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Measures Medical clinic offers tests Fully for symptomatic people online taken to options support limited Black for some students
College of Engineering prioritizes in-person learning modalities
Steps for revisions agreed upon after summer of work By Alexa Jurado
By Alexa Jurado
Following a demonstration led by Black students Aug. 27 and a meeting Sept. 3, University President Michael Lovell and Provost Kimo Ah Yun announced specific steps the university will be taking toward creating a diverse student body and improving the experiences of Black students, according to a Sept. 3 university news release. The release stated that the stories presented by Black students at the demonstration made “vividly clear” the racism that is part of campus life at Marquette, though those stories are not new. Over the summer, Black Student Council worked to fight for these changes to be made before the fall semester began. After meeting in-person with administration and various departments on campus, progress was not moving fast enough, Breanna Flowers, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences said. The demonstration was a last resort. After the changes were agreed upon, Lazabia Jackson, a junior in the College of Commincation, said it was a relief. Not all the requests could be
terrifying, because I knew the symptoms I had ... been going on for so long that it was probably unlikely I had it.” Students are required to fill out COVID Cheq, a self-reporting survey the university uses to track potential cases of COVID-19 and contract tracing, every day. If students fill out COVID Cheq and note that they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who is infected, a red stop sign will appear at the end of the check instructing them to isolate or quarantine. Isolation involves the separation of those infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected, while quarantining “separates and restricts the movement” of those who were
Despite the university’s Aug. 5 announcement that it would be offering in-person, hybrid and fully online classes, the following day engineering students were informed that in many cases, a fully online option would not be available. “We understand that each student’s experience is individual, and you will need to decide what is best for you,” an email from Kristina Ropella and Mark Federle, the dean and associate dean of the College of Engineering, said. “Recognize that each decision has consequences and no option is free of risk. Below are a few clarifications and resources that may help.” The email cited several reasons. “Because our engineering programs provide significant handson learning experiences, the vast majority of our students will not be able to enroll fully in on-line courses,” the email said. In the email, the deans encouraged students to utilize Class Search to look for classes with alternate modalities, such as 100% distance learning, 100%
See TESTS page 2
See ONLINE page 2
alexa.jurado@marquette.edu
alexa.jurado@marquette.edu
See MEASURES page 3
Photo by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu
Marquette’s testing center, which opened Aug. 24, is located across from the university’s medical clinic.
Enrollment into Froedtert wellness tracking app available As of Sept. 2, 135 students have been tested for COVID-19 at Marquette’s Medical Clinic. Keli Wollmer, executive director of the Marquette Medical Clinic, said this number does not include student athlete surveillance testing done in accordance with NCAA. According to Marquette’s new coronavirus dashboard, there have been 23 cases on campus since Aug. 21. The testing center opened Aug. 24, two days prior to the semester starting. Tests through the Marquette Medical Clinic are free for all students and can take up to 72 hours to receive results. According to an Aug. 31 university news release, “testing of symptomatic students
and their close contacts is very important.” Savannah Alcala, a junior in the College of Health Sciences, got the test as a precautionary measure after she was feeling nauseous, which is a symptom of COVID-19. “They took a ... swab and did one swab in each nose ... and then they made me lean back and do a nasopharyngeal swab test,” Alcala said. The nasopharyngeal swab test consists of inserting a swab into an individual’s nose about the distance to the ear, which will then make contact with the nasopharynx. Alcala got the results back the next day. She tested negative. “I did get a little nervous in between the time I got the test and my next clinic appointment,” said Alcala, “But it wasn’t super
INDEX
NEWS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
OPINIONS
Chadwick Boseman
Places to visit in MKE
Marquette must support
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PAGE 9
By Ben Wells
benjamin.wells@marquette.edu
COVID-19 TRACKER........................................3 MUPD REPORTS.............................................3 A&E..................................................................8 OPINIONS......................................................10 SPORTS..........................................................12
Actor honored in movie screening following death
Venues are beginning to reopen with extra safety precautions
The university needs to uphold its promises to Black students PAGE 10
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The Marquette Tribune
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
ONLINE: Email warns of timeline problems Continued from page 1
synchronous or hybrid. “We worked diligently and with great intention to ensure that a large majority of our engineering classes were either offered completely face-to-face or in a hybrid mode to accommodate social distancing guidelines,” the email said. “The Opus College of Engineering feels strongly that a transformational educational experience requires an in-person presence.” The email explained that if students were to change their schedule from that of the fouryear plan listed in the undergraduate bulletin, students could find themselves “off track,” as it related to prerequisites and the ability to graduate on time. Ropella said the engineering applications offer an opportunity for real-world problem solving that cannot be learned through theory and simulation alone. “Our goal is to maximize learning outcomes AND provide a safe learning environment,” Ropella said in an email. “We believe our engineering students, if given the opportunity, will meet our expectation for creating a safe learning environment this fall.” Patrick Sanders, a sophomore in the College of Engineering, said the announcement didn’t affect him at all. However, he understood why the email was sent, because of the amount of labs and hands-on experiences engineering classes involve. “I think it’s possible to structure things like that to be less hands-on, but there wasn’t a lot of prep ... and I don’t think it would be beneficial or if it would be the same level of learning,”
Photo by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu
Engineering students are encouraged to use Class Search to find courses with alternative options, such as fully online, hyrbid or in-person modalities.
Sanders said. Bob Dirmish, a junior in the College of Engineering, echoed Sanders’ sentiments. “It’s really impossible to get the education you need for these engineering courses online,” Dirmish said. “I think they are accommodating as much as they can without literally handing out degrees for not doing the work that’s required of it.” Dirmish said he feels Ropella
is handling the situation well. “It’s not fair for students inperson who are going through the rigor of the course to be graded the same as kids who are at home not participating in these in-person labs that are the majority of the course,” Dirmish said. It’s the use of equipment, materials, machines and gaining real-world industry experience that make in-person engi-
neering classes so important, Dirmish said. Sanders also felt like the email said that it would be difficult to stay on track but suggested that it wasn’t impossible. Still, he said that everyone has a right to be concerned about the health of themselves and their families. “I understand peoples’ worry, but I think Marquette is taking the precautions that are necessary,” Dirmish said. “But I’m not some-
one who is immunodeficient or at risk.” Sanders is also not immunocompromised. Sanders said in the end, the deans’ decision made sense, “I get though that for engineers where COVID really is a big problem for either them or their family, that it’s a hard thing to read,” he said.
TESTS: Sick individuals encouraged to call Continued from page 1 in contact with others with COVID-19 according to the Center for Disease Control’s website. “If they get a red stop sign they are instructed to call the clinic to discuss their situation and schedule a test if indicated,” Wollmer said. However, some students, like Morgan Panzenhagen, a junior in the College of Communication, are concerned about potential dishonesty on COVID Cheq, as it is self-reported. “I think it’s a useful system to have in place but there’s not really a good way to ensure students are honest,” Panzenhagen said. Panzenhagen said she has concerns around the waiting period for test results. Students with-
out symptoms who attend large gatherings or go home prior to receiving results may unintentionally spread the virus. Younger people have been shown to be more likely to not show symptoms after a recent study done in Trento, Italy, analyzed that over 80% of people under the age of 20 did not show symptoms when they tested positive. “The more each and every community member follows and participates in these simple daily checks, the safer we will all be as a community,” Xavier Cole, vice president of student affairs, said. Cole said that COVID Cheq is just one way to help the Marquette community remain safe during the pandemic. Though
not everyone has been filling out COVID Cheq every day, Cole said that a majority of the community is, and the university is striving to reach 100% completion. A recent academic senate meeting said that 75% of students are participating in the check-ins. There are no publicized consequences of not filling out the COVID Cheq. “If one does not fill it out honestly, one should not participate in any aspect of the Marquette community,” Cole said. “If there is an honest mistake in reporting or clicking, a person can request a retake. If one is honest and received a red stop, following the directives that follow are paramount.” If students test positive, they have the option to apply for the
Froedert Hospital of Wisconsin’s “GetWell Loop.” The GetWell Loop is an “application for remote patient monitoring service and gives patients information about their care while allowing them (to) connect with the COVID Care Team,” Wollmer said. The GetWell Loop provides those who are enrolled with remote check-ins and care instructions. Patients who are enrolled also have 24/7 access to a nurse to ask questions when they’re in isolation. “The COVID care team at Froedtert keeps in regular communication with the Marquette Medical Clinic staff so we can provide additional care through telehealth if needed, and would also refer a student for
a higher level of care should their illness get worse and warrant ER care or hospitalization,” Wollmer said. She also said that “referrals for mental health needs” are available through the GetWell Loop. The cost of coverage through the GetWell Loop is covered by Marquette, but if someone needed emergency hospitalization due to COVID-19, that financial responsibility lies on the student. Editor’s Note: Savannah Alcala is the roommate of Managing Editor of the Marquette Tribune Annie Mattea. Mattea had no role in the reporting or editing of this story.
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
MEASURES: Meeting leads to change Continued from page 1 met, as they either didn’t fit within the budget or administration didn’t have jurisdiction, Flowers said. “It’s a continuous fight,” Flowers said. “We’re not done yet.” Aleeya Conway, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, said students should lead into the changes taking place in the world and on campus. “The time is always now,” Conway said. “(Students) need to talk to their Black peers and their Black friends ... they need to embrace changes and embrace people that are different from them. The world we’re living in is not comfortable for everybody. Flowers said not everyone is an expert on injustice, and you don’t need to be. “Black people get tired of talking, of doing this over and over again,” Flowers said. “We need white people and nonBlack people to stand up for us as well.” Jeremiah Walker, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, said we need to change the norm. “The norm at Marquette is based off discrimination and microaggressions,” Walker said. “We want to make it better for the next person who comes to Marquette ... Let’s talk about the real questions, let’s stop sweeping it under the rug, let’s stop sitting there holding back on the the things that need to be done.” Flowers said the university needs to step up and do the work that is needed on campus. “(Things) should be changed because they want to do it, and not because it’s a reactionary thing ... to do it out of love and not (to appease),” Flowers said.
Conway said she’s looking forward to Marquette having more Black students, for the new cultural center and feeling more comfortable on campus. Beginning fall 2021, the university will add 40 four-year, full-tuition scholarships every year for graduating seniors from high schools around the Milwaukee. Fundraising for room and board scholarships are also underway. The university will provide Black students with financial support for additional educational expenses like books and housing. The university has also committed to the diversity of counselors in the Counseling Center and has hired Shakari “Kari” Lewis as its first counselor and coordinator for Black student support. Marquette’s Core Curriculum will also change to include issues relating to racial justice. Black Student Council has also been granted representation on the University Board of Undergraduate Studies and the Committee on Teaching, a subcommittee of the University Academic Senate. The university has agreed to review policies regarding hate speech and racist behaviors to improve the campus environment and is working toward a Black Living Learning Community in a residence hall, similar to the Honors LLC and Nuestra Hogar, the Spanish-speaking LLC. Additionally, the university will consult with Black Student Council to provide training for students, faculty and staff to raise awareness of bias, harassment and discrimination faced by minorities on campus. A permanent cultural center for Black students is being planned and fundraised for as well. There will now be regular meetings between Black Student Council and the Marquette University Police Department to discuss concerns.
MUPD REPORTS SEPTEMBER 1
SEPTEMBER 2
Property was removed from a person’s residence located in the 2300 block of W. Wisconsin Avenue without consent.
Unknown subject intentionally damaged the mirror on a MU-subject’s vehicle while it was legally parked in the 1700 block of W. Wells Street.
MU-subjects were found to be in possession of marijuana while in a MU-owned building located in the 1100 block of W. Wells Street. Subjects were issued citations by MUPD. A person not affiliated with MU entered a business located in the 800 block of N. 16th Street, struck an employee and then fled the area.
A person not affiliated with MU had their vehicle intentionally damaged by a subject while it was parked in the 1100 block of W. Wells Street without consent. Subject was located by MUPD and taken into custody.
Marquette will also create a Committee for Black Student Initiatives, according to the release. The committee will implement programs designed to increase the recruitment, retention and success of Black students. Marquette is also looking to hire a Black student liaison to track the progress of said initiatives and programs. Along with recruiting more Black students, the university has promised to recruit more Black faculty, resident assistants and bring Black-owned businesses to campus. The release said racism and discrimination are not tolerated on Marquette’s campus, and emphasized the importance of recognizing injustice, whether in the form of individual actions of racially biased structures. “I’m looking forward to the day Marquette doesn’t feel like a (predominantly white institu-
tion) anymore, or that it isn’t,” Conway said. Flowers, Jackson, Conway and Walker, along with Lioneal Clay, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences; Emmanuel Johnson, a junior in the College of Education; Biluge Ntabala, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences; Mariah Bentley Henderson, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences; Corrine Flowers, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences; Lona Kujjo, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences; Jamie Crawford, a senior in the College of Education; JaMisha Matos, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences; Sierra Jones, a junior in the College of Health Sciences; Sir Lawrence Tender, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences; and Marquasia Lampley, a senior in the College of Business Administration all worked on these changes.
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The Marquette Tribune EDITORIAL Executive Director of Marquette Wire Natallie St. Onge (414) 288-1739 Managing Editor of Marquette Tribune Annie Mattea NEWS News Editor Shir Bloch Assistant Editors Alexa Jurado, Ben Wells Reporters Matthew Choate, Natalija Mileusnic, Charlie Pineda, Megan Woolard PROJECTS Projects Editor Lelah Byron Assistant Editor Amanda Parrish Reporters Grace Dawson, Maria Crenshaw, Aspen Ramos, Beck Salgado ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Arts & Entertainment Editor Skyler Chun Assistant Editors Charlotte Ives, Mason Stebnitz Reporters Ryan Lynch, Ariana Madson OPINIONS Executive Opinions Editor Alexandra Garner Assistant Opinions Editor Aminah Beg Columnists Jenna Koch, Hope Moses, Max Pickart, Lucia Ruffolo SPORTS Executive Sports Editor Zoe Comerford Assistant Editors Nick Galle, Molly Gretzlock Reporters Sam Arco ,Bryan Geenen, Jackson Gross, Kristin Parisi, Matt Yeazel, Matthew Valente COPY Copy Chief Eleanor Mccaughey Copy Editors Kendra Bell, Grace Kwapil, Emily Reinhardt, Kimberly Cook VISUAL CONTENT Design Chief Grace Pionek Photo Editor Zach Bukowski Sports Designer Kayla Nickerson Arts & Entertainment Designer Marissa Provenzale Photographers Katerina Pourliakas, Claire Gallagher, Joceline Helmbrek ----
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COVID-19 TRACKER CUMULATIVE CASES - MARQUETTE:
131 NEW CASES - 8/31 to 9/3:
8 CUMULATIVE CASES - MILWAUKEE:
24,543 SEVEN DAY AVERAGE - WEEK OF 8/31:
74.7
CORRECTIONS Sept. 1’s edition of the Marquette Tribune wrongly depicted Markus Howard as an AP photo by Nick Wass. The intended photo was of George Hill, a basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks. The Tribune regrets this error.
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The Marquette Tribune
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
University launches new COVID-19 dashboard Results, data displayed in updated format By Ben Wells
benjamin.wells@marquette.edu
The Marquette University coronavirus dashboard website has been updated to reflect new features such as alert levels, risk level criteria and COVID-19 tests and results. The dashboard was last updated Sept. 4. As of Sept. 7, there are 23 COVID-19 cases on campus. Four are faculty/staff members and 19 are students. Five students tested positive Sept 7. This is the highest number of total cases the university has seen since classes began Aug. 26. The university is currently at the “moderate” alert level, which was the level Marquette initially opened at, according to Step 4 of the university’s recovery plan. Marquette’s Recovery Plan details the university’s plan for safely returning to campus and includes guidelines from Milwaukee and Wisconsin. The “moderate” alert level includes “rigorous cleaning personal protective equipment protocols” and “low-density instruction,” according to the plan. The new dashboard displays the number of tests done at the
Marquette testing center, which began testing Aug. 24. The numbers on the previous dashboard were based on voluntary self-reported cases. Marquette’s previous dashboard has since been removed from the website. Test results from Sept 1., included surveillance testing of student athletes with the NCAA’s guidelines and had two of 362 individuals test positive for COVID-19, which made up 1% of tests. No test result data was available for Saturday and Sunday, as the dashboard is only updated Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The dashboard was not updated Monday due to Labor Day. The new dashboard website also includes gating criteria, which is alert-based criteria that rates certain aspects of Marquette’s readiness toward the pandemic. These criteria also mimic the city of Milwaukee’s gating criteria with green, yellow and red symbols to show alert levels, with green indicating safe conditions, yellow indicating moderate conditions and red indicating unsafe conditions. Currently there are criteria for the amount of time it takes to get a test result, percentage of tests that are positive cases, percentage of quarantine space that are available, states of personal protective equipment supply for on-campus health workers and percentage of positive cases who are interviewed for contact tracing within 24 hours of
testing positive. “An average over time ... tracks overall trends and is more representative of viral activity than single day fluctuations,” Keli Wollmer, director of the Marquette Medical Clinic, said. “If the percent positive is consistently high, this could indicate that not enough testing is being performed.” Wollmer also said that getting results back to students within 72 hours is important to establish well-working contact tracing. Currently, it takes 24 to 48 hours to get tests results back through the on-campus medical clinic, but it can take up to 72 hours. “If test results are taking greater than 72 hours, the benefit of contact tracing starts to diminish,” Wollmer said. Students on campus like Girogia Cozzo, a sophomore in the College of Health Sciences, are happy with the fact that the dashboard is keeping the community informed. “I appreciate the goal of the dashboard as far as keeping the Marquette community informed,” Cozzo said. “I do wish it was updated slightly
mental health advocacy and sexual violence prevention. Peer educators also assist with bystander intervention education through the Red Watch Band and Bringing in the Bystander programs. The Make The Difference Ambassador program was created this year, building on peer education as they staff campus in groups to promote COVID-19 safety and education. Ambassadors’ responsibilities include assisting with navigation, providing support and a welcoming presence and promoting COVID-19 education. They educate their peers about the pandemic and proper safety procedures. Ambassadors distribute masks, sanitizers, wipes and welcome kits. Smith said the American College Health Association recommended prevention education to address COVID-19 on college campuses. This includes information regarding mask wearing, social distancing and practicing effective hygiene, such as hand-washing. Smith said that Make The Difference Ambassadors are paid, as they are committing at least five hours a week to the role.
“We are hoping to staff the position through the first month of the semester, giving community members time to develop routines and wayfinding in our campus community,” Smith said in an email. Jennifer Pennypacker, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, is one of the student ambassadors. “We are trying to make sure that students on campus have the supplies and guidance they need to make it through this first month of classes, given all the COVID protocols,” Pennypacker said. “The student ambassadors are positioned around campus to be a guiding hand.” She said that they have disposable masks for students to take if they need them. “We also have packets of alcohol wipes so students can feel safe about wiping down their desks ... and any other surface that they are using while on campus,” Pennypacker said. “In addition, we ensure that students around campus are wearing masks, and properly so, to ensure everyone’s safety.” She said that she and her fellow ambassadors try to be examples to their fellow students by displaying the conduct they wish
more frequently. Cozzo also says it would be “incredibly helpful” to the Marquette community to have a metric that measures the number of recovered cases on campus, alongside those who are already confirmed cases. “I’m currently not too worried about the number of cases I’ve been seeing on the dashboard. I hope that the Marquette community is able to keep that number under control, “ Cozzo said. “I think we as students need to remember we are guests in (Milwaukee) and by disregarding measures we are putting an entire community ... at risk.” Cozzo also hopes that
professors continue to remind students not to come to class if they’re feeling unwell in any matter. “I think that there should be an increase in the level of testing done on the students,” Gary Weisling, a sophomore in the College of Communication, said. “For Marquette to be truly ahead of the curve when it comes to managing COVID-19, I think they got to ramp testing up to grow their small sample sizes.” The medical clinic only tests symptomatic cases and has done on average about 15 cases a day, excluding NCAA surveillance testing, since the dashboard started counting cases.
Photo by Joceline Helmbrek joceline.helmbrek@marquette.edu
As of Sept. 7, there are 23 cases of COVID-19 in the Marquette community.
Ambassador program promotes safety education Paid position implemented to act as role models By Shir Bloch
shir.bloch@marquette.edu
First-years go through many steps as they start their college journey. From commitment to orientation, COVID-19 has put a wrench in these time-honored traditions. The return to campus has been anything but normal. One change has been the addition of a student position through the Student Wellness Center: the Make The Difference Ambassador program. “This group is comprised of 75 students ambassadors, many of whom hold other leadership roles on campus as well as others who simply felt a call to help their fellow students navigate campus during this global pandemic,” Sara Smith, director of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Education Programs, said in an email. Students in peer educator roles inform their fellow students on the eight dimensions of well-being — health topics that have a significant impact on the wellbeing of college students. Topics include alcohol and drugs, stress reduction and
everyone would follow. “We all are hoping that we’ll be here until Thanksgiving,” she said. “We’re trying to make wearing a mask the norm, making people feel safe.” Pennypacker said that she thinks the ambassador program is helpful in educating students about Marquette’s policies and is also a good tool for students who need navigation assistance around campus. Katie Clancy, a junior in the College of Business Administration, is also a Make The Difference Ambassador. “We like to use inclusive, nonconfrontational language so it’s ‘Oh, could we put our mask on,’” she said. “We use inclusive language so it’s not like you’re attacking the person you’re talking to.” She said that ambassadors stress the community aspect of Marquette as they work on campus because Marquette can only stay on campus if everyone works together. “We’re making a difference,” Clancy said. “We’re make the community better together.” Stephanie Quade, dean of students, said that the ambassador position builds on the responsibili-
ties of Orientation Staff and Peer Health Educators. “I have been thrilled with this new position and with both the performance of the Ambassadors and the response from the community as a whole,” Quade said in an email. “In fact, we are talking about having students in comparable roles in the future, for the first couple weeks, as new students are finding their way.” Clancy said she has found that most students respond to reminders from student ambassadors to put on masks or maintain social distancing. She said she plays music while she works and thinks her positivity and excitement encourage students to listen. “I know that it can be scary with the potential for cases and whether or not classes are going to continue,” Pennypacker said. “I feel like if everyone has the mindset that we’re going to make it to Thanskgiving ... we can do it if we put our minds to it.” Ambassadors are stationed near Central Mall, the David Straz Business Building, Schroeder Complex, West Town Mall and SHAMU — the area between Schroeder Hall and the Alumni Memorial Union.
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
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Late Night Marquette Helfaer Theatre lit honors Chadwick Boseman up for entertainers Movie screening recognizes action hero’s achievements By Skyler Chun
skyler.chun@marquette.edu
Late Night Marquette hosted a movie showing of “Get on Up” in the Varsity Theatre Sept. 6 in honor of Chadwick Boseman. After Boseman’s passing Aug. 28, many students expressed feelings of heartbreak and sympathy towards the actor who kept his four-year battle with colon cancer a secret to the public. Boseman was known for his roles as King T’Challa in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” Jackie Robinson in “42” and Stormin’ Norman in “Da 5 Bloods.” Sara Asselin, a first-year student in the College of Engineering, attended the movie showing with a friend and said she didn’t realize he had cancer. “I think it’s really selfless because instead of having
other people focus on him and the fact that he had cancer, he was instead using his platform to promote what he wanted to,” Asselin said. “I didn’t realize that he had cancer, or was dealing with anything until all of a sudden, my social media was flooded with the fact that he died.” Although Asselin said she just went to see “Get on Up”, a biographical film on the life of James Brown, for fun, she said it holds deeper meanings to her now that he has passed. “Hiding cancer ... that’s just like a really big thing. It is really painful and you are going through a l l those
Photo via Flickr
treatments,” Asselin said. “That is just very hard on a person and everyone around you. Going through that and doing it alone ... it just kind of speaks to who he was and what he wanted to accomplish with his life.” Kennedy Schooley, a sophomore in the College of Health Sciences, said Boseman was an inspiration. “It’s just really sad because (Boseman) was such a talented actor, but a real inspiration for a lot of people of color, especially the kids watching him on TV,” Schooley said. “He had such an impact and we had no idea that we were not going to have that anymore.” Schooley said even though she had never seen “Get on Up” before, she had heard really good things about it. “I think my parents watched (the movie) and they were just commenting about how well he did in it,” Schooley said. “They didn’t really tell me about the plot, but they were very impressed by what he did because I think that was the only actor they remembered who was in it.” Anna Anderson, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, said she was upset to hear about Boseman’s passing, especially because he was such an incredible addition to Marvel. About two years ago, footage surfaced of Boseman getting emotional while talking about two kids who were both fighting cancer. “The part that always gets me is that there was a story about two kids who had terminal illnesses, and they were trying to hold on until (‘Black Panther’) came out,” Anderson said. “Boseman did a couple of press interviews about that ... how he was so touched that those kids wanted to hold on until the movie was released and how much representation matters.” Not many people outside of Boseman’s family knew he was fighting a very similar battle at the time. “It makes you realize how much it truly means, especially kids to see representation and to see someone who is so talented,” Anderson said. “It is really upsetting to know that he has passed on, but I really hope (T’Challa’s sister Shuri) ends up continuing on like she did in the comic books.”
Red Alert Restart supports economic bill for performers By Ben Wells
benjamin.wells@marquette.edu
Entertainment venues across the United States, including Marquette’s Helfaer Theatre, participated in Red Alert Restart, which involved lighting up event grounds in the color red to urge Congress to pass the RESTART Act in order to assist the live venue entertainment industry which has been damaged financially by the coronavirus pandemic. Other Milwaukee entertainment venues were lit up last Tuesday, including Fiserv Forum and Henry Maier Festival Park. The Reviving the Economy Sustainability Towards a Recovery in Twenty-twenty Act is a proposed bill that would establish protection for small businesses that took on financial burdens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would provide loans to businesses with less than 500 full-time employees or ones that suffered a 25% decrease in revenues due to the pandemic. Marquette theater will not be having in-person performances this
“
The arts are an important part of the engine of America’s economy and overall well being,” CHESTER LOEFFLER-BELL Assistant professor of performing arts
year and will only be able to perform virtually. Red Alert Restart is also pushing the continuation and expansion of unemployment benefits given through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. “After researching and discussing, it was agreed that the two most important paths, short of a cure and the resumption of regular event activities, were through getting support for pending legislation called the RESTART Act,” Robyn Schul-
tz, regional director-MKE of Red Alert Restart, said. Schultz said that Red Alert Restart is composed of entertainment industry professionals who are struggling and that those struggles can be addressed through the proper legislation. Lighting venues up red can raise awareness for these issues and urge Congress to pass RESTART. It was last introduced to the Senate in June. Of the 12 million employees in the live events industry, 77% have lost their income because of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic according to the We Make Events website. The live events industry is reportedly worth more than $35 billion, and after the pandemic, most of that profit was lost, according to an article from Lighting and Sound America, which is a magazine centered around technology and lighting in the entertainment industry. Schultz initially reached out to Chester Loeffler-Bell, Artistic Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, to see if he was considered getting involved in the event. Loeffler-Bell agreed to participate. “It is important for students to be proactive with informing others of the importance of the arts,” Loeffler-Bell said. “The arts are an important part of the engine of America’s economy and overall well being.” Maaz Ahmed, a junior in the College of Communication, felt the need to get involved since he wants to be a part of the theater industry after graduation. “I’ve seen so many of my friends and colleagues struggling because we can’t find work right now,” Ahmed said. “I’m privileged to still have a safety net and have the opportunity to stay in school, but my peers need the support.” Before the pandemic, Ahmed was planning on doing a live theater internship at Creede Repertory Theatre in Creed, Colorado, but when COVID-19 hit, that was put on hold. “The primary intention is to raise awareness for the plight of the industry, and the people who work in it which serve as the lifeblood,” Schultz said. “If people think about what they miss doing in groups, .... it is our hope they will recognize that those activities do not happen without hard work, expensive equipment and carefully integrated teams to bring it all together.” Schultz encourages anyone who wishes to get involved to go the We Make Events website to fill out a message they can send to their representatives to urge the passing of the RESTART Act.
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The Marquette Tribune
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Webinar addresses dismantling racism Virtual presentation teaches qualities of servant leadership By Shir Bloch
shir.bloch@marquette.edu
Eric Waters, an assistant professor in the College of Communication, presented a webinar on dismantling institutional racism Sept. 1. Sarah Burkhart, executive director of the Marquette University Alumni Association, introduced Waters. “The objective of our program today is to equip leaders ... with the skills to help dismantle racism by igniting a spark of change in your own respective organizations,” Burkhart said. The webinar followed the June 17 virtual town hall on racial injustice, where University President Michael Lovell announced the creation of a President’s Commission on Racial Equity in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Educational Opportunity Program. The EOP is an academic program that enables low-income and first-generation students to enter and succeed in higher education, according to its website. CORE will be made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Lovell said during the town hall it will have an “actionoriented focus on structural changes at Marquette and in Milwaukee.” Lovell said that it will build on EOP and other existing programs at Marquette and in Milwaukee and will have quarterly reports, yearly progress tracking and external evaluations every three years. “We are facing a reckoning that has given us tensions that we have not seen since the heights of the Civil Rights Movement of the ‘60s,” Waters said at the webinar. “In response to this moment, many organizations, corporations (and) business leaders have calculated from a Corporate Social Responsibility standpoint that statements decrying institutional racism are a favorable maneuver.” However, Waters said that many companies do not go beyond statements. “When you take a closer look at these companies and look at their hiring, look at their leadership teams, their boards, these tell us something different,” he said. “What we gather is ... many of the statements against institutional racism are all style and no substance ... and no change.” Waters said that
institutions are pervasive beliefs and power structures that guide individual and organizational behavior. He named the Catholic Church and white supremacy as two examples of institutions, as they hold established norms, beliefs and behavior patterns that transcend organizations. Waters talked about Critical Race theory, which is a theory that examines the appearance of race and racism across cultural expression. Waters also discussed the racist systemic power imbalance that is permanently ingrained in American society. “Racism at the institutional level creates power imbalances and access inequities that systematically disadvantage nonwhites,” he said. Waters said that redlining and racially-motivated discrepancies in law enforcement, hiring practices and disciplinary action are all examples of institutional racism. “The federal government actually allowed mortgage lenders to deny loans to people of color based on where they live in the city,” Waters said, explaining the racist principle of redlining. “Black and Latino communities in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and many other major cities were outlined in red on maps, which is where we get the term redlining.” He also said that Black and Latino people are stopped, searched and charged more frequently and harshly than their white counterparts. “If you’ve been paying attention to the local news, you can also see institutional racism at work in the way that law enforcement treated Jacob Blake and Kyle Rittenhouse (in Kenosha),” Waters said. “Jacob Blake caught seven bullets to the back. Kyle Rittenhouse walked around with a loaded AR-15, murdered two protesters and was able to drive home.” Blake, a 29-year-old Black man from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was shot seven times in the back Aug. 23 as he walked away from a police officer. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down. Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old white teenager, traveled to Kenosha from his home in Illinois and, after an altercation, killed two people and wounded a third. There has been outrage over the disparities in treatment of the two. Blake, despite being paralyzed, was handcuffed to his hospital bed. Rittenhouse, on the other hand, was allowed to leave the scene and was even granted a month-long stay in Illinois to arrange legal help. Rittenhouse has been charged
with two counts of first degree intentional homicide as well as possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under the age of 18, which is a misdemeanor. If Rittenhouse is charged as an adult, he faces life in prison. Waters said that institutional racism must be dismantled, yet it can sometimes seem as though one person doesn’t have the power to do so. “As individuals, our impact is limited, as institutions are built to endure,” Waters said. “However, organizations, through the process of institutional work, collaborating in aggregate, can potentially disrupt and dismantle institutional racism.”
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It takes the right amount of skills, the right type of skills, the right type of leader to commit an organization to diversity and unequivocal opposition to white supremacy,”
ERIC WATERS Assistant professor in the College of Communication Waters then stressed the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity and clarified the definitions of each, saying that sometimes organizations stop at diversity. Diversity means representing multiple identities, inclusion means valuing perspectives of a diverse team and equity means removing barriers of bias to increase equal access. He also summarized six business-based arguments for diversity within organizations, which include benefits in cost, talent acquisition, marketing, creativity, problem solving and systems flexibility. “When an organization is diverse, people who belong to a certain race or ethnicity will feel more welcome and they’ll feel less inclined to leave,” Waters said. “Most people in business will tell you that it’s expensive
to continue to have to recruit and hire people if you have a lot of turnover.” Waters then described the multicultural organization, which has structural integration, informational integration, organization identification, elimination of bias and acculturation. People of color are represented at all levels and included in out-ofwork activities. Acculturation means resolving intergroup conflict resulting from cultural differences. “Not surprisingly, it takes the right amount of skills, the right type of skills, the right type of leader to commit an organization to diversity and unequivocal opposition to white supremacy,” Waters said. He said that power skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity and innovation, problem solving and adaptability are all crucial and necessitate communication. These can manifest as empathizing with employees of color, breaking some rules and resisting the old ways, finding common ground and being open-minded and flexible. “While it’s not always necessary to re-invent the wheel, sometimes you should,” Waters said. He then highlighted seven skills of servant leaders, or leaders dedicated to serving their companies and employees. According to Waters, servant leaders should think “big picture,” provide social support; prioritize employee interests and concerns; mentor, coach and develop; do the right thing; encourage education and be good citizens. “Servant leaders are able to understand their organizations’ mission and values in ‘big picture’ terms,” Waters said. “A servant leader is able to recognize how his or her organization can play a role in the fight against institutional racism.” Additionally, he said that transformational leadership involved being a role model, inspiring rather than commanding, fostering innovation and creativity and treating employees as individuals. “Transformational leaders are able to encourage greatness through high expectations and emotional appeals, and inspire their employees to commit to the organizational vision,” Waters said. “This means leading from your heart, not from your head.” Waters said that empowering lower-level employees, setting initial conditions and guidelines and allowing reinvention or redefinition is the basis of the participation change model. “Leaders also should be
providing the appropriate sources of information but stay relatively hands off until they are needed to get the ball across the goal line and ultimately impact the other changes that are necessary,” Waters said. Recently, the Milwaukee Bucks protested the shooting of Jacob Blake by refusing to play in a playoff game Aug. 26. “Some things are bigger than basketball,” the team’s senior vice president Alex Lasry tweeted. “The stand taken today by the players and the org shows that we’re fed up. Enough is enough. Change needs to happen. I’m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100% behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change.” Waters said that this was one example of a leader being handsoff and allowing others in the organization to drive efforts to send messaging and show that an organization is ready to do the work. He also said that Netflix and Reddit have taken steps in the right direction. Netflix donated $100 million to Black banks and $120 million to historically Black colleges and universities. It also appointed Susan Rice, a diplomat who served under former President Barack Obama, to it board of directors in 2018. Reddit head Alexis Ohanion stepped down June 5 in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police and asked to be replaced by a Black person. Ohanion was replaced June 10 by Michael Seibel, a Black entrepreneur who has founded start-ups such as popular streaming-and gaming platform Twitch. Waters wrapped up by stressing the factors necessary for diversification and change. “When organizations diversify and act in aggregative, they can challenge institutional racism,” Waters said. “Transformational servant leaders are best equipped to initiate organizational change. These types of changes should be driven by non-white employees.” Waters said that Academics for Black Survival and Wellness, a group of Black counseling psychologists, has put together high-quality and well-curated resources for those interested in learning how to move forward. Additionally, Waters’ own website offers assessment, training and coaching on power skills, leadership and other topics.
News
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The Marquette Tribune
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Community members pressure administration Some argue ‘more positive campus culture’ needed By Matthew Choate
matthew.choate@marquette.edu
With social justice reform sweeping the country, some students are working to promote change right here at Marquette. Grace Alvarez, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, sent an email to members of Marquette leadership, including President Michael Lovell, urging them to enact social justice change at Marquette and to be in line the university’s Jesuit values. “While spreading awareness and encouraging students to unite in support of justice is an important first step, our actions must extend beyond the power of prayer and reflection,” she said in the June 3 email. “I am imploring that, as a Jesuit university located in America’s most segregated city, we must do more.” Marquette agreed to invest in several programs, facilities and staff to better support students of color and the broader Black community in Milwaukee Sept. 4. “I am simply trying to push Marquette to wake up and realize they have an immense amount of power in affecting change in this
community,” Alvarez said in an email. She said she’s talking about the power they have to create radical change. Stephanie Rivera-Berruz, an assistant professor of philosophy, also talked about similar issues in her open letter to Marquette, where she discussed ways in which Marquette must improve its promotion of social justice. “Personally, I have given up on complaining to peers about what is wrong in the world, and like other college students I have nothing holding me back from being loud and proud about my beliefs,” Alvarez said in an email. Alvarez said she began her efforts for change because she followed her heart and found that it was clear when to fight for human rights. “I alone cannot obtain success, I have not even felt success through small feats,” Alvarez said in an email. “Without change from the root of the system there can be no real revolutionary change.” Katie Breck, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Mary Grace Riley, a senior in the College of Health Sciences, are two students who have been working with Alvarez to promote change at Marquette. Riley said that she, Riley and Alvarez are working to hold Marquette accountable and urge them to become actively anti-racist and make effective change.
Breck said they have been continuously contacting various university officials and faculty to discuss ways they can become effectively anti-racist both within the classroom and out and also how to perform activism and take meaningful action within Marquette and the surrounding community. “We have met with various departments at the university including the Honors Program to alter curriculum requirements and/or create new antiracist courses regarding systemic racism in Milwaukee and at our school,” Riley said in an email. “The biggest action we have taken is supporting the Black Student Union in their successful efforts to make campus more diverse and provide more aid to Black students while also making it a safer, more pleasing environment for Black students,” Riley said in an email. Breck also said it’s important to recognize the work of Black student organizations, such as the Black Student Council, NAACP Marquette, African Student Association and the Impact Movement. Another student working to promote change at Marquette is Olivia Ward, a senior in the College of Nursing. “Recognizing your own privilege in a situation and realizing ‘Hey, I might be able to project someone else’s voice’ ... is fantastic,” Ward said. “I have loved my experience at Marquette, but I would say that there
have been times where myself and other people that are also students of color have experienced hardships on our campus.” The students activating for change hope to create a safe and more welcoming environment for students of color. “I think the ultimate goal is really just to foster a space where students of color really feel comfortable being here and can be successful,” Ward said. Ward said she hopes to promote change in her career in the future and a “more positive campus culture” now. In order to achieve that goal, Ward has begun to promote change in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she is the president. She said the sorority will have conversations about race and implicit bias, as well as introduce a diversity inclusion chair onto its executive board. “Black students on campus have been struggling to find a place at Marquette, struggling to feel welcomed at Marquette, struggling to be treated as an educated, successful individual at Marquette, and struggling to have professors and other staff members believe in their successes at Marquette and beyond,” Riley said in an email. Riley said that she wants to create a welcoming environment for students of color at Marquette. “The most important thing is to not leave out the Milwaukee communi-
ty,” Ward said. “I feel like extending our reach toward our neighbors is really important to start having conversations and learn from other people.” Despite their efforts, Alvarez said that change in the United States can sometimes take years. “I stand by our students of color, but I will never understand what they have felt as students here,” Alvarez said in an email. “I will not stop the fight for and with our struggling students.” Breck said she hopes to see all Marquette community members mobilizing in support of these efforts. “As a student in solidarity with the work of Black student-led organizations on campus, I hope to see Marquette work effectively with these organizations and for their reforms to be implemented fully,” Breck said in an email. Riley said she hopes that Marquette will work more closely with its students who are Black Indigenous People Of Color to make necessary changes on campus. “Change ... can really take a lot of time and be a painful process,” Ward said. “The most important way to continue to foster growth and change is through having those difficult conversations, challenging our own privilege, and talking about what we can do to better our community.”
Instructors given classroom guidelines Pandemic scenarios used to advise faculty in courses By Natalija Mileusnic
natalija.mileusnic@marquette.edu
Prior to the first day of classes Aug. 26, Marquette faculty received a document titled “Classroom Instructor-Related COVID-19 Scenarios - Fall 2020, v. 1” with information regarding certain scenarios involving COVID-19 in the classroom and what to do if any of those situations were to occur. Guidelines for one scenario, in which a student comes to class without a mask in a class include an instructor giving subtle reminders, requesting that the student wear a mask, having the student retrieve a mask, requiring the student to leave if they refuse to wear a mask, reporting the student to the Marquette University Police Department, canceling the class or refering the student using the Community Pledge and Standards Violation Reporting Form. Professors and a teaching assistant in different departments offered
their feedback on the university’s guidelines. “We have gotten guidance from the university on how to handle these situations, and for me I feel really comfortable just pulling the student aside before class and asking them to get their mask or head back to the dorm,” Paul Gadliardi, visiting assistant professor of English, said in an email. Other professors agreed that Marquette has done a sufficient job with providing the information needed if something were to go wrong in the classroom. “The university has prepared us to address students not wearing masks, etc. and the number of cases on campus fortunately is low,” Marilyn Frenn, a professor of nursing, said in an email. Frenn said she hopes people will follow the policies and practice safe ways to talk with friends and family so that the number of cases stays low. “With few exceptions, students have done a great job of social distancing and wearing their masks during class,” Hannah Swarm, teaching assistant and graduate student in the College of Communication, said. “That has been a
bit challenging, but it has not been “As we get further into the se- within classrooms. a problem.” mester, I think it will be important “I would like to see more alcohol In addition to the classroom for Marquette to make sure we wipes available in the classrooms. guidelines issued, there are other don’t relax on some of the preven- Most students seem to have packs resources available to faculty and tative measures taking place now,” on their person, but I would like to students as well. Swarm said. see them refilled and restocked at “I believe the guidelines provided Along with continuing precau- the end of every day,” Gadliardi said by Marquette are enough consider- tions, Gadliardi said that supplies in an email. ing what the university as able to and other essentials are needed more control. Marquette has compiled a lot of useful resources on their website, and the university is doing its best under these unique circumstances,” Swarm said. Swarm praised COVID Cheq, the university’s daily symptom checker. “I hope students are answering it truthfully and acting responsibly in their living units and when they are off campus,” Swarm said. With the guidelines paving the way for professors and students to have a successful school year, Swarm said it is necessary for the precautions Photo by Zach Bukowski zach.bukowski@marquette.edu to continue throughout Resources such as hand sanitizer and wipes are available in certain areas on campus. the semester.
The Marquette Tribune
TUESDAY, September 8, 2020
Arts &
Entertainment
Page 8
STEBNITZ: 5 notable Disney live action remakes Top films include The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Aladdin By Mason Stebnitz
mason.stebnitz@marquette.edu
Disney released another shameless live action remake Friday from one of its beloved classics: “Mulan.” Since 2010, Disney has produced 11 such films, most of them with mixed reviews. Just four of the eleven have received a certified fresh tag from Rotten Tomatoes. So why would Disney continue to release movies that don’t honor the originals and aren’t adored by fans? Money, plain and simple. Disney’s worldwide gross for these 11 movies totals 8.7 billion dollars, good for an average of 790 million dollars per remake. It looks like these remakes are not going away, unless we choose to stop watching. But that is an article for another day. In the meantime, I have watched the 5 most notable remake movies, including the newly released Mulan. Aspects such as special effects, how they compare to the original, as well as how much Photo via Flickr fun I had watching them will be considered. In my review, “Mulan” was released Sept. 4, exclusively on Disney+, for a fee of $30. these thoughts are all my own, and feel free to disagree. Mulan (2020) National Geographic. “Mulan” is able to succeed at motivation is that his father was from There are no flaws, right down something every remake before it killed by the emperor. That’s to the detailed hair on a lion could not: delivering a fresh take about as basic as villains come. mane, and the reflection of the on the source material. It scraps Despite the flaws of having environment off of water. This characters like Mushu and Shang undeveloped subjects, I would is truly a crowning achievement in favor of a new commander and recommend watching “Mulan.” Xi Lang, a treacherous witch. It It was extremely entertaining for Disney. However, “The Lion King” does also gets rid of all of the songs and deserved a remake, but not nothing to build off the original. from the original, electing to go because the first one was getting It seems as though a fifth grader for a more serious product. So old. In fact, the original is the serious it almost does not feel youngest original on this list. who knows how to copy and like a Disney movie. “Mulan” deserved a remake paste could’ve written the script. This ambition all pays off because Disney had to show more The lines from some scenes are really well, except for in some respect to the source material of exactly identical to the original. areas like the introduction of this Chinese folk tale. I believe Also, because the animals are so Qi, the force of Mulan’s culture they achieved just that. realistic, they struggle to convey which is never really explained any emotion. Even Beyonce’s The Lion King (2019) well. Qi gives Mulan the power “The Lion King” is the only character struggles to come to fight better, be more focused live-action film to not include any to life. and somehow kick arrows out on-screen actors. Disney went all Despite its flaws, “The Lion of the sky and in the direction of in on showing off their cutting- King” still raked in $1.6 billion, an enemy. I feel like they should edge special effects, boasting and placed 7th on the all time have just left this element out or a budget north of a quarter highest grossing films list. So attempted to develop it more. billion dollars, and this movie while the reception wasn’t ideal, The main antagonist, Bori earns a place on the list with its it gave Disney the justification Khan, is also very bland. Bori dazzling visuals. to green light even more of these Khan is a good fighter who The landscape in the film can movies. “The Lion King” fails to likes to conquer land, and his easily be mistaken for footage live up to the original, and can’t
give much of an explanation for existing other than being a blatant cash grab. Aladdin (2019) “Aladdin” did not stir up very many strong feelings from audiences. The reason could be that audiences were numb to the three remakes released that year, or that it essentially acted as the opening act for “The Lion King” that summer. The main sticking point for audiences was Will Smith’s portrayal of the Genie. Purists bashed him for daring to try to walk in the shoes of Robin Williams. Casual viewers were mostly satisfied. I am in the camp of the latter. Will Smith benefited greatly from the movie being live action because it made the Genie more relatable, depicting him as a real human with practical ambitions. To me, he is the main draw for this movie. One aspect that Disney improves upon from the original is the arc of Jasmine. She is more empowered in this movie, which is most illustrated by her song, “Speechless.” In it, she puts her kingdom’s misogynistic culture on blast, and begins to take a stand for herself. It is by far the most impactful song in the movie. “Aladdin” works better than other more animal-centric movies such as “The Lion King” because the humans in it can still convey emotion very well. While it certainly did not need a remake, I still had a good time watching this. The Jungle Book (2016) Simply put, this movie is the gold standard for live action remakes. “The Jungle Book” is the rare exception on this list that is both universally loved and successful in the box office. What makes the movie work is that it has reasonable grounds to be done again. The original Jungle Book was released in 1967, and certainly looks outdated by today’s standards. Once a giant in its own right, “The Jungle Book” was beginning to become an afterthought as Disney released more animated movies like “Frozen” and “Moana.” However, this movie boasts impressive visuals on par with “The Lion King,” and does an excellent job of world building. The biggest improvement to me in this movie is the darker
portrayal of the villains. Shere Khan, the human-hating tiger, and Kaa, a seductive boa constrictor, come off as real threats as opposed to their bumbling nature in the original. The extended run time allows Disney the opportunity to flesh out characters and even add new songs. “The Jungle Book” should serve as the blueprint for Disney remakes going forward. They should bring life to aging classics, instead of using recent movies as a way to make money. Beauty and the Beast (2017) A strong, independent young woman falls in love with an ugly and rude creature, who also happens to kidnap her at first. Ah, a tale as old as time. Brushing aside the slight Stockholm Syndrome vibes the movie gives off, I thought “Beauty and the Beast” was a delight to watch. I was never a huge fan of the original, and Belle usually plays second fiddle to Cinderella as far as Disney princesses go. So, watching this movie was a lot of fun for me because there wasn’t much to tarnish in my eyes. The soundtrack is great, headlined by the classic song “Be our Guest.” I was happy with the visuals of the castle and the musical numbers. It is worth noting that the film also features Disney’s first openly gay character, Lefou. This choice was met with controversy as fans had hoped this distinction would be placed on a character with a larger role. I would say that “Beauty and the Beast” fits in with “Aladdin” in the category of being “meh.” There wasn’t really a need for either of them, but they are still a good time to watch. Then again, any movie with a budget pushing 200 million dollars should achieve that at a bare minimum. I would call it worth watching for a casual Disney fan, although hardcore fans may not agree.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
The Marquette Tribune
Campus green space becomes popular hangout spot Spikeball, picnics, studying among activities on quad By Ariana Madson
ariana.madson@marquette.edu
With many students back on campus for the fall semester, the quad and extra green space where the new business school will be built seems more populated than usual. During the day, students can be found sharing a meal with friends, or playing outdoor games such as spikeball and frisbee, in the extra space. For students who have experienced Marquette’s campus outside of the pandemic, the use of the green space is recent. “I think I noticed (the green space) because I liked that Marquette had
grass and trees, but I never really utilized it,” Lizo McMahon, a junior in the College of Health Sciences, said. “I mean, I saw a dude making a snowman once, but that is more white space and not green space.” McMahon said she picked Marquette because it included some nature while still being in a large city. Though McMahon had not spent much time in the green space before, she recently had a picnic with her roommate and friend where the new business school will be located. “It’s so pretty because it makes campus seem much more open,” McMahon said. “Whoever the landscapers were did a pretty good job.” Lindsey Craig, a sophomore in the College of Education, said she thinks eating outside is a good way for her to hang out with her friends.
“For me, a big thing has been getting food with other friends and eating outside,” Craig said. “We pretty much will always eat outside and so that’s been really nice.” Prior to utilizing the space this year, Craig said she noticed lots of people laying in hammocks around campus. Craig said she also noticed Marquette has spaced out more tables on campus, and said she thinks it was a good idea. Craig also said she thinks it is good that students are spending time outside, especially with more classes being online. Amanda Sedlak, a junior in the College of Health Sciences, said she has noticed more students outside as well. “I see people studying, picnicking, along with a lot of spikeball and frisbee,” Sedlak said. Sedlak also said she likes seeing
students using the space and when they actually build the business school, it will be weird. With so many students using the green space, some students shared
meeting and have everyone socially distanced and still have masks to add extra protection,” McMahon said. McMahon also said we could even at “get-to-know-you” spaces that are socially distanced on the green space. Sedlak said it could also be cool if smaller classes started meeting there too, and Craig said she thinks the outdoor space would be a good place for a floor meeting for students still living in residence halls. Though there may be concerns related to social distancing, McMahon said she actually thinks it is a good way for people to Photo by Claire Gallagher claire.gallagher@ marquette.edu hang out, especially those who Students talk outside on the lawn. want to spend time with friends they haven’t seen in other ideas for what the space could months, and actually be utilized for instead. maintain six feet of “Even a club could have a distance easily.
Places to visit in MKE with safety precautions Venues reopen after COVID-19 pandemic closure By Charlotte Ives
charlotte.ives@marquette.edu
As places around Milwaukee are gradually beginning to reopen, new health and safety regulations are being implemented in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. Some locations are being especially cautious and may be worth a safe visit. Milwaukee Art Museum The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the largest museum’s in the United States, with over 31,000 pieces of work ranging across a variety of time periods and styles. It showcases photos, paintings, textiles, sculptures and more. It reopened to the public July 16 with new health and safety precautions in place in order to protect visitors and staff members. In order to admit as many guests as possible without breaching the museum’s maximum capacity, all reservations are timed. If you are a high-risk visitor, you have the option of visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum a half hour earlier than its regular hours, at 9:30 a.m. This extra half hour gives high-risk visitors the opportunity to enjoy the museum exhibits without worrying about contracting the virus from large crowds. Other health and safety accommodations include a nearly touchless experience, with timed tickets and plexiglass sales areas, a high-quality
filtration system, an emphasis on outdoor exhibits and safely prepared and pre-packaged food and drink options. For the time being, visitors will only be able to access the first floor of the museum. If you are someone who prefers to err on the safe side, you will still have the option of exploring the museum virtually. Online tour options can be found on the Milwaukee Art Museum website. The Warehouse Located in the Guardian Fine Arts Services building, The Warehouse is another art museum with a permanent collection of 3,600 modern and contemporary works on paper, paintings, photography and sculptures, according to its website. The Warehouse will be showcasing a new contemporary look designed with the needs of the community in mind. It opened again this summer and is free to the public. Reservations are recommended, but not mandatory, and can be made over the phone, by email or by submitting a form on the museum’s website. The museum has a maximum capacity of 15 people and offers prioritized access to those with reservations. The experience also includes automatic doors and bathroom amenities. Visitors will also have constant access to hand sanitizer and face masks. If you do choose to visit The Warehouse, you will be asked to follow the code of conduct, which highlights standard safety behaviors, in order to keep other visitors, staff members and the greater community safe. The Warehouse is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is, according to its website, “fully
prepared to safely welcome all visitors back.” Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee County Zoo is open to the public once again, but only at 50% capacity and with limited hours from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. At this point in the reopening process, you will not need to make a reservation unless you plan on attending a popular event such as a Family Free Day. Currently, five
Milwaukee County Zoo, you can visit the zoo’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Avalon Atmospheric Theater After months of closure, the Avalon Atmospheric Theater reopened Tuesday and became one of the first theaters in Milwaukee to open up to the public once again. Located off of Kinnickinnic Ave., just a short bus ride from campus, this
Photo by Zach Bukowski zach.bukowski@marquette.edu
Milwaukee Art Museum showcases various paintings, artwork, sculptures.
buildings are open for visitors to explore: Apes of Africa, Aquatic & Reptile Center, Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary, Dairy Barn in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and Elephant Care Center / Conservation Outpost. Each of these buildings has safety accommodations such as hand sanitizer stations and designated visitor pathways. The Milwaukee County Zoo website lists zoo guidelines that detail expectations for visitors as well as the zoo itself. The zoo currently has a single point of entry and promises thorough and continuous cleaning of its facilities. You can expect some concessions, but limited access to bathrooms and hightouch areas such as the Goat Yard. If you would like to know more about a trip to the
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theater may be a good choice for film fanatics who miss going to the movies. The Avalon is open in compliance with the CinemaSafe guidelines created by “leading epidemiologists to support a safe return to movie theaters,” according to its website. The theater offers a cash-free purchasing experience, and guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online beforehand. Additionally, the theater will only be open at 30% capacity. The Avalon carries masks available to guests, but for a small charge, so it may be helpful to bring your own. Movie showings will be spaced out with greater time in between so the theater staff can deep-clean the theaters before each viewing. Tickets can be purchased on the Avalon Atmospheric Theater website.
Harley-Davidson Museum The world’s only HarleyDavidson Museum is ready to welcome back visitors with new health and safety measures in place, according to its website. College students interested in exploring the history and mechanics of H-D motorcycles can get tickets at the reduced price of $16 as long as they have their school ID for verification. Currently, all tours and other special events are either cancelled or postponed, but attractions like the museum and the shop are still open to guests. All indoor attractions are being held to higher standards of cleanliness and undergoing thorough disinfection to protect visitors and staff. The museum will be operating at 25% capacity in order to lower health risks and sanitizer stations have been situated across campus for guest use. The MOTOR Bar and Restaurant is open to guests for dine-in, take-out and delivery with a limited occupancy and menu including sandwich and burger options. The Museum Shop will also be open with new health and safety regulations. Tickets can be bought online. Many places across Milwaukee seem eager to create a safe and healthy environment in the midst of a pandemic. But it may be useful to remember that there will always be an element of risk involved when gathering in a public place, and this risk factor must be taken into consideration when going out to enjoy everything that Milwaukee has to offer.
The Marquette Tribune
Opinions
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
PAGE 10
Editorial Board
Natallie St. Onge, Executive Director Annie Mattea, Managing Editor Marquette Tribune Kelli Arseneau, Managing Editor Marquette Journal
Alexandra Garner, Executive Opinions Editor Aminah Beg, Assistant Opinions Editor
Shir Bloch, News Executive Zoe Comerford, Sports Executive Skyler Chun, A&E Executive Lelah Byron, Projects Editor
Eleanor Mccaughey, Copy Chief Grace Pionek, Design Chief Zach Bukowski, Photo Editor
Julia Donofrio, Social Media Executive Aimee Galszweski, Station Manager MUTV Reese Seberg, Station Manager MURadio
STAFF EDITORIAL
MU must follow through with commitments to Black students
With prevalent systemic racism and discrimination on campus, Marquette University must ensure it supports and listens to Black students by taking deliberate steps to follow through with its commitments to them. After a demonstration led by Black students Aug. 27 and a Sept. 3 meeting with the administration to discuss ways to improve Black students’ experience at Marquette, the university announced numerous ways it will be supporting Black students. These steps include the Counseling Center hiring its first counselor and coordinator for Black students, changing the Marquette Core Curriculum to include issues related to racial justice and Black Student Council being granted representation on the University Board of Undergraduate Studies and the Committee on Teaching, which is a subcommittee of the University Academic Senate. Additionally, the university has agreed to add 40 four-year, full-tuition scholarships every year beginning fall 2021 for high school graduating seniors around Milwaukee. The university has also agreed to establish a permanent cultural center for Black students, increase financial support for Black students, create a Committee for Black Student Initiatives to increase recruitment and retention of Black students and recruit more Black faculty, resident
Lucia Ruffolo
assistants and Black-owned businesses to campus. Black Student Council will also have regular meetings with the Marquette University Police Department. The university has also agreed to review university policies dealing with hate speech and racist behavior, work towards establishing a Black Living Learning Community in a residence hall and consult with BSC to provide training for students, faculty and staff relating to bias, harassment and discrimination faced by minorities on campus. While the university must be commended for its discussions and efforts to support Black students on campus, it is imperative that it follows through with these promises on all fronts to address inequity and discrimination on campus. With 5,821 white, 1,200 Hispanic and 577 Asian students compared to 333 Black undergraduate students during the fall 2019 semester, according to the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, providing financial support through scholarships as well as ensuring that retention and recruitment rates improve for Black students is essential to creating more equity. Additionally, there were only 233 Black, 119 Asian and 116 Hispanic faculty staff members compared to 2,307 white faculty and staff members during the 2019 fall semester. The Wire editorial board does not
have any Black staff members, and we would like to acknowledge that we do not have the same perspective or experiences as Black students on campus. However, we feel it is important to create an environment and community that Black students feel safe and welcomed. Hiring more faculty and staff of color is essential to making sure Black students feel represented and comfortable with the faculty and staff they interact with on campus, as their white counterparts may not be able to share similar lived experiences or teach issues of racial injustice with first-hand experience that is needed to fully understand the situations. Assistant professor of philosophy Stephanie Rivera Berruz said in an open letter to Marquette she agrees that increasing the number of faculty and staff of color is important. Berruz said, “Our faculty should reflect the place we live and the students we vow to serve. Where is the racial diversity of Milwaukee represented in your faculty?” Working to provide more spaces for Black students on campus — such as adding a Black Living Learning Community and a permanent cultural center — is also important for Black students to feel comfortable and accepted at a predominantly white institution like Marquette. Last fall, the Office of Engage-
ment and Inclusion — previously known as the Center of Intercultural Engagement — combined the Center for Engagement and Inclusion, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Campus Activities and Student Involvement. Though vice president for student affairs Xavier Cole said this decision was made to develop more leadership and a focus on diversity and inclusion, these offices provided specific resources for different underrepresented groups on campus. According to its website, the Center for Engagement and Inclusion aims to provide a space for underrepresented and minority populations, multicultural student organizations and programming focused on different issues like social justice advocacy and inclusion across campus. Combining those offices minimized the care and resources that could be given to Black students, as now there is only one full-time staff member for cultural engagement programs and services. The university must ensure that it works with BSC to develop trainings, change the core curriculum and review policies dealing with discrimination and racist behavior among students. The university’s efforts to address racism on campus must be extended to students, faculty and staff, as these issues must be confronted on all levels at Mar-
Even charismatic Mayor Pete Buttigieg from Indiana received more hype as he climbed to polls Nov. 2019. But when the primaries narrowed down between Sanders and Biden, it soon became clear that Biden was going to win the race. Suddenly, support within the Democratic Party shifted to Biden. Celebrities like George Clooney and Jennifer Hudson began sharing their support for Biden through fundraising events. Other celebrities like Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers spoke or performed at the Democratic National Convention, expressing the urgency and importance of voting for Biden in order to restore the country and get Trump out of office. Though there is growing support for Biden across the country — with a CBS poll revealing Biden is up 52% compared to Trump’s 42% among voters — his problematic past decisions must be addressed.
Biden facilitated the war on drugs through his Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. This policy, along with the 1994 Crime Bill — that aimed to reduce increasing crime — has had disastrous effects, such as mass incarceration that directly impacted marginalized communities. In addition, Biden’s recent sexual accusations were not treated seriously. Many initial supporters of the #MeToo movement turned a blind eye or made empty statements when Biden was accused. This hypocrisy highlighted the commitment to political parties, rather than the commitment to ethical and moral behavior. Additionally, Biden’s somewhat predatory behaviors, such as being touchy with women, has also left a bad taste in people’s mouths. Moreover, Biden has made insensitive and careless comments. This May, for example, he suggested that Black people are not Black if they
do not vote for him. He also claimed last summer that poor kids are “just as bright and talented as white kids.“ These comments make it seem that Biden promotes the idea that minorities are apart of a monolithic group that all vote and act the same way. Those supporting Biden may not agree with all of his past decisions, but many are afraid that Trump will be re-elected for another term. Democrats leaning further left are unimpressed and unsatisfied with Biden as the Democrat presidential candidate. Many left-leaning Americans may vote liberal, or blue, because they want economic equality, “Medicare for All,” an end to international conflict, and social and racial justice. They may not vote for Biden because he does not align with or support their values, and they do not want to compromise their own by voting for him. And that is okay. They are not somehow voting for
quette. Black students should not feel uncomfortable or unwelcome at Marquette because there are not enough resources or support systems for them. Working toward a more equitable and safe campus environment, specifically for Black students, is not optional and must be taken seriously, with commitment and deliberation. Marquette must continue to listen to Black students and ensure that it is consistently and consciously aiming to be a better campus. The university must make real, deep foundational change in order to truly create a better environment for Black people, and that begins with following through with its commitments. In addition to the university improving upon its diversity, the Wire must also amplify Black voices on campus within our own staff. Moreover, with a predominately white staff, we acknowledge that we must also actively counteract biases that white journalists can bring. We are having consistent conversations with our staff and reaching out to groups on campus on how to amplify and connect with underrepresented students. Addressing systemic racism and discrimination must come from all sides, and we must do our part as well.
Don’t shame left-leaning Democrats for not voting for Biden
Despite severe politicization in the United States approaching the 2020 presidential election, Democrats should not shame left-leaning individuals for not wanting to vote for Democratic candidate Joe Biden. After scrolling past yet another “vote blue no matter who” post on Twitter, I sigh. In 2020, the running mantra is that one must vote for Biden or they somehow support President Donald Trump and want to see democracy die. Before the presidential primaries, Biden’s support base was quite small. Americans identifying as Democrats or leaning-Democrat under the age of 30 preferred the economic radicalism of Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren, according to a Feb. 10 Pew Research Center study.
or supporting Trump by not voting for Biden. Instead of insulting people for not voting for a candidate that made several problematic decisions, it is important to recognize that voting is not the only way to be politically active in the U.S. Left-leaning Democrats not wishing to vote for either Biden or Trump can still be involved through protesting, joining a campaign and contacting legislators and politicians. Though voting is a large topic of current discussion, political involvement is important in all areas, and those choosing not to vote should not be shamed for their decision.
Lucia Ruffolo is a first-year student and is undecided. She can be reached at lucia.ruffolo@marquette.edu
Opinions
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The Marquette Tribune
11
Men should embrace all aspects of their humanity Max Pickart Men must embrace both their masculinity and femininity in order to fulfill their humanity to the fullest extent. As boys enter adulthood, they are taught by other men to hide their anxieties, fears, joys and nearly all emotion. They hear things like, “Man up” or “You’re acting like a girl” when expressing sympathy or sharing personal struggles. Boys are often told to avoid seeking emotional support or showing emotions and distress. The Good Men Project, a media outlet focusing on men’s stories and experiences, explains that men, more often than not, avoid telling their loved ones about their personal distresses and concerns because they want to protect themselves. Additionally, different stereotypes often confine men throughout their lives. Men must be smart, ambitious, dominant and “the breadwinners.” If men identify themselves as feminists, they are seen as lesser men. If they are sincere, gentle or sentimental or show their stress and struggles, they are also labeled “simps,” a misogynistic term that labels
sympathetic and “soft” men as unmanly. Under the pressure of these stereotypes, boys and young men can experience detrimental effects on their mental health and well-being. Men, compared to women, are more likely to use all types of drugs as well as be admitted to the hospital for overdosing, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Men also account for roughly 78% of suicides, which is an alarmingly high percentage. Society’s conformity and beliefs regarding men’s emotional health further propel and enhance these facts. The status quo of traditional masculinity — where men must hide their feelings — forces men to keep their struggles to themselves and avoid showing any weaknesses. This is unacceptable. Men should embrace their “feminine” characteristics just as much as they are taught to embrace their “masculine”
characteristics. It is only by doing this that men will become their fullest, most human version of themselves. With this week marking National Suicide Prevention Week, it is essential that we change how we perceive the stereotypical man in America. Toxic masculinity should not have a place in our world anymore. The mental health of men is suffer-
ing, and it affects the way our society works. Conversations about men’s mental health is key. Stereotypes must be dismantled. Stigmas must be erased. The masculine and feminine side of every person should be consistently appreciated. During this week and after, it is our responsibility as human beings to reach out to our peers — the strong ones, the quiet ones, the obnoxious ones, the proud ones, the bold ones, the nervous ones and the confident ones. It is our duty to show our love, our support and our emotions to one another. In order to reduce the suicide rate among men, there has to be a deconstruction of the pressures of being a man in today’s society. Rather than be discouraged to show their more feminine characteristics, men should be celebrated for doing so. The truth is, a person’s gender should not and cannot define us as individuals. Moreover, a person’s
gender should never limit that person, how they function or what they believe in. In fact, the terms “masculine” and “feminine” should not be associated with male and female or boy and girl. The masculinity and femininity of each individual is what ultimately forms and shapes them into a more whole human being. As society begins to embrace all parts of the human being, rather than just gender-specific stereotypes, the world will benefit, and not only for men. When people are more comfortable in their skin, they have the opportunity to witness and experience a full range of masculine and feminine aspects in themselves and the people they are surrounded by. Men will express their love, fears and joys in a more authentic way. Normalizing men’s mental health struggles will become more natural when our society begins to accept all parts of our humanity — our vulnerabilities, anxieties, insecurities, beauty, love, joy and hopes. Doing so will allow men to fully embrace every aspect of themselves. Max Pickart is a first-year student studying accounting. He can be reached at max.pickart@marquette.edu
Graphic by Alexandra Garner alexandra.garner@marquette.edu
USPS defunding creates widespread damage send each other letters, usually accompanied by small items or photos. I’ve kept every single one, along Jenna with the various flower seed packets, Koch drawings and tea bags she’s tucked into each envelope. These physical reminders of her comfort me during the times we have to spend apart. None of this could have happened without USPS, an institution which is now being defunded. According to CNN, Photo by Joceline Helmbreck joceline.helmbrock@marquette.edu issues with USPS have The USPS is in danger of being defunded. existed for more than a Despite the United States Postal decade, since a 2006 congressional Service system being essential to act required it to fund retiree health maintaining strong relationships benefits 50 years into the future, with loved ones, it is currently in “something no other business or danger of being defunded. government entity has to do.” The During quarantine, I realized just Trump administration perpetuates how much USPS plays a vital role this pre-existing problem. in my life. I spent an entire two Postmaster General Louis DeJoy months without seeing my partner, has been making major cuts to the who I started a long distance rela- agency, such as cutting overtime and tionship with a few months prior to limiting post office hours, since bequarantine. I feared for the strength ing appointed to the position in June, of our relationship with only according to NPR. It is important to virtual interactions. note that DeJoy is also a major ReHowever, after some inspira- publican donor, so his actions come tion from Virginia Woolf and Vita from a place of self-interest. Sackville-West’s sapphic love letThe wealthy and powerful people ters, my partner and I began to in this country who have significant
control of politics feel threatened by mail-in ballots and have latched on to defunding USPS as a way to prevent a fair election. Though a lack of access to voting and voting restrictions has been an issue for certain populations for some time, such as those who work on Election Day or cannot get to polling places, the increase in demand for mail-in ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Trump to pushback. He has threatened taking legal actions against states that issue statewide mail-in ballot voting and claimed Americans are committing voter fraud by voting absentee because he is afraid of losing the upcoming presidential election. With the U.S. holding and valuing the right to vote in our democracy, potential delays in USPS services due to cuts in funding could interfere with the presidential election, and therefore a foundational aspect of our democracy. Votes may also go unaccounted for, which could cause an election to occur without a true representation of the public’s opinion. It is despicable to defund USPS during a pandemic, not only because of mail-in ballots, but also because now more than ever, we depend on mail to deliver necessary items
such as prescription pills and Social Security checks. According to CNBC, an elderly resident of rural Oregon waited over nine days to receive his life-saving medication for blood clots. In the two years he’s been taking them, he had never experienced delays before. His story is just one of many, and it seems almost certain that deaths will result from this defunding. This move by far-right Republicans shows a blatant disregard for Americans’ lives and well-being. Like many others, I once considered mail a dying mode of communication, but what I failed to realize is how it serves a function far beyond mailing consumer items or letters. Personally, I use USPS not just to connect with my significant other, but also to mail orders for my minionline thrift store, connect with internet friends and to contact family members who live in rural areas. Even as the digital age continues to develop, USPS is far from obsolete. Younger generations need to speak out against this issue that will deeply affect oppressed groups such as the elderly, chronically ill and lower-to middle-class rural citizens. Doing as little as buying a sheet of stamps can make an impact, and there’s even a post office on Marquette’s campus in the lower level of the Alumni
Memorial Union. I’ve been there semi-regularly to mail things to my partner, parents and friends back home. There’s never a line, which I’m always grateful for. Now, though, I’d rather see a line out the AMU’s doors because saving the USPS should become a top priority for all. Jenna Koch is a first-year student studying journalism. She can be reached at jenna.koch@marquette.edu
Statement of Opinion Policy
The opinions expressed on the Opinions page reflect the opinions of the Opinions staff. The editorials do not represent the opinions of Marquette University nor its administrators, but those of the editorial board. The Marquette Tribune prints guest submissions at its discretion. The Tribune strives to give all sides of an issue an equal voice over the course of a reasonable time period. An author’s contribution will not be published more than once in a four-week period. Submissions with obvious relevance to the Marquette community will be given priority consideration. Full Opinions submissions should be limited to 500 words. Letters to the editor should be between 150 to 250 words. The Tribune reserves the right to edit submissions for length and content. Please e-mail submissions to: alexandra.garner@marquette.edu. If you are a current student, include the college in which you are enrolled and your year in school. If not, please note any affliations to Marquette or your current city of residence.
Sports The Marquette Tribune
FORMER BASKETBALL ALUMS PARTNER TO BUILD SPORTS COMPLEX SPORTS, 16
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 PAGE 12
Athletes, students walk in support of BLM
Photo by Claire Gallagher claire.gallagher@marquette.edu
Marquette athletes joined together with fellow students to walk a one-mile route from the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center to Valley Fields in support of the BLM movement.
John, Torrence speak to crowd at Valley Fields following march By Nick Galle
nicholas.galle@marquette.edu
“Speak up,” Theo John said. “Us Black brothers and sisters need you.” The Marquette men’s basketball senior forward joined hundreds of student athletes, students, coaches, faculty and staff Sept. 4 in a march to fight social inequality and injustice. “Everyone just needs to look in the mirror and ask themselves about their own racial biases,” John said. “Or, if you are one of
the people out here who may of never had a conversation with a person of color, or a minority in this country, I’d encourage you guys to reach out.” The route stretched one mile from the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center to Valley Fields and was organized by student athletes. The march followed an Aug. 27 demonstration led by Black students in response to the racial injustices in Kenosha, Wisconsin where Jacob Blake, a 29-yearold Black man, was shot in the back seven times by a police officer. A list of demands were presented to Marquette administrators, asking for more inclusivity and diversity on campus. The university announced its steps to create a diverse student
body and improve the experiences of Black students Sept. 3. The university announced its hire of Shakari Lewis as the first counselor and coordinator for Black student support in the Counseling Center. Beginning fall 2021, the university will add 40 four-year, full tuition scholarships every year for graduating seniors from high schools around Milwaukee. As the group marched, those walking by raised a fist in solidarity and those driving honked their car horns. Men’s basketball head coach Steve Wojciechowski was a coach who marched alongside the athletes. He said he has been proud of the role that the team has played in bringing awareness to social injustice.
“Our guys have a big platform and they’ve used it in a very responsible and thoughtful way to try to impact change starting at Marquette, and stretching beyond Marquette to the greater Milwaukee community,” Wojciechowski said. He said there needs to be strides in both behavior and policy so that everyone is allowed equal rights under the law. “Any ways that we can impact that (equality) from our position in a very prominent program here at Marquette — we want to take the opportunity to handle that responsibility at the highest possible level,” Wojciechowski said. Along with John, who gave a speech at the conclusion of the march at Valley Fields, fellow
teammate Symir Torrence and women’s basketball junior forward Chloe Marotta spoke to the crowd. A speech written by women’s soccer senior forward/ midfielder Maggie Lena was also read. University President Michael Lovell attended the march as well and thanked the athletes for putting the march together. “We’re on the Friday afternoon before a long holiday (Labor Day) weekend, and to have so many people come out just shows the unity that we have on campus,” Lovell said. “I’m proud of our student athletes for putting this on and really making a statement for what they believe in.”
Sports
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The Marquette Tribune
13
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Forwards adjust to ‘clean slate’ with Pelaez at helm Lack of in-person practices makes difficult transition By Kristin Parisi
kristin.parisi@marquette.edu
When a new head coach is introduced to a sports program, some people may be skeptical of the old era closing. However, for the forwards on the Marquette women’s soccer team, they found the introduction of head coach Frank Pelaez to be a fresh start. “There’s an advantage because you just get a clean slate, like nothing that you did last season matters,” junior forward Macey Shock said. “Everyone is just back to being a freshman trying to prove themselves.” Adjusting to a new coaching style can be challenging, but these trying times have made it especially hard since they have not been able to truly practice together on the field yet. Hired back in December, head coach Frank Pelaez has implemented a new style of play for the women’s soccer team. He is focused on giving athletes a
positive mindset coming into the new season. “On and off the field, he’s just brought in a completely new mindset, and I think he has gotten us all more motivated and excited for the next season,” junior forward Alyssa Bombacino said. Pelaez has made it his goal to get to know the girls and establish a true connection with them before they are able to officially come together. Before they were sent off campus in March, Pelaez started to share his ideas for the season and his routine for practices and games. “It was really hard for us because we had a new coach and we’re still getting to know him and how he does things,” Shock said. “He was trying to get to know all of us and how we play and how we like to do things. Nevertheless, players have already noticed a positive change with the switch in coaches. Pelaez demonstrates a new outlook on communication with the athletes. “He’s definitely a lot more hands-on and willing to help people learn their mistakes and do better,” sophomore forward Shelby Fountain said. “They
(coaches) just motivate us all really well.” Although the players have not yet been introduced to a new offensive scheme, they are taking advantage of this new program under head coach Pelaez. Shock said the team will be able to try new things once they get out on the field. The team is not afraid to experiment and is eager to test their limits of what they can do. “We’re all kind of on the same playing field now,” Shock said. “None of us really knew his style or anything like that.” When players are cleared for practice, the true test will begin for the program to see if they can make a smooth transition from last year’s dynamic. Along with having to adjust to a new coach, athletes also have to rebuild confidence and trust within the forward squad after the unexpected break. Since the first-year class has not been able to meet the rest of the team due to the pandemic, having to learn how everyone plays together will be a big focus at the beginning of training camp. “I don’t know how people play and things like that. So there’s definitely going to be a trust
Photo by Katerina Pourliakas katerina.pourliakas@marquette.edu
Alyssa Bombacino goes to kick the soccer ball against Utah State in 2019.
element that I feel like might be missing,” Shock said. “But I think we’re all really close, and we all stay connected in many ways. So, I think in that sense, just getting to know each other is just a little backwards.” Shock said it could be a blessing in disguise having to go through the process now, rather than later in the season. “Normally you get to know each other on the field and then comes the personal connections,” Shock said. “But now we have that time to get to know each other.” The squad has a lot of new transitions to adjust to this coming season, but forward Alyssa
Bombacino has no doubt that this will be a good challenge for the team to get through, as it will bring them closer together. “Obviously it would have been nice to get to know the coaches a little better and have more time since they’re also new,” Bombacino stated, “But I think this just is another challenge for us. And I think all the coaches handle it really well and had a good mindset.” Bombacino said that the team has a plan of what they are going to do once they get back together and they will make the best out of the situation.
MEN’S SOCCER
Bennett, players look ahead to potential spring season Franklin, Soto discuss possiblity of fan restrictions, roster cuts By Nick Galle
nicholas.galle@marquette.edu
Although the BIG EAST cancelled the fall 2020 season, the men’s soccer team is ready to get back into action with the possibility of having a season in the spring. While the BIG EAST has not implemented any mandatory roster rules or guidelines for the spring season, head coach Louis Bennett said that the conference is not differentiating between the guidelines that the NCAA has already come out with. Some of these guidelines include maintaining a social distance of six feet in training facilities, using hand sanitizers regularly and to avoid any team activities if you are feeling ill. “There’s still a little work to do before we can actually have a roster that will be playing a competitive season, but that’s the intention,” Bennett said. “As long as people are eligible, I think they get this season.”
Photo by Katerina Pourliakas katerina.pourliakas@marquette.edu
AJ Franklin (18) works his way past a Green Bay defender in Oct. 2019.
Due to the unique circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, the offseason will now occur during the winter months, a time where training and practicing could potentially become more difficult. Fortunately, Marquette has the Marquette Dome at Valley Fields, but there could be restrictions on how many people are allowed inside. Redshirt sophomore forward AJ Franklin said he hopes the team will be able to utilize the indoor facility so that they can still be in relatively warm temperatures, rather than outside in the freezing cold. For Franklin, the main focus right now is getting prepared for the potential season in the spring. “Honestly, I’m trying to just focus on what I have to do to prepare,”
Franklin said. “That’s going to the field, running and working out, and just trying to stay in shape so I’m well-prepared for the spring season ... I’m just excited to get back out there.” Franklin saw action in 13 games last season for the Golden Eagles, recording 342 minutes of play. For some players that do not already have experience with the team, like first-year Beto Soto, this was not how they expected their Marquette careers to begin. Through these are challenging times, veterans on the team have been able to make younger players like Soto feel comfortable despite all of the changes. “Since the moment I got here, they’ve made me feel at home,” Soto said. “They always kind of give me advice in school, and in the field. So
that’s a big shoutout to them.” Soto, a native of Houston, Texas, said he will likely stay on campus during the winter break to practice and hang out with teammates, rather than going home. Despite the possibility of not being home for awhile, Soto is looking forward to getting on the field and playing with his new teammates in the spring. Bennett is also aware of the importance of the team’s veterans this season. “A lot of the returning guys will want to gravitate to responsibility of implementing some of our standards and some of the ways we do things to not only the six incoming freshmen, but the five transfer students,” Bennett said. “I think we have good characters that will be able to do that.” Among all of the changes and new plans, player development has still remained strong within the program. The Golden Eagles have produced multiple Major League Soccer players in the last three years such as Luis Barraza, Patrick Seagrist, and Luka Prpa. Associate head coach Sean Hughes said that moving the season to the spring actually could potentially help players’ development tracks. “In some ways, we’ve got to look
for the positives,” Hughes said. “I think that (more time to get players acclimated) is one of them.” Hughes said that it is usually difficult for the incoming group of players to get up to speed at the college level, but now with a pushed-back season, coaches have more time to get the entire team game-ready. There has been plenty of time to work with players prior to the start of the season, rather than having to work with them as the season is just beginning. As of right now, a spring season is not guaranteed, but both the coaching staff and players alike are remaining hopeful. Bennett said that the conference schedule would likely look the same, and is even optimistic about the possibility of playing non-conference teams within driving distance. One thing is for certain: Everybody in the program wants the team to get back onto the field as soon as possible, but getting back into peak condition will still be a process. “The last time they (players) spent this much time away from a soccer ball, I bet they might have been six or seven,” Bennett said. “We’ve got some catch-up to do. You can’t microwave this. You can’t microwave game fitness.”
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Sports
The Marquette Tribune
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Carly Skrabak transfers from Tennessee Tech to MUVB Sophomore defensive specialist strives to be starting libero By Molly Gretzlock
molly.gretzlock@marquette.edu
In past seasons, matches would have already been underway for the Marquette women’s volleyball team. However, due to the unusual circumstances from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Al McGuire Center is sitting in silence. Despite the lack of time together, the volleyball squad has still made it easy for fresh faces on the team to feel welcomed. Sophomore transfer Carly Skrabak felt that Marquette was the place for her for some number of reasons. “When I arrived on campus in December, I really loved the campus,”
Skrabak said. “I wanted to be in the city. I (also) loved the coaching staff and the volleyball program they have built up.” The Tennessee Tech transfer finished ninth in the Ohio Valley Conference with 4.28 digs per set, totaling 475 digs on the season. In 2019, she was also able to finish five games with over 20 digs, including a game high of 34 against Morehead State. Skrabak’s success stuck out to the Marquette volleyball coaching staff. “We looked into her and saw that she had a really successful freshman fall at Tennessee Tech,” head coach Ryan Theis said. “We actually know the Tennessee Tech staff relatively well, and reached out to them and got to know her a bit. It seemed like Marquette was a good fit for her.” The transition for other new athletes to the team has been unusual as well. Prior to the pandemic, they could bond over the game of
volleyball. However, those type of bonding experiences have now been put on pause. “We’ve put together some team outdoor activities to try to keep it so they aren’t sitting in their apartments and dorms,” Theis said. “They are doing a good job staying in touch with people. We put them in pods so if they are going to ride in a car, that’s who they should ride with just to stay in the groups and try to be safe.” When matches are able to resume, which could happen in the spring, Skrabak has some goals for her first season with the Golden Eagles. “This team has had a lot of success in the past and I think it was good to see that consistency over the years,” Skrabak said. “Someday I hope to be the starting libero, help the team towards some conference championships in the next few years, as well as see how far we can get in some NCAA Tournaments.”
Photo courtesy of Marquette Athletics
Skrabak finished 2019 ranking ninth in the OVC with 4.28 digs per set.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Scott brings learning mentality, BIG EAST roots
coaching camps because it gives you Marovich was set on making an opportunity to make an impact on the hire. Scott took on several responsibilia younger player,” Scott said. “That one day could change things for a ties with the Crusaders such as hanlot of them or they could learn way dling travel arrangements, food resmore than they thought they ever ervations and serving as the primary would. I always tried to teach rath- goalkeepers coach. Marovich said By John Leuzzi er than just observe, because even Scott even reminded him of himself john.leuzzi@marquette.edu though they may be at a camp or a as a young coach. If you were to ask about Mar- college ID camp to be seen, it’s a When the Marquette women’s quette women’s soccer assistant great teaching opportunity.” soccer head coach Frank Pelaez was coach Erin Scott, the same word is When Scott’s playing days came at Loyola Chicago, he tried bringing shared among three different coach- to an end in the fall of 2018, Scott Scott on staff, but was unable to. es: passionate. When he took over the prospent the 2019 spring semester “She just embraced her job with as a student assistant coach with gram where he was once was an us as a graduate assistant,” Valparaiso University women’s soccer head coach John Marovich said. “She was like a full-time assistant coach. She was in the office all the time. She just worked, and you could just tell she has a passion for the game, passion for the goalkeepers.” It is part of the reason Scott wanted to get into coaching in the first place — the idea of being on a team and sharing her experiences from playing as a Division I goalkeeper. These two assets have served as a catalyst to her coaching journey. Photo courtesy of Marquette Athletics “That’s a big piece of what led Assistant coach Erin Scott (MU shirt) walks in the athletes march Sept. 4. me to coaching,” Scott said. “The idea that I had so much to pass on, the Camels. assistant coach for 19 seasons, he and so much to be able to teach and Following graduation from saw the same eagerness in her that he help with that. If I could just help Campbell, the two-time Big South saw this past summer during remote one other person through whatever Defensive Player of the Week found training due to COVID-19. struggle or whatever success that her way back to the Midwest as a “She’s so eager to do everything they may be going through, then it graduate assistant at Valparaiso. and anything she can to help me would have all been worth it to me. Marovich recalls the decision to succeed and help Steve (Bode) sucI didn’t want to let that opportunity bring Scott on as staff, a rather easy ceed,” Pelaez said. “That’s kind of a just pass.” decision after talking to two people really cool trait to have.” As a goalkeeper at Campbell and — Samar Azem and Anderson. Pelaez said Scott is a “student Creighton University, Scott got her Marovich said the previous gradu- of the game,” which has helped first glimpse of coaching at devel- ate assistant recommended Scott for put her beyond her years as an opmental camps, including Camp the job. After also speaking with her assistant coach. Shutout in Milwaukee which is run coach at Campbell who told him “She will ask to do something, by Stan Anderson. that she was energetic, passionate even if she has great ideas. She will “I always have enjoyed and just a good individual person, ask what do you think about it, where
Former Creighton goalie joins staff as assistant coach
a person at that age usually says, ‘We should do it this way,’” Pelaez said. “She has great ideas and great input, and a lot of things that we’re trying to do, but she’s always asking, ‘What do you think about this way?’ She’s not an ‘I know it all because I’m young,’ it’s more of, ‘I still want to learn, but I do have ideas,’ and I think that makes a big difference.” As the young assistant coach develops her coaching philosophy, she thinks back to her playing days to build the type of environment she wants to instill within the goalkeepers unit. Scott is aiming to make sure they are always pushing each other and thinking of the goalkeepers as a unit. “I don’t like to think of goalkeepers as individuals, even though the position is very individualistic. A session can’t run to its peak performance if we’re thinking individually,” Scott said. “Goalkeepers are only as good as your weakest link, because at the end of the day and a session, even though one goalkeeper may be making the save, if the service wasn’t correct or where it needed to be, or with the right amount of power, then that goalkeeper that wouldn’t be able to get any better.” Pelaez praised Scott’s ability to connect with the players, which he says is a strength on the recruiting trail as much as it is with the current players. “I could put myself in an 18 to 21-year-old’s shoes, but it’s not going to be the same,” Pelaez said. “Having her ability to speak the same language, but still (have) respect is very important. Pelaez said that Scott can use the same language as those on team, while still remaining very mature about the way she talks.
Sophomore goalkeeper Mel McNamara seconded her head coach’s words. The Bethesda, Maryland native said in August that addition of Scott to the program is great, especially for young players like herself. “I love Erin,” McNamara said in August. “It is really nice having someone who is younger and has had experience in the BIG EAST and playing Division I soccer. She is very helpful and really understands us and what we go through on and off the field. She is very easy to talk to and get along with.” Scott mentioned she has future aspirations to be a head coach one day, but is “very lucky” to be in the spot she is today with the Golden Eagles. Creighton women’s soccer head coach Ross Paule, who coached Scott from 2015-16, said the fact that Scott is now coaching in the same conference she once played in is unique. “It’s amazing to see our players stick in the game, especially the ones that have her mindset and personality to be a difference-maker,” Paule said. “That’s the one thing about her, she’s going to be good at coaching, she’s going to learn her craft and work hard on it because she has a purpose of trying to make a difference.” Scott is treating the first time she coaches against Creighton and Paulie as just any other game, but it will still be one she remembers. “Obviously I thought about it,” Scott said. “I don’t like to think too much into all that. Everyone has what a rival is in their head, but obviously I’d be excited about a game like that either way but I am just looking forward to getting back on the field with the whole group regardless of who we’re playing.”
Sports
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The Marquette Tribune
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WOMEN’S SOCCER
Shelby Fountain trains at prestigious sports institution IMG Academy alum comes to Marquette, offers unique skillset By Bryan Geenen
bryan.geenen@marquette.edu
There are few athletes at the high school level who compete among the top competition in the country. For one of the young forwards on the women’s soccer team, her journey brought her to Marquette from a top-tier boarding school. Shelby Fountain, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, transferred her senior year of high school to IMG Academy. IMG Academy is the most advanced multi-sport training and educational institution in the world. The school creates a unique atmosphere to help students train on campus during their time there. Fountain said that she needed something new, hence the move to the renowned academy. “So basically what happened was my dad signed me up to go to camp there the summer before ... Of course, it’s the worldrenowned school for sports, so I was really nervous,” Fountain said. “I stayed there for three weeks for camp and while I was there, the coaches noticed me and offered me to come play on their team.” George Sasvari, who was Fountain’s coach at IMG, spoke about
how he came across her and what went into their decisionmaking process. “In Shelby’s case, she was a rising senior who had no scholarship offers and maybe a list of twenty schools she was exploring. She wasn’t really sure where she was in her college search,” Sasvari said. “She had never played development academy level before and we saw her as a potential player on our under-19 girl’s development academy team ... And by August 21, virtually three weeks later, she was playing in our academy,” Fountain then made her decision to come to Marquette after her time at IMG. “I chose Marquette for a lot of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to be far from home, and I also wanted to be in a different environment than I had previously been in in Florida,” Fountain said. “I knew that when I visited that I loved everyone on the team. Immediately, I knew that there was a family atmosphere and a whole acceptance.” Fountain’s teammate had high praise for her both on and off the field. “She’s super funny and I think, in practice settings, she definitely tries to push herself while still trying to have fun and keep it light. On the field, she’s extremely fast, which is nice because we can kick her a ball and she’ll get there,” junior forward/midfielder Macey Shock said. Her coach also mentioned the speed that Fountain displayed
during her time at IMG. “It’s no question that her speed is a factor. It’s deceptive speed at that, because she’s very explosive in zero to five yards as well so she has the ability to dispossess opposing defenders,” Sasvari said. “I think that combined with her ability to score, her speed and add in the defensive element, she becomes a real viable Division I level player.” Fountain mentioned her speed as one of her key qualities on
how I want balls played to me. Definitely need to work on that. I was trying to work on that in the spring, but we’ll get to that at some point,” Fountain said. Fountain also talked about some of her goals for the upcoming years. “I would really like to start in a couple games. I also want to score a lot of goals, but at Marquette in general, I definitely want to get more involved with some other clubs and organizations outside
she had felt like an outsider as the only person of color on her team, so it felt good to start getting involved with a club that understood that aspect of her life. Fountain also addressed the Black Lives Matter protest on Sept 4., in which the Marquette women’s soccer team participated alongside a large number of other athletes, students and other individuals. “I definitely voice my opinion to my team a lot about things that
Photo courtesy of Marquette Athletics
Forward Shelby Fountain (11) dribbles in a 5-0 victory against University of Regina in Aug. 2019 at Valley Fields.
the pitch, but also talked about areas she wants to improve at Marquette. “I’m definitely trying to improve my communication skills with the team, you know? Telling them things I’m good at,
of athletics. I think I’m really focused on athletics and it’ll be a good thing for me to venture outside of that,” Fountain said. Fountain mentioned one organization in particular: the Black Student Council. She said that
are going on and things that are bothering me in the world today,” Fountain said. “They definitely know, and are supportive of me with how I feel about situations, and they’re definitely standing right there with me.”
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
First-year Carsen Murray feels ‘at home’ in Milwaukee Middle blocker knew immediately MU was perfect
campus, but knew immediately after her visit Marquette was where she wanted to be.
“I came here and I immediately knew this is where I needed to be,” Murray said. “Everything
By Jackson Gross
jackson.gross@marquette.edu
For some, leaving home can be the hardest part about going to college. However, others find college to become a home away from home. For first-year middle blocker Carsen Murray, she has found that home at Marquette. Murray, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, initially chose Marquette because it reminded her of home. “I really felt like this place reminded me of a lot (about) home and had a lot of aspects of Kansas City that I loved, and I love being in a city,” Murray said. Murray had other college previews lined up after her scheduled tour around the Marquette
Photo courtesy of Marquette Athletics
Carsen Murray (second from right) walks with team in athletes’ march.
went just so perfect and I felt at home here. So I was like, this is where I wanted to go, so it kind of was one of those things I went with my gut and chose it, and so far I’ve loved it here.” When she did visit the team, Murray said she meshed well with the players and coaching staff. “When I came on my visit and met all the players and the coaching staff, there was just that real connection I had with everybody,” Murray said. “It really matched with how I like to be coached. I thought we would get along really well.” Murray said. Head women’s volleyball coach Ryan Theis started scouting and recruiting Murray back when she was a sophomore in high school. “I remember in Indianapolis, at the Convention Center, I was in the back and said, ‘She’s got a chance to be a pretty good
player,’ and she wasn’t on that really high-profile team at the time, so you didn’t always get to see her in real competitive environments or heated matches,” Theis said. But we knew that good pieces were in there and that she would develop into a good player.” While Theis did speak on the position Murray will play, with COVID-19 restrictions, he can’t speculate on how Murray will impact the team. “We’ll have to see what it’s like in our gym, how quick she learns as a middle blocker, processing what’s going on and the other speed of the net is very, very fast. The reactions at times have to be the (quickest) laterally of any of our players,” Theis said. “So it will be a question of how quick does Carsen learn ... And (with) the inability to work with her right now, I can’t even pretend to answer how much she’ll help this year.”
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Sports
The Marquette Tribune
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Chapman, Diener join forces with Athlete Performance Mequon facility aims to provide ‘safe haven’ for all ages By Zoe Comerford
isabel.comerford@marquette.edu
Joe Chapman and Travis Diener’s relationship consists of more than just playing on the Golden Eagles’ 2003 Final Four team and winning The Basketball Tournament in 2020. The two have now partnered with Steve Becker to build the Athlete Performance Sports Complex in Mequon, Wisconsin. “We’ve been friends for over almost 20 years now,” Chapman said. “It’s just come full circle of coaching him, playing with him, becoming friends and now becoming businesses partners. It’s something we didn’t see coming, but we’re open to the opportunity of working together.” The complex will be comprised of Becker’s business, Athlete Performance, Chapman
Becker owns Athlete Performance.
Basketball Academy, Integrative Health & Wellness, FC Wisconsin and Overtime. Although the groundbreaking ceremony occurred Sept. 4, the plan is for the building to be ready by midMarch 2021. “We just had this vision. There was nothing on this side of town as far as building-wise,” Chapman said. “We want to make sure we provide a service for people that live on the north shore area.” Becker, who graduated with a degree in kinesiology and specialization in exercise physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2007, founded Athlete Performance LLC in 2010. His business is a sports performance company that works on strength and conditioning for young people and collegiate and professional athletes. Over the past few years, Becker’s business has trained five NBA draft picks. Personally, Becker has also trained All-Star guards Mo Williams, Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut when he was the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2006-08. He was a volunteer from 2006-09 at UW-Milwaukee, training the men’s and women’s Olympic teams.
In 2009-10 he became the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. This is where he met Diener, a former Marquette guard. “I met Steve 10 years ago and he was working with the Trail Blazers, and I was playing there,” Diener said. “I came back here every summer after playing professionally overseas and I got to know Steve going to Athlete Performance.” While Becker and Diener have known each other for over a decade, Becker didn’t meet Chapman until about three years ago. “He’s been such a big part of the (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball scene and it’s kind of a small community here,” Becker said. “I had an athlete I was training that said, ‘You have to meet this Joe Chapman.’ That was probably the best thing I ever did because the way that he talks to parents, his professionalism and the way he runs his program is right there in line with how I run mine.” Diener said Becker always talked about wanting to build his own facility. “I was like, ‘Whenever that comes to fruition, I would love to partner with you and try to give something to the kids that can help them develop and really grow as not just athletes, but people,” Diener said. “Steve’s done
most of the work the last couple years. I’ve just kind of waited for the say so … The last couple months have been a whirlwind, but we’re happy to be here now.” Becker said this complex has been in the works for six years. “It has to have the proper pieces,” Becker said. “Being able to have guys like Joe do what he does within the complex, as well as my business, it’s kind of a combination that was able to make it happen.” The hope is that this facility will provide an opportunity for kids. Chapman added that 60 AAU teams will be playing and practicing at the complex. Besides training, the facility will hold tournaments, 3-on-3’s and adult classes. “This gives the parents a chance to drop them off, they can do their strength training, they can get (nutrition advice), they can go play basketball, soccer, volleyball,” Diener said. “It’s kind of like a one-stop shop for kids.” Their initial desires include offering an opportunity to youth athletes to achieve goals they have in sports and teach life skills. “It’s a great opportunity for young athletes, for collegiate athletes, for professional athletes to come in there and get better, and have fun doing it. Do it with people who care about you,” Diener said. Chapman said both Diener and himself have similar work
MUBB alums pose with their sons.
Shovels dig at groundbreaking.
Joe Chapman carries his child.
ethics and love for the sport of basketball that they want to share with kids. “We thought that it was important to invest in something that would be here long after we’re gone,” Chapman said. “It’s important to have that safe haven for kids with a lot of outside distractions going on with the pandemic, social injustices and things of that nature going on … It’s always good to have a healthy distraction from the outside world and that’s what basketball is. We’re looking to make sure that the next generation can have that too.” The purpose of the complex for Becker, Chapman and Diener is to give back to the community. “They go play ball, they come back and they never lose their roots. It’s because guys like this — the hometown Milwaukee guys — who have really come back to give back,” Jim Blaise, president of Design2Construct, the construction company building the facility, said. Though Becker didn’t go to Marquette, he’s been a huge fan, as his father went to the school. “I watched these guys play all throughout their careers, so (to) have it come full circle is really cool.” Becker said. With both Chapman and Diener residing in Mequon, which is around 15 minutes outside of Milwaukee, Diener said he hopes the connection with the university and its community remains strong. “We represent Marquette,” Diener said. “The positive things we’re trying to do, the values, the things that we learned while going to school there, and we try to carry that on to this day.”
Business partners pose together.
Photos by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu
Steve Becker (third from left) and Travis Diener (third from right) pose with shovels at the groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 4. Athlete Performance Sports Complex is located in Mequon, Wis.