UNI to open Center for Civic Education
JENNA
WESTENDORF Staff Writer
In a move to become a destination for civic education and political literacy, the University of Northern Iowa was recently given the green light from the Iowa Board of Regents for a new Center for Civic Education.
OPINION
Estelle Johnson discusses how transphobia is impacting Iowan communities following a shocking incident at LinnMar High School.
SEE PAGE 5
SPORTS
UNI Swim and Dive hosted their annual Purple & Gold Intrasquad Meet. SEE PAGE 11
The center’s goal will be to help students, faculty and the community develop civic-minded skills and put them into practice.
With the center set to open in spring of the 2024-25 school year, it will be located in the Commons. There are plans to expand on not only the minor and certificate that
the university currently offers in civic education for students, but also to develop civic literacy for other majors throughout the university such as nursing, business and applied engineering. According to Political Science Department Head Scott Peters, “The Center will be responsible for making sure its [curriculum models] are up to
date ... testing different things to see what’s most effective ... and helping faculty ... get the best training they can.”
Throughout the school year, the center will host several civic education-oriented activities and events to enrich students’ experiences, regardless of their majors. A number of these events will also be in
KULT DJs swap stories about love for campus radio
MARQUETTE MILLIAM Staff Writer
Located in the basement of Maucker Union, 94.5 KULTLP is a student-run radio station at UNI. There are nearly a dozen student DJs, including Isabel Robbins, AJ Gibson, and Kai Cowell. Robbins, a graduate student, has been onair for just three weeks. Gibson is a seasoned DJ with five semesters of experience under his belt. Cowell started just this year.
Robbins’ involvement with KULT started when she attended the Communication and Media Open House, where she discovered that graduate students could join the station. Having previously enjoyed guest appearances on radio shows at Wartburg College, where she worked in the Communication Department, she decided to try it out at UNI. “I’d had so much fun at Wartburg, so I wanted to do my own show here,” she explained.
Gibson’s introduction to the station was a bit more casual. “During my sophomore year, a buddy of mine invited me to co-host alongside him on his
segment, and I thought, ‘Why not?’” he said. After his first experience on-air, Gibson was hooked, and he and his friend have kept their on-air partnership going ever since.
Cowell began listening to KULT in highschool when his friends hosted shows at the time. “Since then, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of to showcase my love for music,” he stated. He reached out to the station manager and was swiftly coached through the process.
When it comes to inspiration for their shows, Robbins, Gibson and Cowell each have their own unique approach. While Robbins’ calls her segment “The Dealer’s Choice,” she has been experimenting with weekly themes, drawing from her favorite music genres of the ’70s and ’80s. Previously, Robbins did a Muppets-themed episode where she had her husband on as a guest.
“I like to add history to my episodes too,” she shared. She explained how she tells stories, such as the backstory of ‘Heart of Glass’ by Blondie, a song that took the band seven years to finish.
Gibson’s show, however, is very open-ended. “My buddy and I talk about anything and everything going on in our lives, as long as it’s radio-appropriate,” he laughed, adding that he keeps a notebook of potential topics. He said that their show often feels like a podcast, with personal stories and conversational segments sprinkled between the songs they choose.
On the opposite spectrum, Cowell’s segment is dedicated solely to music so he doesn’t tend to talk much. “I do love to research artists I’m showcasing and hopefully give people new artists to gravitate towards,” he shared. Each DJ also has a very different routine for their program hour at the station.
“I make a script of all the songs I want to play that take place within an era of my choice, it is usually about 10 songs,” states Robbins. She also said that her inspiration comes from songs that she has a strong connection to or songs that she used to listen to a lot.
See DJS, page 2
partnership with Panthers Vote, an organization on campus working to increase student participation in elections.
“This is a very big year in civic initiatives … and every vote is important”, stated Jennifer McNabb, history
See CIVIC EDUCATION
UNI to host first-ever visiting Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence
Arta Berisha, a distinguished, prizewinning journalist and an academic from Kosovo will bring her expertise to UNI’s Department of Communication and Media and the Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy.
Alpha Psi Omega to host Rocky Horror Picture Show screening and costume contest
Alpha Psi Omega will be hosting a costume contest and screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the StrayerWood Theater on Oct. 12. The event is free to enter, and people are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the Panther Pantry. Doors will open at 11:30 p.m., and the costume contest will begin at midnight.
COURTESY/GREG BROWN
CIVIC EDUCATION
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department head. “We thought this is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on co-curricular activities that are related to civic-mindedness, as that appears in voting.” A full-time director will also be hired over the summer which will help with the long-term vision for the center.
Currently, students have several opportunities to engage in civic action on campus. However, the new center will offer even more chances for students from all majors to get involved. The existing minor in civic literacy includes a community outreach component, providing one way
continued from page 1
“I used to work at a grocery store, and certain songs I heard became part of me,” she said. Robbins starts her episodes by explaining her personal connection to the songs, then she continues on to explain the history behind the songs and then she fills the rest of the hour with song requests from listeners if they fit her theme. Gibson likes to keep things more spontaneous. His show airs at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After setting up, he and his co-host kick off the hour with Spanish Flea, their signature opening song. They then share their “roses and thorns” for the day, talking about one good and one bad thing that happened, which usually sparks a continuous conversation. They also try to mix in a couple of songs every 15 minutes.
Cowell begins his showdays by making a playlist and cover for his Instagram page. After his morning classes, Cowell makes his way over to Maucker, where he sets up for his segment. “Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, there is a different segment name, so I make sure to introduce myself, my show, the station and which segment I will be playing that day,” he said. To fulfill his hour segment, Cowell likes to share tidbits about
for students to engage in civic education in their community. Additionally, the history and social science departments host the Iowa High School Model UN Conference annually, offering current students the opportunity to participate. Students can also join Panthers Vote, a student-led initiative providing information about elections. Once the center’s director is hired, they will be able to create additional activities and connect current students to existing opportunities on campus that they might not be aware of.
Students and faculty will also have the opportunity to collaborate with each other on projects in the center. “We’re looking for ways that help our students learn and also help
the song or the artist. After he leaves the studio, he makes sure to follow-up on Instagram with a post to help advertise the show and link the playlist that was on-air that day.
Both Robbins and Gibson agreed that the idea of being on the radio can seem intimidating to newcomers. “People think it’s scary,” Robbins said, “but in reality, you might only have 6-8 listeners at a time. It’s not as scary as it seems.”
Gibson echoed Robbins sentiment, noting that he and his co-host often invite friends onto their show, and while guests might be nervous at first, they quickly relax and enjoy the experience.
Cowell wishes more people knew the station existed in the first place. “I know so many people who hate the idea of choosing what to listen to or endlessly scrolling through their Spotify to make a new playlist,” he said. KULT provides students the opportunity to hear new music, stories from across campus and the platform to showcase their own voices on the airwaves.
94.5 KULT-LP is available to listen to at all times via any FM radio or online at https:// kult945.caster.fm/.
CORRECTION
author of last week’s
them work with professionals in their area of expertise …” McNabb said. “There’s going to be a lot of opportunities for students to learn and engage with faculty.”
One possibility is pre-service teachers working with in-service teachers to work on materials that will be done through the supervision of a faculty member. Another opportunity would allow education students to help organize curriculum packets that cover civic education and civic literacy. “They could be the ones preparing that curriculum so they’re learning how to make curriculum, even at the same time that we’re being a resource for current students all across the state,” stated Peters. Public history students may
also have the opportunity to help create displays for town halls, public libraries or educational institutions that would be traveling exhibits and will be supervised by UNI faculty. The center will reach beyond campus and serve as a hub of civic education for K-12 educators across the state of Iowa. The center is looking at the possibility of hosting an annual event for teachers, so they can come to campus and hear speakers, do workshopping activities and learn more about the best practices in the field in terms of civic engagement. Teachers would then be able to take what they learned back with them and implement it into their daily teaching. There are also talks of developing a program for
SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Managing Editor
pre-service teachers at UNI to develop materials under the guidance of faculty that will be valuable for practicing teachers in their classrooms.
Overall, the Center for Civic Education at UNI will provide a great opportunity for departments from across campus to collaborate with each other in order to enhance civic education both on campus and throughout the state. The initiatives are not limited to a single department; rather, the center is based on partnerships with various fields, allowing for a more significant impact on students. Through these collaborations across the campus, the Center is establishing a strong foundation for success.
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The KULT radio room, pictured above, is located in the lower level of Maucker Union.
SOPHIE HOFFMEIER/Northern Iowan
DJs Isabel Robbins, AJ Gibson and Kai Cowell have unique segments on KULT.
The
article “UNIdos celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month” is Marquette Milliam.
Nursing students make history in UNI’s first-ever White Coat Ceremony
The University of Northern Iowa made history on Saturday, Sept. 28, by hosting its inaugural Nursing White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic event welcoming the first cohort of students into the university’s newly established bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. With family, faculty and university leadership present, the ceremony marked the beginning of these students’ journey toward becoming future leaders in health care.
This significant milestone celebrates the importance of compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care — values that are central to the nursing profession. Each student was presented with a white coat, signifying their entry into professional nursing education. Students also took the nursing oath, demonstrating their commitment to humanistic patient care.
During the event, attendees heard remarks from Robert Good, retired chief medical officer of Health Alliance Medical Plans and Carle Health System Medical Management who is a UNI alum and award-winning physician. Also speaking at the event were nursing faculty and UNI President Mark Nook.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see them continue on this transformative journey,” said Nancy Kertz, UNI’s chief academic nurse administrator. “This ceremony is a special moment that highlights their dedication to the profession and their bright futures in health care.”
Over the next three years, these students will continue their education at the University of Northern Iowa, training in a hands-on learning environment to ensure they are practice-ready by the time they graduate. UNI looks forward to many more white coat ceremonies in the future. The BSN program will continue to grow, adding larger cohorts each semester.
NI STAFF
COURTESY/University of Northern Iowa
The inaugral class of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students pose with faculty for a picture following the University of Northern Iowa’s first ever white coat ceremony.
COURTESY/University of Northern Iowa
Each student was presented with a white coat, signifying their entry into professional nursing education.
For more information about the Nursing program at UNI scan the QR code above.
COURTESY/University of Northern Iowa
Students are leaving their mark in UNI history books by participating in the white coat ceremony.
UNIdos celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana
MARQUETTE MILLIAM Escritora
LIZBETH MONTALVO
Traductora invitada
El Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que se extiende del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, es un momento importante para celebrar las ricas historias y culturas de los hispanoamericanos. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana no es solo un momento de celebración, sino también un recordatorio de los desafíos actuales que enfrentan estas comunidades. Una organización estudiantil del campus, UNIdos, brinda una comprensión de la cultura latiné a la comunidad de UNI a través de su programación cultural y social.
Este año, UNIdos está organizando una serie de eventos con el objetivo de unir al campus, resaltar la cultura hispana y hacer que los estudiantes se sientan bienvenidos. Lizbeth García Téllez, presidenta de
UNIdos, enfatiza la importancia de la inclusión en el campus, especialmente en una institución predominantemente blanca (PWI, por sus siglas en inglés).
“Viniendo de una institución predominantemente blanca como la Universidad del Norte de Iowa, es importante asegurarse de que los estudiantes de color se sientan bienvenidos. Al representar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en el campus, representamos a todos los estudiantes de color aquí. Creo que, en general, asegurarnos de que los estudiantes se sientan bienvenidos aquí es realmente importante”, dice García Téllez.
La población internacional de UNI asciende a 202 estudiantes, que representan a 47 países de todo el mundo. Organizaciones como UNIdos brindan a muchos estudiantes de color la oportunidad de construir una comunidad donde pueden conocer a otras perso-
nas que comparten antecedentes y experiencias similares. García Tellez comparte: “Me gusta decir que UNIdos puede sentirse como un hogar lejos del hogar. Tenemos muchos estudiantes que vienen con sus amigos o simplemente vienen a encontrar amigos. Estar rodeada de personas que te entienden e incluso pueden hablar el mismo idioma que tú es realmente increíble. Tratamos de vincular nuestros eventos para asegurarnos de que seamos inclusivos con todas las diferentes culturas”.
La semana pasada, UNIdos dio inicio al Mes de la Herencia Hispana con su primer evento del año, un picnic con juegos. Esta semana, el miércoles 25 de septiembre, UNIdos está organizando su segundo evento del año, “Sabor Fuego” en ThreeHouse de 5:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. Este evento picante y divertido invita a los estudiantes a participar en el reto de Hot Cheetos y Takis, en el cual
la primera persona que termine su plato ganará una tarjeta de regalo de $10 para Maucker Union.
“Todos los estudiantes son bienvenidos simplemente para celebrar nuestra cultura y el Mes de la Herencia Hispana”, dice García Téllez. Otro evento emocionante en preparación es una recaudación de fondos, en colaboración con la Unión de Estudiantes Negros (BSU), inspirada por la icónica artista mexicana Frida Kahlo.
García Téllez quiere que los estudiantes que no son hispanos o latinos sepan que UNIdos es un lugar en el campus para todos.
“Puedes apoyarnos asistiendo a nuestros eventos. Siento que mucha gente escucha UNIdos y piensa que es solo para hispanos y latinos en el campus. UNIdos está abierto para todos, cualquier persona puede venir a cualquiera de nuestros eventos. Si te gustaría apoyarnos, lo mejor que
puedes hacer es simplemente venir a los eventos que tenemos”.
El Mes de la Herencia Hispana ofrece una oportunidad única para que todos los estudiantes participen en intercambios interculturales entre las diversas identidades del campus. Pero la representación hispana en el campus es más que simplemente mostrar una cultura durante un mes; se trata de crear un ambiente en el campus donde los estudiantes de todos los orígenes se sientan bienvenidos. Organizaciones como UNIdos desempeñan un papel fundamental para que los estudiantes de color se sientan bienvenidos al ofrecer eventos, recursos y espacios que unen a las personas. Para obtener más información sobre los próximos eventos organizados por UNIdos, sigue su cuenta de Instagram, uni_unidos.
Para el mes de la Herencia Hispana, UNIdos ofrecerá eventos únicos para
campus.
Disclaimer: The following opinion articles featured do not reflect the opinion
Transphobia is ruining Iowa communities
ESTELLE JOHNSON Campus Life Editor
It’s only been 17 years since Iowa expanded their civil rights act to include members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Iowa Code Chapter 216 states, “It is illegal in Iowa to discriminate against a person because of his/her actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Yet, LGBTQIA+ members find themselves being discriminated against. Specifically, the members who identify as transgender. For years, those who are transgender have faced trials and tribulations simply to be seen and heard. The state of Iowa has actively made it more difficult for trans kids to be themselves, especially not without signing themselves up for horrendous treatment. In Iowa, many anti-transgender bills have been discussed and passed over the past few years.
While the bills may not state directly what the attempt is, given context clues we can understand the meaning behind these house files. Iowa House File (HF) 190 states “It shall be an unfair or discriminatory practice for any employer or agent of any employer to discriminate against any employee because of the age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability of such employee by paying wages to such employee at a rate less than the rate paid to other employees who are employed within the same establishment for equal work on jobs.”
In the bill, “gender identity” is now crossed out roughly 30 times. The transgender community of Iowa had more rights two years ago than they do now. It is now fully legal for an employer to pay someone less because of their gender identity. And those representatives who put this bill into place are the ones we voted into office last November. These are fullgrown adults: and they’re deciding that just because someone identifies differently than them, they deserve less. It is not just about pay, though.
The bill outright states that “gender identity” is no longer exempt from discrimination. This puts anyone who identifies as transgender at a heightened risk. If those who choose
to be closed minded to this community decide to act upon their feelings, it would prove why it’s so important to keep people protected under the law regardless of their identity.
Data collected by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) of the University of Chicago states that “Majorities of all age groups and education backgrounds oppose LGBTQ discrimination, with those with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree most likely to oppose discrimination.”
But in Iowa, hate crimes are even targeted towards children. Linn-Mar, a school district in Linn County, had their homecoming parade on Sept. 25. At the school, a group of students created a peer support group called Spectrum for those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. One member, Ava, recounted her experience of walking in the parade.
A Facebook post from Jennifer Pitkin, Ava’s mother, said “One small CHILD walked up to Ava and said, ‘Get your queer ass out of here.’ Another said, ‘My pronouns are USA.’ Another yelled, ‘I’m a homophobe!’”
We’re at a point in society where it has become acceptable for people to
openly harass LGBTQIA+ members for no valid reason. Years of fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights have seemingly meant nothing; as a group of harmless children can’t even walk down the street without someone screaming something profane at them. Beyond the offensive language, Pitkin also detailed that a parade-goer threw an open box cutter at the group. The facts of this situation are: there are grown adults with fully developed brains that are hurling knives and slurs at children.
As a result, the children of these close-minded adults think it’s acceptable to say these things to their peers, without necessarily realizing how hurtful their words truly are. The children who were part of the Spectrum group had done nothing but lift each other up in their individual journeys, and they were beat down by unaccepting homophobes. Our communities need to do some deep digging in themselves, and ask themselves if they really gain anything from being this unkind. Making LGBTQIA+ members feel uncomfortable and unwelcome on purpose is simply a poor choice to make.
Pitkin added, “She
just wanted to support her friends and family in the community. She is destroyed. These kids give, and give, and give, and this is what they get?”
A direct result of the hateful behavior is the high suicide rates and risks for the LGBTQIA+ community. Recent studies have shown that suicide rates are rising, especially as anti-transgender laws have come into play. In a peer-reviewed article from Human Nature Behavior, studies show that transgender 13-17 year olds are now 72% more likely to attempt suicide. Children and young adults who identify as transgender are facing a wall of hate that only seems to keep building rather than fall. The transgender community is often met with vile slurs and hate crimes.
Many of the anti-trans arguments revolve around religion. Some believe that it is against the word of God, and that the transgender community is full of sinners. Yet true Christians are supposed to accept and love everyone regardless of who they are. To be rude or hateful to someone for who they want to be is indeed anti-christian. To use religion against LGBTQIA+ groups is not only insen -
sitive, but it’s an excuse for people to say offensive and awful things about people they’ve never even met. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he did the work of someone lower than him. This cannot be an argument, though. There are people who are born with Ovotesticular disorder, a rare disorder in which an infant is born with the internal reproductive organs of both sexes. This means that they cannot be assigned a sex at birth, which can lead to a life of questioning identity. Gender dysmorphia exists alongside ovotesticular disorder. This is where a person feels misaligned with their sex assigned at birth. This can cause those impacted to feel depressed, anxious and even suicidal. Regardless of how someone may feel about the LGBTQIA+ community, they are humans who deserve respect. It’s about time we make a change in the way we treat one another, especially those who have influence over next generations. Continuing to fuel the hateful fire has had a severe impact on every member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
COURTESY
Ava, a student in the Linn-Mar school district, recently experienced homophobia directed towards an student organization, Spectrum. Ava’s mother, Jennifer Pitkin, took to Facebook to express her concerns about homophobia in the Linn-Mar community.
COURTESY
Jennifer Pitkin, Ava’s mother, also posted a photo on Facebook of the box cutter (above) that was thrown at the Spectrum group as they walked in the Linn-Mar homecoming parade. Police have now opened and investigation into the incident.
Where to find the best fall chai
Executive Editor Bailey Klinkhammer sets out to find delicious chai in the Cedar Valley
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
Last year, to celebrate the first week of fall, I conducted an experiment to find the best fall chai in the Cedarloo area. I visited five coffee shops with the intention of finding the chai that best suited my taste buds and my wallet for the fall months.
I do not enjoy coffee. I never have, and I probably never will. But, I love tea, especially chai, and arguably the best time to drink chai is the fall. One of my favorite things to see as chai becomes incredibly popular is the different fall flavor each shop will choose. Between brown sugar, maple, pumpkin and nutmeg, I love trying different kinds of chai.
For the second round of this experiment, I’ve brought in a new fifth contender to our chai experiment. This year, I’ve decided to revisit Sidecar, Sarah’s Espresso, the Savvy Bean and Cup of Joe, and our new fifth shop will be The Vibe. I won’t rate any corporate coffee shops, this review is restricted to locally-owned coffee shops in the Cedar Valley.
Similar to last year’s experiment, the best chai in the Cedar Valley will satisfy three categories.
1. Taste – I’m looking for a chai that is smooth, spicy and not too sweet. How do the fall flavors compliment the chai?
2. Presentation – How does the chai look? Is it milky? I love when chai has a little flair to it.
3. Price – How much is this chai worth? As a college student, paying more than $6 for a chai can be a dealbreaker. Out of these three categories, I will rank the chai out of five, compiling for an out of 15 average, and I will rank based off of that. For the sake of science, I’m going to try to keep my orders as similar as possible. At its core, my order will be a small iced black chai with oat milk. Whatever fall flavor a cafe chooses to add will be denoted and factor into its individual ranking.
1. Sidecar – Small Pumpkin Chai with Oat Milk
Last year, Sidecar’s chai topped my list. This year, their chai is just as good. A small pumpkin chai with oat milk was $5.50 at the loca -
The
2024. In 2023, Sidecar ranked first with a score of 14/15, and claimed first again in 2024, with a score of 13/15. According to Bailey, Sidecar is a tried and true for fall chai, and can truly never disappoint.
tion on 1st Street. Similar to last year, the chai was nutty with hints of cinnamon. I was deeply pleased with Sidecar once again. A nice flavor to fair price ratio. I always deeply enjoy their chai as a nice pick-me-up. Their pumpkin chai will rate at 13/15 this year.
2. The Savvy Bean – Small Apple Crisp Oatmilk Chai
My visit to the Savvy Bean could be described in one word: redemption. Last year, the Savvy Bean came in last on my rankings because of the chai to milk ratio. This year, that issue was no longer a problem. The chai was flavorful, and they offered a different flavor than other shops. On top of that, when I went they were partnering with a fiber optics internet company, so drinks were discounted at $1.30. Their typical price would be $6.25, so that was a nice surprise. Overall, the Savvy Bean has made incredible strides to continually improve on their beverages. This year, the Savvy Bean will receive a 12/15.
3. Cup of Joe – Small Toasty Pumpkin Chai with Pea Milk
I have become a big fan of Cup of Joe’s chai. This year’s chai is no different. Their toasty pumpkin chai was nutty and flavorful, while not being too sweet.
Cup of Joe also doesn’t have oat milk, so I substituted with pea milk, which doesn’t taste that different. I’ve also had Cup of Joe’s spring blueberry chai, which is also delicious. Cup of Joe simply doesn’t miss. This chai ran me for $5.50, similar to Sidecar. Cup of Joe will receive a rating of 12/15, tying with the Savvy Bean.
4. Sarah’s Espresso – Small Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Chai with Oat Milk
This year, Sarah’s Espresso dressed up their chai to the nines, describing what the chai includes, “Pumpkin pie sauce and white mocha sauce, topped with brown sugar cold foam and cinnamon sugar.” While it sounded appealing, I didn’t personally enjoy this chai. It was a bit too sweet for me. This chai clocked in at $6.00, which on our scale, isn’t as expensive as other chais. But, for how it tasted, I wouldn’t purchase it again. The presentation was gorgeous, but the taste wasn’t there. I would stick to their energy brews. Sarah’s Espresso will receive a 9/15.
5. The Vibe – Small Pumpkin Pie Chai with Oat Milk
The Vibe, formerly known as Scoopski’s, recently rebranded and became a coffee shop, as well as serving
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER/NORTHERN IOWAN Sarah’s Espresso (above) returned with a new fall menu in 2024. In this year’s rankings, Sarah’s gained two points but dropped a spot compared to 2023. According to Bailey, Sarah’s fall chai is simply “too sweet” for her liking.
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER/NORTHERN IOWAN
A newcomer to the fall chai scene this year, The Vibe (above), stunned with it’s taste and with it’s pricing. According to Bailey, while the taste was ‘delectable,’ the price of $8.50 for a small chai, was not. The Vibe unfortunately places last in this year’s rankings.
hard scoop ice cream. I purchased a small pumpkin pie chai with oat milk from the shop to start my Monday morning, and it cost me $8.50. The chai was topped with a pumpkin cold foam with cinnamon and included a pumpkin pie sauce on the bottom of the drink. Despite how expensive it was, the chai was delectable. Don’t get me wrong – if this chai
was less expensive, it would probably be number one on my list. But, because of its taste and presentation, The Vibe’s chai will get an 8/15 from me, scoring a 0 in the pricing column.
If you have strong opinions about chai and want to recommend a coffee shop I missed, you can contact me at klinkbaa@uni.edu
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER/NORTHERN IOWAN
reigning champion of fall chai, Sidecar (above), returns to reclaim their title in
The inauguration of Spider-Man into Marvel
AUGUST ROBINSON Guest Columnist
“All right, let’s do this one last time. My name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, and for 10 years I’ve been the one and only Spider-Man.” The opening line, of one of the newest installments to the SpiderMan mythos, comes from the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
Spider-Man, who was created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, made his debut appearance in “Amazing Fantasy” 15#. Spider-Man, or Peter Parker, was Midtown High’s only professional wallflower. Ditko drew Parker in the early years as a young man about 15 years old. He is lean and wiry, not particularly muscular, has brown hair, wears glasses and looks geeky. Over the next few comic panels, we meet his beloved Uncle Ben and Aunt May, the only family that young Parker has. Spider-Man is created when Parker decides to attend a science exhibit on radioactivity, during which a radioactive spider appears and bites him. The mixture of the radiation and venom from the spider mutates his DNA granting him superpowers. Parker would find that he can now stick to walls, has super strength, heightened agility and a sixth sense called “spidey sense,” which acts as
an early warning system when he is in danger. After learning of his new powers, Peter stumbles into a caged wrestling match offering a cash prize. Getting into the ring against a man twice his size, Peter easily defeats his opponent thanks to his newfound spidey powers. Following the fight, a T.V. producer approaches Peter and tells him what a big star he could be. With fortune and fame staring him in the face, Peter Parker went home and made himself a red and blue spider costume. He also engineered a pair of devices that could be worn on his wrists called web shooters. Finally dawning on his new costume, Parker realized he needed a name for this new persona: thus, Spider-Man was born. Through the next panels, Spider-Man is seen filming his first T.V. special, where he shows off his web shooters and his ability to swing from the webs. As Parker leaves the set, a thief runs past with a security guard in pursuit, but Parker lets the crook escape. When questioned why SpiderMan didn’t stop the criminal he retorted with, “Sorry Pal! That’s your job! I’m thru being pushed around by anyone! From now on I just look out for number one that means me!” And with that, he heads home to Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Over a couple of days, Spider-Man’s fame and pop-
ularity grew immensely. One night, as Parker was returning from an appearance as Spider-Man, he saw a police car parked out in front of his home.
Upon entering the home, Parker is greeted by a sobbing Aunt May. The officer informs him that a burglar has broken into the home and killed his Uncle Ben. Hearing the news, Parker rushes off and changes into the SpiderMan costume, then heads to the warehouse where Ben’s killer had escaped to. As the fight between the killer and Spider-Man plays out, SpiderMan stops. He realizes that the crook that killed Uncle Ben is the same man that he let escape from the TV studio. Upon this realization, SpiderMan wraps the crook in his webbing and leaves him for the police to find. Now blaming himself for the death of his uncle, poor Peter Parker is left with guilt and a promise: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
This origin has been adapted to several different forms of media but remains mostly unchanged. Some versions may be darker and edgier but at the core, they all serve the same purpose, to explain why Peter Parker is Spider-Man and why he continues to be a hero, not because he wants to but because he has the responsibility to be one.
Shawshank Redemption’s 30th anniversary
JOSUE VILLATORO Film Critic
It’s been 30 years since Frank Durabont’s cult classic graced the big screen and gave us one of the best films of all time. “The Shawshank Redemption” is set in 1940 in New England, and follows Andy Dufresne, who is portrayed by Tim Robbins. He is a bank teller who is wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife and sentenced to life in prison at the Shawshank Redemption Center. It chronicles his experience as an inmate and shows Dufresne building an unforgettable friendship with Red, a contraband smuggler who is portrayed by Morgan Freeman. It is a touching story about courage and determination within an environment that is against you. The first viewing is an experience that will hit audiences like a brick, especially going into it completely blind. By the second viewing, audiences will come to appreciate how this film was put together. Instead of choosing to examine
life within prison in a grim and cliché way, it focuses on strong character writing, which has an impactful message on hope and optimism. It is extremely well acted by the two main leads, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The story includes a phenomenal supporting cast from Bob Gunton, who is a spiteful and well-crafted antagonist, along with Clancy Brown as the secondary antagonist. The characters of the Shawshank
Redemption are intriguing, and actively drive the film forward with their performances. The depiction of the harm that comes with institutionalization over rehabilitation is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, as it does not villainize every inmate, but instead humanizes them.
The location that this film took place in fantastically set the mood, as it adds great production value. The film set is currently a tourist
attraction that fans and cinephiles can explore. For a film that extends to 2 hours and 22 minutes, it never drags once thanks to Frank Darabont’s direction and script. This is a film that reaches levels of perfection and has few flaws in terms of production. Examining how far a positive spirit can take you during desperate times was the perfect way to assemble this film, and is what touches the hearts of the audience when discussing this classic. The platonic bonds established are sweet and remain unforgettable. They are some of the highlights that label this film a cult classic. Even after many years since its release, it still warms the souls of many, whether it is your first time viewing this or not. There is no denying that this is not only one of the greatest films of the ’90s, but one of the greatest films of all time. During a year of films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “The Lion King,” and “Forrest Gump,” “The Shawshank Redemption” was considered a box office bomb. That being said, it suc-
ceeded in capturing the hearts of many cinemagoers.
“The Shawshank Redemption” is one of few Stephen King adaptations to tackle a genre outside of horror. But the film deserves praise for the way it handles perseverance and what freedom means to certain individuals. Once the audience reaches the end of this film, the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment will be impactful, unlike many other films. In terms of meaning, audiences rarely find films as wise and as thoughtful as this anymore. Considering how effective the Shawshank Redemption has become over time, it is safe to say that this will move visionaries into accomplishing what is deemed impossible. “The Shawshank Redemption” is a masterfully crafted film that is bold with its look into the prison system, while featuring a narrative filled by heart and hope with its uplifting cast and themes. This film is compelling enough to push towards the pursuit of freedom and a brighter tomorrow, despite the darkest of hours.
COURTESY/GOOGLE
Original cover of “Amazing Fantasy” 15#, where Spider-Man makes his debut appearance. Comic enthusiasts can purchase an original ’62 copy for upwards of $10,000.
NAME/NORTHERN IOWAN
Main characters Andy Dufresne and Red standing together in the jail courtyard.
Volleyball sweeps weekend competition
ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer
This past weekend the UNI volleyball team started the conference schedule with two home games in the McLeod Center. On Friday, Sept. 27 they matched up with Southern Illinois, and on Saturday, Sept. 28 they played Missouri State. In dominating fashion the Panthers won both games and are off to a 2-0 start in conference play.
Against the Salukis on Friday, the Panthers came out of the gates ready to play. The first set was tied at three when they rattled off ten consecutive points. Kira Fallert helped lead the way with four kills over the 10-point streak. The Salukis tried to battle back the rest of the set, but the great start by the Panthers helped them hold on for the 25-18 victory. The Panthers carried over their success into the second set. A plethora of kills along with some helpful attack errors by the Salukis helped the Panthers take the set 25-11. Going into the third set, the Panthers were
looking for the sweep, but the Salukis put forth their best effort to stay alive. The score was 15-13, when a solid Panther run put them ahead 20-14. The Salukis did not stop fighting, but the Panthers proved too much, defeating them 25-21. The third set win completed the Panthers 3-0 sweep of the Salukis.
The Panthers were led in big part by Fallert who led the team in kills with 18 between the three sets, Olivia Tjernagel was second with eight. Sydney Golden led the way in assists with 25, and Reese Booth had 16. Erin Powers had the most digs with 18.
On Saturday, the Panthers hosted Missouri State. The first set was close, as the Panthers held a slim lead throughout most of the game. The Panthers led 20-19 late in the game, when they tallied five points in a row to win set one. The second set was a game of runs. It looked like the Panthers were going to run away with it when they had an early 8-2 lead, but the Bears made a run right back to take a 12-9 lead.
The game saw a lot of back-
and-forth the rest of the way, but it was the Panthers that came out victorious, 25-21. The Panthers saw themselves with a 2-0 lead going into the third set once again, and were looking for another sweep of a conference opponent. The Panthers held a solid lead the majority of the set, but the Bears made it interesting late. The Panthers led 24-17, when the Bears mounted a late run to try and force another set. They scored four in a row, but the Panthers shut them down before they could complete the comeback with a kill from Cassidy Hartman. The Panthers got the third set win 25-21, and defeated the Bears 3-0.
Fallert once again led the Panthers in kills with 18, Hartman had 11 and Tjernagel 10. Reese had 21 assists and Golden had 20. Powers led in digs with 11, while Kacie Rewerts had the most blocks with four.
The Panthers have gotten off to a 2-0 start in conference play, and improved their overall record to 7-7. They play next on Friday, Oct. 4 when they travel to Indiana for a matchup with Valparaiso.
ALLYSON SCHWAB/UNI ATHLETICS
The Panthers hit the road to play Valparaiso and UIC this weekend.
Hoins revs up running journey
Croos-ountry may not be the first sport people think of when they hear the word “team.” Spectators and viewers unfamiliar with competitive running usually point to the lack of a team dynamic in determining cross-country’s solidarity. At first glance, this statement does have some merit to it. You don’t have to pass a ball to your teammate or compete for playing time. However, many also cite cross-country as the ultimate team sport because the devotion and companionship displayed among runners is unrivaled in any athletic event. That would undoubtedly be the case for the women’s cross-country team at the University of Northern Iowa, where star runner Emma Hoins revs up her running jounrey. She leans her faith, teammates and coaches to bring about her best self. Emma looks to guide a “very deep” Panther group as they aim to secure a Missouri Valley Conference Championship.
Hoins attended Waverly Shell-Rock High School,
where she was a three-time all-state cross-country runner and set the Go-Hawk girls’ 5k record as a senior. Upon graduating, Hoins went to community college for one year before transferring to UNI. She claims that the decision to become a Panther was a very “spur of the moment” experience, but the values the
program holds made it easy. In fact, Hoins calls it one of “the best decisions [she’s] ever made.”
At UNI, Hoins has thrived on the course, placing in the top 25 at the MVC Championship meet as a sophomore and finishing in the top 15 as a junior. This year, she has climbed the Panther record boards and set
numerous personal bests. To open the season, Hoins raced to a time of 17:23 over the 5k distance at the Cyclone Preview, which ranks as the third fastest time in school history. Most recently, she covered 6k in 21:11 at the Gans Creek Classic - the sixth fastest time ever run by a PantherHoins attributes her achievements on the course to “not placing [her] identity in running,” but instead in her faith, which brings her freedom. Hoins also emphasized the importance of her teammates and coaches in running and life. “Team culture is at a really high level,” Hoins says. “We love each other really well.” Being a part of such a close-knit group feels like she’s “hanging out with friends” and allows her and the team to “lean into community rather than [our] own individual running.” Hoins and the rest of the UNI squad “feel strong every day” and will continue to support each other as they enter the back half of the season. Remembering that running is something she does, not who she is as a person, has
been crucial in Hoins’ journey as a student-athlete. Hoins enjoys serving on her church’s worship team and thrifting in her free time. She also loves getting opportunities to spend time with family. Although challenging, she tries to remind herself to prioritize rest whenever possible, as it can be easy to overlook. Hoins has also learned good study skills and “tries not to procrastinate” on her schoolwork to allow for a breath between running and her education. Hoins and the rest of the Northern Iowa cross-country team are competing next at the Dan Huston Invite hosted by Wartburg College on Oct. 5. Following this meet, the Panthers have one more race scheduled before championship season begins. For the first time in eight years, UNI will host the MVC cross-country championships at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course on Nov. 1. Hoins and the Panthers look to “make a lot of noise” in a pool of a lot of talent for MVC sweepstakes, and would love it if students came out to support. After all, “who wouldn’t want to come watch cross-country?”
UNI women’s soccer earns first conference win
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Writer CARTER LUST Sports Writer
The Northern Iowa women’s soccer team got back in the win column on Sunday defeating the Valparaiso Beacons by a score of 4-0.
The Panther offense got off to a hot start as Lauren Heinsch scored a goal to give the team a 1-0 lead three minutes into the game.
Just over the 10-minute mark in the first half, The Panthers continued to challenge the Beacon defense with two shots on goal by Olivia Knoepfle and Denise Camarena. Soon after, Maddie Eastus connected on a shot to make it 2-0 Panthers 18 minutes into the period.
Approaching the halfway point in the period, the Beacons were still held without a shot on goal. The Panther offense continued to have scoring opportunities, as Eastus, Kylie Knief, Haylee Braun, and Heinsch all had shots within a span of five minutes.
After a missed shot attempt by Eastus, Knoepfle fired a shot into the net to extend the Panther’s lead to 3-0 late in the first period. With that goal, Knoe Pfle
is tied for fifth in program history at 15 career goals.
The Panthers’ win on Sunday snapped a three-match losing streak to Valparaiso, winning their first game over the Beacons since the 2021 season to five but could not connect on her shot attempt. Less than a minute later, The Beacons got their first shot attempt of the game but was caught by goalie Caitlin Richards.
The Panther offense picked up right where they left off to start the second half, as Eastus scored her second goal to make it 4-0, Panthers in the lead.
10 minutes into the second half, Heinsch tried to extend the Panther lead
Approaching the halfway point of the second period, Camarena, Heinsch and Knoepfle all had shot
attempts but couldn’t extend the Panther lead.
The Panthers added three more shot attempts as the Beacons only added one. The Panthers held on to win 4-0.
The Panthers finished with 23 total shot attempts and one save. The Panthers held the Beacons to only
two shot attempts, tied with the fewest allowed attempts in program history. Sunday’s victory improved their record to 6-4-1 and snapped a three-game losing skid. The Panthers will travel to Evansville, Indiana on Oct. 3 to take on the Purple Aces.
COURTESY/UNI ATHELTICS
Hoins has won MVC Runner of the Week twice this season.
ELI HULL/UNI ATHLETICS
NICOLE WATERS Sports Writer
This weekend the UNI Swimming and Diving team held their annual Intrasquad Meet of Purple vs. Gold. This is one way for them to get a chance to hit the water before their upcoming home meet this Ffriday.
The meet started off with the 200-yard medley that consisted of Sydney Aird, Abby Lear, Hannah Nedder and Morgan Meyer that finished first for the Gold team with the Purple team of Elyse Brayton, Ema Lavigne, Faith Larsen and Waren Graeve following behind. Natalie Harris and Molly Johnson went 1-2 for the Gold team, while Abby Barkhurst finished third for Purple in the 1,000-yard freestyle.
Meyer came out on top in the 200-yard freestyle for the Gold and Hallory Domnick came in second for the Purple and Peyton Pasqualicchio in third for the Gold. The 200-yard individual medley would see Purple come out on top and in second with Lavigne and Brayton going 1-2. Gold would come in
UNI Swim and Dive jumps into season
third with Aird finishing. Larsen took first in the 50-yard freestyle for the Purple with as Lear came in second for the Gold. Nedder placed third in the event.
Next was the 100-yard butterfly which saw Nedder come out on top for the Gold as Nikki Walters followed behind, as well as Larsen.
The 100-yard freestyle saw Meyer come out on top, Lear follow behind for the Gold team in second and Graeve in third. In the 100-yard backstroke Brayton took first with Abby Steward finishing second for Purple and Rachel Rolow in third for Gold.
In the 500-yard freestyle it saw Domnick come out on top with Sam Oeltjen coming in second for the Purple, and Harris coming in third for Gold. In the 100-yard backstroke, Aird won for the Gold team and Lavigne and Jenna Breitbach finished second and third. The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Meyer, Nedder, Harris and Lear beat out the Gold team of Larsen, Graeve, Josie Parton and Domnick.
Over in the diving well Erica Peters held wins in both the one and three-meter
boards, as Trista Thompson and Hannah Taylor finished second and third on the one-meter board. Thompson then took second in the three-meter while Abby Hutchins secured third place. In a fun twist the Panther diving team partook in a 50-yard freestyle with Peters securing a first place finish followed by Hutchins and Taylor. The swimmers also had the opportunity to compete in the diving realm with Meyer taking first in the one-meter for the Gold and Lavigne and Graeve taking second and third for the Purple team.
The Panthers host the Iowa Hawkeyes on Oct. 4 in their first dual meet.
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