Most students at Randolph-Macon walk the campus grounds every day without realizing that their campus has changed drastically over the last hundred years. While Old Campus still remains intact, facilities such as the science building, fraternity row, and the athletic fields have changed locations so drastically that the RMC class of 1925 would think they are at a different college. For instance, the tennis courts were once located to the right of Thomas Branch Hall and fraternity row was once behind the current Kappa Alpha Order house. But, these are all topics for a future article. One of the most historically significant and interesting buildings that has been razed from not only the campus but the minds of current students is the “Old Gym.”

Built in 1882, the gym was the oldest building in the South built specifically for the purpose of general athletics. It was located between the current sites of the Peele Administration Building and the Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza. It was a relatively small building that featured a large room with athletic equipment on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. As the years progressed, the outside walls and roof took on another purpose: a bulletin board. Students would paint winning game scores, slogans, or protests on the outside of the gym, dating back to the early 1900s.

The gym stood for a total of 92 years on the RMC campus. It had been replaced as the college’s main athletic facility when Alumni Gym was built in 1927. In the 47 years that followed, the building took on a number of different uses, such as an art gallery and event space. The Old Gym was an ancient building by the 1970s and, unfortunately, it was deemed too old and unimportant. For years prior to its eventual demolition, administration pushed for the building to be razed, but each time it was saved by a passionate student and alumni body who despised the idea of their landmark being erased. The arrival of a new president, Luther W. White III, brought change and a radical new building spree that consisted of both new construction and the demolition of several old buildings. These consisted of, for example, the old fraternity row, Pettyjohn Science Hall, and, after 92 years, the Old Gym. The 1975 Yellow-Jacket Yearbook summarized the new construction in contrast with the demolition of the old gym in this article by Karen L. Hines:

“It is easy to note the physical changes on campus this year. Fall 1974 marked the opening of the

Frank E. Brown Campus Center, a building to be used as a combination of CX, book store, post office, art gallery, meeting and lecture room, student government offices, publications and photography headquarters, and all around lounging area. Undoubtedly the new student union has provided a centralized building for student activities. The new modern building was seen in startling contrast to the character of the Old Gym. Separated by the fountain plaza, the two buildings faced each other with silent antipathy, reflecting the change in the concept of architectural beauty through Randolph- Macon history. The R-MC community was not favored with this contrast for long. The Old Gym was displaced. Removed from the campus, torn down, the destruction of the Old Gym marked the victory of practicality over sentiment and historical value. Christmas break provided a proper time for the demolition, and the Old Gym was allowed to fall with quiet dignity, unseen by the gaping students. The campus has taken on a new physical personality.”

The destruction of this campus landmark combined with a number of other factors left many RMC students feeling rather unsettled about the future of their college.

“It appears that everything is winding down at R-MC. One landmark was torn down, another was threatened. The college is limiting itself academically through the faculty cutback. There is no guarantee that the faculty will not again be decreased. Students tend toward being more apathetic in campus life. Randolph- Macon’s strong points, a warm student body, a campus with a personality and physical beauty, and high academic standards, are verging on disappearance. Is this “progress,” or are we losing our identity?”

Looking back in 2025, we now know that Randolph-Macon has blossomed academically, in size, and in architectural beauty. However, one of the sentiments that Ms. Hines voiced in 1974 still rings true: forward progress comes at a cost. While modern yellow jackets walk a formidable campus, they are unaware of the plaque next to the fountain that marks the Old Gym’s location. It has slipped into the pages of time, forgotten.

Shedeur Sanders was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns and there has been plenty of focus on the young quarterback’s life away from the gridiron, including his earnings and love life

Shedeur Sanders celebrated being drafted by the Cleveland Browns and has received plenty of attention about his NFL prospects.

The former Colorado Buffaloes star had been tipped by many to be a first-round pick, but he was selected by the Browns in the fifth round at No. 144 overall. And he now faces a battle for his spot on the Cleveland roster as the franchise also drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round and has more experienced signal-callers Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett too.

It means that Sanders, son of NFL icon Deion, will have to prove his worth in the Browns’ upcoming preseason games. However, the 23-year-old is already accustomed to the spotlight, and here’s a closer look at his life away from the gridiron.

What is Shedeur Sanders’ net worth?

Celebrity Net Worth lists Sanders’ wealth at $4 million. While Sanders is yet to sign his first professional contract with the Browns, the young quarterback is still reported to be worth seven figures through his Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals .

It has been claimed by On3 Sports that Sanders’ endorsements total $6.5M. His portfolio includes deals with Beats by Dre, Google, Mercedes-Benz, and Tom Brady’s BRADY brand. Sanders was also the first college football star to sign an NIL contract with Nike.

On3 Sports lists Sanders as the second-highest-earning NIL athlete, and he remarkably stands to earn less from his potential NFL contract after being selected in the fifth round. Salary projections suggest that as the No. 144 overall draft pick, Sanders will earn around $4.6M over four years.

Has Shedeur Sanders got a girlfriend?

Sanders is not known to be in a relationship, but has been romantically linked with several people in recent years. In early 2023, it was suggested that he was dating actress Storm Reid after accompanying her on the red carpet for the premiere of Reid’s film, Missing.

When asked about Sanders, Reid told Entertainment Tonight: “He’s super sweet, super talented. I’m just glad to have him here supporting me.” The actress attended games during Sanders’ time with the Jackson State Tigers, but it was rumored that their relationship ended at some point in 2023.

The following year, his social media interactions with influencer Jasmine Rae led to fan theories that the pair were dating. The creative director of activewear brand Lova Active boasts more than 800k Instagram followers.

Sanders held a party to celebrate being drafted by the Browns at Hyde & Seek in Dallas. During the festivities, he was seen sitting next to Jamaican singer Shenseea, who is five years older than the quarterback.

Although there was no suggestion that the two are romantically involved, fans began to speculate about a possible relationship, and Shenseea was not the only party guest to be linked to Sanders.

Rapper Yung Miami also attended and performed at the event, posing in pictures with Sanders at the party. However, the rapper shut down rumors they were dating in a social media post.

When the topic of relationships was brought up on Sanders’ 2Legendary podcast, he gave a coy response. After being asked if he had a special woman in his life, Sanders replied: “Yes, I have my mom.”

I wasn’t supposed to be at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for all four years. I was going to transfer to Boston University after a year.

I came into UMass thinking I would do just one year before taking my guaranteed transfer offer with BU. This all changed for me when I stepped into the Massachusetts Daily Collegian office in the Student Union.

My one dream going into college was to cover college hockey, which I thought was impossible as a freshman going to a school that was coming off of a National Championship.

After going up to the then-Sports Editor Lulu Kesin and volunteering to be on the field hockey beat and having a lengthy conversation with Colin McCarthy about college hockey, the dream didn’t seem so impossible.

At the first field hockey game I covered, Lulu offered me a spot on the hockey beat alongside Colin and Sophie Weller. While she gave me a few days to think about it, I knew right then and there that I was going to take it.

Over that season I would have new experiences, interviewing top college players and head coaches. I also found new mentors in Colin and Sophie who I still credit for my love and passion for journalism.

One of the people I credit the most for how I conduct myself in press conferences is head coach Greg Carvel. He’s one of the only head coaches I know that has made it a point to challenge student media to be better and push us to ask the best questions.

Hockey Sports Information Director Jillian Jakuba has also been such a large part of my time with the Daily Collegian. Always willing to give the hockey beat media when we need it and supporting us, she’s one of the people I will miss the most.

While covering events like the Hockey East Championship, the NCAA Tournament and going to places like Belfast, Northern Ireland will be some of my fondest memories, the relationships I built will be some of the biggest things I’ll take away from the Daily Collegian.

Walking into the press box and seeing Colin, Sophie, Sydney Ciano, Matt Skillings, Scottie Marro, Caroline Burge, Devin Lippman and Mike Maynard every week was always fun. Win or lose, I knew that after the game, there would not be a dull moment.

Sitting with them shaped my writing and made me a better journalist in my four years. I know that no matter where I go in the world, I have lifelong friends in all of them.

Sitting in the cold Earl Lorden Field stands with Mike and Owen Shelffo or sitting in the heat at Gladchuk Field Complex with Lucy Postera will also be some of my fondest memories.

A majority of my time at UMass was spent in the Daily Collegian office behind the Student Union stairs. Through that, I built friendships with people from other sections and built stronger relationships with the people in the sports section.

Johnny Depin is someone I know I’ll always be friends with, with our friendship dating back to freshman year. Our handshake and trips to the dining hall won’t be forgotten.

I don’t know where my sports career will take me, but no matter what, the Daily Collegian will always be a part of me.

Four years, over 160 stories, six features, four NCAA Tournaments and 18 hockey rinks later (19 if you count Fenway Park), I’m prepared for a career in sports.

While there have been times where I think about what would have happened if I did leave UMass, I know I made the right choice. As my favorite Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo once said, “No regrets. Only memories.”

Kayla Gregoire was an Assistant Sports Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi is receiving medical care for acute pancreatitis, according to a university spokesperson.

The spokesperson didn’t say how long Bendapudi has been or will be receiving care.

She will be participating remotely in the Board of Trustees meetings Thursday and Friday, and will not be attending any commencement ceremonies this weekend to focus on her recovery. 

Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed in a short period of time. Treatment usually involves admission to a hospital with most people recovering in about a week, according to the National Health Service.

“While she is recovering, her spirits are high and she is grateful for the support of the Penn State community,” DuBois said.

MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is holding its spring commencement ceremonies this Friday and Saturday.

Guest Information:

Ceremony doors open 60 minutes before each ceremony. The university encourages guests to be seated 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Live streaming of all ceremonies will be available on the UofA YouTube channel.

Friday, May 9

Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences starts at 3 p.m. inside Bud Walton Arena.
Speaker: Nya Kidd, senior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences starts at 3:30 p.m. inside Barnhill Arena.
Speaker: Sally Abigail Hamm, honors student in the School of Human Development and Family Sciences in Bumpers College

Saturday, May 10

University Commencement for graduate students starts at 8:30 a.m. inside Bud Walton Arena.
Speaker: Coleman Warren, UofA alumnus, Rhodes Scholar, and Public Policy Coordinator with Communities Unlimited
Honorary Degree: Richard “Rick” Massey, Director of Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc., and Alight, Inc.

College of Engineering starts at noon inside Barnhill Arena.
Speaker: John English, former U of A Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dean of the College of Engineering and Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering

College of Education and Health Professions starts at 12:30 p.m. inside Bud Walton Arena.
Speaker: Valorie Kondos Field, former Head Coach of the seven-time NCAA champion UCLA Bruins gymnastics program

Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design starts at 3 p.m. inside Barnhill Arena.
Speaker: David Fitts, U of A alumnus and former NASA Chief of the Habitability and Human Factors Branch of the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Sam M. Walton College of Business has two ceremonies.

First ceremony starts at 3:30 p.m. inside Bud Walton Arena.
Speaker: Brad Eichler, Chief Operating Officer of Stephens Inc.

Second ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. inside Bud Walton Arena. Speaker: Shelley Simpson, President of the Chief Executive Office of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.

School of Law starts at 5:30 p.m. inside Barnhill Arena.
Speaker: Carol Dalby, Representative in the Arkansas House of Representatives, a member of the Board of Trustees for the U of A School of Law, and President-Elect of the Arkansas Bar Association (starting June 2025)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Tournament Features Last Three Hobey Baker Award Winners

Sixty-three current and former NCAA men’s hockey players will compete in the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Men’s World Championship, which begins Friday in Sweden and Denmark.

Thirteen of the 16 competing countries will have NCAA representation, led by the United States (25), Latvia (12), Canada (five), Austria (four), and Germany (four).

The rostered players include seven active college hockey standouts, as well as the last three Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners: Isaac Howard (Michigan State, 2025), Macklin Celebrini (Boston University, 2024), and Adam Fantilli (Michigan, 2023).

Thirty-three different NCAA schools will be represented during the tournament. Michigan leads with six players, followed by Boston University (five) and UConn (four). Arizona State, Boston College, Lake Superior State, Michigan State, Minnesota, and St. Cloud State have three each.

The 2025 IIHF Men’s Hockey World Championship takes place May 9-25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark. The tournament can be seen on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.

For more information, visit IIHF.com.

AUSTRIA (4)

F Brian Lebler, Michigan
D Luis Lindner, New Hampshire
F Peter Schneider, Notre Dame
G Atte Tolvanen, Northern Michigan

CANADA (5)

F Macklin Celebrini, Boston University
F Adam Fantilli, Michigan
F Kent Johnson, Michigan
D Mike Matheson, Boston College
D Brandon Montour, UMass

CZECHIA (1)

F Jáchym Kondelík, UConn

DENMARK (3)

D Nick Jensen, Plattsburgh State*
D Oliver Lauridsen, St. Cloud State
F Patrick Russell, St. Cloud State

FINLAND (1)

F Ahti Oksanen, Boston University

FRANCE (2)

F Louis Boudon, Lake Superior State
F Guillaume Leclerc, UMass Lowell

GERMANY (4)

D Lukas Kälble, Lake Superior State/Clarkson
F Marc Michaelis, Minnesota State
F Wojciech Stachowiak, Michigan State
F Frederik Tiffels, Western Michigan

HUNGARY (1)

F Kristóf Papp, Lindenwood/Northern Mich./Mich. State

LATVIA (12)

F Filips Buncis, Arizona State
F Haralds Egle, Clarkson
D Ralfs Freibergs, Bowling Green
F Felikss Gavars, Minnesota State
G Gustav Grigals, UMass Lowell/Alaska
D Janis Jaks, AIC
D Markuss Komuls, Alaska
F Marty Lavins, New Hampshire
F Dans Ločmelis, UMass
G Mareks Miten, Lake Superior State
F Glebs Prohorenkovs, Niagara
F Eduards Tralmaks, Maine

SLOVAKIA (1)

G Adam Huska, UConn

SLOVENIA (2)

F Filip Sitar, UConn
F Nace Langus, Augustana

SWITZERLAND (2)

G Sandro Aeschlimann, Elmira*
F Tyler Moy, Harvard

UNITED STATES (25)

F Matty Beniers, Michigan
F Brett Berard, Providence
D Zeev Buium, Denver
F Logan Cooley, Minnesota
G Joey Daccord, Arizona State
F Josh Doan, Arizona State
F Mikey Eyssimont, St. Cloud State
F Cutter Gauthier, Boston College
D Cole Hutson, Boston University
F Clayton Keller, Boston University
F Isaac Howard, Michigan State
D Michael Kesselring, Northeastern
D Jackson LaCombe, Minnesota
D Mason Lohrei, Ohio State
F Frank Nazar, Michigan
F Drew O’Connor, Dartmouth
D Andrew Peeke, Notre Dame
F Shane Pinto, North Dakota
D Brady Skjei, Minnesota
G Hampton Slukynsky, Western Michigan
F Will Smith, Boston College
G Jeremy Swayman, Maine
F Tage Thompson, UConn
D Alex Vlasic, Boston University
D Zach Werenski, Michigan

Current NCAA players are italicized
* – indicates Division III