'It's about what kind of university we are':
Dramatic changes proposed to campus
PARKER GREEN THE MIAMI STUDENT
Farmer School of Business, going to class is no laughing matter. Members of the First Year Integrated Core (FYIC), face some of the strictest attendance policies on Miami University’s campus with only two excused absences before their
labi, anything after those two days, including illness or a death in the family, is considered unexcused and missed. And if you miss nine additional days, it’s an automatic failure in the course, making the stakes incredibly high.
But what is FYIC?
The FYIC program prepares business students for the rest of their time at Farmer, featuring four core classes that cover everything from team building to beginner coding. The program prides itself on prepar-
TYLER BLUM THE MIAMI STUDENT
Deer populations in Miami University’s Natural Areas (MUNA) have skyrocketed in the past decades, and the forest can’t keep up. This increase in population has led to biodiversity loss and created a void for invasive plants to grow and take over the land.
Miami responded to this problem in its backyard, and with hunting season gearing up across the state, the natural areas will be open to deer hunting from November 16-February 2 as a further continuation of the deer management plan, which has been in practice for the past few years.
Zach McCoy, a senior sports media and communications double major, who previously hunted in the
“Hueston Woods is a big public hunting area… which gets high [foot]
Miami community responds to possible hotel location
ANNA REIER ASST. CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EDITOR
Throughout parent’s weekends, move-in and graduation, one consistent complaint arises year after year – a lack of lodging options. With more than 16,500 undergraduate students, Oxford has just 379 hotel rooms.
To provide adequate hotel options for campus visitors, Miami is looking to build a new university-afcenter and upscale dining location on Cook Field.
David Creamer, senior vice pres-
vices, said he gave developers two sites to consider: one on Cook Field and another by Millett Hall. While Cook Field is preferred due to its centralized location on campus.
“The location down by Millett still has some problems from a development standpoint,” Creamer said. “Our goal is to have a developer come in and do this without the university having to take tuition money. That’s why we put it out there; we were concerned that there wouldn’t be any interest in the project, but [Cook Field] did prompt interest because it’s right on [Highway] 73.”
To accommodate the hotel and avoid losing green space for student use, Miami would place the hotel on the northwest corner of Cook Field and replace the natural grass area closest to Highway 73 with new turf.
“The turf is about 12 years old and needs to be replaced,” Creamer said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
ing students for the real world, right down to the attendance policy.
Joshua Ferris, director of the FYIC, claims that the stringent rules
place.
“Just as companies have policies this attendance policy is designed
these non-pressured pockets,” McCoy said. “And when you have multiple herds of non-pressured pockets of deer, they tear up the native species, and it just invites room for these invasive species to take over and grow.”
Hunting will be allowed to the individuals approved by the Natural Areas Manager in consultation with the chair of the Natural Areas Committee, according to their website.ent time slots where each hunter is To protect potential hikers, hunters are only allowed to bow hunt from deer stands that are at least 50 yards away from trails and must pass an accuracy test before entering the pool of hunters.
“There are hundreds of people that enter into this drawing for a limited number of slots,” McCoy said. “If I were to guess, there’s probably no more than 30 to 40 slots for several hundred people that enter into the
to mimic real-world workplace expectations,” Ferris said. “In many professional settings, employees are for personal reasons and illness, but excessive absenteeism can impact their performance reviews and job security.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
drawing. As far as I’m concerned, I think I’m one of the only students that is doing the program.”
The program increased the bag limit for hunters this year from two to three, in accordance with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. David Gorchov, professor of biology and chair of the Miami University Natural Areas Committee, explained why Miami followed this change.
“Miami University can’t change the bag limit – that’s set by the state,” Gorchov said. “But as landowners, we could impose other restrictions. So, for example, we could limit hunters to one or two if we wanted, but we’re not doing that. We’re allowing hunters to take up to three, as long as they follow state law.”
Gorchov explained that the creation of Miami’s deer management program can be traced back to 2010. A study was done to see if deer or
KETHAN BABU SPORTS EDITOR
For nearly 60 years, Millett Hall has served as the home for the Miami University RedHawks men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Men’s basketball inaugurated Millett on Dec. 2,
administration. David Creamer, Miami’s senior vice president future projects is economic development.
Potential new basketball stadium to upend Slant Walk What to Expect: Miami synchronized skating 202425 season
HAYLEY LUBY STAFF WRITER
The Miami University synchronized skating program enters a new era this season under new head coach Katey Nyquist.
The senior synchronized skating this past weekend at the Synchro Fall Classic in Irvine, California. The
The collegiate team’s season will begin this weekend as they travel along with the senior team to Boston for a showing at the Boston Synchronized Skating Classic.
Nyquist takes the lead this year
head coach Carla Degirolamo and assistant coach Lee Ann Shoker retired at the end of last season. She previously coached at the Denver synchronicity organization.
champion expressed her excitement to be in this new position, but she assured the skaters that she’ll do whatever it takes to continue the program’s long-standing history, along with assistant coach Sammie Levine.
“I really wanted to make sure I was intentional when I came in, knowing that there is such a long legacy of success here at Miami,” Nyquist said. “I wanted to make sure I honored that and really listened to the athletes and heard where they felt we needed to make changes and where we should keep things the same.”
With a strong returning roster skaters, the teams have high expeccollegiate team record and a national title last year. Senior and collegiate team memseason.
MANAGING EDITOR
SENIOR CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
OPINION
CULTURE EDITOR
HUMOR EDITOR
GREENHAWKS EDITOR
DESIGN EDITOR
Advertising information: Smith646@miamioh.edu Send us a letter: eic.miamistudent@gmail.com
CORRECTIONS POLICY
ASST. DESIGN EDITOR
DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR
PHOTO EDITOR
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITORS
ASST. CULTURE EDITOR
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
ASST. OPINION EDITOR
BUSINESS MANAGER
FACULTY ADVISER
BUSINESS ADVISER
PRINTER
Awards
2023 and 2024 Corbin Gwaltney Award Best AllAround Student Newspaper in the large school category
2023 Ohio Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Best Journalism Contest — First Place in the Best College Newspaper category
2024 Ohio Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Best Journalism Contest — Second Place in the Best College Newspaper category
2024 Ohio News Media Association Awards – First Place in Collegiate Opinion Writing
2024 Ohio News Media Association Awards – First Place in Collegiate Sports Coverage in the large school category
It’s important to note that Miami’s sick leave policy for full-time of sick leave for every contract year, making the FYIC’s policies even stricter.
Pepper spray bandit, numerous underage drinking incidents in Oxford
SMITH BUSINESS MANAGER
Between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, Oxford police responded to 17 incidents, according to Oxford Police Department reports.
On Nov. 12 at 11:36 a.m., in the 1000 block of Ironwood Drive, ofa subject matching the description of the suspect was stopped. The subject handed over the stolen property and was charged accordingly.
At 4:16 a.m. on Nov. 13, in the 100 block of E. High St., a male was involved in a disturbance with a female in front of the Oxford Police
he had a warrant out for his arrest in was injured in an attempt to take the man into custody. The man left on foot and was not located at the time of the report.
On Nov. 15 at 2:58 a.m., in the 10 block of N. Poplar St., a group of individuals reported that an unknown individual pepper sprayed through the group for no apparent reason.
At 11:44 p.m. on Nov. 15, while subject who was intoxicated and fellered that he was underage and they cited him for underage intoxication.
On Nov. 16 at 3:44 p.m., in the 70ed to a theft report. It is believed that
a parking meter cover was stolen overnight. A report was taken but there are no suspects at this time.
At 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 17, in the 3000 block of Southpointe Pkwy, a female reported that she was at a party talking to a known male in a private area. After talking to the male she attempted to leave. He stopped her from leaving and sexually assaulted her.
Later that morning at 2:51 a.m., in the 30 block of E. High St., a female was observed passed out and leaning out of the back seat of a parked vehicle. She was determined to be intoxicated and underage. She was taken to the hospital and charged for her actions.
smith646@miamioh.edu
At its Nov. 19 meeting, Oxford City Council reviewed proposals for cutting the amount of convention tax funds from 100% to 50% given to “Enjoy Oxford.”
Investments in public events and placemaking were highlighted as drivers of community pride, tourism and local business growth.
Concerns were raised about the city’s need for renewable energy projects, particularly in light of Miami and park, which is funded largely by two alumni. The discussion on the recent property tax levy acknowledged funding issues and cooperation needs with Miami.
In this discussion, it was noted overwhelmingly passed representing public support for greater funding. Community member Ann Fuehrer said she wanted her input to be taken into account before levies were passed.
“I would have hoped to have been asked to vote on a property tax levy without the pressure of a crisis, but maybe that’s the only way a property tax levy could have been supported,” Fuehrer said.
Council decided to raise the initial parking fee from $10 to $15 and increase the payment time from seven to 15 days. The fee has been unchanged for nearly 50 years, and this rising parking meter fees. Councilor David Prytherch and Police Chief John Johnson emphasized that these fees rise with repeated violations. Repeated violations could also get one’s car booted or impounded.
“So it’s best to take care of these on the front end, and if you feel that the ticket is unjust, we have an appeals process,” Johnson said, “and you can always take it to court. So don’t let it build up and get your car impounded.”
City Council’s next meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Oxford Courthouse. hamdana2@miamioh.edu
“We want to raise the bar this season in the collegiate division and be the dominant force, bringing in new elements and a new style of skating that will raise the level of our division,” Clark said.
With both team’s seasons soon to be underway, the schedules showcase a mix of talented competition. The collegiate team will face former competitors at the Midwestern Sectional Championships and the Tri-State Competition, while the senior team
aims to be a part of the World Team and gears up for international competition this year.
With a high caliber of talent across the roster, the teams are set for success and will hit the ice next on Nov. 23 in Boston.
“We want to match up to our competitors and create a new Miami,” senior skater Gabriella Quintero said. “I am really excited to showcase that this season.” lubyhj@miamioh.edu
ADAM
ABUD HAMDAN THE MIAMI STUDENT
GRAPHIC BY MACY CHAMBERLIN
OXFORD COURTHOUSE. PHOTO BY ABUD HAMDAN
CELESTE SIFERD LEADS MIAMI SYNCHRONIZED
MIAMI SYNCHRONIZED
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
University Senate considers master plan prior to hotel and arena development plans
ASST.
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR
day, Nov. 18, to advocate for a caugreen spaces in response to develop-
David Prytherch and Kelly Knoll-
Walk.
recent years.
“We reiterate the need for a long-
developed in 2004, which addresses
process. The plan says certain spaces on
“How do you reconcile your desire your desire for historic preservation said. “Those things can literally physically collide with each [other] on
caution to ensure the new plan and
“We would shift the turf down to where the grass is to utilize it for activities. Right now, we get very little use of the natural grass portion of the
Unlike other institutions, such -
ed with the highest level of care and Walk.
clined due to cost concerns. However,
ago, and it was not done through
native locations such as Cook Field to look at other sites.
space for the students since we see
Miami community responds to potential hotel location
David Prytherch, a geography
fying Cook Field. that Cook Field was a potential site,
portance of such an iconic green space for prospective students.
“The green space is kind of what
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
[where] future growth is going to
events has decreased for nearly ev-
that the Cook Field area is one heavily Another concern Prytherch and other stakeholders.
on Nov. 18, Prytherch and his co-
located on slant walk.
plan, which at this point is at least 20
“Because of this concern, in 2022,
Nov. 12.
of critical race and ethnic studies,
input, [we] risk destroying one of theate professor of sports leadership andgiven our regional location [and] the French, associate professor of relias a chance to strengthen faculty in-
“This is really an opportunity for us to restore an aspect of shared gov-
smith854@miamioh.edu
developer who would own and oper-
nected to a hotel. This will also free us
purposes.
“We would provide the land for a
Potential new basketball stadium to upend Slant Walk
tive landscape for attracting future
vide greater opportunities for students to attend athletic events. The shows the highest percentage of student fans throughout the season with
students [and] would that increase student interest and participation in The arena is early in planning chosen for consideration. However,
tion rather than consulting outside groups.
change not only the lives of coaches
dents. It is part of the personalized
geography professor, said the role of
“Those of us who serve on the
tion has its own goals and the need
for donors to cover part of the cost.
private donors. “The reality is we had engaged
and we would have a gift in place that
spaces.
no construction can take place on it. “We were concerned that for [the
posal, [with] what we currently know
reieram@miamioh.edu
and other events. However, with the high cost of renovating, the plan leans toward de-
is another area of concern for Wag-
ed. Wagner said she feels that spend-
ing raises for the last two years during
cess and consultation of stakeholders
@thekethan04 babukc2@miamioh.edu
ANASTASIJA MLADENOVSKA STAFF WRITER
Miami University’s Information Technology Services recently ex-
(AI)
tools: Google Gemini, Zoom AI Companion and Webex AI Assistant.
According to an email sent out by Information Technology Services, the integration, announced in mid-September, aims to modernize and streamline the university’s academicveraging AI to aid students, faculty
Brian Henebry, Miami’s associate vice president in solution delivery, a collaborative approach where the campus community drives technology needs.
“We don’t just go and deploy new tools or functionality on our own,” Henebry said. “We look to the institution to guide us on what their needs are. The campus is driving these implementations, expressing interest in tools like meeting summaries and AI companions.”
Henebry also emphasized the rigorous evaluation process each tool undergoes before deployment.
He said his team pays attention to accessibility, institutional guidance from the state and regulatory rules like FERPA — all tools are evaluated under these frameworks to determine if they can be deployed.
Once approved, Miami’s IT team conducts pilot programs with early adopters to ensure the tools align with the university’s policies and Henebry also said the faculty responses to AI adoption vary across academic departments.
“When I say ‘academic,’ I’m talking about faculty and the provost,” he said. “Among them, they’re split. Some see it as an incredibly dis-
Miami embraces AI with new technology integration
ruptive technology ...”
Henebry added that concerns are heightened especially in departments where traditional scholarship relies heavily on written assignments, like the humanities.
Henebry recounted conversations with professors who acknowledged the ease with which students could use tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to complete assignments.
“If a student was using Gemini to write papers, they could probably get a decent grade in some classes with minimal prompt engineering,” he said. This reality is causing faculty to rethink instructional methods, exploring how they can accommodate AI’s presence while preserving academic integrity.
Google Gemini: Powering learning with AI
Google Gemini, a generative AI chatbot available through Google Workspace for Education, allows stuuses.
support for educational purposes, users are reminded to exercise caution. According to Miami IT’s guidelines, sensitive information should not be entered into the system, and users are encouraged to opt out of data sharing whenever possible.
Zacchary Townsend, a support analyst at Miami’s IT Tech Support Lounge, highlighted how AI tools like Gemini can help students bridge gaps in their digital literacy.
“Students coming in are often
accustomed to simpler systems, like Chrome OS or smartphones,” Townsend said. “AI can help bridge that gap, making the technology environment here at Miami more intuitive.”
He said he believes AI will not only aid students in their studies butgating Miami’s digital resources. AI in virtual meetings: Zoom AI Companion and Webex AI Assistant Miami’s new Zoom AI Compan-tures tailored for virtual meetings, including summaries, questions based on transcripts and highlighted action items.
Spencer McCrae, a junior computer science major, said AI tools
help simplify his work in coding projects, but some of his professors restrict AI use to help students build foundational skills.
“It’s great to have an AI helper that can suggest solutions or troubleshoot code,” McCrae said.
A long-standing journey with technology
Henebry, who has been at Miami of AI as the next step in Miami’s technology evolution.
Recalling past shifts like the switch from Microsoft Outlook toed on how technology has continually transformed collaboration.
were a game-changer,” Henebry said. “Now, students can open documents, share data instantly and chat online — all things that are ingrained into today’s academic life.”
Henebry anticipates AI becoming similarly embedded, noting that phrases like “I’ll just ChatGPT it” may soon be as commonplace as “Google it.” He also touched on the inevitable challenge of making AI a balanced educational tool.
“AI isn’t always accurate,” he said. “It’s not going to always give you the right information. It will misinterpret what you are asking, so it’s important to use it with a grain of salt.”
For Henebry, AI functions as an-ing ways to incorporate it meaningfully into academics is key. He shared his own approach, using AI to draft emails or brainstorm ideas — areas where AI’s assistive role can genuinely save time and improve outcomes.
Henebry summed up the university’s philosophy on AI adoption: “Like any tool, it’ll take the data we give it and provide an answer — but it’s up to us to work with it responsibly.”
‘Understanding and uplifting’: How one professor passes on her passion for music
VENEZIA MCHENRY THE MIAMI STUDENT
Most days, Jessica Rivera is busy teaching one-on-one voice lessons, attending meetings with music department faculty and helping prospective students learn about the music program at Miami University.
What most people don’t know is that she is a Grammy award-winning opera singer, with a deep passion for music and has performed with orchestras around the world.
Rivera started voice lessons at 9 years old when she learned about opera and grew her music tastes. For as long as she can remember, she said she has loved singing and believed she would have a future in the music industry.
wanted to be an international opera singer,” Rivera said. “I don’t think that’s a common thing for most
Rivera grew up in Los Angeles and attended Pepperdine University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in music. She also attended the University of Southern California, where she earned her master’s degree in music in vocal performance. She started her singing career as a resident artist with the Los Angeles
still drawn to her childhood dream of singing internationally.
Before she was a teacher at Mi-
Best Opera Recording. She was one of the principal singers of the winning opera recording, “Ainadamar” which she sang with the Santa Fe Opera and the Atlanta Symphony.
“I never dreamed that big,” Rivera said. “I knew I wanted to be an opera singer, I knew I wanted to sing around the world, but it never landed on my radar that I could win a Grammy.”
she was invited to sing an opera called “The Flowering Tree” by John Adams for the Cincinnati Opera. She ended up meeting her future husband the Middletown ever since.
This is her fourth year teaching at Miami as an assistant professor of voice in the music department. Rivera teaches applied voice, where she shows students how their voices work and helps them apply that knowledge to their performances.
She also ensures her students can sing in other languages, and that they know how to teach others how to sing, which is an important part of music students’ curriculum.
Vincent Giuliano, a sophomore music education major, works with
Rivera to build his semester collection of six art song pieces every week.
“As a singer, I would describe her as mind-bogglingly talented,” Giuliano said, “and as a teacher, I would say she is understanding and uplifting.”
As a result of her success in the music industry, she wants to help students recognize their own potential and passion for music. Rivera said years who started with her become
Kayla Hughes, a senior music education major and music theater minor, has been Rivera’s student for seven semesters, taking hour-long voice lessons once a week.
“I’ve been with her my entire time at Miami,” Hughes said. “We’ve grown really close, in our personal and professional relationship.”
Hughes said she admires Rivera’s dedication and work ethic as a mother, teacher and advisor at Miami. She also describes her willingness to be there for her students not only inside of the music room, but outside of the classes she teaches, at church performances and theater events.
“She’s very supportive of all our endeavors,” Hughes said. “She wants to help us grow as musicians, but also really as human beings.”
mchenrvg@miamioh.edu
ANNA REIER ASST. CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EDITOR
For many students, the weeks between Thanksgiving break and J-Term can be the longest of the semester. Students break out of their academic routine and default back to their lives at home. As students barrel
Here are seven ways to prioritize your mental health to end the semester strong.
Above all else, there is no better way to maintain your mental and physical health than moving your body. Exercise is proven to release chemicals that help with overall mood and anxiety management. While the weather isn’t favorable forcluding Zumba, spin and pilates. The full class schedule can be found here.
2. Go visit with a dog used to cuddling your dog as a method for stress relief. Fear not! You can
mladena@miamioh.edu
still manage your stress and anxiety with pet snuggles in Oxford. Miami
3. Call the H.O.P.E. lineion in a mental health crisis outside of regular business hours, Miami offers a H.O.P.E (Help Over the Phoneport. To utilize the H.O.P.E. line, call
4. Seek out support for substance misusecerned about how your substance usage has played out throughout the seresources, from counseling services to tools to identify if your substance use is cause for concern.
5. Attend a group therapy session If you only need short-term support or individual therapy seems daunting, group therapy could be a
group therapy with unique focuses. These span from grief groups to spe-dents.
6. Spend time with people Especially at the end of the semester, it can be tempting to spend all your time studying in your room alone. But, during high-stress periods, it’s important to spend time with your loved ones. Studies show that loneliness can increase overall stress and anxiety. Whether watching a movie with your roommates, having a game night or even studying in a public space, taking a break from being alone is crucial.
7. Sleep If you aren’t prioritizing your sleep, managing your mental health will be close to impossible. But, sleep can be hard to come by during periexpert tips to get you started if you’re struggling to fall asleep. Additionally, helpful in ensuring a restful sleep; the celestial seasonings sleepytime wellness tea is one of my personal favorites.
es at the Miami Student Counseling webpage. reieram@miamioh.edu
GRAPHIC BY MACEY CHAMBERLIN.
JESSICA RIVERA IN MOTZART’S DON GIOVANNI AS DONNA ELVIRA. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CINCINNATI OPERA.
From 1-3 to 7-4: How Miami
KETHAN
BABU SPORTS EDITOR
At the start of October, the Miami University RedHawks football team didn’t look like a conference championship contending program.
The team that stepped up and won the 2023 Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship sat at 1-4 before Oct. 12. Their only win at the time was an overtime victory against the University of Massachusetts, a team that now sits at 2-8.
Since then, however, the RedHawks have won six straight games
Miami consistently falters at the start of the season against non-conference opponents. Since 2014, the RedHawks have entered MAC play under .500 each year except 2022.
However, despite poor starts, seasons since 2014. The 2019 season saw the RedHawks convert a 1-3 startship.
The schedule typically has the RedHawks visiting Power Four opponents to begin the season. This year, they visited the Northwestern University Wildcats and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and welcomed the University of Cincinnati Bearcats.
These Power Four opponents typically have advantages over the RedHawks, primarily an increased home-game attendance. Despite Wildcats brought in 12,000 people to the stands. The Notre Dame game put the RedHawks in front of nearly 80,000 fans.
For head coach Chuck Martin, however, these games are an early test for the team to show what he needs to work on before MAC play.
“You get a good view of your strengths and weaknesses,” Martin said. “We did plenty of good things
win any of them, but [if] you watch the Notre Dame game, we did plenty of good things against them. We outIf we could do that against Notre Dame, that’s probably something we should rely on.”
The attendance at these games reconference play later in the season. This year’s Battle for the Victory Bell against Cincinnati, which took place at Yager Stadium, brought in almost 25,000 people.
adjusted to accommodate for crowd noise. For sixth-year quarterback Brett Gabbert, this adjustment slows year, especially away games, it’s
o-line or receivers,” Gabbert said. time to communicate to everybody, whether it’s wideouts, giving them signals, or telling the o-line if it’s a run play or pass protection.”
Sixth-year linebacker Matt Salwith Power Four opponents is the Dame sports a 6-foot-8, 325 pound lineman in Tosh Baker. For Miami’s defense, lining up against guys like Baker requires adaptation.
However, Salopek said Miami’s opponents, whether they’re Power Four or in the MAC, need to be treated the same.
“You got some teams with bigger o-lines, faster guys on the outside, but we see very athletic guys and capable guys in our conference,” Salopek said. “There’s capable guys in our conference that can do just as good.” 2024, the RedHawks held the lead over their opponents for under 10
yards, but only two touchdowns.
This early performance was hampered by the defenses they faced. Notre Dame currently boasts the sixth-best defense in average yards allowed.
Miami’s early slate of games gives
nesses early on is vital to the team’s overall success come December.
“We want to expose [our] weaknesses,” Martin said. “You go to practice and you say, ‘OK, these weaknesses were exposed, let’s get better at them.’ If you play three softies, and what your strengths and weaknesses are. That’s the biggest thing for me.”
Since their week six loss to the University of Toledo Rockets, the RedHawks have gone 6-0. Wins against the Ohio University Bobcats and Central Michigan University Chippewas proved that Miami isn’t out of postseason contention.
A huge aspect of the team’s success has been greater involvementer Reggie Virgil has scored in each of the RedHawks last six games and leads the team with 498 yards during Miami’s undefeated stretch.
For Gabbert, involvement from
cial to their success in the back half of the season.
“It’s everybody,” Gabbert said. our running backs. They’ve all been doing extremely well pretty much
One more game lies ahead for Miami against another championship-contending team in the Bowling Green State University Falcons.
Contributing reporting done by Colin McDonald
babukc2@miamioh.edu
BRYAN MILLER
THE MIAMI STUDENT
The continuous grind of a college football season brings peaks and valleys to every team.
Oftentimes, coaches and analysts across all levels of the sport point out Championship teams often get better as the season progresses and play their best when the pressure mounts. Coaches and analysts across all levels of the sport point out the importance
The Miami University RedHawks are looking to do just that. After a magical 11-3 season in 2023, the RedHawks started the new season with three straight losses. The expectations of repeating as Mid-American Conference (MAC) champions seemed bleak before October.
in the running game. The RedHawks combined for 174 rushing yards in 58 rushing yards per game, which ranked as the fourth worst in all of college football at the time.
But Miami continued to believe. -
stuck together,” senior running back Kevin Davis said. “We knew it was going to continue to get better.” Miami rushed for 168 yards in the rain en route to a 23-20 overtime win over the University of Massachusetts
Even after a loss to the University of Toledo Rockets the next week, the RedHawks started to roll and are now on a six-game winning streak.
During the winning streak, Miami averaged 183.6 yards per game on the ground. Head coach Chuck this improvement.
“Running the ball is a full team thing,” Martin said. “It starts with the o-line, starts with our tight ends, starts with the receivers.”
getting the job done up front, the running backs were also giving them enough time to set up their blocks, a fact not lost on senior running back Keyon Mozee.
“[Coach] has always been preach-
ing on pressing a hole and giving our o-linemen time to set up the blocks quickly.”
No one at Miami has been ablezee. After combining for 60 yards run for 100 or more yards in six of RedHawk running back to have six 100-yard games in a season since Travis Prentice in 1999.
However, there’s one area in particular that Mozee wanted to improve on throughout the season.
“Hitting the ball vertically,” Mozee said. “Earlier in the season, I felt like I was trying to do too much rather than just hitting vertical seams.” Keeping things simple has paid improvement throughout the season isn’t much of a surprise for Martin
“Here’s a kid that’s showing such a big jump in his game his senior year,” Martin said. “People think, ‘Well, that’s not possible,’ but that’s just a kid that keeps working, keeps taking coaching, keeps paying attention to detail and keeps trying to improve his game. Now, you’re seeing the results go along with it.”
Another reason why Mozee has made a big jump this year is because of an increase in touches. He became the team’s main running back in 2021 and 2022, but he only saw 34 touches last season after Rashad Amos took over his duties.
Many players may have opted to transfer out after a decreased role, but Mozee stayed with Miami. Now, he stands third in the MAC in rushing yards at 846.
“I decided to stay here mostly because I feel like I had a point to prove,” Mozee said. “It just made me angrier, and I felt like I just had a point to prove, and I had something to get across.”
As the RedHawks enter the homestretch of the season, the offense will look to maintain its curlooking to create open lanes for their star running back, who is looking to prove himself further by leading the team to Detroit.
mill2361@miamioh.edu
From the Netherlands to Oxford: Ilse de Vries wants to push Miami far Walk-on Ethan Wright hopes to make waves for RedHawks
VINCENT JOLLIFF THE MIAMI STUDENT
Walk-ons are the lifeblood of collegiate athletics. All-time basketball greats such as Scottie Pippen andreers as walk-ons. Football legendsnett were also walk-ons in college.
Each year, thousands of students at hundreds of colleges and universities try out to become a member of a varsity athletics team. Coaches hold tryouts in the preseason and pick a their rosters.
The players are not on scholarships – they are simply in it for their love of the game. These athletes sac-ue playing the game they love and have been playing for as long as they can remember.
Often, walk-ons do not see thegy in times of need. It might not be glamorous, but walking on is one of the things that makes collegiate sports so special.
Ethan Wright is a sophomore from Dayton, Ohio. Wright is a new walk-on for the men’s basketball team, taking a nonconventional way to playing Division I basketball.
“I tried out freshman year and didn’t make it,” Wright said. “I asked them if I was able to come and watch the practices and still be exposed to that to make sure I can maybe try it again. I was invited to open gyms.”
It was this commitment and willingness to learn that really stood out among peers and coaches.
“As far as a teammate, he’s great on the court,” teammate Blake Anderson said. “[He’s] always bringing the energy, encouraging guys, making sure that guys are getting what they need.”
are there because they love the game and want to help the team. They don’t get all the glory but are vital to a to put the team before himself was a huge boost for the RedHawks.
“The guys gravitate towards him assistant coach Carl Richburg said. that I’ve been around here. He’ll help guys shoot, rebound for guys on his own.”
As with any student-athlete, Wright gets support from many
“Coach Holmes and coach Richburg are the two I am more familiar with,” Wright said. “Coach Steele seemed very down-to-earth and good guy. Every time I mess up, I ask Coach Richburg, and he helps me out.”
He has also received plenty of support from his new teammates, who are impressed with his resiliency and work toward integrating himself in the team.
“I think that it’s kinda tough comthe team after we’ve already kind of gotten things rolling,” Anderson he’s done that really well.”
The team had been set all summer. They worked out and did manyber, putting him a step behind his now-teammates.
Wright has made his mark on this team in the short time he has been there. He encapsulates what makes college basketball so special. A normal, down-to-earth student is now playing Division I basketball. jollifvm@miamioh.edu
KELIA BURBRIDGE
THE MIAMI STUDENT
The Miami University RedHawks women’s basketball team began the 2024-25 season strong.
the season, the RedHawks have risen to 3-1, their best start since the 202122 season.
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) preseason poll had the Redthe conference. Currently, Miami sits at third behind the Ball State University Cardinals and the University of
This start is especially important when considering where the team stood at the end of the 2023-24 season. Last year’s 9-20 overall record prompted head coach Glenn Box and to a strong group of returning players. An important addition to theward Ilse de Vries, who began her against the Appalachian State Uni-ished third on the team in scoring with 10 points and six rebounds. that has led her to this point in her life. Growing up in Groningen, Netherlands, she started playing basketball when she was 10 years old. where my parents lived,” De Vries said. “I started at a really small club team, and a couple years later, I went to the city where my parents live, which is a higher club team. Then, I got scouted for the national team.”
De Vries played for the National Team Under 15 before getting scouted to play for the Orange Lines Academy in Amsterdam. She said the op-
portunity to play for the capital city
of the Netherlands was a huge stepping stone for her.
While she said she was grateful for her opportunities, she wanted more and knew what the United
She said her inspiration to come to the U.S. began after Box watched her at the European Championship.
the RedHawks.
After speaking with him, De Vries said she knew she had to take the opportunity.
“I really wanted to come to the United States because basketball is so much bigger than in my country,” De Vries said. “When I got the opportunity to go I knew I should do it because it was such a big opportunity for me.”
of the season, De Vries scored 18 points, including four free throws on six attempts. Her 13 rebounds is tied for second-most on the team. Overall, Box feels De Vries has improved by leaps and bounds comOxford.
“She’s a freshman [who was] kind think she’s handled it well. She’s a good kid, she works extremely hard and she’s adapted to our culture here.”
Sophomore forward Amber Tretter, the RedHawks’ leading scorer, said she is grateful for not only the talent De Vries brings to the team but also her great energy for her teammates.
“She’s a great teammate to have because while she does a lot for the team basketball-wise, she’s also someone that will always make us laugh and cheer us up in the locker room,” Tretter said.
Acclimating to a new team and
school is tough enough, but for an international player, new concerns can come up. Five RedHawks arrived in Oxford from outside the U.S. this year.
measures for international players, the Redhawks’ coaches and players said they feel it is important for it to
“I think one thing that we try to Tretter said. “We do everything together as a team and try to give them more experiences that they might not have at home.”
For De Vries, understanding the coaches at practice and getting usedever, she said she appreciates the
“My teammates are helping me really well,” De Vries said. “They’re always supporting me, especially since there’s sometimes a language barrier. Sometimes I struggle with understanding what the coach means, so my teammates are always helping me understand better.”
continues to get involved with 69 total minutes.
The RedHawks have six more games until conference play begins. They are hoping to overshadow last year’s performance, and De Vries may prove to be a factor in Miami’s success this winter.
“Anytime you include somebody in your program that has her character traits, that’s big in itself,” Box said. “From a player standpoint, her upside is incredible. She’s graceful in her movements, [and] she has the potential to be a dynamic rim protector, not to mention a low post score.” burbrikn@miamioh.edu
JEFFREY MIDDLETON
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
When Miami University hired Anthony Noreen as the next hockey head coach, the transfer portal opened 24 hours later on April 1. The circumstances required him to hit the ground running with already-estabholes in the RedHawks’ roster.
However, the quick turnaround of people he could trust on the re-garding recruitment was David Nies, appointed to the recruiting coordinator position and assistant coach.
“I think it was so important to get David on board right away,” Noreen said. “ He was on the road, in the rinks and he had an unbelievable beat on what was going on in the hockey world, which was huge.”
Troy Thibodeau, Miami’s associate head coach, and Zack Cisek, the assistant coach who stayed on from continue their recruitment processes during the chaotic period full of changes.
The 2025-26 class consists of 11 players from the United States Hockey League (USHL). Some have spent three or four years with their respective clubs, while others have foundsons.
Age: 20
David Deputy:
5-foot-9 forward for the USHL’s Omaha Lancers
Scored 14 points in 17 games
Originally committed to RIT
NAHL East Division Rookie of the Year in 2022-23
Cal Huston:
Age: 19
6-foot defenseman for the USHL’s
Youngstown Phantoms
Scored two points in 16 games
Ryan Seelinger:
Age: 19
5-foot-11
Forward for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers Has scored eight points in 16 games
Chuck Blanchard:
Age: 19
6-foot forward for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Has scored seven points in 15 games
Captain of his high school team
Artemi Nizameyev:
Age: 18
5-foot-10 forward for the USHL’s Tri-
City Storm Has scored 16 points in 18 games
the game and wants to get better,” Noreen said. “ He might not be the biggest guy, but you want that kid in [the] foxhole. We’re really excited to have him here.”
Age: 18
Michael Phelan:
6-foot defenseman for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks Has scored three points in 18 games
He is a defensive defenseman who is strong on connecting breakouts and using his skating to open lanes.
Age: 19
Bradley Walker:
6-foot-1 forward for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks
He has 53 penalty minutes already this season and racked up 132 PIMs in 59 games with the NAHL’s El Paso Rhinos.
Shaun McEwen:
Age: 20 6-foot defenseman for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm Has scored seven points in 15 games
He is in his fourth season with the Storm and has played under Noreen. He has also been the captain at TriCity for two seasons.
Charlie Michaud:
Age: 18
6-foot defenseman for the USHL’s Madison Capitols Has scored eight points in 17 games Serving as an alternate captain On pace for a career-high in points.
Ian Scherzer:
Age: 19 6-foot center for the USHL’s Madison
Capitols Has scored 10 points in 17 games From Austria and played on the Austrian World Junior Championship team in 2022 and 2023, scoring seven points in 10 total games over the two tournaments. He was voted a top-three player as an underager for Team Austria in 2023.
Justin Stupka:
Age: 19 6-foot-2 defenseman for the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers Has scored four points in 17 games this season. He is in his fourth full USHL season after spending two with the Omaha Lancers and now with the Muske-
teers. Noreen said the 2025-26 Miami hockey recruiting class is another step toward the ultimate goal of this RedHawks to the common college hockey lexicon. “I can’t imagine anyone has committed more guys in a short amount of time than us, but again, we haven’t over recruited,” Noreen said. “But the ultimate thing is guys believed in this program. They believed in the direction this program is going in. We believe in this place. We want guys who believe in this place, and they want to be part of the change.”
middleje@miamioh.edu
CULTURE
KISER YOUNG SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Snow-covered trees, festive decorations hanging from every house, seasonal drinks appearing on every menu … but let’s be real. The best part about the holidays are the gifts.
The holiday season is deemed to be more than a period of elaborate gift exchanges and a spam inboxer, the holidays come once a year. Itson. Here’s a list for all the guys still asking…
What should I be asking for?
Yeah, you look good, but how do you smell?
The only thing better than someone saying “you look good,” is when they say you smell even better. While pleasing the olfactory sense may come as a struggle or sensitive topic for some, Tom Ford’s rich and deep scents to suit a multitude of smell preferences.
Your new favorite brand
Honestly, this is a brand that should be an essential in everyone’s closet, regardless of the season. Every Other Thursday is a menswear brand that houses many of its most popular pieces year-round, but also has special drops throughout the year.
With several pieces perfect for winter styling, it’s hard to pick a clear winner, but the Fisherman knit Head to toe
Everyone needs a pair of tried and true Timberland boots to get them through a season of ice-covered streets and slick sidewalks. Whether you’ve already invested in this versatile work boot or late to the party, this timeless shoe is a closet must.
But if you’re feeling hesitant about investing in a shoe with 45-inch laces, Boston clogs are the perfect shoe. If you don’t live under a rock or happened to glance at any of your peer’snitely seen these trendy clogs out.
I’d recommend copping the suede embossed Bostons, for any of you wanting to stand out or avoid the “basic” slander that comes from investing in popular trends. The range blue is a must have.
An homage to the slopes
From the midsection of recycled skis, Uncommon Goods unique coasters mashes some of life’s greatest pleasures. Each set of these coasters are unique and are the perfect barrier between your beverage of choice and favorite table.
By now, almost everyone has seen the incredible pictures captured by the Canon G7 X and its even more infamous price tag of $700+. Memories are meant to be captured, but not at the expense of your wallet. The Nikon Coolpix is a perfect alternative for a fraction of the price.
The level of quality in the pictures is pretty similar, and the camera settings allow you to preset edits depending on how you like your photos. This series had been archived by Nikon, but you can purchase these cameras via resale from a variety of online sellers. P.S.: don’t forget to buy an SD card reader!
PJs and Ponies
If you also believe in winter-themed pjs, look no further than Ralph Laruen’s Allover Pony Wafbetter than rocking a pair of pj pants covered in tiny men riding horses is the fact that they feel even better.
Snug as a bug in a rug… or perhaps an Ugg Winter is coming, and the best is with Ugg’s sherpa lined comforters. The Koolaburra blanket set is a perfect way to elevate your bedding quality while keeping your toes safe from the chill grasp of winter.
For those of you lucky enough to get a little extra. Here is a list of little “necessities” that are perfect alternatives to some of those larger gifts.
- Ordinary skincare
- Coca-Cola Spinner Bottle Opener
- Leather Card Holder
- Silver cowboy boot lighter case
- Polo Bear Roll-Top 3-Sock Gift Set
- Hershey’s Kisses candy cane mint candy
- Ceramic lego head mug
- Aquaphor
- Portable Charger
- Miami University-themed deck of cards
youngk20@miamioh.edu
SOUTHARD CULTURE EDITOR
I’m fully convinced that I dress my dog better than myself.
For those of you who don’t know, I have a 1-year-old beagle named Trixie (her full AKC title is Trixie Mattel). I’ve written two articles about her already because yes, my entire life revolves around her.
I’ve been obsessed with styling her. My other dog who lives at home is a great Dane, so purchasing clothing (please make more clothes for big dogs). Trixie is much, much smaller, been easy.
Dressing your pup makes them stand out, and sometimes it’s accute as hell. As long as your dog is comfortable with whatever you dress them in, keeping their wardrobe as fresh as yours is a fun and rewarding experience.
Weather wear
The most useful clothes for your dog are those that protect them from certain weather conditions. If you’re going to purchase anything for your come in handy.
for Trixie was a pair of booties from PetSmart. They’re from the brand Arcadia Trail, and they were a worthy investment. The little boots are adjustable, so Trixie hasn’t grown out of them.
The reason I purchased booties was initially to protect Trixie’s paws from salt in the winter. I know Miami University salts the sidewalks, and this can be harmful to your dog’s paw pads. These boots have also come in handy on rainy days — I no longer have to worry about muddy and soggy paws.
that I will ever associate myself with.
If your dog has short (or no) fur, a winter coat is also a useful purchase.
Trixie loves to play in the snow, but she usually ends up shivering and I have to force her to come inside. With a nice, thick coat I bought on Chewy, she’s able to enjoy the snow for longer. I can also be assured that she’s comfortable on walks when it’s chilly outside.
The nice thing about a majority of the winter coats for dogs is that they are waterproof, meaning they can also function as a raincoat. However, they are quite heavy, so if you don’t want your pup to be too hot, a regular raincoat would be a good idea.
The raincoat that Trixie has was actually a hand-me-down from my Dane, Lolita’s, puppy days. I got it for cheap at Walmart, but it does the job.
Custom accessories display personality
If you’re anything like me, Etsy has become a haven for ordering pet products.
There are many sellers who make personalized accessories for pets, and I simply cannot resist them. an ordinary pet store; they’re created with your dog and their personality in mind.
My favorite personalized product for Trixie has to be a biothane collar with her full title on it. I cannot tell you how many collars Trixie has been through in her one year of life. They’re constantly fraying, getting dirty and breaking.
Biothane is meant to withstand the elements. It’s also extremely easy to clean and doesn’t fade in color.
I’d also recommend custom tags.
These don’t have any actual purpose, but they’re fun and cute. I found a nice seller through Etsy who makes personalized resin tags; Trixie has had hers for quite some time and it’s still as good as new.
The thing I love about customized
pet products is that they truly capture your dog’s personality, and they fall under whatever aesthetic you can think of. For instance, since Trixie is named after the iconic drag queen, many of her accessories are pink, cutesy and cowgirl-themed. These personalized accessories can be more expensive, but I’d say they’re worth it because of their quality and longevity.
The little things I’m a big fan of putting bandanas on Trixie. They’re nothing too crazy, but they’re adorable and can match any occasion. Again, I usually turn to Etsy for bandanas because the variety of designs are endless. Plus, most sellers provide discounts if you buy a certain amount from their shop. If you’re crafty, though, you can easily make bandanas for your pup with some fabric.
I also love to dress Trixie in other small, random things. For example, I have two tiny bows and a Rosie the Riveter headband from Build-A-Bear workshop that look adorable on Trixie. I also once found a beaded necklace on the ground; I took it home, cleaned and disinfected it, then put it on Trixie. It looks perfect with her Pajamas are also a great accessory for your pup, especially if they get cold easily. Trixie loves to cover up with a blanket on cold days, so pajamas are perfect for lazy days around the apartment.lous to dress your dog or spend extra money on them, but I disagree. Our dogs are only here for so long. To me, it’s beyond worth it to dress Trixie, whether it’s for her own comfort or the simple enjoyment of seeing her look cute.
southacr@miamioh.edu
CHLOE SOUTHARD CULTURE EDITOR
I don’t know about you, but as the myself growing increasingly more stressed every day.
When I’m not using YouTube as background noise, I’ve been turning to Spotify to get me through this week’s seemingly endless workload. As a result, I’ve mostly depended on my favorite genre — ’90s grunge — for comfort.
So here are the songs I’ve been bumping while begrudgingly completing assignment after assignment.
‘Big Empty’ — Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots’ album “Purple” is certainly up there in my favorite records of all time. This is the song that introduced me to the group; Ition, Sirius XM’s “Lithium,” in my parents’ car.
I have pretty cool parents, if I do say so myself. Their love for grunge me.
‘Hunger Strike’ — Temple of the Dog
Temple of the Dog is made up of some of the biggest names in grunge music, notably with Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell on vocals.
This song is the group’s most popular, but the entire album is worth a listen, especially because it’s the only record the band put out.
‘The Pot’ — TOOL
This song wasn’t recorded in the ’90s, but it’s one of TOOL’s best. I listened to it multiple times on my way home from Oxford last May with my dad.
Not once did I get sick of it during that 10 hour drive, and I can still listen to it on repeat now.
‘Jane Says’ — Jane’s Addiction
If you’re a “Lithium” station listener, this one will be familiar to you. As overplayed as it may be, it remains catchy and comforting to me.
‘Sticky’ — Tyler, the Creator ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne
I didn’t say this playlist would only be dad rock. Sometimes I need a break, and this track has been stuck also the only Sexyy Red-related song
‘Far Behind’ — Candlebox
People love to hate on Candlebox — especially other singers within the grunge scene (Courtney Love, girl, I’m looking at you) — but why? Because it’s “not grunge?” Guess what?
Candlebox formed in Seattle in 1990 just like a majority of grunge bands.
This song is amazing and never fails to give me chills. Enough with the slander. It’s time to grow up.
‘Heaven Beside You’ — Alice in Chains
This song is perfect for the late nights while you’re up scrambling 11:59 p.m. It’s not too crazy, but it’s also not too mellow. Honestly, any of while I’m doing work.
‘Hands Clean’ — Alanis Morissette
Thanks to my mom, Morissette is one of my favorite artists of all time. This song makes me feel like I’m in a montage that belongs in a movie about college: I picture myself doing homework nonstop, cleaning, walk-
‘Daughter’ — Pearl Jam
This song kind of gives me the same vibe as “Hands Clean.” It just feels like something that should play while I’m completing my daily tasks; there’s no other way to explain it.
‘Don’t Call Me Da Da’ — Sir Mix-a-Lot
There’s no way this song isn’t going to end up in my Spotify wrapped. There’s something about it that satis-tion it makes for a nice break when than grunge.
‘When I’m Thinking About You’ — The Sundays The Sundays isn’t a grunge band either, but it’s still ’90s music. It’s something a little more low key, something for when I’m feeling sleepy or contemplative.
‘Milk’ — Garbage
Garbage’s self-titled album is full of gold as far as I’m concerned. This one has stuck with me as of recently. It’s not super rock-sounding, but it always has me bopping my head while I’m working away on my laptop.
‘When You Were Made’ — The Growlers
The Growlers also isn’t a grunge group, but the gritty, raw vocals on this track are addicting to me. The lyrics on this track are beautiful as well; it’s written to address a child whose parents are separating or divorcing. I’m not a child of divorce, but I can still appreciate the lyricism and message here. ‘Freak on a Leash’ — Korn I’m coming out as a Korn listener. Please keep all thoughts and comments to yourself. southacr@miamioh.edu
GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD
GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD
GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD
CHLOE
Letter to the editor: To President Gregory Crawford, BOT Chair Mary Schell
and Athletic Director David Sayler, we must preserve Slant Walk
STEPHEN WILSON
My fellow Miamians,
Last month, The Journal News’ Michael D. Clark reported that “Miami’s iconic Millett Hall is now the focus of preliminary discussions among
ment, Clark’s piece also states, “In this early planning phase, the uninew arena that is centrally located on campus, within walking distance for
This second quote should give all Miamians pause, especially if we consider that the words “centrally lo-
Slant Walk.
no one in a leadership position at Miami University would even consider
historical landmarks, its hallowed tree-lined path has led Miamians to
ings like Alumni Hall, Harrison Hall
and Hall Auditorium have sprung up along the route over the years,
an unspoiled greenspace. Slant Walk is more than a route to restaurants and shops. It’s a central thread in our shared Miami history. To desecrate it duty.
Fortunately, in recent decades Miami University has proven that we -
to preserve our singularly gorgeous campus. The Armstrong Student Center, the new Western Campus res-
Hat tricks over hail marys all day
THE MIAMI STUDENT
Nothing sounds less appealing to me than spending three hours of myented golden retrievers wearing capris and knee-high socks. I will never understand that cliché adrenaline rush from watching 22 guys sprint grass while catching, tackling andtator, I still don’t have a real grasp on the rules. I just clap and complain when everyone else does. I’m a pro-
facades, if you really know me, you’ll know I’m a faux fan. For one, the environment of aed. Their guttural screams echo throughout the nation. Somehow all on their couch. While staying true to their prehoodies and coats. To my dismay, I’ve discovered that no amount of winter gear can shield a person from in the general direction of the games for roughly 18 weeks straight.
on, a steady thrum of anticipation homes of eager hockey fans and the
arenas of their favorite teams. The air surrounding hockey facilities goes stale and acquires that horrifying tinge of sweat that never fades for all of winter. Mullets start popping up like prairie dogs on a summer’s night, and this is when I really know -
The reason I don’t jump up and
You can stand the most revered NFL player right in front of me and force won’t matter. I don’t care for any of the things that pull people into the game, and I never will. In the sports world, I love that way.
a single second of ice hockey, and I don’t plan on it. Playing hockey is not
I’ve had the greatest privilege of all
sleep and play sports. I don’t even like ice skating with him in the win-
over. Even though my pride is a litnights, it gets repaired when I’m
after scoring a goal and seeing his makes me a little emotional.
PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH
He used to constantly ask me to apartment walls were covered in scrimmages in the kitchen. Even covered with goalie pads and wearing
Back then, he was seven. Now, I just avoid the driveway altogether risk anything. I trust his 16-year-old the emergency room. his eyes too, not just mine. Witnesslove hockey, from the viewpoint of a player lost in admiration, is incrediyounger player inside of him admire every detail of the game. I could see him following each play like he was on the ice. From the moment I watched -
I knew no matter what sports I’d grow to love myself, I’d always have a puck-shaped spot in my heart.
idence halls and the new McVey Data Science Center are shining examples of thoughtful campus design and stewardship. Kudos to the architects, administrators, and donors who ensured those projects would enhance
truly understood the assignment.
Similarly, Miamians understand the need to renovate or even replace the spaces in which we cheered, studied and lived. We understand that successful capital campaigns involve aspirational construction projects. Nonetheless, I hope that I speak on
ning of a new arena to keep areas like
Instead, as you advance this project, I urge each of you to consider
heritage, then we must ask ourselves whether the project is worth advancing at all. The cost to our institutional
With Love and Honor, Stephen Wilson `94
Leave our campus alone
THE EDITORIAL BOARD THE MIAMI STUDENT
Miami University students’ green spaces are in jeopardy in exchange
Students have few community spacand Cook Field and Slant Walk are two of the most popular. Slant Walk is a sacred Miami tradition that spans decades, and now tear it up.
Cook Field is constantly full of students doing everything from playing intramural sports to lying down to read. That space could soon Pulley Tower and the Farmer School of Business.
students would lose two of the largest green spaces on campus.
Replacing the 55-year-old Millett one of Miami’s oldest traditions for a new stadium goes against everything the university stands for. We are historical and full of tradition, and that should remain unchanged.
sion made without thinking of the that has come to love the campus weert Frost walked when he called our
it that don’t include ruining one of the main student community spaces
The Student implores Miami administration, the Board of Trustees and their voice heard and do the right thing to keep our campus ours. this happens so why would I do wrong. Stand up for your future alcall home so others can have the experiences you’ve had.
Just think of all the fun foods,chased after 11 p.m. on Slant Walk never had the opportunity to play intramural sports, hang out with your friends or just lay on Cook Field. We at The Student ask everyone involved to think past the moneypact they will have on student life
eic.miamistudent@gmail.com
of the prettiest areas on campus.
As for the proposed hotel, we al-cum Hotel and Conference Center. If -
act same location instead of destroying our largest shared outdoor area?
The roommate
CAROLINE ALBERT
MIAMI STUDENT
THE
She seemed normal. Nice girl from a nice family. But they could not
The girl was her roommate, the roommate Emma never wished she had chosen.
Sure, the girls get along OK. The small talk is always pleasant.
But behind closed doors, they roll their eyes in annoyance with the other.
The roommate sleeps in until 2 p.m., while Emma is up early at 8 a.m. It’s almost impossible for Emma to want to keep quiet after being rudely awoken at 3 a.m. by her roommate who’s always out partying.
So she doesn’t.
Emma wakes up and turns on a small light to see the room that is pitch black even though the sun is out.
She doesn’t bother putting down her skincare lightly or softly closing
the door when going to the bathroom because the roommate didn’t.
The roommate did not take a moment to consider the noise she made when she stumbled into the room after a long night out with friends.
The roommate loudly sets down her purse after the sound of the door closing echoes throughout the dorm room.
The roommate quickly changes into pajamas, obnoxiously opening and closing her drawers.
Then, right when Emma thinks asleep, the roommate grabs her plastic water bottle that noisily crinkles throughout the room jolting her back awake.
Then, once the morning comes, the cycle starts all over again.
The roommate wakes up early in the morning to Emma getting ready for the day.
While Emma wakes up late at night to the roommate’s return.
Free from home
THE MIAMI STUDENT
Anna sits on the common room couch with her hallmates and listens to them complain about their homesickness and when they will see their parents next. They call their parents often, some almost every day. She has not called her parents in a week, and Well, here’s why: Because she lives closer to Miami Univeristy than the others, and does not feel too far away from her hometown to miss it. Because her hall is starting to feel like a community full of laughing friends and late-night movies every Sunday.
Because she has big dreams and expectations for herself that she wants to achieve at Miami.
MARTIN WOZNIAK
THE MIAMI STUDENT
As they realized the wait time, 30 minutes for a Chipotle burrito, they decided to call it quits.
Because she joined fun clubs with her friends and made it into high leadership positions. out where everything is on campus without a map.
Because being away from her family felt freeing and like she can do what she wants to do all the time.
Because she doesn’t have her parents watching her grades and pressuring all A’s.
Because she feels the pressure of Because in the end, she was ready to leave, she wanted to be here. She does not miss home just yet.
So she just sits there and listens to them talk about the last time they cried about missing their dog or wanting face-to-face talks with their parents.
Unforgettable
ACEY WOEHRMYER
THE MIAMI STUDENT
She stares in the mirror while her roommate touches up the curls in her hair. She looks good. She feels good. Tonight is her night. She hopes that tonight she will someone who can make her forget about the boy she grew up with. She is used to scrolling through her phone awaiting a message from him. She is used to her friends saying, “You could totally do better.”
brown eyes that somehow make her feel as if she is the only one in the room. She missed his sweet smell, his soft touch and the brown locks that fell just above his ear.
As she follows the lights and enters the bar scene, she is overwhelmed by the amount of people.
Someone touches her back and spins her around. He has blonde hair, not brown hair. He has light eyes, notthing in her system and about the night makes it easier
heat go from her head to her toes and she whispers to her friend that it is time to go. She slowly makes her way out of the bar and back to Morris Hall. looks in the mirror, she knows that nothing could ever change the way she feels about the boy back home. He is simply unforgettable.
Trying to trust
After a long day of broomball, they were starved, but the guys they were walk all the way back to the Western dorms in the dark streets. It was the night after the Miami vs. Cincinnati game. Along their way back, men on benches celebrated the Bearcats, directing their jeers toward the Miami girls.
They could smell the pungent weed the guys had smoked.
They picked up the pace. Being from an all-female school, Cece had never had to worry about guys. Now she simply hoped to get home without incident. Keeping an eye out for any other groups of men, they had made it almost all the way back to their dorms when a group of 20 guys turned the corner. All together, the girls followed the same set of motions, and Cece was knew.
Cece began to try and will into existence the fact that they wouldn’t be bothered.
Yet that didn’t stop them.
A guy left the group, stopped inches away from her face, and began to bark at her.
Eyes forward, close together, fast-
The shocked group found themselves back home much faster than they would have thought.
As Cece went to her room, she thought about how she had hoped she could trust guys she didn’t know a bit more. Yet to her disappointment, she had been proven wrong.
They all froze in place. Cece’s mind began to spin, looking for a place to run, searching for a passerby to cling to for help. Now bored, he left the girls be.
BLAKE FURNISH
THE MIAMI STUDENT
As the sun set upon Miami University’s campus, Matthew thought to himself, “Why here?”
Why pick a college over 2,000 miles away from home? Why pick somewhere where he would have no friends from high school? Matthew loved San Diego. San Diego State was a great option, he liked the school after all. Why a random school in Ohio?
Well, he knew it was in Ohio, but at his graduation party, he never corrected anyone who told him how much fun he would have on the beaches of Florida. After visiting so many colleges, none of them felt right, none of them had that spark he was looking for.
Until he visited Miami.
He liked that he looked a little out of place with his beachy, almost homeless-looking style.
He liked that there were no big,
300-story metal buildings.
He liked that he would not have totion noise every morning.
But most importantly, he likedfessors asked about his interests, and they asked about his opinions. People cared about who he was, and he was not just a cog in a big machine or just one in a million students. and connected him to opportunities nearby so he did not feel too far from home.
People cared that he loved baseball and that he had a huge baseball card collection, something the likes many of us have never seen before. People cared that he loved cinema so they asked him about his movie incritique club.
For once, people cared about Matthew, and that was all he could ask for.
VENEZIA MCHENRY
Embracing change
THE MIAMI STUDENT
He’s sitting solemnly in his dorm room, feeling alone despite spending the night with his future brothers.
Tired but unable to sleep, he stares at the encouraging note on the ceiling that reads, “You are enough.”
He questions how he ended up here. College was supposed to be the place where his dreams came to life. Instead, he feels increasingly distant from his childhood friends.
After a restless night, he puts in his AirPods and walks to class. On the way, he runs into one of his new college. He feels comfort in seeing
her. However, he realizes that he has been distant. She invites him to hang out after class, and his heart sinks. He knows he has to go back to meet with the fraternity brothers. This is not what he wants.
Overwhelmed, he rushes homeleasing his tension with a sigh.
Pulling out his phone, he calls his mom.
He pours out his feelings – the his fear of losing his old friendships. She listens patiently and gently reminds him that growing apart is part of growing up. After the phone call, he has a new realization. It’s OK to embrace new friendships while
honoring the old.
Feeling lighter after the conversation, he looks at the note with clear eyes. “You are enough.”
He feels relieved knowing he does not have to choose between his past and present.
He sends a quick message to his friend, accepting her invitation.
He knows he will have to break the news about not joining the fraternity to his old friends.
But now he feels ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Course correction
ROWAN COUGHLIN
THE MIAMI STUDENT
If you were to ask Ben what he was like in high school, the phrase “a piece of shit” would come out pretty quickly.
He’d tell you that he had a lot of friends, but he doesn’t think he was a good friend to any one of them.
He’d tell you that he tended to give people what they wanted, but it didn’t make him likable so much as tolerable.
He’d tell you that the people he was closest to were circumstantial, almost like colleagues.
He’d admit that at the end of the school week, he knew that he wouldn’t be seeing anyone he called a
BAILEY RYAN THE MIAMI STUDENT
The members blur together into one shape. But one member is determined to stand out.
Standing out comes naturally toate yourself pretty early on when you have an identical twin.
every hobby, every action was calculated to set her apart from her sister.
But now, in a new place, on a campus of thousands of kids, standing out is a bit more challenging.
Each morning she carefully picks
She dresses for herself and no one else. Some days that means comfort a cute hairstyle.
There is no mistaking Claire with her side. She stands out just enough to catch your eye in a sea of college students who all look the same.
friend for a full 48 hours.
If you were to ask Ben what he’sitate a bit, but not long before telling you that he’s trying to be more genuine.
He’d say that now, he has fewer friends, but it doesn’t really feel like it.
He’d use words like “reinvention,” acknowledging how cliche it sounds but insisting that he’s working to live up to it.
If you were to ask Ben if thinks he’s on the right track, he’d probably startle a bit, maybe even laugh in a way that’s more defensive than amused.
But if you gave him a moment, Ben would tell you he hopes so.
But on days like this, where the whole band is dressed identically, she can’t exactly dress to stand out.
She is unapologetically enthusiastic about her passions and is not afraid to stand up and speak her mind.
louder than the rest of her section.
When they play she lifts her chin ever so slightly higher, staring down her audience.
She plays as hard as she can, attempting to create a loud tune that booms over the rest. From the stands, the band members blend together. That is their goal, of course. But through the cheering of the crowd and booming of the band you can almost pick out a tune carried above the rest. stands out.
The band member Mr. Arms
SALIAH CURTISS THE MIAMI STUDENT
“I’m just a girl,” she sighs.
Aubrey loves her lectures. I mean, she doesn’t love the business lectures, the guy in her class.
She sits three seats away from the board. A thousand dreams to become a woman who dominates the business industry. He sits across from her.
They laugh for a split second. Everything is glitter hearts and love letters written to her.
She creates organized folders for everything. A pen and notebook are placed on her desk constantly. He forms a headrest for himself with his arms. He seems to not care at all.
Her face burns like molten lava, the color rushing from her cheeks to her nose.
Her notebook and pen are no longer there. “He’s in love with me, I mean he’s got to be.”
She asks questions in her lectures, so deep in the conversation that she
remembers
“Hey, we should all take pictures together on my digital,” she says.
Easing the awkwardness, she began to snap photos left and right of the smiling faces she had just met. In the photos, girls were hugging were posing together making amusing faces and everyone was taking big
loses track of time.
He smiles in her direction. Absorbed by the one in his sight.
“He is totally and completely in love with me.”
She walks to her next class, with time on her side. Her bed calls her name in the distance.
He runs to the same class, making it just barely.
He’s oblivious. She’s hyperaware.
She sits, her posture in line. He stretches out with no spatial awareness. She listens. He daydreams. meaning of what the professor is saying.
marry me, I just know it.”
He is clueless about her newfound interest in the classes they take together.
She makes it back to her room and settles into her bed.
She tells her roommate all about class. But it’s not about the actual class. The cycle repeats. That is until the class now has a girlfriend.
group photos, despite being strangers not even 30 minutes ago.
This was it. This was the start of Alanna documenting her story. Her camera was capturing moin time, while creating connections with newfound friends.
These connections were all thanks to her silver camera.
SYDNEY ALDRICH
ZOEE ROBINSON THE MIAMI STUDENT
She stands there, grinning behind her silver camera, taking pictures of the people who will one day be part of a memory.
Alanna Sweet was now documenting her own story.
few months ago, Alanna chose to attend Miami despite her
‘Eat, Poop, Die’: Renowned biologist traces the animalistic ‘heart of our planet’
SOPHIE KWIATKOWSKI
STAFF WRITER
In a packed lecture room in Laws Hall on Thursday, Nov. 15, renowned conservation biologist Joe Roman planet, emphasizing wild animals’ power in shaping our world.
Introduced by Steven Sullivan, director of the Hefner Museum of Natural History, and Renata Crawford, Roman rang in the 50th anniversary of the Hefner Lecture Series.
In the spirit of anniversaries, Roman began his lecture by celebrating the 61st birthday of Surtsey Island, a Born from the sulfur emitted from a volcanic eruption in 1963, Surtsey Island is known for its rapid yet desolate formation, except the island glance.
“Things started to change when
Oddly enough, that change was rooted in these birds’ poop — giving essential nitrogen-rich nutrients to the island that it once lacked. Romanifested at the pace of “one pasty poop
Often, decay brings life, and this is exactly the case in nature. As these birds pooped, the nitrogen in their waste brought life to Surtsey Island, sprouting a variety of plants that made green what was once mere gray sulfuric rock.
“[Surtsey] is a perfect example of -
man said.
Roman described the shaping power animals have to being akin to
Bringing his lecture closer to home, he questioned the audience, imploring them to consider, “What animals can shape ecosystems in
The predominant responses ranged from white-tailed deer to squirrels, even including migratory
species like birds. These answers led Roman to discuss his recent research on vertical migration and biological pump systems. These concepts encompass the vertical cycle of life and decaying organic matter — like poop — feeds oceanic life.
of this concept, Roman felt that an important player was sidelined: the whale. He grappled with this thought for years, unsure of whether this re-
PHOTO BY SOPHIE KWIATKOWSKI
search would be important after a colleague of his asked him, “Is this im-
Despite this uncertainty, a few years later with the backing of his colleagues, Roman tested the role whales play in the Gulf of Maine’s biological pump system. With his colleagues, he conceptualized the Whale Pump and the Great Whale Conveyor Belt after modeling and literally scooping up the nitrogen-rich impact whales have in the Gulf of Maine.
Meet Jack Vaughn, Miami’s very
PARKER GREEN THE MIAMI STUDENT
In the Hefner Museum basement, below taxidermied animals from across the world, a storage room houses a giant metal box waiting to be displayed. While inconspicuous on the outside, the inside contains the lifelong work of former Miami University biology professor Jack Vaughn: a collection of meticulousfrom each of the 50 states.
Carefully pinned and arranged by state and species, the hundreds of the years earned him the nickname generations to come, particularly about genetic relationships.
“If you didn’t know anything Vaughn said, pointing at two specimens lying side by side. “[By] studyit allows us to characterize the relat-
‘Butterfly Man’
edness and how it was like Darwin came from a common origin, and David Russell, a former colleague of Vaughn and professor in the Biperspective on the importance of Vaughn’s hobby.
“Collections [like Vaughns] are absolutely critical to give us perspective on how things have changed, not just numbers of species, but [...] some
ferent body types and colors that areities, dryness, etc, so you actually get species changing over time, and you will have no way of knowing that until
But how does someone get into a relatively niche hobby such as but-swer lies in an appreciation for nature and a predisposition to collecting that has followed him since childhood.
“I grew up in Southern California, where there’s lots of sunshine and lots
derived a passion for nature that way, collected everything. It wasn’t just collected all kinds of insects, snakes, turtles, bird eggs - much to my moth-
With samples from every state, it’s easy to imagine that it might be hard to pick a favorite, but Vaughn rememthan all the rest.
“I’d say my favorite one is the one referring to the California peak which is the highest in the continental U.S. “When I was 18, I was a better mountain climber. So I talked to this high school friend of mine when we graduated into going up and climbing Mount Whitney. The kinds of butter-tains, they just don’t have in lower Mountain climbing isn’t the only risky thing Vaughn has done in theout his life, Vaughn has traversed remote Alaskan highways, Wisconsin bogs and even waded through alliga-
“We found that whales actually bring more nitrogen to the Gulf of Maine system than all the area’s rivers combined, contributing to around 24,000 tons of nitrogen per year to
Beyond this more narrow geographical scope of whales’ impacts, their positive nitrogen impact is spread worldwide.
“They travel thousands of miles every year in order to mate or to have their calves … providing the largest long-distance subsidy of nutrients of any animal on the planet through their urine, milk, poop and carcass-
The cyclical power animals hold in their lives and their eventual decay, from the birds on Surtsey Island to the whales in Maine, inspired Dr. Roman to condense his life work down into three words, forming the title of his most recent 2023 novel: “Eat,
Roman concluded his lecture with a reality check. He said that while these organisms hold a lot of nutrient-rich power, wild animals only make up 4% of our planet’s biological life.
“My job as a conservation biologist is to try to nudge that 4% a little
Opening up that responsibility to everyone present, Roman called for the audience to all play a part in that conservation.
“Let’s replace our carbon footprint said.
kwiatksk@miamioh.edu
own
It’s time well spent, with Vaughn having personally caught aroundtion. His collection process is careful and humane but may shock those not familiar with the processes of butter-
“I have my net, a little carrying case, paper envelopes and some killsomething and catch it, I kill it with a solution, then put it in one of the little paper envelopes and write on the envelope where it was caught and
The timeline for display can also the shadow boxes.
“Eventually, sometimes it’’s years later, I come back to those envelopes and open them up and soften the butVaughn said. “The process can take a
But Vaughn didn’t spend all his time in pursuit of winged insects. In 1966, he joined Miami faculty as a
professor in the biology department. Vaughn retired after the COVID-19 part with his beloved collection. Instead of throwing away his 70+ year passion project, he was inspired legacy of his research could live on.
“I thought [...] I need a more approachable Smithsonian, and I Vaughn said. “I’ve always admired it, and I admired Dr. Hefner. So I thought, I’ll see if they’ll take it here.
Currently, the Hefner Museum is making plans to display Vaughn’s colare not out yet. Still, interested parties looking to admire the array of insects can reout Vaunghn’s display book about his collection at King Library.
greenpt@miamioh.edu
Wisdom teeth predictions
TEDDY JOHNSON
HUMOR EDITOR
My wisdom teeth are being removed next week – the day before Thanksgiving. To some, wisdom teeth removal before a holiday celebration, all about eating, is criminal. I don’t like Thanksgiving, so I have the perfect excuse to rot in bed all day and watch the National Dog Show.
However, I’m getting my f—ing wisdom teeth out. I don’t like medical place and avoid them at all costs.
But before I knew it, my mother locked me into wisdom teeth removknow, I just know I am going to out myself.
The number of people who have asked for a video of me all drugged up is quite concerning. It’s like everyone knows I will make a fool of myself. My boss at work even wants the video. Being the funniest person in the room comes at a cost.
Knowing myself, I predict one of three scenarios to occur.
Situation 1: Lock in
On the occasional night out, a
Buschlattes deep. My ears are ringing. Eyes squinting from the bright lights. Everything is a blur. During moments like these, I start to hear a voice in my head.
The voice says “I need to lock in,” and lock in I do. Last month, after an intervention just like this, I chased down a glass cup thief and rescued my friend, August’s glass from a rogue Ohio U student.
But that’s besides the point. When I decide to “lock in,” I go home, crank out some push ups and set my alarm for 6 a.m. the next morning so I can go to the gym before everyone else.
I predict after a lot of anesthesia, I will decide to once again lock in. The doctors may need some restraints to hold me back or I might start “locking in” at the wrong time. The punching (IV) bag in the corner looks like it wants the smoke.
Scenario 2: You are so beautiful
I would say my drunk alter ego would be Dug, the golden retriever from the movie “Up,” and it shows. My golden-retriever self wants to tell everyone how much I love them.
A majority of people on The Miami told how much I love them by my alter ego. Sometimes, like a dog, I forget
my own strength and hug friends a bit too hard. One of my friends thought they were going to pass out from how hard I was hugging. Whoops.
I also have a tendency to tell people helping me how beautiful they are. It seems like everytime I go to get some late-night Skippers I am telling the woman taking my order how gorgeous she is. Since I am afraid of women, I do not ask for her number or anything. I just enjoy my cheeseburger before going home.
I know, I just know, that I will be telling one of the nurses helping me how beautiful they are and that I love expressing his love goes together better than Miami dining hall food and bugs.
Scenario 3: Non-verbal
One thing I like about being a Miami student is that we can handle our substances … for the most part. Or at least tolerate it at a higher level than the average college student. This said, I have a feeling the doctor is going to need a lot of gas to knock me out.
vate. We want to create a family, so learning how to operate our app is the perfect team-bonding exercise!
hired and attending the orientation session, human resources still haven’t cleared you. Oh geez, now you’re asking for a reason? We hate to break it to you, but we don’t really use those. It’s more of a Good luck trying to get people to help you. We’ve found that actually teaching people how to use our app just isn’t conducive to the environment we at Workday want to culti-
care deeply about customer satisfaction, which is why we created support all you have to do is go to the support report will be triaged and addressed in order of importance, so you can expect your complaint to be processed within 3 to 84 business weeks.
What’s that you say? You’re not cleared to work because you don’t with you on campus? Do you mean to tell us that you didn’t think bringing your social security card with you was a good idea?
Oh man, that one’s on you, then. We take security very seriously, and
we have to make sure you are who you say you are. Why should we trust your Miami student ID, even if you did have to use your social security number to enroll?
If for some reason you didn’t bring your social security card with you, try using your passport. You’ve never been out of the country? Well, I guess you’re just out of luck. You can try getting your parents to mail it to you, but you have to get it within three days of being hired, and mail on campus only gets sorted on Mondays and Fridays. Why? We’re just quirky like that.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to let us know! We look forward to hearing from you in approximately two years when our system processes your message. Good luck! (You’re going to need it), Workday mahones5@miamoh.edu
GRAPHIC BY TEDDY JOHNSON
