Daily Wildcat | Winter Print Edition | November 2023

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THE DAILY WILDCAT VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 67 | TUCSONAN WINTER | NOVEMBER 2023

SINCE 1899, THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA & TUCSON • ONLINE, ALL THE TIME, AT WILDCAT.ARIZONA.EDU

LOOKING BACK AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS

As winter break approaches, we reflect on some of the most impactful news that affected our college campus this semester.

INSIDE: Uproar over UA Financial Crisis | Student Activism | Arizona Football Success | Holiday Planning | More


2 • The Daily Wildcat

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

From now until November 3, when you open or upgrade to a Checking PLUS* account, you’ll unlock exclusive savings and benefits along with weekly chances to win $1,000.

For more information visit us at

HughesFCU.org/MORE Insured by NCUA. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter into the promotion. *A $4.95 monthly fee applies after the free 90-day no obligation trial period. You may cancel any time by contacting the credit union by phone at 520-794-8341, through secure email form, or in person at any Hughes branch location. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be awarded a voucher to be used through Benefits PLUS®. Certain restrictions apply. Limit one entry per person. Must be age 18 or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. All participants can enter the promotion by mailing a 3.5 x 5 inch card containing the hand-printed name, mailing address, email address and phone number of the participant to the following address: Hughes Federal Credit Union, Attn: Marketing Dept. / Experience More, PO Box 11900, Tucson, AZ 85734. All entries must be received by November 16, 2023. See Official Rules at HughesFCU.org/More


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 3

Winter Print Edition | VOLUME 117, ISSUE 67 UA financial ‘crisis’

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Students, faculty outraged and demand action

New club for students who love reading

8 Fire/safety report

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Training Coordinator Annabel Lecky training@dailywildcat.com News Editors Sam Parker Kiara Adams news@dailywildcat.com Opinions Editor Olivia Krupp opinion@dailywildcat.com

Sports Editors Mason Duhon Jason Dayee sports@dailywildcat.com

Comics Editor Sela Margalit smargalit@dailywildcat.com

Arts & Life Editors Amanda Mourelatos Emilee Ceuninck arts@dailywildcat.com

Social Media Coordinator Kate Ewing kateewing@dailywildcat.com

Photo/Multimedia Editor Noor Haghighi photo@dailywildcat.com

Designers Nate Stenchever JT Thorpe Sam Parker Mason Duhon Kate Ewing Sela Margalit Noor Haghighi Amanda Mourelatos

Copy Chiefs Hannah Palmisano May Otzen copy@dailywildcat.com

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Sustainability action on campus

Sports highlights

Analyzing postseasons over the years

Volume 117 • Issue 67

Photo essay

Stay safe and healthy over the holidays

Arizona football

Managing Editor JT Thorpe jtthorpe@dailywildcat.com

Israel-Gaza war impact on UA community

Health tips

How to get into the holiday spirit

Editor-in-Chief Nate Stenchever editor@dailywildcat.com

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Tips on how students can get started

Photo feature

Breaking down UA crime, trends, more

A desert winter

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Building credit

Club highlight

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THE DAILY WILDCAT

Top fall 2023 Wildcat sports moments

November 2023

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ABOUT THE DAILY WILDCAT: The Daily Wildcat is the University of Arizona’s student-run, independent news source. While publishing daily online at DailyWildcat.com, its print edition is distributed on campus and throughout Tucson during fall and spring semesters. The function of the Wildcat is to disseminate news to the

community and to encourage an exchange of ideas. The Daily Wildcat was founded in 1899. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in the newspaper or DailyWildcat.com are the sole property of the Daily Wildcat and may not be reproduced without the specific consent of the editor-in-chief. A single print copy of the Daily Wildcat is free from newsstands. Unauthorized removal of multiple copies will be considered theft and may be prosecuted. Additional print copies of the Daily Wildcat are available from the Arizona Student Media office. The Daily Wildcat is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Arizona Newspapers Association.

EDITORIAL POLICY: Daily Wildcat editorials represent the official opinion of the Daily Wildcat opinions board, which is determined at opinions board meetings. Opinion columns, guest commentary, cartoons, online comments and letters to the editors do not represent the opinion of the publication, but that of the author. CORRECTIONS: Corrections or complaints concerning Daily Wildcat content should be directed to the editor-in-chief. For further information on the Daily Wildcat’s approved grievance policy, readers may contact Susan McMillan Daily Wildcat adviser, in the Sherman R. Miller 3rd Newsroom at the University Services Building. NEWS TIPS: (520) 621-3193 The Daily Wildcat is always interested in story ideas and tips from readers. If you see something deserving of coverage, contact the newsroom at storyideas@dailywildcat.com or call 621-3193. NEWSPAPER KIOSK LEAD: Brenna Buckley

COVER PHOTO: Giacomo Cain | The Daily Wildcat


4 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

CAMPUS OUTCRY

‘Take some accountability’: UA financial crisis raises questions, concerns among students Students react to the UA’s $240 million budget oversight and possible financial aid cuts BY BRIANNA MCCORD

SIMON ASHER | THE DAILY WILDCAT

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SENIOR leadership recently announced a financial crisis that has sparked outcry from members of the university community who are concerned about some of the proposed solutions.

El Inde Arizona

The University of Arizona’s revelation of its “financial crisis” at a Faculty Senate meeting this months raised many questions and concerns among students and faculty alike. UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins said there had been a “miscalculation” in the number of days of cash on hand. Initially, the university projected 156 days, but new projections show only 97 days of cash on hand, amounting to a $240 million oversight. “Did anyone see it coming? Were there warnings?” biomedical engineering major Jahaziel Galvan asked, days after Robbins’ announcement. It’s a question likely on a lot of students’ minds as Robbins said the oversight is going to result in “draconian cuts.” Those could include hiring freezes, leasing university land and budget cuts to sports programs — and cuts to merit scholarships and other financial aid, according to Robbins. The Guaranteed Tuition Program, that freezes tuition rates from your freshman year, is also up for consideration. “I came here because they gave me the merit scholarship to cover most of my schooling,” fashion merchandising major Kaleigh Wittenburg said.

“If we couldn’t pay, I’m assuming they wouldn’t let us take classes here. If you can’t pay for it, then they wouldn’t let you be a student here. I think it would affect a lot of students if they [cut financial aid],” Wittenburg said. If scholarships and financial aid were targeted in the cuts, some students say they could be

forced to quit school. “I wouldn’t be able to go to school. It’s as simple as that,” Galvan said. “I’m from a small town near Mexico, so if they cut my money I just can’t go to school anymore.” Gaby Lopez, an 18-year-old computer science major said she wants the administration to come clean with how the

oversight happened and what is being done to prevent it from happening again. “I feel like for something that big you got to let us know, especially if we’re gonna pay the price,” Lopez said. “At least take some accountability for that towards the students.” “It would be our responsibility to take care of our student fees,”

19-year-old anthropology major Hope Carney said. “The dynamic wouldn’t be that we would be able to take that money from the university in the way that the university is proposing to take that money away from us.” El Inde Arizona is a news service of the University ofArizona School of Journalism.


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 5

BUDGET OVERSIGHT

University of Arizona students, faculty express outrage over financial crisis at board meeting BY SAM PARKER The Daily Wildcat

Demands for accountability, transparency and action dominated the first half of the Arizona Board of Regents meeting held at the University of Arizona on Nov. 16. Much of the outrage was directed towards UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins who was in attendance, including a “Shame on you!” This meeting took place in the aftermath of the UA recently announcing serious cash flow issues (an approximate $240 million shortfall). The sources of what many community members are calling a “crisis,” are numerous, as are the potential solutions. However, many of the university’s proposed solutions to the issue have generated outraged responses from the campus and surrounding Tucson communities.

“We made a bet on spending money, we just overshot” In a report to the board of regents on Nov. 2, UA officials estimated that the amount of cash the university had on hand for the current fiscal year was off by $240 million. Instead of having 156 days of cash on hand, as was planned, the university now has a projected 97 days of cash. Robbins cited numerous sources of cost to the university as potential reasons for this disparity, including scholarships/financial aid offered to this year’s incoming class and the athletics department.

“The growth of what we achieved in bringing our class in, that costs money, you know $200 million a year in financial aid [...] the growth in research has come about because of specific strategic investments,” Robbins said at the Nov. 2 meeting. “There are a few units across the university that are struggling, not the least of which is athletics. We had assumed when we used days cash on hand to support athletics that there would be an increase in revenue, and it has just not turned out to be the case.” As reported by The Arizona Republic, the university gave its athletics department $53.3 million in 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to this same report, this “was nearly five times more than the school provided its athletics department the year before,” and $40.2 million of that funding was a loan for athletics to repay (with interest) over a period of 15 years. According to Robbins, this funding of athletic programs through the university was a new practice, one being done in athletic departments across the country. Robbins also noted that the UA is not unique in its athletics-related finance issues. “We’ve never funded athletics out of the university. It’s been what I would call a ‘formula auxiliary unit’ that floated on its own bottom and now that’s not sustainable. So I think you’re seeing more universities starting to fund athletics, which is not something that we’ve ever done, and we’ve done it through our internal loans,

which came out of our days cash on hand,” Robbins said. “Show me an athletic department that’s making money. It’s a universal thing.”

“A series of Draconian cuts”: Proposed solutions spark outcry

Members of the campus community showed up to the Nov. 16 ABOR meeting in droves to demand accountability from senior leadership at the university and to protest some of the UA’s proposed solutions to the issue. One of the tactics offered by Robbins was the potential elimination of, or alterations to, the UA’s guaranteed tuition program. While Robbins recognized that this four-year guarantee on tuition is a “great differentiator” for the university, he

also noted its costliness. This program is the UA’s “commitment to provide students with a constant tuition rate and mandatory fees, as set by the Arizona Board of Regents for eight (8) continuous semesters (summer and winter sessions excluded), beginning with the term of an Undergraduate student’s initial enrollment on the Main Campus,” according to the Bursar’s Office. Students, faculty and staff at the university expressed fear, anger and frustration towards this proffered solution to the UA’s financial situation. Eddie Barron, executive vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, spoke to this concern at Thursday’s ABOR meeting. “When President Robbins announced the university’s

MARISON BILAGODY | THE DAILY WILDCAT

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Dr. Robert C. Robbins speaks at the school’s COVID-19 memorial on the UA Mall March 23, 2022. Recently, Robbins addressed the state of the university at the Arizona Board of Regents Meeting Nov. 16, on campus.

financial crisis and the ways he’s looking to recover from it, I was riddled with fear and anxiety, not only for myself but for future students who didn’t grow up in a wealthy family who could afford to pay for their college education,” Barron said. “Low income students shouldn’t have to pay for a miscalculation of $240 million that happened under President Robbins and Lisa Rulney’s watch.” Rulney is the senior vice president for business affairs and the chief financial officer at the UA. She presented the UA financial status update to ABOR on Nov. 2, and during this presentation noted that the university needs to “have a university-wide approach” with “targeted methods for specific units that have acute issues.” “In fiscal year 2024, a 2% budget reallocation across the institution, and we are considering methods such as pausing capital projects, hiring freezes not implementing a salary increase program for fiscal year 25, revisions to our budget process and possible additional reallocations,” Rulney said. Regent Larry Penley noted the potential solutions offered by Rulney and presented a more dire outlook on the necessary actions for the UA to resolve this problem. “You’ve got some immediate actions that have to be taken in the next 60 days. You’ve got to cut salaries, withhold salaries or whatever you have to do to reclaim money from the units. You’re going to have to, I believe, force a reclaim of budget in your units, your colleges, of some percentage amount,”

Penley said. “You’re going to have to either terminate people, stop purchasing, or do something else […]. Clearly you’re going to have to have a hiring pause unless there’s an absolute necessity. But then you’ve got some longer-range actions that I think are absolutely essential […]. You have a centralized budgeting program that has to be put in place immediately. You have also, based on your admissions and your use of scholarship money, overspent on all that you’ve admitted. Complete remodeling on the scholarship/financial aid issue has to occur before this gets underway next year.” These suggestions are also points of concern for members of the campus community. Faculty members and staff, who are already struggling to make a living with their current salaries, are concerned about potential salary reductions. Theresa Fisher, a postdoctoral research associate at Steward Observatory, condemned the university’s proposed cuts, arguing that those bearing no responsibility for its financial problems should not be punished. “I find it inexcusable for the UA to have mismanaged $240 million when some of its most highly trained and credentialed employees are living on such tight margins. And, not only that, we’re now facing the threat of further cuts while those responsible receive little accountability,” Fisher said. CONTINUED on page 6


6 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

LOCAL POLITICS

Pima County election overview 2023: Democrats retain control of city government, ballot measures show voter divisions BY SAM PARKER

Board of Supervisors (or $95,750/year). The proposition also raises the salary of council members to be equal to that of members of the board of supervisors, an increase from $24,000 a year to $76,000 a year, according to the City of Tucson Proposition 413 fact sheet. The salaries of both mayor and council will be “correspondingly adjusted thereafter in conformity with any adjustments to the salary for Board members,” according to the official ballot description. Advocates for the proposition believe a pay raise for elected officials is long overdue. As found by the Citizens’ Commission on Public Service and Compensation, “the Mayor and Council have not received a salary increase since 1999.” The commission also noted that “the current salaries do not meet living wage requirements.”

These low wages, the commission argued, discourage Tucsonans from running for an elected position. The commission, in their recommendation of the proposition, contended that it “will attract Tucson citizens of all backgrounds to public service allowing for more diverse candidates to serve.” The proposition received support from prominent city organizations, like the Tucson Police Officers Association and the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 99, which donated $10,000 and $25,000, respectively, to the Yes on Proposition 413 Political Action Committee. Despite this support from state groups, some local elected officials expressed concern about this proposition. Ward 6 City Council Member Steve Kozachik worried about the ramifications of this pay increase

and the lack of constituent involvement in salaries going forward. In a guest letter for the Arizona Daily Star, Kozachik wrote that “amending our city charter and tying mayor and council salaries to a state statute that effectively eliminates voter involvement for approving or rejecting is problematic. And we should not be tripling council salaries and more than doubling the mayor’s salary at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.” Some of Kozachik’s colleagues in office disagree. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero voiced support for the proposition, expressing a hope that a pay wage would entice more Tucsonans to run for office and that her peers on the city council will finally make a “livable wage,” according to her interview with KOLD News. Proposition 402, a measure to incorporate Vail into an official town, was rejected by Tucson voters by a wider margin. Of all votes cast on this proposition, 62.11% (4,909) were opposed to the proposition and 37.89% (2,995) were in favor. Arguments against the proposition were that it would increase taxes and that Pima County already provides necessary services to Vail. Arguments for the proposition included more opportunities for growth and a louder voice in governance. This is not the first time Vail voters have rejected incorporation. Ten years ago, the same measure was on the ballot and was rejected by voters as well.

“crisis” would result in a disproportionate burden placed on certain minority groups. “An increase in tuition not only means more debt and limitations on my future, but by doing so, you are furthering the existing disparities that you all continue to sow deep within the grounds of Tucson. As you all market for more students to attend this school, you fail to meet the needs of students that are already here,” Sara Kandel, ASUA administrative vice president, said to ABOR at Thursday’s meeting. Ingrained in every criticism of the university’s response presented at Thursday’s ABOR meeting was a demand for accountability from senior leadership. “Students shouldn’t be burdened by having to bail out an administration that

treats this institution of higher education like a business by prioritizing athletics and failed investments in online universities while being so willing to cut scholarship funding for students at the snap of their fingers,” Barron said. In the midst of this backlash, Robbins retained a positive outlook on the situation, assuring ABOR and the university community that he is confident in the UA’s ability to bounce back. “We’ve got plans to address this issue, to build back the central reserves, and I’m confident that we will be successful,” Robbins said at the Nov. 2 meeting. In his presentation of the “State of the University” report Thursday, Robbins highlighted many university accomplishments and initiatives, like the effort to increase the

healthcare workforce, the creation of the Student Success District and the diversity of the 2023 incoming class. He also emphasized the significance of the UA’s research expenditures. “Many of these investments we’ve made over the last five years have allowed us to grow the research expenditures, what we are projecting will be about $940 million next year […]. This puts us at number 20 for public universities and 36 overall, but this doesn’t happen without investment,” Robbins said. ABOR requested the UA submit its corrective action plan in writing by Dec. 15, “outlining the changes that will be made to rebuild cash levels and ensure that the proper controls are in place such that this does not happen again,” according to Regent Cecilia Mata.

The Daily Wildcat

Major changes to the salaries of the Tucson Mayor and Council, the re-election of incumbent candidates and the rejection of Vail incorporation were among some of the main takeaways from Pima County’s Nov. 7 elections. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero was elected to a second term in office, receiving 60.04% of the vote (57,559 votes). Romero’s Republican opponent, Janet Wittenbraker, received 32.07% of the vote (30,740 votes). The election of city council members for Wards 1, 2 and 4 were also on the ballot this year. Democratic candidates swept these three races, with Lane Santa Cruz re-elected to their Ward 1 seat, Paul Cunningham reelected to his Ward 2 seat, and Nikki Lee reelected to her Ward 4 seat. Each school district proposition on the ballot passed, Proposition 413 passed despite its division among voters and Proposition 402 failed. Propositions 400, 401, 496, 497, 498 and 499 each asked voters to approve bonds or budget overrides for certain school districts in Pima County and all six passed with at least 55% of voter approval. Proposition 413 narrowly passed, receiving 50.15% (47,165) votes in favor. The proposition, which takes effect Dec. 4, will increase the mayor’s salary to be 1.25 times the salary of members of the Pima County

MEETING continued from page 5 Jon LaGuardia, a lecturer within the UA’s English department, called upon ABOR to increase the salaries of lecturers. “Our wages have stagnated at a base rate of $44,000 since 2018 […]. [They] show unfavorable comparisons with our peer institutions […]. Many of us have taken on second or third jobs, taking on courses at other institutions or in other departments at the UA,” LaGuardia said. “As you consider strategies to rebuild cash on hand, we ask you to remember that working conditions are our students’ learning conditions. Investment in us is investment in them.” Members of the community also showed concern that the steps taken to resolve this

JT THORPE | DAILY WILDCAT PIMA COUNTY’S MAIN-IN ballots comes with “I voted” stickers, often designed differently than ones handed out on Election Day. In the county’s most recent election, Regina Romero reelected as the mayor of Tucson.


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 7

STUDENT DIVIDED

OPINION: Reposted Instagram stories lead to hostility and political polarization on campus BY ZAINA JASSER The DailyWildcat

A

rabs and Muslims alike, from the Middle East to the U.S., can contend with the impressive endurance of the infamous debate — since our childhood Iftar dinner parties — over Israel and Palestine. The issue follows us like a chronic disease, constantly flaring up at random moments and causing strife and grief between our families. It is inescapable that someone will ask for our opinions or offer condolences because it seems socially necessary. And though I had no clue what the adults were yelling over as a kid, the eruption today has been the perfect catalyst for the discovery of ideology, character and identity for Americans, Muslims and for myself, as a Syrian. It has given me headway to condemn a militant form of my religion of Islam. Though to many, I have no empathy, and I am a propagandic puppet. How can I call myself a Syrian? How can I even call myself a Muslim if I do not condemn Israel and its people? These are among some of the many comments I’ve gotten as of late. My Muslim peers call me a Muslim fraud and my Jewish ones think me an American puppet. The past weeks have been a litmus test to my identity, my values. The hate, hostility and hyperpolarization on Instagram

and on campus that have been exacerbated tenfold by this erupting volcano of the Middle East are helping bar none for Arab reform nor the pillars of higher education. “You don’t need to be a Muslim to stand up for Palestine, you just need to be human.” Or another very popular one I see posted by students online: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people being oppressed, and loving those doing the oppressing,” -Malcolm X. And finally: “If you stand with Israel, you stand with peace.” The polarity, both on social media and in person, disparage opposers and their sense of self, character and morality. These quotes are inflammatory and polarizing, applying universally held morals lackadaisical, ultimately becoming destructive on both sides. College campuses represent truth to morality and pursuit of justice in free democracy, but it feels as though the large majority of our freedom is stripped by the intensity of the jarring magnetic poles of the conflict on campus. Professor William (Zev) Berger, who studies political philosophy here at the University of Arizona, says that apathy and ignorance is inexcusable in democracy, and when partaking in tribalism in politics, it must be defended with an extra dimension other than just solidarity. I fear that many students may join a polarity without understanding the gravity

of the decision, or without considering the opposing issues and dimensions. With no issue more complex than this, finding areas you are less educated on or even where you agree with your opposers will allow room for compassion in this seemingly inhumane conflict. Still, Berger agrees that boiling the severity of the conflict down to memes is offensive to all sides. The Middle East is not a moral fad. The reigning chaos of the politics of the region is just barely starting to break way for reform, and this subsequent hostility and character degradation across the states and on campus is not democracy. As this is a chance for the Middle East to finally eradicate the dictator theocratic regimes that have been tyrannizing the people for decades, for a separation of mosque and state. The conflict has thus culminated into thousands of microcosmic proxy wars here. On campus, in Tucson, across major American cities and in Instagram comments, the war has tangled its webs into our lives mostly for defamation, inflammation and antagonization. The root cause of this conflict is unimportant to the hashtags and the Canva rants, and all many seem to care about is which country you would fight to the death for. It all makes me laugh because the majority of opinions fall right in the middle of this conflict, on neither “pro-” polarity, in apathy and disinformation. These moderates are just too afraid of antagonization to offer

contests, or rather, they get lost in the chaos. Terrorism has displaced my family, fractured my identity, and brought me endless insecurity as an American Muslim. It is the shouting of “Allahu Akbar, — ” a sacred and deeply submissive phrase in Islam associated with spiritual humility — while throwing genocidal bombs. Defending this dangerous and highly flammable form of my religion feels deeply wrong and sacreligious. As a Muslim, I hesitate to defend it, but I am constantly reminded of guilt for not doing so. Before you post another Instagram story or march the streets in rage, remember: it is not country vs. country, religion vs. religion or Democrat vs. Republican. It is a culmination of the longstanding battle for the separation of mosque and state in the Middle East. Citizens of the Arab countries fall victim to “Muslim” dictators — Islamist regimes with corrupted morals, and these story posts make little to no recognition of this looming threat of terrorism on us all. Enabling a continuation of dangerous tyranny will expand the threat of terrorism while threatening the grounds of education and pursuit of freedom on our campus. Still, I am just as gut-wrenched by the horrors happening in Palestine and Israel alike. Most days, I fear opening my social media and seeing those story posts in the morning, the endless

images and videos of graphically bloodied bodies of children and elderly, the shameful quotes blaming me for inaction. I am left in tears. Guilt of inaction festers, reminding me all too much of my family in Syria. The repost-ers have done their job well, and with the bloodshed, crumbling homes and separated families, I fear that the Palestinians are not getting recognition of the real reform they need. If you wish to see the bloodshed end, not only in Palestine, but in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Afghanistan, don’t partake in the one-sided chanting and reposting of sides, though it is tempting. Rather, choose to democratically condemn this politicized and militarized version of a peaceful religion I call my Islam. If not, as Berger advises, find reasons to agree with your opposites in goodness rather than correctness. The war has brought deep reflection of not only the safety of my family in the Middle East, but also of my identity. Which identity do I choose and when? How do I balance all three? Each side preaches moral purity, leaving even me lost in following the fad of choosing the ethically pure side. But the trueth is there isnt one when it comes to war. Zaina Jasser is a sophomore studying physiology and philosophy with a minor in music at the UA. She enjoys working out, trying new cheeses, metal rock and wants to work in medicine one day.


8 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition● November 2023

NEW CLUB

University of Arizona student book club mixes reading and relaxed discussion BY JAIDYN MARTINEZ The Daily Wildcat

UA Bookworms is a student-run club at the University of Arizona dedicated to all things literature. The group aims to provide a welcoming environment for students of all literacy levels to come together and discuss their current reads. Vice president of the club and UA senior Malani Gonzales spoke on behalf of the club president, who was unable to attend the latest meeting. “She noticed that there wasn’t a book club on campus, which is really surprising for a campus this big,” Gonzales said. “[Melia Gemrose and I] were on board to join and help create the book club for a lot of people to come together.” The club officially began running this year. Its is open to all genres and forms of literature as the members read anything

from classics, science fiction and high fantasy to short stories and poems. When it comes to choosing their next read, they keep it easy and “democratic.” “We have a Google Form that members get access to, and they fill out a suggestion. Then we make a list, and we have people vote whenever we finish a book,” club secretary Gemrose said. UA freshman Caitlyn Wiley is a returning member of the club who discovered them at Bash at the Rec. “I enjoy it. It gives me a reason to read a book and to talk to people, because I had friend groups in middle school and high school that I would talk to about books, but I don’t have as big of a friend group now. But now that I have a book club, I can talk to people about the books, so I enjoy it,” Wiley said. This book club is open to people of all ages at the university and welcomes people from all different walks of life around campus, including Tatiana Rastoskueva, a freshman

whose native language is Russian. “I also like reading books, but since English is not my native language. I might also like to increase my level of proficiency by reading books in the English language,” Rastoskueva said. If anyone is on the fence about joining a book club or is trying to get into reading, this book club would be a great place to start, Gemrose said. “We genuinely read all kinds of different books, and we’re open to suggestions. We don’t mind if people haven’t finished an entire book. It’s not a judgmental place. So I think it’s a really good point for people to start reading or to just pick up reading again,” Gemrose said. The club meets every other Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Main Library in room B252/254. They are currently reading “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë. At the club’s meeting on Nov. 11, they were discussing the first half of the book. They have another meeting set for Dec. 2, where they will be

XAVIER URIAS | THE DAILY WILDCAT

UA BOOKWORMS OFFER AN inclusive and judgment-free zone to express your love for literature. The club meets every other Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Main Library room B252/254.

discussing the rest of the book in its entirety. For updates about meetings and current reads, check the UA Bookworms Instagram page or visit the UA Bookworms website, which also has the club officers’ emails for specific questions.


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 9

BUILDING CREDIT

How to build and maintain good credit history as a student BY DESARAE TUCKER The Daily Wildcat

It is wise to start building credit at a young age because credit history is crucial when applying for a car loan and buying a house. Generally, the younger generation has become less concerned about financial literacy, and only a few are educated on the topic of credit. A report from a credit reporting firm Experian shows that over 60% of Gen Zers (those between the ages of 18 and 26) would rather spend money on life experiences than save. However, 77% think having an established credit history is important for financial independence. Below is some advice on how to build and maintain a good credit history as a student. Students like Alexandra Medina typically start with little to no credit. Medina is a University of Arizona graduate student studying bilingual journalism who opened her first student card with Discover when she was 19 years old. Discover started her out with a $500 limit on her student card. “I had just started community college, and my dad was telling me that it’s important for me to build credit so that way I can buy a car and so I can make bigger purchases,” Medina said. She, like most people starting out, chose a student credit card. Student credit cards tend to have more lenient criteria than regular credit cards, and most don’t have annual fees. Because of the lenience, banks tend to add higher interest rates since the students usually start with no credit history. “The bank knows that the student is a bit of a risk. They don’t have a lot of history, so they’re going to give them a small limit to start with,” Victoria Ligon, assistant professor of practice for personal and family financial planning, said. She said that student credit cards are

designed to recognize that students are less likely to have a long history of credit, and that is why they offer things like low to no interest rates and annual fees. “They acknowledge that students don’t have the resources or the spending power to really make those fees worthwhile for the student,” Ligon said. Getting a credit card can help establish a credit history and can come with some nice perks. Cash back is a perk that most people get drawn to when searching for a credit card. Cash back is the percentage of money you get back after making a purchase with your card. “With the Discover card, if you buy from restaurants or you use your card to get gas for your car, you get cash back,” Medina said. “I think if young people knew that, then they would utilize their [credit] card more efficiently.” Discover offers 5% cash back rotating categories on purchases made to certain sites like Amazon or stores like Target. It is recommended to do the research and look at what student credit card aligns with what you’re looking for. “I often tell students, ‘Google best student credit cards 2023,’ for example. See what comes up, see the review, read the details and the fine print, and read why they are a good credit card for students,” Ligon said. When you choose your credit card and start using it, you get a minimum payment every month. Make sure never to miss a payment and pay your balance off in full, so don’t start accumulating interest. Ligon said that if you’re paying the entire balance off each month, then the interest rate won’t matter. “[You] should never rotate any kind of balance, because that is when you’re going to pay interest,” Ligon said. To make sure you are able to pay off the full balance every month, only charge things you can afford to your credit card unless there is an emergency. To ease into the credit world, Ligon suggested making purchases like gas or having your small bills like Spotify or Netflix be charged to

MADDIE FRENCH | THE DAILY WILDCAT

MANY STUDENTS MAY BE fearful of applying for a credit card, but building credit as a student is crucial. Victoria Ligon, assistant professor of practice for personal and family financial planning, recommends researching the best student credit cards available and paying the balance off in full each month.

your card. Those are easy purchases that can help your credit history. “Get in the habit of charging [your credit card], paying it off, getting your balance back down to zero. Charging [your credit card], paying it off, getting your balance back down to zero,” Ligon said. She said that eventually when you start to have confidence in your management practices, you can start to make bigger charges to your credit card. Along with emergencies, Medina said another exception to that could be experiences. She recommends charging your credit card for things like concerts or traveling. But also making sure you have the income to pay it all off. “That’s my lesson that I learned, is don’t make small meaningless purchases to just pay off your credit card. I’d say use it for

something fun, but make sure you have a stable job to pay it back,” Medina said. When starting out, apply this advice, and once you are more comfortable in the credit world, you’ll be able to make bigger purchases and even open up multiple credit cards. Be careful when you have more than one card open, as they can become hard to manage and can negatively impact your credit. A good credit score for college students is 670 and over. Anything above 739 is considered very good, and over 800 is considered excellent. Depending on what credit card you have, you can check your credit score for free. “Don’t be afraid to get a credit card,” Medina said. “You do need to build your credit as a young adult so you can make those purchases in life.”


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Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

CAMPUS ANALYSIS

Breaking down annual UA fire and safety report: Crime, trends, more BY SAM PARKER The Daily Wildcat

The University of Arizona released the 2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report last month, detailing campus crime statistics, ongoing efforts to increase campus safety and available campus resources, among other things. The Jeanne Clery Act, which makes necessary the release of this annual report, “requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of

violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety.” The UA’s ASR, put together by the UA Compliance Office and other partners, includes statistics from the past three years of reported crime that have taken place on the UA campus and in various university-owned off-campus properties.

Domestic violence and available resources Intimate partner violence remains a

prevalent issue in most college environments, and while there is work being done to fight this problem, the UA is no exception. According to the ASR, in 2022, there were 83 total rapes reported and 79 cases of dating violence reported. As noted by the report, 64 of the 83 reported incidents of rape and 64 out of the 79 reported incidents of dating violence “occurred in the context of a dating relationship over a period of months in 2021.” The university offers resources for survivors of

this violence, and members of the campus community are working to increase awareness and implement educational initiatives that may prevent it. Elise Lopez, the executive director for the Consortium on GenderBased Violence, has worked extensively on intervention programs related to sexual violence and substance-abuse, among other topics. Currently, Lopez and her team in the College of Public Health are working on a program called “Transforming Wildcat

OLIVIA MALONE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

STUDENTS PASS BY THE University of Arizona’s iconic water fountain in front of Old Main on campus on a sunny day during the spring 2023 semester.

Culture,” which trains students to recognize certain risk cues and factors as they relate to not just dating violence, but many of the other Clery report crimes as well. “With ‘Transforming Wildcat Culture,’ we cover the beasts that you read about in the Clery report, things like consent, alcohol, bystander intervention, statistics and definitions,” Lopez said. “We’re also able to tailor that presentation when different departments want us to come in and do prevention for their students. We’re starting to see a lot more departments on campus that are really trying to take a proactive approach in addressing these types of Clery crimes.” In addition to this training, Housing and Residential Life staff, as well as members of Greek Life, have updated the resources they use when responding to reports of violence. “Last year, we worked with Greek Life on a lot of prevention efforts, but one of the things they had specifically requested in Greek Life was comfort kits for survivors that included just basic things besides resources, like journals with journal prompts that might help them in their healing, essential oils that might help them with relaxation,” Lopez said. “Housing caught on to that, and so we’re now working with them to prep

these survivor comfort kits that the RA’s will also have as a resource there for students.”

UA crime data trends

Some of the most frequently occurring reported crimes on campus, according to the report, had to do with liquor law arrests and liquor law disciplinary action. In 2022, there were 78 liquor law arrests and 452 incidents of liquor law disciplinary action. Both of these areas showed a decrease from the numbers listed in 2021: 104 arrests and 570 incidents of disciplinary action. According to the ASR report, the number of motor vehicle thefts across campus also increased from 14 reported in 2021 to 29 reported in 2022. This problem persists in 2023; just last month, the UA Police Department sent an email to the student body addressing an increase in the number of vehicle thefts on campus. According to the notice, seven thefts had taken place between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11 in parking garages, lots and various streets across campus. While the report sums up annual crime data, individual crime records are analyzed daily in order to look for trends or highlight specific points of concern, according to UAPD Chief Chris Olson. CONTINUED on page 11


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wildcat.arizona.edu • 11

CAMPUS ANALYSIS REPORT continued from page 20 “I look for trend data. One great example is that we’ve had 70 occurrences of vehicle break-ins, vehicle theft or vehicle criminal damage (vandalism) since the beginning of school to Oct. 10. I can see that data over that period, but I’ve been paying attention to it because I’ve seen the daily crime logs,” Olson said. “What this tells the PD is that it’s time to employ surveillance countermeasures, high visibility patrols, to work with our partners at Parking and Transportation and [facilities management] to get their assistance from their staff members to report any suspicious activity. It informs us that we might need to put out, and we did, with the vehicle thefts, a CLERY timely warning to let the community know that we’ve had an increase in this.” The UAPD issued a series of recommendations in light of these thefts, including: • “Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle • Remove valuables from your vehicle • Consider anti-auto theft and tracking technology • Park in well-lit areas • If you see suspicious activity in the parking lots or around campus, call 9-1-1 • For additional tips please visit uapd.arizona.edu and safety.arizona.edu”

In 2022, the UA campus also saw a slight increase in hate crimes. The Clery report defined hate crimes as “a criminal offense committed that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias against the victim.” There were four reported incidents of aggravated assault characterized by sexual orientation bias, one reported simple assault characterized by national origin bias, three reports of intimidation characterized by national origin and ethnicity bias, one report of intimidation characterized by racial bias and one report of on-campus destruction/ damage/vandalism of property characterized by gender bias. For reference, in 2021 the UA witnessed one oncampus act of vandalism characterized by racial bias and one report of public property vandalism characterized by racial bias. The UA employs both enforcement and educational measures to prevent occurrences of hate crimes on campus. “We work with [the Threat Assessment and Management Team] to measure the threat assessment to either the community, a specific community group, marginalized community member or other individuals,” Olson said. Olson noted that the UAPD also works with the hate crime task force at the FBI to assess these concerns.

Campus safety

The UA only reported one fire in 2022. The fire

was in Pima Residence Hall, located at 1340 E. First St. According to the report, “an electrical fault in a bathroom ceiling fan” caused the fire. While there were no reported injuries, the total damage caused by the fire amounted to $18,598.11 All residence hall employees are required to participate in intensive safety training, which includes fire safety, according to Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for University Compliance Mary Beth Tucker. “The RAs, and desk assistants to some degree as well, certainly the community directors, go through a pretty intense period of training over the summer,” Tucker said. “It runs the range from how to work with students that are in trauma, how to respond, how to respond to parents, how to monitor for alcohol use or drug use in the dorms, how to handle first aid issues and other immediate or urgent needs before first responders can arrive.” Many updates have been made to campus safety policies since the 2022-23 academic year, policies which university officials believe help to mitigate the instances of Clery report crimes. The Office of Public Safety is one of the biggest of these changes, and has played an instrumental role in improving campus safety and coordination between different teams, according to Olson. “What I love is it’s no longer just a police matter to solve these issues of safety and crime. We

LEXI HORSEY | THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE University of Arizona Police Department is located on 1852 E. First St., on the intersection of Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue. In addition to the annual fire and safety report, UAPD Chief of Police Chris Olson said his team analyzes individual daily crime records to look for trends and or to find possible points of concern.

have a whole community approach with OPS, and I think that one is the biggest changes,” Olson said. “Second is how we manage threat assessment under the leadership of Dr. Semmann, our offices here at the department and how we’re working with the Dean of Students. […] These units working together, we’re coalescing.” An example of this coordination is utilization of and training for “stop the bleed” kits. The “stop the bleed” program, built by the American College of Surgeons, teaches people how to care for a severely injured person. According to Olson, the UA facilities management and parking and transportation teams will receive “stop the

bleed” training in order to increase the number of people on campus who can provide emergency care when needed. “We’re looking to train all facilities maintenance personnel, everyone from custodians to electricians, on how to utilize ‘stop the bleed’ kits, because if there was an emergency, fire and police are probably busy doing other things and we might not be able to get to places where we need to get,” Olson said. “FM has 600 employees on this campus and how great is it for them to have the ability to render emergency first aid care to someone that needs it.” These different initiatives feed into a wider campus discussion about safety and security,

a conversation which is furthered by the information provided through the ASR report. “[The report] is a variety of things that impact offices on campus and also housing, because there are components that are related to fire safety in residential housing, or other policies related to those who live on campus, related to safety of the facility […] but also personal safety,” Tucker said. “The idea more generally, the reason for the law itself, is so that individuals, whether it’s prospective students [or] parents, can see something where there’s some ability to really compare apples to apples across different universities, colleges across the nation.”

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November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

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SALE DISPARITIES

Tucson merch cuts hurt artists and independent venues BY KYLE KERSEY The Daily Wildcat

On Feb. 14, 2022, Illuminati Hotties played a show at 191 Toole, a small local venue located in Downtown Tucson. Before leaving town, they had to pay the venue 20% of their merchandise sales. This is an example of a merch cut, where a venue takes a set percentage of a band’s merchandise sales after a show, often limited to revenue from “soft” merchandise, such as T-shirts, hoodies, hats and socks, as opposed to physical copies of music, such as CDs and vinyl. Tucson is home to an abundance of independently owned live music venues, including Club Congress, Groundworks, the Rialto Theatre and 191 Toole. These four venues are all relatively small, with Groundworks as the smallest, with a capacity of only a few hundred people, and the Rialto Theatre as the largest, with a capacity of 1,200 people. Of the artists we reached out to concerning merch cuts at Club Congress and Groundworks, everyone who responded said that neither venue had charged them a merch cut. Brando Terrazas, the president of Atomic Music Group, which represents Trish Toledo, said that Toledo was not being charged a merch cut for her Oct. 5 show at Club

FARRAH RODRIGUEZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT

IN RECENT MONTHS, THE issue of live entertainment venues taking merch cuts from performing artists has come under greater scrutiny. Arts reporter Kyle Kersey takes a look at how merch cuts impact touring artists who get charged by local venues and why. .

Congress. Terrazas called Club Congress “one of the great indie venues that lets artists retain 100% of their merch sales.” Brendan Dyer of the Los Angeles rock band Milly said that the band was not charged a merch cut by Club Congress for their Oct. 8 concert. Indie artist Veronica Everheart also said she’s never been charged a merch cut by Club Congress. According to Logan

Greene, the board president and executive director of Groundworks, not taking merch cuts is a matter of policy. “We do not take a merch cut and never take a merch cut,” Greene said. “There are times where we have art vendors come, and we don’t charge a particular cut, but we ask for a 10-20% donation of what they made at that event. It’s not required. It’s just something that, as a non-profit, the

donations help us operate.” This is supported by both Everheart and the lead singer of AJJ’s Sean Bonnette, neither of whom were charged a merch cut for their Jan. 6 show at Groundworks. The merch cut policies for the Rialto Theatre and 191 Toole appear to be less concrete. The two venues are owned and operated by the Rialto Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization dedicated to “the stewardship and preservation of the historic Rialto Theatre.” The artists we spoke to had differing experiences with both 191 Toole and the Rialto Theatre. Los Streetlight Curb Players, a local reggae fusion band, said that they’ve never been charged a merch cut for their performances at either the Rialto Theatre or 191 Toole. Miss Olivia and the Interlopers said that

191 Toole had not charged them a merch cut in the past, though they were not selling merch at their Oct. 20 show. Also, according to AJJ cellist Mark Glick, AJJ was not charged a merch cut for their show at 191 Toole on Oct. 1 .However, other artists said that they were being charged or had been charged a cut by 191 Toole or the Rialto Theatre. CONTINUED on page 14


Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

14 • The Daily Wildcat

SALE DISPARITIES MERCH CONTINUED from page 13 According to Todd Bartleson, senior vice president of MPI Talent Agency, which represents Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui, the Rialto Theatre charged Matsui a 20% merch cut for her concert on Sept. 12. Steve Schenck, a representative of Blue Oyster Cult, said that the band is being charged a merch cut for their show at the Rialto Theatre on Dec. 28, though he declined to give an exact percentage. Eric Johanson, a blues rock guitarist who played at 191 Toole on Sept. 10, said he wasn’t charged a merch cut by the venue but only because he negotiated it out of their booking deal. He also said that he couldn’t recall what the venue’s usual percentage was. And then there’s the aforementioned Illuminati Hotties, who were charged a 20% cut. Singer/songwriter Sarah Tudzin said that the venue also didn’t supply merch sellers. The Rialto Theatre Foundation declined to comment. Tudzin and Glick both talked about how merch cuts make it harder for a tour to be financially viable. “It is exponentially harder to tour with venues taking aggressive merch cuts,” Tudzin said. “Merch is a major source of profit on tour. In the ecosystem of smaller bands, taking a merch cut could mean the difference between whether or not that band can afford to eat dinner or sleep in a bed

or buy gas to get to the next city. In a much larger operation, merch cuts eat into the salaries of band members, whether or not you can level up your stage production, whether or not you can rent a comfortable vehicle to support long drives and grueling timelines.” Glick points out that the cost of merch cuts is often passed onto fans. “It ultimately hurts people who are going to shows because bands are going to have to pass that cost on,” Glick said.

Toole while Illuminati Hotties, who are from Los Angeles, were. Everheart also said that it’s important to understand that the issue is complex, as independent venues don’t have the same financial resources as venues owned by massive corporations like Live Nation. “There’s so many different things you could really look at,” Everheart said. “Who’s promoting the show? How much money is really being

friends all day running the show, and at the end of the night, they’re like, ‘look dude, I don’t want to do this, but I almost got fired for not taking merch cuts. So just tell me what 15% is because I’ve got to do it.’ Nobody involved in the actual transaction wants it to happen. And the money is not going to the person who is actually taking it. So it’s this gross, gross feeling.” Tudzin estimated that Illuminati Hotties are charged a merch cut at 50-70% of the venues they

visit a nice independent venue. “It’s like, who’s gonna own it next time we’re here?” Everheart, a selfdescribed proponent of independent venues and bands, shares the concern that Live Nation might be attempting to squeeze out independent venues. “These bigger promoters like Live Nation that have the headroom to be able to afford to not take these cuts are kind of concerning for an indie venue because when a band is going to go tour, they are probably

whole music industry is just like the Wild “ The West. There’s no set way that anything happens.” — MARK GLICK, A MEMBER OF AJJ “We sell our shirts for 30 dollars, which doesn’t feel great. And we still have people coming up to us and saying, ‘Oh wow, they’re only 30 dollars? I was expecting 40.’ So some of these cuts are definitely getting passed on to people who are going to concerts.” Everheart works both as a touring artist and as a show manager at an independent venue in Phoenix. According to Everheart, whether a venue will take a merch cut can be situational. She said that sometimes venues won’t charge merch cuts to local bands but otherwise will for nationally touring acts. This might explain why AJJ, a band local to Arizona, was not charged a merch cut by 191

taken? Why did they take that money? How much money was made from a merch cut to keep the venue operational? I think those are all the questions that drive the reasons for and against merch cuts. In a perfect world, I don’t want them to exist, but I understand why.” Glick estimated that approximately 70% of venues AJJ play at on their current tour will charge them a merch cut. He also said that he expects AJJ to pay every one of them, though they hope to talk some of the venues out of taking them from their opening acts. “It’s all going straight to the top and coming from the top,” Glick said. “Merch cuts are so vile because I’ve straight up had people tell me we’re

play. She said that the method of both merch cut calculation and collection “tends to change from venue to venue based on how big of a show it is, how much staff is on-site for the show, and what the general policy is surrounding merch.” This is all representative of the harsh realities faced by both touring artists and independent venues, both of whom were severely financially impacted by lost revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Glick said that many independent venues are being bought up by corporations like Live Nation, so much so that it has become something of a running joke within the band every time they

going to see the fact that Live Nation is going to make them more money versus Live Nation is trying to cut out all of their competition,” Everheart said. Ironically, Glick said that Live Nation venues are the most notorious for taking merch cuts, as well as the most militant in enforcement. “By and large, maybe 95% [of Live Nation venues] hire a person to count all of the merch in and out of the venue so they know how much you owe them,” Glick said. “It’s like two hours before doors, someone is there saying, ‘Let us know when you’re ready so we can count all of your stuff.’” He says that the company would sometimes overpay on the door or the upfront

cost for a band to play at a venue, only to charge a high merch cut percentage to make more money on the back end. Everheart also pointed out that shows at independently owned venues can sometimes involve outside promoters, who may be taking a cut of merch regardles of the venue’s policy. She said that if the promoter doesn’t have a representative at the show, it’s up to the venue to enforce those merch cuts. “Live Nation will promote shows at indie venues,” Everheart said. “It’s a pain in the ass for the people who work [at the venue] because they have to represent Live Nation. And yet, it’s not a Live Nation venue. And so it kind of makes us look bad.” Live Nation did not comment on this. Merch cuts are part of a larger live entertainment ecosystem, and their application varies between venues and promoters. “The whole music industry is just like the Wild West,” Glick said. “There’s no set way that anything happens.” Everheart said she believes that there should be changes concerning merch cuts while also acknowledging the complexity of making live entertainment financially viable for both artists and independent venues. “It’s not a blackand-white issue, but it’s definitely an issue,” Everheart said. “I’m not really sure fully how to fix it. I’ve been trying to wrap my brain around that for a while. I worry a lot about every venue I go to.”


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 15

LOOKING BACK

Recapping a few of the fall semester’s most impactful news events BY SAM PARKER The Daily Wildcat

In the first half of the 2023-24 academic year, the University of Arizona community bore witness to a wide variety of news events, on local, statewide and national scales. Here is a recap of some stories that have had major impacts since August.

Crisis in the Middle East

In early October, the terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack on Israel, initiating what has since developed into a global conflict and humanitarian crisis. Israel declared war on Hamas following the initial attack. The Israeli military has since launched an invasion of Gaza in an attempt to combat the terrorist group, and this invasion has resulted in the forced displacement of many of Gaza’s residents as they evacuate the region. Both the initial attack against Israel, and the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, have sparked outcry nationally and at a local level, with discourse and demonstrations taking place on the UA campus and across the Tucson community. Most recently, members from different Jewish student groups organized a vigil on Nov. 8 recognizing the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. The groups placed chairs on the UA Mall representing each hostage, with posters detailing their capture. Two days later, students and community members organized a walkout in support of the Palestinian people. The purpose of the walkout was to demand “an end to the University

of Arizona’s complicity in the occupation and genocide in Palestine,” according to the walkout flyer. The walkout was met with some police presence and counter protests.

Campus security

Over the summer, in response to external reports about the flaws in UA campus security systems, university leadership has implemented many changes in attempts to create a safer campus environment. Part of this effort was the creation of the Office of Public Safety, which brings together university leadership from a variety of different organizations to “protect and advance the safety of the University’s community.” This community-oriented approach is a sticking point for UAPD Chief of Police Chris Olson. “What I love is, it’s no longer just a police matter to solve these issues of safety and crime. We have a whole community approach with OPS, and I think that one is the biggest change,” Olson said. “Second is how we manage threat assessment under the leadership of [Jessie Semmann], our offices here at the department and how we’re working with the Dean of Students, but these units working together, we’re coalescing.” Conversations about and updates to campus security are ongoing. A major goal for members of security leadership teams is to increase campus awareness and engagement, a goal which was furthered by the recent campus safety fair, held Nov. 7 on the UA Mall.

OSIRIS-REx mission

The UA community witnessed the long-awaited homecoming of the asteroid Bennu sample on

Sept. 24, the culmination of years of work from the UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratoryled OSIRIS-REx NASA mission.This was the first U.S. sample from a near-Earth asteroid to be delivered to Earth. According to NASA administrator Bill Nelson, the sample contains “abundant water in the form of clay minerals,” as well as carbon. These findings will help scientists at NASA “determine the origins of elements that could have led to life,” he said. The sample, according to Nelson and Dante Lauretta, the mission’s principal investigator and regents professor of planetary science at the UA, will not only offer clues about the building blocks of life, but also may make it easier for scientists to examine and identify asteroids that might hit the Earth, contributing to planetary defense strategies. NASA’s curation team is constructing a sample catalog that will ultimately be used by scientists across the globe to request samples for different studies. The general public will also have the opportunity to glimpse a piece of Bennu. A portion of the sample was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on Nov. 3. NASA has extended the UA-led mission, and the spacecraft that delivered the Bennu sample will be put to use as part of OSIRISAPEX, a new mission that will study Apophis, another near-Earth asteroid. According to UA News coverage of this mission, the spacecraft will start to collect data by April 2, 2029, and will ultimately reach the asteroid on April 13, 2029. Dani DellaGiustina, a deputy

principal investigator for the OSIRIS-REx mission, will be the principal investigator for the OSIRIS-APEX mission.

ASUA

The UA’s undergraduate student government, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, was active this semester in leading campus conversations about sustainability, accessibility and more. While supporting campus sustainability initiatives, including the Campus Sustainability Fund, ASUA staunchly opposed a proposed $25 increase in the student sustainability fee. In a September statement, ASUA contended that “adding this fee, at this time, especially without defined intentions and initiatives, increases the risk of financial instability, difficulty in meeting an individual’s basic needs, and further deepening inequity on our campus.” The statement demanded that the burden of sustainability fall not on individual students, but instead “be a shared commitment between students, administrators, and our state leadership.” ASUA has also been an involved voice in recent conversations about student safety and demonstrations. The governing body released a statement titled “ASUA Statement of Support for Student Safety,” which criticized President Dr. Robert C. Robbins’ response to a protest planned by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Arizona. The governing body encouraged students to “come together and participate in any peaceful demonstration” and to engage in “open dialogue” across campus.

Climate activism

Issues of climate action and the implementation of sustainable

policies remain focal points of conversations around campus. A September climate rally in Tucson reflected a broader community investment in these subjects. The protest, organized by UArizona Divest and the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition, was part of a larger Global Climate Strike Day, and involved organizer demands that included divestment from fossil fuels and corporate responsibility. University initiatives have also demonstrated increased attention to issues of sustainability and climate change. At the beginning of the year, researchers at the University of Arizona received a $10 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to work on and study topics of environmental justice. The Western Environmental Science Technical Assistance Center for Environmental Justice, developed by researchers from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, will use this funding to assist projects in EPA Region 9 that are committed to studying issues of environmental justice and equity. In September, the Presidential Advisory Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Food Production in a Drying Climate released a report that explained the challenges facing Arizona’s agricultural sector. The commission also recommended actions for the university to take, and it is the job of an implementation committee to work on enacting these recommendations, according to Laura Condon, associate professor in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences.


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November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 17

PHOTO SPREAD

Local reactions to the Israel-Hamas War Oct. 7 Hamas attacks Israel, killing more than 1,300 people according to the Associated Press.

The millions of displaced peoples marching south in the Gaza Strip are fleeing from our weaponry.

Oct. 9

BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

Oct. 22

LIV LEONARD | EL INDE ARIZONA

Oct. 10 UA Hillel and Tucson Jewish Community Center hold vigils for Israeli lives lost.

Oct. 9 Pro-Palestine protesters begin rallying downtown.

Oct. 8 Israel declares war on Hamas.

LIV LEONARD | EL INDE ARIZONA

Nov. 8

The national organization has made statements endorsing the actions of Hamas in Israel, which are, of course, antithetical to our university’s values.

Palestine supporters speak at the Arizona Board of Regents meeting.

UA CATPAC, UA Mishelanu and others hold a vigil on the Mall for those kidnapped by Hamas in Israel.

BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

Robbins sends a second email denouncing National Students for Justice in Palestine. UA SJP cancels their rally planned for Oct. 12 in response to the email.

Oct. 25 A small group of students and community members walk the Mall for Palestine.

BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

Nov. 16

BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

Oct. 11

-President Robbins LIV LEONARD | EL INDE ARIZONA

-Nick Molinary, grad student

The community rallies in Downtown Tucson to support Palestine. Several protest organizers included the Tucson Anti War Committee and the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance.

We aren’t going anywhere until these people come home.

UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins sends an email acknowledging the war and related campus resources.

NOOR HAGHIGHI | THE DAILY WILDCAT

-Bar Naiberg, freshman

Nov. 9 Local organizations lead a campus walkout: Shut it Down for Palestine. It was a global day of action called upon by the Palestinian Youth Movemement.

BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT BEN TISDALE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

NOOR HAGHIGHI | THE DAILY WILDCAT



18 • The Daily Wildcat

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

FOURTH AVENUE

The Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair returns to Tucson BY AJ “STASH” CASTILLO The Daily Wildcat

The end of the year is almost here, and with it also comes the 54th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair. Since 1970, both the winter and spring street fairs have been staple events in the Fourth Avenue area, with local shops and vendors coming to sell their products. Casey Anderson, chief operating officer of the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, talked about what preparation looks like. “It’s an ongoing process when you have an event of that caliber. It definitely takes a lot of manpower and a lot of time to coordinate and put everything together. We begin planning the winter street fair in March of that same year,” Anderson said. The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association uses the summertime to plan out what the winter street fair will look like. They then start to accept shopping vendor applications as well as reach out to sponsors and food vendors. Once that’s all ready to go, Anderson says they start to plan the spring street fair. For Anderson, the biggest challenge is always going to be parking, construction or even permitting. This year’s challenge is the new spaces that will be

offered at the fair and how they’ll be used. Anderson does think they’re “fun challenges,” as the reward is very big. “So many things are my favorite! You know, for me, it’s just really watching our community come together. When I say community is much more than just Tucson at large, it’s really Southern Arizona and our surrounding states. Watching all these people come to our community of Tucson, Arizona, where we get to put our best foot forward and really kind of demonstrate what our community is all about. All the different variety and diversity of things that we have to offer, I would say that that’s probably my favorite part,” Anderson said. To Anderson, the diversity of food vendors as well as sellers creates a wide selection of items for people attending to choose from. There are also new activities available at the street fair, as well as a wellness tent for vaccinations, mammograms and more. Located at 210 N. 4th Ave., a local beverage shop named BetterBevs is getting ready to serve at its first-ever street fair. Genesis Zazueta is one of the owners and is already getting ready to be on her A-game when the street fair comes around. “I would say definitely

just getting our crew ready and our inventory all done now, set and ready to go. We want to over-prepare for what’s to come,” Zazueta said. BetterBevs was established recently in April of this year. While Zazueta has lived in Tucson her whole life and has attended multiple Fourth Avenue street fairs, this will be the first time she’s actually selling at one. The shop specializes in all kinds of cold drinks as well as Hawaiian shaved ice. From milk teas to slushies, they even offer all sorts of add-ins to the drinks as well as a small selection of sandwiches. Zazueta takes pride in her work and her shop. “Definitely getting our name out there and just being a part of that Downtown Tucson community, which is always great and fun. We want to establish ourselves a little more,” Zazueta said. BetterBevs is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, and every other weekday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. The 54th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair will take place Dec. 8-10. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. It is a free public event for anyone to attend.


wildcat.arizona.edu • 19

November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

WINTER IN THE DESERT

Five Tucson activities to help you get into the holiday spirit BY SIERRA BLASER The Daily Wildcat

With Tucson’s 80-degree temperatures dragging into November this year and blue skies all around, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit when you’re walking in a desert wonderland. For those looking to get a little more festive as the New Year approaches, here are five activities you can do to get you in the mood for the holiday season.

Take a walk through Winterhaven

If you were to ask any local Tucsonan for their recommendation on a holiday activity, chances are they would say “go to Winterhaven.” This year marks the 74th annual Festival of Lights, where almost the entire Winterhaven neighborhood is transformed into a bright, festive scene that is visited by thousands of people every year. The festival is also one of the most important

events of the year for the Community Foodbank in Tucson. Last year, attendees donated $57,336 and 42,016 pounds of food. This local favorite will be open for visitation from Dec. 9-25 from 6-10 p.m. and is free of charge for entry. For those who don’t want to view the lights on foot, you can also reserve a ride on the Winterhaven Hayride, Arizona Party Bikes or Winterhaven Trolley Tour. Every year around the end of the festival season,

NOOR HAGHIGHI | THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE VIEW FROM THE top of Mt. Lemmon in Tucson from the 2022 winter season. Locals and visitors drive up the mountain to enjoy cooler weather and nature. Annually, the mountain typically sees a few days of snowfall, including nearly 100 inches last season, according to the National Weather Service.

the neighborhood also reserves at least one night for passing through by driving your own car rather than walking. Learn how to support the Community Food Bank and more through winterhavenfestival.org.

Visit the Cookie Cabin on Mt. Lemmon

For those looking for some breathtaking views and colder temperatures, a trip up Mt. Lemmon is a great way to escape the city while still being a short distance away from campus. Mt. Lemmon, usually about 20 degrees cooler than it is down in central Tucson, is only about an hour drive from campus. At the top of the mountain lies a lodge located in Summerhaven called the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin, which serves giant cookies the size of a dinner plate, large scoops of ice cream and freshly made pizzas. “The coolest part is that people come up, and they’re all just having a blast,” Samantha Beal, the general manager of the Cookie Cabin, said. “People are getting a hot cocoa or a hot cider. Then they’re getting a giant cookie or a pizza, and it becomes this cool family atmosphere.” Cookies tend to cost about $8 each, a scoop of ice cream is $3 and a slice of pizza is $9 (or

XAVIER URIAS | THE DAILY WILDCAT

HOT TEMPERATURES CAN MAKE it challenging to get into the holiday spirit. However, Tucson is still home to many festive activities to get you in the mood.

you can get a whole pie for $35). Beal said that crowds tend to flock to the cabin during snow days. However, the lodge is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Whether you take a trip up the mountain for a calming drive or a delicious treat, you are sure to see some amazing views and escape to some much colder weather. Another plus is that Mt. Lemmon sees snowfall every year.

Attend the Downtown Parade of Lights

The Downtown Parade of Lights will return for the 29th annual year on

Dec. 16. Be sure to arrive early to grab a spot as the parade starts at 6:30 p.m., but there will be live entertainment, food trucks and vendors at Armory Park beginning at 4 p.m. The website says the best views of the parade will be along Stone Avenue between Broadway and 17th Street or along 6th Avenue between Broadway and 13th Street. Parking for the parade can be found at many parking garages downtown. However, more information can be found on the parade website. CONTINUED on page 20


20 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

CAMPUS RESOURCES

UA Campus Pantry unveils a second location in health sciences library BY NESTOR HERNANDEZ The Daily Wildcat

The University of Arizona’s Campus Pantry has opened a new location on the first floor of the Health and Sciences Library called Campus Pantry North “We would serve approximately 40-50 students per week. Now that we have served at the Drachman Hall we serve around 80-85 students per week,” graduate assistant Miguel Balbin said. Campus Pantry North provides a food safe space to replace its pop-up pantry that previously served UA Health and Sciences. The main difference between the main Campus Pantry and the North Campus Pantry is the variety of food. “Right now it’s just a food bag pick up system, but hopefully in the future we

ACTIVITIES continued from page 19 The Parade of Lights will be honoring this years Grand Marshall Dante Lauretta, a regents professor of planetary science and cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona. Lauretta is the leader of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return mission, and the parade website says they would like to thank him for his research and contribution to the sciences and hopes the Tucson community will help honor his dedication to the future through scientific research.

See the Gaslight Theater’s “A Small Town Christmas” Tucson’s iconic Gaslight Theater will

can produce more resources similar to the main campus pantry,” Balbin said. The pantry offers five bags of food, with at least six types of food from pasta to pinto beans. If one of the five bags doesn’t meet your dietary restrictions, then you are able to create your own by scanning a QR code and selecting items that meet your dietary needs. Many students and faculty use the pantry as a way to have easy access to food. “It’s closer to a lot of our students that are on this side of campus that normally don’t get to go to main campus,” said Melissa Garcia, a student and staff member for UA Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Having a space that is closer to the College of Public Health has helped many students like Francisco Martinez. “I’m struggling right now being able to finance myself, especially with food,” Martinez said. Having Campus

be having Gaslight’s “A Small Town Christmas” as their annual holiday show this year from Nov. 9 through Jan. 7. The theater will be offering complimentary popcorn at the show along with a dinner menu featuring award-winning pizza and a variety of salads, sandwiches, finger foods, a full-service bar and ice cream treats. “A Small Town Christmas” is set in the 1960s in the middle of the United States. The melodrama follows Rolinda Porter and her father as they try to save their family record shop from going out of business during the holiday season. According to the show’s description, Rolinda hopes to bring the Christmas spirit back to the town and save the town itself from a problem of another kind. Adult tickets before tax are $27 each, but

Pantry North can help students in the sciences who are not always on the main campus. Anyone with a CatCard can use the

pantry from 12:30-3 p.m. CatCard holders are limited to two visits per week at either location, and limited to one visit per day at the pantry.

SOHI KANG | THE DAILY WILDCAT

A CAMPUS PANTRY VOLUNTEER organizes fruit into different baskets in the Sonora Room on the first floor of the Student Union Memorial Center on Friday, Feb. 24. The goal of the pantry is to reduce food insecurity in the University of Arizona community by offering free food staples to students and staff.

the theater offers a discount for children, seniors, students, military, veterans and first responders. All of the shows put on by the theater are written and directed in-house. This script has been used for a few decades. However, the theater makes sure that popular shows are put on at least five years apart so that audiences are always seeing something new. “Most of the time, you know you’re not going to see something you’ve already seen, at least for a very long time,” Gaslight general manager Heather StrickerDeBenedetti said. The show is meant for people of all ages and is a very interactive experience for the audience. “In a melodrama show, we like to yay the

good guys and boo the bad guys,” StrickerDeBenedetti said. “The big thing that our owner likes to hit is that you can always feel safe bringing your little kids to any of our shows. There’s not going to be any content that’s not family-friendly.”

Check Out Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada

Enchanted Snowfall will return to the La Encantada Courtyard this year from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23. The event will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6-7:45 p.m. The event features complimentary hot chocolate courtesy of Blanco Tacos & Tequila, live entertainment from local groups and faux snow for families to enjoy, which falls at 6 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m.


November 2023 • Winter print edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 21

HOLIDAY HEALTH

How to prioritize your health during this holiday season BY KANISHKA CHINNARAJ The Daily Wildcat

As we approach the holiday season, there is a surplus of precautions people can take to prioritize and maintain good health in the coming weeks to cherish the festivities. For many, the first step to having a relaxing time over the holidays is to avoid sickness. Frequent contenders for illness during this time include influenza, the common cold, respiratory illnesses and COVID-19. Many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer free flu shots, if one has proof of insurance, along with the updated COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine has many positive incentives, as the 2021 study results confirm that vaccinated patients had a “26% lower risk of intensive care unit admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated.” Children are strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, as it reduces the risk of lifethreatening influenza by 75% within this demographic. The same general incentives apply for the 2023 COVID-19 vaccine; the updated version will protect against Omicron strains EG.5 and BA.2.86. Yale Medicine reported that, by the end of September,

the Omicron strain EG.5 accounted for 29.4% of SARS-CoV-2 cases. Therefore, annual vaccinations are a great way to safeguard our health. Everyone has access to the COVID-19 vaccine; those insured (including under Medicare and Medicaid) can visit their local pharmacy or healthcare provider with an insurance card, and those uninsured can receive free COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program. To locate the free vaccine sites, visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233. For more information, visit Pima County’s COVID-19 vaccination information page. Another prevalent issue during the holiday season is the lack of healthy eating. Experts say that the key here is KIARA ADAMS | THE DAILY WILDCAT to focus on balance, enjoying delicious CVS PHARMACY OFFERS FREE flu shots and an updated dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the phartreats while maintaining greater macy is suggesting people get these vaccines in order to stay healthy over the holidays proportions of veggies and fruits. Another helpful suggestion is to enters the ‘danger zone’ between 40°F with social gatherings and feasts. With practice mindful eating by slowing the and 140°F, promoting rapid bacterial many different meals being prepared, eating pace, thoroughly chewing one’s growth, according to the CDC. an often overlooked element of food, and allowing your body to assess According to the USDA Food Safety holiday health is food safety. The CDC if you’re still hungry. These steps can and Inspection Service, bacteria can recommends keeping foods separated help with overindulging double in number every 20 minutes and keeping the meats stored separately and post-meal digestive within this temperature range. So from the veggies in the fridge to prevent issues. when serving large feasts like those so any form of cross-contamination. niversity of Arizona common during this holiday season, hot While cooking meats, it is also student Claudia Galaida foods must stay hot (above 140°F) via essential to reach the minimal safe acknowledged many warming trays, and cold foods must stay internal temperatures; for example, holiday gatherings are cold (below 40°F). beef steaks, roasts and chops must in a potluck setting, Living in a post-pandemic world, it is have an internal temperature of 145°F especially among college important to continue best practices to while pork ground meat must have an students, which can protect our health. In terms of holiday internal temperature of 160°F according sometimes make mindful meals, this starts with washing hands to the official United States Food Safety eating more challenging. In before, during and after preparing food. regulations. order to avoid overindulging, Additionally, washing hands before Storing meals must be done with she advised people to do eating, after petting animals, after using precaution and there are some simple “small rounds and to make the restroom, treating a wound and procedures to remember. The two-hour sure you are not placing just rule states that all perishable foods must so forth reduce the spread of germs. one item but a variety of be refrigerated within two hours, and Wearing a mask while feeling unwell not foods on your plate in small within one hour if the temperature is only helps contain the illness in public portions.” above 90°F. This precaution is crucial, but also plays a crucial role in preventing The holidays are synonymous as beyond the two-hour mark the food the spread of sickness to others.


22 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Welcome Back Guide ● August 2023

STUDY SPOTS

Five close-to-campus coffee spots for students which is where I spend a lot of my time, so I can just bike over here. The coffee and muffins are very good,” Solgonick said. Solgonick usually orders a mocha or caramel macchiato if she is craving coffee. When she is in the mood for something else, jasmine tea or earl grey are her drinks of choice. “I’ve studied here before. The people here are really polite, so they don’t really disrupt you,” Solgonick said.

BY ANDREA CAMPOS The Daily Wildcat

Supporting local businesses has never been easier with the variety of shops available to University of Arizona students a short distance off campus. With finals coming up, here are a few shops to keep in mind when looking for places to study.

1.) Cafe Maggie

Cafe Maggie is located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and University Boulevard, open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “I love how inclusive we are. The majority of our coworkers are trans or nonbinary,” said Emily Erickson, who has been working at the shop for eight months. The coffee shop is also accommodating to families, offering an area for children to play while their parents enjoy their drinks. When it comes to studying, Cafe Maggie also has students covered. “The majority of our regulars just post up for hours, and they’re either working or studying. Then they just come and get their cappuccinos and like four hours later get a muffin,” Erickson stated. Becoming a Cafe Maggie regular also has its perks. After five drinks, your next one is free. Erickson suggested trying their peanut butter mocha, emphasizing how they make their own peanut sauce. Aside from coffee and food, the shop is delving into other creative options for its customers with plans of starting a chess night. “We have an art show at

4.) Espresso Art Cafe

AMELIA MCANEAR | THE DAILY WILDCAT

CAFE MAGGIE IS LOCATED at Fourth Avenue and the coffee shop is open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu features many vegan options and offers a comfortable place to study.

night every other month. It’s a second Saturday sort of thing where local artists come in and have their art up on the walls,” Erickson said.

2.) Snakes & Lattes

Snakes & Lattes is located in Main Gate Square on University Boulevard. The business is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Friday and Saturday, when it’s open until 12 a.m., and Sunday when it’s open until 9 p.m. “I really like working here because it’s not just one thing. In the mornings, I get to work in a cafe, and that’s really great, but sometimes I want to work at more of a fast-paced bar, and if I do that, I work Friday and Saturday nights,” said Xander Mason, a recent UA grad who has worked at the shop for a year. The back wall of Snakes & Lattes has three walls dedicated to any board game you can think of. Open until

10 p.m. during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday, grab your friends to game the night away! What sets Snakes & Lattes apart from the other shops on this list is the size of its board game collection. “It’s definitely a really fun atmosphere. The board game atmosphere is really cool even if you’re not playing games, just being around people playing games, having fun, is just a different energy than people focused solely on eating or studying,” Mason said. While board games are the biggest selling point, Mason mentioned Snakes & Lattes can also be a good place to grab coffee or tea before you study. He recommended the hot or iced chai drinks or any of the lattes.

3.) Caffe Luce

Caffe Luce is located in Main Gate Square on

University Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in to study and enjoy the industrial décor. “I’ve been coming more lately because it’s so good, and it’s pretty affordable, especially for students,” said Madyson Edwards, a UA student studying film and journalism and a regular at Caffe Luce. Her go-to drink is the hot chai tea latte. Linden Solgonick, a double major in jazz and engineering at the UA, stops at Caffe Luce up to twice a week. “I first came here this summer with my dad. I remember the hot chocolate was really good, and I also really like the vibes in here. It is also very close to the music school,

Espresso Art Cafe is located at the heart of Main Gate Square on University Boulevard. Open Sunday through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Owen Culbert is a fairly recent hire at Espresso Art Cafe, having worked at the shop for around three weeks. “It’s a little quieter, older crowd, less Californicated crowd. We are going to have a lot of live events starting soon. Music every Friday, karaoke on Wednesdays, trivia on Thursdays,” Culbert said. As soon as you walk into Espresso Art Cafe, you are struck by the vibrant hot pink velvet chairs and multiple paintings decorating the wall. Be sure to try one of Espresso’s unique live events happening every week! There are a number of drinks on the menu ranging from coffee to alcohol. There are also snacks to keep you full as you study the day away, including muffins, bagels and croissants. “I make a lot of mochas with whip cream; that’s very important. What I would recommend is the

brown sugar latte because we have really nice brown sugar. And the Mexican mocha, that one is really great,” Culbert said.

5.) Scented Leaf Tea House

Scented Leaf is also located in Main Gate Square, open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Taylor Bader, the general manager, has been working at the tea house for around five years. “I love working here. It’s part of why I’ve been [in Tucson] so long,” Bader said. “The atmosphere is certainly part of its appeal. Scented Leaf has a very special energy to it that is unique to it versus a lot of other places. It’s a lot friendlier. It’s a lot more energetic. One way people have described it is it’s just a very nice place to be.” Scented Leaf offers a variety of different teas, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated options. Visit Scented Leaf in Main Gate Square to experience the energy and atmosphere for yourself! When it comes to studying, Scented Leaf is not lacking in accommodations. “Scented Leaf is an excellent place to study. We are right next to campus. So it offers students a really good place to come and hang out with friends. During [COVID-19], we actually expanded our location. It used to be just one space, and now we took over both spaces to allow for more seating,” Bader said. Scented Leaf offers refills all throughout the day: a bonus for college students looking to save some money.


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 23

SEASONAL EFFECTS

Navigating seasonal affective disorder among college students BY VIVEK AKING The Daily Wildcat

As the University of Arizona gears down for the winter season, daily high temperatures in Tucson will drop an average of 20 degrees Fahrenheit from their October levels. This imposes a new environment that college students will have to adjust to. Physical adjustments will most certainly be felt immediately, but what isn’t as easy to adjust is mental activity. Things like mood, mental status and daily functions become subject to modification as students navigate the shift in how to respond to the transformed natural environment, demanding a nuanced and deliberate adjustment in our cognitive and emotional processes. Dr. Jordan Karp, professor and chair for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona and clinical service chief for behavioral medicine at Banner Health, says that seasonal affective disorder is “a pattern of significant changes in mood that correspond with seasonal changes.” The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are expansive and complex; however,

there are a few major manifestations that students can look out for when either assessing themselves or looking out for a friend, peer or classmate. Karp claims that “people with seasonal affective disorder often describe feeling more isolated, slowed down, increased social withdrawal and oblique thoughts.” As students acclimate to the dropping temperatures, reduced exposure to daylight and the elongation of nighttime hours on campus, it becomes crucial for them to adhere to a consistent routine that aligns with their comfort levels. This routine may encompass timely sleep, regular meal consumption or engagement in outdoor activities. The maintenance of such a structured schedule serves as a preventive measure against the onset of symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, which, if left unaddressed, could potentially escalate into more pronounced and challenging psychiatric manifestations, according to the National Health Service. Being exposed to sunlight plays a critical role in combating the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Specifically in the

morning, receiving some sort of stimulation from sunlight may help prevent or mitigate the effects of seasonal depressive episodes. It is advisable to avoid prolonged periods in bed, even before the full sunrise, and to make sure to establish a routine to make mornings productive. “Further ways to improve mitigating the effects of seasonal affective disorder is by using light box therapy, which mimics the effects of sunlight while providing 10,000 lux light,” Karp said. Students feel the impact of SAD both academically and personally. ”When winter comes, I feel less motivated to study at the library and go to class,” Nik Mathur, a third year undergraduate UA student, said. This is one of the many experiences that students may feel when dealing with the side effects of seasonal affective disorder. Other experiences that have been felt among college students is a lack of interest to go to class, workout and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Joe Zyadeh, a fourth year undergraduate student, observed that his mood and social life fluctuate throughout the semester; however, it isn’t

AMARA WILLIAMS | THE DAILY WILDCAT

based on seasonal changes, but instead happens because of the increased workload that comes with the semester coming to a close. “The cold makes me more active, since I enjoy wearing layers of clothing, indulging in festive activities and can enjoy winter-related activities,” Zyadeh said.

Adaptations to new environmental settings become an integral aspect for college students to embrace, and experts say that the effects of seasonal depression should be closely monitored in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Karp monitors and facilitates clinical trials which may be available to

students who think they might be suffering from depression. To potentially receive clinical treatment, students can contact bamhresearch@arizona. edu or call 520-626-1527. Additional resources for counseling and psych related services are available to students at the university’s Campus Health Center.

Want to stay updated on University of Arizona community news? Subscribe to our email newsletters, full of a wide variety of coverage at: wildcat.arizona.edu/NewsletterSignUp


24 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

UA SUSTAINABILITY

University of Arizona steps it up for sustainability GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Community Garden is located on Mabel Street. The garden was founded in 2012 by Students for Sustainability.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

ANNIKA RISSER SHOWS A participant how to give feedback on initial recommendations to the Climate Action Plan on Oct. 20. Individuals received three types of stickers to emphasize what recommendations they think are important.

BY GRACIE KAYKO The Daily Wildcat

UA Community Garden & Compost Cats

Compost Cats is a student supported division of the The University of Arizona Office of Sustainability. has many ways students can “Our goal is to divert food participate in sustanability waste from the landfill and around campus. From educate and engage our clothing swaps to working on community, as well as trying a climate action plan students to help with food insecurity,” can help the UA campus be said Kenzie Jackson, the sustanable. campus and community outreach coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. In 2020, Compost Cats started the Bucket Program, a residential composting plan that encourages students to bring their food scraps to one of Compost Cats’ three sites. The closest location to campus is the UA Community Garden on Mabel Street. EMMA DIAZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT Students pay a one time CAMPUS CLOSET PROVIDES SHOES fee for a gamma seal bucket and other clothing items on Oct. 10. which keeps the smell and Campus Closet provides free clothing on bugs from compost away. the first floor of the UA Student Unions. The food scraps, also known

as “greens,” are combined with “browns” which include twigs, leaves and newspaper to create a nutrient-rich mixture. “Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways that individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint and help sustainability broadly,” Jackson said. The benefits of composting include keeping food waste out of landfills, reducing your carbon footprint, helping put nutrients back into soil and retaining the structure and moisture of the soil, according to Jackson.

Climate Action Plan

The University of Arizona Sustainability and Climate Action Plan commits to having net zero carbon emissions by 2040 or sooner. UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins released a statement on YouTube in September describing what

the action plan is and how UA will reach their goal. For the first time on Oct. 20, the Office of Sustainability tabled on the Mall to ask for feedback on initial recommendations for the action plan. The goal was to get as much feedback as possible, particularly from students. “We want it to be as holistic and representative of the university’s vision as possible,” said Annika Risser, a senior studying sustainable built environments. UA teamed up with Tucson Electric Power in 2021 to purchase renewable energy for the main campus. As a result of the partnership, UA has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, according to Trevor Ledbetter, a co-lead of the action plan and director of the CONTINUED on page 25

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

PEOPLE SIT AT THE UA Community Garden on a rainy morning painting bricks on Nov. 18. The garden holds events the third Saturday of each month.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY hosts an event on the UA Mall for climate recommendations on Oct. 20. The student input will help improve the Climate Action Plan.


Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

25 • wildcat.arizona.edu

UA SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED from page 24 Office of Sustainability. While the university works to become more sustainable, there are ways students can help the campus become greener.

Campus Closet

Campus Closet, located on the first floor of the student union, is also an Associated Students of the University of Arizona affiliated program that offers

EMMA DIAZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT

CAMPUS CLOSET PROVIDES TOPS and sweaters on Oct. 10. Donations are accepted at the Info Desk in the Student Union everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

students, faculty and staff casual and professional clothing. “Sustainability is the very nature of the Campus Closet,” said Isaac Rodriguez, the donation drive chair, in an email. By donating to the Campus Closet, it minimizes the amount of clothes being wasted. The Campus Closet has partnered with student-led clothing swaps to promote sustainability, and have done tabling events in the past to educate on how to repurpose clothing, according to Rodriguez.

EMMA DIAZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT

JEANS AND PANTS ARE provided at Campus Closet on Oct. 10. All bottoms are worth one point along with all tops and shoes.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

KENZIE JACKSON DUMPS A bucket of food scraps out on Nov. 18. Every Saturday from 9-11 a.m. people can bring their buckets of compost to the community garden.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

PEOPLE GATHER UNDER THE Eugene G. Sander Ramada on Nov. 18 for the bucket program and paintaing session. The ramada is a shelter at the garden where activities take place.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

PEOPLE ATTEND THE OFFICE of Sustainability's tent on the Mall to give their feedback on initial recommendations on Oct. 20. The initial 85 recommendations were shown at the event.

EMMA DIAZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT

CAMPUS CLOSET GIVES VISITORS four points on Oct. 10. Shoppers are given four points each visit so that they can take clothing home.

GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT

INITIAL RECOMMENDATION SHEETS ARE spread across tables on Oct. 20 on the UA Mall. The Office of Sustainability hosted the event to gather community responses to the Climate Action Plan.


26 • wildcat.arizona.edu

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

INTERNET

OPINION: The ‘real’ reality of Gen Z BY FIONA SIEVERT The DailyWildcat

T

omato and rat girls, red and green and beige flags, being ‘delulu’, a silly YouTube video that fundamentally shaped the Gen Z childhood experience — every day, Gen Zers are defining a new youth culture, one which some believe to be created exclusively online. In some ways, nothing has changed; youth culture has always given rise to new slang, style and unique ways of viewing the world. Each generation seeks to develop its own identity with the hope of distinguishing itself from earlier ones. Out with the old and in with the new; it’s that simple, right? Not necessarily. As someone who was (and still is) largely out of touch with the online world and having not owned a smartphone until I was around 18 years old, maintaining a firm grasp on this supposed ‘culture’ of my own generation has proven difficult. As a child, I didn’t watch “Hannah Montana” or “Spongebob,” nor have I seen the vine that went viral in May 2013 (I’m sure there were thousands). I don’t have those feelings of nostalgia when it comes to the digital media of my youth. Instead, I recall the smell of plumeria flowers, riding my bike in the rain, tetherball, lowhanging backpacks, galaxy print and silly bands. Surely some part of this list will prompt nostalgia in others as well, but much of what Gen Z actually chooses to fondly reminisce about in daily face-toface conversation is their digital experience — rather than their physical one. As a tween, I felt this divide between the physical and digital worlds very intensely. Desperate to connect with my peers, I created an Instagram account that

I was able to access on the devices of a few kind friends. Staying up-to-date turned out to be a huge time sink though and I was ultimately forced to contend with the fact that I could not bridge the social gap between my world and that of my peers. There are and will continue to be many others like me, who (for varying reasons) are not as knowledgeable about online culture as their peers. Access to digital spaces and culture must thus be seen as a kind of privilege or, at the very least, a sociallydefining ability. Those Gen Zers who choose not to be online — or those who do not have reliable Wi-Fi, functional technology or the time and energy to engage extensively with the online world — surely feel those effects most profoundly, as a lack of online cultural knowledge directly translates into an ever-present lack of social fluency. Just as with any other language, the so-called ‘language’ of the internet can certainly be learned, but this process also requires significant additional effort and time. No doubt learning a new language can be a wonderful, eye-opening experience. Unfortunately, those Gen Zers who aren’t fluent in online culture often have not expressly chosen to avoid learning this new language; on the contrary, they simply were not able to. It is then also those Gen Zers who are required to define their place in our generation differently, physically; they alone are forced to find connection and value outside of the ever-expanding digital sphere. I know that Millenials and Boomers and other non-Gen Zers will continue to repudiate our generation’s ability to exist in the physical realm; they will continue to believe that our generation is defined by the internet, that we are confined by it. In turn (and perhaps as a consequence), our generation will

JT THORPE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

EVEN THOUGH GEN Z is often associated with the internet, opinions writer Fiona Sievert argues that it does not define everyone in the age group, especially those who choose to limit their social media use.

continue to stake our claim on the digital world, creating spaces, trends and cultural movements which push out those who don’t ‘get’ it or cannot be part of it. In other words, just as previous generations attempt to otherize Gen Z and carry on belaboring the idea that we are chronically online and disconnected from reality, so we ourselves also continue to retreat from the physical, pulling further and further back into the virtual world. I cannot deny that the internet has had a profound impact on Gen Z, but the dominant narrative about this generation is inaccurate. Gen Z is far from the one-dimensional, internetaddicted, mentally-ill pack of robots that we are made out to be in the media. And even if we are, whose fault is that? We are simply learning to live in a world that is not of our creation — just as every generation does, and we now understand that world better than its own creators. Gen Z knows that the internet

can be neither hated nor hailed. While the internet can forge connections and create safe spaces for expression, it can also narrowly define our experiences. The internet can provide opportunities to learn and broaden our worldviews, but it can also homogenize the language we use to articulate specific feelings, simplifying a formerly rich diversity of thought. The internet can help us find a community, but it can also boil those communities down to a few palatable catchphrases and keywords. My point is not that we all need to abandon the internet and social media in favor of some kind of analog, tech-free, traditional existence. This situation is not (or should not be) one that requires a binary decision: either find a way to inhabit the digital sphere, or be shunned to the physical world. The truth is that our ‘reality’ — as well as our generation’s shared experience, our culture — is not exclusively created online. Neither is it solely rooted in the so-called

physical world. Rather, ‘reality’ is somewhere in between, in that nexus of the digital and the physical — and the true strength of our generation lies in our ability to inhabit that ambiguous space. So, how about this? For now, let’s focus on the social and linguistic barriers that are actively being constructed and strengthened between offline and online Gen Z communities. Let’s physically post event flyers again. Let’s invite less culturally fluent Gen Zers into our communities. Start a discussion. Connect. Reduce the language barrier from both ends — digital and physical. Bridge the gap.

Fiona Sievert is an undergraduate UA student studying Anthropology and East Asian Studies with a minor in German Studies. She loves linguistics, wearing wacky outfits, writing pretentious movie reviews and being a dirtbag in the great outdoors!


wildcat.arizona.edu • 27

November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

BOWL HISTORY

Arizona football’s history in the postseason BY MASON DUHON The Daily Wildcat

On Saturday, Nov. 4, the Arizona football team hosted No. 20 UCLA for its 2023 Homecoming game. In front of a crowd of almost 45,000 students, fans and alumni, the Wildcats stunned the Bruins with a 27-10 victory and secured bowl-game eligibility for the first time since 2017 and advanced to 6-3 on the season. Arizona in bowl games Arizona has appeared in 21 bowl games, with its first appearance coming in 1921 and the most recent being

in 2017. The Wildcats own a 9-11-1 record all-time in bowl games and have appeared in one New Year’s Six game (2014 Fiesta Bowl). The Wildcats’ first appearance — the San Diego East-West Christmas Classic in 1921 — remains Arizona’s largest margin of defeat. The Centre College football team, now an NCAA Division III athletic department, served up a 38-0 shutout. Arizona played in four more bowl games before it would finally secure its first postseason victory: a 30-21 win over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the 1986 Aloha Bowl. Three years later, Arizona made the 1989 Copper Bowl,

which was played at Arizona Stadium. For the first time in program history, the Wildcats were playing postseason football in front of their home crowd in Tucson. Legendary head coach Dick Tomey led the Wildcats to a 17-10 victory over North Carolina State University. The Wildcats also made the 1997 Insight. com Bowl to once again play postseason football at Arizona Stadium. Tomey once again led the Wildcats to a 20-14 victory over the University of New Mexico, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 record in bowl games at Arizona Stadium. Arizona’s last bowl game Arizona’s last postseason appearance came in the 2017

Foster Farms Bowl. Arizona, led by then-sophomore quarterback Khalil Tate Jr. and head coach Rich Rodriguez, finished the season at 7-5 (5-4 in Pac-12) and was third in the Pac-12 South Division standings. The Wildcats took on Purdue University, who finished the season 6-6 (4-5 in Big Ten) under first-year head coach Jeff Brohm. Despite quarterback Elijah Sindelar dealing with a knee injury that was later determined to be a torn ACL, he still led the team to three wins in the final four games of the season. What seemed like a matchup between two middling teams quickly turned into a shootout

KOHICHIRO YAMADA | THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FOOTBALL’S TREYDAN STUKES (2) enlivens fans on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Arizona Stadium. The football team beat the No. 16 University of Utah 42-18.

between two very evenly matched offenses. Each quarterback accounted for at least 360 yards and four touchdowns. Tate threw for 302 yards and five touchdowns, while also tacking on 58 yards rushing on 20 carries. Arizona’s leading receiver, Tony Ellison, posted 102 yards and cashed in two touchdowns on just four catches. Sindelar, on just one good leg, threw for 396 yards and four touchdowns. His leading receiver, Gregory Phillips, posted 149 yards and two touchdowns of his own on an astounding 14 catches. Purdue established a commanding 31-14 lead heading into halftime. However, Arizona mounted a comeback and three touchdown passes from Tate in the third and fourth quarters saw Arizona ahead 35-31 with 3:21 remaining in the game. However, Purdue launched into its four-minute offense and found the endzone quickly. Sindelar found Anthony Mahoungou on a 38-yard touchdown — Mahoungou’s second of the day — and put Purdue ahead 38-35 with 1:44 remaining. Arizona couldn’t force overtime or clean up with another touchdown, and Sindelar was subsequently named the game’s MVP for his game-winning drive. Other stats: Arizona’s record in bowl games at Arizona Stadium is 2-0. Arizona’s record in bowl games in the state of Arizona is 3-3. Arizona has appeared in two bowl games three times: the Fiesta Bowl (1979, 1993, 2014) and the Sun Bowl (1968, 1985, 1992). The Wildcats’ record in these games is 1-4-1. The lone win was a 29-0 shutout of the University of Miami in the

1993 Fiesta Bowl. Arizona has been shut out three times: 1921 San Diego East-West Christmas Classic (38-0), 1990 Aloha Bowl (28-0) and the 2009 Holiday Bowl (33-0). Conversely, the Wildcats shut out the University of Miami in the 1993 Fiesta Bowl (29-0). The Wildcats’ lone tie came in the 1985 Sun Bowl against the University of Georgia in a 13-13 game. New Mexico is one of just two teams to play multiple bowl games against Arizona. However, the game has never occurred at a truly neutral site. The Wildcats defeated the Lobos 20-14 in Tucson in the 1997 Insight.com Bowl and 45-37 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl in the Lobos’ home stadium. Arizona has played Baylor University, the University of Utah, Oklahoma State University and BYU in past bowl games. All five teams will be members of the Big 12 conference starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. Pac-12 contract bowls in 2023 Sun Bowl: Friday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. MST, El Paso, Texas; ACC vs. Pac-12 Alamo Bowl: Thursday, Dec. 28, at 6:15 p.m. MST, San Antonio, Texas; Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Holiday Bowl: Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m. MST, San Diego, California; Pac-12 vs. ACC Las Vegas Bowl: Saturday, Dec. 23, at 4:30 p.m. MST, Las Vegas; Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Independence Bowl: Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6:15 p.m. MST, Shreveport, Louisiana; Big 12 vs. Pac-12 LA Bowl: Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 p.m. MST, Los Angeles; Mountain West vs. Pac-12


Winter Print Edition ● 2023 November

28 • wildcat.arizona.edu

ARIZONA HOCKEY

Navigating change, new additions and NCAA dreams BY MADISON CARNEY The Daily Wildcat

The NCAA has yet to extend an invitation to the University of Arizona’s hockey team for a competing slot in their association that could impact the program significantly. Here’s what’s going on with Arizona hockey: Currently, Arizona hockey commands the rink at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I level. The ACHA, governing non-varsity ice hockey at U.S. colleges and universities, hosts the Wildcats in the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHL). The Wildcats have been a foundational presence in the ACHA since its inception in 1991. The prospect of an NCAA offer looms large, as the hockey family in Arizona expands. Earlier this year, it was announced that the Wildcats will be adding a women’s ice hockey team who will be competing in Division I in the ACHA as well. This progressive leap not only diversifies Arizona’s hockwey legacy but also emphasizes a commitment to inclusivity within the sport. In addition, an adaptive athletes sled hockey team is projected to be added next year. Another pivotal distinction lies in the fact that the ACHA, unlike the NCAA, does not typically provide scholarships. An NCAA offer would not only enhance the prestige of Arizona’s hockey program but also prove immensely beneficial for its players. This opportunity holds even more appeal given the impending transition of the Wildcats to the upcoming Mosaic Quarter Iceplex as its primary tenant. The team is set to relocate its home games to a cutting-edge 3,000-seat venue within the facility, which is presently in the construction phase. The MQ Iceplex is slated to serve as the central hub for all University of Arizona hockey activities, including operations, practices, games and events.

An association change holds the promise of not just athletic advancement but, more importantly, community engagement. Envision a future where Arizona’s hockey teams draw in more consistent fans, experience greater turnouts and bask in heightened motivation in a more competitive environment.

NATHANIAL STENCHEVER | THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA HOCKEY’S GOALIE WAITS for the puck drop in game against rival ASU on Friday. Feb. 24, in the Tucson Conversation Center. The Wildcat hockey team won 1-0.


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 29

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Daily Wildcat’s best Arizona sports moments of the semester BY KELLEN O’HALLORAN & JASON DAYEE

The Daily Wildcat

As the curtain begins to fall on another semester of collegiate sports, join us in revisiting the defining moments that shaped the University of Arizona’s athletic landscape. In this special edition, we present a retrospective of the top five sports moments that resonated with Wildcat Nation during the fall semester. 1. Fans storming the field after Homecoming victory over No. 20 UCLA (Nov. 4, 2023) In the aftermath of the Arizona football team’s Homecoming victory over former-No. 20 UCLA, the jubilation among Wildcats fans reached a fever pitch as a “white-out” crowd of over 44,000 stormed the field. The electrifying atmosphere was marked by a sea of white-clad supporters as “U of A” chants echoed throughout the walls of Arizona Stadium. This collective outpouring of joy and pride was not only a celebration of the team’s decisive 27-10 triumph but also a symbolic moment in the program’s history. The unity and excitement displayed by the Wildcat community emphasized their collective joy in witnessing the football program’s unprecedented success, especially in a season marked by a remarkable stretch of victories against ranked opponents. With this win, Arizona moved to 6-3 to become bowl-eligible and earn a coveted spot in the national rankings, feats not achieved since the 2017 season. The combination of on-field success and the resounding support from the fanbase marked a turning point for Arizona football, solidifying its presence on the national stage. 2. Upsetting No. 2 Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium (Nov. 10, 2023)

In a captivating matchup with the Cameron Crazies in attendance and the college basketball world as witnesses, the Arizona men’s basketball team pulled off an upset in Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. With a final score of 78-73, the Wildcats delivered a statement road win, toppling the former No. 2 Duke University. Keshad Johnson emerged as a key figure in this triumph, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds, leading Arizona’s charge against the Blue Devils. The Wildcats thwarted a late second-half rally by Duke and handed the Blue Devils their first home loss under second-year head coach Jon Scheyer. The depth of Arizona’s talent was evident, with five players finishing in double figures. This victory not only secured a significant road win but also extended Arizona’s winning streak to three games over Duke, solidifying their series edge at 6-4 all-time. The presence of coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski sitting courtside added historical weight to the game, as Arizona and Duke revived a rivalry dating back to the late-1980s. As both teams aspire towards national championship goals, the possibility of a postseason rematch looms, adding further intrigue to this compelling chapter in their storied history. 3. Defeating ASU in season finale in front of a home record audience (Nov. 3, 2023) In a thrilling season finale at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium, the Arizona soccer team emerged victorious over ASU with a resounding 2-1 win, captivating a record-breaking crowd of 1,389 spectators. Despite ASU leading in shots and shots on goal, Arizona showcased formidable defensive prowess, halting numerous attempts and securing the win. The standout performance of goalkeeper Hope Hisey played

MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT

FANS CONGRATULATE ARIZONA FOOTBALL safety DJ Warnell Jr. (14) after Arizona beat No. 20 UCLA 27-10 in the Homecoming game. Warnell transferred to Arizona from UCLA.

a crucial role in their defensive success. She accumulated five saves in the match bringing her career total to an impressive 366. Hisey’s impact throughout the season, culminating in this stellar display, marked a fitting conclusion to her five-season career as an Arizona Wildcat. This rivalry game, steeped in tradition as one of the year’s most significant clashes, saw the Wildcats rebound from a 3-2 loss to ASU in the previous year’s matchup. Following a season marked by a rollercoaster of victories and losses, this decisive victory in front of a record home audience provided the team with a gratifying conclusion to the season. 4. Arizona football scores a season-high 44 points while picking up its first ranked win of the season (Oct. 13, 2023) For Week 5 of the college football season, the Wildcats traveled up

north to face the 4-1 and then-No. 19 Washington State University. After giving up an opening-drive touchdown, Arizona played its best football of the season, not giving up another score after that. Cameron Ward, the Cougars’ star quarterback, was fifth in the country in passing touchdowns coming into the game. He recorded zero touchdowns, as the Arizona defense was flying all over the field, making it very hard on him. Noah Fifita made his third career start at quarterback and cemented himself as the quarterback of the future for the Wildcats. Fifita completed 34 of 43 passes for 342 yards with no turnovers. Fifita’s stellar play combined with Arizona’s tough defense led them to a dominant win. The game’s 38-point differential was the largest margin of victory on the road against a ranked opponent in program history for Arizona. It was also the

Wildcats’ first win against a ranked opponent since October of 2022. 5. Scoring 5 goals while shutting out Kent State (Aug. 31, 2023) The Arizona soccer team played its best game to date, winning 5-0 against Kent State University. The 5 goals scored are the most by the Wildcats in a match under head coach Becca Moros and the most by an Arizona team since 2019. Gianna Christiansen started the scoring for the Wildcats, as she scored from the top of the box in the 31st minute. Following that, Nicole Dallin, Cameron Valladares and Desiree Foster all etched their names into the scorebook by each scoring a goal. The highlight of the match came in the 75th minute, as senior Megan Chelf scored from near midfield. The Wildcats defense was exceptional all game, allowing Kent State to only get off two shots.


30 • wildcat.arizona.edu

WInter Print Edition ● November 2023

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yourfuture.asu.edu/msw


November 2023 • Winter Print Edition

wildcat.arizona.edu • 31

Fall in Tucson COMICS

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS

BY XAVIER URIAS

ALL NEW SWEET LIL’ STORIES

BY CHLOE RAYMUNDO

....to be continued on the Daily Wildcat website! To be continued on the Daily Wildcat website!


32 • The Daily Wildcat

Winter Print Edition ● November 2023

Embrace the spirit of the southwest in the serene midtown setting of the Arizona Inn, a four diamond casita-style resort hotel built in 1930 by Congresswoman Isabella Greenway.


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