SCENE
SPORTS
OPINION
Wildcats gather to plant trees. See Pg. 5
Wildcats take home the win at homecoming. See Pg. 7
Fall Double Feature: the perfect seasonal music and movies See Pgs. 8-9
October 25, 2023
Vol. 126 NO. 4
Tuition to raise 3% next fiscal year Tuition 2024-2025 for undergrad resident Central Washington University
$7,231
Megan Rogers News Editor Tuition will go up 3% next fiscal year (2024-2025). According to Chief Financial Officer Joel Klucking, tuition increases every year due to a 2015 state law called the College Affordability Act. Klucking said that when the act was created, the legislature put a cap on how much the universities in Washington could increase their resident undergrad tuition and lowered tuition by 20%.
“They have this formula based on a 14 year average of median hourly wage growth in Washington,” Klucking said. “They take the average of median wage growth over 14 years and that is the maximum percentage that the six institutions can raise [the tuition].” According to Klucking, tuition at CWU goes to cover the cost of living and other inflationary increases. “This 3% increase in tuition will partially offset some of that,” Klucking said. Tuition will be raised 3% next fiscal year. Photo Courtesy of CWU Flickr
Tuition 2023-2024 for undergrad resident Central Washington University
University of Washington
Western Washington University
$7,021 $12,645 $7,995
Eastern Washington University
Evergreen State College
Washington State University
$7,287 $7,845 $5,488 Tution comparison of the six Washington public colleges. Graphic by Brandon Davis, data compiled by Megan Rogers
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October 25, 2023
Beyond Our Coverage Local
National
Global
16 candidates running for public office gathered at the UKCSC Centennial Center to argue why local voters should cast their votes for them on Friday Oct. 20, according to the Daily Record. Of the 16 candidates only five of them are running uncontested.
The state of Texas sued the Biden administration on Oct. 24 in an attempt to stop federal officials from cutting and removing the razor wire placed at the border, according to AP News. The razor wire was set up at the Rio Grande to stop illegal immigration, and has been the cause of multiple gashes and cuts to migrants.
The Hong Kong courts upheld a rule saying samesex couples still had the rights to their inheritance on Oct. 24 according to AP News. The court of appeals rejected the decision made by the government that would put same sex and heterosexual under two different legal systems of judgment.
Merit’s Recovery Navigator Program, a local drug recovery program, is hosting an open house on Oct. 30, according to the Daily Record. The house is supposed to be open and available for those using the program as a place to rest and visit with their peers.
Sweden is closer to a NATO membership. The accession was sent to the Turkish parliament by Erdogan. Both Sweden and Finland want NATO membership following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; however, Turkey has created roadblocks for Sweden.
Representative Tom Emmer dropped out of the race for the position of Speaker of the House on Oct. 24 according to AP News. Emmer’s abrupt exit from the race put the House of Representatives into chaos as he had only just recently been nominated for the position.
After taking Psychedelic Mushrooms off duty, Alaskan Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to shut off a plane’s engines mid-fight. According to CBS News, the flight took off from Everret and Emerson is being charged with “83 counts of attempted murder.”
Li Shangfu has been removed from his position as Chinese Defense Minister on Oct. 24 after laying low and avoiding the public eye for two months according to NPR. Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang was also stripped of his councilman status; Gang has also been away from the public eye since June.
A new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) shot designed for infants is in short supply according to AP News. During this shortage doctors are advising that the shot only be used when absolutely necessary, for infants under 6 months of age with lung conditions.
Photo by Yohanes Goodell, courtesy of Pezels.com
Letter from the Editor Let’s BOO this CWU,
It’s the height of the spooky season, and so in this issue we did a story on the scariest thing I can think of: rising tuition costs! But in all seriousness I hope you have a wonderful Halloween to all of those who celebrate. May your tricks be tricky and your treats be sweet. Try not to eat too much candy. We have some exciting homecoming coverage in this issue, so let’s give our crimson and red Wildcats a round of applause for their performance. There’s also a story about the Wildcat Farm’s campaign to make CWU sustainable, as well as a story about the official debut of the new and improved Dean Nicholson Pavilion. The Observer will have a table set up at Boo Central! Come on by and say hi! As we get into midterm season try to take a break and breathe. Good luck! Morgana’s magical prediction: a mysterious messenger awaits you. Witching you were here, Morgana
Spot anything wrong in the paper? Let us know. Staff Lead Editor
Morgana Carroll
Online Editor Emily LaFave
Copy Desk Lead / Opinion Editor Megan Foster
Faculty Adviser/ Editorial Consultant Francesco Somaini
Scene Editor Isaac Hinson
Photo Editor
Yohanes Goodell
Sports Editor Charis Jones
News Editors Megan Rogers
Graphic Designers Glacie Kehoe-Padilla
Staff Reporters Coal Butler Maria Mann Isaac Dobmeier Lily Goold
Brandon Davis
Editorial Policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression, in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of The Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students
who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large; and to be the best source of information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, The Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.
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October 25, 2023
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SCENE
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October 25, 2023
DJ Freezie draws a crowd at downtown rave Isaac Dobmeier Staff Reporter The music roared, the crowd surged and the lights shone as Jordan Teddy, better known as DJ Freezie, put on a show in downtown Ellensburg on Oct. 13. The local DJ lit up Old Skool’s tiny venue with what he described as “maybe the first rave in [the] town’s history.” Teddy discussed his upcoming show just hours before doors opened, going over some final details and describing his thoughts. “It’s my first concert,” Teddy said. “So I’m not expecting a huge crowd, but I really want that feeling of like, people there that I don’t know enjoying it.” Teddy organized the entire event himself. He detailed the difficulty of landing a spot to perform at the venue, hauling his equipment around from place to place and advertising to ensure people would come listen. While the rave at Old Skool’s was his first official show, Teddy said he has been honing his craft for the past year.
Teddy specializes in electronic dance music. Photo by Yohanes Goodel
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“Mostly mixing, but… working on [my] own stuff on the down low, just trying to get good at it.” Teddy’s specialty is EDM, turning popular tracks into upbeat dancing music, which he describes as perfect for a rave. Teddy said he thinks being able to host a show in the middle of Ellensburg is especially meaningful and abnormal. “It’s a new kind of genre pushing [its way onto the scene]. That’s what I’m trying to do,” Teddy said. “ Put everyone on EDM.” Teddy’s disapproval of a suggested $5 entry fee echoes the sentiment that his show is for the people. “When I was a freshman I really didn’t have $5 lying around and I wanted it to be one of those things where anyone can come in and join [and] not have to worry about paying.” Teddy said he just wants to get some recognition as DJ Freezie, caring more about putting his name out there and putting on a show than any pay.
Teddy shared his future plans, eventually hoping to create a partnership with his opener, DJ Bees, if the rave goes smoothly. “I’m thinking about that, how crazy [it is] if this actually goes to plan,” Teddy said. “We’ll stick together and kind of just move up in the venues.” By 8 p.m. that night, the rave had started and arriving ravers were immediately greeted by the sound of pumping EDM. Teddy was onstage next to DJ Bees, nodding his head to the beats as the audience below jumped to the music. They started with a bass-heavy remix of “I Love It” by Icona Pop and Charli XCX. The crowd was comprised of Teddy’s friends, who traveled 100 miles east in support, and CWU students; all here to experience DJ Freezie’s first gig. The crowd dwindled and a sense of community became apparent as Teddy interacted with his friends, tailoring his set to the favorite songs of his supporters. “I’m so grateful for the love,” Teddy said.
Some of Teddy’s friends and supporters traveled over 100 miles to see his show. Photo by Yohanes Goodell
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October 25, 2023
SCENE
Feeding the Wildcats sustainably Wildcat farm adds to their food forest Maria Mann Staff Reporter Volunteers gathered on the Wildcat Farm grounds Oct. 19 for the CWU Fall Tree Planting. To prepare for the impending winter, they did some weeding and were directed to flags in the ground where they dug holes and planted fruit trees. “We are trying to expand our Food Forest,” said Wildcat Farm and Sustainability Manager Kaitlyn Flesher. “A food forest is the idea that every layer of the forest canopy is edible. So our food forest is lacking fruit trees, a variety of fruit trees and shade trees, so we’re trying to bring both of those things to the food forest.” Their main goal is for all the food that gets grown on site to go into Dining Services, according to Flesher. Much of their produce is used in the Fresh Bar at the SURC. The produce that is remaining gets sent to catering for special events, the Wildcat Pantry, Fish Food Bank and the Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach Food Bank. “This season we had our first ever CSA pilot program …CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture,” said Flesher. “That’s where folks buy into a share, and then throughout the course of a [six week] season…folks would come and pick up their box of produce and get to take it home.” According to Flesher, everything that they do at the farm is in an effort to be more sustainable and leave the land in better shape than they found it. The Wildcat Farm does so by “promoting biodiversity by adding to the food forest,” said Flesher. “We compost everything that we
grow here so it all stays on site. We use organic practices, so even though we’re not certified organic, there’s no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers [or] herbicides. None of it is allowed on property here.” According to Flesher, neither the trees being planted nor the crops on the farm are native to Ellensburg. However, they do have a hedgerow in front of the farm which contains native trees, shrubs and perennials. Wildlife needs native plants for their food and shelter. Native plants promote biodiversity and protect our ecosystems, according to the USDA Forest Service website. “The term biodiversity (from ‘biological diversity’) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life,” according to the American Museum of Natural History website. According to Flesher, sustainable agriculture depends on cover cropping, composting and crop rotation. The three C’s. The Wildcat Farm uses all three of those methods. In terms of the Wildcat Farms composting system for food waste and weeds, “Some days it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” said Flesher. “Our system is pretty rudimentary right now. We are just using a small bin system over here. So we have five separate bins that we throw our browns and greens into.” According to Flesher, the Wildcat Farm is in the process of getting an industrial composter to dispose of all the food waste from dining services, which can then be used on their crops.
Farm and Sustainability Manager Kaitlyn Flesher. Photo by Maria Mann
Volunteer Lauren Hinkley planting a tree. Photo by Maria Mann
The Wildcat Farm relies on volunteers like the ones weeding here to keep things up and running. Photo by Maria Mann
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SPORTS
Page 06
October 25, 2023
Defensive dominance and punting precision: Dan Stewart Wildcats’ success stories Charis Jones Sports Editor EMMA DAOUD-HEBERT Emma Daoud-Hebert’s journey to success in the realm of collegiate athletics goes beyond individual accolades. As the latest recipient of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week award, she unveils her unwavering dedication to improvement and the crucial role her team plays in her achievements. As she stands out as one of the nation’s best middle blockers, her story unveils the grit and teamwork behind her rise in the sport. “I was super proud of my team,” Daoud-Hebert said about her reaction to being named GNAC Defensive Player of the Week. “I mean, honestly, we have such a good defense on our team. It makes it easy. I honestly [am so] grateful for the support of my team.” According to wildcatsports. com, the volleyball team is currently ranked fifth in the nation for blocks per frame at 2.63. Securing the second spot in the individual category with 1.48 blocks per frame. Daoud-Hebert, a junior middle blocker, has remained a formidable presence at the net this year. She has built on her previous Division II leadership in blocks per set in 2022. “Working towards getting 1% better every day, and never being satisfied with how I’m playing,” Daoud-Hebert said when discussing her success. “I always feel that there’s something more I can do, and Mario and my team are constantly pushing me.”
Daoud-Hebert expressed repeated gratitude towards Volleyball Head Coach, Mario Andaya, for his instrumental role in her success. Andaya had a particularly noteworthy influence evident in the days preceding her award. “The week before in practice, Mario had just put a really big emphasis on getting our eye work right and just being a really big presence at the net, so I think I just kind of went into the games that week with a lot of determination,” Daoud-Hebert said. When discussing standout moments from this season, Daoud-Hebert highlighted a major play during the preseason. She described a pivotal moment against Cal State University LA when she successfully executed a critical block. She closed out the fourth set against one of their outside hitters, an experience she found to be both unforgettable and significant. In anticipation of the most recent game during CWU’s Homecoming and Family weekend, Daoud-Hebert and the team harbored high hopes after their defeat against Seattle Pacific University last Thursday. Daoud-Hebert provided her perspective in the days leading up to the match, “I think everyone’s super excited … We’re looking to bounce right back [and] bring it tomorrow, every game is an opportunity for something new.” The Wildcats’ confidence was well-placed, evident in their commanding 3-0 victory, with Daoud-Hebert tallying 9 kills and 1 block during the game.
EMMA DAOUD-HEBERT
Photo by Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media
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Photo by Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media
DAN STEWART In the world of college football, standout performances often go beyond touchdowns and tackles. Meet redshirt sophomore Dan Stewart, the recently crowned Lone Star Conference (LSC) Special Teams Player of the Week. Stewart’s precision punts have become a viable weapon for the Wildcats. His journey to this recognition reveals not only personal excellence, but also the cohesive energy of the punt team as a whole. “It felt great,” Stewart expressed about receiving the award. “I was really excited to see our punt team get credit for how well we’ve been playing recently. Hopefully, it’s not the last one we get.” When discussing how Stewart secured this award, he was quick to attribute it to his team, “I think the rest of the guys on the punt team played the biggest role in this award,” Stewart said. “I have a great snapper, shield and front line covering downfield. It made it really difficult for the other team to get anything going when our punt team was on the field.” As per wildcatsports.com, Stewart has had 38 punts this season, covering a total distance of 1,557 yards, resulting in an average of 41 yards per punt. Among these, his longest punt extended 55-yards with five punts exceeding 50-yards. Out of those 38 punts, he’s managed to limit touchbacks to just one. Furthermore, he currently leads the LSC with 12 punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. However, Stewart’s success goes beyond just numbers. His ability to strategically place punts, avoid touchbacks and pin opponents within their 20-yard line has significantly influenced
field position and, subsequently, the team’s overall performance. Stewart’s proficiency, as he explained, resulted from his learning experiences and a shared trust in the collective abilities of his front-line teammates. “I’ve had the chance to learn from a lot of guys that played here before me,” Stewart mentioned. “Taking what they did and adding my twist to it has allowed me to be confident wherever we are on the field. As far as the 12 punts inside the 20, that’s all due to my front-line guys covering downfield; none of that is possible without them doing a great job swarming the returner.” Reflecting on memorable moments from this season, Stewart highlighted the teamwork they displayed during one of their recent games against Midwestern State University. “I’d have to say [it] was our best week as a full unit. Having five punts be fair-caught played a big part in the field position game. Our coverage team did a great job allowing 0 punt return yards, which I think overall helped our defense out,” Stewart shared. In a weekend marked by multiple victories, the football team excelled with a solid 30-14 win as part of CWU’s Homecoming and Family weekend celebration. As the Wildcats set their sights on the future, Stewart shared some of the team’s shared ambitions. “Our team is really looking forward to the opportunity of competing for a LSC championship. That’s been the main goal all year, and we’ve been on a good path to completing that goal. As far as special teams, I think continuing to trust our practice routines will give us the best chance at helping the team when our number is called,” Stewart said.
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October 25, 2023
SPORTS
CWU homecoming: where family, alumni, and athletes shine CWU’s Homecoming and Family weekend brought together a vibrant crowd of family, alumni and friends. Visitors gathered to enjoy a day filled with sports including women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s football on Saturday, Oct. 21. As we unpack this weekend’s games, some players gave their perspective on what homecoming weekend meant to them. The first game of the day, CWU women’s soccer team battled it out against the Western Washington Vikings. Although the Wildcats fell short to WWU 4-0, they didn’t leave with disappointment as they had support behind them. Emily Darcy, senior midfielder, gave insight into who she was going to have at the game for support and what it meant to have her family there for this special weekend. “I have my parents, and my uncle plus his family coming into town,” Darcy said. “It means a lot to have their support … It’s a fun time to all be together [and] a fun day of activities, so it turns into a special weekend.” Darcy conveyed her sense of pride in being a Wildcat on such a prominent weekend for the university. She went on to express her gratitude for the tight-knit community that being a student athlete brings and the unwavering support that accompanies it, “It’s special being an athlete here at Central,” Darcy said.
Ellie Marble, freshman outside hitter, mentioned what this weekend meant to her as part of CWU’s volleyball team. “It was really fun, it was great to see a community come around our game and it was great to see how close the school is,” Marble said. For the second game of the day the women’s volleyball team took on Montana State Billings. They took the victory 3-0 as they played in the new Nicholson Pavilion, where more families came to support. Marble had anticipated that her first homecoming weekend would involve her parents, but a pleasant surprise awaited her as her uncle and grandparents arrived in town. Marble shared her sentiments about the significance of her extended family attending her game. “It meant a lot, especially my grandpa because he has never really been able to come to any of my games, so him coming was a big deal and meant so much.” Marble said. Homecoming weekend wasn’t just for families to attend; it also provided an opportunity for alumni to revisit the community. Marble noted the presence of multiple generations of her family who also attended CWU. “My sister played volleyball here, [and] my brother and my grandma also attended school here,” Marble said. The third and final game held on Saturday featured the CWU football team as they faced off against West Texas A&M University at Tomlinson Stadium. This event encompassed homecoming celebrations, military appreciation and senior day festivities.
As a redshirt sophomore on the defensive line, Kaanan Huffman expressed the significance of being part of the CWU athletic community, stating “It means everything, I’ve been training ever since I was in elementary school with dreams of playing college ball. So, being in this position at this good of a school is a blessing,” Huffman said. Huffman also commented on the vision for the football team going into the final game of the day. “We knew that going into homecoming was more for the school and making sure we ended off the homecoming weekend with a bang,” Huffman said. The stands buzzed with community, family and friends radiating their support and excitement. Huffman’s family was among those cheering from the bleachers. “I had my parents come to the game, and seeing them makes everything we do worth it and being able to win makes them proud in such a big moment,” Huffman said. CWU took the win 30-14 against the Buffalos to end the weekend. Head Football Coach Chris Fisk said “I’m proud of the fans and alumni for creating such an electric atmosphere here at Tomlinson Stadium. The energy in the stadium was great, I’m very excited to get a homecoming victory,” according to https://wildcatsports.com.
Senior forward Cassidie Andrews dribbling the ball between opponents. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media
Sophomore outside hitter Scottie Ellsworth spiking the ball against Montana State Billings last weekend. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Media Sports
Lily Goold Staff Reporter
The CWU Football team won against Texas A’M 30 to 14. Photo by Yohanes Goodell
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THE
Top five songs to add to your fall playlist Megan Rogers Columnist It’s fall! The leaves are changing, the mornings are becoming crisper and the cozy vibes are stronger than ever. It’s time to put on your headphones and walk down the streets, pretending you are in a movie. Here are my top five songs that scream fall.
1. ‘Oh Oklahoma’ by Jack Stauber This song gives you all those spooky feelings. It is perfect for trick-or-treating on a foggy Halloween night, walking through a neighborhood looking at all of the Halloween decor, or participating in the TikTok ghost trend.
Photo by Coal Butler
2. ‘The Mountain Song’ by Tophouse “The Mountain Song” is meant for all of you outdoor folk. If you haven’t heard this song, imagine this: it is a fall day, the sun is shining and you are hiking through the forest with the fall-colored trees all around you. Or if you are like me and despise hiking and want to feel outdoorsy, this song could help with that too.
Photo by Coal Butler
3. ‘Stick Season’ by Noah Kahan While one could argue most of Noah Kahan’s songs are fall coded, this one is my favorite. In an interview with Genius, Kahan said the meaning of “Stick Season” describes “this really miserable time of year when it’s just kind of gray and cold, and there’s no snow yet and the beauty of the foliage is done.” Kahan has a way of making sad things upbeat so if it is the end of fall and you are missing the pretty colors and non-rainy weather, listen to this song to make yourself feel better.
Photo by Coal Butler
4. ‘First Light’ by Hozier The perfect song for a fall evening when you are watching the sunset. The lyrics in this song describe what it looks as golden hour hits “The sky set to burst. The gold and the rust. The colour erupts.”
Photo by Megan Rogers
5. ‘Sedona’ by Houndmouth “Sedona” is the perfect fall road trip song. While it gives no actual mention of fall, it still gives me the vibe of driving under fall-colored trees and it is actually one of my favorite driving songs. Photo by Megan Rogers
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October 25, 2023
My five favorite films for the fall
BSERVED OPINION SECTION
‘When Harry Met Sally’
Isaac Hinson Columnist Fall is my favorite time of the year. It’s the cooldown after these increasingly hot summers. Cool mornings, even cooler nights. And those chilly evenings make for perfect cozy stay-athome nights with a blanket, a nice warm drink (I personally go for any variance of tea) and a good movie. Here are my favorites that I think encapsulate the season, plus an honorable mention.
‘When Harry Met Sally’ writer Nora Ephron received a Best Screenplay nomination (Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (Available on MAX) In the mood for something a little more scary? I just rewatched “The Silence of the Lambs” and was absolutely enthralled. One of the most wellpaced thrillers of all-time, Jonathan Demme’s 1991 film, adapted from Thomas Harris’s novel of the same name, won five Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Director (Demme) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Dally). The film opens with Foster running through the orange-stricken woods, immediately setting the mood of not just the season, but the movie itself. She’s all alone in this, and can’t stop running.
Good for her! Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s book of the same name, “Gone Girl” tells the cold story of the troubled romance between Nick and Amy Dunne, played by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike respectively. Pike received a nomination in Best Actress for her work, the film’s lone Oscar nomination. The who-dunne-it (Not my best work) is a fall mainstay in my watchlist, and serves as the perfect entree for not only the season, but director David Fincher’s new film “The Killer,” which releases on Netflix on November 10, and that I will be seeing this Saturday.
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ was the first film to win all five above-the-line Oscars since 1975’s ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ (Photo courtesy of Orion Pictures)
‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ released on Thanksgiving day in 1987 (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (Available on Apple TV+) Arguably the most classic movie here, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” is short and sweet, clocking in at only 25 minutes, making it the perfect appetizer or dessert for your night. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown ‘’ followed the immense success of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and focuses on Linus as he awaits the arrival of the mythical Great Pumpkin, much to the humor of his friends. Despite releasing nearly 60 years ago in 1966, the animation still holds up and the movie itself is still deeply charming. Nothing beats Snoopy. Nothing beats Charlie Brown. Nothing beats the Peanuts.
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My personal favorite of everything here, “When Harry Met Sally” is the creator of the modern romcom, and a pioneer in dialogue, set design, costume design and character dynamics. The film completely encapsulates fall and winter in New York, whether it’s through a walk in Central Park decorated by orange-leaved trees and dressed with Billy Crystal’s iconic leather jacket and Meg Ryan’s fashionable handbag and hat, or Harry Connick Jr.’s legendary Grammy-winning jazz soundtrack that perfectly accompanies the film and sets the mellow fall tone throughout. “When Harry Met Sally” is an absolute must, whether it’s your first time watching or your (my) twentieth. ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (Available on Paramount+)
‘Gone Girl’ (Available on MAX)
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‘Gone Girl’ was the biggest hit of David Fincher’s career, grossing $369 million (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios)
There are dozens upon dozens of Halloween movies, and even more Christmas movies. But there are a slim amount of Thanksgiving movies, and even fewer that have really cracked through to the mainstream. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is arguably not only one of the most iconic Thanksgiving movies of all time, but the only iconic Thanksgiving movie (“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” withstanding). John Candy and Steve Martin are hilarious as two men consistently caught in the most unfathomable and inconvenient scenarios imaginable, as they try to simply get home from Thanksgiving dinner. “Planes” is one of the most underrated holiday movies of all time in my opinion, and I’ve watched it every year since I first saw it. Honorable Mention: ‘All Too Well: The Short Film’ (Available on YouTube) This is sort of cheating, but I had to mention it. My favorite music video of all time, “All Too Well: The Short Film” is in my opinion, the pinnacle of Taylor Swift’s career. The song is absolutely phenomenal and gut-wrenching, and the video conveys that tenfold. Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien portray the ill-fated relationship between Swift and actor Jake Gyllenhaal, as they make their way through the season of fall, and the fall of their relationship. Swift captures the season stunningly with her warm set designs and cozy costumes. If you really want a treat, watch Swift’s “Saturday Night Live!” performance of the song, which is accompanied by the music video playing in the background.
All Too Well ‘The Short Film’ features the ten-minute version of the song (Photo Courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions)
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Page 10
October 25, 2023 Exterior of The new Nicholson Pavilion Building Photo by Coal Butler
News
Rope cutting in honor of Nicholson Pavilion’s reopening Coal Butler Staff Reporter Nicholson Pavilion’s rope cutting ceremony officially marked the end of renovations for the building, as well as a new era for CWU sports. Since the renovations started in March 2021, many new additions have been added including classroom upgrades, a larger fieldhouse and two new weight training areas. Present at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 20 were President Jim Wohlpart, Washington state Senator Mark Schoesler, former CWU President Jim Gaudino and Dean of Professional Studies Sathyanarayanan Rajendran. Wohlpart started off the ceremony with a speech congratulating everyone who worked on the renovations. “I’d like to recognize the many CWU employees who worked so hard to plan this project and to secure that state support,” Wohlpart said. He also celebrated the workers who have been remodeling the building. Wohlpart also wished to recognize the work of the architects and construction workers who made the renovations possible. After congratulating the team, he passed the mic off to the Dean of College of Education and Professional Studies, Sathyanarayanan Rajendran.
“The Nicholson Pavilion building has been home to many academic programs, such as physical education, school health, sports management, physical activity programs and dance,” Rajendran said. Rajendran started CWU in 2011 as a professor of safety and health management. He was named dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies in April 2022. Rajendran had a major part in the development of the building and how it was structured, helping plan out many of the rooms and facilities. “The renovated facilities also provide faculty and staff from Northwest Center for Sports, the dedicated office and meeting spaces,” Rajendran said “You will also have a much larger dance studio and new Pilates studio to help us better serve our students.” After Rajendran had described the new facilities, he welcomed Dennis Francois, CWU’s athletic director, to share a few words about the building and its development. “I believe it is necessary to honor the past and those who have paved the way for our future successes,” Francois said. “In 1959 Nicholson Pavilion was constructed and named in honor of coach Leo Nicholson.”
Leo Nicholson coached the men’s basketball team from 1929-1964. He had 505 career winning games and had the most wins until his son, Dean Nicholson, took over the team. Dean scored over 1377 points over the course of his career and brought CWU to their first-ever appearance in a national tournament in 1950. He and his father have been named the “winningest father son duo in NCAA basketball history,” according to Francois. A major portion of the renovations were focused on the weight room and the sports medical clinic. “Our 6000 square foot state of the art weight room, rivals most Division I programs and the expanded sports medicine clinic will greatly enhance our ability to keep our 425 plus student athletes competition ready or back on the field of play,” Francois said. Another major focus of the renovations was the expansion of the field house. “The expanded field house includes a 65 meter, six lane track for our track and field program and a 25,000 square foot surface area of artificial turf that will allow our outdoor field sports to train indoors throughout the winter months, but also during times in which our air quality is not suitable for outdoor practice,” Francois said.
President Wohlpart, Senator Honeyford, Jim Gaudino and US Congressman Andy Barr cut the rope to the Nicholson Pavillion. Photo by Coal Butler
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October 25, 2023
EVENTS
Wildcat Words What do you want to be for Halloween?
Jasmine Wolf Fr. Aviation & Air Force ROTC
“I would be a Crayon because I think it’s funny!”
Sarah Christopherson
Cameron Alefaio
Sasha Mitchell
Sr. Environmental Studies
Sr. English Literature & Language
“This year I’ll be Bella Swan from the first Twilight film when she broke her foot and went to prom with a boot on because I have a boot so it’s just fitting.”
“I would be President Barbie because I loved the movie, and it was such a big hit this year, and she’s one of the only black Barbies and I think she’s super awesome.”
Director of the Diversity and Equity Center
Mal Stewman is the director of the Diversity and Equity Center. Stewman is also a CWU alumni. He graduated with his master’s in athletic administration and his bachelor’s in sociology and returned to CWU in 2005 to join the staff.
“I want to be Malibu Cam. He’s this guy that shows a whole lot of enthusiasm. He’s sensational, fun, and he has a flippin sword bro! Sensational.”
Q&A compiled by Megan Foster
A &A Q Q&
Jr. Accounting
Mal Stewman
How did you get started here at CWU and with the Diversity and Equity Center? Well, that’s a long story. I started in 2005, in a place called the Center for Student Empowerment, which later merged with the Diversity and Equity Center, and then those two places became the Center for Diversity and Social Justice. And then I left that area and went and became the academic success coordinator for student athletes, and then that position created the Freedman-Remak Student Athlete Academic Success Center. And then I became assistant athletic director for academic success and diversity. And then I found my way back, as the director of the Diversity and Equity center in November of last year. And I’m an alumni, too. What is one thing that you would say to students who are wanting to be a part of the DEC? Well, the easiest way is to just come on by. We are in Black Hall 101 and I think the environment that we’re trying to create here is one of belonging. Students can come here for no reason; you don’t have to have an appointment, just show up, we have couches, you can use our computers, we can help you make programs, we can help you find programs and organizations that might help you get connected better. We can also direct you to other places on campus I can help you get connected to. So, the biggest step is just to come on by. And then, get connected with someone, or me, and we just start that process.
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10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Fall Career, Internship and grad School Fair: SURC 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Q*Fam Find Your People: Intersex Awareness Day: Black Hall 105-01 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Q*Fam Find Your People: Celebrating Asexuality: Black Hall 105-01 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Public Recreation CPR Class: SURC 301 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - ASCWU Haunted Halloween Party 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Zombie Zone 2023: SURC 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Haunting at Central 2023
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THURS
27 FRI
28 SAT
29
National Cat Day
SUN
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - THRIVE and Q*Fam - How Monsters Reflect Identity: Black Hall 105-01 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Monday Movie Madness “Coco”: Surc Theatre
30 MON
31
Halloween
TUES
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Wildcat Farm Open Hours 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Geek Out, Game Out: SURC
Oscar the Observant. Design by Brittany Cinderella
CWU Observer
“I’m dressing up as Walter, dressed up as Kermit the Frog from the Muppets movie. I recently saw the movie, and I thought it was awesome and as a kid I really liked the Muppets too. “
Weekly Events
What would you like to see from the DEC moving forward? Well, I think we have an important role to play in our effort toward increasing enrollment. And also, our efforts in retention, and helping students of color persist, and everyone that wants to get connected persist in getting their education. So, just being a more effective and active role in that process is really what I want to see from us. I think that it’s everybody’s job right now to work on enrollment and retention. And so, I want to see the DEC kind of find the places where we can be most effective and helpful in that process and really move into that space.
See Full Q&A Online
Blake Cloud Soph. Law & Justice
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1
WED
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HEALTH CARE YOU DESERVE.
October 25, 2023