Sterling Kee: A Passion for People, Onstage and Off

Sterling Kee has blossomed at Amherst as both a dynamic performer and an attentive friend, well-known for his thoughtfulness and quiet power.

Old News: This Week in 1996

In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 delves into the May 8, 1996 edition of The Student, which dealt with the fallouts of a violent student altercation and a homophobic hate crime, among other campus events.

Old News: This Week in 1898

Touring performances, alumni visits, and a whopping 107 advertisements: In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor and Columnist Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 probes the April 23, 1898 edition of The Student.

Fresh Faculty: Rebecca Hewitt

Rebecca “Becky” Hewitt is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies who researches the impacts of climate change on arctic ecosystems, focusing on forests and belowground fungi. Hewitt received a B.A. from Middlebury College in 2005 and a Ph.D. from University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2014.

Old News: 55 Years Since Dr. King’s Assassination

This April 4, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 revisits issues of The Amherst Student from the weeks surrounding Dr. King’s murder to explore the campus’ varied responses: from urgency and mourning, to fear and hope.

Old News: This Week in 1921

In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 peruses the March 21, 1921, issue, which includes a talk from a dorm’s namesake, Student Editorial Board updates, and more.

Old News: This Week in 1976

In a new series, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 uses a random number generator to look back on this week in Amherst’s history, through the lens of The Student. This week, she peruses the March 4, 1976 issue, with headlines eerily similar to 2023.

From Eggshells to Energy: Tracking the College’s Compost

The college produces a staggering amount of food waste which, thanks to a new contract, is processed by Vanguard Renewables into low-carbon fertilizer and renewable natural gas. The new composting program is part of a broader reassessment of food systems and food waste at the college.

Taking a Closer Look: Introducing the New Features Section

A note from your new managing Features editors.

Joelle Crichlow: Leading the Charge to Make Change

Guided by a passion for changemaking and a commitment to making Amherst a better place, Joelle Crichlow has done just that — and she will continue to effect positive change wherever her path takes her.

Accessing Amherst: Stories of Current Admissions Pathways

In the second installment of this series, The Student explores how diversity initiatives have constructed today’s student body. Several student stories shine light on the way that students and their experiences with the college process relate to the institution’s changes in access over time.

Accessing Amherst: Tracing Historical Admissions Changes

In the first of a two-part series exploring Amherst’s initiatives to reach students and communities with less historic access to higher education, The Student examines the historic buildup of Amherst’s efforts to diversify, particularly in the late 1960s.

Safety Committee Members Reflect on Report’s Impact

Last week, President Biddy Martin announced the Board of Trustees’ decision to keep ACPD armed after consulting a report from the Campus Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC). The Student spoke with CSAC members to better understand the report’s creation and its relation to the trustees’ decision.

Board of Trustees Votes To Keep ACPD Armed

The board of trustees has voted to keep the Amherst College Police Department armed, President Biddy Martin announced on Monday, April 18. The announcement came after the release of the final report from the Campus Safety Advisory Committee.

ACPD Responds About Vehicle Unmarking, Community Reacts

In an April 1 email, Chief of Police John Carter responded to criticism over the decision to unmark all ACPD vehicles, expressing regret and requesting input. Students expressed frustration with his response, linking it to the broader trend of the department’s response to calls for change.

ACPD Unmarks Vehicles, Prompting Student Concern

The Amherst College Police Department (ACPD) recently made its fleet of five vehicles entirely unmarked. While the department states that this choice was an attempt to reduce police presence on campus, students report feeling increased fear and uncertainty from the change.

Food Justice Alliance Puts Extra Val Food to Use

The Food Justice Alliance instituted a new program relying on student volunteers to reduce food waste. The extra food from Val is donated to Craig’s Doors, a local homeless shelter in the town of Amherst.

‘Time Stopped’: Amherst Reflects on Two Years of Covid

On this day, March 9, two years ago, the college announced it would switch to remote learning due to Covid-19. The Student asked members of the college community to reflect on what they’ve learned through the pandemic, what has changed in their lives, and how they see the world differently now.

Students Rally Support for Prison Moratorium Bill

Alongside students at other Massachusetts colleges, Amherst students are mobilizing to garner support for a Massachusetts state legislature bill that would place a five-year moratorium on prison construction. They are advocating for the funding of community programs instead of prisons.

Lipstadt Talk Prompts Students To Ponder Antisemitism, Jewish Community

Deborah E. Lipstadt, President Biden’s nominee for Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, gave a talk on Feb. 10 titled “Antisemitism: The Ubiquitous Hatred.” She explained the ideology behind antisemitism, leading students to express concerns about antisemitism at the college.

College Loosens Initial Spring Covid Protocols

The college has loosened some of its initial Covid restrictions following the success of its protocols for move-in and the first week of classes. Students and professors expressed understanding for the initially stricter protocols, while yearning for a return to near-normalcy.

Quarantine Reflections from the Rodeway Inn

The Student interviewed several students who have been quarantined this semester after testing positive for Covid about their time in isolation. Students reported a variety of experiences, ranging from satisfaction with the resources provided to social and academic isolation.

College Comments on Generous Budget of Bicentennial Party

The college has not disclosed its spending on the Oct. 15 Bicentennial Party, which featured several extravagant amusements, from a ferris wheel to a performance by Grammy award-winning artist Common. The Student investigated the motivation behind the celebration, as well as the source of the funds.

College Celebrates Bicentennial with Blowout Bash

The college held a lavish Bicentennial Party for the campus community on Oct. 15. The celebration served an array of New England foods, boasted a Ferris wheel and 100-foot slide, and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Common.

Students Plan Off-Campus Travel Over Fall Break

Off-campus travel will not be restricted during Fall Break (Oct. 9-12), although the college strongly encourages students to stay on campus. Students expressed excitement over the opportunity for a change in routine and scenery, as well as gratitude for the college’s return testing protocol.