AS Review - January 20, 2015

Getting #Lobbylicious down in Olympia, p. 4 Another one rides the bus, p. 5 KSA’s first-ever heritage dinner, p. 12

Vol. 30 #11 1. 20. 15

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Buchaechum performs a traditional fan dance at KSA’s first-ever heritage dinner.

Cover photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review

MAKING YOUR LIFE BETTER, ONE PAGE AT A TIME 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 © 2014. 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 NEWS 4 Getting

#Lobbylicious down in Olympia Associated Students Legislative Liason Heather Heffelmire updates Western students

5 Another one rides the bus...

Learn more about Western’s Late Night Shuttle expanded routes

STUDENT LIFE 6 What are you

looking forward to in 2015?

We ask students what they’re most excited about in the upcoming year

8 OC’s Winter Excursions

The Outdoor Center offers a variety of weekend gateaways

FEATURES 11 Ned’s Declassified Winter Quarter Survival Guide

Beat the winter blues with a few tips from different resources around campus

KSA’s first-ever

12 heritage Dinner Korean Student Association starts the yearby hosting their first heritage dinner

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.

Abigail Ramos Kelly Mason Trevor Grimm Auzin Ahmadi Ian Sanquist Nontawat Thammawan Marina Price Alex Bartick Designer Keghouhi Bedoyan Adviser Jeff Bates

Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers

At Western, coming across a deer on campus is nothing special. Yet, the free-running animals always leave us with a smile for our day. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review

1. 20. 2015 • 3

EVENTS Drag Show Auditions Jan. 20 & 21 // 6-8 p.m. // VU 462B // Free Now is your chance to show off and audition for the 23rd Annual Drag Show! Performances may include dancing, lip-syncing, etc... Auditions are open to all identities and experience level.

Farm Workers Speak Out! Jan. 21 // 7 p.m. // AW 204 // Free Western’s Students for Farm Worker Justice brings you this event featuring speakers from Familias Unidas por la Justicia. Learn about the unfair conditions Sakuma Brothers’ farm workers face and ways you can help!

Bring a Friend Day: “The Civil War on Drugs” Jan. 21 // 5 p.m. // AW 205 // Free Western Libertarians and Students for Sensible Drug Policy team up to

bring you this event featuring free food and a showing of the WKUK’s “The Civil War on Drugs.” Enjoy a fun way to learn about drug prohibition.

Wednesday Night Concert Series ft.

Lanford Black w/ Maddy & The Templates Jan. 21 // 7 p.m. // UGCH // Free Enjoy free music at the Underground Coffeehouse as part of the fall Wednesday Night Concert Series.

This week’s musicians include Lanford Black and Maddy and The Templates.

Top Ten: Jan. 20 Happy Idiot TV On The Radio Put Your Number In My Phone Ariel Pink As It Never Came Modern Vices Block Bust Night Pt. 1 Run The Jewels

Western’s State of Emergency Teach-In

Groovin’ High Bud Powell

Jan. 22 // 5 p.m. // AW 304 // Free

Sketchers Dogs

Join this call to action encouraging students to bring attention to the lack of recruitment and retention regarding students of color on college campuses.

White Shadows Marquis Hill All The Other Girls Avid Dancer Away With The Boys Bellamaine Sons & Daughters The Tropics

Poster design by Jamie Jones

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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Getting #Lobbylicious down in Olympia Every winter the Associated Students Legislative Liaison travels down to Olympia, Wash. They spend the quarter lobbying for Western students’ rights at the State Legislature. This year Western’s AS Legislative Liaison is third-year polticial science major and economics minor Heather Heffelmire. Heffelmire and the AS Review have teamed up to bring you “Getting #Lobbylicious” in which Heffelmire will share her experiences in Olympia and update students on what’s happening at the State Legislature. Check in each week to stay #Lobbylicious!

Hello Western Friends, For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Heather Heffelmire and I’m our Associated Students Legislative Liaison. In simple terms, that means I’m our student lobbyist, and in even simpler terms that means I’m representing all of you at our state capital in Olympia during winter quarter.

This is a big job and one I’m grateful, privileged and excited to have. Representing our entire student body is no small task and I’ll need all of y’alls help to ensure I do the best job possible!

This week was my first week in Olympia and I spent the week in lobby training put on by the Washington Student Association.

The WSA is the only student-run, student-led organization in the state which advocates on behalf of students.

The WSA does some amazing work and is an organization I’m proud to have been a part of for almost three years. Due to my affiliation with the WSA, I’ll not only be representing Western students while in Olympia, but I’ll also be representing students across the state.

Training was busy, fast-paced, intense and a lot of fun! I got to connect with student lobbyists from the University of Washington, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University and Washington State University.

We practiced giving testimonies to legislative committees, scheduled meetings with legislators and familiarized ourselves with the capital campus.

I also found out what WSA issues I’ll specifically be lobbying for – voter access issues, veterans issues and securing new and dedicated revenue for higher education.

Aside from these, I’ll also be lobbying on Western specific issues, like our Student Success Proposal which requests extra revenue for academic advising for first-generation students and students of color and our Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault Proposal which would create extra resources for survivors of sexual violence.

These are two proposals I’m proud to lobby on. More broadly, throughout the legislative session, I’ll be lobbying on general higher education policies which aim to prevent a tuition increase and make college more affordable.

As I mentioned before, representing all of Western’s 15,000 students is no easy job. In order to represent y’all accurately, I’ll need

Heather Heffelmire [third from the left] along with student lobbyists from across the state stand next to a bust of George Washington at the State Capitol in Olympia. Photo courtesy of Heather Heffelmire your help and I’ll need to hear from you throughout winter quarter.

In order to lobby effectively, it’s important I have student stories [your stories] to share with legislators while I’m meeting with them at the capital. If you have a story related to any of the above mentioned issues that you would like to share, please email me at heatherheffelmire@yahoo.com Additionally, if you’re interested in getting involved with the AS or the WSA [and you should be because they’re fabulous organizations] or you just want more information on what I’ll be doing during the quarter, feel free to email me or visit the Representation and Engagement Programs office in VU 435.

Throughout winter quarter I’ll be updating you all on my adventures at the capital and keeping you posted on the latest in higher education policy. I hope you all have a great quarter!

-Heather Hefflemire

Stay #LOBBYLICIOUS!

1. 20. 2015 • 5

Another one rides the bus...

Western’s Late Night Student Shuttle expands route to reach students in the Happy Valley neighborhood.

By Alex Bartick Poster By Zach Becker Safety and an increase in student population were the main reasons behind creating the new Happy Valley Late Night Shuttle service. Even though the Happy Valley neighborhood, located south of Western’s campus, has the highest concentration of Western students it lacks many safety amenities, such as connecting sidewalks and lighting.

In order to address these safety issues Associated Students Alternative Transportation Coordinator Karen Izumoto and her two predecessors have been working to develop the new Student Shuttle route which will now service students living in Happy Valley.

The creation of the new route allows students living in Happy Valley to safely take the Late Night Shuttle home during fall, winter and spring quarters, according to AS Vice President for Student Life Zach Dugovich.

“Extending a bus route takes a huge amount of patience and persistence,” Dugovich said.

“Trial and error are a part of the process, but despite the difficulties in finding the correct route or timing the route perfectly, we were successful and able to make it work.”

In addition to figuring out possible routes, Dugovich and Izumoto held a public forum for students and community members. They also attended a Happy Valley Neighborhood Association meeting where residents of the neighborhood strongly expressed support for the new Night Shuttle service said Izumoto.

Previously the Late Night Shuttle serviced regular Whatcom Transportation Authority routes starting downtown, driving through campus and over to the Fred Meyer on Lakeway Drive before looping back to the downtown WTA station.

“Since the Student Shuttle uses established

WTA stops, the route in Happy Valley is a combination of the 14 and 105 routes, which will provide service throughout the neighborhood,” Izumoto said.

The Student Shuttle will now include two different routes, Route A will service the Happy Valley neighborhood and Route B will service Fred Meyer and Lakeway.

Both routes include the regular WTA stops from downtown, through campus to

the Rec Center. However, the shuttle will no longer service the WTA downtown station.

Instead, students can catch the shuttle at the stop on Holly Street and North Forest Street across from the Food Co-op.

The new service begins Sunday, Feb. 1.

Route A begins at 10 p.m. leaving the Viking Union and Route B leaves the Viking Union at 9 p.m.

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AS Review hits the streets: What are you most looking forward to in 2015?

By Abigail Ramos & Alex Bartick Photos By Trevor Grimm

With the release of “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,” Death Cab For Cutie’s new album “Kintsugi” and the XLIX Super Bowl, there is quite a bit to look forward to in 2015. The AS Review went around campus asking students what they’re looking forward to in the upcoming year. From the Underground Coffeehouse’s weekly events to traveling the globe, Western students share their responses, if you find yourself wanting to share what you’re most looking forward to this year, tweet us @TheASReview

Allie Crowe

The Underground Coffeehouse features a variety of free events throughout the week for Western students. Freshmen Allie Crowe said her favorite program put on by the UGCH has to be the open mic held on Tuesday nights.

“I’m probably looking forward most to going to open mic each week and performing, it’s probably my most favorite thing about Western,” Crowe said.

For more information and upcoming events, visit the ASProductions Underground Coffeehouse Facebook page or contact Jonah Falk at AS.Coffeehouse@wwu.edu

Tori Algard and Molly Hodgin “Pippin,” the four-time Tony Award winning play, debuts at The Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle begining in early Aug. Freshman Tori Algard and junior Molly Hodgin will be amoung the many in awe of the tremendous acrobatic skill.

The musical deals with a series of questions young adults face in today’s society. From rites of passage to a lack of role models, the show pulls audience members in with its elaborate songs and costumes.

“Pippin” is sure to leave Algard and Hodgine with smiles from ear to ear after they attend to show.

1. 20. 2015 • 7

Jazmine Smith

Grahan O’Keefe

“I’m a senior right now, probably just like becoming more responsible, trying to get a job this year,” O’Keefe said. “I guess just like making new friends, figuring out more what I want to do, figuring out who I am as a person. Expanding my connections and trying to get myself out there more, let people know who I am.”

The New Year can entail a serious of resolutions, bettering ourseleves is a step towards a happier mind. Senior Jazmine Smith says she is looking forward to positive change.

“Lots of change and hopefully it won’t end as poorly as 2014 did,” Smith said.

Serena Okamoto

Jared Dick

Western provides a variety of study abroad programs. Sophomore Jared Dick hopes to travel abroad as a part of the classic college experience.

“I’m just looking forward to maybe trying to study abroad spring quarter,” Dick said. “I’ve been considering Europe or Southeast Asia, maybe a teaching program with English.”

Soon to be alum, Serena Okamoto is an avid cosplayer.

Cosplayers dress up as characters seen in movies, books or games.

Cosplay conventions are held across the nation, showcasing the costumes.

“I would like to devote more of my time to making costumes,” Okamoto said.

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For disability accommodations please call (360) 650 - 2343 Western is an equal opportunity institution

Theft of this banner is a violation of University policy and will result in notifying University Police and the Dean of Students Office.

For disability accommodations please call (360) 650 - 2343 Western is an equal opportunity institution

Poster by Keghouhi Bedoyan

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Outdoor Center offers adventurous weekend getaways

By Kelly Mazon & Auzin Ahmadi Poster by Zach Becker Tucked away at the bottom of the Viking Union, the Associated Students Outdoor Center boasts a wide variety of activities, service, resources for Western students. In addition to, the OC is composed of a bike and rental shop, allowing students to recieve repairs and rent equipment for low rates. However, the largest program offered by the OC is the excursion trips offered each quarter.

OC Excursions offer students a chance to get outdoors and connect with the Pacific Northwest through a range of outdoor activities This quarter, the OC has several excursions offered to students, such as backcountry ski courses, snowshoeing, rafting and more.

Each trip is hand picked by OC Excursions Coordinator Brian Bates and Assistant Coordinator Peter Dykes to make sure students have the chance to get one with the outdoors while they learn valuable leadership skills and outdoor knowledge.

In order to make the trips accesible to students, the prices of the excursions range from $35-180 and are all aimed for beginners.

Transportation and equipment for each excursion are provided by the OC. “We have a variety of trips in the winter that are more snoworiented, each one has a difficulty rating [on our website] but really they’re all targeted towards beginners,” Dykes said.

One trip to look out for is the March 7-8 Snow Cave Weekend, which gives students the chance to safely camp in the snow! Dykes describes his most memorable winter excursion as a Snow Cave Weekend he led a few years ago.

“I led a Snow Cave trip when the weather was bad,” Dykes said.

“We had to stay entertained and warm so we built a cave big enough for the entire group to lay flat and sleep in. The entire group slept in one snow cave and it was really cool.”

Another excursion that is sure to be memorable is the Skagit River Eagle Float on Feb. 21. Students can raft down the Skagit River and spot the multitude of eagles which have returned to hunt the spawning salmon.

“I’m really excited for the Women Backcountry Ski Day because it’s the first time we’ve ever had a trip specifically for female-identified students led by female-identified trip leaders and we’re really excited to get that opportunity out and empower students,” Bates said.

For those of you who prefer to experience the outdoors from the comforts of the indoors - no judgement - vicariously enjoy rockclimbing with a showing of “Reel Rock 9 Tour: Valley Uprising: Yosemite’s Rock Climbing Revolution” on Thursday, Feb. 26.

In addition to offering excurions, the OC has a full range of wil-

derness reference books, outdoor sports videos, local trail maps and hiking spots, as well as a lounge area to chill.

Even the least outdoorsy will find a welcoming, supportive atmosphere and the inspiration to step out of their comfort zone at the OC. Whether you’re a seasoned wilderness expert or have never set foot on a hiking trail, the OC has something for you.

To sign up for an excursion, get information on anything outdoors related or just hang out with some cool folks, visit the Outdoor Center at VU 150.

1. 20. 2015 • 9

#JeSuisCharlie...?

Ian Sanquist takes on the recent attacks on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and freedom of speech.

By Ian Sanquist Under the threat of violence, the decision to publish takes a tone of heroic defiance, to be dutifully applauded by all fans of liberty.

This impulse is correct. But the threat of violence, or violence itself, does not improve the content of speech.

In situations where the idea of a free press is pitted against terrorist violence, discussion of the principle at stake can crowd out critical conversation about the content of the offending object, which, while worthy of general defense, is equally deserving of specific criticism.

Though there is no expression more hateful than murder, the attack on Charlie Hebdo doesn’t symbolize a battle between “good” and “evil,” and one must examine what purpose provocations serve before rushing to embrace potentially hateful content by declaring absolute solidarity.

To uphold the principle of free speech means to accept that anyone inclined to do so has the right to create and disseminate hateful content.

In general there are consequences that an enlightened society will apply to those who publish such content—those people may find that they are no longer taken seriously as journalists, critics or human beings. Their words may be disgusting, toxic and unforgivable. Still, it’s necessary that they be allowed to make their provocations. Central to this conclusion is a critical engagement with the content of the speech.

To what purpose is the offensive cartoon drawn? Is it drawn purely for the sake of its own offensiveness? Is it drawn to bring the high and mighty back to earth, to ground ideology in the absurdity of real life? Or is it drawn to a more sinister end, to suggest, for instance, that a Jewish conspiracy controls the world’s media, or that a wave of immigrants

“Though there is no expression more hateful than murder, the attack on Charlie Hebdo doesn’t symbolize a battle between ‘good’ and ‘bad.’”

-- Ian Sanquist will destroy the United States? Political cartoons are drawn to an agenda. Whether you find the cartoon offensive or not probably depends on whether its agenda suits you.

While most western media outlets have been quick to declare solidarity with Charlie Hebdo for its defiance of terrorist blackmailers, the actual purpose of the offending cartoons has gone largely unquestioned.

Satire is typically concerned with undermining power structures, pointing out the flawed or absurd logic of the absolute and the dogmatic. Most of the cartoons featuring Muhammad are purely grotesque, sometimes prurient, with no real purpose but to draw attention through the outrage they’re guaranteed to provoke.

For the most part, the cartoons aren’t even good satire. One exception stands out: a cartoon depicting Muhammad as he is beheaded by an ISIS fighter. The image draws a distinction between the teachings of Muhammad and the twisted ideology of the fanatic. Though it’s been criticized for painting all Muslims as terrorists, the cartoon illustrates how the actions of the radical betray the Islamic faith.

The cartoons that depict Muhammad again and again in various lewd positions reveal the magazine’s overwhelming sensibility: that of a bully who has found an especially effective taunt and remains determined to use it as much as he can. The political cartoon takes on a sinister aspect when it feeds the arguments of the intolerant.

In France, where the veil is banned, and the kebab is under attack from politicians on the right as a symbol of Muslim invasion, one must ask what provocative purpose can cartoons that reinforce a sense of animosity toward a targeted group serve?

The cartoons appear as a gratuitous insult—not an argument against the presence of Muslims, but a reminder of the general scorn that exists toward Muslims in France and in much of the western world.

As with last month’s controversy over The Interview, the threat of suppression has lent a noble gloss to an otherwise unremarkable piece of culture. Savage violence has provided a shocking, tragic and ultimately simplified narrative: Charlie Hebdo, champions of free speech, incorrigible rascals, irrepressible provocateurs, defenders of liberty, fearless, brave, righteous.

Regardless of whether the cartoons are hateful or merely tasteless, or whether they deserve to exist at all, they have every right to exist and be published. It doesn’t matter if they’re intolerant, crude, insightful or just thoughtless—they represent the perspective and expression of a human.

It’s the right of the offended parties to express their outrage through speech and writing, to denounce the cartoons and their creators.

To prescribe and express violence against a person or group of people for views that they hold and express that clash with your own is the absolute foundation of intolerance.

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Check in with the Environmental & Sustainability Programs

By Ian Sanquist With a new quarter underway, the Associated Students Environmental and Sustainability Programs are preparing a series of events for this winter to raise awareness of problems facing the environment and to encourage students to learn ways in which they can become engaged in environmental activism.

ESP Director Sadie Normoyle emphasized an interest in exploring the intersection between social and environmental issues. To this effect, the office is collaborating with other groups on campus, including the Ethnic Student Center and the Social Issues Resource Center.

“Later in the quarter we’re planning to do an indigenous resistance event,” Normoyle said. “Our vision [for 2015] is a continuation of what we worked on since we started our jobs...being more inclusive in our programming and in who we reach out to.”

On Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. Dhar Jamail, a journalist known for his coverage of the Iraq War, will speak in Commucations Facilities 110 on the issue of climate disruption. His talk, “Are We Off the Climate Precipice?” will focus on the science of cli-

mate disruption and mass extinctions that are currently in progress.

AS Environmental Center Coordinator Galen Herz said the office intends to amplify the voices of people fighting for environmental justice.

“Often pollution and other environmental problems affect communities of color more than others,” Herz said. “You can see where refineries are built, they’re built in low income areas of town.”

In the last week of January, the ESP will host Toxic Oppressions and Oppressive Toxins, an event focusing on environmental racism, an issue that involves the placement of low-income communities in proximity with environmental hazards.

Students can expect to see signs of progress on projects funded by the Green Energy Fee grant program. The GEF, a fee of seventy cents per credit, is dedicated to funding student projects that work to make Western’s campus more sustainable and lessen the campus’s environmental footprint.

A major project that has been funded by the GEF is an overhaul of the Performing Arts Center’s lighting system. A sum of $290,000 has been dedicated to a project that will retrofit the PAC with energy efficient LED lights.

This project has been piloted by a team of students from the theater department.

Though there isn’t an exact timeframe on the project, GEF Education Coordinator Colin Ridgley said that students can look for signs of the overhaul sometime within the next year.

Ridgley clarified that the grant program can only fund projects brought to its committee by students.

“We have over $300,000 in funding every year to give to students,” Ridgley said. “If someone wants that great experience on their resume, or has a cool idea, we wanna talk to them, we wanna work with them.”

The GEF is up for renewal in student elections this year. Ridgley encourages students who are interested to learn about the program and the work that it does at Western.

In addition, the ESP houses the Outback Farm - a five acre farm that sits in between Fairhaven and Buchanan Towers. The Outback offers workshops and events that teach students organic gardening, habitat restoration, etc...

With exciting projects like these, and events intended to draw awareness to the environment, the ESP is working hard to keep Western engaged in the future of the environment.

The Outback Farm is just one entity that makes up the Environmental and Sustainability Programs. The Outback Farm offer workshops and hosts events at its Outback amphitheater and classroom. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review

1. 20. 2015 • 11

Ned’s Declassified Winter Quarter Survival Guide

By Nontawat Thammawan For many of us, winter is known for dampening and freezing our spirits. Rain can evoke sadness in people’s eyes and cold weather can intensify loneliness. Staying cheerful and positive during winter can be a difficult task for some people, but it’s not impossible.

Student Health Center Medical Director Laurie Arndorfer said winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD] is something that effects many students.

“SAD appears to be more common among people who live far north or south of the equator,” Arndorfer said. “This may be due to decreased sunlight during the winter.”

Female-identified individuals and younger people are at higher risk of SAD. People with SAD have warning signs of depression including an increased fatigue and appetite, weight gain, irritability, relationship difficulty and a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs. The symptoms usually begin in Oct. or Nov. and continue until March or April, Arndorfer said.

SAD can strongly effect one’s work and personal life. To alleviate depressive episodes, here are a few things people are able to do: Greater exposure to light has a positive influence for the people with SAD. People can accomplish that by changing their surroundings: removing drapes from windows, installing brighter light bulbs or spending more time outdoors on sunny days.

Additionally, light therapy is also very effective in relieving SAD. The therapy involves sitting in front of a special bright lamp such as sun lamp or light box on a daily basis, beginning with 10-15 minutes per day and gradually increasing to 30 to 45 minutes depending upon response. At Western’s Student Health Center Light therapy is available free of charge for students, Arndorfer said.

“Some individuals have an immediate response to light therapy, though typically it takes two to four days before a sustained response is evident,” Arndorfer said.

Besides light therapy, people can also alleviate SAD by limiting and controlling their diet. U.S. News Health suggests that consuming more complex carbohydrates like cereal, pasta and nuts, rather than simple carbs like cake, cookies and candies can help boost mood.

Vitamin D or the “sunshine vitamin” has proven to be especially helpful in relieving SAD. Consuming foods such as mushrooms, salmon, orange juice, tuna, fortified soy milk and vitamin D supplement will help replace the vitamin D that people lack during winter.

Staying physically and mentally active daily is another solution to SAD. Western junior Tristan Sokol said his tips for surviving winter is to stay occupied and prepare activities to do both indoors and outdoors.

To survive winter quarter, some students make the best of winter weather others cozy up inside with hot cocoa. Read for more tips! Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review “Winter is a starkly beautiful time of the year. You just need to enjoy it and keep looking for fun things to do,” Sokol said.

Does the winter weather keep you inside? That’s okay! The AS has tons of events coming up during winter quarter to keep you entertained even on those cold and rainy days. The winter quarter line up includes events focused on social justice, concerts, movies, art and more!

Seasonal Affective Disorder may be temporary but that doesn’t make it any less valid. If you are experiencing signs of depression and need to seek help, Western offers free counseling. For more information contact the Counseling Center at 360.650.3164

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Korean Student Association hosts first-ever heritage dinner

By Marina Price More often than not, you see posters hung around Red Square advertising an upcoming cultural heritage dinner at Western.

Heritage dinners began at Western when the Associated Students Ethnic Student Center was established in 1991 and have continued every year since then.

As of the start of 2015, there are 18 separate cultural clubs within the ESC, and at least 15 have plans to host heritage dinners in the upcoming school year.

Although open to the public and with discounts available for all Western students, these dinners are predominantly attended by students within the ESC. The goal of a heritage dinner is simple: to celebrate the unique and vibrant traditions and practices of a given group.

This is done through performances, discussion and of course, great food. ESC Program Coordinator Ana Palma-Gutierrez believes heritage dinners provide a great learning experience for students who might

not know about a specific culture.

Palma-Gutierrez remembers the first dinner she attended, put on by the Filipino Student Association.

“It was really enriching,” Palma-Gutierrez said. “No matter what, you’re going to have fun. And there’s food, too.”

Western’s Catering Service works in collaboration with event organizers to make sure the food is authentic and representative of the culture.

Neil O’Connor is a student manager at Western’s Catering Services and has catered seven heritage dinners so far. He suggests that students of all cultures should attend.

“I would tell someone to go even if they weren’t a member of that heritage for the unique musical and cultural performances,” O’Connor said.

The first-ever Korean Heritage Dinner at Western was on Jan. 10. Dancers in the final K-Pop performance took their bows to a roaring applause from over 200 attendees.

The night was filled with food, both traditional Oolleemm drum dancing and

Buchaechum fan dancing, as well as contemporary K-Pop performances done by members of Korean Student Association.

KSA President Joan Hong wanted all attendees to experience something new.

“We tried to incorporate as many diverse performances as we could so there would be something new for everyone to experience whether they are Korean or not,” Hong said.

Often times cultural heritage associations choose to promote a charity that could impact people in their culture. KSA chose to focus their efforts in supporting Liberty in North Korea. Each table accepted donations and a KSA member spoke about the impact that attendees could have with their contributions.

They also held a raffle with prizes consisting of ‘swag’ from Western and Korean culture.

Since each dinner is completely student run, heritage dinners are the result of the hard work and dedication from members in each cultural association.

“It really is incredible how so many of the ESC clubs can pull them together,” Hong said.

Oolleemm and Buchaechum perform traditional dances at the Korean Student Association Heritage Dinner on Saturday, Jan 10.

Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review