Life: Sweet, savory and sexy: Foods for the college couple (pg. 5)
The Case Western Reserve
Observer
Friday, September 22, 2023 Volume LV, Issue 5 Est. 1969
EDITORIAL
CWRU falls out of top 50 in university rankings, but this didn’t have to happen Editorial Board U.S. News and World Report just released its 2024 rankings of national universities. Case Western Reserve University placed 53rd, dropping nine places from the previous year. As a whole, private institutions fell an average of 16 places, whereas public institutions rose an average of eight places, offering a small glimpse into the dire state of college education in America. On Sept. 18, The Daily released a short article detailing the report, as well as the methodological changes made in determining how universities are ranked. As is unfortunately expected from the CWRU administration, the article failed to address the potential flaws in the university’s operations that led to a lower ranking. Instead, The Daily cited a massive “overhaul” in methodology, in which U.S. News and World Report placed “greater emphasis on student outcomes.” Quick to respond to the rankings was, of course, President Eric Kaler. “Choosing a college should be more about finding the place that is best for that particular individual,” said Kaler. “Students [should] identify the specific qualities they seek in a university—rather than following a list guided by a publication’s priorities.” There is truth in the statement that choosing a college is a very personal decision, and students should weigh the
Tyler Vu/The Observer advantages and disadvantages of any particular institution, considering factors such as affordability, location, rigor of academics and size of student body. Most students wouldn’t study engineering at a liberal arts college, for example. But President Kaler’s words conflict harshly with the university’s desire to widen its appeal. For the past few years, CWRU has been on a mission to expand its enrollment, which is reflected in the sudden 10% growth in the undergraduate student population. And just this summer, CWRU infamously modernized its logo in an effort to “stand out” among many other top universities. The CWRU administration, with Kaler at the helm, simultaneously desires to appear more attractive to students while dismissing genuine criticisms reflected in the drop in rankings with a “not-everyone’s-cup-of-tea” at-
titude. CWRU can’t have it both ways. If Kaler wants to keep growing the student body, then he should find ways to make that cup of tea more palatable to a wider demographic of students. Such a goal is not impossible to accomplish—and in fairness, CWRU improved in areas that the report did not include. For example, the university moved up five places to 51st in first-year experiences, and eight places to 37th in undergraduate engineering. But among top national universities, CWRU lags behind major institutions, such as The Ohio State University, which placed 43rd and just became first ranked in Ohio—CWRU’s old distinction. The administration should consider the rankings report as a chance to improve the college experience. Finding ways to make CWRU more affordable is one place to start. The university’s tuition amounts to a total of $62,234, roughly $20,000 more than the national average. Accounting for scholarships and financial aid, the amount drops to $37,702—still an astronomical amount. In an economic climate in which 43.6 million people hold student loan debt, these prices are egregiously unaffordable for millions of individuals. In order to attract more students, as CWRU so desperately wants to do, it needs to make sure it won’t break its students’ bank accounts. Continue reading on page 8
NEWS
A “Haven” in Haydn: Historical room reopens as student lounge Amanda Wu Contributing Writer
As the pressure from academic coursework and exams mounts, students can find solace in The Haven, a social space and public lounge in Room 100 of Haydn Hall. The room itself, serving as a primary studentcentered space in Mather Quad, offers several lounge chairs, a sofa, a piano and multiple tables and chairs for both relaxing and studying. Named after former President and faculty member Hiram C. Haydn, Haydn Hall was funded and constructed in 1902 by Flora Stone Mather. In
1901, Hiram C. Haydn served as president of Western Reserve University, and previously served as the pastor of the Mather family at the Old Stone Church in 1888. This space was initially intended to serve as a recreational and study facility for Western Reserve University students. Haydn Hall had eventually expanded its operation from being the only student center on campus to becoming a dormitory for the Flora Stone Mather College, Western Reserve University’s women’s undergraduate college, eventually standing alongside Harkness Chapel, Clark Hall, Mather Memorial Building, Mather Dance Center and Guilford House.
Within Haydn Hall, The Haven offers a new study space for students on Mather Quad, equipped with couches, a microwave and study tables. Courtesy of CWRU
David J. Rothenberg, professor and chair of the Department of Music, noted the nomenclature of this new student space as a direct acknowledgment of the building’s extensive history. The first floor of Haydn, specifically, had been a social hall endearingly known as The Haven when it was a part of the Mather College for Women. The building itself is used primarily by the Department of Music, with four practice rooms on the second floor and multiple classrooms spread throughout the building. The Haven is available for reservation for special events. It may be used after-hours for rehearsals, music lessons or practice by students studying music. Regular operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; card access is required for weekends and after-hours. This access is automatically granted to CWRU music faculty and music students, but access may be requested from the Department of Music. The rustic building also offers The Core Computer Lab, located in Room 16 of Haydn Hall. Intended to function as a collaborative laboratory for the audial and visual mediums, all CWRU students, faculty, staff and the Univer-
LIFE
Fun things to do in Cleveland this fall Kate Gordon Life Editor
Fall is arguably Cleveland’s best season. The city and its surrounding suburbs contain an underrated network of parks perfect for taking in fall colors, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as numerous apple orchards and pumpkin patches where you can pick your own produce. Even if your idea of celebrating fall does not involve the great outdoors, the city has plenty of independent coffee shops, bookstores and thrift shops for you to peruse instead. I’ve included a selection of my favorite seasonal stops below; even making it out to just one or two of them is enough to really get you into the autumnal spirit. Have fun! Go apple picking Though this will require a bit of a drive from Case Western Reserve University’s main campus, what could be more quintessentially fall than visiting an apple orchard? Patterson Fruit Farm is the nearest option, a 32 minute drive from Tinkham Veale University Center, and offers multiple kinds of pick-your-own apples, including McIntosh, Empire and Cortland apples. They also have an on-site market selling donuts, pie, apple cider and maple syrup, plus a corn maze and tractor rides. Other orchards in the area include Mapleside Farms—home to one of the largest slides in America—and Pickering Hill Farms, which sells Amish jams, meats, cheeses and butters. Any of the three would make for an afternoon well spent. Continue reading on page 4 sity Circle community are free to utilize this space to curate their creative visions. This computer lab offers access to computers, software, cameras and microphones. Aside from Haydn’s many other creative facilities, Dr. Rothenberg enthusiastically expressed his vision for The Haven: “We want it to be a social space for the Department of Music but also for anyone else who spends time on the Mather Quad, where there aren’t many social spaces. The room is open to the public during business hours, and we encourage anyone to stop by and enjoy it. You can socialize, study, eat, or just relax.”
News
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, September 22, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 5
CWRU’s Greek Life in focus: Leadership transitions and future aspirations Zachary Treseler News Editor A few weeks into the first semester, the Greek Life Office, part of the Division of Student Affairs, hired a new associate director, Jason Steckel. This follows the previous associate director, James Silay, accepting a promotion to the director position. The staffing changes take place in the wake of a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report into Greek Life culture at Case Western Reserve University, in addition to a struggle to recruit members. Victoria Diaz, president of the Panhellenic Council—the student board for sororities—notes how there is excitement in Greek Life “for Jason to step into this role and provide the much needed support within the Greek Life Office.” Steckel mentioned how “[m]uch of [his] professional and volunteer time has been invested in mentoring, coaching, and educating young people, helping them to develop and thrive in a variety of contexts.” He notes that his experience in Beta Theta Pi had a “significant impact on [his] growth and development,” and he remains “passionate about Greek Life and was excited to serve the community at my alma mater.” “One of the biggest recent challenges for the Greek Life Office is being understaffed,” Steckel said. “I hit the ground running, and, while I have much to learn, I can get to work now to help the office pursue new initiatives and become even more effective.” This understaffing led to complaints regarding communication from pro-
fessional offices to those in other roles. Regarding communication, Silay said that they are committed to communicating with student leaders. While he led the charge for bi-weekly meetings with student leaders, he hopes “to return to weekly meetings with all of our groups.” He also highlights a weekly newsletter while also stressing being open to further changes. However, another struggle is “the perception of the Office of Greek Life,” Silay said. He says that he is attempting to change this perception through the aforementioned weekly meetings and by making the Greek Life office space more inviting. Cameron Goodwin-Schoen, the president of the Interfraternity Conference—the student board for fraternities at CWRU—notes that this is a unique responsibility for the associate director who “primarily works with our Vice Presidents of Citizenship and judicial board to support chapter accountability.” In addition, this person also coordinates meetings among chapter presidents. “Many of the programs and initiatives within the Greek Life community are voted on and financially supported by undergraduates. Professional staff advise council officers and chapter leaders through proposed changes and help the community hold each other accountable when changes are made,” Silay said regarding accountability. He said this accountability makes Greek Life more approachable to those outside the current Greek Life community. Part of Silay’s plan is to work on evolving programs within the Greek Life office such as the Students Meet-
ing About Risk and Responsibility Training (SMARRT) peer-education program and the Pytte Cup accreditation processes Silay hopes Greek Life will be more collaborative and engaged with the university programs and student organizations going forward. This is a hope that’s shared by students. Diaz also hopes that Greek Life leaders “[continue] to encourage chapters to work together on our efforts with inclusivity and expanding the Greek Life community.” However, this accountability is not universally recognized. In August, The DOJ recently concluded that “CWRU did not respond appropriately to a well-known climate of sexual harassment in its Greek life program.” Silay pushes back on the DOJ’s claim of a climate of sexual harassment in Greek Life. “The DOJ’s findings are not in alignment with CWRU’s records (referring to confidential Title IX investigations) or a third-party review,” he said. Still, he acknowledges that “CWRU has a moral responsibility to protect the members of our campus community. We always have room for improvement in our efforts to enhance the safety and well-being of our campus, and the Office of Greek Life will be working closely with the Office of Equity and other CWRU units to provide a safe and supportive campus.” In discussing problems related to Greek Life, both Steckel and Silay did not mention recruiting students. In April, The Observer reported that the percentage of students in Greek Life dropped from 30% to 25%. Steckel has “heard from numerous other institu-
Jason Steckel has recently stepped into the role of associate director of Greek Life at CWRU, filling the position James Silay left vacant when he was promoted to director. Courtesy of CWRU
tions that COVID-19 significantly impacted Greek Life nationwide.” Citing mental health and a loss of community, Steckel believes that “Greek life has the potential to provide students with ways to meet these crucial needs. It is important to learn from the past but also look to the future.” Excited about his new position, Steckel said, “My volunteer role in the Greek Life community made me realize that I still have much to learn in this new role. I don’t have specific plans yet, but [I] hope to help staff and students explore new ways to help the Greek community fully embody the four pillars of scholarship, ritual, citizenship, and leadership.”
Public Safety’s Quiet Shift for CWRU EMS Cameron Ward Staff Writer The start of this semester at Case Western Reserve University has been marked by a lot of changes for students, faculty and staff alike. Another change that may have an impact on the campus community is the CWRU Emergency Medical Service (EMS) base moving from the Public Safety Headquarters on Northside to a house on Murray Hill Road. This move is the most recent of two relocations that the public safety office has required of the collegiate EMS program in the past two years, and is also the most drastic. CWRU EMS, which was recognized as the 2021 Collegiate EMS Organization of the Year by the annual National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation Conference, is a student-run, volunteer-based organization that strives to provide high-quality first-responder care for those on and around campus. In addition to basic life support (BLS) care offered at no cost to students, they also provide educational opportunities for community members, such as Stop the Bleed and CPR/First Aid courses, as well as standbys for campus sports and events. CWRU EMS has been a valuable resource for students and staff. The operating base of the organization has moved around a few times
CWRU EMS has recently relocated from the Public Safety Headquarters on Northside to a house on Murray Hill Road where they currently face issues with limited parking and poor Wi-Fi. Courtesy of CWRU EMS during its nearly 20-year run with CWRU, but, since 2017, the base could be found in the basement of the Public Safety Headquarters. Last year, Public Safety started renovations to clean the building
up and to expand administrative office spaces. CWRU EMS operations were temporarily moved from the basement of the building to the third floor, with partial operations also taking place in an auxiliary building
across the street from The Den by Denny’s. Renovations finished in the spring, and it was told to EMS that they would no longer have the basement to operate from, prompting their relocation. According to the Division of Public Safety, this was because both CWRU EMS and Public Safety have grown in size, resulting in a need for more space to accommodate them both. While the Public Safety Headquarters was being renovated, CWRU EMS advisors looked for another space for the organization. Public Safety was adamant that these changes would not impact EMS response times for the community. In fact, Public Safety said that the expansion reflects CWRU’s commitment to campus safety and security, as there is more room for campus resources, such as security officers and dispatchers in the building. As for the building on Murray Hill Road, CWRU EMS is hopeful that it is only a temporary solution. The location faces a lot of technical issues, including poor wifi connection, no air conditioning, limited parking for the emergency vehicles, the difficulty of being in a residential area and a fraction of the space for training that the organization once had. Despite these challenges, they are trying to find long term solutions, and they are still just as dedicated to serving the community.
Innovation Week 2023: Sept. 26–29 case.edu/research/innovationweek
Champion CWRU's spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship at our second Innovation Week! Engage in “Innovation as Problem Solving at Scale” through free events (some with lunch provided) such as: • Keynote by Distinguished MIT Professor Vladimir Bulović • Panel discussions with representatives from Greater Cleveland Partnership, NASA, MAGNET, Lubrizol and Lincoln Electric • Two-Minute Poster Pitch Contest for students and postdocs • xLab Pitch Competition, sponsored by the Cleveland Guardians • Speed-mentoring and venture capitalist opportunities • Tours of Interactive Commons • Awards ceremonies honoring top innovators
Sponsored by the Office of Research and Technology Management.
View the full schedule and register for events:
Life
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, September 22, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 5
Fall in Cleveland from page 1 Carve a pumpkin If you need to get your pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch, the aforementioned Pickering Hill Farms grows two acres’ worth, and Mapleside Farms puts on an entire Great Pumpkin Festival from Oct. 6-8. However, if you lack easy access to a car, pumpkins can be found for sale at Target and Whole Foods via the Target/Walmart Express Shuttle, and at J&L Market & Garden, which is a mere seven-minute walk from the North Residential Village.
CWRU’s own Farm Harvest Festival This was my favorite event on campus when I was a first-year student. Visit CWRU’s picturesque University Farm for hayrides, s’mores, cornhole, homemade beeswax lip balm, herb planting, hiking and more. The free food is always my favorite part: they serve vegetarian chili using produce grown at the farm, local apples and cider. This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, and I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of what year they are.
Seek out fall foliage If you didn’t know, one of Cleveland’s nicknames is “The Forest City,” and for good reason. There are more than 24,000 acres of parks in Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township, and many are only a 20 to 30 minute drive from campus. Visit Bedford, Garfield Park or Rocky River Reservation for stunning waterfalls, North Chagrin Reservation for its historic Squire’s Castle and Huntington Reservation to see another side of Lake Erie. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just about 30 minutes away, and its falls, gorges and unique rock formations are worth every bit of the drive. All of the aforementioned parks are at least partially forested and feature gorgeous fall foliage, which comes in shades of red, gold, yellow and orange. Peak colors are in mid-October this year, but it never hurts to visit early—the parks will be pretty either way. And if you can’t find time to get away from campus amidst studying for exams or doing homework, Wade Lagoon and Lake View Cemetery are both within walking distance and are also beautiful during the fall. Plus, there’s no hiking required, just strolling and picture-taking if you feel so inclined.
See the Rocky Horror Picture Show While CWRU Film Society’s Rocky Horror Picture Show is always a hit, and a great introduction to Rocky Horror, the show at Cedar Lee Theatre with the shadow cast Simply His Servants is an institution. It’s the longest-running theatrical show in Cleveland, with monthly screenings going back all the way to 1988. This fall, you can catch the cast’s upcoming Saturday shows at Cedar Lee on Oct. 7, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, and at the Apollo Theater on Friday, Oct. 13. You’re encouraged to dress up, yell and participate in the interactive show; however, you cannot bring any props into the theater or throw anything at the screen or cast.
Sip a hot—or cold—drink CWRU students have truly lucked out with the variety of coffee shops we have nearby. I love to walk to The Coffee House and Blue Sky Brews in between classes or on weekend mornings. Cleveland-based chains like Rising Star Coffee Roasters and Phoenix Coffee Co. can be found in multiple neighborhoods around the city, making them easy options for wherever you happen to be on a given day—the closest Phoenix is located in Coventry and is accessible by shuttle. My favorite coffee shops, though, are in Ohio City. Lekko Coffee’s Cafe Miel—a latte made with honey and cinnamon—is perfect for fall and Duck Rabbit Coffee serves sophisticated blends of coffee and espresso that are best enjoyed straight-up. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check out West Side Market and maybe a brewery if you’re of age.
All graphics courtesy of Lucas Yang/The Observer
Life 5
observer.case.edu
Sweet, savory and sexy: Foods for the college couple Shivangi Nanda Executive Editor Noah Henriques Web Editor Keeping the title of a Case Western Reserve University couple is a rare feat—it’s hard to manage the demanding CWRU lifestyle while still making time for each other. Even with moments to spare, planning those perfect dates you see
college student’s wallet. And not only is it inexpensive, this dish’s versatility allows you to craft a personalized pizza for both you and your partner—or one big one if you’re okay with sharing. Choose your toppings, spread a generous layer of your favorite sauce, add a sprinkling of cheese and throw it in the oven. A few minutes later, you will have a piping hot, homemade pizza that’s cute enough for BeReal, and so good there won’t be leftovers for tomorrow.
Onigiri
If you’re seeking some quick and easy Japanese cuisine, onigiri is a definite solution. These delicious rice balls are not only portable but also easily
Cookies Few things are as comforting as the smell of a warm batch of cookies, and you’d be surprised that whipping up a simple batter doesn’t take much finesse. The ingredients are pretty easy to come by, and there’s an endless variety to choose from, ranging from classic sugar cookies to our favorite: chocolate chip espresso. For added intimacy, try your hand at cookie-cutters. Chances are you will run into many cringe-cute arguments over who makes the better shapes. When baked to perfection, these sweet treats are ideal as a movie snack or for sharing over a cup of tea or coffee. in the movies is near impossible. What’s a CWRU couple to do? In our experience, quality time together can be found in the little things, and some of our best memories have come from cooking: Food is a love language, and nothing is more romantic than creating a meal with the people you love. However, as we can attest, cooking can be complicated, messy and, most importantly, time consuming. After some trial and error, we’ve pulled together a sweet, savory and sexy list of foods that are quick to make and sure to satisfy both the aesthetic sensibilities of the “phone eats first” partner and the hunger of the one who will eat pretty much anything.
Spaghetti Spaghetti is the epitome of quick and easy comfort food. All it takes is pasta, your favorite jarred sauce and any meat or veggies you desire to create a satisfying meal that
customizable. Fill them with your favorite ingredients such as grilled chicken, pickled vegeta bles or even some spicy tuna. Our favorite is canned tuna mixed with spicy mayo and
Customized instant ramen Everyone knows that instant ramen is a college staple, but it doesn’t have to be predictable. Elevate this simple meal by customizing it with fresh ingredients—sliced vegetables or meat, added seasonings and a boiled egg make for a “mostly” nutritious and satisfying bowl. For more variety, consider switching it up with unique ramen flavors; we’re partial toward Buldak’s carbonara style and Indomie’s mi goreng. However you like your ramen, this is a flavorful and budget-friendly option for couples looking to do some cooking without having to think too hard about meal prep or kitchen setup.
Store-bought pizza dough Store bought pizza dough is one of our go-tos. The dough and the toppings are fairly cheap, so it’s unlikely to strain the
the night before, let it rise overnight and just pop them in the oven the next morning. It’s a sweet and
is ready in minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, consider sprinkling in some grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. The best part is that you can share it straight out of the pot—no need to bond over washing more dishes. Truly, it’s a classic dish that’s perfect
sriracha sauce. Some of the most fun in making this dish comes from actually shaping the onigiri. When one person is inevitably better than another, it becomes a playful competition. Onigiri is quite easy meal prep as well, making it great to take on picnics or just to have as a quick snack.
Overnight rolls
cinnamon
memorable way for couples to enjoy a lazy weekend morning together. And if you’re looking for something with even less prep time, there’s no shame in canned cinnamon rolls either—we love them too! With college life being so hectic, it’s no wonder couples struggle to spend quality time together. But whether it’s a pizza date, a cozy evening with home-baked cookies or waking up with cinnamon rolls, these culinary delights are bound to bring you closer together. So enjoy the process, try new foods along the way and hold tight to these
Charcuterie board For couples who want to feel a bit sophisticated, charcuterie is always a good idea. Assemble a simple spread of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fresh fruits and olives for an easy meal with complex flavors. While a little pricey, the ingredients are simple to put together and easy to tailor to your preferred flavor profile. We were able to find tasty and affordable cheeses at our local grocery store. Whether it’s a romantic picnic or a casual stay-in kind of night, a charcuterie board adds class to any occasion. for couples looking to spend quality time together without sacrificing taste.
For those with a sweet tooth and a weekend to spare, consider overnight cinnamon rolls. While they require a bit of planning, the result is sugary, soft, delicious and absolutely worth it. Prepare the dough
moments of togetherness, as they make all the difference.
All photos courtesy of Shivangi Nanda/The Observer
Fun
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, September 22, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 5
Overheard CWRU
Weekly Horoscope
Compilation of out-of-pocket things heard across campus
The signs as sub-50 universities
"I'm like weird lesbian core"
Aquarius Stony Brook University (#58) Pisces Brandeis University (#60) Aries Northeastern University (#53)
"Listen, I don't yell at women"
Tyler Vu/The Observer
"I don't love my family as much as I love coffee"
"You're like my best friend..." (hugs) "Where's India" "You little bastard" said to a squirrel while riding past on a bike on Mather Quad "I see a couch with my name on it"
Word Search: Fall Flowers
Taurus University of Connecticut (#58) Gemini Florida State University (#53) Cancer Michigan State University (#60) Leo Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (#60)
Petunias
Dahlia
Celosia
Hydrangeas
Snapdragons
Canna
Virgo University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (#53)
Roses
Bidens
Cosmos
Garden Mums
Nemesia
Gomphrena
Pansy
Strawflower
Verbena
Sunflower
Chrysanthemums
Dianthus
Goldenrod
Sumac
Helenium
Libra North Carolina State University (#60)
Asters
Amaranthus
Witch Hazel
Fountain Grass
Cornflower
Scorpio The College of William & Mary (#53) Sagittarius George Washington University (#67) Capricorn Syracuse University (#67)
Fall Bucket List Ideas Pumpkin patch Apple picking Fall hike Make cinnamon buns Watch a spooky movie Try a pumpkin spice latte
Take fall pics Wear a costume Get some cozy socks Make hot cocoa Make a fall playlist Watch "Gilmore Girls" Make apple pie Carve pumpkins
Trick or treat Read a book Go on a hayride Collect leaves Go to a pumpkin patch Make coffee cake Jump in a pile of leaves
Fun 7
observer.case.edu
ACROSS DOWN 1 Follicularly challenged 1 Smoking area, briefly? 5 Baja resort 2 Stuck in ___ 9 Check out 3 Makeup case? 13 Passing 4 Studio behind "I Spy" 15 Great Plains tribe and "Star Trek" 16 Brady Bunch bro 5 Persons of equal rank 17 Somewhat 6 Tiny energy source 18 Practice berth 7 Exuberant Jim Cramer control? shout 19 Back 8 Danish 20 Honey Smacks, I've electromagnetism pioneer got no ___ 9 Fiona, after sunset 23 Skeleton kin 10 It may not taste as mild 24 Broke fast as it looks at the taqueria 25 Not gross 11 Make like a tree and 26 Here I am busting ___" my Corn Pops while 12 Bittern cousin each of you ___ 14 Arrange a date for 31 Mess up 21 Grunts of disgust 32 Full disclosure? 22 Suspicious 33 REM performances? 26 Pacific "forest" flora 36 Slightest 27 Infuriates 39 ___-cones 28 Airport security 41 Eli scanner, basically 42 Domain of Freud 29 Saoirse of "Lady Bird" 44 Domain of Freud: 30 Flock hangout Abbr. 34 Small scale 46 TV show featuring 35 Market order Crystal and Rock 37 B.S. purveyor? 47 I swear on my Life, 38 2000s TV drama set in the ___ California 51 Place to unwind 40 Exiles 53 Baseball stat that 43 It may be reimbursed adds two others together 45 Poet Silverstein 54 Hand over 48 Land of milk and 55 Salutation for the honey letter containing 20-, 49 Lands of milk and 26- and 47-Across honey 60 To port, sometimes 50 Its bicentennial was in 61 D.C. club 2010 62 Vetoed 51 They make scrapes in a 64 ___ Friday rut 65 It's often taken to 52 Paralyzing illness relax 56 Crowdsourcing review 66 Spook site 67 Hotel bar? 57 List space saver 68 Corner pieces 58 Test 69 Auspice 59 Parched SRE 63 Lions' home
Easy
Crossword
What We've Been Listening To I have the moon Lush
Part Of The Band The 1975
Summer's Over Jordana, TV Girl
This Town Niall Horan
Kate Gordon
Beau Bilinovich
Sara Khorshidi
Anjali Bhuthpur
She Hayley Kiyoko
Vicious Bohns
Phuong Nguyen
Nandana Vinod
Reptilia The Strokes
Friend of the Devil Grateful Dead
Clay Preusch
Sudoku
Medium
PUZZLE BY PETER KOETTERS
Auden Koetters
Very Hard
Opinion EDITORIAL
CWRU falls out of top 50 from page 1
There are a myriad of other areas where CWRU can make changes. Residential buildings, especially for first-year students, need upgrades; the lack of air conditioning—or proper cooling systems, at the least—in many dorms is nothing short of an embarrassment. CWRU should respond to the closing of its Title IX investigation, instead of waiting for it to fade into obscurity. The class registration system needs a massive update so that hundreds of students aren’t stuck on perpetual loading screens. These much-needed changes are only the tip of the iceberg that extends miles below the surface. For thousands of students,
CWRU is their home away from home every year. The university has great potential. Academics and research are shining lights in the sky bringing in students from different backgrounds and cultures. CWRU is not a terrible university, but saving face and ignoring the fire in the room is dragging the university down, and students are the ones who will suffer the most. CWRU is not for everyone—a sentiment that President Kaler would almost certainly support. However, Kaler and the administration should still take the opportunity to make it a better place for those already here. In the process, CWRU can truly become an institution of excellence.
Think within the possible: How CWRU is limiting its students Kai Zheng Contributing Writer My first real interaction with Case Western Reserve University’s academic system was when I was anxiously waiting for the class registration screen to load for five minutes. All I could do was hope that I clicked on the “enroll” button fast enough to secure the spots in the classes that I needed, because if I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be able to fulfill the prerequisites for the courses that I wanted to take in the following semester. Unfortunately, I know my experience is not unique. There are too many students for too few class seats, leaving some students unable to register for the classes that they need. While this may be less of a problem for upperclassmen, who have registration priority, underclassmen are left to compete with each other and bottom feed for the few remaining class spots. This problem is exacerbated by CWRU’s policy of determining class registration priority by the date they are expected to graduate. For first-year students, this is automatically set for four years after you arrive at CWRU, regardless of the amount of Advanced Placement or dual enrollment credit you come in with. Therefore, students with incoming credit that need to take sophomore-level classes to continue their recommended course sequence are unable to because of their disadvantaged registration date. Confused as to why this was the case, I asked if there was any possibility to register earlier for classes if I completed enough credits to attain sophomore standing. CWRU’s response? A variation of “you signed up for a four-year program…” This “standardized-student” attitude toward class registration is one that CWRU often employs elsewhere, and the administration fails to see that every student’s academic needs are different. It’s also reflected in the halfbaked implementation of CWRU’s new Unified General Education Require-
ments (UGER), which is replacing the old SAGES program. Throughout the summer, incoming first-year students were informed that there were going to be major changes to their graduation requirements, but the actual details of UGER were never released until after class registration. Ironically, the best “documentation” of UGER at that time came not from the university, but from an Observer article describing the goals of the switch and some of the changes, written by former Executive Editor Shreyas Banerjee. The same problem applies to the now released 2024 General Bulletin, which my advisor warned might cause significant changes to my major requirements. Come class registration time, the bulletin still had not been released, and first-year students were left to plan their class schedules without knowledge of the details of their general education requirements, let alone what their major requirements were. Students could either follow the standardized advice given by advisors during their brief summer meeting or base their course planning on the aforementioned unofficial article. In fact, as of writing this article, a full two months after first-year registration, CWRU’s own course planner— the “What-if report”—is still not fully updated to reflect the changes to the bulletin. Instead, it recognizes the new general education requirements while still keeping the old major-specific requirements, bringing severe consequences to anyone who uses it and doesn’t realize that the information is outdated. This is especially concerning given that this same broken system was recommended to me, and probably many other first-year students, to use to plan our schedules. Of the changes to the bulletin, one especially poorly planned change was removing the option to take CSDS 132 instead of ENGR 130 to fulfill a requirement for all engineering majors. The university now forces every engineer to take ENGR 130, and recommends them to do so during their first semester, causing a severe lack of seats. During the adviser presentation in Discover Week, one of the speakers
The Case Western Reserve Observer Established in 1969 by the undergraduate students of Case Western Reserve University
Shivangi Nanda Executive Editor & Publisher PRINT Elie Aoun Director of Print Téa Tamburo News Editor Zachary Treseler News Editor Kate Gordon Life Editor Beau Bilinovich Opinion Editor Puneet Bansal Sports Editor Lexy Jensen Development Editor Rebecca Warber Copy Editor Darcy Chew Copy Editor Sara Khorshidi Copy Editor Sarah Karkoff Copy Editor DIGITAL MEDIA Joce Ortiz Director of Digital Media Nandana Vinod Social Media Manager Aambar Agarwal Social Media Editor Shejuti Wahed Social Media Content Creator & Video Editor Clay Preusch Photo Editor Noah Henriques Web Editor DESIGN Auden Koetters Director of Design Anjali Bhuthpur Layout Designer Phuong Nguyen Layout Designer Bowen Zhang Layout Designer Lucas Yang Graphic Designer Tyler Vu Graphic Designer BUSINESS Khushali Desai Director of Business Operations Matthew Chang Business Manager Sophia Ran Business Manager Cayley Ng Business Manager The Observer is the weekly undergraduate student newspaper of Case Western Reserve University. Established in 1969, The Observer reports news affecting students and provides an editorial forum for the university community. Unsigned editorials are typically written by the opinion editor but reflect the majority opinion of the senior editorial staff. Opinion columns are the views of their writers and not necessarily of The Observer staff. For advertising information, contact The Observer via e-mail at observer@ case.edu. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be e-mailed to observer@case.edu or submitted on our website at observer.case.edu. Letters can be mailed to Thwing Center 11111 Euclid Avenue, Suite 01, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. For policy and guidelines related to the submission of Letters to the Editor, refer to observer.case.edu/submit-a-letter. The Observer is a proud member of CWRU’s University Media Board. Follow The Observer on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram @cwruobserver. joked that if you are not enrolled in ENGR 130, then you definitely won’t be able to take it this semester—hardly an appropriate joke considering the cost of delaying your graduation at CWRU, where scholarships typically only last up to eight semesters. Experiences like this make it clear that CWRU pushes the responsibility of their poor planning onto the students instead of actually acknowledging and fixing the issues. Besides ENGR 130, year after year, some classes remain nearly impossible to register for because of the limited class or lab size. Sure, you could submit a permission request to try to enroll, but that is no guarantee and just pushes the burden from CWRU to the individual professors who are teaching the course. Still, some professors are kind enough to allow students to over-enroll in their classes, such as the 156-student CSDS 302 class I’m in that has an official capacity of only 80 students.
This lack of accountability is not unique to those experiences; it runs further up CWRU’s administrative hierarchy. Throughout the summer and during Discover Week, I tried to contact one of the assistant deans of undergraduate studies five times: two times through email, two times by calling the office and one time by physically going to the office. I still have yet to receive a single direct response from them. In contrast, President Eric Kaler made a point to immediately respond to the release of U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 University Rankings less than a day after they were released. CWRU’s administration clearly cares about its public image more than its students’ concerns. And if CWRU really cares about their ranking that much, maybe they should look to actually promote thinking beyond the possible, rather than thinking within the standard academic plan.
Opinion 9
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Too many people don’t go to therapy Catherine Choi Staff Writer Mental health, by definition, means “emotional, psychological and social well-being.” Mental health is just as important as physical health, affecting how we think and act, and if not treated properly, can have devastating results. Despite its importance, people know very little about mental illness, coping mechanisms and ways to get help to overcome what they are going through. Moreover, there are numerous myths that get in the way of promoting mental health that need to be debunked. Some people think that therapy is ineffective, and believe that it can exacerbate mental illness. Others hold negative stereotypes about people with mental illnesses, inadvertently discouraging others from pursuing treatment for fear of others finding out. In order to overcome these social myths, it is crucial that people gain more knowledge about mental illnesses, receive access to the appropriate treatment and alter their perspectives of mental health. First, we should promote mental health care to debunk deep-rooted misconceptions so that people are comfortable with therapy and seeking treatment. Beliefs such as “poor mental health is due to personal weaknesses” or “counseling is for the madman” can keep people from seeking the care they need. Mental illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or social status, and it is not a condition that people get to choose whether they have or not. Factors that can cause mental illnesses include performance anxiety, relationship struggles, personal insecurities, low self-esteem, past trauma, physical illness, financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, genetics,
brain chemistry, life experiences and family history of mental illness. Many reasons are beyond one’s control. Learning about the nature of mental illnesses will help the public gain a better understanding about mental health and change their perceptions of it, thus decreasing behaviors that stigmatize or mock those who are struggling. Therapy and other mental health treatments can reduce the risk of physical illness. Neglecting mental health can destroy one’s balance of life. Symptoms of depression include confusion, excessive fear and worries, withdrawal from one’s environment, low energy, substance abuse, inability to cope with life’s stressors, excessive anger, violence and suicidal thoughts. Poor mental health can also lead to a decline in physical health. Depression can lead to diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Sleep problems such as insomnia or sleep apnea are also likely to occur. Eating disorders can lead to nutritional deficits and impaired gastrointestinal health. Some people turn to alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to cope with symptoms, which leads to addiction and substance abuse. Low motivation and energy levels can lead people to ignore their self-care, causing them to engage in unhealthy habits and refrain from using health care services. Attending therapy sessions can help patients find effective ways to easily overcome mental distress and alleviate their struggles. Although a lot of people believe that therapy sessions consist of the client talking and the therapist consoling them, this is not always the case as therapists utilize various methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients transform negative behavioral patterns into healthy ones. Interpersonal therapy focuses on underlying inter-
Tyler Vu/Observer personal issues and helps clients better express them. Dialectical behavior therapy helps people find ways to take personal responsibility to change negative behaviors. Receiving medical help can help patients identify the nature and causes of their illnesses, acquire a better understanding of their emotions and thoughts as well as develop healthy coping strategies. Mental health not only affects the person suffering but also those close to them. Those with mental illnesses may isolate themselves from others, which can make communication difficult. They are more likely to engage in conflicts with those around them, which can hurt other people’s feelings as a result. Forming relationships with others is challenging, especially for those who are unaware
of what that person is going through. For instance, those suffering from personality disorders may struggle to get along with people around them because their disorder can lead to behaviors that might offend others, even though they didn’t have malicious intentions. We should equip people with the knowledge necessary to have compassion for those struggling with mental illnesses and create an atmosphere where people are comfortable sharing their struggles. Although mental health problems are not an excuse to be disrespectful to others or neglect responsibilities, people with psychological struggles deserve a strong support system. Mental health is as important as physical health and we should do everything we can to help.
Is CWRU’s climate action a false flag operation? Nathan George Contributing Writer On June 15, Professor Cyrus Taylor, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate, Truman Scholar and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, stood before a crowd of eager Case Western Reserve University environmentalists. The group had gathered in attendance for Taylor’s lecture titled “10 Things I Want You to Know About Climate Change.” Taylor delivered his presentation in clinical fashion. Each slide building logically upon the last, he described, as only an expert could, exactly how western corporations created—and currently perpetuate—the global climate crisis. Professor Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant man; however, his words seem to have fallen on deaf ears that day, and ever since. Across our campus there exists a severe misunderstanding as to who is truly responsible for the climate crisis. Talking with students and staff, I have found that many feel a sense of personal culpability. Some have asked me how they can best reduce their “carbon footprints.” This jargon refers to the estimated carbon output of an individual according to their lifestyle. Often, the term accompanies a philosophy that blames citizens, not industry, for the ongoing climate crisis. In truth, ordinary citizens contribute relatively little to global greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions—the vast majority actually come from corporations. In fact, roughly 71% of all emissions since 1988 came from only 100 companies. What about energy consumption? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “residential” use constitutes around a third of American electricity consumption. Again, the industrial and commercial sectors deserve the lion’s share of liability. How about plastic waste? Take a guess. In 2019, just 20 companies created over half of the world’s 130 million metric tons of single-use plastic waste. These figures should not discourage us from pursuing sustainable lifestyles, but they should refocus our attention to the crisis’ root cause: corporate power and the institutions that uphold it. Though CWRU is quick to boast about its prolific undergraduate STEM research, the institution works hard to sell unscientific climate narratives. Both the university’s 2011 Climate Action Plan (CAP) and 2020 CAP Refresh overemphasize the responsibility of students and staff in achieving carbonneutrality by 2050. In reality, “residential” GHG emissions account for solely 10% of campus-wide emissions. Simultaneously, the administration employs misleading statistics to present its failures as successes. The 2020 Refresh exaggerated the significance of its partial 2018 transition from coal to natural gas and expects to “offset” 29% of remaining emissions. Essentially,
these GHGs will still burn, and CWRU will pay to “protect” unthreatened forested land as recompense. When all is said and done, the burden will fall, once again, squarely on the shoulders of ordinary people. Even the CWRU Climate Action Network (CAN), an organization of which Professor Taylor is a founding member, is guilty of harping on individual behavior while ignoring that of the CWRU institution. For example, the CAN’s 2022 Climate Action Week Pledge calls on students to forego personal energy usage by planning a “daylight-only” day, air-drying laundry and taking stairs in place of elevators. Requests range from the frivolous “get a cone instead of a cup at Mitchell’s” to the grave “skip a trip” to avoid burning gasoline fuel. These proposed solutions seem to inhibit students and staff for no good reason. What good does climate action serve when it protects the guiltiest at the expense of the most innocent? When the CWRU administration asks students and staff to solve the climate crisis on its behalf, it prescribes ineffective solutions to climate issues. Whereas legitimate climate solutions attribute proportionate responsibility to all culpable parties, CWRU’s solutions attribute disproportionate responsibility to the most disadvantaged—and least culpable—parties. Obviously, there is no reason a physically disabled community member
should have to take a staircase over an elevator. There is no reason a student paying thousands for university housing should have to live in darkness after sunset. There is no reason a near minimum-wage staff member should have to “skip a trip” to the grocery store. These expectations degrade us and deny our humanity. Ironically, the fact that our institution fails to present more practical and just climate solutions suggests a fundamental inability to “think beyond the possible.” If CWRU truly cared about “cultivating the citizenry of its students,” as the 2020 CAP Refresh suggests, it would prioritize climate justice. To actively organize our community in pursuit of fair and effective climate action is a far higher mark of citizenry than to passively internalize climate disinformation. Ultimately, collective action, not individual scrutiny, will bring about the change that eludes our campus. Various student-led organizations, including the Student Sustainability Council and Sunrise CWRU, have undertaken this objective thus far. Nonetheless, we are all entitled to organize for our community and planet as we see fit. A year ago, Professor Taylor identified Ohio’s legislatures and courts as emerging battlegrounds for climate action, but with CWRU’s Fall 2023 Climate Action Week approaching rapidly, his words take on new meaning. Indeed, “local battles will be key to winning the war.”
10 Opinion
Friday, September 22, 2023
The case to expand your vocabulary Jessica Kwasny Contributing Writer It was with a twinge of sadness that I trudged over to a Little Free Library a few weeks ago to part ways with “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. In his memoir, Bryson recounts his bumpy trek along the Appalachian Trail with his chaotic buddy, Katz. While the book doesn’t have a riveting plot line or a satisfying ending, I did enjoy the way Bryson describes the world; something about his wording makes even the most mundane experiences seem significant. This struck me as a kind of superpower: If I, too, had the ability to so eloquently articulate what I observe in the world, maybe I could extract more meaning from everyday life. And so grew my interest in expanding my vocabulary. In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, the ability to express our own ideas and decipher those of others is a priceless skill. The most obvious benefit of developing one’s vocabulary is to
improve communication skills. A person with a well-developed vocabulary can select words that more accurately convey their ideas, minimizing any potential distortion of the given message as it’s relayed to the audience. Variety can keep explanations from growing confusing and monotonous. With practice, selecting the right words is easy, keeping in-person conversations fluid and engaging. Central to vocabulary learning is acknowledging the listener’s perspective. Developing a greater vocabulary is about more than just throwing around big words to sound smart. It’s actually quite the opposite. It is a practice of seeking to better understand other people, considering things from their viewpoint and employing the words that best connect with them. During sensitive conversations, for example, word choice might mean the difference between a respectful discussion and a heated dispute. Of course, simply learning more words is not a surefire way to ensure successful communication, but it might help. Vocabulary could also serve as
a tool for gaining a more profound understanding of your own experiences. According to the theory of linguistic relativity—also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis—the language you speak shapes the way you perceive the world. The idea is that words and grammatical structures provide a framework that guides the thought process. For instance, a lack of vocabulary on a subject might limit a person’s ability to grasp its nuances, while in other cases, a certain grammatical structure might communicate a meaning that other structures do not. While the degree of a language’s influence on cognition is still widely debated and closely intertwined with culture, a wider vocabulary can bolster your ability to learn from your surroundings. A broad assortment of terms gives you multiple angles from which to conceptualize complex ideas, and the information in difficult texts and speeches becomes more accessible to you. In other words, learning words helps you learn. Trying to acquire and master words also forces me to pay more
attention in everyday settings, making it an exercise in mindfulness. It encourages me to find words in class readings that might be applicable to other parts of my life and to experiment with more specific words when writing and speaking. It also has the consequence of pushing me to be a better listener. Do I truly understand what other people are saying? Can I find a word that accurately captures the ideas they are trying to express? Do they use words that are effective at communicating concepts that I myself struggle to explain? In these circumstances, it impresses me how looking for words drives a deeper level of reflection overall. Finally, devoting attention to your vocabulary fosters an appreciation for quality communication. Word choice is one of many tools we use to conceptualize and convey meaning. Whatever your communication style might be, hone it. Take note of how it both molds your perception of the world and leads you to unique insights that others might not catch. If you need somewhere to start, vocabulary is a great place. What new word will you learn today?
Why I loved “Nimona”—and why subtlety in media is overrated Milo Vetter Staff Writer I watched the movie “Nimona” this summer, and I was surprised to find that I loved it. I read the graphic novel a few years back, and I had thought it was good, but not great. The themes were interesting, but the story had bad pacing and the art was fairly lackluster. The movie, however, has great animation, and it streamlines and simplifies the plot of the book. “Nimona” is set in a cyberpunk city that is both technologically advanced and extremely traditionalist. This traditionalism stems from the city’s founding myth: A knight, Gloreth, made the land safe to build on by banishing a monster that ruled the area. The resulting cyberpunk-knight aesthetic is part of what makes the art so great. But I’m not exactly a cinema nerd, so although I liked the acting, animation, cinematography and music, I’ll focus on the story and politics of Nimona instead. The titular character, Nimona, is a shapeshifter who teams up with Ballister Boldheart, a knight who was framed for murder. The resulting story is an overt allegory about accepting queerness. As an example, after a scene full of shapeshifting hijinks, Boldheart says, “I just think it’d be easier if you were a girl.” Nimona responds, “Easier for who?” This line really jumped out at me because it managed to clearly get the movie’s message across without actually saying the word “transgender.” Now, this isn’t exactly groundbreaking; the message of “Shrek” is the same and that came out almost 20 years ago— feeling old yet? But what makes “Nimona” different is how relevant its themes of queer persecution are to the current state of politics, and how its writers made queerness front and center. Some critics didn’t like this move. For example, Slate writer Sam Adams wrote that “‘Nimona’ seems to proceed from the assumption that focusing on diverse protagonists relieves the movie of
the need to train its creative energies on any other area.” I disagree with this criticism. I think that it’s fine for a movie to have a simple story if kids are part of the target audience, and even more so if its political message is timely. Moreover, a failure to make political messages clear can sometimes do real harm by allowing the mediailliterate to misinterpret them. To demonstrate this harm, consider Marvel’s anti-hero, the Punisher, a vigilante driven to fight crime because his family was killed by criminals. He’s known for being brutal and callous to those who “deserve it.” As with any other comic book character, the Punisher’s politics vary based on who writes him. But in general, the Punisher’s political subtext demonstrates two things: First, that a vigilante is often no different from the criminal they’re trying to stop, because a criminal can also believe they’re doing the right thing. Therefore, the only difference between a vigilante and a criminal is whether or not so-
ciety agrees with them as a whole. And second, the Punisher’s endless career of violence shows that punishing crime does nothing to prevent it. Often, it does the opposite. A well-studied sociological problem shows that poverty and crime are both a cause and an effect of overpolicing, which causes an endless cycle of crime and punishment. However, these subtle political nuances were not at the forefront when the Punisher’s logo was used by American soldiers in Iraq. The irony here is obvious: Someone familiar with the Punisher could clearly map these two political messages onto the Iraq War. From the perspective of a civilian, a U.S. soldier and the terrorists they’re trying to defeat may seem largely the same. And the Iraq War did nothing to end violence in the Middle East. The Punisher’s logo is still in use today, especially by the U.S. police and their supporters in response to protests against police brutality. But they don’t engage with the deep moral complexity presented
Adapted from a graphic novel, Netflix’s “Nimona” has been applauded for being direct with its political messages, even if it’s divisive among audiences. Courtesy of Netflix
by stories of the Punisher; rather, they like the superficiality of a guy who punishes criminals and doesn’t have to follow rules. This is why political subtlety in entertainment can be dangerous. If the Punisher’s criticisms of retributive justice were front and center, perhaps police today would have to find a different symbol to latch onto for a false sense of comfort in their job. “Nimona,” on the other hand, is a good model for politics in entertainment. To show what I mean, my favorite line—aside from Gloreth’s battle cry—is the city’s unofficial motto: “Go back to the shadows from whence you came.” I love it because it perfectly uses the medieval tradition-based setting to demonstrate the impetus behind antiqueer activism today. Their goal is to make queer people go away by any means necessary, for them to be erased and silenced, for them to get back into the closet and stay there. And I’m glad that the movie’s writers decided not to make that interpretation ambiguous. However, “Nimona’s” overt political messaging is rare for a reason. If you take a short look at audience reviews online, you’ll find a pretty even split between five stars and one star. Many viewers were upset that the movie depicts two men kissing, or that the religious organization is portrayed as xenophobic and homophobic, despite historical accuracy. As a movie, it’s certainly more divisive than “Shrek” was. Being overt with political messages may expose the author of a text to more criticism from those who may not like the message. And within a studio, if a writer is subservient to a producer that doesn’t want to ruffle too many feathers for fear of profits suffering, the decision to bury controversial positions within subtle metaphors and ambiguous interpretation is understandable. But writers who have the ability to make their messages crystal clear should. And we as media consumers and critics certainly shouldn’t be snobbishly looking down on their decision to do so.
Sports
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, September 22, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 5
Spartans fall 27-24 in overtime nail-biter to Grove City Puneet Bansal Sports Editor After a long game filled with score after score, the Case Western Reserve University football team eventually fell to Grove City College in overtime 27-24. This was the Spartans’ first loss, dropping to 1-1 while Grove City improved to 3-0. CWRU took the initial lead in the first quarter. Third-year defen-
sive back Braden Frank recovered a failed Grove City punt, setting up the Spartan offense at the 24-yard line. Just two plays later, thirdyear Spartan quarterback Ian Kipp found fourth-year wide receiver Riley Knurek in the endzone for the 7-0 lead following the successful extra point kick. Though the Spartan defense staved off Grove City in the first quarter, the Wolverines tied the game with 13:22 left in the first half
On Sept. 16, fourth-year wide receiver Michael Wojkowski scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter at a home game against Grove City College. Courtesy of Tim Phillis/CWRU Athletics
Photos of the Week
on a 7-play, 51-yard possession that was capped with a 1-yard run-in score. The score remained tied until the second half. This time, Grove City struck first with another running touchdown to finish off a 14-play, 70yard drive for the 14-7 lead. The Spartans responded less than four minutes later. The offense strung together 71 yards over 10 plays, including an impressive 36-yard pass from fourth-year quarterback Alex Fromberg to third-year wide receiver Noah Coyne. The drive ended on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Fromberg to fourth-year running back Sean-Michael James to tie it 14-14. The Spartans carried the momentum into the fourth quarter with a 14-play, 85-yard possession. Fromberg capitalized on this sequence with a four-yard touchdown pass on 3rd down to fourth-year wide receiver Michael Wojkowski for the 21-14 lead. Like the previous quarters, however, the Wolverines had an answer. On the next drive, Grove City scored a touchdown with less than six minutes to play, tying the game all the way through regulation to force overtime. CWRU had possession to start overtime but was stalled from the
beginning. Unable to get a first down, the Spartans settled for a field goal attempt, which first-year kicker Gabriel Petrozzi nailed to take the 24-21 lead. Right after, however, Grove City scored the game-winning touchdown off an 8-yard pass, ending the game 2724. Fromberg finished the game with 146 yards on 16-of-22 passing, scoring 2 touchdowns and adding 83 rushing yards. Third-year running back Gage Duesler contributed 64 yards to the team’s total of 171 rushing yards. Coyne added 66 yards on 6 catches while Wojkowski led the team with 73 yards off five catches. CWRU and Grove City were tied in first downs (18-18). CWRU led total offense 357-301, including the passing yards (186-124), while Grove City led rushing 177-171. The Spartans will have a chance to redeem themselves on home field against Geneva College on Saturday, Sept. 23 on DiSanto Field at 7 p.m. Geneva also holds a 1-1 record for the season, their loss coming in their season opener against Carnegie Mellon University where they got demolished 31-0. Over the last 47 years, the Spartans have dominated the matchup 9-1, including a resounding 34-7 win on the road in 2022.
Sara Khorshidi/The Observer Shivangi Nanda/The Observer
Anjali Bhuthpur/The Observer Auden Koetters/The Observer
Shivangi Nanda/The Observer
12 Sports
Friday, September 22, 2023
Browns fall to Steelers 26-22, Nick Chubb out for the season Marvin Lee Contributing Writer
Twenty. That’s the number of consecutive regular season matchups in Pittsburgh that the Cleveland Browns have left Heinz Field as losers. The Pittsburgh Steelers, even in their tattered state in 2023, still emerged victorious in one of the most bitter NFL rivalries. It closely mirrors Case Western Reserve University’s rivalry with Carnegie Mellon in various sports. Pittsburgh and Cleveland have much in common as former industrial giants that experienced urban decline before undergoing recent revitalizations as flourishing urban centers. But only one of the two NFL franchises has been successful in the 21st century, with the Steelers winning two Super Bowls and making the playoffs 14 times, compared with the Browns qualifying for the postseason just twice. The losing streak was the last thing on Browns fans’ minds Monday evening. Fans were looking forward to a fresh start, but their hopes were quickly dashed as Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson threw an interception that Pittsburgh returned 30 yards for a touchdown. The Browns responded with a field goal and then intercepted struggling Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, setting the Browns up in Steeler territory—only for them to miss a 43-yard field goal. After a Pittsburgh 3-andout, the turnover cascade would continue, with Watson fumbling for the first time that night. Pittsburgh would fumble on the next play, however, setting up the Browns at the Pittsburgh 23-yard line. If you’re noticing a trend in Browns’ games in 2023, you would probably point out the very sloppy play from both the Browns and their opponents. The Browns had some
hope after this one as they ran a couple successful plays until a 5-yard dash from running back Nick Chubb got them all the way to the Steelers’ 3-yard line. But Nick Chubb didn’t get up. A replay shown on the video boards at Heinz Field left Steelers fans aghast. ESPN refused to show what they deemed an incredibly grisly replay. Players from both teams huddled around Chubb as medical staff came over and got him onto a medical cart. Chubb was carted off and taken to a local hospital as a precaution before going back to Cleveland. Chubb was later revealed to have suffered a knee injury that will presumably take him out for the rest of the season. The Browns have been plagued with the injury curse in backto-back games as key starters—offensive tackle Jack Conklin last week— have suffered season-ending injuries. It seemed very hard to focus on the game after that. The Browns would, however, score a touchdown and a two-point try to put them up 11-7. The Steelers responded with a field goal and a 71-yard touchdown pass before the Browns ended the half with a 55yard field goal after a drive-killing sack of Watson. The offensive line’s ineptitude was obvious throughout the whole game, with Watson being sacked 6 times and fumbling twice. The score at halftime was 16-14 in favor of the Steelers. Chubb’s replacement, second-year player and fifth-round draft pick out of the University of Cincinnati Jerome Ford, broke out onto the scene in grand fashion in the second play of the Browns’ first drive in the second half. Ford ran for 69 yards all the way to the Pittsburgh 1-yard line, as Browns fans let out a collective sigh of relief that they may have a capable running back to fill the void with Chubb out for the foreseeable future. Ford would finish the game with 106 rushing yards on 16 carries. The Browns would score a touch-
Browns star running back Nick Chubb (pictured) suffered a seasonending knee injury on Monday night’s game, marking the start of an unfortunate game for Cleveland. Courtesy of the Cleveland Browns down and successfully convert another two-point try to make the score 22-19 Browns. A string of punts from both teams, with one Browns fumble—their third of the night—, followed the touchdown until the second-most deflating event of the game. In true Browns fashion, their hopes of breaking the Steelers’ win streak were dashed with a self-inflicted wound. Watson was sacked and fumbled, yet again, but this time, it was not only recovered by the Steelers but also returned by star linebacker T.J. Watt 16 yards for what would turn out to be the game-winning touchdown. The Browns would try to come back for the latter half of the fourth quarter, culminating in a Watson pass that left the Browns’ sideline screaming in hopes of getting a passinterference call. The ball was uncatchable, and the Browns would turn it over on downs with one min-
ute remaining. The pass led pundits to call Watson’s efforts in the first two weeks of the season “embarrassing.” The most embarrassing thing, though, was how the Browns somehow managed to lose this game. A quick glance at the box score would leave one scratching their head at how the Steelers won: the Browns had 153 more yards of total offense, ran 28 more plays and possessed the ball for around 10 minutes longer. Sloppy play doomed them, with countless penalties, fumbles and sacks, all leading to the failure of Cleveland to start 2-0—a feat that they have not accomplished since 1993. To help fill the void left by Chubb, the Browns brought back Northeast Ohio native Kareem Hunt on a oneyear, $4 million deal. A quick turnaround means the Browns will have to work quickly to retool their offense before hosting the 1-1 Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 24.
Scores and Upcoming Games Volleyball 44th Annual ONU Invitational CWRU at Ohio Northern (9/15) - L 1-3 CWRU vs Calvin (9/16) - L 2-3 CWRU vs Albion (9/16) - W 3-0 UAA Round Robin #1 - Horsburgh Gymnasium CWRU vs WashU (9/23, noon) CWRU vs NYU (9/23, 4 p.m.) CWRU vs Brandeis (9/24, 10 a.m.) CWRU vs Marietta (9/27, 7 p.m., Horsburgh Gymnasium) CWRU at Muskingum (9/30) CWRU at Heidelberg (9/30)
Football CWRU vs Grove City - L 24-27 OT CWRU vs Geneva (9/23, 7 p.m., DiSanto Field) CWRU at Bethany (9/30)
Women’s Soccer CWRU at Otterbein (9/6) - W 2-1 CWRU vs Baldwin Wallace (9/17) - W 3-0 CWRU vs Penn State Behrend (9/20) - W 1-0 CWRU at Capital (9/24) CWRU at NYU (9/30)
Men’s Soccer CWRU vs Allegheny - W 4-1 CWRU at Mount Union - L 1-2 CWRU vs Denison (9/23, 1 p.m., DiSanto Field) CWRU at NYU (9/30)
Men’s Tennis CWRU at Kenyon Invitational (9/9-10) Singles: 25-14 Doubles: 13-8 CWRU at Toledo Everybody Vs. Cancer Invitational (9/22-24) CWRU at ITA DIII Men’s Central Regional Championships (9/29-10/1) CWRU at Denison (9/29-10/1)
Women’s Tennis CWRU at Denison Invitational (9/16-17) Singles: 23-1 Doubles: 11-2 CWRU vs ITA Regional Championship (9/30-10/2)