PORTLAND STATE VANGUARD online at psuvanguard.com & @psuvanguard
VOLUME 71 ISSUE 35 MAY 31, 2017
PSUNITED AGAINST HATE COMMUNITY HONORS TRIMET HEROES, INCLUDING STUDENT MICAH FLETCHER P. 4
See inside: VG Grad Guide 2017 P. 9
GRAD WEEK 2017 EVENTS POP-UP RECESS JUNE 5 Get moving with games and activities. Campus Rec will be giving away free alumni memberships & other prizes. Urban Plaza, 11am – 1pm
SENIOR PIZZA SOCIAL JUNE 6 The PSU Alumni Association is hosting a pizza social with FREE pizza celebrating the Class of 2017. The first 200 graduating seniors will receive a FREE graduation Silipint glass. SBH, 11am – 1pm
#2017PDXGrad
GRAD CAP DECORATING PARTY JUNE 7 Decorate your grad cap for the 2nd annual grad cap social media contest! Snacks and decorating supplies will be provided. SBH, 11am – 1pm
ROGUE NIGHT WATERMELON BASH JUNE 8 Join the PSU Alumni Association at Rogue Hall for watermelon smashing and free food. We will be honoring the seniors with awesome raffle prizes! Rogue Hall, 5pm – 7pm
pdx.edu/alumni/students
ATS CONGR CLASS OF 2017 C
ommencement is probably the happiest event of the year at Portland State as we celebrate the finish line for our graduates. On June 18 – Father’s Day – we are holding two ceremonies in the morning and afternoon at the Moda Center to honor our grads with their families and friends. More than 6,000 graduates make up the Class of 2017 from 47 countries and 43 states. The class reflects PSU’s rich diversity, with the oldest graduate at age 80 and youngest at age 15. We are conferring 4,375 bachelor’s, 1,600 master’s and 80 doctoral degrees. The day will be bittersweet for me because it will be my last commencement as PSU president prior to stepping down this summer. I can’t think of a better way to end my nine-year tenure than joining faculty, families and friends in recognizing the achievements of our newest graduates. Go Viks!
Wim Wiewel President, Portland State University
CONTENTS
ARTS & CULTURE
COVER PHOTO BY SILVIA CARDULLO. DESIGN BY AARON OSBORN.
ART’S EARNEST, DIY STRIP & WAP’S NEW ANTHOLOGY
NEWS COMMUNITIES OF COLOR QUESTION TRIMET PRIORITIES
P. 6
MAKING IN-DEPTH DISCOVERIES AT SEA
P. 7
INTERNATIONAL HOW IS THE THE STATE DEPT. HANDLING THE N. KOREAN THREAT?
P. 7
KABUKI AND TAIKO RETURN TO PSU
P. 8
GRAD GUIDE 2017
STAFF EDIT ORI A L EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Colleen Leary MANAGING EDITOR Tim Sullivan NEWS EDITOR AJ Earl ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Alanna Madden INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Chris May ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Matthew Andrews OPINION EDITOR Evan Smiley
P. 9–24
ONLINE EDITOR Andrew D. Jankowski COPY CHIEF Thomas Spoelhof COPY EDITORS Harlie Hendrickson John Falchetta Nada Sewidan CONTRIBUTORS Gray Bouchat Cassie Duncanson Jordan Ellis Jake Johnson Ryan Morse Evan Tait Justin Thurer Nick Tool Nada Sewidan Anamika Vaughan Anna Williams
OPINION HOMEWORK SURCHARGE
P. 27
TRUMP BUDGET IGNORES FACTS
P. 28
ON & OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS MAY 30–JUNE 5
P. 30–31
Correction: In the VG May 23 print edition, the news article “Portland State physics seminar shines light on solar power advances” included a photo from a May 17 Research Colloquium hosted by the PSU Association for Environmental Science Students. These two events are not connected and the online article has been updated to correct the error.
PHO T O & MULTIMEDI A PHOTO EDITOR Silvia Cardullo
Robby Day Max Wayt Aaron Ughoc
PHOTOGRAPHERS Nimi Einstein Laurena Hirata Rachel Lara Adam Raitano Jamon Sin Lauryn Smith-Freimark
DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING MANAGERS Hrushikesh Apte Venkata Naga Sai Dilip Daneti
CR E ATI V E DIR EC TION & DE SIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aaron Osborn <3 u all DESIGNERS Terra DeHart Shannon Kidd Lydia Wojack-West Nimi Einstein Chloe Kendall
P. 25–26
A DV ER TISING ADVERTISING MANAGER Madelaine Eivers ADVERTISING DESIGNER Sam Hicks ADVERTISING SALES Michael Hardy Ilyse Espino Caitlyn Malik A DV ISING & ACCOUN TING ADVERTISING ADVISER Ann Roman
Correction: The May 15 “HECC turns down Portland State budget proposal” article originally said the Faculty Senate Budget Committee is implementing departmental budget cuts. FSBC is an advisory committee and does not implement or propose budgets. Budgets are prepared by the PSU Provost and deans and the Vice President of Finance & Administration.
WSTUDENT MEDIA ACCOUNTANT Sheri Pitcher COORDINATOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Reaz Mahmood To contact Vanguard staff members, visit psuvanguard. com/contact. To get involved and see current job openings, visit psuvanguard. com/jobs MIS SION S TAT EMEN T The Vanguard’s mission is to serve the Portland State community with timely, accurate, comprehensive and critical content while upholding high journalistic standards. In the process, we aim to enrich our staff with a quality, hands-on
journalism education and a number of skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. A BOU T The Vanguard, established in 1946, is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration. Find us in print every Tuesday and online 24/7 at psuvanguard.com.
NEWS
PSUNITED AGAINST HATE COMMUNITY HONORS TRIMET HEROES, INCLUDING STUDENT MICAH FLETCHER COLLEEN LEARY
APPROXIMATELY 1,000 SUPPORTERS ATTENDED A VIGIL FOR THE HOLLYWOOD TRANSIT CENTER VICTIMS SATURDAY, MAY 27. SILVIA CARDULLO/PSU VANGUARD The third victim in the May 26 stabbing incident at the Hollywood Transit Center has been identified as Portland State music student Micah David-Cole Fletcher, age 21. Fletcher’s injuries are not life threatening and he is expected to recover. Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, was arrested by Portland Police May 26 after he reportedly launched hateful slurs on the MAX train toward two young women, one of whom is Muslim, while the other is not. According to witnesses, Christian stabbed the three men who came to the defense of the young women. Christian was booked early on the morning of May 27 on suspicion of aggravated murder and attempted murder. Christian’s two other victims, who did not survive, have been identified as Ricky John Best, 53, of Happy Valley and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, of Southeast Portland. Best was a city employee, army veteran, and father of four. Namkai-Meche was a for-
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mer resident of Ashland and graduated from Reed in 2016 with an economics degree.
ACCOUNT FROM A VICTIM OF CHRISTIAN’S HATE SPEECH
In an interview with Fox 12, one of the victims of Christian’s hate speech spoke about the events leading up to the attack and thanked the people who came to their aid. 16-year-old Destinee Mangum told Fox 12 she and her 17-year-old friend were riding a MAX train when Christian approached them, yelling hate speech. According to the Fox 12 report, “He told us to go back to Saudi Arabia and he told us we shouldn’t be here, to get out of his country,” said Mangum. “He was just telling us that we basically weren’t anything and that we should kill ourselves.” The 16-year-old said she and her friend were scared and moved to the back of the train while a stranger jumped in to help.
PSU Vanguard • MAY, 31 2017 • psuvanguard.com
“This white male from the back of us was like, ‘He’s talking to you guys? You guys can’t disrespect these young ladies like that,’” Mangum said. “Then they just all started arguing.” “Me and my friend were going to get off the MAX and then we turned around while they were fighting and he just started stabbing people,” Magnum continued in the Fox 12 interview. “It was just blood everywhere and we just started running for our lives.” Mangum ended the interview by thanking the fellow passengers who stood up for her and her friend. Mangum’s mom, Dyjuana Hudson said, “I want to say thank you so much...I couldn’t imagine what you’re going through right now as far as losing someone, and I’m sorry it had to be at the hands of my children.”
REFLECTING ON TRIMET HERO MICAH FLETCHER
Community members who’ve interacted with Fletcher have pointed to his long-standing so-
cial justice work in Portland. In 2013, he won a poetry contest for a piece he wrote condemning prejudices against Muslims. Elie Hoover, who connected with Fletcher through their mutual love of slam poetry, social justice, music and theater, said Fletcher’s actions on Friday reflected what she would expect from him. “I was shocked to hear that he was injured,” Hoover said. “But I was not surprised to know that he stood up against a white supremacist.” “This is patently, typically Micah,” she continued. “He’s always been incredibly social justice driven. That’s reflected in his art and in his day-to-day.” “As far as I know he’s been to every rally and every march and every vigil in the last at least two or three years,” Hoover said. “He’s always showing up.” “When something like this happens, obviously people are tempted to say, ‘He’s always great, he’s such a good person all the time,’”
NEWS Hoover said. “But really truly, he’s always, always trying to do the right thing.” Matthew Andrews, Fletcher’s classmate in the school of music, said his heroic display is exactly what he would expect from him. “Micah impressed me from the moment I met him,” Andrews said. “He’s wise beyond his years about social injustice and unapologetically vocal about it, a gifted and enthusiastic musician, and absolutely fearless. I’m shocked but not surprised, because standing up to bullies and defending his fellow humans is exactly what he’s all about.” In a statement released on Monday morning, PSU President Wim Wiewel said, “Micah’s family and friends report that he is getting better every day, and he was able to give a thumbs up from the hospital over the weekend in a photo the family shared with the media. We are thankful for his recovery and look forward to the day we can welcome him back to PSU.” Community members gathered at Hollywood Transit Center on Saturday evening for a vigil to honor the victims.
“This is patently, typically Micah. He’s always been incredibly social justice driven. That’s reflected in his art and in his day-to-day.” ELIE HOOVER, — FRIEND OF MICAH FLETCHER
MORE THAN MENTAL ILLNESS?
Christian has been identified as a known white supremacist and was seen at a proTrump rally in late April yelling racial slurs and displaying Nazi salutes. A source who preferred to be unnamed said they knew Christian through a former significant other. “They were close,” the source said. “Christian had just gotten out of prison, and I did not trust him, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He ate at my dinner table...he did have racist views that I argued against.” “I hate to say it, but I’m not surprised he’s now the suspect of the recent Hollywood Transit murders,” the source said. “He definitely seemed capable of violent behavior.” Hoover warned against the notion of reducing this tragic event only to one man’s mental health crisis. She said this should be considered as part of a larger issue. “A lot of people are really reducing this to this man’s mental illness, which I think is a wrong-headed way to go about it,” Hoover said. “I think when someone is violent and racist like this man is, there certainly are things at play with a personality disorder or a mental disorder. I can’t speak to what this man was going through specifically, but to say this was a mental health crisis instead of a societal issue is, I think, disingenuous.”
CAMPUS RESPONSE
Campus Public Safety Office Chief Phillip Zerzan said the university is still responding and the CARE team is conducting outreach. According to Wiewel’s statement, “Our CARE team at PSU has reached out to Micah’s family
THE THREE VICTIMS’ NAMES WRITTEN IN CHALK AT A VIGIL IN ESTHER SHORT PARK, IN VANCOUVER, WA ON MAY 28. SILVIA CARDULLO/PSU VANGUARD to provide assistance and support for his recovery. We also are providing support for his classmates in the School of Music and others with counseling and assistance through the campus Center for Student Health and Counseling.” “We encourage students to utilize PSU’s support services when needed,” Wiewel continued. “They include SHAC, Residential Life staff, our cultural and student resource centers and the Dean of Student Life. In addition, staff with the Student Activities and Leadership Programs and Campus Public Safety are reaching out to student groups such as the Muslim Student Association to offer support.” Students may also access resource centers on campus and the PSU Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion. Zerzan said he admired the actions of the victims involved and expressed condolences for their loved ones. “There’s an inherent risk in confronting dangerous violent persons filled with hate,” Zerzan said. “People intuitively know that risk, and I think it’s heroic that members of the Portland community stood up. Unfortunately, it cost them dearly and it’s a tragedy.”
STANDING UP TO HATE
Zerzan said there’s been an increase in racially-charged activity on the PSU campus since November, though it’s unclear whether this is an increase in actual activity or reporting. On Friday, just after 6 p.m. two men drove down SW Broadway through the PSU campus in a blue pickup truck shouting, “White Power,” and flashing Nazi salutes to passersby. The Vanguard has reported swastika graffiti in bathrooms, and a white supremacist group posted recruiting posters on campus in March. “Perhaps some members of the community feel emboldened,” Zerzan said. “My office doesn’t want anyone to be or feel unsafe,” Zerzan continued. “We will
walk students across campus and will respond to concerns.” He encouraged anyone who witnesses alarming or suspicious activity on campus to report to the CPS office and seek assistance. Hoover discussed ideas for confronting situations reflecting hate, racism or discriminatory behavior. “I think it’s also important to know that you can also speak directly to the victim and say, ‘Hey, are you okay? Is this okay? Do you need me to do anything?’” Hoover said. “I think I would be more capable of doing that. But I would encourage anyone, not necessarily to call out and confront violent people who are making threatening horrible racist comments to people, but at least to check in with the victims in the moment to see what they need.” Hoover said it’s important to address situations of hate or racism, but this doesn’t need to mean putting oneself in harm’s way. “Absolutely don’t ignore a situation like that,” Hoover said. “It’s not always necessary to put your life on the line. But it is absolutely important to show up for those people.” Hoover also discussed the value of showing compassion and empathy toward marginalized people and communities on a daily basis. “[Fletcher] is a great example of what to do to channel your frustration and your anger through your art,” Hoover said. “Show up for marches and rallies...lift up and center the people of color, the Muslims and the queer people in your life and in your community . It’s a day-to-day thing…There are ways that you can show up everyday.” “I do think the legitimate true actual heroes who stepped in for those women, they deserve to be spoken about,” she continued. “They deserve the crowdfunding they’re getting. The families, of course, need to be recognized for surrounding themselves with people who are so good and pure.”
“But it’s also important to center the women who were the initial victims of the harassment and the threats,” Hoover said. “I think Micah would feel the same way.” A GoFundMe campaign started in Fletcher’s honor has raised almost $200,000 at the time of reporting. Another campaign for the families of the victims killed has raised over $450,000 at the time of reporting. Those who need immediate support can call the after-hours and weekends Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503.988.4888.
MICAH FLETCHER, THE SURVIVING VICTIM OF THE MAY 26 STABBING, IS DESCRIBED AS UNAPOLOGETICALLY VOCAL ABOUT SOCIAL INJUSTICE. COURTESY OF ELIE HOOVER
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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NEWS
COMMUNITIES OF COLOR QUESTION TRIMET PRIORITIES
ANNA WILLIAMS
A Trimet Board of Directors meeting to approve its new “This could be a program that [would be] nationally-reThough PSU criminology professor Brian Renauer said $1.2 billion budget on May 24 attracted a crowd of activists nowned if it is developed correctly,” Bouchard said. a statistically significant number of black Trimet riders are condemning an $11.5 million line item to build a new tranMany activists giving testimony said there have been instances banned for up to 90 days for fare evasion, the numbers are sit police precinct near the Convention Center in Northeast of transit police asking riders their immigration status, some- too small to indicate systemic disparity in Trimet’s fare enPortland. The board unanimously approved the budget af- thing Trimet has publicly denied as a false rumor. forcement policies. “It doesn’t appear fare enforcement on ter hearing testimony from MAX is systemically biased,” over a dozen people who had Renauer said in an interview with either experienced discrimthe Oregonian. “But the rate of ination on transit themexclusions for African Americans selves or who witnessed it of merits looking into.” minorities. Additionally, despite the difDemonstrators held a sign ference in experience between that read, “#no jail” and reStovall and those who testified on peated the phrase, “No guns, Wednesday, Lopez said, the main no sweeps. Moratorium issue was that Trimet did not connow,” in between speakers. sult the public when planning the “Sweeps” refer to fare checknew precinct. points in which officers board The BOD’s vote and discustrains and request to see ridsion proceeded after most of the ers’ validated tickets. standing room had dispersed. Though Trimet’s new Lopez said, however, BRU’s work budget includes increasis not finished. ing frequency of service and Trimet should “work with maintenance staff, activist community members to include groups that have worked with them in the budget process so Trimet in the past on low-inwe can have a say in how it is come fare solutions said that shaped,” Lopez said. If Trimet the precinct line item was dewants its customers to feel safe, signed covertly. Lopez added, BRU’s concrete Tying many of their argusolution is to replace police ments to the recent death of force with Trimet ambassadors. Terrell Johnson, the black Because Trimet has multiple man possibly struggling with DEMONSTRATORS HOLD A SIGN THAT READS, “#NO JAIL” AT A TRIMET BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING TO APPROVE ITS NEW $1.2 BILLION BUDGET. COURTESY OF OPAL PDX contracts with different police mental illness and drug adagencies, Lopez claimed, BRU diction who was killed by a transit police officer for wieldThe shooting of Terrell Johnson, claimed Cameron is trying to figure out how much power Trimet actually has ing a utility knife at other passengers, and a Portland State Whitten, Portland activist and one of the founding mem- over their police division. study that found black riders were more likely than others to bers of Trimet’s transit equity advisory committee, “put Jamie Patridge, PSU student leader of 15NowPSU, said be banned for fare evasion, demonstrators claimed building a a bright light on the issue of profiling here at Trimet. It’s fighting for demilitarization of Trimet is a PSU issue since new precinct would further militarize Trimet and target peo- hard to be a model of excellence when you have blood on so many students and faculty, many of them low income and ple of color and low-income customers. your hands.” people of color, rely on transit to get to school safely. Patridge Upon giving her support for the budget, BOD member Lori Board member Travis Stovall responded to references to said more money should be spent to lower fares rather than Irish Bauman explained to attendees that the precinct would Terrell Johnson with an impassioned speech before express- policing riders. “Who wouldn’t be not paying fares if they not be a jail but rather a holding center for transit police to fill ing his support for the budget. [could] afford it?” Partridge said. out paperwork. The interrogation room, according BOD mem“As most of you can tell, I am a man of color,” Stovall said. Stovall concluded his speech by reminding attendees ber Craig Prosser, “is a conference room with tables and chairs. “But to sit here sometimes and listen to the accusations that that fares have remained at $2.50 for the last five years and That’s about it.” are made is very difficult. Extremely difficult. It calls into Trimet worked with community members in 2013 to exBauman said the budget “advances the principles that question really where my heart and my passion lies. I can tend transfer times from 2 hours to 2.5, essentially lowerTrimet displays in all of its operations. [Those] are equity, ex- tell you right now, I know where it lies and I know where ing the fare. cellent service to all customers, and safety of all customers and my heart and my passion [are] directed. Is there a problem Indeed, many attendees prefaced their testimonials by employees.” in our country in regard to how we many times treat peo- acknowledging Trimet has a “tough job” and operates with Orlando Lopez, organizer for Bus Riders Unite!, a section of ple of color? Well, that answer is yes. I live it, I experience “some of the best bus drivers in the country.” Many speakthe environmental and civil rights justice organization OPAL it, every single day. And what sometimes pains me gravely is ers, like BRU member Keith Schultz, urged the BOD to Environmental Justice Oregon, said Trimet and its ridership when people use us as an example to push forth an agenda “let us help you build a better relationship with your trandefine safety in fundamentally opposite ways. that they have not lived.” sit riders.” “Trimet [says they feel] safer with police, but we know peoVice President Dr. T. Allen Bethel added that he, also a This meeting took place two days before the May 26 fatal ple who feel the opposite,” Lopez said. “We both agree safety black man, has fought for police reform for over 20 years. stabbing at Hollywood Transit Center. After Jeremy Joseph is paramount, but how we get to that point is where we differ.” “When you say no guns to transit police, I never heard your Christian hurled racial slurs at two young women and David Bouchard, chair of BRU’s research and advisory com- voice when [Kendra] James was killed saying we didn’t need stabbed the three men who came to their defense, Trimet mittee, advocated in his testimony for unarmed safety moni- any guns.” released a statement that said it would be increasing secutors and Trimet ambassadors to replace transit police. BRU’s Lopez said Stovall’s experiences as a person of color should rity presence. According to a KGW report, Trimet spokesposition is that these officers should be trained in de-escala- not be ignored or invalidated, but the board member ignored woman Roberta Altstadt said TriMet is working closely with tion techniques and should mainly serve to support riders with the fact that people of color did give testimony of their own dis- the Portland Police Bureau, transit police and other ageninformation to act effectively in emergency situations, rather comfort on transit at the board meeting. “Plus,” Lopez added, cies to put more officers on trains and more security perthan police patrons of public transit. “we have this PSU report.” sonnel on platforms.
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PSU Vanguard • MAY, 31 2017 • psuvanguard.com
NEWS
KATE AT SEA ANNA WILLIAMS
Recent Portland State micro- and molecular biology graduate Kathleen Kouba embarked on an oceanographic research project in an unusual part of the ocean this spring to collect samples of a phytoplankton that supplies 50 percent of the Earth’s oxygen. Kouba, the only representative from PSU on the University of Alaska-operated research vessel R/V Sikuliaq, joined members of the Applied Physics Lab from the University of Washington for five weeks between March and April 2017. Though the APL team operated its own project, the Submesoscale Mixed-Layer Eddies Experiment that studied the purely physical nature of ocean mixing in the North Pacific Subtropical Front, both projects may prove to benefit each other in the future. The research crew targeted three sections of the NPSF, located between Hawaii and Oregon, according to Dr. James Girton from UW, because warm and cool waters mix in this small section of ocean in ways not reliably represented in global ocean models. Kouba and Dr. Anne Thompson, PSU’s principal researcher who stayed behind during the
trip, partnered with the APL team to collect samples of Prochlorococcus in order to see how different depths, temperatures and salinities available in this part of the ocean might affect its population over time. “This type of cell makes up about half the oxygen on earth and is important to regulating the carbon cycle,” Thompson said, explaining why Prochlorococcus is important to research. Though Kouba could not study any of her samples in real time on the Sikuliaq, Thompson said Kouba and several other research teams, including PSU undergraduates and a science teacher from David Douglas high school, will be studying the phytoplankton samples for several years on campus. Kouba and the APL team used weather data to figure out where and when to release the ship’s rosette, or large carousel, which held 24 metal bottles that resemble 5-foot-tall oxygen canisters. The bottles, which are commonly called CTDs, collected Prochlorococcus and measured the water’s conductivity, temperature, and depth, as well as oxygen and fluorescence levels as the rosette sank down to about 200 meters each drop.
Sensitive instruments recorded the physical properties of the water as the rosette went down, then Kouba flash-froze water from each of the bottles when they resurfaced. Collecting water at this depth took 45 minutes to an hour, Kouba said, then collecting and freezing samples in small glass vials took another 4–5 hours. Kouba’s shifts could run between 4 and 12 hours at a time, with 2–4 hours of sleep in between. On top of collecting phytoplankton, Kouba was responsible for writing down some of the APL’s data that would be useful for studying samples back at PSU. “We will apply all the notes I took on what the water looked like while I was out there and what we actually see now in the samples I brought home,” Kouba said about the research ahead. Dr. James Girton, the principal researcher on the APL SMILE team, said the SMILE research is important because the ways in which masses of water mix in the NPSF are not represented on large-scale ocean models. “The goal is to come up with some kinds of algorithms or schemes that can be used in models in the future,” Girton said. He added that the SMILE team is not necessarily looking for any “new” physics, but their research might fill some missing gaps relevant to biological study of the ocean. “We think that the processes of vertical motion and lateral motion around fronts
and currents in the ocean do relate to the air-sea transfer of gases and heat and also to the mixing of nutrients, which are important for the food chain,” Girton said. Because Prochlorococcus changes its pigmentation at different depths of the ocean, according to PSU’s project research page, collecting samples during different mixing periods observed by the APL team could reveal how quickly the phytoplankton adjusts to changes in its environment. Both research teams anticipate applying for more funding to continue researching the data they collected on their five weeks at sea. Kouba said she anticipates working with Thompson for at least the next year, then might consider graduate school or other field research. Kouba said she appreciates the opportunities Thompson and other Biology department faculty have offered her, but said she encouraged other students to take field research opportunities not only to advance their careers but to experience interpersonal growth. “None of [the APL researchers] would be [on the Sikuliaq] if they weren’t able to adapt quickly to different situations,” Kouba said. “Every [PSU science student] should do a little bit of field work. It lets you know where your boundaries are, and even then, how to push them.”
INTERNATIONAL
US DIPLOMAT: 20 YEARS NEEDED TO NEUTRALIZE NORTH KOREA’S NUKES NADA SEWIDAN On May 16, Joseph Y. Yun, the ambassador and U.S. special representative for North Korea policy and deputy assistant secretary for Korea and Japan in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, came to Portland State to discuss North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and what can be done to manage its unpredictable regime and nuclear threat. Yun’s lecture, “Dealing with a Nuclear North Korea,” was part of the Asia Diplomat Lecture Series. He spoke of the underlying issues and concerns with North Korea, the ultimate goal in dealing with nuclear weapons, and the ways to engage and mitigate the threat posed to the U.S. and its allies. The threat from North Korea is not a new problem, but it has been an issue for several decades now. When thinking about dealing with North Korea, Yun spoke of adopting a diplomatic, long-term perspective and outlook. “We must have a vision of what North Korea is and what it could be,” Yun said. When approaching North
Korea, Yun said extreme options do not work: option 1, demanding an extreme regime change from North Korea; and option 2, accepting they have nuclear weapons. “When dealing with North Korea, we must keep expectations low,” Yun said. “We have to ask: What is it we want? What does the U.S. want? What does North Korea want?” One of the underlying concerns when it comes to managing North Korea is lack of U.S. engagement with China. Yun said the U.S. is not using China as much as it should, largely due to the fact that China has never been on board with joining the U.S. in effectively dealing with North Korea. Although the U.S. cannot rely 100 percent on China, utilizing the country’s assistance is key to managing the threat. According to Yun, the main reason the Chinese have not been completely on board is due to concerns for their own stability. Instability in North Korea means instability in their own country.
In order to get China on board, the country’s concerns must be eased; U.S. policy should not be aimed at regime change or collapse, and it’s important to assure both China and North Korea of that. “We don’t have the ambition to rectify the peninsula, change or collapse the regime,” Yun said. He explained that the ultimate goal for the U.S. is to denuclearize North Korea. The first step is asking North Korea to stop testing, followed by a peace treaty. Yun stated the U.S. must stop North Korea before they reach intercontinental ballistic missile capability, which serves as a homeland threat. In response to the question of why not talk to North Korea and come to an agreement, Yun explained that nuclear weapons are not tolerated and are by no means acceptable. Because North Korea is currently testing its nuclear weapons, the U.S. is past the point of engagement. If the U.S. decides to engage first, prior to ask-
ing North Korea to denuclearize, then the U.S. risks sending the message that possessing nuclear weapons will not have consequences. It’s then that other countries might want to possess their own nuclear weapons, which will initiate a snowball effect where everyone will want to develop their own nuclear weapons. A previous engagement policy with North Korea was implemented during the Clinton Administration in 1994 when former president Jimmy Carter visited the country on a peacekeeping mission. The United States and North Korea struck a deal, one in which North Korea would dismantle its nuclear weapons program in exchange for more normalized and peaceful diplomatic relations and economic assistance. However, there was little trust established on either side and the agreement eventually fell through. So when does the U.S. actually start talking to North Korea? Yun said there has been growing pressure to en-
gage with North Korea, but since there is little trust established, engagement will not be as effective. He stated that building trust with partners is the first step. China and South Korea are the most viable partners, and they’re necessary in helping manage North Korea. There needs to be engagement between the U.S., China and South Korea because the U.S. cannot succeed in denuclearizing North Korea without their help. Especially now, with the newly elected progressive South Korean president, Moon Jae-In, South Korea is more likely to partner and engage with the United States. Without necessary engagement and dialogue with China and South Korea, tensions will continue to increase with North Korea. Essentially, Yun said the U.S. needs to implement a pressure policy on China and work with the United Nations to implement multi-level sanctions and diplomatically isolate North Korea. He explained that a secondary sanction, cutting off supplies and trade, can-
not be done without China. Sanctioning China means putting a stop to trade between China and North Korea. However, according to Yun, approximately 90 percent of trade with North Korea comes from China. Therefore, sanctioning China would be difficult because it would mean cutting off major resources for China, and at that point, it not only affects North Korea but China too. Yun said adopting a longterm perspective is a possible solution. “My goal is to put North Korea on a track that in 20 to 30 years’ time could be a problem that could be solved,” Yun said. Yun stated the best option for managing North Korea is to implement a moratorium, which includes North Korea ceasing nuclear testing and development and disabling and dismantling nuclear weapons. However, he explained that each of these steps has a price. “The question is, what are we willing to pay?” Yun said.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
7
INTERNATIONAL
KABUKI DANCE DRUMS PERFORMANCE RETURNS TO PSU
ADAM RAITANO
For the last 15 years, Laurence Kominz has been staging Kabuki performances right here on Portland State’s campus. This year the show will be held on May 30 and 31 in Lincoln Hall. “It’s two plays, very different plays,” Kominz said. “One’s a dance drama. One is a romantic, acted drama set in the grandest castle tower in Japan.” The Castle Tower is a set piece full of rich characters and beautiful dancing that involves forbidden love between a beautiful goblin princess and a handsome samurai. The other play, called The Puppeteer, is a comedic mashup of different styles of Kabuki. “It’s funny, it’s exciting, it’s like all the best parts. It’s kind of a collage,” said cast member Devon Duncan, who is dancing the part of Oshichi. Kominz’s passion for Kabuki started when he took a trip to Japan. “I first saw
Kabuki on my junior year abroad,” Kominz said. “I come from the east coast, so I could go to Broadway when I was in high school. For example, I saw [Kabuki] and I thought ‘I’ve never seen anything this phenomenal.’” It is not uncommon, Kominz said, for audiences to cheer the heroes and boo the villains during the performances. As a matter of fact, it is encouraged and Kominz has instructed his actors on how to deal with any possible audience participation. “That sort of response is what a Kabuki audience should do. It’s not like a polite, intellectual, American theater experience, so the audience is not so polite either.” Kabuki has a rich history dating back to the year 1600, when it was performed primarily by women. By the 1620s, however, prostitution had become a part of
MAY 20
the post performance activities, causing the authorities to ban women from the stage. Though it is still a maleonly affair in Japan, Kominz takes a more liberal approach to the art form. In his productions both males and females perform, often playing roles designed for the other gender. “Women PSU students are very welcome on our stages here at Portland State,” Kominz said. “The majority of our students who are men are playing men and who are women are playing women, but pushing gender boundaries is very much a part of Kabuki.” Initially, Kominz used pre-recorded music and singing for his productions. In 2012, he joined forces with Wynn Kiyama and now all of the instrumentation is done live. Kiyama is the creator and director of the PSU Taiko Ensemble and the executive
director of Portland Taiko. In addition to the Kabuki theater, the PSU Taiko ensemble will be performing Isami Goma before the first act and HA! after the intermission. At its core, Taiko is a bombastic, energetic mix of drumming and movement based on Japanese festival rhythms. Ensemble member Karl Freitag described it as, “Big drums. Big sound. Big fun!” While the two art forms are not strictly related they should make an excellent cultural pairing. “You don’t get to see this kind of stuff in the States,” Duncan said. “It’s the first time that either of these plays have been done in English.” You can witness the spectacle on May 30 and 31 in Lincoln Hall on the PSU campus. Tickets are available online or at the PSU box office.
THIS YEAR’S KABUKI PERFORMANCE WILL RUN MAY 30 AND 31 IN PSU’S LINCOLN HALL. ADAM RAITANO/PSU VANGUARD
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
An arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. worth $110 billion was signed during President Trump’s first trip abroad since being elected. Previous accusations by Trump of Saudi Arabia’s complicity in 9/11 was water under the bridge as he justified the deal as necessary to enable Saudi Arabia to fight against terrorism in the region.
MAY 22 MANCHESTER,
ENGLAND
A suicide bombing following an Ariana Grande concert resulted in the deaths of at least 23 adults and children, with dozens more injured. The attacker, 22-year-old British citizen Salman Ramadan Abedi, is suspected of acting in concert with a terrorist network, although definite proof of such a connection has yet to emerge. Grande has announced that she will be returning to Manchester for a benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of the attacker.
MAY 23
ADALI, KUWAIT
MAY 24
MARAWI, PHILIPPINES
May 20-26
The Philippine army conducted several air strikes against fighters linked to the Islamic State who attacked the city earlier in the week and remain in hiding. Several police officers, soldiers, and civilians have been killed since the fighting began on Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the southern Mindanao region where the fighting is taking place, and most of the 200,000 citizens of Marawi have fled the city.
Chris May
MAY 24
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Officers in Kuwait discovered 178 ketamine pills in a tiny backpack after apprehending a drug-smuggling pigeon near the Iraqi border. Officials were already aware of pigeons being used to smuggle drugs, but this is the first time a bird has been captured. Kuwait, which is 14 times smaller than Oregon with roughly the same population, has experienced increases in cases of illegal drug use.
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Taiwan took the next step toward being the first nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after its Constitutional Court ruled that only allowing a man and woman to marry violated constitutional guarantees. Lawmakers now have two years to amend the island’s Civil Code, and LGBT activists are hopeful that the legislature will not cave to pressure from anti-gay rights campaigners and make a separate category for same sex unions.
PSU Vanguard • MAY, 31 2017 • psuvanguard.com
INTERNATIONAL
* WELCOME TO THE 2017 *
GRAD GUIDE Everything you need to know before you walk– P. 10 Ultimate summer blockbuster and reading lists– P. 12 How to handle loan companies– P. 14 Is grad school right for you?– P. 15
Get to know the Class of 2017– P. 16 Best grad gifts on a budget– P. 18 They went to PSU?!– P. 20 Next stop: job market– P. 22
GRAD GUIDE
WALK IT OUT: CELEBRATE PSU GRADS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 18 Colleen Leary
This year’s Portland State graduating seniors will celebrate commencement on Sunday, June 18 at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Follow on social media using #2017PDXGrad Ceremony Times Professional Schools & Colleges: Morning Ceremony from 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. This includes: College of Urban & Public Affairs, School of Business Administration, Graduate School of Education, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of the Arts, School of Public Health, and School of Social Work. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: Afternoon Ceremony from 3:30–6 p.m. This ceremony will include undergraduate, masters, and graduate certificate students graduating Fall 2016–Fall 2017. This also includes all doctoral students graduating Summer 2016 to Spring 2017 who have been certified by the Office of Graduate Studies. Morning ceremony Student Address Yetta Rose Stein, Student Representative of the Class of 2017 Mania Asadi Zadeh, Student Representative of the Class of 2017 Honorary Doctorates Anas Khaled Al Saleh Gerry B. Cameron Nancy L. Zimpher Commencement Address Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor of the State University of New York Afternoon ceremony Student Address Daniel A. Vandehey, Student Representative of the Class of 2017 Noel delaCruz, Student Representative of the Class of 2017 Honorary Doctorates Earl Blumenauer Phil Bogue Avel Louise Gordly
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Commencement Address Congressman Earl Blumenauer Tickets Tickets are available through PSU’s online ticket portal and in-person at the PSU Box Office on the first floor of Smith Memorial Student Union. Each graduate is allotted four free tickets (graduates do not need a ticket for themselves). Get these tickets now if you haven’t already done so. Additional tickets will be be available at $9 each and there is no limit. The Moda Center has ample seating and commencement organizers do not anticipate running out of seats. Ceremony live stream & TV coverage Commencement is live streamed on the day of the event at pdx.edu; you may send friends and family our homepage link to watch the ceremony. The link is only active on Sunday, June 18. The ceremony may also be viewed live on OPB+ on June 18 at the start of the ceremonies and OPB on TBA. This information pulled from pdx.edu/ commencement, which includes more details for those interested. Cap decoration contest Portland State will graduate nearly 6,000 students on June 18, 2017 in two ceremonies at the Moda Center. Want to stand out in the crowd? Decorate your mortarboard and enter it for a chance to win prizes! PRIZES 1st Prize Winner The winning graduation cap will get featured on the jumbotron on commencement day $100 worth of outdoor adventure gear $25 worth of gear including backpack, PSU shirts, sweater, hats, bracelets and more $25 gift card 2nd Prize Winner INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera $25 worth of Viking gear and swag $15 gift card 3rd Prize Winner $15 worth of Viking gear and swag $10 gift card How to Enter Share a public photo of your decorated graduation cap using the hashtag #2017pdxgrad and a brief description of your design.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
Entries can be submitted on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. You can also email them to connect@pdx.edu. Note that social media posts shared privately will not be entered into the contest because they will not be seen. The entries will then be uploaded to an album on the PSU Facebook page where the public voting (“liking”) will take place. Timeline Submissions will be accepted from May 27 until June 10. Photos will be uploaded into an album on the PSU Facebook page starting June 10. Public voting begins when the album is uploaded on Saturday, June 10 and end Wednesday, June 14 at noon.
Winners will be notified by June 14 at 5 p.m. on the PSU Facebook page. Rules Decorations should be original and engaging. Caps should not be offensive, distracting or obstruct anyone’s view of the ceremony. DECORATING PARTY Come on over, bring your cap and express your creativity. We’ll provide some basic supplies like paint and stickers to get you started. Grad Week: Cap Decorating Party Wednesday, June 7 at 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Simon Benson House.
GRAD GUIDE
ALTERNATIVE GRADUATION CEREMONIES FOR THE NONCONFORMIST IN YOU Colleen Leary Don’t want to feel lost in the crowd? PSU groups and departments host several individualized grad ceremonies in addition to the main commencement ceremony on June 18 at the Moda Center. Below is an non-exhaustive list of additional grad ceremonies. COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES (CLAS) Chemistry DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: TIME: 3:30 P.M. HOFFMANN HALL Applied Linguistics Light refreshments and live music DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: SIMON TIME: 1:30–3:30 P.M. BENSON HOUSE Biology DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 TIME: 11 A.M.–2 P.M.
LOCATION: HOFFMANN HALL
Chemistry DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 TIME: 3:30 P.M.
LOCATION: HOFFMANN HALL
Communication DATE: JUNE 16 TIME: 2–4 P.M.
English DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 17 TIME: NOON
LOCATION: PARSON GALLERY, URBAN CENTER 212G
LOCATION: SMSU BALLROOM
Environmental Science & Management End of Year Celebration & Awards Ceremony DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: SMSU 238 TIME: 1–3 P.M. Geography TBD For more information: Contact the Geography department History DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 TIME: 2 P.M. Judaic Studies DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 6 TIME: 5 P.M.
LOCATION: NASCC 110
LOCATION: PARSONS GALLERY, URBAN CENTER 212G
Mathematics and Statistics DATE: WEDNESDAY, LOCATION: SMSU MAY 24 296/8 TIME: 4–5:30 P.M. Physics Awards Ceremony DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 15 TIME: 4 P.M.
LOCATION: SRTC 2ND FLOOR LOBBY
World Languages and Literatures DATE: THURSDAY, LOCATION: SMSU 327 JUNE 8 TIME: 3–6:30 P.M. COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (COTA) 2017 College of the Arts Graduation Celebration DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: LINCOLN TIME: 1:30–3 P.M. HALL 175 COLLEGE OF URBAN & PUBLIC AFFAIRS (CUPA) One ceremony for whole college DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: TIME: 10–11 A.M. PORTLAND MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT, OREGON BALLROOM 1401 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97201 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION (GSE) One ceremony for whole college DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 10 LOCATION: OREGON TIME: 3–6 P.M. CONVENTION CENTER MASEEH COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE (MCECS) Computer Science DATE: SATURDAY, LOCATION: PORTLAND JUNE 17 CITY BUILDING 1900 TIME: 2 P.M. SW 4TH AVE ROOM 2500 Civil & Environmental Engineering DATE: THURSDAY, LOCATION: ROOF OF JUNE 1 ACADEMIC STUDENT TIME: 6–8:30 P.M. AND RECREATION CENTER Electrical and Computer Engineering DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 10 LOCATION: SMSU TIME: 10 A.M. BALLROOM 338 Engineering & Technology Management DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: TIME: 3–5 P.M.-ISH UNIVERSITY PLACE WITH A RECEPTION AFTERWARDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) One ceremony for master level students graduating from MBA, MSFA, MRED, MSGSCM, DATE: SATURDAY, LOCATION: SMSU JUNE 17 BALLROOM TIME: 7:30 P.M.
UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE One Graduation Ceremony and Reception for whole college DATE: THURSDAY, LOCATION: SMSU JUNE 15 BALLROOM TIME: 2 P.M. AFFINITY CELEBRATIONS/MISCELLANEOUS Family Friendly Commencement DATE: SATURDAY, LOCATION: SMITH JUNE 10 BALLROOM TIME: 1:30–5 P.M. Honor Day Graduation Celebration DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 9 LOCATION: PSU TIME: 5:30–8:30 P.M. NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT AND COMMUNITY CENTER “I Have A Dream” Graduation DATE: SATURDAY, LOCATION: HOFFMAN JUNE 10 HALL TIME: 1 P.M. Lavender Graduation DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 TIME: 6 P.M.
LOCATION: SMSU BALLROOM
Latin@s Unid@s Graduation DATE: SATURDAY, LOCATION: LINCOLN JUNE 17 HALL TIME: 1–4 P.M. Multicultural Graduation 2017 DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16 LOCATION: SMSU TIME: 6–8:30 P.M. BALLROOM TRiO DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 TIME: 6–7:30 P.M.
LOCATION: SMSU BALLROOM
All information via pdx.edu/commencement Please note that these events do not replace the university-wide commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 18, 2017, and many require their own registration (they are not connected to the graduation application). Please connect with the respective offices for more information.
OHSU-SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH One ceremony for master level students graduating from Health Management & Policy (MPH), Health Promotions (MPH), Health Studies (MA/MA), Community Health (PhD), Health Systems & Policy (PhD) DATE: SUNDAY, LOCATION: OREGON JUNE 4 CONVENTION CENTER, TIME: 3–4 P.M. EXHIBIT HALL A
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GRAD GUIDE
SUMMER OF SUPERHEROES BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE GUIDE Evan Tait As the school year ends and the days get hotter, people from all different walks of life seek asylum in the cherry-slushied, butterysmelling, air-conditioned oasis that is the movie theater. This is your summer movie guide. Whether you’re into buddy comedies with Amy Schumer, wanna see perennial asskicker extraordinaire Tom Cruise continue to kick ass, or are a glutton for punishment and want to bring a box of tissues with you and cry at the latest dramatic flick, have I got a guide for you.
MAY: GUARDIANS OF THE FRIKKIN’ GALAXY
I am so excited about this movie, I even added a little something to the title! I’ve already seen this one, and let me tell you: if you see one movie this whole summer, this is the one to see. It’s even funnier than the first one, it has a dynamite soundtrack (which might be even better than the first one, but that’s for you to decide), and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Bonus for Gilmore Girls: the actor who plays Kirk (Sean Gunn) easily steals the show in this movie, so it’s worth your time to see it. If you want a sci-fi action flick with more action and less comedy, Alien: Covenant is your movie. It’s the sequel to the Prometheus, stars Michael Fassbender and directed by Ridley Scott (who directed Blade Runner, the original Alien, and Gladiator). As a fan of the Alien series, I’m eager to see what this film does for a new generation, although no one will ever be as good as Sigourney Weaver in the original films. More into the comedic realm? Two comedies this month! We’ve got the Amy Schumer-Goldie Hawn mother-daughter comedy Snatched and the movie adaptation of Baywatch. A screen legend, a former WWE star, Troy Bolton from High School Musical and Amy Schumer?! I giggled with childlike glee when these movies were released: no shame at all. But, this is only the month of May. The next three months are really when things get good.
MAY RELEASE DATES: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOLUME 2: MAY 5 SNATCHED: MAY 12 ALIEN: COVENANT: MAY 19 BAYWATCH: MAY 25
JUNE: WONDER WOMAN! WONDER WOMAN! WONDER WOMAN!
Nothing else needs to be talked about this month. I’m so excited for this movie, you have no idea. This one comes out June 2, and I’ll be there for the midnight showing. It’s like Christmas for this comic book movie nerd. Less on the comic book side but still on board the nostalgia train, we have the new Transformers movie coming on June 23. I’m hesitant about this one. The last few Transformers movies have been, well, less than stellar. But it’s a new year, so anything is possible. Tom Cruise stars in a reboot of The Mummy.
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STILL FROM THE MOVIE "SNATCHED." 20TH CENTURY FOX/2017 He’s no Brendan Fraser, but this looks like just the ticket for the suspense movie lovers out there. Looking for a good date night movie? Scarlett Johansson and crew have got you covered this month with Rough Night. Johansson joins Kate McKinnon of SNL and Ghostbusters fame (and my favorite human ever) and Ilana Glazer from Broad City; strippers, accidental manslaughter, and lots of hijinks ensue. I’m excited for this one. The one that I think people should keep their eyes peeled for is Baby Driver. It stars Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and Jon Hamm, and was written and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead). This movie’s got music, fast cars, a bank robbery and Kevin Spacey. Sounds like Grand Theft Auto but in film form. What’s not to like this month at the movies? Other releases include the Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez on Me, the Will Ferrell/Amy Poehler casino comedy The House, and the third installments of the Cars and Despicable Me franchises.
JUNE RELEASE DATES: WONDER WOMAN: JUNE 2 THE MUMMY: JUNE 9 ROUGH NIGHT, ALL EYEZ ON ME, CARS 3: JUNE 16 TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT: JUNE 23 BABY DRIVER: JUNE 28 THE HOUSE, DESPICABLE ME 3: JUNE 30
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
JULY: ANOTHER SPIDER-MAN MOVIE!
July is Action Movie Month. Spider-Man: Homecoming! War for the Planet of the Apes! Dunkirk! This month is set to be an actionpacked punch fest and I’m elated. Spider-Man: Homecoming is the one I am most excited about. Being a big Spider-Man fan (saw every film in the theaters, like clockwork), I’m sure I’ll watch this one more than once. Michael Keaton is the villain: Come on! And Robert Downey Jr. makes an appearance as Tony Stark. This seems like a safe bet for a fantastic midsummer movie! I’m also really excited for Dunkirk. For us movie nerds, it’s been awhile since we saw Christopher Nolan and that alone is worth it. For you humans less invested in the name of the director, Harry Styles makes his acting debut in this one, so that’ll get it some major money. Other releases include the Cara Delevingne sci-fi action flick Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Charlize Theron’s Atomic Blonde, and animated adventure comedy The Emoji Movie, starring Patrick Stewart (as the poop emoji, because Patrick Stewart).
JULY RELEASE DATES: SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING: JULY 6 WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES: JULY 14 DUNKIRK, CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS: JULY 21 ATOMIC BLONDE, THE EMOJI MOVIE: JULY 28
AUGUST: THE DARK TOWER
Now, this month is the crapshoot month this summer. It’s got your epics (The Dark Tower), your tear-jerking Oscar bait (The Glass Castle), your buddy cop comedy parody extravaganza (The Hitman’s Bodyguard), and a couple big budget suspense horror films (Kidnap and Annabelle: Creation). The biggest thing that this month has going for it is the star power. Idris Elba. Matthew McConaughey. Brie Larson. Halle Berry. Ryan Reynolds. Samuel L. Jackson. Whatever you decide to see, the star power alone is worth the price of admission. I’m intrigued to see how The Dark Tower fares. It’s based on the highly successful Stephen King books, and with that cast I’m sure it’s gonna be the box office favorite this month. But don’t count out the comedic genius of Ryan Reynolds opposite Samuel L. Jackson in The Hitman’s Bodyguard for major box office dough.
AUGUST RELEASE DATES: THE DARK TOWER, KIDNAP: AUGUST 4 THE GLASS CASTLE: AUGUST 11 ANNABELLE: CREATION: AUGUST 11 THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD: AUGUST 18
GRAD GUIDE
SIX BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ THIS SUMMER Nada Sewidan
FICTION
Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett Annie Hartnett’s Rabbit Cake is a darkly funny novel about Elvis Babbitt, a 12-year-old girl who learns how to deal with grief following her mother’s sleep-drowning accident. When her sister Lizzie starts sleep-eating and her father starts wearing her mother’s lipstick, Elvis finds comfort in zoo animals and rabbit cakes as she’s guided through a therapist-recommend 18-month grief chart. This is a book for people who love animals, or Elvis, or for anyone who needs a little laugh in the face of tragedy. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg Single and child-free, Andrea Bern tries to navigate adulthood. What does having your life together look like? Is it her brother, well-off despite a harsh upbringing, her sister-in-law anticipating childbirth, or her best friend getting married? Startup by Doree Shafrir In the age of startups and tech savvy new grads, Startup by Doree Shafrir is about just that—startup culture. In this satirical novel, Shafrir follows the lives of tech-obsessed characters as they begin a mindfulness app called TakeOff. Mack McAllister, founder of TakeOff, is nervous about securing funding, while social media manager and mother of two Sabrina Chloe Blum tries to decipher what TWF and LOL mean. When a secret goes public, each character has to deal with their newfound internet fame. Startup is a hilarious and entertaining story about youth, money and technology and all the consequences that often accompany those embarking in the tech world.
TIN HOUSE BOOKS/2017
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT/2017
SIMON AND SCHUSTER/2017
TIN HOUSE BOOKS/2017
NONFICTION
My Soul Looks Back by Jessica B. Harris Maya Angelou cooking in the kitchen while James Baldwin reads a draft of If Beale Street Could Talk with Toni Morrison relaxing beside them in Provence are some of the moments Harris reveals in her memoir My Soul Looks Back. Harris writes about her life in the ’70s, dancing in the jazz clubs of Manhattan, living out her youth in the Village, and debating with some of the greatest minds of the era—including Angelou, Baldwin, and Morrison. Idiot Brain—What Your Head Is Really Up To by Dean Burnett Ever wonder what’s happening to your brain when you walk into the kitchen, look at your iPhone, or turn on your laptop—confident, purposeful and ready to take action—but then, out of nowhere and almost instantly, you forget what you were doing and why? Idiot Brain is here to answer that. Neuroscientist Burnett, using equal parts expert research, humor and insight, explains what is happening when your brain is spacing.
POETRY
There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé by Morgan Parker There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé is a poetry collection for anyone who likes Michelle Obama, Queen Latifah or Beyoncé. It’s for anyone who wants to understand how pop culture and racial politics verge to create a complex vision of black womanhood.
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GRAD GUIDE
GUIDE TO PAYING OFF STUDENT LOANS Steve Olson
While graduation is typically a happy occasion for many college seniors, the joy soon fades as the task of looking for a job becomes imminent and finding ways to pay off student loans becomes necessary. Most students who are still working on their degrees are able to avoid making loan payments right away, but this also depends on the type of loan a student uses. For this reason, it’s important for all students to know the difference between a subsidized loan and unsubsidized loan. According to the website provided by Blog. ed.gov, “The Federal Government pays the interest for Direct Subsidized Loans while the student is in college or while the loan is in deferment. Interest begins accruing for Direct Unsubsidized Loans as soon as the loan is taken out.” Federal direct and private education loans are two other common loans that many students use to pay for their education. While FD loans allow students to borrow from the U.S. Department of Education and postpone immediate payments, private education loans require students to utilize private companies for loan agreements that often require an immediate payment plan. More often times than not, private student loans also accrue higher rates of interest, which can
substantially accrue more debt over a shorter amount of time. An Income-Driven Repayment plan is a popular option among many college graduates because it allows students to work with their lenders to oversee the amount of income the student is actually taking home while adjusting their loan payment to fit accordingly. Depending on a graduate’s financial circumstance, they may even qualify for reduced or forgiven monthly fees. While the idea of tackling one’s loans may make them feel lost or overwhelmed, there are plenty of resources at Portland State to help students find the best options for paying back their loans. Kareem Anderson is a financial coach who has being working in student finance for over ten years. “It’s important for students to know what type of loans they are accepting,” Anderson said. “We can layout a plan for students who are attending or graduating soon.” Anderson also provided some tips to help with everyday finances that can help ease student anxieties for the future. One of Anderson’s tips is for students to be mindful of the extra money they have left over and to be careful not to spend money they don’t actually need. Anderson recommended that if students find themselves with extra
disbursements, that they can avoid owing more or accruing more interest by simply notifying the college financial aid office and giving it back. In fact, personally visiting the financial aid office on a regular basis to check one’s loan status is always a good idea to stay on top of getting the best advice and information for making good financial decisions. PSU’s Financial Wellness Center is another helpful resource to check out for understanding student loan repayment plans. The FWC offers personal student loan advice on an appointment basis in order to plan ahead. But wait, here’s another. iGrad Online Financial Education is also a useful tool for PSU students who can log on using their Odin ID and upload their information to the site.
As noted before, student loan payments can definitely feel daunting, but try not to let this affect how responsibly you’re able to manage your future credit scores and financial endeavors. Set yourself up for success and go get ’em!
ROBBY DAY
OUTSIDE THE US, HIGHER EDUCATION DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN HIGHER TUITION Devon Stoeber The cost of higher education is a constant topic of conversation across the United States. Debates over rising tuition are happening at universities from coast to coast, making it seem as though debt and financial barriers to higher education are natural, universal experiences. However, a deeper look into the cost of higher education in other countries reveals that skyrocketing tuition costs in the United States do not necessarily go hand-in-hand with higher education. Portland State student Bryanna West is planning on getting her master’s degree outside of the United States for this very reason. “I’ve looked at grad schools in most countries in Europe as well as a couple in Asia,” West said. “While higher education is similarly priced here as in Japan, everywhere else I looked has been significantly cheaper. Some schools in Italy and Hungary have programs that result in tuition that totals less than $10,000.” West is not wrong in pointing out the significantly lower cost of higher education in Europe compared to the United States. In the five Nordic countries (Denmark,
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Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), as well as the Czech Republic and Mexico, public institutions do not charge any tuition fees. In terms of the rest of Europe, only Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom have annual tuition rates higher than $1,200. Aside from the cost of tuition, another financial barrier to receiving higher education is the accessibility of financial aid offered to students in a country. In the Nordic countries that already have little to no financial barriers to higher education, financial aid is easily accessible. In most European nations the rates of tuition remain low, but the financial aid offered to students is not up to the same standard as the Nordic countries. While countries like Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States all have strong student financial aid systems, they also have much higher tuition rates. Lastly, countries like Japan and Korea have both high tuition rates and low levels of financial support offered to students, putting a huge financial burden on students in these countries.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
In some countries, cheap or free access to higher education doesn’t necessarily guarantee that students will be free of debt after graduation. In fact, although education is much cheaper, more students in Sweden graduate with debt than in the United States. This is because of high rents, high prices for food, and other costs of living that have high prices in order to allow for governmental funding of institutions such as education. In addition, Swedish citizens move out of their parent’s houses younger than other nations in Europe, resulting in them being financially independent much younger than other nations. Because of this, money is directed toward living necessities rather than textbooks and college fees. While students like West may lean toward programs in other countries in order to find lower tuition, that does not mean students in
AARON UGHOC other nations are not also grappling with similar financial issues throughout the course of their education. Yet, students in the United States still dream of lowered tuition costs as they get crushed by the crippling student debt spreading across the country. “I think tuition has to be lowered significantly,” West said. “It should be a federal government priority to offer adequate funding for all public universities. If we can spend billions on war, we can offer more funding for education.”
GRAD GUIDE
THE GRADUATE?
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT GRAD SCHOOL Ryan Morse Not everyone wants to think about grad school. If it wasn’t in your school career plan from the get-go, following up school with, well, more school might not sound like the most thrilling choice. Despite these hesitations, we must recognize it as a worthy option. Whether you’re a math major or a music major, grad school offers opportunities that you couldn’t get elsewhere. Here are a few things to consider before looking into applying:
ourselves: college is freakin’ expensive. We pay a lot for college in the U.S. Hell, we’re culturally conscious of concepts like “student debt” and “student loans” years before we even start college! Because of this, it’s important to be sure we can afford going to grad school. Be prepared and make sure to look into options to keep yourself monetarily secure, whether that means looking into scholarships, grants, jobs, or searching for buried treasure.
MAKE SURE YOU CAN AFFORD IT
BE AWARE OF MAKING THE TIME FOR IT
It’s fair to say that this is one of the most critical points to consider when exploring grad school. Let’s not lie to
Remember that you’re not just paying for grad school in terms of money, but also your time, focus, and energy. You
aren’t just paying more for a better degree—you’re also going to be spending a lot of time furthering your knowledge and dedicating your time to improving your craft. It’s around four more years of working toward your goals, and it’s important to make sure you can make the time for more years of school.
DO YOU WANT TO GO EXPLORING?
Be willing to let your study take you to new places physically—not just mentally. Portland is awesome, but is it the best place for your grad studies? You should never be afraid to explore new places for grad school. Perhaps there might be schools that could
better suit what you’re looking for in your focus of study, or perhaps you just need a change of scenery. At the same time, maybe Portland is the best place for you for any reason or combination of reasons. In which case, that’s great too! You’ll still be near your favorite food carts!
of great reasons to go to grad school—dedicated peers and professors, furthering your studies, helping give your education more structure. Just be sure you know why you want to go to grad school and what you want to get out of it. And of course, be mindful that these goals might change.
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET OUT OF GRAD SCHOOL
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR STUDY IS COMPLETE?
Only thing you should absolutely try to do is go into grad school with goals and expectations for yourself. Having a defined idea of what you want to get out of grad school is valuable as a tool to use toward your own success and selfbetterment. There are a lot
This may seem like a joke question to some, but it’s not. Many of my friends who are in or looking into grad school have expressed that one of the reasons they looked into grad school was a feeling that they weren’t done with college. I don’t mean the campus life, but the academic side. They
didn’t feel like they were done with their focus in college because it provided a great framework to push themselves further.
IF YOU’RE TORN, REMEMBER YOU DON’T NECESSARILY NEED TO START RIGHT AWAY
While it’s always best to strike while the iron is hot, don’t be afraid to give yourself some time and space away from college before approaching grad school. It might offer you some valuable insight into your focus and if grad school would work for you. At the same time, don’t be afraid to go ahead and, to quote the cross-creative artist Shia LaBeouf, DO IT!
NIMI EINSTEIN
PSU Vanguard • May 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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GRAD GUIDE
THE WHO’S IT & WHAT’S IT OF THE 2016-17 PORTLAND STATE GRADUATING CLASS
AGE BREAKDOWN
M B P
AVERAGE AGE
28
YOUNGEST
15
OLDEST
80
AVERAGE AGE
33
YOUNGEST
21
OLDEST
69
AVERAGE AGE
39
YOUNGEST
26
OLDEST
67
TOP 5 MAJORS
M
PSYCH
350
HEALTH
263
SOCIAL SCI
219
CRIMINAL JUSTICE 175 BIOLOGY 175
B
EDUCATION
208
SOCIAL WORK
192
ELEC. ENGINEER
128
BUSINESS ADMIN 64
LEADERSHIP & POLICY 64
P
CHEMISTRY 11 ED. LEADERSHIP
10
URBAN STUDIES
9
APPLIED PHYSICS
6
ENVIRONMENTAL SCI 5
Source: Cognos rpt, queries ran April 27, 2017 Prepared By: David Burgess, Assoc. Dir., Office of Institutional Research and Planning, 725-3434
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GRAD GUIDE
OUT OF STATE
M
B
P
TRI COUNTY OTHER COUNTIES
DIVERSITY BREAKDOWN
INTERNATIONAL BREAKDOWN M
5% INTERNATIONAL
B
14% INTERNATIONAL
P
20% INTERNATIONAL PSU Vanguard • May 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
MAX WAYT
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GRAD GUIDE
WHAT’S UNDER YOUR GOWN? Gray Bouchat
Let’s be real: Graduating college is the best thing in the world. All that hard work has finally paid off, you finally have that degree in hand, and the hunger to get a job and make money slowly starts to creep in on you. Then you realize you still have that final stretch: the graduation walk. You don’t mind, though. It’s time to strut your stuff and prove to everyone you did it. Prove you weren’t just addicted to coffee and sleep, but also to homework and textbooks. OK, you have your gown, you have your cap, and you have your tassel, but what do you wear underneath? Why does no one ever address this monumental issue? Yeah, everyone will be seeing your gown, but you will know about the glorious garment underneath. And to just wear jeans and a tank haunts you. (Or maybe it doesn’t. Perhaps that is exactly what you want to wear. Move along.) Do you have a fancy bone in your body and wish to sport a tux under? A flowing, sparkly
dress? Slacks? The possibilities are endless. No one cares what is under your gown except you! Wear nothing at all if you feel risky. If it’s hot outside, you will thank your lucky stars you didn’t wear anything under that heavy ass gown! You can air out your skin while others suffer relentlessly. What if the gown is super thin? What if someone were to see your naked butt through your gown? At the end of the day, who cares? You’re out of college! Shake that ass! I mean, what’s the worst they can do? Take your diploma away? Nah. If that isn’t your thing, you could just wear a tux with a bowtie. People always dig that, and at the after party you can rip your gown off and be the most lavish person there while simultaneously getting wasted. There’s also the high heel option. However, I really would not recommend this option, if only because I know I wouldn’t be able to handle walking and standing in them for more than
half an hour. But hey, if you are fully capable then you should definitely attempt it. It would show you are classy and badass at the same time, plus you will be inches taller than the rest of your peers, and where’s the shame in that? If you’re truly distraught and unaware of what to wear under your gown, don’t sweat it. Honestly, pajamas would be a nice testament to your time in college anyway. Sweatpants would be good also. Oh, and sandals with socks! It would be such a shame not to wear sandals with socks. But regardless of what you choose to wear, remember: All your peers’ gowns are the same, you have the absolute freedom to decorate your cap (see p. 10 for info on PSU’s cap decorating contest), and this is the mounting achievement of your life so far. All your hard work, money, time, and effort led up to this one day, to receive that one paper. Whether you choose to wear a poncho or a full leather jumpsuit under that gown, you’re graduating, so who cares?
RACHEL LARA/PSU VANGUARD
GRAD GIFT IDEAS FROM BROKE FOLKS Jordan Ellis
Graduation presents generally aren’t obligatory among fellow grads, but they can be a nice gesture between friends celebrating their success. And yes, they are possible if you’re lacking in funds (as many of us students are). If you think outside the box, you’ll find plenty of gift possibilities that are both kind to your wallet and appreciated by your fellow grads. What are they doing next? Give them something practical for their next step. Are they moving away? Stationery. Continuing schooling? Fun school supplies (who doesn’t need gel pens?). Starting a new job? How about something for their desk? You can also give a baking mix in a jar to help them fill their new home with sweet smells. They’ll be more likely to really cherish the gift if it’s something that will do more than just gather dust. Get crafty Homemade gifts I’ve received have often been my most treasured, and they’re great to give because they’re cheap. Use a talent you already have like knitting, or find an online tutorial to try. Get sentimental and make a scrapbook of your time in school together, decorate a pot for a succulent— whatever you think they might like. Use what you already have. Chances are you can find something to make with supplies you
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already have lying around, and you can visit Scrap PDX to get inspired. Books Let’s face it, Oh, the Places You’ll Go is overdone, but other books can make a meaningful gift. Share one that has made an impact on you or helped you gain a new perspective. Or get them a pretty edition of one of their favorites. Plus, the inside cover is a lovely place to write a note that can double as a card. Homemade treats. Food gifts always seem to be appreciated. Make one of your friend’s favorite treats, or go with a crowd-pleaser like cookies. Taking the time to bake something shows your friends that you care. Try a recipe that isn’t too exotic but has basic ingredients. You might have everything you’ll need in your kitchen already. When in doubt, make a card. Not everyone is a master card-maker (if you are, then go at it!), but with all the online tutorials available there’s something out there you can successfully make. Try calligraphy, collaging, drawing, or even a pop-up card. This lets you make something nice that they can hold onto, and also gives you space to write how much your friend means to you. They can be as heartfelt as you like, or you can let the time you spent crafting it do the talking. Either way, you’re giving a card that’s a gift in itself.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
LAURYN SMITH-FREIMARK/PSU VANGUARD
GRAD GUIDE
CAP AND GOWN?
MORE LIKE CRAP AND FROWN.
Fidget spinning doo-wop gang Recruit nine people to join your crew. Go on Amazon and buy 10 fidget spinners in a color you prefer. With the leftover 50 bucks, go to the Goodwill bins and find 10 jackets as closely matching as possible. Now, go to Home Depot and buy a can of spray paint that matches your spinners. Create a gang name to paint your jackets with: “Fidget Kings” and “Spinner Winners” are cool options. However, the most ideal scenario would be to create “The Spinnin’ Sharks” and then another rival crew could pop up called “The Fid-Jets” that you could spin your fidget spinners at while sing-battling them about how your crew is totally better than their crew.
LYDIA WOJACK-WEST
Jake Johnson
With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, many students from Portland State’s class of 2017 are planning their exit strategies. Perhaps the most obvious step is graduation, a big ceremony surrounded by your peers where, for 10 seconds, you are the celebrity that your family and friends can cheer for. Caps and gowns are a 900-year-old tradition and you know how “The Fiddler on the Roof” feels about “TRAADITIOOONNN, TRADITION!” School has already cost so much money and the graduation ceremony is merely a symbolic celebration of your academic achievement. Perhaps you’re not thrilled that after doing such a great job at school you have to spend another 100 bucks on your cap, tassel, gown, Latin Honors cord, stole of gratitude or perhaps a master’s or doctor’s hood.
Spend that money on something great instead. You could have a sweet pizza party. You could buy a child’s set of kickboxing gear on Craigslist. You could rent a U-haul truck and cruise around swooping up all the sweet free stuff you can find then go out to an abandoned lot and build a contemporary sculpture garden full of ready-mades. Despite the fact that you can buy a Wii console for 40 dollars on Craigslist, your money is definitely best spent on fidget spinners. That’s right, fidget spinners for the win.
Fidget gangs rise and fall The problems will inevitably occur when your crew’s leader Maria falls in love with Fid-Jets’ Juliet. Love always tries to ruin everything. So then you’ll start a heated singing and dancing competition that gets out of hand when Bernardo’s fidget spinning hand gets tired and it accidentally flies out of his hand striking Leonardo DiCaprio in the face, and then he’ll get a bruise and PSU won’t let you hold your meetings in SMSU anymore. Maria and Juliet drink poison and now nobody can have fidget spinners on campus anymore, all thanks to you and your stupid dreams of starting a fidget spinning doo-wop gang. I bet you feel like a real jerk now. Get your cap and gown Since every alternative clearly ends in disaster, you might as well just get your cap and
gown. Your parents will love it. Your fellow students will appreciate your solidarity at the ceremony. One more day and one more hundred bucks of educational sacrifice are worth allowing those who have supported you on your journey to have an opportunity to show up and celebrate your achievement. So go ahead undergrads. Showboat that stage, you’ve earned it. That’s right Masters, you’ve mastered your fate. You heard me Doctors, you must like school after all these years, so take advantage of one more opportunity to do a school thing because no one understands how much school you’ve endured to get there. If you forgot to pre-order your cap and gown, you can still get a set at the grad fair or pick one up the day of commencement. You may be charged a little extra for not taking care of this ahead of time; but seriously, it’s worth it. Treat yourself. If you haven’t registered for commencement your name won’t be in the program, but you need to register by June 1 in order to be eligible to participate. Good luck.
PSU Vanguard • May 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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GRAD GUIDE
FAMOUS AND NOTABLE PSU ALUMNI Nada Sewidan What do a New York Times notable author, a Dancing with the Stars competitor, a Grammy-nominated singer and actress, and inventor of the Nike logo have in common? They all attended Portland State University before launching their careers.
MARK DACASCOS
Cradle 2 the Grave and Hawaii Five-0 actor Mark Dacascos attended PSU before being discovered by Chris Lee while walking around San Francisco’s Chinatown. Dacascos trained as a martial artist before fusing his discipline with acting and often plays roles involving karate and martial arts. Following his big break playing a martial arts teacher in Only The Strong, Dacascos went on to become The Chairman on the Iron Chef, landed a recurring role on the CBS series Hawaii Five-0, and competed on season nine of Dancing with the Stars.
DAVID JAMES DUNCAN
David James Duncan is a Portland novelist known for two notable works: The River Why and The Brothers K. Born in 1952, Duncan garnered a lot of attention as a writer, including a Pacific Northwest Booksellers award and an American Library Association Best Books Award. His 1983 novel The River Why, a coming of age story, was adapted into a film starring William Hurt and Amber Heard. The Brothers K, with narratives from multiple points of view, received the most praise, including a New York Times Notable Book mention. Both novels were bestsellers. Duncan’s other works include River Teeth, a collection of short stories, and his memoir My Story As Told By Water.
CAROLYN DAVIDSON
COURTNEY LOVE
SHANNON KIDD
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Sons of Anarchy actress Courtney Love is notorious for much more than her acting career. The singer, guitarist, and designer rose to prominence after forming the band Hole in 1989. Love helped write and create a manga series titled Princess Ai, a loose adaptation of her own life, and eventually moved toward film and television, with roles in movies such as Trapped and Man on the Moon and television series such as Empire and Sons of Anarchy. Our older readers will remember Love for having been married to Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Kurt Cobain.
After starting as a journalism major at PSU, Davidson decided to take a design course as an elective. She eventually changed her major, and in 1971 she was approached by Nike founder and co-owner Phil Knight, who was at that time an accounting professor at PSU. Knight asked Davidson to create a logo for Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike’s precursor. She presented him with four designs; one of them is the familiar logo used today. Knight paid Davidson 35 dollars for her work; three years after the launch and success of Nike, Knight invited Davidson to lunch and presented her with a diamond ring engraved with her popular logo, along with 500 shares of Nike stock. Davidson remained with the company until retiring in Portland, Oregon in 2000. Read more about famous PSU alumni at psuvanguard.com
SERVICE WITH PURPOSE
GRAD GUIDE
PSU STUDENT STEPS IT UP WITH PEACE CORPS Alanna Madden
MAX DELASHMUTT, SHOWN IN MIDDLE. COURTESY OF MAX DELASHMUTT Do you remember growing up and watching That ’70s Show? If so, you definitely remember the main character, Eric Foreman, suddenly leaving the series to go join the Peace Corps. Many of us have heard of the Peace Corps before, but how many of us have actually considered it a viable option after graduation? One Portland State alumni decided to go for it and joined the Peace Corps after graduating from PSU with a degree in mathematics. He is now getting ready to come back to the United States happier than ever.
MEET MAX
Max DeLashmutt is a 28-year-old Portland native and PSU graduate who has just spent the last two years volunteering in Ghana as a math teacher through Peace Corps. Besides Max’s obvious math smarts and resemblance to Bradley Cooper preHangover, his close friend back home described him as being a “natural born leader with a desire to be of service to others.” “Max genuinely cares about assisting people in their endeavors,” said Chris Arnoux, a current PSU student. “He’s also a great rapper. Max D—look him up!” At age 26, Max was about to graduate from PSU and wasn’t sure where his next journey would begin. After doing some
research on the Peace Corps and how it would aid his goals in becoming a teacher, Max applied and was soon assigned to volunteer as a math teacher in Ghana. “The Peace Corps addressed enough of what I wanted to do at that time which was to travel, challenge myself, help other people and gain career experience,” Max said during an interview with the Vanguard. “I just decided that I’m going to do it and I’m not going to regret it because I knew it would be a really amazing experience.” The Republic of Ghana is located along the Gulf of Guinea in the lower sub region of Africa, which is 7,278 miles from Portland. As a math teacher, Max is actively contributing to Ghana’s highest school enrollment rates in all of Africa. Max has posted numerous vlogs on YouTube under the username “Max FarAway,” in which he shares his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer and introduces viewers to his students, host family, and local community members. Max has also openly invited Snapchat users to follow him at maxd1018 where he consistently snaps photos and videos of his daily encounters in the classroom that are often endearing, lively, and heartfelt. When asked about his biggest hangups for joining Peace Corps, Max immediately recalled his hesitations around the
possibility of crime. “I thought that it would inherently be more dangerous over here because I didn’t know what to expect,” Max said. “Being remote and secluded was another thing where I wasn’t sure if that was what I was looking for or if I could deal with that. As it turns out, those are both realities that you deal with in the Peace Corps. Sometimes crime happens and sometimes you’re really remote. It just depends on where you go and what kinds of situations you find yourself in.” The Vanguard asked Max if he ever felt lonely in Ghana or feared being alone before he left the U.S. “I tend to do okay,” Max said. “I have a lot of people in my area and I keep to myself. Some people have a harder time with it, but you have opportunities to go spend time with other volunteers. You can involve yourself with different committees and working groups that allow you to travel more and work with more people.” “I have a job and I work with other teachers that are local,” Max continued. “So you’re not alone. You’re alone in the sense that you deeply relate to other Americans though. There’s something you get from your American camaraderie that you don’t get with your camaraderie with your teachers, your friendships, or other locals in the village.” For the rest of this story, please visit psuvanguard.com
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GRAD GUIDE
NETWORKING WITH THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION New graduates can now benefit from Portland State by utilizing connections and resources exclusive to alumni. The PSU Alumni Association is a nonprofit association housed in the historic Simon Benson Alumni House, serving over 170,000 PSU alumni from all over the world. The association was started with the goal of helping guide alumni following graduation by providing resources that allow alumni members to engage with one another, the community, faculty and staff. Alumni connections are available for all PSU graduates and can be highly beneficial for those looking to get the most from their alma mater. One of the benefits available to alumni is the Advising and Career Services Center. Although open to current PSU students, ACS offers alumni targeted assistance toward their career goal development. This assistance helps new graduates through a variety of employment-oriented circumstances, including career exploration and preparation for the workforce. “One of the better benefits alumni can definitely take advantage of is the career resource center,” said Justin Katigbak, Alumni Association operations coordinator. “The career center can help you write your resume
or cover letter and guide you through the process of interviews.” Among the main services offered are job search tools, career workshops, advising and career services, career resources, career events and webinars. Advising and career services are not only limited to resume building and critique, but also include interview prep, mock interview trials and workshops focused on job search strategies. “I’ve used the career center personally to find work before, and they have been beneficial, especially with not knowing where the job market can lead,” Katigbak said. “For students and graduates struggling to find jobs, it’s a great resource.” The career center also offers alumni access to Handshake, PSU’s job and internship database, where you can find exclusive job listings from companies looking to hire PSU students. Additionally, career services on campus provide alumni the opportunity to connect with employers and other professionals at career and professional development events held throughout the year. ACS also offers resources on how to apply to grad school, as well as any relevant scholarship information. Other alumni benefits include the Viking Adventure Alumni Travel Program, which provides alumni the opportunity to travel
Nada Sewidan
NIMI EINSTEIN/PSU VANGUARD the world at discounted rates. Currently, the Campus recreation offers alumni disprogram offers new graduates travel pack- counted memberships, which include access ages to Europe, Alaska, Canada, Cuba, Africa to rock climbing, locker rooms, the swimming and Australia. Some packages include airfare, pool and other gym equipment. meals, housing and more. Alumni can also gain free access to movThe association also provides discounts on ies showing at the 5th Avenue Cinema. For items such as Dell computers and accessories, events and meeting spaces, University Place as well as benefits from Columbia, Nike and Hotel and Conference Center offers alumni Zipcar. New graduates and alumni can seek and their families reduced rates on conferdiscounted auto and home insurance through ence and hotel rooms. Liberty Mutual. American insurance also proFor more information on the PSU Alumni vides temporary, short-term health insurance Association and how to receive these benefits, for new graduates and alumni. email alum@pdx.edu or call 503-725-4948.
SERVICES AND ADVICE TO JUMP-START YOUR CAREER Nick Tool
SHANNON KIDD If you are graduating this year, you are probably about to embark on the next phase of life as a professional in a new career. Portland State’s office of Advising and Career Services wants to make sure students
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are as prepared as possible for this transition, but in order to do so, students need to take advantage of the offerings from ACS. There are workshops, events, and classes designed to help students prepare for the job hunt.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
Current students can find resources for planning and reaching goals on D2L. Online offerings from ACS have recently been expanded with pages for example resumes, cover letters, and job and internship videos. Videos are available on the ACS website or on Facebook. I contacted Greg Flores, associate director of Career Services, for insight on what students can do to make the transition easier. I wanted to know, what would help most students take some stress out of the job hunt? Flores said that students can make the job search easier and less stressful by asking for help and including other people. Career counselors at ACS can help students develop a job search strategy, create resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews in order to make students more comfortable and confident when they begin their search. As far as soft skills go, LinkedIn developed a list of the most desirable and least desirable soft skills for employees based on these job hoppers. Five of the top ten desirable skills involved interpersonal interaction, friendliness, and communication. Necessary soft skills vary from employer to employer, but job-seeking students should familiarize themselves with these skills to keep up with their competition and find ways to surpass them.
For job searching, Flores thinks the most important soft skill is the “ability to adjust your plans to make the most of a new opportunity, and the mindset to be looking for ways to improve, ways to create new value and meaning can with maneuvering the changing landscape expectations and realities of the world of work.” ACS has a considerable amount of information available online through its website. Flores said career websites and job boards see the most visitors in the middle of the night, and if students are up late at night stressing about the job hunt, visit pdx.edu/careers to review the “For Students” section for resources related to the job search. In addition to services to prepare students for the job search, the school also provides resources that connect students and potential employers. PSU recently switched over to a new job search utility, Handshake, which hosts job postings and events. Handshake provides students with a platform to share their resume and college experience with employers and seek out and apply for positions they find appealing at companies all over the world. Start preparing for the job search now. To get started, review the ACS website, schedule an appointment with an adviser, or stop by the drop-in hours.
GRAD GUIDE
DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY ADVICE FOR GRADS EMBARKING INTO THE UNKNOWN WORLD OF ADULTHOOD Alanna Madden While finishing a school year or graduating college is something to be proud of, it’s not uncommon to experience doubt or fear of what’s to come. You might be thinking: will I be successful or will I fail? Will I be happy or upset? Have I made the right decisions for myself? Another possible source of anxiety comes from the idea that not many of us are sure if we have a set agenda for upcoming goals and adventures to look forward to. Whether or not we want to believe it, these are normal feelings to have whenever we’re going through periods of change. Here are some things to think about though:
BEING UNCOMFORTABLE IS GOOD FOR YOU
We all know the cliché, “Step outside your comfort zone.” I want you to abandon that cliché, and instead think of it as, “Feeling uncomfortable is a sign of growth.” Sometimes we aren’t ready to polar dive into a new obstacle because we’re unprepared. By setting up a way to gradually outline our path and setting ourselves up for success, we can still experience positive growth and the fulfillment of knowing we are doing something challenging and exciting. We shouldn’t expect perfection of ourselves in something we’ve never done before. So recognize the uncomfortable feelings, reward yourself for hard work, and keep the momentum going.
FOCUS ON TODAY
A wise friend recently told me, “Anxiety is about reliving the past. Fear is about projecting the future. If you’d like to escape both, live in the present.” Now, I’m sure he was actually quoting something he read, but this advice was nonetheless important in the moment. It’s often too easy to be caught up in past mistakes and recreate anxieties from past memories as though they would always follow us. This often translates to how we see our future, and we can become fearful of the same mistakes and patterns emerging once again. The good news is that we don’t have to live in either tense if we choose to stay present and consciously make decisions that would support healthy and happy opportunities. It helps to practice breathing, meditation, exercise, or doing something outdoors alone that requires you to stay in the moment.
NOBODY CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE HAPPEN FOR YOU
Whatever it is that you hope to accomplish after school, remember that nobody else can make it happen for you. This isn’t intended to be pessimistic, but it’s definitely a reality of life that we have to accept in order to take responsibility for our goals. While some of us might have more support than others, the
TERRA DEHART choices and habits we engage in on a daily basis determine the opportunities we will have down the road. This includes who we choose to spend time with, where we spend our money, where we work, live, and even what we choose to engage in for hobbies. Think about what you want, ask yourself if you have it, and then decide whether or not you need to make certain adjustments toward making your ideal life a reality.
ACCEPT YOURSELF FOR WHERE YOU ARE
While the last three topics seem to be easier said than done, it’s important to realize that it is. The reality of change and moving through
life is that we will all encounter struggle on various levels and that even with the most profound adjustments, we won’t get all the results we want. A big part of moving through obstacles, though, is learning how to accept ourselves for where we are at and learning how to practice self-compassion, self-responsibility, and developing the maturity to accept that we won’t always get what we want. In doing this, though, we may come to a point that what we find is more fulfilling than what we hoped to find in the first place. Many of us will reach a goal and find that the results weren’t as fulfilling as we hoped, or that we hadn’t yet embodied this fantasy we built up in our heads. Perhaps if
we found a way to enjoy the journey to these goals, we wouldn’t need to count on such results to begin with. What if we found a way to endlessly grow and enjoy life as it came, instead of waiting for it to just appear one day? So as we look forward with all of our thoughts and emotions over what the next challenges may bring, take a moment to simply observe yourself where you are and try to appreciate the positive opportunities you’ve yet to encounter by surrendering what little control you think you have over moments that don’t actually exist. Just be here, wherever you may be. And congratulations on your accomplishments today.
PSU Vanguard • May 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST CASSIE DUNCANSON
Something magical happened while I was watching the Artist’s Repertory Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest. It was not just Oscar Wilde’s word sorcery. It was not just the cast, all local actresses. It was not just the carefully detailed costumes
“THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST” RUNS THROUGH JUNE 11 AT THE ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE. COURTESY OF NICOLE LANE
and props and decorated stage. It was a comJamie Rea, who plays Jack Worthing, was what it would look like if you could embrace bination of every detail and every moment. first drawn to the Artists Repertory Theatre’s all those pieces of you, and not just what soEach built on top of each other, like delicately production of The Importance of Being ciety [sees].” placed layers creating an energetic and vi- Earnest because it is one of her “top three To be clear, this play is not in direct rebrant production. It’s the perfect cucumber favorite plays ever written.” Rea described sponse to the current political climate. Rather, sandwich. The bread, the spread, the cucum- the production as a “collaborative circle,” it chooses to disengage. It changes the conbers. Sure, you could eat them separately and with the casting employing “generations of text of the argument. It invites the audience to enjoy, but why would you, when you can have women…at least spanning 40 years” and en- consider what it means to cast all women in a them all together? abling her to “steep in that wisdom and di- play about men lying to others about who they Earnest, written and first performed in early versity of experience.” really are. The intention with the all-female 1895 in London, is the story of Jack (Jamie “[There’s this] variety of flavors and col- cast was not to “play the masculine,” Rea said. Rea) and Algernon (Ayanna Berkshire), two ors of women, what it can mean to be female, “We are not doing that. We are playing men, friends who systematically mislead their feminine, and strong,” Rea said. “It provided there’s no wink wink, we’re not actually lesfriends and family to get out of their social a juicy artistic opportunity.” bians.” It flips the theatrical tradition of men obligations. Jack is, to the residents of his The play works toward “inviting us to be being the only players in the theater. ART country home and his ward Cecily (Crystal a more complete version of ourselves,” Rea communications & community engagement Ann Munoz), known as Uncle Jack, a respect- continued. “[That was a] key arc for me, in director Nicole Lane added that the characable sort who is supposedly plagued by a cad terms of this play, and happens to be my char- ter of “Mrs. Bracknell has a history of being of a brother named Ernest. In his social cir- acter’s specific arc. Giving himself permis- played by men in drag.” cles, however, Jack is actually Ernest. The di- sion to be a more complete version of himself. Rather than continue to engage in the social lemma: Jack’s beloved Gwendolyn (Kailey Letting the society he’s in accept him.” discourse that regurgitates the idea that femiRhodes) has long dreamed of marrying a man Rea added that, given the current politi- ninity is comical and masculinity is stoic, there named Ernest, and Jack has long dreamed of cal climate, being a part of something that is never a moment where characters break the marrying Gwendolyn. “highlight[s] women and the strength of fourth wall to remind the audience that (gasp) Algernon’s life hangs on a similar lie: women and quite frankly honoring and re- they’re women. That choice “doesn’t have to when he wants to get away, he tells every- specting and employing women, on a super hit you over the head, doesn’t have to be about one he has to go see his dear, sick friend basic level really matters to me.” the protest,” Rea said. “It presents…the same Bunbury. Over the course of the play, the In this production, the choice to cast all issue [and] frames it in a way that is welcommen go to great lengths in their efforts to women heightens Earnest’s identity crisis ing and delightful, to remind ourselves not to win their ladies’ hearts. Earnest is a com- themes. “One of the points in choosing to take ourselves too seriously. [It’s] better for ical adventure in identity and earnest- do it this way—that exploration is height- our health if we could give ourselves permisness that reveals the masks we wear, why ened,” Rea said. “The line between the girls sion to be all the things we are.” we wear them, and what happens when we and boys is so extreme, because it’s played The Importance of Being Earnest runs take them off in public. by all women. We get more of that sense of through June 11 at the Artists Repertory Theatre.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT AT PORTLAND’S DIY PERFORMANCE ART STRIP CLUB ANDREW D. JANKOWSKI
It’s hard to write about EveryBODY: DIY Performance Art Strip Club in a linear sense. NO PHOTOS was written in block letters on a Party City banner on stage, multiple announcements were made, and yet some people still could not resist photographing outrageous costumes and performances without consent. It’s a cardinal strip club sin, but some people just won’t take no for an answer. Issues like these lie at the heart of EveryBODY’s mission. Texasbased artist and maker Corinne Loperfido wants to celebrate every body type: all genders, physiques, races, abilities and other criteria are given space to celebrate exotic and erotic arts. As host of numerous parties across the United States with similar missions, Loperfido teams up with Patrick Buckmaster to bring the quarterly party once known as Big Dick’s House of Big Boobs to life. EveryBODY/BDixxx was founded in 2012 by Loperfido and bounce DJ Rusty Lazer in New Orleans, and Loperfido founded a version in Austin when she moved there in 2014.
I attended a version last August at the Bossanova Ballroom that was like a freakier Blow Pony with go-go dancers and a runway strip-off element. This latest incarnation at Dante’s, however, felt more like the cabaretdrag revue/dance party format I’m used to seeing from the venue. PDX EveryBODY featured four performance revue acts: the “tame” show, the “midnight halftime” show, the “late” show and the “late late” show, the last of which is reserved for patrons who are not performance artists but still want a chance to perform for an audience. While the club was probably three quarters full at most, the audience got the whole life throughout the show, which featured acts from the minds who throw parties like Sad Day and the Filthiest Person in Portland pageant. The overall night was a visual feast. Attendee fashion varied from design school graduate aesthetic and queer fantasies like leather daddies and drag club kids to Old Portland quirk,
like a vagina costume or a straight-up Fantasia wizard. Every nightlife texture is represented: sequin, leather, glitter, lace, LED, any material that catches the eye. The inevitable Bridgeand-Tunnel uniform was out too: men in snap backs and plaid, women in black activewear. When they say every body, they mean every body: an older metalhead was headbanging for his life alongside a blonde woman with a leopard print dress and elf ears. Rather than give away every secret of the night, here is a breakdown of all the best moments you could have seen, and may be able to see again when EveryBODY returns to Dante’s in August. Although LoperFido’s vision speaks for itself in this curated collection of moments. Read our Q&A with the celebrity stylist and party planner at psuvanguard.com.
Full list continued on page 26 PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
WRITE AROUND PORTLAND NADA SEWIDAN
Write Around Portland recently released its 52nd book, Illuminated by the Words / Iluminados por las palabras, an anthology elevating the voices of underrepresented Portland writers. The community-based writing workshop offers hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, senior centers and other low income environments the opportunity to participate in writing intensive workshops. Their main mission is to give Portlanders the opportunity to use writing for learning, growth and self-expression. “One fundamental idea that Write Around Portland believes to be important is that everyone can be a writer, and everyone can benefit and contribute to this community through writing,” said Elizebett Eslinger, executive director of Write Around Portland. “It can be a very powerful tool for societal change and self expression.” Write Around Portland is dedicated to inclusion and diversity, providing a space for people to come together despite differences in race, ethnicity, age, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, education or religion. “We are always looking at how we can reach as many people as possible, if we haven’t reached them before,” Eslinger said. “We are always looking forward and thinking about how can we bring our writing workshop to as many people as possible, so that all voices are reflected, valued and heard.” Their latest anthology is a collection of works by WAP participants. The anthology includes works by youth and adults from workshops held throughout the Portland area in spring 2017. “The unification of the book is more about the process of writing and people being part of
Write Around Portland Workshops,” Eslinger said. “It’s a way of getting those perspectives out into the community for people to read, appreciate and to learn from.” Participants were asked to present 2–3 pieces they were most proud of during their time writing in the workshops, and every participant got to have at least one piece published in the anthology. The anthology also includes an introduction by award winning author and international journalist Putsata Reang and Linda Apperson, author, drama mentor and WAP volunteer facilitator. “The anthology part of Write Around Portland was here from the beginning,” Eslinger said. “The idea is to have a publication that elevates the voices of the people from our writing workshops.” Workshop participants wrote in various genres, often experimenting with imagery, style and language. The purpose of these workshops is to provide a platform for underrepresented communities to use writing as a tool to build community and connect through writing. WAP is always looking for ways to partner with local, underrepresented communities. Eslinger urges people who are interested in Write Around Portland to participate, whether as an intern, volunteer or writer seeking a feebased workshop. All fee-based workshop proceeds help support WAP’s mission to bring writing to low-income communities. “I believe there’s a place for everyone at Write Around Portland, whether they want to participate in a writing workshop or whether they want to volunteer or donate,” Eslinger said. “There are various ways for people to be connected with our work. I think there’s a place for everyone here.”
“Performance Arts Strip Club” continued from page 25 Best Fashion Moment Runners Up
WINNER
• “M.I.L.F. $” by Fergie: Aurora Bordello worked the pole like a • Hosts Corinne Loperfido and Buckmaster in Bearded Baypro while seven months pregnant. That baby is going to have watch Bodyguard Babe fantasies. the best stories. • Kiki K. Haus’ strip-while-wearing-a-zentai stage act. • Coal Miner’s varsity football fantasy costume. Most Political Moment • Freaky Friday moment from drag mom Brittany Newton Runners Up (Prashant Kakad’s Jai Ho! Dance Party) and her daughter • Jon Dutch’s all-American outfit, impassioned plea not to Mynx (House of Extinction). Brittany looked like she was goabandon America because of Trump, and assault of a USSRing out to pick strawberries after church, and Mynx looked painted warhead and embrace of a rainbow Pride flag. like the stage mom who would schedule her daughter’s next • Max Madame bringing herself to screaming, squirting oraudition while sitting on a producer’s face. gasm • A 200+ pound woman masterfully working the pole. Winner • Kat Sala and Mynx performing the only Spanish-language • House of Flora’s high concept drag fantasies, including flownumber of the night. ers applied directly to the body and towering cotton candy wigs and candy pasties that still read androgynous. Winner • The batting of every queer and painted eyelash in the club.
Best Musical Moment Runners Up
Sexiest Moment
• “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys: Runners Up Opening theme. Iconic. • Pup Nero, the pup fetish stripper from Stag, dancing to • “The Big, Big Beat” by Azealia Banks: Wonder Woman dancing Brooke Candy. with LED Lasso of Truth during the Midnight Halftime show • Queen Beatrice pole dancing to “Come Down” by Anderson from House of Flora. Paak. • Tony pole dancing to “Me and Your Mama” by Childish Gambino, blindfolded. • Drama Club’s unprintable closing number, which featured a doubled-ended dildo and what can only be described as a modified, not-shit-eating Human Centipede.
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Winner
• House of Ada’s delivery boy fantasy including songs like “Mr. Pizza Boy USA” and Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me.”
Most Circus Moment Runners Up
• Miss Carina stripping out of plastic wrap and stapling underwear to their body. • Sid Simpatico, the blindfolded unicyclist wearing a hoop skirt frame. • Jon Dutch’s upside down chair twerk. • Tony pole dancing, blindfolded.
WINNER
• Pussy stunt artist Max Madame lifting heavy metal objects with her vagina. •
By the Numbers
• Number of sex toys seen: 4 • Decades most represented: ‘90s, ‘00s, nows • Number of vagina costumes seen: 1 • Number of penis costumes seen: 0 • Number of DIY performers: 5 DISCLOSURE: Author is a PR intern until June at Dante’s and the Star Theater
OPINION
HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY FOR HOMEWORK? The Complete Tool by Nick Tool
In the last ten years, textbook prices increased 63 percent and are growing faster than all other college costs, including tuition and fees. Textbook publishing is an oligopoly. Due to the lack of competition, large companies completely control the prices of textbooks and other mandatory services sold to students. Pearson, in particular, stands out a head above the rest. Pearson monopolized standardized testing in K–12 and college textbooks, and they are currently sinking their claws into homework. It seems like something out of a weird, hyper-capitalist dystopian future, but that future is happening now. Pearson and similar publishers sell homework to students through digital learning systems, like Pearson’s MyLab and McGraw-Hill’s Connect. Essentially, these companies expect and require students to pay for access to necessary coursework and grade information. For the most part, this also includes an electronic copy of a textbook that students cannot keep or resell, which undermines the used textbook industry. I understand why instructors might outsource some of their work to these systems from big publishers. However, it is not fair, in this author’s opinion, to ask students to pay for it. If a professor created assignments of their own and asked students to pay to access the assignment, how would the student body and university react? Why, then, are current PSU students paying publishing companies for required coursework? Why does PSU expect us to pay for it? What exactly are students paying for when they pay tuition and course fees if it does not include homework and homework grades? Is this shift toward education à la carte acceptable? Some quick back of the envelope math shows that just one class of 27 students using Connect brings McGraw-Hill $3,240 per semester. Just ten courses using learning management systems for three semesters a year comes up just under $100,000 going from students directly to publishers for access to their homework. A student taking two classes per term that use Connect is not that uncommon at least in the School of Business at PSU, and over three terms students would spend $720 just to access their textbook and coursework. By slowly eliminating the demand for teachers to create and grade assignments, publishers created yet another market to be monopolized. Students are already trapped under the ever-increasing cost of new textbooks and near constant release of new editions that kill the resale value of used counterparts.
JAMON SIN/PSU VANGUARD According to the most recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing for McGraw-Hill, digital sales have surpassed textbook sales. Digital sales increased 34 percent in just one year. McGraw-Hill and their competitors place priority on strategy that expands their reach and market saturation for digital learning systems. I researched cases where students asked universities to intervene on their behalf, and I didn’t find too much. Single students at a few universities have spoken out about the impending monopoly over homework, but no organized groups have spoken out against it, which means the time to speak up is now. Students need to voice their concerns to the administration. PSU’s board is reworking the budget following the HECC’s tuition increase decision, and a new president is on the way.
Change is in the wind, and students need to latch onto this opportunity to make sure their concerns are known. Without some intervention on the behalf of students, physical textbooks and teacher created homework may become a thing of the past. Once the market for digital systems matures, where will publishers set their sights next? We cannot allow for the further monopolization of education. To bring this issue to the attention of the Associated Students of Portland State University, contact the Academic Affairs Committee at aspsuad@pdx.edu. There is a current campaign directed at textbook affordability through ASPSU already, and adding goals related to digital systems will require involvement from the student body. If you don’t want to keep paying for your homework, start working now to set a limit on how far publishers can reach into your pockets.
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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OPINION
EDUCATION REDUCES NEED FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE Why This Is Important by Evan Smiley With a new budget, the Trump administration looks to cut more than $10.6 billion from public education funding by 2020, among many other crucial government programs. The budget, entitled A New Foundation for American Greatness, cuts 22 public education programs including after-school programs, arts education, physical education, and the Special Olympics. The budget calls for large cuts to Pell grants, and it cuts funding for Federal Work Study in half. Subsidies for student loans get the boot, and public servants get the—little orange—middle finger with the elimination of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This new foundation for America sounds a lot less like greatness and a lot more like discouraging and obstructing individuals from obtaining quality education. Accessible public and higher education lead to multiple benefits to not only citizens but to society as a whole. These benefits include increased employment—and increased lifetime earnings for individuals of all demographics—leading to increased tax revenue, lower incarceration rates leading to decreased federal prison spending, less citizen dependence on government assistance, and overall increased civic participation and population health. Unemployment rates drop nearly 60 percent across all
demographics when comparing individuals without a high school diploma to individuals with a bachelor’s degree, and the Trump budget even acknowledges the relation between education and need for government assistance. On page 16 of the budget—about halfway into the “Reform Immigrant Policy” section—it states, “In 2012, 76 percent of households headed by an immigrant without a high school education used at least one major welfare program compared to 26 percent for households headed by an immigrant with at least a bachelor’s degree.” The proposal continues and says to fix the problem of our immigrant population siphoning money from the government, we need to create a stricter, “merit-based” vetting system for government assistance. That is to say, we need to help those less likely to need help. But is that the solution to fix the overarching problem? Let’s look at what that statistic really says: Immigrant households headed by individuals with college degrees are over 30 percent less likely to need government assistance than immigrant households headed by individuals without a high school education. The households only differ in one aspect. Education made the difference between financial dependence or independence.
ents s e r p d r a u e Vang t a t S d n a l Port
An individual’s level of education directly correlates to their need for government assistance, and the Trump budget aims to worsen the problem by not only cutting education funding but by cutting the government assistance programs that, statistically speaking, uneducated individuals will more likely need. At the end of the day, the budget both recognizes and worsens the cause of the perpetuation of citizen dependence on government assistance while placing the blame on those who need assistance most. Trump, DeVos, and the other authors of this budget proposal are unfortunately and horribly disillusioned, misinformed, or apathetic toward the realities of the education system, the necessary role it plays in the improvement of our nation, and the fact that it directly affects citizens’ need for government assistance. A larger educated population means more people standing on their own feet. More educated, debt-free citizens means more people willing to invest in enterprise and more people willing to create new businesses. Better education means more tax revenue and less government dependence. Accessibility and affordability of public and higher education will only benefit our society. Without adequate education in our foundation, America cannot claim greatness.
VV is an open platform, rolling submission Op-Ed column open to all students, faculty, and staff of Portland State. Submit your thoughts, stories, and opinions to opinion@psuvanguard.com Please provide your name and major or affiliation with PSU. No submissions over 900 words.
Accepting submissions now!
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Submissions are voluntary, unpaid and not guaranteed to be published. All submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Vanguard Opinion Editor.
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EVENT LISTINGS FOR MAY 31–JUNE 5
OFF CAMPUS FEATURED EVENT PUNK ROCK JUNE 2–3 QUEER AS IN FUCK YOU BLACK WATER BAR FEST $5–10, 21+ Over a dozen queercore musicians are spread out over two nights in celebration of the angry queers that make space for the LGBTQ community in hardcore and punk spaces.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 FILM (SCREENING MAY 30– A QUIET JUNE 1) PASSION (2016) CINEMA 21 4:30 & 6 P.M. $6–8.50, ALL AGES This critically acclaimed British biopic starring Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson would have been a contender for Best Film of 2016 if it had received a limited release in the U.S. JAZZ 8:30 P.M. HOT 8 BRASS BAND, WONDER BALLROOM LOVEBOMB GO-GO $18–23, 21+ The NOLA boys on brass are more than jazz, big band, funk or soul. They’re a huge, sweaty dance party, and they brought a local marching band to reinforce the good times.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 FILM HOLLYWOOD THEATRE SANTA SANGRE (1989) $7–9, ALL AGES 7 P.M. Legendary surrealist filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky’s dark psychological horror is loosely based on the true story of a Mexican serial killer released from a mental hospital. COMEDY BOSSANOVA BARBARA HOLM BALLROOM BELIEVES IN YOU FREE, 21+ 7:30 P.M. Caitlin Weierhauser, Katie Nguyen and David Mascorro are accomplished comedians in their own right, and join the Portland standup queen’s First Thursday comedy night.
PSU SENIOR MUSIC RECITALS AND ART EXHIBITIONS GUIDE ANDREW D. JANKOWSKI
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FRIDAY, JUNE 2 ART OPENING PUSHDOT STUDIO BURIALS FREE, ALL AGES 6 P.M. Opening reception for a R.A.C.C. funded exhibition of new fantasy photography based on death rituals from queer photographer Sean M. Johnson. FOLK ROCK ALADDIN THEATER JOAN OSBORNE $32.50–35, ALL AGES 7 P.M. The “One of Us” singer plays a set of Bob Dylan standards. FASHION BESPOKE COLTY SEASON 1 ACCESSORIES GROUP 8 P.M. $22.09, 18+ Launch party for the leather-based fashion line’s website and first collection of harnesses, bags and other accessories. FILM CINEMA 21 THE ROOM (2003) $7, ALL AGES 10:45 P.M. Cinema 21 is to Tommy Wiseau’s lé disaster masterpiece as Clinton Street Theater is to Rocky Horror Picture Show: come cheer and jeer at this movie house’s traditional late night screening. The A.V. Club wrote a guide in 2009 that explains what you should do when you experience this film in public.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3 FAMILY VETERAN’S MEMORIAL SESAME STREET LIVE: COLOSSEUM ELMO MAKES MUSIC $13–40, ALL AGES 10:30 A.M. All your and your kids’ favorite childhood friends leave their new home at HBO for a national tour of songs, laughter and educational fun with muppets.
With the term ending, there are too many recital concerts and art exhibitions on Portland State campus to fit them all into the events calendar, so we are giving them their own space. Come on out during the last weeks of spring term to celebrate PSU creatives and all their hard work in music and art. TUESDAY, MAY 30 VOCAL Derick Watson 7 p.m. Lincoln Hall #37
PSU Vanguard • MAY, 31 2017 • psuvanguard.com
COMPOSITION Garrett Key 7 p.m. Lincoln Hall #326
PARTY 4 P.M. STARLIGHT PARADE DANTE’S PRE-PARTY FREE, 21+ The Portland street performer and local legend known as Elvis is the grand marshall of this year’s Starlight Parade. Come celebrate his appointment and career ahead of the parade. FUNK ROCK WONDER BALLROOM PRINCESS $30–35, ALL AGES 9 P.M. Tribute band featuring Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum pays tribute to Prince. DANCE PARTY HOLOCENE YEEZY NITE $10, 21+ 9 P.M. Tribute Night and Ante Up PDX celebrate Yeezus’ 40th birthday playing Kanye West remixes, classics and rarities and features a Ye-themed photo booth for people who love Kanye like Kanye loves Kanye. DRAG FUNHOUSE LOUNGE OKURRRRRR! $15–30, 21+ 10 P.M. Ann Pyne’s monthly drag dance party features a headlining appearance from Manilla Luzon (RuPaul’s Drag Race season 3, MTV’s Made).
MONDAY, JUNE 5 GAMES 4 P.M. HELLO NEIGHBORHOOD GAME KNIGHT LOUNGE KNIGHT $4, 21+ Patrons whose IDs have a 97211 or 97227 ZIP Code don’t have to pay cover at Portland’s newest board game pub, which has a collection of almost 500 games. VARIETY 7 P.M. SWEET N’ JUICY TRIPLE NICKEL PUB VARIETY SHOW FREE, 21+ The band Sweet n’ Juicy headlines this variety night where local musicians and comedians show off their work. The evening concludes with an open jam session. SYNTH MUSIC 9 P.M. HUSTLE AND DRONE, DOUG FIR LOUNGE GOLD CASIO, $5–10, 21+ REPTALIENS Live projections, LED visuals, and a gold photo booth can be found at this synth night headlined by the new project from former Portugal. The Man keyboardist Ryan Neighbors. Wear gold, pony boy.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4 DANCE PARTY PRODUCE ROW BRIDGE CLUB $5–8, 21+ 3 P.M. DJ Mercedes headlines this regular dance party at its new home, supported by resident DJs Casual Aztec, HOLD MY HAND, Orographic, Pocket Rock-It and Troubled Youth. DRAG DARCELLE XV 22ND ANNUAL ALLSHOWPLACE AGES SHOW $5, ALL AGES 5 P.M. On top of being a Portland treasure, Darcelle XV is the reigning world record holder of World’s Oldest Drag Queen, and once a year performs for all the children, legendary or not. WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 PIANO Todd Marston 5 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 THURSDAY, JUNE 1 COMPOSITION Jake Rose 6 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
FRIDAY, JUNE 2 COMPOSITION J.D. Davis 2 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 PIANO Naomi Burla 5 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 DRUMS Cory Limuaco 5 p.m.
SAORI ERICKSON WILL BE PERFORMING HER VOCAL RECITAL ON JUNE 4 AT 6:30. COURTESY OF SAORI ERICKSON Lincoln Hall #37 EUPHONIUM Dakota Luu 7 p.m. Lincoln Hall #326 SAXOPHONE Kenneth Fukumoto 7 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 SATURDAY, JUNE 3 VOICE Ryan Rothstein 4 p.m.
Lincoln Hall #75 GUITAR David Kelley 6 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 SUNDAY, JUNE 4 PERCUSSION Joshua Gianola Noon Lincoln Hall#75 FLUTE Colton Trujillo 2 p.m.
Andrew D. Jankowski
ON CAMPUS FEATURED EVENT
THEATER LINCOLN TOWER AND THE PERFORMANCE HALL PUPPETEER $8–20, ALL AGES MAY 30–31, 7 P.M. Two kabuki productions presented in English, featuring folk dance and drums. Tower is about goblin Princess Tomi & her phantom ladies in waiting, and her romance with a handsome samurai. The Puppeteer is about a traveling puppeteer’s puppets who magically come to life and get involved in other people’s romances and conflicts.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 POTLUCK QUEER RESOURCE CHOMP! CENTER NOON FREE, ALL AGES Pride edition of the QRC’s regular potluck event. Bring a dish and meet or catch up with LGBTQ and ally students. DANCE PERFORMANCE 6:30 P.M. DANCE BECAUSE WE SMSU BALLROOM CAN FREE, ALL AGES SOR Dance Club showcases numerous diverse dance styles on a single stage, including hip hop, ballet and more. LIT TALK THE OLD CHURCH WHITMAN @ 200 FREE, ALL AGES 7 P.M. Curator Mitchell Santine Gould speaks about Walt Whitman on the poet’s 200th birthday.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 MUSIC LINCOLN HALL 75 BRASS AREA RECITAL FREE, ALL AGES NOON Spring recital for the PSU Brass Area, which will also be livestreamed on Facebook.
Lincoln Hall #326 VOICE Saori Erickson 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 VOICE Josephine Peterson 7 p.m. The Old Church
MONDAY, JUNE 5 COMPOSITION Ben Murphy 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
THURSDAY, JUNE 8 OPENING RECEPTION Nathan Sonenfeld 5 p.m. AB Lobby Gallery OPENING RECEPTION Kathryn Kock, Angelina Procopio 5 p.m. MK Gallery
TUESDAY, JUNE 6 No arts events scheduled (stay home and make your own)
FAMILY SMSU 238 STORKS (2016) FREE, 6 WEEKS—12 5 P.M. Kids under twelve and their parental plusones are invited to RSVP for a family-friendly screening of the animated 3D film (activities available elsewhere for kids six weeks to 3 years old) featuring games and dessert. RSVP online.
ART TALK 6 P.M. IN CONVERSATION PORTLAND ART WITH MICKALENE MUSEUM THOMAS FREE, ALL AGES The multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker has exhibited at (among others) The Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Hammer Museum, and comes to Portland to discuss her largescale work focusing on femininity, beauty, and racial representation combining art-historical, political, and pop-cultural references. JAZZ 7 P.M. ANDREW ENDRES PARKWAY NORTH COLLECTIVE, FREE, ALL AGES CATHERINE FEENY Parkway North Project’s final event of the term features fine jazz and hors d’oeuvres.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2 FITNESS ACADEMIC STUDENT 1ST ANNUAL GATORADE AND RECREATION PONG TOURNAMENT CENTER 5:30 P.M. $5, ALL AGES Fee covers entry for two-player team. 64team elimination tournament that most definitely isn’t teaching you skills for those off campus house parties. Register by 2 p.m. June 2 to participate.
OPENING RECEPTION Jacob Adams, Hector Ornelas, Joshua Sherburne, Kris Mongene, Jennifer Britrick 5 p.m. Autzen Gallery OPENING RECEPTION Una Barrett, Kelsey Birsa, Martha Connolly, John Holsinger, Brooke Learmouth, Forest Kell 5 p.m. Littman + White Galleries
THEATER JUNE 3–4) THE HOBBIT BRUNISH THEATRE 7 P.M. (ALSO SHOWING $12, ALL AGES Metropolitan Performing Academy of the Arts stages a theatrical adaptation that spawned Tolkein’s expansive branded literary/cinematic empire.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3 FILM WHITSELL A DREAM IS WHAT YOU AUDITORIUM WAKE UP FROM (1978) $6–9, ALL AGES 4:30 P.M. Docu-drama chronicling the experiences of three New York City-based black families: their day-to-day survival experiences that weaves between the historical and the then-contemporary New York’s metropolitan struggles.
RECITAL LINCOLN RECITAL SAORI ERICKSON HALL 6:30 P.M. FREE, ALL AGES The soon-to-be PSU alumna’s vocal concert shows her singing the works of Alessandro Scarlatti, Henri Duparc, Richard Strauss, Samuel Barber and more. See sidebar for a complete listing of upcoming School of Music recitals & BFA Exhibition Reception.
MONDAY, JUNE 5 WORKSHOP NOON JUMPSTART WRITING SMSU 209M PROGRAM FREE, ALL AGES PSU’s Graduate School of Education professor Dannelle Stevens schools you in successful academic writing.
FILM 5TH AVENUE CINEMA MEAT LOVERS (2017) $4–5 (FREE W/PSU ID), 9:30 P.M. ALL AGES PSU student Philip Zevenbergen screens his short horror film ahead of the second Saturday screening of Big Trouble in Little China.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4 FILM SCREENING JUNE 2–3) BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE 5TH AVENUE CINEMA CHINA (1986) $4–5 (FREE W/PSU ID), 3 P.M. (ALSO ALL AGES John Carpenter’s not-a-horror classic features kung fu, monsters and mullet magic. PSU film professor Dustin Morrow introduces the first Friday screening. Visit 5thavecinema.com for full screening schedule. CHORAL MUSIC METHODIST CHURCH GLOBAL RHYTHMS VI $12 GENERAL, $7 4 P.M. STUDENTS AND FIRST UNITED SENIORS PSU’s various choirs present their sixth annual concert of music from around the world. Also Friday at 7:30.
VOICE Madison Howard 6 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 PIANO Jiyoun Oh 8 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
VOICE Grace Skinner 2 p.m. Lincoln Hall #326 PIANO Kyle Watkins 5:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
FRIDAY, JUNE 9 No arts events scheduled (grab some chalk and hit the streets)
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 VOICE Hannah Consenz 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
SATURDAY, JUNE 10 CLARINET Luke Gorman, 2 p.m. LINCOLN HALL #75
THURSDAY, JUNE 15 CLOSING RECEPTION Nathan Sonenfeld
4 p.m. AB Lobby Gallery CLOSING RECEPTION Kathryn Kock, Angelina Procopio 4 p.m. MK Gallery CLOSING RECEPTION Jacob Adams, Hector Ornelas, Joshua Sherburne, Kris Mongene, Jennifer Britrick 4 p.m. Autzen Gallery CLOSING RECEPTION Una Barrett, Kelsey Birsa, Martha Connolly,
John Holsinger, Brooke Learmouth, Forest Kell 4 p.m. Littman + White Galleries COMPOSITION Daniel Vega 4 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75 PERCUSSION Maxwell Kolpin 7 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
FRIDAY, JUNE 16 & SATURDAY, JUNE 17 CELOUBRATION Cascadia Composers, Portland Percussion Group, PSU Percussion Ensemble, Venerable Showers of Beauty Gamelan and more gather to celebrate the life and work of Lou Harrison 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall #75
PSU Vanguard • MAY 31, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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