Vol. 32 #1 09.19.16
Vol. 30 # #.#.#
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Miller Hall Collaborative Space in a rare empty moment. Cover photo by Ricky Rath // AS Review Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2016. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.
IN THIS ISSUE Introducing the 4 2016-17 AS Board of Directors Meet the leaders of the Associated Students, and learn about the people behind the titles.
6 Connecting with Confidence Learn how to make new friends and find your place on campus with these helpful tips.
Paul Storer 6 Memorial Lecture Learn about crossborder trade and monetary policy with the Governor of Canada’s version of the federal reserve.
7 AS Programs and Services Find out about the many ways you can get involved with the Associated Students.
Star Trek Beyond
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Join AS Productions on the Comm Lawn to watch Captain Kirk and his crew test their space skills against a new enemy.
Fall Sports at Western Support the student athletes who train hard to bring glory to our school.
8 Adaptive Bicycle The Outdoor Center recently purchased a hand-pedal bicycle.
We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
Morgan Annable Alexandria Baker Ricky Rath Chris Beswetherick Erasmus Baxter Morgan Annable Julia Berkman Josh Hughes Alexandria Baker Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
The 2016-17 AS Board shows off their silly side during a photoshoot. See page 4 to learn more about the people behind the positions. Photo by Ricky Rath // AS Review
09. 19 2016 • 3
EVENTS Poster Sale
Outdoor Movie
All week // VU Gallery // Free
Sept 20 // 6 p.m. // Communications Lawn // Free
Stop by the Viking Union Gallery and check out the selection of posters to deck out your dorm or your house! They have posters featuring everything from bands to animals to art to maps.
Freshman Convocation Sept 20 // 7 p.m. // PAC 282 // Free This yearly assembly is a tradition for incoming freshman. Afterwards, enjoy a fireworks display in front of Old Main.
The Market After Hours Sept 22 and 29 // 4 p.m. // Depot Market Square // Free Engage in Eat Local Month and take advantage of harvest season. Learn about local food production and listen to live music while shopping for a delicious dinner.
Farm Tunes: Lost at Last Sept 23 // 6 p.m. // BelleWood Acres // Free Enjoy a farm-fresh meal and live music on the patio at BelleWood Acres.
Free Bellingham History Tour Sept 24 // 1 p.m. // 311 E. Holly Street // Free Join the Good Time Girls from Bellingham’s Bureau of Historical Investigation as they lead a guided walking tour of Bellingham.
Beam yourself up to the Comm Lawn to watch “Star Trek Beyond,” hosted by AS Productions. See page 7.
Top Ten: September 19-25
Red Square Info Fair
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Sept 19 and 20 // 11-3 p.m. // Red Square // Free
99.9% Kaytranada
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Junk M83
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Cheetah EP Aphex Twin
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IV BadBadNotGood
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Silicon Tare Com Truise
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Petals Elephant Revival
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Empire Builder Laura Gibson
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Tween Wye Oak
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The Party Andy Shauf
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Balance Asta Hiroki
Come check out this explosion of information about various clubs and activities available to students. There is often free food!
VU Late Night: Alice in Wonderland Sept 23 // 9 p.m.-1 a.m. // Viking Union // Free Stay up late and explore the Viking Union after hours with your friends. The theme is Alice in Wonderland, and there will be food, dancing, and magicians!
Ice Cream Social
Sept 22 // 6 p.m. // VU MPR // Free The Queer Resource Center is hosting this social event in the multi-purpose room of the Viking Union. Eat ice cream and make buttons, see page 5 for more information.
Ethnic Student Center Kick-Off
Sept 21 // 5 p.m. // VU 565 // Free Meet the club members of the ESC, make some buttons, and eat free food!
KUGS is the Associated Students’ student-run radio station. Listen online at kugs.org. If you’re interested in getting on the waves, pick up a volunteer application in the station’s office on the seventh floor of the VU.
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Introducing the 2016-17 AS Board of Directors BY: MORGAN ANNABLE S ome of them mainline coffee. Some prefer Sour Patch Kids. All of them enjoy making friends. They are just regular Western students. They are the Associated Students Board of Directors. This year the AS Review will feature a weekly column updating readers on the life and times of the AS Board of Directors. These seven student employees represent and advocate for Western students in a variety of settings. The board office is located in Viking Union 504, behind the post office, and each board member has office hours during which they encourage anyone to visit them to ask questions or just stop by and chat for a minute. “I love making people coffee in my office,” Stephanie Cheng said. “So come by during my office hours and I’ll make you a cup of coffee.” Cheng is the AS Board President. She chairs AS board meetings and sits on a number of committees, such as the President’s Cabinet and the Western Foundation Board. “I serve as liaison between students and admins such as Sabah, the President [of the university],” she said. Mary Moeller is the Vice President for Business and Operations, or BusOps. She works with budgets and grants and all things business-related. “I oversee, at least partially, the Communications Office, the Personnel Office, the Business Office, and
the Assessment Office,” Moeller said. “I act as a liaison to a lot of offices that are internal to the university but external to the AS.” Often mistaken for BusOps, but quite different, is the VP for Governmental Affairs, a position held by Bryce Hammer, who stated the parameters of her job quite succinctly. “The VP for Governmental Affairs works with Representation and Engagement Programs, Western Votes, the Washington Student Association, and United States Student Association to ensure that student rights are being advocated for at university, local, state, and federal levels,” she said. Aleyda Cervantes, VP for Diversity, also advocates for student rights through her work with the Ethnic Student Center (ESC) and Resource and Outreach Programs (ROP). “We do a lot of programming and advocacy work,” she said. “I also work as liaison between the AS and different groups outside the AS that work with underrepresented students.” When it comes to clubs and groups, no one interacts with more of them than Alex LaVallee, VP for Activities. “I oversee all of the AS’s 200-plus clubs,” he said. “KVIK, KUGS, AS Productions, just to name a few.” LaVallee also acts as a representative for university athletics. “Anything related to activities, that’s what I cover,” he said. “And you can quote me on that.” Wayne Rocque, VP for Student Life, is a bridge between students, university residences, transportation, dining programs, and health and safety. He also oversees the Environmental and Sustainability Programs, including the Outback Farm, the Sustainable Action Fund (SAF), and alternative transpor-
tation. Regardless of individual students’ club participation, we are all here first and foremost as students. That is where Erick Yanzon comes into play. He is the VP for Academic Affairs. “I represent the student perspective in the faculty senate,” Yanzon said. Despite their very different jobs, all of the board members shared the hope that freshmen, transfers, and returning students alike will take opportunities to get involved. “There’s a million ways,” said Cheng. “Join a club, join a committee, come talk to any of us.” Rocque agreed, saying that he hopes students will learn about and use the resources available to them. “There are a lot of resources out here that are underutilized,” he said. “We’re here for you, we’re here to ensure that your academic success is a priority. Also, hold the university accountable for any of the promises that it makes you.” Hammer pointed out that, while getting involved with activities is an important part of the college experience for many students, no one should feel pressured to do so on a particular timeline. “Freshman year is overwhelming, and so is a transfer quarter,” she said. “If you don’t have time now, it’s okay. You have time to feel at home here. Nobody’s going to make you do it right away.” The board members reiterated that they are approachable resources for students. “I don’t know why, but sometimes people are intimidated to talk to us,” Cervantes said. She thinks that students might be intimidated by the lofty-sounding position titles held by the board members. “But I’m actually a person,” she said. “I go to school here, I procrastinate like everybody. I like talking to people.”
LEFT: The 2016-17 AS Board, from left: Bryce Hammer, Erick Yanzon, Aleyda Cervantes, Stephanie Cheng, Mary Moeller, Wayne Rocque, Alex LaVallee. Photo by Ricky Rath // AS Review
AS Board of Directors Strategic Goals 2016-17
Contact the Board President as.president@wwu.edu VP for Academic Affairs asvp.academics@wwu.edu VP for Activities asvp.activities@wwu.edu
VP for Business and Operations asvp.busops@wwu.edu VP for Diversity asvp.diversity@wwu.edu
1. Communicate more effectively with student body and AS offices through multimedia platforms.
VP for Governmental Affairs asvp.gov@wwu.edu
2. Foster and be accountable for a culture of sustainability.
3. Promote and institute meaningful collaboration between offices VP for Student Life and outside organizations. asvp.studentlife@wwu.edu 4. Include AS offices and employees during restructure process.
09. 19 2016 • 5
Meet new friends at the Queer Resource Center Ice Cream Social BY: ERASMUS BAXTER
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eing a freshman in a new environment can be a confusing and alienating experience. This is especially true for students who identify as LGBTQIA+. The Queer Resource Center’s annual Ice Cream Social will address this by welcoming queer students and connecting them with the queer community on campus, as well as on-campus resources. “It is important for incoming freshmen to be aware of these resources because then they know there is a strong LGBTQIA+ community for
them on campus that is accepting of their identity and orientation,” Queer Resource Center Coordinator Josey Butcher said. The Ice Cream Social will be held in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room from 6-8 p.m. on September 22 and will feature Bellingham’s local Mallard’s Ice Cream. “Mallard’s Ice Cream, which donates their delicious ice cream to this event has gender neutral bathrooms which is good knowledge for incoming students,” she said.
The Social will feature information about Queer resources on campus including the Queer Resource Center and on-campus clubs. There will also be button makers available for attendees to make their own buttons. Butcher also sees the event as a way to strengthen connections and introduce students to the queer community on campus. “The ice cream social is a fun way for incoming students and returners even, to talk with other LGBTQIA+ students and make friends to support them throughout their queer experience,” Butcher said. “Not only at Western but beyond that.” According to its website the Queer Resource center “provides non-judgmental and unbiased programs, safe
Designs by Kylie Owen // AS Publicity Center
space, and resources to both students who identify as Queer and their allies.” It does this by “reaching out and building community among Western students of diverse backgrounds, advocating for and educating about the Queer identity through events and resources, creating and affirming positive self-identities, networking with Queer clubs, providing peer counseling services, and addressing current issues relevant to the Queer community.” OrgSync also lists a Queer People of Color club and a Queer Writers Club. WWU Queer Club meets every Tuesday in Bond Hall 217 from 7-9 p.m., according to their OrgSync profile. It offers “a safe place where queer youth can discover themselves, learn more about their community and also help build a larger more supportive queer environment on campus.” Contact the QRC at as.qrc@wwu. edu or visit them in the Viking Union.
Viking Union Late Night event is a start-of-school wonderland BY: JULIA BERKMAN
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n September 23, everyone is invited down to the Viking Union for its Late Night event. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland, and it’s sure to send you down the rabbit hole (or down the first few floors of the VU). Late Night in the past has been a rousing success. Last year’s Neon Desert had everything: burritos, magicians, and a spectacular rave. And no, this isn’t a Weekend Update from Stefon about New York’s hottest club. This is something happening right on campus. Best of all, this blowout event is completely free! That means all the attractions available to you lucky students are an absolute bargain, and a great night of entertainment. Featured at this event is author Marty Essen, who will present his hilarious and fast-paced travel stories from his trip to all seven continents. His one-man show, called Around the World in 90 Minutes, is hailed by his website as “One part lecture, one part theater, one part slide show, one part comedy.” In addition to Essen’s show, there will be live
performances from Western’s own Dead Parrots Society, the improv group that recently won the College Improv Tournament’s Pacific Northwest Regionals competition. In fewer words, they’re hilarious. If you can’t catch them here, they have open rehearsals every Tuesday night. Also performing are WWU’s Society of Magicians and the student a capella group. All groups of students have been honing their craft all year for this performance. Come and give them the applause they deserve! Similar to last year’s Neon Desert, glow is an essential component to this year’s festivities as well. Blacklight face paint is a must, and luckily you can get all dolled up courtesy of the face painting booth. Furthermore, get your golf clubs and neon argyle ready, because there’ll be a nine-hole
Glow Golf course. Winner gets a date with the Mad Hatter. Save some memories of the evening by taking pictures with your friends at the free photobooth available all night, and making souvenirs at the craft table. No neon event would be complete without a dance floor. Get on your rave best and dance the night away to the tunes of a professional DJ. This exhilarating event goes on until two in the morning. Luckily, there will be enough refreshments to satiate even the Queen of Hearts’ taste. In case you aren’t understanding these references, you can watch the Alice in Wonderland movie, which will be playing all night in the VU. Get ready to follow the white rabbit to the Viking Union, September 23 from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.!
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Connecting with confidence
Tips and tricks for finding friends on campus
BY: ALEXANDRIA BAKER
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he beginning of your first quarter of college is something many people look forward to, but it can also be a time of challenge and transition. At the start of this exciting time of year, it is important to remember that other students are experiencing similar growing pains and doubts. The key to starting your school year on the right foot is building a support system for yourself. Many students envision college as a time of instant friendship, camaraderie, and parties. In reality, it is often difficult to feel like you belong amongst a group of almost total strangers. It’s okay. Give yourself some time to breathe and acclimate to your new surroundings. Your roommate may not be best friend material, and at the start of the school year, everyone in your dorm is unfamiliar to you — but this will change with just a little time and effort. However daunted you may feel in the beginning, it’s important not to isolate yourself in your room (particularly if you live on campus). Your next door neighbor will stay a stranger if you never say hello. For those who are a bit more introverted, making that first connection can be the hardest part. The solution to this is simple: try leaving your door open. It may feel silly or unnecessary, but it is an unwritten
rule in the first few weeks of school that an open door is an invitation to stop by and introduce yourself. Passersby are much more likely to stop and say hello if it looks like you would like some visitors. Once you have acclimated a bit, you might return the favor and at least give a passing smile to someone through their open door. Of course, some students might need a little more structure to their first interactions — and that’s okay! Living on campus has the added bonus of meet-andgreet events in the dorms. It is pretty standard for RAs and other residence hall staff to host game nights and icebreakers for their residents. Again, it might seem a little juvenile at times, but great connections can be forged at these events. Even if you don’t find someone you click with, it will at least give you a few more familiar faces. And if you don’t live on campus? Don’t sweat it, there are countless opportunities to meet new people and find your place. The easiest place to start is to look for people who enjoy the same thing you do. Are you athletic? See if you can join in on a pick-up game of your favorite sport. Musical? Join A Capella or Glee Club, and bond with people over a song. Maybe you just want to talk about Harry
Potter — don’t worry, there’s a club for that. The important thing here is to follow your passions, and do something that interests you. Now it’s always possible that none of these things will work for you. Maybe you’re just not clicking with the people in your dorm, or you can’t find a club or activity that speaks to you. Again, this is no reason for panic. The first few weeks of the quarter is a great time to connect with your classmates. In a larger lecture, try sitting in the same area of the class each day, and get to know the people who sit near you. Regardless of class standing, at the beginning of the quarter, everyone is new to the class, and it is an ideal time to introduce yourself. Forming study groups with classmates is another way to connect. Even if you are not particularly struggling with a class, if you find yourself getting along with a fellow classmate, asking them to study with you can be the perfect icebreaker. No matter how lost you may feel, just remember to give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings. Confidence and friendships will come with time, and until then, make sure you keep the door open.
First annual Paul Storer memorial lecture BY: JOSH HUGHES
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hen Western’s Dr. Paul Storer passed away in 2015 he left behind a career devoted to studying trade between the U.S. and Canada. That legacy is being continued by the first annual Paul Storer Memorial Lecture on Canada – U.S. Relations. The lecture will feature Dr. Stephen Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada, discussing cross-border trade and monetary policy. As Governor of the Bank of Canada, Poloz heads an organization that fills a role similar to the United States Federal Reserve; it issues currency and determines national monetary policy. Poloz holds both a master’s and a doctorate in economics and he worked at the Bank of Canada for 14 years. He also spent 14 years serving at Export Development Canada, a government agency that supports and develops Canadian international trade. The lecture is sponsored by the Center for International Business and the Border Policy Research Institute. Carrie Cooper works with the Center for International Business and is helping to organize the event. “For this first lecture, we are excited to welcome a very distinguished guest speaker,” Cooper said. Poloz will speak from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on September 26 in Communications Facility 115.
Western’s Center for Canadian-American Studies is one of just two US Department of Education National Resource Centers for the Study of Canada, according to the center’s website. Professor Steven Globerman, Director of the Center for International Business and co-author of a book with Storer, has initiated an effort to establish a Paul Storer Memorial Fund, according to Cooper. The fund would host subsequent annual lectures and provide a scholarship to allow a student to attend the annual Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference. Storer had personal experience with cross-border interaction. Growing up in Ontario, Storer earned degrees from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto before coming to Bellingham in 1996 to join Western’s economics department. Storer was a professor at Western for 14 years before passing away from Multiple Sclerosis in 2015. He served as the chair of the economics department from 2007-13. An info sheet about his memorial states: “Although the lasting impact of his kindness and good humor on students and faculty cannot be measured, he received numerous awards from WWU for his research, excellence in teaching, and service as a student mentor.” Those who want to contribute to the Paul Storer Memorial Fund can either send a check to the Western Foundation or do so online. Tim Szymanowski at the Western Foundation can be contacted about donations at Tim.Szymanowski@wwu.edu.
09. 19 2016 • 7
The Associated Students is here to help BY: JOSH HUGHES
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lmost everyone you ask at Western has heard of the Associated Students (AS), but some students are unaware of how much the organization does for the community, or how to get involved with it. Essentially, the AS is a student-run organization on campus that provides programs and services to the school community. Whether that means funding for campus clubs, organizing the student voice in the school’s administration, or providing on-campus jobs, the AS does everything to create an accessible platform to help meet student needs. It is a program that seeks to connect students with their interests and make college a fulfilling experience. These are some of the various resources that the AS offers: Club Hub The AS Club activities office, colloquially known as the club hub, is located in VU 425. The Club Hub provides students with an easy way to find, join, and create clubs on campus. Their page
on the AS website lets students browse existing clubs and has links to important forms and resources for anyone who wants to start a new club but doesn’t know where to begin. This year also marks their second annual Club Cup, where clubs compete to earn points based on how much presence they have on campus and how well they utilize their resources. AS Productions AS Productions, VU 422, is a group that organizes and curates campus events such as Lawnstock, art exhibits, and movie events. They maintain a steady social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to help find out what sort of events students wish to have on campus. As an organization they find entertainment for campus, and their platform makes it easy to hear about events as they happen. Resource And Outreach Programs The ROP, located in VU 511, strives
to integrate seven programs that stand for advocacy, empowerment, and diversity on campus. Their goal is to be inclusive to all members of Western’s diverse community, and they do so by managing programs on sexual awareness, social issues, veterans, women, queer issues, legal information, and disability. The ROP offers jobs and volunteer positions for all their programs, and it provides a platform for students of all backgrounds to find a voice and community on campus. Representation and Engagement Programs The REP, in VU 435, provides students with representation for decisions that affect the university at different levels. Student elections, on-campus committees, and the Western Votes program are all run through the REP. Western Votes, which holds meetings in VU 567 every Monday, advocates politics on campus, reaching out to educate students on elections and
promoting voter registration. The REP website also includes a link that makes it easy to register to vote. Publicity Center The Publicity Center, located in VU 411, is a full-service advertising center that offers graphic design, poster distribution, photography, and on- and off-campus promotion for any advertising needs. The center is also home to the AS Review itself, and is responsible for distribution of on-campus advertising, including banners for events and elections. They offer an easy way to request publicity via online forms that students can use to apply for any advertising needs. In addition to the services listed, the AS also offers and runs KUGS-FM, the Outdoor Center, Environmental & Sustainability Programs, the AS Bookstore, and the Ethnic Student Center, as well as many other services. For more information on how you can get involved, visit http://www.as.wwu.edu/
AS Productions brings final frontier to campus BY: CHRIS BESWETHERICK
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or the last fifty years, “Star Trek” attracted vast audiences from all age ranges; its applicability to the actual world empathized with trekkies and now, more so than ever, “Star Trek Beyond” creates familiar experiences made for a 2016 audience. As a part of Western’s Welcome Week, the campus welcomes all students to a free AS Productions Outdoor Movie Night presentation of “Star Trek Beyond,” the newest episode of the sci-fi series. The showing takes place on Tuesday, September 20 on the Communications Lawn. Seating begins at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at sundown. Last year, the AS organized “Inside Out” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” for their Welcome Week movies, and later in the school year put on “Space Jam.” Each of these films gathered hundreds of students to watch a movie on the south campus field. Now, the credible event seems almost like a tradition. In fact, Star Trek celebrated its 50 year anniversary this year, making it a tradition.
Although J.J. Abrams decided not direct this installation of the series, his substitute Justin Lin, director of “Fast and Furious,” constructs the film to amaze and excite the audience, making it a fun movie. While J.J. Abrams in “Star Trek Into Darkness” develops a serious and scary mood, the new film begins on a note of tranquility; the Enterprise crew seems relaxed, almost bored, from a lack of danger. During this time, the sarcastic and arrogant Captain Kirk, played by Chris Pine, along with Spock (portrayed by Zachary Quinto), Uhura (“Avatar’s” Zoë Saldana), and the remainder of the comical Enterprise crew all convincingly interact like a group of old friends, furthering the wit and appeal of the film. Luckily, but unluckily, the Enterprise fleet is stormed by a new set of villains. Idris Elba leads the attack against the Enterprise as Krall, a daunting antagonist. In the battle, Starfleet loses its most famous ship and the crew escapes to a nearby planet.
There, they find another ship, which they can repair to a functioning state. While so entertaining to watch and so easily enjoyable, the movie loses logical sense with several deus ex machina plot devices which suddenly and too easily progress the film. These predictable devices lower the intelligence of the movie, but replace it with incredible action and humor. The series introduces a new alien ally named Jaylah, who, like the headstrong young girl from “Kick-Ass,” is a part of the greatest scenes. Jaylah’s tough personality evokes a Riot grrrl attitude, and as a result, makes her a strong force in the movie. The direction of the movie brings audiences through a retro-future. Beautiful and epic, “Star Trek Beyond” revives the series with anticipation. While technically and graphically pleasing, the overall story lacked creativity. Thankfully, the credibility and love for the series will always ensure a trekkie’s return to the theater.
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Fall sports update with Western athletics teams BY: JULIA BERKMAN
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he autumn comes, the leaves change, and for the sport buffs, the fall season begins. This year’s fall sports include soccer, volleyball, golf and cross country. As a Division II school, Western has won a few NCAA titles, most of them being swept up by the indomitable women’s rowing team. Coached by John Fuchs, these athletes have won the NCAA Division II Championships five years in a row. This impressive feat sets the record for most consecutive wins within the Women’s NCAA Rowing Championship. As rowing is a spring sport, however, you’ll have to wait a while to see what these brilliant seafarers will do next. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a few thrilling games you can catch in Bellingham! In the meantime, sports fans can enjoy the fall lineup.
SOCCER
Fall quarter sports kick off this year in early September. The soccer teams have regular home and away games throughout this month. The women’s team has an upcoming game against Bridgeport that you can see on ESPN-3. Out of their six latest games, the Vikings have won three and tied one, with two losses they look to avenge. Look out Bridgeport, these Vikings want vengeance! The men’s soccer team is looking ahead
to their game against Seattle Pacific on September 24. Their past season record is impressive, given their youthful roster; 5 wins, 10 losses and 3 ties, leading to a seventh place finish in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. With only one veteran athlete on the twenty-nine player team, their five wins were hard fought and triumphantly won. If you’d like to check out this skilled team, the game will be at home at 7 p.m., as well as streaming on wwuvikings.com.
BASKETBALL
Western’s men’s basketball team also recently won a NCAA title. With just over twenty wins per season, this talented team is sure to keep you on your toes at their first home game. Tune in on November 1 for their exhibition game against Capilano. Along the same vein, the women’s basketball team boasts a whopping 21 win average their past season. These players are a powerhouse team coached by Carmen Dolfo. With their recent star, Kayla Bernsen, having graduated and gone overseas, these Vikings must be jostling to fill the shoes of their senior. You can see their first game of the season against Quest University on Sunday, October 30. Be sure to check out both of these strong teams as they battle their way towards
another NCAA championship.
VOLLEYBALL
Western’s volleyball giants are back at it again this season, trying to up the ante from their 27 wins the previous season. Last year’s team was part of the NCAA Division II final four. They finished second overall in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. These impressive accomplishments were well-deserved. We’re keeping our eyes on Abby Phelps for the coming year, who was recently named GNAC All-Star and Freshman of the Year. You can watch the team play Alaska on September 24. It’s sure to be a knockout match.
CROSS COUNTRY
Coached by the insurmountable Pee Wee Halsell, the men’s cross country, team is starting their season with a bang. Their next meet in St. Paul, Minnesota should prove to be one of their hardest yet. However, with their third place finish in the GNAC last year, we aren’t too worried. Each year the cross country team hosts an event, inviting schools from all over to participate in races hosted at Padden Lake. This get together is taking place on October 8. Also participating in the invitational meet is the women’s cross country team.
Also coached by Halsell, the team is hoping for an equally successful season. Last year they finished second at GNAC Championships and sixth at the national NCAA division II championships. We’ll see how they do in St. Paul!
GOLF
Both the men’s and women’s golf teams are starting their seasons strongly. With the women’s coach Bo Stephan starting his 11th year fresh off his most recent win of Great Northwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, the women’s team can pick back up and try to go for their sixth consecutive GNAC win. They’ll be at home on September 26, where they square up against their rivals for the 45th annual WWU Invitational. The men’s team, coached by rookie Luke Bennet, a WWU alumni, is also participating. The golfer to watch this season seems to be Chris Hatch, who was named a GNAC all-star in 2015. The whole team will be out on the green on September 26 if you want to catch their game. Fall sports have a whole lot to offer this season! Be sure to check out some of the upcoming home games and root for your Vikings!
Western president honors faculty at opening convocation BY: JOSH HUGHES
On September 16 at 8 a.m., Western held its annual Opening Convocation, hosted by President Sabah Randhawa. Each year, faculty and staff convene for a complimentary breakfast and a ceremony in which Western’s president presents awards to exceptional members of the campus community and speaks on the upcoming school year. Team Recognition, Outstanding Faculty Leadership, Diversity Achievement and the Professional Staff Award For Excellence are among some of the
awards the president gives out at Convocation every year. However, the ceremony is about more than just recognizing achievements of the faculty and staff; it also serves as a kickoff for the academic school year. The president always gives opening remarks in the Performing Arts Center once breakfast ends. At previous convocations, former president Bruce Shepard addressed various topics such as diversity and inclusion in his speeches, getting the audience excited about the promises and potential in the upcoming
school year. As one of the few events throughout the year during which most of the campus staff and faculty get together, it functions as an excellent platform for the president to talk about how he intends to make the school an even better community in the upcoming months. Since becoming Western’s 14th president on August 1, 2016, this marked Randhawa’s first opening convocation for the school, and one of his first opportunities to speak to the An adaptive bicycle is now available for rental from the community as a whole. Outdoor Center, VU 150. Photo by Ricky Rath // AS Review