the D-III title, the mens tennis team is bringing into its ranks a new coach. The athletic department hired Conor Smith this summer following the departure of Colin Joyner 03, who left Bowdoin to pursue an MBA. Joyner left behind a sixseason legacy consisting of 73 victories and the teams first NESCAC championship, which it won in 2008. Smith hails from Bridgewater College in Virginia, where he headed both the mens and womens tennis teams. He was twice named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference mens tennis coach of the year, and in 2009 he led the mens team in their most successful season in 30 years. Director of Athletics Jeff Ward said he is excited to have Smith on the staff. Through his interview and references, it was very clear that he is an intelligent, thoughtful person with a passion for tennis, he said. Everything that I saw in the search process has been reaffirmed in his short time on campus. Smith said he is looking forward to the new opportunity that working with Bowdoin teams presents. What is so appealing to me is being at an institution and an athletics department like Bowdoin, and having a team that can go out and compete with any team in the nation, said Smith. At the helm of the mens team, Smith said he will be pushing players hard. He describes his coaching style as hustle-oriented, drawing on his own background as a successful college player. I wasnt the most talented or athletic or best shot-maker out there, he said. But I was able to have success as a player, and I like

night victory over USM

BY TARA CONNOLLY
STAFF WRITER

JAY PRIYADARSHAN, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

GOING FOR GOLD: Conor Smith joins Bowdoin as the mens tennis coach, replacing Colin Joyner 03.
my teams [to] have that ethic of going out and busting your tail and out-working all the other teams. Smith also cites his own college coach as a major inspiration. Id be lying if I didnt say that much of who and what I am as a coach has come from him, how he went about his daily business, and how he trained us to think as well, he said. Having met with the team for about a week now, Smith said that he is pleased with the athletes passion and energy. Im very impressed with all the guys, their commitment and dedication to the sport, as well as the overall enthusiasm they have, he said. So far the players have equal respect and admiration for their coach. Sam King 14 had nothing but the highest of accolades for Smith. Im really excited to work with Coach Smith, said King. He brings a lot of energy and passion to the team, and is clearly thrilled to help us become the best we can be. I think everyone appreciates [his] level of investment and dedication to the program, which will motivate us and serve us well this year and into the future, continued King. According to Smith, it is far too early to make any predictions for the season. Right now, his focus is on getting to know the team instead of worrying about the rest of the conference. He has set up times to individually hit with each of the players to assess their playing styles and abilities. Elsewhere in the Athletic Department, KJ Krasco is joining the coaching staff as assistant womens basketball coach, Joe White has joined as assistant football coach, and Jaime Dumont is returning to the mens hockey team as the assistant coach after a six-year hiatus in which he coached in Italy.

The womens soccer team kicked off its season yesterday with a dominant 3-0 shutout win in a nonleague game against the University of Southern Maine Huskies. Bowdoin experienced several near misses from close-range shots in the early going and nearly put the game out of Southern Maines reach within the first 10 minutes of play. The Polar Bears were able to maintain constant pressure and scored their first goal at the 26:01 mark, when Kaley Nelson 15 buried a loose rebound in front of the goal. While the first year class ignited the scoring, senior captain Ellery Gould 12 got to work and put home the final two goals of the match. Goulds first tally came at 41:14 off of a cross from Alexa Yurick 15, when she drilled the ball hard and low past the diving Southern Maine goalkeeper. Ronaldinho would have been envious of Goulds second goal, as she headed a perfectly placed cross by Casey Blossom 13 into the back of the net. Several other Polar Bears nearly increased the lead, with a header from Molly Popolizio 14 careening off the crossbar. A long bomb of a shot by senior captain Celeste Swain encountered the same fate. Sophomore Lauren Skerritts efforts in the offensive box early on created numerous opportunities that almost put Bowdoin on the board in the opening minutes. In the net, Louise Johnson 14 stopped all three shots she faced to preserve the shutout in her first career start. The goalkeepers strong efforts

backboned a stingy defense that limited the Huskies to a mere six shots, compared to the 33 shots15 on netthat her team unloaded on Southern Maine. The game provided a great season-opening win for a young Polar Bear starting lineup featuring two contributing first years and a number of returning players who did not start last year. The freshmen are a talented class, said Gould. The younger players performed well today and will continue to step up big and contribute in the coming games. Goulds own contributions bring her within half a dozen goals of breaking the schools career scoring record. I dont really think about it, said Gould of her impressive results. I just try to focus on my own game and how I am playing. Scoring goals helps the team win, and contributing to a team win is whats really important. With yesterdays win in its pocket, Bowdoin can now move forward and focus on its upcoming league matches. This game was a good start to the season for us, said Gould. We moved the ball well and were able to generate a number of great scoring opportunities. Now that weve had some game experience, she added of the team, we know what we need to work on and are excited to start NESCAC play. Goulds pursuit of the goals record and the teams quest for its next win continues tomorrow, when the Polar Bears travel to Connecticut to take on Wesleyan at noon.

SCORECARD
Th 9/8

University of Southern Maine Bowdoin

0 3

Womens lax season ends with loss in nals

BY SAM WEYRAUCH
ORIENT STAFF

Instead of packing up their dorm rooms in the final days of last semester, players on the womens lacrosse team were busy making program history in New York. After an 11-9 victory over The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on May 21, Bowdoin advanced to the NCAA D-III championship game against Gettysburg the following day. The Bullets fired first and never looked back, having three four-plusgoal runs and jumping out to an 11-2 halftime lead en route to a 16-5 win. Unprepared to combat the Bullets with a man-to-man defense, the Polar Bears had practiced a new zone coverage scheme all year and had little experience transitioning between the two. Going into the game, Bowdoin was coming off a busy week that forced many of the athletes to take finals in their hotel. It was a long season for the Polar Bears, and the excitement of reaching the Final Four for the first time in program history was unable to suppress the teams fatigue. Gettysburg could do no wrong, which was tough, said Grote. Ive never seen a team move the ball like they did all year, and after giving it

every ounce of everything we had in the game against TCNJ, we didnt really have enough gas left in the tank. While there were only two seniors on the 2011 team, they were key contributors on a team full of stars. Defender Ingrid Oelschlager 11 garnered First Team All-American honors in the spring after picking up the same accolade last fall for field hockey, while midfielder Katy Dissinger 11 stood out on both sides of the ball. Oelschlager and Dissinger, along with goalkeeper Tara Connolly 13, were named to the D-III Tournament All-Star Team. Dissinger was huge for us in the tournament, said Grote, and in her four years here those weeks stood out to me as her shining moments. Ingrid, similarly, was phenomenal and will be missed. The upcoming seasons team consists of eight seniors, including captains McKenna Teague and Chelsea Albright. Bowdoin is also returning its scoring and ground ball leaders in Carolyn Gorajek 13, Liz Clegg 12, Katie Herter 12, and Katie Stewart 12. Though the Polar Bears pride themselves on being very fast as a team, their depth is also an advantage. Every one of our kids is a key contributor, said Grote. Any of them

can score, and any can stop the other team. Our attacks believe they are the first line of defense against opponents. Our leadership with Ingrid and [Dissinger] was key, she continued. But the passion they all have for each other shines through in both practice and games. Many of the lacrosse players also star on the field hockey team, and last year there were 16 two-season athletes on the 26-person team. Playing another sport not only provides them with structure, said Grote, but keeps them competitive all the time and helps cross-train. Winning with other teams also gives them the confidence that they can help the lacrosse team success. Although the womens lacrosse team went as far as it could this past season, there are still many opportunities for improvement. I just wish we could have switched to a man-to-man defense and made the change in the finals, said Grote, In the future, we want to flip in and out between the different defenses. If the team is able to build on what it learned from 2011s unfortunate defeat, Bowdoin students a year from now will be unpacking their belongings with a shiny new prize resides in the trophy case.

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sports

the bowdoin orient

friday, september 9, 2011

NESCAC Schedule
MENS SOCCER
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 at Wesleyan Tu 9/13 v. Gordon 2:30 P.M. 4:30 P.M.

Womens rugby prepares to kick off season

BY LUKE LAMAR
STAFF WRITER

MENS GOLF
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 Bowdoin Invitational Su 9/11 Bowdoin Invitational Th 9/15 at UMF Invitational 10:30 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 10:00 A.M.

WOMENS SOCCER
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 at Wesleyan W 9/14 at Bates NOON 4:30 P.M.

WOMENS GOLF
SCHEDULE
Su 9/11 Bowdoin Blast 12:30 P.M.

VOLLEYBALL
SCHEDULE
v. Schreiner (Endicott Invtl) v. Mass.-Boston (Endicott Invtl) Sa 9/10 v. Plymouth St. (Endicott Invtl) v. St. Marys (Endicott Invtl) Tu 9/13 v. University of New England F 9/9 3:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M.

FIELD HOCKEY
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 at Wesleyan W 9/14 at Wellesley 2:00 P.M. 4:30 P.M.

SAILING
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 Womens Toni Deutsch (MIT) Penobscot Bay Open (MMA) Mt. Hope Bay Invtl (RWU) Lark Invitational (Tufts) Su 9/11 FJ Invitational (Harvard) 9:30 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

MENS TENNIS
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 Stony Book Invitational TBA

WOMENS RUGBY
SCHEDULE
Sa 9/10 Beantown Collegiate Tournmt Su 9/11 Beantown Collegiate Tournmt TBA TBA

Compiled by Sam Weyrauch Sources: Bowdoin Athletics, NESCAC with a win, I think well be in a great spot going forward in conference play, he added. Gale echoed OLeary on the teams prospects going into its first match. I think Wesleyan is a great first game for us, he said. Theyre a really strong team, are very athletic and fast. I think it will be a great test to see what this new team is made of and what we can expect for the rest of the season, OLeary added. After visiting Connecticut to take on Wesleyan, the team has its home opener against the Gordon College Fighting Scots at Pickard Field on Tuesday, September 13 at 4:30 p.m.

SOCCER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

insult to injury with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory in the NESCAC semifinals last November. Coach OLeary expressed his admiration for the Wesleyan team and stressed the importance of the match as a test for Bowdoin. Wesleyan is one of the top teams in the conference, he said. They have a lot of returning players, theyre well coached, and theyre very well organized. I think theyll prove a challenging opponent that will help us figure out our strengths and weaknesses. If we can come out of Wesleyan

This weekend marks the womens rugby season kickoff, with a Boston tournament hosted by one of the premier womens rugby clubs in the country, the Beantown Rugby Football Club. The Polar Bears will play in a round-robin style competition starting tomorrow, with Smith College at noon and Amherst College at 2 p.m. The team enhanced its preseason this year with a three-day camp run by Peter Baggetta and Farrah Douglas 99, who both coach the strong 180-member rugby program at Gonzaga High in Washington, D.C. I think it was a great springboard for the season, said Head Coach MaryBeth Mathews. It was a good time for them to build and reinforce critical skills, and at the same time get to interact with Farrah and see where they can go with this sport. The team roster features strong returning players, including Uche Esonu 13, Lynn Freedman 13, Dani McAvoy 13, Kerry Townsend 13 and Anissa Tanksley 14. Senior captain Katie Mathews is looking forward to playing rugby again on U.S. soil. I played when I was abroad in Australia, she said. It was really fun and I learned a lot. This years team has big shoes to filllast years captains Loryn Fridie 11 and Becky Stevens 11 were both named USA Rugby Division-II AllAmericans. I think we have a strong group of returners that prepare and play with passion, said captain Allie Dupont 12.

CHENGYING LIAO, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

READY TO GO: Womens rugby players practice in preparation for their rst tournament this weekend.
The team also looks to bolster its roster with a strong rookie class. We have 13 or 14 rookies and we are always looking for people, said MaryBeth Mathews, as we are still a no-cut sport. Peoples attitudes are all that matters, she added. If the outlook is to become incrementally better, the sky is the limit and they can be competitive at any level. This years regular season schedule will consist entirely of NESCAC opponents, as Bowdoin womens rugby transitions into the first year of an all-NESCAC league. Were looking forward to Williams and Colby, said MaryBeth Mathews, but were excited for all of [our opponents] and we cant take anyone for granted. One of our team goals is to go and compete in nationals, said Katie Mathews. Even though we have a young team, there is a lot of potential.

EYES ON THE BALL

AARON WOLF, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

Sophomore Charley Allen sprints after a loose ball with a defender close on his heels. Football plays its rst game Septermber 24 at home against Williams.

friday, september 9, 2011

Bowdoin Orient
Established 1871

The

OPI NI O N
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Physical therapist says goodbye to Bowdoin
To the Editors: My name is Todd Lamoreau. Some of you may have known me as the physical therapist on campus here at Bowdoin for the past seven years. I was also the athletic trainer for the womens volleyball team for the past three years. It has been a great seven years and I enjoyed creating and advancing the physical therapy program in conjunction with Select Physical Therapy and Bowdoin Colleges thletics department. Unfortunately, I will no longer be on campus by the time the fall semester begins this year. Bowdoin has decided to change companies at this time. The new company will be OA Centers for Performance. Both Bowdoin and OA asked me to stay and continue to provide physical therapy and athletic training services. I want to be forthcoming about my decision to stay with Select Physical Therapy: I could not accept the employment offer from OA for personal and professional reasons. That being said, Bowdoin is a very wonderful college and its departments are always looking out for the well-being of their faculty, staff and students. I appreciate the relationship I was allowed while at the College and hope to continue it in one form or another. I will continue working for Select Physical Therapy at their clinics in Brunswick and Auburn. I would be glad to continue to provide physical therapy services for anyone affiliated with Bowdoin College. Thanks again for the past seven

the bowdoin orient

13

A few changes
he publication of this volume of the Orient marks the newspapers 140th anniversary. We intend to mark this milestone with a number of changes to the paper that we believe will invigorate its pages. But first, we wish to acknowledge some of the criticism that has been levied at the paper in recent years. Fair or not, the content of the Orient has at times been called inaccurate and uninteresting, and the papers staff has been labeled insular and close-minded. Over the last few months we have talked with students and alumni, professors and current staffers, to develop a series of new initiatives which we hope will address the concerns of our many constituencies. To address complaints of misquotation and misrepresentation, we will be instituting two new measures. First, all staff members will be required to record their interviews so that accuracy can be more easily maintained. Additionally, our website is being redesigned to enable interviewees and readers to note how accurately they were represented in our coverage. It is our priority to ensure that the content of the paper reflects the many dimensions of the Bowdoin community, especially those groups or topics that may have been historically underrepresented in our pages. We believe this will make the paper more appealing, and will allow us to ensure that every issue captures the voice of the student body. In the process of pursuing these new goals, a funny thing happened: the staff more than doubled in size. Almost 70 students are now involved in the Orient. An expanded staff means expanded capabilities. As you flip through this weeks edition, you will notice some changes. Our Talk of the Quad section is designed to provide a forum for creative student writing. With apologies to The New Yorker, we are excited to feature a wide range of anecdotal and humorous pieces in this section, and we encourage students who have not previously written for the Orient to submit their stories. In order to showcase the varied talents of the student body and to enliven our pages, we plan to include more student artwork in the paper than ever before. Additionally, we plan to print several special sections over the course of the year that will highlight issues of interest to the College. These measures will move us closer to our primary goal: producing a paper that is relevant, engaging and fair. Our commitment is to serve this campus and the Town of Brunswick, and so we are happy to hear from our readers as we implement these new intiatives. We look forward to hearing from you as we celebrate this newspapers longstanding relationship with the Bowdoin community.
.
The editorial represents the majority view of the Bowdoin Orients editorial board, which comprises Nick Daniels, Linda Kinstler, Zo Lescaze, and Elizabeth Maybank.

years and I hope everyone has a good academic year. Sincerely, Todd Lamoreau

Conservative academics are minorities, too

To the Editors: I found Thomas Klingensteins piece Klingenstein defends Claremont Review essay (April 29) interesting. Obviously a thoughtful man, Mr.Klingenstein surely will appreciate the delicious irony in realizing that, like other down-trodden minorities, conservative academics would benefit from a program of affirmative action. Sincerely, Mike Wood 64

President Mills should also be Professor Mills

HALF-ASSED
BY JUDAH ISSEROFF
COLUMNIST

The Bowdoin Orient

http://orient.bowdoin.edu orient@bowdoin.edu Phone: (207) 725-3300 Bus. Phone: (207) 725-3053 6200 College Station Brunswick, ME 04011

The Bowdoin Orient is a student-run weekly publication dedicated to providing news and information relevant to the Bowdoin community. Editorially independent of the College and its administrators, the Orient pursues such content freely and thoroughly, following professional journalistic standards in writing and reporting. The Orient is committed to serving as an open forum for thoughtful and diverse discussion and debate on issues of interest to the College community. Nick Daniels, Editor in Chief Elizabeth Maybank, Senior Editor Zo Lescaze, Editor in Chief Linda Kinstler, Managing Editor

News Editors Erica Berry Zohran Mamdani Features Editor Claire Aasen A&E Editor Jordan Lantz Sports Editor Sam Weyrauch Opinion Editor Nora Biette-Timmons Calendar Editor Garrett Casey

Senior Reporters Peter Davis Sam Frizell Diana Lee Eliza Novick-Smith Associate Editors Mariya Ilyas Jim Reidy Copy Editor Elisabeth Strayer Business Managers Tarara Deane-Krantz Maya Lloyd Madison Whitley

Layout Editor Ted Clark Graphic Designers Leo Shaw Aaron Wolf Photo Editor Brian Jacobel Asst. Photo Editor Brandon Pinette Information Architect Toph Tucker Web Editor Sarah Siwak

Dear President Mills, My name is Judah Isseroff and I am a junior at Bowdoin. In my two years here, Ive been able to watch you from a distance. On nice days in the autumn and spring, it has been rare to not see you strolling the grounds of the picturesque Bowdoin Quad, asking questions and doling out nods and smiles. Ive sat in the audience for your convocation addresses. Particularly memorable was your speech last year on the difficult issue of political diversity at the College. I left the auditorium lost in thoughts that ultimately inspired one of my earliest columns for this paper. Dearest to my heart have been those instances when Ive seen you at services for the high holy days of the Jewish calendar. Though the opportunity was exclusive to the Jewish population at Bowdoin, I was grateful for the chance to experience some spiritual solidarity with my colleges president. For those of us who saw you there, your presence was invaluable. For even from a distance across the congregation, I was a beneficiary of your committed participation in the service. It was no small thing to feel a kinship of shared values with you. Put simply, all my experiences involving you thus far have been positive without exception. However, Im writing you this letter because I think that you are holding out on us: I really think you should teach a class at the college. In a world where bold leadership is on the outs, colleges have the potential to remain a bastion for intellectual integrity.

While our media and our politics have found no higher task for themselves than showing what is absolutely worst in human beings, Bowdoin remains a place where plastic young minds may choose a healthy idealism over the sneering cynicism that has infected many of this countrys other institutions. Mr. President, considering the overwhelming hostility of the real world to any sort of optimism, Bowdoin students need you to courageously show the great things that can still be learned at a liberal arts college. I personally am desperately curious to know what you care most about, what you would most like to impart to the students that pass through your school.

With a law degree from Columbia, a Ph.D. in biology, it is unimaginable that you do not have a wealth of expertise to share.
Furthermore, there are whisperings here, some soft and discreet, and some much louder, that accuse you of a sort of intellectual disengagement. You are concerned solely with reputation, endowment, and ethnic diversity, so the story goes. Moreover, they say that because you are not an academic, you are glaringly out of place as president. As I have said, as a nominally average student at Bowdoin, my impression of you is without a blemish. However, I think that even the slightest persistence of the aforementioned rumors and sentiments of discontent does tremendous harm to the spiritedness of Bowdoin. While the College needs diversity

of opinion in its discourse, I believe that it also needs a certain uniformity of purpose. Without qualification, Bowdoin must see itself as a place where learning remains fresh and dynamic. And you, sir, are the most respected symbol of that mission and must embody it completely. Therefore, while I am truly grateful for all that you have done to improve and steer this place, I crave a more personal attention for the student body. With a law degree from Columbia, a Ph.D. in biology and a very successful law career, it is unimaginable that you do not have a wealth of expertise to share with us. Though I am nearly ignorant of all conventions with regard to teaching on the part of college presidents, I do know that the hype surrounding a seminar taught by President Mills could only help to improve this school. I also know that in a world where leadership has come to mean babysitting and petty conflict resolution, you would do an inestimable amount good by demonstrating that positions of power are not innately emasculating. Rather, by establishing a closer and more directly educational interface with your students, we will all graduate from this school with a more complete conception of the good that Bowdoin attempts to instill. We will have been the beneficiaries of the expertise of another very smart and very compelling educator. More importantly though, teaching a class will provide you with a salient platform from which to talk about and demonstrate your vision for the liberal arts. And certainly that vision will make its way from your direct pupils to the rest of the student body, for we are all in immense need of your leadership and your expertise. Sincerely and respectfully yours, Judah Isseroff 13

CONNECT WITH US
Opportunities to contribute to the Orient
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Orient welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 200 words and must be received by 7 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week of publication. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for length.

The material contained herein is the property of the Bowdoin Orient and appears at the sole discretion of the editors. The editors reserve the right to edit all material. Other than in regards to the above editorial, the opinions expressed in the Orient do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors.

Subscriptions The domestic subscription rate is $59 for a full year. Contact the Orient for more information.

Advertising Email orientads@bowdoin.edu or call (207) 725-3053 for advertising rates and a production schedule.

OP-EDS
Longer op-ed submissions of 400 to 800 words must also be received by 7 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week of publication. The editors reserve the right to edit op-eds for length. Submit op-eds and letters via e-mail to orientopinion@bowdoin.edu.

14

opinion

the bowdoin orient

friday, september 9, 2011

Though largely liberal, Bowdoin tolerates all political perspectives

BY JOHN DALE GROVER
CONTRIBUTOR

At certain colleges, conservative newspapers have been trashed or shut down. From the defacement of hundreds of issues of a conservative magazine at Tufts University to the State University of New York at Albanys decision to deny funding to a conservative newspaper, examples of political intolerance at institutions of higher learning abound across the country. However, Bowdoin is different. During my time here as a freshman and so far this semester as a sophomore, I have encountered students and faculty with diverse beliefs and an overall willingness to listen to other points of view. I can say that, at least within my experience, Bowdoin has been a friendly, inquisitive and tolerant place for students of all backgrounds and creeds. It seems to me that Bowdoin has been able to maintain a level of tolerance that has been lost to some of Americas other top institutions of higher education. I use the word tolerant here because although different points of view are voiced, they are not necessarily accepted. One might listen to a fellow students political or economic opinions, but there is little pressure to adopt those beliefs. And nor should there be, unless one is actually convinced to change ones mind during intellectual discourse with another student or professor. Upon coming to Bowdoin for the first time during the Bowdoin Experience as a high school student, I instantly fell in love with the campus. But the financial aid package, friendliness and great course offerings did not tip the balance of my decision of where to go. What made the difference were

PETER GRIESMER, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

my conversations with others on campus to ensure that if I went to Bowdoin, my beliefs would be tolerated. Although I could have gone to a university back home in Texas, where students values would have been somewhat more in sync with my own, part of the reason I decided on Bowdoin was its different political atmosphere: it is a primarily liberal campus where popular political views greatly differ from mine. But without ever being exposed to another set of ideals, how could I claim to firmly believe in my own? Although I am a minority at Bowdoin in more than one way (lower-middle class, half-Anglo and half-Hispanic, a Christian, and a Libertarian), I have been

I thank those students and professors who have been willing to tolerate my views and those of others who do not agree with the majority on campus.
pleased with my decision to attend Bowdoin. I have met very few students who are close-minded or intolerant to a point where they are not even willing to have a respectful conversation, and unlike some other campuses, Bowdoin does not actively shun those whose beliefs break from the majority.

The professors here, in my experience, have been largely willing to tolerate different points of view and dont penalize a student simply for disagreeing with them. Organizations such as the College Republicans and Bowdoin Christian Fellowship, although small in number, do exist on campus. These student groups have managed to hold conservativelytinged public events, most specifically in the past year, when they hosted a senior fellow from the Heritage Foundation to discuss the national debt crisis and spearheaded the Veritas Forum, which addressed what it means to be good. My articles on economics or politics (which do not usually comment favorably on President Obama) have been published in the Orient, whereas some other

colleges have actually become restrictive of students freedom of speech, restraining those voices which dissent from mainstream viewpoints on campus. To stop an opposing opinion from being voiced, instead of trying to prove it wrong, is a form of attack that shows intellectual weakness. Bowdoin should be proud that it has not stooped to such a level. I thank President Barry Mills, and those students and professors who have been willing to tolerate my views and those of others who do not always agree with the majority on campus. So while the students and faculty can give themselves a pat on the back for maintaining a healthy amount of tolerance within the Bowdoin bubble, we must not be content to preserve the current status quo. The work of maintaining freedom of speech and a strong level of tolerance for various opinions within a college is difficult and requires constant vigilance. Of course, more can always be done to promote diversity on campus, to encourage greater visibility of different groups, and to ensure that students are not afraid to voice controversial beliefs. The day that a college stops permitting different views and allows the denial of free speech is the day that honest, intellectual discourse dies and that a college ceases to be an institution of higher learning. As a college dedicated to improving knowledge and seeking the truth, we must continue to tolerate the views of others, even if we disagree with those beliefs with every fiber of our being. After all, intellectual discourse doesnt have to mean agreeing with your fellow student or professor; it just means that you have to be willing to hear them out. John Dale Grover is a member of the Class of 2014.

India and globalization: modernity and tradition meet at crossroads

THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE
BY BENJAMIN ZIOMEK
COLUMNIST

If you read the news media today, youre bombarded with stories proclaiming loudly that the dominance of the West is over, and that China and India already dominate the world economy. The papers trumpet the glittering office parks and high rises that house the corporate giants ready to steal American jobs. Well, last summer I worked in one of those glittering office parks. Within the walls of one of Indias largest firms, the situation is just as the papers love to describe it. My coworkers were driven, motivated young professionals, typing away on Outlook and placing phone calls to our branch offices across the world. They relished the chance to go toe-to-toe with Western competitors, and more often than not, they came away victorious, though their salaries, whichdespite their iPhone-loaded pocketswere invariably described as peanuts. There was little culture shock to be had there: everyone pulled out their smartphones to check stock

prices and the cappuccinos flowed freely. Sure, lunch might consist of dosa and there might be monkeys outside the office windows from time to time, but what does that matter when everyone went to watch the latest Harry Potter film after work on Friday? But the impoverished side of the developing world was always close at hand. One of my friends could see over the barbed-wire-topped barricades from her window, and we would often look out, watching the campus neighbors scratching in the dirt outside of their hovels.

Some people decry the loss of traditional culture, but this seems to be less the creation of a void and more the extension of the colors of India into the modern.
Clearly, there are rust spots on the brilliant, networked, glassand-steel edifice that is modern India. My local coworkers found the contrasts even more bemusing

than I did. Whenever we spoke of things other than the office, they would warn me over and over that the people I would meet on trips would not be like us. For the residents of the New India, the old India is something that is mildly embarrassing and should be politely ignored, even when each journey home involves fighting off rickshaws in bumperto-bumper Bangalore traffic. For all this, traditional mores do live on to some extent. Arranged marriages are declining in popularity, but, if the morality of television and Bollywood is anything to go on, love marriages are still the exception rather than the rule. Even in the ultra-fast, ultramodern world of Indian IT, many of my married peers had spoken to their spouses for only 15 minutes before agreeing to the engagement. So when a colleague asked me if I would ever have an arranged marriage, I started to give the standard, thats not really how it works in the West response. After sipping my company-issue cappuccino and looking out at the campus for a moment, I started to answer, but a different friend cut me off after I had expressed my negative sentiment. He gestured out at the shiny,

new office buildings with his mug, I agreeI just dont see how people can continue to think in such ways when they spend all day here. How can you write code all day and then go home to someone you didnt choose? It doesnt work that way.

Harry Potter was the hit of the summer, but try to nd another English-language lm in the cinemas and there are none to be had.
With the rise of the emerging markets, a lot has been written about how economic modernization does not necessarily imply cultural or political Westernization. But inside the halls of New India, the holy mantra is adapt to survive. Our firm was in the process of transforming itself to compete with Western companies. Is it really that much of a surprise that its employees were doing so culturally as well? Perhaps its not entirely conscious, and perhaps some would

blame the insidious tendrils of Western culture forcing itself into foreign nations. But on the ground, all of the globalization I see is giving the locals more of what they want. Yes, Harry Potter was the hit of the summer, but try to find another English-language film in the cinemas on most evenings: there are none to be had. Likewise, my Western friends and I spent many an evening trying to decipher Indian television. They may be speaking Englishat least when the game-show host doesnt inexplicably drop into Hindi for a few linesbut figuring out exactly what is going on is another trick entirely. New India may not be quite here yet, but its coming, and coming fast. Some people decry the loss of native national culture, but this loss seems to be less the creation of a void and more the extension of tradition into the realm of the modern. The stereotype of the modern, middle-class Indian woman is an university-educated techie who dreams of a beautiful romance that ends in a Bollywood-perfect traditional wedding. It sounds like a marriage of the new and the old India to me.

friday, september 9, 2011

the bowdoin orient

opinion

15

The challenges that accompany a paradoxical post-9/11 world

BY SEAN MCELROY
CONTRIBUTOR

It is extraordinary to think that it has been 10 years. A decade. In roughly a year, I will have spent more time in the post-9/11 world than in the pre-9/11 world. I have recently realized that the events of that terrible morning in September have passed that grey line and become history, because I can now carry on a conversation with someone who was born after those attackssomeone who will live his or her entire life in a post9/11 world. For most of us who currently attend Bowdoin, we were still in grade school back in 2001. It may be clich to admit it, but the attacks that occurred 10 years ago will clearly be the moment that is said to define our generation. Like the assassination of John F. Kennedy or the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 9/11 is a historical mo-

ment which has transformed the world to such an extent that it has become possible, even necessary, to speak of a pre- and post-9/11 world. Over the past decade, blanket terms like terrorism and Islamofascism have become commonplace in our political discourse. Today, we are told not that the communists are the manifestation of pure evil, but rather that terrorists are the true enemies of America. Yet we can find very little agreement on what terrorism actually means. The exact nature of our enemy, aside from specific groups or individuals who explicitly define themselves by their desire to eliminate Americans and their allies, remains hazy in the minds of most young Americans, myself included. Unlike the Cold War, which was so central in the lives of our parents, the conflict that has emerged

since the attacks on September 11 is not a conflict between states. Rather, it is a vague conflict against several different reactionary ideologies of Islamic terrorism. To declare a war on terror still gives the impression that the United States is trying to fight something akin to a war on war.

The attacks that occurred ten years ago will be the moment that is said to dene our generation.
Such paradoxes illustrate the shortsightedness of Americas response to 9/11, where we can dust the larger problems under the rug and address the problem only by fighting against the strategy of terror.

We can only win this battle against fundamentalist reactionaries if we are prepared to take a long-run approach to stopping those forces in the world that seek to destroy us. The killing of Osama bin Laden, for example, was perhaps the greatest short-term solution, but his death has done very little to quell the violence and the vitriol directed towards America. Empowering women and youth in Arab nations to fight against the reactionary forces that threaten global stability can enable change. At times, this will mean supporting such empowerment through the use of military arms. As long as we continue to view the world through the narrow lens of short-run political gains, and use 9/11 to advance partisan agendas, the United States will not be able to meet the extraordinary challenges, be they economic, political or ideological, that our na-

tion will face in this century. It is the long-term solutions that the history books will remember. Only if we focus on these can we enact positive change in the world that we will inhabit for the rest of our lives. Take a moment, on September 11, to remember sacrifices of those who perished. Also honor the enormous sacrifices of those who lost their loved ones on that tragic day. And remember the true legacy of 9/11, the inspirational bravery exhibited by so many heroic men and women on that morning. But let us also think about our responsibility to not only to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again, but to enact longterm changes toward a future world that is not defined by fear and terror, but instead by progress, peace and freedom. Sean McElroy is a member of the Class of 2012.

Supposedly American problems arent limited to America after all

BY JEANPAUL HONEGGER
CONTRIBUTOR

As I flew south over the Appalachian mountains toward Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this past July, I looked upon a familiar sight. I have visited this nation more times than I can count; I have been to 22 of the 50 states and I have lived in two. I have travelled across half the country by Amtrak and I have taken road trips through the arid southwest. Despite my close relationship with these united states, despite the many weeks, months and years I have spent and lived here, like most international students there are some things that I will probably never get used to. For some of you, partisan politics, conservatism and obesity are probably three terms that spring to mind when thinking of what other countries, especially European ones, dont have. As a matter of fact, these terms do apply to life back home.

For example, partisan politics now dominate a fellow federal state, Switzerland, where an increasing number of initiatives and referenda are based not upon the best interests of the nation, but rather are designed to pander to voters. Notable examples include the vote two years ago that banned the construction of minarets and a referendum on the automatic expulsion of foreigners found to have committed crimes, both of which passed. In neighboring France, we can see the effects of conservatism, in the rise of Marine le Pens Front National, a xenophobic and ultranationalistic party, which, at present, seems to be a serious contender for the 2012 elections. Finally, obesity, a problem that has reached epidemic proportions across the globe, according to a 2003 World Health Organization report, affects every single developed nation in addition to several tiger economies and some less developed ones. In China, the

report says, obesity rates are almost [at] 20 percent in some cities. However, it is not by such vast terms that most international students characterize the differences between life at home and life here. Instead, it is the more mundane aspects of life that fascinate the international student. To give an example, I was quite taken aback the other day when I was told that my haircut would only cost $27. When I told this with some glee to my American floormates, they were shocked. To them, this is an exorbitant price, but coming from a country where haircuts for men can sometimes cost twice as much, paying what I saw as halfprice was a reasonable deal indeed! After all, isnt everything in life relative? However, even something like leaving a tip every time you go to a restaurant is, to many of us, a very strange thing indeed. Tristan Bayard-Massot, a teaching fellow in the French department from Clermont-Ferrand in central France,

remarks: Tipping is unusual for us. In France we only tip if the service provided was exceptional, the waiter was friendly or, simply, to get rid of small change. From a pedagogical standpoint, there are also things that seem unusual to the foreign student. In one of my classes, a professor told his students to correct him or offer suggestions on how he could change his methods, if they felt the need. A fellow international student commented, Its strange that you say that. Never before have I been told that it was OK to criticize my professors. Of course, the entire higher education experience in the United States is very different than that of our peers in the United Kingdom, France and elsewhere. Though it has it origins in the European Renaissance and the humanistic thinking of the time, the liberal arts system is, by and large, forgotten in its continent of origin. Most of the people in my graduating class in Geneva are going on

to study very specific areas, from Aeronautical Engineering (for the next four years) to Medicine (over the next nine years). Ultimately, though, many of us are strangers in this land, we have come to a community and an environment that is welcoming to people of all origins. At first, it would seem that this community has taken a leaf out of the exhortation enshrined in the preamble to the Swiss constitution: the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Bowdoin are determined to live together with mutual consideration and respect for their diversity, conscious of their common achievements and their responsibility toward future generations. It doesnt matter if you come from Minnesota or Mongolia, from South Carolina or South Korea. You are benvenuti, bienvenus, vannakam, vlkommen, Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Yokoso, Multumesc, kab you are welcome at Bowdoin. Jean-Paul Honegger is a member of the Class of 2015.

STUDENT SPEAK What is your favorite or least favorite change on campus this semester?

Sarah Levin 13 I like the new table set up in Moulton. I need a full table of books.

Katie Mac 14 I like the endless amount of toilet paper in upperclassmen dorms.

Vivaan Seth 13 I am excited for the rennovation of Kresge Auditorium. I hear it looks amazing.

Linsdey Horowitz 12 The lock on the tower. It is not drunk friendly; if you lose your card, youre stuck.

Compiled by Brandon Pinette

16

the bowdoin orient

friday, September 9, 2011

WEEKLY C ALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 9 - SEPTEMBER 15
FRIDAY
SALE
79 56

Jewelry and Clothing Vendor

Chatham Caravan, a traveling clothing, jewelry and accessories company, will sell its merchandise to the Bowdoin student body. Smith Union. 9 a.m.
COMMON HOUR

On the Brink of the Grave

Ann Kibbie, a distinguished scholar of Restoration and 18th century literature, will discuss her most recent project subtitled Transfusion in Literature and Medicine from the Late Seventeenth Century to the End of the Victorian Era. Kresge Auditorium, Visual Arts Center. 12:30 p.m.
EVENT

Reception for Class of 2012 and Faculty

Student Affairs will sponsor a reception following the Common Hour lecture. Seniors and faculty are welcome to attend. Main Lounge, Moulton Union. 4 p.m.
BRANDON PINETTE, THE BOWDOIN ORIENT

LECTURE

SUMMER STROLL: Students enjoyed the beautiful summer weather as they made their way across the Quad during the first full week of classes.

Edward Hoppers Maine

Celebrated Edward Hopper scholar Carol Troyen will lecture on the current exhibition at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. Kresge Auditorium, Visual Arts Center. 4:30 p.m.
CONCERT

SUNDAY
MEMORIAL

66 53

TUESDAY
READING

76 59

9/11 Remembrance
President Barry Mills will speak briefly before holding a moment of silence. Chimes will ring America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner to mark the beginning and end of the event, which is part of a full day of campus observances and commemorations. Flagpole near Gibson Hall. Noon.
SPORTING EVENT

Michael Griths Trophy

Author Michael Griffith will read selections from his most recent book Trophy. In the darkly comedic novel, a mans life flashes before his eyes as a stuffed bear crushes him to death. Faculty Room, Massachusetts Hall. 7 p.m.
LECTURE

Jaw Gems
Local band Jaw Gems (featuring Ahmad Hassan Muhammad 10) will perform original work and covers. The band plays an inventive blend of jazz and hip-hop. $5 admission, free for Bowdoin students with I.D. Frontier Cafe, 14 Maine Street. 8 p.m.
FILM

WikiLeaks and the First Amendment

First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams will discuss the complicated questions concerning freedom of speech in the internet age. Tickets required, free admission. Pickard Theater, Memorial Hall. 7:30 p.m.

Bowdoin Blast My Neighbor Totoro

The Anime Club will screen celebrated Japanese animator Hayao Miyazakis acclaimed 1988 film. Room 315, Searles Science Building. 9 p.m. Womens golf will open its season at the fifth annual Bowdoin Blast. There will be several other schools, including rival Bates, at the tournament, which will be the teams only home match of the season. Brunswick Golf Course. 12:30 p.m.
RELIGIOUS SERVICE

WEDNESDAY
EVENT

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SATURDAY
SPORTING EVENT

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Sunday Night Chapel Service

Bowdoin Christian Fellowship will sponsor the first Protestant service of the year. Worshipers of every denomination are welcome. Bowdoin Chapel. 7 p.m.

Free Plan B
Peer Health will distribute Plan B to Bowdoin women, free of charge. Polar Bear Huddle, Peter Buck Center for Health and Wellness. 1 p.m.

Bowdoin Invitational
Mens golf will host the annual Bowdoin Invitational. The event will be the first contest of the season for the Polar Bears. Brunswick Golf Course. 10:30 a.m.
CONCERT

MONDAY
PERFORMANCE

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THURSDAY
LECTURE

65 51

Pianist George Lopez

George Lopez will perform Villa-Loboss Bachianas Brasileiras, Rachmaninoff s Sonata No. 2, Opus 36 in B-flat minor, and selected works by Franz Liszt. Studzinski Recital Hall, Kanbar Auditorium. 7:30 p.m.

The Angelica Sanchez Quintet

Jazz pianist Angelica Sanchez will perform original works with her quintet. Her recent solo recordings include A Little House and Life Between. Studzinski Recital Hall, Kanbar Auditorium. 7:30 p.m.

Civility in a Troubled Economy

James A. Leach, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will address questions regarding behavior during times of recession. Kresge Auditorium, Visual Arts Center. 4:30 p.m.