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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42

CEDAR FALLS, IA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

NEWS

CAMPUS LIFE

SPORTS

NEWS PAGE 2

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 5

SPORTS PAGE 12

Dining centers on campus struggle to find workers amidst a national employee shortage.

A comparative experience between the 2020 and 2021 school year.

Panthers Jessica Heims and Erin Kerkoff participate in the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Nook recovers from surgery DIAMOND ROUNDTREE

Staff Writer

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN

News Editor

As the 2021-2022 school year approached and the freshman class began to settle into life at UNI, a familiar face around campus was noticeably absent.

Normally UNI President Mark Nook would make his presence known to the student body and welcome everyone back to campus personally, but a routine back surgery withheld him from being able to participate in welcome events, as well as the first day of classes.

Administrators are ensuring that in Nook’s absence UNI is still successfully helping the campus community transition into the new school year.

Nook is still rehabilitating from his surgery, althoughsome students may have seen him and his wife Cheryl walking around campus which is part of his physical therapy.

His full time recovery is six months, but he plans to be back in the office part time by

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021.

President Nook expressed his disappointment that he was unable to attend welcome events for new students, as he takes pride in the welcoming culture of UNI. Although being unable to participate in events has been hard on him, Nook did not fail to mention how Provost Jose Herrera stepped up to fill those big shoes.

Because Herrera is new, the welcome address that Nook gives every year was different, but Nook wanted to give Herrera a chance to be heard. Nook noted that this was already a planned decision even before his surgery as he wanted to give a little more insight to the importance of a team behind the university. While Nook couldn’t be there in person, he recorded some of the things he had to say for his address.

Nook notes the leadership team has done a great job picking up the pieces in his absence, and although Nook’s surgery was a surprise, the leadership team didn’t fail to do their job. From the con-

troversial decision made by the Iowa legislature banning masks on campus, to going from online to in person classes, there is a lot of change for this school year.

New staff such as new interim vice president of student affairs David Grady and Provost Jose Herrera have also started their new positions this year in the midst of these changes.

Despite obstacles and challenging times, Nook expressed it did not take much to execute administration’s goals at the beginning of this school year as UNI leadership helped with everything they had planned.

As Nook mentions, being present is an important part of the UNI culture, and he wants every student to feel known on campus.

“We want them (the student) to get to know heir faculty and staff personally and that includes us,” Nook said.

“The leadership team cannot be absent. We’ve got to be getting to know the students as individuals and let them

Diamond Roundtree/Northern Iowan

President Mark Nook plans to return to his office Sept. 7 after a back surgery.

get to know us.’’

Nook also noted how amazing it is to have students back on campus again and expressed that he understood the class of 2024 did not have the same opportunities.

However, more events will be available this year including the community fair.

Nook expressed that getting involved with the community is important to him and the campus referencing the developing land steward-

UNI hires new African American studies prof MALLORY SCHMITZ Staff Writer

fessor of history, Professor Masghati brings a passion-

UNI is enthusiastic to welcome its newest faculty member, Professor Emily Masghati. Originally hailing from Augusta, Ga. Professor Masghati first completed her B.A. at Vanderbilt University before going on to earn her M.A. and Ph.D at the University of Chicago, graduating in 2019. Her areas of specialty are African American history, the history of education, and modern U.S. history.

As a new assistant pro-

Professor Emily Masghati was recently hired as UNI’s new African American studies professor.

Courtesy Photo

ate and current perspective to the department. “It’s become more clear in the past few years that we can’t really understand the world that we live in without understanding how we got here,” explains Professor Masghati. “I’m committed to giving students the opportunity to explore big questions, problems and contradictions at the heart of American history and to think more critically about the world we live in now.”

UNI’s emphasis on teaching provided a significant draw for her to continue her career at the university. She

finds her work as a teacher to be the most fulfilling part of her academic career, but she is also committed to her research on the inf luence of elite money in higher education, especially as it impacted African American scholars. She appreciates that UNI encourages its faculty not only in their high-quality teaching endeavors, but also in creating a balance between teaching and maintaining active and rigorous research programs.

While UNI’s identification as a teachers college has been one of its major

ship between UNI and the Meskwaki Tribe.

In his advice for the incoming class he states, “This is a campus where faculty and staff, even the administrators and even the president, want to get to know you.”

Nook also expressed how his leadership continues to inspire him, and the grit of his leadership team to step up to help the university is what truly motivates him.

See NOOK RECOVERY, page 2

staples for all of its history, Professor Masghati has a greater personal connection to it through the true dedication to teaching she holds in her life.

“One of the things I always try to do in the classroom is engage in student-centered learning. For me it’s not just an empty phrase,” she explains “I want students to always be engaged and to always be doing the work of a historian from day one, instead of just being passive recipients of facts to regurgitate on a test.”

Although she is just beginning her time at UNI, Professor Masghati is looking forward to serving UNI students. “I’m excited to bring some of the teaching techniques that I’ve developed over the years to UNI students and to see them grow as thinkers and as people.”

PAGE 2

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

NEWS

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN News Editor

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

Dining centers struggle to find employees for new semester CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN News Editor

Across the nation restaurants and service industries are desperate for workers after COVID19 vaccinations rolled out and businesses started opening at full capacity. Piazza and Rialto, the two main dining centers on UNI’s campus, are among the food services industries struggling to find workers.

As a result of their employee shortage, the dining centers have had to make adjustments to compensate for lack of workers.

Annie Karr, the assistant director of marketing for the Department of Residence acknowledges the challenges they have faced with the employment shortage.

“At UNI, we are currently working with less than half of the staff we typically employ, this includes both full-time and

NOOK’S ABSENCE

continued from page 1

Nook notes it was inspirational to see how in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic last year everyone stepped up and became flexible to make a difference and make UNI a safe and successful environment.

Oftentimes students do not get a chance to see the behind the scenes action of the planning for the success of the university. President Nook made it very clear that though he is the face of this university, it is the people behind the scene who are also doing the heavy lifting. He also acknowledges the weight of the decisions he and leadership make and how they impact students.

“I know I’m going to make a decision that’s going to impact the university for 40 years,” Nook said.

In Nook’s absence please direct your questions to Provost Herrera or other leadership team members.

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KARLA DEBRUIN/Northern Iowan

Rialto and Piazza have had to adjust procedures in order to compensate for lack of employees. Some changes include disposable dishware and dine-out only from 7-9pm.

student staff,” Karr said. “In an effort to prioritize service and food options, we needed to make changes to our operation, one of which was the use of disposable dishware.”

Dining centers are utilizing styrofoam plates, bowls and

paper plates – a change from the usual glassware provided for students. Late night dinner hours from 7-9 p.m. have also been changed dine out options only.

“In order to maintain our continuous, expanded hours, we moved late-night service to to-go

only, which allows us to remain open and provide meal service despite fewer employees,” Karr said.

In a change from last year, food is now completely selfserve for students in both dining centers.

“The ability to provide more self-serve options affords us the capacity to offer a larger variety of food choices than would have been available if staff were needed to serve,” Karr said.

Karr praises current dining staff for their hard work, and encourages anyone interested in working for dining services at UNI to apply.

“We have amazing dining staff that are committed to providing great service regardless of challenging times, and it’s apparent in how hard they work every day,” Karr said. “They are great to work with, and many

230 years later, we are still reminded of free speech

common or unpopular the opinStaff Writer ion.

Interestingly enough, in 2021, all three Iowa state universities The return to campus has need to be reminded of what it been long-awaited by students, means for a campus to support faculty and staff. As young schol- free speech even though this basic ars fill the seats of classrooms human right has been protected and cafeterias, student organiza- under the First Amendment of the tions fill laptops with content and United States Constitution since information, athletes and gravity 1791, almost 230 years ago.

As a state university, UNI is defiers push limits in the Wellness now required to recognize and and Recreation Center, there is uphold the laws created by the one thing students must know. state and federal governments.

There is a new free speech The new syllabus statement can policy recognized by all Iowa be found on the UNI website state universities. The Board of for the Office of the Provost and Regents and the state of Iowa the Executive VP for Academic have made sure the thoughts and Affairs, as well as every syllabeliefs of students are welcomed bus.

For further clarifications and encouraged on UNI’s campus. This applies to every and guidelines you can visit the student, no matter how big or Iowa Board of Regents Website small the idea may be, or how at iowaregents.edu, article 4.2 title Freedom of Expression.

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The University of Northern Iowa has added to the required syllabus statement, highlighting free speech to be reviewed at the beginning of each course. The statement reads as follows: The University of Northern Iowa supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principles of academic and artistic freedom. We encourage the free and responsible exchange of diverse ideas on our campus.

The University is committed to open inquiry and the spirited and thoughtful debate of such ideas.

Freedom of speech as defined by the legal dictionary is a person’s right to speak his or her own opinions, beliefs, or ideas, without having to fear that the government will retaliate against them, restrict them, or censor them in any way.

Because this is part of the first 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 © 2020 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.

of our former dining student employees have been commenting on social media about what a great experience they had working in dining. We recently increased our student wages; we hope this will attract additional employees.”

Courtesy Photo

The QR code above leads to a dining application for UNI’s dining centers. The Department of Residence recently raised the wages of dining employees to attract more applicants.

amendment every student at UNI is legally able and encouraged to use their voice to amplify the messages they find important.

UNI student Kristyn Osborne, a social sciences education major, feels it is important for students to express themselves freely on campus.

“The guaranteed protection to express my personal beliefs, and the things I believe are right,... in any setting,” she said.

Most Recent History UNI brought their focus to freedom of speech on campus after an incident in Oct. 2020, when student group Students for Life (SFL) applied to be recognized as an official student organization and were denied by the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG), and labeled a “hate group.” This group of students was sure to meet all criteria set by UNI for new student organizations.

See 230 YEARS LATER, FREE SPEECH, page 3 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 maase@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.

PAGE 3

OPINION

NIXSON BENITEZ Executive Editor

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

Disclaimer: The following opinion articles featured do not reflect the opinion of the Northern Iowan newspaper or staff as a whole.

NORTHERN IOWAN EN ESPAÑOL

Bienvenido el primer editor español del Northern Iowan

Staff Writer

Hola y bienvenidos a la Universidad del Norte de Iowa. Después de un largo tiempo de estar ausentes del campus por fin estamos de vuelta. Es un honor para mí formar parte del Northen Iowan, especialmente porque este año introducimos el rol de editor en Español por primera vez en el periodico.

Al ser una nueva posición tengo el privilegio de ser el primer editor en Español del Northern Iowan. Este nuevo rol es el primero en cualquier universidad en el estado de Iowa y estamos muy orgullosos de este logro y lo importante que es para las personas que formamos parte del Northern Iowa en Español Estoy muy emocionado de compartir y aprender nuevas experiencias en esta posición para poder llevar más noticias y contenido en Español para los estudiantes y facultad de la universidad y condados vecinos del condado de Black Hawk.

Soy originario de MARIO MENDEZ AGUILAR

FREE SPEECH

continued from page 2

Despite their thoroughness, SFL were denied their right to express their beliefs a second time when the student body Supreme Court denied their appeal. Although this decision was eventually overruled by UNI president, Mark Nook, these students have experienced an undeniable restraint of their liberties on this campus.

The focus on feeling comfortable and protected in expressing thoughts and ideas weighs heavily on UNI students. Freedom of speech allows for a diverse collection of thoughts and ideas among the student body and a way to learn from others and view different perspectives. This opportunity is given to students as UNI requires professors to announce the new specification.

There were mixed reactions among students. Several students had the opportunity to review the syllabus statement with their professors, while having in depth discussions in class about respectfully debating and sharing ideas.

According to UNI’s website the Syllabus Free Speech

Guanajuato, México, estado que se encuentra localizado en el centro del país para ser exactos mi estado se encuentra rodeado por otros estados como Jalisco, Michoacán, Querétaro y San Luis Potosí y esta zona del país se conoce como el bajío.

Llevo ocho años, viviendo en Iowa de los cuales los últimos dos años y medio he estado viviendo en Cedar Falls.

Durante el verano dividí mi tiempo trabajando en la universidad en la oficina del provost y durante las noches de los fines de semana tuve la oportunidad de tocar como Dj en algunos eventos que se llevan a cabo en Des Moines, Iowa los cuales fueron definitivamente una de las mejores experiencias para mi este verano Estoy en mi último año en la universidad de donde pronto me graduaré con una licenciatura en finanzas, así que durante mi último año en la universidad pondré todo de mi parte para poder tener un buen trabajo durante este año. Mi meta principal es comunicar a los estudiantes

y facultad noticias, sucesos y actividades que pasen en la universidad, además de cubrir eventos multiculturales que ayuden a compartir la cultura latinoamericana.

Para poder tener una año exitoso necesitamos de escritores que tengan la confianza de expresarse y que tengan la ambición de lograr un impacto positivo en la comunidad universitaria, y transmitir los acontecimientos sucedidos adecuadamente y con el apoyo mio y del staff del Northen Iowan eso puede ser posible.

Para este año estamos contratando nuevos escritores para la sección en español y si tu deseo es formar parte de nuestro equipo, no dudes en contactar a nuestro editor ejecutivo Nixson Benítez al correo electrónico benitezn@ uni.edu y el les brindara la informacion necesaria para poder formar parte de nuestro equipo de trabajo.

Estoy muy entusiasmado con este proyecto y ojala que durante este primer año podamos lograr grandes cosas en el Northern Iowa en Espanol.

TO READ IT IN ENGLISH continue to page 4

Statement will be reviewed at The coming together of the beginning of each course. ideas and beliefs is what makes We have seen in the past, state- this campus beautiful. It brings ments made by the university diversity amongst students and following events that infringe the ability to gain real-world on or discriminate against experience with accepting and students. honoring views of which differ However, following through from each other. with those efforts and fulfill- Melissa Hoffman, a senior ing promises has been an issue. family services major, speaks on Several students interviewed by the importance of support. the Northern Iowan reflected on “We all have freedom of the fact that the new syllabus speech, and we are all protected statement has not been high- under it. I want to feel protectlighted upon during classes. ed; I want to feel heard; I want Tabby Robison, a senior students to be able to say what studying environmental they need to say and feel like the resource management and rec- university is behind us.” reation, tourism and nonprofit leadership at UNI mentioned The Student Perspective reviewing the clause on her own time.

In regards to how students “None of my professors have feel free speech affects them highlighted it, but I did read it in on campus, it is understood that the UNI newsletter,” Robinson all views should be accepted. said.

However, in regards to freedom One full week into the of speech, there comes a point semester and some were even where students feel there needs to shocked to hear that there was a be a line drawn. Alexis Moeller, new required statement. a senior at UNI believes, “When Christiana Downey, a senior you put yourself or other people marketing major at UNI, in danger or in a position to be expressed that she had not seen hurt in any way shape or form or heard any emphasis about the then it becomes a violation of new freedom of speech state- free speech and you’ve taken it ment. “I know nothing about it,” too far.” she said.

Similarly, Osborne stat-

Mario Mendez Aguilar/Northern Iowan

Mario está emocionado con su nuevo puesto y listo para dar noticias en español para la Universidad de Norte de Iowa

ed, “Technically you can argue that anything is free speech if you are saying it, but I think that there should be a line when it starts to infringe on the rights of others.”

Many times students feel this line is crossed, and many times, in actuality, no laws have been broken. It’s how these differing viewpoints are responded to that shows character and complete understanding of what it means to respect freedom of speech.

“Even if it’s something that you don’t agree with, you still can’t treat them any differently than someone who you do agree with when you’re in a professional or academic setting,” says Robinson.

Although there is no legal action that can be taken, there are many ways students can effectively stand their ground when encountering differing views. Students may handle situations differently, as there are many ways to respect the rights of others. Many students may choose to respectfully use their voice to amplify their message and bring awareness to what they believe.

When speaking about how to counteract offensive free speech Robinson refers to the “Campus

Preachers” that come to campus and spew hateful words to students when recognizing Elle Boeding, previous student body President. Boeding was able to empower students to use their voice by using campus resources to allow students to make signs and protest negativity brought to campus under the First Amendment.

Respectfully responding to differing viewpoints could be as simple as removing oneself from a certain situation or blocking people or posts if someone’s use of free speech negatively affects them.

The coming together of ideas and beliefs is what makes this campus beautiful. It brings diversity amongst students and the ability to gain real-world experience with accepting and honoring views of which differ from each other. As a university, UNI prides itself on the community it has created for students to feel welcomed and at home. At home you should feel immersed in support and understanding, and so as a student on this campus, feel comfortable speaking up for what you believe in, and understand that your beliefs are safe to be relayed, and need to be expressed.

PAGE 4

CAMPUS LIFE SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

ALAYNA VANTIGER Campus Life Editor

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

UNI parody party inside scoop OLIVIA BRUNSTINA

success and a huge following was nothing more than a fleeting thought.

The owner of TC Panther “didn’t expect TC to get big by any means. That one was just a joke because I realized the university didn’t own that Twitter handle, so I took it and just made jokes about TC doing absurd things.”

Later, the same owner started a new account known to many as Nark Mook, which surpassed TC Panther’s follower count in less than two months. Although the same person created both accounts, the goal for Nark Mook was slightly different. “I wanted to bring some of the issues that I saw through my involvements on campus to light, while still peppering in some absurdist humor,” Nark Mook revealed.

Nark Mook touches on relatable subjects such as parking and dining frustrations and

puts a hilarious twist on these topics. They also delve into deeper issues, such as racial and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and problems with the administration.

It’s accounts such as UNI Squirrels, TC Panther, Nark Mook and many more that have inspired students to follow in their footsteps and start their own parody account. One of these inspired individuals was the owner of Twitter’s UNI Chairs, who began their mission last spring to bring the best and latest Adirondack chair updates to UNI’s campus.

UNI Chairs reminisced, “I have always followed the parody accounts and would find myself laughing at their tweets all the time. Then around Spring semester of last year, the chairs started happening. At first it was the chair on the acrobatic statue

in front of Redecker...it got to a point where it just felt like everyone was just waiting for the next chair incident.”

UNI Chairs expressed their gratitude for all of their followers and the shared humor between them. Some favorite chair sightings have included chairs balancing on top of trash cans, hanging from trees and students spontaneously deciding to hold a chair hostage in their dorm.

UNI Chairs hopes that moving chairs and finding them in unusual positions becomes a tradition and a core part of campus life at UNI. It’s easy to forget that the people making such an impact throughout UNI are UNI students themselves. Anonymity is key in the lives of these parody account owners.

Nark Mook admitted, “It’s so incredibly weird that this account is anonymous. I think

the accounts would lose a lot of appeal if people knew the person behind them.” On the other side of the spectrum, the owner of UNI Squirrels finds the mystery amusing and says it gives them “Hannah Montana vibes.”

The future for UNI parody accounts is promising, and hopefully, they’ll continue on for generations. When asked about the possibility of parody accounts dying, the UNI Squirrels replied, “In order for the good ones not to die out, it would be cool if they decided to pass them down once they graduate from UNI so they can live on for years and years.” Both UNI Chairs and Nark Mook conveyed that they would also love to pass their accounts on after graduating and continue to see them grow.

accomplishment and how important it is to the people who are part of the Northern Hello and welcome to the Iowa en Espanol.

University of Northern Iowa.

I am very excited to share After a long time of being and learn new experiences away from campus we are in this position in order to finally back. I am honored bring more news and content to be a part of the Northern in Spanish to the students Iowan, especially since this and faculty of the university year we are introducing the and neighboring counties of role of Spanish editor for the Black Hawk County. first time at the newspaper.

I am originally from As a new position, I have Guanajuato, Mexico, a state the privilege of being the that is located in the center first Spanish editor of the of the country to be exact Northern Iowan. This new my state is surrounded by role is the first at any uni- other states like Jalisco, versity in the state of Iowa Michoacan, Queretaro and and we are very proud of this San Luis Potosi and this area

of the country is known as the Bajio.

I have been living in Iowa for eight years, and the last two and a half years I have been living in Cedar Falls.

During the summer I split my time working at the university in the provost’s office and during the weekend nights I had the opportunity to play as a DJ in some events that take place in Des Moines, Iowa which were definitely one of the best experiences for me this summer.

I am in my last year in college where I will soon graduate with a degree in

finance, so during my last year in college I will do my best to be able to have a good job during this year. My main goal is to communicate to the students and faculty news, events and activities happening at the university, as well as covering multicultural events that help to share the Latin American culture.

In order to have a successful year we need writers who have the confidence to express themselves and have the ambition to make a positive impact on the campus community, and to convey the events happening properly and with the support

of myself and the Northen Iowan staff that can be possible. For this year we are hiring new writers for the Spanish section and if you want to be part of our team, do not hesitate to contact our executive editor Nixon Benitez at benitezn@uni.edu and he will provide you with the necessary information to be part of our team.

I am very excited about this project and I hope that during this first year we can achieve great things in Northern Iowa en Espanol.

Staff Writer

UNI parody accounts are not a recent occurrence.

However, more of these accounts have popped up and quickly gained popularity over the last few years.

Although every parody account has different topics and unique charms, they all have one thing in common: the ability to bring laughter to UNI’s campus.

“The parody accounts put smiles on students’ faces, and many of the accounts are bringing awareness to tons of important issues on and off-campus,” explained UNI Squirrels, one of UNI’s most loved Twitter parody accounts with a history that stretches all the way back to 2013.

For many of these account owners initially, the idea of

Welcome the first Spanish editor to the Northern Iowan MARIO MENDEZ Spanish Editor

PARA LEERLO EN ESPAÑOL Continúa en la página 3

Panther|Preview Monday, Sept. 6

Tuesday, Sept. 7

Wednesday, Sept. 8

Thursday, Sept. 9

Friday, Sept. 10

Labor Day

Back To Class Academic Workshop @Rod Library

Women’s Club VolleyBall Open Gym WRC Courts 7 and 8

Vaccination Clinic Student Health Center

“Boyz n the Hood” Kamerick Art Building Room 111

4 p.m.

8 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

7p.m.

ALAYNA VANTIGER Campus Life Editor

CAMPUS LIFE SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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PAGE 5

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

A comparative COVID-19 college experience EMMA KOEHLER

the fall of 2021 and most of Staff Writer these precautions are optional to students. Many colCollege students and lege sophomores have some COVID-19: two things that doubts, especially when do not mix. comparing their first semesSince 2019, when ter at UNI to the incoming COVID-19 gained momen- freshmen. tum, college campuses have “I felt like there were very had to navigate the unknown few things I could do,” said of how to continue to provide sophomore and elementastudents with a college expe- ry education major with a rience. Incoming students minor in special education, of the 2020 and 2021 fall Rylee Campbell. “I definitesemesters can attest to this, ly did not get to have much with different experiences if any bonds with teachers or only being a year apart. classmates because we were Thinking back to the fall seated far apart and group of 2020, set precautions and work wasn’t really a thing in rules were in place as stu- any of my classes. I couldn’t dents returned back to school really comfortably hang out during a global pandemic. with the friends I did make Social distancing and sanitz- because every room on caming alongside mask mandates pus had required masks and was common. Fast forward to capacity limits. Overall I did not enjoy my freshman year at college, while in a pandemic.”

Sophomore and digital media production major, Alexandria Post agreed and said, “I’ve had to overcome a lot of struggles related to mental health while being a student during the pandemic.

I almost always felt overwhelmed and isolated with my classes. I felt like I was missing out on a normal college experience.”

Some freshmen still hold doubts as well, especially as precautions are up to each individual and not set as campus-wide, as before.

This means many classes are at full capacity.

“In my lecture of around 150 people, only a handful of us wear masks,” said freshman and biology major,

Karla DeBruin/Northern Iowan

Before shcool started fmany students enjoyed exploring the campus, and many activities organized by CAB. These event encouraged masks and alot of the organizations around campus werre in attendance at this event.

Ruby Mitchell.

Incoming freshmen are aware of the threat of COVID-19 but are also aware that their experience is not too bad compared to the year above them. Most of their fears of the virus during their college experience today are minimal compared to what sophomores may have worried about just a year earlier.

“At first I was worried, because I hadn’t been vaccinated, and I was unsure if other people had been vaccinated,” said freshman and psychology major, Ella Wolgamuth. “But after I got vaccinated, I was fine.”

Sophomores still hold some current fears while walking into a new academic year, especially as a new

variant of COVID-19 emerges. It is hard to forget about what they went through only a year previous.

“I am still a little skeptical about going without a mask full time but I am feeling fairly hopeful that my classmates will take responsibility and get vaccinated!”

Campbell said.

It is a comfort for both freshmen and sophomores to know that those around them are vaccinated and taking the steps to advocate for their health. The hope of continued vaccine efforts also attributes to positivity from students for the rest of the year and the rest of their time at UNI. “I do now look back at myself at the beginning of

college with a positive attitude, I know if I can make it through online learning during a pandemic that I can do almost anything,” Post said.

Freshman English major, Landon Haas, has similar hope stating, “I’m still kind of learning new stuff but I’m willing to try new experiences so I’m excited for it.”

When in doubt, many think back to why they decided to come to UNI in the first place. Whether it be following in the footsteps of parents, a specific major, the atmosphere of Cedar Falls,or just on a whim, the love for UNI is shared by all.

PAGE 6

SPORTS SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

COLIN HORNING Sports Editor

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VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

OLYMPICS

Two Panthers compete in Tokyo Paralympics nation.

With the Olympics Sports Writer wrapped up until 2024, it’s now time for the 2020 Paralympic Games. Also After being pushed back taking place in Tokyo, the a year by the COVID-19 pan- Paralympics began Tuesday, demic, the Tokyo Olympics Aug. 24, and are scheduled and Paralympics are finally to run through Sunday, Sept. here. The Olympic Games, 5. Included in the field of talstill being referred to as the ented athletes is a current 2020 Olympics despite the Panther, as well as a UNI graddelay to 2021, concluded on uate.

Aug. 8 and saw the United The first Panther competStates come out on top, ing is Jessica Heims. Heims, winning 113 medals includ- who is a graduate of Prairie ing 39 golds, both of which High School in Cedar Rapids, were more than any other was diagnosed with amniotic DAVID WARRINGTON

Courtesy Photos/UNI Athletics

UNI track & field standouts Jessica Heims (top right) and Erin Kerkhoff (above) both are representing Team USA in the Tokyo Paralympics this year.

band syndrome at birth, forcing the amputation of her right foot and lower right leg when she was just a year old.

Heims competed for the UNI track team from 2017 until 2021, graduating at the end of last school year. During her time with UNI, she competed in both sprinting events as well as the discus throw.

She also entered the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics with some experience, as she competed in both the 400-meter dash and discus throw at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, finishing seventh and eighth respectively in the two events.

Heims, only competing in the discus in Tokyo, had a successful showing. She improved on her 2016 performance, taking home fifth place in the competition.

Her throw of 34.89 meters set a new American record in the F64 classification.

Paralympic competitors are separated by different classifications, and these classifications are dependent on how significant their impairment is. The higher the number, the more significant the impairment. Unlike in 2016, the F44 and F64 discus throwers competed together, and Heims was the top finisher among those in the F64 classifica-

Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics

Jessica Heims stood out as both a sprinter and discus thrower while at UNI. She participated in the discus throw in the 2020 Paralympics.

tion.

The other Panther competing in Tokyo is Erin Kerkhoff. Kerkhoff, who was a prep standout at Solon High School, was an 11-time state medalist before moving on to compete for the Panther track and field team. Kerkhoff’s impairment comes from her vision. She is considered legally blind as she has 20/400 vision in her left eye and 20/300 vision in her right eye. However, this has not slowed her down on the track. In her opening event, Kerkhoff competed in the heats of the T13 classification 100-meter dash.

She finished fifth in her heat and 15th overall with a time of 12.99 seconds. She will also compete in her preferred event, the 400-meter dash, with the heats of this event scheduled to start at 7:21 a.m. local time on Thursday.

These two Panthers have overcome some pretty incredible obstacles to find success in their events. As any athlete knows, it is hard to be successful regardless of circumstances, much less with an impairment to overcome. These two ladies have certainly made their Panther family proud.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Panthers fall to Western Illinois in overtime

It took little time for the to commence as

defender Bridget Schuler Sports Writer gave the Leathernecks a 1-0 For the second straight advantage in the 10th mingame, the UNI women’s soc- ute. That lead didn’t last for cer team went into overtime, long as Johnnie Hill tied it this time resulting in a heart- up seven minutes later after breaking 4-3 home defeat to coming in as a substitute Western Illinois. for the Panthers only seven HUNTER FRIESEN action

Northern Iowan

The UNI women’s soccer team fell to Western Illinois in overtime on Sunday by a score of 4-3. UNI moves to 1-2-1 on the season and will play their next two matches at home.

seconds earlier. UNI was able to go into the halftime break with the lead as Ashley Harrington slotted in a goal at the 34-minute mark.

A goalkeeping error that left an empty net allowed the Leathernecks to tie the game back up 2-2 in the 69th minute. Western Illinois then took the lead back with a goal in the 76th minute. Freshman forward Lauren Heinsch was subbed in for the Panthers following that goal, and she gifted UNI the tie with only five minutes remaining in regulation.

Western Illinois dominated overtime as they attempted two shots, while the Panthers were held without an attempt.

Maddi Hasken was subbed in for the Leathernecks in the 91st minute and scored the winning goal just five minutes later.

Both teams were evenly matched in terms of shots, with UNI attempting 12 total with eight on goal, and Western Illinois

attempting 15 total with nine on goal. The Panthers also led in corner kicks with eight to the Leathernecks two. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to capitalize on any of those opportunities.

Lauren Heinsch led the Panther offense with both of her shots on target with one goal. Johnnie Hill and Ashley Harrington were perfect in attempts as both of their lone shots

on target turned into goals. Caitlin Richards and Brittney Bentheimer split time at goalkeeper, with each making multiple saves on the day.

With this loss, the Panthers are now 1-2-1 on the season. They’ll be staying in Cedar Falls for their next two matches as they host Saint Ambrose on Sept. 3 and the University of South Dakota on Sept. 5, which will be Senior Day.

PAGE 7

FUN & GAMES

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 |

Across

1 Yin Yang portrayer in “The Expendables” film series 6 Business 11 Covers with Quilted Northern, briefly 14 Shun 15 Portend 16 Christian sch. in Tulsa 17 *Trattoria basket filler 19 Cartoon Chihuahua 20 Lad of La Mancha 21 Union 23 Rural expanse 25 Make a bet 28 “I don’t give __!”

29 Karachi language 31 Nursery purchase 32 Scrapped, at NASA 33 *Railroad track piece 35 Atlas enlargement 36 Deck honcho, informally 37 Recital highlights

39 Thomas, Dick and Harry 42 *Police surveillance 46 Rations for Rover 47 Sealed 48 Black Hills st.

49 Israel’s Golda 50 Unimportant 52 __ gratias: thanks to God 53 Rural expanse 55 Son of Aphrodite 57 Diminutive Italian suffix 58 *Reversed counterpart 63 Towel holder 64 No longer dirt 65 Artist’s headgear 66 Prior to, in verse 67 Gobs 68 El Día de Los Reyes month

Down

1 Upscale British wheels 2 Actress Longoria 3 Twister

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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VOLUME 118, ISSUE 3

4 Caron title role 5 Picking out of an LAPD lineup 6 Bar charges 7 Play with robots 8 Ancient 9 One of the Allman Brothers 10 Earth, to Mahler 11 Corrida stars 12 Portend 13 *Daytime observatory sighting 18 Moves effortlessly 22 Kid watchers 23 Jean-__ Picard: “Star Trek: TNG” captain 24 Make a wrong turn, say 26 Chow __ 27 Quilting gathering 30 Laptop connection 34 “Mamma Mia!” song 35 Kind 37 Incomplete Wikipedia entry 38 More like Cheerios 39 Folklore creature traditionally averse to the starts of the answers to starred clues 40 First lady between Lou and Bess 41 Series installment 42 “Homeland” sta.

43 “Most likely ... “ 44 Dubai’s fed.

45 “Thrilla in Manila” ruling, for short 47 Change direction abruptly 50 “The Good Wife” event 51 Extended family 54 Ballpark figures 56 Portent 59 Button with left-pointing arrows: Abbr.

60 Gorges oneself (on) 61 Belg. neighbor 62 Ike’s wartime command

Happy September!

PAGE 8

CLASSIFIEDS APRIL 19, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 51

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU ONE

SUDOKU TWO

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