Skip to Main Content
The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Laura Calhoun

All content by Laura Calhoun
Luke Basham, Democratic party analyst, stands at the podium to introduce the roll call.

Bernie Sanders wins Mock Con’s Democratic nomination after contested convention

The 27th Mock Convention nominates Sanders for president
Grace Mamon, Laura Calhoun, Jin Ni, and Vivek Kumar
February 15, 2020
Patti Solis Doyle address Mock Convention.

Patti Solis Doyle talks immigration, Hispanic voters in 2020 election

Doyle spoke directly to DREAMers during her Mock Convention speech
Jin Ni and Laura Calhoun
February 14, 2020
Nadine Strossen speaks during Session Two of the 2020 Mock Convention

Nadine Strossen speaks out against censorship

Former ACLU president always in favor of free speech
Virginia Laurie and Laura Calhoun
February 14, 2020
Washingtonian Society's recovery resources are now available virtually. Photo courtesy of Katie Evans.

How Washingtonian Society is training student groups to support people in recovery

The group will host training programs throughout winter term
Laura Calhoun
February 12, 2020
Garrett Clinton, '20, poses with Ruby Bridges after he read an introduction for her keynote address on Jan. 19. Photo by Hannah Denham.

Civil rights icon speaks during weeklong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Lenfest Center had to turn people away from the packed theater when Ruby Bridges spoke
W&L Dancers Create illustrates student talent on campus. Photo courtesy of Jenefer Davies.

A look at the end of the Lenfest fall season

Students showcase original work and campus prepares for Mock Convention
Laura Calhoun and Grace Mamon
November 20, 2019
New student group WLUnite forms to support people with disabilities

New student group WLUnite forms to support people with disabilities

The new student organization will focus on inclusivity and education for Washington and Lee's campus
Laura Calhoun
November 20, 2019
Chantal Iosso, '20, checks flow conditions in the Maury River after the removal of the Jordan's Point Dam this summer. Photo courtesy of The Columns.

Honors theses provide extra challenge for busy seniors

Seniors share the rigor and reward of writing a thesis
Laura Calhoun
October 21, 2019
Napier overlooks the Pyrenees between St. Jean Pied du Port, France and Roncevalles, Spain. Photo courtesy of McKenzie Napier, '22.

Hiking and biking: Q&A with students who spent the summer outdoors

McKenzie Napier, '22, hiked the Camino in Spain this summer
Laura Calhoun and Grace Mamon
October 1, 2019

Hiking and biking: Q&A with students who spent the summer outdoors

Donovan Fiore, ‘20, shares his experience biking through the Netherlands, Italy and Iceland this summer
Laura Calhoun and Grace Mamon
September 15, 2019
Photo by Laura Calhoun, '20

Virginia Court of Appeals judge, alum talks identity and lessons learned

Mary Grace O’ Brien was the final speaker for the 2018-19 Mudd Center for Ethics series.
Laura Calhoun
September 15, 2019
Taylor Reese, '19, reads from her thesis in the spring. Photo courtesy of Taylor Reese

Senior student sells English thesis on sexual harassment  

Taylor Reese,’ 19, spent her senior year writing her English thesis that grew into a 172-page book.
Laura Calhoun
May 13, 2019
Students in ENGL/REL-387 hike in Ireland. Photo courtesy of Mary North Jones, '21.

Spring term: A student summary

Tackling internships, studying abroad and post-grad plans: a lot can happen in four weeks
Maggie Barker and Laura Calhoun
May 8, 2019
Davis Straske, '19, rehearses her bungee dance. Photo courtesy of Jenefer Davies.

Aerial bungee featured in dance company show

Aerial bungee dance techniques were showcased for the first time on the Keller Stage in Lenfest
Laura Calhoun
April 1, 2019
The building on the Colonnade formerly known as Robinson Hall is now named Chavis Hall, in recognition of John Chavis, the first African-American to receive a college degree in the U.S. Photo by Laura Calhoun, '20.

University acknowledges trailblazers in controversial renaming of buildings

The move has sparked backlash from some community members, but the Board of Trustees says it’s not backing down
Laura Calhoun
December 3, 2018
Sasha Edwards, ‘20, (left) and MaKayla Lorick, ‘19, (right) are both members of the Tau Zeta chapter of AKA and lead the way for their Walk Out event on Oct. 20. Photo by Laura Calhoun, ‘20.

Alpha Kappa Alpha reignites on campus, members hope to spur more involvement

MaKayla Lorick, ‘19, says she hopes AKA’s legacy at the university doesn’t stop with her
Laura Calhoun
November 6, 2018
Dean Lena Hill. Photo courtesy of Justin Torner, staff photographer at the University of Iowa.

New Dean of the College opens up about life before W&L, getting used to campus

Dean Lena Hill is excited to diversify the university as she works out of the newly renamed Simpson House
Laura Calhoun
October 22, 2018
Peer Counselors Joelle Simeu, '20, and Christopher Watts, '21, lead a wellness check-in exercise. Photo by Laura Calhoun, '20.

First-years add new class to schedule

First-years attend weekly extended orientation meetings through the majority of their first semester
Laura Calhoun
October 1, 2018
Above graphic created by Laura Calhoun, '20.

The “Haves and the Have-Nots:” Housing at Washington and Lee University

In an attempt to be more inclusive, the university now offers a flat rate for all first-year dorm rooms
Laura Calhoun
September 17, 2018
Photo courtesy of Andy Whicker, '20

Donuts, Dorm Storm and Driving: How W&L students pursue on-campus entrepreneurship

Some self-starting students have balanced schoolwork with money-making gigs
Laura Calhoun
February 16, 2018
Photo courtesy of Campus Kitchen

Greater Rockbridge area comes together to support the sixth annual Souper Bowl

Washington and Lee’s Evans Dining Hall was packed this Sunday to support Campus Kitchen’s Backpack Program
Laura Calhoun
January 30, 2018
Load More Stories