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The student news site of Allegheny College

The Campus

The student news site of Allegheny College

The Campus

The student news site of Allegheny College

The Campus

Anna Westbrook

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief

Anna Westbrook is a junior from the Washington, D.C. area. They are majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in law & policy and a minor in Political Science. This is their third year on staff; they were first a News Writer, then served as News Editor, and now as Editor-in-Chief. In their free time, Anna likes to read, play the piano, go on camping trips with their friends, and drink a copious amount of coffee.
All content by Anna Westbrook
A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon stands at a crosswalk in Hilliard, Ohio. For the past 18 months, Allegheny has been working with government authorities to install similar RRFBs at the North Main Street crosswalk between Baldwin Hall and the Henderson Campus Center.

Student struck by car on North Main Street

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 22, 2024

An Allegheny student was struck by a car while crossing North Main Street on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 14. The student did not suffer any major injuries and returned from the hospital just a handful...

The volleyball team celebrates their win on the court against Saint Vincent. The team traveled to Newport News, Virginia, for the 2024 NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships where they played East Texas Baptist University on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Volleyball wins PAC Championship

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 22, 2024

Trump wins presidency

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2024

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6, former President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, according to unofficial vote counts, setting him...

An American flag flies outside the Tippie Alumni Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Since Pennsylvania is a swing state, many students are experiencing the full force of the 2024 presidential campaigns.

Q&A with U.S. House candidates

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2024

As one of two chambers in Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives plays a key role in U.S. policymaking. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Meadville residents will have the opportunity to decide whether they want...

Q&A with PA House candidate

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2024

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Pennsylvania residents will flock to the polls to elect their next leaders. As part of Pennsylvania District 6, Meadville residents will choose their next representative to the Pennsylvania...

Walz addresses a small group of Erie residents at a campaign event in Vilma's Kitchen in Erie on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Walz visits local Puerto Rican restaurant

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2024

Vilma’s Kitchen, a restaurant serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, hosted Democratic Party vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz and a small group of Erie County residents on Thursday. During the...

The lobby of the Henderson Campus Center was packed with current students, alumni, faculty, administrators, family and friends on Friday, Oct. 18, for the kickoff of the ‘In For Allegheny’ campaign. At the event, President Ron Cole, ’87, announced the college has already raised half of the campaign’s $250 million goal.

Invite, Inspire and Invest

Anna Westbrook and Paige Kageni October 25, 2024

The lobby of the Henderson Campus Center was packed with students, alumni, faculty, administrators, family and friends celebrating the ‘In For Allegheny: Our Pathway Forward’ campaign kickoff on the...

A mock-up of the Phil St. Moritz, ’61, Center for Innovation at Reis Hall hangs outside the Allegheny Lab for Innovation & Creativity in Doane Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The ALIC lab in Doane will relocate there once renovations are complete.

[Photo] ALIC workshops return for second year

Cozmo Gallegos, Contributing Writer October 25, 2024

A mock-up of the Phil St. Moritz, ’61, Center for Innovation at Reis Hall hangs outside the Allegheny Lab for Innovation & Creativity in Doane Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The ALIC lab in Doane will relocate...

Empty plant pots sit on the floor in front of the dismantled Carr Hall plant wall on Sept. 4. As part of the wall’s revitilization process, the rainwater watering system received upgrades.

[Photo] Carr Hall plant wall receives a revitilization

Emma Tikey, Contributing Writer September 27, 2024

Empty plant pots sit on the floor in front of the dismantled Carr Hall plant wall on Sept. 4. As part of the wall’s revitilization process, the rainwater watering system received upgrades.

A Wi-Fi access point is mounted on an exterior wall of Baldwin Hall. Over the summer, the Information Technology team installed outdoor access points across campus to provide a Wi-Fi connection to students studying outside.

Cybersecurity increases, ASG funds outdoor Wi-Fi

Anna Westbrook, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2024

Students working, reading and hanging out with friends in the dozens of blue and gold adirondack chairs that are scattered across campus: it’s a common sight on warmer days at the beginning and end of...

Students line up to order food in McKinley’s Dining Hall during dinnertime on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Parkhurst’s return means McKinley’s is now home to five new stations, including Bravo, which houses an everchanging menu cooked right in front of diners’ eyes.

Parkhurst returns as college’s dining provider

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 13, 2024

The beginning of the academic year marks the return of Parkhurst as the college’s dining provider, following a two-year stint with Aramark that left students deeply dissatisfied with the food options...

Former Allegheny student receives settlement from Meadville

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 6, 2024

Meadville City Council members authorized a $200,000 settlement award to a former Allegheny College student at its Tuesday, Sept. 3, meeting. The settlement is related to a 2019 incident in which Kobe...

Gary Murray, ’26, and Akida Nooha, ’27, talk in the newly remodeled IDEAS Center extension space during the IDEAS Center’s first day of school coffee and donuts event on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

IDEAS Center extension space remodeled

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 6, 2024

The third floor of the Henderson Campus Center echoed with the bumping bass and smooth vocals of 90s R&B and rap music on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The IDEAS Center was the source of the celebration, drawing...

Due to inclement weather earlier in the day, the annual Involvement Fair was moved into the Henderson Campus Center lobby. Students could visit dozens of clubs on the main floor and talk with community leaders and business partners on the second floor. Associate Dean and Director for Community Engagement Colin Hurley explained that including Meadville businesses at the Involvement Fair was a natural addition. “I think it’s really important when we think about — Allegheny College is already part of the Meadville community,” Hurley said. “It allows students to inquire and think about their involvement more broadly.”

[Photo] Involvement Fair 2024

Staff September 6, 2024

Due to inclement weather earlier in the day, the annual Involvement Fair was moved into the Henderson Campus Center lobby. Students could visit dozens of clubs on the main floor and talk with community...

The Meadville City Council recently agreed to enter into a partnership with Green Building Alliance to participate in GBA’s Resilient Communities Program. During the three-year program, GBA will assist Meadville in becoming more resilient to climate disasters.

Meadville to benefit from Resilient Communities program

Anna Westbrook, News Editor August 30, 2024

Established in 1788, the city of Meadville has no shortage of old, historic buildings. But, with climate change driving increased flooding risk and a greater number of dangerously hot days each year,...

Sophia Mita, ’25, discusses her research with President Ron Cole, ’87, at URSCA’s annual poster session event.

[Photo] Week of Welcome festivities

August 30, 2024

Sophia Mita, ’25, discusses her research with President Ron Cole, ’87, at URSCA’s annual poster session event.

URSCA’s annual Celebration of Summer Research and Scholarship Poster Session Program occurred on Monday, Aug. 26.

URSCA’s annual Celebration of Summer Research and Scholarship Poster Session Program occurred on Monday, Aug. 26.

Ask Allegheny

Anna Westbrook, News Writer April 19, 2024

What is one of the major environmental issues you as a professional focus on, and what, if anything, gives you hope for the future? Terrence Bensel, Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental...

Sustainability is for everyone. Let’s teach it that way.

Anna Westbrook and Milo Watson April 19, 2024

Outside the bounds of Allegheny’s neatly divided areas of academic study, environmental problems impact all forms of life on Earth — including you, regardless of your college major. We can see how...

The hydroponics system, located to the right of the shelving, will grow fresh produce for students. The system was funded by the Bonner Program.

[Photo] FRN adds hydroponics system

Sam Heilmann, Opinion Editor February 9, 2024

The hydroponics system, located to the right of the shelving, will grow fresh produce for students. The system was funded by the Bonner Program.

Students study in Grounds for Change on Thursday, Jan. 25. There have been reports this semester of other students experiencing difficulties accessing the Wi-Fi in the space.

Wi-Fi improves after break

Anna Westbrook, News Editor January 26, 2024

New year, new Wi-Fi. After nearly six months of inconsistent access to wireless internet, reliable, though occasionally, slow Wi-Fi is available across campus. This progress is due to ongoing work from...

Personalized sustainability

Anna Westbrook, News Editor January 26, 2024

“Isn’t this great?” Seven pairs of eyes stare at me expectantly. I meet my mom’s gaze across the room, and she smiles as she holds up her new pack of reusable Saran wrap for me to see. The multiple...

FAFSA changes may affect how much students pay for college

Anna Westbrook, News editor January 19, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is undergoing a multi-year overhaul and upgrade, which could affect the amount of federal financial aid students receive as early as next academic year. One...

Bella James, ’24, sings a solo during the Jazz Ensemble concert on Sunday, Dec. 3, in the lobby of the Henderson Campus Center.

[Photo] Review: Jazz Ensemble thrills audience with Stevie Wonder

Milo Watson, Contributing Writer December 8, 2023

Bella James, ’24, sings a solo during the Jazz Ensemble concert on Sunday, Dec. 3, in the lobby of the Henderson Campus Center.

A pile of Wi-Fiber access points lay on the floor of the Henderson Campus Center on Nov. 2 after being removed to install new, better quality access points.

Student Wi-Fi petition taken down after 700+ signatures

Anna Westbrook, News Editor November 10, 2023

A petition requesting a partial tuition reimbursement for all students due to ongoing Wi-Fi issues garnered over 700 signatures from the campus community before being taken down on Oct. 20. The story...

Cole’s children change his hood during his invocation while Cole’s wife, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology Nancy Frambes, ’87, looks on.

Cole inaugurated as 23rd president

Anna Westbrook, News Editor October 20, 2023

President Ron Cole, ’87, was officially sworn in on Saturday, Oct. 14, as the 23rd president of Allegheny College. In attendance at Cole’s inauguration were members of the Board of Trustees, Presidents...

Signs were recently posted in McKinley’s Dining Hall requesting that students be aware of their food waste and that they try to mitigate it.

[Photo] Food waste signs posted in McKinley’s

Paige Kageni, Contributing Writer October 20, 2023

Signs were recently posted in McKinley’s Dining Hall requesting that students be aware of their food waste and that they try to mitigate it.

A Starlink satellite dish sits on a wall in Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine, on Nov. 24, 2022. The technology has been used to provide internet to war-ravaged regions of Ukraine. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

College buys SpaceX’s Starlink technology

Anna Westbrook, News Editor October 6, 2023

The college has acquired two Starlink satellite dishes to provide localized high-speed wireless connections, scheduled the replacement of core switches, and has begun the process of replacing all of the...

A Wi-Fiber access point in Grounds for Change is mounted to the ceiling, but not connected to the network. An older access point sporting an array of wires is mounted directly next to the Wi-Fiber access point.

Why Wi-Fiber?

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 22, 2023

What was originally touted as a four-day scheduled outage has turned into a nearly two-month-long uphill battle with the internet. Now a month into classes, many students are still experiencing significant...

The core switches Wi-Fiber purchased cannot handle the amount of traffic generated by campus users, causing occasional crashes crash, according to Chief Information Officer Katrina Yeung.

Wi-Fi infrastructure work continues

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 16, 2023

Three weeks into the academic year, Wi-Fi issues persist on campus, though work to optimize network connectivity continues. While most of the access points across campus are now tuned, the college’s...

The college bought the former-SAE house from the fraternity in early 2023. While the building’s future use is still being debated, it will not be used for residential housing, according to Dean for the Student Experience Ian Binnington.

10 years after drug charges, SAE approved to return to campus

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 8, 2023

Recruiters will be busy on campus this fall, seeking new members for a fraternity that has been absent from campus for nearly 10 years following a raid by federal agents and charges of criminal drug possession...

The cables that run through the news data center in the basement of the Pelletier Library are more organized than those in the old data center in Murray Hall. The two new data centers on campus will be housed in Pelletier and in the Steffee Hall of Life Sciences.

Campus Wi-Fi struggles as infrastructure update continues

Anna Westbrook, News Editor September 1, 2023

More than a month into what was originally a four-day scheduled internet outage and with the academic year getting started, the college is still in the process of ironing out wrinkles that popped up during...

Honoring civility and democracy

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor April 28, 2023

Civility is central to democracy — and it has faced a rapid decline in the public sphere within the last few years as those on opposite ends of the ideological spectrum have resorted to anger and contempt...

Jordan Pallitto, ’06, speaks to the Allegheny Student Government’s General Assembly on the evening of Tuesday, April 18. Pallitto is the Chief Operating Officer of The Hill Group, which is leading the strategic planning process implemented by President Ron Cole, ’87.

Strategic planning process begins with Hill Group visit

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor April 21, 2023

Allegheny College’s strategic planning process officially kicked off with representatives from The Hill Group hosting open student and faculty sessions and speaking at the Allegheny Student Government’s...

Luna Hammer, ’25, and Blake Vowler, ’25, present their work at a climate teach-in in Grounds for Change on Tuesday, April 4. Their project focused on different ways to incentivize agricultural carbon sequetration.

GFC hosts climate teach-in on sustainable agriculture

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor April 14, 2023

There are very few things that could motivate college students to roll out of bed for an optional 8 a.m. event. Free coffee is one of those things. Packed with animated students, Grounds for Change buzzed...

The Gator Give Day logo. Gator Give Day will take place on Wednesday, Aprl. 20

Gator Give Day hopes to reach new heights

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor April 7, 2023

The race is on to unlock a $1.25 million donation to the college. The money is part of Gator Give Day, an annual fundraising campaign that encourages those involved with the college from all eras to provide...

Professor of Mathematics Rachel Weir listens to Emily Robles, ’26, discuss a potential minor in math, while Instructor of Mathematics Cheryl Leech talks Olivia Givvin, ’26, through the requirements of the same program.

Students explore interests at Major and Minor Fair

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor March 24, 2023

A major in chemistry with a minor in Dance and Movement Studies, a major in history with a minor in Energy and Society, or a major in philosophy with a minor in German. The requirement for students to...

Presidential candidate Nicole Recio Bremer, ‘25, (left) and vice presidential candidate Sam Ault, ‘26, give their opening remarks at the ASG Presidential Debate on Tuesday, March 14.

[Photo] ASG presidential candidates debate, election results soon

Evelyn Zavala, Staff Writer March 24, 2023

Presidential candidate Nicole Recio Bremer, ‘25, (left) and vice presidential candidate Sam Ault, ‘26, give their opening remarks at the ASG Presidential Debate on Tuesday, March 14.

Allegheny responds to East Palestine spill

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 24, 2023

A train carrying a wide range of industrial chemicals derailed on Friday, Feb. 3, in East Palestine, Ohio — just 80 miles from Meadville. Many of the chemicals that were spilled during the wreck are...

Keep up with the news to win a prize

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 24, 2023

You could win $15 in Gator Cash by reading a short summary of international news each morning. Starting on Monday, Feb. 20, the International Studies department will host a weekly international news...

A big idea could win you money

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 17, 2023

A handful of students ate a free pizza for lunch during the first session of the Zingdale Big Idea Competition in the Quigley auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Run by the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business...

The world's largest rainforest, now reduced to 83% of tis original stature.

The precipice of disaster

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 16, 2023

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If an entire soccer field filled with trees fell down every minute, would anyone notice? The Amazon rainforest is currently...

A sign in front of Alden Hall advertising the blood drive.

Roll up a sleeve, save a life

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 10, 2023

Signs bearing witty phrases like, “You’re someone’s type. Give blood today!” were scattered on the college’s snowy lawns in the days leading up to a blood drive run by the Allegheny chapter of...

Arabic Language Teaching Assistant Ghofrane Essaied serves traditional Middle Eastern food to Nic Ingerson, ’25, during The Watan Band performance. Attendees were given rice, falafel, beef kebab, hummus and pita bread.

Islamic Awareness Week

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 3, 2023

Though the weather may be getting colder, the semester is only heating up. Twenty-six Allegheny Student Government cabinet members and senators trekked to the Henderson Campus Center for general assembly...

Unitarian Universalists score solar panels with grant

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor February 2, 2023

The Unitarian Universalist Church in Meadville will now get most of its electricity from energy generated by the solar panels on its roof, thanks to the efforts of a small group of Allegheny students and...

Cleaning up the Mississippi River

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor January 27, 2023

Imagine spending long days soaking wet, sweaty and smelling like trash; that’s how Assistant Dean for Student Leadership and Engagement Eric Stolar described the upcoming Alternative Spring Break trip...

Dean for Student Experience Ian Binnington addresses the Allegheny Student Government General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

[Photo] ASG, Binnington talk counseling, dining

Roman Hladio, Editor-in-Chief January 27, 2023

Dean for Student Experience Ian Binnington addresses the Allegheny Student Government General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Built in 1923, the Theta Chi house has been home to Allegheny’s Beta Chi chapter brothers since 1942.

Theta Chi to sell house before next academic year

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor January 20, 2023

The Theta Chi fraternity house has been listed for sale for $175,000 on Zillow since Dec. 14, 2022. Built in 1923, the house has been home to Allegheny’s Theta Chi brothers — the Beta Chi chapter —...

Students to pay for room lockouts

Anna Westbrook, Junior News Editor January 20, 2023

The Student Life Team announced that there will now be a limited number of dormitory lockout requests per student before they are charged a fine, according to a campus-wide email sent out on Jan. 17, 2023. “If...

Gators now able to register for orientation leader positions

Anna Westbrook, Staff Writer December 9, 2022

Applications for 2023-24 orientation leaders for first-year orientation week are now open to students until March 4, 2023. Orientation leaders guide first-years through the newly-developed Week of Welcome,...

Envisioning land acknowledgement

Anna Westbrook, Staff Writer November 18, 2022

Students and faculty gathered in Grounds for Change for the fourth installment of the DEEPly Sustainable series on Friday, Nov. 11. Hosted during Native American Heritage Month, this section sought to...

Reis Hall, as seen from Brooks Walk. The hall was initally constructed in the early 20th century to serve as the college’s library.

Reis renovation, future projects accelerated by state funding

Anna Westbrook, Staff Writer November 11, 2022

Allegheny College is the recipient of a “$2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” read an email sent to the community on Oct. 27. The...

Wi-Fi difficulties plague campus

Anna Westbrook, Contributing Writer November 4, 2022

A plan to reboot Allegheny’s wireless network was announced in an email sent out on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:47 a.m. The reboot aimed to address the recent difficulties students experienced...

A day of ‘future-ing’

Anna Westbrook, Staff Writer October 28, 2022

All classes were canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 25, for Gator Day, an annual event aimed at providing students with “valuable professional development knowledge and skills,” according to the Allegheny College...

New tuition support announced

Anna Westbrook, Contributing Writer October 14, 2022

Allegheny announced its new Commitment to Access Program, which will be implemented starting in the 2023-24 academic year, in an email to the community on Thursday, Oct. 6. The program “will cover 100...

President Ron Cole, ’87, speaks to students during the Sept. 22 listening session.

President Cole hosts open student sessions

Anna Westbrook, Contributing Writer September 30, 2022

The newly-appointed Acting President of Allegheny College Ron Cole, ’87, held two events on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and Thursday, Sept. 22, for students to get to know him, ask questions and bring issues...

Professors, students weigh in on students registering to vote

Anna Westbrook, Contributing Writer September 30, 2022

Pennsylvania voters will go to the polls on Nov. 8, for the 2022 Midterm elections, during which voters will elect candidates to the offices of Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate,...

Bingo night teaches students about campus resources

Bingo night teaches students about campus resources

Anna Westbrook, Contributing Writer September 23, 2022

Rows of tables stretched the length of the Henderson Campus Center on Friday, Sept. 16, for the Resource Fair Bingo Night. The table on stage was stacked high with Allegheny merchandise, drawing students...

How Allegheny fell short during first-year orientation

Sam Heilmann and Anna Westbrook September 16, 2022
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