The Daily Egyptian - November 1, 2023

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Southern shuts out Western in biggest Saluki win since 2010 Brandyn Wilcoxen @BrandynWilcoxen

Saluki football had no troubles bouncing back from a close loss last week, as it dominated Western Illinois (0-8, 0-5 in MVFC) on the road with a 63-0 shutout win.

Southern Illinois improved to a record of 6-2, 3-2 in conference play.

Saturday’s win clinched a .500 season or better for the fourth time in the last five years.

Running back Lashaun Lester got the Salukis on the board with a 64yard touchdown run on the team’s second drive. It matched similar tonesetting touchdowns from teammates Ro Elliott and Justin Strong earlier this year, having scored on long runs to open up the Missouri State and Murray State wins respectively.

Lester would go on to score three times on Saturday, turning in a careerhigh 139-yard performance on just 10 carries. His contributions spearheaded another big day for the Saluki rushing attack, which tallied 228 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Nic Baker tossed three touchdowns of his own, moving closer to Joel Sambursky’s career record. He finished 11-for-17 with 186 yards on the day after only playing the first half. Backup quarterback Hunter Simmons took over after halftime, WESTERN | 4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

VOL. 107, ISSUE 11

Hoop and Holler!

A rebuild year is ahead for Mullins’ Dawgs Joei Younker | @younker_joei

The roar of the Dawg Pound and the swish of the ball hitting the back of the net are two sounds that bring Saluki fans to their feet each November when basketball season returns to the Banterra Center.

After a tough end of the season last year, having lost to eventual champion Drake in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, Saluki men’s basketball is ready to kick it into high gear and end this season with a banner of their own hanging in the rafters.

At the end of last season, a few key players for the Salukis including Lance Jones, Marcus Domask and Dalton Banks entered the transfer portal. Jones and Domask both transferred to Big Ten schools while Banks remained in the MVC transferring to Illinois State.

With Jones and Domask transferring, graduate student Trent Brown is the only player remaining MEN’S BASKETBALL | 5

Jovan Stulic (33) looks to pass the ball as Trey Miller (25) guards Oct. 4, at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.

Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

“Defense, defense, defense, defense” the key to SIU women’s basketball

Ryan Grieser rgrieser@dailyegyptian.com

Laniah Randle (4) looks to shoot the ball October 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominic Hoscher | @domhoschermedia

As Saluki women’s basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White enters her second year on the job, she and her team are hanging their hats on one thing: defense.

“That’s what we’re looking forward to this season, is disrupting what our opponents want to do, what we call an organized chaos,” Bond-White said.

In the 2022-23 season, while the Salukis averaged 73.4 points

per game, good for fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference, they gave up 75 points per game, ranking last.

“Our goal is to climb that defensive ladder,” Bond-White said.

Junior forward Seairra Hughes stressed how important defense was going to be to the play style of the team.

“I think more people are understanding more what Coach wants and what we

want to do this season, and the style of play that we want to play in. Just defense, defense, defense, defense,” Hughes said.

Hughes also thinks that there will be more consistency on defense this season.

“I think progress is being made everyday,” she said. “I think that we still have a ways to go, but compared to last year… it’s miles ahead.”

Both Bond-White and the

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News | Page 3

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Students from local high schools and middle schools take part in a Project Next Generation session, getting advice from members of the Daily Egyptian staff on Oct. 12, 2023 at the Marion Carnegie Library in Marion, Illinois. Photo by Beth Spezia

Jasmine Thompson jthompson@dailyegyptian.com

A step into the future: Project Next Generation

In the fast-paced world of the digital age, traditional journalistic tools and methods are being replaced by a new breed of media and soon.

Paper-print could go extinct, bringing in a new generation of consumer media.

Project Next Generation at the Marion Carnegie Library is designed to introduce students to new ideas.

“Just being able to interface with people locally who do work with some of that digital stuff of new age media, so that they can see there’s more opportunity than just some of the quote-unquote old media. We’re excited to be able to provide that,” said Keith Robinson, overseer of the project.

In response to the digital revolution within our own community, Marion Carnegie Library hosts the innovative afterschool program with open lab days from 4-7 p.m. part of the week and workshops on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. at the MCL Tech Lab. The program is designed to provide guidance and support to middle and high school students as they transition from traditional print media to the captivating world of digital media. The goal is to educate and empower the next wave of digital enthusiasts.

“Project Next Generation was started by Jesse White, who was the previous Secretary of the State many years ago. It started in Springfield in the state library and has become a grant-based program that spreads throughout the state. Marion Carnegie Library has participated in it for several years,” Robinson said.

Students are exposed to a wide range of digital journalism techniques and tools, including social media, video production,

and podcasting. With a hands-on approach to learning, Project Next Generation is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience and develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.

“Getting kids from the area more exposed to careers that could exist right here in southern Illinois because traditional news media, newspapers, television and radio isn’t an industry as maybe it was five or 10 years ago even,” Robinson said. “So, we’re excited about the opportunity to bring some of those digital aspects to the forefront for the kids who come to our programming.”

Students learn about a variety of topics.

“Once a month it may be photography, the next month it may be engineering, the next month it may be something else,” Robinson said. “You know, the other day we did video editing. So, it’s just a way to come in for an hour and learn about some elements of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math... It’s things that they can sort of develop into and work on themselves.”

Storytelling is an art that has been passed down through generations.

It is the ability to craft a narrative that captivates, inspires and touches the hearts of listeners. The art of storytelling involves the use of words, emotions and imagination to paint a vivid picture in the minds of the audience. It is a powerful tool that can be used to convey messages, teach lessons and entertain.

A good storyteller knows how to create suspense, build tension and deliver a satisfying conclusion.

They understand the importance of pacing, tone and voice modulation to keep the audience engaged. In

essence, storytelling is the ability to transport the listener to another world, to make them forget their troubles, and to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with their soul. Within this program, the goal is to learn how to use the tools of storytelling and reflect within everyday media.

Mike Whitver is an SIU student who works in the library.

“I am technically a Project Next Generation mentor and that applies to any library in the state that does have this program,” Whitver said.

“And my day-to-day is mostly just being there for kids that want to learn basically.”

Whitver said a lot of the students who come in are homeschooled, so they don’t have access to any of the school’s resources.

“Even if the school did have those resources, stuff like 3-D printing, laser engraving, or if they wanted to get into sound design, we have stuff for that or if they want to produce something news-related like the DE [Daily Egyptian], we also have the news bureau,” he said.

Whitver has helped many young people learn about digital media. He works with his students and helps them get the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this field. Whitver said he loves digital media, and he has inspired many of his mentees to consider working in this industry.

“I’ve taught multiple classes at community centers and… I was going into it with that mindset in mind,” Whitver said. “I try to keep it as laid back as possible so I can let these kids’ creativity blossom as much as possible, especially if they want to create a project that may seem extremely intimidating, which some kids have gotten very worked

up about.”

He said many of the students are special education programs from the surrounding areas.

“It’s one thing I’m glad I’ve been able to learn and adapt to because I don’t want to hold any of these students back by any means, but I also have to be able to understand what they’re going through and understand what they need to get their project done.”

According to Project Next Generation, funding comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services using the Library Services and Technology Act. There are many libraries within the state of Illinois that participate in this program, getting the same grant to perform the activities to teach the younger generation about the new age of digital media, whether it is through events or a constructive day-by-day program, which is what Marion Carnegie Library has done.

“We’ve been very fortunate the last several years to be able to provide these sorts of events and resources and the news bureau which is new.”

Robinson said.

The Daily Egyptian visted the program on Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 to speak on digital journalism as well as traditional journalism and its influence on the younger generation.

Annie Hammock, faculty managing editor of the DE, told the students, “Everybody has a story to tell, and it just takes a little bit of digging, so when you are working on projects, you could think about how you just walk down the street and every person you look at has some interesting thing about them that would make them a story.”

She spoke about the interaction process that comes with the projects

that are performed by the students.

“We really learn from people in a one-dimensional way. ‘Oh, well that is Annie, and she is the managing editor.’ There’s a whole lot more going on here than just me being the managing editor. I am still a person, and we are who we are as people,” Hammock said.

She said that when interviewing people for stories, it is important to consider their skills, experience and personality traits rather than just their job title or background.

By doing so, we can ensure that the evaluation process is fair and objective. It’s crucial to approach every interview with an open mind and a willingness to learn about the person as an individual.

Robinson said, “The work with you guys at the DE… and just kind of with the whole SIU crew is awesome. It’s something we haven’t offered before, specifically journalism and the angle of it, we and the kids are excited.”

As digital media continues to evolve and shape the way we consume information, it’s crucial that we adapt to this ever-changing landscape as Project Next Generation has done. Whether it’s learning how to effectively use social media to grow a personal brand or mastering the art of podcasting, there’s no denying that digital media skills are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s job market. By embracing these technologies and expanding their skill sets, PNG participants can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Staff reporter Jasmine Thompson can be reached at jthompson@dailyegyptian.com

Page 4 | News

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

HACK SI: Design, Create, Present

Alli Goering agoering@dailyegyptian.com

Hack SI is an event focused on teaching technology through entertaining and enjoyable activities. Tech enthusiasts are encouraged to come and learn new skills while participating. The event will be taking place at the Dunn-Richmond Center on Nov. 3 and 4, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It’s a pretty diverse community, a lot of tech enthusiasts but at the same time it’s very open. As far as new people joining the event, we’re very open to expanding the knowledge that’s being shared,” organizer Dean Payne said.

Hack SI is a hackathon event for people of all ages to join and experience different forms of technology. Volunteers who have experience in the field of technology assist participants in learning new skills during the event.

“The bad form of hacking is when people break into stuff, and that’s not what we do,” said Dav Glass, founder of Hack SI. “We call it a hackathon, it’s more of just a really short amount of time to build something really cool.”

The event is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Dav Glass started the event in 2013 to give the community of southern Illinois a chance to have a hands-on experience with technology. Glass previously worked at Yahoo, where they started the hackathon event, and now it’s spread worldwide.

“They basically gave their engineers 24 hours to do whatever they wanted to do. At the end of the hackathon, they stand up in front of other geeks and to show them what they did,” Glass said.

The hackathon event has multiple forms of technology that participants can choose from to create or learn how to use. The wide variety includes 3D printing, flying and programming drones, soldering, controlling robots and any idea participants can think of during their time at the event.

“It’s actually led me to getting into things like 3D printing and laser engraving, even just as hobbies,” Payne said.

Since the beginning, Hack SI has formed a community around the event, bringing participants to volunteer. One of those volunteers is Jamie Perryman, who enjoys the event because of the creativity from the participants. Perryman is currently the director of Managed Services at Corsica Technologies.

“I would really recommend this to anybody, I think that anybody who’s looking to learn something or get their hands on some technology they wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to in their day-to-day life,” Perryman said.

Hack SI provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with snacks and refreshments to keep their participants full of energy during the long day. Though the Hackathon is twelve hours both days, participants are allowed to come and go as they please.

Isaiah Deiters, a student at SIU, attended Hack SI five years ago and is now one of the people who volunteers. Deiters noted that even though the event lasts 12 hours per day across two days, attendees don’t have to sacrifice their weekend in order to go.

“Some people would come in at one point and come back later. So not everyone got the full 24-hour experience but not everyone could be there for the full time,” Deiters said.

The event is sponsored by local businesses, including SIU Credit Union, Megabytes and AES Solar. The whole community working for and sponsoring the hackathon are trying to show that southern Illinois has a lot of opportunities.

People who have attended the event before, along with this year’s volunteers recommend the event for anyone who is interested. No prior technology experience is required, participants are just encouraged to learn and enjoy themselves.

“It’s not just all ages, but also all skill

levels,” Deiters said.

On Sunday evening, everyone attending the event will gather to show off their final project to the entire group. Glass continued this tradition from Yahoo, so participants have the opportunity to display whatever they build. Prizes are sponsored and given out to the people who have the best projects.

“I like to be able to see who actually was able to complete a project and deliver, and if they weren’t able to complete it, still talking through and having the passion to still stand up,” Perryman said.

The Hack SI organization is a nonprofit trying to bring together people in the community with an interest in technology.

The event can lead as pathway to careers in technology or even a new hobby. Another goal of the event is to give people who don’t have access to different or new forms of technology the opportunity to use it.

“It’s good for these people to get together and find another group of people that they can hang out with. The core of it is getting them together. It’s about the community, building these people up and getting these groups and having them go on and do really cool things,” Glass said Staff reporter Alli Goering can be reached at a agoering@dailyegyptian.com.

The robotics club writes code as they gear up to host Hack S.I. at Dunn-Richmond Center at SIU Carbondale. Photo

by Dav Glass

Western

CONTINUED FROM 1

A student-made Lego illuminant promotes the robotics club’s Hack S.I. event. Photo by Dav Glass

and tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Allen Middleton for both his and Middleton’s first career scores.

Southern’s defense added to its terrific campaign with a shutout on Saturday, the first SIU has pitched against a Division I opponent since 2012. It also added to the scoring output with a fumble returned by Desman Hearns for a touchdown.

Saturday’s win is the largest ever against a conference opponent, and third-largest against a Division I opponent behind a

pair of 66-point victories against Bradley and Xavier in 1970 and 1973. It is tied for the ninth-largest overall margin of victory in program history, most recently tying the 2010 home opener against Quincy that marked the team’s debut at the newly-built Saluki Stadium.

The No. 10/11 Salukis will return home next Saturday, hosting the South Dakota Coyotes (6-2, 4-1 in MVFC) on Nov. 4 for the annual Blackout Cancer game in a matchup with massive playoff implications.

The Coyotes entered Saturday ranked

No. 4 in both the Stats Perform Top 25 and the FCS playoff committee rankings.

However, South Dakota lost to in-state rival South Dakota State 37-3, just one week after the Salukis themselves took the Jackrabbits to their limit in a 17-10 loss.

More information on the Blackout Cancer game, including how you can purchase $5 tickets, can be found on the SIU Athletics website.

Sports editor Brandyn Wilcoxen can be reached at bwilcoxen@dailyegyptian.com or on Twitter at @BrandynWilcoxen.

Sports | Page 5

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

MEN’S BASKETBALL CONTINUED FROM 1

from head coach Bryan Mullins’ first year at the helm.

“As much as things have changed over the years, the principle and identity of who we are and what we want to do remains,” Brown said.

“People will always come and go but coach Mullins has done a tremendous job getting each group to push in the same direction towards the same goal: winning.”

Going into his fifth season playing under Mullins, Brown has become almost an extension of his coach. Whether it be on the court, in the locker room or outside of basketball, he knows what Mullins expects of the team.

“Trent means a lot to me,” Mullins said. “In terms of echoing what I’m saying on the court, off the court in terms of his behavior and how he works. He shows up early every single day and leaves late. Those are things that allow the new guys, the freshman, to understand what it takes to be successful at this level. He represents all those things for us.”

Brown said having been with the program so long, he is expected to set the tone and help the other guys understand what it takes to be a part of the program, but the guys that coach Mullins recruits make it easy on him.

“They are a bunch of great guys with the right mindset…It’s never too much of a struggle to get them on board,” Brown said.

His natural leadership capabilities, top of the line work ethic and who he is as a player and teammate have earned him respect in the program.

Looking forward to this season, Mullins’ expectations for his team, as always, are high.

He expects them to be one of the hardest playing and toughest teams out there.

“There’s always gonna be ups and downs through the season but you know, our goal hasn’t changed, our goal’s to win the championship and play in the NCAA Tournament,” Mullins said.

Saluki basketball players work on drills in preparation for the upcoming season Oct. 4, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.

Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

With the season less than a week away, the Salukis are focusing in on trying to be more connected on the defensive side of the floor, and making sure that everyone understands where they need to be at all times. Offensively, they are looking to clean up their execution.

“We’ve got to do a better job of taking care of the ball, so that’s going to be a big emphasis for us over these next couple weeks,” Mullins said.

Towards the end of last season and summer workouts, there were a few injuries on the team. Clarence Rupert, Xavier Johnson and Troy D’Amico were all out with injuries at points in the summer. Also, Cade Hornecker and Sheridan Sharp will miss time to begin the

Trent Brown (24) yells in an afternoon practice Oct. 4, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

season.

In past seasons, Brown has struggled with injuries here and there. One thing that he is focused on as the season comes to a start is keeping his body healthy and prepared for the long season ahead.

While the Salukis have lost a few key players from last season; returning guys like Johnson, Rupert and AJ Ferguson have stepped up and grown into their roles in preseason.

“Those guys have really done a good job in terms of understanding that their roles are going to be increased. Even our freshmen have stepped up as well,” Mullins said.

Those freshmen, Sharp and Kennard Davis, have been recognized by their coachability and work ethics. The same can be said for incoming transfers Jovan Stulic and Trey Miller.

Stulic is a 6-foot-6 grad transfer from Little Rock. In his senior season at Little Rock, he saw action in four games before missing the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Prior to his injury he was the lone player on his team to play in all 28 games, starting 15 of them. In his junior year, Stulic shot a team best of 43.8% from three-point range and 63.9% from the free throw line.

“Those guys have done a great job in terms of understanding it’s a process and… every program does things differently in terms of teaching things,” Mullins said about this year’s recruits.

Mullins said that this year’s class has done a great job of picking things up, not only on the court, but in the locker room and outside of the Banterra Center.

It’s often hard for teams to lose long-time key players not only for their skill but for their part

of the chemistry of the team. Jones and Domask were a big part of the team for four years, and losing them has been a big change for some Salukis.

“It took me a second the first week of summer workouts to get used to not seeing those guys’ faces. I had never known or seen the program without them,” Brown said.

Team chemistry is something that the Saluki men’s basketball program takes pride in. Spending time together on the court and outside of basketball is something that Mullins makes sure happens.

Character is the number one thing that is looked at in the recruiting process here at SIU. Finding guys who have similar mindsets and makeup allows the team to be close because everyone is about the same thing.

“Throughout the summer, we do team bonding things and then throughout the fall, the more time that we get right now with each other, you know, we always make sure that the guys are spending off the court time with each other as well,” Mullins said.

Losing some familiar faces is not something the Salukis are going to let hold them back this season, with their eyes set on an MVC Championship, which would be their first since Mullins’ playing days in the mid-2000s.

“My personal expectations are aligned with what it was as a team. I want a banner. Plain and simple,” Brown said.

The Salukis will be opening their 2023-24 season on Monday at Banterra Center against Kentucky State, with tip off at 7 p.m.

Staff Reporter Joei Younker can be reached at Jyounker@dailyegyptian.com.

Kennard Davis (30) dribbles the ball towards the net as Trent Brown (24) approaches Oct. 16, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

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Wednesday, November 1, 2023

| Page 7

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

MEN's

Layout by Day Starr-Fleming | dstarrfleming@dailyegyptian.com

Tyranny Brown (1) dribbles the ball down the court October 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.

Dominic Hoscher | @domhoschermedia

Jarrett Hensley looks to shoot the ball in an empty arena as Saluki basketball prepares for the future season Oct. 17, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

Clarence Rupert (right) shoots the ball in an afternoon practice Oct. 17, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks

Shemera Williams (11) looks towards the net October 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominic Hoscher | @domhoschermedia

Jarrett Hensley (32) jumps back to shoot Oct. 16, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.

Nicole Fox |@fox.flickss

Jaidynn Mason (22) carries the ball as the Salukis prepare for the upcoming season October 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.

Dominic Hoscher | @ domhoschermedia

woMEN's

Page 8 | Sports

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

WOMEN’s BASKETBALL CONTINUED FROM 1

players believe that the defense, and the team as a whole, can improve due to the continuity that now exists within the program.

Senior guard Sydney Prochaska said, “Last year, it was a little bit harder for us just because we had a brand new coaching staff, brand new team… we didn’t quite understand every single thing that was being asked of us… This year, we have a lot of returners who know exactly what the coaches are asking of us. We know exactly the style of what they’re wanting.”

With continuity comes a more seasoned roster.

There are a number of players who played a lot of minutes last season that can carry more confidence and experience into this season.

Bond-White said, “Last year was a time of instilling confidence and trust… now you have people that have been through the storm, and so they’re getting a little bit more comfortable, because they know what the challenge looks like.”

Sophomore guard Jaidynn Mason also thinks there’s a big change from the previous season.

“I think this team has a lot more trust than last year… it took us a minute to merge together,” Mason said.

Mason also thinks that a lot of confidence in teammates was built off the court.

“We do a lot of activities together outside of basketball. We’re more comfortable with each other,” she said.

According to Prochaska, these activities have helped to increase the chemistry of the team, which BondWhite “didn’t think we spent enough time on [last year].”

Prochaska said, “[the chemistry] has been so, so good. We are bonding like crazy, doing a lot of fun activities and stuff. It’s showing off the court and on the court.”

This increase in chemistry has played a big role in building the long-term culture of the team, helping to forge its identity.

“I think this year, our culture is just so amazing.

Each one of us trusts each other so much, and we know that at the end of the day, we’re gonna go tooth and nail for each other and we’re going to do whatever it takes,” Prochaska said.

Winning consistently is one final part of the culture that has yet to be cemented. Pundits are picking the Dawgs to finish eighth in the Valley, but Bond-White is unfazed by the ranking.

“I told our players yesterday, don’t let anybody else hold your pen, don’t let anybody else hold your paintbrush. You get to create your story,” Bond-White said. “We know how much talent we have. We know what we’re capable of.”

Williams echoes the idea that players write their own destiny.

“I think we are the deciders of that. We get to choose how we play, we get to choose the energy and the effort we come out with… Attitude and effort are the things that we can control. These are our intangibles, so as long as we bring that every day, we’ll be fine with the outcome,” Williams said.

Prochaska, also unbothered by the ranking, adds that some teams may be in for a surprise when they face the Salukis.

“There’s just a lot of awesome components in this team. Each one of us has something special to share and you’ll see it when you watch us play,” Prochaska said.

While all of the components are coming together, Bond-White is still unsure of what lineups will look like.

Seairra Hughes (21) drives the ball down the court in an afternoon practice as the Salukis look to begin the upcoming season October 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominic Hoscher | @domhoschermedia

“It’s October, baby, I don’t have to know just yet,” Bond-White said. “But what I do know is I am getting some consistency from some of my returners, and so it is starting to forge a little bit.”

Bond-White also stressed the importance of finding more than just starters.

She said, “It’s more about the finishers, and in between that is the rotation. What we’re spending more time on in our closed scrimmage was really looking at some rotations… we wanted to see who could do certain things with who on the floor and who was showing that they had a trust regardless of who was out there with them.”

Regardless of who is on the court, Bond-White is eager to enter the season and the challenge that comes with it.

“I like the climb. I like being the hunter… It doesn’t matter where we are in the standings, people want to beat you because you’re a Saluki. But we’re going into the mindset of we’re hunting. We’re heading into the forest to do some hunting this season,” Bond-White said.

The Salukis will play an exhibition game on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Banterra Center. Their regular season opener will be at home Tuesday night against Southeast Missouri State.

Sports reporter Ryan Grieser can be reached at rgrieser@dailyegyptian.com.

Calendar | Page 9

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Community Calendar Wednesday Nov. 1 Wild Thing Art Show All day event First Floor Rotunda Morris Library Contact: Beth Martell, bmartell@siu. edu Farmer’s Market 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Student Center The Exchange Contact: Kent Epplin, kepplin@siu. edu Pumpkin Smash Volunteer Information 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Student Center SC - Sustainability Hub Contact: Aimee Lemrise, sustainability@siu.edu Study Tables 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM GRN Event Space A (Dining Room) Contact: Elizabeth Dairo, elizabeth. dairo@siu.edu $1 Bowling and $2 Billiards Night 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Student Center Bowling Contact: Nick Bowen, nb766@siu. edu Native American Heritage Kick-Off 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Student Center Ballroom B Contact: Renada D. Greer, renadag@ siu.edu Painting With The LTAs and KDChis 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM tudent Center Mississippi Contact: Todd Bryson, tsb32@siu. edu wbb: SIU vs Greenville 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM ARENA Banterra Center Contact: Saluki Athletics, SIUTicketOffice@siu.edu Carbondale Junior Sports - Flag Football Championships 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM STAD Stadium Field Contact: Susan Pimentel, susan. mwp@gmail.com Thursday Nov. 2 Wild Thing Art Show All day event First Floor Rotunda Morris Library Contact: Beth Martell, bmartell@siu. edu

Dr. Cauti Rehearsal 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM OBF Recital Hall 104 Contact: Rossana Cauti, rossana. cauti@siu.edu University Honors Programme Distinguished Tenney Lecture 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM LIB Guyon Auditorium Contact: Lauren Stoelzle, honors@siu.edu $2 Billiards and $7 Cosmic Bowling 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Student Center Bowling Contact: Nick Bowen, nb766@siu.edu Saluki Rainbow Network (Weekly Meeting) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Student Center Delta Room Contact: Johnathan Crane, jazzmine. crane@siu.edu Guest Artist Recital: Lindsay Garritson With David Dillard and Yuko Kato 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM OBF Recital Hall 104 Contact: David Dillard, ddillard@ siu.edu InterVarsity Chapter Night 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Student Center Kaskaskia/Missouri Contact: Annie McCormick, anniemccormick@siu.edu Speakers Forum 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Student Center Auditorium Contact: Todd Brown, todd.brown@ siu.edu Friday Nov. 3 Wild Thing Art Show All day event First Floor Rotunda Morris Library Contact: Beth Martell, bmartell@ siu.edu Blood Drive 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Student Center Renaissance Room Contact: Tara Lincoln, Tara.

Lincoln@redcross.org $6 Unlimited Bowling 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Student Center Bowling Lindsay Garritson Guest Piano Masterclass 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM OBF Recital Hall 104 Contact: Yuko Kato, yukokato@siu. edu

Contact Us

Where Geography Degrees Have Taken Me: The Hydrol 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Faner 2533 Contact: Leslie A Duram, duram@ siu.edu Eclipse Lecture Series 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM LIB Guyon Auditorium Contact: Cori Brevik, corinne. brevik@siu.edu Japanese Table Weekly Meeting 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Student Center Kaskaskia/Missouri Contact: Mathew Smith, mathewsmith32@siu.edu

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TRiO Student Support Services 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM GRN Study Hub Contact: Victoria Taylor, vtaylor@ siu.edu Fierce Musical 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM OBF Recital Hall 104 Contact: Angela Shultz, angela. shultz@siu.edu Saturday Nov. 4 $6 Unlimited Bowling 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Student Center Bowling

About Us

Football SIU vs South Dakota 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Saluki Stadium Contact: Saluki Athletics, SIUTicketOffice@siu.edu Fierce Musical 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM OBF Recital Hall 104 Contact: Angela Shultz, shultz@siu.edu

The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on a weekly basis. Fall and spring semester editions run every Wednesday. Free copies are distributed in the Carbondale, Carterville, and Springfield communities. The Daily Egyptian can be found at www.dailyegyptian.com or on the Daily Egyptian app!

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Sunday Nov. 5 Wild Thing Art Show All day event First Floor Rotunda Morris Library Contact: Beth Martell, bmartell@siu. edu Men’s Basketball 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM DAVS Davies Hall 210 Large Gym Sunday Funday $6 Unlimited Bowling 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Student Center Bowling Contact: Nick Bowen, nb766@siu. edu TKE Weekly Meeting 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Student Center Ohio Contact: Bill Bruns, bill@bruns.com

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Page 10 | News

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

SIU Honors Assembly hosts annual Moonlight on the Lake Carly Gist | cgist@dailyegyptian.com

After months of preparation, the Southern Illinois University Honors Assembly hosted its fourth Moonlight on the Lake event on Oct. 24. It was a night of fall festivities for students and families alike.

“I think it’s really fun,” said Honors Assembly president Sarah Lukavsky.

“It brings a lot of people together that aren’t in the honors program and that are, so it’s a chance for other people to learn about what the honors program is and just a really fun way to relax after midterms and celebrate a fun holiday.”

The event kicked off at the Becker Pavillion near Campus Lake at 5 p.m.

Snacks, games, crafts and music all contributed to the lively atmosphere.

“I loved the variety of art opportunities available, like the painting pumpkins and coloring sheets,” honors student Ashlyn Edmonson said. “Everything was very cute and super fun to work on with friends.”

The University Honors Program is an undergraduate program that provides SIU students with service opportunities, mentors and the chance to take seminar-based courses in place of the core curriculum.

“The core curriculum usually is [taken] in those big lecture hall classes

that have lots of people…but in the seminars, there’s only fifteen students, professors love what they teach, they get to know each other, they get to know the other honors students in the program as well, and so it’s like a family.

It’s great,” said UHP Assistant Director Brenda Sanders.

The Honors Assembly, on the other hand, is a registered student organization run by the student body of the UHP. “We’re a group of honors students that are here to represent any honors students’ needs, as well as plan fun events for people in the honors program, and [we] really are kind of just the voice for you guys,” Lukavsky said. “So anything an honors student needs they can come bring in to us, and we’ll do our best to help you guys out.”

The Halloween-themed occasion has been in the works for about two months now. Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Carmen Wilder said the assembly started the process by reviewing what went well the previous year.

“Because it was such a hit last year, we increased the amount of pumpkins and apples that we got and just were really anticipating another fun night,” she said. “We met biweekly to discuss

what we would purchase and how we would go about it.”

Inside the boat house, students were able to unwind for the night by completing coloring sheets and enjoying fall-inspired refreshments, such as caramel apples, candy and hot chocolate. Outside, students played cornhole, Connect Four and Jenga.

Pumpkin painting was a popular activity.

“My favorite thing about this event is definitely painting pumpkins,” assembly Vice President of Commerce Natalie Eves said. “I loved it.”

Eves said she applied for the UHP last year because she liked what was offered by the program and thought it would be a good way to get ahead with classes. She showed up to a meeting for the Honors Assembly and was given a leadership position, despite only being a freshman.

“We plan the events together, really,” said Anna Rodgers, assembly Vice President of Event Planning and Promotion. “We’re all vice presidents because we do everything together.”

Moonlight on the Lake was also an opportunity for a local nonprofit and SIU to unite. Y’all Rock, a musical organization for women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth,

Junior Katrina Stanley (left), Brenda Sanders (middle) and freshman Iga Antoniak (right) talk as they paint pumpkins at Moonlight on the Lake Oct. 24, 2023 at Becker Pavilion in Carbondale, Illinois. Libby Phelps | @libbyphelpsphotography

Duncan Hughes (left), Mansour Alzahrani (middle) and Saleh Alwadai (right) play Connect 4 Oct. 24, 2023 at Becker Pavilion in Carbondale, Illinois.

Libby Phelps | @libbyphelpsphotography

provided live music to the crowd.

Lauren Stoelzle, the UHP’s office support specialist, is involved with Y’all Rock.

“We thought it was an excellent opportunity to provide instruments so that people could come and do [things] like open mic,” she said.

A drumset, bass guitar and keyboard were available for use. Many students stepped out of their comfort zones, performing songs for their peers.

“I think right now, my favorite part about this event is just seeing college students and a nonprofit like Y’all Rock come together,” Stoezle said. “It’s a way for honors students to learn about service opportunities, and it also helps college students see, ‘Oh, wait, there’s a kid doing this. Like, that’s pretty cool.

Maybe I should break out of my shell’...

It’s kind of nice just to see people push themselves, break free and enjoy the moment.”

Stoezle hopes there will be more opportunities for community organizations to come together with the SIU student body.

“I think it takes us coming together to really help Carbondale and southern Illinois have a really good experience and grow,” they said.

For those who could not make it to

Moonlight on the Lake, the Honors Assembly has several upcoming events in the works.

Lukavsky said there will be a Disney Trivia night in mid-November, before Thanksgiving break. An Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is also being planned for the end of the semester as a way to relax and study together for finals.

There is no deadline for students to join the University Honors Program.

The application and information regarding eligibility can be found on its website. To join the Honors Assembly, you can reach out to any of the members.

“It’s so much fun to be in. And I find it [the Honors Assembly] really rewarding,” Lukavsky said. “Because you just build really close connections with the faculty and people around you. And I find that I meet a new person at every event that I probably never would have met, and they’re all really great people. So it’s a lot of fun.”

For more information regarding the Honors Assembly RSO, follow @siuchonors on Instagram.

Staff reporter Carly Gist can be reached at cgist@dailyegyptian.com

SIU sophomore Zipporah Puffer paints a pumpkin during Moonlight on the lake Oct. 24, 2023 at Becker Pavilion in Carbondale, Illinois.

Libby Phelps | @libbyphelpsphotography

SIU Honors Assembly members Josie Boelter (right) and Delaney Redden (left) paint pumpkins during Moonlight on the Lake hosted by SIU Honors Assembly Oct. 24, 2023 at Becker Pavilion in Carbondale, Illinois. Libby Phelps | @libbyphelpsphotography

News | Page 11

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The cast of “Spelling Bee” stand around a piano for vocal practice Oct. 25, 2023 at Altgeld Hall in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominique Martinez-Powell | @dmartinez_powell.photography

Kenzie Losinski reads off her script during practice Oct. 25, 2023 at Altgeld Hall in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominique Martinez-Powell | @dmartinez_powell.photography

Fierce: Musical Theatre presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Annalise Schmidt aschmidt@dailyegyptian.com

The cast and crew involved in Fierce: Musical Theatre’s fall production have been working tirelessly to prepare for their upcoming show with vocal exercises, prop testing and lots of laughs.

This year, the RSO will be performing its production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” to audiences on Nov. 3-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Old Baptist Foundation.

This musical follows a group of students who are competing to become a spelling bee champion and to win a spot in the national spelling bee. Each of the six spellers share stories of their home lives and the pressure they feel to live up to expectations, while uniting in their passion for spelling. Critics have noted the story’s wit and humor can entertain a broad audience of people.

Gillian Corpuz, one of the directors and a choreographer for the show, said that the goal is to bring the story and musical theater in general to the SIU student community.

“Our RSO is very focused on allowing people who are not theater majors to perform and experience theater,” Corpuz said. “So we’re really excited to be able to share this really funny story with SIU.” They want to be able to connect people who may not typically be able to perform, and develop bonds that will last longer than the show’s run. To do this, they spend hours getting to know each other, rehearsing and pushing each other to refine their skills.

“Whenever you’re at this part in the rehearsal process, it’s always about building your chemistry and making sure that all of the different pieces that you’ve been rehearsing are coming together,” Corpuz said. “Meshing them all together to create one cohesive piece of theater. One cohesive show.”

While some members of the cast had little experience with the show before auditioning, others already had some prior introduction and fondness for the material.

Cast member Van Leonard said, “I’ve loved the show, and the character that I’m playing right now has been a dream role for me for a while. But even then, I got my script and I still had so much work to do for my character. I had to figure out his backstory, and figure out what motivates him and why he responds the way he does to other people.”

Leonard will portray Leaf Coneybear, who

is homeschooled and comes from a large family. He has an emotional song about his insecurities and easily distracted nature which provides a backstory regarding the importance of this spelling bee to him.

“You have to get into a very specific headspace to sing such sad sad words, but with a happy smile. So for me especially, even though I’ve loved this character for a long time, I had to do a lot of soul searching to find my character,” Leonard said.

Behind the scenes of the production, members of the RSO work to bring together the technical elements of the show, such as the props, costumes, sets, lighting and sound.

Luke Shauster plays a large role in these elements as the production’s technical director, helping with lighting and set design. Both directors also step in to fill the role of costume and prop design.

“We have to source a lot of our own technical people just because we’re a small [organization]. We don’t have the same resources as the department.” Corpuz said.

Each person involved does their best to bring all of the elements together both on stage and off in order to create a show that hopefully keeps the audience amused.

Actress Kenzie Losinski plays Olive, a shy newcomer to the spelling bee.

“I think it’s just a really fun show. It brings a lot of different types of people together, and I think it’s fun to see that on stage,” Losinski said.

Humor and lighthearted themes are the main appeal of this particular show.

Corpuz said, “It’s definitely a little bit of a raunchy comedy, but it is also very heart warming and very much an underdog kind of story.”

They make sure to keep their audience in mind as well when planning and preparing for their shows.

“I think this show is one that can bring joy to the community,” Leonard said. “And you can really fit it to whatever community you’re bringing it to. So if we were angling it more towards children, you could take some of that raunchiness out of it, but we’re angling it more towards college people who are gonna like the humor.”

Hayden Hotchkiss plays the role of Chip Tolentino. Chip was the winner of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee who went on to nationals, but did not place in the top ten.

Hotchkiss feels that performing for the

The cast practices a scene from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” musical on stage Oct. 25, 2023 at the Old Baptist Foundation Building in Carbondale, Illinois.

Dominique Martinez-Powell | @dmartinez_powell.photography

SIU community is very important. “[I enjoy] working with everyone throughout the whole process, but also the show is very interactive with the audience,” Hotchkiss said. “I think that’s one of the most special parts about the show is getting to go out into the audience and talk directly to people and see their faces…and see how they’re reacting and playing back with us a little bit.”

This element provides a unique element to theater that is not often seen. Often the audience is left out of performances and is there simply as a witness. This show switches

the roles, encouraging and requiring audience participation and reaction.

Corpuz said, “Since we do have a lot of improvisation and a lot of interaction with the audience, there’s an aspect of bringing them physically into the story as well through our storytelling.”

For updates and more information regarding the show, check out Fierce: Musical Theatre’s Facebook or Instagram @thatisfierce.

Staff reporter Annalise Schimidt can be reached at smchimidt@dailyegyptian.com.

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