Credit: Varonin

The brightly colored plaster breast moulds hanging around campus hint at a unique event put on by the Fine Arts House (FAH): their annual breast casting day. Anyone interested had the opportunity to make a plaster cast of their chest on Saturday, April 25, from 1-4 p.m. at the FAH. Later this week, the FAH will host an Artists’ Colony to paint the casts.

The FAH’s artistic event is also a fund-raiser for breast cancer. The cost to make a cast is $3, of which some covers the material and the rest is donated to a breast cancer research organization. 

“Last year the FAH made almost $200 to donate—a lot of people came,” said sophomore Arianna Cortesi, who lives at the FAH and is helping put on this year’s event. She also said that this year’s sign-up sheet was looking pretty full, so they expect a good turnout.  

“This event has been a Fine Arts House tradition for a very long time,” said sophomore Liz Hockett another resident of the FAH. “It was such a great feeling to look out at the sign-up sheet and find it full after only a couple days of being up! We had to add more time slots to accommodate all of the people who wanted to participate.”

The basic process of making a plaster cast of your breasts, or chest in the case of the men participating, was explained by Cortesi:

“You show up to the FAH. Boys go around to the back door, because they do their chest casting in the kitchen; girls come to the front door, and they cast their breasts in our living room. There are bowls of warm water and piles of plaster strips on each of the tables; basically, you get them wet and make a plaster cast of your breasts/chest. It usually takes about 20 minutes.” 

For Cortesi, this is an important event. Not only does it raise money for cancer research, it also has personal significance. 

“For me, at least, I participate because breasts are such a sexual symbol in our culture. I think it’s a way to really make them your own again, to own your own sexuality,” she said. “Plus, you get to paint them and that’s fun.”

Hockett came hesitantly last year with her roommate. 

“I was very, very hesitant to be naked around anyone else. When we got here though, the atmosphere was so chill and everyone was really nice, I didn’t feel awkward at all. I felt like it helped me and my roommate bond in a new way,” she said.

For the men participating, the process has a different significance. Cortesi mentioned that few males participate, but that the FAH is seeking to change that.

“We renamed the event this year to ‘chest casting’ instead of ‘breast casting’ in hopes of reeling in more dudes, but yes, there are a lot of females,” said Hockett.

Sam Epstein, ‘12, Aaron M Zalman, ‘12, Nick Gottschall, ‘09, Rimmy Doowa, ‘12, and Adriel Borshansky, ‘12 perform on April 26 on the Reid Side Lawn as part of the blue moon release party. Credit: Norman

It only comes out once a year, compiled of a handful of selections made by hundreds of applicants in art, poetry, and prose.  Whitman College’s student-staffed art and literary magazine “blue moon” celebrated the release of its 22nd volume last Sunday, April 26 on the Reid side lawn.  Though perhaps not as explosive as former parties, the release party was a warm, refreshing experience for some attendees.

“This release party is a testament of Whitman creativity on campus,” said first-year Aaron Aguilar as he fingered through the glossy pages of his personal copy.

Everyone who attended the party received his or her own free-copy of the magazine. Students had the opportunity to nibble on a few bite-sized treats, listen to original music, and explore the different media displays throughout the side lawn, including a video discussing the history of “blue moon” and a look at some of the copies of the original artwork fastened on surrounding trees.

“I wish they had these pictures hanging around campus all the time. They are gorgeous. We just need more art up on display on a regular basis,” said first-year Jessi Whalen.

Artistic contributors of the Blue Moon felt the same way, including the artist of this year’s cover, senior Jessica Conrad.

“I am so excited that my artwork will become part of the Whitman community and it is so wonderful to be able to share your artwork and ideas through ‘blue moon,’” said Conrad.

Conrad’s cover design is an abstract, mixed-media piece. The piece originally had a black background, but it soon transformed into a multi-layered three-dimensional piece created from acrylic, glass, and gesso.  Conrad’s piece was not the only one that made into the volume; thirty-five other pieces including acrylics, prints, photographs, lithographs, oil paintings, polaroid emulsion transfers, ceramic, graphite, scratch-board, and other mixed media pieces made the cut.

Hannah Sieracki, ‘12, and Shannon Morissey, 12, leaf through the pages of the new blue moon. Credit: Norman

Other contributions included 15 works of poetry, 12 works of prose, and a DVD insert featuring Tyler Calkin, Sean Day, Obreanna McReynolds, Jessie Neil, Sam Alden, Tim Shadix, Alex Thomas, and Zach Ellenbogen.

Each year the mixture of artwork, poetry, and prose is completely different than the year before.  This year, “blue moon” started accepting film and animation submissions to expand on the already diverse forms of media.

“It’s interesting because all the staff members choose separately so a lot of us don’t know what’s coming from other genres and it’s a total surprise to see how they all mix together and form one publication,” said co-editor in chief and Jenna Mukuno.

Though on the smaller end than previous issues, Mukuno says the blue moon is a worthy buy.

“It’s a slightly smaller publication than year’s past, but we’re really passionate about every piece that’s in there,” said Mukuno.

Copies of the new “blue moon” volume will be on sale in the Reid Campus Center at noon.  Whitman students will receive free copies, while non-Whitman students must pay $12.

Yeah, well, Madonna can do that, too.

“LOVE SEX MAGIC”

CIARA FEAT. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

From “Fantasy Ride” (2009, La Face)

DIR: Diane Martel

Where’s the magic?  While the ultra-limber Ciara squeals and writhes       over the increasingly disgusting Justin Timberlake (Seriously, he and Spencer Pratt from “The Hills” should compare whose beard looks more flesh-colored.), I’m waiting for the wands and magicians deviously twirling their mustaches and bright bursts of candy-colored light.  It certainly fulfills the “sex” part; there is, for example, a reel’s worth of licking that should give Jessica Biel all the more reason to send Timberlake to seventh heaven (Hey-yo!).  “This is the part where we fall in love,” Ciara sings as she lies down on Timberlake’s prostrate body.  Yeah . . . no.  Girl is deluded.   Then she transforms into Kelis at the end, ‘fro and all. So maybe there is magic in this video after all.

FINAL WORD: False Advertising

DIE.

“BOOM BOOM POW”

THE BLACK EYED PEAS

From “The E.N.D.” (2009, interscope)

DIR: Mathew Cullen

“I’m so three-thousand-and-eight, / you so two-thousand-and-late!”   The Black Eyed Peas.  Always the wordsmiths.  This time it’s about becoming technology, according to will.i.am, and if we don’t get it, we’re two-thousand-and-late.   Except no one understands the Black Eyed Peas, so really, I’d be happy to believe that they are from the year 3008. Mrs. Josh Duhamel turns into She-Ra at some point. Then will.i.am throws up on his auto-tuner and mixing equipment to synthesize the worst 90s dance club anthem ever.  Three-thousand-and-eight my ass; this is nineteen-ninety-eight.  I think they even turn into variations of the Master Control Program from “Tron.” ‘Cause they’re becoming technology, y’all!  Ha ha ha.  I hope they die.  Whoops.

FINAL WORD:  HP Touchsmart Commercial

I might like you better if we never slept together, Snoop.

“SEXUAL ERUPTION” (aka “SENSUAL SEDUCTION”)

SNOOP DOGG

From “Ego Trippin’” (2008, Geffen)

Dir: Melina

Like I really need to explain this video.  What’s it all about, Snoop?

FINAL WORD: “Orgasms”

Actual sunshine, leaves emerging on the trees, flying Frisbees on Ankeny—all signs that summer is coming to campus. With summer’s imminent approach we find ourselves wondering: What should we be wearing? 

Fashionising.com gives us a helpful guide to summer 2009’s fashion trends.

1.  Sheer Fabrics: see through, soft, feminine, layered and draped. Be careful to appear sophisticated rather than indecent. 

2.  Bikinis/Monokinis: one shoulder, cut-outs, summer floral and ethnic prints and sheer cover-ups

Look at Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle Outfitters for hot summer swimwear.

3.  One shoulder/backless: dresses, shirts and bikinis highlight the shoulders and back.

Think Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto in John Galliano at this year’s Oscars Red Carpet. 

4.  Grecian: flowing goddess dresses and gladiator sandals

Check out Nordstrom for an array of chic gladiator sandals that come as flats, heels and wedges. Also look at The Gap  for sandals. 

5.  Fringe: Inspired by the 1920’s flappers, fringe is in this summer. Shirts, skirts, dresses and even sandals. Be careful though pick one piece and pair it with something else that is understated, for example, a short fringed skirt with a simple tee.

Shop at American Eagle for cute, reasonably priced fringed sandals.

6.  Tribal/Ethnic: This ranges from animal prints, geometric shapes, earthy hues, turbans, Egyptian style drapery, kaftans, sheer fabrics in neutral or jewel tones and safari wear. 

Go for bold, vibrant prints and don’t be afraid to stand out.

7.   Butterfly Motifs: butterflies symbolize hope, resurrection, beauty, femininity and the ability to be ever changing. 

You will find butterflies on shirts, dresses and even accessories. 

I personally love Collette Dinnigan’s  summer collection. While out of the average college student’s price range, her collection features several trends including butterfly motifs, one-shoulder gowns, and jewel-encrusted dresses.

8.  Jewel-Encrusted: jewels are all over gowns, day jackets, day dresses and accessories.

9.  Fairy-Tale Romance: Flouncing ruffles, rosette clusters, gowns and delicate capelets.

For the most part this trend will stay on the run-ways and editorial shoots. However, try pairing a ruffled blouse with skinny jeans and heels or a full, ruffled skirt with a simple tee.

Trends like these, which come straight off the runway, are often hard to translate to labels the average Whittie would buy.  Perhaps, you don’t really care what the designers are dictating this summer. In that case, look for simple light weight fabrics. Try for bold, bright, geometric prints and patterns. And don’t forget the continued domination of the gladiator sandal, a trend that started last summer and is still going strong.

The lineup features five student bands in competition for first place: The Breezes, Danger Mermaid, Bartalk, the Peeled Tangerines and Floyd Webber Project. The night will also feature a guest performance from Orange Fight, the popular band comprised of Whitman faculty members Michelle Janning, Keith Farrington, Mathew Prull, John Cotts, and Neal Christopherson.  

The competing bands play different genres of music, to create a varied, eclectic show. Wes Price, senior and guitarist of Danger Mermaid is looking forward to the show. He says “It’s a fun way to bring everyone together, because there aren’t really any other events like this.” He also adds that the lineup is “a real testament to the musical culture here at Whitman.”

While the event will undoubtedly appeal to students who are looking forward to hearing some live music, Battle of the Bands is also a philanthropic event. In addition to tickets, t-shirts designed by Phi junior Brooks Volkman will be sold. All proceeds from the sales will go to Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, an organization concerned with HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. 

Matt Morris-Rosenfield, senior, is the head of the Battle of the Bands committee. He explained that “one of the larger efforts of the Blue Mountain Heart to Heart is to educate and help decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. They do a needle exchange, and give out clean needles – which is the first step in helping.”

The money raised will be immensely helpful to the organization, as “the needle exchange runs largely on donations since tax and funding cuts have left them with very little,” said Morris-Rosenfield.  If enough money is raised, Blue Mountain Heart to Heart will also use funds for educational programs about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.  

“Battle of the Bands will always be an event that will choose a local organization to give money to for help,” he said. Last year, Phi Delta Theta was able to donate $1,100 to the Walla Walla Community Center for Youth from Battle of the Bands proceeds. The fraternity is hoping to it will continue to be a popular event.

“Hopefully it will gain enough acclaim, so that it will keep getting bigger and bigger, so that we can keep giving back to the community,” said Morris-Rosenfield.

Morris-Rosenfield views Battle of the Bands not just as a charitable event, but as an opportunity to foster unity within the campus. 

 “We as a fraternity, wanted to start an annual event that would involve the entire campus. We want to include faculty members in this because we want it to be an all Whitman event,” he said.

He adds that he hopes faculty involvement will lead to stability of this event in following years. 

“As of right now, our contact with Blue Mountain Heart to Heart is Professor Galindo of the Spanish department,” he said.

Tickets will be available in Reid and Jewett this Friday during lunch for $5, or for $8 on the opening of the show in Friday. Donations are welcome.

“We may not have the Coffeehouse program, per se, but we will have Coffeehouse-type events”, said sophomore Matt Coleman, manager of Coffeehouse. “It will just have a new face.”

Matthew ‘Ranger’ Sciacca, ‘09, and mandolinist Dave Stewart on stage at Coffeehouse last Friday, April 17. Credit: Norman

Programs such as the ASWC Programming Committee, CAB and small organizations such as Coffeehouse, the Arts and Crafts Series and Stevens Gallery will merge next fall into collective body known as the Programming Board.

The program will have fewer staff members and distribute all activity responsibilities amongst the board members, which will be headed by newly elected Programming Board Chair Stephen Stradley.

“Technically, there will no longer be a Coffehouse or CAB program, as the manager positions will no longer exist,” said current CAB chair, junior Kali Stoehr. “However, with the new program board restructure there is going to be the opportunity to evaluate where and how we want to spend programming time and money, and we still hope to have Friday night events.”

“I’m really excited to be the new Programming Board Chair because I feel like the new setup gives us the opportunity to collaborate more effectively and utilize a great volunteer base,” wrote Stradley in an e-mail to the Pioneer.

For students who worry about having an entertaining activity outside of partying on weekends, the Programming Board still plans on having Friday night events, according to Stoehr.

“I hope to see [next year]… an event happen at Reid every Friday night, whether that’s a big concert, board game fest or an open mike night,” said Stoehr.

Both Stoehr and Coleman feel positive about the change in the way activities and programs will be organized in the future at Whitman.

“It’s kind of exciting to have a little more flexibility with weekend events,” said Stoehr. “I think that we can provide adequate alternative activities for those who are not as into the party scene.”

“There will definitely be a musical event every week. At least, that is my hope,” said Coleman. “One of the big hopes is that the Programming Board will attract [more] students, so that students will not just feel the need to party but go to concerts and movies.”

Coleman also hopes that the Programming Board will bring in local college and community artists to explore talent close to home.

Stoehr and Stradley have high hopes that the Programming Board will add more to the Whittie weekend by altering the way programs are run.

“I hope to see with the new programming board […] rearrange some of the mid week events like Monday Night Films to take place during the weekend,” said Stoehr.

“The range of events that the new board is in charge of is incredibly diverse,” wrote Stradley. “Programs like Coffeehouse will not be cut, but rather will be strengthened through a bigger workgroup and better communication between activities.”

While there will be a fair amount of change to the way activities will be run next year, Coleman is hoping that the Coffeehouse atmosphere will continue.

“I hope we have a Coffehouse-type event every week or every two weeks,” said Coleman. “It’s a great way for the community to get together […] I love working it, and I think it will continue next year.”

Dan Oschrin, ‘10 and Charlie Procknow, ‘11 of Red Light Blue Light perform with Peter Qualtere-Burcher, ‘12, on the Reid Campus Center side lawn. The band, along with Danger Mermaid and the Raptivists, provided tunes for the Formal. Credit: Klein

Like prom, but outside plus live music, minus shoes. This is how first-year Mary Allain described the barefoot formal that took place on Saturday, Apr. 18.

She and first-year Marybeth Murray, both independents, went to Goodwill and bought prom dresses to wear. Murray paid $12 for a dress that Cinderella would have worn, and Allain’s strapless black dress was only $3.75.

“At first I was worried that it was one of those dances that only the freshmen get into, and I was going to look like a dork. But then it was really fun, and I mean who doesn’t like wearing a prom dress?” said Murray.

“The whole event felt really inclusive,” said Allain. “The fact that it was outside made it so that anybody could just stop by if they wanted to.”

Attendees danced under a large tent in front of the stage on the Reid side lawn. Red Light Blue Light, the Raptivists and Danger Mermaid performed live music. The dance also included snacks and space heaters.

Kate Newman, a sophomore who is VP programming for Panhellenic Council, said that she hoped this dance, and Greekend in general, would help the sororities and fraternities unite and reach out to the Whitman community.

“I think Greekend will at least give people a better idea of greek life, because obviously there are a lot of preconceived notions about it. I think it’s a good way to foster relationships and perhaps draw people in, but at least show them that we’re not scary,” she said.

However, both Murray and Allain said that while they enjoyed the dance, it didn’t  feel like a greek event since most of the people who they saw there weren’t greek. In fact, according to Murray and Allain, many sorority and fraternity members seemed to be absent.

But some greek members thought that the event had a sizable attendance.  First-year and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Becca Young said that, depending on the band, the area would fill up pretty quickly.  “It seemed like more came for the Raptivists, and they’re kind of a big hit,” she said.

Seth Zippel, senior and bass guitarist for the Raptivists, also felt that the formal didn’t do a lot to promote greek life.

He added, however, that the concept of the Barefoot Formal was a good one.

“I like the idea of just having a dance outside with live music. That’s something that doesn’t happen often. It’s really fun to play outside, and I think it would be fun to dance outside, especially on such a nice night. I liked that the bike race was going on nearby, too,” said Zippel.

Sophomore and independent Anna Sky said that, for her, the dance this year was somewhat of a letdown in comparison to last year.

“There was a lot of hype about it and I remember last year it was a lot of fun. But this year it was pretty much all freshmen, and I didn’t feel like it was super well attended when I was there,” she said. “I didn’t see many people I knew.”

Sky agrees with the aim of Greekend in general, though.

“I think it’s great to see the greek members outside of the usual party scene. People often create unfair stereotypes based on those events so it’s important that greek life puts on these kinds of events to show this other side of them. It helps to bridge the divide between the greek system and the rest of Whitman,” she said.

Murray also said that she feels a divide, and that she’s not comfortable going to other greek events that aren’t specifically intended to be inclusive like the Barefoot Formal citing that didn’t “feel welcome.”

Allain feels there should be more all-inclusive functions like this, because it’s the only type of greek-run event that she feels comfortable attending.

“When events are between one frat and one sorority, and there’s alcohol involved, and it’s during the week, I just don’t feel welcome,” she said.

First-year Kappa Kristina Smith said that while attendance fluctuated throughout the event, there was “definitely a good turnout from the greek system” in addition to other independent Whitman students.

Some standout numbers include “Brothel Tango,” “Street Scene” and the finale number. These scenes varied in style, but the choreography by senior Seren Pendleton-Knoll and Kerry Pine was highly aware of the movements of the body. The lighting also helped set the scene, like the red lighting which prevailed when Hyde takes over.

Caitlin Feeney, ‘12, Kelli Kuhlman, ‘09, Christine Kiely, ‘12, Lauren Bolkovatz, ‘10, and Seren Pendleton-Knoll ‘09 dance like saints as five of the seven virtues in a recent performance of ‘Jekyll & Hyde.’ The production ran from April 17 to April 18 in Cordiner Hall. Credit: Klein

Minimal props, like a flower or a set of test tubes, kept the focus on the dancers and the superb costumes helped distinguish good and evil. The dancers moved in ways that seem almost impossible.

Andrew Claus, a 2003 alum and visiting artist, starred as Jekyll/Hyde and accomplished the difficult task of portraying both evil and good through dance. The dancing and acting blend together so well that it’s difficult to distinguish one from the other. Other standouts included Monica Finney as Chastity and Talia Gottlieb as Lust, the two forces that battled for Jekyll/Hyde’s affections.

The dramatic tension throughout the show never let up until the curtain closed, and the stellar music and lighting choices made this a great production.

The Coriolis Dance Collective also performed before the Jekyll and Hyde production. The Seattle-based non-profit organization performed four numbers that were interesting and dynamic, further proving that the human body is capable of moving in ways that never seemed possible.

Overall, the production at Cordiner Hall engaged the senses and the stellar production values made this one of my favorite dance performances this year.

ADOLESCENT LOVE: Gael Garcia Bernal (Julio) and Ana López Mercado (Ana) in Alfonso Cuaron's "Y tu mamá también"

A movie’s meaning changes with your state of mind at the time you see it. Perhaps it influences your philosophy on life or highlights all those thoughts you move towards the back of your mind. The unconscious effect of art is what makes it so special.

I can’t think of a better movie to help you reflect on our college-age lives than “Y tu mamá también,” a bittersweet erotic journey through life by director Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”). The MPAA may say the film is too pornographic for American audiences, but it obviously takes a hormonal, horny teenage boy to see so much more truth and honesty in the tale.

Two boys, Julio (Gael Garcia Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna), are transitioning away from their carefree, sex-obsessed teenage years and attempting to avoid the prospect of moving on to attend a university, or eventually, to real life.  The two best friends are left alone by their girlfriends for the summer, so they busy themselves with parties, drugs and taking advantage of Tenoch’s rich, upper-class family status.

They meet Luisa (Maribel Verdu), a female in her early thirties who married Tenoch’s uncaring and arrogant uncle. Verdu delivers the film’s most potent performance as the complex older female that teases, analyzes and educates the two boys about life. As the trio’s relationship sparks, Luisa receives news of her imminent death from cancer and decides to accompany the boys on a road trip to find Heaven’s Mouth, a secret beach fabled to be the most beautiful one on the Mexican coast.

Along their trip, Tenoch and Julio discover much about themselves and life.  Among the most powerful discovery is the fragility of friendship and human connections; the only thing really constant in our lives, they find, is the world that we live in (though Cuarón will question this later in “Children of Men”).  Life experiences shape us for better or for worse and we must appreciate each one. After all, they will not last.

While it remains a brutally honest coming-of-age story at the core, the film also pairs the main characters’ story line with political narratives about harsh realities and the corrupt government in modern day Mexico.

Alfonso Cuarón is my favorite director.  Ever.  He has an uncanny style that is obsessed with the import of narrative substance. His filming techniques are tailored specifically to intensify every emotion you feel whether to inspire feelings of happiness, suspense, sadness, disgust or just life.  In a sense, he knows how to remove the ‘film’ from the story and invest the viewer in the lives of each character as if they were demonstrating real life.

Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna also share an amazing chemistry onscreen, seen in the way  they portray the ideal of two best friends.  The two actors, as well as Carlos Cuarón, the co-writer of “Y tu mamá también” are all reuniting for a film to be released this summer titled “Rudo y Cursi.” It will be interesting to see how they handle the duo’s cult status from “Y tu,” and if this film will live up to their past success.

At the end of “Y tu,” just as the characters are transformed, the long journey to the beach helps to awaken and revise the viewer’s perspective on life as well.  As the narration says, “give yourself away to the ebb and flow of the waves.” If for nothing else, you college kids will at least get to see some wild sex scenes and drug abuse, right?

As many of us spend the bulk of our earliest bar-trolling years in Walla Walla, the bar culture here provides a sort of template for many students’ first experiences with adulthood.

Senior Rosa Brey summed up her coming of age experience in Walla Walla with one simple exclamation:  “It was awesome!  The Green!”

According to Jennifer Ellison, a bartender at the bar, The Green loves Whitman students back.

“I think that Whitman students mingle quite well with everybody,” said Ellison.  “Most of the time I don’t even know that they’re Whitman students.  Until they come in on a 50 days until graduation night and I’m like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know that you went to Whitman.’”

The low key, conversational atmosphere of The Green often draws students looking to get away from campus and have the opportunity to “meet non-Whitties.”

“It feels like you’re getting off campus even though it’s really nearby. You can go for thirty minutes or two hours,” said senior Celi Schoenike.

While The Green is known as the “Whitman bar,” there are other establishments in Walla Walla which offer a different atmosphere with different perks.

“The Green is the hot spot for Whitman and townie hookups, but the Blue is a lot more fun. It has better drinks and better prices. The Golden Horse karaoke, it’s not a bar but the alcohol that they serve there is really strong […] I’d say the Blue is the best place to get drunk. At the Green you can socialize,” said senior Charlotte “Charlie” McKiver.

But for McKiver, the best bar in Walla Walla is Barnaby’s. McKiver said that the bar is generous in their shot sizes.

Socialization seems to be the driving force that gets Whitman students out on the town.

“One of the cool parts about the bars here is that there’s a decent mix of people,” said junior Joe Gustav. “You don’t have to party with the same people you always see, you can just go to a bar and run into townies and that’s kind of fun.”

Students’ best times at bars are often inspired by interactions with the people of Walla Walla.

Schoenike gleefully recalled a wedding she witnessed at Barnaby’s where everyone from the mini-skirted bride to the heavily inked groom and guests were downing drink after drink and becoming rowdy.

Other students enjoy their encounters with generous and friendly folks.

“In the bar this one guy mistook one of my friends for Townes van Zandt, the deceased songwriter, and started buying him drink after drink. That was at The Green,” said senior Danny Crytser.

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, goes out to bars to meet people from Walla Walla to broaden her social repertoire.

“My bar nights are by far my favorites because they always end in encounters with awesome townies,” she said. “I once bought three games of Beirut in order to impress this townie I was trying to hookup with […]we all got too drunk to play but wanted to take the pitchers with us so we ended up going around the back way and handing them over the fence and we took them with us.”

Though some debauchery is bound to ensue while out drinking in Walla Walla, Ellison at The Green insists that Whitman students are some of her most polite patrons.

“Whitman students don’t stay really late.  They generally come in around 9 and leave by midnight. If anything they are the mellow kids in the bar here,” she said.

But Emily Stone, a bartender at Fat Cat’s, a bar with a typically older crowd than The Green’s, had a different opinion of Whitman students.

“I’ve lived here my whole life and you can just tell when Whitman students come in. They’re rowdier,” said Stone.