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
Sami Mirza

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief

Sami Mirza is a senior from many different places. He is majoring in International Studies with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa and minor in Arabic. This is his fourth year on staff and his second in the EIC position; he has previously worked on News and Features. When not writing, shooting, or editing for The Campus, Sami can be found playing a surprisingly healthy amount of video games, working the graveyard shift at Pelletier Library, and actually doing his homework.

All content by Sami Mirza
From the Editor: Three lessons from four years

From the Editor: Three lessons from four years

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 26, 2024

I’ve been thinking about this goodbye column for years now, and it’s taken many forms in my head. Sometimes, it’s an emotional farewell, a litany of acknowledgements and thank yous that end my tenure...

Expected major capital project stalls, Surplus Fund in limbo

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 26, 2024

Students are set to lose control of part of their surplus fund, after the Allegheny Student Government ended the year without approving any major capital projects. At the April 16 General Assembly, ASG...

The former home of Caflisch Hall, as seen from the parking lot to the north of the site.

Caflisch site could reopen as soon as next week as ground settles

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 26, 2024

Gators could have access to the former site of Caflisch Hall as soon as Finals Week, according to college officials. The lot has been off-limits since the dormitory was demolished in August 2023 due to...

The 2024-25 Allegheny Student Government sits together at the cabinet table towards the end of this year’s final General Assembly on Tuesday, April 23. There were no nominees for either of the finance positions, a new parliamentarian or a director of organizational development.

DeRose, Colabawalla add to 2024-25 ASG cabinet in final GA

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 26, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government swore in a new president and vice president and approved eight members of next year’s cabinet at the final General Assembly on Tuesday, April 23. ASG also heard farewell...

Cat Marchando, ’26, prepares to present about harm reduction policies to the Allegheny Student Government at the General Assembly on Tuesday, April 16.

Student presents to ASG on harm reduction policy

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 19, 2024

Trigger warning: this story contains mention of a fatal accidental overdose ~~~~~ UPDATE 4/19 @ 5:55 p.m. : In an email after the story was published on Friday, Marchando said she retracted most of...

College President Ron Cole, ’87, poses with Angie Bawek, ’27, and Sarah Degnan, ’27, to demonstrate the “Ron Cole-ar eclipse.”

[Photo] ‘Once in a lifetime’: Hundreds from community celebrate total solar eclipse at ‘Eclipse Fest’

Sam Heilmann and Joseph Klepeis • April 12, 2024

College President Ron Cole, ’87, poses with Angie Bawek, ’27, and Sarah Degnan, ’27, to demonstrate the “Ron Cole-ar eclipse.”

ASG passes resolution on Palestine

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 12, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government passed a resolution in support of Palestine at their General Assembly Tuesday evening, just over six months after the war began. The resolution calls for a ceasefire and...

Members of Allegheny Student Government hold up their placards to vote during the General Assembly on Tuesday, April 2.

Inside a tumultuous ASG

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 5, 2024

Lorenzo Scarnati, ’26, is no stranger to being a leader. Before arriving at Allegheny, the current sophomore class president was an Eagle Scout, a grade captain in marching band and a member of his...

This quiet study space on the third floor of the library is set to be transformed into a new center for faculty and staff development to better support teaching and research at Allegheny.

[Photo] $14M gift to help update Quigley, add faculty center

Aubryanna Snyder, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024

This quiet study space on the third floor of the library is set to be transformed into a new center for faculty and staff development to better support teaching and research at Allegheny.

Liam Richmond, ’25, gives a brief speech prior to being voted in as a member of the Judicial Review Board at the ASG General Assembly on Tuesday, April 2. To Richmond’s right is fellow appointee Reese Smith, ’24, while to Richmond’s left is Sam Goodwin, ’25, who was appointed as an alternate. Behind Goodwin is the final appointee, Andrew Strobel, ’24.

ASG votes in judicial board, hears warning

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • April 5, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government approved a standing Judicial Review Board at their General Assemblies on March 26 and April 2. At the March 26 GA, ASG also heard a rare public warning from their club...

‘A culture of silencing dissent:’ Dejarnette speaks out on internal ASG conduct

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • March 22, 2024

ASG Co-Director of Student Affairs London Dejarnette, ’24, alleged a culture of ASG discouraging internal dissent in a wide-ranging interview Wednesday afternoon, painting a behind-the-scenes picture...

Sam Ault, ’26, and Kaleialoha Froning, ’25, (left) and News Editor and debate moderator Anna Westbrook, ’26, listen to Ella Derose, ’27, speak with her running mate Ray Colabawalla, ’25, in the Shafer Auditorium on Tuesday, March 19.

Cordial ASG presidential debate discusses finances, dining

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • March 22, 2024

The two tickets to lead next year’s Allegheny Student Government faced off in a debate Tuesday night in Shafer Auditorium, answering questions ranging from dining issues to financial miscues to the campus...

The Senior Circle, located between Tippie and Montgomery halls and next to Murray Lawn, memorializes senior class gifts donated since 2000.

ASG: Presidential debate set for March 19, senior gift to be matched by college Cabinet

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • March 14, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government sped through their shortest General Assembly of the year Tuesday night. In just over 17 minutes, ASG heard election updates and new developments in the senior gift planned...

There were more cabinet members (14) than senators (13) in attendance for the General Assembly of the Allegheny Student Government on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

With only one ticket, ASG delays filing deadline for presidency

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 29, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government has delayed the filing deadline for this year’s presidential election by three weeks after just one ticket filed to run by the original deadline of Tuesday night. ASG...

WLAX enters 30th season

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 23, 2024

Allegheny’s women’s lacrosse team is looking ahead to their home opener this weekend against Ohio Wesleyan University. The game — set for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Frank B. Fuhrer Field — will start...

Bentley Hall houses senior administration, including the office of President Ron Cole, ’87.

Moody’s cuts credit rating

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 23, 2024

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Allegheny College’s issuer and debt ratings from Baa2 to Baa3 last week, citing “double-digit operating deficits” and “weak financial operations.” The Feb....

Eric Stolar

Stolar parts with college

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 23, 2024

Assistant Dean for Student Leadership and Engagement Eric Stolar is no longer at Allegheny College, with Feb. 9 having been his final day. Stolar spent just over four years at the college, starting with...

Lyndsey Robinson, ’24, is sworn in as ASG’s director of the treasury.

ASG fills three cabinet seats

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 23, 2024

Allegheny Student Government voted in permanent leadership for its finance and sustainability departments at its General Assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 20. ASG was filling three seats: The director of the treasury,...

Senioritis, or, How I Learned to Stop Procrastinating and Love Life

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 16, 2024

I feel it setting in. The lethargy, the laziness, the growing itch to just relax. It pulls me away from work and towards video games; away from articles like these towards something — anything — leisurely...

Students gather for a vigil for Palestine in the lobby of the Henderson Campus Center. The crowd peaked at about 30 attendees, with participants trickling in and out over the course of the event

Students hold vigil for Palestinian civilians killed in conflict

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 16, 2024

About 30 people gathered for a vigil for Palestine in the Henderson Campus Center lobby on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 15, holding a moment of silence and beginning to write the names of young children...

Constitutional overhaul recommended, election timeline announced

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 16, 2024

Allegheny Student Government heard constituent concern over major changes to the ASG constitution recommended by the attorney general at its General Assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 13. ASG also announced preliminary...

President Ron Cole, ’87, addresses the college’s faculty and staff at the “State of the College” on Feb. 1.

‘Allegheny is investing’

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 9, 2024

President Ron Cole, ’87, announced the first of what will be a series of major gifts to the college at his “State of the College” address in Shafer Auditorium on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 1....

A proposed capital project from Chief Information Officer Katrina Yeung would add Wi-Fi connectivity to the green spaces above. Note that this map is only a proposal and is subject to change.

ASG hears Wi-Fi project proposal

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 9, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government heard a capital project proposal and approved three new clubs during their first round of voting at their General Assembly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6. After the meeting,...

Honor Committee details proposed code revisions to ASG

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 2, 2024

The triennial Honor Code referendum planned for this semester will put significant changes to the code up to a student vote, the Allegheny Student Government heard at its General Assembly Tuesday, Jan....

Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dom Turner lobs free stress balls into the crowd at halftime of the women’s game on Pride Night.

Gallery: Pride Night in the Wise Center

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 2, 2024

The PAM House is a small red house located in between Arter, Carr and Brooks halls, and is open 24/7 for members of the Allegheny community.

[Photo] ICA hosts ‘reopening’ event in the PAM House

Milo Watson, Contributing Writer • February 2, 2024

The PAM House is a small red house located in between Arter, Carr and Brooks halls, and is open 24/7 for members of the Allegheny community.

The Bicentennial Lawn between Schultz Hall and Bentley Hall was covered with snow as late as last Wednesday, Jan. 24. However, the snow — which had already melted a significant amount at the time this photo was taken — would not last much longer.

Gallery: Wacky Weather

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • February 2, 2024

Ellen Johnson (right) speaks with Director of Art and Magazines Penny Drexel during a farewell celebration for Johnson in the Tippie Alumni Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Friday is Johnson’s final day as vice president for enrollment management before she leaves for another institution—a transition that comes as Allegheny faces a long-expected sea change in recruiting dynamics.

As VP of Enrollment Management departs, demographic cliff looms

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2024

Today is the last day for Vice President of Enrollment Management Ellen Johnson, who has led enrollment, retention, branding and marketing for Allegheny College since Spring 2021. “Most of the things...

Dean for Student Life Trae Yeckley, who advises student leadership, speaks during a presentation at the first General Assembly of the semester on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

GA raises vacancy, finance Q’s

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2024

The Allegheny Student Government heard a presentation about expectations and an update about student finances at their first meeting of the semester on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Both conversations, however, have...

After over a week of the front entrance to Brooks Hall being closed off, the college rented a lift to take down the banners on Friday, Jan. 19.

Brooks entrance reopened after unsecure banner removed

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2024

The main entrance to Brooks Hall is open again after being closed for the first week of the spring semester. The doors were blocked off due to issues with the banners that hung above Brooks’ balcony,...

Henry Smith, ’26, (left), Yanqiao Chen, ’24, (center) and Keven Duverglas, ’26, (right) play at the Chess Club table during the Involvement Fair on Thursday, Jan. 18.

The first week back, in images from the CC Lobby

Joseph Klepeis and Sami Mirza • January 19, 2024

Though Allegheny students dispersed to every corner of campus after arriving back from winter break, one place saw a number of welcome-back events: the lobby of the Henderson Campus Center. The festivities...

It will take around four months for the college’s follow-up report to be reviewed by Middle States and for a decision to be issued.

Follow-up accreditation report sent to Middle States

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • January 19, 2024

Allegheny College submitted a follow-up report Tuesday, Jan. 16 to its accrediting agency, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The report is aimed at resolving a Notice of Non-Compliance...

Senators Ray Colabawalla, ’25, and Alexis Costanza, ’25, and Class of 2025 President Asaad Bell listen to a senator from the Class of 2024 speak during the ASG General Assembly on Dec. 5.

ASG amends constitution, treasurer now two positions

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • December 8, 2023

The Allegheny Student Government approved a constitutional amendment this week during their regular General Assembly on Tuesday, Dec. 5. and a special session called Wednesday, Dec. 6. The votes cap several...

ASG Senator Liam Shields, ’27, (center) and Director of Community Relations Cam Lesher, ’24, hand out sweatshirts to students at Grounds For Change on Nov. 29.

Gallery: ASG gives out sweatshirts from local businesses

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • December 8, 2023

London Dejarnette, ’24, assists with wagon rides during the “Merry Meadville” event on Friday. While many students made their way downtown to attend the event, Dejarnette was there on business. They work at the Meadville Market House, a position they took on after volunteering at the Market House with the Bonner program. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with Meadville residents in a way that Allegheny students don’t normally get to,” Dejarnette said, adding that six other Bonner students were volunteering during the event.

[Photo] Gallery: Snow Days & Holidays

December 8, 2023

London Dejarnette, ’24, assists with wagon rides during the “Merry Meadville” event on Friday. While many students made their way downtown to attend the event, Dejarnette was there on business....

Andrew Strobel, '24, stands during the constiuent comment period of the General Assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Two weeks prior, Strobel was the only applicant to fill the vacant treasurer's seat, but was shot down by a Senate looking to split the position into two co-treasurers. Strobel returned on Nov. 28 to ask senators why they voted the way they did.

Heated debate, but no action on ASG treasury seat

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 30, 2023

The Allegheny Student Government spent more than 30 minutes discussing the vacant position of ASG treasurer position at their General Assembly on Tuesday evening, including questions and criticism from...

Andrew Strobel, '24, (center) speaks with proxy Senator Hunter Goerman, '25, (right) and Senators Aubrey Carion, '27, (left), Lyndsey Robinson, '24, (center-left) and Ray Colabawalla, '25, after the General Assembly of the Allegheny Student Government on Tuesday, Nov. 14

ASG votes down Strobel for treasurer, Surplus set at $503k

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 16, 2023

The Allegheny Student Government voted down an applicant for the organization's director of the treasury and heard an update on ASG’s overall financial situation during the longest General Assembly of...

The Caflisch Time Capsule is currently being held in the 454 House with the college’s Office of Marketing and Communication.

[Photo] Time capsule discovered in rubble of Caflisch Hall

Paige Kageni, Contributing Writer • November 10, 2023

A copy of the original blueprints for Caflisch Hall, next to a copy of The Campus from June 1928.

NaviGator Spotlights: Meet Assistant Dean Kirsten Peterson

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 10, 2023

Kirsten Peterson is no stranger to Allegheny College. She graduated twice — in 1978 with her bachelor’s and again in 1987 with a master’s in education — and has taught as a lab instructor for organic...

ASG talks financial system overhaul

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 10, 2023

The Allegheny Student Government discussed the next steps in their financial system overhaul, condom distribution and a revival of the Ski and Snowboard Club at their General Assembly on Tuesday, Nov....

Krushel: 911 logs detail response, autopsy results released

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 3, 2023

New information has come to light regarding the death of a first-year student in mid-September. Cinna Krushel, 19, of New York, died in the intensive care unit of Meadville Medical Center on Sept. 21,...

ASG treasurer resigns

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 3, 2023

The Allegheny Student Government announced the departure of a key cabinet official, added another cabinet member, and discussed the future of the bookkeeping position at their regular General Assembly...

The Ugly: A post-"Five Nights at Freddy's" theater littered with popcorn shows the chaos of the viewing experience.

Surviving five nights: A ‘FNAF’ movie review

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • November 3, 2023

Across eight years, a dozen games and countless jumpscares, the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series has terrified and intrigued our generation. The franchise’s first installment was a video game...

Students grab lunch in the form of “walking tacos” at the “Gator Done Den” in the Henderson Campus Center on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Gator Day 2023

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • October 27, 2023

Allegheny students woke up on Tuesday morning to no classes and an expanded form of Gator Day. The annual academic and professional development event saw a number of new additions this year, including...

ASG President Nicole Recio Bremer, ‘25, points to the darkness behind College Court as a place that could use more lighting.

‘Light Walk’ used to talk campus safety

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • October 27, 2023

If two’s company and three’s a crowd, then eight might be the participants of the Light Walk, hosted by the Allegheny Student Government and the Office of Public Safety on the evening of Tuesday, Oct....

ASG approves club, swears in senator

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • October 27, 2023

A stripped-down Cabinet led the Allegheny Student Government through their weekly General Assembly on Tuesday, Oct. 24, re-approving a club constitution, swearing in a sophomore senator and approving just...

Allegheny has one student studying in Kibutz Ketura (bottom pin) and three students in Amman (top right pin) — both within 100 miles of the Gaza Strip (top left pin).

Four students near Gaza conflict

Sami Mirza, Editor-in-Chief • October 20, 2023

Four Allegheny College students are within 100 miles of the current conflict in the Gaza Strip as part of the regular fall schedule of study abroad programs, and college officials say they are actively...

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