February 2023

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

Per usual, we have a lot of news for you in this issue. Make sure to turn the page and take it all in.

We had the opportunity to feature a new adjunct professor for the Bower School of Music: Jeremy Warner.

I know you all have heard the buzz surrounding FGCWho, so we spoke to Rory Cushen, the heart behind the campaign, to get all of the details on what direction FGCU may be heading in its sustainable future.

Our staff also had the opportunity to feature President Michael Martin and get a sense of his feelings of the continuation of the presidential search.

If you need a break from the news coverage, we understand. Read our opinion stories on women in STEM and Black History Month at FGCU.

This month, we have some extra sports coverage. We feature men’s basketball player Dakota Rivers and his influence on and off the court, as well as a few athletes that have soared academically.

See you next issue!

Kind Regards,

Tori Foltz Editor-in-Chief, Eagle News

Photo by Jessica Piland

Photo by Jessica Piland

EAGLE MEDIA

EM Advisor

Justin Paprocki

Executive Editor

Riley Hazel

Business Director

Michael Patella

Graphics Editor

Gabriella Lopez

Sports Editor

Nick Asselin

EAGLE NEWS

Editor-in-Chief

Tori Foltz

Assignment & Features Editor

Hayley Lemery

Opinion Editor

Delinah Rosario

Photo Editor Jessica Piland

ENTV Director

Jakira Bryan

Entertainment Director

Lilah Wilcoxson

EAGLE RADIO

Station Manager

Keyshawn Frazier

Programming Director

Kelly Pingitore

FEBRUARY 2023

eaglenews.org

4 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Bower’s Newest Choir Conductor

By Eddie Stewart

Students Weigh in on Black History Month

By Tim Belizaire

MyTextMate is Here

By Hayley Lemery

President Martin Reflects on the Past

By Emma Rodriguez

Loss for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

By Eric Daugherty

FGCU Fashion

Photos by Jessica Piland

Dakota Rivers: Making an Impact On and Off the Court

By Nick Asselin

Reforms to FGCU’s Sustainable Identity

By Addyson McCullough & Veronica Amador

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM

By Addyson McCullough

Smart Moves in the Classroom, StudentAthletes Break Academic Records

By Connor Hay

Valentine's Day Cartoon

By Alexandra

Porter

Graphic by Bella Lopez

University Choir Conductor by Day, Naples Philharmonic Chorus Director

by Night

Bower’s Newest Adjunct Faculty Member has Devoted His Life to Music

Eddie Stewart, Staff Writer

Jeremy Warner, the newest faculty addition to the Bower School of Music, has lived his whole life in tune with his greatest passion– music.

As the son of two casual musicians and growing up in Tennessee, Warner always had music at his fingertips.

Starting out at age five in church choir, he became interested in choral music as a career around 10-yearsold when his grandmother gifted him a Top 10 cassette tape including a choir performance of “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven.

“Choir immediately resonated with me in a way I can’t truly explain,” Warner said.

In addition to Warner’s roots, Jackson is the geographical midpoint between Memphis and Nashville. Both cities are known primarily for their music scenes– Nashville being known as the country music capital of the world. Following a developing interest in classical music, Warner frequently traveled between cities to see the Nashville Symphony and Memphis Symphony.

Despite growing up and getting his undergraduate degree in Jackson, when asked where he’s from, Warner usually replies with Memphis because he spent most of his professional life conducting and teaching there.

After getting his Master of Music in choral conducting at the University of Memphis, Warner went on to a variety of choral positions, from conducting the Memphis Men’s Chorale and working at his alma mater as a graduate student, to founding the Memphis Women’s Chorale and Memphis ChoralArts.

Frequently taking trips across the U.S. and beyond, Warner spent weeks and months conducting and preparing choirs for performances. After spending a semester abroad in Austria at the Mozarteum while in school, Warner felt called back abroad to Stuttgart, Germany to conduct. He traveled frequently between Germany and the U.S., and found himself on one such trip when COVID-19 travel restrictions hit.

After moving back to Germany, Warner quickly decided that it was time to go stateside once again to Tennessee in Dec. 2020. He moved that summer to Naples, a place he admits he never heard of before 2021.

“I decided I would work on my dissertation, and a friend of mine down here said ‘Well, if you can write it in Tennessee in the woods, why can’t you write it on the beach?’ I said, ‘Well okay, I’ll write it on the beach, that sounds good.’ So, I visited, and fell in love with Southwest Florida,” Warner said.

A runner when not singing or conducting, Warner particularly enjoys the greenways that populate the area around his Naples home. But that’s when he gets the chance, currently working both at Artis-Naples as the Naples Philharmonic Chorus director and FGCU as the conductor of the University Choir.

Despite being quite busy, Warner finds plenty of purpose in both jobs. He describes Artis-Naples as a wonderful place to work and a hub for art in Southwest Florida, and has nothing but positive things to say about working with the students of FGCU, as new to the university as he is.

“There is something very unique about being here, and working with very enthusiastic students.

Graphic by Bella Lopez

They really want to do the music well, and they’re very attentive,” Warner said. “They’re not just music majors, they’re across all walks of life, different majors across campus. They’re a truly talented group.”

Though perhaps Warner would see the bright side in any choir, with his fascination with the art of song.

“There’s something very unique about singing, it’s the only instrument we’re really born with,” he said. “There’s something truly intimate about singing with others, something very open and almost vulnerable.”

And with that vulnerability comes strength in numbers. For those who struggle with feeling placeless or experience feelings of imposter syndrome, singing in a choir can usher in a sense of belonging.

“Choir singers don’t have to be the greatest at whatever it is, they just have to be good,” he said. “They just have to try hard and work

hard. It takes a community to make that happen.”

Warner believes choir can have a positive impact on anyone’s life, notably his own. Upon reflecting on his career, Warner said that he is truly content and fulfilled doing what he loves.

“It may sound cliché or cheesy, but I’ve found it’s so important to love what you do. No amount of money – no views of the ocean, even, can make up for doing something that you don’t enjoy. I believe in the power of passion and the power of doing something that sparks, because you’ll always be happy. It’s so rewarding for me to contribute. I know that I’m making a difference.”

Warner urges anyone interested in music to view upcoming events on the Bower School of Music webpage. The University

Choir has a concert on April 16, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs•

Photo by Jessica Piland

Warner poses on stage in the U. Tobe Recital Hall.

Students Weigh in on Black History Month

Tim Belizaire, Staff Writer

Despite minimal participation from faculty, the Black Student Alliance (BSA) is going forward with and celebrating Black History Month.

On Feb. 8, the club hosted its Hot Seat event where several topics involving the black community on campus were brought up. Among the topics were interracial dating, marital expectations and what it means to be Black on campus.

This was an open-invitation event and about 30 people were in attendance. Of the people who attended, only one person was a part of FGCU’s faculty. However, 100% of attendees were people of color. The only staff member in attendance was Dr. Sherdene Simpson. Simpson, who was in attendance with her husband, was pleased to see important conversations between students take place.

The BSA President Andrea Toles, a junior, wants BSA to ‘mesh’ with the rest of the campus. She has shown interest in promoting her voice and wanting inclusion on campus to be prevalent.

“Although we’re the Black Student Alliance, it’s open to every student on campus,” Toles said.

Attending a predominately white institution as a Black student means that most interactions will be with non-black students. In recognizing that, the BSA wants most of their events to be open invitations.

Many events took place but there wasn’t much promotion from university. As of Feb. 12, there were two posts about Black History Month on FGCU’s Instagram page, and they were both posted on the first of the month. Since then, there have been 15 posts. Of those posts, they included topics such as asking students to tag their “boardwalk buddy,” National Pizza Day and an intramural ultimate frisbee competition.

The BSA will go ahead with several events for the month even though there isn’t much promotion from the university. These events will be a part of their annual Melanin Week.

On Feb. 20, Melanin Week will continue with ‘intersectionali-tea.’ This will be a discussion on multiculturalism, Black people not being a monolith and the intersection of race and gender along with other topics. Following that will be ‘We the Culture.’ This will be an event where multiple student organizations will be present to play games, eat food and have meaningful conversations.

“It’s really interesting to see how people from different backgrounds try to work together and build together,” senior Khalia Fisher said.

Events, such as the ‘What the Health’ tabling event, will also provide students the opportunity to speak with the Prevention and Wellness Department, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. This tabling event will be about mental health in the Black community and giving out mental health resources to all students on campus.

“I’m excited for the decades party because that is something new and it will be fun overall,” senior Zoey Carter said.

Whether it be events on serious topics such as mental health or celebratory events such as the ‘Decades Party,’ it is important to show community and bring the university together. Organizations on campus such as the Multicultural and Leadership Development Center promote Black History all year to show that you don’t just have to share your identity one month in the year, but instead, it should be celebrated throughout.

Melanin Week is being held with no resistance from Student Government which is a different story from two years ago.

In Feb. of 2021, former Student Government Senator Nicholas Shepeard did not want to fund Melanin Week until the phrases “Black excellence” and “melanin” were removed from the bill. He saw those phrases as not inclusive enough. Students demonstrated to show their disapproval of his comments. The student body disagreed with his remarks then and still do now.

In the wake of the murder of Tyre Nichols and the attempt to defund diversity, equity and inclusion programs throughout the state, Black students are looking for an opportunity to be heard and celebrated. Melanin Week plans to do that and much more.•

If you want to know more about Melanin Week and Black History Month festivities, follow the Black Student Alliance on Instagram @fgcubsa.

The Pining for Canvas Notifications is Over, MyTextMate is Here

FGCU has launched a free pilot program for Canvas notifications called MyTextMate, allowing users to create automated personalized text reminders for their assignments.

Information Technology Services implemented this app for the spring 2023 semester. An adoption of the app after the pilot will be considered depending on the satisfaction and response from students, according to the ITS website.

“I haven't used it for very long, but so far it is very convenient and helpful. I forget about the notifications that Canvas sends out and have not been good about going to the app to check my to-do list,” junior entrepreneurship student Zachary Murck said.

The app allows students to customize reminders, change how many days in advance the reminders are sent, send extra reminders and rename courses.

“Having MyTextMate send me daily reminders has been extremely beneficial because I check my text messages a lot more often than Canvas,” Murck said.

According to the ITS frequently asked questions page, the app claims to be available on the App store and Google Play.

“I have a Google Pixel phone and MyTextMate does not seem to be an app on Google Play. I just look at the Canvas dashboard to see what assignments are due. If this app is only available for iPhone users, then

it's not very convenient for me anyway,” junior communications student Katie Summers said.

ITS says that for years, students have been asking for a feature to send push notifications to be successful.

“I honestly think it's a great tool to remind me when my assignments are due,” freshman clinical laboratory science student Edicia Rodriguez said. “It sends me a text in the morning on which assignments are due that day and which ones are coming up. It also helps me add upcoming assignments to my weekly planner.”

"So far, I haven't had any problems with the app, and I would recommend it to other students. It's a good way to keep track of your assignments using something you already check on a daily basis,” Rodriguez said.•

Students can receive ITS support by texting the MyTextMate support number at 954-603-4733 or by contacting the FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1188.

Hayley Lemery, Assignment & Features Editor

Graphic by Bella Lopez

President Martin Reflects on the Past, Gives a Glimpse of the Future

With FGCU as his final stop in his career in higher education, President Martin is proud of all that has been accomplished during his tenure, but is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren, traveling the U.S. and possibly sharing his life with a memoir.

Involved with higher education for more than five decades, FGCU is a unique “final stop” for President Michael Martin. His path has gone through established universities, including the University of Florida and Colorado State University. Helping build FGCU, a younger institution growing to be a staple of its community, was something new.

“It’s been an enormous revelation to

see how a community can rally to the creation of a university that then they take some ownership and responsibility for,” Martin said. “And that's not an experience I truly had before because places I've been were old and established. And there was always community interest, but this has been phenomenal.”

When asked about his legacy as the university’s fourth president, Martin

humbly expressed it was not his to decide, but did reference a major goal of his tenure: to create a dedication to excellence, especially as a newer institution. Under Martin, FGCU has made a point to recruit faculty committed to serving the university, fulfilling this mission.

“In the last five years, we've done 170,000 square feet of new buildings,”

Emma Rodriguez, Assistant Assignment & Features Editor

Martin said. “That’s important. But what’s really important is what happens inside the building, and that means you have to recruit, retain and embrace really good folks.”

As a result of FGCU’s continued presidential search, Martin will remain in his role until his successor is found.

Though he intended for his retirement to be effective Jan. 1 of this year, the change of timeline has not flustered him. Martin’s decision to remain president until the search concludes reflects his want for the university to succeed. In higher education, the hiring of an interim president is a complicated process, leading to the position being held for a relatively short amount of time. To avoid FGCU using resources, time and money to find an interim president, Martin agreed to stay on.

His appreciation of higher education ties back to his roots as a first-generation college student. Attending what was Mankato State College, now University of Minnesota, changed his life.

“That transformational experience of starting at Mankato State in the fall of 1965, and then working through my education to obtain my Ph.D. had this profound impact on the way I saw myself, the way I saw others, the way I saw the world,” Martin said. “I think if that can occur for others, and I can someway help manufacture that, then that's what I ought to do.”

13 institutions, including FGCU, have employed Martin, indicating his worth and commitment to giving students a beneficial, life-changing college experience. He believes that the purpose of a university is to transform individual lives for the benefit of society. This

philosophy is evident in his love of higher education.

As for what is next for our current president, seeing family is priority number one. He wants to return to his home state, Minnesota, to see his two grandsons, and perform what he calls “grandpa duty.” Eventually, he wants to go on a golfing trip across the country to everywhere he has worked in higher education, alongside a friend from his tenure at Oregon State University.

“This friend of mine goes back to my Oregon State days, 1977. We've been vacationing together for years,” Martin said. “When I mentioned it to him, he immediately volunteered to come along. In all likelihood they'll probably find us both expired on the side of Interstate 10 one day if we're not careful.”

Martin does not entirely write off future volunteer work in higher education. A small school in northern Minnesota, Tribal College, would be first on his list to help.

Both of Martin’s sons have urged him to write a memoir. If he were to write one, it would be called “An Entirely Accidental Life,” referencing the circumstances which have led to his success. He is still deciding if he should write it.

“My dad was 20 and my mom was 17 when they had me, I started as an accident,” Martin said. “I’ve had the enormous, good luck of being at the right place at the right time with people who are my advocates, advisors and mentors. One thing led to another, and I’ve been the president of two universities, and have gone on a heck of a journey.”•

“In the last five years, we've done 170,000 square feet of new buildings,” Martin said. “That’s important. But what’s really important is what happens inside the building, and that means you have to recruit, retain and embrace really good folks.”

Photo by Jessica Piland

FGCU Faces Possible Funding Loss for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after DeSantis’ Proposal

Eric Daugherty, Staff Writer

Governor Ron DeSantis announced a proposal to strip Florida’s public universities' funding for departments related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) alongside critical race theory. The governor said DEI programs serve as an “ideological filter, a political filter” that has resulted in less successful education.

He pointed to New College of Florida, which is now being overhauled with leadership focusing on “real history” and on the philosophies that formed “western civilization.”

DeSantis’ proposal, according to a press release, aims to prohibit public universities from using “any funding, regardless of source, to support DEI, CRT and any other discriminatory initiatives.”

FGCU has a dedicated webpage for diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is also a huge part of FGCU’s mission statement. The members of the school believe in creating and fostering an environment that is both diverse and inclusive for all. The university's page also says that they “collaborate with other diversity offices on programs, events and initiatives to advance equity and inclusion across the institution.”

FGCU did not provide a response to DeSantis’ calls to defund DEI initiatives, but DeSantis’ proposal could result in changes to FGCU’s mission statement or staff working on matters related to DEI because the proposal would end any funding to support it.

The university’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance could also be affected because its mission promotes a celebratory culture of member diversity. The office also provides a certificate for diversity and inclusion.

In regards to critical race theory, some students said DeSantis made the right move.

“CRT is political propaganda and should not be forced upon students,” senior Kaylee Alsip said. “If you show one side, you should show the other. Unfortunately, professors do not do that, and only show the side which agrees with their political views.”

Many students back up those claims and feel as though

DeSantis’ initiatives are a good thing.

“DeSantis’ initiative will ensure universities hire highquality professors with no discriminatory political filters,” graduate student Matthew Boggan said. “I am positive that under Mr. Ray Rodrigues' leadership, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, state universities will thrive in the State of Florida.”

With allocated funding students were able to see the benefits of what DeSantis was trying to say.

“I think that stripping funding from public universities in any way shape or form is a positive thing,” junior Brett Lethbridge said. “Especially any funding allocated towards an ahistorical and massively destructive framework such as critical race theory.”

Although a good number of students here at FGCU feel like DeSantis’ choices should be supported, some students feel as though other changes could be made in its place.

“For DeSantis to ask for the Public University System’s spending on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and critical race theory are a bit concerning,” senior Sebastian Mercado said. “With his agenda of limiting these resources and education in K-12, it may be a red flag if he asks what the university decides to spend on DEI. It’s what allows us to educate and inform others on information that should be shared.”

There are many resources that are used for these programs in schools and some people may see it as too much, but some students don’t fully think that one way is right and the other is wrong.

“I'm torn because it seems like schools are spending a lot of money on these diversity and inclusion programs to tend to the students going there,” junior Ronique Bobb said. “If you take FGCU for example, some English classes are limited because of staffing. It’s a mix of feelings on whether what he’s doing is the proper approach but having a place where you feel comfortable is just as important.”

As a public university receiving taxpayer dollars, it is up to elected officials on how to allocate those funds, and those officials might be inclined to act on rhetoric that helped get them elected – like being “anti-woke.” •

Graphic by Bella Lopez

FASHION

Sarah Pflug, sophomore

Kayla Peralta, junior

Photos by Jessica Piland

Emilia Randolph, sophomore (left) / Amanda Torres, senior (right)

Nykealah "Yke" Wright, sophomore

Makayla Davis, senior

Graphics by Bella Lopez

You wouldn’t think someone that makes TikTok content about video games and gets recognized online by musician Lil Yachty would be an FGCU basketball player. Except it is.

Senior men’s basketball player Dakota Rivers has enjoyed success on the court over his three seasons at FGCU. With 383,800 followers on TikTok, he’s had his fair share of success off the court as well. Putting the two together, Rivers is considered one of the most interesting personalities on the FGCU men’s basketball team.

Rivers began playing basketball in eighth grade and played throughout high school. During the most important months of basketball in his senior year, Rivers slightly tore his quadricep in his left leg, putting his collegiate career in jeopardy.

“That was the worst time to get hurt,” Rivers said. “At that time, a lot of colleges were deciding to pull back on my scholarship offers and they were taking away a lot of the opportunities I had.”

After recovering from his injury, one of Rivers’ coaches invited back every college coach that had offers on the table to see him play. Rivers says he ended up with 20 to 25 Division I scholarship offers but chose FGCU because they never turned away from him.

“I decided to choose FGCU out of all of them because they never pulled back on me,” Rivers said. “They still believed in me. They believed my potential was still there and they knew even when I came back from my injury, I’ll be a lot better than I was before, which I was.”

When looking back on his injury, Rivers believes it helped more than what it hurt. He said he was able to learn more about his body and how to be better prepared for training in college.

“I learned a lot more about my body with the injury,” Rivers said. “I’m stretching a lot more, lifting a lot more and making sure my body is held in the best shape as possible when I got into college so, that was the best thing. Honestly, the injury hurt a lot, but it definitely helped more than hurt.”

In 2020, Rivers started making TikTok videos after one of his friends introduced him to it. As of Feb. 2023, Rivers has gained 383,800 followers and amassed 17.4 million likes on the platform. His username is @dakotarivers.

“I made my first TikTok in 2020 and it was something really crazy,” Rivers said. “It was just

Dakota Rivers (0) shoots a 3-pointer against Jacksonville University on Feb. 26, 2022.

Dakota Rivers: Making an Impact On and Off the Court

stupid. It got like 200 views in a day and I thought ‘That’s 200 people that saw it, it’s kind of interesting.’ I mean, I don’t know if it’s 200, maybe it could be like one person watching it.”

Rivers says when he started using TikTok, it felt different from any other social media platform he had used before. When he was active on Instagram, he kept his circle close with just his friends.

“When I got on TikTok, I thought it was just something I could use to just be myself,” Rivers said. “The TikTok views started going from 200 to 1,000 around March, and then it would go to 10,000 in April. So, then I was like, ‘Okay, there’s a lot of people thinking that think my videos are interesting.’”

When Rivers first started, he posted athletic comedy videos that people could relate to but then branched out into making workout videos. Along with his basketball content, Rivers has made videos relating to music, video games and his family.

“I like branching out because I don’t want people to think I’m just a one-sided person,” Rivers said. “I love talking about my family, my girlfriend obviously, basketball and things that I enjoy, such as like playing video games or anything amongst that category. I really enjoy being myself on there.”

Rivers spoke about one of his most popular videos where he responded to a comment saying his voice sounded similar to how musician Lil Yachty talks. The video received

8.2 million views and a reaction from Lil Yachty.

“I think at the moment it was pretty cool,” Rivers said. “Getting Lil Yachty’s reaction to my video and getting all these people that I guess are famous or verified was pretty cool.”

Rivers says the fame his videos have brought him hasn’t deterred him from spreading a positive message and making an impact on someone’s life.

“I think all the other stuff didn’t really mean anything to me,” Rivers said. “I mean obviously people think I sounded like somebody. ‘Okay, congratulations.’ But to have an impact on someone’s life and health and it’s all because of me. I think that means a lot to me.”

This basketball season, Rivers has set new personal season highs for games started, minutes played and rebounds, which is something he credits new Head Coach Pat Chambers for. Rivers also has his best field goal percentage since his freshman year.

In the Eagles Feb. 9 matchup against North Florida, Rivers shot a game-winning 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining. It put an end to the Eagles 5-game losing streak. Rivers may have provided the Eagles with the light they needed to turn their season around.

“I hate losing more than anybody else,” Rivers said. “I hope at some point it could be the very next game that the light just switches and we all just play for each other and learn how valuable winning is and how much it actually takes to win.”

Photos by Jessica Piland

Nick Asselin, Sports Editor

Rivers dunks during the FGCU men's basketball game against Ave Maria on Nov. 13, 2022. Rivers scored nine points for the Eagles during this game.

Reforms to FGCU’s Sustainable Identity is Ongoing

The definition of sustainability at FGCU might be shifting. Throughout the institution’s 25 years, sustainability has been at the center of its mission, but with a growing definition of sustainability, the university is being called to reform its efforts.

When the university was founded, it was built on environmentally sensitive land. There was pushback from the environmental community about the presence of a university on this land. FGCU pledged to maintain the environment, leading the community to embrace the university. University Colloquium and a promise to only build on half the land was implemented.

University Colloquium is a course that all students are required to take before graduation. According to the university website, “University Colloquium introduces students to the complexities of developing the sustainable societal patterns each will face as they launch their careers.”

Rory “Cush” Cushen is an environmental study major, a campus naturalist at FGCU, and the heart behind FGCWho. Cushen started to bring awareness with his campaign, which challenges FGCU’s identity when it comes to sustainability.

“I'm looking back at my time, and I see FGCU not doing enough when it comes to sustainability,” Cushen said. “FGCU is not

the sustainable leader that we say we are. We have damaged our nature trails. We have invasive species on campus.”

Cushen believes FGCU needs to redefine what sustainability means and how it upholds these standards. He believes the university needs a sustainable president and reform of University Colloquium, suggesting it be placed at the end of the student's college experience.

“When it comes to every student's sense of identity, I just don't think it's there,” Cushen said. “It was sustainability that's fallen to the wayside through environmental negligence.”

Brenda Thomas, the director of FGCU’s Colloquium program, acknowledges the global definition of sustainability has changed. It is now about the planet, the people and overall prosperity. FGCU has kept its focus on environmental sustainability.

“It was all about environmental sustainability,” Thomas said. “I will say to the best of our knowledge, we are still the only university in the world with a graduation requirement related to sustainability. So it is unique to FGCU.”

Thomas believes FGCU’s stance on sustainability may be shifting. While the university would remain environmentally sustainable, the center of its mission would

Addyson McCullough & Veronica Amador, Staff Writers

Graphic by Bella Lopez

move toward “idea to impact.”

“25 years ago, Colloquium was an idea. It was a really cool and unique idea, and it still is cool and unique. But we really have not done a good job of showing the impact of that,” Thomas said.

This does not mean sustainability is being shed from FGCU’s identity.

“I think there may have been a shift away from those physical or tangible elements of sustainability like the solar field or LEEDcertified buildings, but that does not mean sustainability has completely fallen to the wayside. Instead, it now largely encompasses research, conservation, stewardship, and other ambitions we may not see as often,” Thomas said.

FGCU’s Student Government Director of Sustainability Dayton Buxton believes the university may have fallen behind in terms of maintaining a sustainable status. According to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainable Campus Index, FGCU ranked fourth in the nation for sustainability in curriculum and tied first for research this past year.

“I feel strongly that sustainability still remains an integral piece of FGCU’s identity,” Buxton said. “We have a strong opportunity to refocus and zero in on what makes us

unique and reignite that identity through highlighting the initiatives we already have in place or implementing some new ones. Personally, I think this inflection point in our history is the optimal time to put students’ ideas and ingenuity right at the center.”

In comparison to other universities, FGCU could be falling behind in sustainable efforts. Colorado State University has incorporated sustainability, not just in its curriculum, but in its operations and financing.

“FGCU has been able to say, ‘We've got Colloquium, we've got this thing, and it's fabulous.’ And we are a sustainable university while other universities have long since surpassed us,” Thomas said.

There are conversations underway about removing the Colloquium graduation requirement, so the course itself is likely to stay, but it may become an elective.

“Those conversations are certainly happening, and I do not know what the outcome is. I would not even want to guess what the outcome will be,” Thomas said. “I think this is the moment that FGCU, as a community itself, needs to redefine what sustainability means to us.”•

Photo by Jessica Piland

Nature trail entrance across from North Lake Village.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM

Addyson McCullough, Staff Writer

Women in STEM:

Iwill admit that STEM is not the place for me.

In fifth grade, I was introduced to science, technology, engineering and math by my science teacher. Our assignment was to use building blocks and engineer a building that would withstand certain “natural disasters” like my teacher simulating an earthquake. My building went crumbling to the ground.

I have the utmost admiration and respect for women who chose STEM degrees and careers. Young women at FGCU are taking on the world of STEM with great ambition through mentors, support systems and personal motivation. One of these women is Madison Craumer, a junior majoring in environmental engineering and mathematics.

“Currently, I am an outreach assistant in the College of Engineering Dean’s Suite where I help create and implement events and programs representing my college while promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and prospective students,” Craumer said.

She hopes to pursue a career in sustainability with a focus in water quality. Craumer also has the pleasure of serving as president of the Society of Women Engineers.

“The Society of Women Engineers has given me the opportunity to provide a community

for young women professionals in STEM through networking and social events,” Craumer said.

Community is a necessity for women in STEM. Most women, including myself, are creatures of community. In a predominantly male environment, a community with other women must be sought out.

Engineering professor Dr. Lauren Redfern was inspired to study environmental engineering by her parents who encouraged her interest in STEM. Mentorship has greatly impacted her academics and career.

“Find a good mentor. Having support and friends in the field is so helpful,” Redfern said. “My Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Claudia Gunsch, is supportive and kind and I've really benefited from her mentorship.”

While I am not in STEM, I am sure mentorship and community lessen the intimidation factor that comes with working in a male-dominated industry. I commend anyone who has the drive to pursue a career or degree in STEM.

“For women interested in pursuing STEM, I would say go for it. Mindset is everything,” Craumer said. “If you are willing to put in the work and stick it out, it will be so rewarding. Yes, it is tough being in a male-dominated field, and I am nervous that I will be treated

differently. But I remind myself that I am doing it not only for myself and this earth but also so young girls can grow up having female role models in STEM careers they want to pursue.”

It is incredibly important for women in STEM to be assertive in the industry and receive notice for their work.

“Don’t be afraid to take up the space you deserve in your field!” Craumer said.

For young women either pursuing or thinking about getting a degree, and eventually, a career in STEM fields, know that it is ok to not be good at something right away.

“I didn’t always like math, I wouldn’t even say I was amazing at it. In fact, it wasn’t until doing engineering that I fell in love with math,” Craumer said. “That being said, just because you feel like something might be difficult or foreign, don’t limit yourself. It’s a hard semester, not a hard life. You can and will get through it, and the journey is worth it for a great destination.”

With Feb. having a full day dedicated to Women and Girls in Science, these women are powering through to pursue their dreams and careers.•

You are important. You are valued. You are needed.

Graphic by Bella Lopez

Smart Moves in the Classroom, Student-Athletes Break Academic Records

Connor Hay, Staff Writer

s those who played a sport in high school can attest, it is hard to do well both academically and athletically, but FGCU’s athletes have many who do just that. FGCU Athletics set a term-record GPA in the fall 2022 semester with an

There were seven programs that exceeded the overall GPA. A large credit to the student-athlete academic success at FGCU is the work that is done by the Hartley

The resources at HARC helps student-athletes manage their time between school and sports. The center, located next to Alico Arena, provides both individual and group tutoring. Monitored study halls are conducted at the HARC as well. It was founded in 2017 thanks to the donation of Mike and Karen Hartley.

Dr. Thomas Roberts is a faculty athletics representative at the HARC, as well as being an interim dean for the College of Education. One of his roles as a representative is emphasizing the importance of academics at FGCU.

“I’ve found student-athletes at FGCU to be very responsible and dedicated to their studies,” Roberts said. “Another one of the ways that the HARC helps studentathletes is by communicating between them.”

One of the main problems studentathletes deal with is having to travel for their competitions. When this happens, Roberts steps in to help.

“In such instances, I’ll communicate with both the student-athlete and the professor in an attempt to remedy the situation,” Roberts said.

On Feb. 8, the 14th annual Hillmyer-Tremont

Middle Blocker, Oreva Evivie (3), and her teammates earned an average GPA of 3.72.

Foundation Athletics Academic Honors Luncheon was held. Dr. Roberts was honored with the Hillmyer-Tremont Foundation Special Recognition Award for his work. This award is given every year to someone that has supported the student-athletes at FGCU in both academic and athletic capacities.

Ninety-five student-athletes were also honored at the event for their academic success. During the fall 2022 semester, 51 student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and 243 student-athletes earned a 3.0 or higher. It was also the 27th consecutive semester where FGCU’s population student-athletes earned a higher GPA than the general student body.

Matt Botsford, head coach of the women’s volleyball team, says he is thankful for the help that HARC provides for his team, especially Assistant Director Monica Estes.

“The staff in HARC does an excellent job of helping to provide our studentathletes with daily support as it relates to their academic path,” Botsford said. “Monica has been great with our team in helping to advise and guide in a positive fashion, while maintaining a proactive approach to each semester.”

Beach volleyball earned the highest individual GPA for the fall 2022 semester, sporting an average of 3.86. The softball team earned the highest team GPA of 3.78. The most improved team sport GPA was the men’s basketball team as they improved 0.67 in their overall GPA.

Men’s golf, men’s soccer, baseball, beach volleyball, men’s tennis, volleyball and swimming and diving all set single-term records for their GPA’s.

The volleyball team achieved academic success while also pulling off another strong season. The team earned a 26-7 overall record and defeated Liberty to win the ASUN Championship in back-to-back seasons.

Despite traveling to Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee during the fall 2022 semester, the swim and dive team was also able to score a singleterm record GPA.

FGCU Athletics was able to put together one of their best semesters both academically and athletically.•

Student-athletes gathered for an academic luncheon, in which they were recognized for their academic achievements. Photo by Jessica Piland/FGCU Athletics.

By Alexandra Porter

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Eagle News, the official student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997, represents the diverse voices on campus with fairness. We select content for our publication and our website that is relevant to the student body, faculty and staff. Members are committed to reporting the news with accuracy and truth. Our purpose is to encourage conversations about issues that concern the on-campus community. Eagle News views every culture with equal respect and believes every person must be treated with dignity.

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Graphic by Gabriella Lopez