April 27, 2023

Walz discusses Armstrong’s future

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

Governor Tim Walz visited Minnesota State Wednesday to discuss the future of Armstrong Hall and its plans for reconstruction.

Armstrong Hall is over 60 years old. A building that old requires a ton of maintenance. Essentially it costs more money to run than it is worth.

The demolition and rebuilding of Armstrong would cost roughly $8.46 million with construction starting as soon as 2024.

The timeline for the new building to be up and running with students is 2026.

“I need to make sure that we’re investing in the higher education system,” Walz said.

Accessibility, sustainability and modern technology were a few main reasons Armstrong Hall is no longer considered suitable.

“We were just coming down the hallway and they’re not ADA compliant for our students who need that,” Walz said.

With the rebuild of Armstrong, it would also save a significant amount of money in utilities.

“Energy savings alone of about $200,000 a year is what we’re gonna get out of this,” Walz said. “Savings to heat and

cool the building that will be modernized so we will get our money back.”

Making the university a place prioritizing progression is a goal they strive for.

A point made during the meeting talked about how technologically, Armstrong is not updated for the pace other pub-

lic schools are at.

“In many cases, you go into high schools that have better technology that are better serving our students today,” Walz said. “We need to be modeling that.”

Students who take classes in the building agree that compared to other buildings on

Roberts chosen

as

speaker of 91st Student Government

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

The 91st Student Government held its first meeting Wednesday and elected Douglas Roberts as the speaker for the next academic year.

Roberts resigned from their position as the senator for the college of graduate studies and took the position of speaker immediately after being inducted.

The speaker acts as the unbiased and nonvoting member who facilitates meetings and mediates meetings as well as collects votes.

campus, Armstrong is lacking.

“Some of these chairs are not always going to work for every student,” David Mesta, vice president of Student Government said. “Also, not every classroom has support for technology.”

A bonding bill of $1.9 billion

A Q&A with outgoing COB Dean Brenda Flannery

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

Q1: How was the transition from faculty member to the administration side?

Dean Flannery: I joined the College of Business in 1996. I fell in love with this place and the kind of students we have here. I never really aspired to be an administrator. I just loved teaching and I loved the students. I wanted to work on a team with other people to design learning that would affect a great number of students. As the administrator and as the Dean of the Business School, my job was to hire the best faculty, best staff and bring great programs and figure out how to fund them. It was thinking more about the bigger picture for the whole business school and not just about my classes.

Q2: What did it mean to you to be the first female dean of the COB?

Dean Flannery: At first I wasn’t really ready for the leadership role. I said, “No, thank you.” Then my husband and I talked about how often women don’t have as many leadership opportunities. There were times when things would be said to me that were a little old school, but you just kind of keep your nose down, do the important work and that’s what ends up mattering the most. It’s not where you come from. It’s about what’s the work we’re going to do together. And it’s always about students. My motivation for doing this work is 100% for students. I adore them.

Q3: What has been your most memorable experience as dean of the COB?

Dean Flannery: Anything involved with seeing students succeed. Those moments where you see a student come in as a shy, unsure freshman their first year and then you see them graduate fills your heart so much that

we just want to do our best for them.

Q4: How has the IBE Program impacted the COB?

Dean Flannery: I’m so proud. The first class had 12 students in it. It’s truly a village that has

made that happen. It’s so cool to see 12 faculty that have taught in the program and hundreds of students gone through that experience and over $125,000 has been given back to the commu-

Roberts expressed that they will not only help run the meetings but also support senators in any way they need.

“I plan to hopefully get in contact over the summer or the beginning of the year and connect you to a lot of those resources and be able to guide you through more than just how the Senate operates in terms of the meeting,” Roberts said.

With Roberts holding a senator position for the past two years, they have witnessed how meetings are run and procedures are undergone efficiently.

“They understand how to support students,” David Mesta, vice president of student government, said.

Senator Roshit Niraula seconded Mesta’s statement in favor of Roberts.

“They’ve been an amazing resource for all of us, and I’m pretty confident they would be a support system for us,” Niraula said. “I know they’re well versed with Robert’s Rules, and they’ll facilitate our meetings and make sure that we’re headed in the right direction.”

One change Roberts mentioned they would implement as the speaker is to move the consent agenda to the top of the agenda as well as add the approval of minutes.

They aim to help connect senators to resources so they can be successful in their endeavors.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz (center), visits campus to discuss the reconstruction of Armstrong Hall.

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter College of Business Dean, Brenda Flannery, is retiring after 27 years at Minnesota State with 12 of those years as the dean.

WALZ on page 14 

Disability Conversation series comes to a close

DREAM decimates Data Derby

By EMMA JOHNSON News Director

Minnesota State students who are a part of Data Resources for Eager and Analytical Minds (DREAM) racked up awards at the 2023 Data Derby.

Hosted by Minnesota State’s I.T. Center of Excellence April 8, The Data Derby is split into two groups, the Datagon and the Datathon. The Datagon is a three-hour on-site competition that takes place on the day of the derby. Datathon is a month-long competition for students to analyze data and then present their findings to judges on the day of the derby. The question students were told to analyze was the prediction of food price inflation.

that we placed well,” Hauser said.

multiple tasks.

By EMMA JOHNSON News Director

Friday marks the final discussion as a part of the Disability Conversation Series.

Hosted on the last Friday of each month, the series is sponsored and hosted by the Disability Alliance, a campus affinity group made up of disabled and non-disabled people.

Librarian Jessica Schomberg said the series started as a way to provide educational opportunities for the campus.

“Often these kinds of conversations are shaped by caregivers or other professionals who aren’t themselves disabled and we wanted to make sure that any educational opportunities we have are led by people with disabilities,” Schomberg said.

Friday’s discussion will be covering the disability justice movement. The movement started after disabled people of color and disabled queer people were left out of disability rights conversations. Schomberg said the discussion will be aimed at critiquing social structures and social expectations.

“It’s focusing on people who are often left behind or forgotten or considered an in-

convenience and making sure that they are centered and included in everything that we do,” Schomberg said.

Each meeting has a guest speaker or a facilitator to assist in the discussion. Professor

Dani Scott is not only a member of the Disability Alliance but teaches courses on diversity, equity and inclusion. Scott said she wanted to join the conversation as a facilitator to help deconstruct stigmas and bring all marginalized voices to the table.

“I think that disability is oftentimes excluded from conversations. We talk about race or are nervous about talking about race, but we also aren’t really intersectional in our approach,” Scott said. “This has been a wonderful learning experience for me and I’ve been humbled to be a part of it.”

Scott said the discussion will start out with a previous overview leading into discussion questions.

“We want it to be more of an organic conversation. Then the first part is more of a lecture style and then we’ll be processing and talking about the information, especially in regard to how disabilities are

DREAM founder and associate professor Rajeev Bukralia said although DREAM resides in the Computer Information Science Department, it’s inclusive to students of all majors.

“Data science is a multidisciplinary field. Yes, computer science plays a very big role, but math, business management, even biology is involved,” Bukralia said. “It’s applicable everywhere.”

DREAM president Saumya Gautam was paired with teammates Jake Hauser and Noah Haile. Gautam said participating in the Data Derby helps build teamwork by highlighting team members’ skills.

“If one is good at data visualization, another is good at programming, and the third one has great communication, there’s no way that your team won’t win. If you have a great team, and everyone’s an expert in their field, it creates the best output,” Gautam said.

Gautam’s team won first place in the Datagon Advance level and second place in the Datathon Advance level.

Hauser said he was thrilled to find out his team had won.

“I’ve never competed in a competition similar to this before so I didn’t know what to expect. Our group worked really hard, so it was rewarding

Hauser said he enjoyed the competition as it allowed his group the freedom to analyze the data the way they wanted to interpret it.

“Often in class, you’re told what procedures and analyses to perform on data. I feel like we got to be creative in how we analyzed the data which was fun,” Hauser said.

Haile said he was surprised but excited to win.

“My team and I put lots of hours and dedicated time into putting forth our best work, so I felt excited we had the opportunity to accept an award,” Haile said.

As the vice president of DREAM, Haile said he’s gotten a lot from being a part of the RSO.

“I’ve got many good relationships with classmates and professors that help me push myself and go above and beyond what I thought was the ceiling for my success,” Haile said.

Additionally, one team won first place in the Datagon Novice level and another team won third in the Datathon Advanced level.

Freshman Ricardo de Deijn was a member of the DATA Mavericks, which placed third in the Advanced Datathon. de Deijn said he had to work on

“My tasks included communicating with the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence, training a forecasting model with the data my team and collecting, analyzing and preparing parts of the presentation,” de Deijn said.

de Deijn said DREAM has allowed him to network with data science professionals and meet students who share similar interests.

“It’s fun to participate in events organized by DREAM because they provide ways to hang out with other students while also giving the opportunity to grow your knowledge,” de Deijn said.

DREAM members also attended MinneMUDAC (Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition) on March 25 at the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. One of DREAM’s teams placed fourth in the graduate category where the goal was to predict gate counts for future Twin games.

Gautam said students should join DREAM as it allows them to gain professional experience to put on a resume.

“Anyone can have a 4.0 GPA but when you go for a job interview, they want to see what you do outside of school or how much experience you have as a full-time student.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MSU GRADUATES AND BEST OF LUCK ON ALL YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!

Courtesy Jessica Schomberg

Librarian Jessica Schomberg hosts the Disability Conversation series which wraps up its first year on Friday with a justice discussion.

Courtesy Professor Rajeev Bukralia

Members of DREAM attended MinneMUDAC at Target Field, a competition where students predicted gate counts of Minnesota Twins games.

SelfMadeGlory; much more than a music studio

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

Chris Parker has a clear vision for his upstart recording studio in Mankato, SelfMadeGlory.

“We want to empower the creators. It doesn’t just have to be music related, but we find different avenues for any artists,” Parker said. “It’s about bringing it all together and having that creative hub and a safe space for everyone to get their ideas out there.”

It just so happens his studio exists in a building that, not so long ago, had a similar mission.

SelfMadeGlory can be found in what used to be Two Fish Studios, the studio built by the late Wes Schuck and his wife, Kristi.

Located in downtown Mankato, SelfMadeGlory, has spent several months renovating the space and accumulating a team that wants to help take recording artists to the next level.

The building itself has a track record of local bands and artists’ use.

SelfMadeGlory hopes to have the same success and become a vessel for artists.

Kristi Schuck, who owns the building, thought the mission of SelfMadeGlory aligned with what her husband was so passionate about — music. Wes Schuck died in 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

In his time at Two Fish, he established it as a legitimate recording studio that nurtured local and regional artists.

“That building has been a part of my life for more than half of my life and perhaps that’s why I took it off the market,” Schuck said. “Historically there’s a great story about how it served the Mankato

community and the early stages of Mankato’s beginning. It’s a space for creative people to come in and make some magic happen.”

Chris Parker, co-owner of SelfMadeGlory, started this endeavor aiming to be a place for artists in the community.

Seeking a change in scenery and to be closer to friends, Parker moved from Chicago to Mankato wanting to create a space for those who sought mentorship within the music scene.

“Seeing that it was a need in the community for artists as far as what happens after a song is recorded is what led me to want to start a music studio,” Parker said.

Renovating the space took several months as they decided the vibe they wanted to create was a homey feel.

The studio is equipped with LED lights and a couch for people to hangout.

Understanding that there’s a business side equally as important as the talent, Parker wanted to involve a team of motivated go-getters.

“Everybody is so excited to put their projects out, but without a good marketing strategy or plan it is not going to be as successful as it could be,” Parker said.

Helping with the managing side, Xavier Thomas, SelfMadeGlory’s talent-relations manager and a business management student at MSU, works with artists and their promotion and media training.

One artist they’ve been successful with is Malik Harris, better known by his stage name, Leekthough, an MSU alumnus with millions of streams.

Leekthough achieved platinum status for his EP “Astro” and “Fall For Me.”

Starting his music career during his junior year at MSU, Leekthough earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science before realizing the corporate world wasn’t for him.

Post graduation he reconnected with his longtime friend Parker and began working together roughly eight years ago building their brand and networking with others in the music business.

“I think that relationship is more like a mentor,” Leekthough said. “He (Parker) guided me with the business and I learned how to monetize what I do and he helped get me to the next level.”

Leekthough recently performed at a Timberwolves halftime show. But it hasn’t all been rosy; Parker said he has been with Leekthough through ups and downs.

“We went through a music situation that turned out to be a screw job. And of course, just being passionate about music, I didn’t want to see any artists go through what I went through,” Parker said. “I learned from the experience and I want to share it with others.”

Educating future artists about what they went through in the industry, SelfMadeGlory wants to share those experiences.

With SelfMadeGlory in its start-up phase, one hardship those in the music industry commonly face is lack of financial resources.

“It’s hard to earn revenue off music,” Parker said. “Pacing ourselves to stay with our plan in order to move forward is our goal.”

This past month they were able to make revenue after switching to a subscription-based program you can

“My goal is to be a big supporter of y’all. I want you all to achieve your goals in the ways that you see fit and be able to give you that instruction to be a successful Senator,” Roberts said.

Emma Zellmer, 90th student government president,

acted as the temporary speaker before Roberts was elected and welcomed the new senate and informed them on some of the common procedures and government lingo.

Paired with returning senators and new faces, the 91st student government will meet again in the fall.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

JULIA LIN • The Reporter

Chris Parker (left), Leekthough, Soca, Elkanah Lion, and Andre Wise are all members of the local recording studio called SelfMadeGlory which is located in downtown Mankato.

The first meeting of the 91st Student Government commenced Wednesday. Douglas Roberts was chosen as the speaker of the 91st Senate.

 STUGOV from page 1

BU Y PA RKING PR IVILE GE S FO R 2023 -24

PARKING “PRIVILEGES” are associated with the VEHICLE PL ATE NUMBER(S) entered in the Pa rking Portal.

NO HANG ING PL ASTIC PERM IT WI LL BE ISSUED All “privileges” purchased will be tied to the plat e. Security vehicles patrol the lots SCANNING ALL LI CENSE PL ATES and issue citations to vehicles not in the proper pa rking area.

Students snag prizes before finals

By CARLY BAHR Staff Writer

Minnesota State students are counting down the year’s remaining days and wrapping up semester-long learning with final exams. The high stakes nature of finals week can cause stress on students and faculty, and the CSU Mall Fest gave them the opportunity to forget their stresses for a few hours and win freebies.

The Student Events Team hosted “Thousand Ways to Win” on the campus mall Wednesday afternoon. Students gathered outside under an aerial lift where the mascot, Stomper the Maverick, dropped 1,000 colored ping pong balls as students fought to catch as many as they could to win prizes.

Other activities included a petting zoo, food truck and a plate-smashing station.

While she prepares for an Urban and Regional Studies design presentation, third-year Environmental Science student Heather Mullenbach attended the event and found it to be a good stress-relieving activity.

“I think it’s awesome,” Mullenbach said. “I got free lunch, I got to smash a plate after I wrote on it and now I’m getting prizes. It’s also a really nice day for it, too.”

Fellow Environmental Sciences student Rachel Fischer said she has four final exams as well as presentations, and both took advantage of the opportu-

 DEAN from page 1

nity. I mean, if you think about that, it’s literally hundreds of people that have been part of that shared experience.

Q5: What are your plans for the future?

Dean Flannery: It was a hard decision for me to no longer be the Dean because I really loved it. But I have the soul of

 DREAM from page 2

These hackathons give you the real-world experience of working with real data and your analysis can make an impact,” Gautam said.

Bukralia said students should get involved to interact with students who share similar interests and for the resources DREAM has to offer.

 PREVIEW from page 2

directly connected to Equity 2030,” Scott said.

Schomberg said that, since the series started, more and more people have started to sign up and participate and they would like to see the series return in the fall.

“We’re sort of a growing group and we are looking forward to continuing to expand. The interest that people have

UK blocks MicrosoftActivision gaming deal

By KELVIN CHAN

The Associated Press

British regulators on Wednesday blocked Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard, thwarting the biggest tech deal in history over worries that it would stifle competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market.

The Competition and Markets Authority said in its final report that “the only effective remedy” to the substantial loss of competition “is to prohibit the Merger.” The companies have vowed to appeal.

The U.K. watchdog’s concerns centered on how the deal would affect competition in cloud gaming, which involves streaming games to tablets, phones and other devices.

That frees players from the need to buy expensive consoles and gaming computers.

Cloud gaming has the potential to change the industry by giving people more choice over how and where they play, said Martin Colman, chair of the Competition and Markets Authority’s independent expert panel investigating the deal.

nity to win prizes.

Cheyenne Kruse, a ceramics student, also attended and caught multiple blue ping pong balls before heading back to the ceramics studio to continue preparing for her art project informal reviews.

Kruse said she enjoyed the plate smashing, although she “didn’t really have anything to be angry about,” and partook in the cathartic game by writing on the ceramic plates and throwing them against the enclosed wall.

The Student Events Team had students write “emotions, stressors or anything else they want to let go of” on the plates before tossing in a “cathartic release,” according to the event description on their calendar.

“I only got five, but it was

an entrepreneur. After 12 years I was ready to see what’s next. I’m the kind of person that when I’m doing something, I give it 125%. I’m really passionate about higher education. Sometimes I refer to myself as an “Edu-preneur” because I love creating new experiences around education. Before I became an administrator I did a

“DREAM brings industry speakers from Microsoft to Google to IBM, so it opens up a possibility for students to not only learn from the industry professionals about the trends, but about the challenges that these companies face. They get connected with them and sometimes that translates into job and internship opportunities,” Bukralia said. “The bigger

expressed is just continuing to grow, and I hope more people join to help us shape future events,” Schomberg said.

Scott said students should attend the event as a way to shed light and to invoke students to continue their own research on the topic.

“Students need to realize these conversations happen a lot, but they’re like ‘I don’t know how to talk about it. I

fun catching all the balls,” Kruse said.

The full itinerary for the event included a petting zoo with a miniature horse, donkey, goats, rabbits and a llama, a visit from Aaron “Heatbox” Heaton (also known as The One-Man Entertainment System) who performed live music, free hot dogs and Pepsi and a mini golf game led by sports management students, where students could also win prizes.

CSU Mall Fest is the final event on the Student Events Team event calendar for April. The student-led organization hosts a variety of events at MSU including concerts, athletic challenges and more games like Thousand Ways to Win. Finals week at MSU begins May 1.

lot of research on sustainability and experiential learning. I’m going to go back to those roots and have a little bit of time just to think and write and get my work out there again. I think I got something up my sleeve and something’s going to happen in the next couple of years because I’m not the retiring kind.

theme is invoking the students’ curiosity and instilling that belief that they can do something more than what they thought would be possible.”

There is no membership form to join DREAM. Students can join by attending a meeting or by following DREAM’s LinkedIn. Students with any questions can email dream@ mnsu.edu.

don’t want to talk about it with my family.’ Watching others engage in a conversation can be uncomfortable,” Scott said. “Sometimes it doesn’t kill you. You’re better for it on the other side. They need to be a part of that and they need to see that.”

Students can register for free online or attend in person. The discussion is Friday from 12-1 p.m.

The all-cash deal faced stiff opposition from rival Sony and was also being scrutinized by regulators in the U.S. and Europe over fears that it would give Microsoft control of popular game franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.

“This means that it is vital that we protect competition in this emerging and exciting market,” he said.

Microsoft said it was disappointed and signaled it wasn’t ready to give up.

“We remain fully committed to this acquisition and will appeal,” President Brad Smith said in a statement.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

PHEDIAS PIERIDES • The Reporter Students had the opportunity to win multiple prizes that rained down from a sea of ping pong balls Wednesday at the CSU mall.

Thank you Wyoming for being my home

Julia Lin Editor In Chief Emma Johnson News Director Joey Erickson Variety Editor

Alicia Reed Sports Editor Dylan Engel Photo Editor

The Reporter’s 2022-23 recap

Wow, end of the year already? Student-run since 1926 The Reporter has become a forum run by students for students.

Delivering the news to students and the greater campus community through multimedia formats while increasing its multimedia presence has been one goal we strived for this year. After a successful crowdfunding campaign last year and another successful funding this year, The Reporter is so grateful for all of those who support the hard work we as students put into this paper. One big accomplishment was launching Making of a Maverick in January, which was a testament that proved we are much more than just a newspaper. The hosts find students, faculty and alumni who have a story to share and talk about their experience at MSU. Publishing weekly podcasts has been a major asset and a step in the right direction in the world of media journalism.

Another accomplishment has been growing our staff from about ten people in August 2022 to where we’re now which is over 30 members. Also this year 12 students from The Reporter attended the annual Minnesota Newspaper Association banquet to accept and honor the winners of the Better Newspaper Contest. Staff writers and photographers of the newspaper were celebrated for their storytelling and photo excellence. Overall, The Reporter took home 16 awards, four of those being first place. The Reporter as a whole was awarded second place for Best Website and third place for General Excellence.

Not only was this a big year for the growth of the paper and staff members, but also the relations with fellow student leaders and faculty. Not only does it make for better stories by making those connections, but it also benefits your network as a student. Oftentimes making those connections can result in new staff members and sometimes new friends. The Reporter is a place for those who dare to try something new. We as students at The Reporter aim to increase the visibility of our space and get more and more students on board with the great opportunities that come with being a journalist. Not only do you get to cross paths and talk to those you normally wouldn’t, but it also allows you to understand the MSU community as a whole.

Whether it’s sports, news or variety that you are interested in, The Reporter has it. With the increase in media, those interested in photography, social media and marketing are welcomed. Experiential learning is key and the experience you gain from working here is valuable and is a factor that allowed three soon-to-be graduates to land their first jobs as broadcast journalists.

Whether you have a story idea, or you want to share one, CSU room 293 is where you can find a place like no other at MSU.

By ANDREA SCHOENECKER Staff Writer

If someone would have told me at the beginning of this school year that by the end of it I would find myself at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, I most likely would have only seen it as a dream.

I had wanted to visit Wyoming since I was little, but I never imagined having the opportunity to live here, even if it was just for a short while. This place has created a home for me and will now and forever hold a very special place in my heart. When I had chosen Wyoming, I had many people ask me “Why there?” Now my question for those people is “Why not here?” Living and learning to love somewhere new has been a privilege I never imagined.

I have created some amazing friends out here and gained a sister from Switzerland. In these last few weeks of my semester, I will face some of the hardest goodbyes I have had to face in a while. From learning to swing dance, going to union events to visiting many cities and places both in Colorado and Wyoming, I have seen and done so much.

The idea of leaving makes me feel conflicted. There’s the part of me that is happy to get home, but there’s also the huge part of me that wants to stay. In the few weeks I have left, it is hard to pick the things that I still want to do.

I was given a limited amount of time out here, and the end came faster than I expected. I went through ups and downs, but this was the best rollercoaster life could have put me on. I have grown as an individual in more

ways than one, and I am so grateful for that. I have made enough memories to last me a lifetime. My semester at the University of Wyoming has been one of the best semesters of my college career and I am so proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone.

I would like to thank both the MSU Global Engagement Center for making this possible for me and the University of Wyoming for creating such a welcoming home for the semester. There are no words to describe my gratitude.

I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience and I could not be more grateful for the blessing that it has been. This has been the opportunity of a lifetime, but now my journey out here is coming to an end.

Goodbye Wyoming, thank you!

TREVOR STANFORD, JUNIOR

SENIOR “Summer.”

ERIN MUNDALE, FRESHMAN

EMILY BAUMAN, FRESHMAN “Working at Guest Services.”

KYLIE ROERICK, FRESHMAN “Working and enjoying time off from school.”

VIRGINIA HORACE, FRESHMAN

“Working, taking summer classes and catching up with friends.”

Courtesy Andrea Schoenecker

I have created some amazing friends out here and gained a sister from Switzerland.

Editorials represent the opinions of The Reporter editorial board. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the college, university or student body.

The man in a hurry: King Charles III rushes to make a mark

Bud Light fumbles, but experts say inclusive ads will stay

By DANICA KIRKA

The Associated Press

King Charles III is a man in a hurry.

After waiting nearly 74 years to become king, Charles has used his first six months on the throne to meet faith leaders across the country, reshuffle royal residences, stage his first overseas state visit and hold a sleepover at Windsor Castle that included the coach of the England soccer team. Then there was the big news: He opened the royal archives to researchers investigating the crown’s links to slavery.

“We are already surprised by the Prince Charles who was turned into King Charles and who we still call Prince Charles, because that’s how we think of him,” quipped royal historian Robert Lacey. “But, actually,

he’s become a monarch quicker than people expected.”

With the coronation less than two weeks away, Charles and the Buckingham Palace machine are working at top speed to show the new king at work.

And the public is seeing a new kind of sovereign as he tries to slim down the monarchy and show that it is still relevant in a modern, multi-cultural nation where reverence for Queen Elizabeth II muted criticism during her 70 years on the throne.

Out is the matronly decorum that characterized Elizabeth’s reign.

In is a more human monarch, who held back tears as he addressed the nation after his mother’s death and threw a mini-tantrum when a pen leaked on his fingers while sign-

ing a book in Northern Ireland. The public had a good laugh. The king now carries his own pen for signing emergencies.

While Elizabeth progressed grandly through meetings with subjects who bowed and curtseyed before her, King Charles sat on the floor with the congregation during a visit to a gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Luton, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of London.

On his first state visit, he displayed an ability to properly roll his R’s while flipping between German and English in a speech to the Bundestag, the German parliament.

Germans were impressed. Britons were surprised. Who knew he could speak German?

It’s as if Charles, long derided as gray and stiff, has just stepped into the room.

Letter to the Editor: Dear Mom and Dad

By JACKSON JIRIK Staff Writer

One month from now, you will have watched me walk across the stage as a college graduate and will be reading this sometime after.

I wanted to find a way where I could tell you how much you guys mean to me and everything that you’ve done in my life.

Never have I been the easiest child to raise and take care of. From our memories that we’ll share for the rest of our lives and the ones we want to forget, I’m proud to call you my parents.

You’ve taught me more than anyone in the entire world; even when I didn’t think you

were teaching me a lesson, you guys both knew later down the road, I’d need it.

I can never say thank you enough for all the times you were there to forgive me. When I strayed from the way I was raised and every time you took me back as your son.

Dad, there is no person who has given me the things I love the most other than you, the things I am most passionate about in life came from you.

I’ll forever be grateful for the time you taught me these things and how to do them right, (because if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time or don’t do it all.)

Mom, for your everlasting love that no one could ever replace, teaching me how to use

my heart for good and caring about your son even when I gave you every reason not to. To the both of you, thank you. I don’t say it enough or show the appreciation you guys deserve. I’m proud to be your son and even more so to have you as my parents.

I wouldn’t be here in this moment if it wasn’t for the way you guys raised me. You taught me how to work hard and stick up for myself. When to stick it out through the tough times. And even when I need to figure things out myself.

I don’t say it a lot, but I love you Mom and Dad, thank you for everything.

Your Son, Jackson Jirik

By DEE-ANN DURBIN The Associated Press

Bud Light may have fumbled its attempt to broaden its customer base by partnering with a transgender influencer. But experts say inclusive marketing is simply good business — and it’s here to stay.

“A few years from now, we will look back on this ‘controversy’ with the same embarrassment that we feel when we look back at ‘controversies’ from the past surrounding things like interracial couples in advertising,” said Sarah Reynolds, the chief marketing officer for the human resources platform HiBob, who identifies as queer.

On April 1, transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted a video of herself cracking open a Bud Light on her Ins-

tagram page. She showed off a can with her face on it that Bud Light sent her — one of many corporate freebies she gets and shares with her millions of followers.

But unlike the dress from Rent the Runway or the trip to Denmark from skincare brand Ole Henriksen, the backlash to the beer can was fast and furious. Three days after Mulvaney’s post, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting cases of Bud Light. Shares of Bud Light’s parent, AB InBev, temporarily plunged.

This week, Anheuser-Busch — AB InBev’s U.S. subsidiary — confirmed that Alissa Heinerscheid, its vice president of marketing, and her boss, Daniel Blake, are taking a leave of absence. The company won’t say when they will return or whether they’re being paid.

MARTIN MEISSNER • The Associated Press King Charles III salutes as he leaves Westminster Abbey following the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey in central London, England, Monday Sept. 19, 2022.

MATT SLOCUM • The Associated Press

A stadium worker opens a case of Bud Light beer before a baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Seattle Mariners.

Beyond the Frame

By DYLAN ENGEL

Editor

Photography was not my first choice for a study career. Ever since I was young, I wanted to be a storm chaser. The adrenaline of the unknown while traveling across the US to experience weather phenomena with my own two eyes was my all-time goal.

It was October 2019 at Iowa State University when I, along with three others, were on a storm chase that put us face-toface with a towering Shelf Cloud storm system. Moving east at 60 mph, the awe of being up close and personal with this storm encouraged me to capture it digitally, to remember the feelings I had experienced that day. When we stopped for shelter, I realized that something answered the reason why I wanted to be a storm chaser. After a couple weeks, I decided to change majors and colleges, move back home, and start my new college career with a pursuit in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

In September of 2021, as a junior, while attending an intermediate photography class, an international IT student, Mansoor Ahmad, mentioned at the beginning of class that the Reporter was searching to hire photographers for the campus newspaper. After class, I walked up to him and said I was interested in applying. Little did I know from that point how much my life was going to change.

Now, after two years at The

Reporter, I have been a Staff Photographer for those two years and Photo Editor for one year. I can say now that applying was one of the best decisions I made during my time at Minnesota State, Mankato.

I would not have had my experiences and opportunities if it was not for the people that accepted me to work at the Reporter.

Jane Tastad, Business Manager of the Reporter, has supported me through the toughest of times as well as welcoming new opportunities into my life. The advice, wisdom, guidance, and support have helped me

through more times than I can count.

Dana Clark, Advertisement Design Manager & Production Coordinator, always encourages me to explore the expansion of my digital horizon and be creative both in my photography and in my own interests. The help I received did not stop from those just in the office.

I have the utmost respect, appreciation and am very grateful for the support Paul ‘PA’ Allan had during his remaining time at Minnesota State. His dedication and professionalism in sports have encouraged me to see the value in my photography as well as the passion to do what I en-

joy. Scott Nelson and Nick Burns have both been great resources for questions and the ability to continue taking pictures over this last semester. I could always count on Byron Synstegaard to talk to and ask questions at sports games. With a smile on his face, his enthusiasm and knowledge better prepared me to be in the right spots at the right time. My overall journalism has improved greatly from the help of a former Reporter Editor, Robb Murray. His consulting over the last two years has shown me how to better structure my photos and he taught

me to have more fun in the moment rather than to overcomplicate the simple things.

I am thankful to the photographers that I met along the way. My first year at the Reporter, I got to meet David Faulkner from SPX Sports who helped me better understand the technical fundamentals of adjusting my camera settings. For both Jackson Forderer from SPX Sports and Pat Christman from the Mankato Free Press, I thank them for their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to expand my visual creativity within photography that will be carried with me as I improve my craft.

Former Reporter Media Director & Photographer, Mansoor Ahmad, has been my greatest support and I consider one of my closest friends. I have been constantly influenced by his work, dedication and passion to tell stories through photography. I feel my photography has been forged through his guidance and I will forever be thankful to have met and learned from such an incredibly knowledgeable and talented person.

Thank you to my friends, professors, and to those that also are graduating and sharing this paper with me, thank you for the support, memories, knowledge and encouragement to have more fun in life.

Finally, thank you to my parents who have been there from the beginning and for being the best support system throughout my time at college and furthermore.

Cheers to everyone, it has been a pleasure.

Courtesy Dylan Engel

Photo

My Reporter Recap; season three ‘The Finale’

Goodbye, but like, not really

By ALI REED Sports Editor

Saying goodbye to the Reporter? Well, I didn’t really prepare myself for this one. Though, I probably should have because writing this goodbye letter is already not going well.

Although I just started here a year ago, I have made some of the best memories with some of the best people. Everyone has taught me so much and I feel like I have a second family. I feel like I have somewhere I belong, somewhere I know everyone has my back.

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

On April 18, 2021, hundreds of Minnesota State Mankato students and faculty, as well as nearby community members, gathered in lot 23 and began marching en masse down Stadium Road toward campus. I was there, too. Why? In the days leading up to April 18, dozens of Asians across the country were victimized by hate crimes. And closer to home, a black man named Daunte Wright was killed by police in Brooklyn Park.

A protest was planned on

Lin

campus and I, being a new staff member at the student newspaper, volunteered to cover it.

The group gathered outside the student union where a stage was set up for those wanting to share their experiences and bring awareness to the social issues prominent at that time.

Some came to merely bear witness. Some came with homemade signs promoting peace. Some came to cry. Some came to scream. I saw people of all ages: babies in strollers, older folks with walkers. Teenagers wondering what to do.

One young woman I vivid-

JULIA on page 11 

To show my love and appreciation for you goofy kids, I’m gonna leave you all with some words. Except Emma decided to limit my love to 750 words, so let me know if any of you want the extended version.

Let’s begin with my ad rep team, since that’s where I began here.

Mia: You are one of the most positive people ever and your energy is so infectious. Thank you for always being there to talk to me whenever I need. I’m really going to miss our therapy sessions.

Sam: My reg ish buddy! I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come. You are the perfect person to take on a leadership role; you’re gonna do

such great things. Gonna miss talking your ear off and bugging you while you’re trying to work.

Dom: Never did I think that I would ever have the opportunity to grow as close with you as I did. I know we didn’t talk much in high school, but I’m so glad we were given the opportunity to here because I found a friend that matches my energy 100%. I’m gonna miss bumpin’ noggins with you. Text me if you ever need your back cracked.

Jane and Dana: Thank you guys for putting in so much time and effort to ensure we create successful papers. Thank you for supporting me through one of the hardest times in my life. We would all be so lost

without you two.

Now, onto my writers…

Char: Thank you for being someone I could count on. You were almost always the first one to get your story in. I love your enthusiasm! But, please just steer clear of the word “against.”

Buelow Bros: Reading and editing your stories was always a joy. While I interacted with you two the least, and your meeting attendance was non-existent, you both are such strong writers and I appreciate the dedication you had to Maverick Hockey.

Mo: *Gasp* you’re kidding me! The newest addition to my sports crew. I have never seen someone improve and learn so

ALI on page 10

Carly Bahr

Julia Barton

Kole Buelow

Vincent Dimitrov

Dylan Engel

Joey Erickson

Charlie Groebner

Olivia Haefner

Jackson Jink

Riley Lehmer

Naqibul Mahboob

Ali Reed

Baylee Sorensen

Courtesy Ali Reed

Courtesy Julia

much in such little time. Thank you for always telling me it’s gonna be okay and laughing at my stupid noises. I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. I’m still kinda salty about the Minecraft comments, but we’ll save that for another time.

Lukey: The chillest dude I know. You are so talented and going to go so far in life. Thanks for bonding with me and sharing my love for knowledge. You make me proud to be a nerd. I promise I’ll watch the new Batman so soon! Though, I’ll probably be around, so you can just keep reminding me.

Hayden: My successor. I have no idea why they picked you to be the next sports editor. There is no way you can live up to my greatness. Just kidding, hehe. There is no one more suited for this position than you. You have been my rock through everything and I can’t thank you enough for that. Your ambition, drive and willingness to learn is so inspiring. I am so proud of you and how far you’ve come. I can’t wait to be there for all of the amazing things you do in life. Skol.

My editorial staff,

Dylan: Thank you for showing me the importance of taking my job seriously. You always put your everything into your work and I admire that. Also, thank you for always supporting me and laughing at my jokes, even when they’re not that funny. Good luck in Sioux Falls, you’re gonna be huge one day.

Joey: AHHHHH! I am so glad I met you. Being goofy with you is one of my favorite things in the world. Thank you for always keeping things light hearted and fun. I’m gon-

na miss you making fun of me and judging me 24/7. My rap partner forever. I love you, my baby. Stay in touch, we’ll be working together again soon enough.

Emma: My girl. Becoming close with you was one of the best things to ever happen to me. You are one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. You have such talent and are going to be the perfect editor in chief next year. Our friendship and inside jokes will last forever. Sorry, this isn’t really goodbye. You’re stuck with me.

Julia: You are the best boss I could have ever asked for. You constantly pushed all of us to do our best, but never acted for a second like you were better than us. I’m gonna miss your sick bars at production nights. You’re gonna be the best news anchor I ever did see. Please come back to Mankato and visit.

Robbie: My man. My go to. My biggest supporter. Thank you times a million for all of your help this year. Your support has gone such a long way for me. You have shown me what it means to be a writer. Thank you for ALWAYS having my back. I will be sure to stay in touch.

Well, I wish I could say more but I’m definitely over the max word count. All I can say to everyone is thank you so much. The Reporter has hands down been the highlight of my college years, and that is thanks to each and every one of you.

Technically, I’m not actually saying goodbye because I’ll still be here in Kato, but I really am gonna miss working with you all.

Much love, always.

My Reporter experience

By JOEY ERICKSON Variety Editor

When I first applied to The Reporter, I did it against my will. I was terrified to work at an organization that held such high standards and value. My fingers trembled as I clicked the ‘send’ button on my application email, terrified to finally have a big boy job with big boy responsibilities.

Looking back, I have no clue why I was so terrified, or why I thought I was applying to the most prestigious newspaper in the country.

If I had known about how much fun I was going to have working here, I would’ve applied years ago.

While I did decide to work at The Reporter to build a cute resume, a big reason behind my applying was actually my social life, or lack thereof.

My group of so-called friends had up and left me in the middle of nowhere, leaving me blindsided and confused, and incredibly lonely.

Not a single text message explaining, nor an apology for making me feel like the problem. Just grayed out profile pictures where their face used to be, and text conversations collecting dust in the alleys of my phone.

I tried to bury myself in schoolwork and extra work shifts to try to ignore the pain, but the feeling still lingered like a wart.

And it wasn’t until I started working at The Reporter that I realized the true power of healthy, two-sided friendship.

No one tells you how many hours you work as a journal-

ist until you become one. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I was in the Reporter office late, sometimes until the small hours of the morning. Despite that, working here has never, ever felt like a job, or a chore, because of the people I work with.

If anything, it felt like an escape. School life is stressful, especially as a job-hungry senior on the cusp of graduating, and being able to walk into the office after class and de-stress was incredibly therapeutic.

So as not to make my letter as long as others’ (Ali,) I’ll focus my gratitudes to the editorial staff.

Julia, you’re so unfathomably rude for moving to South Dakota after graduation. How am I supposed to talk my gossip when you’re two and a half hours away? Who will I go to McDonald’s with after production nights? Or KwikTrip?

But actually, I’m so glad I met you. You really get it. Whether it’s rap battles to Ice

Spice beats or leaving to get ice cream cones for everyone to avoid writing our articles, I think about our fun production nights memories a lot.

Emma, I remember I wanted to be friends with you right away when I came to the office for the first time to write my mock article. We talked about pumpkin spice at Starbucks, and it’s been downhill ever since, but I love it. You’re like a rolodex of Internet quotes and SNL moments; whatever I quote, you already understand. I’m very thankful for that, because otherwise I’d sound more insane than I already am.

Ali! I am so glad you became sports editor and therefore irrevocably signed up for two days a week of me talking at you against your will. I loved making you laugh, and seeing you attempt (and usually succeed) at making me laugh. If I do end up leaving Mankato and moving to the cities for a job, I’ll be heartbroken that I won’t get to talk to you anymore. I guess I’ll

JOEY on page 12

Courtesy Joey Erickson

ly remember held a sign that read, “Dump your racist boyfriend”.

As a first-year student journalist with basically zero training, I had my notes app open, feverishly writing down what was happening and recording as much as I could. It was overwhelming and exhilarating.

At one point I was even approached by a woman who asked me if I would like to speak on behalf of the Asian community. I declined, of course, due to my conflict of interest as I was writing an article about this event for the newspaper.

One thing I’ll never forget about that day is this: I knew at that moment that, whatever story I came up with, it wasn’t about me. Someone had to share this story, and I had the opportunity to share this moment with the world which ultimately pushed me to chase this career.

As this story illustrates, at The Reporter you just get thrown into the fire.

I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the best way to learn, and when the pressure is on, I’m capable of more than I thought possible.

This method worked. It landed me a professional broadcast journalism job and acceptance into a European journalism program this summer in Prague.

Joining The Reporter during my first month of col-

lege back in August 2020 was a crazy time. Not only was it the height of the pandemic, but also was the height of news. I couldn’t believe nobody wanted to share and report these stories.

The slogan we have at MSU is “Big Ideas, real-world thinking”. I cannot think of an experience that illustrates it better than mine.

My first year here was during the fall of 2020. There were few in-person events, and it was hard to make friends.

I knew I wanted to make the most out of my time here, and I had to change my mindset.

As a freshman, I didn’t anticipate that the newspaper was going to be the best place to learn about the history and culture of Minnesota State Mankato.

Whether it’s recapping The Mavericks’ biggest wins, sharing stories of international students, reporting what our student government advocates for, or covering marches to bring awareness to social issues — I got a front-row seat when it came to witnessing the inspiring and impactful things our Maverick family accomplished. Sharing other people’s stories has been a privilege.

However, they don’t tell you that when you decide to become a journalist you have to learn to think quickly.

There have been many times during my first year when I JULIA on page 12

My goodbye letter to MSU

By CARLY BAHR Staff Writer

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

It’s debated whether Dr. Seuss was the one to originate this phrase, or if he said it at all, but these words have been playing in my head as I near the end of my college career.

I first heard this quote in middle school drama club from an eighth grader giving her graduation goodbye speech. We were all emotional to conclude our final performance of the Wizard of Oz, Jr., and cried on and off between hugging and eating pizza off paper plates at that banquet.

Those days were the beginning of my adolescent craving for college. I craved the opportunity to leave my North Dakota hometown where I’d spent most of my life. I needed to meet new people, to be an adult who studies things I want to study and to get far away from the restrictions of adolescence. I needed to explore, much to my parents’ horror, so I moved five hours away the first opportunity I had and set up camp in Mankato.

My college experience didn’t look like the fantasies that middle school drama kid had, and it didn’t look like my older sister’s pre-COVID college experi-

ence either.

Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned through these hard times. We all learned some hard truths about the world since the world shut down in 2020, about appreciating the simple things like seeing a stranger’s smile in a grocery store and attending an in-person graduation. When the ball dropped in Times Square to mark the beginning of 2020, none of us could have imagined the world would become deprived of human connection in the ways we were.

Despite masks and social distancing, I still managed to find some of the most genuine and important connections that I will cherish for the rest

Courtesy Carly Bahr

of my life, even though they came from places and timing that the seventh-grade Munchkin #5 didn’t envision. They came from places the twelfthgrade newspaper editor-in-chief would be horrified to see, as she envisioned a college life of journalism, journalism and journalism. The actuality was journalism, Zoom classes, leaving school to assistant manage her coffee shop side gig, and then finally returning to journalism. My time as a student is coming to an end, and I can’t help but to cry and smile at all that’s happened.

I want to thank the Reporter staff for helping me find my way back to what I came to

CARLY on page 14 

THE FRATERNITY AND SORORITY COMMUNITY CONGRATULATES THESE SPRING 2023 GRADUATES ON THE ATTAINMENT OF THEIR DEGREES AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THEIR CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT AS ACTIVE ALUMNI.

Alpha Chi Omega

Jenna Anderson

Hannah Corbin

Erica Cronk

Sophie Dicke

Kayla Dorshak

Jenna Hayworth

Isabella Rosario

Skylar Samples

Alpha Sigma Alpha

Katelyn Costello

Alexis Kellog

Megan Miland

Jersie Schreder

Ashley Simmons

Usami Tsujimoto

Gamma Phi Beta

Ellie Braun

Callie Cleaveland

Gamma Phi Beta, cont.

Dylan Gregory

Molly Nhean

Sarah Novak

Olivia Spitzer

Emilee Thomas

Natasha Friedges

Paige Vancura

Phi Delta Theta

Preston Lyon

Phi Kappa Psi

Brandon Benson

Joey Casey

Sigma Chi

Nick Huynh

James O'Reilly

Ryan McGraw

Sigma Nu

Carson Davis

Keegan Gilbert

James Jorde

Alex Klawitter

Jacob Rangitsch

Samuel Ure

Sigma Sigma Sigma

Madeline Farmer

Makenna Hoerth

Jordyn Manderscheid

Faith Mounce

Tau Kappa Epsilon

Ian Caneff

Bradley Halvorson

Tyler Schernbeck

Tim Tuchek

Nathan Varley

Bryce Wilson

www.maverickFSL.com

 GLORY from page 3

sign up for through their website.

SelfMadeGlory currently has about five recording artists and they look to increase that number going into the summer season.

Looking to grow, they reached out to MSU’s Music

JOEY from page 10

just have to keep blackmailing you until I get a job at KEYC.

Dylan, I will forever be grateful for you showing me that video on YouTube of the turtle and the croc. I won’t get into the video details, but I think of it very frequently, and I feel like it’s become an inside

JULIA from page 11

made mistakes. Whether it was spelling someone’s name wrong, going into interviews unprepared, or mistaking the campus mall for the River Hills Mall.

I would say your first year as a journalist is oddly similar to the college experience.

You go in sometimes unprepared, you mess up, learn from it and then move on. This ultimately makes you a better student, or “journalist”.

I’ve met many people during my three years here and I am happy to have had the honor to share so many important stories.

Department and are aiming to partner with them and their students.

They also plan to make efforts to be more involved in community events as well as host events at their studio.

One renovation they are working on is getting their podcast area up and running.

joke in the office. I didn’t think I would be this sad to leave a campus job, but the relationships I’ve built here run deep.

I’m incredibly grateful for the skills this job has given me, the networks I’ve built, and the people that I can now call my friends.

I’d like to thank every one of my colleagues at The Reporter who’ve turned into lifelong friends and the faculty that supported us.

I’d also like to thank my friends and family who’ve helped me along the way and helped me achieve my dreams and motivated me to dream big.

Although my time at The Reporter ends here, your stories don’t. So whatever comes next, do not stop sharing your stories. Whether someone is covering them or not. Your story matters.

Best, Julia Lin

My thank you to Mankato

By CHARLIE GROEBNER Staff Writer

I will admit that I am someone who was only able to work for the Reporter for one year. However, the biggest regret that I have is that I didn’t find them sooner.

Ever since I began my college career, I had always struggled to find the place where I belong. I was a kid from a small town called Mendota Heights, Minnesota who just kept to himself and really met a ton of setbacks. Especially entering my senior year, I contemplated if I was even on the right path and if this is what I was meant to do in life. However, the Reporter changed that for me entirely.

Since the first day I came in, I have been on one heck of a journey. In the process of learning to become a better writer, it also taught me to be a better person, co-worker, and most importantly a better friend. The spark that I felt was dying slowly was once again set ablaze and reignited within me. Even though our time was short, I will always remember the people who helped me along the way.

I will always remember the production nights, where I would work on edits or stories, usually ending with being

yelled at for misspelling the word against, the staff meeting where we would workshop ideas and pitch stories we want to try out.

However, the one thing I am grateful for is all the amazing people I got to meet. Julia, Emma, Lilly, Dylan, Lauren, Ali, Hayden, Luke, Mohammed, Dominic, Robb, Jane, and everyone else at the Reporter. They welcomed me with open arms and became a second family to me that has become irreplicable.

On top of that, I got to work alongside the athletics office with Paul Allen and Nick Burns. On top of sitting as both Play by Play commentator and a member of the l Reporter, I

got the chance to see games up close from weekend matchups to Championship title games. A job that I have dreamed of doing my entire life and that gave me even more memories to cherish along the way.

But most importantly I give my thanks to the countless students and coaches who I got the chance to speak with, picked up a copy, or viewed my stories online. It was truly an honor to watch you whether you competed for the school or someone who complimented the work I was doing. You helped make my job the most fun possible and truly make the experience meaningful in the process.

While I admit that I am un-

Courtesy Charlie Groebner

CHARLIE on page 14 

WALZ from page 1

aimed to fund several projects across the state was passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives and currently sits in the Minnesota Senate.

They must gain a supermajority to pass it. Negotiation between the House and Senate remains, yet Walz says he is confident this project will happen.

“I can tell you with pretty

 CHARLIE from page 12

certain what the future holds for me going forward. But there are two things that I know for certain. It’s only the first of many more chapters still to be written. All that I can do is trust in the plan and

 CARLY from page 11

university to do, and for being welcoming from the very beginning when I awkwardly interviewed them with shaking hands and stumbled-over questions for my first practice assignment.

I want to thank my pandemic coffee crew for offering a sanctuary for us to commiserate over anxiety about COVID testing and roommates who went to super-spreader events. For supporting each other through mask anxiety and anti-mask customers we had to kick out. For the ones who

good certainty we’ll get this thing through and continue to make sure that we make Minnesota a place that we’re at higher ed matters to us.”

Walz, an MSU alumnus, received his master’s degree in educational leadership in 2001.

He also taught in the Mankato Area Public Schools, and served in Congress from 2007-2019.

keep grinding things out. The second is that this has been the journey of a lifetime that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

All I can really say now is from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

continue to support me after the masks came off and the world restarted.

I want to thank my high school best friend who convinced me to follow him down to Mankato.

I want to thank the seventh grader who craved a bigger life, and the twelfth grader who made the decision to make it happen.

Here’s to more smiles, and cries, and all the little things we take for granted now that our future selves will kick us for later. Here’s to what’s to come.

This is Goodbye from MSU

By KENDALL LARSON Staff Writer

My time at the Reporter will certainly be one I won’t forget. It has been a fun time and a valuable learning experience, one I’m grateful to have gotten. It wasn’t until last semester that I thought about going into journalism.

I didn’t really know where to start, until I talked with my advisor, Dr. Roland Nord. He gave me some great advice and pointed me down the path I’m now walking.

His advice lead me to Dr. Rachael Hanel. She gave me the opportunity to study under her to hone my creative nonfiction and journalism skills. She was the one to encourage me to work for the Reporter.

I was initially nervous because I had no experience interviewing people and writing articles for a newspaper. But the staff at the Reporter helped guide me through it all.

I’ll always be grateful to Julia Barton, the editor-in-chief, for taking me on and letting me experience journalism through the Reporter.

Also, a big shout out to Emma Johnson and Joey Erickson for all assignments they gave me and all the editing they did on my articles. I don’t think

I can thank them enough for the work they’ve done.

I was always nervous going out and talking with people but also excited. I was talking with people I would never have if I hadn’t worked at the Reporter.

One of my favorite assignments was when I got to speak with Toni Jensen. She had been on campus as part of the Good Thunder Reading Series.

Jensen had so many wonderful insights about being a writer and a journalist. It was

surreal talking with her about her plans, book, and experience with writing.

Talking with her made me realize that I could truly be a journalist. Talking about when she was working with her school paper and all her experiences there helped me see my own path.

I look forward to continuing to hone my journalism skills and breaking into the field when I graduate this Spring. And to future reporters, good luck!

Courtesy Kendall Larson

OPINION: My final words to the Sports section

By ALI REED Sports Editor

Here we are, the final column for the final paper. While I would love to use this space to say more goodbyes, I already went over the word count, so we’ll just stick with talking about my experience as the sports editor.

Going into this position was honestly pretty nerve wracking. I had never had a leadership position before, and to top it off, I was in charge of men and men only.

As a woman in sports, things are already fairly intimidating. Moreover, to be a woman in a leadership position in sports is a whole different ball game, especially when you’re bossing men around.

To put things into perspective, let me give a brief description of what I do as sports editor.

The first part of what I do, which probably seems the easiest, is what I dreaded most: story assignments. Basically, all I had to do was check the MSU Athletics website and assign my writers to do game recaps and previews of whatever was going on that week. I also started assigning other types of stories to spice things up, with the help of my assistant, Hayden Lee, the opinion piece master.

Simple, right? No. Terrifying. Telling people what to do has always scared me, but taking on this job has taught me how to deal with it, at least a little better.

Beyond assigning stories, I took on stories myself. On production nights, every Monday and Wednesday, I also edited everyone’s stories, upon completion, whenever that would end up being. The emails clearly said, “Assignments due at 8 a.m.,” but that literally never happened.

After the editing portion was completed, I spent the rest of my nights putting the puzzle pieces of the paper together and publishing the stories online. Wordpress really had me pressed. Sorry to my coworkers who had to hear me yelling at the computer every week.

Getting my writers to respect me and listen to me was something I always worried about. Luckily, times have changed, and having a woman as an authority figure in sports isn’t unheard of anymore.

I also think I was just blessed with the group of guys I got to work with. I rarely had an issue with my writers following my instructions, and I think it’s all because of the mutual respect we had for each

JOURNEY on page 18 u

Mavs split in Warriors doubleheader

run home run to give the Warriors the lead.

However, unlike their game against Augustana they chose to find a way back into the fight. As Matthew Fleishhacker singled up the middle for an RBI and Aiden Byrne hit a sacrifice ball out to center to tie the game. In the end, Jackson Hauge hit a single to left field to give the Mavs a 4-3 victory in game one.

Following a short intermission, both sides took the field for the second game of the double header. However, this time around things were frustrating for the Mavs during the contest. While the Warriors opened with a homer to left, the Mavs responded with two RBI singles to make it a 2-1 game in the first. While the Mavs struggled for the next few innings, Ryan Wickman sent a sacrifice fly to center to score an RBI.

By CHARLIE GROEBNER Staff Writer

The quest for sweep number six will have to be put on hold, as Minnesota State baseball split another series in a double header against Winona State University. While they still remain at the top of the standings, objects are becoming closer than they appear.

Coming off their latest sweep

against Sioux Falls, the Mavs returned home to Bowyer Field for a Wednesday double header with Winona State. The Mavs looked to rebuild momentum with only a few weeks left to go in the regular season. As for the Warriors, they looked to continue their success after snapping their three-game losing streak.

As the Mavs took the field for their first game of the afternoon,

windy conditions made it a rather low-scoring game. However, it slowly became another case of the Mavs controlling the situation on both sides of the ball. Jackson Hauge started things off in the second with a homer to center for the Mavs first run of the game.

Entering the fifth, the Warriors finally got on the board and made things challenging for the Mavs. As they proceeded to launch a three-

During the seventh is when things started to go haywire for the Mavs. The Warriors scored two RBI singles followed by an RBI double to slingshot them ahead by one in a matter of minutes. The Mavs unfortunately were unable to respond the following inning leaving them down late into the game. In the eighth, the Mavs watched as the Warriors sent a homer deep to right center to give them the 5-3 game win and split with the Mavs.

Maverick Esports Summer Camp becomes annual

By ALI REED Sports Editor

After a successful Esports summer camp hosted by Minnesota State’s Esports team in 2022, the one-time event has now turned into an annual event for the Minnesota Esports community.

This summer, the camp is set to take place for six days, over the course of three weeks in June. One of the two days during each of the three weeks will be dedicated to middle schoolers, and the other to high schoolers.

This year, you are able to attend one, two, or all three of the offered sessions.

“The camps are fairly similar, just a little bit different in the content that we focus on,” said Maverick Esports Assistant Coach Evan Haldeman.

The games both age groups play are mostly the same, but the highschoolers are able to add Call of Duty into the mix. Some of the other games include Rocket League and Super Smash Bros.

As someone who is looking for a job in an Esports after graduation, Haldeman hopes to help the attendees of the camp explore this possible career path, too.

“A lot of what I’m going to be doing is looking into kids finding ways to connect it to what they actually want to do, whether it’s directly Esports or something else,”

said Haldeman. “ I just want to help spread, or at least, for the kids to know that that’s an opportunity.”

Whether the young gamers want to pursue a career in Esports or not, the Mavericks hope to help them obtain skills in all aspects of what it takes to be a successful player.

“The main goal for us is partially to work with our local community as reading Esports but also to give those kids an opportunity to understand how you can do it

while keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy,” said Haldeman.

Another reason for the camp is to encourage people to gain a further understanding of the benefits of joining an Esports team, especially a collegiate team when the time comes.

“Esports is sort of a connection between being a multi-sport athlete and having that competition and that drive to get better,” said Haldeman. “Having a way to do

it also in college where you don’t always have the physical time to get up and go to a practice or go to those late night club volleyball games or, you know, intramural sports, but still be able to actually be a part of something.”

To sign up for this year’s Maverick Esports Summer Camp, you can visit their website at esports. mnsu.edu.

There are 32 spots available for each age group per day, with a $75 fee for each session.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

The Minnesota State’s Men’s Baseball team splits the two-game series against Winona State Wednesday afternoon. Redshirt Junior, Jackson Hauge, hit a walk-off single to win game one of the series.

Courtesy Maverick Esports

The Minnesota State’s Esport teams have announced their 2nd Annual Summer Camp to start in June. Across three weeks, the Mavericks will host multiple sessions to promote fun and improvement of video game skills in various age groups.

OPINION: Super Mik Arteta Mankato golf onto bigger and better things

By MOHAMED WARSAME Staff Writer

Arsenal are easily having the best season they have had since I closely started following the club in 2014. My initial introduction to the club came at the hands of my uncle who is a diehard fan. Apart from the odd game, I never really watched soccer that much apart from international tournaments. Every tournament I watched was so captivating and exciting that finally after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, I started following the European leagues on a regular basis.

Luckily for me, I already had a team to support. Arsenal. While I wouldn’t trade my fandom of the Gunners for any other team, I can’t say I haven’t thought about why my uncle would bestow the curse of being an Arsenal on me over at times over the past nine years.

Going into the season, I had a lot of optimism for what our season could be. Although last year ended in disappointing fashion after failing to make the top-four in the Premier League and losing it out to our bitter rivals Tottenham, there were so many positives

to take away from the season as a whole. We saw some young players step up and improve drastically and most of our signings worked out extremely well after some of them came under intense scrutiny. Last off-season, we made some more good signings. Players that were proven winners to join a young group. Arsenal’s pre-season went as well as they could have hoped for. The Gunners won six of seven games, including a game I attended in Orlando where we trounced Chelsea 4-0. As optimistic as I was going into the season,

By LUKE JACKSON Staff Writer

The Minnesota State Mankato men’s golf team wrapped up its 2023 spring season with a third-place finish at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship. This season was full of improvement and will be a stepping stone for next year’s players.

The golf program as a whole made groundbreaking improvements. Head coach Alex Schmitz started an initiative to raise over $11,000 to build the university’s first-ever golf facility. His ambition turned successful and built two golf simulators with a putting green in the basement of Taylor Center. The facility gives the program a place to practice in the winter months.

This new addition helped the team succeed throughout the season due to the feedback it gives on players’ swings. They are now able to get an inside look at their swing, which helped in future tournaments.

“It showed in Arizona,” Schmitz said. “For example, if guys want to work on their 100yard shots they can sit there and hit as many shots as they need to gain the feel for the shot all while getting continuous feedback.”

It is also a way for the team to build stronger chemistry and build the culture that Schmitz strives for.

“The atmosphere in the facility is awesome, It’s completely built up our culture,” Schmitz said. “It keeps the competitive levels high

JON SUPER • The Associated Press

Courtesy MSU Athletics

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta celebrates his team win their English Premier League soccer match against Leicester City.

Minnesota State’s Men’s Golf team concludes their 2023 season after the NSIC Championship tournament last Friday through Sunday.

ARSENAL on page 19u

GOLF on page 19u

OPINION: This year,

away, the Vikings actually hit on a first round pick

By HAYDEN LEE AND MICHAEL HACKLER Staff Writer and Guest Writer

Hello and welcome to the 2023 NFL Reporter Mock Draft. We are your hosts, Hayden Lee and Michael Hackler. Contrary to popular belief, we are the best source for NFL draft content. Proceed with caution and probably a Chipotle Burrito or three (feat. LeBron), this one is going to take a long time.

DISCLAIMER: This mock draft will not include trades because we are not NFL Draft Analysts and figuring out the trade compensations is just too much. Stay mad.

Pick 1: Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young, Alabama

Young is the consensus number one pick after some teams deemed C.J. Stroud to be undraftable due to his low IQ. So basically, Young falls into the laps of the Panthers because Stroud is stupid. He is lucky that he gets to play with Adam Thielen who will no doubt be a great mentor and safety valve for the young QB.

Pick 2: Houston Texans: EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

You would think that a team with Davis Mills starting for the team in 2022 would take a QB with the number two pick, right? Well, let me introduce you to the Texans. They will not do anything predictable, ever. However, Anderson Jr. is a can’t-miss prospect who led the SEC in sacks in 2022 with ten total takedowns, and even showcased his ball-hawking skills by recording an interception. Anderson Jr. is the safest pick in the draft, and the Texans secure his services at no. 2 overall.

Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals:

EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

This is the most obvious tradedown spot of all-time. The Cardinals are short on talent and need too many players to stick and pick, but with this mock not including trades, they select Tyree Wilson. Another safe pick, Wilson had a very promising year that was a vast improvement from last year, earning him the comparison of 2022’s no. 1 overall pick, Travon Walker.

Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts: QB

Will Levis, Kentucky

The Colts have been linked to Levis for some time, and the mayonnaise-drinking fanatic has been the favorite for the spot ever since January. An exciting pick for the Colts who are one of the least exciting teams Hayden has ever seen.

Pick 5: Seattle Seahawks: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

A very high upside player, and while the floor is low, he needs to decide just how high his ceiling is. And after drawing comparisons to Josh Allen, it shows just how highly some people think of him.

Pick 6: Detroit Lions: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

If the Lions can get past his off-the-field issues, they will be rewarded with one of, if not the best defensive players in this draft.

Pick 7: Las Vegas Raiders: CB

Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, Hayden, but I think that this guy just has Raiders written all over him. The Raiders have never had a good secondary, and maybe Witherspoon can help? Probably not. They might be moving back to Oakland soon, lol.

Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia Nolan Smith is one of the more

polished edge rushers in this year’s draft, and with his connection to Georgia, we feel that this pick just fits.

Pick 9: Chicago Bears: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Having played with Justin FIelds already, and being one of the more agile tackles in the draft, the fit here seems to be perfect. Johnson Jr. has all the tools to succeed on one of the worst offensive lines in the league.

Pick 10: Philadelphia Eagles: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

Of course the Eagles have this pick. When all seems right in the world, the Philadelphia Eagles rise to power again and make us all realize how stupid it is to tear down a city just because of a football team. But that’s neither here nor there. The Eagles have the luxury of this no. 10 pick because the Saints are clueless, so why not add possibly the best offensive player in the draft?

Pick 11: Tennessee Titans: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

As we said before, C.J. Stroud had such a low score on his NFL IQ test that many teams now seem to feel like he should sit a year before starting. Personally, we feel like he should sit a year because he said he looked up to Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson. Like bro, do you want a career? Before the test, he was regarded as one of the higher touted prospects in the draft. But now he draws the comparisons of Jared Goff and Dak Prescott. Ouch.

Pick 12: Houston Texans: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

This one came down to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba or CB Christian Gonzalez, but ultimately we felt that CB was better value at this

spot. With the Texans hiring a new defensive-minded head coach in Demeco Ryans, it would make sense for them to try to build up the defense on a very poorly constructed roster.

Pick 13: Green Bay Packers: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

I really hate making the Packers better, but logically speaking, Kincaid would make sense. They have been relying on Mercedes Lewis and his prehistoric body to carry Aaron Rodgers to relevance. Whatever. Moving on.

Pick 14: New England Patriots: DB Brian Branch, Alabama

The New England Patriots desperately need wide receiver and tackle help in this year’s draft. This is how I know Bill Belichick will take a defensive player at 14. If the pick isn’t traded. I’ve seen this become a possible Van Ness spot as

well, as his popularity is rising and rising.

Pick 15: New York Jets: T Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

Wow. The Jets just acquired one of the best QBs of all time in Aaron Rodgers, but still keep a first round pick in the top half of the draft? And their biggest position of need is one that hasn’t been flying off the board? This is a dream for the Jets, who probably still won’t make the playoffs next year because Jets.

Pick 16: Washington Commanders: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

The Washington Commanders lost two corners in free agency, and after replacing one of them with former Minnesota Viking Cameron Dantzler, they’re primed to take another in this year’s draft.

Pick 17: Pittsburgh Steelers: CB

DRAFT on page 18u

in a galaxy far, far

CHARLIE RIEDEL • The Associated Press

A streetcar arrives at Union Station, home of the 2023 NFL Draft, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The draft will run from April 27-29.

Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Joey Porter Sr. played for the Steelers. They will take this guy. And the Steelers suck in the secondary, so this just makes sense.

Pick 18: Detroit Lions: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Their 2022 first round receiver was suspended due to gambling, so why not gamble on a player who barely played in 2023 but was exceptional when he was on the field in 2022. Smith-Njigba is a slot-type receiver who may clash with Among Us St. Brown, but his talent is undeniable, and the Lions can’t pass up on him in this scenario.

Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

While trying to figure this one out, we asked this question. Who is the other tackle on the Buccaneers? When we figured out it was Donovan Smith, we landed on Jones to the Bucs.

Pick 20: Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson

He’s fallen this far, and this seems like a player that the Seahawks defense could really benefit off drafting this late in the first round. One of the more under the radar players, we think he’ll have a bright future in the NFL.

Pick 21: SHOULD BE THE DOLPHINS. (TUA SUCKS)

PICK FORFEITED.

Pick 21: Los Angeles Chargers: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

The Chargers have two great receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but those guys play two very different roles. Allen is more of a move-the-chains guy and Williams is a 6’4” freak of nature who dominates when he is healthy. That’s the problem. He’s never healthy. That and the fact that Flowers is one of the fastest receivers in this draft makes him the field-stretcher that would

completely unleash Justin Herbert in 2023.

Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens: WR Jordan Addison, USC

One of the more polarizing players in the draft, Addison displays tremendous YAC ability and is electric after the catch. He has always seemed to be one of the better route runners in the class. Hopefully he can establish himself with a productive rookie season.

Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

After losing our precious son Adam Thielen, the Vikings need to replace his services immediately. This pick could very well be QB Hendon Hooker if the Vikings don’t trade up to select a top four QB, but as the board sits now, Johnston is the pick. Johnston has the desired size and speed that you would want out of a first round wide receiver, but he still has to clean some things up. We hate how he performed at the 4-cone drill in the combine, but when the hell will he ever be running around cones in the NFL? He will be running circles around Jaire Alexander on the way to a 17-0 Vikings season and a Super Bowl title in honor of Kirk’s last year.

Pick 24: Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Although the Jags franchise tagged Evan Engram, they could really help out Trevor Lawrence with the selection of Mayer. Mayer is a great blocker, and an even better pass catcher. One of the easiest selections in the draft. Pairing your long term quarterback with a potential franchise tight end. Worked out for the Chiefs.

Pick 25: New York Giants: LB Jack Campbell, Iowa

Finally, the first linebacker is selected with the 25th overall pick. Jack Campbell is a true sideline to sideline player who is also maybe the most aggressive tackler in the

full story on website u

Morant, Grizzlies stave off elimination

By TERESA M. WALKER

The Associated Press

Desmond Bane had 33 points and 10 rebounds, Ja Morant added 31 points and 10 boards, and the Memphis Grizzlies staved off elimination Wednesday night, beating the Lakers 116-99 to force their first-round Western Conference series back to Los Angeles.

Jaren Jackson Jr., the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who improved to 5-0 in Game 5s played in Memphis and cut the seventh-seeded Lakers’ series lead to 3-2.

Memphis earned a second straight No. 2 seed by posting the NBA’s best home record at 35-6.

Game 6 is Friday night in Los Angeles.

LeBron James started 1 of 7 from the field but finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, a modest follow-up after the 38-year-old played 45 minutes in Monday night’s overtime win in Los Angeles and became the oldest player in NBA history to post at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in his 270th playoff game.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points and 19 rebounds.

Austin Reaves had 17 points and D’Angelo Russell scored 11. Davis stayed on the court for a few seconds after a layup with 6:01 left that pulled the Lakers within 106-91.

When he got up, Davis grabbed at his back as he walked down the court.

The Lakers tried to rally, going on a 20-7 run in the fourth. They couldn’t get closer than 12, the last on a putback by Davis with

2:52 left. Memphis answered with eight straight to get fans chanting “Whoop That Trick” with about 90 seconds left.

Memphis led only 23-20 when coach Taylor Jenkins took out Dillon Brooks, known more for calling James old and missing shots than his defense in this series.

The Grizzlies seized control, finishing on a 15-4 run capped by Bane’s 3 just before the quarter expired for a 38-24 lead.

other. Instead of them working for me, we worked for and with each other, as a team.

Did my kids (writers) sometimes drive me nuts? Yes.

Spelling (Mo, Char and Lukey), Versatility (Buelow brothers) and timeliness (Hayden) was an issue for every single paper.

While it may have made me crazy, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

This position has taught me a lot about myself, working with others and journalism.

It opened the door to many opportunities for me, and I am eternally grateful. As I’ve said before, working here was the best decision I have ever made.

I am officially signing off as sports editor, and now leave you all with Hayden Lee.

I can confidently say the sports section will be in the best of hands, after mine, of course.

Be sure to catch me on KEYC News Now starting this summer.

Thank you all, and to all a goodbye, for now.

JOURNEY from page 15

I couldn’t have envisioned Arsenal competing for a Premier League title in my wildest of dreams.

With about a month left of the season, Arsenal find themselves at the top of the Premier League with 75 points, with 33 games played. The team chasing the Gunners, the reigning two-time champions, Manchester City, are on 73 points, with 31 games played. The season will end May 28, when every team will have played their 38th and final game simultaneously. After being at the top of the league for most of the season, it will be heartbreaking if we don’t get over the line. As much as it would hurt, there’s no shame in losing the league to a juggernaut like Manchester City. I’m here to tell you that no matter the outcome of this season, the Gunners will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Here are three reasons why.

Superstar Manager

Arsenal hired Mikel Arteta to be their manager in December 2019. I have such vivid memories of that week. It had been only five days prior to the announcement of his hiring that ironically enough Manchester City, where he was an assistant coach for three and a half years, came to Arsenal’s

ground and beat them with ease 3-0. I was so dejected from the team at that point. I was barely paying attention to the second half of that game. A bit of hope was restored when I saw the next day that Arsenal executives were seen leaving Arteta’s house late that night to discuss the prospect of him becoming Arsenal manager. He was someone I was keen on the club hiring in 2018 after the departure of the legend himself, Arsene Wenger, after 22 years of being Arsenal manager. The club decided to hire Unai Emery, who after having a decent first season, ended up being the wrong guy for the job. I was ecstatic that my wish eventually came true after the firing of Emery. In hindsight, I’m glad things worked out the way that they did because it’s hard to fill the boots of a recently departed legend. Arteta also got an extra year and a half to continue learning under Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola.

Despite having no experience being a manager before, one thing that made Arteta very appealing was his connection to the club.

Arteta retired in 2016 as a Gunner, after the Spaniard spent his last five seasons as a player at Arsenal. The former Arsenal captain

had not only the connection to the club, but the stamp of approval from the likes of Wenger, Guardiola and numerous Manchester City players. While I was already bullish on the hire, Arteta’s first press conference as Arsenal boss convinced me even more that he was up to the task.

“What I have learned mostly is you have to be ruthless, consistent and fit the culture of the club to create a winning mentality,” Arteta said.

His reign at Arsenal hasn’t always been a smooth ride. There have been lots of ups and downs. The best moment came at the end of his first season when Arsenal won the FA Cup. They ended up finishing eighth in the Premier League that season, but very little blame can be placed at the feet of Arteta, as he took over about halfway through the season when they were in tenth place. Unfortunately, the FA Cup final win was by far the best moment Arsenal had for quite a while, as the next season saw the Gunners finish in eighth again. Last season couldn’t have started worse as they lost their first three games of the season by a total score of 9-0 over those games. Arsenal were in 20th

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 GOLF from page 16

because the players are constantly playing against each other. The men’s and women’s teams even compete with and against each other. It’s truly been really, really good for us.”

Schmitz says the golf facility is a main contributor to the team’s recent success. The Mavs played at the Mules National Golf Course at the Central Missouri Mule Invite. This tournament showcased 20 of the region’s best teams and MSU finished eighth. Although they took a mid-tier finish, they had a lot of positives. In the last round of the tournament, the Mavs shot 294 which gave them the third-best finish of the day. This was only one stroke behind the two teams tied for first. This strong finish can be credited to Jack Klimek. Klimek finished the season on a tear. At The Mule, he jumped 11 spots in the last round which finished him fifth overall among 100 players. Two weeks later, he had a second-place individual finish at the NSIC Cham-

pionship. This helped the Mavs finish third in their conference.

Again, the facility played a big role in his dominance. Klimek learned from his previous knowledge of the championship course on the simulators and putting green to get a better understanding of how to perform at the championship. The last thing the facility can attribute to is the upcoming seasons of golf.

The players will be able to use the facility in the offseason and it has helped Schmitz land new recruits.

“It’s really cool as you know, the simulator projectors are hooked up to iPads and there’s a creative app where we can write personalized messages on screens to welcome recruits,” said Schmitz. “This makes them feel like ‘Hey, they want me here, they really want me here.’ I put that up on the screen and they walk in and think its really cool. Personalized things like that remind us and the recruits that this is home. It truly feels like home now.”

Rodgers hopes to help Jets add to ‘lonely’ Super Bowl trophy

By DENNIS WASZAK The Associated Press

Aaron Rodgers watched old Super Bowl highlights on VHS tapes as a kid, dreaming about someday starring in his own.

He heard all about Joe Namath’s famous guarantee and saw the footage of the New York Jets shocking the football world by beating the Baltimore Colts in 1969.

“It’s been a while since then,” Rodgers said while being introduced as the Jets’ new quarterback Wednesday. “I noticed walking in this morning that that Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely.”

Rodgers hopes he and his new teammates can help add some championship hardware to a franchise hungry for winning.

“I’m an old guy,” the 39-year-old Rodgers joked, “so I want to be part of a team that can win it all and I believe this is a place where we can get that done.”

The four-time NFL MVP was introduced to much fanfare in the team’s auditorium, filled with media, coaches and team staffers — flanked on the stage by coach Robert Saleh to his left and general manager Joe Douglas on his right.

“This is a surreal day for me,” said Rodgers, wearing a black and green Jets polo shirt.

The team officially announced the trade for Rodgers moments before he entered the auditorium,

where highlights of his career in Green Bay played on a video screen shortly before he walked in.

The Jets received Rodgers, the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-rounder this year from the Packers.

In exchange, Green Bay got

the 13th overall selection, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of New York’s plays this season.

Rodgers is well aware of the Jets’ playoff drought, which at 12 sea-

sons is the longest active skid in the NFL.

“I’m not here to be a savior of any kind,” Rodgers insisted.

But that is the expectation by many, including a few generations of Jets fans who have longed to root for a winner.

On Tuesday, Douglas called it a “historic” trade for the franchise.

“The opportunity to be part of something special here, it’s different,” Rodgers said.

“It’s similar to Green Bay in that way. When you win in a city like Green Bay, and I assume for a team like the New York Jets, you go down in history.

“And there’s something special about adding that to your legacy.”

Rodgers spent his first 18 seasons in Green Bay, helping the Packers win a Super Bowl in 2011 while establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks.

“That chapter is over now and I’m excited about the new adventure here in New York,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said he chose the Jets because he believes in the direction the franchise is heading with Douglas, Saleh and a young core of players that includes Offensive Rookie of the Year in Garrett Wilson and Defensive Rookie of the Year in Sauce Gardner.

Rodgers was also excited about reuniting with Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator who was in the same role when the quarterback won the last two of his four MVP awards in 2020 and 2021.

“When he walks into the building, everything changes,” Hackett said. “He just elevates everybody around him.”

SETH WENIG • The Associated Press

New York Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey after a news conference at the NFL football team’s training facility in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

VA RI ET Y

Smash the stress away

By KENDALL LARSON Staff Writer

Plate Smash, sponsored by the Students Event Team, was a way to help students with the built-up stress from finals and other life events. After signing a waiver and putting on a wristband, it was straight to decorating plates.

“Plate Smash is supposed to help students relieve stress as students prepare for finals. You go up, grab a plate, write down what’s bothering you, and then smash it. It’s like a cathartic release,” said Student Events team member Hayley Whipps.

Stress is rampant this time of year for students. With finals and graduation right around the corner, the Student Events Team wanted to give students a chance to release some of that built-up pressure.

“I feel like it’s just good to get some of that pent-up energy out because people are sitting and studying for long periods. I know it can be draining. So, getting outside and doing something fun and interesting, I think, will benefit students,” said Whipps.

Many students were excited about the event and found it therapeutic to get their anger out.

“It was so gratifying and felt so good. I love events like these, like when they bring the car, because I like having something accessible where I can smash out my rage,” said Faith Hagen.

“I did it just because I went through a rough time and had a

lot of anger. So, I was like, ‘You know what, why not?’ and it felt terrific just to throw it and get it all out, just get all that feeling and anger out for once,” said Alana Hartman.

“I think it’s a great event, and I’m glad the school is putting stuff like this on,” said James Henry.

It can be good to take a break and relieve stress. Plate Smash as an event wanted to offer students a personalized way to express their thoughts and feelings.

“Students can personalize the experience to them, so they’re not just going into a paid room and smashing anything, but they can take the time to think about their emotions and mental health. And maybe consider how they need to take a break from studying or find ways to relax and enjoy themselves as finals week approaches and appreciate anything they’re excited about in the future,” said Whipps.

In the last few weeks, you

Things to think aboutTop 5 Reporter memories, ranked

By JOEY ERICKSON Variety Editor

If you read my last column, you’ll know already that calendars are a mystery to me. I tried to strain my noodles with a calendar once, like they say on the Internet, but it didn’t work very well. The pages just got really soggy and some of the noodles had ink on them. Talk about eating your words.

But the last week of The Reporter issues has finally come around, and with it comes my last column of the year. As I promised in the last issue, this column will be a ranking of my top five Reporter memories I’ve made over the many, many year I’ve worked here.

may feel like you need to be studying or working all the time, but breaks are essential and help with productivity in the long run.

“Overall, we want students to have fun with it and take it as an opportunity to look at what they must prepare for at the end of the semester and anything they need to do. We want students to take these weeks seriously but also realize there is still time for fun,” said Whipps.

Heatbox brings the heat to CSU Mall Fest

By LAUREN VISKA Staff Writer

What are a beatboxer’s eight favorite things?

Boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and boots.

Aaron Heaton, mainly known as Heatbox, performed April 26 at MSU for the last performance of the Serendipity Music Series. He has been performing his music for the last 20 years and got his name as a play on words with his last name and beatboxing.

He started his junior year of high school after hearing a Rahzel album, “Make The Music 2000,” with his friends.

“That album blew all of our minds. So then, just me and all my friends in high school were all beatboxing. They all got real jobs after a while, and I just never did,” said Heatbox. “It’s my

two favorite things at once. It’s incredibly silly because you’re making mouth sounds, but it’s also really cool. I’m sort of combining these weird pieces

of equipment that weren’t necessarily meant to be combined with each other.”

Heatbox joined the school band when he was 11 years

old. He wanted to stand out, so he chose the tuba because it was loud and no one else had. For the following seven years, he would practice the tuba, strengthening his lips and lungs. He had no idea, yet he was beatboxing training.

“I didn’t know what I was gonna do. I thought I was gonna be a radio DJ for a while. Then, I thought I was gonna be a video game programmer. I still want to do that, but I just ended up this way,” said Heatbox.

Heatbox advises those wanting to start beatboxing. He says to begin immediately if it’s something you want to do.

“Do it all the time. I mean, I kind of can’t even help it. I don’t even know I’m doing it anymore. I’m at the Mall of America and am beatboxing by myself while my kid is playing in the playground,” said Heatbox.

Despite the definition of ranking literally meaning that the items in question are positioned based on how much or little I appreciate them, I wanted to add that I love all these events a lot, and will be thinking about them frequently once I have to slum it up in a 9-to-5 after I graduate.

Coming in at number five is the late, LATE night we spent in the Reporter office due to the Student Government budget meeting. We usually get out around midnight, preposterous but normal given the circumstances. But when your fate lies in the hands of a group of bickering college students debating whether or not the men’s bathroom trash can should be allocated additional funds per fiscal semester, it’s safe to say the night drags on.

Despite the long hours, we were rocking it out in the office (except Julia. She was struggling. We laughed at her.)

All of us finished our work super early, and we ended up playing Uno in the hallway outside under the dim lights of the CSU, muzak humming quietly in the background. Mohamed won all three rounds. Still not sure how.

Number four is the time I got my work crush’s digits and texted them, and then acted shocked when they actually responded. The office was turned into a therapy room as I ran laps around the cubicles, asking the rest of the editorial staff what I should text back in response.

I was obsessed. I debated whether I should use commas or not to seem more relaxed

PHEDIAS PIERIDES • The Reporter Many students gathered outside the Centennial Student Union to smash customized plates in order to relieve stress that could’ve been caused by finals week.

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter Aaron Heaton is more known by his stage name Heatbox. His name refers to his last name as well as his talent for beatboxing.

MSU Choir sings for change OPINION: My first normal year of college

By JADE JACKSON Staff Writer

There are numerous organizations and groups on campus that fly under the radar. However, their talents prove to be nothing less than outstanding. One great example of this would be the MSU choir.

Elisabeth Cherland, the choir director gave a lot of information about the group, but also how much music means to her personally. Cherland put it in simple terms; “It’s my art. It is a way that I express myself, music is the reason I am the choral director, I can connect with my students. We all collaborate so well”. She also went on to add, “Everyone has some shape of art that speaks to them, mine is music. I’m moved by it, it can be the simplest sound, but it contains so much meaning,” said Cherland.

Even with it being her first year as the director, she has made a huge impact. Their final concert of the year which took place on Sunday had one overarching theme: change. “It’s a good one to be wrapping up this school year with.

We also had a lot of seniors in the group, so it’s a fitting theme since they will be going through a lot of change. Another significant change was the change of directors. It’s been something we’ve explored since the beginning of the year, we all changed,” expressed Cherland. Cherland was passionate about incorporating the theme

into the music. The university had three choirs perform. The groups are as follows; University Chorale, the Chamber Singers, and the Concert Choir. The University Chorale performed three pieces, Chamber did three pieces, and the Concert Choir did five pieces. There were many pieces that incorporated the idea of “change” into it. The choir also paid tribute to the seniors.

“Most of the pieces we performed touched on the idea of change,” said Cherland, “Death Came a Knockin’ gave the idea that at the end of life, death is the ultimate change. That was a powerful piece. We also sang Stomp on the Fire, this piece is dedicated to fighting back against injustice.

One last example of a piece

sung was To The Stars. This song was made for college students, it’s about reaching above and beyond ourselves to spark change”.

As college students, there were a lot of life examples that the young adults could relate to. “There was a verse in one of our pieces that talked about mothers and fathers’ demands. Transitioning to college, kids feel constrained by their demands. We discussed in class how it can be hard to ask for space but also to have that cushion of family to back you up. There’s a lot of things to connect with when dealing with change, I think the choir in its entirety did a phenomenal job showcasing it,” added Cherland.

By MERCEDES KAUPHUSMAN Staff Writer

If someone were to tell me as a junior in high school that the next normal school year I would have would be when I’m a junior in college, I would probably spit my Starbucks pink drink in their face and strut away in my Nike Air Forces.

College was a place I always knew I was heading. How it was romanticized in films and TV shows, and the expressions on my brothers’ faces after returning home from Minnesota State with dozens of stories to tell was convincing enough to fill out the application forms. I also happened to be the third duck in a row to attend MSU, so I was comfortable and eager to take on the role of a Maverick.

I was an infamous senior from the class of 2020, the year when everything changed. I watched the world crumble through my phone screen, and sat inside while my last year of high school dwindled away. I always assumed I had a year of lasts, and when the day of my drive-thru graduation came, it hit me that the chapter book to my childhood did not contain a happy ending.

Regardless of how my senior year turned out, I was optimistic to start my freshman year. The summer beforehand, everything was seemingly going back to normal. The world was opening up again, and I was ready to grow up. When I moved into Crawford Residence Hall in fall 2020, I

thought it would be like any other college student’s freshman year. Sure enough, it was anything but.

As one could predict, mixing together a group of fresh adults from different parts of the midwest into one university’s dorm halls during a global pandemic called for chaos. Cases of COVID-19 were hitting the dorms one by one, sending the infected to quarantine in the top floors of Preska Residence Community. Each day that I strolled to the dining hall for a meal, I would make sure to wave at the isolated above. Numbers started to fall, and by the time second semester rolled around, half of the people I knew from college moved home to safety. Except for me.

Second semester of college flew by. My residence hall floor became a tight-knit friend group, as we had limited mask-less contact with the rest of the university. By the time sophomore year rolled around, I craved normal. Spoiler alert: I still did not get it.

MSU lifted the mask mandate my sophomore year, but this also stirred up waves of COVID cases in the area. I ended up catching the virus the first week of 2022, and my place of work was closed for nearly a month due to the uproar.

Finally, my junior year came, the one I am currently polishing off. Although it might not be the average college student’s version of normal a decade ago, this has been

COLLEGE on page 23

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter

The MSU choir sung about sparking change and reaching above, a theme they think is common for college students.

 HEATBOX from page 21

“There are a lot of cool YouTube videos about how to do cool, weird techniques these days that even I don’t know how to do anymore.”

Heatbox’s new album comes out June 18 and is called “Hilarious and Epeically Legendary.” An album release party will be at 5 p.m. at the Hook & Ladder Theater in the Under The Canopy venue in Minneapolis.

“They’re like funky sounding, really well-produced songs, but the topics are really dumb; why don’t people know how to zipper merge correctly when they drive? For example, there’s a song called ‘Zipper Merge’ on it,” said Heatbox. “There’s this song called ‘Bad Internet Friends’ about how I am not very good at liking and subscribing to other people’s stuff. There’s also a song about Inigo Montoya from ‘The Princess Bride,’ and it’s all about him and his journey.”

Students can visit https://www.heatboxllc.com/ to check out more of Heatbox’s music or see when he is coming in concert.

 MEMORIES from page 21

over the phone, which acronym to use as a response to their joke so I don’t sound like a psycho, and even how many minutes I should wait to text back so they don’t think I’m waiting for them to respond. Stay tuned to see if we get married or not.

In third place, McDonald’s ice cream cone runs. None of us here like doing our jobs if we can’t help it. That’s not what we signed up for! As such, we tire quite easily. All it takes is a few taps at the keyboard to warrant our hands, and therefore minds, completely useless.

One time, Julia and I ran to McDonald’s (we actually drove. Could you imagine if we ran though?) and picked up a sensible seven ice cream cones for the Reporter crew. The workers were a little upset, probably because they couldn’t lie and say their machine didn’t work.

After Julia and I held the seven ice cream cones in our hands, the thought quickly bounced between our two individual brain cells back and forth like a game of Plinko that there was no way we could bring all these desserts home without spilling them. We threw them all in cups and shoved them in a drink carrier tray, but by this point the ice cream was already melting, dripping lazily down my leg as we sped back to the office. They were less cones and more milkshake-esque (Milkshesque? ) by the time we got back to the office.

In second place are the quick trips to KwikTrip I’d go on after production nights. By “I,” I mean me and Julia, because I’d make her drive me.

Gas stations late at night are a truly unique, unreplicable experience. One time in particular, while we were standing in line waiting to be checked out, a man approached us.

“Excuse me,” he said politely, as he shuffled past me and Julia. His arms were overloaded with gas station paraphernalia: cat litter, a Redbull can, a pack of batteries, and a cheeseburger. I thought extensively on how those items could possibly correlate. A battery-operated cat that has trouble staying awake?

As I pondered on these questions, the man continued past us two, and walked right out the door. Without paying. Julia and I looked at each other, perplexed. Did he really just shoplift in plain sight?

We looked around. Nobody seemed to notice except for us. I guess in order to shoplift, it’s not about being able to run fast or sneak around stealthily. It’s about confidence. I hope that cat has fun eating batteries.

In first place for my favorite Reporter memories is the freestyle rap nights we’d have. We have two pool noodles in the office, for reasons unknown. One of them has a bitesized chunk taken out of it.

My personal theory is that some stranger chomped into it, thinking that it tasted like strawberry because it was pink. It’s a pretty strong theory actually, especially coming from someone trying desperately to hide the secret that they were the one who bit the pool noodle.

Sometimes, these noodles turn into microphones, as we freestyle rap over YouTube beats. Despite all of us majoring in Mass Communications, we suck pretty badly at rapping. “At the variety seh-eh-ction,” “Spit flames hot like Emma’s hair,” and “let’s walk a little more, I wipe them all on the floor” are my three personal favorites to come out of these nights. If you want to see a video of them, Emma has them all filmed in painstaking detail.

For the last time, things to think about.

 COLLEGE from page 22

the closest to it thus far. Getting to explore the place I never had the chance to in the three years I’ve lived here has been riveting. I’ve met plenty of amazing people that I’m confident will stick around, and I get to finish the year without a sudden slap in the face.

I’m especially hopeful that next year, I will get to walk across a stage and flip my tassel for the very first time.