VOLUME 76 • ISSUE 22 • OCTOBER 5, 2021
S B U L C
S U P M A C O T K C A B COME
ARTS & CULTURE This is No Time to Die, Mr. Bond P.4
SCIENCE & TECH China’s fight against cryptocurrency P.7
SPORTS
Viks sweep in volleyball and more P.10-11
ARTS & CULTURE
SCIENCE & TECH
SPORTS
Student-run cinema returns P. 4–5
Apple faces an Epic trial P. 7
Vikings come back to campus P. 10-11
CONTENTS
COVER BY SHANNON STEED, COVER PHOTO BY SOFIE BRANDT
ARTS & CULTURE NO TIME TO DIE LIVES UP TO ITS STAGGERING EXPECTATIONS
P. 4
THE PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR A 15TH YEAR
P.5
SPORTS PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS SWEEP EASTERN WASHINGTON AND IDAHO IN VOLLEYBALL
P. 10-11
P. 6
CROSSWORD PARTY IN THE PARK: THE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS OF PORTLAND STATE
P. 12
SCIENCE & TECH CHINA’S STRUGGLE AGAINST BIG TECH AND CRYPTOCURRENCY ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SETTLES WORKPLACE HARASSMENT LAWSUIT FOR $18 MILLION
STAFF EDIT ORI A L EDITOR IN CHIEF Nick Gatlin
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Béla Kurzenhauser
MANAGING EDITOR Karisa Yuasa
ONLINE EDITOR Lily Hennings
NEWS EDITOR Victoria Calderon
COPY CHIEF Mackenzie Streissguth
PHOTO EDITOR Sofie Brandt
CONTRIBUTORS Karina Agbisit Analisa Landeros Allison Kirkpatrick Nova Johnson
SPORTS EDITOR Eric Shelby SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Ryan McConnell
P.7
NEWS CLUBS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS COME BACK TO SCHOOL
PHO T O A ND MULTIMEDI A MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Olivia Lee
A DV ISING & ACCOUN TING COORDINATOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Reaz Mahmood
PRODUC TION & DE SIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shannon Steed
STUDENT MEDIA ACCOUNTANT Maria Dominguez
DESIGNER Whitney Griffith Mia Levy Astrid Luong Anastasia Pargett T ECHNOL OGY & W EB SIT E TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANTS Juliana Bigelow Kahela Fickle George Olson
STUDENT MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR Corrine Nightingale To contact Portland State Vanguard, email editor@psuvanguard.com
MIS SION S TAT EMEN T 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 quality, hands-on journalism education and a number of skills highly valued in today’s job market.
P. 8-9
A BOU T 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 Tuesdays and online 24/7 at psuvanguard.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @psuvanguard for multimedia content and breaking news.
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NO TIME NO TIME TO DIE LIVES UP TO ITS STAGGERING EXPECTATIONS Daniel Craig’s fifth Bond film is a perfect curtain call BÉLA KURZENHAUSER If any word other than “awaited” applies to No Time To Die, and the luminous contrast and silhouetting of Skyfall, No Time To the 25th film in the James Bond franchise whose release was de- Die is still elegantly composed with both care and deliberation. La layed five times between 2018 and 2021, it would most certainly La Land cinematographer Linus Sandgren brings his signature usbe “rapturous.” Six years after the middling reception of Spectre age of subdued colors to transform every landscape of the film into and eighteen months after its initial pre-pandemic April 2020 re- a portrait. Muted blues and purples bring out the vibrancy of clubs lease date, the conclusion to Daniel Craig’s 007 saga tears exclu- and skylines, while soft greys flesh out a fog-blanketed set piece in sively onto the silver screen this Oct. 8, and it marks the first true a Norwegian forest. The entire film is gorgeously shot on 35mm and 65mm film in a delicious 2.39:1 aspect ratio, with some action finale in the series’ 59-year film history. Just like Craig’s previous outings, No Time To Die picks up on the continuing mythology of Bond’s adventures in the 21st century, with most of the narrative focusing on the dynamic and relationships between Bond and his lover Madeleine Swann and his enemy Ernst Stavro Blofeld, whose roles are reprised from Spectre by Léa Seydoux and Christoph Waltz. Almost every recurring character from the franchise comes back for a final appearance, including Jeffrey Wright’s CIA agent Felix Leiter, as well as MI6 allies Q (Ben Whishaw), Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), M (Ralph Fiennes) and Tanner (Rory Kinnear). There are a few new characters as well: Ana De Armas appears for an action sequence in Cuba, Lashana Lynch picks up Bond’s mantle as the new 007 agent following his retirement at the end of Spectre and Rami Malek plays the mysJAMES BOND IN NO TIME TO DIE. MGM/UNITED ARTISTS RELEASING terious and scarred megalomaniac Lyutsifer Safin. In typical event film fashion, the first forty-odd minutes are sequences being cut to the 1.9:1 aspect ratio to suit IMAX screens. largely spent establishing the premise, reintroducing characters Delaying this thrice was the right move—this is a big screen movie, and stitching together the connective tissue to make the transi- and it rightfully deserves its exclusive theatrical premiere. Perhaps one of the most frequently-praised characteristics tion between Spectre’s ride-into-the-sunset ending and No Time of Bond films is their strong usage of production design, and No To Die’s bombastic opening as seamless as possible. In one of the longest pre-title sequences for any Bond film Time To Die is no disappointment. Bond’s Jamaican retirement ever, director Cary Joji Fukunaga manages to squeeze in an es- home is beautifully quaint, and Safin’s sprawling factory and tablishing scene for Malek’s villain as well as an extensive action headquarters evokes Soviet brutalism and Japanese architecsequence throughout the streets of Italy before pivoting into the ture with its imposing structure and Dr. No-esque atriums. It’s film’s opening title sequence. This time around, the theme was no surprise that the film lives up to its titanic expectations on a written and performed by Billie Eilish, who manages to distill a technical level, but the strength of its filmmaking is appreciated certain kind of melancholic darkness and beauty into her theme, nonetheless. Narratively, No Time To which evokes a rich and mournful tone perfectly apt for the final Die continues both the story film in Craig’s series. On a visual level, No Time To Die continues the cinemato- and the themes set up by the graphic momentum contained within the previous two films. previous Craig-era films, for Despite lacking the visual texture and scrumptiousness of Spectre better and for worse. The
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focus on continuity between these five films, as well as their deliberate decision to emotionally ground Bond as a human character with very sincere emotions and motivations has been justifiably polarizing among Bond fans, particularly those of the older generation who favor Sean Connery and Roger Moore’s more lighthearted and disconnected entries. No Time To Die yet again focuses on an aging Bond whose place in the world is gradually becoming more and more diminished. Craig was 51 when this was shot, and although his stunt work and action scenes are as excellent as they ever were, his age is felt more than it ever was. If Skyfall was the franchise’s response to a post-Y2K world of digital cybernoia and increasingly physically decentralized espionage, and Spectre an ethereal journey through a crumbling graveyard of ghosts, then No Time To Die is truly Bond at his eleventh hour—perpetually suspended in a destabilized environment, gradually falling apart and fading away as his past ruthlessly catches up to his age. The world, truly, is not enough for his colossal presence, and the film does its best to lay his mythos to rest. The themes of the prior two films were deeply entangled with the motivations of their villains, and that’s present here as well. Safin is a tyrannical evildoer, a villain who truly does see himself as a heroic killer, and whose plan is to dispense a geneticallyengineered bioweapon unto the world to target specific victims. His weapon lives inside his victims forever, capable of only infecting those sharing the blood of its targets. If anything, this represents the true commodification of the body as a tool for death and destruction and, despite Safin not featuring very prominently throughout the film’s runtime, his presence is always felt and the film goes to some very interesting places with this framework. As Bond struggles to cope with the floor of his world falling out from underneath his feet, he frantically looks for something to hold onto, and he finds it in his compatriots and allies. The reintroduction of familiar iconography like the Aston Martin DB5 and the stacked cast filled with iconic characters doesn’t just act as a love letter to the origins of the franchise, but it also manages to flesh out a microcosmic examination of Bond, not just as a character, but as a legacy as well. Despite being over two hours and forty minutes in length, No Time To Die never really hits the brakes, with the exception of some speed bumps in the final act as Fukunaga races to wrap up the threads the film works with throughout its runtime. Its ending is, perhaps, the first truly, irrevocably emotional conclusion to any Bond film—and is certain to be polarizing among long-time lovers of the franchise—but there could not be a more poetic and perfect curtain call on Craig’s fifteen-year landmark tenure for the series.
TO DIE
ARTS & CULTURE
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
THE PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR A 15TH YEAR KARINA AGBISIT While streaming services have helped many of us get through these last 18 months, there’s nothing quite like a trip to the movies, especially at Portland’s iconic Hollywood Theatre. A local gem registered on the National Register of Historic Places, the Theatre has been around since 1926. While the Hollywood Theatre faced the potential of shuttering its doors permanently during the pandemic, it has thankfully made it through and is ready to welcome guests. From now through Nov. 17, the Hollywood Theatre is hosting the 15th annual Portland Latin American Film Festival. The festival opened with Alfonso Cuarón’s iconic 2001 Mexican film Y Tu Mamá También and continues with six contemporary films screening every other Wednesday. From documentary to thriller to comedy, there is certain to be something for everyone. The second of PDX LAFF’s screenings in September, Samuel Kishi’s semi-autobiographical 2019 film Los Lobos, examines the universal experience of growing up coupled with the unique experiences of children navigating new lives in new lands. The film follows Lucía and her two young sons, Max and Leo, who are recent immigrants to the U.S. Lucía secures lodging for them in a dilapidated apartment, in which Max and Leo must remain during the day as she works. The whole-heartedness in which the boys play while stuck inside, constructing costumes out of garbage bags and using job flyers as drawing paper, epitomizes the imaginative and free nature of childhood. Max, however, walks the blurry line between pure innocence and trust and the practical realities of his family’s situation. Once he realizes that their mother will not be taking them to Disneyland as promised, or at least not nearly as soon as he imagined, his naive world splinters.
This realization leads him to the physical world beyond the apartment, inevitably encountering the sometimes tough and unforgiving nature of this outside world. Just as the family seems to reach their breaking point, pinpoints of light start to shine in this darkness, most notably through the landlady of the apartment complex. She is free of judgment towards their mother, never degrading Lucía for leaving her sons alone during the day or getting upset with Max and Leo’s childish behavior, not even after finding evidence of their crayon doodlings on her wall. Instead, she invites the brothers into her home and becomes a welcome support, caring for them during the day. Los Lobos does not promise a fairytale ending for the trio, but the film would not feel nearly as authentic if it tried to resolve all of their struggles. The contentment of settling into their new community and reconciling their personal grievances leaves the viewer with hope and optimism for the family. Overall, this makes for a more honest story, where children discover the warmth and heart of the world alongside the brutality. For those looking to continue the spookiness of the Halloween season, Jayro Bustamante’s 2019 film La Llorona will be screening Nov. 3. A stark contrast from its English-language counterpart of similar name, Bustamante’s La Llorona utilizes the legend of the woman weeping for her drowned children to advance justice when the formal system fails to hold people accountable. In an interview with the San Antonio Current, Bustamante
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2020 2021 •• psuvanguard.com psuvanguard.com
describes his goal of using this popular legend often utilized to get children to behave, to instead bring attention to history not often talked about. “Maybe La Llorona can cry because there is a more relevant thing [to cry for] like genocide,” Bustamante said. The film opens with retired dictator General Enrique Monteverde standing trial for the genocide of Ixil Maya peoples during the 1980s. A powerful testimony from a survivor shows the extent of the cruelty of Monteverde and his troops, and the court convicts him. Just a few days later, however, the conviction is annulled, leading to a massive protest outside Monteverde’s residence. Stuck inside with the General are his wife, daughter, granddaughters and their long-time housekeeper. The mansion was once full of hired staff, but all except one fled after the General reported hearing a woman crying late in the night. A mysterious young woman in white appears at the residence claiming to be sent to work in the home. Soon, the strange occurrences escalate, particularly for Monteverde’s wife, who experiences vivid nightmares based on the terrible scenes described by survivors during the General’s trial. As the cries of La Llorona continue to haunt Monteverde, the family begins to suspect that the quiet newcomer is not who she seems. La Llorona is a slow burn, devoid of jump scares and gruesome monsters, allowing the fear to come from within as the family faces the ghosts of the past.
THE FESTIVAL PRESENTS SIX FILMS AT THE HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
One of the festival’s two documentaries, Oaxacalifornia: The Return, screens on Nov. 17, offering another telling of an immigrant experience. The 2021 documentary directed by Trisha Ziff revisits the Mejía family, who Ziff previously filmed in 1994. The juxtaposition of scenes from 1994 and new discussion with the family illuminates the complexity of navigating two seemingly separate identities and worlds across not only space, but time. The grandchildren most exemplify this identity struggle, with many of them lamenting not knowing how to speak Spanish while their older relatives are native speakers. One granddaughter shares her journey of being proud of her Mexican heritage as a young child to feeling ashamed of it after years of hearing her peers denigrate Mexicans. She expresses coming back to a place of pride, but also deep regret for rejecting her heritage and the cultural practices that accompany it. The final event of the film is the family’s return to the grandfather’s hometown of Magdalena Jaltepec, a journey the family has made every year for decades. Like any family, the goals, dreams and plans of the Mejía family have changed over time, but through it all, they have maintained this connection to their roots. While there are modern day struggles of spotty Wi-Fi and a lack of organic chicken, the visit exemplifies the beauty of holding onto the cherished people and places of the past. For a schedule of all of PDX LAFF’s showings tickets, visit the Hollywood Theatre’s website. TOP RIGHT: STILL FROM LOS LOBOS/MUBI TOP LEFT/FOREGROUND: STILLS FROM LA LLORONA AND OAXACALIFORNIA: THE RETURN/PDX LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
ARTS & CULTURE SECTION
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CHINA AND TECH
THE LOGO FOR THE E-CNY, A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE CHINESE YUAN, DISPLAYED DURING A TRADE FAIR IN BEIJING, CHINA, SUNDAY, SEPT. 5, 2021. NG HAN GUAN/AP IMAGES
CHINA’S STRUGGLE AGAINST BIG TECH AND CRYPTOCURRENCY RYAN MCCONNELL On Sep. 24, China’s central bank officially banned all transactions relating to cryptocurrencies, including those involving Bitcoin and Ethereum. This ban comes months after China’s central bank announced the creation of their own form of digital currency, known as the digital yuan. This new form of currency was meant to negate one of the major benefits that proponents of cryptocurrency cite: anonymity. “In order to protect our currency sovereignty and legal currency status, we have to plan ahead,” said Mu Changchun, head of the digital currency project, in an interview with
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SCIENCE & TECH
The Wall Street Journal. While there has yet to be any information correlating the decision to ban cryptocurrency with the recent development of their own digital yuan, many speculate the decision was made to ensure Chinese citizens adopt the digital currency developed by the People’s Bank of China in order to provide the necessary tools for the government to monitor its economy and its people. China has been busy cracking down, not just on cryptocurrency, but on domestic big tech companies as well. Last Feb., China's market regulator released new antimonopoly guidelines targeting internet platforms and further tightening existing restrictions against the country’s tech platforms. In Aug., they introduced a major data protection law requiring data collectors to get user consent before collecting data, and allowing users to withdraw their consent at any time. This law also tightly regulates how data relating to Chinese citizens may be used outside the country. What this means for consumers and companies both in China and abroad, however, may be slightly more nuanced. These regulations have put significant hurdles on the tech companies operating within the country, leading to billions being wiped off of Chinese tech stocks. Regulators of the new laws also launched an antitrust investigation into Alibaba, a tech conglomerate similar to that of Alphabet, Inc. The data protection law may not necessarily have a negative impact for consumers of Chinese platforms, but rather provide a foundation for greater digital autonomy. The European Union has a similar institution that creates a privacy framework, the General Data Protection Regulation.
The data protection regulations gaining momentum around the world stand in stark contrast to what’s been occurring in the United States, especially in the wake of the recent ruling in Epic Games v. Apple. The U.S. continues to maintain a laissez-faire approach to digital privacy and data regulation amongst our own domestic tech giants, where the ways companies charge consumers take precedence over how companies use the data they collect. China’s regulations may force U.S. tech companies to adjust the ways in which they’re able to provide their products online, putting traditional business models of data collection and ad targeting in jeopardy. Such a phenomenon may very well lay a foundation for the U.S. to adopt similar strategies against non-consensual digital surveillance. It should be noted that these rules and regulations do not prohibit the People’s Republic of China as an institution from performing surveillance, but rather centralize it. China still requires companies to provide access to their companies’ systems upon request from the government. While the U.S. has its own dark history of surveillance, companies aren’t required to unlock their devices for use as evidence, nor are they required to allow government access to devices or services in most cases (although that doesn’t mean they won’t). These adjustments to China’s tech industries and digital currencies mark a major shift in the largely unregulated industry across the globe, and these effects can impact not only consumers in China, but also those in the United States. New U.S. tech laws could very well be informed by those of other countries like China.
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SETTLES WORKPLACE HARASSMENT LAWSUIT FOR $18 MILLION RYAN MCCONNELL On July 20, 2021, Activision Blizzard was sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing over a “frat boy” work culture, culminated from years of sexual harassment and abuse towards women inside the company. Just a couple months after the initial filing, it was announced on Sep. 28 that Blizzard has reached a settlement deal of $18 million with the U.S. government over these allegations. The harassment lawsuit sparked a flurry of discussions, boycotts and protests. The lawsuit has also resurfaced a particularly disastrous answer from a Q&A session dating back to Blizzcon 2010. In the session, a woman pointed out that nearly all of the female characters in World of Warcraft looked like they “stepped out of a Victoria’s Secret catalog.” The response was troubling at best, as Alex Afrasiabi and Allen Brack, two employees directly named in the Blizzard lawsuit, replied with, “Which catalog would you like them to step out of?” Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, many current employees at Blizzard planned a walkout on July 28 in an attempt to bolster the working conditions for women and other marginalized groups. Over the course of the allegations, other developers and Twitch streamers have been supporting the movement through boycotts and donations for members of the company. Many employees at Blizzard were outraged over the company’s response to the sexual assault allegations, where they claimed the lawsuit “includes distorted, and in many cases false, descriptions of Blizzard’s past.” Blizzard has since hired infamous union-busting firm WilmerHale to review Activision Blizzard’s H.R. policies. So far, most of the known internal changes involved the renaming of video game characters that referenced the accused in Overwatch, as well as reducing the amount of exposed breasts of characters in World of Warcraft. However, little action has been taken to fully examine and reduce the sexism and toxic work culture that pervades the company. The true costs of these allegations have spanned far beyond just the $18 million settlement. Corporate sponsors for games like Overwatch and Call of Duty have withdrawn support of esports leagues, including T-Mobile. This also comes at a time when players left World of Warcraft in droves after a fumbled plot line and general user frustration and Final Fantasy 14 player count grew so large that servers had to shut down for 8 hours to accommodate the jump in metrics. The extent of the allegations in the lawsuit included a toxic culture where employees would participate in a “cub crawl” where they would jump between work cubicles—often with alcohol—and make unsolicited remarks or advancements to female members of the staff. Included in the lawsuit is the mention of the “Cosby Suite," named for comparison with alleged rapist Bill Cosby, where Afrasiabi, one of the employees mentioned in the suit, would “hit on female employees, telling them he wanted to marry them, attempting to kiss them, and putting his arms around them.” The complaint stated that this behavior was conducted “in
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
plain view of other male employees, including supervisors, who had to intervene and pull him off female employees.” Even outside of the internal affairs before the allegations, Blizzard was already becoming known for its blatant sexism and misogyny. During a Black Hat U.S.A. security conference in 2015, Emily Mitchell, a cybersecurity researcher and penetration tester, was harassed by Blizzard employees based on a t-shirt she wore that made reference to her job as a “penetration tester.” Penetration testing in cybersecurity is known as a form of ethical hacking, where companies pay individuals or companies to look for vulnerabilities in their cyber infrastructure and report on how to better improve their defenses. “ O n e of them asked me when was the last time I was personally penetrated, if I liked being penetrated, and how often I got penetrated,” Mitchell said. “I was furious and felt humiliated, so I took the free swag and left.” Other sexual assault allegations have surfaced where aspects of Blizzard’s culture involved “games” around groping male colleagues’ genitals. One of them was known as “gay chicken” where “the first man to grab the others’ junk won,” according to a former Blizzard developer. The list of issues and incidents coming from Blizzard employees and the company’s work culture continues to grow. While the recent settlement gives money back to some of the victims who filed the lawsuit, the message has become loud and clear: the video game industry has a major problem with toxic workplaces, and more needs to be done to create a safe and equal environment, not only for women, but everyone working in the industry.
ANASTASIA PARGETT
SCIENCE & TECH
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CLUBS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS COME BACK TO SCHOOL FROM PARTY IN THE PARK TO CURRENT CLUB AND RESOURCE OPENINGS
VIC CALDERON With the first week of classes coming to an end, Portland State is returning to a semi-normal feel, especially with the return of in-person events like Party in the Park. The annual fair showcases tons of organizations, resources and clubs on campus. Many groups organized on campus, complete with social distancing and mask requirements to greet students, many of whom will be returning to on-campus full time. While it was raining, tons of tables and officers stayed through the entire event to make sure they reached as many students as possible. For those who didn’t get the chance to attend, here is information about different organizations on campus and how to get connected. The following list is not exhaustive and includes highlights and information about different groups on campus. Many of these clubs, centers and organizations work together to host events and support students through their academic journey.
MOVIMIENTO ESTUDIANTIL CHICANO DE AZTLÁN (MECHA)
Mecha, a student-led organization, was founded on the push to promote the advancement of Chicanx and Latinx populations. Their mission at PSU is to have more Chicanx and Latinx students in higher education. According to their website, their next event post-Party in the Park will be Painting with Mecha, on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 4–5:30 p.m. in SMSU 294, and digitally via Zoom for those wanting an alternative option (Meeting ID: 83690015921).
QUEER RESOURCE CENTER
PSU’s Queer Resource Center provides resources and support to queer and trans students, including anyone who falls under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. They’re currently looking for volunteers to help with affinity group facilitation, donation teams and the pen pal project. The Queer Resource Center has training orientation coming up Oct. 5–8. The sign up link can be found at https://bit.ly/ qrcvolunteers with more information on their Instagram, @psuqrc.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Global Diversity and Inclusion team (GDI) is a group dedicated to the inclusive mission at PSU that covers diversity, discussion of resources and a general focus on making sure all students feel and are welcome at PSU. They tabled at Party in the Park and constantly have updates on their Instagram, @PSUDiversity, about social events and information. Currently, they are discussing the welcome back, information equity and racial justice and Hispanic Heritage Month.
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STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES
Student Legal Services, SLS, offers free legal help to PSU students. As of Sept. 16, their reception desk is open for in-person operations, but their client appointments will be continuing via Zoom or over the phone, though they are accepting special requests for exemptions to this rule. Their website states their hours for reception are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m–5 p.m. and they are located at the Smith Memorial Student Union in M343. Updates are posted on their Instagram, @psu_sls.
CAMPUS REC
The Campus Recreation Center is open and beginning the process of lifting COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, as guidance changes. Face masks are still required for all activities aside from swimming. Physical distancing of six feet is no longer required and the maximum occupancy limits have been lifted. On their website, there are still digital resources and information and sign ups for rec clubs. There are over 20 clubs currently listed, and you’re always able to submit an application to start a new one. More information can be found at their Instagram, @campusrec.
Linktree. Their Instagram is @psu.igssa and more information on how to contact them can be found on their website.
PSU FOOD PANTRY
The PSU Food Pantry is back in its old space, SMSU 47A, as of Sept. 27, and is allowing in-person shopping Monday through Thursday 1–6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Getting an appointment is as easy as clicking the link in their Instagram bio, found at @psu_foodpantry. Currently, two shoppers are allowed in every 10 minutes, but this is subject to change based on demand and capacity. For more information on how to contact them, or donate, visit their website.
PACIFIC ISLANDER, ASIAN AND ASIAN AMERICAN STUDENT CENTER (PIAAA) Portland State’s Pacific Islander, Asian and Asian American Student Center (PIAAA) is located in SMSU on the second floor (room 235), their latest work includes seeking out PSU student
MENASA INITIATIVE
The Middle East, North African, and South Asia Initiative, better known as MENASA, is a cultural resource center program currently in the process of becoming the sixth cultural center at PSU. According to their Spring 2020 newsletter, the home of MENASA is now SMSU 238. In order to get better connected, you can check out their Instagram, @menasa_initiative.
PAN-AFRICAN COMMONS
The Pan-African Commons is based around cultivating cultural, personal, professional and developmental opportunities for students in the African Diaspora, with their focus include holding community space for African, Black American, Caribbean, Central and Southern American and other black identities across the globe. Their Instagram is @pacpdx and more information on them can be found via their PSU website.
INTERNATIONAL AND GLOBAL STUDIES STUDENT ASSOCIATION (IGSSA) PSU’s International and Global Studies Student Association (IGSSA) is a community of students focusing on global interests. IGSSA tabled at Party in the Park, and is currently accepting Officer Election Applications via their Instagram’s
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parents, or student caregivers, for a paid speaking opportunity. For more info on this opportunity and for information on what their plans are for the school year, their Instagram is @psupiaaa.
DISARM PSU
Disarm PSU is a collective of PSU students and faculty working towards a disarmed campus security. The organization has been active since 2014 and, as of 2021, Campus Public Safety began patrolling without firearms. To become a part of the organization, learn more or read about their progress visit their Instagram, @disarmpsunow, or visit their website.
PSU VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER
The PSU Veterans Resource Center is an organization dedicated to serving veterans, their dependents and active duty service members. They currently are in-person for drop-in hours, but otherwise the lounge and study space is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment visit their website, and, to follow their regular posting and information, their Instagram is @psu_vrc.
DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
The DRC (Disability Resource Center) is currently open via a virtual front desk. Their mission is to support students with disabilities in making campus life equitable and accessible. Their office hours are currently Monday through Friday both from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. in-person and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 379914326). Their full services can be found on their website or their Instagram, @portlandstatedrc.
LA CASA LATINA
La Casa Latina is part of the resource centers at PSU pushing support for all students who fall into Latinx diaspora. They recently had their open house with interviews of professors and their work with the Chicano/Latino Studies Program. They have events coming up in Oct. and more information can be found on their website or via their Instagram, @casalatina_psu.
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT AND COMMUNITY CENTER
The NASCC is a cultural home for Native American, Alaskan Natives and Pacific Islanders on PSU campus. Currently, their Instagram (@psu_nascc) includes NASCC Student Employee Application submissions and the recently-hosted Oak Savanna salmon bake. More information on their next events and plans can be found via their website.
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AT THEIR BOOTHS AT THE PARTY IN THE PARK, SEPT. 30, 2021. SOFIE BRANDT/PSU VANGUARD
SECTION
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PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS SWEEP EASTERN WASHINGTON AND IDAHO IN VOLLEYBALL VIKINGS HAVE A SUCCESSFUL WEEK WITH A WIN OVER SOUTHERN UTAH ERIC SHELBY
VOLLEYBALL
Coming in hot after their 3-1 win against Idaho State, the Portland State Vikings traveled to Moscow, Idaho, to play the Vandals and took care of business. Libero Ellie Snook was once again the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week. The Vikings swept the Vandals 3-0 (25-20, 25-21 and 25-19), hitting .398 compared to Idaho State’s .160. PSU’s Makayla Lewis led the team with 14 kills, Zoe McBride made 11 kills and Maddy Reeb ended the game with 10 kills and two blocks. In the second set, the Vikings took social distancing to a new level, leading the Vandals 11-2. Less than 24 hours later, the Vikings travelled to Cheney, Washington, to play the beaten-up Eagles, who lost in three straight sets to Sacramento State in their last game. The Vikings showed no mercy to the Eagles and won 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-17). Once again, Lewis led the Vikings with 11 kills and two blocks. Parker Webb wasn’t far behind with 11 kills and one ace. Here’s a nice statistic: The Vikings have won eight of their last 10 games, and are now at 9-6. PSU comes back home to host the 5-11 Southern Utah Thunderbirds on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and the 5-7 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Saturday, Oct. 9.
colleges,” Bosby said. When that schedule is released in the winter, all away and home games will be on the weekends. “Our games are always on the weekends, we like to make sure that our players can be students first and then athletes,” Bosby explained. “We’d never travel during the week because people would miss classes.” If you’re interested in joining, email the team at psu.wlax@gmail.com.
FOOTBALL
After losing a close game against Montana State, ranked #13, the Vikings will play Southern Utah which, like PSU, has a record of 1-3 and 0-1 in conference play. The Vikings played Southern Utah’s Thunderbirds for the last time as they plan to leave the Big Sky Conference for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) next year. PSU gave them a good Big Sky farewell, beating the Thunderbirds 20-13. Malik Walker scored the touchdown that secured the win over Southern Utah. Senior quarterback Davis Alexander went 18 for 23 and had one touchdown. Freshman running back Jalynne Mcgee averaged 11.1 yards per game and Beau Kelly led the team in receiving with 59 yards. The game was close through the first three quarters until the Vikings scored a touchdown in the fourth and stopped the Thunderbirds from WOMEN’S LACROSSE After 890 days dormant, PSU’s women’s lacrosse team scoring in the last minutes of the game in a three and out. started practice again Monday, Sept. 27, on a cold, rainy day The Vikings now sit at 2-3, with wins over Western Oregon at Peter W. Stott Field. The team prepares to play again after and Southern Utah, which is now 1-4 and 0-2 in conference its last season was put on hold because of the pandemic. play. With a 1-1 conference record, PSU is eighth in the Big The lacrosse team was founded in 2015 and plays D-II in Sky Conference. The Vikings travel to Moscow, Idaho, to the Northwest Women’s Lacrosse League (NWWLL), with take on the University of Idaho’s Vandals, who suffered other schools in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. a one possession 27-20 loss to University of California The Vikings are ranked 15th in the nation and played Gon- Davis. Idaho is 1-3 (0-1). PSU’s next home game is on Oct. zaga University in the D-II NWWLL championship in 2019. 16, when the Vikings take on 0-4 Idaho State. Portland State Vanguard interviewed one of the head coaches for the season, Krista Busby, about what lacrosse is all about. WOMEN’S SOCCER “We are a club sport which means we are really student- Freshman Abi Hoffman was named Big Sky Player of the led so the students take care of all the leadership,” Busby Week after her hat trick, scoring three goals against the said. The team is always looking for newcomers and holds Sacramento State Hornets in a successful Big Sky Conferpractice at the Peter W. Stott field every Monday, Wednesday ence opener. Assisted by freshman Lucy Quinn, Hoffman took the opportunity and scored by the fourth minute to and Friday from 6:40–8:10 p.m. “We usually have three or four people who have never get an early lead on Sacramento State. played before in any given year and I always love to see The Vikings won that match 4-2, with Hoffman scoring more the growth over the year, so definitely no experience re- goals than the Hornets’s whole team. The last goal of the match quired,” Busby explained. Cleats, workout clothes and a came from Sienna Higinbotham in the 75th minute assisted by mouth guard are all you need to bring to practice; the team Sofi Papastamos. Sophomore goalkeeper Sidney O’Billovich provides everything else. made five saves and the team looked to bring that same energy The season starts in late Jan. and ends in early April. If in Greely, Colorado, against Northern Colorado. The Vikings are the team makes it to nationals, they play through April. The currently 3-6-0 and 1-1 in conference play. With seven games Vikings won’t have a schedule until roughly Nov. or Dec. left this season, PSU looks to see if they can move up the stand“We have to make our own schedules with all the other ings, and are currently sitting at sixth.
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SPORTS
BASEBALL CLUB
Baseball is attempting to make a comeback at PSU and they are looking for new members to start it up again after the club folded two years ago. The team practices every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Peter W Stott Center, right next to the Viking Pavilion. According to one club hopeful, if they can recruit enough players, the team can get uniforms and join a league. The Vikings plan on playing in a league in Portland, Oregon, since the team before them had to play in Salem, Oregon. If you are interested in joining or know someone who would be interested, email the team at portlandstatebaseballteam@gmail.com to bring back the club sport at PSU.
WOMEN’S WATER POLO
The water polo season begins winter term after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Practices will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8–10 p.m. at PSU’s Recreation Center swimming pool. The Vikings will have three tournaments this winter and spring: one in February, March and April. The Vikings are in the Northwest division and play among other schools like University of Washington, Oregon State and Western Washington. The Vikings ended the 2019 season fourth in the standings. PSU is ready to be back in the water after over 900 days of patiently waiting. Just like the lacrosse team, the Vikings are always looking for new members. No experience required. To join the club or if you have any questions, email the team at ladyvikswaterpolo@gmail.com.
MEN AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Both the men and women’s cross country teams moved up to twelfth in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s rankings after the Roy Griak Invitational and the Mike Johnson Classic on Sept. 24. PSU’s Katie Ca-
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
MIA LEVY
be here every Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.. The game against Mt. Hood Community College is on Friday, Oct. 8.
MEN’S SOCCER CLUB
marena and Jordan Macintosh received the Big Sky Conference Athletes of the Week award. The last time PSU athletes won both awards was 2006. The Vikings prepare for the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational in southern California on Oct. 16 and the Lewis and Clark Invite on the same day in Estacada, Oregon.
SOFTBALL
Softball is back Saturday, Oct. 2, as the Big Sky Conference champions host Clackamas Community College in a double header, returning to Gordon Faber Recreation Complex in Hillsboro, Oregon. On Oct. 9, the Vikings play Southwestern Oregon University in a double header. Mt. Hood Community College and Warner Pacific University will also be double headers. Vikings softball will
PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
The men’s soccer team, organized by PSU’s Recreation Center, is more on the competitive side. The team plays other clubs like Oregon State University and crosstown rivals University of Portland. Practices are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:20–10 p.m. Just like the women’s lacrosse team, matches are held on the weekends to not interfere with the students’ school lives. Practice is at the Peter Stott Center and the season starts Oct. 16. You can follow the team on instagram @psufc or contact them at psuclubsoccer@gmail.com to try out. If you want to practice with them and not join the team, they would be more than happy to see you there.
MEN AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The schedules have officially been released for PSU’s men’s and women’s teams. The men’s team starts off the season travelling to Corvallis, Oregon, on Nov. 9, looking to take their first ever win over the Oregon State Beavers. The Vikings made it a close game last year against the Beavers, but not enough to secure the win. PSU starts their conference play Dec. 2 in Pocatello, Idaho, to play the Bengals of Idaho State. Before conference play starts, the Pilots of University of Portland come to PSU’s campus on Nov. 23. The Big Sky Tournament starts March 9 in Boise, Idaho, where the Vikings look to win in order to have an automatic bid in the March Madness tournament, something they haven’t done since 2009. The women’s team starts their first three games at home, playing Multnomah in a preseason game on Oct. 31. The Vikings will stay in Honolulu, Hawai’i for the Hawai’i Classic, where they will play Prairie View A&M and University of Hawai’i. Conference play also starts Dec. 2, when PSU will be hosting the Idaho State Bengals. On Dec. 12, the Pilots will cross the Willamette River into downtown Portland and play the Vikings for the first time since 2019. Their regular season ends on March 4, hopefully with a win against Eastern Washington. PSU looks to become Big Sky Conference champions this year for the first time since the 2018–19 season when they went 25-8 and played Oregon in March Madness.
SPORTS
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Clubs and Organizations of Portland State
ACROSS: 3. This group provides free food for all currently enrolled students 4. Come here if you want to learn the art of improversation 7.
This club plays tabletop games like D&D, Settlers of Catan or Go Fish
8. PSU’s competitive a capella group, with a name similar to a famous jazz label 10. PSU’s student-run movie theater 12.
You can practice maritime law here—or regular law
13.
Portland State’s student-run weekly newspaper
WHITNEY GRIFFITH
DOWN: 1.
Formerly Sub-Basement Studios
2.
Portland State’s student-run monthly magazine
5.
Portland State’s student-run art exhibition gallery
6. The acronym for PSU student government 9.
The name of this game development club sounds like a valuable, shiny object
11.
The club you go to if you want to find new clubs
14. This group gets together to watch animation produced in Japan 15.
Portland’s premier college radio station
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CROSSWORD
PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 5, 2021 • psuvanguard.com
