Greetings, and welcome to the sixth issue of The Collegian Magazine!

Within these pages lies a familiar topic in 2017: the political arena. When we published our last issue, Donald Trump had just won the presidency and Republicans had taken over the House and the Senate. Now, the Magazine investigates the election’s effects at home. In our feature story “Reaching Out to the Red,” we take a look at the disconnect between an overwhelmingly blue college in a heavily red county and tell the stories of those leading the local Trump resistance movement in the wake of the Democratic defeat.

As we highlight participants in the resistance movement, we also take a look at one of the world’s most controversial political prisoners — and a Kenyon alumnus. Committed to a 14-year sentence for demonstrations against the government, Leopoldo López ’93 H’07 sits in Ramo Verde prison in his home country of Venezuela. “A Lord of Revolution” details López’s journey from a roguishly charming Kenyon first year into one of the most famous political captives alive.

Going from Venezuela back to America, “Taking Aim: Changing the Conversation on Gun Violence” considers the ever-present issue of firearms in the U.S. We asked leading experts in the gun rights debate why they have stopped treating gun violence as a criminal rights issue and started treating it as a public health issue.

With Farr Hall’s impending demolition this summer, the Magazine looks back at Kenyon’s original “Animal House” in “The House Atop the Hill.” From Robert Lowell ’40 to E.L. Doctorow ’52, the men of Douglass House journeyed to Kenyon to study under John Crowe Ransom, the founder of The Kenyon Review. While some students went on to win Pulitzer Prizes and bring fame to Kenyon, their relationship with the college community was anything but civil.

As we look back at what Kenyon has lost, we also examine what lies ahead. While Kenyon is a literary college steeped in tradition, it is transitioning into a digital age. In “Powering Up,” the Magazine examines how technology might impact the campus in future years.

Rounding out this issue is a glimpse into how artists spend free moments. Jack Zellweger’s latest photo essay, “Open Book,” showcases Kenyon artists’ personal notebooks and journals. Full-page spreads render every sketch and snippet in exquisite detail.

As always, this issue of the Magazine wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic designers, copy editors, and photographer. We’d also like to thank our advisors, Bryan Burrough and Rachel Shaver, whose sage advice helped us navigate many challenges. We’d like to thank our advertisers as well for making this venture possible. And thanks to you, dear reader, for your support. We hope you enjoy the issue.

Sincerely,

Julia Waldow & Griffin Burrough