As The Villager wraps up another year, the staff picked the best of 2018 for news, events, arts, travel and more.
The Most Read Villager Stories of 2018
Top Stevenson University Highlights of 2018
Must-Read Picks of 2018
Must-Watch Picks of 2018: TV
Must-Watch Picks of 2018: Movies
Must-Listen Picks of 2018
Top Places to Visit of 2018
THE MOST READ VILLAGER STORIES OF 2018
Read the top-10 most viewed stories from The Villager reporters this semester.
1. “SU staffer engages students” by Grace Clark. A spotlight on Stevenson University’s Director of Student Engagement Morgan Somerville.
2. “Sergeant by day, professor by night” by Dominion Ezechibueze. A feature on Morgan Hassler, a Stevenson adjunct professor who doubles as an assistant commander of hostage and negotiations.
3. “University continues progress on Rosewood” by Maya Murphy. An update on Stevenson’s acquisition and reconstruction of the historical Rosewood property in Owings Mills.
4. “Student research wins award at conference” by Mitchell Dolman. A feature on biology student Brandon Scholze who was chosen as the top undergraduate researcher for his S3RP research at the Mid-Atlantic Plant Molecular Biology Society conference this summer.
5. “Vaping, smoking harm lung health” by Ryan LaCourte. A spotlight on the long-term detrimental effects of vaping and smoking on lung health.
6. “Editorial: A homerun internship” by Maya Murphy. A reflection on the author’s internship at the worst Major League Baseball team in the 2018 season, and why she loved it.
7. “Editorial: Home is where the heart is” by Alyssa Dahle. An OP/ED about the historical flooding events in the author’s hometown of Ellicott City, Md.
8. “SGA plans change for students” by Benedicta Hegbe. A news update on the goals of Stevenson University’s Student Government Association.
9. “Residence life improves student life on campus” by Duona Liu. An update on recent improvements to student living amenities by Stevenson University’s Office of Residence Life.
10. “K-Pop group releases new album” by Emma Cathy Smith. A review on the newly released album, “LOVE YOURSELF 結 ‘Answer’,” by the Korean boy group BTS.
TOP STEVENSON UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018
Read more about The Villager staff’s personal highlights of Stevenson University from 2018.
I’m grateful for being able to collaborate with a consistently wonderful staff of students.
My favorite highlight of Stevenson University this year was…
Grace Clark
Attending the Eastern Communication Association Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. for a weekend in April. I was able to execute and learn skills required for event planning, meet new people, and make new friends. I was also able to present on a panel with seven other Stevenson students, which allowed me to practice my public speaking and presentation skills.
Tim Craig
The addition of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity that was founded this semester.
Alyssa Dahle
My own graduation on December 17 (it hasn’t happened yet, but I’m almost there!), but an honorable mention goes to my last and third consecutive semester on The Villager staff—I’m grateful to have been one of the editor-in-chiefs under the direction of business communication professor Chip Rouse, and for being able to collaborate with a consistently wonderful staff of students.
Tyler Didra
The advent of the new fitness centers and the group fitness program at Stevenson; they have been a great new addition to the school. I’m a bit biased, since I work for campus recreation, but I have loved my experience working with students and staff and helping them to achieve their health goals.
Zaria Greene
Taking the feature writing course with business communication professor Stephanie Verni. I loved this course because I was able to write papers about what I wanted, so I could let my creativity flow.
Savana Herndon
The addition of the fitness studio in Wooded Way. The women’s basketball team has weekly yoga classes in the studio to help us take care of our bodies and minds.
Candace Kling
Stevenson’s Wet and Wild Day. It was a great way to kick off the fall and end summer vacation. My friends were there with me and I had a great time playing the mini games and just hanging out with everyone.
Duona Liu
Having new laundry machines. It is nice to not have to bring my student ID to use the machines and have all the machines working.
Wornden Ly
The new fitness studio down at Wooded Way. This offers students new ways to stay active on campus.
Cynthia Marquez
The new reading room! It’s so nice and great for studying; I can’t wait for the coffee shop downstairs.
Tyre Maull
Playing in the Homecoming football game. This was my favorite moment because we were able to bring home the win on a special day, not only for the football team but for everyone that supports us.
Maya Murphy
This year it was my last Homecoming at Stevenson and although it was extremely cold, it was still a lot of fun. Since opening the Owings Mills North lot to tailgates, the university has been able to add inflatables and outdoors games for students to play. Students are also able to properly tailgate with friends, family and food.
Andrew Priest
Natalie Gillard’s session with her “Factuality” board game earlier this year. I really enjoyed it, both because I love playing games in general, but also because it was a very sobering look at today’s society that kept me engaged.
Emma Cathy Smith
A fantastic course I took this year, taught by business communication professor Robert Ellis, called Business and Professional Communication. This is a class I’m required to take as a business communication major, but the way he structured it while also encouraging us to succeed made it so worthwhile to take. If you’re looking to take the class, I’d strongly recommend you take it with him!
MUST-READ PICKS OF 2018
Read more about The Villager staff’s top reading recommendations from 2018.
His story is poignant, thought-provoking, and, at times, heartbreaking. You won’t be able to read it and not be changed by his story.
My must-read pick from this year was…
Grace Clark
“Arcadia” by Lauren Groff. I read this novel in a class I took during the 2018 Winterim semester called “Optimistic Apocalypse,” which was a humanities elective about apocalyptic literature with an optimistic twist. The book was full of imagery and unique storytelling.
Tim Craig
The Sports Illustrated article “It’s Gone! Goodbye!” by Tom Verducci. This award-winning piece is a great read for all sports fans.
Alyssa Dahle
“Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman. The novel is a beautifully composed tale of curiosity, culture, history, and love and loss.
Tyler Didra
“Out of Step: A Memoir” by Stevenson’s very own business communication professor Anthony Moll. The memoir covers his time as a military member during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His story is poignant, thought-provoking, and, at times, heartbreaking. You won’t be able to read it and not be changed by his story.
Zaria Greene
The manga “My Hero Academia, Vol. 14” by Kohei Horikoshi. I really enjoy the anime, and reading the newly released manga really gets me excited for the episodes.
Savana Herndon
“You” by Caroline Kepnes. It is an strong piece that keeps readers attached to the book, constantly flipping pages and on edge.
Candace Kling
I mostly read articles over books throughout the year just because I love being informed with everything going on. I do not have one must-read, but all the holiday-themed ones are my favorite.
Duona Liu
Anthony Moll’s “Out of Step: A Memoir,” because he is a good professor and I want to help him advertise his book.
Wornden Ly
An article I recently read for one of my classes titled “The Girl in the Window” by Lane DeGregory. The piece was from the St. Petersburg Times and won a Pulitzer Prize.
Cynthia Marquez
Any of my Villager articles. They are amazing.
Tyre Maull
“The 10 Pillars of Wealth: Mind-Sets of the World’s Richest People” by Alex Becker, because it gives you insight into the minds of millionaires and what path they took to become wealthy.
Maya Murphy
“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd. Although this is an older book that has been around for years, I finally got a chance to read the novel and I loved it. The book contains themes of change and getting accustomed to a new way of life, which reflects on everyone’s college experience.
Andrew Priest
“Monsters You Should Know” by Emma SanCartier, a very short book I read earlier this year. I can’t say it is a must-read, but I did enjoy the brief collection of different mythos from different cultures/regions around the globe, describing monsters to look out for.
Emma Cathy Smith
Anthony Moll’s extremely powerful, first full-length book, “Out of Step: A Memoir,” which I actually reviewed. No matter what walk of life you’re on—as an active service member, LGBTQ+ individual, or struggling college student—there’s something to which anyone relate. Read it, enjoy it, and talk about it; it’s definitely a conversation starter.
MUST-WATCH PICKS OF 2018: TV
Read more about The Villager staff’s top TV show recommendations from 2018.
Several important subjects are brought up and highlighted in the show that tend to be neglected, including addiction, depression, anxiety, obesity and racism, among others.
My must-watch TV show pick from this year was…
Grace Clark
Hands down, “This Is Us” on NBC. This show is a beautiful compilation of romance, heartache, comedy and love. The actors are so believable and the storyline of every episode is riveting and touching. Several important subjects are brought up and highlighted in the show that tend to be neglected, including addiction, depression, anxiety, obesity and racism, among others.
Tim Craig
“Survivor” on CBS. This show has been going on for a multitude of seasons, but the newest season is very good.
Alyssa Dahle
The Netflix original “The Haunting of Hill House.” The one-season tale has an intricate, well-developed storyline—a rarity in the horror genre—with classic, creepy jumpscares.
Tyler Didra
Netflix’s series “Grace and Frankie.” Starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda and written by one of the writers of the hit TV show “Friends,” this show follows the lives of two older women thrown together after their husbands, law partners of 40 years, divorce them to marry each other. It’s a laugh-out-loud show for any age.
Zaria Greene
“Station 19” on ABC. This show really keeps you on your toes whenever the firefighters run into a burning building and you don’t know if they will come back outside safely. The drama and romance in the show is exciting as well.
Savana Herndon
“NCIS” on CBS. There are 15 seasons on Netflix, and the most recent season is airing on television now.
Candace Kling
“How to Get Away with Murder” on ABC. The cast and writing is incredible! I get lost in that show and I am always amazed at how the storyline is written. A new season came out this year and it is a must-watch!
Duona Liu
The shows I normally watch are all Chinese reality shows. If I had to recommend one American TV show, the few episodes I have watched of Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” were enjoyable.
Wornden Ly
I don’t really have a must-watch TV show for this year. I think 2018 was a slump for TV series.
Cynthia Marquez
Netflix’s two reboot shows “Queer Eye” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” “Queer Eye” is so funny and inspirational, and the latter was a cool remake of the original “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” show.
Tyre Maull
The Starz original series “Power.” It has a plot with a lot of twists to keep the viewer interested and the acting is second to none.
Maya Murphy
“9-1-1” on Fox. The show is currently in its second season, and it portrays first responders, mainly firefighters, getting to veracious accidents. My roommate is a nursing major so she originally got me hooked.
Andrew Priest
Netflix’s animated series “Castlevania.” The show had incredibly fluid animation and enjoyable characters (though it may be a bit gory for some people). Season two released earlier this year.
Emma Cathy Smith
I’m a bit late to the bandwagon, but “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC. I’ve finally caught up to Season 15, and…it was definitely a rollercoaster. If you have the ability to binge-watch it, it’s worth it!
MUST-WATCH PICKS OF 2018: Movies
Read more about The Villager staff’s top movie recommendations from 2018.
It teaches women that beauty and self-confidence come from what you are made of inside, rather than your outside appearance or what others think of you.
My must-watch movie pick from this year was…
Grace Clark
“Crazy Rich Asians.” I love romantic comedies and this movie was the perfect balance of romance, comedy and drama. I thought the actors did a great job, and the storyline was entertaining and very well executed.
Tim Craig
“Crazy Rich Asians.” This film delves into the cultural differences between the U.S. and Asia.
Alyssa Dahle
“A Star is Born.” The performances by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, both solo and together, were electric, but the raw and tragic story of their relationship was sobering.
Tyler Didra
Netflix’s “Nappily Ever After.” It’s a great confidence booster, and it teaches women that beauty and self-confidence come from what you are made of inside, rather than your outside appearance or what others think of you.
Zaria Greene
“Searching.” I loved how this movie was a unique spin on the thriller genre. I enjoyed how the point of view was mainly behind a computer and phone screen, which is not normal for most movies. There are so many twists and turns in this movie—it’s insane!
Savana Herndon
“A Quiet Place.” It’s an intense thriller with good actors, including John Krasinski and his real-life wife, Emily Blunt, as the lead couple.
Candace Kling
“A Quiet Place.” I do not like scary movies, however this thriller was a great movie for me. The movie was unique because there was hardly any dialogue, but it was still captivating because of the movements and non-verbal cues the characters gave. The cast was amazing and it kept me on the edge the whole movie. The ending was a shocker, and sad, but still was very worth it!
Duona Liu
“Annihilation.” The movie is a good science fiction horror movie with an interesting ending.
Wornden Ly
“Avengers: Infinity War.” If you are a Marvel fan and enjoy dramatic endings, this movie is for you.
Cynthia Marquez
Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.” It’s such a cute movie and Noah Centineo is perfect.
Tyre Maull
“Incredibles 2.” The sequel has been long-awaited and it lived up to its expectations.
Maya Murphy
“Incredibles 2.” The movie was amazing. Everyone in this generation can relate to watching Incredibles as a child and waiting for the sequel to come out.
Andrew Priest
Never thought I’d say this, but “Crazy Rich Asians.” I’m not really a rom-com fan, but I found myself completely engaged in the movie (possibly because there were less cliché rom-com jokes and more of a focus on the actual relationship). The movie had some incredible visuals, plus a sympathetic protagonist made for a rather enjoyable watch.
Emma Cathy Smith
“Coco.” The movie honestly changed my life. During high school Spanish classes, I learned a lot about the Day of the Dead holiday, but the visual representation (and accuracy) that was provided in that movie was exceptional. It’s definitely an emotional one, though—bring your tissues!
MUST-LISTEN PICKS OF 2018
Read more about The Villager staff’s top listening recommendations from 2018.
[It] feels like sitting down with two hilarious, unfiltered friends.
My must-listen pick from this year was…
Grace Clark
The song “Watch” by Billie Eilish, a newer artist with a soft, unique voice and an interesting style, which drew me towards her music.
Tim Craig
“Betty Boop” by Rico Pressley.
Alyssa Dahle
The “My Favorite Murder” podcast by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The weekly true crime comedy hybrid feels like sitting down with two hilarious, unfiltered friends and chatting about infamous criminals and serial killers; that is, if you’re into that.
Tyler Didra
“Even If” by MercyMe, a Christian rock band. I have dealt with a lot of health issues in my life, and sometimes it has been difficult to believe that God is working in my favor. This song reminded me that even in the darkest of times, God is there and He is good.
Zaria Greene
Skylar Spence’s album “Carousel / Cry Wolf.” Skylar Spence is my favorite artist and not many people know about him, so having the opportunity to recommend his music is amazing! He has not released a full album since “Prom King” in 2015, so this new drop has become my go-to album!
Savana Herndon
Any song by Khalid. His voice is soothing, yet his songs are upbeat.
Candace Kling
The American rapper and songwriter NF, who has many singles of his own, including “Let You Down.” I discovered him through my boyfriend and his sound is like no other to me. We went to his concert this year and I fell in love with his sound. His newest single is “Why.”
Duona Liu
Logic’s song “1-800-273-8255,” because the lyrics are meaningful and the song has good rhythm.
Wornden Ly
The podcast from Wondery, “Dr. Death.” It’s an investigative series that reports the incidents of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon arrested for several malpractice cases, some of which resulted in death.
Cynthia Marquez
Bad Bunny! He is a tráp singer from Puerto Rico, who most people probably know from the song “I Like It” with Cardi B. He has really fun music.
Tyre Maull
“Drip Too Hard” by Lil Baby & Gunna. The whole album always gets me in the right mood to play football.
Maya Murphy
“Happier” by Marshmello featuring Bastille. The song came out in August of this year and it’s a fun mashup of alternative music and EDM. The lyrics are easily relatable and I enjoy blasting it in the car.
Andrew Priest
“Play” by Dave Grohl (the lead singer of the Foo Fighters), a 21-minute instrumental piece where Dave plays all of the instruments himself. Yes, 21 minutes is long, but listening to him play all these instruments by himself is fantastic. I get caught up in the varying speeds and feelings every time I listen to it.
Emma Cathy Smith
NCT’S debut K-Pop album, “NCT 2018: Empathy.” The range of songs on the album, and the range of talent presented by this 18-member boy group, definitely summarizes the year. (As the editorial staff’s resident k-popper, I also recommend BTS’ “Love Yourself” album series, which I wrote an article about this semester.)
TOP PLACES TO VISIT OF 2018
Read more about The Villager staff’s favorite places to visit from 2018.
I don’t have enough space to write everything I felt about this city, but it was pure magic and beauty.
My favorite place to visit this year was…
Grace Clark
Paris. I don’t have enough space to write everything I felt about this city, but it was pure magic and beauty. Every street I walked down was glistening, windows and flea markets were filled with radiant flowers, and both the insides and outsides of the museums and buildings I visited were effortlessly stunning and otherworldly. Additionally, the food was incredible and the coffee was cheap and extremely flavorful; I travelled to the city when the weather was 80 degrees and sunny, which made the experience all the more better.
Tim Craig
Tampa, Fla., where I traveled this summer to visit a friend. Tampa is a beautiful city surrounded by some of the most beautiful bodies of water in the nation.
Alyssa Dahle
The Kings Dominion amusement park in Va.—I’m truly a kid at heart. I even rode the Intimidator 305, one of the tallest rollercoasters in the world; I blacked out during the 305-foot drop but it was so worth it, because 16-year-old me would have never even stepped foot on a rollercoaster!
Tyler Didra
Hampstead, Md., especially along Main Street. The roads getting there are so beautiful and scenic with lots of farmland. It’s a beautiful trip to see the fall foliage in Autumn, or to see a lot of beautiful Christmas decorations in December. On Main Street, there are a number of small businesses and even a church that still rings its bell every hour (in December, it rings to the tunes of Christmas carols). One of my favorite places to visit there is Snickerdoodles Bakery and Coffee House. It’s a great place to sit and read by the fireside, and the desserts are delicious!
Zaria Greene
Larriland Farms in Woodbine, Md. I went with my parents one day and we picked strawberries and spinach. It was nice and relaxing since I had not done something new with my parents in a long time and we had an awesome time together as a family.
Savana Herndon
Deerfield Beach, Fla., where my family and I traveled this summer for our annual vacation. It is a small city by the beach that attracts the perfect amount of tourist and local crowds.
Candace Kling
Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, Md., which is near the Deep Creek Lake. I went camping there this summer with my family, cousin and boyfriend. It was a little terrifying at times because I hate bugs, but overall it was so fun to make memories with everyone.
Duona Liu
Alexandria City in Virginia. It is a nice old town with many good restaurants, little shops, and a waterfront with an amazing view.
Wornden Ly
Downtown Annapolis, Md. This year was my first year visiting Annapolis, and when I visited, many things were going on.
Cynthia Marquez
Dog Haus Biergarten in Bethesda, Md. They have the best tater tots!
Tyre Maull
Delaware. It’s always nice to go back home in a non-academic stress free environment.
Maya Murphy
Hampden, Md., outside of Baltimore, where I traveled as a part of the travel writing course with business communication professor Stephanie Verni. I absolutely loved the area. Even though I visit the city frequently, it was nice to go with a different plan of action because I experienced everything differently.
Andrew Priest
Chichen Itza, an old Mayan city in Mexico. The place itself was huge, and some of the design that went into the place was incredible. The Mayans’ understanding of sound design alone was incredible; if a sound was loud enough, it would bounce around the entire area (mind you this is all outside—no ceilings to stop the sound from escaping).
Emma Cathy Smith
Cuba, where I was fortunate enough to have sailed to for my birthday this year! Our family considered it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would completely agree. If you’re fortunate enough to travel abroad, the trip was educational just as much as it was inspirational!
Co-Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Dahle compiled the article.