The Bowdoin Orient

BMC's third annual 'Hipster Ivies' overtakes the Brunswick Quad

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Tonight, student performers will take one last bow at Quadzilla before the grind of finals hits. The music festival, organized by Bowdoin Music Collective (BMC), will feature 10 student acts along with art projects by the Art Club and food provided by Residential Life.

Quadzilla is BMC’s biggest event and offers bands to showcase the fruits of a year’s practice. Despite its short history, it is considered a tradition among club members.

“Since BMC has only been around for four years, our traditions are being formed as we go along. This is one of the ones we’re most excited about,” said Nate Joseph ’13, BMC co-president.

Tufts ruins baseball’s chance at first seed

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Baseball will host Middlebury for the final games of the regular season this weekend. The two games will have no bearing on the playoff picture as the four teams in the championship have already secured their positions.

Bowdoin secured its spot in the playoffs last weekend in a three games series against Tufts. In the first game, the Jumbos jumped to an early lead with a two run homer in the bottom of the first inning. The Polar Bears fired back with five runs in the top of the second with RBIs from Buddy Shea ’15, Sam Canales ’15, and Kyle LeBlanc ’14. Tufts battled back to take the lead in the bottom of the third and the teams went into the fifth tied at seven. A two-run single in the bottom of the fifth gave the Jumbos a permanent lead and snapped the Polar Bears school-record winning streak of 12 games by beating them 11-7.

On Saturday, the first game of the doubleheader was scoreless through four innings. Southpaw Christian Martin ’14 gave up only two singles through 5.2 innings and struck out seven batters. Bowdoin took the lead in the top of the fifth with an RBI from senior captain Tim McGarry. The Polar Bears added three more runs in the top of the sixth with RBI singles from Canales and Duncan Taylor ’14, as well as a steal of home by Canales. Henry Van Zant ’15 struck out three batters in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 4-0 victory, which sealed a playoff position for Bowdoin.

Foster restructures Office of Student Affairs

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Tim Foster, dean of student affairs, announced that Office of the Dean of Student Affairs will be consolidating two part-time positions into one full-time position, which will be known Associate Director of First-Year Programs via campus-wide email on Sunday. Foster also announced the departure of Dean Laura Lee, within the email.

Foster announced these changes after Margaret Hazlett, senior associate dean, decided to leave Bowdoin to become Dean of the College at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. “Whenever you have someone who’s been in a senior position such as Margaret’s, for as long as she has, it’s a good chance to step back and say ‘How do we want to best organize ourselves to best meet the needs of students, faculty and staff going forward?’” said Foster.

The new associate director position will take on a series of new responsibilities. He or she will oversee international students, accommodations for students with disabilities, and the Host Family Programs.

Non-varsity funding leads to unique challenges for teams

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Unlike varsity sports, which receive funding from the Department of Athletics, club teams are funded through Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC), which must divide funds among over 100 student organizations.Men’s rugby and rowing are the only exceptions to this rule and are funded partially by the athletic department, the SAFC, and through other means.

The SAFC has $680,000 to divide each between the 110 College student organizations, including non-varsity sports such as the ultimate frisbee, volleyball, cycling, alpine skiing, men’s rugby, rowing, and equestrian teams. The SAFC meets every Monday, and is comprised of the treasurers of all four classes, two at-large members, and is chaired by the treasurer of the BSG.

While the hybrid teams like men’s rugby and rowing must submit budgets to the SAFC like other club teams, they have a coach hired by the College and have other expenses taken care of by the athletic department.

Dance department's annual concert showcases all course levels

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Last night, the Department of Theater and Dance showcased its annual Spring Dance Concert in Pickard Theater.

The show, which runs a little over an hour long, has five acts. Three acts are performed by 100, 200, and 300-level dance classes, two of which are modern classes; one will feature work by Natalie Johnson ’13, and one will be performed solo by Assistant Professor of Theater and Dance Charlotte Griffin. Griffin’s performance will be only the second faculty solo in four years.

Johnson’s act will exhibit two parts of her three-part independent study project, titled AGEN. Johnson’s independent study is yearlong and AGEN premiered April 29 at the Wish Theater. The first part of her act is a solo performed by Johnson, with the second part being a trio performed by Audrey Blood ’13, George Ellzey ’13, and Emily Bungert ’15, choreographed by Johnson.

Collins’ coming out shows change in time

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Before this week, most people probably hadn’t heard of Jason Collins. The 7’0,” 260-pound NBA center spent his 12-year career in obscurity, playing for six different teams and never averaging more than six points per game.

But on Monday, Jason Collins became a household name. He came out as homosexual in a column in Sports Illustrated, becoming the first athlete in a major professional American sport to come out before retiring.

His story was featured as the halftime special on virtually every game this week. Even President Obama fielded questions about his coming out.

Michele Kaufman '13

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Because track and field is more of a collection of individual events than a team venture, team building in the sport requires leaders with strong personalities.

Hurdler and long jumper Michele Kaufman ’13, known as much for her dry sense of humor as for her athletic talent, has performed well in her efforts to lead the team, according to teammates.

“Her personality is well-suited for track,” Olivia MacKenzie ’13. “She’s enthusiastic and brings the team together through a positive attitude and genuine concern for everyone.”

Club volleyball to lose co-ed status

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Starting in the spring of 2014, Bowdoin’s club volleyball team will no longer be co-ed. As a result of the change, current team members Erin McKissick ’16, Sophie Sawyers ’16 and Maggie Seymour ’16 will have to start their own female team next year.

According to McKissick, the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) has traditionally had separate teams for men and women.

The New England region is the only one that has allowed co-ed teams. However, Rule 3.1.4 of the NCVF’s Governance Rules states that, “A women’s team roster may not include men and a men’s roster may not include women. No women players are allowed to compete as a player on a men’s team, and no men are allowed to compete as a player on a women’s team.”

Afro-Latin Ensemble's performance showcases unique Bowdoin group

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Students in the Afro-Latin Music Ensemble and enrolled in Music 281 presented their final concert of the year on Wednesday night in Studzinski Recital Hall.

Under the direction of Professor Michael Birenbaum Quintero, the group of 10 students performed a selection of Afro-Cuban religious songs as well as pieces from Colombia’s southern Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

According to Quintero, the ensemble’s repertoire grants Bowdoin a unique place among the musical cultures of other colleges.

Bowdoin Climate Action stages protest on Quad

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Members of Bowdoin Climate Action (BCA) constructed a makeshift “climate camp” on the Main Quad Wednesday night, in hopes of pressuring the College’s Board of Trustees to meet with the group next week to discuss divesting the endowment from fossil fuels.

Sarah Nelson ’14, who took over as president of Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) Wednesday evening, informed BCA at around 5:30 p.m. yesterday that it could not have a demonstration on College property without written permission, and asked the students to dismantle the camp by 7 p.m. In response, BCA agreed to lose its status as a chartered student organization in order to prolong the protest.

A statement on the website of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs explains, “No person shall utilize the College’s property, including photographic reproductions of its property, for commercial, business, political or public purposes without express written consent.”

King reflects on his first four months in Senate

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

When I spoke to Senator Angus King on Wednesday morning, he was in Aroostook County in northern Maine, en route to a meeting in Van Buren to discuss border issues. He had just finished a meeting on the potato industry—before 9 a.m.—and had plans to travel to Rockland and coastal Maine the following day.

Since being sworn in on January 3, King’s schedule has been nothing if not hectic. Each month, he spends three or four weeks fulfilling his legislative duties in Washington, and then spends the subsequent week in Maine.

“That’s the Senate’s schedule, they don’t call it vacation,” King said. “I think they call it ‘district work period.’ You come back and travel the state and go to meetings. The first week [back] in February, I had 29 meetings in five days.”

Hamilton tops women’s lax in quarterfinals and the team awaits possible NCAA bid

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Bowdoin suffered its third loss of the season last Saturday against Hamilton in the first round of the NESCAC playoffs this Saturday at Ryan Field. A very competitive contest between the third-seeded Polar Bears (13-3) and the sixth-seeded Continentals (9-7) ended in a 10-9 victory for Hamilton.

Hamilton advances to the NESCAC semifinals next Wednesday against Trinity. Bowdoin is currently waiting to hear if it will earn a NCAA tournament bid when selections are announced on Sunday.

Captain Carolyn Gorajek ’13 led the attack for the Polar Bears, recording four goals on nine shots during the match while also notching an assist. If Bowdoin, the No. 9 team in D-III, does not earn a bid to the NCAA tournament, Gorajek will end the season tied for most career assists, and tied for second most points in a season.

Softball splits weekend before NESCAC playoffs

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Despite splitting a doubleheader against Brandeis last Saturday, the softball team is optimistic about the upcoming NESCAC playoffs this weekend at Tufts.

The Polar Bears won the first game against Brandeis 3-0. Melissa DellaTorre ’14 only gave up one hit on the mound, pitching perfectly for the first three innings.

In the second game, Bowdoin was ahead until three Polar Bear errors contributed to five runs for Brandeis in the third inning.

Approval ratings for Mills, deans drop; BPD improves

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The College’s 96 percent approval rating remained unchanged from the fall, according to the latest installment of the Orient’s semi-annual survey.Approval of the Office of Student Affairs has reached a three-year low of 76 percent. In May 2011, approval was 87 percent and in May 2012 it was 83 percent.“The NAS report has done nothing but strengthen my positive opinion of Bowdoin,” said a sophomore male in response to the survey. “Sure, the school is not perfect, but no one expects it to be.”The survey was distributed to all students via email; this spring’s installment garnered 248 responses.President Mills’ approval rating decreased from 94 percent in the fall to 89 percent.“[I’m] disappointed by Mills’ response to the NAS report, [but] generally approve of his job as president,” said a male junior.The survey has been administered for the past three years to track student opinion of various notable organizations and individuals at the College.The faculty, historically one of the survey’s most popular groups, received a 98 percent approval rating, unchanged from their approval at this time last year.“So far, my favorite part about Bowdoin is the professors,” wrote a male first year. “They are excitedThe College’s 96 percent approval rating remained unchanged from the fall, according to the latest installment of the Orient’s semi-annual survey.Approval of the Office of Student Affairs has reached a three-year low of 76 percent. In May 2011, approval was 87 percent and in May 2012 it was 83 percent.“The NAS report has done nothing but strengthen my positive opinion of Bowdoin,” said a sophomore male in response to the survey. “Sure, the school is not perfect, but no one expects it to be.”The survey was distributed to all students via email; this spring’s installment garnered 248 responses.President Mills’ approval rating decreased from 94 percent in the fall to 89 percent.“[I’m] disappointed by Mills’ response to the NAS report, [but] generally approve of his job as president,” said a male junior.The survey has been administered for the past three years to track student opinion of various notable organizations and individuals at the College.The faculty, historically one of the survey’s most popular groups, received a 98 percent approval rating, unchanged from their approval at this time last year.“So far, my favorite part about Bowdoin is the professors,” wrote a male first year. “They are excited

The College’s 96 percent approval rating remained unchanged from the fall, according to the latest installment of the Orient’s semi-annual survey.

Approval of the Office of Student Affairs has reached a three-year low of 76 percent. In May 2011, approval was 87 percent and in May 2012 it was 83 percent.

“The NAS report has done nothing but strengthen my positive opinion of Bowdoin,” said a sophomore male in response to the survey. “Sure, the school is not perfect, but no one expects it to be.”

'Leviathan' embodies the new documentary

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

One might say we’re currently in a golden age of the documentary.

Given the rise of independent cinema in the past decade alongside the widespread application of cheap digital technology, it’s become easier than ever before for both professional and amateur filmmakers to create documentaries—the documentary is a form that has actually been helped rather than hindered by the bare-bones approach digital technology offers.

Bowdoin has, just in the past few weeks, brought two phenomenal, widely-acclaimed documentary films, along with their filmmakers and subjects to campus; “The Central Park Five” (Ken Burns) and “How to Survive a Plague” (David France).

“Old Bowdoin” Spring Gala ends semester

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow at 10 p.m., Bowdoin students will have the chance to dress up in their nicest clothes and attend the annual Spring Gala, which will be themed in the style of “Old Bowdoin.”

Organized by Bowdoin Student Government (BSG), the gala will feature a live DJ, free food and a photo booth, as well as a bar that will serve beer and wine to students over the age of 21.

“Students don’t really have many chances to get dressed up and feel like they’re going to an event that maybe is a little more formal,” said recently-inaugurated BSG President Sarah Nelson, who serves on the committee that plans the gala. “People look forward to this, and it’s a great way to finish up spring semester before we head into reading period and finals.”

Men’s lax season ended by overtime loss to Wesleyan

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The men’s lacrosse team’s season ended last Saturday in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Wesleyan in the NESCAC Quarterfinals. The fifth-seeded Polar Bears concluded their season with a record of 8-7 while the fourth-seeded Cardinals improved to 12-4 and continue on to play top-seeded Middlebury this coming weekend.

In the first quarter, Wesleyan was quick to take a 2-1 lead. The Polar Bears answered forcefully, rallying to end the first half up 6-3 and forcing Wesleyan to change goaltenders. In the third quarter, Wesleyan tied the score by racking up three unanswered goals.

The Polar Bears regained their footing in the fourth quarter, when Peter Reuter ’16 scored to regain the lead. Minutes later, however, Wesleyan responded with a goal of its own, bringing the score to 7-7 and forcing the game into overtime. The teams traded possession in the first few minutes of overtime before Wesleyan was able to capitalize with 1:21 left, by sinking a hard shot into the back of the net, ending the game 8-7.

BSG holds final meeting of the academic year

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) convened for its final meeting of the 2012-2013 academic year.

BSG passed two motions brought by the Student Affairs Committee. The first was a funding proposal of $150 for refreshments for this Friday’s “Uncommon Hour.” The event will feature Stephen Naculich, professor of physics, giving a talk entitled “Finding the God Particle.” Vice President for Student Affairs Allen Wong ’14 was happy to announce that this was the first “hard scientist” to give an Uncommon Hour talk.

The second proposal was the authorization of $750 of BSG funds to sponsor the first “Bowdoin Wellness Day,” on the Friday of reading period. According to the written proposal presented by Wong and BSG Programming Chair Bernie Clevens ’15, the purpose of Wellness Day is to “provide students with an opportunity to release stress” during finals week. The event will feature yoga classes and massages funded by BSG, as well as outdoor activities such as a slip-and-slide on the Quad.

Dancing the night away

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Baxter House floods after pipe bursts

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

On Sunday at around 12:30 a.m, a student at a registered event in the basement of Baxter House broke a sprinkler pipe on the ceiling, which set off the fire alarm and flooded the room with about five inches of water.

“I saw someone jump up, and as soon as they made contact with the pipe, it snapped,” said Matt Friedland ’15. “There was a big hissing sound, and people were screaming because [the pipes] sprayed on them. Everyone freaked out and went upstairs.”

Assistant Director of Residential Life Chris Rossi and multiple Baxter House residents have confirmed that the responsible party has come forward; however, no name has been released.

Highlights from the 2012-2013 Academic Year

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Summer

The College lost a valuable faculty member when Visiting Assistant Professor Leslie Shaw died unexpectedly on August 29 following complications from surgery. Shaw, who taught anthropology at the College since 1998, “set a high bar for service, excellence and collegiality,” wrote Dean for Academic Affairs Christle Collins Judd in an email to the Orient. In addition to her teaching and research, Shaw served as the adviser to the Native American Students Association at Bowdoin.

September

The men’s rugby team was required to forfeit two matches after the Office of Student Affairs found the team had violated Bowdoin’s alcohol and hazing policies on September 15, the night of the annual Epicuria party at Ladd House. The Office of Residential Life placed Ladd House on social probation until November 1, and both the president and vice president of the house stepped down from their positions. Four underage students were transported to Parkview Adventist Medical Center for over-consumption of alcohol on the night of the event.

October

The Bowdoin Daily Sun reported a 2.6 percent return on the endowment for fiscal year 2012, with the endowment standing at $904.2 million as of October 12. Despite a projected return of 7 percent, the endowment performed well in comparison to peer institutions.

UPenn's Marjorie Hassen appointed as new college librarian

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

A search committee has selected Marjorie Hassen of the University of Pennsylvania as Bowdoin’s new library director. Hassen, currently the director of teaching, research and library services at Penn, will assume her position on July 29. Educated at Brooklyn College, the University of Chicago and Rutgers University, Hassen also brings experience working in the library of Princeton University.

Dean for Academic Affairs Cristle Collins Judd said that she believes the extensive search process for a new librarian was ultimately successful in achieving its goals.

“It said to all of the finalists for the position that Bowdoin is deeply committed to its library and what its library did, and that was a good message to candidates,” said Judd.

Community-based courses connect students, local organizations

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

While the McKeen Center for the Common Good is most known for its weekly volunteer programs, interactions with the community also happen within a formal academic framework.

Bowdoin’s Community-Based Learning program started in 2001 when students and professors expressed interest in connecting classrooms to communities.

“There was this movement in the 1990s of increasing interest in colleges and universities in service learning, and the idea that students could connect what they were learning in the classroom to community needs,” said Janice Jaffe, associate director of courses and research at the McKeen Center.

Engaging with real world from inside the bubble

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

We’re familiar with the concept of the Bowdoin Bubble—Bowdoin isn’t just a school or community, but is its own universe. A closed, contained system, Bowdoin works hard to supply everything we need without us having to step off campus. We know where to eat, where to sleep and certainly where to drink. Bowdoin is a culture as much as an institution, thick with its own esoteric codes, rituals and customs.

When we return home, we have to translate our experiences in order to communicate. How many of us have generalized the dreamlike and debauched holiday that is Ivies to a less-enthused “Spring Weekend”? Described our proctors as “half-RA, half-dad”? Called Spring Gala, simply, “Prom at College”?

Bowdoin is its own world—and part of that is keeping the actual world out. We forget the Bowdoin Bubble also describes the sheltering effects of this campus. The smallest trips down the road merit the excitement of travel—who here as gone to Wild Oats or Little Dog because they “just needed to get away”? It feels like you should need a passport for a trip to Portland.

Patent pending: Sizing up genetics

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I’m enrolled in Biology 212 this semester. It’s called “Genetics.” It should be called “Unlocking life’s mysteries: An exploration of why you have blue eyes even though neither of your parents do, why you should care about fruit fly pigmentation and pea pod textures, why you shouldn’t commit a crime if your brother has been arrested before, and how to argue with Supreme Court justices about patent law.”

I’m still searching for the most fitting title though. Genetics, you see, is not just about Mendelian inheritance, or the probability that you will develop a rare disease that affected neither of your parents but ailed your great-grandmother. Genetics is not fully encompassed by the superpowers of bacteriophage viruses, which can insert their own genetic material into foreign DNA and might help us beat cancer some day, nor by the acrobatic feats that our DNA sequences—wrapped up in chromosomes—can perform within our cells.

Genetics, I’m beginning to see, is politics. Genetics is ethics. Genetics is philosophy. Before I go further, I have to give a shout-out to Professor Bateman, who has sparked my thinking on this by raising these issues alongside the relevant “hard science” during class lecture.

Debate team grows, continues revival despite lack of coach

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

With more than 100 student-run organizations on campus, Bowdoin’s small debate team often goes unnoticed.

“The biggest challenge is getting enough interest from the school. We’re not a very well publicized team,” said Yabing Liu ’15, president. “I think it grows from the nature of debate. Other clubs have their own events on campus and that is a form of publicity for them. But for us, we have to go to tournaments.”

Since the team’s last major revival in 2001, it has oscillated between non-existence and a struggle for growth. Current membership is between eight to ten students; the club meets once a week for an hour and a half.

Senior duo declares Red’s Eats best lobster roll in midcoast Maine

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Our senior spring semester at Bowdoin has come and gone quickly. Unfortunately, right as many lobster shacks are opening for seasonal business, the Orient is printing its last issue. For our final column, we will outline our picks for the best lobster rolls in midcoast Maine, and share insight from Luke Holden, the founder of Luke’s Lobster, which has multiple locations in Manhattan and Washington, D.C.

Drumroll please...

Libby’s MarketBrunswick, ME

If you love your roll with lots of lobster and mayo, this is for you. Libby’s portions are enormous, and the lobster is broken up for you and surrounded by just the right amount of delicious mayonnaise. The lobster is prepared very differently than our other finalists—it is more shredded than other rolls and is considered traditional Maine style. Libby’s has a charming quality. It is not a picturesque scene on the ocean, but a simple market just outside of downtown Brunswick. You won’t find huge crowds here typically, but you will find a delicious, relatively undiscovered lobster roll just minutes from campus. Don’t let the mayonnaise stop you from stopping by—you can always request a roll without it.

Seniors nearing graduation positively reflect on Bowdoin careers

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

After four years of getting to know all things Bowdoin, would you have made the same college decision?

For our final column, we asked eight graduating seniors this question, and all answered affirmatively without hesitation. However, they have had starkly different experiences along the way.

Mai Kristofferson especially appreciates Bowdoin after comparing her college experience with those of her friends at other schools.

Sarah Liu '13

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Sarah Liu ’13 discovered the piano at age six and has been playing music ever since.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Liu grew up experimenting on her elementary school’s piano and—with encouragement from teachers and parents—decided to take lessons.

“I guess I never quit,” said Liu.

BPD does not intervene during Ivies Weekend for first time in 8 years

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Rampant public urination, minor vandalism, and one flooded College House were the only major problems at this year’s Ivies Weekend. No police issues arose for the first time in at least eight years.

“I think Ivies generally went very well. I have three rather stark criteria on Ivies: no arrests, no serious injuries and no deaths. From that standpoint we did very, very well,” said Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols.

Nichols said that some intoxicated students were “to the point where they said and did things they wouldn’t normally do, so they’re being held responsible for that.”

College welcomes seven new faculty members for next year

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Seven new faculty members have been hired for the 2013-2014 academic year. Most will fill professorships and one appointee will also take on the new role of director of Bowdoin’s marine lab at the Coastal Studies Center on Orr’s Island.

David Carlon, of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, will arrive at Bowdoin as a tenured associate professor of biology—contingent on the approval of the trustee’s meeting in May. He will also fill the newly-created position of the director of the marine lab on Orr’s Island.

Dean for Academic Affairs Cristle Collins Judd stated that a review of Bowdoin’s facility on Orr’s Island several years ago concluded that the College could use that resource to a greater extent. A bequest to support a marine biologist was used to create the position that Carlon will fill next year. As director, he will be in charge of the lab’s administration, grant writing associated with the facility, and the allocation of resources among different faculty who do their research there.Although Carlon received his doctorate from the University of New Hampshire, his specialty is in tropical marine systems—a far cry from the temperate waters of the Atlantic. Despite this difference, he feels more than ready to take on Maine’s waters.

VanderWolk retires after nearly 30 years at Bowdoin

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

“The most you can ever ask for out a job is to wake up in the morning and feel good about going to work, and I have for 40 years.”

That has been the experience of Bill VanderWolk, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow professor of modern languages and associate dean for faculty development, who will teach his last college class next Tuesday before entering retirement after 29 years of service to the College.

VanderWolk played an integral part in making the Department of Romance Languages what it is today, having taught a range of courses in French literature and theater, and having participated in the hiring ofcurrent faculty.

In loco parentis

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The results of the latest installment of the Orient’s semi-annual approval ratings survey overwhelmingly suggest that Bowdoin students are disillusioned with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Many students responded to the Orient expressing discontent with the deans’ handling of recent hazing incidents, and were generally dissatisfied with the administration’s lack of transparency.

Dean Tim Foster’s recent email to students outlining staffing changes within the Office of Student Affairs is demonstrative of the ambiguity that often accompanies administration communiqués to the student body. A similar lack of clarity has defined the administration’s response to multiple hazing incidents this year, leading many students to regard the deans as foes rather than friends. Despite continued discontent with the current policy, exactly what constitutes hazing remains uncertain, and there is no sign the administration plans to change its procedure any time soon. Many students are unsure about what falls under the College’s expansive definition of hazing. It is understandable that the administration does not want to report the details of hazing incidents, but leaving the student body in the dark as to what actually constitutes hazing only hinders efforts to prevent future occurrences. There have been many programs geared toward educating club and sports team leaders on hazing over the past few years, and perhaps the situation would be improved if that information were made widely available to all students—not just those in charge of student organizations.

Student reactions to this year’s hazing incidents underline the fact that the deans’ judgments often seem like they come out of left field. Their decisions reflect a disregard for the norms of our campus, given that the broad definition of hazing encompasses activities that are considered both ordinary and safe. The dominant opinion among students is that the deans are far removed from student life. Periodic appeals to connect with students do not do enough to engender a sense that the deans are on our side. While some students will certainly get to know administrators, for most, the deans appear to be little more than talking heads who sign campus-wide emails.

Bowdoin’s corporate sustainability cover-up

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a Chevron advertisement bragging about the company’s new investments in clean energy? How about a commercial claiming that BP is involved in coastal land conservation? Many large corporations have started Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts in order to improve their image in the eyes of consumers. But critics claim CSR efforts are misleading because they prioritize corporate image over addressing the root causes of social or environmental issues.

Bowdoin appears to have adopted a public relations model similar to CSR when it comes to promoting its own commitment to the environment. The College works hard to cultivate a sustainable image, but falls short of making the large investments and institutional commitments necessary to address the root causes of climate change.

Simply put, CSR helps a business look good in the eyes of consumers, usually at a low cost. Over the past decade, especially, businesses have been increasingly willing to donate substantial sums to foundations, start their own charities or even let their employees take time off to work with non-profit organizations.

The dangers of assumptions and expectations on and off the dance floor

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

As last semester wound down, one of my professors asked the class why such a large percentage of students would want to take depressants every weekend. It took me a second to register that he meant alcohol. A couple answers were offered: peer pressure, cultural norms, liquid courage. All were correct, but the last stuck with me.

While alcohol doesn’t quite take us to the level of Ron Weasley on Felix Felicis, it can make even the most awkward of us just that little bit smoother. Our understanding of parties as places without consequence adds to our confidence.

Not only is this idea dangerous in and of itself, but it blurs the boundaries of acceptability. The confidence that alcohol provides can translate into sexual aggression, and in many cases consent is not sought out but assumed. As a guy, I can prowl College House basements, and think that it’s normal if I forgo questions and choose actions. I can just dance up onto a girl. If the girl keeps dancing, sweet. If she walks away, ah well, I guess she wasn’t feeling it. Her loss. And so it goes, with the aggressiveness translating into attempts to make out or to do whatever else can be done.

On the Occident: campus deserves more from annual joke issue

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

After the final issue of the Orient is published every year, the staff comes together during reading period to put together the Occident, a once-a-year joke issue that takes on a variety of groups and people across the campus. Each year, the Occident receives a range of responses—some people love it and find it hilarious, and some find it offensive and mean-spirited.

If done well, the Occident can be both funny and have a positive influence on campus. Humor is an honorable goal in its own right, but beyond that, satire can be a powerful way to highlight flaws in the College’s policies.

One example of a very good piece from the 2012 issue is the article “Phase II to be modeled on ‘Hunger Games.’” The topic was funny, the writer used satire to emphasize a real campus problem, and the jokes were creative and punchy.

The road to graduation is paved with choices and chance

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

When I look back at my four years at Bowdoin, I’ll always remember two pieces of advice, neither of which came soon enough.

As a sophomore living in Helmreich, I remember when Barry Mills said something during College House office hours, along the lines of, “everyone finds their place at Bowdoin, it just takes some people more time than others.”

As a junior, I called home feeling overworked, stressed out and regretful that I hadn’t gone abroad to experience continental culture and house music concerts. In response, my dad quoted some semi-famous armchair psychologist, saying, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but sometimes it’s cut differently.”

Much needed internet tax bill will protect mom-and-pop stores

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

At long last, the Senate has begun to show a sliver of sense on certain taxation issues. A comprehensive online sales tax scheme, known as the Marketplace Fairness Act, has passed a series of test votes in the Senate with as many as 75 in favor—including many Republicans who signed Grover Norquist’s anti-tax pledge. The legislation, which gives states a mechanism for collecting sales taxes on online purchases, is expected to pass the Senate with overwhelming approval on May 6. Perhaps the only negative aspect of this news is that it took so long to arrive.Critics of the bill come from two ends. There are the rabid anti-taxers such as Norquist, who believe that any tax increase is a bad tax increase. To be clear, the claim that this is an expansion of the sales tax is debatable at best and a lie at worst.

Taxpayers are already required to report their online purchases and pay the corresponding sales tax. Clearly, no one does it; currently there’s no enforcement mechanism, and not even the most faithful taxpayer saves receipts from a year of online purchases in order to pay a little bit more when tax day rolls around. All the bill does is give states the authority to collect a sales tax from online purchases made by its citizens. It also requires states to provide free software to businesses that automatically calculates and collects sales tax.

It is also seen as a cash grab by poor state governments—which it is. Many of those lobbying for the bill represent state and local governments. They need revenue, and tax-free online sales cut down on revenue that they should lawfully receive. By giving states the power to enforce sales taxes on online purchases, revenues will increase without putting much more burden on the consumer and without any de jure increase in taxes.

Bowdoin Project’s methods flawed

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The objectivity and effectiveness of The Bowdoin Project produced by the National Association of Scholars (NAS) should be determined by assessing the methods by which the authors arrived at their conclusions. Such a determination has not yet been made by most commentators.

Yet, an analysis of these methods reveals the severe limitations of the report. Peter Wood and Michael Toscano, the authors of the report, only relied on internal documents and make no in-depth inquiry of current educational content to determine what Bowdoin teaches. These major weaknesses neutralize the report’s usefulness.

The most serious weakness is revealed in a preliminary document, not included in the final report, which explains that the authors’ information is based entirely on internal Bowdoin documents. While Wood and Toscano reviewed a substantial amount of printed material and produced a total of over 400 pages, they did not broadly review course syllabi, reading lists and assignments. They made comments about first-year seminars without an in-depth understanding of the options.

Professor Rael offers herd of unicorns in NAS response

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I was pleased to read Professor Patrick Rael’s article in the Orient responding to “What Does Bowdoin Teach?” Professor Rael and I disagree about many things but I welcome his comments as at least an effort to reckon with some of the substance of our critique of liberal arts education at Bowdoin.

As to the disagreement: Rael draws a colorful picture of what the National Association of Scholars (NAS) report “presupposes,” and then spends his time knocking the stuffing out of the presuppositions.

If I were to declare that the Bowdoin history department presupposes the existence of unicorns, I could with similar enthusiasm debunk the history department. But the history department doesn’t presuppose unicorns, and the NAS doesn’t presuppose, as Rael would have it, a time “when scholarship was both apolitical and non-ideological.” Nor do we call for a form of history that ignores black people, Native Americans and women. Nor we do believe history should exclude “the marginalized.” Unicorns, unicorns. Rael has offered a whole herd of unicorns.

Bowdoin Middle East studies dismal

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

In April 2007, the Orient’s editorial board called upon Bowdoin to “find and hire professors who will be able to give students the instruction in Middle Eastern culture and language that they both want and need.” At the time, only one Bowdoin professor, Shelley Deane, specialized in the Middle East.

The following year, a group of students dissatisfied with the lack of Arabic instruction organized informal Arabic classes taught by fellow student Jamil Wyne ’08.

In 2008, the College responded to the growing demand for Middle Eastern studies classes by hiring Russell Hopley as a lecturer in Arabic and Robert Morrison as a religion professor. According to Professor of Religion Jorunn Buckley, hiring Morrison finally satisfied the religion department’s request for specialists in Islam and Judaism that stretched back two decades.But despite the progress, Bowdoin continues to suffer from a deficiency of classes focusing on the Middle East.

'Songs for a New World' highlights Curtain Callers' vocal talent

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Heart-wrenching ballads and snarky, comic numbers filled Kresge Auditorium last Friday and Saturday when the Curtain Callers performed Jason Robert Brown’s song cycle, “Songs for a New World.”

Curtain Callers was founded three years ago.

“I think there’s a lack of musical theater here and I think mostly people like it because it’s fun and exciting and such a sensory experience,” said student director Patrick Martin ’13. “So I feel like we’ve gotten good support from the student body.”

BowdoinOne Day campaign exceeds its mark

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The BowdoinOne Day campaign aimed to encourage alumni donations overwhelming exceeded goal. On Tuesday, 1,274 alumni donated gifts to the College, more than double the campaign’s goal of 423 donations. The 24-hour campaign took place on April 23, the day on which funds for from tuition and the endowment symbolically “run out”. The operating budget for the rest of the academic year is financed by donations.

According to Director of Annual Giving Brannon Fisher, BowdoinOne Day—the first of its kind at Bowdoin—sought to “educate students and alumni about the real impact of their annual gifts to Bowdoin.”

“We use 6 percent of the academic year to illustrate or represent in a symbolic way how six percent of Bowdoin’s operations are funded by gifts,” said Fisher. “That was sort of a new and novel message for Bowdoin in our fundraising.”

Baseball, eyeing playoffs, breaks win streak record

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The play-off picture for the NESCAC Eastern Conference will come into focus when the baseball team travels to Tufts this weekend for a three-game series. The Polar Bears will determine their destiny with these last conference games.

“If we win at least two games out of the series, then we are in first place in the division and we go into the playoffs as a one seed,” said senior captain Luke Regan. “There are no more conference games—this is the deciding weekend.”

Bowdoin traveled to Williams this past weekend for a non-conference series. On Friday, the Ephs took an early 2-1 lead but the Polar Bears managed to regain control of the game by the fourth inning. The Bowdoin offense went into overdrive, led by Aaron Rosen ’15, who went 3-3 and scored five runs, tying the College’s single-game scoring record. The Polar Bears also found three RBIs each from Regan, Erik Jacobsen ’15 and Sam Canales ’15 in the 13-5 victory.

Women's lacrosse ends season third in the NESCAC

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

In their last weekend of regular season play, the women’s lacrosse team traveled to Wheaton College on Saturday and hosted Colorado College on Sunday, winning both games 14-3. The No. 9 nationally-ranked Polar Bears ended the season with a 13-2 overall record, following a 12-6 win against Tufts away on Wednesday.

These two victories over non-conference teams extended the women’s undefeated streak to six consecutive games. They finished their regular season with a perfect 5-0 record against non-conference opponents.

On Saturday, Mackenzie Schleicher ’14 produced five goals and an assist, the most goals by a Polar Bear in a single game this year. The women outshot Wheaton 22-10 and suffered only 12 turnovers to the Lyons’ 20.

Chris Rossi '10 leaves ResLife to pursue graduate degree

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

After three years as assistant director of Residential Life (ResLife) and seven years as a member of the Bowdoin community, Chris Rossi ’10 will leave his position to attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education next fall.

“This is my one experience as far as what a school is like,” said Rossi. “Grad school gives me an opportunity to explore different systems, to explore different directions.”

While a student at the College, Rossi majored in government. He also worked with ResLife as vice president of Baxter House, head proctor of West Hall, and head RA of Harpswell Apartments. While his experiences affected his approach working at Bowdoin professionally, Rossi tried to be open minded about his position.

Phar\os will open Saturday's Ivies concert

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Dave Raskin ’13Dave Raskin’s life has always been colored by music.

Raskin was raised in a musical family and was introduced to the piano and clarinet at a young age. He claims, however, that he didn’t become serious about music until late in high school when he first picked up the bass guitar.

Upon his arrival at Bowdoin, it was only a matter of days before he found others with whom to share his music.

Softball ends streak, clinches playoff berth

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The softball team swept a three-game series against Bates last weekend to clinch a NESCAC playoff spot. As the second seed from the NESCAC East Division, Bowdoin earned a spot among the four teams moving on to the NESCAC Championships. The team pushed its consecutive win record to 12 with the sweep against Bates, and beat Husson on Sunday in the first game of its doubleheader. The Polar Bears lost the second game, ending their undefeated stretch at 13 games.

“Our goal was to make the tournament; to do that, you have to be either first or second, and we were able to achieve that,” said Head Coach Ryan Sullivan. “Other teams will be wrapping up with NESCAC play this weekend, so it’s great to be able to go and play that extra weekend.”

On Sunday, although the women were able to take Husson 12-5 in the opener, they were unable to keep up their momentum, losing 5-0 in the second game.

Melissa DellaTorre '14

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

An improbable injury and a shallow bench thrust Melissa DellaTorre ’14 into the pitching rotation two years ago as a first year. She is now much more than a spot-starter, having thrown more innings than any other pitcher on the team this year. She ranks second in the NESCAC in ERA and fifth in total strikeouts this season.

“She really exceeded our expectations her first year,” said Head Coach Ryan Sullivan. “[Now], going into a big series, we’re going to throw her at least once. We know she’ll go seven innings and give you a great performance.”

Sullivan had plenty of opportunities to set those expectations. DellaTorre played high school softball only a half an hour away from the College.

'Beyond the Pines' does not live up to ambitious aspirations

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Walking out of “The Place Beyond the Pines” on Saturday evening, I felt dazed—the kind of feeling you get when you first step off a rollercoaster onto solid ground.

Several days later, I still feel adrift when I think about the film. And while this sensation usually makes me want to see a movie again, this one was so intense that it might just be the first Gosling flick that I don’t watch ad infinitum (yes, “Remember the Titans” included).

“The Place Beyond the Pines”—which should really be called “The Place Where Everyone is Covered in Paint Splatters and Has Daddy Issues”—opens with the story of the bulked-and-tatted-up Ryan Gosling as Luke Glanton, the motorcycle-riding stuntman with a heart of gold that Gosling plays best. And did, in “Drive.” Like, a year ago.