Jordan Bartlow kicks comeback into high-gear
See Pages 6-7
By the students, for the students
Wohlpart announces $26 Million Lost Due to Low Enrollment
Astor Powell-Pedersen & Lee Beck
News Editor, Scene Editor
President Jim Wohlpart said that CWU has lost $26 million in tuition money at his annual State of the University Address on Oct. 4 in the SURC Ballroom. The directive of this event was to update the CWU community on the university’s vision, goals and how the university has and will continue to strive to meet these goals. After Wohlpart’s address, events then continued with several breakout sessions for further information on university goals.
Wohlpart elaborated on CWU’s low enrollment numbers, and how they have affected the budget of the university, “For the last 20 years,” Wohlpart said, “Central Washington University slowly and gradually built towards our peak enrollment in 2017, 18 and 19. 20 years to expand our programs, initiatives, resources for all those, employees, and training them and in four years, we lost all of that work. And with that, we lost $26 million of tuition.” Enrollment is down to its lowest since 2002 according to the slideshow accompanying Wohlpart’s address, and fall-to-fall retention is down to 69%.
One of the most noticeable changes for students who have been on campus before this term are the changes in dining, particularly the shorter hours. Locations like El Gato, Panini, Panda Express, and the majority of the cafés are now completely closed on weekends. Underneath all of the hour listings on the CWU website, it
says “All hours are subject to change without notice.”
In 2017, the state committed to provide the money for 50% of cost of living increases for staff, as the other half was expected to be able to be covered by tuition, “The tuition didn’t backfill the other 50% which meant, effectively, we had less money to pay employees,” Wohlpart said, “What this formula has failed to understand, and what I’ve been working diligently to help our legislators and governer’s office understand is that we used to use [...] the dollars from the tuition increase to pay for the inflationary increase to goods and services, all the things we buy and pay for cost more,
Canvas and PeopleSoft, paper, pens and computers. Since 2017 we haven’t had any money in our revenue stream to pay for those inflationary increases.”
There was conversation throughout the second floor of the SURC as attendees made their way to the break-out sessions after Wohlpart’s address. “I really appreciated the honesty around challenges that we’re facing,” Allyson Rogan-Klyve, the chair of the science and math education department, said. “There was no attempt to sugarcoat things or deny some of the challenges we’re facing. There wasn’t any sort of false hope or that it’s going to be easy, or that there’s clear cut answers to the chal-
lenges, because they are so complex, but having an opportunity to again be together as a whole university body sort of creates that hope that we, the people in the room, are the ones that can make the situation better.”
During his presentation, Wohlpart also addressed three national challenges and how CWU is facing them. The first challenge was Climate Change and Sustainability, citing the Climate Change 2023 Synthesis Report done by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Jim Wohlpart Speaking At The State Of The University
(Photo by Brandon Mattesich )
Graphs via SOTU presentation on cwu.edu
NLINE EXCLUSIVES
LETTER from the EDITOR
Hey Wildcats,
Three weeks until Halloween! How exciting. I have always loved Halloween. The fun precursor to the most sentimental holidays, but I’m struggling to decide who I will be dressing as. My partner has suggested Charlie from “Smiling Friends,” but I feel that is a little insulting, so I need ideas. Feel free to reach out.
I’m hoping that all of your classes have begun with a light challenge, nothing too intense, but it is nice to flex your brain-power. I have been very much enjoying my classes so far and am looking forward to the coming weeks.
I am so thrilled with how this issue has turned out, I’m really proud of all the work that my editors have done. Lee and Astor did a really great job with the piece on the front page and page three. I also am beyond happy with what our staff reporters have done this week. Parker’s story on our double-truck especially was extremely impressive and Christoph’s story on page 4 I thought was really great as well. I also really loved the piece that Brandon and Hayley wrote together covering Cheech Marin.
(Photo by Trent Meacham)
Enrollment Projections Through 2028
Climate Change (IPCC). Wohlpart then shared CWU’s goals related to climate action including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040 and being completely carbon neutral by 2050, as well as sharing plans for solar panel renovations on campus, specifically on top of Dugmore Hall.
“The second national challenge that we must engage in higher education is the continued existence of racism and other forms of discrimination that are also connected to a deeply unjust economic system,” Wohlpart said. Along with several statistics showing how CWU has grown its diverse staff base in recent years, Wohlpart explained how CWU is working to disaggregate its data on student populations to show a clearer picture of where focuses need to lie. Wohlpart also discussed the importance of the Multicultural Center that is currently being planned as well as the relationship between CWU and the Yakima School District. “The
necessity of engaging and ending discrimination of any and all kinds is an essential component of sustainability and the fraying of our democracy. For without equity and justice, we cannot weave together the torn fabric of our society in wholesome, sustainable ways,” Wohlpart said.
The third and final national challenge is the “fraying of our democracy.” Wohlpart stated that universities are not just bystanders in democracy, but an important component in its success. He highlighted the importance of shared governance within the university and the work done by students on campus to encourage civic engagement through voting.
When discussing the “fraying of our democracy,” Wohlpart laid out three initiatives in his presentation.
The first, creating an Institute for Civic and Community Engagement that works with SLICE to further grow community partnerships and provide learning and engagement opportunities for students. The
second, working through a model developed by Campus Compact to enact a Civic Action Plan. Campus Compact focuses on student voices and leadership, expanding student programming and providing support systems according to their website. The third was creating a university-wide committee which brings together faculty, staff, students and more roles to create a model for “shared governance” at CWU.
The event—which according to an email sent out by Wohlpart had around 200 to 300 participants throughout the day—was attended mostly by staff, with few students outside of student government coming.
“I feel like a lot of students feel like there’s definitely issues and problems that are going on with the university, but they’re not entirely sure where those challenges are coming from and how they impact everyone exactly,” ASCWU President Malik Cantu said. “Oftentimes events like this feel like they’re only
catered for staff and faculty and other administrators. But honestly, there’s so much useful information that they try to make as accessible as possible to students at these different events. It’s a good way to be in the know and get all the facts and the reality of what’s going on at the university.”
Graphs via SOTU presentation on cwu.edu
BILINGUAL Exploring CWU’s
Dual language program and
Cristoph Belford Staff Reporter
CWU’s bilingual and dual language education program’s (BDLEP) main goal is to help create multiple career opportunities, with its primary focus on creating teachers in the K-12 range, whether that be in the United States or another country. According to the CWU Catalog’s page on the BDLE minor, it “prepares teacher candidates to successfully teach students in English and a partner language.”
According to Kate Reynolds, the program coordinator for bilingual education and TELL (Teaching English Language Learners) the program is an evolving landscape, and bilingual education has changed a lot over time. “King County has roughly 168 languages spoken,” said Reynolds when talking about the different languages spoken in WA. “52 districts now have dual language programs in the elementary schools, so in the end, more people coming out bilingual at the time they graduate high school and not starting another language in high school.”
International work also springs into consideration when taking part in BDLEP. Reynolds further elaborated and said employers increasingly seek candidates who can navigate diverse cultural landscapes and communicate effectively across
borders. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to engage in international work enhances one’s career prospects.
Jose Estes, a new coordinator for the bilingual and dual language program at CWU, spoke about the advantages of having a major or minor in bilingual/ dual language. “Teachers have more autonomy and creativity with their lessons,” Estes said. “The classes tend to be smaller. So you don’t have to worry about having a big class and paying attention to a large number of students.” This closer interaction encourages students to participate more actively and take ownership of their learning. Teachers can explore innovative teaching methods, incorporate diverse resources and create hands-on activities that resonate with their students.
CWU’s BDLE program stands out as a pathway for students seeking diverse and rewarding career opportunities in education and beyond. By equipping future teachers with the skills to support multilingual learners, the program meets the growing demands of our diverse society and prepares graduates for a globalized workforce.
“One of the main benefits of the bilingual and dual language program is that you get to interact with new cultures,” Estes said when asked about the key bene-
fits of the bilingual and dual language program. As highlighted by program coordinators, the benefits extend beyond classroom instruction, fostering creativity, innovation and deeper student engagement. Embracing bilingual education ultimately enriches both individual careers and the communities they serve, making it an essential asset in today’s interconnected world.
Black Hall, where the Bilingual and Dual Language Program is located. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)
The “Welcome” banner at the front of the SURC. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)
The Department of World Languages and Culture, located in Black Hall. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)
Cheech Marin speaks on Chicano art, expression and the future
Photos by Brandon Mattesich
Brandon Mattesich and Hayley James Staff Reporters
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, CWU or ganized, “An Evening with Cheech Marin, A Life of Art, Culture, and Entertainment.” The event served as an outlet for Marin to discuss and share his thoughts on Chicano culture in the United States.
Richard “Cheech” Marin is a storied co median, actor and musician whose career has spanned from the 1970s until today. From his legendary comedy music and films under the comedy duo “Cheech and Chong,” to his solo work voice acting in the likes of “Cars” and “The Lion King,” Marin has been a leading voice in the Chi cano community for years.
Throughout his speech he taught the au dience about Chicano art and culture. The Chicano movement, which started in the late 1960’s, focused on the civil-rights and liberties of people with Mexican descent in the United States. Marin described how he finds much of himself within the culture. Having grown up in South Central Los Angeles in the ’60s, he was surrounded by family who pushed each other to do well and work hard. Education was always an important aspect of Marin’s life. In his family all of his siblings had roles, and he was assigned to be the art student.
During his speech, he talked about how at the age of nine he would go to the library each Saturday to sit and read through all the art books they had to offer. He knew from a young age that he would go to college and further his education. He found himself connecting and identifying with the Chicano culture in college, giving him a real sense of belonging and security. Marin has made a major impact on the Chicano movement with his extensive collection of Chicano art as well as his museum. Marin opened his museum, “The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture of the Riverside Art Museum,” to connect to people through art, and additionally to share Chicano art.
In a private interview with Marin he dis -
cussed how he discovered his passion for Chicano art and culture, “I studied art at a very early age because I was assigned to do it,” Marin said. “So when it came time to when I had enough money to buy art, that’s when I discovered these Chicano artists, and I started buying their work.” Marin quickly found himself enthralled with the art. “They were using their history, their knowledge of world history or world art and their Chicano background to meld the two. And so it was an interesting combination that I saw coming out of it [the Chicano movement]. Like everybody didn’t understand it at first . . . but I did.”
Marin also discussed the importance of Chicano art for the Chicano community. “You know, it’s the appreciation of, I think, representational art, rather than abstract,” Marin said. “Chicano [artists] fit right in there, because they’re not necessarily abstract artists, you know? . . . Well, they can be Chicanos who paint abstractly, yeah, but it’s not necessarily Chicano art. . . . It’s putting that [art] out there so that it doesn’t get forgotten in that exchange all the time.”
While talking about the future of the Chicano art scene Marin discussed the idea
that Chicano art is currently at its peak. “Well, Chicano right now is enjoying a vogue,” Marin said. “Right now, we’re enjoying a big high tide . . . Some of the artists are signing up with blue-chip galleries, you know, that are kind of indicative of being accepted in the mainstream. . . It’s amazing to see, you know, it isn’t some kind of little . . . corner of the art world. It’s starting to come into the mainstream of it, yeah, and then becoming the mainstream.”
During his talk, Marin gave advice to the next generation of the Chicano movement, and students in general. “Believe what they tell you when they say these are your rights,” Marin said. “Because they are meant for you, and you have access to them. Assume that what we are trying to teach you is the truth and that it applies to you.”
Marin doing an impression.
Marin talking to the audience.
“Cheech” Marin enjoying audience laughter.
660 days later... JORDAN JORDAN RETURNS RETURNS BARTLOW BARTLOW
The Soccer Midfielder’s Road to Recovery
Parker Wood Staff Reporter
After two surgeries and being told to hang up her cleats, Jordan Bartlow is back on the field for CWU after 660 days.. Bartlow suffered a back injury early in 2023 but recently got cleared by doctors to return to the field this summer. In Bartlow’s first game back in more than 650 days, she scored a goal against California State Monterey Bay to lead the Wildcats to a 1-0 victory in the first game of the season. Currently, Bartlow leads the team in goals this season with two goals in six games and boasts one of the highest on field times for the team.
The 5 foot 3 inch midfielder from Arlington, Washington had missed the entire 2023 season due to injury and only recently returned to the wom en’s soccer team last month. Bartlow had one of the discs in her spine pushing into one of her nerves causing pain to shoot down her legs. In April 2023, Bart low got surgery to open room in her verte brae for nerves to go through.
In her attempt to return to the field, she reinjured herself before the season, causing the disc to slip out and get tangled into her nerves. Bartlow needed another surgery in October of that year that would take a lot longer to recover from than the first surgery. Bartlow started getting back to soccer in late spring of 2024 when doctor’s cleared her for mild contact and finally in the summer, she got fully cleared to play.
It wasn’t an easy recovery though, as Bartlow had to deal with both men tal and physical struggles. “I was pretty much in bed rest for about 7-10 days,” Bartlow said. “The first couple days I was very slow moving because I had drains that were very painful so it made my muscle uncomfortable.”
Bartlow described her recovery process, how she went through a 6-8 week walk ing program, started physical therapy and started running in March of 2024 before returning to team practices in April. This being almost a year after her first surgery. It wasn’t just physical recovery Bartlow had to go through. After her second sur
gery, her doctor was not on board with her playing anymore. “It was a lot to take in but I did what I could to get healthy,” Bartlow said. “I still have a fear that lingers in the back of my mind before games that sometimes that fear I will not be able to achieve what I could before.” Despite this, she still worked to get back to the
Throughout her time off the field, she also worked on becoming a better leader. Bartlow explained how she had to start learning other ways to help her team since she couldn’t be on the field.
Whether it was carrying water for a teammate, challenging and encouraging them in practice, getting the team in the right headspace or even just giving a hug to a teammate that needed it, Bartlow learned more ways to become a leader for this team. “I learned so much about my teammates and the game that I’m almost thankful that I was in a position to learn all of this.” Bartlow said.
The coach for the women’s soccer team, coach Lindley Lee described what she saw through Bartlow’s recovery process and the presence Bartlow brings to the team. “She spent time and energy learning about her voice and leadership style, and I think it had drastically impacted her ability to lead now on the field for us now as a Captain,” Lee said. “Not to mention she is a fierce competitor and has a nose for the goal. We are so grateful for her to be back on and off the field.”
The Wildcats are currently 1-3-3 starting out the year. They will hope to capture their 2nd win of the season at home against Western Washington on October 10. After, they will have a 3 game stretch at home against Simon Fraser, Western Oregon, and Northwest Nazarene respectively.
Photo courtesy of Central Washington University
Photo courtesy of Andy Guerrero Sports Media
RETURNS RETURNS
Buddy the Parrot, local celebrity, dies at 41
Lee Beck Scene Editor
Ellensburg icon Buddy the grey parrot died after a short illness on Aug. 24 at age 41. Her memorial service was held by Brookside Funeral & Crematory last Sunday, Sept. 29. Ellensburg Pet Center had been Buddy’s home since 1984. The store’s original owner, Mike Meyers, bought 1-year-old wild-caught Buddy during the store’s move to downtown Ellensburg one year after the it’s opening in 1983. In 2004, Daria and Randy Wheeler bought the store from Meyers and have owned it ever since.
During Buddy’s memorial service, Randy Wheeler told some of his favorite stories about her, ranging from college kids teaching her curse words, Buddy repeatedly asking him for a peanut until she got one, her refusing to eat unpeeled grapes and her wolf-whistling at customers, to the point where they thought Randy Wheeler was doing it himself.
“Buddy became Buddy because of everyone here,” Randy Wheeler said. According to Randy Wheeler, Buddy got her name from the customers greeting the store’s original owner, Meyers, and calling him buddy. From there, Buddy picked up her own name. Buddy’s final resting place is a mahogany urn, as she was wild-caught in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and mahogany is native to DRC as well.
“When we bought the store, we bought it from Mike, you know he had to do inventory of everything,” Randy Wheeler said, “so, fish tanks, office chairs, bird. She was just listed as bird. She came as inventory for the store.”
After living in downtown Ellensburg for her whole life, Buddy was a local celebrity. “Our grandson’s ukulele teacher, who’s also his kindergarten teacher, Kyle Bain, he’s a local musician here,” Daria Wheeler said, “We were talking to him the other day and he said, ‘Oh my God. She’s the same bird from when I was a kid.’” Locals saw Buddy as a piece of their personal history, as well as the history of the town.
“We became aware, even though she was our pet, of how incredibly powerful she could be for the store as a tool for advertisement,” Daria Wheeler said. This local fame was furthered when Daria Wheeler started Buddy’s Facebook page, Buddy Says. According to Daria Wheel-
er, Buddy Says even reached fans from Sweden who traveled to Ellensburg just to see Buddy.
Because Buddy Says had gained so much popularity, Ellensburg Pet Center was able to consistently donate to local charities. Referencing connectivity, Daria Wheeler said, “I think she changed the pet store in the same way that the whole world has been altered by Facebook.”
Her memory goes far beyond her existence in the store and her presence on Facebook. Buddy was well loved by the community. “Everybody fell so in love with having her there,” Daria Wheeler said, “She was a great companion. She was fun, especially if you were by yourself in the store. She hated being ignored.”
To preserve Buddy’s memory, Ellensburg Pet Center and Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory are both going to have Buddy benches unveiled on Oct. 15, what would have been Buddy’s 42nd birthday and what is the store’s 41st anniversary. There will be an event at Ellensburg Pet Center that day as well, where community members can honor Buddy.
Buddy’s funeral reception card. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)
Buddy’s ashes with a bouquet of flowers. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)
Buddy’s funeral spread. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich, painting by Sofia Romero)
Autumn Crossword
Pet Store Bird
A Poem by Lee Beck
You left behind a massive cage, Now haunted by your absence. Paled in comparison to the wild blue You were meant to claim as yours. The cashiers put it in the storage closet. It made them too sad to think of you, Plucking your feathers for a decade. Strange faces in and out. In and out. A small town memorial for you, African Grey, you were a Buddy to all.
WILDCAT WORDS
Compiled by Lee Beck Design by Z Morris
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Visualize in your mind’s eye what you want, what your deepest desire is, and then shut up and get over it. You can shit in one hand and want in the other, but only one of them is going to need to be washed.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Like the sea subsiding after her hunger for ships is quelled, the threatening ebb and flow of your bank account will soon cease. Like, obviously you’re gonna spend money still, that’s just how life works, but you’re also not going to feel crushed by it.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): BUILD! BETTER! HABITS! No more staying up late on the TikToks and the Instagrams. No more rotting your brain. No more eating babies :/
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Sometimes to feel like you’ve entered a room you have to close the door. Plus, you’re letting the heat out and I’m not paying to keep the whole damn neighborhood warm.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): A reunion is in your future! Family, high school, a lost love. All I know is that it’s gonna be explosive. Don’t get burned~~ ;0
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22): All of a sudden you’re going to look beside you and see another set of footprints. Wellington Wildcat was walking with you the whole time.
Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22): Go slow mo’ bro! You’re taking on everything too fast. Slow and steady wins the race as the tortoise says, but only because the hare was stoned.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Communication is key and there’s a lock you’re trying to break. Put down the dynamite and open your heart babe.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Let go of your junk, Sag. You’re holding on to too much from the past and not living in the present. And everyone knows presents are da best :)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan.19): You’re going to be a bucket of inspiring conversation, overflowing into the lives of those around- OUCH! God damn it I just slipped…
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb.18): Ur soul needs to get a lot bigger. Like for some reason, it’s small rn? Like the vibes and the energy shrunk it like a wool sweater in the dryer.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): Go home. Just go home. It’s not the time to be out and about. You’re too eepy babes. Far too eepy :(
changing colors.”
Davis Fr. Environmental Science
glass. (Design by Brandon Davis)
