24 Hours in the Science Center

Humphrey Chen ’26 spent 24 consecutive hours in Amherst’s illustrious Science Center, sleeping, eating, showering, and observing. Here, he reports on what he learned, and narrates the chemistry brewing within the building.

Black Student Hairstylists Build Business, Community on Campus

The Student speaks with the owners of two student-run Black hairstyling businesses on campus, KC Cutz and Mane Attraction. These students not only provide a scarce service, but help build community and create space for the practice of Black hair care on campus.

“Art”: Ghostlight’s Newest Masterpiece

Ghostlight finished its inaugural season this weekend with the play “Art.” Managing Arts & Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 recaps the stellar performances and impressive set design by Amherst’s newest student theater troupe.

“Memories from Home”: An International Student Art Exhibition

Last week, “Memories from Home,” an international student art showcase, opened on the second floor of Frost Library. Staff Writer Florence Doyle ’26 and DEI Editor Erin Williams ’26 cover the exhibition’s launch party.

John Cho Discusses Barrier-Breaking Acting Career

Actor John Cho came to speak in Johnson Chapel on Monday, April 24. The “Harold & Kumar” star discussed his career while being a Korean American, the proliferation of Asian stereotypes, and the evolving role of Asian Americans in cinema.

What Keeps You Up At Night?: Episode 1

Chris Tun ’25 sits down with members of the Amherst community to discuss their anxieties and aspirations on The Student’s newest podcast.

Researchers Discuss Novel Approach to Sexual Assault Prevention

Shamus Khan, a professor of sociology at Princeton, alongside Jennifer Hirsch, a professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia, discussed their research into sexual assault on college campuses, as published in their 2020 book “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus.”

Strict Attendance Policies Do More Harm Than Good

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 argues that participation grades are a more comprehensive and equitable alternative to rigid attendance requirements for encouraging class engagement.

“Envisioning Lebanon”: Politics and Photography

On March 21, the photography exhibition “Envisioning Lebanon: a country between collapse and revolution” premiered in Frost Library. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 details the exhibition, which portrays the tension between revolution and normalcy in Lebanon.

Black Art Matters Festival Showcases Black Creativity

The sixth Black Art Matters Festival celebrated the work of Black student artists over two days, spanning musical performances, poetry, dance, and visual art exhibitions.

“The Milk Man” Brings all the Viewers to the Yard

AC Production Company premiered its first film “The Milk Man” on Saturday, Feb. 18. Staff Writer Joe Sweeney ’25 is ambivalent towards the mockumentary, which follows a student who makes the best milkshake Amherst College has ever seen.

Budget Complicates New Student Center Construction

Staff Writer Emma Burd ’26 checks in on the progress of the college's long-term plans for a new student center, finding that a tighter budget and the declining endowment seem to be potential roadblocks to starting construction.

Veggie Febbie: Cultivating a Plant-Based Community

This February, Veggie Club challenges Amherst students to try a plant-based diet for “Veggie Febbie.” Their end goal is to build a plant-based community and, for President Tim Carroll ’25, to convert a new class of long-term vegetarians.

A Jazzy Night: Gemini and Modality

On Saturday, the Eighmy Powerhouse hosted back-to-back performances featuring the musical ensembles Gemini and Modality. Staff Writer Davis Rennella ’24 reviews the contrasting performances, from Gemini’s evocative musical landscapes to Modality’s unorthodox improvisation.

Spirituality and Song in “Myths and Hymns”

This weekend, the Theater & Dance Department debuted Sterling Kee ’23’s senior thesis performance “Myths and Hymns,” which explores themes of self-discovery and the human relationship to the divine. Olivia Lynch ’25 reflects on the transcendent nature of the performance.

Val Hacks: Milkshake Madness

In this edition of Val Hacks, Staff Writer Ivy Haight ‘25 makes creative use of the soft serve machine and the waffle station for her customizable milkshake recipe. Mix and match your favorite flavors and toppings for an unforgettable culinary experience!

“Ancestral Bridges”: Amherst’s Black and Afro-Indigenous History

“Ancestral Bridges,” a new exhibit that premiered in Frost last week, maps the history of a sixth-generation Black and Afro-Indigenous family in Amherst. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 covers the opening reception, which features a photo gallery and historical artifacts.

Val Hacks: Strawberry Shortcake

“Val Hacks” is a column dedicated to exploring the culinary possibilities of Valentine Dining Hall. This week, Ivy Haight ’25 presents her recipe for strawberry shortcake.

Schwemm’s Transformed into Merchandise Store

The Mammoth Market at Schwemm's was transformed over winter break. It no longer offers hot food and is in the process of being converted into the college's official apparel store. To compensate, the Science Center Cafe will become the sole option for late-night dining.

Mead Art Museum Reopens After Steeple Repairs

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, under the leadership of its new director Siddhartha V. Shah, the Mead Art Museum opened its doors to the general public for the first time in nearly three years. In addition to Covid shutdowns, the Mead was forced to close again in March 2022 for repairs to the Stearns Steeple.

Birding at Amherst: Crows, Coops, and Cameras

This past year, birding at Amherst has seen a rise in popularity. Staff writer Fahim Zaman ’25 reflects on the beauty of birding through the stories of three Amherst students involved in bird-related activities.

The AAS Is Changing for the Better — Will Students?

The Editorial Board calls on students to match the productive changes the AAS is making with democratic enthusiasm, in order to make this spring a fresh start for student government.

Campus Art (and Food) for All

Students, staff, and faculty gathered in Valentine Hall for the “Campus Art for All Inaugural Exhibition,” featuring work from students and staff. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 breaks down the story behind the event’s inception, as well as the artists’ inspirations.

A Tale of Two Theses in Buckley Recital Hall

On Feb. 4, the Music Department produced two senior theses: “The Second Seed,” a composition thesis by Sam Wright ’23, and “Einheitswanderschaft,” a vocal thesis by Patrick Spoor ’23.

The Indicator x The Student: “A School Day along 城門河”

Originally published in the Fall 2022 edition of the Indicator, Priscilla Lee ’25 writes about the experiences of young filmmakers in Hong Kong.

Events You Might Have Missed…

Ahead of the end of the semester, many music, theater and dance groups at Amherst had their final performances … so many that we couldn’t cover them all! Here’s a quick recap of some of this week’s noteworthy events.

The Indicator x The Student: “The Persimmon Tree”

Kei Lim ’25 explores the impacts of grief, love, and abandonment in a piece originally published in the Spring 2022 edition of the Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Doe, a Deer”

Originally published in the Spring 2022 edition of the Indicator, Gabby Avena ’25 writes about the premature loss of innocence that comes with growing up as a woman.

Archiving Vietnam Veterans’ Stories: A Thesis Exhibition

Starting this Thursday, Dec. 1, studio art major Emma Spencer’s ’23E thesis show, “So, What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This?” will be available for viewing. Spencer’s project, consisting of both photography and film, catalogues the stories of female Vietnam War veterans.

Who Was the Inauguration Really For?

Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reflects on the presidential inauguration of the Michael A. Elliott and the complex division between faculty and students at elite academic institutions.

The Indicator x The Student: “There is no stopping Her”

A’Cora Hickson ’25 portrays the realization of internalized emotions in “There is no stopping Her,” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.

Facing Drought, Book and Plow Farm Shows Resilience

Book and Plow Farm had a smaller yield this year due to a drought that affected the Northeast. Despite the challenges, the farm delivered a healthy harvest for many of its staple vegetables, thanks in part to its resilience and adaptation.

K’s Nutrition Is the Freshest Face (and Smoothie) in Town

K’s Nutrition is Amherst’s newest health bar. Pho Vu ’23 sat down with owner Bryant Keeney to discuss the menu and exciting upcoming plans and additions.

Alex’s Super Spooky Seasonal Story

To inaugurate the start of the spooky season, Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 presents an eerie story about a mother and her daughter.

Rants and Raves: Peering Out of the Fishbowl

Prospective student tours are a more than slightly annoying disruption to campus life, rants Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24.

Jason Moran Kicks Off Presidential Scholars Series

Jason Moran, the college’s first 2022-2023 Presidential Scholar, is an award-winning jazz pianist who spent the last week hosting a series of masterclasses and lectures on campus. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ‘25 breaks down his final event, featuring a panel and concert.

Three Stories Down: Reflections From the Catacombs

Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24 shares a piece he wrote during one of his long study sessions in the bottom level of Frost, which makes the case for C-level as, improbably, the best place to work on campus.

“The Spread of Covid-Lite”

Cartoonist Miles Garcia ’25 illustrates the precautions taken by many students when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of the campus at large.

Wisdom and Perspective: Discussing Identity with Michelle Zauner

The Multicultural Student Union hosted Michelle Zauner of the pop band Japanese Breakfast in Johnson Chapel on May 4. Sarah Weiner ʼ24 recounts her wisdom and charm.

Schrodinger’s Matt: A Covid Saga

Luke Herzog ʼ24, Lena Lamer ʼ22, and Matt Vitelli ʼ24 recount a true story of deep confusion: when a food delivery to Matt’s quarantine room at the Econo Lodge mysteriously disappears, the three set out to solve the mystery.

Acclimating to Academics Abroad: Exchange Students Explain

This semester, Amherst College hosted nine exchange students from around the world. Pho Vu ’23, an exchange student herself, delves into the challenges of making Amherst home.

Seeing Double: Tradition, Tradition!

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reflects on his four years at Amherst, concluding his last solo column with a claim that the college is in need of more student traditions.

Moved by a Melody: Choral Society’s Spring Concert

Last Friday, the Amherst College Choral Society performed their Spring concert, “Everlasting Voices.” Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 recaps their first performance since the Glee Club’s merger with Chorus.

Poetic Perspectives: “Hush.”

In this week’s issue of “Poetic Perspectives,” Managing Arts and Living Editor Aniah Washington ’22 shares a poem about her mother, documenting unfulfilled dreams and generational trauma.

“Collecting 101”: The Art of Acquiring Art

“Collecting 101: Acquiring Art for the Mead” is an internship that helps select new pieces for the Mead Museum while studying the art of curation. Cassidy Duncan ’25 reflects on her experience with visiting art studios and presenting potential pieces for the Mead to the Amherst community.

Poetic Perspectives: “Narratives of Trauma”

In this week’s issue of “Poetic Perspectives,” Mikayah Parsons ’24 presents “Narratives of Trauma,” which critiques the expectation for Black students to share their traumas in order to gain admission into elite institutions.

Poetic Perspectives: “Masterpiece” and “A Walk”

Ernest Collins ’23 shares two striking poems for this week’s edition of Poetic Perspectives. The pieces both feature themes of self-discovery and resiliency.

Fifth Annual Black Art Matters Festival Celebrates Artists, Poets, and Musicians

Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 discusses the fifth annual Black Art Matters festival with participating artists and performers. The event was held on Thursday, March 24, in the Powerhouse.

Seeing Double: For More than Zero Gazebos

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 discusses why Amherst should build a gazebo (or multiple) on campus.

The Mesmerizing Murals of Santurce, San Juan

The neighborhood of Santurce in San Juan is known for its vibrant street art. Cassidy Duncan ’25 discusses the rich history and culture of Puerto Rican murals, which she prompted to investigate during a spring break trip.

A Covid Reflection: Mourning and Community

Tiia McKinney ’25 shares a story of mourning and grief, chronicling two years of Covid for her community in The Bahamas, punctuated by the deaths of loved ones.

The Power of Public Speaking

The college recently hosted its annual public speaking competition and the Litfest Spoken Word Slam. Mikayah Parsons ʼ24 speaks with participants of the events about the lack of a spoken word community at Amherst.

The Implications of NYFW’s Balaclava Trend

The balaclava, a garment that echoes Muslim head coverings, has swept the fashion world. Noor Rahman '25 breaks down the trend's insensitivity and the discrimination Muslim women face for wearing hijab and niqab.

Poetic Perspectives: “Sour Grapes”

In our first edition of "Poetic Perspectives," Mikayah Parsons '24 pens a coming-of-age tale of queerness, grief, and growth.

Val Hacks: Deviled Eggs

Audrey Rosevear '22 presents "Val Hacks," a column dedicated to exploring the culinary possibilities of Valentine Dining Hall. This week, here is her recipe for deviled eggs, Val-style.

Wasted Words: How Wordle Disrespects Words

Word games such as the New York Times Spelling Bee and Wordle have skyrocketed in popularity. Ross Kilpatrick '24E breaks down his issues with the games, arguing that words are relegated to trivial tiles, stripped of their meaning.

Val Hacks: "Tikka Masala"

Whether its lasagna or kalbi short ribs, everybody has a Val meal they'd rather avoid. Staff Columnist Audrey Rosevear ’22 presents “Val Hacks,” a column dedicated to exploring the alternative culinary possibilities available at Val. Up first, her Tikka Masala recipe.

Performance Gone Virtual: Terras Irradient

As the only Christian a cappella group at Amherst, faith is central to Terras Irradient’s performance. In a normal year, the choir shines on stage, making music only with the sounds of their voice. But do these key elements of their performance translate to Zoom? Even with their members spread across the nation, Terras Irradient, or TI for short, has managed to maintain their identity, defined not only by their music and faith, but also by their close-knit community. When students were suddenly

"Ticket to Ride" Provides High Stress and High Excitement Entertainment

Imagine a long train ride, carrying you all across Europe with regular stops in new cities where you can meet new people each day.  Unfortunately, for the moment, the pandemic has made travel experiences like that only possible in our daydreams. In the meantime, my friends and I have discovered the next best thing: “Ticket to Ride.” “Ticket to Ride” is a fun and intense board game that requires lots of focus and persistence. The board is a map — the version I play is Europe, but they make many

Williams Who? The Rivalry Between Amherst and Williams Explained

Over the last 200 years, many things have changed about Amherst. The student body is no longer all white, all male and all rich. The smallpox-spreading “Lord Jeff” mascot has been replaced with the image of an extinct animal. And there is a new Science Center which costs almost as much as the GDP of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. However, one aspect of Amherst’s identity has persevered: our infamous rivalry with Williams College. While this tradition largely survives through an annual fo