We cannot introduce this edition without recognizing the weight on our campus community following the passing of Jason Askri ‘26 on October 28. A double major in English and Biology and an aspiring wildlife veterinarian, Askri was a beloved member of the Conn community involved with several organizations on and off campus, including the Pre-Health Club, the Middle Eastern/North African Alliance, the Holleran Center for Community Action, and the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo. We invite you all to read this edition of The College Voice with Askri in your hearts, whether or not you knew him personally. Each student represents a thread in the fabric of our Conn community, and we are not the same after the loss of a thread.
Following an unusually warm Fall Weekend, it feels as though autumn is truly upon us. While peak foliage has passed, the warm hues of autumn remain and the mornings have begun to feel more crisp. Cascades of falling leaves have created soft carpets of golden brown and golden red across campus.
A classic autumn tradition for many is Halloween, which News Editor Theo Andres highlights in their article covering terrifying ghost stories at Conn. Andres also provides an informative perspective on student demands for divestment at colleges and universities across the country.
News Editor Evie Lockwood Mullaney provides a detailed account on the recent US Congressional Representative Debate for the Second District of Connecticut which was hosted by the College and contested between incumbent Joe Courtney and Mike France. Staff Writer Nikeya Tanyard ‘28 reports updates on construction happening in Crozier-Williams and its effects on offices located inside. Arts Editor Emma Dinkelspiel introduces the College’s new short-term study away program focused on media literacy and AI hosted in Latvia this summer. Staff Writer Madeline Motes ‘27 interviews Bloomberg Businessweek national correspondent and alum Joshua Green ‘94.
In a return to last year’s tradition, Co Editor-in-Chief Adrien Landon reports on the very interesting happenings of SGA in her SGA columns. Landon also provides a preview of the upcoming All-College Symposium, which will take place on Nov. 7.
This edition features two special collaboration pieces between The College Voice and the University of Connecticut’s student newspaper, The Daily Campus. Both are centered around election and voting in Connecticut with the upcoming Presidential Election Day on Nov. 5. The first piece provides information on voting as a college student in Connecticut. The second piece is a roundtable piece featuring perspectives on the upcoming presidential election from students at the University of Connecticut and Connecticut College. Columnist Tara Kamen and I wrote parts of both pieces alongside Daily Campus staff members and we hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed working on them!
In Opinions, Section Editor Claire Hlotyak offers her unique perspective on finding joy in reading given the world of never-ending readings as a humanities student. Contributor Stella König ‘25 provides an account of her conflicted relationship with Fall Weekend as an international student.
In Arts, Managing Editor Davi Schulman provides the story of “Those Who Don’t,” a short-film produced and directed by Ryan Rivera ‘25 and alumna Yasmine Tohme ‘24, which won two major awards this past summer. Arts Editors Emma Dinkelspiel and Mia Penesa provide coverage of the 2024 Soundside Music Festival, which featured artists such as Noah Kahan and Drew Holcomb among others. Contributor Lindsay Barbagallo ‘28 provides her opinion on how figures such as Chappell Roan should not be held to unrealistic standards as celebrities. Tanyard reports on the audition process of the improv group SCUDS.
Coverage of Fall Weekend arts events is also featured in this edition. Exchange student Lilli Argast covers Arbofest, which was hosted during Fall Weekend instead of its typical November date. Dinkelspiel and I wrote on “Set Zero,” the Theater Department’s fall play.
In Sports, Sports Editor Lilla Kate Tucker details how each fall sports team did during Fall Weekend. Southeast Scoreboard, by Tucker and Sports Editor Luke Corless, provides updates on how many teams have performed since Fall Weekend. Corless features women’s cross-country runner Grace McDonough ‘26, in the continuing Camel of the Edition column. A NBA preview, also written by Corless, comprehensively covers each NBA team. Contributor Evelyn Costigan ‘28 highlights the Hartford Yard Goats, a well-loved minor league baseball team located in Hartford.
In Entertainment, Cruciverbalist Erica Smith provides many puzzles and games bound to leave you hooked. If that isn’t enough, a word search created by Contributor Sarah Ludwigson ‘27 and a Mad Libs created by Schulman are sure to keep you looking forward to our next edition.
Speaking of our next edition, we are always looking for new contributors, writers, and layout editors, so if you would like to get involved please reach out to us at thecollegevoice@conncoll.edu!
With love,
Kevin Lieue
Co-Editor in Chief
