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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

Grace Mamon, Co-Editor-in-Chief

All content by Grace Mamon

Senior class has donated almost $4,000

The senior gift has reached 52% of the $7,500 goal with only one week left in the school year
Grace Mamon
May 17, 2022

County further delays solar proposal decision

The county planning commission will decide on a controversial solar proposal in June, amid resident opposition
Grace Mamon
May 17, 2022
Elder met College Republicans President Lilly Gillespie, ’22, and Kamron Spivey, ’24. Photo courtesy of the Generals Redoubt.

Larry Elder says fatherlessness is the biggest problem for Black people in America

Conservative talk show host discusses hot-button issues, shares personal stories
Grace Mamon
April 12, 2022

High faculty teaching load at Washington and Lee affects hiring and student registration

Faculty said the standard teaching load is one of multiple barriers to hiring additional professors - which also affects which courses students can take.

Registration changes met with student hesitation

Students are nervous about losing Pick 1, but university says newer technology was necessary
Grace Mamon
March 15, 2022

Multiple departments search for professors this fall

Over 10 departments are looking to either fill an open position or add an additional professor
Grace Mamon
December 14, 2021
AKA member Leah Jackson, ’22, roasts marshmallows at the Panhel sponsored event. Photo by Grace Mamon, ’22.

Panhel hosts sorority-wide event to promote inclusivity

Spooky S’mores was the first event in several years to bring together all sororities on campus
Grace Mamon
November 9, 2021
Doug Harwood has stayed in Lexington since he graduated from Washington and Lee. His radio show has kept him busy outside of writing and editing his monthly paper, The Rockbridge Advocate. Photo courtesy of The Columns.

50-year-long campus radio show returns after pandemic hiatus

Doug Harwood’s show was halted by the university’s no-visitors policy, but it is back to celebrate half a century on air.
Grace Mamon
October 26, 2021
Most of the Class of 2020 returned for a belated graduation ceremony. Photo by Lilah Kimble, '23.

Better late than never: Class of 2020 returns for commencement

Alumni and their families return to campus for a belated commencement ceremony
Grace Mamon
September 28, 2021
Sorority houses, red brick buildings with white columned porches, seen through trees.

Panhellenic sorority recruitment wraps up three months later than usual

The university postponed Greek sorority recruitment from January to March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grace Mamon
April 13, 2021

COVID-19 update: Positive cases hit an all-time high

The spike was attributed to large social gatherings and parties
Grace Mamon
March 19, 2021
Diploma frame options displayed in commons for Seniors. Photo by Jackson Jacobs

University unsure in-person commencement ceremonies will proceed

Virginia’s coronavirus guidelines limiting gathering sizes at social gatherings at 25 partially responsible
Vivek Kumar and Grace Mamon
March 19, 2021

Intramural program ramping up as weather warms

Physical health and mental health are interconnected, says associate director Margaret McClintock
Grace Mamon
March 19, 2021

COVID costs high, but not detrimental to the university

Financial strength and pandemic-related savings will mitigate this year’s COVID expenses
Grace Mamon
March 4, 2021

W&L Rector says the board needs more time for Lee name change decision

The special committee has fin- ished researching, but the board still hasn’t made a decision.
Grace Mamon
February 16, 2021

Remembering Ted DeLaney

Washington and Lee says goodbye to a janitor-turned-professor who left an indelible mark on the university
Grace Mamon
December 20, 2020

VMI to move Stonewall Jackson statue after national scrutiny

The Lexington military college’s Board of Visitors has taken an unexpected step
Grace Mamon
November 4, 2020

Lexington holds downtown trick-or-treating

Though different, the Halloween events were crucial to providing a sense of normalcy
Annaliese Schneider and Grace Mamon
November 4, 2020

Holocaust historian speaks on antisemitism at college campuses

Deborah Lipstadt is a Jewish American scholar who spoke to the nation through W&L Hillel
Grace Mamon
November 4, 2020
Riley has collaborated with public safety for years, during his time at the Lexington Police Department.

Interim Head Police Chief Riley to become assistant director of public safety

Mark Riley is leaving law enforcement after almost three decades, but he’ll still be keeping the community safe
GRACE MAMON
October 21, 2020
Eco-poetry as environmental advocacy: A virtual lecture with Craig Santos Perez

Eco-poetry as environmental advocacy: A virtual lecture with Craig Santos Perez

The annual Shannon-Clark Lecture and retreat focused on indigenous and environmental issues
GRACE MAMON
October 21, 2020

COVID-19 update: Conduct probation and internship cancellations

Some students are asked to finish the term virtually. Others are told that their summer plans are cancelled
Avalon Pernell and Grace Mamon
October 6, 2020

Pandemic months more successful than last year at Lexington farmers market

Shoppers and vendors have been gathering in person downtown
Grace Mamon
September 22, 2020
The virtual panel was held by SPEAK on Aug. 25.

New Title IX policy narrows definition for sexual assualt and misconduct

The university’s interim policy will address misconduct that Title IX will not
Grace Mamon
September 10, 2020
Lee Chapel, a central landmark on campus, will be renamed University Chapel. Photo by Grace Mamon, '22.

Board of trustees still considering whether to change school’s name

A final decision could take over six months
Grace Mamon and Elizabeth Bell
September 10, 2020
Washington Hall. Photo by Hannah Denham.

Pre-med students say credit/no credit grading option hurts, not helps, their chances at medical school

Most medical schools prefer to see a letter grade, if possible
Grace Mamon
May 18, 2020
Ann Douglas Lott, ‘22, is working on her photography business in her free time this summer. Photo courtesy of Lott.

With job and internship cancellations, students have to adjust summer plans

Some students will still pursue their chosen opportunities by working remotely
Grace Mamon
May 18, 2020
The Washington and Lee University campus, featuring Huntley Hall and Newcomb Hall. Photo by Coleman Martinson, '21.

More students allowed to skip spring term class to accommodate remote learning

Spring option is usually closed to all first-year students
Grace Mamon
May 4, 2020
The Andy Warhol-themed Fancy Dress 2019 was held in the Student Activities Pavilion. Photo by Hannah Denham.

Fancy Dress refunds tickets

COVID-19 will have no lingering effect on future Fancy Dress events
Grace Mamon
April 13, 2020
A fier notifying students that the Shannon-Clark lecture
and retreat are canceled. Photo by Grace Mamon.

English department cancels annual retreat, lecture

The Shannon-Clark lecture and retreat is one of many events canceled due to COVID-19
Grace Mamon
March 30, 2020
Washingtonian Society's recovery resources are now available virtually. Photo courtesy of Katie Evans.

Counseling Center available to students online

The Counseling Center is finding new ways to reach students without in-person services
Grace Mamon
March 30, 2020
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
Montana delegates wave flags atop their float. Photo by Lilah Kimble, '23.

Parade preparation pays off

Student-made floats parade through Lexington, kicking off the first day of Mock Convention sessions.
Washington Hall, from the steps of Lee Chapel. Photo by Hannah Denham.

Professors weigh in on dueling alumni groups as Washington and Lee navigates tradition and change

The Generals Redoubt wants to return to tradition. WLAC argues campus hasn't seen enough progress.
Grace Mamon
January 28, 2020
Performer Ronnique Murray poses with audience participant and
RCHS student, Anna Wilson, after the Step Afrika! show. Photo by Grace Mamon.

Step Afrika! brings Lexington audience onstage

The D.C.-based dance group showcased stepping at the Lenfest Center
Grace Mamon
January 28, 2020
Deborah Miranda reads poems by Monacan Indian poet Karenne Wood at the poetry reading and tasting event on Nov. 18. Photo by Hannah Denham.

New group recognizing Native Americans on campus organizes month-long celebration for the first time

The cohort of faculty and staff hosted events to highlight indigenous cultures
Grace Mamon
November 20, 2019
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
Ben Hess, '23, and Lauren Hollis, '23, hold up flags at the Pride Week table in Commons. Photo by Grace Mamon.

Pride Week celebrates the LGBTQ+ community

General's Unity annual weeklong event had daily activities to raise awareness and cultivate support
Grace Mamon
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
Craig (left) and Abrams (middle) spoke about covering the most powerful people in the world. Photo by Grace Mamon, '22.

Reynolds program brings groundbreaking New York Times investigative reporters

The Times journalists detailed their work exploring the underbelly of immense power
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
Sex Week to return in November

Sex Week to return in November

The Sexual Health Awareness group is planning Sex Week, despite last year’s absence
Grace Mamon
September 15, 2019
Sawera Khan, '21, speaks at the vigil. Photo by Maya Lora

Student vigil honors mosque shooting victims

Amnesty International organized a vigil to unite campus and community against Islamophobia
Grace Mamon
April 1, 2019
Students participate in discussions of migration stories in Elrod Commons. Photo by Rossella Gabriele, '19.

Multicultural Student Association hosts event to share migration stories

"...to share opinions that might not be heard otherwise."
Grace Mamon
March 4, 2019

Author Adam Nemett discusses recent novel, We Can Save Us All

Nemmet visited classes and spoke about his book, We Can Save Us All.
Grace Mamon
March 4, 2019
From left to right: James Ricks, ‘21, Joëlle Simeu, ‘20, and Heeth Varnedoe, ‘19, facilitated the discussion on student activism. Photo by Hannah Denham, '20.

Students discuss campus activism through King’s vision

James Ricks, '21, encouraged students in attendance to take what they talked about to the rest of campus: “This conversation cannot stay in this room."
Grace Mamon
January 24, 2019
Rockbridge County High School students perform French poem “Liberte.” Photo by Grace Mamon.

Romance languages department hosts annual poetry reading

High school and college students joined Washington and Lee faculty members in reciting their favorite poems.
Grace Mamon
November 13, 2018
The main characters and Priscilla, their bus. Photo by Claudia Schwab.

‘Priscilla’ encapsulates Pride Week’s theme of love and inclusion

Washington and Lee’s annual musical coincided with Pride Week, reinforcing and enhancing its ideas
Grace Mamon
November 6, 2018
Photo by Grace Mamon, '22.

Absentee voting much easier this year

Ballots are now available through the university's Campus Mail Services
Grace Mamon
October 22, 2018
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