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Articles by Katherine Conlon
Inside/Out class grants college credit to incarcerated students
Katherine Conlon was a student in the course for the spring 2024 semester. On April 25, Muhlenberg’s Inside/Out program held its graduation ceremony at the Lehigh County Jail. The course is headed by Professor of Psychology and Director of Women & Gender Studies Kate Richmond, Ph.D., and Community Engagement Librarian Jess Denke.
Faculty depart from ‘Berg
hifts in the faculty roster is a common occurrence in colleges and universities across the country. However, in recent weeks, The Weekly has been made aware of the imminent departure of many of the College’s faculty members. As of now, we are aware of at least five faculty members leaving the school of their own volition. This number does not include professors on adjunct or visiting contracts, those who were fired or placed on leave and those retiring.
Who was there to hear?
If someone had told me on my first day of college in August of 2020 that I would be the editor of the school paper, I would’ve said, “Who are you and why are you just predicting my random life achievements?” When former news editor, Sophie Sarnitsky, suggested via Zoom that I should write for the paper, I reluctantly agreed; thinking that this could be something to get me out of the COVID bubble I’d been in for almost a full year.
AI in the classroom
With the inception of ChatGPT in 2022, now, more than ever, students have been granted new ways to learn. ChatGPT is an online artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot with the ability to transform education. AI software is able to provide students with nearly instant answers to questions, brainstorming ideas and even fully completed assignments. AI has the potential to completely alter higher education, providing potential benefits and drawbacks.
Hillel-sponsored event incites protest
This story is still developing. To make a comment contact weeklyeditor@gmail.com. Muhlenberg College’s Hillel hosted Amanda Berman, founder and executive director of Zioness, for an event on Mar. 27.
Village wall vandalized
On Sunday, Mar. 3, a stone wall outside of the Village apartmentswas spray-painted with the words “Free Palestine.” On the following day, Associate Dean of Students Courtney Stephens sent a mass email to the student body as a reminder about policies within the Student Code of Conduct. She wrote, “This email is to remind all students that vandalism is a violation of our Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions ranging from probation to expulsion, depending on the situation.
FAFSA delays put pressure on College and students
If you have applied to college in the United States after 1965, you are likely to have filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a government form used by both prospective and current students to calculate financial aid eligibility. On Dec. 30, 2023, the US Department of Education released a new version of this application, pioneered by the Biden administration through a bipartisan law passed in Congress in 2020.
Artist spotlight: Alex McCauley ‘26
If you’re a Muhlenberg student with Instagram, it’s likely that you’ve seen some of Alex McCauley’s ‘26 artwork pop up on your feed. The economics major’s art Instagram account has been gaining a lot of traction by posting photoshoots with members of the student body. The shoots are not in a traditional style that you might expect from a student photographer. Rather, McCauley’s photos take on an expressive, yet simplistic quality.
I’m over Taylor Swift
Let me get this out of the way: the title of this article is clickbait (or lookbait I guess if you’re reading a print copy). In what world did you think that I, an OG Swiftie, would ever fully stop listening to the music that defined my childhood and adolescence? Now, if you know me, you might think my main qualm with Swift is the potential grammatical error in her upcoming album’s title: “The Tortured Poets Department” (shouldn’t there be an apostrophe after “poets”?). But, I digress.
Muhlenberg under investigation; professor placed on leave
President Kathleen Harring, Ph.D., informed the campus community via email on Jan. 18 that the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) was conducting an investigation into a complaint filed against Muhlenberg. In the message, Harring noted that “Muhlenberg College is committed to a safe, equitable, bias-free environment for all students, faculty and staff.
Sad Girl Book Club: “Eileen”
Heyyy… the second installment of the Sad Girl Book is finally here. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What took so long?” Well, last semester I wasn’t reading sad girl books as much as I was the sad girl reading books assigned to me by professors who don’t care about fulfilling my insatiable desire for depressing literature (which is honestly really rude and inconsiderate of them).
Top ten “Glee” covers that rival the originals
After a wildly successful first edition of cover rankings, I am back with a vengeance. So you thought I wasn’t objective; you wanted me to include your random soft-rock white man songs. Well, I reject these demands and say “NO!” I refuse to be influenced by gen-Xers (dad). This is why I am transporting you to another time and place: Lima, Ohio in the 2010s. That’s right, we’re doing the best “Glee” covers that are better than the originals. Why? Because. I. Can.
Ciarla publication paused
On Nov. 7, the Student Government Association (SGA) announced that the Ciarla would halt publication, at least temporarily. The yearbook has been a facet of the College for 130 years, with the first edition coming out in 1893. It may seem unprecedented for Muhlenberg to stop a tradition that has been in place for over a century. However, the SGA did outline its reasons for making this decision.
Muhlenberg alumni petition for professor’s removal
The Muhlenberg Weekly originally published this article on Nov. 2. It was met with strong responses and calls for retraction. We decided to take down the story to regroup and figure out our next steps. Now, we are republishing this piece with edits out of caution and concern for our student journalists. The Weekly strives to be neutral on this issue and report on what is happening without editorializing. We refuse to be used by either side of this issue to defend their stances.
Is there a place for female athletes on ‘Berg’s football team?
With other DIII schools bringing female players onto their teams, the question arises if Muhlenberg will follow suit. By Katherine Conlon In late September, it was reported that a Shenandoah University student, Haley Van Voorhis ’25 became the first female non-kicker to play in a DIII NCAA football game. Van Voorhis plays on the team’s defense as a safety. This story broke through and was covered by national media outlets such as ESPN and CNN.
Album review: “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”
Chappell Roan bursts onto the scene with a masterful debut album. While everyone was buzzing about Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album and Taylor Swift’s new romance with NFL player Travis Kelce, an up-and-coming pop superstar was in the midst of releasing her debut album. On Sept. 22, Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” completely captivated listeners. Roan’s style incorporates all the best aspects of the pop legends that came before her.
Album review: “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”
While everyone was buzzing about Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album and Taylor Swift’s new romance with NFL player Travis Kelce, an up-and-coming pop superstar was in the midst of releasing her debut album. On Sept. 22, Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” completely captivated listeners. Roan’s style incorporates all the best aspects of the pop legends that came before her.
Muhlenberg ranked top college for economic diversity
On Sept. 8, Muhlenberg College was brought onto the national stage with a feature in The New York Times article “The College Access Index Returns.” This piece delves into the concept of economic diversity within the realm of higher education. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision repealing affirmative action, economic diversity is now seen by many as a way to continue the effort to increase racial diversity within college campuses.
Top 10 covers that are better than the original
Picture this: you’re driving down the streets of Allentown listening to your favorite Spotify playlist. When you run out of songs, the app starts playing similar music on shuffle.
New, independently-owned bookstore opens near 'Berg
On Apr. 29, The End: a bookstore opened up on Tilghman Street, just minutes away from Muhlenberg’s campus. The shop’s owner, Kirsten Hess, sat down with The Weekly to talk about her business’s origin, the importance of independent bookstores and her overall love of reading. Back in 2013, Hess opened up her first bookstore, Let’s Play Books, in Emmaus. While Hess found success with her business, she couldn’t help but notice some difficulties arising.
Reflecting on The Great Allentown Fair: A nostalgic romp? Or a relic of a crueler past?
Every year around the first week of classes at Muhlenberg College, The Great Allentown Fair holds a 5-day festival filled to the brim with classic fair activities. The last time I had been to the fair was in preschool, so I decided to give it a visit to see if it was really as “great” as the name suggested. The fair has a storied history, spanning over a century. “In its 171-year history, it has weathered pandemics and epidemics, world wars and the Great Depression.
Things to do in Crete
*affiliate links: find out how we are funded and why this helps us remain free to use. The largest of the Greek islands, and the one to boast the longest summers, Crete truly has something for everyone. Once home to the ancient Minoans - the earliest recorded civilization in Europe - Crete is enveloped in thousands of years of history not to mention ringed with a stunning coastline, and you won't be disappointed with the choice of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on offer.
‘Berg hosts heated congressional debate
A horde of students and supporters gathered in the Seegers Union Event Space on Oct. 6 for what turned out to be an impassioned debate. Competing for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in this midterm election are incumbent Congresswoman Susan Wild (D) and President and CEO of Silberline Manufacturing Lisa Scheller (R).
Midterm Madness - The Muhlenberg Weekly
The Muhlenberg Weekly is committed to informing the student body about the upcoming midterm election. In our new column, we will outline key races that ‘Berg students can vote in. We have reached out to every candidate for their responses on a couple of critical questions.
College sees decline in enrollment
Muhlenberg has consistently prided itself on being a small school where students can engage one-on-one with professors and gain a rich liberal arts education. Now, these traits which once served as attractive factors for high school students choosing where to spend their next four years may be the reason why fewer high schoolers are deciding to become Mules. Melissa Falk ‘92, dean of admissions and financial aid, noted that at their point of entry the class of 2023 was at 538 students.
Midterm Madness - The Muhlenberg Weekly
The Muhlenberg Weekly is committed to informing the student body about the upcoming midterm election. In our new column, we will outline key races that ‘Berg students can vote in. We have reached out to every candidate for their responses on a couple of critical questions.
Monkeypox at Muhlenberg
The Monkeypox outbreak has made its way onto Muhlenberg’s campus and was reported on Sept. 7 in an email from Dean of Students Allison Williams. “A person who was on campus last week self-reported a recent positive test for monkeypox. The individual is not a student and does not live on campus. The person is now in isolation,” stated Williams in the message.
Will the overturning of Roe v. Wade puncture the ‘Berg bubble?
On June 24, the United States Supreme Court released their ruling on the highly anticipated Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. The case involved a contested Mississippi law which banned abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. The ruling came almost two months after a majority decision draft was leaked to the press indicating that the landmark 1973 case, Roe v. Wade, would be overturned.
“Take Back the Night” highlights survivors’ experiences
photo credit: instagram.com/muhlenbergcollege. Survivors telling their stories as spectators listen. On Apr. 6, a “Take Back the Night” event was held on the East Chapel Lawn. This gathering was meant to serve as a dialogue for survivors of sexual violence to share their experience in front of a group of understanding individuals. Several students came forward and shared either through personal spoken statements or written testimonies that were read by a non-student.
Muhlenberg hosts first Democratic debate for PA’s U.S. Senate seat
Rebecca Clark '23. Representative Kenyatta and Congressman Lamb debating next to the empty podium where Lt. Governor Fetterman should have been. On Apr. 3, students, faculty, local community members and politicians gathered in the Event Space of Seegers Union for the first debate in the U.S. Senate race for Pennsylvania’s empty seat.
Rare books in Trexler collide with classwork
photo credit: Susan Falciani Maldonado. students looking at the College's archives on B level of the library Muhlenberg College’s Trexler Library contains rows upon rows of novels, records and written scholarship that students are free to check out at any time. However, there is a section of the library that is not as widely known: Muhlenberg’s Special Collections.
Coming back to ‘Berg
Photo courtesy of the Muhlenberg Office of Communications. Andréa Rodriguez smiling on Academic Row When most students commit to attending Muhlenberg, they believe that they will be at the College for about a four-year timeframe. However, after graduating, some alumni decide to plant roots in Allentown and work for the institution that granted them their undergraduate degree. This was the case for Morgan Tietz ‘21 and Andrea Rodriguez ‘21.
Omicron at Muhlenberg: What precautions are being taken?
The winter break in between semesters is meant to provide students, faculty and staff with much needed rest and relaxation. However, over this past break there was only one thing on the minds of every Muhlenberg community member: the omicron variant. This new, highly transmissible strain of the COVID-19 virus has forced the College’s administrators to revise their policies surrounding the pandemic.
SGA reflects on the fall semester
The SGA is holding elections to fill some spots for next semester. Photo courtesy of Ben Eber '23. As the semester draws to a close, The Weekly checked in with the Student Government Association (SGA) to hear their reflections on the past few months and what they are looking forward to in the future. SGA President Zaire Carter ‘22 stated, “I believe that the visibility of SGA has increased and students know more about who we are. That is such a major accomplishment for SGA.
New Director of Equity and Title IX hired at Muhlenberg
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Storm/@JenniferRStorm on Twitter Storm takes on the role as the new Director or Title IX on Muhlenberg's campus. It was announced by Dean of Students Allison Williams on Nov. 11 that the College would be welcoming a new staff member to its community as Director of Equity and Title IX.
Dr. Simran Jeet Singh educates the 'Berg community on Sikhism
Photo credit: samranjeetsingh.org Dr. Singh speaks on the foundational principles of Sikhism. On Nov. 7, the Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding presented this year’s Wallenberg Tribute lecture and award. The Wallenberg Tribute lecture and award was conceived to honor Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg who saved Budapest Jews from the Nazis during the Holocaust.
Muhlenberg College holds Hunger Free Campus Symposium
Photo courtesy of the Muhlenberg Office of Communications. Muhlenberg Challah for Hunger members and Representative Mike Schlossberg '25. Muhlenberg College welcomed a wide array of speakers to its Hunger Free Campus Symposium on Oct. 24 in Moyer Hall. The event was organized by the College’s chapter of Challah for Hunger, a non-profit based in Jewish values with a mission of minimizing food insecurity, and featured several politicians, activists and student leaders.
'Berg hosts Allentown mayoral debate
Photo by Ben Eber '23/The Muhlenberg Office of Communications. Matt Tuerk (D), Cydney Wilson '23, Emma Mueller '22, Tim Ramos (R). Students and faculty gathered in the Seegers Union event space on Oct. 4 to watch Allentown’s two major party candidates for mayor engage in a spirited—yet civil—debate. The candidates consisted of Democrat Matt Tuerk and Republican Tim Ramos. Each candidate was given two minutes to answer each posed question with a minute-long rebuttal.
Students relax on Muhlenberg’s second Breathing Day
Students take advantage of the second Breathing Day and enjoy a nice day outside on the College Green. Photo courtesy of @muhlenbergcollege on Instagram. On April 28, Muhlenberg College held its second and final “Breathing Day” of the spring 2021 semester. On both of these occasions, all classes were canceled and the Muhlenberg Activities Council (MAC) hosted several events to entertain the student body.
‘Berg students flock to college vaccination clinic
Marti the Mule welcomes students to the Moderna vaccine clinic held on April 16. Photo courtesy of @muhlenbergcollege on Instagram. With the knowledge that Pennsylvania would be opening up vaccine eligibility to all residents on April 16, Muhlenberg College began working towards vaccinating its student body. On that same day, an on-campus clinic distributed the first dose of the Moderna vaccine to approximately 150 students.
SGA hosts presidential debate
Photo courtesy of @bergstudentgov on Instagram. The Muhlenberg Student Government Association (SGA) held its annual presidential debate on April 14 via Facebook Live. The debate consisted of a series of questions that each candidate had one minute to answer as well as opening and closing statements. Moderating the debate was Jordan Soffer ’21, the current student body president. The debate’s participants and subsequent candidates were Daniel Burden ’23, Zaire Carter ’22 and Jason Ivey ’23.
"Meet the Ticket" events bring local politics to Muhlenberg
Photo courtesy of @ocevoterpromoters on Instagram. Candidates for City Council and Mayor of Allentown participated in two “Meet the Ticket” events at Muhlenberg College on March 31 and April 7, respectively. The events, which took place via Zoom, consisted of several breakout rooms in which students could engage in a discussion, moderated by students from ‘Berg Votes, College Democrats and College Republicans, with the candidates.
Snow on top of COVID: how 'Berg pulled off Spring 2021 move-in
Photo by Ayden Levine '23. While many students fretted about a potentially belated move in, the Plant Operations Department and the COVID Operations Team at Muhlenberg were working long hours to deal with the massive snow storm that occurred just before students were scheduled to arrive. “It was a Herculean effort to get all of the driveways and roads clear enough to be able to use them,” said Dean of Students Allison Gulati about the Plant Operations Department.
Muhlenberg Expands Mental Health Resources
“As a full community at Muhlenberg, we recognize that emotional health is everybody’s responsibility.” This is Dean of Students Allison Gulati’s philosophy on the mental well-being of the Muhlenberg student body. Earlier in the semester, Muhlenberg began its four-year partnership with The Jed Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on the mental well-being of young people.
"Glorious Bones" presentation sparks thought-provoking cultural dialogue
The Media and Communication department hosted sports media expert Dr. Samantha Sheppard in a virtual honors lecture given on Feb. 18. Dr. Sheppard’s talk was entitled “Glorious Bones: Race, Sports Films, and the Public Imagination.” The evening was filled with thought-provoking commentary from Dr. Sheppard, as she broke down the stereotypes, tropes, and struggles associated with Black athletes in both sports films and the sports industry as a whole.
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