The Miami Student | May 3, 2024

Miami … Merged: ‘We both didn’t want to leave yet’

new people and experience what Oxasking someone out or the confusion of dating apps.

In a world of romance novels, reality TV shows and love songs, expectations about college romance are high – only to be met with the dissonance of piles of homework, hook-up culture and Brick Street.

“Miami … Merged” was created out of this imbalance as a chance for Miami University students to meet

Two couples were matched up out of a pool of applicants based on simple questions such as majors, hobbies and interests, to more in-depth prompts like ideal types, if they like to talk during movies and who is willing to kill bugs.

The two dates took place between Laura and Bronwynn and Olivia and Cole. Their love stories may notsons from this experience.

The participants Laura, a sophomore primary education major, did her research on “Miami … Merged” before applying. After reading the previous years’ coverage of “Miami … Merged,” as well as the inspiration for the column, The Washington Post’s “DateLab,” Laura took the plunge and applied to participate.

“I thought it was so cute!” she said.

“I thought I would be more nervous. I told my friends I signed up for this and they thought I was insane.”

She was especially excited about the prospect of shaking things up by trying something new.

“I haven’t been in a long-term relationship while I’ve been in college,” Laura said. “I’ve just been keeping it open so it’s kind of like a new experience for me.”

When asked about her ideal type, Laura emphasized that she was looking for a relationship focused on communication and trust.

“Someone who’s nice, someone who I can just kinda hang out with and there isn’t a lot of pressure,” she said, later adding, “I like humor and just having fun together.” Bronwynn, a junior public health and computer science double major, saw the application for “Miami … Merged” on Instagram and was intrigued by its similarity to popular dating shows such as “Love is Blind.” While she didn’t initially think she would apply, she later changed her mind.

LUKE MACY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

versity’s annual budget symposium brought news of a lower, but still ex-

“While Miami University’s overall good, education and general spending exceeded its revenue by $10.3 million, and required a reduction in the reserves overseen by the Provost,” one of the presentation’s slides read.

The symposium, which took place on April 22, was led by university Provost Liz Mullenix and David Creamer, senior vice president for university treasurer. During the symposium, Mullenix and Creamer attributed the problem to a decline in tuition revenue.

In one graphic, Miami was compared to 100 other top doctoral-awarding institutions. Creamer said that among all the other institu-

tions, Miami relied most heavily on tuition revenue for its funding.

“We’ve been up and down with state support,” Creamer said. “It’s why we’ve been so dependent upon tuition.”

In another chart, Creamer showed that as tuition increased yearly, the university should have earned an estimated $379 million in tuition revenue. However, when and scholarships, the total comes to around $216 million.

“Tuition is rising, but we’re not capturing any of that,” Creamer said.

scholarships are necessary to continue attracting students considering they get into their primary picks for universities more often.

The university is trying to diversify its funds but is struggling to change amid the declining tuition. Creamer estimated that $14 million would be taken from the reserves to help the university. Mullenix reassured the crowd.

SADIE CHILDS THE MIAMI STUDENT

If you’ve ever had the urge to paint pottery, there's a good chance you’ve checked out You’re Fired. This store, at the corner of West High Street and Beech Street has a long history of housing not just painters, but also various grocery stores.

Built in 1880, this Greek revival building has gone through a variety of uses through the years. The Greek revival style is categorized by being modeled after small Greek doric temples. These buildings would often have a sharp gable roof, a triangular shape at the top and a simple, unadorned front. The You’re Fired building once housed a saloon and a carriage paint-

“We’re in a good position because we’ve planned for a rainy day,” she said.

Part of the reason Miami had a 2024 was that vacant positions at the university lowered spending on salary and expenses. Creamer said this would not be a sustainable solution.

includes investing in new projects in hopes of seeing returns. In 20172018, income from investments only made up 1% of the budget, but they’re the 2023-2024 budget. Creamer announced at the symposium that Miami had just committed to a new project, renovating Bachelor Hall, which would cost another $27 million. One symposium attendee questioned why the university was making high-risk investments if the university was trying to avoid using reserves.

‘Omigod You Guys!’ Stage Left’s ‘Legally Blonde’ was ‘Serious’ly spectacular!

GABBY BENEDICT STAFF WRITER

“What, like it’s hard?”

From April 25-28, Miami University musical theater organization Stage Left put on a fully student-run production of “Legally Blonde” at the Harry T. Wilks Theater in Armstrong Student Center.

The production of “Legally Blonde” was captivating, comedic and campy all in one, thanks to the direction of junior Emma Enderle.

It would go on to also house a pool room, a gas station and a children's the 1900s. Eventually, the building would become a grocery store.

The Ruhlman family owned this grocery store towards the end of the 1900s. In 1963, the grocery store expanded into the building of 102 W. High St., which had previously been a private residence.

From 1965 to 1980, the building housed the Ruhlman’s Super Value grocery store. As a main grocery store in town, this was an important part of the Oxford community.

Over the next two decades, theent grocery stores. In 1981, Anderson Grocery occupied space until 1984. The next year, Becky’s Grocery opened.

inhabited the building last. It was also the longest since Ruhlman’s, occupying the building for just over 10 years.

“[‘Legally Blonde’] has been a favorite of mine for the longest time,” Enderle said. “Me and my friend from home had a dream of directing it together. Unfortunately, she doesn't go here, but I’m glad I still special place in my heart, especially as a blonde woman. I love the little girly-pop moments and also the fun, inspiring girl-power moments.”

The “Legally Blonde” musical, drama and dance breaks that the Stage Left cast executed perfectly on the Wilks stage.

The show follows Elle Woods, played by Sophie Wertz. Elle is the president of her sorority, Delta Nu, and she decides to enroll in Harvard Law School to get back together with her ex-boyfriend, Warner. Over the course of the story, she learns to merge her growing knowledge of law and her expertise in fashion with the help of her friends, learning to always stay true to herself rather than change herself for the people around her.

Wertz’s stellar interpretation of Elle as a character likely draws from experiences being a member of Miami sorority, Chi Omega.

TAYLOR STUMBAUGH

PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH

SAM NORTON OPINION EDITOR

ANNA REIER OXFORD EDITORS

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

FOOD EDITOR

STYLE EDITOR TEDDY JOHNSON

SAM NORTON GREENHAWKS EDITOR

Advertising information: Smith646@miamioh.edu Send us a letter: eic.miamistudent@gmail.com in Oxford, Ohio.

CORRECTIONS POLICY

Behind the Building:

DESIGN EDITOR ERIN MCGOVERN HANNAH POTTS

ASST. DESIGN EDITORS

SARAH FROSCH

DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR

JESSICA MONAHAN PHOTO EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

AUSTIN SMITH

ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITORS

ADAM SMITH BUSINESS MANAGER

FRED REEDER JR. FACULTY ADVISOR

BUSINESS ADVISOR

AIM MEDIA MIDWEST PRINTER

GRACE GROVER STAFF WRITER

Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) passed four pieces of legislation, including a cap on internal spending. Senators also approved the Internal Operation Budget (IOB) for the next academic year.

Secretary of the Treasury Eve Harvy presented the IOB to the events and discretionary purposes. It passed unanimously.

Speaker Pro Tempore-elect Nicholas Barry authored legislation

getary spending. Barry said in the 2019-2020 school year, the IOB was $19,938 excluding stipends. The current academic year was $174,146, including the summer, fall and spring semesters.

Barry said with the cap, more organizations. Secretary of On-cam-

mentarian Eli Davies expressed their support, saying it will encourage sec-

ing. Senators passed this legislation.

“The current level of spending that [ASG] is doing is taking away

dent organizations,” Barry said. Barry authored another piece of legislation along with Senator Sam

voiced his support, saying it encourages transparency. This legislation was passed.

ASG also passed legislation to encourage Miami’s Farmer School of Business to include Christian organizations in their list of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) student organizations.

include Catholic Campus Ministry and Cru. He said the site was last updated in 2021 and includes several dead links.

“If you’re exploring or rather

ASG passed legislation committing itself to re-evaluatingreconstruction. Student Body President-elect Will Brinely plans to appoint a director of this comand Speaker of the Senate-elect of Senate leadership. According to the legislation, the goal is tositions.

and Inclusion August Ogunnowo and Secretary of Communications and Media Sydney Marcum repurpose is to encourage students to interact with people they never would have. Marcum said she thinks ASG.

cultural groups and

said.

of

Flying plants and a stolen vehicle in Oxford

ADAM SMITH BUSINESS MANAGER

Between April 22 and April 29, Oxford police responded to 18 incidents, according to the Oxford Police Department’s reports. were dispatched to the 10 block of S. Poplar St. for a burglary. The caller said that they heard an unknowncers searched the apartment but did suspect at this time.

At 6:38 p.m. on April 24, at the intersection of South Locust Street

On April 25 at 5:18 p.m., in the

tection order. The caller stated that her ex-boyfriend had been repeatedly walking past her residence fortection order. While on the scene, the

lating the protection order.

At 1:25 a.m. on April 26, in the 100 block of N. Poplar St., a group

scene. He was intoxicated, under 21 and in possession of a fake ID. There male was charged with possession of a fake ID and underage drinking.

Later that same morning, at 8:01 a.m., a report came in that a white 2014 Ford Focus had been stolen on the 500 block of S. Main St. the day before. There are no suspects at this

was arrested. At 2:50 a.m. on April 28, during a -

who had failed to stop at a stop sign, was found to be intoxicated. He was

ence and underage drinking.

That same morning at 5:16 a.m., in the 300 block of S. Main St., of-

ren County. He was transported and exchanged with the Warren County deputies.

smith646@miamioh.edu

“If you look at what historicallylated already, it’s a far better strategy

$36 million last year, Mullenix idenquestion at the symposium expressed concern about how these changes would impact the budget.

“The subtext here is that we are creating an experience to attract a certain type of student, or students and their parents, but I wonder what kind of faculty we’re going to be at-fessor said. “It seems to me that the

“Where there is a higher salary, that’s what a business surcharge is for. So yes, faculty in business do

Creamer added that an increased number of students are coming to Miami with credit hours already completed. Most of those hours typically some of those 18 low-enrolled programs.

macylj@miamioh.edu

‘Omigod You Guys!’ Stage Left’s ‘Legally Blonde’ was ‘Serious’ly spectacular!

Her charm and authentic emotions onstage truly shine as Elle in both her dialogue and incredible her rendition of the title song, “Le-

John Kushman, who is casted as Elle’s ex-boyfriend Warner, played an unlikeable and shallow law student perfectly as he continuously hit on Elle throughout the show despiteenne, played by Caitlin Zook.

seeing all the choreography come once in the show, so when I get to it’s so cool because they can actually Emmett Forrest, played by Ben-

Elle hone her intelligence and wits

Emmet’s character is completely opposite from his higher-up professor Callahan, played by Ian Dewey, his cunning, piranha-like demeanor.

Annabel Wildermuth’s role as Brooke exhibited the endurance and

ing her heart away in “Whipped Into

perfect Greek chorus throughout the show’s run, especially in the opening

Another standout performance was that of Paulette and Kyle, played by Camila Olsen and Will Rozak, who had the audience in tears from their impeccable comedic timing and their engaging (and awkward) -

on the back to Warner mewingcame a model, the campy humor of this show especially shined with the cast’s interpretation of each iconic character.

“The humor of ‘Legally Blonde’ senior Kira Balgo said. “The cast in choices that were made acting-wise and singing-wise really accentuated the humor and comedy in the script -

out right before the show’s opening night: a true testament to its popu-port shown for Stage Left’s performance.

“I’m so glad I got to work on this show with my friends and people I @gabbethroast

GRAPHIC BY MACEY CHAMBERLIN

SOPHIE WERTZ HAD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Campus & Community

Miami ... Merged

TAYLOR STUMBAUGH

SENIOR CAMPUS & COMMUNI-

TY EDITOR

LILY WAHL

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

In a world of romance novels, reality TV shows and love songs, expectations about college romance are high – only to be met with the dissonance of piles of homework, hook-up culture and Brick Street.

“Miami … Merged” was created

out of this imbalance as a chance for Miami University students to meet new people and experience what Oxasking someone out or the confusion of dating apps.

Two couples were matched up out of a pool of applicants based on simple questions such as majors, hobbies and interests, to more indepth prompts like ideal types, if they like to talk during movies and who is willing to kill bugs. Read about the other dates here and here.

The two dates took place between Laura and Bronwynn and

Hair

ANNA REIER

EDITOR

OXFORD

When most Miami University students need a haircut, they wait for a break or a long weekend to get it done at home. After all, there is something to be said for hairdresser loyalty. However, there are spots in Oxford that can provide you with a haircut without a trip home. Whether it be a salon, barbershop or chain, there is something for everyone.

Luna Blu - 115 W. Spring St.

Luna Blu, which has been open in Oxford for over 15 years, is a goto for students and residents alike.

ing haircuts and color, nail services, facials, massages and more. Haircut prices start at $38.

Ella Smith, a sophomore human capital management major, recently got a haircut at Luna Blu.

“I am incredibly happy with how my haircut turned out,” Smith said. “The hair really speaks for itself. Luna Blu did a great job.”

Attitudes Uptown29 E. High St.

A popular option on High Street, makeup, tanning, lashes and waxing services. Haircuts start at $35 and an all-over color service starts at $75.

Attitudes has been in business for 28 years. Co-owner Mona Kirby attri-

butes that as one of the reasons the business remains strong.

“We have the experience,” Kirby for quite some time … We really want our customers to be happy and want them to get exactly what they want. If

The Rose Room Salon317-343 S. College Ave. Avenue, The Rose Room Salon is another option for both Miami students and the Oxford community. Haircuts start at $42.

The Rose Room has received great online reviews, with a total of 4.9 stars from 64 reviewers. One cusand accommodating, getting her into the salon “in a pinch” while another, a visitor from Chicago, said that she loved her haircut.

Salon Signature - 41 E. High St

While this location is one of the more expensive options on the list, Salon Signature is an Uptown locawaxing, manicures and pedicures.

For a women’s haircut and style, customers can expect to pay around $50.

Great Clips - 421 S. Locust St. Street, is the only national chain located within Oxford.sic services like haircuts and beard

convenient features that other local salons don’t. For instance, Great system as used nationwide.motions that can make it more affordable than some local options. Faded Traditions - 8 N. Beech St.

Faded Traditions, located across the street from Kofenya Uptown, specializes in hot towel straight razor shaves. Faded Traditions is a popular option for those looking for a traditional men’s haircut. In addition, the barber shop also specializes in hair graphics. Prices start around $25. One online review said that Faded Traditions is the “best barber shop in town.” However, multiple other reviewers did note that they have closed early without notice on multiple occasions.

Bowtie Barber - 13 B E. High St.

Another barber shop option in Oxford, the Bowtie Barber, was started in 2015 by owner Keith Wiser after a 10-year stint in professional baseball. With locations in both Oxford and Nashville, the Bowtie Barber offers basic sheer haircuts, an in-depth 70 minute experience, “The Works,” and wedding packages.

Prices start at $37 for a basic haircut and $75 for “The Works” package. reieram@miamioh.edu

his contract, weemail. “We were hoping we would be but we couldn’t make it work.”

There are no local alternatives for services provided by Family Allergy and Asthma. McCullough-Hyde

Hospital and Miami Student allergy shots or other immunotherapy treatments. For local patients, the nearest alternative is a Family Allergy and which is about a 35-minute drive from Oxford, which can be challenging for students without cars.

During this high-allergy season, Lu and other residents who utilize these ser-

“Unfortunately,

get my results sent there to make the serum and start that process going.”es to receive allergy treatments proved to be more who frequently utilized these services. For patients with35- minute car ride into their schedule, this closure has made getting treatment for allergies more of a

Surviving summer: How businesses stay afloat in Oxford during the break

AMANDA WANG

THE MIAMI STUDENT

As the semester draws to a close, Oxford’s atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter. Miami University students head home for the summer, replacing the city’s lively atmosphere with a quieter rhythm. As a result, local businesses face a new challenge: staying viable.

Because of the summer slump, local business owners must adapt by doing things such as reducing hours of operation and engaging with local residents.

Economic development specialist

Seth Cropenbaker said a changing population is one of the challenges Oxford businesses face.

“We’re a community of about 8,000 permanent residents,” Cropenbaker said. “During the academic semesters, we grow to nearly 28,000 people.”

Because of the decrease in population, businesses lose most of their customer base. According to Cropenbaker, 79% of all jobs in Oxford are dependent upon the presence of Miami.

While local businesses in Oxford face challenges during the summer, they have a few tricks up their sleeve to help with the slump.

“Some businesses change or reduce hours, whether they close certain days or are closed entirely for periods of time,” Cropenbaker said.

“We try to encourage patronage in our businesses by hosting events.”

One of these events is the Uptown Music Concert Series.

“Virtually every Thursday of the summer, there are free concerts in Uptown Park,” Cropenbaker said.

“The idea behind this is ‘Hey, there’s some entertainment, come on out. Oh, by the way, while you’re here, why don’t you grab dinner Uptown?’”

Businesses also try to target Oxford residents. By tapping into the summer population of Oxford, businesses are able to build a customer base while continuing business when Miami students are on break.

“Probably our biggest opportunity to support local businesses is to try to encourage and support additional permanent residency in the city of Oxford,” Cropenbaker said.

In addition to the strategies busi-

nesses use, the Oxford governmentgrams that awards grants to Oxford businesses to support them during slow periods. According to Cropenbaker, these grants are awarded to businesses that have operated in the city for the past year.

Cropenbaker said there are similar grants that go towards business improvement.

“[These programs are] a matching grant program with an award cap of $2,500,” Cropenbaker said. “And that’s for a business to do a facade improvement.”

Facade improvements could include a new sign or paint job for the building.

Despite the summer slump, there are some businesses that are still able to keep their customer base. Attitudes Uptown, a beauty salon, serves as a prime example.

“There is less going on for us as far as the students go,” Mona Kirby, co-owner of Attitudes Uptown, said. “But that’s when we take our townspeople come in more.”

Attitudes Uptown is dependent on their long-term clientele base to been able to build this customer base by being in Oxford long enough to have returning customers.

“Now, we’ve been here long enough that we have enough regulars coming in that it’s not that big of a said.

Other businesses in Oxford are able to retain the same local customer

“We don’t usually do a ton differently… strictly because we’ve just been here for a really long time,” Matt Woods, a manager at Bagel and Deli, said. “Word of mouth kind of does our job for us. [Some customers have] been coming here for 30 years.”

Because of their business model,

“We’re not like a lot of restaurants … we can run on one person,” Woods said. “Even when it is slower, it’s still worth it for us to be open because we don’t have a ton of overhead costs there.” wanga31@miamioh.edu

Your guide to Oxford’s asparagus varieties

JIM RUBENSTEIN COMMUNITY COLUMNIST

Local asparagus has been spotted at Oxford Farmers Market. Shoppers quickly buy up the supply, so it’s important to arrive at the market around when it opens at 9 a.m. in order to take advantage of this newly-stocked item. For local food fans, availability of locally grown asparagus is the most in Oxford – nevermind graduation, Mother’s Day and the last frost. In Oxford, asparagus marks the beginning of a non-stop progression of seasonal local produce from now until winter.

Most folks know that corn on the cob tastes best when it is freshyoung and old asparagus is even more striking than with corn. Like corn, most of the sugar in asparagus converts quickly to starch.

A decade ago, it was nearly impossible to buy locally grown asparagus in Oxford. The availability of local asparagus is a testament to the faith of several Oxford-area growers. It takes three years before planted asparagus yields edible stalks, and for the That’s a long time for a local grower to wait for a sellable crop.

Asparagus comes in three colors: green, white and purple. Green and white varieties come from the same plant. When they emerge from the ground, asparagus stalks are exposed

to sunlight and turn green, but if dirt is piled on top of the stalks to prevent sunlight from reaching them, they will remain white. White is popular in Europe, but is rarely grown in America, and I have not found it among our local growers. Europeans prefer white asparagus because they think the variation is milder, more tender and less bitter than green asparagus. This time of year, known as Spargelzeit (asparagus time), Germans consume massive quantities of white asparagus at festivals and roadside stands. Purple asparagus is genetically varieties. It was developed by farmers in northwestern Italy between Genoa and Monaco. The purple color comes from anthocyanins, which are anti-matory and anti-cancer properties. Stalks are purple on the outside, but the interior is the same as green asparagus. than green and therefore slightly more tender. The purple kind is a bit sweeter because it has about 20% more sugar in its stalk than green asparagus. Local asparagus can be served with oil and vinegar dressing, or simply as a plateful of local asparagus spears, without adornment. That’s what happened to me many decades ago when I was a student in London and a local friend invited me to dinner at his aunt’s mansion. At the dinner table, surrounded

by an array of crystal, china and silthe butler, was a plate of unadorned steamed asparagus. Not knowing which of the intimidating collection of silverware to use, I waited for others to start eating. To my amazement, these elegantly dressed folks picked up the asparagus spears one at a time their mouths.

In the heat of the summer, we eagerly await local corn and we consume a year’s worth of corn on the cob in a month. Why not do the same with asparagus in the spring? After all, our local growing season for asparagus is very short.

rubensjm@miamioh.edu

About Jim

Jim Rubenstein is professor emeritus of geography. At Miami, he was chair of the department of geography and adviser for the urban & regional planning major. He now writes human geography textbooks and consults on the auto industry at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In Oxford, he is treasurer of the Board of Directors of MOON Co-op Market.

Students want Chick-fil-A, Waffle House and a movie theater, but will they get it?

AUSTIN SMITH

ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oxford is a small town with a permanent resident population of around 8,000, but when Miami University students arrive for the fall semester, its population nearly triples, when considering the students who businesses in town, such as Brick Street, OxVegas Chicken and others seek to capitalize on student demand. However, living in a small college town comes with gaps in meeting demand. For example, nowhere in Oxford can students buy men’s shoes, except maybe Walmart. So, what businesses do students want that Oxford doesn’t currently have?

The Miami Student posted a poll

on its Instagram story on April 22 asking students this question and received 43 responses. The top results

grocery store, a smoothie place, Waf-

Although Oxford currently doesn’t have these businesses, there are some plans and speculation that some of these businesses may be coming to town in the near future.

On the top of the list of businesses

Robert (Chap) Sumerauer is a junior supply chain and operations management major who said heford because of its fast service and good quality.

GRAPHIC BY HANNAH POTTS

“It would bring jobs to [Oxford],” pretty good work environment from when I worked there, and it’s just tasty food.”

Although there are no current Oxford, Seth Cropenbaker, the city’s economic development specialist, said there is a potential market for one. “In talking with the westside Hamilton [Raising] Canes, they’ve idento $25,000 a week in business from Miami University students,” Cropenbaker said. “... If you’re doing $20,000 a week [in Hamilton from Miami students], you’re a million dollar store [in Oxford].”

Cropenbaker said one of the main challenges in attracting these large

corporate brands to Oxford is the formulas they use to calculate viability.

“They’re very strategic about the communities that they move into, and that creates a pretty steep hill for us to overcome unless we can increase our permanent year-round resident base,” Cropenbaker said.

[and] if they can’t hit that [sales and revenue] target, they don’t spend a lot of time speculating on moving into [the] community.”

More 24-hour food is coming to Oxford

Students will soon be able to enjoy all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner at located at 5000 College Corner Pike. According to Cropenbaker, completion is estimated in the next 10-16 months.

Jacky Linden, a senior diplomacy and global politics major from House is an iconic American food busy students. -

nals week, people tend to work a lot in hours that might not be regular hours, so I think having some food alternatives open at all times will be

Although responses to the poller said that many of these businesses, appeal, which could help increase the likelihood of other similar businesses coming to Oxford.

“That would be the hallmark of a healthy economy,” Cropenbaker said.

“... [We are] grateful for and thankful for the presence of the university and undergraduate students … but if we only continue to build towards that [in the] future, we are continuing to develop that problem.”

Student entrepreneur-

Although Oxford is missing many businesses that students desire, stu-

dents and recent graduates are taking matters into their own hands by developing business plans that may come to fruition in the near future.

plans to oversee the creation of a movie theater or a smoothie cafe, Cropenbaker said he is working with private owners and student entrepreneurs to make these businesses possible.

“I’ve got an entrepreneur who’s looking to bring a fresh-smoothie product [to Oxford],” Cropenbaker said. “I think there’s a very strong chance we will see a fresh smoothie business that’s doing fresh product smoothies, smoothie bowls and things like that in the fall of 2024.”

He also said there is potential for -

Walgreens created when it shut down in November last year.

Although students are looking to start some of these businesses, Cropenbaker said the town’s economy presents a real challenge for entrepreneurs looking to open businesses.

“We’re really about an eightmonth economy, and then we’re really two four-month economies per year,” Cropenbaker said. “Our economy really thrives on and is driven by the presence of undergrads. So when folks aren’t here, it makes businesses hard to sustain.”

For student entrepreneurs, Cropenbaker said a comprehensive business plan is critical to ensuring success.

“I think every [business] on this list has all the opportunity in the world to exist if a well-developed plan is behind it,” Cropenbaker said.

“... If we can maybe develop a strategic plan including incentives and recruitment methods, we might see some additional businesses or industries up here get developed.”

smith854@miamioh.edu

Retiring Section

How one retiring professor encourages students to follow their musical passions

TAYLOR STUMBAUGH

SENIOR CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

EDITOR

For the past 36 years, Gary Speck taught courses in music education and conducted the melodic sounds ofthe walls of Presser Hall, permanent-

ly staining the ears of anyone passing

College Band Directors National Association.

‘She’s connecting to us’: The impact one professor has on the lives of her students

ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR

has spent her teaching career at Miof educational leadership, where courses for students.

Before her time at Miami, Rousmaniere taught high school social classroom and working with students, while earning her PhD, which led to her pursuing a career in academia.

“I really liked research and since

On top of her work at Miami, Rousmaniere has worked with the -

as an elected township trustee and at one point, mayor of Oxford. organizations such as Coalition for a Healthy Community, Oxford Seniors and more. She has also written three she studied with as a graduate student.

said she really enjoyed her time with

excited when students are engaged in

she hopes that students will remem-importance of research.

Mackenzie Morgan, a sophomore primary education major, had Rousmaniere for Intro to Commucourse for her minor. Morgan said the students would refer to Rousmaniere

of the nicest and most caring profes-

lems or anything like that with our

Morgan said that contrary to classes she has taken with other professors, Rousmaniere set hers up so that students are constantly engaged,

just replying to a message from one student, she actually had her students

gage with each other.

with Rousmaniere, she said that the thing students will miss most is her smile and how much she genuinely

“How kind, caring and passionate Morgan said. “She really is one of the

Although Speck has spent most of his career in higher education, he He started as a high school teacher in Houston, where he conducted years, he decided doctoral school was calling his name, so he pursued a -

of Music (CCM).

dergrad years at Michigan worked at Miami while Speck was studying at CCM. He referred him to the music department chair for a teaching posi-

sistant professor for a year and then

“Something like that is nice to -

miss directing and making music a music education major with an inhas to audition for.

Speck encouraged students to go todex cards he had for each student. -

I looked forward to it all the time.

powers40@miamioh.edu

proudest accomplishments.

Spanning more than three decades, he orchestrated four wind en-

people all this time and it continues said. “... and when students, after they

music department and the wind enwind percussion instruments, harp, Speck is retiring after the Ohio

that the right time is now.

stumbata@miamioh.edu

‘Something I never thought of’: Architecture professor found himself teaching by ‘accident’

museum, and during that time, he met with some of the faculty in thecidentally opened up, and 35 years later, he is still teaching in the same lecture halls.

he wanted a career that would allow

come an engineer. After participating in an academic aptitude camp at Allegheny College, his results pointed to architecture. A year later, he found himself en-

originally from.

his architecture license in California of an architecture department at a settle down and start a family. we sort of agreed that my wife would

home with them, which meant that that at some point, we would switch

Oxford. The summer they returned,

For a while, he continued to do projects around town, some of which include the exterior of the

cade of what is now Brick Street Bar, Chili, residential projects and more.

dio programs in London, Barcelona and Prague, he decided to put his independently-run practice on pause.

“A student would want to do something crazy, and I would say,

In the same way, he said teaching

“It would challenge me in some and encourage them to explore that stupid idea and potentially make it

one of the reasons Katie Matricaria came to Miami. Matricaria attended the Summer Scholars Program in high school and

time. Since coming to Miami, she outside the classroom.

sophomore interior design majorthe students come into Miami as his career.

Lucia Morello: The glue of the gay community

GINA

ROTH THE

MIAMI STUDENT

To say that senior Lucia Morello is important to the LGBTQ+ community at Miami University would be an understatement.

Morello, a graduating zoology and individualized studies major, is known for his big heart. As a student worker at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) and social media chair for Spectrum, an LGBTQ+ club that hosts programming and events for students, he has his hands on a lot of on-campus queer culture.

“If you’ve ever taken a silly little pin from the CSDI, there’s a 75% chance I made it,” Morello said.

Morello works as one of the main organizers of the open doors clothes closet at CSDI, which provides free community on campus through donations. He is also the social media exec for Model UN and an undergraduate assistant for WST 322 (Art and Politics of Representation).

Existing in these many communities allows him to cast a wide net of generosity and care.

At his combination 22nd birthday and 10th anniversary Gay Bash, stu-

dents from all walks of life arrived to shower him with gifts.

Mia Demetro, a graduate student studying transformative education, attended with some friends.

“Lucia is like the glue of all of this,” Demetro said. “[He] does a really good job and gluing them together.”

Other students talk about how Morello’s visibility as openly queer on campus is an important source of representation for them.

Nate Hall, a senior political science major, saident without Morello.

“If Lucia leaves, it’s like if the sun is disappearing,” Hall said.

Morello, taken aback by this outpouring of kindness, looked out over the party.

“That makes me want to cry,” Morello said. “In a positive way.” rothra2@gmail.com

The politics of comedy: How one senior found his passion through improv

ALICE MOMANY

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Although Harrison Crone has attended Miami University for four years, he didn’t start calling himself a “Miami student” until he was in his second year.

Like most seniors graduating this year, Crone began his college career on a computer screen outside the Oxford city limits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He attended virtual classes and got involved in student organizations, but it wasn’t until he stepped foot on campus that his college journey began.

“It wasn’t even a transition for me,” Crone said. “I was online that didn’t even feel real.”

When Crone got to campus, he didn’t get lost amongst the same year students do. He had previously stayed on Miami’s campus to participate in the American Legion Buckeye Boys State, an immersive experience that introduces high school boys to government.

“It was during that summer camp [that] I was like, ‘I’m really interested in politics, but I don’t law side of things,’” Crone said. Crone came to Miami as a po-

litical science major with his sights on becoming a lawyer. Since he was somewhat familiar with the campus, this fueled his excitement to get involved in many aspects of campus life. Getting caught up in academics and losing his aspirations to become a lawyer led Crone to lose interest in many of those organizations, but one that never lost his commitment was Miami’s improv group, Sketched Out.

“I’ve traveled abroad, I was a senator (for Associated Student Government), I’ve done lots of important thing has been Sketched Out Improv.” Through Sketched Out, Crone said he’s learned how to talk to people, express himself and the importance of teamwork. It’s also where he met one of his best friends and future co-president, Annie Joseph. As juniors, Crone and Joseph had both been members of the organization for three years and built a close friendship.

“Because of how improv is,

said. “So you have to have that relationship within the presidency because that’s just what improv is, you’re building.”

For Joseph, she said there was no one else she’d rather lead the organization with.

“I think he’s a great leader,” the senior religion and psychology major said. “He’s driven and passionate.”

Throughout their reign, Joseph said Crone taught her how to stay professional while still having fun.

“We’re leaders, and it can be easy in a college environment to be like, ‘Oh, these things will get done,’” Joseph said. “But Harrison’s really on top of everything always and takes it all seriously, [and] he also is always positive and leaves all his distraction and negativities at the door when we have practice.”

As Crone prepares to walk across the graduation stage, the thoughts of him in law school and a courtroom are long behind him. Now, he is looking to continue performing improv, hoping to one day be a comedy writer.

Despite his delayed start on campus and an overeagerness to get involved in many student organizations, Crone said he was able

“Don’t get caught up in it all,” he said. “At the end of the day, you choose your path, and no one else can tell you otherwise.”

momanyaj@miamioh.edu

Karli Spaid’s rise to the top

among Miami athletics, but nationally.

Karli Spaid, a current Miami University women’s softball player, has just reached No. 2 in the overall NCAA rankings for most home runs hit in a college career.

Spaid, a Chicago native and current senior sports leadership and management major, began playing softball at a young age before discovering the Miami program.

“I went on a visit and instantly fell in love with the campus and the team culture,” Spaid said. “Everything about the softball program here was great, so it was kind of a no-brainer.”

For head coach Kirin Kumar, having her on the team for four years has been nothing short of rewarding, watching Spaid grow throughout her career and lead the team in several ways.

“Watching her mature from freshman year to her senior year and seeing the leader she has turned out to be is probably the most enjoyable thing,” Kumar said. “Karli has her way of doing it where she is always amped up and loud all the time.” Spaid has broken numerous records at Miami, including career batting average, runs, home runs and RBIs.

Currently, Spaid has 253 career hits, owning the Mid-American Conference record. Her performances continue to be recognized not just

“We knew it was there, she’s been doing this the last three years,” Kumar said. “We got put on the stage when we played Oklahoma and I am extremely proud that she can show the entire country not only what she can do, but what her team behind her can do.”

Beyond her successes, however, lies a team that helped shape not only the player she has become, but also the woman she has become. every single year, but every year is special in itself,” Spaid said. “Everyone genuinely supports each other and cares about how other people are doing and I feel like that’s rare because you are still competing against the people on your team for a spot every single day.”

Beyond graduation, Spaid plans to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee with hopes of playing professional ball or coaching in the future.

The softball team currently stands with a 38-7 overall record for the season and 19-1 in the MAC heading into the last few games. Regular season play for the RedHawks will conclude on May 5 before the MAC tournament begins on May 8.

HAYLEY LUBY THE MIAMI STUDENT

‘The People’s Joker’: A campy chance to be represented in media

DEVIN ANKENEY

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

I don’t often see myself represented in the movies.

Sometimes I’ll see a protagonist with the same passions that I have. Sometimes I’ll see love stories that remind me of my past relationships. But it’s rare to see transgender representation on the silver screen.

“The People’s Joker,” written, starring and directed by Vera Drew, is one of the few examples where I’ve felt truly seen. It’s a fair-use parody of “Joker” (2019) that couldn’t be more camp if it tried.

unnamed main character in a coming-of-age story, following some of

STELLA POWERS

the events of “Joker” in that she seeks out a comedy career and calls herself Joker.

It took more than 18 months between its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before thees. I’d been hearing about it for quite some time, and knew from the moto see it. I drove all the way to Chicago to see “The People’s Joker” at the Music Box Theatre so I could attend the director’s Q&A. Besides being the best

ously didn’t know were possible.

ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR

Whether you love her or hate her, everyone is talking about Taylor Swift in one way or another. It’s pretty much unavoidable at this point — she comes up in a variety of circles: music, football and most other social situations one can think of. I have been in restaurants before where I have overheard people talking about how much they don’t like Swift, despite not being able to name a single true fact about her. She is always being talked about in some way, regardless of context or setting.son to reach billionaire status from exclusively being a musician. However, her impact extends far beyond the music industry. Her albums almost always top the charts, but she also has a and even people’s lives.

When she released her album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift broke a variety of records. For example, it became the most presaved album on Spotify, broke records regard-

both “Joker” and “Saturday Night Live,” “The People’s Joker” uses a creative litany of stylistic choices from basic green screens to Cameo videos from Robert Wuhl to various animated styles.

incredibly personal to her. It took years to fully develop and get released amid backlash from Warner Bros. Before we even hit the end credits, it became incredibly personal to me.

experiences the protagonist had with her mother, an abusive rela-self. I’ve not had perfect parallels to every bullet the main character to weave it all together in a way that became relatable simply to my experience as transgender person.

I’ve seen movies with transgender characters. “Monkey Man” earlier in April prominently featured trans characters. Even “A Man Called Otto” had a trans character. Before “The People’s Joker,” I’d never seen such a comedy that perfectly showcases a trans experience on the big screen. Through Drew’s own experiences with trans-ness, she builds a story that resonates with a trans audience. Sitting in the theater, I felt as though I were watching “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” the weekend it was released. It was transcendental. It was history only a few rows in front of my eyes.

ing the most single-day streams and became the fastest album to reach one billion streams in Spotify history.

But Swift did more than just break records with this album release. At 2 a.m. on the release day, Swift released 15 additional tracks on top of the standard album, including a track titled “thanK you aIMee.” The capital letters spell out Kim, which many fans assumed referred to Kim Kardashian.

Swift and Kardashian have a long history, dating back to when Kardashian was with Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West). West and Swift had their existing issues, butcorded and edited a phone call with Swift. West was releasing a song that mentioned Swift in a negative light, claiming that he was the reason she was famous, and Kardashian leaked the edited phone call to convince the public that Swift was OK with this.

Eight years later, in 2024, Swift released the “thanK you aIMee” track, which talked aboutdashian — bullied Swift and attempted to ruin her life.

It’s easy to feel lost with a non-conforming gender identity. It’s a strugof myself. Often, it’s easier to simply push it aside and focus on the other parts of me that make up who I am. safe. I felt at home. I felt comfortable. I was on the screen in my own way, seen myself represented in a movie before.

“The People’s Joker” knows it will feel that way for trans viewers. It is Drew knows it has at least some impact for at least some viewers. But it doesn’t become an overwhelming montage of “Here, folks, this is what trans is and why it should be OK!”

It’s a dramatic comedy that reminded me of any number of Adult Swim shows like “Smiling Friends” inent elements. I laughed almost more than I found myself feeling seen.

There’s a moment when an anianimation style than almost any otherRobert Wuhl, an actor famous for his role as Alexander Knox in “Batman”eo video that Drew acquired simply through the service and asking if he’d

I’ve intentionally left out much The story here is important. But, in

Fans did not take this lightly. Not long after the album’s release, Kardashian lost hundreds of thousands of followers on InInstagram with comments like “thanK you aIMee,” “just apologize,” “aIMee you’re doing amazing sweetie!” and more along those lines.

Kardashian isn’t the only celebrity to be Kayla Nicole, who formerly dated Travis Kelce, Swift’s current boyfriend, has faced backlash from Swift’s fans. On April 18, the day before Swift’s album release, Nicole shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she is unproblematic and wants to be left alone.

it, I’ve found myself thinking of “The People’s Joker” as a monumental step toward trans representation in media on the level it should be.

crap out of you. It’ll provide moments of introspection that trans people can relate to. It’ll confuse the hell out of to say this — it regularly looks like

Drew’s two hands.

It’s a campy mess, but it’s messy in all the right ways. After four years in Oxford, struggling with my own gender performance and identity, it was exactly what I needed to re-engage with my love and passion for this side of myself.

“The People’s Joker” is a comedic masterpiece that is not — and I cannot stress this enough — for everyone. But for me and, judging by the crowd’s cheers, many other people who have yearned for genuine trans representation to make it to the theaters, it was damn good.

It’s an instant classic. A foundational text in trans cinema. It’s my early pick for the must-see of the de-tributed to the masses (I’m talking to you, Warner Bros. lawyers).

Rating: 9/10

ankenedw@miamioh.edu

wrote along with the album but never released. Even Swift’s re-recordings topped the charts, getting more streams than the originals that she put out in years prior.

A fan account for Swift responded to the post, saying, “‘Unproblematic’ is not liking tweets hating on your ex boyfriends who you can clearly not move on from, new girl who is successful, as you are too.” Other accounts replied calling Swift’s fans a “truly toxic fanbase.”

What Swift may be most known for, though, is the “(Taylor’s Version)” movement, where she re-recorded her old songs to get back the rights, while also releasing an additional few tracks she

“The Eras Tour,” Swift’s stadium tour that takes fans through all of her eras in its threeand-a-half hour runtime, is said to have had money than any other concert in U.S. history. Swift’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, but her impact on the world as a whole is powers40@miamioh.edu

‘Buzzfeed Unsolved’ now costs money

ABBEY ELIZONDO SENIOR

For fans of the “Buzzfeed Unsolved” series that turned into the Watcher channel in 2022, producers

Ryan Bergara, Shane Madeaj and Steven Lim have decided to create their own platform, Watcher TV.

The Watcher channel announced this new platform on YouTube. In a 14-minute video, Bergara, Madeaj and Lim reminisce about their life experiences that led them to create the Watcher channel. Their time at Buzzfeed was what initially started “Buzz-

feed Unsolved: Supernatural,” the series that turned into “Ghost Files,” and without it, they wouldn’t have gained a following for the Watcher channel.

At the end of the video, they outline the new program they will use to post content, costs and what exclusive features subscribers will receive compared to what was available on the Watcher YouTube channel. Funny enough, while discussing how the subscription would work, Madeaj encouraged fans to share account passwords so more people would have access to new seasons.

Bergara, on the other hand, was quiet about encouraging people to share subscriptions, claiming that the reason behind the change was to adequately pay people who worked on Watcher shows.

When I watched this video, I imagined infomercial music in the background and Bergara saying, “For

only $5.99 a month, you can pay for content you used to get for free on YouTube,” and I wasn’t the only person to feel this way. Fans across the internet slammed Bergara, Madeaj and Lim for this choice, and said they were making a huge mistake.

A comment left by user UnpleasantAlex on the announcement video reads, “If a show doesn’t perform well on (YouTube), where it’s completely free and fully accessible to the largest audience in the world, then explain how it’d get more views on an independent streaming platform with a subscription fee. These guys are the worst when it comes to business

I couldn’t agree more with this comment. As someone who only subscribes to Spotify Premium to avoid excessive subscription charges, The Watcher channel is in trouble. I didn’t think it could get worse, until it completely did when they posted an apology video for their announcement four days after the original video.

I’m not as invested in the Watcher channel as I used to be, but this claimed that a $5.99 subscription fans. Then they dialed back, apoloassume all their viewers could pay a monthly price. Shane talked about how they would provide refunds to people who were misled or already had a subscription to their Patreon channel.

The details are complicated and users. But that’s not why I’m concerned about the future of Watcher’s platform.

Once Ryan and Shane left Buzzfeed, there was a serious tone shift in the content they created. “Buzzfeed Unsolved” had a certain, jokingly satirical feel, with low-quality transitions, images and recreations of events when discussing true crime cases. Shane made fun of ghosts, Ryan and almost anything imaginable to add a light-hearted feel.

“Ghost Files” increased its pro-

duction quality, decreased Shane’s shenanigans and had me less interested in the channel. I enjoyed the new locations the ghost bros decided to visit, but I didn’t laugh as hard as I used to watch “Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural” with my friends.

The subscription model is the quickest way to lose fans who have stuck with Watcher since they left Buzzfeed. I would never pay any money to watch content I used to get for free. Yes, I may miss out on the new seasons of “Ghost Files” and “Puppet History,” but I can watch the marathon of “Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural” season four as often as I want.

Don’t apologize for something that you won’t change, even after people spoke up about their problems with the subscription model. Until they -

viewers and the Watcher team, I’ll be watching reruns instead of draining

elizonar@miamioh.edu

The quintessential college graduation playlist

CHLOE SOUTHARD

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Graduation is right around the corner for many Miami seniors. I’m a junior, but that won’t playlist. And, in my own self interest, this will come in handy for when I graduate. Consider this playlist a graduation gift.

‘Graduation (Friends Forever)’ — Vitamin C is the graduation song. Long before I graduated high school and was a small child, this track was enough to bring me to tears. The lyrics about departing from your friends and moving on with your life are bittersweet.

It still makes me a bit emotional, but I mostly think of the scene from “Scary Movie 2” when I hear it now.

‘Grow’ — Conan Gray

This song is about embracing the person when it comes to graduation. We’re constantly growing and changing; we don’t know what lies ahead of us, but the best we can do is try to make

peace with that fact now and look forward to the future.

‘Where’d All the Time Go?’ — Dr. Dog

If you were on TikTok circa 2021, chances are you’ll recognize this song. Basic, I know, but the lyrics and mood of the track are perfect for the occasion.

‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ — Queen

Not all songs pertaining to graduation need to be sad or bittersweet. This is a huge moment in your life, and you should be pumped! This track is exactly how you should feel: You’re on your way now, and you shouldn’t let anyone get in your way.

‘Dog Days Are Over’ — Florence + The Machine

Another celebratory song. You’ve just made it through some of the most challenging years of your life; I’m sure it’s a great feeling to get to the

‘Vienna’ — Billy Joel

This is a classic about being young and having the rest of your life ahead of you. Need I say more?

‘Tongue Tied’ — GROUPLOVE

My friends and I blasted this song in the car after graduating high school. I suggest you

do the same, if you haven’t already. It feels like

‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ — ABBA

This one is mostly for your parents or the people who raised you. They’ll already be emotional from watching you graduate, and this song won’t make it any better, but it’s beautiful and deserves to be included.

‘The Night Is Still Young’ — Nicki Minaj Barbz, this one’s for you. You deserve to go a little crazy after such a big milestone, and while this song is upbeat and fun, it also has a slightly poignant vibe.

‘Ribs’ — Lorde this song even more. Growing up is scary; the is a burden. But Lorde captures that feeling so well on this track.

‘Get Free’ — Lana Del Rey song to every playlist I make. This track is about wanting to move forward, “out of the black, into the blue.”

‘Free Woman’ — Lady Gaga

Sticking with the theme of freedom, this song is perfect, even if you aren’t a woman. It’s fun

and danceable — perfect for a graduation party.

‘Kids’ — Current Joys

The lyrics of this song hit close to home; you are no longer a kid, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing what you want in life.

‘Time of Our Lives’ — Pitbull and Ne-Yo

This was actually my graduating class’ song. graduation rather than high school, but don’t tell them I said that.

‘Long Live (Taylor’s Version)’ — Taylor Swift If I failed to add a Taylor Swift song to this playlist, I think Swifties would probably dox and one. Please don’t hurt me.

‘Changes’ — David Bowie

This one is pretty self explanatory. Bowie says it best: “Turn and face the strange.”

‘Class of 2013’ — Mitski Sorry about this one. If you’re graduating, congratulations — I envy you. If you aren’t graduating, save this playlist. It’ll come in handy when the time comes. southacr@miamioh.edu

STAFF WRITER

GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD.

GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD.

GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD.

MEREDITH PERKINS SENIOR STAFF WRITER

As school gets busier, my breakfasts get… well, creative.

In the past few weeks, my breakfast has largely consisted of a few rushed spoonfuls of vanilla Greek yogurt straight from my 32-oz carton and chugging a mug of Keurig black

This lackluster combination is the direct result of me choosing 10 minutes of extra sleep over 10 minutes of preparing breakfast.

On days where I might not get lunch until the mid-afternoon, the

While I can buy a Starbucks breakfast sandwich on campus, I often enjoy eating my breakfast as I’m getting ready in my apartment.

Thus, for this week’s food column, I challenged myself to come up withcious and easy to cook up.

When deciding what to meal prep, I gave myself three criteria points.

First, whatever dish I make must take up limited fridge space, as I share a fridge with three other people who also need space for their meals.

Second, the dish must use only

Third, it must be high-protein and enough calories to sustain me through my morning classes without needing a snack break.

With this criteria, I decided to cre-

ate a spicy fried-egg sandwich with brown sugar and honey turkey bacon on white bread.

Although it is possible to mealprep the eggs in advance, I prefer the taste of freshly-cooked eggs to reheated eggs, so I decided the only element I would prepare in advance would be the bacon.

I bought 1 pound of turkey bacon and cut each piece in half. In a large pan over medium-high heat, I added the bacon and drizzled a tablespoon of honey and another tablespoon of brown sugar to add some depth to its

When the turkey bacon reached a crispy consistency, I removed it from the heat and refrigerated it in an airtight container. Thus, in the morning, the only thing I would need to do is toast my bread, heat the bacon and fry my egg.

To fry my eggs, I heated 1 tablespoon of butter over high heat and cracked one medium egg. I let the egg cook until the edges were solidi-

seasoning, salt and pepper. Then, I put two half-strips of bacon in the microwave for 30 seconds.

When the microwave was done, I grabbed my toast from the toaster, added the fried egg, drizzle Cholula hot sauce on top and then the turkey bacon. To add variance day-by-day, I would switch up the hot sauce, add jam.

In total, the breakfast sandwich took me three minutes to prepare.

advance incentivizes me to cook in the mornings because I know that I already have the most complicated ingredient pre-cooked.

sandwich to be far superior to a Starbucks double-smoked bacon breakfast sandwich, as mine has more everything bagel seasoning, brown sugar, honey and Cholula sauce.

For someone looking to pre-make a batch of breakfast sandwiches and have no cooking required in the or tortillas instead of toast and cutting squares out of scrambled eggs cooked in a sheet pan can make this meal easily freezable and reheatable.

Overall, by pre-making breakfast ingredients, I have found a delicious

gurt scoops.

perkin16@miamioh.edu

KAITLIN MCDOWELL FOOD EDITOR

Cincinnati’s annual Flying Pig Marathon is celebrating its 25th anniversary May 3-5. This weekend of events attracts Ohio residents and visitors to run the 5K or 10K as well as lots of activities, food and live music.

In honor of this race weekend, Graeter’s is selling a special edition “Flying Pig Tracks” pint. As a non-Ohio native and ice cream enthusiast, I discovered Graeters when arriving at Miami University, and I fell in love with itsvors. Thus, when I heard news of this special edition pint, I had to walk up High Street to try it for myself.

Upon arriving at Graeters, I pur-vor, which is described as vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge and peanut butter cups. I love peanut butter promising.

cookies and cream, mostly vanilla with chocolate swirls throughout. As I scooped the dessert into my cup, I also saw that there were mini peanut butter cups in the mix as well. needless to say I was underwhelmed.

The ice cream was overwhelminglyvor. There were hints of chocolate, but I had expected the fudge to be more similar to thick fudge in a Ben and Jerry’s pint, whereas this was simply chocolate mixed into vanilla ice cream.

redeem itself with the peanut butter cups, but these were underwhelming as well. There was barely any peanut butter in their center, which was deceiving. It would have been more accurate to describe these cups as chocolate chunks, because the chocolate

suggest to Graeters adding chocolate

By no means was this ice cream bad, it had all the elements of a good Personally, I think special edition really makes them special. There was entice me to buy it again or crave it after it is no longer sold.

Rating: 5/10

mcdowekr@miamioh.edu

A plea to Miami University’s leadership for political neutrality

DANIEL E. HALL

PROFESSOR OF JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY STUDIES AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

In recent weeks, several college campuses have been home to protests and encampments, both lawful and unlawful, over the Israel-Hamas war. Most of these demonstrations have been staged by pro-Palestinian activists. Some of them have been interpreted as antisemitic, and many Jewish students have reported acts of intimidation and violence since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The initial responses of universities were seen as tepid by many Americans. Consequently, the United States House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce conducted hearings about the safety of Israeli and Jewish students on Dec. 5, 2023. Among other witnesses, the presidents of Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and the Massachusetts Unprepared for an ambush by Representative Elise Stefanik (RNY 21st District), the presidents appeared tone deaf to the horrors of the attack on Israelis, and to the welfare of their own students.

The trio appeared cold, measured and needlessly legalistic. They wafprotect their students, testifying that “context” is important. Most troubling, the presidents failed to defend, nonetheless educate about, the core mission of a university: to advance the discovery and dissemination of knowledge.

National Public Radio referred to the testimony as disastrous. Doug the U.S., characterized the presidents as exhibiting a “lack of moral clarity.”

cials reacted disapprovingly, resulting in the Penn president resigning and contributing to the resignation of Harvard’s president, who was also caught up in allegations of plagiarism.

Subsequently, and in a possible overreaction to the fallout from the hearing, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been shot with rubber

Although these events are too fresh to draw any conclusions about the necessity of these interventions, this isn’t good for anyone.

The presidents were right about context. First Amendment law is highly contextual. On the other hand, the public response to their testimonies is also contextual.

The history of those universities speaking loudly about progressive matters, sometimes punishing dissenters from the center-right, made their newfound concern for the academic freedom of antisemitic speech on their campuses appear to be intellectually dishonest and hypocritical. Yet the pickle they found themselves in isn’t new. There are many reasons the academic freedom rock and a political hard place.

One reason is the increasing cor-

poratization and consumerization of colleges. For decades, particularly in public universities where state support as a percentage of total expenses has sharply declined, the scarcity of resources has caused higher education to behave like big business.

Today, students aren’t only learners, they are customers; faculty are morphing from scholars into simple laborers; college presidents are less leaders than managers; and donors, alumni and other external players are treated as shareholders. These changes cause universities to pander to the demands of their “customers.”

This was true of the trio of presidents the threats presented by, and in some instances acceded to the demands of, their antisemitic and anti-Israel students and faculty.

Another factor, which is often fuel for anti-intellectual and conservative attacks on higher education, is that a re-progressive elitism has taken hold of most college campuses. The data on the liberal bias in higher education is stunning and largely uncontested.

One researcher found, as self-reported by faculty, ratios of Democrats to Republicans of 44:1 in sociology, 48:1 in English, 70:1 in religion and 108:0 in anthropology, communications and interdisciplinary studies. Consequently, most academic departments in the humanities and social sciences have no conservative faculty, whatsoever. A lesser skew was found in the hard sciences and adjacent profesin chemistry, 6:1 in physics and 2:1 in engineering.

Another change has been in how

search Institute began collecting the data: 58% of faculty reported that one of their responsibilities was to encourage students to become agents of social change. By 2016, the last time

the data was collected, that number had increased to 81%.

This is hardly an incubator for intellectual diversity. Unsurprisingly, Penn and Harvard were ranked 247 and 248 out of 248 universities in support of free expression by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. You read that right: Two of the most prestigious universities in the U.S., if not the world, were last and next to last in one of the most important aspects of a university’s mission. If they were students, their grades would be an F.

Although most faculty deny it, the ideological homogeneity of professors isn’t good for teaching, research or student development. I also believe that it has contributed to the nation’s alarming political divide.

When these changes are added to the contemporary appetite for virtue signaling, the product is a practice of colleges issuing missives about political and social issues. Most of these statements have expressed progressive ideas about race, policing, war and economics. Across the nation, professors who disagree with their institutions’ narratives have been ostracized, doxed, suspended, banned from campus and terminated by their institutions. Liberals, historically champions of free speech, have silenced intellectuals who exAttempts to approach issues of racial justice or COVID policy in a scholarly manner, bringing nuance and evidence to these subjects, have ruined careers. To be fair, the problem isn’t entirely one-sided, as evinced by recent attempts to suppress the speech of pro-Palestinian students.

Miami University isn’t immune to has declined by 41% since 2000 (ad-

creasingly called upon to act as registrar, recruiter and marketer, and with

ami experience” we both were going I know that nostalgia glamorizes the past, but his Miami with a racist depiction of a Native American should not be a contender for which

corporate capacity, such as when its property or funds are in question. In the current context, it is reasonable for a university to students from physical harm and violence. Otherwise, silence is golden.

clear path and a shield against political interventions. This can be seen in UChicago President Alivisatos’ statement concerning the encampment of April 29, 2024.ty’s support of free speech, even viewpoint neutrality on the conthat encampments and protests that don’t block the learning or expression of others and do not meaningfully disrupt the functioning or safety of the university examples of permitted and forbidden expression. For the former, was allowed for weeks. As an illustration of the latter, the university didn’t permit the occupation of a building because the conduct interfered with student learning and the university’s normal operations.

an outsized concern for its “brand,” the university sometimes prioritizes shining the “M” over the free speech interests of its students and faculty.

Universities have an obligation to do more than respect academic freedom; they are obliged to create environments where contentious, sometimes hurtful, discussions thrive. They must have clarity of purpose and the personal fortitude to resist the demands of students, parents, faculty, donors and politicians. Although upholds the mission of universities while minimizing the fallout for refusing to accede to political demands.

The University of Chicago (UChicago), commonly regarded as a leader in free speech and inquiry, has had the answer for decades: institutional neutrality. UChicago’s neutrality policy is expressed in the “Kalven Report” (1967), which reads, in part:

“The instrument of dissent and criticism is the individual faculty member or the individual student. The university is the home and sponsor of critics; it is not itself the critic. It is, to go back once again to the classic phrase, a community of scholars.

To perform its mission in society, a university must sustain an extraordinary environment of freedom of inquiry and maintain an independence from political fashions, passions, and pressures. A university, if it is to be true to its faith in intellectual inquiry, must embrace, be hospitable to, and encourage the widest diversity of views within its own community. It is a community but only for the limited, albeit great, purposes of teaching and research. It is not a club, it is not a trade association, it is not a lobby.”

The authors of the “Kalven Re-tions to the neutrality principle, such as threats to the “mission of the university and its values of free inquiry,” and when a college is speaking in its

version of Miami is correct. Hell, with just one “Miami University racism” plethora of articles on racist events, the most recent one being from December of 2023. He denounced this school not due to the incredible accounts of racism, misogyny, classism, homophobia, transphobia and everything else swept under the rug with a president-signed apology email, but once I came out as nonbinary. That’s when he no longer claimed the school. This is no longer his Miami.

The Miami I don’t claim is the Miami that sends out roughly three emails a month reporting sexual assault on campus — God only knows how many go unreported. The Miami I don’t claim is the Miami that promised LGBT+ students an inclusive living space while dismissing the multiple accounts of harassment faced in the allotted safe space. The Miami I don’t claim is the Miover an alleged leaked text exchange between a member and recruit, asking her to delete pictures she had posted with a black girl as it’s a “bad look” for the sorority. The Miami I don’t claim is the Miami that upholds a predominantly white, rich, straight, cis-gendered demographic that believes we can move on from the past because of a mascot change, acknowledgment of Freedom Summer, acknowledgment of the Myaamia people and a couple of required DEI training modules.

The Miami that is not the alumnus’ is the one that promised to educate adolescents, and instead “turned them woke” by providing them with the independence to think beyond

There is a long history of political and social expression by students on college campuses. As students are exposed to new ideas, explore injustice and experience the feelings that attend learning uncomfortable truths, they will react. These impulses should not be suppressed when expressed lawfully. However, most college students have not reached full emotional or intellectual maturity. It is incumbent on faculty and university leaders to guide them; to educate them in the methods of civil discourse in a liberal democracy, to teach respect for the rights of others and in the most extreme instances, the elements of civil disobedience. What a university shouldn’t do is take a political posithe expression of students or faculty. Miami, and its constituent units, should adopt a policy that empowers its faculty and students, free of the chilling power of university proclamations, to speak through their public statements, research and teaching. With respect, I ask the leaders of the University Senate, the Board of Trustees, the president and the provost to consider adopting the Kalven principles.

This op-ed is an updated version of a column that appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and is published by The Miami Student with the Enquirer’s permission. hallslaw@yahoo.com

At The Student, we are committed to engaging with our audience and listening to feedback. This includes publishing a diverse array of guest editorials. For more information on guidelines and processes, email Sam Norton, The Student’s opinion editor at nortonsm@miamioh.edu.

the constructs of which they were raised. My “wokeness” was the opportunity to explore my identity and independence tested my abilities to care for myself and navigate my own happiness.

My Miami is the “woke” Miami. I am not ashamed to claim that title. My community within the art education program taught me to be my most compassionate, empathetic, optimistic and truest self. Without my major, I would’ve never learned about Freedom Summer, or the Myaamia tribe, or worked with mentors to teach about the culture that was ignored for so many years.

The Miami that is not mine is the one that promises radical inclusivity while catering to the same group of individuals since 1809, and only 30 years ago.

mcknigc@miamioh.edu

FRANKIE MCKNIGHT

GRAPHIC BY DREW KOEWLER

GRAPHIC BY HANNAH POTTS

JEFFREY

MIDDLETON SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Two Miami University RedHawks pitchers, junior right-handers Peyton Olejnik and Ahmad Harajli, sit in the before the beginning of an important three-game weekend set.

On Scully’s computer lies a myriad of data points and colorful visuals of the pitchers’ craft.

The numbers on Scully’s computtechnology around the ballpark that from college to the major leagues.

From the simple radar gun to highspeed cameras and even an in-stadium TrackMan unit (a ball-tracking technology that uses 3D radar to follow the location and movement of pitches and batted balls), the Miami technology to help them develop.

However, having the numbers and using them correctly to develop your

Under Scully and graduate assistant Riley Feltner, Miami’s pitcher Mid-American Conference (MAC) in numerous result-based categories because of the work it puts into understanding and applying the data with

each pitcher.

Feltner has been involved in baseball all his life. The former pitcher at Kent State and pitching coach at his alma mater, Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, taught himself how to code. As a result, he program as an assistant to the former

After he graduates, Feltner has a job waiting with Major League Base-alyst and pitching development role. But while still in Oxford, he and Scully work in tandem to help the men on get batters out.

“I’ve been super fortunate because Coach Scully has allowed me to play a role in the development of the pitchers,” Feltner said. “I have a decent on-

I see something a guy could improve,teristics or movement patterns, we’ll the same page, which we usually are, he has given me the ok to implement

Feltner and Scully examine a wide array of numbers that decipher what a pitcher needs to improve or can keep doing well. Information that is measured includes spin rate, average pitch velocity, horizontal and vertical break, extension, vertical release point and other metrics.

Their job is to break down the player’s approach, body rotation, arm movement, ball release and pitch action as it approaches the zone.

The goal is for pitchers to have weapons in their arsenal that are next level.

“For me as a pitching coach, I’m and how it grades out in terms of winning at this level and then preparing for the next level,” Scully said. “It’s not necessarily what works [at Miami], but what can you grade out as a pro pitch?”

The most crucial time for the Making adjustments and being versatile throughout the season is essential, but preseason bullpen sessions and scrimmages give pitchers the chance to see their strengths and weaknesses

For some, it gives them the chance to toy around with new weapons they can add to their arsenal.

“I came [to Miami] not really having a changeup,” Olejnik said. “So during the fall, I made it my goal to gain that third pitch to help be the guy out of the bullpen or the guy that starts. Having the technology really helped me see what I was doing wrong. I still take my lumps on the road, and that’s all within the learning process. But I’ve seen strides.”

Olejnik’s 60 strikeouts in 46.1 in-

nings pitched are tied for the highest on the team, and he has learned to trust his new pitch, using it in high-leverage spots to get the job done.

For Harajli, the focus was not on adding a new pitch. Instead, it was about adjusting one he used often but couldn’t locate after transferring from the University of Michigan.

“For me, it’s been my slider,” Harajli said. “When you talk about landing a slider more for strikes, it’s really hard to tell a kid what to do without him seeing past examples. [Feltner] would show me a lot of big leaguer high-speed video as well as their numbers, and I would try to mimic that in my bullpens and my scrimmages in the fall. Then, I would compare how I threw with the video and the numbers in order to expedite my development.”

have found success after using the available technology. Right-handed redshirt junior Patrick Mastrian IV and left-handed sophomore Carson Byers both worked with Feltner to adjust pitches in their arsenals.

For Mastrian, the adjustment was made to his slider by transitioning it from a “gyro-slider” averaging 77 mph, as Feltner described it, to a sweeping slider. Over the fall, they decided to keep the velocity the same and instead add 12 inches of sweep, giving Mastrian a true putaway pitch.

CAMERON JOHNSON THE MIAMI STUDENT

The Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball team continues to push forward each season under head coach Travis Steele. After back-toback MAC tournament appearances, the program shows promise for the future. With the RedHawks losing six players, Miami needs to replenish its Steele has already started this process. On April 8, it was announced by Coach Travis Steele that the Miami

Miami baseball’s technology, application of analytics in pitching development bolsters the program’s future Miami hockey releases schedule for the 2024-25 season

JEFFREY MIDDLETON SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Byers worked on the break and location of his curveball, turning it into one of the most lethal pitches on the

“His breaking ball, we thought, was a little bit big,” Feltner said. “The pitch shape was great, and it graded out as a good pitch, but it just wasn’t in the zone enough, so he kind of can look at his base numbers this year compared to last year, and he’s dominating.”

The balance between using analytics and the naked eye to judge player performance remains a debate rampant in baseball and sports in general. to those with boots on the ground.

“It’s really hard to discredit 20 years of work from our pitching coach even before he had TrackMan,” Harajli said. “I think we all look to Coach look toward the TrackMan, and 99 times out of 100, his statements will Technology and analytics in baseball are not going away any time soon. With their acceptance and application, Miami baseball has put itself in a good position to not only help the prepare players for the next level and meet their potential.

@jjmid04 middleje@miamioh.edu

Craft: “A player that really impacts winning”

points per game and 27 points per game respectively, earning all-state honors both years. During his high school career, he racked up an impressive 1,694 total points as a member of the Bison. He also played for the Chicago-based AAU program, Mean Streets.

Before college, Craft expressed leadership skills that helped him stand out on the court and propelled the team for coach Keith Peterson, Craft’s high school coach.

RedHawks would be getting sophomore Kam Craft from the transfer portal. The 6 foot 6 inch, 211 pound guard is a familiar face for Steele, college basketball as a Xavier University Musketeer. “I obviously committed to play for Coach Steele when he was at Xavier, and when it came time to make a move I was just most comfortable with him and what he saw for me in the future,” Craft said.

School in Chicago, Illinois. As a sophomore and junior, he averaged 23

“Kam was always a ‘lead by example’ guy,” Peterson said. “He was in the gym more than anyone, he worked as hard as anyone at practice and played as hard as anyone during the games. As he got older, he started to court.”

Craft became a leader at a time that the team needed it. Part of his high school career took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Peterson remembers how Craft kept the

“His communication with the team and with me really helped to keep the team together,” Peterson said. “He made sure the team was moving in the same direction.”

Craft’s athletic prowess matched his focus on academics.

“Teachers would always reach out to me to tell me how great he was in class and couldn’t believe that this hard-working, quiet kid in class was the same kid they saw on the court,” Peterson said. “Kam is a ‘grinder’ andful.” As a senior, Craft went down south to the Skill Academy in Atlanpoints per game and was rated a fourstar recruit and the 76th best player in the country by 247sports.

In 2022, Craft was invited to participate in the Jordan Brand Classic, where he chipped in nine points and led his team with a plus-minus of seven. Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller, Utah Jazz guard KeyonDereck Lively II and more also played in that game.

At the start of his college career at Xavier, Craft averaged 2.6 points per game and 1.5 rebounds. He scored a career-high 11 points with three three-pointers against the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions. However, he missed his sophomore season due to a surgery following a

Though he only spent two seasons as a Musketeer, Craft valued his time there.

learning college basketball, adjusting to the level of play in the Big East and playing for a coach like Coach Miller,” Craft said. “When I got hurt, that was injured, and I then had knee surgery, so that was a very tough process mentally and physically. [Leading] into my sophomore season, I had to redshirt because of my injury, so it just

reshaped me as a person.” Craft has a plethora of skills that will allow him to contribute on both sides of the ball for the RedHawks. “I feel like I can be a versatile Craft said. “I can make tough shots good passes and reads, play hard and just help the team win.”

Steele played a huge role in Craft’s decision to transfer to Miami. Craft committed to Xavier out of high school when Steele was the head coach. For both, having that previous experience was a huge draw when Craft was looking for prospective schools.

“Any time you get a kid entering the transfering portal, there’s that level of familiarity that’s huge,” Steele said. “He knows me, I know him. Knowing him since high school, that trust factor was already there.” Steele believes that Craft has the the court in red and white. He knowssively, and his ability to stretch the court gives the RedHawks an opportunity to push further into the MAC tournament than in recent years.

Several months remain before the 2024-25 basketball season. In the meantime, Craft will continue to get accustomed to Oxford. Steele knows that Miami is fortunate to have him.demically, socially and athletically,” Steele said. “Kam has a gift to really score the basketball, and he can do it in a variety of ways. He is a player that really impacts winning.”

@c__j30 john1610@miamioh.edu

With new head coach Anthonyderway, the Miami University RedHawks hockey program is looking toward the future.

As the Noreen regime takes

glimpse of the thrilling hockey action to come in 2024-25. All schools in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), including Miami, had their schedules released to the public on April 22. With a new team added to the conference fray, there are plenty of interesting matchups and narratives. The 2024-25 schedule features

This is the highest number of games in Oxford since the 2006-07 season,

in which Miami went 26-9-4 overall with a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) record of 20-6-2. The RedHawks will play every opponent in the conference, but they will play some of the teams only once. They will not host the Colorado College Tigers or the St. Cloud State University Huskies. On the other hand, they will not visit the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks or the new team on the block, the Arizona State University Sun Devils. As is tradition, the RedHawks will open their regular season campaign with a handful of non-conference matchups. On Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6, they start on the road against the Ferris State University Bulldogs for the second season in a row.

Then, it’s back to Oxford to open up the season at home from Oct. 11-12 with a weekend series against the University of Alaska Anchorage before a home-and-home showcase

on Thursday, Oct. 17 in Oxford and Saturday, Oct. 19 in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, against the Robert Morris University Colonials.

November against the Lindenwood University Lions and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers. Following their back-to-back home weekend series, the RedHawks will begin the rest of their schedule, which is solely NCHC matchups. There will be no back-to-back home or away series for the rest of the season, either. St. Cloud State is the RedHawks’ 25, with games on Nov. 8 and 9. Then, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs come to town for the only home series of November before the team departs the following weekend for the University of Omaha-Nebraska.

Before the students go on winter break and the 2024 calendar year comes to a close, Miami will face the reigning Penrose Cup-winning North Dakota Fighting Hawks in Oxford. The 2025 half of the calendar has lots of tough conference matchups in store for the RedHawks.. They will be tested right out of the gate with an away series against the Denver University Pioneers, the 2024 national champions. The RedHawks will come back home to take on Omaha for the secthe road at Western Michigan Uni-

in Oxford, where Miami will play against Arizona State, the rookie program in the NCHC. Miami played Arizona State at home last season before The two full series in February

between the RedHawks and Colorado College and the second matchup (this one at home) between Miami and Denver. The second matchup between Miami and Minnesota Duluth is taking place in Minnesota and will be on Feb. 28 and March 1. Before the postseason begins, thelar season at home against Western Michigan on March 7 and March 8. With the addition of Arizona State and nine teams now in the confer-

the number eight and number nine seeds will occur on March 12 before from March 14-16. take place on March 21-22 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

@jjmid04

middleje@miamioh.edu

UNIVERSITY MUSKETEER. PHOTO BY KATIE STRATMAN - USA TODAY SPORTS

Miami golf concludes an impressive 2024 season as MAC runner-ups

KETHAN BABU SPORTS EDITOR

The Miami University RedHawks golf team concluded the 2024 season as the runner-ups in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship on April 28.

The RedHawks ended day one tied Cardinals at 283 strokes. Day two saw them fall behind by three strokes but maintain a four stroke advantage over the third-place Northern Illinois University Huskies. Miami concluded the

ond place.

Miami graduate stepped into the team continues to improve every year tournament by eight strokes.

“[We’re] really excited for where “I feel like I’ve been able to turn this with the Island Resort Intercollegiate

ally.

eled across the country for several the Kapolei Invitational in Novem-

The RedHawks travel far and have maintained excellent academstay on top of their academics despite the constant traveling.

we’ve been at the top of the male

what that speaks to. Maybe golf is a and that translates in other areas of your life. I’ve been impressed with the guys coming in and how they get the transition into college as a whole was

but the recruitment process aligned with the average American athletes’ process.

I’m getting out of this experience were the three things that I was really and it was more than perfect. There

Traveling across the country not it gives golfers the opportunity to play

invitationals against the top schools in the country and takes the golfers to places they wouldn’t play otherwise. Miami proves itself as a contender in these invitationals. At the RedHawks placed sixth to beat the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the

These events give the RedHawks a chance to compete against the topit also prepares them for conference play and the MAC tournament in the spring.

we found individual events for them. Anytime you get a scorecard in your

players’ performance relying entiretend to stray away from the team aspect and focus on their own goals. maintain a team culture and push each other to greater lengths.

-

ergy to early morning workouts and turns road bumps into bonding opportunities.

“I try to make everyone feel like

The team had an average fall pertwo out of six invitationals. In the out rough at the Border Olympics but turned things around with a sec-

which proved to have a major impact on their late-season results.

“[Ross] was the one where the team realized the teams that are

teams that four years ago would haveWith a season full of nationwide

memories actually didn’t take place on the course.

“I remember there was live muwill live in my head forever. I think it speaks to our team [that] a lot of these moments that will stick out aren’t

The Miami golf team graduates four seniors this year. Two of the se-

gin their professional golf careers at the Clovernook Open in Cincinnati on May 6. Next year’s roster will return eight players and bring in three new golfers.

Amateur Championship last year. MAC championship was a bittersweet moment that capped an incredible career at Miami.

RedHawks know that they will only get better from here. The guys that are here and the ones that arrive share the desire for the nerves and is imminent.

“I think we’ve got everything in the world to be excited about rightward to having success with this team

@thekethan04

RedHawks baseball on the rise

THE MIAMI STUDENT

The Miami University RedHawks baseball season has been characterized by many ups and downs. Aftering the Mid-American Conference looked to have a fresh start this year season against the University of expectations coming into this season didn’t rely as much on the record as it did on the team’s overall improvement as the year progressed.

“We didn't know what to expect said. “My expectations were [that we]

nings defeat to the Bowling Green they have been able to pick up some over the Central Michigan University Chippewas.

This rebound has propelled the season.

“This team was kind of built for the second half of the year based on were going to be very up and down at

Although Miami has made sigsaid they aren't done yet. His overall goal is to win championships so they need to keep working to be the best they can.

As they have made their way grown closer and learned about each other. Team chemistry has been a trend with the RedHawks this year. become a very tight knit group.

notes that the team chemistry has been a huge advantage for the RedHawks.

“I feel like this is the closest team not a single guy left out. We always go to work and go to battle for each other. I feel really comfortable with the guys behind me because they always

the few who has seen the ‘before and turnover established a brotherhood that the team hadn't seen before.

“It's my second year here at Miami and there's been a major change in said. “The guys get along. I feel like everybody has everybody's back. And I think the coaches did a great job of kind of making us go through things in the fall as a group and having to pick each other up rather than everybody just being on their own and

Baker played a vital role in leading the team into the new management out to me on the position side is Dilwork ethic and the knowledge for the lot of the younger guys always go up to him and ask him questions. He always has an answer … [It] is gonna make our team better as a whole on

The RedHawks next face the Kent May 3. Miami is equipped with the will be exciting to see the rest of the season unfold in May.

schulzlc@miamioh.edu

Key takeaways from Miami football’s spring showcase

THE MIAMI STUDENT

The Miami University RedHawks football team completed its spring practice season with the spring showcase on April 20 at the Dauch Indoor

With the RedHawks looking to defend their Mid-American Conference some of the key takeaways from the spring season.

A recovering quarterback Eyes turned towards the gray non-contact jerseys to see how redshirt senior Brett Gabbert was recovering from a season-ending injury he sustained last October. He wasn’t

during a 7-on-7 section before heading back to the sidelines.

“Recovery has been going well since I had surgery in October … Way “Just gotta keep it that way and try to

“There was probably a month there where I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play college football of the day you’ve just gotta have belief

A healthy Gabbert is critical to Miami’s success. Despite having mul-

That provides a nice support system for a quarterback returning from injury.

on their experience to jumpstart the “Whenever we’re able to run the

Excellent returning linebackersami will look to a couple of returning linebackers to anchor the defense.

He was also awarded the Defensive Player of the Game honors in the MAC championship.

three consecutive seasons since Matt Pusater did it from 2002-2004. With

secutive seasons.

He also recorded nine tackles for loss as well as a forced fumble in the Cure University Mountaineers. Portal season would be complete without players coming and going through the transfer portal.

opportunity to see new transfers in the red and white. Notable incoming transfers in the spring game include running back Dylan Downing (Pur-

Groza award-winning kicker Graham Nicholson was absent from the spring showcase after reportedly entering he will be transferring to the University of Alabama for the upcoming season. While the loss of Nicholson can for new players to step up.

who missed last season due to a legtempts throughout the day. Redshirt took kicks at the showcase

Chuck Martin said. “We have two are dying for the opportunity to be the Can Miami handle expectations? Perhaps the biggest question facmatchups. It could be handling high expectations after winning their 22nd MAC championship last season.

There hasn’t been a repeat MAC Northern Illinois University Huskies won back-to-back en route to an Or-

ange Bowl appearance. focused and not get too far ahead. most teams get to that champion-

Martin added that the RedHawks will have a target on their back and that each of their opponents next beat the defending MAC champions.

Cleaning up the mess: How one local organization turns student trash into community treasure

SAM NORTON GREENHAWKS AND OPINION EDITOR

At the end of the spring semester, Miami University students begin the mass migration from campus to their homes all around the country and even the world for summer. A byproduct of the end of the academic year is more than just empty dorms also leave tons of “garbage” back in Oxford.

Not all of the waste left behind is truly garbage. From perfectly functioning furniture lining the streets into dormitory dumpsters, each year many items could be given a second life.

Working to combat this prob-cations for unwanted student items and works with partners to deliver the items to those in need in the Oxford community. Since its creation in 2005, volunteers with ShareFest have assisted in diverting hundreds of tons the associate director of residence life and a board member of ShareFest, has been involved all 19 years of its the community.

“Last year we diverted over 70 Abowitz said. “To put that another

The total tonnage of items collocations steadily increased pre-pandemic, but Abowitz does not view an ever-increasing amount of waste goal of ShareFest. Although he is happy that ShareFest can provide this

service for students, the amount of unwanted items left behind can still be viewed as a problem.

“The goal would be for students or to pass it on to other students who are going to need it next year,” Abowitz said. “... It would be nice to see the numbers go down and to see the trash piles and the dumpster piles go down. That would be the ultimate goal.”

role does not stop at keeping wasteable food, clothing, furniture and household items they can bring them year, they will also be accepting mattresses in good condition.

In Oxford, 46% of the population lives below the poverty line and as of 2019 over 45,000 people face foodest partners with local businesses and organizations such as Goodwill, the Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services and the Open Hands Food Pantry in Hamilton to take the items them to Oxford residents in need.

tions is handled by ShareFest voluncommunity development director and member of the ShareFest board, explains that they ensure partner organizations are truly giving the collected items to those in need. of like dating in a way,” Perry said.

social aspects of collecting and donating unwanted items, Perry sees ShareFest as a way to clean up Oxford. He sees the piles of trash that end up on curbs during move-out as a bad image for Oxford and is happy to

see that those piles have gone down.

“When people are coming to graduation, that image of a community that throws things away and is wasteful is not the kind of image we want to present ourselves to the rest of the world,” Perry said.

Abowitz and Perry believe the program has been incredibly successful, with student and community

revealed that other universities and small towns have modeled programs after ShareFest. Moreover, he said he hopes that when students donate their unwanted items, they may start to question their consumption habits and look into reducing what they buy as well as increasing what they donate.

are people who are in need around them and they should do what they can to help,” Abowitz said.

dence hall, some beginning as early as May 6 and all going through May 13 at the latest. Students can bring unwanted items to the designated location and volunteers will come through and collect them when students leave.

Lot beginning Thursday, May 16 until Tuesday, May 21. According to their

nation locations, but ShareFest will

pus pickups.

nortonsm@miamioh.edu

Great pictures, uglier outcomes: The Miami community reacts to confetti all over campus

FARMAH JALLOW THE MIAMI STUDENT

Graduation season is in full swing at Miami University. Under the Upham Arch and in front of the seal, the class of 2024 is taking photos to capture the excitement of their accomplishments. However, one popular element of these photoshoots has become controversial. In recent years, photos featuring confetti being thrown over graduates have become a tradition. Often students also pop bottles of champagne to celebrate their journeys, leaving the ground covered in a mess of sticky plastic.

Lieutenant Lara Fening of the Oxford Police Department (OPD) has made Facebook posts about the relatively recent phenomenon. leading up to that point, but something in 2020 changed,” she said. The confetti left behind by these shoots is often not biodegradable and clings to curbs, grass and ditchUptown. When it rains, the confetti is swept into storm sewers and goes on to pollute streams and rivers in the Oxford area.ple seeing other graduates toss confetti inspires them to do the same.

“When I approached some stuStreet, and I saw that they had boxdoes it,” Fening said. Legal action has not yet been taken against any individuals for leaving behind confetti, but the potential for such action exists. Fening said that although she sympathizes with the focus graduating students have on getting the perfect picture, putting on these photoshoots Up-

town can have you penalized for littering.

a more educational campaign about this, just asking people to do the right thing,” Fening said. “This

other options to make the pictures festive.”

graduating class has taken part in confetti sprays. Some, like senior zoology major James Normile,

“I know that the impact that it can have, not only on the confetti polluting the area or like the chamsaid.

Normile is the current presidentorganization that aims to prepare students with the ability and knowledge to act on environmental issues.

do advocacy and providing a sustainable option, using eco-friendly confetti, instead of a plastic or a never really got to do that. As well as just the costs for it are a lot higher than regular confetti.”

important steps in coming up with sustainable solutions to celebrate graduation, but individual decisions carry a heavy weight. When choosing a way to commemorate your accomplishments at Miami, remember to do so in a manner that keeps the campus and city we live in pollution-free.

jallowfa@miamioh.edu

New donations help Karl E. Limper Geology Museum support undergraduate learning

other specimens in the museum, are donations from Miami alumnus and lifelong collector Walter Gross III. According to Kendall Hauer, director of the large donations have greatly improved the museum. The woolly mammoth tusk donated by Gross measures roughly seven feet long from root to tip. Along with the tusk, Gross donated a woolly mammoth humorous and mandible.

woolly mammoth tusk,” Sophia Ioli, a junior geology major and student assistant at cool.”

Hauer said that althoughjects, he had a love for geology and paleontology as a student at Miami. Gross began donating around 2017, when the museum was renovation, and has provided them access to otherwise.

and a glacial deposit The mammoth fossils, and many

“His donations have elevated the able to display, tremendously,” Hauer said. Another recent addition, the 2.3-billion-year-old glacial deposit,

was purchased from the dissolved geology department of Wittenberg University. The museum will also be getting mineral specimens from Witto Ohio and adjacent states.

minerals,” Hauer said.

Hauer said the museum looks for pieces that are relevant to the Ohio area, and to the teaching missions of Miami. When creating displays in the museum, Hauer tries to cover the main themes of modern geology.

The specimens in the museum are used by both introductory and upper-level courses, and the additional teaching collections facilitate handson student learning in labs. For example, if a class is studying a certain observe specimens that represent that group.

“The main mission of the museum is to support the learning of our undergrad students here,” Hauer said.

The museum strives to help students learn, and a few students have gained hands-on experience working with the museum. Ioli has helped out at the museum for a little over a year and has recently been catalogingjoyed her experience there so far, as it has allowed her to see new things and meet new people.

“I enjoy spending time looking at the specimens and getting to seeerwise,” she said.

Hauer also points out that the museum and its collections are a product of decades of work by Miami faculty and students. Geology, in some capacity, has been taught at Miami since the 1800s.

William Shideler began collecting late Ordovician marine invertebrates, local to Ohio, in the early 1900s, which according to Hauer has greatly impacted the museum. Faculty today often continue this mission of adding to the museum by donating specimens, or even whole collections, of fossils and minerals.

Hauer said.

Today, the museum possesses about 150,000 of the late Ordovician marine invertebrate fossils that Shideler led the charge in collecting around 100 years ago – their biggest collection of all.

As time passes and the museum works to acquire new specimens, or receives them from those who enjoy donating, students and faculty can with new additions – showcasing a history of both geology and collaboration.

SARAH KENNEL STAFF WRITER

Best places to people watch

TEDDY

JOHNSON HUMOR EDITOR

People watching rivals baseball games as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Everyone does it; from naked old people staring at me walking by in the rec locker room to little kids asking their parents why I cannot walk in a straight line Uptown. Without further adieu, here are the best places one can watch the people.

Walmart I would be remiss not to mention Walmart as THE place for people watching. Legend has it that people watching actually originated in Walmart. The beautiful thing about people watching at Walmart is that it can be done at any Walmart! For some reason, the same type of people (most often referred to as Walmart people) are drawn to the supermarket of all supermarkets regardless of location. 7 p.m. on a Tuesday? Damn right you will see someone in their pajamas and crocs. What’s the electronic buzzing you hear? Oh, it’s someone who should be on “My 800 lb life” using a scooter grocery cart reserved for someone who actually has a health condition. Walmart gets its motto from the Nirvana song, “Come as you are.”

Columbus Clippers games

If you ever want a reminder to use protection, go to a Columbus Clippers baseball game on princess and pirate night. Not only do you get to see crying kids climbing all over their parents, you get to see the other end of the spectrum – drunk kids in their 20s. This dynamic is the perfect combo for entertainment. On one end, parents are pounding beers trying to tolerate their child repeatedly asking if they can get Dippin’ Dots. On the other end, the kids in their 20s are pounding beers because they fricken can. Oh, the duality of this country, ’Merica.

Brick Street on a Saturday night

As someone who works at a bar Uptown, I can vouch for the fact that the creatures come out on Saturday nights. Normal people will go out drinking Saturday during the day, then go home. But the creatures will stay out all day, dragging their drunken selves out for more drinks after already having enough alcohol to kill a small horse. If you take a quick peak around, just about everyone’s eyes are half shut and the majority of Makeout Monday content posted on BarstoolRedhawks comes from Saturday nights. Why people think it is socially acceptable to suck face on a great entertainment though! Watching people try to be kinky in a public place never fails to make me chuckle.

Eclipse festivals

Being in Uptown Oxford for the eclipse provided the perfect duality I want in my people watching. Drunk college students and Walmart people in the same vicinity go together like Miami parking enforcement and being assholes! I could look in one direction and see someone blacking out on a Monday afternoon. And in another direction, see Walmart people thinking it’s cool to wear matching T-shirts that read “Solar Eclipse Totality Oxford Ohio 2024.” I wish I was joking about this.

Here are some honorable mentions that you will just have to experience for yourself.

Armstrong Student Center family room

The rec at 5 p.m. on a weekday Shriver Starbucks (Juice Wrld was right – all girls are the same) MAP events Drag nights Uptown Art classes Wherever there are “Honors” kids (they’re all nerds) john1595@miamioh.edu

Navigating college as a mother

CHLOE SOUTHARD

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

My baby just turned one. It’s been a crazy year, from her learning her name to her learning that bikes won’t kill her to teachingceptable.

I should probably mention that my baby is a dog — a beagle, to be believe that my child is the cutest to ever exist. Yes, I’m one of those white women that refers to her dog as her child. Yes, I know it’s cringe, and no, I don’t care. Once you raise a puppy from eight weeks old to adulthood all on your own, your opinion will matter to me.

It’s literally like having an infant.

My college life has changed quite a bit since I’ve become a mother. My partying days are behind me (I bare-

ly had any to begin with), and I can no longer randomly decide to spend $50 on Furbys or Littlest Pet Shops. I have another mouth to feed; I have to put bread (or kibble) on the table. But I’ve accepted my fate. This is motherhood. “I have to get back to Trixie,” has basically become my catchphrase. My life revolves around this other being. Am I going to the store? Do I need to go get my mail? I guess I better get Trixie around, because she simply has to come with me.

Hell, she’s even started coming to the newsroom with me. Every Wednesday is now bring your daughter to work day for me.

I could be having the best sleep — the “honk shoo mimimi” kind, if you will — but guess what? It’s 2 a.m., and someone has to go potty. Time to roll out of bed and get outside, even if it’s pouring rain. Like most babies, mine attempts

Summer headline dump

to put everything in her mouth, which sometimes results in an upset stomach and a nice pile of vomit. Sorry, professor, but I can’t come to class today. My daughter is sick, and I’m too paranoid to leave her alone after the time I came back to my apartment and she shat all over in her crate. Maybe I’m doing homework and she’s becoming antsy from not having my attention. No problem, I’ll turn on “Total Drama Island” for her — it’s her equivalent to “Cocomelon.” If that doesn’t work, I suppose I’ll stop what I’m doing to try and get her to settle for a nap.

Is she getting a little stinky?

My apartment doesn’t have a tub, so I guess I’ll just have to put her in the shower with me. Don’t tell me you never showered with your mom when you were younger. If we’re going somewhere, I have to make sure she’s dressed to the nines. Good thing I have several cute bandanas to put her in. Don’t worry, I dress her for the weather, too. She has a coat for cold days, and booties for rainy days. And, like every other modern-day mother, of course I run an Instagram account for my child. She’s my little content creator in the making, and I’m proud to wear the momager badge. Once she’s 21 in dog years, she’ll have to start paying rent, so I’m making sure she has a strong work ethic now.

Despite all of the trials and tribulations, being a mom is worth it. Sure, I may have had to completely change the way I live, but it’s not too bad, especially when your child is as adorable and sweet as mine. Motherhood has taught me responsibility and, most importantly, that I could never handle an actual, human child.

@_chloebowie_ southacr@miamioh.edu

THE MIAMI STUDENT HUMOR STAFF

GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD

ANNA

REIER

OXFORD

EDITOR

MUFD hosts 18th annual fashion show, “Incandescence”

Miami University Fashion and Design (MUFD) hosted their 18th annual fashion show on Saturday, April 28. This year’s theme, Incandescence, and radiant quality.”

The show, which is one of the biggest student run fashion shows in the country, featured 88 models and 19 student designers.

The doors opened at 5 p.m. when a promo in which all attendees re-

Urban Luxe, Cincy Vintage and more. MUFD is one of the biggest orgaany on-campus org. The group is led executive board of 14 people. There are almost 200 members involved

In addition to being president ofured as a fashion design co major I’m

The process for creating the pieces starts fall semester with applications and interviews. Once the designer

signs. Over J-term, designers sew from semester means production is in full force. have access to Boyd studio so we spend a lot of late nights together sewing.” Go to miamistudent.net to watch a behind-the-scenes video. reieram@miamioh.edu

LAURA SCHONKEN

MARINA