October 4, 2002

Dressed in red and black, the sorority sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA) set up the Grille in Batten Center last Friday night to prepare for the annual Mr. Wesleyan Contest. At what has come to be known as an ASA tradition, the "Ladybugs" used the contest as a fund-raising event and provided its contestants with the opportunity to win cash prizes. Ben Duff, "Mr. Wesleyan 2002" was awarded $75; second-place Brent Tharp received $50; and third-place Lamar Rodney received $25. Regular admission was $2, and for those who wore Greek letters admission was only $1. ASA also provided pizza and soda for all who came out to support the event. More than 100 people turned out, raising over $200 to see Will Miller, Jeff Arey, Ben Duff, Kevin Lasky, Tom Drabczyk, Brent Tharp, Craig O'Neil, Lamar Rodney, Derrick Rawlings and Tyron Northam showcase their charm, personality and, of course, their bodies.

After modeling their swimsuits the field was narrowed down to the judges’ top five. From there a grueling Question-and-Answer period began in which the audience was entertained with tales of stolen cookies, ex-girlfriends, key cards, chipped teeth and houseboats. Questions from the judges included, "What's the wildest sex act you've ever participated in?", "What would your last girlfriend say about you - good or bad?", "What do you look for in a woman?", "If you win, what would you spend your prize money on?", "When is the last time you cried over something sentimental?"

Each finalist was asked two questions, and their answers were combined with the previous scores from the swimsuit round to determine this year's "Mr. Wesleyan." Prospective dates for winner Duff should not expect to go to the movies on a first date, as he feels movie theaters don’t afford him the opportunity to get to know his date.
The deans of the college should be keeping an eye out for second-place Tharp, who plans on using his prize money either to “bribe the dean” or go eat a lot of food.

And third-place Rodney used his question to reveal his more romantic side - not directed so much towards the whole audience, but to his girlfriend to whom he handed a rose after answering his final questions.

Versatile chaplain does it all

By CARLOS MARTILLO

Photo By BLADEN FINCH Junior Lizzy Korday waits for some of Chappy’s fresh lemonade outside of Clarke.

"It's a gift to serve those folks and to be invited in a special part of their lives," said Chappy. Chapman offers students, faculty and any friend of VWC the ministry of listening and caring presence, pastoral care, counseling, reflection and spiritual guidance. He's available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless he's on the sidewalk or helping out with the softball team, when he'll shut down at 4.

"The college has given me a gift by inviting me as chaplain, so my biggest motivation in some way is to touch someone's life," said Chapman. He is an alumnus of the Class of ‘79 at VWC and took pictures for "Cross Winds" now known as "The Marlin Chronicle."

"It's just a great form of expression and creativity," said Chapman. Students can view some of his work inside and outside the Chaplain's Office. As a young man Chapman wanted to be a pilot. He went to ground school and flight school, where he obtained a student private pilot license. A portrait of his shirttail from his aviation suit can be found in his office from the first time he soloed.

"It's a tradition when you fly solo to cut your shirttail," he said. Chapman takes part in coaching the Women's Softball team as well. "The campus gives me a great sense of life and spirit," he said. Chappy's Cantina was made by a MBE 301 class and painted by former security officer Nick Bottis. Lemons are provided through the Food Service.

"A lot of people have a crappy day, so I try to give an unconditional positive regard," said Chapman. "I had just came out of a meeting and was having a horrible day, and even though Chappy didn't personally help me out, the atmosphere from the people around me made my day better," said senior Lindsey Eaves. "This is the first year my religion has related to my life universally," said freshman Andy Szymanski. "I'm very comfortable with the church setting because he's an open pastor."

"My mission is to touch someone's life, and it all ties with the mission statement," said Chapman. "That's why I'm out there." This passage can be found on page 26 of Student Handbook: "The mission of the Chaplain's Office is to provide an ecumenical and educational ministry of hospitality, grace, and presence to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Virginia Wesleyan College, regardless of their spiritual heritage or religious affiliation."

Chappy can be found in Batten Center or called at 455-3400.

Black Student Union revived

By SABRINA ENAYATULLA

With new clubs coming to Wesleyan every year, the ones that have been here for a while sometimes get overlooked. One of these clubs is the Black Student Union, formerly known as the African American Society. With the help of a few interested students, current president and junior Camara Jackson decided that an organization like this was perfect for the Wesleyan community. "We wanted Black Student Union to make Virginia Wesleyan a more diverse place and to unite all the minorities on campus," said Jackson.

However, the Black Student Union isn't only for the African American students on campus. "It was created by black students, and a majority of our members are black, but that doesn't mean that they are the only ones welcome," said Dawn Datcher, a senior at Wesleyan and BSU vice president. "The point of BSU is to bring everyone together, not segregate ourselves. Everyone is welcome."

So what's changed besides the name of this club? "We're doing a lot of this for the freshmen," said Datcher. "As upperclassmen we try and help keep them focused and let them know that there is a place for them to come. We touch on all kinds of subjects, from personal issues to what's going on in the community. We plan events together and just have a good time."

After the two of the founders graduate what will happen to BSU? "The incoming freshmen and underclassmen really want to get involved and be a part of this," said Datcher. "They can't wait to be in administrative positions. I think BSU will be stronger and more active in years to come." As for upcoming events, BSU has planned a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for Fri. Oct. 26, in the Batten Center gym from 5 to 9 p.m.

"We do a lot for Haven House as well," said Datcher. "And this year we'll work with them a lot around Thanksgiving and Christmas." Both Jackson and Datcher said they feel that they've gotten a lot of support from administration in trying to reorganizing the BSU.

"The administration has been very supportive," said Jackson "Lina's office, President Greer, Dean Buckingham, I think they are happy that our club is trying to do something positive." Meetings for Black Student Union are held on Mondays at 5 p.m. in Clarke 214.

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