THURSDAY 3.7.24 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Division III Racism, mental health recruits for event provides safe space wins, talent BY GABRIELLE BARNETT
BY SYDNEE WASHINGTON
On Feb. 23, the Office of Student Health hosted the event “How Racism Affects Mental Health” in the Kramer Lounge. April Christman, director of Student Health, explained that this annual event is intended to promote awareness during African-American History Month. “We certainly wanted to do something relevant to racial identity and Black History Month,” Christman said. The event, which lasted two hours, encouraged participants to paint while discussing their feelings and experiences with racism. The event was headed by Christman and her colleague, Brandon Foster. For the set-up, they handed out facts about the physical and mental toll of racism and displayed flyers on tables so that participants could learn and discuss while they painted on the variety of canvases provided by Student Health Services. One handout described how racism affects health overall, such as by causing more stress, worse sleep and increased risks for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressures. The other explained how
The recruitment process of major Division I schools can be seen all over the media. The public watches ranked recruits go on official and unofficial visits. It is a competition of who can offer the most money; who has the most elaborate facilities; which school offers the best chances of elevating their recruit to play at the professional level. What is often not seen is the recruitment processes of Division III schools. Weighing in on this process, coaches shared their strategies and challenges when it comes to recruitment at this level, as well as the differences, if any, that exist between the Division I, II and III levels. Commenting on the difference between the three divisions, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Jeffery Bowers said, “Obviously the biggest difference between Division I and II is just the athletic scholarship aspect of things.” Without the ability to offer athletic scholarships, it can pose a challenge
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McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle Counselor Brandon Foster attended the racism and mental health event hosted by the Counseling Center in the Kramer Lounge of the Batten Student Center. racism increased mental health disorders Foster explained how Counseling such as anxiety, depression, emotional Services worked to create a safe space for distress and PTSD. In addition, to help this event to talk about heavy topics. “In with the emotions associated with this difficult topic, Grace, a therapy dog, See MENTAL HEALTH Page 2 mingled throughout the event.
See RECRUITING Page 8
Miller honored for university’s diversity BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu
VWU Flickr|Courtesy President Miller attended the Masked Ball alongside Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott and Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck.
In light of President Scott D. Miller being among several honorees at the 2024 Hampton Roads United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Mayors’ Masked Ball for the university’s efforts in educational equity, voices across campus shared their perspectives. The ball is a fundraiser and celebration that, according to the UNCF website, “[focuses] on raising public awareness and large corporate and individual donations to support deserving students
through UNCF.” The event, which took place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on March 6, is one of many hosted across the nation by the organization. The UNCF mission statement reads, “UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.” This aligns with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statements that VWU has across its website and other media.
A statement from Miller on the DEI section of VWU’s website reads, “We try to be leaders in the area of diversity and inclusion for Coastal Virginia.” Two weeks after the Feb. 12 news release on the UNCF recognition, Miller announced that he was extending his contract through 2029 in the Feb. 26 Nota Bene. Junior Judah King, president of the Black Student Union (BSU), provided his perspective on the recognition. “It broadcasts that the
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Tennis focuses on team strength BY COLETTE KEARNEY cmkearney@vwu.edu
It’s a new era for the tennis team at Virginia Wesleyan, categorized by young players on both the men’s and women’s teams. The women’s team has five firstyears and only four upperclassmen. The men’s team has 17 men, six of whom are first-years. Leading the teams is Director of Men’s and Women’s Tennis Toni Bickford, who is entering her third season as head coach. With both teams, she is trying to form a culture she likes, but it looks different for each team. For the women, she’s almost starting from scratch. After graduating three seniors last season, Bickford is leaning on her firstyears more than she normally would. “We focused on kind of building a team culture for the freshman because they’re stepping up in very big shoes,” Bickford
Inside Look:
said. Team environment is something the women’s team has struggled with in the past and they wanted to make it a priority this season and in seasons to come. Bickford and her team are also prioritizing making sure they are in the right mindset, especially coming off a tough match loss. “We just try to focus on the little improvements every day,” Bickford said. For the men, their season started with a 0-9 loss against Christopher Newport University. Senior Stefan Zrnic echoed similar words to Bickford. “After most matches, we’ll meet and talk about what we liked and didn’t like and stuff we could have done better,” Zrnic said. The men’s strategy seems to be working. They continued their spring season with a
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Josh Pagett|Marlin Chronicle First-year Ole Behrmann played #2 Singles against Chowan University on Feb. 29 and won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Hot Girl Walks honor Women’s History Month -- Page 4
Students earn money beneath the needle -- Page 6
Ethical shopping at Maison Soleil -- Page 9
“It’s really going to be everyone’s individual journey.” -- Director of Student Engagement Jen Cohen
“Donating plasma is not only a spectacular option for a monetary income, but also a medical advantage to the community.” -- Opinions Editor Madelyn Yale
“I just feel like not everthing that’s fair trade or ethically made should be super expensive.” -Maison Soleil owner Lindsay Sims