October 31, 2023 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

2 October 31, 2023

BOLIN RENOVATIONS RAISE CONCERNS GEORGE SVOBODA MANAGING EDITOR iology and chemistry junior Zaniya Medlin and psychology and biochemistry senior Aribah Tahir announced their concerns about the upcoming renovations to Bolin Hall at Oct. 17’s SGA meeting. Bolin Hall was constructed in the 1960s and has since been updated once in 1997. The Hall’s renovations will start in December due to fire code violations and a recent discovery of asbestos. While Medlin and Tahir said they appreciate the renovations, they also said they are concerned about the consequences. In order to renovate the building, most research will be paused or stopped entirely. “And so around July I was in research, and that was the time I was informed by a faculty member, not by a news source, not by a paper, not by an email nothing right. That nearly all of the research was going to stop,” Medlin said, “A good chunk of the lab equipment was not going to be able to be used whatsoever for the last years I’m going to be here,” she added. The renovations are going to shut down the cold room, a vital part of research. There are projects researching Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease that require the cold climate to keep the proteins students are working on from breaking down. “The solution they’ve come up with for most of our research is that there’s this room in the Coliseum, and it can fit most of us as long as we kind of stagger our times,” Medlin said. However, the Coliseum’s cold room is not currently functional. “The fact of the matter is, they refuse to fix the cold room in the Coliseum because, quote, we don’t have enough money,” Medlin said, “The condenser is the only thing wrong with it, and so that part is under $10,000,” she later added. Research is critical for MSU students to compete with students from other universities when applying for jobs and graduate school, as well as for professors seeking tenure. Some research will be forced to continue online, which mostly entails data entry. “I think it limits the competitiveness of MSU in general as well because Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s research, there are a lot of people doing that. And for you to take us back and entire year, to take back a whole year of research puts us behind the curve,” Medlin said. Another concern the pair shares is that class labs will be moved online. Many graduate programs require labs to be taken in person so the students are properly prepared. MSU students will now risk appearing less competitive compared to their peers. The exclusion of in-person labs limits the amount of universities, programs and jobs MSU students can apply for. “One specifically is microbiology. That lab is now completely moved online because they can’t find an alternative location for

Vol. 88 | No. 4 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN

Aribah Tahir, psychology and biochemistry senior, Nasiha Khan, biology senior and Zaniya Medlin, biology and chemistry junior, discuss Bolin renovations with SGA President and political science senior Zetta Cannedy, Oct. 17. it,” Tahir said, “So to apply to PA schools, and a lot of them in Texas, they require labs and especially micro bio,” she added. Junior and senior students are most affected by this, as they will not have the time to make up for their missing in-person lab hours. Tahir is applying for the chemisty department’s Welch scholarship, which stipulates research. According to Tahir, one of the primary draws of the scholarship is the ability to get hands-on experience in their field, and to be published under a professor. “What administration has stated is that they would like that research to continue online. So like data entry, if possible, is something that they want, like, faculty and students working on for the next two years,” Tahir said. One of Tahir’s concerns is that new professors will be unable to begin a research project and will not have data to enter that will fulfill their job requirements. Professors will be moved from Bolin Hall to Pierce Hall in November. Medlin and Tahir’s primary dilemma about the handling of Bolin’s renovation is the lack of communication between MSU and faculty and students. They each say that any update they heard about came from other students. "We heard nothing about it since they had accepted that

grant, the students have not been informed whatsoever about it,” Medlin said. Faculty and students have been uninformed about the renovation plans and problems in Bolin. To combat this, Tahir suggested an open forum where students could express their concerns. According to Tahir, Interim Dean Dr. Sarah Cobb has said that there will be an open forum with Interim Provost Dr. Margaret Brown Marsden and Kyle Owen from facility services. However, there has never been a date set. “Students don’t know what to ask for because they don’t know what’s going on. So like, they’re like, well you can have the information about the asbestos if you care if you ask Dr. Cobb for instance, but how would we know to ask about that?” Medlin said. Medlin and Tahir are supportive of the renovation, but said they are concerned about the consequences. “We don’t hate the renovation. We’re really excited for new science building stuff, new stuff, like you know, updated fire safety,” Medlin said, “We’re not probably gonna be here once it’s finished. We just want our last two years, and like also the incoming people, we want them to be properly informed about what’s going on, because it does affect our education,” she added.

Editor-in-Chief: Cecil Witherspoon Design Editor: Emily Copeland Managing Editor: George Svoboda Photography Editor: Stephanie Garcia Business Manager: Tiffany Haggard Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Issue Staff: Sam Difiore, Juliana Abril, Joey Arthur, Valeria Garcia, Jacqueline Hernandez, Aracely Ibarra, Emilio Avitia, Haven Hurley, Jackson Redding, Yukari Roman, Brian Hernandez, Gensis Jurado, Jezebel Eligino, Jessica Binzai, Katelynn Wright, Abby Turner Advisor: Jonathon Quam

Copyright ©2023. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include an email address, telephone number and address.

October 31, 2023

Campus financial cuts lead to closures

JULIANA ABRIL REPORTER mid heavy financial cuts across the board as MSU tries to dig out of debt, several fixtures on campus have closed. The closing of the Testing Center, the Print Shop, and the Vinson Health Center, will result in the elimination of 10 jobs. The closure of these facilities will take effect starting in 2024. The Vinson Health Center and the Print Shop will close Jan. 1, 2024, while the testing center will close on April 1, 2024. The closures come due to the number of students accessing the services provided by said establishments. In the case of the Vinson Health Center, about 4.2 students visited this facility per day, the testing center was more useful to the general community than to MSU students and the print shop was mostly used by Moffett Library, not students. Considering the student fees and the costs to maintain these three entities, administrators decided that the best option for the savings program and new budgeting project is to distribute these resources efficiently into departments mostly used by students.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

The Vinson Health Center provides immunizations, STD screening and treatment, women's health, MD visits, among other things. Oct. 30. Vinson Health Center will close on Jan. 1, 2024.

MSU President Stacia Haynie emphasized that although facilities are closing their doors, the Vinson Health Center services will continue to be accessible virtually. “There were far too few students who are going to the Vinson Health Center. And again, with the pandemic, students, and most of us, it’s more convenient to do a telehealth option,” Haynie said. Vice President Keith Lamb also stressed how difficult it was to make the decision to close the medical center that has been at MSU for more than 60 years, but mentioned that the way students and the community access to healthcare has changed, and MSU must adapt to virtual services to be able to better manage student fees. “The amount of student fees that were being spent on that didn't make a lot of financial sense in 2023. To spend student fees on a service that students weren't accessing didn't make a lot of sense. That's why we have decided to make this change. We believe students would access this service more and will certainly be more accessible than a building. That doesn't minimize the amount of help the health center and its staff have given to the MSU community. They are really good professionals, but again we think this was the best way of administering student fees,” Lamb said. Haynie later added that this is the same situation that the Print Shop and the Testing Center went through. “Same with the print shop. The ability to procure printed materials, it's very different than many years ago when the print shop was created. And while that's convenient, and they do a terrific job, that's not the most efficient use of the resources,” Haynie said. Haynie also mentioned that the Testing Center was more helpful for the general community than for MSU students and highlighted that the priority is to protect the academic core and use the student fees in those establishments that students use the most. “It's terrific to be able to offer testing options for the general community, but our priority of course is meeting the needs of the students,” Haynie said. Administrators stressed that these decisions, no matter how difficult were, are the correct ones. “We'll see significant savings by August 31, but the hard part

is the people. They have done a wonderful job for students and Midwestern, but we have to be good storages for our student fees money,” Lamb said.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

The testing center provides ATI TEAS, CLEP, HESI A2, proctored exams and TSIA2 assessment, for MSU students and the community, Oct. 30. The testing center will close on April 1, 2024.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

The Print Shop provides business cards, magnetic name tags, print signs, banners, retractors, posters, and digital files for printing, Oct. 30. The Print Shop will close on Jan. 1, 2024.

Comanche Trail to reopen Jan. 1

JESSICA BINZARI REPORTER omanche Trail will reopen in January after the Student Government Association found students were unhappy with the lack of accessibility and parking space in the area. Over the course of the semester, the SGA received numerous complaints from MSU students about the walkway portion of Comanche Trail. The road used to be open until last summer, when the administration closed it off with the intention of turning the space into a student promenade. This led the SGA to carry out a poll in which students were asked what were their thoughts on the matter. Student senators discussed whether Comanche Trail should remain an enclosed area only for walking or return to being car-accessible like before.

Out of the 299 students who responded, over 80% wanted Comanche Trail to reopen. SGA brought the results of the survey to MSU President Stacy Haynie who ultimately gave her approval for having the road open again. SGA Vice President Vincent Peter explained that President Haynie is planning on redirecting the funds for the walkway toward improving MSU’s student retention. Although some students liked not having to worry about cars passing when crossing the road, Comanche Trail produced “more inconveniences than conveniences,” as Peter described. He added that “getting around campus became a real hassle,” for students as they could no longer use the road. Students also found it increasingly difficult to find convenient parking spaces. Another issue raised with Comanche

Trail being closed was longer wait times for the Mustang Shuttle. Peter pointed out that in previous semesters, students would wait for the bus no longer than 15 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon at the bus station. However, with Comanche Trail being blocked off, the Mustang Shuttle had to be rerouted. Now, MSU students wait an additional 15 minutes for the Mustang Shuttle to arrive. Spring semester is almost two months from now. Because Comanche Trail has not received any form of maintenance for more than three months, it will need the necessary reparations and preparations before being ready for use again. Despite the long wait, students can rest assured Comanche Trail will be open again for the 2024 Spring semester.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Comanche Trail is set to reopen in the spring semester of 2024, Oct. 30.

4 October 31, 2023

Homecoming: events across campus

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

From left to right, Jaden Adams psychology freshman, Taylor Clark, political science freshman, Colton Ellis, accounting senior, Zeel Thakker, pre nursing freshman, Madisyn Butler, mass communication sophomore, Oct. 23. Redwine Honors Progam won the lip sync battle.

Lip Sync SAM DIFIORE REPORTER omecoming week kicked off with one of the most anticipated events: lip sync battle. Students gathered at the D.L. Ligon Coliseum to participants showcase their performances and compete to be one of the three finalists moving on. “I performed last year as well and we made it back to the finals, so I was eager to get back on stage and try for a win,” nursing sophomore Marisol Mora said. Mora performed with the Redwine Honors program for the second year in a row, and made

it to the finals both times. “This experience was exactly what I expected it to be. The lip sync battle never disappoints, I would do it again next year,” Mora said. Redwine Honors placed 1st overall at the finalists competition.

Trunk or Treat TIFFANY HAGGARD REPORTER SU held its annual Trunk or Treat Homecoming event Oct. 26, and it was bigger than ever. As a line of hundreds of trick-or-treaters rounded across the parking lot, campus organizations and businesses pre-

pared to hand out thousands of pieces of candy to the families of Wichita Falls. The event included a variety of campus organizations, competing for points for the Homecoming competition, and local businesses such as Channel 6 News and a variety of local food trucks. Art sophomore, and member of the Residence Hall Association, Hailey Padilha, said, “This is my second ‘Trunk or Treat, but my first year we were inside, so I’ve never seen it outside before, but I’m really excited.” Due to weather issues, the Fall 2022 “Trunk or Treat’ was moved indoors at the last minute, but there was nothing but clear skies as the community gathered for this event.

Boat Race GEORGE SVOBODA MANAGING EDITOR SU held its Homecoming tradition, the Cardboard Boat Race, on Friday, Oct. 27. Student campus organizations and Greek life had been designing and building their boats since late September when the Candyland theme was announced. Boats widely varied in size, shape and decor. While many boats were immediately sunk by the cruel Lake Sikes, the ones that survived the initial landing took off like bullets. The event was split into two races. The first race’s participants were student campus organizations. The second race’s participants were honor societies and Greek life. The Caribbean Student Organization took home 1st place for the first race, and the Priddy Scholars won 1st place in the second race. “The makeshift of the boat, I went with what previous Priddy scholars did in the past.” mechanical engineering freshman Ares Jaingue said about the design of the Priddy boat. “We added our own twist to it from the mistakes they made, so we can win,” Jaingue added.

Pep Rally and Bonfire CECIL WITHERSPOON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF he Friday night darkness came alive with light as two of MSU’s brightest Homecoming traditions, the torchlight parade and bonfire, sandwiched the Homecoming pep rally. Around 9 p.m., the torchlight parade kicked off outside the Bridwell Activities Center, leading students across campus to the Fain parking lot. There, they took in the pep rally and bonfire. The pep rally featured several speakers from MSU’s sports and e-sports teams, plus the lip sync finals. Three teams competed in the finals - Redwine Honors, Caribbean Student Organization and Lions Club and MSU Cheer - with Honors ultimately taking the win with a Willy Wonka-inspired performance. Interspersed between the performances, members of MSU’s sports teams urged Mustangs to come out in support of the teams. Computer science graduate student Chad Callendar said the event was a good opportunity for students to come together and express their school spirit. “I mean, I feel like it’s a good way to get students together,” Callendar said, later adding, “Like it’s a tradition we can all come together and celebrate together. So I’m always excited for it every year.” After the rally wrapped up, the Homecoming bonfire capped the night as a tower of pallets ignited while students basked in the warmth of the blaze on the cool evening. Music still played loudly, prompting students to dance in the flame-lit parking lot. As the flames and evening died down together, students filtered out, ready for the Homecoming game the next day.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Sophomores Hailey Padilha, art major, and Clementine Isaa, biochemistry major, give out candy for the children, Oct. 26. The Residece Hall Association has organized a candy land theme for the children.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Sarah Hughes, sociology senior, distributes candy to children has a member of the sociology club, Oct. 26.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

The homecoming pep rally kicked off with the Torchlight Parade at the BAC, Oct. 27.

October 31, 2023

create community amongst students

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Student organization banners sit on display at the CSC, Oct. 27. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Bob Barrow, an alumni who graduated in 1976, burns different college t-shirts to ignite the bonfire, Oct. 27.

Tailgate STEPHANIE GARCIA REPORTER SU hosted the Homecoming Tailgate before Oct. 28’s football game at Memorial Stadium. Student organizations, Greek life and alumni came together to celebrate homecoming. As students mingled with each other and alumni, there was a variety of food served, such as hot dogs and sandwiches. Floyd Moore, Alumni Board member and former MSU football player said, “We decided to start tailgating, and we always would come for homecoming and tried to get our ex-players to come back.” The Tailgate brings in the opportunity for current and former MSU students to come together and celebrate their university. “It’s just family, this is just all your family where you just hang out, every couple weeks

you get to hang out and visit and catch up on what’s been going on,” Moore said.

Homecoming Football Game ABBY TURNER REPORTER SU football defeated Western New Mexico University 56-7 on Oct. 28, clinching a homecoming win. MSU won the toss and defended the north goal, deferring to receive to start the second half. Ritse Vaes, criminal justice junior, started the game with a 65-yard touchback. With the ball back, the WNMU Mustangs produced another three plays before the MSU Mustangs forced them to punt the ball once again. After a 17-yard pass from James Cooper, sports management freshman, to Justin White, kinesiology sophomore. After the completed pass, Jalen March, education sophomore, was

PHOTO BY CECIL WITHERSPOON | THE WICHITAN

MSU won the homecoming game against Western New Mexico with a score of 56-7 at Memorial Stadium, Oct. 28.

a dominant player during this possession for the Midwestern State Mustangs. Rushing 49 yards, he got the MSU Mustangs to the 5-yard line, where Vaes successfully kicked a field goal, putting MSU up 3-0 in the 1st quarter. With the MSU Mustangs up 6-0, the second quarter started with an incomplete pass from the WNMU Mustangs that turned the ball over to the MSU Mustangs. The first half of the game ended with the MSU Mustangs up 9-0, with Vaes being the sole owner of all the points. After a half-time of homecoming festivities, the MSU Mustangs received the kickoff to begin the second half. On the first possession of the second half, March rushed for 74 yards, putting the Midwestern State Mustangs on the 1-yard line. Cooper then ran for 1-yard, scoring the Mustang's first touchdown. The extra point by Vaes was good, making the score 16-0 in favor of MSU. On the next play for WNMU, MSU caused a fumble that WNMU recovered. On the very next play, MSU got a safety, making the score 21-0 in favor of MSU. Before the third quarter ended, MSU scored once again, on a touchdown scored by Zachary Keen, finance junior, and a field goal kicked by Vaes. The score to end the third quarter was 42-0 MSU. The following scoring chance came when there were 4 minutes left in the game. After

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Colton Ellis, accounting senior, and Zetta Cannedy, SGA President and political science senior, won King and Queen, Oct. 28.

a successful drive by the MSU Mustangs that ended in a touchdown and an extra point, the score was now 56-7. The game ended 56-7. Vaes was 4-4 on field goal attempts, setting and breaking a program record thrice. He is now the program leader in total kicking points. In this game, he had a total of 18 kicking points. The MSU Mustangs will play Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Student organization graffiti board sit on display outside of Bolin Hall, Oct. 30.

6 October 31, 2023

Homecoming: los eventos en todo el camp

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Redwine Honors Programs ganaron la batalla de sincronización de labios, Oct. 27.

Lip Sync en MSU

del Rey y la Reina fueron anunciados en el partido de fútbol americano. Mientras que unos estudiantes compartieron sus opiniones al inicio del evento, otros optaron por hacerlo después de que terminara. “Fue muy entretenido ver a mis amigos de diferentes organizaciones realizar su baile” afirmó Hayley Smith, estudiante de educación de primer año.

además del MLK Community Garden, y los estudiantes de Northwest Boys & Girls Club de Wichita Falls. Por parte de MSU, Amanda Clawson, la agente de acreditación del Dillard College, gracias a su influencia y experiencia en las redes sociales, nos ha mostrado que este tipo de inversiones pueden cambiar muchas cosas tanto para la comunidad y la ciudad de Wichita Falls. Clawson maneja un proyecto anual de servicio comunitario, una campaña de alimentos e higiene para la despensa Mustang. Cualquiera puede participar y ayudar en Octubre. Este año 2023 se hace con un carrito de compras decorado que se ha logrado llenar tres veces, la próxima semana de la última de octubre se espera que se llene por cuarta vez, que es el objetivo. De acuerdo con Clawson ‘Lo que se recolectó este año sirvió para la despensa de los Mustangs o Mustangs Pantry”.

Trunk or Treat: Evento tradicional en la semana de Homecoming

JACKSON REDDING Y YUKARI ROMAN REPORTEROS l evento de Lip Sync comenzó a las 8:00 p.m. y terminó a las 10:30 pm del lunes pasado, y fue en la cancha de baloncesto en D.L. Ligon Coliseum. VALERIA GARCIA Y JACQUELINE HERNANDEZ Muchos grupos de MSU participaron en la REPORTERAS competencia, preparando rutinas de baile para runk or Treat es un evento que forma terminar como uno de los mejores tres grupos parte de la tradición de Homecoming en y competir en el Homecoming Pep Rally el Midwestern State University que se llevó jueves. a cabo en Council Drive y Nocona Trail el 26 Fue obvio que cada grupo ha invertido de Octubre a las 6pm. El evento estaba abierto mucho tiempo en preparar y practicar. Andres GENSIS JURADO Y JEZEBEL ELIGINO para toda la comunidad de Wichita Falls, es Revis, un estudiante de ciencias políticas del REPORTERAS decir que todos los que deseaban ir a recolectar último año y participante del acto de Redwine l evento se realizó el 25 de Octubre del dulces estaban invitados. Honors Program, dijo que “dedicamos múltiple 2023, en el Bridwell Activities Center “Este es el segundo año que asisto a Trunk semanas para preparar para la competencia.” cuarto 101, a las 5:00pm. En el evento or Treat porque me gusta la manera en que se Redwine Honors fue uno de tres grupos con el Banco de Alimentos del Área de Wichita divierten mis hijos al recolectar sus dulces, que avanzaron a la final y Andrés contribuyó Falls, trabajaron la sociedad de Honores Junior es el evento perfecto para familias y claro a esto con el cuento que su grupo cuenta. El de la Escuela Secundaria McNeil junto con los también para los estudiantes de MSU” dijo dijo que “nos gustó la idea porque tuvo un flujo estudiantes de Midwestern State University, Lorena Nuñez residente de Wichita Falls. narrativo que permitió una evolución.” Los otros grupos que avanzaron a la final fueron MSU Cheer y Caribbean Student Association. Pero el evento no solo fue importante para los participantes; al iniciar el evento, algunos estudiantes compartieron por qué habían venido al mismo. “A mí siempre me ha divertido ir a los eventos de MSU porque nunca decepcionan. Lip sync es muy divertido de ver, por eso mis amigas y yo siempre venimos a verlo” dijo Angelica Ramos, estudiante de radiología de tercer año. Durante la competencia, los estudiantes ganadores de los papeles de Rey y Reina de MSU de este año fueron anunciados, pero solo FOTO DE SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN para los estudiantes del primero hasta tercer año. Los ganadores finales de la competencia Pancartas de organizaciones estudiantiles se exhiben en el CSC, Oct. 27.

Recogida de alimentos

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Andrew Vann, estudiante de último año en biología y química, es miembro de la American Chemical Society y crea burbujas para niños en Trunk or Treat, Oct. 26.

En Trunk or Treat las organizaciones de MSU que desean participar tienen la oportunidad de decorar la cajuela de su vehículo con algún tema en general relacionado con Halloween o Homecoming que este año fue “Home Sweet Homecoming” y repartir dulces. “Trunk or Treat nos da la oportunidad de presumir nuestro disfraz de este año y recolectar muchos dulces, también nos da la oportunidad de participar en eventos anfitriados por la universidad” dijo Derek Bryan residente de Wichita Falls.

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

El tablero de graffiti de organizaciones estudiantiles se exhibe fuera de Bolin, Oct. 30.

October 31, 2023

pus crean comunidad entre los estudiantes

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Adrian Robledo y Carlos Polanco son estudiates de segundo año de informática, terminan la regata representando Residence Hall Association, Oct. 27.

Carrera anual de botes EMILIO AVITIA Y HAVEN HURLEY REPORTEROS elebrada cada año, Midwestern State University, organiza su carrera anual de botes de cartones para el Homecoming de MSU. En colaboración con el Homecoming Fish Fry, este evento atraé a muchos espectadores para animar a los equipos de la organización estudiantil mientras intentan navegar a través del lago de Sikes. Este año hubo 20 barcos y organizaciones que tomaron parte en el evento anual, que es un incremento en participantes desde el año pasado. De acuerdo con Maggie Flemming estudiante de tercer año en MSU y con carrera de biología, “Definitivamente vamos a ganar. Nuestro barco es el más bonito e incluso tenemos un marinero real que va a navegar nuestro barco.” La primera carrera comenzó con el Programa de Honores tomando la delantera y la organización de estudiantes Caribeños tomó la delantera en el camino de regreso, derrotando al Programa de Honres. El grupo de los Priddy Scholars fácil se llevaron la victoria en la segunda carrera. Esta celebración ha sido algo que los estudiantes de MSU esperan con interés. Dice Quintan Ringwald, estudiante de segundo año en MSU y con carrera de terapia respiratoria, “Construir el barco realmente nos acercó a todos. Pasamos mucho tiempo juntos construyendo y pintando, lo que nos dio la oportunidad de vincular. ¡No podemos esperar para al próximo año!” MSU propone preservar la tradición de

FOTO DE EMILY COPELAND | THE WICHITAN

Laurel Cremer, junior de fisiología ejercitada, hace un truco frente a la hoguera, Oct. 27.

Homecoming durante años y las propuesto para sus barcos en 2024.

El Evento del Pep Rally y la Hoguera ARACELY IBARRA Y EMILY COPELAND REPORTERAS n la noche del 27 de Noviembre, de las nueve a las diez, estudiantes de MSU y la comunidad se juntaron en este evento para celebrar el “Homecoming” de MSU. Para comenzar los festejos todos se reunieron en el centro de actividades Bridwell y comenzó el desfile de antorchas. Varios

cientos de personas siguieron a la banda de música del “Golden Thunder” por el campus hasta el Pep Rally. Zetta Cannedy, estudiante de Ciencias Políticas y Estudios Globales del cuarto año ha sido la maestra de ceremonias de este evento por tres años. Ella dijo que el desfile de antorchas es una tradición increíble cada año. “Es en serio una de las cosas más geniales para ver y creo que es solo un momento muy especial y una tradición especial porque realmente simboliza la comunidad y cómo realmente MSU se centra en la gente” Muchos estudiantes estaban entusiasmados tras perderse las festividades el año pasado. Marra Hills, estudiante del Programa de Maestría en Analítica de Negocios comentó que esperaba con impaciencia la hoguera. “Tuvieron que cancelarlo por el clima… pero espero que sea tan bueno como la última vez (que asistió)”. Para otros, las nuevas experiencias marcaron la diferencia. Melissa Santiago, estudiante de enfermería del tercer año dijo que trabajar con la oficina de participación de estudiantes mejoró mucho los eventos. “Yo estaba en la parte superior de la hoguera poniendo las camisetas de hoy por lo que fue muy estupendo” ella dijo. “Espero que el año que viene haya más gente disfrutando y participando” añadió."

Homecoming y el partido de fútbol Americano BRIAN HERNANDEZ REPORTERO l juego fue un explosión para el terminar los eventos de Homecoming. Midwestern State ganó a Western New Mexico

en el Memorial Stadium. En la primera mitad se quedaron 9-0. En el tercer cuarto Ritse Vaes anotó 3 goles de campo que marcaron 9 puntos en el tablero. En la segunda mitad, también en el tercer cuarto, sumaron 33 puntos lo que dio 42 puntos en total. En el cuarto cuarto anotaron dos veces más mientras Western New Mexico anotó un punto y terminó el juego con 56-7. El estudiante de higiene dental de primer año Monsey Mendoza declaró, “Fue un día muy frío, pero la victoria de los Mustangs valió la pena.” Otra estudiante de primer año de higiene dental, Gali Marquez dijo, “Fue un juego divertido y experimentar el juego para los nuevos estudiantes de primer año fue algo para recordar. ¡Estoy orgulloso de ser un Mustang!

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

MSU ganó el partido de homecoming contra Western New Mexico con una puntuación de 56-7 en el Memorial Stadium, Oct. 28.

FOTO DE STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

La reunión de homecoming pep rally comenzó con la luz de las antorchas en el BAC, Oct. 27.

Colton Ellis, ultimo año de contabilidad, y Zetta Cannedy, SGA President y ultimo año de ciencias políticas, ganaron rey y reina, Oct. 28.

8 October 31, 2023

PRESIDENT'S PICNIC HOSTS STUDENTS

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Chance Thompson, math junior, leads a tour for students at the Sikes House, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Students serve themselves hamburgers at the President's Picnic, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN

President Haynie talks to students, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Geoscience graduate student Md Shahparan participates in a game of cornhole, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN

Students and faculty enjoy hamburgers while conversating, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Students enjoy a game of volleyball outside of Sikes House, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Students exit the tour of the Sikes House, Oct. 19.

October 31, 2023

STUDENT-LED VIVA MSU UNITES COMMUNITY

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

The Zavala International Dancers perform traditional folklorico dances, Oct. 19. GEORGE SVOBODA MANAGING EDITOR essiena Pando and Juanita Orozco partnered with Spanish Club, La Raza Unida, Kappa Delta Chi, Omega Delta Phi and Sigma Lambda Alpha to host Viva MSU at Sunwatcher Plaza on Oct. 19. Viva MSU is a campus tradition in which local businesses come together to celebrate Hispanic heritage and Dia de los Muertos. Over the past seven years, MOSAIC hosted Viva MSU; however, after the Texas legislature passed SB-17 into law, MOSAIC is now unable to do so. Upon learning of Viva MSU’s cancellation, senior Spanish majors Pando and Orozco teamed up to bring it back. “And so, MOSAIC let us know that they weren’t able to host it any more thanks to the

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN

Ianna Manzy, a graphic design freshman, wins the jalapeño eating contest, Oct. 19.

bill that passed, so me and Juanita Orozco decided that we would take it into our own hands and make this event happen because we know students love it every year,” Pando said. Local businesses and campus organizations came together to celebrate. The first 100 students to attend received a free ticket to exchange for street tacos of their choice at a local food truck, Tacos y Tortas el Pelon. The night was highlighted by a jalapeño eating contest, catrinas from Folklor Latino of Wichita Falls, and culminated in a dance performance by Zavala International. Wichita Falls locals attended Viva MSU, eating tacos and dancing the night away. “Viva MSU, for MSU, represents us Hispanic Students. That’s why we took it as an initiative for us, especially the Hispanic organizations

PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN

The table outlines the different items needed for Día de los Muertos altars, also known as Day of the Dead altars, Oct. 19.

here to come together and make this event possible,” Pando said. “It was just Hispanic Heritage Month, and nothing was really here on campus happening about that,” she added. Pando later said that it was important to her to bring MSU and Wichita Falls together as one community. The local Hispanic community is always growing and it is important for MSU to represent them. “We always have stuff going on downtown that represents us, but having something on campus is rare and probably happens like once or twice a year,” she said. Orozco and Pando are concerned about the future of Viva MSU and they hope that future students step up to continue the tradition.

PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN

Jerry and Margaret Stuber dance to From left to right, Martha Rodríguez, Maricela Dominguez and Liliana Martinez Spanish music, Oct. 19. take part in "Folklor Latino Wichita Falls", Oct. 19.

10 October 31, 2023

La exponencial carrera de Karol G. JULIANA ABRIL REPORTER acida en Medellín, Colombia un 14 de febrero de 1991 , la canta-autora Karol G ha logrado uno de los crecimientos más exponenciales en la industria del reggaetón, ya que, desde 2007 se ha caracterizado por sus pegajosas letras, innovadoras pistas musicales y presencia escénica. Adicionalmente, estos aspectos la han llevado desde telonera, a presentarse en teatros, luego arenas y finalmente estadios con capacidad para más de 70.000 personas. Gracias a este crecimiento, Karol G se ha convertido en un icono del empoderamiento femenino, pues algunas de sus letras tocan temas de empoderamiento femenino, amor propio y el valor de las mujeres en la sociedad. De esta forma Karol G ha demostrado que el reggaetón no solo es un tipo de música pop, sino un medio para dar mensajes y alcanzar grandes masas. Es

PHOTO CORTESIA DE KAROL G.

Karol G ganó su primer Grammy Latino como mejor artista revelación en 2018.

también importante recalcar que el género del reggaetón era generalmente dominado por hombres, pero Karol G se ha tomado la industria y es la única mujer que en tan solo un mes logró alcanzar 100 millones de reproducciones con su último hit “Mi Ex Tenía Razón”. No solo plataformas digitales han sido influenciadas por “el efecto Karol G”, sino también establecimientos como el Cotton Bowl Stadium han presenciado cómo esta artista rompe un récord más. El pasado 02 de Septiembre de 2023 Karol G logró un sold-out llenando los 70.000 espacios disponibles para el público, siendo así la primera mujer latinoamericana en tener este récord de asistencia fuera del país o territorio hispanohablante. Dicho concierto contó con la asistencia no solo de latinoamericanos, sino también una gran porción de asiáticos y americanos demostraron que el lenguaje no es una barrera para disfrutar la música y el show de la artista colombiana. Karol G ha alcanzado este nivel internacional gracias a su música y marcado estilo. La artista enfoca sus canciones a contar historias, por ejemplo sus dos últimos álbumes “Mañana Será Bonito” y “Bichota Seasson” han sido tendencia mundial, pues aunque hay un tracklist oficial, la colombiana invita a sus seguidores a escuchar la secuencia en un orden específico para enter el sentido personal con el que escribió cada tema. En ambos álbumes hay una clara historia sobre una antigua relación que dejó varias inseguridades, después las canciones expresan como fue sobrellevar ese dolor, para finalmente darse la oportunidad de conocer a alguien nuevo y vivir un romance sano sin dolor. De esta manera la artista no solo demuestra que puede puede lanzar dos álbumes en menos de 6 meses y hacerlos virales por sus ritmos, sino también demuestra habilidad para contar historias profundas con mensajes significativos. Personalmente califico sus dos últimos álbumes “Mañana será bonito” y “Bichota Season” con 5 estrellas de 5. En total los álbumes completan 25 canciones con distintos ritmos, temáticas y mensajes, demostrando una vez más que el talento colom-

PHOTO CORTESIA DE KAROL G.

Karol G y TXT juntos en backstage de los MTV VMAs.

biano es bastante variado y tiene el potencial para ser escuchado internacionalmente.

Newest "Haunted Mansion" only a ghost of past versions KATELYNN WRIGHT REPORTER hile "Haunted House" was filled with stars, the movie itself did not put on a star-studded show. The storyline is almost the same as the movies bearing the same name before it. A single mother, played by Rosario Dawson moves into a mansion in New Orleans. It isn’t long before she and her son find out they are not alone and that their mansion houses a lot of unwanted guests. She hires various people that are supposed to rid their mansion of the ghosts. Before the end of the movie there was a priest, a haunted house expert and a medium all in the same house.

W PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

Haunted Mansion was released in the United States on July 28 by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

There are some of the callbacks from prior movies, including how the house can turn into different landscapes, secret doors, hallways that go on forever. These scenes were some of the most fun parts of the movie, and the viewer can see what was truly intended when Disney came out with the original movie. A few familiar faces that star in the movie, but the celebrated performance of these actors do not show in this film. It did feel like the talent and acting skills of some of the movie’s frontrunners were not used to the best of their ability. There are a few comedians or actors that are known for their comedic movies in the film and it

seems like all the jokes that were written for them had no laugh factor. The movie does still showcase the gothic side that Disney intended and includes grief in the story line. If you want to see someone vulnerable, then look no further than to the many moments of this film. I do not see this version of the Haunted Mansion to be a Halloween classic like the two before it. I wanted so badly for this movie to be good, but it does not meet expectations, especially not for the average Disney fan. Watching the movie was like waiting for something that doesn’t come.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Madame Leota in the third film adaption of Haunted Mansion.

October 31, 2023 11

The Wichitan’s Song of the Week:

“GOD IS REALLY REAL”

PHOTO COURTESY OF AJR

AJR is an Indie Pop band comprised of three brothers, Adam, Jack and Ryan Met. Their debut single was released in 2013, Oct. 26. JOEY ARTHUR REPORTER elcome back to this week’s edition of The Wichitan’s Song of the Week. This week’s pick is “God is Really Real” by American indie pop band AJR. Released July 3, 2023 as a lyric video on YouTube and then officially released July 5, 2023, as a single and the eleventh track of their upcoming fifth studio album “The Maybe Man,” “God is Really Real” is an expression of the band’s feelings towards their at-the-time terminally ill father, Gary. In the song, Jack Met, lead singer for the band, sings about how he wishes his father could simply just get better. The band members express their love for their father, but also their frustration and anger about the situation as they all sing about how their dad might not make it but the world will still go on as if nothing happened. The band initially planned to release the song alongside the release of the album but on July 1, 2023, they announced that their dad’s illness was terminal and decided to release it July 3, when he died, as a tribute. Formed in Manhattan, New York, AJR is an American indie pop band that consists of the three core members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Met, lead keyboard player Ryan Met and bassist Adam Met. The group has several other members, including percussionist Chris Berry, trumpeter Arnetta Johnson, violinist Emelia Suljic and cello player Ruthie Kornblatt-Stier. The band's body of work has won the group several awards, nominations and domestic and international recognition. In 2005, the three brothers began creating, writing and producing their

own material. In 2006, the band began performing mostly at parks and mostly covers of other songs, and then in 2012 they released a self-titled non-streaming EP. On August 22, 2013, the band released their debut single, “I’m Ready” which went platinum only a year after its release and took the band to a meteoric rise to success. After the release of their debut single, they released four studio albums, many EPs and singles - all contributing to the band's cosmic success and fame. After the end of their Ok Orchestra Tour, AJR announced it will be releasing a fifth studio album, TMM, which was later revealed to mean “The Maybe Man.” AJR’s entire discography has always been heavily influenced by their passion for making music and the power and influence music has on the world, and “God is Really Real” is a perfect explanation of that discographic style. “God is Really Real” is my favorite song from the album, and my third-favorite from AJR’s entire discography (World’s Smallest Violin and 100 Bad Days). In “God is Really Real” the three brothers express their love for their father and their deep sadness for his deteriorating health. On July 1, 2023, the band announced that their dad has been sick for a while, but his condition has gotten worse, so they were going to withdraw from the European leg of the Imagine Dragons, the Mercury World Tour to be with their father. The band released the song two days after the announcement on YouTube as a lyric video, then two days after that as a single. The same day they released it as a single, they announced that their dad had passed away. Over the course of their life and career, the three brothers have always had an interesting relationship with their father. The broth-

PHOTO COURTESY OF AJR

AJR's single "God is Really Real" was released on July 3, following the passing of their father, Gary, June 22. ers have written and released songs in the past about their feelings for their father, like growing up children of divorce because their father divorced their mom (My Play) or how they forgive their father for all the things he didn’t do for them growing up (Call My Dad). In “God is Really Real,” we see that all the brothers want is to be with their father and just want their father to get better. "God is Really Real” is a song about the brothers' love for their father, their hope for him to get better and their frustration with the rest of the world for simply going on. As stated in previous editions of the Song of the Week, lyricism is an important aspect of any song and Adam, Jack and Ryan understood that when writing “God is Really Real.” In the song, they utilize personal memories and pathos to narrate their wish for their father to get better. My favorite lyric in the entire song is:

“Now it's late, I really gotta go. And we can't face our feelings, so we're makin' lots of jokes. And we won't cry about it, no, we'll be manly men. "I love you" sounds all corny, so I wrote this song instead. I'll sing it for you, Dad, when you get out of bed. I'll sing for you when you're out of bed.” Expressing their feelings through music is a recurring theme in AJR’s discography. In “God

is Really Real,” they sing about their love for their dad but how badly they want him to get better. They created a song about love, hope, dream and wishes. The song is a great listen with a powerful message.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AJR

"God is Really Real" was originally meant to simply be another song on their album, but after their father passed in July, AJR released the song as a tribute to him, July 1.