We cannot introduce this edition without recognizing the passing of Agnes Gund ‘60, a member of Connecticut College’s Board of Trustees, noted philanthropist, president emerita of the Museum of Modern Art, founder of the Art for Justice Fund, and beloved alumni. Gund’s unwavering passion for the arts, education, and social justice is reflected in her life’s work.
Gund labored tirelessly within a variety of social justice-oriented facets, significantly contributing to efforts aimed at furthering women’s rights, equitable access to the arts, and environmental protection. Gund received numerous recognitions for her work within the arts, including the National Medal for the Arts, nomination to the Board of Trustees of the National Council on the Arts, the J. Paul Getty Medal, honorary fellowship to the Royal Academy of Arts, four honorary doctorate degrees, and the first-ever Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award, among other honors. In 2019, Gund donated one million dollars towards the creation of The Agnes Gund ’60 Dialogue Project at Connecticut College, a multi-phase program aimed at facilitating dialogue on ever-acute issues of social justice.
We at The College Voice, extend our deepest condolences to the Gund family, friends, and all who had the honor of crossing paths with her.
This past weekend was marked by an earlier than usual Fall Weekend. For many students and families, this was highlighted by the opportunity to once again see loved ones after a lengthy time away. With a host of families, alumni, and students looking on during Fall Weekend, the men’s soccer team was able to pull away with a 1-0 upset over #7 ranked Middlebury, highlighted in the Southeast Scoreboard by Sports Editor Luke Corless. In Sports, Corless also features middle blocker Rae Wartelle ‘27 as Camel of the Edition in recognition of her starring performances for the Women’s Volleyball team. The recent 2025 World Athletics Track and Field Championships is covered by Sports Editor Ellis Iurilli-Hough.
In News, Arts Editor Elaine Sandoval Carrasco writes on the Hispanic Heritage Celebration of New London, which was attended by the Las Voces Unidas Club and many New London locals in celebration of Latin American and Caribbean culture. Staff Writer Rowan Karaca ‘29 offers an overview of the newly resonated and revamped Humphrey’s in Cro.
This week’s opinions section features a variety of hot takes spanning locations from Lambdin dormitory to the state of New Jersey. Contributor Becker Kotob ‘28 passionately makes the case for why New Jersey may just be one of America’s most underrated gems, while Opinions Editor Mia Whipple shares anecdotes on why quiet housing in Lambin may not currently live up to its speciality housing designation. On topics of escapism, Contributor Avery Cavanaugh ‘29 suggests a diverse list of off-campus activities perfect for those looking to get away for a picturesque fall afternoon, and Staff Writer Norah Anderson ‘29 considers the resurgence of reality television as an indoor break from everyday existence.
In Arts, Arts Editor Elaine Sandoval Carrasco interviews longtime Art Professor Tim McDowell—who has taught at the College for 42 years—on his career and the art department. Sandoval Carrasco also covers changes and upcoming department programming in the Art Department.
On a humorous note, Sandoval Carrasco draws a hilarious comic ironically hitting on the unique exasperations of the existence of a Connecticut College student, poking fun at dining hall fare, campus construction, litter, and the steadfast presence of a certain Connecticut College photographer. Cruciverbalist Erica Smith presents a Fall Weekend-adjacent crossword puzzle students will be sure to enjoy “falling” into solving.
Podcasters Nate Polakoff and Garrett Clar have also returned with “Camel Sports Corner” for this year. Be sure to check out the first and second episodes of their podcast on our Spotify or website where they discuss all things Connecticut College athletics and more.
We would also like to take the opportunity to highlight a few new members of our staff. Norah Anderson ‘29, Rowan Howes ‘29, Rowan Karaca ‘29, and Maggie Salmen ‘29 have all joined as staff writers while Nicholas Demarco ‘26 will serve as columnist.
As always, 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!
Happy reading,
Kevin Lieue and Mia Penasa
Co-Editors in Chief
