With the intimacy of VWC, it seems appropriate to have intimate reward and support systems like the M and M Award and the Anonymous Angel Program. Barbara Fried, director of Human Resources and creator of these two programs said that both are simple and fun. "It’s a delight to process happy things that make people feel good," said Fried. The M & M Award was created in 1998, after Fried was reading about ways to recognize and reward employees. She altered some ideas and came up with a reward given to those who had done something "meaningful" and "much appreciated."

"It’s always good to say thank you and let others know they are appreciated," said Fried. The award itself is special in that there is no lengthy application, no set criteria, and it can be given anytime. All VWC employees are eligible for the award and can be nominated by anyone through Fried. Winners of the award receive a certificate of thanks and a letter explaining why they won the award, who nominated them, and a bag of M&M candies. Fried also sends letters to President William T. Greer, Jr. the appropriate dean and supervisor to make them aware of the person being rewarded. Winners used to be listed in the monthly Day One letter until it stopped publication. Alan Brown, who works in the physical plant at VWC, was recognized by his supervisor in February for working during busy weekends. "I felt great about it," said Brown. "I’m glad she did that for me." Brown also said the M & M award is better than the employee-of-the-month program because it can benefit more people. "I hope they keep doing it," he said. "It’s a great thing."

Fried said that most of the awards are given for "little things that mean much," like having a good attitude, helping an employee with a crashed hard drive, and finding a lost pin. M & M Award winners for 2001 include John Clemens of the physical plant, Mary Gerriets in health services, Ryan Brown and Keith Moore in residence life, Terry Robertson in security, Cathy Hunger in the print shop, and Teresa Rhyne in the business office. Fried speaks highly of the program that has "no limits" and can award anyone at anytime. "It adds something special when people are recognized," Fried said. "It’s not a necessity, but it’s a nice addition." While it does add something when people are recognized, sometimes it is those who go unrecognized that do the most help. This is where the Anonymous Angel Program comes in. The Anonymous Angel Program was created after some employees came to Fried with a concern. They mentioned to Fried that while Thanksgiving food drives and Christmas toy drives benefit the Tidewater Community, not much was being done to help those in need at VWC. The Anonymous Angel Program was set in place to assist any VWC employee in a time of need. Only Fried knows the identities of the angels. Both the angels and the employee in need are kept anonymous from each other and the rest of the VWC community. I asked to speak to an angel, but it was against Fried’s policy, even if the identity was not made public.

"I just can’t do that," she said, acknowledging that it is the anonymity that keeps the program successful. "The Angels do not know who they are helping," Fried said. "It’s giving purely from the heart, and the response is unbelievable." The program has its own bank account off campus, the "Anonymous Angel Account," and Fried is the trustee. Money in the account is used in times of need for things like paying for rent or heat until the employee’s next pay check. "It’s a quiet program and only used when needed," said Fried. "Angels do not have to worry about monthly calls." It’s simple and it’s all anonymous the angels are even thanked anonymously through Fried. "It’s wonderful to be able to help people," she said. "I’m always anxious to have people call and volunteer."

Although break dancing made its debut in the late 70s, the craze continue to bring in a new era of beats, poses, and even b-boys, anyone who break dances, becoming more popular than ever. Marcus Washington, an 18 year-old freshman at Virginia Wesleyan is just one person who takes interest in break dancing. "I’ve been breaking seriously since 1998," said Washington. "I used to do it when I was little. My Uncles used to do it, so I grew up around it." After learning the basics from two friends, Washington took his breaking to another level, entering in numerous battles at Grafton High School in Yorktown. Washington’s last competition was the Genesis 2001 Hip-Hop Battle held at the University of Virginia on January 27. There, Washington competed against several other crews, each from different schools and states on the East Coast. Although his crew, Full Force was not the winner of the b-boy battle, Washington remains content. "B-boying is not about winning money," he said. "It's about winning respect."

And, according to fellow Marlins, Washington has earned a lot of it. The Full Force Krew, Yorktown Chapter was formed by Washington and a few close friends who shared his passion for breaking. "The name speaks for itself," said Washington. "We go into the circle (battle) with full force and don’t leave anything out there. We’ve got crews in Vegas, Hawaii, and California." Full Force started in Vegas and spread to the members of the Yorktown chapter, but its spirit does not stop there. "Breaking has become very popular," said Washington. "More popular than people think, especially in Yorktown." Though it may not seem that breaking is on the rise, Washington assures that it is and adds to its popularity by sharing his skills with those who are interested. He can usually be seen in the evenings practicing with other Wesleyan students. "I practice a lot, so I’m usually in a lot of pain, sore everyday," said Washington. "I put it up there with gym training, but you get hurt a lot more. It's all about no limits. There are no limitations to what you can do and there’s no padding to catch you when you fall or hit the floor." But the pain does not stop Washington, whose alias is Spitfyre, from doing what he loves. "I love to dance," Washington said. "I believe that a lot of people try to break, but they don’t dance. Breaking is an art. You gotta dance and stay on beat. It’s not all about spinning and flipping."

Campus organizations are joining forces in battle. But this is no battle of arms. Campus Kaleidoscope, in conjunction with other institutions, is on a mission to dispel stereotypes. "Kaleidoscope serves as an umbrella organization, partnering with other VWC clubs and organizations to co-sponsor events that will enhance appreciation of our difference and prepare student for citizenship in our richly diverse society," said Kelly Jackson, advisor of Campus Kaleidoscope. Under the National Conference for Community and Justice, NCCJ, the group was founded to fight bias, bigotry and racism and to promote understanding and respect among all through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.

Though Kaleidoscope was only formed fall of 2000, it has already taken an active role in fulfilling its mission. In February, the organization sponsored, along with the Office of International Programs, the African American Society and Shalom, the viewing of the film American History X. Following the program the small crowd of twenty took part in a discussion led by political science professor Dr. Jones and ODU guest professor Dr. Hart. "We sat and talked afterward about different race issues," said sophomore Jennifer Porter. "It was really stimulating dialogue." Porter, who’s been involved with Kaleidoscope since its founding on campus looks forward to the future of the organization. "We’ve got a bunch of stuff coming up," she said. The organization is planning a series of programs on sexuality beginning on March 21. A member of the gay community, Scott King is expected to use a Jeopardy game to discuss homosexuality, according to Jackson. Other programs in the series include a lecture on sexual identity led by University of Hawaii professor Dr. Milton Diamond and a panel discussion by members of the gay and lesbian communities.

"It’s exploring homosexuality mainly," said Porter. "We’re trying to get rid of stereotypes on campus." Porter and Jackson are optimistic about the club’s upcoming fashion and culture show, too. "What we’re doing is coming up with the outfits and cultural information on the countries represented," said Porter of Kaleidoscope’s contribution to the show. "It’s more of an educational thing," said Jackson, "than trying to dispel stereotypes." The program kicks-off March 21 and runs through April 3. Questions may be directed to Campus Kaleidoscope president Tiffani Johnson or Kelly Jackson, administrative assistant for the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom.