Reece McGowan

Tensions are rising. Recruitment is approaching. On a quiet stretch of campus removed from sorority row, near Dallas Hall Lawn, a sign sits just off the walkway. A “Think Theta” sign promotes Kappa Alpha Theta’s return to SMU in Fall 2026. (Reece McGowan) White, simple, tied with a gold ribbon. “Think Theta,” it reads. Just a few years ago, this message was different. In 2023, headlines across campus revisited the chapter’s earlier removal: “Thinking Theta?

By Reece McGowan Dearest gentle reader, It has come to this author’s attention that our society remains incredibly devoted to appearance. A bedazzled ballgown, the perfect entrance, a pretty face admired from across the ballroom. These are the offerings of many mistakes for the price of affection. It only takes a little glance at today’s filtered images and altered profiles to see that little has changed. Season 4, Part 1 of Bridgerton offers a rebuttal.

By Reece McGowan A holiday once reserved for love has quickly become a competition of performance. Valentine’s Day, in its current form, often feels less about connection and more about comparison. Social media turns the day into a highlight reel, where couples compete for the biggest bouquet, the fanciest reservation, or the most perfectly “unstaged” moment. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the fact that love was never meant to be compared.