4-9-18

Monday

/NorthernIowan

April 9, 2018

@NorthernIowan

Volume 114, Issue 49

northerniowan.com

Opinion 3 Campus Life 4 Sports 6 Games 7 Classifieds 8

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

UNI held harmless from cuts 2

STD testing 3

African Night at UNI 4

Villanova wins March Madness 6

The Campanile: a campus icon RodCon GABRIELLE LEITNER/Northern Iowan

CALEB STEKL Staff Writer

Rising 100 feet into the sky and leaving Rod Library in its shadow, the Campanile is the most visible structure on UNI’s campus.

The Campanile serves a unique and symbolic role on campus. Since 2015, it has served as the gathering place for everything from a gun walkout demonstration to a candlelight vigil after a student suicide. Couples also share kisses during Homecoming at the base of the Campanile, a tradition dating back to the 1940’s.

History According to the Rod Library archives, the Campanile’s physical structure was completed in 1926, but the project’s origins date back to 1914. Fundraising for the Campanile began in 1915 but was halted by the economic demands of World War I. It was initially estimated to cost $12,000, but costs rose to $40,000 by 1921, according to reporting from The College Eye, the student newspaper on campus at the time.

Fundraising efforts were slowed further by the 1920 recession. By 1924, cash donations and pledges totaled $20,500, and ground was broken that November. The dedication ceremony on September 19, 1926 was attended by 12,500 people, as estimated by The College Eye. One of the most iconic parts of walking across campus at UNI is the sounds of the bells of the Campanile.

The Campanile’s bells are an instrument, located at the top of the tower, called the carillon. It has been used to perform songs and concerts since its installment in 1927, according to Rod Library. Recently, however, there have been concerns raised about the Campanile’s safety and the termination of public visits.

Safety Concerns The Guild of Carillonneurs (GOC) is a student organization whose goal is to carry on the tradition of carillon performances, according to their mission statement. Tommy Truelsen, their president, said he feels more needs to be done to ensure safety for carillonneurs.

“The guardrail is one of the bigger safety issues,” Truelsen said. “It’s a very narrow staircase, and the distance between the rungs on the guardrail are large enough that I could fit through it; that concerns me.”

The Campanile’s stairway has existed in its current state since the Campanile’s completion in 1926, according to Michael Zwanziger, the director of facilities management.

Photographs provided

by Abbie Greene, a member of the GOC and sophomore music technology major, show the large gaps in the handrail and rusting supports of the metal stairway.

After traversing the stairs, students climb a small ladder through a crawlspace to reach the platform supporting the carillon.

Other safety concerns include the lack of a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors at the top of the Campanile, near the heaters.

Truelsen approached fire safety about the issue, but they would not fund a second extinguisher. The UNI physical plant told Truelsen major renovations would be required to ensure a second safety exit.

As a last resort, all 13 members of the GOC went to the office of Danielle Massey, the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) Director of Finance. The Guild met with Massey to explain their concerns and ask what remedy may be available through contingency funding.

A budget request submitted to NISG reportedly states that the Guild asked for $372.86 for a fire extinguisher, two smoke detectors and an escape ladder.

According to Massey, NISG funds cannot be used to fund fire safety items, so the request was denied.

What are seen as safety concerns by the GOC are part of the reason why the Campanile has been closed to public tours for three years.

See CAMPANILE, page 2

2018

SOFIA LEGASPI

Staff Writer

Over 3,000 geek culture fanatics traveled across campus, Iowa and the Midwest to attend RodCon on Saturday, April 7. This is Rod Library’s fifth year hosting the Comic Con-esque event.

“I think that fandom and geek culture is becoming more universal,“ said Caroline Francis, RodCon planning committee member. “Things like the Marvel Movies that have been really huge [...] are really drawing in whole families and people that didn’t know they were nerds, basically, to be nerds a little bit.”

Francis creates handmade “geeky” jewelry and gifts.

She was one of the 41 vendors in the “Artist Alley,” where RodCon visitors could purchase and browse through fandom artwork, handicrafts, collectibles and more.

RodCon also featured a Kids’ Zone, a silent auction, door prizes, a “swag table” of freebies and caricatures by illustrator and cartoonist Chris Moore.

“I got free comic books for my classroom!” said Jayd Brown, a junior spanish and dual elementary and middle-level education double-major who was getting her caricature drawn.

Brown said her roommate forced her to go to RodCon. In the end, she was glad she came.

“I think my favorite part has been seeing all the costumes and how I have absolutely no idea who any of these characters are or what’s going on, but seeing how animated people are and excited,” Brown said.

Outfits ranged from young children in superhero capes to grown adults sporting intricate anime cosplay — and everything in between.

Several popular Marvel and DC Comics heroes were present, including Black Panther and Wonder Woman.

Other fans dressed as characters from lesser-known anime and web comics. A rendition of painting sensation Bob Ross even made an appearance.

See RODCON, page 4

PAGE 2

APRIL 9, 2018 |

JACOB MADDEN

NEWS

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

News Editor

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

UNI held harmless from midyear cuts KELSEY CHIDLEY

nues fell below the predicted amount. The bill targeted funds already allocated for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2018. The cuts to UNI were initially introduced by the Iowa Senate but opposed by the House and Governor Reynolds.

“Our goal was to strengthen the House while convincing the Senate — essentially, through repeated conversations and highlighting how UNI’s needs are unique as compared to the other two state institutions,” said Maggie Miller, then-NISG Director of Governmental Relations.

Over 90 percent of UNI students are Iowa residents.

As a result, UNI relies more heavily on state funds than Iowa’s other public universities. Previous budget cuts at UNI have resulted in student tuition increases. Miller and

the UNI Legislative Liaison Team (LLT) frequently traveled to Des Moines to communicate UNI’s needs to legislators.

“The thing that we’ve trademarked this year is that UNI educates Iowans for Iowa,” Miller said, noting the fact that most UNI students, even those from out of state, live and work in Iowa after graduation.

“UNI does not have the reserve funds or the full tuition dollars from as many out-of-state students as the other two regents institutions do,” said a statement issued by Representative Walt Rogers (R-60). “With that understanding, I was able to make sure the amendment to the de-appropriations bill included a provision that UNI does not get cut.”

The bill includes total

budget cuts of $35.5 million dollars, according to the Des Moines Register. The Iowa Board of Regents will still suffer $11 million in budget cuts to Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Community colleges across the state will also lose $500,000 of state funding.

“UNI was not included in the cuts, and I’m thankful for UNI not facing additional cuts,” said Representative Bob Kressig (D-59). “The cuts are problematic for students who are trying to get an affordable education and will cause tuition increases. Hopefully, we can return to the time when education is a priority again in Iowa.”

Changes in funding for Iowa’s public universities has been a continual issue. During the 2017 fall semester, the cost of tuition at UNI was increased as a response to a

decrease in funding.

“We talk a lot about the culture of UNI and how it’s so different,” Miller said. “We get a private education at a public price. That’s special, I think, on this campus.”

According to Zwanziger, there are no questions about the physical integrity of the Campanile itself, nor should students be concerned about their personal safety.

“The Campanile meets the fire and building codes that are required for its type of use,” Zwanziger said in a phone interview. “There is a difference between what is required for a mechanical space and a public space.

“The reason it was closed to the public is because of the stairway,” Zwanziger added.

“The stairway is safe to utilize for people playing the instrument or to do maintenance.”

Handrails are coded for safety training and safety equipment, according to Zwanziger. The GOC say the carillonneurs don’t receive any such training.

“It’s kind of strange that they have shut it down to the public but it’s still okay for us to be up there,” Truelsen said.

There have been no studies on the cost to repair the

physical structure Campanile.

The UNI Foundation is currently inquiring donors how much could be raised for a renovation before the Campanile’s 100th birthday in 2026, according to the Vice President of University Advancement Lisa Baronio.

The last work to repair the Campanile was done in 1995 to repair exterior bricks and add pavement to the base of the structure, according to the Rod Library archives.

Before the Campanile was closed to the public, students and staff would give guided tours, a tradition dating back to 1942.

Just before it’s closure, the GOC would give tours whenever they were playing the carillon, according to Truelsen.

“I’ll never forget giving tours to the alumni of the UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club a few years ago,” Truelsen reminisced. “It was great to hear their stories about the impact that the Campanile and carillon had on their college experience.”

“It’s one of the most mem-

orable images from visiting UNI,” Truelsen added. “The tower offers an incredible instrument and beautiful view for the community to experience.”

condition of the Campanile’s electrical work.

“The instrument room is not air conditioned and has some pretty antiquated heating systems,” said Lydia Richards, director of public relations for the GOC. “If we could get air conditioning, the instrument would last longer because there would not be drastic temperature and humidity changes.”

According to a 2006 study, the cost to refurbish the carillon was $213,000. John Funderburk, the director of the School of Music, said this figure would likely be much higher if a new study was done today. The current maintenance and repair fund contains just $47,387, according to Funderburk.

However, not all students are convinced of the importance of using school funds on the repair.

“I think it’s time we move on and find something that represents us in a unique way,” said Amela Music, a sophomore Business Economics major. “It’s not a really big focal point at this university;

even the noise it makes is kind of a nuisance.”

The Campanile’s significance goes beyond being the placeholder for a unique and antiquated instrument, according to President Nook.

“The solid granite base of the Campanile is much like the education one receives at UNI,” President Nook said in an email. “It provides the solid foundation upon which the Campanile reaches into the sky and counts the passing of time.”

“It’s literally on the logo, on course packets from Copyworks, on advertisements, the website — you name it,” Richards said. “UNI is immediately associated with the Campanile and vice versa.”

The carillon itself has significance reaching beyond the historic value of its machinery. UNI’s carillon is one of only two in the state of Iowa. The other is located in the Campanile on Iowa State Univeristy’s campus.

“The Carillon provides the music that touches all of campus,” Nook said. “It enhances our lives by its presence.”

NORTHERN IOWAN

EDITORIAL STAFF

CIRCULATION

Staff Writer

Two months after the Iowa Senate proposed $3.7 million in budget cuts to UNI, the legislature approved an amendment that prevents any cuts to UNI’s 2017-2018 budget.

“Fortunately for our students, UNI was held harmless from a rescission of current year funds to the state,” said President Nook in a statement.

“We are thankful to the many UNI students who made visits to Des Moines nearly every week to talk with Iowa legislators about the importance of maintaining a high-quality education at a reasonable cost to students and their families.”

According to the Des Moines Register, Senate File 2117 was introduced in January after state reve-

CAMPANILE

continued from page 1

L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu 319.273.2157

CLINTON OLSASKY Executive Editor olsaskyc@uni.edu 515.344.7949

SIERRA STEEN Managing Editor steens@uni.edu 319.939.8190

MICHELE SMITH

Northern Iowan Manager michele.smith@uni.edu

LAURA SMITH

Adviser laura.smith@uni.edu

SYDNEY HAUER Associate Executive Editor hauers@uni.edu JACOB MADDEN News Editor maddenj@uni.edu LEZIGA BARIKOR Campus Life Editor barikorn@uni.edu DYLAN PADY Sports Editor padyd@uni.edu JOEL WAUTERS Associate Sports Editor wautersj@uni.edu GABRIELLE LEITNER Art Director leitnerg@uni.edu JOSH DAUSENER Copy Editor dausenej@uni.edu

Future Action Various students have expressed their opinions about what action the university should take to repair and upgrade the Campanile.

“Allowing the Campanile to fall into disrepair is simply not acceptable,” said Oliverio Covarrubias, a senior psychology major. “Sure, the Campanile is just a building […] but it’s very clearly something that is UNI.” “Since the Campanile will soon be 100 years old, it is important to restore the interior to its former brilliance,” said John Valentine, associate provost for faculty in the School of Music. “The music that emanates from the Campanile is incredible, and the views of campus from the top are absolutely stunning.”

The carillon’s condition is also suffering as a result of the deteriorating and outdated

RILEY SCHULTEJANS Circulation

PRODUCTION STAFF SIERRA STEEN Webmaster Graphic Artist

GABRIELLE LEITNER Production Graphics

KIRBY DAVIS

Business Assistant

SARAH RITONDALE Business Assistant

The Northern Iowan is published semi-weekly on Monday and Thursday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications.

Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time.

The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees.

A copy of the Northern Iowan grievance procedure is available at the Northern Iowan office, located at L011 Maucker Union.

All material is © 2018 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.

NORTHERN IOWAN ARCHIVES

President Mark Nook commented that the lack of cuts to UNI’s midyear budget will be beneficial to students and the university as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to olsaskyc@uni.edu.

SEND US STORY IDEAS

Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.

CLINTON OLSASKY Executive Editor

APRIL 9, 2018 |

OPINION

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

PAGE 3

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

‘Walk a Mile’ is problematic Last week, Sarah Ritondale wrote an opinion piece calling for the re-emergence of the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event on our campus. The event includes men walking in high heels to raise money for sexual violence advocacy.

As the president of Northern Iowa Feminists (NIF), I personally have worked with the officers of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) to end this tradition with the Interfraternity Council (IFC).

SigEp and NIF have had open discussions about why “Walk a Mile” is problematic.

SigEp communicated these concerns with the IFC, discussing the reason Walk a Mile is not happening on our campus and why it should stay that way.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” makes light of sexual violence, makes fun of gender expression and continues inaccurate assumptions about sexual violence.

Sexual assault can happen at any time to anyone wearing anything.

The fact that the “Walk a Mile” event includes stiletto heels is perpetrating the assumption that women are sexually assaulted based on their attire and their activi-

ties. With heels as the center of the walk, the event evokes the image of women wearing heels with revealing clothing going clubbing.

This image implies that sexual violence occurs when women get drunk with strangers. In reality, most victims of sexual violence know the perpetrator.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 93 percent of children and teen victims know the perpetrator.

This includes family, acquaintances, coworkers, dates, etc.

Sexual violence does not always occur when women wear heels.

Men and boys are affected by sexual violence, too. One in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lives, and one in 10 rape victims are male (RAINN).

Ritondale suggests changing the name of the event to “Walk a Mile in THEIR Shoes” in order to be “inclusive” for everyone.

I’m sorry, but if people are still walking around in heels, how is that bringing violence against men into the discussion? Most men don’t wear heels. Changing the word to “their” does not make the event “inclusive.”

The entire “Walk a Mile” event makes light of a serious, systematic problem. One in six American women have been the victim of sexual

violence in their lifetime (RAINN).

That is an incredibly high number, and female college students have a higher rate, at one in five women.

This is affecting so many women, and the answer is for men to have fun walking around in heels?

I was shocked to read Ritondale’s complete disregard for survivors of sexual violence. She argued that the event should be fun. I know many survivors that think this event is cruel and not funny.

“Walk a Mile” is triggering for survivors to see men having fun while “advocating for sexual violence.” The event does not offer the solemn reflection that sexual violence deserves.

Ritondale continued that, “They walk in high heels because it is a difficult task — just as many survivors walk around carrying the burden of sexual assault on their shoulders.”

So sexual violence is comparable to the pain of wearing heels?

Ritondale questioned if the backlash against this event would occur if a sorority held the event, and yes, it would. I am completely against “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” no matter who sponsors it.

Ritondale implied that Greek philanthropy is under attack and viewed as not

“enough.”

I support Greek philanthropy… when it’s done right.

When Greek life listens to the voices of the communities they are advocating for, philanthropy is a great success for all. But the “Walk a Mile” event is problematic philanthropy that disPUBLIC DOMAIN regards survi- Opinion columnist Brenna Wolfe pens a response to a column that appeared in the April 5, 2018 issue of vors’ feelings.

Northern Iowan that called for the return of the Lastly, “Walk the “Walk a Mile” event. a Mile” completely disregards violence assault sees no gender. So against the trans community. why can men not advocate For transgender peo- against it?” ple, there are higher rates Men do advocate for sexof violence and sexual vio- ual assault awareness. For lence. Making fun of gender example, Sig Ep’s Sexual expression is not funny when Assault Awareness Week raistrans people (who express es money for the Riverview their true gender) face vio- Center. lence.

On Wednesday, Sig Ep is Instead of continuing the hosting a dinner with prizes, sexist tradition of “Walk a and all the donations will go Mile,” why doesn’t Ritondale to Riverview. and the IFC support the In addition, there are inclusive “Take Back the Mentors in Violence Training Night” march that was spon- events that encourage men to sored by the Women’s and have discussions about sexual Gender Studies Department violence. and NIF? These are respectable, Why is Ritondale trying great events occurring on our to bring back this event when campus that put the survithere are other great Greek vors first and raises money philanthropy events happen- without making jokes about ing? As she wrote, “Sexual sexual violence.

STD Awareness Month: get yourself tested Editor’s note: the following guest column was submitted by UNI Student Wellness Services.

The spring semester is winding down, and that means it’s time for exams and tests.

One of the more important tests you can take is getting yourself tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Contracting an STD is normal. In fact, according to the American Sexual Health Association, one in two (that’s half !) of sexually active individuals will contract an STD by the age of 25.

In the state of Iowa, teens 15 to 19 years old account for

22 percent of chlamydia cases, 18 percent of gonorrhea cases, and 5 percent of syphilis cases (Iowa Department of Public Health).

April is National STD Awareness Month, and you may be thinking, “Why should I get myself tested for an STD? I have never experienced any symptoms that would be associated with a sexually transmitted disease!”

Something many people may not realize is that the most common symptom associated with an STD is no symptoms at all, meaning you may have an STD and not even know it!

STDs don’t discriminate based on the way you look, who you are or your sexual preference. If you have been sexually active — even just one time — you are at risk of contracting and potentially transmitting an STD. An STD (also commonly referred to as an STI, or sexually transmitted infection) that is left undiagnosed, and therefore, untreated, can result in potentially harmful health risks.

Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause infertility or even pelvic inflammatory disease in females. Luckily, if diagnosed, chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable with the use of antibiotics.

Keep in mind that not all STDs are curable, but all are treatable, and symptoms can be managed. It is important to get yourself tested so if you have an STD you can begin treatment and prevent spreading it to someone else.

If you have been sexually active and want to get tested,

have no fear. Getting tested for STDs is quick, easy and painless!

You can make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for STD testing.

Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is free and confidential. You can also make STD testing a part of your routine physical checkups to make sure your body is working the best it can.

To schedule an appointment, call the Student Health Clinic at (319) 273-2009.

So, let’s say you decide to get tested, and you are STD free (yay!). How do you make sure you stay that way?

An easy and effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs is to use condoms when engaging in vaginal, oral or anal sex. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that prevents against STDs. There are many locations on campus where people can

acquire free latex condoms: • WRC fitness center restrooms • Maucker Union restrooms • LGBT* Center • Student Health Center (external and internal condoms, water-based lubricant and more!)

Another way to prevent transmitting or contracting STDs is to talk with your partner. Being open and honest about sexually transmitted diseases shows you care not only about your sexual health, but also your partner’s.

Before you engage in a sexual relationship with someone, make it a point to bring up STD testing, or utilize protective barriers such as condoms.

Getting tested for STDs is a basic part of staying healthy.

The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to Get Yourself Tested!

— Beth Chaney, Graduate Assistant, Student Wellness Services

PAGE 4

APRIL 9, 2018 |

CAMPUS LIFE

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

Campus Life Editor

The UNI African Union (AU) held their annual African Night on Saturday, April 7.

The event started with a dinner held in the Maucker Union food court area, and then followed by a series of cultural showcases in Lang auditorium.

The emcee, Ebaby Kobby, danced his way on stage and kept the event flowing with commentary between each

african night this is new africa

act. There was a brief introductory speech by the AU advisor, Belinda CreightonSmith. She explained this year’s theme, “T.I.N.A.: This is New Africa,” as a positive international view of Africa through culture.

There were poetry readings from professor PierreDamien Mvuyekure, Leonard Tshitenge and others. The event also featured skits, the UNI West African Drum Ensemble, dancers, a fashion show and Shine P, a rap/hip hop artist, as their closing act.

LEZIGA BARIKOR/Northern Iowan

LEZIGA BARIKOR/Northern Iowan

LEZIGA BARIKOR/Northern Iowan

RODCON

continued from page 1

Top contenders in the costume contest included a UNIthemed Stormtrooper, a group of “Legend of Zelda” characters who performed a miniature skit and a Dalek from “Doctor Who.” Twenty-one-year-old Alex Andria was attending RodCon for the second year, cosplaying as Princess Celestia from the TV show “My Little Pony.”

Complete with feathered

wings, her homemade costume took about two weeks to complete.

“It’s kind of a way for me to open up who I am inside,” Andria said. “I like to make stuff, and the intricate details and everything, and sewing.

[It’s a] chance to show off my talents and then being able to wear it and have people reference back to what I do.”

While the costume contest was one of the event’s highlights, other activities throughout the day included

an escape room, Quidditch, video games and board games, a spaceship simulator, sword-fighting and demonstrations from various university departments.

“We really are interested in making RodCon more about involving other departments on campus and drawing them in,” Francis said.

“We had the Pep Band play [. ..] Chemistry’s doing a demo of Harry Potter potions. Our keynote speaker is doing information about Lolita fashion

Newman Civic Fellow recipient AMELIA DUAX Staff Writer

Among 268 students, UNI’s own Ashley Sanchez was awarded the prestigious Newman Civic Fellows Award for 2018. The award was given by a Bostonbased nonprofit organization called Campus Compact. The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation as well as Newman’s Own Foundation and provides the recipient with a year of experiencing civic growth through a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows.

Sanchez is a senior at UNI majoring in psychology and Spanish. As a first generation college student, Sanchez plans on using the award to her advantage and spreading her message to other students like her.

“With the award, I get to attend a conference in Boston, so I’m hoping there I will be able to network my message to others. From

here until the conference in Boston, I’ve been using the award to my advantage and saying that I’m a Campus Compact Fellow, and I’m the UNI Chosen Fellow, which helps in cases where I will be speaking,” Sanchez said. “For example, when I went to Washington D.C. in January to speak with congressmen about current immigration legislation, I mentioned that I’m a Civic Fellow from UNI, which really allowed me to have conversations with congressmen that I feel like I wouldn’t have been able to have without the title of this award.”

Before receiving the award, Sanchez participated in a forum last fall that dealt with immigration policies as well as personal stories from students.

According to Sanchez, this spurred her to get involved in the community, which resulted in her nomination for the 2018 Newman Civic Fellows Award.

Following the nomination

Campus Life Editor

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

Panther Portrait: LEZIGA BARIKOR

LEZIGA BARIKOR

GABRIELLE LEITNERNorthern Iowan

and an interview, Sanchez received an email announcing that she had won the award.

A part of Sanchez’s inspiration came from two of her professors in the Spanish department: Juan Carlos Castillo and Elise DuBord.

Sanchez said that DuBord had nominated her for the Civic Fellows Award.

See RECIPIENT, page 5

LEZIGA BARIKOR/Northern Iowan

GABRIELLE LEITNER/Northern Iowan

and cosplay, so we brought in the textiles group and art and things like that. The museum’s involved; theater will do some improv.”

The Half-Masted Improvisation Troupe delivered a high-energy performance early in the day.

“Usually we don’t get to make pop culture references,” said Rachel Smith, HalfMasted member and senior studio art major. “It’s really fun to just say what’s off the top of your head to connect with the audience on that level of ‘nerdom.’”

RodCon speakers and panelists covered topics such as gender in comics, 3D printing, anime, comics in the classroom and more.

“It’s been really cool to see comics grow and develop and become more inclusive, but also seeing that translate to film and TV,” said communication studies instructor Sade Barfield during the “Black

Panther and Beyond” panel.

“Comic fans are so diverse and to see them represented as different skin colors, body types, genders and sexual orientations is so freeing and amazing.”

As the face of pop culture continues to evolve and grow, so will RodCon. Next year’s convention has already been scheduled for March 30.

Francis voiced the planning committee’s hope to expand the event to other buildings on campus in the future.

“We’re getting almost too big for our space. It’s just such a great problem to have because we want people to come, and I think that’s really the goal,” Francis said. “We want to keep doing it every year. We want to bring in better and better guests and want people to come up and see what the library’s about and also what all of this stuff is about that they might really love and they never knew.”

GABRIELLE LEITNER/Northern Iowan

LEZIGA BARIKOR Campus Life Editor

APRIL 9, 2018

|

CAMPUS LIFE

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

PAGE 5

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

FILM REVIEW

‘Ready Player One’ is fun thrill ride CLINTON OLSASKY

Executive Editor

After having devoted much of the latter half of his career to historical dramas and prestige pictures, it seems that legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg (“Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark”) has finally returned to his blockbuster roots with “Ready Player One.” Spielberg’s latest movie, based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Cline, is set in the year 2045 — a not so distant future in which nearly all of society lives their lives in a virtual reality software known as the OASIS. James Halliday (Mark Rylance), the creator of the OASIS, has died and, with his passing, has hidden a secret Easter egg in the OASIS that grants complete ownership of the virtual reality universe to whoever finds it.

The film, then, focuses in on Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan), a teenage boy who is consumed with completing the so-called Quest and finding Halliday’s egg in order to prevent the evil corporation IOI from taking over the OASIS. Directing: 5/5 With one of the greatest living directors at the helm, it comes as no surprise that “Ready Player One” features some truly stunning visuals and exhilarating editing.

Spielberg embraces the source material’s indebtedness to gaming culture, allowing his camera to resemble the reticle of a first-person shooter through dramatic zooms and variable framing.

Spielberg opts for every tool in his directorial arsenal, utilizing breathtaking tracking shots, gut-churning pans and tilts, aerial POV shots and a shrewd balance of close-ups and wide, panoramic virtual vistas.

With his camera carefully careening around the perilous raceways and littered battlefields of the OASIS’s dazzlingly lit landscape, Spielberg also adds considerable depth to his mise-enscene through expertly crafted CGI animation.

However, unlike many of the major big-budget blockbusters coming out of Hollywood today, the extensive use of CGI featured in “Ready Player One” is seamlessly woven into the narrative and ultimately serves to enhance the filmic presentation, rather than detract from it due to a distracting artificiality.

Writing: 3/5 “Ready Player One” also benefits from an absorbing and kinetically paced screenplay that, while thoroughly entertaining, admittedly falls short when it comes to character development.

To be sure, the main

characters are immensely likeable and easy to root for, and much of that likeability stems from the characters’ interactions with one another and with recognizable pop culture TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE icons within the Steven Spielberg’s film “Ready Player One” received a 74 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

OASIS. Still, the relative lack of on eye-popping action, the should be directed at veteran character arcs in their indi- performances featured amid actor Mark Rylance (“Bridge vidual storylines is conspic- the adrenaline-charged set of Spies,” “The BFG”), who, uous enough to undercut the pieces are memorable enough in his latest collaboration with film’s central narrative — at to add flavor to the individual Spielberg, portrays the enigleast to an extent. characters without distract- matic James Halliday with a In particular, Wade’s effort ing from the main action of difficult balance of wizened to save the OASIS from falling the Quest. wisdom and endearing social into the wrong hands fails to Tye Sheridan, for exam- awkwardness. result in any real moments of ple, turns in a commendable Overall: 4/5 revelation for the young out- performance as Wade, lendThanks to Spielberg’s cast, notwithstanding a hand- ing the protagonist with just characteristically dazzling ful of (perhaps intentionally) enough sympathy to cause direction, breakneck pacing stilted scenes of romantic viewers to root for the unlike- and a fitting emphasis on dialogue with Art3mis, the ly hero. pop culture nostalgia, “Ready mysterious OASIS player who However, Sheridan was a Player One” is a feel-good joins Wade on the Quest. little too emotionally reserved piece of escapist filmmaking With that being said, at some of the more climac- from the originator of the “Ready Player One” remains tic moments of the film and modern blockbuster. an exceptionally well-paced could have added even more In short, although it may action adventure film that depth to his character by tap- not quite reach the great sees its 140-minute running ping into some of his most heights of Spielberg’s other time simply fly by with a vulnerable aspects. classics, “Ready Player One” wealth of pop culture refOlivia Cooke, on the is undeniable proof that the erences, thrilling set pieces other hand, was excellent as legendary filmmaker is still and likeable character inter- Art3mis, bringing a rare level very much at the top of his actions. of emotional resonance to game.

Acting: 4/5 her admittedly thinly written Although “Ready Player character.

One” revels in its emphasis Lastly, particular praise

Feminists bring comedians KOREE DEERING Staff Writer

On Thursday, April 12, the Northern Iowa Feminists will be hosting two female comedians, Megan Gogerty and Lyn-z Harney, at the Lutheran Student Center Coffeehouse from 8 to 9 p.m. as part of Women to the Front.

Women to the Front is a progressive, intersectional feminist non-profit action group that fundraises for organizations that defend issues they support. The organization hosts semi-annual events that celebrate female entertainers.

“Often women in the entertainment industry face barriers that men do not, which we have seen with the #MeToo movement,” said Hannah Gregor, vice president of Northern Iowa Feminists and coordinator for the Women to the Front event. “Our goal in the Northern Iowa Feminists with this event is to actively support local female entertainers and make their work

accessible to students on campus.”

Harney, a feminist comedian, will be opening for Gogerty at the event.

Gogerty is an award winning playwright and standup comedian. She is also a professor at the University of Iowa where she teaches playwriting, musical theatre and dramatic literature.

She also teaches “Comedy and Society,” a course that takes a look at the correlation between comedy and western culture from the 19th century to the present.

Gogerty has published many different plays, including “Bad Panda,” a solo show titled “Megan Gogerty Loves You Very Much,” which later morphed into “Hillary Clinton Got Me Pregnant,” and a musical called “Love Jerry.”

In 2008, “Love Jerry” was produced in the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), an annual threeweek summer festival that presents and awards new

musicals in theatre venues in New York City’s midtown theatre district. It earned four NYMF awards and three Talkin’ Broadway Summer Festival Citations, including Outstanding New Musical, before touring England and premiering in Atlanta at the Actors Express Theatre, where it was nominated five times for an Atlanta Suzi Bass award.

The Women to the Front event will be collecting donations for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, an advocacy group created in 2012 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

The purpose of this organization is to shed light on school shootings and demand action from state and federal legislators, companies and educational environments to enact gun reforms.

The Lutheran Student Center Coffeehouse will provide free smoothies, tea, coffee, Italian soda and cookies for those who attend.

RECIPIENT

continued from page 4

“I feel like without their support, I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have,” Sanchez said. “I myself am a daughter of immigrants.

I am a U.S. citizen, but my parents were undocumented for at least 20 years, so I saw the firsthand hardships that come with being undocumented.”

Sanchez says she hopes that since she has seen what her family had gone through, she will be able to use her education and resources that she’s been given to help advocate for student voices.

“I want to help [the students] find the resources they need for school and find the proper support networks that we need to develop as a community to make sure they feel welcomed,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez plans on pursuing a master’s degree in sociology at Northern Illinois University. Sanchez is also a McNair Scholar, which enabled her to fain acceptance to Northern

Illinois.

“I was able to find the support within McNair and push for my graduate degree.

Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I graduated, but I started applying for grad schools in November,” Sanchez said. “Essentially, I found out that the best route for me was to focus on anything that had to do with the study of race, gender and class, but also the study of policies. The best fit for me was sociology, where I could focus on research that combined all those aspects.”

Sanchez said that after figuring out her focus, she found schools that would be supportive of her interests and background, which eventually led to Northern Illinois University. She hopes that by earning a graduate degree, she will be able to inspire undocumented and first-generation students.

This year, Sanchez will be attending the national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United State Senate.

PAGE 6

APRIL 9, 2018

|

SPORTS

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

DYLAN PADY Sports Editor

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

SOFTBALL

UNI softball advances to 18-15 this season JERRIUS CAMPBELL Sports Writer

The UNI women’s softball team did not disappoint in their first away Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) matchup against Missouri State on March 31.

The Panthers notched a great win, 2-1, over the Bears.

Playing left handed, Jaclyn Spencer showed up and showed out on the mound. Spencer pitched seven innings for the Panthers, striking out three batters.

She only allowed four hits and one run on the mound.

In the first inning, catcher Ashley Chesser hit a double and Kennedy Bailey scored.

The next batter, Brittney Krodinger singled to left field and allowed Chesser to score.

Missouri State dissapointed. Steffany Dickerson started on the mound but was taken out after two scores by the Panthers. Defensively, two errors were committed while Dickerson held the mound.

Madison Hunsaker took over and allowed three hits on the mound. After this win on the road, the Panthers moved to 3-4 in the conference.

Spencer also notched her seventh win of the season.

The women’s softball team was going to play Iowa on April 4, but due to weather, the game was postponed.

On April 7, the Panthers

played Valparaiso in Indiana.

The Panthers fell short late on the road and lost 2-0 to the Crusaders.

Brooke Craig took the mound for the Panthers.

Craig allowed two runs on three hits and hit two batters.

The Panthers didn’t allow a run until the fifth inning, where Jaymee Lawton for Valparaiso was hit while the bases were loaded.

The Crusaders scored again in the fifth inning off of a groundout to go up 2-0.

Kenzie Grossman finished the game for Valparaiso and recorded her tenth win on the season.

The Panthers moved to 18-15 on the year.

NORTHERN IOWAN ARCHIVES

OPINION

The Wildcats are your 2018 NCAA champions EMMETT LYNCH Sports Writer

This year’s NCAA March Madness Tournament was, yet again, one for the books.

The University of Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers (UMBC) kicked it off with an upset victory over the no. 1 seed, Virginia.

This was the first time in NCAA history that a number no. 1 seed was eliminated in a first round game. Virginia had 15 games where they allowed 53 points or fewer all season.

The Retrievers ended that

streak in under 20 minutes.

Virginia is on the losing end of a 135-1 record for elite teams in the first round. More history was made as this year’s cinderella team sparked the nation.

The Ramblers of LoyolaChicago took down Miami and no. 3 seed, Tennessee.

The Ramblers entered the tournament for the first time since 1985, then advanced to the Sweet 16 where returning finalist Gonzaga took an upset loss against Florida State to end their resurgence.

Kentucky suffered a heartbreaking three-point loss

134

$

Rates as

low as

per week

!

If you’re sticking around this summer, consider the convenience and affordability of staying in the air conditioned rooms in Panther Village, Jennings and Roth!

Enrollment in summer courses is not required.

Hall restrictions apply, see website for details.

dor.uni.edu/summerhousing

against no. 9 seed, Kansas State. K-State’s Barry Brown Jr. made a clutch layup to put the Wildcats up two points with 18 seconds left in the game to advance to the Elite Eight.

That afternoon started with the East regional game where no. 3 Texas Tech took on no.1 ranked Villanova. The Wildcats’ fierce tournament reign came to an end with a score of 71-59 in favor of consecutive Final Four returnees, Villanova.

Although the Wildcats brought home the victory, they posted their worst shooting performance of the tournament. Connecting only four of his 24 three-point attempts and going 19 of 57 overall against Tech, the Big East Player of the Year, Jalen Brunson, wasn’t as effective as he was earlier in the tournament. However, he still played a large role in the Wildcat victory by posting six rebounds and four assists with eight points in the final 30 minutes.

The Southern Regional bracket of the Elite Eight is where more history was made for the Missouri Valley Conference when no. 11 seed, Loyola Chicago, went up against the Wildcats of Kansas State.

Although the Wildcats played aggressive defense all tournament long, it was no match for Loyola’s intensity.

The Ramblers came out in attack mode, playing stifling defense all game and capitalizing on turnovers to go up 36-24 at the half.

Kansas State shot just 35 percent from the field and six of 26 from the three-point line, while Loyola shot 57 percent and nine of 18 from beyond

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo (10) reaches far to score against Michigan’s Isaiah Livers (4) during the National Championship.

the arch. Ben Richardson was the matchup’s top scorer with 23 points. The Southern Regional final ended in favor of Loyola-Chicago with a score of 78-62, meaning that this year’s cinderella team is Final Four bound.

The 2018 Final Four matchups featured the Villanova Wildcats against the Kansas Jayhawks, as well as the Michigan Wolverines against the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers.

This was Loyola’s first return to the Final Four since 1963. Unfortunately, that run came to an end as the Ramblers were stunned by Moe Wagner and the Wolverines. Wagner had 24 points, scoring the majority in the second half.

The third-seeded Wolverines notched a 14-game winning streak, the longest in the nation with their 69-57 win

against the Ramblers. LoyolaChicago’s historic tournament run ended here.

Villanova continued their dominance on their journey to the National Championship resurgence. The Wildcats posted a record 18 three-pointers in this matchup, making them the most prolific three point shooting team in college history.

Eric Paschall led the game with 24 points, along with seven of his teammates making long range shots of their own.

This was a blowout victory for the Wildcats with a score of 95-79 to advance to the 2018 National Championship.

Villanova’s fire burned through the the Wolverines in a 79-62 victory to make head coach Jay Wright and Villanova one of the first teams in NCAA history with two national titles in three years.

PAGE 7 SIERRA STEEN Managing Editor

FUN & GAMES

APRIL 9, 2018 |

SUDOKU ONE

Across 1 Not at all good 5 Piece-of-cake shape 10 Tick off 14 Use a surgical beam 15 Toward the back 16 “What I Am” singer Brickell 17 Welcome wind on a hot day 19 First-rate 20 Grab greedily 21 Brought back to mind 23 Migratory flying forma-

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

SUDOKU two

I was trying to catch some fog earlier but I mist.

66 Family babysitter 67 Attaches a patch, say 68 Massenet opera about a Spanish legend 69 Absolut rival

Crossword

That’s so punny!

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM |

tions 25 Dance move 26 Carrots’ partners 29 Dangerous tide 31 Airing in the wee hours 35 Dr.’s orders 36 Successful cryptographer 38 Diner 40 Cup handle 41 Not reactive, as gases 42 “Best thing since” invention metaphor 45 Untruth 46 Walked with purpose

47 Typical John Grisham subject 48 Back talk 49 Nervous twitches 51 Retail center 53 Cigarette stimulant 57 Staggered 61 Neutral shade 62 Pet without papers ... or what is literally found in the circled letters 64 Drop of sorrow 65 Oscar-winning “Skyfall” singer

Down 1 O’Neill’s “Desire Under the __” 2 Fruitless 3 Cuba, por ejemplo 4 Some HD sets 5 Medal recipient 6 Poetic preposition before “now” or “long” 7 Animal on XING signs 8 Long looks 9 __ set: building toy 10 College student’s dining choice 11 Singing competition that returned in 2018, familiarly 12 “Okay by me” 13 Nourish 18 Letters in old dates 22 Virgil epic 24 Flip of a 45 record 26 Defensive basketball tactic

27 Praise highly 28 Up and about 30 Oyster jewel 32 Cub Scout leader 33 Hatcher and Garr 34 Some Deco prints 36 College transcript unit 37 Silvery freshwater fish 39 Nature excursions 43 Dot between dollars and cents 44 Given, as a medal 48 Rudder locales 50 Snarky 52 Yank’s war foe 53 Earns after taxes 54 Slushy drink brand 55 Avian crop 56 Boardroom VIP 58 Security breach 59 Counting rhyme word 60 June 6, 1944 63 Collegian who roots for the Bulldogs

answers on page 8

PAGE 8

APRIL 9, 2018 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

FOR RENT

FOR RENT 3 br apt. Available June 1st. Super clean, non-smoking, with parking.

Some utilities included in rent. Mature renters only, no pets. If interested call Dennis (319) 232-6819.

CLASSIFIEDS

3 and 4 bedroom houses available near UNI. 2 full baths, off street parking, washe/dryer. Year lease $1100 and $1280 (319) 239-4246 Brad call/text

HELP WANTED

FOR RENT

FT SUMMER EMPLOYMENT Custodial, Painter, Maintenance Asst. May thru mid-August.

40/hrs/wk, M-F, 6 am-2:30 pm. $8.50/hr. Call Kathy Malm, 319-273-2333 dor.uni.edu/jobs/custodial

Large 2 bdrm duplex with appliances including washer and dryer, off-street parking. 3 people, $660/mo. (319) 269-0669

FOR RENT Nice 3 bdrm 1.5 bath duplex @ 1416 Delta Dr., CF Quick walk or bike ride to the Dome or Wellness Cntr. Large living room & eat-in kitchen w/ lots of cabs/counters. Kit/laundry appls incl. Large bdrms w/ dbl or walk-in closets. Garage plus dway prkg & both sides of street everyday. $1000/mo. Avail. 6/1/18.

Call Bruce Wingert 319-239-3333 or email bwingert@cfu.net

your ad could go here! contact sierra or michele if interested. contact info on page 2.

Managing Editor

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49

we are a newspaper, not a snooze paper. with us, you’ll always stay up to date with the latest campus and local news, as well as finding cool events and games! @NorthernIowan /NorthernIowan NorthernIowan.com northern iowan on the app store

p m a C e k a Tripp L Welcome to

s, gymnastic , e o n a c , is, swim more Teach tenn photo and i, k s r te a kayak, w

Tripp Lake Camp is looking for males and females who like to travel, meet new people, and teach activites to children.

If you’re interested in spending your summer in MAINE, give us a call or stop by our website for more information.

1-800-997-4347 www.tripplakecamp.com TRIPP LAKE CAMP for Girls

FOR SALE / FOR RENT Want to build equity and have rental income while going to college? Consider owning this duplex and living there with a couple friends. Maybe your parents should invest in Real Estate rather than the have cash or the market.

Duplex for sale that has housed college students for years and they have always enjoyed living off campus in a house setting.

Call 319-269-0669 or email coachclp@gmail.com for more information.

SUDOKU ONE

Puzzle answers

|

SIERRA STEEN

SUDOKU TWO

Crossword